West Coast Eagles midfielder Elijah Hewett says he wants to create culture where Harley Reid wants to stay
Reid is the talk of the AFL world as the Eagles mull over a monumental contract that could potentially lock the 20-year-old star in for the next 11 years in a deal worth about $24m — which would be the biggest in AFL history.
It comes at a time when Reid has been sidelined with the first major injury of his career, with the Victorian to miss the rest of the season with an ankle syndesmosis issue he sustained in the western derby on the weekend.
Hewett — who is only in his third season at the Eagles — said Reid was 'one of the best players' he'd ever seen and wanted him to be at the club long-term.
'I love the club to bits. I fell in love with it as a little boy, so for me, greater than me being at the club personally is to see the club succeed over a long period of time,' Hewett said.
'It's important for me to help build an environment where people want to be there and that includes Harley.
'And I love Harley and love how he goes about his business. He's one of the best players I've ever seen so to have him stay around is important.'
Hewett sits next to Reid in the locker room and said his teammate was going well after he sustained the injury in the middle of massive contract speculation, which has grabbed headlines across the country.
'He's a switched-on young man and he's got a great grasp of what's important to him,' he said.
'He's taken it in his stride, and to see him in good spirits at the club is important.
'He has had such a great year and such a great last two years, so missing a few weeks won't rattle him. And he'll get back on course and keep training.'
Without Reid as well as experienced midfielders Elliot Yeo (ankle) and Jack Graham (suspension) the likes of Hewett are going to have to stand up when they take on Melbourne at Marvel Stadium this Saturday.
The Swan Districts product also revealed that exciting draftee Tom Gross was set to come into the side to help cover the loss of Reid.
'I think Tom Gross comes in. I will probably take on a bit more responsibility and that's great,' Hewett said.
'We've got a young, rebuilding midfield and we're all taking on a bit more responsibility as the years go. I will take it by the reins.'
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