Neale: Time to lay off Harley Reid

Brisbane captain Lachie Neale has urged the footy media to lay off highly-scrutinised West Coast teenager Harley Reid.

Reid has been a focus of much of the footy world to start the 2025 season after getting into spats with opposition players and fans as well as giving away seven free kicks in the Round 2 loss to the Lions.

While the 19-year-old has still shown signs of the brilliance that he offered in his first season in 2024, the criticism around his antics has grown louder in his second campaign.

Neale, who experienced playing in Perth with Fremantle, just wants to see the former No. 1 pick enjoy his footy with the outside distractions potentially taking away from that joy factor.

“I’ve seen a lot of commentary around him … I think people need to lay off him a bit and let him play footy,” the Lions co-captain and former Fremantle midfielder said.

“He’s a young man trying to find his way in a difficult environment, especially in Perth.

“I just want to see the kid play some good footy and enjoy himself, and at the moment, it probably seems like he’s not, and a lot of that has to do with the distractions outside.”

While Neale didn’t notice much of Reid’s agitation at the Gabba on Sunday, he added that he doesn’t blame the teenager for his behaviour as he tries to find his way at the top level with just 22 AFL games under his belt.

“He’s a 19-year-old kid that’s trying to find his way … I don’t really blame him for the way he’s acting at the moment,” Neale said.

“I’m sure he’s got good people around him that’ll help. I just want to see that kid do really well, and hopefully, we see the best of him in a West Coast jumper.”

Reid will hope for a better showing when the Eagles face the Dockers in the Western Derby at Optus Stadium on Sunday.