Sam McClure has urged North Melbourne to call the bluff of West Coast and their coveted first draft pick, believing that the Eagles will not take Harley Reid with their selection.
West Coast has been firm on keeping the initial selection in this year’s national draft, stating that they will need an eye-catching deal to give it up.
However, McClure interestingly thinks that it may be all an act and they don’t actually plan on taking Reid, who is clearly the top player in the talent pool.
“I just don’t think West Coast will pick him (Reid),” he said on the Tradies podcast.
“I wouldn’t do the deal if I’m North.
“You’ve got two and three, right. Just say (to West Coast) ‘pick him, go on’. Don’t (North Melbourne) want pick one? No, you’re not going to pick him, we don’t want it. We’re going to get him at two.”
The damaging 18-year-old midfielder has previously stated that he is happy to be drafted to any club, however McClure believes West Coast may be remaining cautious given he comes from a small country Victorian town.
“They’re not going to pick him. He doesn’t want to go there,” he said.
“(North Melbourne) don’t need pick one, they’re going to get him at two.
“I’m telling you, they’re not going to pick him.”
Reid however spoke to SEN this morning, refuting any suggestion that he wouldn’t move to Perth.
“If it is West Coast or if it’s North, I’d love to get in there and influence the team to turn them around and be a part of the process that puts them back into finals footy,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“I’d love to be part of a team that is probably not there at the moment and …be part of their process to turn them around (and build) a great, big career.”
The trade period runs until October 18, and the AFL national draft commences on November 20.