Anna Hay: Harley Reid’s attitude a spark in the dark as West Coast Eagles’ tunnel finds light

It’s been a long, dark road for the Eagles, but the light at the end of the tunnel – is finally peeping through.

For the first time in a thousand days – West Coast has celebrated back-to-back wins.

First conquering Richmond by 39 points, then the Dockers by 37.

I don’t think the change of fortune is a coincidence.

This is Harley Reid.

We always knew he was going to be a star, but just six games into his AFL career and the Tongala teenager is already accelerating the Eagles rebuild – at a rapid rate.

West Coast was desperately searching for a spark.

In this case it didn’t come from a veteran, or a coach – it came from a ridiculously talented kid.

I understand the Harley hype has already been out of control, but Reid is worth every bit of it.

Somehow, he’s not just meeting expectations – he’s outplaying them.

Reid racked up 19 disposals, seven clearances and three goals in his Derby debut.

That’s not to mention the multiple mesmerising moments, the hangers, the fend-offs.

Since riding into town, Harley’s revved up his teammates – and is taking them along for the ride.

Even my mum who loves footy but has surface level understanding, messaged our family group chat saying, “Reid is AMAZING”.

My brother-in-law added, “Yeo back in the midfield has been huge for the team… and Reid… of course.”

You can’t deny his skill, his class, his sheer force.

The Rising Star has given West Coast a confidence boost – and it’s amazing what a little confidence can do.

Just take Jake Waterman.

The key forward kicked a career-best six goals against the Tigers. He backed it up against the Dockers booting five.

He’s just the 11th Eagles player to kick five plus goals in back-to-back VFL/AFL games.

He joins Chris Lewis, Ross Glendinning, Peter Sumich, Scott Cummings, Fraser Gehrig, Troy Wilson, Phillip Matera, Quinten Lynch, Mark LecCras and Josh Kennedy. Not a bad list to find yourself on.

While confidence can work wonders, it can go the other way too.

After a promising start to the season, Fremantle has now suffered three straight defeats.

Two heartbreaking close losses in Adelaide – capped off by a derby disaster.

They’ve lost their belief and self-doubt has creeped into the Dockers camp.