It’s not every day that the West Coast Eagles have to make such a decision. Nor is it just another day in the field for Harley Reid. He’s been flying with the Eagles since 2023 when he was their No. 1 draft pick, and is now at a career juncture. The 2026 season is coming in fast, and his contract is at the end, so discussions about his future have naturally intensified. The Eagles, on one end, do not wish to lose their star and rising talent and are offering multiple lucrative offers for Reid.

Rival Victorian clubs are looking to sweeten the deal with anything from $18 to $20 million on the line, over the next ten years, aiming to bring back Harley Raid to his home state. Will homesickness prevail, or has Reid grown fond of his new home? Time will tell, as 2026 draws closer, but there is some material to work with now. This situation places both Reid and the Eagles in a delicate position, balancing financial considerations with long-term team strategies.

Embed from Getty Images

Fans on both ends are speculating and already making plans. Whichever team has him at the start of the next league will have reasons to celebrate. Teammates, fans, and bettors are thus full of enthusiasm, already picturing big plays for the young star. The team with the upper hand can certainly change their odds at the leaderboard, and bettors with the special latest promo codes can benefit from sign-up bonuses, cashback, risk-free bonus bets, and boosted odds while cheering for their team, even if Reid makes a decision they are not happy with. Whatever happens, 2026 is shaping up to be an exciting year for players, bettors, and fans.

The Eagles opened their hand with a five-year extension contract, which is shaping to be the most lucrative one in the club’s history, setting a precedent and making new history. Should that pass, Reid will stay until 2031, which will certainly clear many headaches for the Eagles. And they have their headaches, as they seek rule clarity from a recent match. Annually, he would earn anything between $1.6 and $1.8 million, and should he even choose to extend this period, the number can go up to $2 million. But Reed is still measuring his options, looking for what’s best for his future.

Reid is aware that his potential departure has attracted interest from several Victorian clubs, including Essendon, Geelong, Hawthorn, and Richmond, who could become Hobart’s team. Clubs are all bidding for him and are proposing sweet, lucrative and enticing offers, in the hope of luring Reid to them. Essendon has been linked to Reid due to their available salary cap space and two first-round draft picks. 

But Reid is smart and is taking his time. For him, there is plenty of time till 2026, and nothing is set in stone. He’s willing to listen and evaluate, which is a valid tactic as the numbers can only go up from here. Reid’s agent has indicated that there is no rush to extend beyond his initial three-year deal at the Eagles, despite settling in well throughout his first season in Western Australia.

But what does this leave the Eagles with? They must make a final decision in the coming months, and the clock is relentlessly ticking. To keep him, they must make much or offer more, but can they dig that deep? If they fail, it could be a costly departure. Ultimately, Reid will be the one who will certainly make AFL headlines once he signs the papers. For whom, time will tell.