20/08/2026
ZACH REID: THE NUMBERS ARE STARTING TO TELL THE STORY
I have not wanted to jinx it, but Zach Reid’s numbers deserve a closer look.
Reid has now played 22 games in 2026, taking his AFL career to 41 games. That continuity matters for a 24-year-old key defender whose development has been interrupted by injury.
And the numbers are encouraging.
Reid is averaging 13.3 disposals, 9.2 kicks and 5.8 marks, with his marks rated above average. More importantly, he is using the ball well: 11.1 effective disposals and 84% disposal efficiency.
His defensive numbers are also telling: 4.3 spoils, 3.1 rebound 50s, 4.8 one-percenters, 5.2 defensive-half pressure acts and 2.4 contested defensive one-on-ones.
Now compare that profile with established key defenders.
Sam Taylor: 12.4 disposals, 5.7 marks, 6.2 intercepts and 81% efficiency.
Brennan Cox: 12.5 disposals, 5.0 marks, 6.1 intercepts and 83% efficiency.
Reid: 13.3 disposals, 5.8 marks and 84% efficiency.
That doesn’t mean Reid is at their level yet. But it shows his statistical profile is already comparable in some important areas.
The elite benchmark is higher.
Harris Andrews: 15.2 disposals, 7.7 marks and 7.5 intercepts at 91% efficiency.
James Sicily: 21.8 disposals, 7.6 marks and 8.6 intercepts.
Reid isn’t there yet — and he doesn’t need to be.
What matters is the trajectory.
He has the size, aerial ability, intercepting game, ball use and capacity to rebound from defence. And after finally getting a sustained run of football, he is getting the most valuable thing a young key defender can get: games.
The numbers aren’t screaming superstar just yet.
But they’re starting to whisper something pretty interesting.
Zach Reid is developing into a genuine AFL key defender — and there could be a lot more to come.
How good could this bloke become?