Collingwood NSW scholarship holder, Scott Reed, was best afield in the 2008 FOXTEL AFL Sydney Premiership. 

The Pennant Hills Demons stormed home in convincing fashion over the East Coast Eagles to the tune of 104 points.  The match was played in stifling conditions with the mercury levels hitting the 35 degree mark. 

A tight first half contest saw the Demons take a 17 point into the major break.  Reed’s team, who finished in second position after the regular season, had the stronger legs in the final two quarters kicking 15 goals to one in the second half.  The final score was a dominant Demon side scoring 20.12 (132) to the Eagles dismal 3.10 (28).

Reed was awarded the Rod Podbury Medal for a best on ground performance playing both up forward and in the midfield.  The 192 centimetre Collingwood hopeful led the team in tackling and was prominent in the second half.  His play in the ruck and on the ball in the final two terms helped drive his team to a colossal win.

Reed, who was the first NSW scholarship player to sign with Collingwood in 2005, spoke with collingwoodfc.com.au after the win.

“We knew heading into the match that we had the better legs,” Reed said.

“Over the course of the season we had built up enough stamina that when we matched up against the Eagles, we had the upper-hand.”

Reed has had to rotate between playing with his club, the Demons, and the state team, the ACT Rams.

“I was able to work on my defensive skills playing for the Rams this season.  They had me play down at the half-back flank which was difficult at first but I was able to take those acquired skills to the Demons.

“Playing up forward with a new defensive mindset was really good for me.”

Steven Barratt, football manager of the Pennant Hills Demons, was impressed with Reed’s ability to perform in the finals.

“I was especially impressed with his ability to play in the finals,” Barratt said.

“Compared to the regular season, Reed took his game to a new level in the finals and was consistent throughout.”

Reed is in his last year on the NSW scholarship contract and is a chance to be picked up by the club this year in the draft. 

Collingwood national recruiting manager Derek Hine has watched the progression of Reed over the course of his scholarship contract and is encouraged by what he has seen.

“Scott’s progression since he signed on with us since 2005 has been really positive,” Hine said.

“I think the pleasing thing for us is that Scott has grown physically since we first signed him as he his touching up around the 190 centimetres.  And with his new growth he has also been able to maintain his athleticism.

“What has really impressed me about him is ability to play well in the finals and at the Australian Championships, as his game went to another level.  The last few years, Thomas, Pendlebury, even Marty Clarke were high performers in the bigger games.  We have been able to bring in players who can play well in games that matter and that is what Mick holds in high consideration.

“The other pleasing thing with Scott is that through the journey, since he originally started with us as a scholarship player, he has had some significant injuries that he has had to overcome. 

“He has been able to stay self-motivated and overcome these injuries in a really professional manner.”

The 17-year-old closely watched Collingwood’s season this year and was impressed with how the young team carried themselves into finals.

“I enjoyed watching the boys play.  It was a bit disappointing to end how it did but good to make the finals.”

Collingwood currently has (seven) players – Reed, (Nick Perry, Tom Young, Michael Hartley, Jarrod Witts, Josh Parsons, Adrian Yakimov) signed to the New South Wales scholarship program, with Reed being the oldest and the only player in the group eligible for the 2008 AFL Draft.

Through the rules of the program, the Magpies have first rights to list Reed with their final selection in the AFL Draft on November 29.

Click HERE to view Collingwood's NSW Scholarship list