Andrew McQualter seeking clarification from the AFL umpiring department on how his rising superstar is officiated appears to have paid dividends.
After Harley Reid gave away four controversial free kicks in a western derby defeat to Fremantle last weekend, the West Coast coach said he had “the right conversations with the right people” at the league ahead of Sunday’s clash with Richmond.
And the combative on-baller, who is comfortably the AFL’s most penalised player so far this season, immediately appeared to be looked upon in a more favourable light by the whistle-blowers.
Reid won six free kicks — mostly for high tackles — before copping his first penalty for being caught holding the ball midway through the second term against the Tigers.
While he did not have another whistle blown in his favour throughout the remainder of his side’s eventual nine-point defeat, he was penalised only once more in the second half.
McQualter said the midfield bull had earned each of his free kicks.
“It’s the way Harley attacks the ball, attacks the contest. He puts himself in those positions,” he said.
“I thought Harley was terrific again.”
Last month, The West Australian revealed Reid had comfortably been involved in more free kick decisions than any player in recorded league history through their first 55 appearances at the top level.
In the Eagles’ flattening loss to the lowly Tigers at the MCG, the brilliant 20-year-old was comfortably their best performer, with his 34 disposals including nine clearances and his metres-gained figure of 658 the best of any player on the ground.
McQualter said Reid was in the midst of a “massive season”.
“I think he maybe had 14 contested (possessions) at half-time,” he said.
“He’s doing a terrific job for us, and we’ve got to keep supporting him with the right people and helping him carry the load.”
Without being prompted in his post-match press conference, Richmond coach Adem Yze said Reid’s development had set the example for the Tigers’ younger contingent of talent, including the player who succeeded him as the No.1 pick in the national draft Sam Lalor.
“Harley Reid’s played 50-odd games. We understand what some of our young, high-talented players will become — Sammy’s in his 18th game, and Taj Hotton and Sam Cumming, they’re all similar,” Yze said.
“Harley Reid’s had 35 possessions today and kicked three points. We’re just scratching the surface with Sammy and a lot of our high talent, we’ve just got to get them out there for longer.”