AFL 2025: West Coast Andrew McQualter on criticism of Harley Reid’s Round 1 performance

West Coast Eagles coach Andrew McQualter has responded to criticism of how his young star performed in Round 1 against Gold Coast.

West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has responded to the criticism towards young gun Harley Reid, claiming he doesn’t read any of the “so many opinions going around”.

Reid produced one of his lesser games in the Eagles’ big loss to Gold Coast in Round 1 as speculation surrounding his future in the west gathers momentum.

He collected just 12 disposals with no clearances as the Suns’ midfield ran amok on Sunday.

The new coach was asked how he saw Reid’s game and claims around the teenager’s desire to scrap more than win the ball.

McQualter says he isn’t one to soak up the news on Reid, stressing “it’s important we understand what we value”.

“I don’t think Harley punched anyone off the ball, honestly, if I am being really honest, I don’t read any of it,” McQualter said.

“There’s so many opinions that are going around at the moment that it’s really important we understand what we value.

“He didn’t have a great game, (he is) part of a midfield who didn’t have a great game, we’ll get to work.”

Harley Reid was criticised for the amount of melees he was involved in last weekend. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The Eagles’ challenges grow even greater this weekend, as they travel to the GABBA to face reigning premier Brisbane.

McQualter implemented no tag on Gold Coast but has looked at the success of Swan James Jordon on star Lion Lachie Neale last week.

He has been part of teams to have unsuccessfully tag Neale in the past but will strategise how to limit the Brownlow Medal winner’s impact.

“I’ve been coaching against Lachie Neale for almost 10 years and I think I’ve been involved in teams who have tried to tag him maybe seven or eight times,” he said.

“It was the first time it’s really been successful on the weekend by James Jordon, he did a terrific job.

“We are aware of how good Lachie Neale is, we’ll have plans in place for sure for him, but there’s also some pretty good midfielders in that team.

“You go and tag one, someone else often gets away from you – we’ll have a think about it, discuss it as a match committee and have plans for both scenarios.”

West Coast will be without All-Australian forward Jake Waterman, who is battling a calf issue, but top pick Bo Allan is a chance to make his debut.

Originally published as AFL 2025: West Coast Andrew McQualter on criticism of Harley Reid’s Round 1 performance