Country footy: GWS veteran Sam Reid signs for Echuca in the GVL

A country club has welcomed the “ultimate” recruit after an AFL veteran signed to play alongside his brother in 2022.

Why have one Reid, when you can have two — it’s the mantra Echuca is living by in 2022.

The Goulburn Valley powerhouse has announced the signing of 108-game AFL veteran Sam Reid to land one of the first big blows in the recruiting stakes.

Reid will link up alongside his brother Ben who returned to the club in 2021 and has VFL experience with Geelong.

The 32-year-old’s arrival only strengthens his family’s connection to the area with his father Geoff also a past player.

At the elite level, Reid proved himself as the ultimate team man playing a variety of different roles as desired GWS coach Leon Cameron.

And Echuca co-coach Simon Maddox doesn’t expect that to change when he pulls on the bottle green at Victoria Park.

“Sam is the ultimate utility,” he said.

“It’s going to be a luxury to be able to play him where we need him depending on the situation of the game.

“Some weeks we might be able to start him in the centre square alongside Andrew Walker (Maddox’s co-coach). To have two guys with over 10 years experience in the AFL at the first contest will be a pleasure to watch.

“But Sam’s also big enough to play in a key position for us. We could look at having him out of the goalsquare alongside Ruory Kirkby or across halfback with Cam Valentine.

“It’s a good problem for us to have.”

Sam Reid joins Echuca after leaving GWS. Photo: AFL Photos via Getty Images.

While there is no doubting Reid will help the Murray Bombers re-establish themselves as a premiership contender in 2022, Maddox said his impact off the field will be just as important.

“We don’t just want to sign talented footballers but quality people as well,” he said.

“Sam is the perfect example of that having come from a fantastic family who have a strong connection to our club.”

Reid’s journey at AFL level has been well documented, continuing to survive on one-year contracts and overcome numerous injuries.

He earned his start at the Western Bulldogs in 2008 before moving north to join the Giants for their inaugural year.

Maddox said his experiences would be fantastic for the junior players coming through the club.

“They’ll be able to tap into his knowledge on a nightly basis,” he said.

“Sam is going to be living and working in town which means he will be on the track from the first night of pre-season which is a real bonus for us.

“He’s a fine example of resilience and will be able to show our young guys what they need to do to get the best out of themselves.”

Echuca has been able to retain most of its playing list from this 2021 as it looks for a first premiership since 2002.

Maddox said players from recent under 18s teams would play a strong role in the push.

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