IN the build up to football eventually returning, Draft Central takes a look at some of this year’s brightest names who have already represented their state at Under 17 or Under 18s level in 2019. While plenty can change between now and then, we will provide a bit of an insight into players, how they performed at pre-season testing, and some of our scouting notes on them from last year.

Next under the microscope in our AFL Draft watch is Gippsland Power’s Zach Reid, a mobile key position utility who possesses great skills for a 202cm prospect. Having been tried up either end of the ground and in the ruck over 15 NAB League games last year, Reid looks arguably most comfortable in defence; where he is able to utilise his vertical leap and shrewd reading of the game to make an impact aerially, while also rebounding with aplomb.

The raw, tall draft hopeful could well come into first round contention if he delivers on his potential in 2020, with all the attributes to stand out from the crowd as a key position option. He should again be a mainstay in Gippsland’s side amid the shortened NAB League season, and be a lock for Vic Country’s Under 18 National Championships campaign.

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PLAYER PAGE:

Zach Reid
Gippsland Power/Vic Country

DOB: March 2, 2002

Height: 202cm
Weight: 82kg

Position: Key Position Utility

Strengths: Versatility, overhead/intercept marking, skills, vertical leap
Improvements: Strength, raw

NAB League stats: 15 games | 11.1 disposals | 3.9 marks | 2.0 tackles | 2.4 hitouts | 1.6 rebound 50s | 0.1 goals (1)

>> Q&A: Zach Reid

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PRESEASON TESTING RESULTS:

Standing Vertical Jump – 62cm
Running Vertical Jump (R/L) – 82cm/86cm
Speed (20m) – 3.17 seconds
Agility – 8.69 seconds
Endurance (Yo-yo) – 20.6

>> Full Testing Results:
Jumps
20m Sprint
Agility
Yo-yo

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2019 SCOUTING NOTES:

Under 17 Futures All Stars

By: Michael Alvaro

While he spent a bit of time in the ruck, Reid’s best work is arguably always done down back and he proved that again here. He was composed with ball in hand and dished off to his runners well, while also kicking capably on the last line. He capped his game with a strong pack mark in the third term and got involved well in Team Brown’s rebounding efforts.

NAB League Round 12 vs. Geelong

By: Peter Williams

The unlikeliest of heroes found himself kicking the winning goal from 25m out in the dying moments of the match. The consistent full-back went forward late in the game to be a point of difference, and he was certainly that, taking a terrific one-on-one grab straight in front, out-bodying his opponent. He slotted it and teammates came from everywhere to celebrate. In the first three quarters he was his usual unflappable self in defence, using good hands and composure when in the back 50, laying some strong tackles, including one goal-saving one on Oliver Henry in the back pocket.

NAB League Round 8 vs. GWV

By: Peter Williams

Used the ball well in defence and was strong overhead. He seemed to move well around the ground but at times was a tad slow to react and was tackled a couple of times, forcing him to rush his disposal. Reid showed off a nice long, technically sound kick and showed good body work on his opponent one-on-one deep in defence.

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>> MORE GIPPSLAND POWER CONTENT

>> 2020 Vic Country U18s Squad Prediction

>> CATCH UP ON OUR DRAFT WATCH SERIES

Allies:
Tahj Abberley
Jackson Callow
Braeden Campbell
Oliver Davis
Errol Gulden

South Australia:
Kaine Baldwin
Bailey Chamberlain
Corey Durdin
Luke Edwards
Taj Schofield
Riley Thilthorpe

Vic Country:
Sam Berry
Jack Ginnivan
Elijah Hollands
Nick Stevens
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan

Vic Metro:
Jackson Cardillo
Nikolas Cox
Connor Downie
Finlay Macrae
Reef McInnes
Archie Perkins
Will Phillips

Western Australia:
Denver Grainger-Barras
Logan McDonald
Nathan O’Driscoll
Brandon Walker
Joel Western