Harley Reid, the top pick from the 2023 AFL draft, is on the cusp of securing what could become “the biggest deal in AFL history” as he prepares to make a significant contract decision. Currently under contract with the West Coast Eagles until the end of 2026, Reid has generated considerable interest from other clubs.
According to AFL.com.au’s Cal Twomey, the Eagles have had a contract proposal for Reid since April. However, Reid’s management has countered with a groundbreaking offer that may alter the league landscape. The proposal includes a two-year extension followed by an additional nine-year contract, resulting in an 11-year deal. This unprecedented contract would secure Reid with the Eagles until 2037, although the club has yet to meet these terms.
If the Eagles fail to satisfy Reid’s demands, other clubs are poised to swoop in. The Hawthorn Hawks, in particular, have shown a strong interest in acquiring him, with suggestions they are contemplating a deal spanning eight to ten years at a salary of $1.7 to $1.8 million annually. Twomey indicated that Hawthorn is nearly “obsessed” with acquiring Reid, underlining the urgency of their pursuit.
Having participated in 38 games since his debut in 2024, Reid has rapidly established himself as a promising talent within the league. If his management’s proposed deal were to be accepted by the Eagles, it could mirror the terms that Port Adelaide’s Miles Bergman received—a two-year contract with an option for an additional seven years.
As the deadline for contractual decisions approaches, Reid’s future remains uncertain, setting the stage for a potentially monumental shift in AFL dynamics. Clubs are closely monitoring the situation, and the outcome may not only impact Reid’s career but also reshape the competitive landscape of the league.