Eagles Star's New Look Sparks Social Media Debate
Harley Reid, the West Coast Eagles' prized number one draft pick, has set tongues wagging not just with his on-field potential but with a strikingly different off-field appearance. As the club's first-to-fourth year players returned for pre-season training, the 20-year-old midfielder unveiled a head of tightly woven cornrows, a dramatic departure from his usual long blonde locks.
The new style was captured in a video posted on Instagram by his barber, Swickcuts, which showed Reid grinning enthusiastically as his hair was braided. It is understood this is a look the young star has been considering for a considerable time.
Training Scare Briefly Raises Alarm
The hairstyle reveal came amidst a moment of concern for the Eagles during their pre-season preparations. During a maximal aerobic speed test, Reid was seen pulling up and pointing to his leg, with 7NEWS reporter Ryan Daniels initially reporting a sore calf.
Thankfully for interim coach Andrew McQualter and the team, the issue was not as serious as first feared. Daniels later updated that the problem appeared to be cramp, announcing on social media, ‘Harley has joined training again - crisis averted.’
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Captain
Reid's bold new hairstyle has proven divisive. Reactions on social media ranged from one fan declaring it ‘mad’ to another labelling it ‘questionable’.
Even his captain, Liam Duggan, expressed a personal reservation about the look, though he fully supported Reid's self-expression. ‘I didn’t like it,’ Duggan told PerthNow, ‘but I’m glad that he’s bringing his flair. He’s actually been speaking about doing it for a long time... Good on him. He’s bringing his flair to his game, so it’s pretty exciting.’ Duggan added that Reid was even ‘nervous to take off his hood’ during a warm training session.
Reid's Commitment a Major Boost for Eagles
Amid interest from clubs in his home state of Victoria, Reid’s decision to recommit to the West Coast Eagles for another two years was a huge relief for the embattled club. Since being selected with the top pick in the 2023 National Draft, Reid has been a shining light during a difficult period for the Eagles.
Despite some controversies, including a fine for gesturing at opposition fans and criticism over his training standards from pundits, his on-field impact has been significant. He has kicked 24 goals across 39 appearances in his first two seasons. His decision to stay becomes even more crucial following the departure of key players Oscar Allen and Liam Ryan.
Reflecting on his choice to remain in Western Australia, Reid highlighted the importance of his teammates, stating, ‘The players... play a big part of why I wanted to stay. For me, it just wasn’t the right time and I wanted to stay. I look forward to seeing what happens.’
