Hawks Coach Sam Mitchell Dismisses Trade Rumours Surrounding Harley Reid Following Tom Barrass’s Wedding Snapshot

Could Hawthorn be in the perfect position to pounce on the highly sought-after No.1 draft pick, Harley Reid?

After a photo of the West Coast young gun sitting next to Hawks coach Sam Mitchell at a wedding went viral, discussions could very well be underway.

Reid, who will turn 20 this year, made quite an impression in his debut season for the Eagles, playing 20 matches and showcasing a flair that has drawn comparisons to Richmond great Dustin Martin.

The wedding of former West Coast player Tom Barrass last weekend has become a significant topic of discussion, mainly due to the photograph depicting Reid and Mitchell sharing a laugh together.

However, the Hawks coach has been quick to dismiss any notions that he was trying to lure the teenager, stating that their chat revolved around his own experience at the Eagles, where he featured in 22 games during a single season in 2017.

“I understand that a lot of attention has been drawn to the Harley Reid photo, but there were numerous West Coast players in attendance, including many I’ve played and coached alongside, and I spent a lot of time with them,” Mitchell stated to AFL.com.au.

“The scrutiny Harley faces in Perth is quite challenging for him. There could have been plenty of photos of me alongside Jeremy McGovern, Dom Sheed, Tom Cole, Jamie Cripps, or anyone else.”

“It’s the constant focus on Harley that makes it particularly tough.”

Mitchell also refuted claims that he was exclusively seated next to Reid, asserting that he mingled throughout the evening, spending more time with fellow Eagles players.

“We had a mixed group and, as is typical at weddings, I moved around and chatted with various attendees,” he continued. “I did spend some time with Harley, but I don’t know him well. I certainly mingled more with other West Coast Eagles players.”

Reid, a Victorian by birth, mentioned that his birthday celebrations last season in Perth at the age of 19 were the “worst”, as he was away from home and family.

“I missed my sister’s birthday and mine as well. I spent it alone,” he reflected in May.

“It was probably the worst birthday ever.”

He has already attracted interest from Essendon and was linked to his childhood club, Geelong, but the Hawks appear to be frontrunners should any club attempt to lure him back to Victoria.

Hawthorn legend and Mitchell’s former premiership captain, Luke Hodge, believes any Victorian club that fails to pursue the midfielder would be “mad”.

“Harley is a kid from Victoria… if any Victorian clubs aren’t making an effort, they’re crazy,” Hodge stated to The West Australian.

“Once he gets his fitness up, grasps the game and gains some experience, he’s going to be one of those dominant players for a decade or more.”

Hodge dismissed the idea that the Hawks coach, who guided his young team to a semi-final last season, would have considered poaching Reid during Barrass’ wedding.

“I don’t believe ‘Mitch’ (Sam Mitchell) would have broached anything with him at the wedding,” he remarked.

“However, if Hawthorn doesn’t act in the next 12 months, I think every Victorian club will.”

Barrass was traded to the Hawks, which saw the Eagles receive their first, second, and third-round picks in 2025.