Dash and dare helped Harley Reid snare the 2024 Goal of the Year prize. Strength and craft might help him earn another one this season.
Two years to the month after the Optus Stadium effort that won him the 2024 nod, where he burned off Melbourne’s Christian Petracca out of the centre square for a stunning major on the run, Reid was at it again at the same venue against Essendon.
Grabbing the ball from a Ryan Maric handpass late in the first half, Reid was unperturbed by the sheer amount of Bombers defenders in the area as he produced a superb effort.
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The Eagles star caused two Essendon players to flinch with a faked shot attempt, shrugged off Zach Reid and Kyle Langford, and snapped truly.
The major sparked scenes of celebration in the Optus Stadium stands and gave West Coast a 20-point lead at the main break in their attempt to overcome the cellar-dwelling Bombers.
Reid celebrates. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos
“Have a look at Harley Reid here… he said, ‘I’m stronger than you, and if you’re not going to put me on the ground, I’m going to make you look silly,” Seven analyst Jobe Watson said.
The goal capped a fine first half from Reid, who racked up 14 disposals and had three clearances to again lead the Eagles midfield.
