AFL 2025: West Coast Eagles coach Andrew McQualter on Harley Reid's second-year heat
Reid stole headlines again on Sunday as he engaged in a fierce battle with fellow No.1 pick Jason Horne-Francis.
The high-profile Eagle played one of his better games of the year, but it was overshadowed by further lapses of judgment.
He was issued his 13th fine that sparked further criticism of his 'childish' behaviour.
But McQualter is confident in Reid's growth, especially after he led one of the huddles at the end of a quarter on Sunday.
'I have no doubt he's going to be a better player given what he's been through this year,' McQualter said.
'It's been a challenging year for him and us, and he's a young man who is really driven to help this group move forward.
'He's in a good spot working hard on his game and he'll be better for it.'
McQualter said Reid embodied the Eagles in missing the impact of inside midfielder Elliot Yeo.
Yeo has missed the entire season with an ankle and knee issue and is racing against the clock to play this season.
'What 'Yeoy' did for Harley last year, we just haven't had him this year,' McQualter said.
'(Yeo) is an incredibly experienced contest beast and takes a bit of the pressure off Harley in that space for sure.
'So we've missed 'Yeoy' without question and I think Tim (Kelly) can help in that space, for sure, just like Jack (Graham) has throughout this year.
'We're not playing everything out publicly with Harley, but I think you've got to remember his last six or eight weeks have been pretty strong.
'I know there's been some things that have been a bit of a distraction and take away a little bit from his game and we acknowledge that, and he acknowledged that last week, but he's actually playing some pretty strong football at the moment.'
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