Coach's warning to hot-headed Reid on return

West Coast coach Adam Simpson has admitted star youngster Harley Reid must get used to being tagged each week, as he returns from his two-week ban.

The 19-year-old was handed a two-week suspension for his dangerous sling tackle of St Kilda's Darcy Wilson back in round 13.

A frustrated Reid slung Wilson into the Optus Stadium turf during West Coast's 14-point loss to the Saints

Reid's suspension meant he became ineligible for this year's Rising Star award, which was very likely going to be awarded to the star midfielder, who has taken the game by storm in mere weeks.

Now, as his suspension finally comes to an end, Reid has been warned by his coach, Simpson, that the pressure form opposition is only going to become nmore intense.

Reid was questioned for losing his temper during that match, with Saint Marcus Windhager running an intense tag on him in the second half.

Simpson says he has been preparing Reid for the pressures that will inevitably come once he returns to the big stage.

"Harley's got to get ready for that, whether it's this week, next week, whenever," Simpson said.

"If they give him attention it's something he can learn from, like last time he played.

"We've got to try and find ways to get him into the game, and with his flexibility going forward as well. We can explore that."

But Simpson knows it won't be a quick fix for the youngster, who has only played a handful of games.

He also declared he knows Reid will get frustrated and lash out again.

Simpson doesn't mind, though.

Reid was comforted by teammates post match.

"He's a 19-year-old kid just working his way through it. It'll happen again no doubt, especially if he catches fire like he does sometimes," he said.

"So, we'll keep working through it and next time it happens he'll be better at it."

The Eagles sit in 16th on the ladder with a 3-11 record.

They'll take on Hawthorn at Optus Stadium on Sunday.