‘Cheat code’: Harley Reid blows AFL away as Eagles demolish Tigers

Harley Reid lifts Eagles to stunning victory. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

West Coast Eagles young star Harley Reid has taken the footy world by storm with one moment leaving fans completely stunned.

It’s Harley Reid’s world and West Coast Eagles fans are revelling in it.

The young superstar produced his latest masterclass on Sunday as the Eagles found their wings and defied the pundits.

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Going up against Richmond, many had predicted even further pain for the bottom of the ladder club, but it wasn’t to be.

The side, routinely dubbed a basket case, proved critics wrong as they demolished their rivals to record their first win in 239 days.

Their last taste of glory came in round 23 last year on August 20 when they took care of business against the Western Bulldogs in a nailbiting seven point win.

While it was a much cruisier result this time around, things got off to a worrying start after Richmond kicked the opening four goals.

After falling behind by 25 points, the Eagles flicked the switch and turned it into a one-sided contest as they kicked 16 goals to six to secure the 16.13 (109) to 10.10 (70) win.

And behind the onslaught and stealing the show was the number one pick.

Harley Reid lifts Eagles to stunning victory. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Reid has shown flashes of why he was taken with the top pick, but on Sunday he was at his mercurial best.

In the early stages of the second term, Reid got the ball in the middle of the ground as he danced his way out of a contest before turning on the jets.

He burned past Tigers ruckman Toby Nankervis before sending it deep inside forward 50 and setting up another Eagles goal.

But it was his constant work around contests that had fans in disbelief. The 18-year-old, in only his fifth game, showed time and again that he’s an impossible man to tackle.

Reid shrugged off countless would be Tigers players while delivering fend offs to whoever dared try wrap their arms around him. Even Dustin Martin found himself on the receiving end.

The image, uploaded to the AFL’s social media accounts, quickly went viral.

Footy fans watching on were full of praise for the supremely talented youngster.

3AW Football wrote: “It’s Harley Reid’s world now.”

One user wrote: “Harley Reid is box office stuff. Sheesh.”

A second added: “Harley Reid is a genuine cheat code.”

Cop that Dusty. Instagram/@AFL

Reid snaps a goal in the first quarter. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

While it was Reid stealing the limelight with 27 disposals, 7 clearances and a goal, several of his teammates produced stunning performances in the match.

Tim Kelly lead the way with 29 disposals while Elliot Yeo continued to turn back the clock as he racked up 27 touches, 15 clearances and two goals.

In front of goal it was the Jake Waterman show as he hauled in 12 marks and slotted six goals.

The win lifts the Eagles into 16th spot on the ladder, leaving Hawthorn and North Melbourne as the last remaining teams yet to secure a win in 2024.

The Eagles will take on Fremantle in round 6 in what is now looking like a potentially blockbuster Derby between the two WA clubs.