AFL superstar Harley Reid makes a call on his West Coast future

After months of speculation, West Coast youngster Harley Reid has made a decision on his lucrative next contract in the AFL.

Harley Reid has made a decision on his AFL future. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

West Coast superstar Harley Reid has finally made a call on his AFL future, committing to the Eagles for a further two seasons.

The 2023 No. 1 draft pick was coming off contract at the end of 2026 and there was enormous interest in his next move.

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The 20-year-old has been linked with a number of Victorian clubs amid talks of deals north of $20 million over a decade or more, but instead has opted to remain in Perth through the 2028 season.

The new deal is reportedly for around $2 million per season, a staggering amount for a second-year player, and would put Reid alongside St Kilda’s Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera as the only AFL players on that sort of annual money.

Reid, who is from Tongala in Victoria, turned his back on a shift elsewhere and said he’s committed to helping the struggling Eagles return to glory.

Harley Reid has made a decision on his AFL future. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

“I’m incredibly excited to sign on with this great club,” Reid said in a statement.

“Since the day I arrived in Perth, the West Coast Eagles members and fans have been so supportive of me and our team, and the future with our young squad is super exciting.

“Playing at Optus Stadium in front of our fans is an unbelievable experience and I love representing the club.

“The support from our coaches and my teammates has been amazing over the last two years and I’m looking forward to continuing to develop my game and helping the team climb back up the ladder.

“I can’t wait for the 2026 season and beyond to see what we can achieve together.”

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Reid was injured in the round 20 match against Fremantle. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos/Getty Images)

After a sensational rookie season in 2024, when he was named the AFLPA Best First Year Player, Reid faced tougher defensive attention in his second year.

But he still returned 18.8 disposals, 3.9 clearances and kicked 14 goals in 19 games before an ankle injury in round 20 against the Dockers ended his season early.

The Eagles were understandably delighted to convince Reid to remain in Perth and help the club’s long rebuild.

West Coast won just a single game to finish bottom of the ladder in 2025.

“We are thrilled Harley has re-signed with the club until the end of 2028,” West Coast’s head of list management Matt Clarke said.

“It is a fantastic commitment to the build that we are undertaking both on and off the field.

“Harley is a very important part of our future and has always displayed a great connection to our football club throughout the process.

“He embodies everything we want in a West Coast Eagle - skill, determination and a fierce competitive spirit.

“The future with Harley and his family on board with the West Coast Eagles is something that we feel will be very special.”

The news is a massive boost for the Eagles, coming a day after captain Oscar Allen informed the club he would be exploring his options elsewhere.

West Coast has managed to lock up a number of its young talents, however, adding Reid’s name to the likes of Jobe Shanahan, Bo Allan, Tyrell Dewar and Tom Gross.

Reid faced increased defensive attention in his second season. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

The news is a huge boost after skipper Oscar Allen confirmed his intention to explore free agency. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

There was a variety of reactions to the news on social media, which brings to an end any chance of Reid’s name being top of the AFL’s looming trade period.

ABC Radio’s Sam Wilkinson joked on X: “Harley Reid has a two-year contract extension with West Coast until the end of 2028. A moment’s silence for Trade Radio.”

AFL News, Results & Rumors tweeted: “West Coast has officially locked in No. 1 pick Harley Reid, silencing speculation over his future by signing a two-year extension today.”

Bombers fan Footy Lock wrote: “Very good to see Harley Reid re-sign. As much as I would love him at Essendon, I think it’s good that he stays. From an Essendon point of view, we can now fully focus in on the draft.”

Harley Muse added: “If only our Club Captain Oscar Allen had this sort of mentality we might not be such a basket case.”