‘Serious shift’: Big hint on Harley’s future; Blues open to shock offers for stars — Trade Whispers

A “serious shift” in Harley Reid could signal his plans amid ongoing conjecture around the former No. 1 pick’s future.

Plus even Blues insiders are tipping Tom De Koning to leave... but could other big names follow him out the door?

Stay up to date with the latest player movement developments with Trade Whispers!

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Lyon gives reality check to Hawks squad | 03:44

‘SERIOUS SHIFT’ COULD SIGNAL HARLEY’S PLANS

A “serious shift” in Harley Reid’s attitude at West Coast could mean it’s more likely the former No. 1 draft pick remains an Eagle.

There’s been suggestions Reid, who’s contracted for 2026, could explore a move back to Victoria at season’s end as several clubs from his home state circle the 20-year old.

It comes after AFL Media’s Callum Twomey reported earlier this year the Eagles have tabled multiple contract options to Reid in a bid to retain the young gun.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 01: Harley Reid of the Eagles celebrates a goal during the round 12 AFL match between West Coast Eagles and Geelong Cats at Optus Stadium, on June 01, 2025, in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

“Very good judges at West Coast tell me in the last four to six weeks, there’s been a serious shift in Harley Reid’s attitude, his investment and his engagement around the club,” AFL journalist Tom Morris said on SEN Breakfast.

“Whether this means that he wants to stay long term or stay even for next year remains to be seen. But what the Eagles realised that Harley Reid had a lot of voices in his ear and a lot of people telling him and giving him advice, so they’ve really narrowed that.

“He’s only got sort of two or three people now at the club, he’s got a fitness guy called Paul Turk, Andrew McQualter and one or two others talking to him. It’s really helped him.

“I’m told that he has had a serious shift in his engagement at the club in the last few weeks.”

As such, Morris expects Reid to remain an Eagle in 2026.

“I think it’s leaning more towards that he’ll be there next year,” Morris continued.

“But clubs are still on high alert, so they still feel like there’s a chance. Beyond that, who knows.”

‘NO ONE’ EXPECTS TDK TO STAY A BLUE... AND COULD MORE STARS LEAVE?

“No one” at Carlton thinks Tom De Koning will remain at Ikon Park at 2026... and more big names could follow the star ruckman out the door as “agent of change” Graham Wright prepares to take over as Blues CEO.

AFL journalist Damian Barrett has revealed Wright, who’s expected to take over from Brian Cook as early as July, is prepared to shake things up at Carlton and could be willing to listen to trade offers for Colemen medallists Charlie Curnow and Harry McKay.

Wright made bold list calls at Hawthorn at Collingwood as part of premiership success at both clubs.

It included Wright orchestrating the removal of long-time Magpies coach Nathan Buckley and appointment of Craig McRae, as well as the salary-clearing Brodie Grundy trade.

While free agent De Koming’s future is the hottest topic at Carlton from a list management perspective as he weighs up a move to St Kilda, there could yet be more moves on the horizon.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 29: Charlie Curnow of the Blues celebrates a goal with teammate Harry McKay during the 2024 AFL Round 03 match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Carlton Blues at Marvel Stadium on March 29, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

“We know the Tom De Koning issue has simmered and played out all year, and there’s no one at the club who thinks he’s staying at this stage,” Barrett told Nine’s Footy Classified.

“They’ve got some big name players on big contracts. I’ve got no doubt, in fact I know, that if a club was to come to the Carlton footy club and Graham Wright with a feasible offer for some of those names, he will engage.

“Curnow and McKay, there’s two Coleman medallists there on big contracts.

“Don’t waste his time. If you want to put a proposal to them with three (or) two first-round draft picks, do it. The conversation can be had and I would imagine will be had.

“We know what Graham Wright did at Collingwood.”

Curnow (2029) and McKay (2030), who have struggled to coexist in the same forward line at times, are contracted at the Blues long-term on big-money deals.

Curnow last week played down suggestions his future at the Blues could be uncertain when Wright takes over as club chief.

“It’s all above my pay grade to be honest,” Curnow said.

“I try to separate myself from the football department and do my job. I pretty much leave that to Graham Wright, I am not going to tell him what to do am I?”

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