Ben Reid’s return to coaching at the Western Bulldogs was fueled by his deep passion for the game and a desire to shape the future of the club’s young forwards. After retiring from playing in 2020, Reid pursued coaching with Wangaratta in the Ovens & Murray competition, but it was his connection to the Bulldogs that ultimately drew him back.
Having won an AFL Premiership with Collingwood in 2010 and earning All Australian honors the following season, Reid’s return to the Bulldogs is significant not only because of his pedigree but also his personal ties. His father, Bruce, had a distinguished career at Footscray, and his brother, Sam, recently retired from the Sydney Swans, which adds an emotional connection to his return.
The main reason for his comeback, Reid shared, was his renewed passion for coaching. “I found a real passion for coaching – the relationships, the day-to-day work – it sparked something in me,” Reid revealed. “The chance to work with such an exciting group of forwards and help them develop into long-term players really motivated me.”
Reid is eager to help the Bulldogs build good habits from the start of the pre-season and guide the young talent to long, successful careers. His role as a Development Coach with the club’s forwards marks a new chapter in his coaching journey, and he is eager to bring his expertise to the club he’s long had a personal connection with.