Harley Reid will be offered $2 million a year to leave West Coast Eagles, says ex-Essendon coach James Hird
Former Essendon coach James Hird doesn’t believe West Coast will be able to keep Harley Reid long-term, declaring he expects the former No.1 pick to return to Victoria “soon”.
Reid is expected to field eye-watering offers of up to $20 million over 10 years from rival clubs attempting to lure him home, while the Eagles will look to splash cash of their own to retain the midfield star.
The club have stated they won’t rush the 19-year-old into signing an extension, with two years still to run on his initial three-year draft contract ahead of his second season.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.But Hird, a Brownlow Medallist and Bombers great, said he didn’t believe Reid will remain in blue and gold beyond 2026.
“I don’t think they will keep Harley Reid long-term,” Hird said on TV..
“I think it will be $2 million, 10 years, that’s the only way I can see them keeping him and to get him at one of the Melbourne clubs, I think you have to offer him that sort of money as well.
“I just think the rumour mill, I think he wants to come back... I don’t know anything, I’m the least connected person in the industry.
“I just feel that one day he will want to come back (to Victoria) and it’ll probably be soon.”
Hawthorn legend Luke Hodge last month warned all Victorian clubs and coaches will be trying to poach the Tongala product, who he said will be one of the dominant players over the next decade.
That followed a photo published exclusively in The West Australian of Reid sitting next to Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell at former teammate Tom Barrass’ wedding last month.
“Harley is a Victorian boy... if any Victorian clubs aren’t trying to throw something towards him, you’re crazy,” Hodge told The West.
“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.
“I don’t think (Mitchell) 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.”
Despite unprecedented hype ahead of his debut season, Reid exceeded expectations last year to be voted by his peers as the AFL Players Association’s Best First Year Player.
He was also highly favoured to win the Rising Star Award before suspension ruled him ineligible.
