Harley Reid’s social media likes questioned as embattled West Coast coach seeks clarity

The conundrum facing West Coast on Harley Reid has deepened after a social media storm while embattled coach Adam Simpson has called on the Eagles to give him some clarity.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 30: Harley Reid of Victoria Country handballs during the 2023 AFL National Championships U18 Boys match between Western Australia and Vic Country at the WACA on June 30, 2023 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Besieged West Coast coach Adam Simpson says it not in his nature to “quit” the Eagles as he said clarity on his own position would come with a season-ending Eagles board meeting.

Simpson admitted the club’s onfield fortunes could be just as challenging next year as the club ponders a difficult call on drafting brilliant Vic Country teen Harley Reid in November.

Reid liked a social media post this week questioning the future of Simpson in a move that put the spotlight on his intentions in coming months.

Those close to Tongala mid-forward Reid on Friday said he had meant nothing by the social media “like” about Simpson, which was a story from Footy Classified about Simpson potentially being sacked.

They suggested Reid was still happy to be taken by West Coast as the No.1 overall pick.

Reid’s manager Nick Gieschen and his Bendigo Pioneers coach Danny O’Bree have both denied he ever suggested he would not be drafted by the Eagles.

The graphic that appeared on the The West Australian newspaper website showing Harley Reid’s like of a post discussing Adam Simpson’s coaching tenure.

But like many kids of his age Reid would clearly prefer to stay in his home state, as would the potential No.2 pick Daniel Curtin, a WA boy who is roaring up draft charts.

Simpson believes he is the man for the job, having made clear when he signed on to 2025 two seasons ago the rebuild would be long and difficult.

He said he had sought clarification on his future, with West Coast considering whether to move him on shortly before or after round 24.

But a coach due $2 million over the next two seasons is unlikely to quit for financial reasons but also because of the commitment he made when his contract was extended.

“That is what you sign up for. If I didn’t want to go through this I would have pulled the pin a couple of years ago. It’s not really in my nature to quit, especially when you know what is coming,” Simpson said on Friday.

Adam Simpson Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“This time of year we are trying to get a bit of clarity about the future. The board are planning to meet at the end of the season. We are doing a lot of planning. There is a lot of recruiting with staff, list management, coaching and I am at the top of that. Working through all that is important and making sure there is clarity around the role

“In terms of when it gets decided it’s out of my hands and I am not stamping my feet but getting some clarity around that is what I am looking for.

“Two years ago I signed on for four years knowing we are going to go through this. I am disappointed we are not going through this a little quicker but I am not overly surprised. This is what I signed on for but I do understand that decisions are made (on the senior coach) and changes happen sometimes, so I am not in despair.”

Club legend Dean Cox has been linked to a potential return to West Coast but his family is comfortably settled in Sydney.

John Longmire is contracted to 2025 but took over the Sydney job in his own succession plan and is known to believe Cox is senior coaching material so there is the possibility of another succession plan in the future.

Simpson said the club would again be aggressive with list changes, as West Coast sounds out Essendon’s Nick Bryan and Western Bulldog Jordon Sweet for their interest.