Human Highlights Harley Reid has revealed why she had to return home to see her family in rural Victoria after a sensational start to her AFL career.
Reid, the top pick in last year’s draft, has taken to senior football like a duck to water, truly announcing himself as a special player for the West Coast.
His performances have breathed life into the Perth club after the team had failed to win consecutive games since rounds 18 and 19 in 2021, with many already considering Reid a long shot for the Brownlow Medal.
However, instead of traveling with his teammates to the Gold Coast in round seven, Reid was given time off to travel to his home in Tongala, northern Victoria.
His time out was questioned by several pundits and fans, including former Swans star Paul Roos, who thought the break was ridiculous.
Rising star Harley Reid returned home to Tongala, northern Victoria, in round seven, suffering from a serious case of homesickness.
Reid says he needed to see his family (pictured together at the AFL draft), who he misses dearly since moving to Perth.
The 19-year-old has now revealed the sad reason why he needed the trip.
‘In April are three of our (family) birthdays. I missed my sister’s and mine too, I have to spend it on my own. It was probably the worst birthday ever,” Reid told ABC.
‘It was good to come back and I felt like I needed to see the family… it was good to connect with them there.
‘Sometimes on your day off you would love to drive and see your family but obviously you can’t, so it was nice to spend a weekend at home and see the family.
“I’m 19 years old and I’ve never moved away from home, so I don’t know anything without my parents and my family.”
Reid caused a social media meltdown once again on Sunday with a series of riveting moments in West Coast’s shock 16.9 (105) to 10.10 (70) win over Melbourne.
The No. 1 draft pick produced a goal of the year contender when he burned Christian Petracca on a center clearance and grabbed three rebounds before truly kicking in from 45 yards.
Reid sent the crowd into a frenzy again in the third quarter when he performed a double defense, using his left hand to get rid of Clayton Oliver before using his right to tame Petracca.
The Rising Star favorite produced another spectacular moment later in the quarter when he tackled his opponent and collected the bouncing ball with one hand before racing forward to kick his second goal.
The young gun says his 19th birthday last month was the worst he’s ever had
The No. 1 West Coast draft pick is off to an explosive start to the 2024 season.
Lachie Neale has joined the Harley Reid fan club, and the double Brownlow Medalist is in awe of the teenage sensation’s highlights and envious of her physical attributes.
‘He’s a pretty special talent. I love that kid,” former Fremantle Docker Neale told reporters on Monday when asked about the Eagles’ new hero.
‘It’s good to see some of the things he did last night.
“Some of his highlights in (nine) games are incredible.”
Neale, a Brownlow Medal winner in 2020 and 2023, has made a name for himself as a damaging accumulator and user of the ball.
But the 255-game champion sees qualities in Reid that he could only wish for.
‘I wouldn’t mind having his power and his physique. “Those traits would be nice,” Neale said.
“It’s very special to see a young player like him do it. He’s going to be a superstar for a long time.”