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AFL fans left heartbroken for Sam Reid as Sydney Swans champion announces sad news

The 2012 premiership player has announced his immediate retirement.

ben talintyre
Sports Reporter
·3-min read

Sydney premiership-winning forward Sam Reid has announced his immediate retirement from the AFL after suffering a fresh injury setback in the VFL. The 32-year-old will step away from the game after booting 183 goals in 181 games and with one flag triumph to his name.

Reid informed teammates of his decision on Tuesday after yet another injury and said he "couldn’t thank the club enough" for its loyalty to him after he was drafted with pick 38 in 2009. "I have called the Sydney Swans home for the past 15 seasons and I’m so grateful for the time I have had here at the club," Reid said.

Pictured Sam Reid
Sam Reid has announced his AFL retirement after picking up another injury in the VFL. Image: Getty

“Since arriving from Victoria all those years ago I’ve grown up from a 17-year-old school kid to now having a wife and two kids of my own. The club has looked after me and my family so well and I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity I’ve been given.

“I will look back with so many great memories of playing here – the people I’ve been able to work with have been incredible and a big reason why I lasted 15 years. Of course, the 2012 premiership sticks out in my mind as the footballing highlight. I want to say thank you to the entire football club, the players past and present, the coaching staff, and of course all the Swans members who have supported me along the journey.”

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The 32-year-old put together one of his best seasons in 2022, but an injury during the preliminary final meant he was below his best going into the decider against Geelong. He then failed to play a single senior game in 2023 due to a severe pre-season hamstring injury but was redrafted as a rookie on a one-year deal for 2024.

However, he hasn't managed to crack the top squad this season and after yet another injury setback he decided it was time to hang up his boots. Swans coach John Longmire praised his commitment to overcoming injuries, which also sidelined him for all of 2016 and all but one game in 2018.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 24: Sam Reid of the Swans leaves the field for medical attention during the 2022 AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Sydney Swans at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 24, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
An injury during the preliminary final meant Sam Reid was below his best going into the final against Geelong in 2022.

“Sam has been a highly valued member of our team, it has been a privilege and pleasure to coach him,” Longmire said. “Sam has played several roles for the team and has always been valued for his football smarts and team-first ethos.

“He has faced many challenges with injuries over the years, and his commitment and dedication to rehab has always been of a very high standard. We are grateful for all Sam, Kim, Saxon and Harley have given to our club and wish them all the very best for the future.”

Reid's retirement means Parker is the only remaining member of the Swans' 2012 premiership team to still be playing. Fans were quick to congratulate Reid on his career but were left saddened he never made it back.

with agencies