Fremantle Rising Star Murphy Reid to lead Dockers charge in AFL grand final sprint

Jake Santa Maria

The West Australian

2 Min Read

3 hours ago

Updated

1 hour ago

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Who’s chasing Reid for sprint crown? Credit: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Murphy Reid will be hoping to add more accolades to his collection before he returns from Melbourne, with the Fremantle Rising Star set to take part in the grand final sprint on Saturday.

Reid will hope to cap off a remarkable debut season with a win at the MCG after letting slip he had been chosen as Fremantle’s sprint champion.

“I might be, yeah, I think it’s out now,” he said on The Players podcast.

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“These quick legs will be going into the leggings at halftime.

“I’ve got no idea about how to prepare. “Time will tell, but it’s a big weekend, and I’ll take it pretty seriously.”

Only one former Docker has ever won the half-time sprint: Former speedster James Walker, who went back-to-back in 2003-04.

Freo’s All-Australian half-back Jordan Clark won the sprint in 2019, but was still with Geelong at the time.

Fremantle Docker James Walker wins the 2003 Grand Final sprint. Credit: Trevor Collens/WA News

Reid will be the sole WA hope with West Coast not having a representative amongst the eight-man strong field, but will fancy himself against a mixed opposition.

Last year’s winner, Beau McCreery (Collingwood), will likely be the favourite after confirming he will be on the start line once again.

Richmond forward Maurice Rioli and Sydney’s Nick Blakey will be the other contenders to look out for, while veterans Toby Greene (GWS) and Jack Higgins (St Kilda) may struggle to keep pace.

Gold Coast key forward Jed Walter is something of an unknown, while Olympic boxer Harry Garside will be taking part in the run.

This year’s sprint will also feature Australian sprint star Gout Gout with the teen sensation to fire the starting pistol, while legendary commentator Bruce McAvaney will be hosting the event.

“I’m super excited to be coming to Melbourne for the Grand Final in September and firing the start pistol for the Telstra Half-Time Sprint!,” Gout said.

“First time for me... and I hope I’ll be cheering on the Lions! The AFL Grand Final is such a massive day, I’m pumped!”