Harley Reid lets emotions get the better of him in West Coast v Brisbane match

West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has defended Harley Reid after Sunday’s outburst – but is time the Eagles gave him some ‘tough love’? Watch the video and have your say.

West Coast coach Andrew McQualter says Eagles star Harley Reid’s exchanges with Lions fans and players at the Gabba on Sunday was merely part of the “theatre” of football and was “good for the game”.

The heavily scrutinised Reid gave away seven free-kicks in West Coast’s 19-point loss to Brisbane, but was praised by McQualter for having a “big influence” at “different times”.

However, the 19-year-old former number one draft pick’s frustrations seemed to get the better of him in the fourth quarter when he gave a section of Brisbane supporters the middle finger after being awarded a free-kick following a bump from Lions ruckman Oscar McInerney.

It led to a Lions fan running down to the fence to offer Reid a packet of tissues.

It was a second tough game in as many weeks for Harley Reid. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Despite speculation that Reid might be sanctioned by the AFL for his gesture, McQualter felt there was little wrong with the incident and also downplayed an earlier scuffle with Lions defender Dayne Zorko.

“We try to bash the theatre out of this game sometimes, don’t we?” the Eagles coach said post-match.

“He’s just having a bit of fun. Sometimes that’s good for the game.”

The gesture could see him come under scrutiny by the AFL who have fined players for similar incidents in the past.

McQualter said Reid “played the right way” against the Lions after a poor performance – that included some exchanges with rival players - in the Eagles’ 87-point round-one loss to the Gold Coast Suns.

“I thought he competed hard. He had a bit of a quiet first quarter, but he just kept competing. He had some big influence on the game at different times today,” McQualter said.

“Harley’s still learning the game. He’s still learning how to be the best footballer he can be and the best teammate he can be, and we’re going to really support him and work hard in that space with him.

“We’ve got a really strong plan with Harley. We’re working closely with him. He understands the people who he needs to listen to, and he’s got a good support base around him. He’s going OK.”

While McQualter was pleased with the Eagles’ improved round-two performance, he was disappointed his side failed to make the most of a memorable start that included kicking the game’s first five goals.

“We put ourselves in a winnable position. The first-half was terrific, but unfortunately we just ran out of juice in that last quarter. With their experience, and their maturity, they just ran over the top of us,” he said.

Several players from both sides were cramping in the hot conditions, but McQualter said the 12.10pm (Queensland time) start wasn’t an excuse for his side’s loss.

“A midday game in Brisbane, this time of the year is pretty tough, but ultimately both teams play in the same conditions. We train in hot weather as well, so it is what it is,” he said.

Reid came under fire after his performance in round 1. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

BRAVE EAGLES FALL SHORT TO REIGNING PREMIERS

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan was right to be “suspicious” about West Coast’s woeful round-one performance, with the Eagles giving the Lions an almighty scare at the Gabba on Sunday.

While the premiers dominated the second-half to win 14.10 (94) to 11.9 (75), the Eagles – who were beaten at home 87 points the previous weekend by the Gold Coast Suns – were the better team early and at one stage in the first-quarter led by 31 points.

West Coast’s improvement wouldn’t have surprised Fagan, who had been wary of a much-improved Eagles display.

“I’m pretty suspicious of round-one results,” the Brisbane mentor said on Saturday.

In humid conditions, the Eagles led by 24 points at quarter-time and by the same margin at halftime.

However, the Lions then gained control, kicking 10 goals to the visitors’ three in the second-half to start their premiership defence with back-to-back wins.

Held to just 10 disposals in Brisbane’s round-one win over Sydney, Lions co-captain Lachie Neale bounced back with a game-high 35 possessions.

Cal Ah Chee and Logan Morris each kicked three goals for Brisbane, while debutant Will McLachlan and Eric Hipwood chipped in with two majors apiece.

Liam Ryan booted three goals for the gallant Eagles, while teammate Tim Kelly finished with 29 disposals.

Harley Reid endured another frustrating game. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

OH, HARLEY

It was another frustrating day from Eagles young gun Harley Reid who let his emotions get the better of him late in the match.

After copping a late hit from Lions big man Oscar McInerney, Reid appeared to gesture the middle finger to the crowd who had no hesitations in letting last year’s number one draft pick know what they thought of his reaction to the bump.

One member of the crowd then responded to Reid, offering him a packet of tissues over the fence.

It was just one of those days again for Reid who gave away seven free kicks. It followed a week of scrutiny around his body language and future with rival Victorian clubs reportedly circling the second-year Eagle.

SLOW START FOR LIONS

For the second week in succession, the Lions were slow out of the blocks.

Having conceded the first four goals of the match in their four-point win over Sydney in the grand final rematch, Brisbane’s start was even worse against a fired-up Eagles outfit that led 32-1 after booting the match’s first five majors.

It took until 27 minutes into the first quarter for Brisbane to kick a goal, with Logan Morris’ impressive effort from the forward pocket finally giving the home crowd something to cheer about.

Before that, the Eagles were in complete control, with Tyrell Dewar kicking an early brace and co-captain Oscar Allen, who has been linked with a move to Brisbane next season, also among the West Coast’s first-quarter goalkickers.

Tyrell Dewar starred for the Eagles. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

By quarter-time, the clumsy Lions had already turned the ball over 19 times.

“They’re flustered at the moment,” Lions’ three-time premiership Alastair Lynch told Fox Footy.

Lynch also praised the Eagles for their early success in limiting the impact of Lions co-captain and key defender Harris Andrews.

“Harris Andrews has only had one disposal and no intercept marks … that is a big win for the West Coast,” Lynch said.

FLAG UNFURLED

Heavy morning showers that threatened to put a dampener the pre-match unfurling of the Lions’ 2024 premiership flag thankfully subsided, with the sun fittingly blazing for a presentation that included legendary former Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews and club greats Simon Black, Jason Akermanis and Alastair Lynch.

Representing the team that won last season’s premiership were the currently sidelined trio of Charlie Cameron, Kai Lohmann and Brandon Starcevich.

The rest of their teammates, as well as Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, remained in the dressing-room to prepare for the game.

“This is more for the fans, so I hope they enjoy it,” Fagan said.

Originally published as Harley Reid lets emotions get the better of him in West Coast v Brisbane match