Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson has come out swinging in defence of Harley Reid after the young Eagle copped fresh criticism over his aggressive on-field behaviour.
Reid was in the spotlight again following West Coast’s loss to Port Adelaide last weekend, where he gave away six free kicks and received a 13th career fine in just 37 AFL games. But Simpson, who coached Reid in his debut season, isn’t buying into the backlash.
“I am the wrong person to ask because I’m going to have rose coloured glasses for the rest of my life with Harley,” Simpson said on AFL 360. “He can get rubbed out for 12 weeks. I’m just going to back him in.”
‘Don’t judge them too early’
Simpson made it clear that he has full faith in Reid’s development and sees no need for harsh public lessons.
“I’m not really interested in the rhetoric around his form or what he’s done,” he said.
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“I know the kid, and I know what he’s working through and where he’s going to go. I’ve got nothing but empathy. I just back him in no matter what, and I know that’s what Andrew McQualter is doing.”
The 2018 premiership coach said Reid is far from the finished product, describing him as a “rough diamond” in the mould of Buddy Franklin or Dustin Martin.
“There’s the Nick Daicos, Marcus Bontempelli types... then there’s the rough diamonds, no disrespect. I know Harley is not in the perfect player (mould) just yet, but he could be anything in the future. It just needs a bit of polish, that’s all. I’m willing to be patient.”
Fellow premiership coach John Longmire echoed the sentiment, noting that a bit of fire isn’t always a bad thing. “Give me the competitors, mate,” he said.