Harley Reid has taken out his first Geoff Christian Medal for the best WA-based player in the AFL. (AAP Image: Travis Hayto)
Harley Reid was living in the spotlight even before he was an AFL player.
In his draft year, the then-17-year old was the centre of intense debate about where he would end up playing, and since his debut with West Coast in 2024 the now 21-year old is still the centre of attention everywhere he goes.
"I think that's probably still something I'm trying to work on. It is hard, don't get me wrong," Reid told 102.5 ABC Perth's SportsTalk program.
"I've been lucky enough to get out of Perth a few times, go camping or whatnot, to reset.
"It is probably something I'm still trying to get my head around and understand."
Reid has produced a stunning season, averaging more than 24 disposals per game. (Getty Images: Paul Kane)
Such was the hype around his arrival in Western Australia, the state's daily paper featured him 25 times on its back page — before he had played a game.
No player before or since has been more hyped prior to their debut.
"You do definitely notice it but I just try not to let it affect me too much," Reid said after being awarded the Geoff Christian Medal as the ABC's best WA-based player.
Harley Reid was awarded the Geoff Christian medal for the 2026 season. (ABC News)
"I feel like you do get that pressure, but I feel like if my mental state's there and I've prepared well, the pressure isn't there.
"I know I've done the work. It's all about that preparation as well."
Reid was crowned West Coast club champion on Friday night when he claimed the John Worsfold Medal and is coming off his best season, but Eagles fans will have to wait until round three in 2027 to see the midfielder in action.
West Coast unsuccessfully challenged his two-game suspension for a dangerous tackle on Hawthorn's Jai Newcombe.
