Up the Grades: Reid runs rampant in new colours
LEADING AFL Draft prospect Harley Reid turned out for his sixth team this year over the weekend, donning the sash in Essendon’s VFL loss to Southport on Saturday. Reid gathered 24 disposals and seven marks through the Bombers’ midfield, taking the field alongside current and former AFL talent.
The 18-year-old previously linked with Carlton for two games at the level, adding to his representation of the Bendigo Pioneers, Vic Country, AFL Academy, and local club Tongala. Without their captain, the Pioneers fell to a 66-point Talent League defeat on the same day.
Highlighting the star utility’s latest outing was a soaring speccy on the wing which was swiftly clipped up and did the rounds on social media. It was a mere minor glimpse into Reid’s exploits, as he continues to firm as the nation’s best junior in 2023.
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HARLEY REID WITH A HUGE LAUNCH ?
— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) August 5, 2023
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Fellow All Australian Caiden Cleary continued his run for Sydney’s VFL outfit, this time notching up a personal best 22 disposals as his side beat GWS by 78 points in Blacktown. Fellow Swans Academy member Lachlan Cabor made his debut, managing 11 touches and a goal.
Over-agers Indhi Kirk (13 disposals) and Tye Gander (11 disposals, one goal) also featured for the victors alongside top-ager Max Rider, while Allies teammate to all of the above, Dayne Posthuma (11 disposals, four tackles) ran out for the Giants.
Elsewhere in the VFL, Sandringham product Tarkyn O’Leary swapped his Dragons jersey for a Zebras one in his maiden game. The crafty wingman and Vic Metro representative snared a great goal from the boundary in his side’s 99-point thumping of the Northern Bullants.
WHAT A GOAL!! Unreal goal on your debut Tarkyn O’Leary ?
— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) August 6, 2023
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Top 10 talent Daniel Curtin was yet another prospect to earn a senior berth over the weekend. The West Australian standout pieced together 21 touches and four marks, but couldn’t quite help Claremont get over the line against East Fremantle.
Meanwhile, state teammate Clay Hall continued to go about his business for Peel Thunder. The midfielder managed 16 disposals, playing with Fremantle-listed talent against some on West Coast’s list in a 98-point victory.
Down in the reserves, two more state squad members squared off as South Fremantle beat Swan Districts by five points. Ashton Ferreira (17 disposals, five marks) again suited up for the Bulldogs, while Luke Kelly (20 disposals, four marks, four tackles) did so for the Swans.
There were Devils aplenty in the TSL this week, headlined by a Launceston quartet who helped the Blues to a 10-goal win over Jack Callinan‘s Clarence. Thomas Beaumont was named among the victors’ best players, while Colby McKercher, Arie Schoenmaker, and James Leake also featured.
Bottom-aged midfielder Connor Ling was another standout in Round 17, adjudged Glenorchy’s best in a loss to North Hobart. Up in Queensland, Suns Academy member Nick Williams earned best afield honours as Surfers Paradise edged past Morningside by a single point.
There was no SANFL action this week, with the competition set to return on August 12 across the League, Reserves and Under 18 grades. Only three more regular season rounds remain in South Australia, as most competitions around the nation begin to draw to exciting conclusions.
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Up the Grades: Reid runs rampant in new colours
LEADING AFL Draft prospect Harley Reid turned out for his sixth team this year over the weekend, donning the sash in Essendon’s VFL loss to Southport on Saturday. Reid gathered 24 disposals and seven marks through the Bombers’ midfield, taking the field alongside current and former AFL talent. The 18-year-old previously linked with Carlton for […]
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