What do you do when you are touted as the potential number one pick in this year’s AFL draft and you have the weekend off?
You spend your Saturday running water for your local club, of course.
That is exactly what Harley Reid did last weekend at Tongala, carrying the water bottles for the Blues in their clash against Cobram.
Former Riverine Herald journalist Andrew Johnston snapped a picture of Reid carrying out the deed at Tongala Recreation Reserve last Saturday afternoon.
Reid is widely regarded as the top talent set to enter into next year’s draft and is favoured to be selected with the number one pick.
He has starred for Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League in 2023, and was impressive for the AFL Academy during the Gather Round in Adelaide earlier this month.
The 18-year-old showcased his class with a supreme performance against the Magpies in South Australia, collecting 21 disposals, six marks, seven clearances and a goal in the 13-point defeat.
A proud Tongala boy, Reid has been unable to suit up for his beloved Blues this season, and with such a big year on the cards it seems unlikely he will be able to.
But despite that, Reid has been a presence on the sidelines for several Tongala games.
“I’m trying my best (to catch a game) when I can,” Reid said.