The AFL world has been left reeling after reports emerged that St Kilda has tabled a staggering $25 million, 12-year contract for West Coast Eagles young gun Harley Reid. The offer, revealed by AFL legend Tim Watson, has been described as a “Godfather offer” — one so big it would be almost impossible to refuse.
The shock move comes despite Reid not being ranked among the top 100 players in the league. The 19-year-old has played just 39 AFL games since his debut and is widely regarded as a rising star, but such a massive contract is unprecedented for a player so early in their career.
West Coast has already put forward several lucrative offers of its own — including a record-breaking 11-year deal worth over $20 million — but St Kilda’s proposal eclipses anything seen in AFL history.
The man behind the Saints’ bold approach is list manager Stephen Silvagni, known for his aggressive recruiting strategy during his time at Carlton. Back then, Silvagni made headlines for securing high-profile signings on big-money deals, often reshaping club lists in pursuit of premiership contention.
If successful, this signing could redefine AFL contract standards and trigger a major shift in player negotiations across the league. However, it also raises questions about the risks of committing such massive sums to players who are yet to prove themselves at the very top level.
One thing’s for sure — if St Kilda lands Reid, the AFL landscape will never look the same again.
The news has sparked intense debate online. Some fans believe it’s a once-in-a-generation investment that could transform St Kilda’s future:
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