West Coast Eagles Star Elliot Yeo Promises to Defend Harley Reid Against North Melbourne's Plans
West Coast Eagles veteran Elliot Yeo has issued a strong warning that the team is ready to rally around and protect young sensation Harley Reid, following comments from North Melbourne coach Alastair Clarkson about targeting the emerging star. Clarkson described Reid as "a real igniter" for the Eagles and indicated that second-year midfielder Finn O'Sullivan might be tasked with curtailing his influence in their upcoming match.
Clarkson's Strategy and Yeo's Response
Alastair Clarkson, the North Melbourne coach, highlighted Reid's pivotal role in the Eagles' lineup, stating, "That's certainly an option for us (sending O'Sullivan to Reid). He (Reid) is... a real igniter for their side, so whether it's Finn or someone else that goes to him, we'll just have to work that out." This declaration has sparked a firm response from the West Coast camp.
Elliot Yeo, a seasoned midfielder for the Eagles, emphasized the team's unity and readiness to support Reid. "You want to stand up for your teammates. It's not just me, I think the whole team will get behind him, rally behind him, and try to help him as much as we can," Yeo said. He acknowledged that Reid, as a talented player, is likely to face increased attention from opponents, but assured that collective efforts would be made to mitigate this.
Reid's Rising Profile and Challenges
Harley Reid, at just 20 years old, has already become a focal point for opposition teams since early in his career. Last year, he stepped up as the Eagles' primary midfielder in only his second season, a role that was compounded by Yeo's absence due to a serious ankle injury in 2025. Yeo, who has been a key mentor for Reid, reflected on the young player's development, noting that handling tags will improve with experience.
"His ceiling and potential are massive, and I think everyone does, but he's still young. He's still learning the game and still trying to adjust to it as well," Yeo commented. He added that in a few years, Reid would benefit from "copping it a bit" as part of his growth, predicting that the experience would shape him into an even more formidable player.
Upcoming Match and Team Dynamics
The clash against North Melbourne at Optus Stadium presents a crucial opportunity for the West Coast Eagles to break a 14-game losing streak. After a disappointing 59-point loss to Gold Coast in their season opener, the Eagles enter as underdogs at $2.50, while North Melbourne, fresh off a surprise victory over Port Adelaide, are favored at $1.50.
Yeo dismissed suggestions of added pressure for this match, despite external views labeling it as winnable for the reigning wooden spooners. "It's no different in terms of pressure. Every game's winnable, so all games are high-pressure games at the end of the day," he stated, underscoring the team's focus on performance regardless of expectations.
Looking Ahead
As the Eagles prepare for this pivotal encounter, Yeo expressed optimism about Reid's future and his own role in supporting the young star. "I am still hoping I will be around playing footy by then and I can see him doing his thing with the best tickets in the house — on field — but even though in a couple of years' time, if I'm not playing watching him play, it will be pretty cool," he said, highlighting the long-term potential and camaraderie within the team.
