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Harley Reid-Sam Mitchell wedding photo: Luke Hodge says Hawks should look to entice Eagle in next 12 months

Samantha Rogers
The Nightly
The Harley Reid-Sam Mitchell wedding photo and Mitchell with Hodge after they won the 2014 grand final.
The Harley Reid-Sam Mitchell wedding photo and Mitchell with Hodge after they won the 2014 grand final. Credit: The Nightly

Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge has warned all Victorian clubs and coaches will be trying to poach Harley Reid from West Coast in the next 12 months as a picture of the former No.1 pick with Hawks coach Sam Mitchell sent fans into a frenzy.

And the four-time premiership player said if clubs aren’t making a play for the young Eagles star: “You’re crazy”.

In a photo obtained exclusively by The West Australian, Reid and Mitchell were pictured sitting next to each other at ex-Eagle Tom Barrass’ wedding in the well-heeled Perth suburb of Cottesloe on Friday.

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It comes just months after Barrass revealed the Hawthorn coach flew to Perth during the 2024 season for a secret meeting that led to the then-contracted star defender’s defection to the Hawks.

Hodge defended his long-time former teammate, saying Mitchell likely “wouldn’t have been saying anything” to the Eagles star - but admits he should be.

“He (Mitchell) is crazy if he’s not!” Hodge, part of the Seven broadcast team in 2025, told The Nightly.

“Harley is a Victorian boy... if any Victorian clubs aren’t trying to throw something towards him, you’re crazy.

“He (Reid) is one of those players that once he gets his fitness up, once he understands the game and has a bit of experience, he’s going to be one of those dominant players for 10 or so years.

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“I don’t think ‘Mitch’ would have said anything to him there but I tell you what, if they (Hawthorn) don’t do it in the next 12 months, I think all Victorian clubs will.”

Reid is contracted with West Coast until the end of 2026 but is expected to draw monster offers following a stellar debut season that exceeded the lofty expectations placed on the generational talent.

Hodge, who was also a No.1 pick back in 2001, sympathised with the pressures of being a top selection but warned Reid would face new challenges ahead of his second season.

“Your first three years for a high draft pick are always tough because you’re trying to figure out yourself but he’s talented enough that teams are going to try to shut him down and exploit him as well,” Hodge said.

“He had a bit of free run last year but teams are now going to understand where they can exploit him... teams are going to try to work things to try and exploit him, just to make him second-guess himself.”

Despite the added scrutiny, Hodge believes Reid has the right attitude to overcome it and could even use the extra attention he will receive as motivation.

The three-time premiership captain said the 19-year-old “seems like a pretty competitive young fella”.

“I don’t think he’s ever going to back down from a challenge and that’s a good sign,” Hodge said.

“You’ve got a young fella who is strong, who knows he’s strong. He’s confident in his ability.

“He’s only going to get better and hopefully he can stay injury free and continue with his development and growth.”

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