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Harley Reid's confession about Dustin Martin after AFL world loses it over 'surreal' moment

The 18-year-old West Coast ace has loads of talent and he showed it.

riley morgan
Sports Reporter
·3-min read

Young West Coast star Harley Reid has admitted his amazement having played against Tigers leader Dustin Martin with fans losing it over his epic duel against the star. Reid has been brilliant in his first year in the AFL for West Coast and once again showed it against Richmond having made 27 disposals, seven clearances, six inside-50s and a goal in his team's 39-point win at Optus Stadium.

And fans couldn't get enough of one moment that saw Reid stand up to Martin with one huge fend-off to stamp his authority on the match. Reid wasn't intimidated when Martin challenged him in the middle and even gave him a big fend, before getting the handball off in a tight space.

Young West Coast star Harley Reid (pictured) was praised for his performance against the Tigers and admitted it was 'surreal' going up against Dustin Martin (pictured left). (Images: Channel 7/Getty Images)
Young West Coast star Harley Reid (pictured) was praised for his performance against the Tigers and admitted it was 'surreal' going up against Dustin Martin (pictured left). (Images: Channel 7/Getty Images)

Martin wasn't the only Tigers player to watch Reid run out of reach with the 18-year-old showcasing his ability to find space and release his teammates at every opportunity. The moment wasn't lost on Reid who admitted playing against Martin was a 'surreal' moment.

"I have so much respect for that guy," Reid told Fox Footy after the game. "It's pretty cool when your idols become your rivals. It's pretty surreal."

The AFL world was full of praise for Reid with Nathan Buckley particularly impressed with his maturity at such a young age. "Harley Reid has come in and maybe looks a little more mature...at the same age as Horne-Francis. And you look at Horne Francis, two years on, and he has developed beautifully," Buckley said on SEN Radio. "They could be the same player. In the next 10 years they will go head-to-head and we will see some amazing contests between them." Buckley wasn't the only one excited for the 18-year-old and what he can achieve in the AFL.

Harley Reid thanks fans after West Coast win

Reid has been warmly welcomed at the club since the hype started around the 18-year-old. And while there was reports the teenager was looking for a trade out during West Coast's rebuild, he appears to have quelled any doubt.

"Hopefully I can keep getting kicks and they can keep backing me in," he said. "I've got a great support network over here and I'm loving it."

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West Coast have returned strong with Reid learning from the likes of All-Australians Tim Kelly and Elliot Yeo. And while he is finding his feet, the management are ready to make sure he continues to work hard.

"Harley had a good day. Hopefully he gets that Rising Star nomination," coach Adam Simpson said. "He's a great kid. He works really hard and he wants to get better. Dealing with the (media) attention is just something we're trying to help him with at the moment."