AFL Draft 2024: Top prospect Finn O’Sullivan says he’s open to joining ex-teammate Harley Reid at West Coast

Top draft prospect Finn O’Sullivan says he’s open to a move to West Coast and will reach out to No.1 pick Harley Reid to chat about a potential reunion. O’Sullivan is considered one of the best midfielders in the upcoming draft and is every chance to have his name called out first by Richmond who hold this year’s top pick. If he does slip past the Tigers and North Melbourne it could open up a chance for the Eagles – who currently hold pick No.3 – to swoop and grab the Vic Country midfielder. A second cousin of former No.1 draftee Sam Walsh, O’Sullivan said he would be open to heading west if the Eagles drafted him to play alongside Reid who were teammates at Vic Country last year. “We’ve talked a bit about it (moving West) but nothing’s really certain in the draft. He (Reid) loves it I think moving over there and there Vic Country boys I think it’d be a great opportunity to go over there because there is already six or seven boys over there so I’d love it,” O’Sullivan said on joining Reid in WA. “I haven’t got his number, but I might have to give him a call I think. I’ve got him on Snapchat so I might send him a text message.” O’Sullivan is viewed as a ready-made AFL prospect having already made his VFL debut for Richmond, kicking two goals from 12 touches against Sandringham in round 20. The teenage midfielder is in contention alongside Brisbane father-son Levi Ashcroft, Dandenong Stingrays’ Harvey Langford and Oakleigh Chargers’ Jagga Smith as the best talent in this year’s pool. O’Sullivan had an injury-hit 2024 season because of a broken thumb and fractured fingers, but is considered a strong prospect because of his over-head marking as well as elite skills. It comes after he was named in the Under-18 All-Australian team last year despite being a bottom-ager, playing three games, including a stellar performance in a win over Western Australia. The Eagles could also see drafting O’Sullivan as a shrewd move to create an environment around Reid that takes the edge off any lure for the rising star to return to his home state, as they did by bringing in his mate Jason Gilbee to play WAFL.