Despite significant noise about his future and the lure of his Victorian roots, Harley Reid has turned his back on rival interest to remain at Lathlain Park until at least the end of 2028.
Already contracted for 2026, the Tongala product has penned a fresh two-year deal, with various reports suggesting it errs on the cusp of $2 million a season.
The deal comes after reported strong rival interest from Essendon, Hawthorn and St Kilda, with the latter said to have offered a $25 million 12-year deal to secure the former number one pick’s talents.
However, Reid has made the loyal call to remain in blue and gold after West Coast drafted the Tongala native in 2023.
Dealing with an at-times frustrating season on-field, Reid’s decision rewards the Eagles for their support of the damaging midfielder, and is a show of faith for the future after a one-win campaign to forget.
“I’m incredibly excited to sign on with this great club,” Reid said.
“Since the day I arrived in Perth the West Coast Eagles members and fans have been so supportive of me and our team, and the future with our young squad is super exciting.
“Playing at Optus Stadium in front of our fans is an unbelievable experience and I love representing the club.
“The support from our coaches and my teammates has been amazing over the last two years, and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my game and helping the team climb back up the ladder.
“I can’t wait for the 2026 season and beyond to see what we can achieve together.”
Reid has shown glimpses of his untouchable best through his first two seasons out west, winning AFLPA Best First Year Player award and kicking the Goal of the Year in 2024.
The 39-game tackle-breaking machine is already regarded as one of the stars of the competition, with West Coast’s head of list management and recruiting Matt Clarke ecstatic the Eagles won the young gun’s signature.
“We are thrilled Harley has re-signed with the club until the end of 2028,” Clarke said.
“It is a fantastic commitment to the build that we are undertaking both on and off the field.
“Harley is a very important part of our future and has always displayed a great connection to our football club throughout the process.
“He embodies everything we want in a West Coast Eagle – skill, determination and a fierce competitive spirit.
“The future with Harley and his family on board with the West Coast Eagles is something that we feel will be very special.”
Reid’s re-signing follows Moama export Jobe Shanahan’s commitment to West Coast, after the first-year Eagle signed a new contract until the end of 2028 last week.
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