'He can't help himself': Reid's ex-coach makes admission after tough Derby outing
Fremantle star Caleb Serong has entered the record books, joining club great Paul Hasleby with four Glendinning–Allan Medals in a fiery match against West Coast where he was involved in a brawl with Harley Reid.
It comes as the Dockers got their season back on track, comfortably handling rivals West Coast in the 60th western derby 15.16. (105) to 10.8 (68).
Serong has now won Glendinning–Allan medals in four consecutive years, something that has never been accomplished before. Notably, West Coast champion Chris Judd holds the record for most consecutive medals, winning three in a row.
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The Freo star found 35 disposals and won 10 clearances, but did most of the damage in the first half while the game was alive.
Caleb Serong wins his fourth medal for best afield in a Derby. Twitter
The Dockers desperately needed the result after starting the season with consecutive losses, and controlled the game after quarter time.
Injury was added to insult for West Coast however, with star key defender Jeremy McGovern suffering a groin injury. The injury, plus the earlier decision to sub out Harry Edwards, left young star Reid playing in defence to close out the contest.
While Reid spent some of his time as a junior in defence, it would be his first exposure down back at AFL level, even finding himself on Freo key forward Jye Amiss at points.
He attacked aggressively off half back and even had a shot at goal, while also being caught out of position on a Freo transition goal late in the piece.
His former coach Adam Simpson said they initially wished for him to play down back in 2024, but he ultimately played mostly on-ball.
"Harley going down back was the original thought last year to get him more of the ball," Simpson told Fox Footy.
"Right now he's trying to get better and for the most part today has been pretty good."
The frustration clearly got to the 19-year-old late in the game, shoving Serong to the ground and starting a scrap in the final minutes.
"Serong took a dive, but that's really not necessary," Simpson added.
"You speak to Harley about this and we did last year and it's just going to take a while to break (the habit). It's just in him. His competitive instinct, his eyes just go into rage mode and right now he's just trying to get better and I think for the most part today has been pretty good, but one or two things pop up and he can't help himself."
Harley Reid of the Eagles wrestles with Caleb Serong of the Dockers during their round three AFL match Getty
Fremantle great Matthew Pavlich added on the broadcast: "I don't know why he does it".
"He's got a lot to learn."
Serong was coy on the incident after the match, but confirmed it did come a bit out of the blue.
The former number one draft pick took a nice hanger and kicked a goal in the third quarter, but was otherwise relatively quiet.
West Coast has another incredibly tough task next weekend when they travel east to take on GWS, while Fremantle hosts the Western Bulldogs next Sunday night.
