Pup Reid to debut against Crows

[bornadog]

By Ben Broad
4:37 PM Thu 28 August, 2008

WESTERN Bulldogs youngster Sam Reid thought his hopes of making his AFL debut this season were dashed.

He knew his name was in the mix after another polished display for Williamstown in the VFL last weekend, but wasn’t entirely sure whether it would be good enough to see him elevated.

Especially with senior coach Rodney Eade wanting to get his squad in order on the eve of the finals.

"He said I was brought up in match committee but it was very unlikely that I’d play and then he rang me Tuesday and said I was playing," Reid told westernbulldogs.com.au on Thursday afternoon.

"I just sort of said, 'Yeah, sweet' … I was rapt."

The 18-year-old is somewhat of a surprise inclusion for Saturday's clash with the Adelaide Crows at AAMI Stadium.

The hard-at-it midfielder, the 35th pick in last year's NAB AFL Draft, has finally earned a chance to impress at the top level and will replace Callan Ward.

Reid's father Jeff and younger brother Ben will make the trip from Caloundra, Queensland while an uncle will travel from Cairns to watch the newest Bulldog take his first steps on an AFL field.

But Reid hoped his family wouldn't have to come so far to watch him make his debut.

"My goal was to play the game against Brisbane up there (in round 20)," he said.

"[I’m] obviously from up there, so that was my goal but I had a few setbacks … so I’m pretty happy to get a game as late as it is."

And while some may doubt the chances of a first-gamer retaining his spot for a qualifying final the following week, Eade reveals Reid isn't in this week's 22 to make up numbers or give regulars a breather.

"There's no doubt that he's in consideration for the final as well," Eade said.

"It’s certainly a great opportunity for him.

"If he gives us what we think he’s got to offer and if he delivers that on the day … he brings a harder edge for a younger guy, so if he can bring that it’ll give him a good chance of playing the next week."

Eade said Reid – who could be likened to a young Daniel Cross, although slightly taller – deserved his place in the Bulldogs’ senior line-up after several impressive performances in the midfield for Williamstown.

He can expect a similar role against the Crows this weekend.

"No doubt he’ll play in the centre square at times, on a wing and he can play back as well," Eade said.

"So he’s got a few strings to his bow."

[Cyberdoggie]

Like Daniel Cross?

hmm not what really comes to mind when I see him play apart from they are both fit looking and tough.


Perhaps if you morphed Cross, Southern, Hahn together you might get a Sam Reid.

[Mantis]

Simon Black perhaps?

No that is Easton Wood.

I have seen Reid play on a couple of occassions. His courage is amazing, absolutely no fear. His running abilities need to improve a little, but I can see him acquitting himself pretty well this week.

[Sedat]

Perhaps if you morphed Cross, Southern, Hahn together you might get a Sam Reid.

Like the sound of that.

[Bulldog Revolution]

Eade said Reid – who could be likened to a young Daniel Cross, although slightly taller – deserved his place in the Bulldogs’ senior line-up after several impressive performances in the midfield for Williamstown.

It's a fair wrap isn't it?

Great news for the boy Reid

[bornadog]

It's a fair wrap isn't it?

Great news for the boy Reid

I watched him against Frankston when Willy were down by a few goals at 3/4 time. They threw him in the centre and he managed several clearances, resulting in some quick goals. He did show glimpses of talent and obviously has done well in the second half of the season.

Great to see another Queensland boy doing well.

[bornadog]

The Age

Bulldog pup Reid in frame for AFL finals
August 28, 2008 - 7:28PM



Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade says Queensland teenager Sam Reid could be a surprise part of the club's AFL finals campaign after being handed an unexpected debut.

The 18-year-old midfielder was named to play against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday, despite being told by Eade earlier in the week not to expect a call-up.

"He said I was brought up in match committee but it was very unlikely that I'd play, then he rang me Tuesday and said I was playing," Reid told the club's website.

"I just sort of said, 'Yeah, sweet,' I was rapt."

Eade was attracted by the youngster's hard-at-it approach, a quality that could see him retain his spot for the following weekend's qualifying final against Hawthorn, despite his inexperience.
"There's no doubt that he's in consideration for the final as well, it's certainly a great opportunity for him," the coach said.

"If he gives us what we think he's got to offer and if he delivers that on the day, he brings a harder edge for a younger guy, so if he can bring that it'll give him a good chance of playing the next week."

Eade said Reid would spend time in the midfield, but could also be used in defence if needed.

Reid, from Caloundra, was picked up by the `Dogs at No.35 in last year's national draft.

The Bulldogs also regained classy defender Lindsay Gilbee from injury for the Crows clash, with Callan Ward and Andrejs Everitt the players dropped.

[bornadog]

Eade was attracted by the youngster's hard-at-it approach, a quality that could see him retain his spot for the following weekend's qualifying final against Hawthorn, despite his inexperience.


If he gives us what we think he's got to offer and if he delivers that on the day, he brings a harder edge for a younger guy, so if he can bring that it'll give him a good chance of playing the next week.

.

I find these comments unbelievable, I am in shock.

[Ozza]

I'm pretty surprised by this inclusion. I'm actually a bit concerned with what the hell might be going on with the dogs at the minute actually!!!

The hard training 6-7 weeks out from finals didn't work for Adelaide in 2006 - in fact it pretty much derailed their year, we've picked up some injuries, and now there is an inexplicable selection of a first gamer in round 22 when we play the most important finals game in 10 years the following week.

Just crossing my fingers that Rocket and the rest know exactly what they're doing!

[bornadog]

I'm pretty surprised by this inclusion. I'm actually a bit concerned with what the hell might be going on with the dogs at the minute actually!!!

The hard training 6-7 weeks out from finals didn't work for Adelaide in 2006 - in fact it pretty much derailed their year, we've picked up some injuries, and now there is an inexplicable selection of a first gamer in round 22 when we play the most important finals game in 10 years the following week.

Just crossing my fingers that Rocket and the rest know exactly what they're doing!

This has been a big year for the dogs, lets hope we don't blow it completely. A GF appearance should be the minimum aim.

[Mantis]

I am not worried about the selecetion of Reid. He has played well at Willi and here is his chance to see how the 'big boys' play.

I am bemused by the fact that our backline looks totally under-sized. As poor as Everitt, Tiller and Wight have been this year IMO the simple facts are that one of them has to play next week.

[Sedat]

I am bemused by the fact that our backline looks totally under-sized. As poor as Everitt, Tiller and Wight have been this year IMO the simple facts are that one of them has to play next week.

A trip to Adelaide will add nothing that isn't already known about these 3. One of them can easily slot back into the senior team against Hawthorn if match-ups demand it. I like the idea of another midfielder coming in and making other midfielders nervous for their position in the senior team.

[Desipura]

I had an inkling early in the week that Reid might get a game. Crossy was interviewed last weekend and was asked which other players keep up with him and Westy preseason....to my surprise he mentioned Reidy having a big engine

[Go_Dogs]

Yes, interesting selection. Heard the rumor yesterday, but wasn't too sure what to make of it. Hopefully he can become a 200 gamer, that way I'll be able to say I was at his debut game!

[bornadog]

Yes, interesting selection. Heard the rumor yesterday, but wasn't too sure what to make of it. Hopefully he can become a 200 gamer, that way I'll be able to say I was at his debut game!

Enjoy the rare game you see. Will you make the trip to Melbourne for the finals?