Sam Reid: Footy world is rocked by sudden retirement of star who quit the AFL despite his team being HUGE favourites to win the grand final

Sydney Swans veteran and premiership forward Sam Reid has announced his shock retirement following a recent injury setback in the VFL. 

Reid was edging closer to a return to AFL action, but an injury over the weekend has prematurely ended his season and career. 

The 32-year-old informed his teammates of his retirement on Tuesday morning, effective immediately.

The announcement was especially shocking as the Swans have a golden chance to claim another premiership in 2024. Despite the club's tight loss to Brisbane on Sunday, they remain short-priced favourites to win the competition. 

However, Reid - a key player in Sydney's 2012 premiership team - has not played at AFL level since the Swans' 2022 grand final loss to Geelong. 

He concludes his career with 181 senior games for the club, having debuted in 2010. In the 2012 premiership season, 

Reid played 22 games and notably kicked a goal from 13 disposals in the Grand Final against Hawthorn. That year, he achieved a career-best 31 goals.

Despite regular injury setbacks, Reid's overhead marking and versatility made him a valuable player under coach John Longmire. 

He continued playing into 2024 after receiving a one-year contract extension but faced foot and quad problems early in the season.

The Swans expressed their gratitude In a statement.

'Thank you Reidy. After 15 seasons, 181 games, and 183 goals in the red and white, Premiership player Sam Reid has called time on his career, announcing his retirement from football, effective immediately,' it read.

Fans also paid tribute to Reid, acknowledging his contributions and the challenges he faced. 

One fan stated, 'Legend. Helped us big time on the run towards 2022 GF.' 

Another added, 'Such a shame his body just couldn't get right... so much talent and had patches where he showed it. All the very best Sam. Thank you for everything.' 

A third tribute posted, 'He gave it everything, but the dreaded soft tissue injuries stuffed his career.'

Reid will be fondly remembered for his crucial goal in the 2012 Grand Final, which helped put the Swans in front for the first time. 

His retirement leaves Luke Parker as the only remaining member of the Swans' 2012 premiership team still playing.

Reflecting on his career, Reid cited the 2012 Grand Final upset against Hawthorn as his on-field highlight. 

'Since arriving from Victoria all those years ago, I've grown up from a 17-year-old school kid to now having a wife and two kids of my own,' Reid said. 

'The club has looked after me and my family so well, and I can't thank them enough for the opportunity I've been given. 

'I will look back with so many great memories of playing here - the people I've been able to work with have been incredible and a big reason why I lasted 15 years.'

Swans coach John Longmire praised Reid's perseverance and contribution to the team. 

'Sam has played several roles for the team and has always been valued for his football smarts and team-first ethos,' he said.

'He has faced many challenges with injuries over the years, and his commitment and dedication to rehab have always been of a very high standard.'