West Coast coach Adam Simpson is loving Harley Reid’s swagger, praising the rising star for with the ability to stroll the stroll below an intense highlight.
Reid turned probably the most hyped No.1 decide in AFL historical past when he was snared by the Eagles in final 12 months’s nationwide draft.
The 19-year-old confirmed flashes of brilliance throughout his first 4 video games for West Coast.
However he lifted to a different stage in final week’s 39-point win over Richmond, ending the match with 27 disposals, seven clearances and a purpose.
That efficiency earned him a Rising Star nomination, and additional enhanced his popularity as a famous person within the making.
Reid’s capability to fend off opponents and break tackles has already drawn comparisons to Richmond nice Dustin Martin.
Two weeks in the past, Reid broke by way of seven tackles towards Sydney.
Reid will once more be one of many drawcards in Saturday’s western derby towards Fremantle, the place he’ll confront the likes of Nat Fyfe, Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Hayden Younger.
“Swagger – in the event you can again it up, there’s nothing mistaken with it,” Simpson replied when requested about Reid’s swagger and confidence.
“I do not assume he thinks about that an excessive amount of, it is simply the best way he’s.
“When guys can again it up, it in all probability takes you to a different stage.
“I do not see him as an extravert, he simply performs footy in the fitting approach.”
Simpson praised Reid for the best way he is dealt with the extraordinary exterior expectations.
“The eye – we will not management it. He appears to again it up. However he’ll have down weeks as effectively,” Simpson mentioned.
“He is bought confidence, which all of us love. There isn’t any scarring with Harley when it comes to the previous.
“He simply desires to play footy to win and play together with his mates, and that is an ideal angle.”
Final week’s win towards Richmond have buoyed hopes that West Coast’s rebuild might not take so long as initially feared.
However Simpson is not getting carried away, particularly forward of a troublesome project towards arch rivals Fremantle.
The Dockers beat West Coast by 101 factors in spherical 22 final 12 months.
“We had a great win on the weekend, however we have nonetheless bought lots of work to do.” Simpson mentioned.
“A number of of the areas clicked on the weekend towards an understrength Tigers, so we’re not delusional, however we’re taking steps ahead.
“We’ll get a reasonably good audit this week.”
