Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd has expressed concerns regarding Harley Reid’s behaviour on the field, likening it to Jason Horne-Francis’ tumultuous departure from North Melbourne. Recently, Reid stirred controversy by giving the finger to Lions fans and engaging in physical confrontations with players from both Brisbane and Gold Coast.
Initially supportive of Reid after the first round, Lloyd felt let down by his actions in the last match. During Nine’s Footy Classified, he commented that Reid’s conduct could be detracting from his football performance. “He seems to be expending too much energy on confrontations, which isn’t beneficial for his game,” Lloyd remarked.
Lloyd suggested that Coach Andrew McQualter ought to address Reid’s on-field behaviour firmly, as it appears to inhibit his growth as a player. “He may be setting himself up for self-sabotage or simply displaying immaturity,” Lloyd pondered.
The former Essendon star drew parallels between Reid and Horne-Francis, who left North Melbourne for Port Adelaide in 2022 after a troubled tenure as the number one draft selection. He emphasised the importance of Reid’s relationship with the West Coast Eagles and stated, “It will be interesting to see how committed he is to improving.”
Lloyd noted Reid’s apparent disengagement during team huddles, which raises further questions about his willingness to adapt and listen to his senior teammates. He warned that if this behaviour persists, it could hinder Reid’s development and integration within the team. Despite the drama surrounding Reid, he still managed to achieve notable stats during the match, including 15 disposals, six clearances, and seven tackles.
Lloyd’s remarks indicate a pressing need for Reid to refocus and channel his energy positively if he aims to fulfil his potential in the league. As the season unfolds, the dynamics between Reid and the Eagles will be crucial to watch.