Is Reid worth $2m a year at Essendon?

Could Harley Reid be the man to turn Essendon around?

Kane Cornes thinks he can, but the SEN host remains unconvinced that the West Coast star is worth $2 million a season plus two top 10 picks.

There has been relentless speculation about the No. 1 draft pick’s future and whether he might look for an exit from the struggling Eagles after just two of his three-year deal.

A host of Victorian clubs – including the Bombers, Geelong, Hawthorn and Richmond - have been linked with Reid, but Cornes believes he will see out his current contract before heading back home.

“You would think there is a risk that he leaves but it won’t be at the end of this year,” Cornes said on SEN’s Crunch Time.

“If you’re the Eagles you’re saying even if you want to go we’re not letting you.

“He can help (a struggling team) and he can bring another couple of players with him.

“Say Essendon right now. They’ve got salary cap room.

“If they fixed up injury stuff and drafted well and recruited well then he’s the kind of player that would really help the Bombers. But do you want to give him $2m?

“I’m not as convinced as (Luke) Hodge that he’s going to be the best player in the AFL.

"Are you prepped to give up two top 10 picks and $2m a year for Harley Reid? You can’t give 10% of your cap to one player.

“Would I be shocked if he was a Jordan De Goey? Good career but no way reached the potential.”

While Cornes played down just how good Reid could be, Hodge has no doubt the 20-year-old will be inundated with offers and eventually return to Victoria on a $20m 10-year deal.

“Country boys generally want to go home,” Hodge said. “Going over the other side of Australia I think there’s a big drawcard to get back.

“One of these big clubs will offer him a $20m for 10 years. They won’t get what they want at the start but for the rest of the contract he will be the best player in the AFL.”

Hodge also moved to issue a warning to West Coast regarding Reid and the total lack of protection on offer to their star.

Not for the first time this season, Reid found himself at the centre of a number of scuffles in his side’s 59-point defeat to the Giants last night.

“Teams are going after him because no one is looking after him,” Hodge said.

“If I went after Daicos, Maynard is coming after me.

“West Coast – who is looking after Harley Reid?

“Teams are targeting him because it gets him off his game and no one is standing up for him.

“If I’m coming up against West Coast I’m targeting him.”