Kane Cornes isn’t sold on the hype surrounding Harley Reid, at least not at the price being floated. Amid mounting interest from Victorian clubs, the former Port Adelaide midfielder has warned Essendon against overpaying for the West Coast young gun.
Reid, still in the second year of his three-season deal, has been linked to a big-money move back east, with clubs like the Bombers reportedly prepared to roll out major offers.
But Cornes doesn’t believe the 19-year-old is yet worth the figures being touted, including $2 million per year and two top-10 draft picks.
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“Are you prepped to give up two top 10 picks and $2m a year for Harley Reid? You can’t give 10% of your cap to one player,” Cornes said on SEN’s Crunch Time.
“Good career, but no way reached the potential”
While Cornes acknowledged Reid could spark a rebuild, he questioned whether the Bombers, or any club, should bank so heavily on someone still proving himself.
“He can help (a struggling team), and he can bring another couple of players with him. Say Essendon right now. They’ve got salary cap room,” he said.
“But do you want to give him $2m? I’m not as convinced as (Luke) Hodge that he’s going to be the best player in the AFL. Would I be shocked if he was a Jordan De Goey? Good career, but no way reached the potential.”
Cornes believes Reid will stay in Perth for now, but expects a move in the near future. “You would think there is a risk that he leaves, but it won’t be at the end of this year,” he added. “If you’re the Eagles, you’re saying even if you want to go, we’re not letting you.”