Back off Harley Reid, says Eagles coach Simpson
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West Coast coach Adam Simpson has urged people to leave Harley Reid alone amid speculation the No.1 draft prospect doesn’t want to join the Eagles.
Reid is the hottest of favourites to be selected with the prized No.1 pick at this year’s national draft, with the Victorian already being dubbed “the next Dustin Martin”.
Harley Reid is widely regarded as the hot favourite for No.1 draft pick. Whether he wants to go to West Coast is another question.Credit: Getty Images
West Coast (1-16) are on a 15-match losing streak and will finish last on the ladder barring a big turnaround in the final six matches of the season.
Rumours are circling that Reid’s management have made it clear to prospective suitors – especially West Coast – that the 18-year-old is keen to stay in Victoria.
If the Eagles wanted to draft Reid, the star onballer would have no option but to head west.
But his reluctance could sway West Coast into trading away the No.1 pick to a Victorian club for as many as three first-round picks in return.
Simpson believes there has been too much pressure placed on Reid.
“Just leave the kid alone,” Simpson told reporters on Thursday.
“It’s a little bit unfair to be putting this much pressure on someone so young, albeit he’s a very talented player.
“I don’t think it’s fair to push him on this. I feel sorry for the situation because he’s got a big career ahead of him and [people] just need to back off a bit.”
With players including Shannon Hurn, Nic Naitanui, Luke Shuey, Jamie Cripps, Jack Darling, Andrew Gaff and Jeremy McGovern set to retire within the next three years – some as early as this season – West Coast face plenty more painful rebuilding.
The Eagles have won just three games since the start of last season and currently have a dire percentage of 48.8.
But Simpson pointed to West Coast’s strong on- and off-field history as a big reason players should want to join the club.
“One thing I do know about West Coast is their finals percentage is probably top three or four in the last 30 years,” Simpson said.
“(The Eagles have won) four premierships, they’re the most financially stable club in the country, and we’ve just ticked over 100,000 members.
“So it’s not the worst club to go to, and we don’t lose too many players once we get them.”
Simpson, the No.14 pick in the 1993 national draft who went on to notch 306 games with North Melbourne, said anyone who gets drafted has to be willing to go anywhere in the country.
“That’s the way the draft works,” he said.
“Of course you’ve got a preference to stay home.
“I didn’t want to get drafted to Brisbane in 1993. But I would have gone (if they had taken me two picks earlier). So it’s not a big issue.”
West Coast will be without McGovern (concussion) and Reuben Ginby (hamstring) for Saturday’s clash with Carlton at Marvel Stadium.
AAP
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