Harley Reid’s ‘Rage Mode’ Sparks Controversy as Calls for Role Change Intensify

Harley Reid’s aggressive on-field antics have once again made headlines, with former West Coast Eagles coach Adam Simpson admitting the young star “can’t help himself” when it comes to physical confrontations. The fiery 19-year-old found himself in hot water during Sunday’s Western Derby against Fremantle, engaging in multiple scuffles that reignited debate about his playing style and discipline.

A Week in the Spotlight

Reid had already drawn significant media attention in the days leading up to the match. His infamous off-the-ball altercation against Brisbane in Round 2, which saw him fined $1,000 for flipping off a fan at the Gabba, had many questioning his composure. But instead of staying out of trouble, the highly touted youngster once again found himself at the center of controversy, engaging in heated clashes with Fremantle star Caleb Serong in both the second and fourth quarters of Sunday’s match.

“He lost his mind here,” Herald Sun chief footy writer Jay Clark said on First Crack, reacting to the footage of Reid wrestling Serong to the ground after an exchange of words.

Calls for a Role Change

With Reid’s aggressive tendencies becoming a growing concern, some experts believe it may be time for a shift in his role within the team. Dual-premiership player David King voiced strong opinions about Reid’s current midfield responsibilities, stating that the young gun is simply not fit enough to handle extended minutes in the middle.

“He just can’t go as a midfielder,” King said. “He doesn’t have the tank; he’s not fit enough to represent the minutes that he’s getting in the midfield at the moment.”

King suggested that Reid should be trialed in a deep forward position, where his explosive talent could still make an impact without putting him at constant risk of disciplinary issues.

A Mixed Performance on the Field

Despite the controversy, Reid still managed to deliver a solid performance in the Derby, collecting 15 disposals, three marks, a goal, and three tackles while covering 382 meters gained. However, his overall season statistics have shown a decline compared to his rookie campaign. Through three games in 2025, Reid is averaging 14.0 disposals and 2.7 clearances per game—down from 18.5 and 5.0 in his debut season.

Simpson’s Warning: ‘It’s in Him’

Reid’s latest antics also drew comments from his former coach, Adam Simpson, who expressed frustration but admitted that controlling the teenager’s competitive nature would be an ongoing challenge.

“This incident here, I’m not quite sure it’s necessary,” Simpson said on Fox Footy, referring to Reid’s scuffle with Serong. “This is the stuff that is discussed throughout the week. He doesn’t need to do that.”

Simpson acknowledged that Serong may have exaggerated the contact but reiterated that Reid needs to be more disciplined.

“You speak to Harley about this, and we have last year and this year no doubt. It’s just going to take a lot to break it. It’s in him,” Simpson said.

When asked whether Reid was truly listening to the advice being given, Simpson responded, “He’s trying to listen. The competitive instinct, the eyes go into rage mode. There will be a time where it’s totally unacceptable. Right now, he’s trying to get better.”

What’s Next for Reid?

As the West Coast Eagles look ahead to Round 4, all eyes will remain on Harley Reid. His talent is undeniable, but his ability to control his emotions on the field remains a significant question mark. With experts calling for a role change and his team needing a more focused approach from their young star, the next few weeks could be crucial in determining how the club handles his development.

Will the Eagles persist with him in the midfield, or will they heed the calls to move him forward to maximize his strengths while minimizing his volatility? One thing is for sure—Harley Reid’s playing style will continue to be one of the AFL’s biggest talking points in 2025.