Zach Reid jokes that it feels like he has had three AFL debuts. The Essendon defender’s actual first game was against Brisbane as a 19-year-old in 2021. However, there were two more pseudo firsts—against Hawthorn in round one last year and again facing the Hawks in round one this year—both after long injury lay-offs. “Each one I’ve been so nervous it’s felt like a first game every time,” Reid told AFL.com.au this week.
That tension is starting to wear off. After the first four years of his career were plagued by various injuries—illness, foot, back, hamstring, and pectoral problems—the young Bomber is now injury-free and eager to make up for lost time. Reid’s real debut came at a rain-soaked Gabba, where he faced Lions star Joe Daniher, who was playing against his former team for the first time. Despite feeling unwell, Reid was determined to hold his spot. “I had what I thought was a cold, but I had been picked for my first game, so I thought ‘I’m not pulling out here’. We flew up there and it was torrential rain and got through the game, but that week went downhill badly,” he said.
Early Career Challenges
Reid’s debut was followed by a diagnosis of glandular fever, keeping him bedridden for weeks. Once he recovered, a stress fracture in his back was discovered, requiring six months of rehabilitation. This was a significant setback for Reid, who had never experienced back issues before. Jumping into an AFL program after the COVID-19 wipeout of his 2020 draft year proved challenging for his body.
Despite managing to return for seven games in his second year, hopes of overcoming his injury problems were dashed when a familiar ache in his back reappeared. “It was in the exact same spot. I’d just done a big, six-month rehab and I felt good. Then to have a recurrence, in the moment it feels like you’ve wasted six months of your career,” he said.
Learning and Resilience
The Bombers searched for solutions, as did Reid. He learned about the danger zone for growing, tall athletes, skeletal systems, and biomechanics. He also learned about resilience, patience, and positivity. “It was definitely challenging. I was pick 10 and when you get drafted high you think it’s all going to go well for you,” he said. “Especially coming off a junior career where I didn’t have injuries, I thought ‘This is going to be good’ and then it hits you and it keeps banking.”
Reid began exploring interests outside of football, starting a sports science degree before switching to a property and real estate course. He admits the repeated back injuries had him questioning his ability to withstand the game’s rigors. “That’s when you start thinking—do I have the body for the AFL? Am I ever going to break through these injury woes and get out there consistently?” he said.
Turning the Tide
The setbacks continued, but Reid approached them differently. He didn’t play a senior game in 2023 due to hamstring injuries, but he remained hopeful. Reid and teammate Jordan Ridley traveled to Qatar to the world-renowned Aspetar orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital in the off-season to address their soft-tissue problems. Both returned stronger and more informed about their bodies.
The time on the sidelines allowed Reid to develop other parts of his game. He studied opposition key defenders closely and was rewatching Harris Andrews’ battle with Sam Darcy before speaking with AFL.com.au at Essendon’s headquarters.
“With four AFL games in a row, plus his two performances in the practice matches, Reid is growing in confidence in Essendon’s backline.”
His performance in halting Mitch Georgiades in round four was excellent, and he gathered a career-best 21 disposals against the Demons last week. He, Ridley, and Ben McKay are finally getting games together as a deep backs trio.
Looking Forward
Reid credits his parents and brothers for their support during the hardest times. Friday’s clash against West Coast will be memorable, as it will be the first time Reid and his younger brother Archer play on the same field, albeit as opponents. “He’s enjoying it in Perth. I think he’s holding his own pretty well,” Reid said.
Reid was one of the Bombers’ three consecutive top 10 picks in 2020, behind Nik Cox and Archie Perkins. While Cox and Perkins have played numerous games, this week will mark Reid’s 14th appearance in his fifth season. “I feel like I’ve accepted it now. I would love to have played 80 games like Arch, but everyone has their own journey,” he said.
As Reid looks ahead, he remains optimistic about his future. “I’m still 23, I’ve got a lot of future in me, so I’m excited for that. I’ve moved on and accepted what’s happened in the last four years but I’m keen to get after it.”
