Dyson Heppell backs Zach Reid to overcome injury troubles and be a key part of Essendon’s defence

The Bombers have been searching for more key back support for Ben McKay and Jordan Ridley. One Essendon great says an injury-plagued high draft pick will be the man to chip in.

Zach Reid has struggled to stay on the park. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Injury-prone defender Zach Reid has been backed to be a key part in Essendon’s backline “for years to come” by former skipper Dyson Heppell.

The 202cm Bomber has played just nine times since being drafted at No. 10 in 2020, having been besieged by hamstring, back and pectoral injuries.

He played in round 1 this year only to rip a hamstring and not appear at senior level again.

Reid didn’t play any AFL games in 2023 after seven the year before.

But the 22-year-old has been fit through pre-season so far and the Bombers have always rated his talent as elite.

Reid has not been able to play consistently for Essendon. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Essendon has been searching for more key back support for Ben McKay and Jordan Ridley, having brought in delisted defender Kaine Baldwin and VFL hopeful Will Hoare to train in the hopes of landing a summer signing spot, after already listing ex-Lion backman Jaxon Prior.

Heppell, who will play in an exhibition of the Indian sport of kabaddi in Melbourne on December 28, said Reid’s talent had always shone on the training track.

“Reidy has copped it with injuries over the last 4-5 years and I just really hope he gets a consistent run at it and he will be a key figure in the side for years to come,” he said.

“He is just silky smooth for a big man and just reads the play beautifully.

“He will fit into the line-up really well if he can get a clean run at it.”

On his way out of the Hangar after a stellar 253-game career, Heppell handed on his No. 21 jumper to winger Archie Roberts.

Roberts came into the Essendon side for the final four games of 2024 and impressed immediately and Heppell said he was “most excited to see Arch pursue and grow his career”.

Bombers fans are desperate to end a 20-year drought of finals wins – Heppell played in five losing elimination finals in 14 years at Essendon – and the ex-captain said he backed in the patient plan the club has put in place.

After being a trade period darling over the last decade, the Bombers chose not to go after established players this off-season and focus on the draft with an eye to building a list that can contend.

“I am really confident in the talent that is at the club and the direction they are heading,” Heppell said.

“It sounds like the draftees that have come on board are likely types and can make an impact early. I am actually really excited to be a staunch fan in the stands to see how they can go.”

Originally published as Dyson Heppell backs Zach Reid to overcome injury troubles and be a key part of Essendon’s defence