Ex-Wangaratta Rovers and Murray Under-18s, he originally played for Bright. His grandfather played for Footscray and his dad played for Footscray and Carlton. He was initially a lightly built key forward who looked good when securing the ball, but had a kicking accuracy problem. In 2008 he only had three games due to foot and thigh injuries, but returned for the last VFL round and was tried in defence. At the start of 2009 he was asked if he wanted to play down back and the club developed him in VFL ranks. He lost his senior place after the opening round of 2010, but absorbed lessons quickly, and worked on his positioning. Once back in the team he nailed down a permanent spot and was an effective player in the finals, blanketing Cam Mooney in the preliminary final then holding Justin Koschitzke early in the Grand Final. He was also doing well in the Replay before leaving the field with a leg fracture in the second term. Reid earned All-Australian selection in 2011, but the first half of 2012 was patchy due to injuries. Collingwood occasionally used him in attack in 2013 and as long as the Magpies could cover for him in defence it was a fairly successful move.