Harley Reid reveals sad news about his family life as he introduces himself as the AFL’s new superstar

Harley Reid has revealed why he had to return home to see his family in rural Victoria after making a sensational start to his AFL career.

Reid, the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft, took to senior football like a duck to water, well and truly announcing himself as a special player for West Coast.

His performances have breathed life into the Perth club after the team failed to win back-to-back games since Rounds 18 and 19 in 2021, and many already view Reid as an outside chance for the Brownlow Medal.

However, rather than traveling with his teammates to the Gold Coast in round seven, Reid was given time off to return home to Tongala in northern Victoria.

His absence was questioned by a number of pundits and fans, including ex-Swans star Paul Roos, who found the break ridiculous.

Reid says he needed to see his family (pictured together at the AFL draft), who he has missed terribly since moving to Perth.

The 19-year-old has now revealed the sad reason why he needed the trip.

“In April we celebrate three of our (family) birthdays. I missed my sister’s and mine too, I had to spend that alone. It was probably the worst birthday,” Reid told ABC.

“It was good to come back and I felt like I needed to see the family again…it was good to reconnect with them.”

“Sometimes on your day off you’d like to drive and see your family, but obviously you can’t, so it was nice to spend a weekend at home and see the family.

“I’m 19, I’ve never left home, so I don’t know anything different without my parents and family.”

Reid once again sent social media into meltdown on Sunday with a series of riveting highlights during West Coast’s shock 16.9 (105) to 10.10 (70) win over Melbourne.

The No. 1 overall draft pick produced a Goal of the Year contender when he burned Christian Petracca on a center clearance and grabbed three rebounds before delivering a true kick from 45 yards out.

Reid sent the crowd wild again in the third quarter when he produced a double defense – using his left hand to shake off Clayton Oliver before using his right to tame Petracca.

The rising star favorite produced another standout moment later in the season when he pushed aside his opponent and collected the bouncing ball with one hand before sprinting forward to score his second goal.

Young man says his 19th birthday last month was the worst he’s ever had

West Coast’s No. 1 draft pick has had an explosive start to the 2024 season

Lachie Neale has joined the Harley Reid fan club, with the double Brownlow medalist impressed by the teenage sensation’s highlights and envious of his physical attributes.

“He’s a pretty special talent. I love this kid,” former Fremantle Docker Neale told reporters on Monday when asked about the Eagles’ new hero.

“It’s good to watch some of the things he did last night.

“Some of his highlights already in (nine) games are incredible.”

A Brownlow Medal winner in 2020 and 2023, Neale has made a name for himself as a accumulator and damaging ball user.

But the 255-game champion sees qualities in Reid that he could only wish for.

“I wouldn’t mind having his power and physique. Those traits would be nice,” Neale said.

“It’s pretty special to see a young player like him do that. He’s going to be a superstar for a very long time.