GREATER Western Sydney Giant and former Caloundra Panther Sam Reid is finally reaching his potential, his former coach says.
Scott Hedley blooded Reid, selecting him to make his senior debut for the Panthers at age 16.
Now 24, Reid has battled injury since being selected as the 35th pick of the 2007 AFL draft, playing only 10 games for the Western Bulldogs between 2008-11.
Picked up by Greater Western Sydney at the end of the 2011 season as an uncontracted player, Reid has again been limited by injury and played just nine games in the past three seasons.
This season has been his best to date, with Reid stringing together four games and raising the hopes of his former coach.
"It's been disappointing for him with all the injuries that he's had, which has made it awkward for him," Hedley said. "With a few games on the trot now he's starting to show what he's made of, because he's always had all the weapons needed to excel in the AFL.
"Now his body's right, he's able to cover a lot more ground and can now handle the rigors of AFL football."
Under the tutelage of four-time premiership-winning coach Kevin Sheedy, Reid is making the most of his time with the master.
With Reid's short-term deal running out at the end of this season, the pressure is on to perform.
Hedley said he had no doubt Reid could build a successful AFL career as long as he stayed on the paddock.
"There's no doubt he's relishing his time with Sheedy and there's probably no one better to learn from," Hedley said.
"On top of that there's assistant coaches Leon Cameron and Luke Power, who are sensational as well.
"He needs to perform and he knows that, but if he plays to the potential I know he can, I think he'll be all right."
>> SAM REID
- Selected as the 35th pick of the 2007 AFL Draft
- Limited by injury to just 10 games for the Western Bulldogs
- Has played nine games for Greater Western Sydney
- Is off contract at the end of the 2013 season
Written by Anthony Brand for The Sunshine Coast Daily
http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/news/former-caloundra-player-takes-giant-steps-at-gws/1861221/
Last Modified on 26/06/2013 12:46