AFL draft 2024: Fremantle Dockers select Murphy Reid with club’s first pick

Fremantle draftee Murphy Reid has declared he wants to make a name for himself after being taken by the Dockers with their first pick in the AFL Draft.

The classy Victorian midfielder, considered one of the most skilful players in this year’s crop, was selected with pick 17 on Wednesday night following a nervous wait at Marvel Stadium.

“So excited. It’s a dream come true, I’m so pumped,” Reid told The West Australian.

“I was pretty nervous waiting around for the pick. I kept hearing my mates getting their names called out but once it was my name, I can’t really explain or describe the moment.

“I’m just over the moon... really keen to get into it, start putting the work in and make a name for myself.

“I’m super grateful that such a great club like Freo has picked me.”

Reid bolted into first-round contention following a sensational season for the Sandringham Dragons and a blistering national championships campaign for Vic Metro, where he was named the side’s MVP and earned a spot in the All-Australian side.

The 18-year-old, who has drawn comparisons to Collingwood champion Scott Pendlebury, said he was excited for a “new beginning” in Western Australia and to learn off “role models” in the Dockers’ midfield including Caleb Serong, Nat Fyfe and Andrew Brayshaw.

“A pretty talented group I’ve got to try and fit my way into but it will be awesome to learn off them,” he said.

“They will be awesome role models for me, obviously a few of them have come over from Melbourne.

“On-field my decision-making and composure and my ball use, hopefully I can complement them and their awesome skills.”

Despite growing up a die-hard Richmond supporter, Reid said his family had already ditched the yellow and black for purple.

His father Marcus was visibly emotional after his son’s name was called out and already had a Dockers scarf draped around his neck.

“I’ve got such a strong support network, they’ve already said they’re ditching the Richmond colours and coming to support me,” he said.

Reid was also excited by the prospect of playing alongside former Tiger and star Fremantle recruit Shai Bolton, who was traded to the Dockers in exchange for three-first round picks.

Ironically, the pick that Fremantle received in return, alongside Bolton, was used to select Reid.

“I’ve obviously watched Shai a bit, being a Richmond supporter,” he said.

“It will be pretty cool getting to know him and playing with him, he’s obviously such a talented player.”

Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir was in Melbourne to present Murphy with the club jumper.

Small forward Joe Berry, who had been heavily linked to the Dockers, and Peel Thunder premiership player Bo Allan, Western Australia’s top talent, were taken in the previous two selections by Port Adelaide and West Coast, respectively.