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Carlton recruit's "frustrating" Fremantle tenure
Jaiden Sciberras • October 7th, 2025 5:50 pm
Carlton have secured the first trade of the AFL Trade Period, acquiring relatively untried ruckman Liam Reidy from the Fremantle Dockers.
Shifting back on two late draft picks, the Blues gave up very little to land the 25-year-old, who has only featured three times in four seasons at AFL level given the Dockers’ extensive ruck stocks.
“It’s always good to know what the plan is for next year. Everyone involved was pretty certain it would get done early which was good, gives me the peace of mind which is always nice,” Reidy told AFL Trade Radio
Stuck behind Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy in the pecking order, 204cm Reidy was unable to find himself in and amongst the senior side despite carrying some elite WAFL form.
In 2024, Reidy was a part of Peel Thunder’s premiership side, while in 2025, the ruckman was awarded the best and fairest at Peel, averaging 16 disposals, four tackles and 42 hit outs per game.
“It has been a little frustrating, but that’s the nature of business at the same time,” Reidy admitted.
“Playing behind some good players, it has its ups and downs – obviously learning plenty from them but not getting a lot of opportunity at senior level. I’m really excited to be with the Blues and motivated by the chance to play senior footy.”
Given the Blues’ knowledge of first-choice ruckman Tom De Koning’s departure, the club were aware that securing further depth in the rucking department was essential, identifying Reidy as the perfect affordable choice to accompany Marc Pittonet and youngster Hudson O'Keeffe.
“We’ve been chatting for a little bit – probably (since) around Round 21 of the AFL season. Been in conversation for a little bit, a bit of back and forth as to what the next couple of years look like.
“When they know (De Koning) was going, that’s when they started seriously talking to me, looking at what the future was holding. Talks progressed when they figured he was going.
“It’s been seamless, and it was an absolute pleasure chatting to Nick Austin and Michael Voss, and also the ability for my manager Scott Lucas for getting the deal done. I’m glad it’s finally done, and I can get to work.”
With De Koning’s exit, the number one ruck spot remains up for grabs, and while Pittonet would be expected to roll into the position, Reidy is excited for the opportunity to push for senior selection.
“There hasn’t been too deep of a conversation in terms of what exactly the club is going to do. They just liked the strengths I bring, and want me to come in and compete, push ‘Pitto’, working with and against.
“Obviously, it hasn’t been a last couple of years that I would have scripted up, getting a little bit frustrated with the lack of opportunity at the top level.
“Speaking with Scotty Lucas and speaking with people close to me, this was something that I wanted to look into. I think that the thoughts and the belief – it wasn’t something that was just spur of the moment, it was something that I was looking at for a little while.”
List manager Nick Austin was thrilled with the acquisition.
“A true competitor, we see a lot of promise in Liam,” Austin said.
“His form in the WAFL in recent years has really caught our eye, with his athleticism and ability to cover the ground a standout. We see him being a significant addition to our ruck group alongside Marc Pittonet and Hudson O’Keeffe.
“We can’t wait to see Liam get to work in the pre-season and are excited to see what he can do at IKON Park next year.”
