Andrew McQualter: With Harley Reid, I Smell the League
Essendon’s new assistant coach, Andrew McQualter, has made a bold statement about the club’s future, pointing to the arrival of highly-touted draft prospect Harley Reid as a key factor in the Bombers’ path to AFL success. McQualter, who joined Essendon’s coaching staff after a successful stint as Richmond’s development coach, believes that Reid’s talents could help propel the team back into the finals in the coming seasons.
Reid, a 2024 AFL draft prospect widely regarded as one of the best young players in years, has attracted attention from multiple clubs, but McQualter sees him as a game-changing acquisition. “I smell the league with him,” McQualter said in a recent interview, referring to Reid’s potential to impact the competition immediately. “He’s the kind of talent that can elevate a team and take us to the next level.”
Known for his maturity and football IQ, Reid has been compared to some of the league’s brightest stars, with many scouts projecting him to be the number one pick in the upcoming draft. His combination of skill, leadership, and composure under pressure has set him apart as a once-in-a-generation player.
For Essendon, adding a player of Reid’s caliber is seen as a crucial piece of the puzzle as they look to build a team capable of competing for the premiership. With McQualter’s guidance, the future looks promising for the Bombers, with Reid expected to play a pivotal role in their rise through the ranks of the AFL.
