West Coast coach Andrew McQualter has urged AFL pundits not to "bash the theatre out of the game" after second-year star Harley Reid again found himself in the thick of it against Brisbane.
The marquee teenager wore criticism for his antics and lack of influence in a heavy loss to Gold Coast last week and was a natural target in Sunday's 19-point defeat to Brisbane at the Gabba.
Reid finished with 15 disposals, seven tackles and six clearances but gave away seven free kicks as the visitors kicked the first five goals but were run down in the final term.
He had an altercation with Brisbane veteran Dayne Zorko and then, in the final quarter, playfully showed his middle finger to the crowd after one patron had thrust a packet of tissues towards him when he was sent sprawling to the turf.
Oscar McInerney's hit on Reid resulted in a downfield free kick that led to a goal.
"There's a fair bit of commentary about Harley all the time, so last week was not necessarily different," McQualter said of the 19-year-old.
"We try and bash the theatre out of this game, don't we?
"He's just having a bit of fun and sometimes that's good for the game, I think."
The Eagles showed great resolve to win the early contests after being dominated in that area against the Suns a week ago, with McQualter crediting Reid for playing his part.
"His response today, he played the right way," he said.
"Competed hard. He kept competing and had some big influence on the game at different times.
"He's still learning the game ... and we're going to support him."
