STRENGTHS:

+ Contested game
+ Explosiveness
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Strength
+ Versatility
+ X-Factor

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Endurance
- Defensive running

Where to start with Reid's game? Power and strength form the crux of what the 18-year-old does best, with his contested nous as readymade as any draft prospect this year. He is equal parts explosive and competitive, but levels out the pure brawn with clean fundamental skills and decision making in all phases of play.

Though he is capable of starring in each third of the ground, the main thing holding Reid back from being a more permanent midfielder is his running capacity. Endurance, particularly after his injury setbacks this year, has been an area for improvement, and the man himself says being able to run both ways is something he has sought to develop.

Perhaps the other thing which restricts him from full-time midfield minutes is the aforementioned versatility. He was an All-Australian defender last year, but named at full forward in 2023, and as a rover in the Coates Talent League Team of the Year. No matter where he starts, his magnet can be moved to impact in any role the team requires.

But when Reid is employed at the centre bounces, look out. He proved this year he can already match it with senior bodies, so it's no wonder he made dominating more junior opposition look so easy. Reid ran at a 60 per cent contested rate across all competitions in 2023, also averaging seven clearances at representative level.

While excellent as an on-baller, Reid's bread and butter comes together inside attacking 50. He's so natural around goal and an absolute nightmare to defend one-on-one. He booted 100 goals one season as a 14-year-old, and few could forget his three-goal burst to start Vic Country's national carnival - camped out of the goalsquare.

Whether on the lead, holding his ground, or sitting on someone's head, Read's marking prowess is strong and dynamic. His scoreboard impact is also unquestionable having split the sticks in all six of his Talent League games this year, with a highest haul of four. That's not to mention his average seven score involvements per Talent League game.

Reid has the intangibles, too. He offers enormous X-factor and can win matches off his own boot, proving a big game player time and time again. The Vic Country and Bendigo Pioneers captain also enjoys leadership roles, saying it helps him focus more on others and the task at hand, rather than just his own game.

It's clear he has the character to make it at the top level. Many others would have crumbled under the expectations set of Reid this year, or perhaps gotten ahead of themselves. Not this special talent - a down-to-earth, laid back gem of a draft prospect who has lived up to the hype. He's a household name before even hitting the elite level.