Brand new Eagle Harley Reid has claimed he is happy to have landed in Perth, stating that public messaging that labelled him a pre-draft flight risk became "pretty annoying" in the lead up to being taken with the opening pick of the draft.
While Reid was seen as the consensus pick to be picked up with the first overall selection for over a year, the country Victorian stated that the myriad of reports stating he wouldn't take to life out West had left him unhappy.
โIt was obviously pretty annoying at times when they say it and they haven't even met you,โ Reid told the press pack at Marvel Stadium on Monday night.
โTo be honest it (the colours) is on me now and hopefully that puts a bit of word out that I am keen to go over there and get stuck into it.โ
Welcomed into West Coast's fold with the No.9 guernsey from recently retired great Nic Naitanui, Reid revealed that he had crossed paths with the superstar ruckman earlier that afternoon.
โThis arvo I got back on the scooter to head back to my hotel and I got on the scooter and there (Naitanui) is, just out the front,โ he added.
โSo I pulled up on my scooter and just said โG'day'. It was pretty humbling but it was pretty cool.โ
In making the No.9 locker his own at Lathlain Park, Reid will seek to add to the club's rich legacy, not only following in Naitanui's giant footsteps but also those of former wunderkind Ben Cousins.
Reid will be soon be joined by the Eagles' newest names, with the rebuilding club set to kick off the second night of the 2023 AFL Draft with the 30th pick.
The second round will commence at Marvel Stadium at 7pm (AEDT).
