Reid kicks three to kick-start championship campaign

By Josh Huntly

Jun 20, 2023

Prominent: Harley Reid jumped out of the gate in last Sunday’s clash against South Australia. Photo by Steve Huntley

Victoria Country’s first AFL National Championships game last Sunday ended in defeat to South Australia, as Harley Reid and Oskar Smartt stepped out on to the field.

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Reid showed he hadn’t lost a step after a mid-season layoff, with the highly touted Tongala footballer booting three goals in the first 10 minutes of the game at Ikon Park.

But despite the Big V getting off to a flying start, South Australia staged a swift turnaround to nab its first win of the tournament, 15.4 (94) to 11.9 (75).

Reid ended with 14 disposals, 11 contested, in his first game of football in more than a month, playing through the midfield after his initial stint up forward.

The 18-year-old earned a nod in the best players, while Leitchville-Gunbower export Smartt showed good intent around the contest.

Victoria Country’s next clash will be against Western Australia at Optus Stadium this Saturday, with Reid confirmed to take his place in game two.

Meanwhile, Smartt and Echuca United’s Oliver Poole will be on standby after being listed as emergencies.