The Player - From nervous beginnings at full forward, Reid has emerged in recent years as one of the finest centre half backs in the land. Made steady progress under Gavin Brown and Paul Licuria in the VFL over his first three years before stamping his authority on the AFL in 2010. His aerial work is a delight to watch as he regularly chops off opposition entries into attack. Possesses a lethal left foot and can change the flow of play with some pinpoint passing at half back. Was below his best in the 2011 Grand Final but enters 2012 as one of the most accomplished big men in the game.
2011
Improved on his remarkable 2010 with an outstanding 24 game season, winning All-Australian selection (at centre half back) for the first time at age 22. Averaged 15.4 disposals and 6.7 marks per game to finish seventh in the Copeland Trophy. Played in the NAB Cup premiership side in the pre-season, and kicked his first goal in over two years against the Hawks in round 15 when he gathered 31 disposals. Went into the Grand Final under an injury cloud, and lowered his colours to Tom Hawkins on the day.
2010
A breakout season in every sense of the word. Played only one of the first four games but was reintroduced to the side along with fellow 2006 draftees Nathan Brown and Chris Dawes on Anzac Day and never looked back. Made rapid improvement and by mid-season had established himself as a fixture in the senior side at centre half back.
Received an AFL Rising Star nomination for his 22 disposals and nine marks in the draw with Melbourne on the Queen’s Birthday, and was regularly plucking seven or more marks per game. A quad injury sidelined him for two weeks late in the home and away season, but he returned to enjoy a fine September.
Beat Justin Koschitzke in the drawn Grand Final and was on track to repeat the dose the following week until he broke his leg in the shadows of half time. Made it back onto the field late in the game, and felt no pain that night as he celebrated his part in the club’s 15th premiership. Received one vote in the NAB AFL Rising Star Award in September.
2009
Reid began his third season in the seniors, but was omitted after the unexpected loss to the Crows in round one and only reappeared once more when Carlton restricted the Pies to only seven goals in round eight. Was named to play the following week, but withdrew with illness meaning he was confined to the VFL for the rest of the year.
Named as an emergency for eight matches, illustrating how close he was to a regular senior berth. Dominated the VFL competition from centre half back, developing a penchant for intercepting opposition inside 50ms, and setting up the play with his renowned left boot. Named in the best in nine of his 20 VFL matches.
2008
Could only manage three games owing to injury and opportunity. His season was most memorable for his stuttering approach when lining up for goal against Carlton in round 12. He missed 11 matches through injury, and was named as an emergency five times.
Reid’s career underwent a sizeable change in the final round of the VFL season against the Casey Scorpions at Princes Park, when VFL coach Gavin Brown moved him to centre half back as he returned from a broken foot. Reid looked comfortable in defence, and it laid the groundwork for his future success.
2007
Was the youngest player in the AFL (18 years, 2 months) when he made his debut against Hawthorn in round 13. It was amid an injury crisis for the club when several youngsters seized their chance.
Reid impressed early against Hawthorn but was dropped a fortnight later. He made a brief appearance in round 22 as a late inclusion for Sean Rusling, but was omitted for the finals. Played 16 games for Williamstown in the VFL, and was twice an emergency.
2006
Played for the Murray Bushrangers U18s in the TAC Cup as a bottom-age player. Represented Australia against Ireland while playing for the Academy in the U17 International Rules Series. Was drafted to Collingwood with pick 8 in the National Draft – the selection the Magpies received from Fremantle in exchange for Chris Tarrant.
2005
Was a member of the AIS-AFL Academy intake.
Debut
Round 13 2007 v Hawthorn at Docklands Stadium.
Milestones
- 50th Game - Round 23 2011 v Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.
Draft History
2006 AFL Draft 1st round selection (Collingwood) No. 8 overall.
