Murphy Reid’s Rising Star case is gathering momentum, with the young Docker climbing to second-favourite for the award amid high praise from a former winner and AFL great.
Reid’s superb western derby saw him attract equal top votes from Justin Longmuir and Andrew McQualter in the AFL Coaches Association’s Player of the Year award, tying with Glendinning-Allan medallist Hayden Young after amassing 15 score involvements and six score assists from his career-high 23 disposals.
The effort was enough for Reid to leapfrog Brisbane’s Levi Ashcroft in Rising Star calculations in the eyes of bookmaker Sportsbet, shortening from $10 to $5 in recent days. Only Adelaide’s Daniel Curtin is in front of Reid as a $1.50 favourite.
Speaking on Seven’s Agenda Setters, Riewoldt raved about the young Docker’s composure and ability to set up his teammates in the forward half of the ground.
“If by dangerous you mean in front of goal, then I think you’re right,” 2002 Rising Star winner Riewoldt said when asked if No.16 pick Reid was the most dangerous player to come out of last year’s draft.
“I think there are better players… I think (Sam) Lalor and (Levi) Ashcroft will prove to be better players, and (Alix) Tauru’s probably more exciting.
“But in terms of danger, Murphy Reid is an absolute beauty.
“He just doesn’t waste a touch.
“He’s clever. He only needs a handful of possessions to really hurt you on the scoreboard.”
Host Craig Hutchison then appeared to endorse Reid for the prize, imploring fellow panellist and Rising Star judge Kane Cornes to take notice.
“Are you on the Rising Star panel? I hope you’re watching,” he said.
Reid’s derby display saw him become the youngest player to record six score assists in a match since the stat’s introduction in 2003, and continued his form that has him on record pace in that area.
The Docker’s 30 score assists mark the equal-highest tally through a player’s first 19 games of a debut season, emulating the effort of Hawthorn great Cyril Rioli in 2008. Rioli’s season-long record of 40 in a debut campaign appears within sight.
Reid has also booted 19 majors of his own, matching St Kilda’s Max Hall for this year’s highest total for players to debut this year.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/fremantle-dockers/murphy-reid-fremantle-dockers-youngster-into-second-favourite-for-rising-star-award-amid-nick-riewoldt-praise-c-19507332
