Who is Harley Reid? Potential No.1 draft pick dominates AFL Under 18s National Championships

Bryn Wakefield

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Who is Harley Reid? Potential No.1 draft pick dominates AFL Under 18s National Championships image

At just 18 years of age, Harley Reid is taking the AFL world by storm. 

Projected as the No.1 pick in the 2023 AFL Draft, the Bendigo Pioneers product has made a name for himself as a powerful marking midfielder with an astonishing highlights package. 

Part of the AFL Academy and representing Vic Country in the Under 18s carnival, the multi-positional prospect is one you just have to watch. 

Who is Harley Reid? 

Growing up in Tongala, a rural community in northern Victoria, Reid has impressed at every level of his footballing career. 

Last year, he stood out as a 17-year-old in the Under 18s and was already gaining traction as a ‘generational’ talent.

Harley Reid Carlton VFL | Who is Harley Reid?
Getty Images

In 2023, Reid has enjoyed an excellent AFL U18 Championships, most notably a best-on-ground performance against Western Australia — under the eyes of West Coast recruiters. 

Reid was awarded the Vic Country MVP in the tournament, leading his side to a two-win, two-loss record. 

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Why is Harley Reid likely to be the No.1 draft pick?

The 18-year-old Vic Country star had a vital 26 disposals, ten marks, and two goals in Perth. It was a display of Reid’s game-winning talent, and confirmation of his No.1 pick credentials. 

For a struggling club like West Coast or North Melbourne, a genuine match-winning midfielder like Reid would be all too valuable. Especially one as versatile as the blonde-haired boy from Tongala. 

Reid’s bottom-age Under 18s campaign saw him earn All-Australian honours as a half back, and this season he’s impacted the game as a forward or midfielder. 

The No.1 prospect impressed in two appearances for Carlton at the VFL level in April, taking marks and winning disposals as a defender 

In August, he was a standout for Essendon in the VFL, emerging as one of the best players on the ground with 23 disposals, seven tackles and four marks. 

For Vic Country, Reid has spent time ahead of the ball as a forward target, even kicking the first three goals for his side against South Australia. 

Harley Reid AFL Academy | Who is Harley Reid?
Getty Images

In the midfield, he looks to break tackles with his fend-off and has impressed with his skilful ball use and overhead marking ability. 

Reid will face competition for the No.1 spot from Allies key forward Jed Walter, who was another to dominate the U18 Championships with his marking and physical frame.

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Who will Harley Reid be playing for in 2024?

Reid's likely destinations are West Coast or North Melbourne in 2024, with Hawthorn also prepared to make a trade for the No.1 pick. 

Finishing in 18th, West Coast is in the box seat to take the 18-year-old with the first selection in the 2023 AFL Draft. 

Eagles recruiters watched with interest as Reid starred against Western Australia in the AFL U18 Championships, but will also have eyes on local star Daniel Curtin. 

North Melbourne could also make a play for the young star, holding a draft hand that could be packaged to West Coast in return for the first pick. 

The Kangaroos would happily pair Reid with young core players Harry Sheezel and George Wardlaw. 

MORE: AFL Injury List 2023

Harley Reid prepared to move to West Coast

A surprising report from AFL journalist Sam McClure in July suggested that Harley Reid preferred not to be drafted to Western Australia. 

However, Reid denied the rumours at the AFL Draft Combine in October, saying he'd never indicated he wouldn't move west. 

“That’s not the case,” Reid told reporters.

“That was a weird one. That never came out of my mouth, so that was a bit unexpected.”

Luke Shuey West Coast
(Getty Images)

The 18-year-old from Tongala has watched on as the No. 1 pick swapped hands throughout the season but remains open to any move. 

“Anything could have happened and anything could still happen, but at the end of the day it doesn’t bother me where I end up,” he said.

“It’s just a huge opportunity to get drafted so you’d be mad to worry about where you go.

"Obviously, wherever I go, wherever it is, like even Melbourne's gonna be a challenge for me to move.

"For 18 years I've been in a small country town and haven't left my family so it'll obviously be challenging even if I move to Melbourne."

What are Harley Reid's career highlights?

Harley Reid big mark for Essendon VFL

Western Australia vs Vic Country:

Carlton VFL vs Brisbane VFL

Harley Reid specky for Bendigo Pioneers

What is Harley Reid's age?

Reid is 18 years old and born on the 17th of May, 2005. He is currently draft-eligible and will finish the season in the Coates Talent League before preparing for the AFL combine and National Draft. 

MORE: AFL Rising Star 2023

What is Harley Reid's height?

At 185cm, you’d be surprised at how high Reid can get. The No.1 prospect has shown his marking ability as both a defender and forward option and will be able to play across multiple positions in the AFL.

Reid is also listed at 85kg and has an impressive frame that will help him develop into a powerful midfielder at AFL level.

Bryn Wakefield

Bryn Wakefield Photo
Bryn is a content producer for Sporting News, covering AFL and Australian Rules Football. Based in Adelaide, South Australia, he has thrived in the passionate sporting city, desperate for ultimate success despite its underdog tag.