It’s back where Ben belongs
Season turns around as Echuca import switches to defence role
GEELONG VFL defender Ben Reid says he has even surprised himself how far he has come in his debut season.
The Murray Bushrangers product was lured from Echuca after winning the club’s bestand-fairest last year and donning Goulburn Valley and Victoria Country guernseys in representative footy.
Reid battled to find his feet in the opening six weeks of the season, but coach Shane O’Bree maintained the faith, and when a hole opened up in defence, the 24-year-old grabbed it with both hands.
“I think I got a chance, it might have been when Tom Ruggles went down with his shoulder against Richmond earlier in the year,” Reid said.
“I played all my footy last year down back and obviously I’m a lot more familiar playing in the backline, so I just went down back and found my feet down there. It’s been a good second half of the year.
“I’ve probably surprised myself, coming down here and playing every game so far. It’s been good.”
Back-to-back mentions as Geelong’s best player came off his ability to beat his opponent one on one, take marks and provide run from the backline.
Reid has also grown through opportunities to play on the ball.
“Shane O’Bree has thrown me in there a few times just to mix it up a bit and get a different mix in there with a bit of speed and footwork around the ball, so that’s been good for my development, I suppose,” he said.
“I obviously believe in myself that I can play a high standard of footy in the VFL. It took a little bit longer than I would have liked at the start, but once I got going and got a lot more familiar with the structure and my teammates, that’s helped a lot.”
Reid is close to his brother Sam, who found himself on GWS’s list on the back of hard work and determination. Sam’s AFL career started at the Bulldogs in 2008 before he joined the Giants as an uncontracted player in 2011.
Injuries forced him into early retirement in 2013, but after two strong seasons in the NEAFL, Reid earned a rookie spot in 2016 and was elevated to the senior list this year.
It gives his younger brother hope an AFL lifeline can be thrown his way at any stage.
“I definitely think I’ve got something to offer at a higher level,” he said.
“I’ve just got to make sure I keep working hard in the VFL and doing the right things, and hopefully keep my form up, and then you never know if you get an opportunity.
“We’re pretty close, we’re pretty much best mates, me and Sam. I talk to him every day; he’s been good for my footy and I help him out where I can as well.”
While Sam won’t be making the trek down with the Giants tomorrow as he returns from injury, Ben will take a keen interest in Geelong’s home game.
The Cats’ VFL side meets Essendon on Sunday at Simonds Stadium.