The numbers are eye-watering, but West Coast coach Andrew McQualter is confident Harley Reid won’t feel a burden upon becoming the highest-paid player in the AFL.
Reid’s contract status has hit the headlines again this week after his manager Nick Gieschen flew to Perth to have further talks with the Eagles.
Harley Reid of the Eagles.Credit: Getty Images
They have tabled a number of different-length deals to Reid, whose current contract runs out at the end of 2026.
One is reportedly worth around $24 million over 11 years, with Victorian clubs also willing to offer long-term deals exceeding $2 million a season.
Reid is already one of the most talked about players in the league, but can the 20-year-old Victorian handle being the highest paid?
When asked about the burden of Reid becoming the highest-paid player in the league, McQualter said the pressure came from being the best, rather than the money being earned.
“For me, I’ll take the contract out of it because I think it’s irrelevant,” McQualter said.
“It’s when you’re one of the best players in the competition – there’s a burden that comes with it … It’s the skill of being able to cope with that.
“We train that from a mental perspective. It’s challenging, but the best players embrace it, and they go about their business, which I’m sure Harley will be one of those.”
Reid will be the centre of attention yet again when he lines up in Saturday’s western derby against the Dockers.
The star midfielder has hit top form recently, and his performance in the round six derby last year will still be front of mind for Fremantle fans.
Reid tallied 19 disposals, seven clearances and three goals to lead the Eagles to an upset 37-point win, and Dockers coach Justin Longmuir said he’s well aware of the “threat”.
Given it’s technically a Fremantle home game, Reidis set to cop plenty of boos at Optus Stadium tomorrow.
AAP
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