AFL Grand Final Sprint: Gold Coast’s Jed Walter wins, Fremantle’s Murphy Reid fails to threaten
Fremantle’s two-decade wait for their first Grand Final Sprint winner since James Walker rolls on, with Murphy Reid - wearing slick shades - unable to salute as a surprise victor emerged.
Gold Coast’s Jed Walter took out the race, holding off defending champion Beau McCreery.
Reid — fresh off becoming the Dockers’ fourth rising star in their history this week — wasn’t anywhere near close to the front.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.However, the teenage Docker made a statement by sporting a pair of sunglasses as well as a headband to go with his guernsey.
Greater Western Sydney captain Toby Greene was also in a pair of sunglasses as he looked to be taking it easy.
McCreery got the early jump but it didn’t take long for Walter to challenge and by half way he had the lead, with the West Australian-born forward winning by about two metres.
Incredibly, he finished in exactly 10.56 seconds with Richmond’s Maurice Rioli Jnr in third and Sydney Nick Blakey finishing fourth.
Teenage Australian sprint star Gout Gout — wearing a Brisbane scarf — was on the starter gun, while commentary legend Bruce McAvaney called the action.
Reid’s loss means the Dockers haven’t won a grand final sprint since James Walker claimed it in 2003 and 2004.
