West Coast coach Adam Simpson has declared conversations between the club and No.1 draft pick Harley Reid over a potential contract extension "are happening", however the Eagles boss isn't directly involved in the discussions as he looks to place the teenager's wellbeing as a priority.
Reid's name has already been tied to lucrative rival interest despite having just seven games to his name, with Essendon named as a club 'to keep an eye on' ahead of a predicted pursuit of the Tongala junior.
The 19-year-old is contracted with West Coast until the end of the 2026 season, entering the competition with an automatic three-year deal alongside the rest of last year's top 20 draft selections.
Clubs and first-year players have been able to extend those deals since the end of Round 6, with all eyes turning to the Eagles to see if they can secure Reid' beyond his current contract.
Amid "rumours and innuendo" attached to the young star's future, Simpson has looked to shoot down the constant conversations surrounding Reid's contract status.
"We haven't really spoken about it," the premiership coach toldย AFL 360.
"Seven games in... I know it's a big talking point, and you hear rumours and innuendo, but for a kid who's 19, we're talking about $20 million over 10 years. It's not what we're talking about at the moment.
"We're just trying to keep the kid enjoying his game and being an AFL player. That's where we're at at the moment.
"Of course, conversations are happening, but not through me."
The Eagles will hope their improved season under Simpson will be a sign of a bright future for Reid in Perth while strengthening the club's ability to attract talent west.
One of the biggest clubs in the land, West Coast's planned rebuild will be reliant on acquiring talent - both local and interstate - and Simpson believes a combination of the club's resources and growing form will aid any off-season push.
"We normally just go after the Western Australians who we didn't draft, so that probably won't change," Simpson said cheekily.
"The fact we're a big club with a supporter base that's over 100,000 members and have some really good resources - post-football as well. We've always been a really attractive club.
"The last couple of years you probably can't say that's been the case with our performances, so there's got to be some hope there.
"This year, with a better brand of football, we want to take our members on the journey with us and hopefully that attracts talent as well."
Currently 15th on the ladder and without a third-round selection for this year's draft, West Coast's current draft hand reads as Picks 4, 24 and 60.
