Former Western Bulldogs player Tom Boyd has urged supporters and the media to give West Coast Eagles midfielder Harley Reid some breathing space amid recent scrutiny. Reid has been under the spotlight due to his uncertainty about committing to the Eagles long-term.
In a recent match, Reid faced backlash from Brisbane fans and reacted by gesturing with a middle finger, prompting the AFL to request an explanation from him. Although he avoided a fine for the incident, Reid later changed his Instagram profile picture to display a similar gesture shown by AFL legend Ben Cousins.
Boyd, who himself faced intense media scrutiny as the first draft pick for GWS in 2013 before joining the Bulldogs, empathises with Reid’s situation. Reflecting on his own experiences, he recalled receiving critical press regarding his fitness and even unfounded claims about his father’s involvement in his career, despite having no influence from afar.
He maintains that players picked as number one often endure unfair scrutiny and that this pressure can negatively affect their performance. Boyd stressed the importance of patience, noting that Reid is still adjusting to playing for a struggling team and has time to develop his career further.
While Boyd acknowledges that players should be held accountable for their performance, he believes that media commentary can sometimes cross boundaries, particularly when it undermines a player’s integrity without sufficient justification. He pointed out that such scrutiny often arises from the frustration directed at a player’s on-field performance.
Reid’s talents have not gone unnoticed, as he was awarded the 2024 Best First Year Player by the AFL Players’ Association and also clinched the Goal of the Year award. Boyd’s call for understanding emphasises the ongoing pressures young players face in the league and highlights the need for a more balanced approach from the media.