West Coast Eagles coach Andrew McQualter has come to the defense of his young star Harley Reid, saying that the 19-year-old’s theatrics are “good for the game.” Reid has been in the spotlight recently for his antics on and off the field, including a altercation with Brisbane veteran Dayne Zorko and a playful gesture towards the crowd during Sunday’s game against the Brisbane Lions.
Despite the criticism, McQualter believes that Reid’s passion and energy are assets to the game. “We try and bash the theatre out of this game, don’t we?” McQualter said. “He’s just having a bit of fun and sometimes that’s good for the game, I think.”
Reid had a solid game against the Lions, finishing with 15 disposals, seven tackles, and six clearances. However, he also gave away seven free kicks, which proved costly for the Eagles.
McQualter praised Reid’s response to the criticism he faced after last week’s loss to the Gold Coast Suns. “His response today, he played the right way,” McQualter said. “Competed hard. He kept competing and had some big influence on the game at different times.”
The Eagles coach also acknowledged that Reid is still learning the game and that the club will continue to support him. “He’s still learning the game … and we’re going to support him,” McQualter said.
The debate over Reid’s antics highlights the ongoing discussion about the role of personality and showmanship in the AFL. While some critics argue that Reid’s behavior is unprofessional and distracting, others see it as a welcome injection of passion and energy into the game.
As the AFL season continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how Reid and other players navigate the fine line between showcasing their personalities and maintaining a professional demeanor on the field.