Ben Reid played Australian rules football at Collingwood. He joined the team as a teenager and earned his place fast. Fans admired his strong marks, clean kicks, and fearless defense.
Coaches valued his ability to read the field and close down opponents. He earned respect as one of the league’s top key defenders. His career showed grit, toughness, and skill. He gave full effort and helped Collingwood reach the top.
Early Life
Ben Reid was born on April 29, 1989, in Victoria. He spent his early years in Wangaratta. The town had a strong football culture. Reid spent most of his childhood around local footy grounds. He showed interest in the game from an early age.
He went to Galen Catholic College. His teachers noticed his talent on the field. He stood out in school sports and local matches. People in the community saw his potential.
His family had a rich football background. His father, Bruce Reid, played in the VFL with Footscray and Carlton. Football shaped daily life in their home. His younger brother, Sam Reid, also reached the AFL. Sam joined the Sydney Swans. The two became one of the few AFL sibling pairs. Their journey added to the family’s legacy in the sport.
Family and Education Background
Ben Reid was born on April 29, 1989, in Victoria. hHis age is 36 years old (as of May 2025). He grew up in Wangaratta, a town proud of its football tradition. His early years revolved around local clubs and family support.
He studied at Galen Catholic College in Wangaratta. The school focused on discipline, strong values, and community spirit. Reid balanced his studies and sport through school life. Teachers and coaches noticed his effort on and off the field.
His family held a deep connection to football. His father, Bruce Reid, played in the VFL with Footscray and Carlton. His younger brother, Sam Reid, made it to the AFL and signed with the Sydney Swans. The Reid family became one of the few to produce two top-level players in one generation.
Their name stands strong in the history of Australian rules football. Football shaped their daily life. Their bond, both personal and professional, helped them succeed at the highest level.
Junior Career
Reid began his football journey at Bright Junior Football Club. He showed natural ability and strong focus from a young age. Coaches praised his marking and game sense early on.
He later joined the Wangaratta Rovers. His skills improved fast against stronger competition. He gained more confidence and played key roles in matches.
His next step came with the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup. The league served as a top pathway to the AFL. Reid impressed in nearly every game. He read the play well and handled pressure with ease. His size, timing, and kicking accuracy made him a standout.
Scouts followed his progress closely. His name started to rise on draft boards. Collingwood picked him at number eight in the 2006 AFL Draft. The club believed he could grow into a key player.
AFL Debut
Reid joined Collingwood at just 17 years old. The club handed him the number 20 jersey. Chris Tarrant had worn it before leaving the team. Reid took on the number with confidence.
He made his AFL debut in Round 13, 2007, against Hawthorn. He entered the game as the youngest player in the league. He faced the challenge without fear. His early touches showed promise.
Collingwood had recruited him as a forward. He showed good movement and sharp hands in attack. Over time, the coaches noticed his ability to read the game. They moved him into defense, where he looked more natural. He found space, marked cleanly, and stopped dangerous plays. That shift helped him settle and shape his future on the team.
Breakout Year in 2010
Reid played just eight games from 2007 to 2009. He found it hard to lock down a regular spot early on. Injuries and limited chances kept him on the sidelines. Things changed in 2010. That season marked a turning point.
He played 21 matches and became a key part of Collingwood’s backline. His performances grew stronger each week. The AFL noticed his rise and nominated him for the Rising Star award. He finished tenth in the final count. The recognition confirmed his growth as a reliable defender.
Collingwood reached the Grand Final that year. The team faced St Kilda in a hard-fought contest. The first match ended in a draw. A replay followed the next week. Reid lined up again despite carrying pain. During the game, he suffered a leg injury. He chose to stay on and finish the match.
Scans later showed a fractured fibula. He had played through the injury. Teammates and fans admired his courage. His effort played a key role in the 2010 Premiership win. That moment stood out as a career highlight.
Career Peak in 2011
Reid stepped up in 2011 and delivered his best season. He became one of the top defenders in the league. Week after week, he shut down key forwards and set up plays from the backline. He became a key figure in Collingwood’s defense through strong marks and smart positioning. Selectors named him in the All-Australian team at centre half-back, a spot held for the league’s best. That honour marked a major achievement in his career.
Reid also finished seventh in the Copeland Trophy count. The award ranks the best and fairest players at Collingwood each season. His high finish showed how much the club valued his impact.
Collingwood reached the Grand Final again in 2011. Reid entered the finals series under an injury cloud. He had suffered a groin issue before the Qualifying Final. The injury slowed him down during the last few games. In the Grand Final, he struggled to match Tom Hawkins, who had a strong day.
Despite the tough finish, Reid’s 2011 season remained a career peak. He proved he could match the league’s best and hold his place at the highest level.
Role Expansion and Versatility
Reid adapted well to the team’s needs. In 2012 and 2013, he balanced roles in both defense and attack. He kicked 25 goals in 2013 across 22 games. His strong marking and football sense stood out. He gave Collingwood flexibility on the field.
Late-Career Struggles
Injuries began to slow him down. He missed many games between 2014 and 2019. Still, he stayed committed and gave his best whenever fit. He managed 17 games in 2016, showing glimpses of top form.
In 2020, he played only two games. That season marked the end of his career. He announced his retirement that year.
Career Stats
Reid played 152 games and kicked 73 goals. His effort in both attack and defense helped Collingwood through many tough battles. His numbers reflect consistency and hard work.
Personal Life
Reid kept his personal life away from the spotlight. He focused on football and avoided media attention off the field. People knew him as a quiet and grounded person.
He stayed close to his family during his entire career. They backed him from the start and stood by him through every high and low. His strong family values shaped his attitude and discipline.
His bond with his younger brother Sam stayed firm over the years. Both played in the AFL at the same time. That made their story unique. They trained together during breaks and pushed each other to improve. Their journey gave fans a rare glimpse into a football family that produced two elite players.
Supporters respected the Reid family’s role in the sport. Bruce Reid played in the VFL, and his sons carried the legacy forward. Their name left a strong mark on Australian rules football.
Net Worth
Ben Reid has not shared his exact net worth publicly. Reports suggest he built strong financial stability during and after his AFL career. He played 152 games across 14 seasons with Collingwood. His long-term value to the club likely secured him solid contracts over the years.
In 2016, Reid and his wife Erin purchased a property in Porepunkah, Victoria. They transformed it into a high-end retreat featuring a pool house, gym, and yoga studio. In 2024, they listed the property for sale with a price guide between $4.25 million and $4.5 million.
After retiring from the AFL, Reid moved into coaching. In 2025, he joined the Western Bulldogs in a development role. He also took on guest speaking and ambassador work through public booking platforms.
These ventures show that Reid built a stable post-football career. His investments and off-field roles point to steady income sources. Even without exact numbers, it is clear he managed his finances well after leaving the game.
Legacy
Ben Reid left a solid mark on AFL history. He brought determination, resilience, and team spirit. Fans remember his role in the 2010 premiership and his All-Australian honor in 2011.
He gave everything to his club. He earned respect through action, not words. His name remains strong in Collingwood’s story.
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