Eddie McGuire has suggested that Essendon is in a prime position to pursue Harley Reid, potentially offering him a groundbreaking salary due to their substantial salary cap space. Reid, who was selected first overall by West Coast in the 2023 draft, is bound to the Eagles until 2026. However, speculation is rife that he may seek a trade back to Victoria after the current season concludes.
Reports indicate that both Essendon and Richmond are the only Victorian clubs with sufficient draft capital to entice West Coast into a trade for the talented midfielder. Each club possesses two first-round picks in the upcoming draft, which could be leveraged to secure Reid’s services.
Experts posit that Reid might become the AFL’s first player to earn a salary of $2 million annually, with some players having previously earned around $1.5 million. During an appearance on Nine’s Eddie and Jimmy podcast, McGuire revealed that Essendon has approximately $2.5 million available in their salary cap, hinting that they could present a lucrative offer to Reid.
The Bombers have been in desperate need of a strong midfielder for several seasons, and the addition of Reid would undoubtedly energise their loyal fan base. Next year, the AFL’s salary cap is projected to rise to $18.29 million, implying that Reid will receive a significant financial proposal regardless of the club he joins.
Despite these financial prospects, Reid may reconsider his position in Perth following West Coast’s dismal opening loss to Gold Coast. Criticism has been directed at the Eagles’ older players for poor performance, placing unmerited pressure on Reid, who made his debut last season. Former player Jimmy Bartel expressed disappointment with the team, pointing out the necessity for seasoned players to step up and model the effort needed in critical game situations.
Looking ahead, West Coast will face Brisbane, the defending champions, in their next encounter. The team’s recent struggles and Reid’s mounting pressure may influence his future choices, with the prospect of a move back to Victoria looking increasingly appealing.