Zach Reid jokes that it feels like he has had three AFL debuts. The Essendon defender’s official first game was against Brisbane as a 19-year-old in 2021. However, two more pseudo debuts followed—against Hawthorn in round one last year and again facing the Hawks in round one this year—both after lengthy 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 marred 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.
Early Challenges and Setbacks
Reid’s real debut took place 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 play. “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 recalled.
It turned out to be glandular fever, leaving him bedridden for weeks and requiring additional time to recover. Just as he began to regain his form, a stress fracture in his back sidelined him for six months. The diagnosis was a harsh blow, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his draft year in 2020.
Learning and Adapting
Reid managed to return for seven games in 2022, raising hopes that his injury woes were behind him. However, a repeat back stress fracture dashed those hopes, forcing him to miss Essendon’s pre-season and the start of the 2023 campaign. “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,” Reid said.
“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?”
Reid’s journey involved learning about his body, resilience, and mental strength. He explored various medical and biomechanical concepts and realized the importance of diversifying his interests beyond football. He dabbled in university courses, initially pursuing sports science before switching to property and real estate.
Overcoming Mental Hurdles
Despite the setbacks, Reid’s determination never wavered. “I definitely had those thoughts. But I don’t think I ever really considered properly, deep down, that I would ever give it up. That’s just not in me to do that. I was always going to keep backing up and my parents helped me with that,” he said.
Reid’s resilience was tested again when he faced hamstring injuries in 2023, leading to further mental battles. He hoped to overcome these challenges before the 2024 season, only to suffer a pectoral muscle tear. Yet, he found solace in the fact that it was a one-off incident.
Reid and teammate Jordan Ridley traveled to Qatar to the Aspetar orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital, gaining valuable insights into their bodies and returning stronger.
Building Confidence and Form
The time on the sidelines allowed Reid to study opposition key defenders closely, enhancing his game. His efforts are paying off, with consistent performances in Essendon’s backline. Reid’s performance against Mitch Georgiades and a career-best 21 disposals against the Demons highlight his growing confidence.
“It’s the best continuity I’ve had for a while and it’s been good to have been playing so consistently. Hopefully, I can have a consistent year and prove what everyone thought when I got picked at 10.”
A Family Affair
Reid’s journey has been supported by his family, who have been there through the toughest times. The upcoming clash against West Coast holds special significance as it will be the first time Reid and his younger brother Archer, who plays for the Eagles, will face each other on the field.
“He’s enjoying it in Perth. I think he’s holding his own pretty well,” Reid said. “It’ll be funny this week and it’ll be good for my parents, who have been over in Perth all week already after they were in Adelaide.”
As Reid reflects on his career, he acknowledges the unique path he’s traveled. “I feel like I’ve accepted it now. I would love to have played 80 games like Arch, but everyone has their own journey and are on their own path and I’ve built up a lot of resilience over the past four years that will hold me in good stead for the rest of my life,” he said.
“And 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.”
