Sam’s star on the rise |
 ON HIS WAY: Sam Reid was named as an emergency for Sydney last week, and is expected to make his AFL debut before the end of the season. PHOTO: Ebony D'Arcy Bright young gun’s hard work rewarded with AFL debut near Written by SCOTT ANDERSON and ALEX BAIRD. FORMER Bright and Wangaratta Rovers footballer Sam Reid’s development as an AFL player is progressing well, with the 18 year old named as an emergency for the Sydney Swans last weekend. When he was drafted from the Murray Bushrangers with pick 38 in last year’s draft, most experts tipped Reid to be a long term project player, as opposed to an instant success. But hard work on the training track and consistent performances in the Swans’ reserves side have seen Reid reach the verge of promotion to the senior team, and it appears likely he will debut before the end of the year. Since being drafted Reid’s life has changed dramatically, but he has handled the transition well, and said he was rapt to have been listed as an emergency for the Swans. "It’s probably been a bit easier than I thought it would be," Reid said. "Of course it was pretty hard moving up initially but they’re all really good guys up here so they are making it easier. "I was pretty happy with even being named emergency, as I didn’t expect to get that far this year." As much as he is enjoying the ride, Reid said there had been plenty of hard work involved with preparing himself to play in the AFL. "Definitely, going from footy two nights a week to footy all week is a big shock to the system," he said. "Especially the intensity that you train at. "The pre season is probably the hardest thing I’ve done in my life and I didnt even have to do the whole thing. "But I think I’m handling it okay, as I’m fit and healthy and feeling alright going into the end of the year, touch wood." While he has settled into the Sydney lifestyle, Reid said football’s lack of exposure in New South Wales had taken some getting used to. "It’s a fair change," he said. "You don’t realise how AFL-dominant it is in Victoria until you come to somewhere like Sydney where you’re lucky to get a page on AFL in the local paper. "But I do enjoy it – we don’t often get hassled around training and the supporters up here are a lot more tame than in Victoria." While he was drafted as a defender, Reid’s athleticism has allowed him to be used in a number of positions, and he said he remained open to playing anywhere on the ground. "I’m not really sure where I see myself playing and I don’t think the coaches do either," he said. "I’ve played in all positions this year. "I started forward and then moved back and for the last two weeks I’ve been playing in the ruck as a last resort. "I suppose it’s good though, getting a taste of each area of the ground early on." With a host of strong role models at the Swans, Reid said there were a number of players he looks up to, with two time All Australian and club co-captain Craig Bolton a part time mentor. "There’s probably not one individual player I look up to above others, but a lot of the older guys that have been around for a while, guys like Jude Bolton, Brett Kirk, Craig Bolton and Adam Goodes," he said. "Just seeing how hard they work and how much the club means to them. "Craig Bolton helps me out a fair bit with my back line work – each week he watches my tape and lets me know pretty honestly what was good and what needs improving." |
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