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, two more pseudo firsts followed—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. After a challenging start to his career, plagued by illness and multiple injuries, the young Bomber is finally injury-free and eager to make up for lost time.
Early Struggles and Setbacks
Reid’s real debut came at a rain-soaked Gabba, where he faced Lions star Joe Daniher. Despite feeling unwell, Reid was determined not to miss his first game. “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,” he recalled. That decision, however, led to a severe bout of glandular fever, leaving him bedridden for weeks.
As he recovered, Reid faced another setback—a stress fracture in his back, requiring six months of rehabilitation. This was compounded by the challenges of adapting to an AFL program after the COVID-19 disruptions of his 2020 draft year.
Resilience Amidst Challenges
Reid returned for seven games in 2022, hoping his injury woes were behind him. Unfortunately, a repeat back stress fracture dashed those hopes, sidelining him for the start of the 2023 season. “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.
During this period, Reid learned about the complexities of his physical condition, gaining insights into biomechanics and the development of skeletal systems in tall athletes. He also discovered the importance of resilience, patience, and maintaining a positive outlook.
“I was pick 10, and when you get drafted high, you think it’s all going to go well for you. 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,” he said.
Turning the Corner
Reid’s journey took a positive turn as he focused on building his physical and mental resilience. He explored academic interests, starting a sports science degree before pivoting to property and real estate. Despite the setbacks, Reid never considered giving up. “I was always going to keep backing up, and my parents helped me with that,” he shared.
The young defender faced further challenges in 2023 with hamstring injuries but remained determined. Reid and teammate Jordan Ridley traveled to Qatar’s renowned Aspetar hospital for treatment, returning stronger and more informed about their bodies.
Reid’s Recent Success
Reid’s hard work is paying off. With four consecutive AFL games and solid performances, he is growing in confidence. His standout performance against Mitch Georgiades in round four and a career-best 21 disposals against the Demons highlight his progress. Reid, Ridley, and Ben McKay are forming a formidable backline trio for Essendon.
“In the first two rounds, I missed a few kicks and got a few chopped off because I wasn’t used to the speed of guys closing space down. But it’s the best continuity I’ve had for a while, and it’s been good to have been playing so consistently,” Reid said.
Looking Ahead
As Reid prepares for a memorable match against West Coast, where he will face his younger brother Archer for the first time, he reflects on his journey. “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.
Reid’s resilience and determination have been key to his comeback. With a promising future ahead, he remains focused on proving his worth and fulfilling the potential that saw him drafted as a top-10 pick.
“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,” Reid concluded.
