West Coast Eagles' rising star Harley Reid has revealed how he's learned from his training mistakes during his first AFL pre-season, turning potential setbacks into valuable lessons that have shaped his explosive start to the 2024 season.
The young gun, who has taken the competition by storm with his powerful performances, confessed that his approach last summer wasn't quite up to the professional standards required at AFL level. "I probably didn't do everything perfectly last pre-season," Reid admitted with refreshing honesty.
Learning the Hard Way
Reid's candid reflection highlights the steep learning curve faced by even the most talented draftees when transitioning to elite football. "There were times when I'd rock up to training and maybe not have eaten properly beforehand," he revealed, acknowledging the importance of professional preparation.
The 19-year-old explained how small oversights in recovery and nutrition during his first summer ultimately taught him valuable lessons about what it takes to perform consistently at the highest level.
The Turning Point
Rather than dwelling on his early missteps, Reid has used them as motivation to transform his approach entirely. "This pre-season, I've been much more focused on the one-percenters," he said, referring to the small details that separate good players from great ones.
His renewed commitment has shown in his electrifying performances, with Reid quickly becoming one of the most talked-about players in the competition. His ability to break tackles, create opportunities, and impact games has Eagles fans buzzing with excitement.
Eagles Environment Fosters Growth
Reid credited the supportive environment at West Coast for helping him develop both on and off the field. The club's experienced leadership group and coaching staff have played a crucial role in his rapid development.
"The boys and the coaching staff have been awesome in helping me understand what it takes," Reid said. "It's not just about turning up to training; it's about how you prepare, how you recover, and how you look after your body day in, day out."
Bright Future Ahead
With his newfound understanding of professional standards and his undeniable raw talent, Reid appears poised for a breakout season. His ability to learn from early mistakes and adapt quickly demonstrates a maturity beyond his years.
"I feel like I'm in a much better place now physically and mentally," Reid stated, suggesting that Eagles fans have only seen the beginning of what he can bring to the game.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on this young sensation to see how far his refined approach and incredible talent can take both himself and the West Coast Eagles in their 2024 campaign.
