AFL Academy coach Tarkyn Lockyer has provided an update on Harley Reid after the potential No. 1 Draft pick was concussed in Saturday’s exhibition clash against Carlton’s VFL side.
While the Academy won 86-82, they were made to work to beat their more senior opponents that included the likes of Jack Martin, Lochie O’Brien and Lachie Fogarty without Reid who left the field in the third term after copping a head knock.
Lockyer says the support the side’s medical staff offered Reid was terrific as the draft prospect enters concussion protocols.
“Harley copped a little bit of a head knock,” Lockyer told SEN’s Footy Fallout.
“It was midway through the third quarter of yesterday’s (Saturday’s) game.
“It’s really fortunate for us, Harley and his family that our medical and wellbeing team did an amazing job in supporting him and the family.
“They were with him in the rooms moments after the incident.
“Harley was fine, he ended up coming up to the bench, he copped a bit of a knock to the jaw.
“He’ll go into concussion protocols like any other player and will be well supported with that.
“But the support we put around him was terrific and certainly for the family I’m sure they were put at ease.”
While Reid failed his concussion test and didn’t return to play on Saturday, Lockyer says he’s spoken to the teenager since who is now in a good place.
“I spoke to him today and he’s feeling really good,” Lockyer said.
“Obviously, he took it pretty easy last night (Saturday), he actually went home, he left camp and went home with his family.
“He was in a really good place.
“It’s unfortunate for him because he was playing a great game, he’s obviously putting together a really good front-half of the year.
“There’s a lot of hype around Harley, but he’s going really well, and we’re pleased with how he’s going this year.”
While Reid has long been touted as the best player in this year’s draft, Lockyer says the Tongala product is humble and understands that he has a long way to go before joining the AFL system.
“Harley is a really down to earth kid,” Lockyer said.
“He’s from a small country town called Tongala, what he has to do to travel to Bendigo to perform every week is a real credit to him and his family.
“As such, he’s a really humble young man, really respectful and also really mindful that he’s on a journey like any other player.
“He’s under no illusions, he’s doing some really cool things, but he’s still got a long way to go until he’s ready for AFL footy.
“We know that every player that participates in the talent pathway, the gap between underage football and what the AFL is asking is significant.
“He’s working towards that and between the Bendigo Pioneers, Vic Country and myself, we’re all on the same page and we’re all talking and Harley really buying in that we’ve got the same message for him every time.
“But we feel like he’s in a really good place and clearly he’s building a good campaign.”
While some have compared the youngster to the likes of Richmond superstar Dustin Martin, Lockyer refused to compare Reid to any current players.
“What the footy fans want to hear and what the public want to hear are comparisons,” Lockyer said.
“But for Harley, he is unique, he’s his own man and some of the traits that you see with the power, speed and contest work he does, you can compare that to some of the great players around the competition.
“But he’s his own unique personality, so he’ll be different.
“Wherever he’s lucky to end up, I’m sure he’s going to acquit himself really well.”
Many are calling this Sunday’s clash between Hawthorn and West Coast the ‘Harley Reid Cup’ with the loser set to sit on the bottom of the ladder.
At the end of the season, whichever side finishes 18th will take pick one into the National Draft, provided they haven’t traded the future selection.