We all know the story - 4 years at the Dogs for 10 games - thrown in at the last minute, even though we already had Cal Ward, as an extra uncontracted player, and 14 winless games in two years with the basket-case us. A role as a development coach and captain of the NEAFL side for two years before his body and form allowed him to knock on the door - and be let back in by a club never afraid to do things a bit differently.
9 years to get to 50 games.
Since his comeback (which has included being delisted and relisted twice), he has played 6, 13 then 21 games, becoming more and more integral to the team structure. Nothing flashy only averaging 11 disposals per game in each of the three years - albeit with rising efficiency 57%, 64% and 71%.
This year though, he has taken his game to a whole new level. He’s averaging 16 at 81% efficiency. He has a range of career best stats and he seems to have found an extra yard of speed from somewhere. A fine wine, he is just getting better with age.
About the only stat he’s down on is tackles, and that may change if he gets moved into Matt DeBoer’s tagging role - he’s the logical choice given some of the jobs he’s done in the past.
But when ‘they’ say we’re stacked with top end talent and walk-up-starters just shake your head and say ‘yep, just like Sam Reid’
9 years to 50 - the way he’s traveling now though, it won’t take nearly as long for the next 50.
9 years to get to 50 games.
Since his comeback (which has included being delisted and relisted twice), he has played 6, 13 then 21 games, becoming more and more integral to the team structure. Nothing flashy only averaging 11 disposals per game in each of the three years - albeit with rising efficiency 57%, 64% and 71%.
This year though, he has taken his game to a whole new level. He’s averaging 16 at 81% efficiency. He has a range of career best stats and he seems to have found an extra yard of speed from somewhere. A fine wine, he is just getting better with age.
About the only stat he’s down on is tackles, and that may change if he gets moved into Matt DeBoer’s tagging role - he’s the logical choice given some of the jobs he’s done in the past.
But when ‘they’ say we’re stacked with top end talent and walk-up-starters just shake your head and say ‘yep, just like Sam Reid’
9 years to 50 - the way he’s traveling now though, it won’t take nearly as long for the next 50.
