West Coast fans show their support to emerging prospect by performing X-rated gesture during the Western Derby

West Coast fans show their support to emerging prospect by performing X-rated gesture during the Western Derby West Coast Eagles suffered defeat by their rivals Fremantle on Sunday afternoon Eagles fans raised their middle fingers in support of midfielder Harley Reid Reid copped a $1,000 fine this week from the AFL for making a lewd gesture By ED CARRUTHERS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA Published: 07:54 EDT, 30 March 2025 | Updated: 07:54 EDT, 30 March 2025 e-mail View comments West Coast Eagles fans have thrown their support behind underfire midfielder Harley Reid, with many fans raising their middle fingers in the ninth minute of their side's clash against Fremantle on Sunday. Even with a new coach at the helm and several new additions to the squad, the Eagles are still struggling to find their feet, with the West Coast suffering a 10.8 (68) 15.

16 (106) defeat by rivals Fremantle on Sunday afternoon. Reid, meanwhile, has been the subject of much criticism in recent weeks for his performances but on Sunday the midfielder enjoyed a much better performance than his two previous outings. The pressure is on the 19-year-old, being the No 1 pick in the 2023 AFL Draft.



Plenty of speculation has revolved around him making a switch back to Victoria in recent weeks, with Essendon great James Hird predicting that Reid won't stay at the Eagles for much longer. Reid has also found himself under scrutiny by the AFL for flipping his middle finger up at Brisbane Lions fans following the Eagles defeat at the Gabba last week. Reid copped a $1,000 fine for the incident after being taunted by fans, one of which offered him a packet of tissues.

West Coast Eagles fans showed their support for under-fire star Harley Reid on Sunday by raising their middle fingers on the ninth minute of their clash vs Fremantle Reid copped criticism for showing his middle finger to Lions fans during the Eagles defeat by Brisbane last week In response, some West Coast fans had planned to get behind the 19-year-old on-baller, who wears the number nine jumper, by holding up their middle fingers during the ninth minute of the match. And during the game, a large proportion of fans inside the Western Derby 'flipped the bird' towards the pitch in support of the young defender. Reid, meanwhile, had also poked fun at the AFL by changing his Instagram display picture to an image of Eagles great Ben Cousins showing the middle finger to a camera.

Andrew McQualter, meanwhile, had no issue with Reid's lewd gesture and has come in to bat for the youngster, as too has one big worldwide brand. 'It's fascinating to see it (the intense scrutiny), because I've never seen a 19-year-old in this scenario,' McQualter said. 'But he's got a really strong support network around him.

He's a balanced, humble kid, and he's been good. 'He's doing OK. He's preparing to play and be another great teammate this week.

' On the middle finger, he added: 'We don't condone Harley's actions. It's not ideal, that part of it. But fans inside the Optus showed their middle fingers on Sunday in support of Reid who copped a $1,000 fine for the lewd gesture It came as the Eagles were beaten by the Dockers, succumbing to their third loss of the season Read More Footy fans plan rude protest in support of young gun Harley Reid after his middle-finger scandal 'But we know how good a person Harley is, and we're putting some really good support plans around him and ensuring that he's going to be a great teammate for many years to come.

' Puma have also signed the footy star on a new bumper contract, which is in fact their longest-ever deal for a local talent. This week, Reid re-signed with the company agreeing on a huge six-year deal. West Coast now will be hoping they can hang on to their star talent, with speculation rife that he could be set to fly the nest to a Victorian club.

West Coast Eagles Brisbane Lions Share or comment on this article: West Coast fans show their support to emerging prospect by performing X-rated gesture during the Western Derby e-mail Add comment Comments 0 Share what you think No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. Add your comment Enter your comment By posting your comment you agree to our house rules .

Submit Comment Clear Close Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. No Yes Close Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual We will automatically post your comment and a link to the news story to your Facebook timeline at the same time it is posted on MailOnline. To do this we will link your MailOnline account with your Facebook account.

We’ll ask you to confirm this for your first post to Facebook. You can choose on each post whether you would like it to be posted to Facebook. Your details from Facebook will be used to provide you with tailored content, marketing and ads in line with our Privacy Policy .

.