For a man who has had more comebacks than Lazarus, THE Sam Reid may well have played his last game at top level in AFL. The GWS Giants announced at the end of the 2021 season that they were delisting Sam along with fellow inaugural Giant Matt Buntine. So this might be it for Sam at least in top level AFL. See his 2021 season profile below for a summary of his AFL career.
Journeyman Sam Reid first began his AFL career in 2008 after being drafted to the Western Bulldogs. He played 10 games for the club before joining the GIANTS as an uncontracted player in 2011. Injuries limited him to 14 games in his two seasons at the club and persistent shoulder issues forced him into retirement at the end of 2013. Reid remained at the club as a Development Coach and captained the NEAFL side. After two years of strong performances in the NEAFL, Reid was placed on the GIANTS’ rookie list ahead of the 2016 season. Reid has taken full advantage of his second chance, playing 66 games across four seasons before a calf injury interrupted his 2020 season.
GWS Giants on Sam J. Reid 2021 profile
The GWS Giants also posted a more comprehensive review of his career on the eve of his 100th game in June 2021 which I encourage you to read here.
I was fortunate enough to get an interview with Sam in June 2012 in that first year of the GWS Giants existence. He was then delisted down to playing with NEAFL and I spoke to him again when he captained the NEAFL side to a grand final. And again when he returned to playing first grade in 2016 I was privileged to get another interview with Sam. Through these contacts I formed a special bond in following Sam through his games.
I think Sam would agree that he is not blessed with an array of natural talents or gifts but he makes the utmost of what he does have married to a whole hearted effort 100% of the time. I am always drawn to following this type of player in preference to the stars who shine with outstanding talents that command our attention. The Giants have a number of these “grafters” like Sam. I would include Harry Perryman and Brent Daniels in this group for instance. Always in the thick of action and making up with determination and courage any deficiency in natural skills.
Sam’s spirit on the field transforms into a generosity off the field where he is continually fund raising for charities, in particular those associated with diabetes research and training. This reflects that he has played his entire career at the Giants while managing type 1 diabetes.
I asked Sam in a text what he intended doing next. He replied with “A bit to play out still, going to take a breather for a few weeks then assess the best option. Looking at transitioning to some sort of coaching but still want to play”. He gained some experience as assistant coach during his NEAFL stint I believe so he could expand on that.
Thank you THE Sam Reid for all the joy you have brought into my life through following you this far. Whatever he turns his hand to next I wish him all the best and will continue to follow his career with interest.
References:
- Sam’s career statistics, click here
- GWS Giants announcement, click here
- My first interview with Sam, click here
- My second interview with Sam, click here
- My third interview with Sam, click here
- Image from Sam’s 2021 player profile on GWS Giants.
The Answer 22Oct21:
A post on Facebook from the Echuca Football Netball Club and confirmed by Sam:
Echuca Football Netball Club
22 October at 08:00 · Echuca Football Netball Club is super excited to announce the signing of Sam Reid for season 2022. Sam will be living and working in Echuca and joins us from the AFL system where he clocked up 108 games with the Western Bulldogs and GWS. Sam joins his brother Ben at Bomber Land and we look forward to watching the Reid boys play together next year.
There it is and Sam will be playing again next year. All your Giants fans wish you luck Sam. And we now find that both Sam Reid’s have a brother called Ben, what a coincidence!!!
29Sep22: Sam celebrating premiership victory with his brother Benjamin https://www.instagram.com/p/CjC2iCmBAkd/?igshid=NmNmNjAwNzg=
Staces Place 