Fremantle have announced that Victorian draftee Murphy Reid will make his AFL debut against Geelong at GMHBA Stadium on Saturday.
The 18-year-old midfielder was Fremantle’s first selection in the 2024 National Draft, taken with pick No. 17.
Reid becomes the first Fremantle player to debut in Round 1 - immediately following the Draft - since No. 2 pick Andrew Brayshaw in the 2018 season opener.
Speaking after the announcement, Reid said it’s hard to put his emotions into words.
“I can’t really explain how I’m feeling right now, it’s very surreal. A dream come true,” Reid said.
“I’m so lucky to be at such a great Club and to be able to do that (make his debut) for the Club, and being able to do it in Melbourne with so many friends and family who will be able to come down and support me in Geelong, it’s a surreal feeling.”
The dynamic midfielder who was Victoria Metro’s MVP in last year’s National Championships has impressed throughout pre-season, kicking multiple goals and showing silky skills in intraclubs and match simulations.
Reid had his first official run against an AFL opposition in the Club’s 19-point win over the Demons in the AAMI Community Series match, where he gathered 14 disposals, three marks, four tackles and five inside 50s. Something the number 16 said will hold him in good stead for Saturday’s Round 1 fixture.
“It was definitely a step up (playing Melbourne). We’ve been doing intraclubs all over summer, but it’s obviously different playing against actual AFL players,” Reid said.
“I was lucky enough to get some midfield time against (Christian) Petracca, Clayton Oliver, (Jack) Viney, those kinds of guys.
“It was a great taste of what the weekend is going to be like in a tough opposition in Geelong, but I’m very excited.”
After moving to WA last November, Reid said the connection and welcome he received from the Club and playing group had made him feel at ease, settling quickly into life at Fremantle.
“It’s been awesome. I’ve had so many great people and players who have looked after me, put me under their wing and shown me the ropes. I’m just so grateful to be part of it,” Reid said.
“I lived with Andy (Brayshaw) for a bit, and he really welcomed me into the Club and introduced me to everyone.
“He’s that big connection-type guy. I’ve gotten really close with him and he’s shown me around a lot.
“I’ve been spending a fair bit of time forward since I’ve been here, so the small forwards like Sam Switkowski, Michael Frederick, and even the big boys like JT (Josh Treacy) and Jye Amiss have all been great. All the forwards as well, and JG (Jaymie Graham), the forwards coach, and the development forwards coach in Sturg (Andrew Sturgess).
“The support’s been awesome.”
Come bounce-down on Saturday, Reid knows he has the backing of his coaches and fellow teammates to play his role and play to his strengths.
“JL (Justin Longmuir) has been great; he’s been really good for me,” Reid said.
“Every time we speak, he’s been really constructive.
“He’s been great in giving me feedback and telling me to play to my strengths … to know that he backs me in like that, hopefully I can bring that on the weekend.
“Just being able to play with confidence. I think one of my strengths is composure, also being clean with it, so bringing that and just sort of thinking of it as another game and not getting wound up with all the debut stuff.
“Just playing my role for the team and being defensively minded (is what I want to do).”
Fremantle’s final team of 23 players will be announced at 3:20 pm WST on Thursday ahead of the Club’s Round 1 meeting with the Cats.
