How Harley Reid copes with the hype of being WA's most famous sportsman
Harley Reid was in the spotlight even before he was an AFL player and now, at the ripe old age of 21, the Geoff Christian medallist is still the centre of attention everywhere he goes.
Harley Reid, the West Coast midfielder, has become a prominent figure in WA sports despite not yet playing a game. At 17, he was the subject of intense debate about his draft position, and since his debut in 2024, he remains a central focus. Reid acknowledges the pressure that comes with his fame but emphasizes the importance of preparation, stating, "I feel like if my mental state's there and I've prepared well, the pressure isn't there."
He attributes his mental fortitude to his preparation and hard work. Reid was recently named West Coast club champion and is coming off his best season. However, his journey is not without controversy, as he has given away more free kicks than any other player and holds the record for the most conceded in a season. Reid believes his aggressive playing style attracts more attention, and he aims to use his competitive edge effectively.
West Coast is investing in the Matt Priddis Academy to foster a strong team dynamic and mental sharpness, with Reid seeing this as a positive step for their future.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
