West Coast Eagles supporters are riding a fresh wave of excitement after emerging club superstar Harley Reid executed a cheeky social media reveal of a significant new tattoo, strongly hinting at his long-term commitment to the AFL club.
The Calculated Reveal That Set Social Media Alight
Overnight, Reid posted a video to his Instagram account that, on the surface, appeared to be a simple clip of him making a protein smoothie in his kitchen. The cleverly edited footage first showed the young gun with one sock on. After a cutaway to the blender, the video returned to a wide shot of Reid, now with the sock mysteriously gone and a bold, dark eagle tattoo on his ankle in full view.
The reveal seemed anything but accidental, and eagle-eyed fans were quick to pick up on the body art, sending social media platforms into a frenzy. The tattoo, a mid-length design, features an eagle in mid-flight, rendered with intricate detail on its wings and feathers.
"How good is this," one fan exclaimed on Big Footy. Another added, "This should be bigger news!" The sentiment was echoed on X (formerly Twitter), where a supporter declared, "Yeah, Harley Reid ain't leaving fellas." The discovery even sparked a debate among fans about whether the ink depicted an Australian wedge-tailed eagle or an American bald eagle, with one user noting that the club's mascot, Ricky, is also a bald eagle.
More Than Just Ink: Reid's Busy Pre-Season Build-Up
The tattoo is not the only thing exciting fans about the 20-year-old phenom ahead of the 2026 AFL season. Reid has visibly bulked up during the off-season, signalling his readiness for a potential breakout year. However, his first pre-season session gave the club a minor scare when he pulled out of a fitness test at Lathlain Park and required treatment for a calf issue.
As a precaution, the Eagles have placed Reid on a modified training program this week. He completed light work on the track but was kept out of the main group's full session as he continues his pre-season build-up. It was during photos from this earlier training session that sharp-eyed supporters may have first spotted a hint of the new ink on his leg.
A Sign of Commitment Amidst Constant Speculation
The future of the former No.1 draft pick has been a constant source of speculation since he was drafted by the Eagles in 2023. Despite Reid signing a two-year contract extension in August that commits him to the club until the end of 2028, rumours about a potential move back to his home state of Victoria have persisted.
This latest move, however, is being interpreted by the faithful as a powerful, non-verbal signal that he is invested in the West Coast Eagles for the long haul. The tattoo is sure to elevate his cult-hero status among the club's supporter base.
It's been a busy month for Reid, who also made a surprise beachside appearance in Scarborough earlier this month. He appeared at Scarborough Reserve on Sunset Hill to give away branded towels for Revo Fitness, promoting the gym's new loyalty program and thrilling fans who lined up for photos before the sun had fully risen.
