Essendon Bombers legend Matthew Lloyd has urged fans to remain patient with West Coast Eagles rookie Harley Reid following a lacklustre performance in a recent match against the Gold Coast Suns. The Eagles suffered a massive 87-point defeat at home, with Reid facing criticism for his conduct, including going down easily after minimal contact and engaging in verbal exchanges with Suns players during the game. AFL analyst David King noted that Reid seemed more interested in disputes than his gameplay.
As the 2023 No.1 draft pick, Reid is already caught up in speculation about potentially becoming the first $2 million player in AFL history. However, Lloyd believes it’s crucial to give the 19-year-old time to adjust. "He was very disappointing… but I give him an out," Lloyd commented on Nine’s Footy Classified. He stressed that the expectations placed on Reid are exceptionally high, and compared his situation to that of Collingwood’s Nick Daicos, stating that many players—regardless of their draft position—struggle early in their careers.
Lloyd pointed out that even talented players like Dustin Martin did not shine in their early games. He emphasised the importance of senior players supporting Reid through his development. While acknowledging Reid’s need to improve his attitude, Lloyd praised teammate Oscar Allen for stepping in during a heated moment in the match.
Reid’s situation parallels that of other young players like Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, with Lloyd asserting that sometimes it takes years for a player’s potential to truly manifest, regardless of early expectations. "I’m sure they’re surrounding him with great things, but sometimes it just clicks two or three years later, no matter how good you are," Lloyd remarked, indicating a belief in Reid’s future potential if given the right support and time to grow within the sport.