West Coast Phenom Harley Reid Turns to Dustin Martin for Elite Guidance
Emerging AFL superstar Harley Reid has revealed he is seeking advice from Richmond legend Dustin Martin as he prepares to take his game to the next level. The 20-year-old West Coast Eagles player spoke exclusively about how he hopes the three-time Norm Smith Medallist can help him break through barriers to reach his full potential.
Building on Career Best Form
"I feel the best I have ever in my career," Reid declared with confidence. "Body-wise, I think I've learned a lot about my body and I know my body a lot more now. I can test it."
The young midfielder explained that last summer's more relaxed approach at home in Victoria required him to play catch-up with his fitness preparations. This pre-season has seen a different approach, with Reid knuckling down in Perth with renewed focus on his diet and training regimen.
Focusing on Professional Development
"Feels like the time's bloody flown going into my third year this year but I think it's just more the little things, how to become the best person and the best player I possibly can," Reid reflected. "It's probably more along the lines of professionalism off field."
The mentorship opportunity arose when Reid was invited to dinner with Martin and premiership Tigers turned Eagles Liam Baker and Jack Graham by coach Andrew McQualter, who previously worked at Richmond.
Starstruck Moment with an AFL Great
Even the confident young star admitted to feeling starstruck during the encounter. "Said to the boys after, I was like, I never really get starstruck or nothing. I was sitting there a bit nervous," Reid confessed. "I was a bit in the middle of 'Fridge' and Bakes thinking, oh shit, what's going to happen here?"
Despite initial nerves, Reid found the experience incredibly valuable. "It was actually very good for me. I thought I learned a lot in a small amount of time. And yeah, he's just an all-around top bloke."
Developing a Master-Apprentice Relationship
The meeting has blossomed into a new mentorship between the master and apprentice of the fend-off, with Reid having already mastered Martin's trademark move. "He sent me a message after it to reach out any time I'd like, so I respect that a lot and, yeah, I'll probably use it when I need to," Reid revealed.
While Martin remains famously unflappable on field, Reid admits he's focused on avoiding being distracted by opponents during games. "Obviously it was a big learning for me and trying to work out things to keep my head in the game and not go elsewhere," he explained.
"All the boys back me in and I respect that and I'll do my best to stay in the game and in the moment for the boys."
