West Coast coach Adam Simpson has defended The West Australian’s coverage of star draftee Harley Reid.

Reid has featured prominently in the media since being drafted to the West Australia giants with the No.1 pick in November, including a run of 11 straight back pages across the pre-season.

Speaking to AFL360 on Monday after the Eagles’ defeat at the hands of GWS in their home opener, a candid Simpson said while the extensive coverage on the 18-year-old added pressure, he thought The West only wanted the youngster to succeed in blue and gold.

“I don’t think it’s malicious or anything with The West Australian in particular, who use his image a lot. I think they really want him to succeed,“ Simpson said.

“And I think they do get the fact he’s only 18, but they needed someone to put up in lights, and at the moment, they’re using him.

“The only person I can connect Harley to is probably Nic Nat, and the attention (he received) that’s in the public eye as well.

“We all think he’s pretty resilient, and he’s okay, but it’s another level. So, dealing with expectations is something he’s handled. I think he’s managing it okay. We can’t control it, so all we can do is support him the best we can.”

Reid has seemingly lived up to the hype through his first two games, winning 16 disposals against Port Adelaide on debut before whipping Eagles fans into a frenzy on Sunday with an electrifying run down the outer wing, brushing aside and dummying opponents.

He ended the match against the Giants with 17 disposals and four tackles.