Expected No. 1 draft pick Harley Reid takes a screamer in the VFL

Already generating plenty of headlines, teenage sensation Harley Reid added a new highlight reel to his collection on Saturday.

Staff Writers

less than 2 min read

August 5, 2023 - 7:59PM

Harley Reid has shown his athleticism for a number of teams this year, including Vic Country during the 2023 U18 Boys Championships at Ikon Park on June 16, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

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Excitement machine Harley Reid has added another stunning highlight to his collection as he moves closer to this year’s AFL Draft.

The teenager considered a lock to be the first overall pick showed potential teams what they can expect in 2024 and beyond.

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Playing for Essendon’s VFL side against Southport in Queensland, Reid anticipated a kick coming from halfback and leapt onto his opponent’s shoulders to take an absolute hanger.

Sadly the video is shot from a long way away, but the 18-year-old’s strength and athleticism is clear to see and the VFL commentators didn’t hold back.

“Big fly! What a grab!” the duo said.

“He soared. No. No. What a grab.

“That’s Harley Reid. Put that on a stamp already.”

The teams stuck down the bottom of the AFL ladder this year have been dubbed as competing for the “Harley Reid Cup”, such is his potential.

HARLEY REID HAS TAKEN AN ABSOLUTE HANGER! ðŸ˜ pic.twitter.com/8hWB3U1KPE
— AFL (@AFL) August 5, 2023

ok so i was thinking harley reid might be overrated.....id sell the farm to get him!
— The Red and Black Baron (@bill_wints) August 5, 2023

For the majority of this season that has been the West Coast Eagles, who came close to a monumental upset against Essendon earlier on Saturday.

The Bombers kicked the last goal of the game to grab a one-point win, a result which many on social media said had saved West Coast’s hopes of grabbing Reid with the top pick.

Both the Eagles and Kangaroos are stuck on two wins for the season, with the Perth side propping up the ladder with the lower percentage.

Canâ€™t believe @WestCoastEagles nearly blew the Harley Reid pick #AFLDonsEagles
— Jo Rooney (she/her) (@sportyjo15) August 5, 2023

xdgfhxdzsgfzd

Harley Reid when he found out weagles lost by a point. pic.twitter.com/w7Qby8QLHo
— Bull 4 ðŸ¯ðŸºâ˜ (@cocof17) August 5, 2023

West Coast snapped a 16-game losing run by beating North Melbourne in Perth last weekend.

North will have coach Alastair Clarkson back at the helm on Sunday for their clash with Melbourne in Hobart.

A powerfully built midfielder from Tongala in country Victoria, Reid appears ready to contribute at AFL level from his rookie season.

There has been speculation Reid would prefer to stay in Melbourne rather than move to Perth, but there’s no doubt the Eagles will do all they can to keep hold of that No. 1 pick.