Harley Reid named Bendigo Pioneers captain

By Rohan Aldous

Mar 29, 2023

Pioneers captain: Harley Reid, who continues to be spoken about as a likely number one pick in the November AFL draft, was named captain of the Bendigo Pioneers and kicked two goals in the opening game of the season on Saturday. Photo: Martin Keep/AFL Photos Photo by AFL Photos

Harley Reid has been named captain of the Bendigo Pioneers for the 2023 Coates Talent League season.

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The Pioneers started their season with a 15-point loss to Greater Western Victoria Rebels, with Reid in the team alongside Kyabram’s Charlie Barnett and a strong Echuca representation.

Reid had 21 possessions (15 contested), four tackles and in his short stints in the forward line kicked two goals. He also had six clearances and, according to Pioneers coach Danny O’Bree, was the most dominant midfielder.

Echuca United recruit Oliver Poole and Tom Evans (17 possessions) from Echuca kicked three goals between them.

Kyabram’s 195cm utility, Mitch Dodos, and bottom-age defender Nick Jephson did not play in the game.

Dodos has a crack in his thumb, but has had a guard made and will be ready to go this weekend when the Pioneers play the GWS Giants Academy team at Queen Elizabeth Oval in Bendigo at 11.45am on Saturday.

Tyler Norman earned rave reviews from O’Bree in the under-16s Pioneers game.

The Pioneers lost to the Rebels by 15 points, but Norman played well in a small forward role, O’Bree saying he has a high “footy IQ’’ and was strong in the contest.

By Rohan Aldous

Contributor