Harley Reid is full of optimism despite West Coast’s struggles as he feels a positive shift within the Eagles heading into a new season, the young star has told Triple M.

Reid is hoping to put a tough 2025 behind him as he enters his third AFL season, in high spirits, despite the club facing a daunting rebuild.

Coming off a one-win season, many are tipping West Coast to once again finish at the bottom of the ladder, particularly after a disastrous pre-season loss to Port Adelaide by 73 points.

However, despite the gloomy outlook, the 20-year-old said he’s feeling refreshed and is excited by what he has seen so far as he helped launch the club’s “All The Way West” on 92.9 Triple M.

“It’s been a great summer, I’ve enjoyed everything we’ve done so far this pre-season,” he said.

“I’m super excited for 2026 and to see what it brings. The pre-season and new strategy and some of the new structures we’ve put in place are going to hold us in good stead, and it’s pretty exciting for us.”

While the club is rebuilding from their lowest ebb, Reid said he would not put a lid on what the group can achieve this year, including leaving the door open for finals.

“The girls are coming off playing finals, which was awesome to see, and that’s what we’re striving for this year, and hopefully we can make our supporters proud,” he said.

It’s a sentiment shared by stoppage coach Luke Shuey, who praised Reid for coming back fitter this season.

“It’s been a really fresh change over the last 12 months with Mini coming on board, and such a young list, you feel so much enjoyment in watching these kids grow,” he said.

“We haven’t tasted a lot of success in recent years, but you still find those moments to enjoy.

“Yeah, he’s looking better than last year, he’s got this ability to learn and adopt things really quickly, he’s taken so many big steps forward to live and train to be the best player he can.”

Coach Andrew McQualter said his main focus is building resilience within his group on and off the field to prepare them for when the wheel does turn.

“I think resilience is a really important piece for what we’re going through now,” he said.

“No one wants to go through a season like we did last year, but I think when you look at successful teams from the past, they often went through a tough period, but it’s about building that resilience.”