Sam Reid has been appointed as a Development Coach with the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS.

Reid played 14 games for the GIANTS over the past two years after joining the club from the Western Bulldogs.

The 23 year-old midfielder was delisted at the end of the 2013 season after a bad run with injuries. He played 24 AFL matches after making his debut in 2008.

As part of his role, Reid will continue playing for the UWS GIANTS in the NEAFL, taking on an on-field leadership position alongside the young GIANTS.

Reid, who has type 1 diabetes, said he was excited about starting the next chapter of his football career.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to transition into coaching after two seasons playing at the GIANTS,” he said.

“My body wasn’t up to the rigours of another season playing in the AFL so this is a good way to be able to move on to the next stage of my life.

“Helping the young guys develop is something I’m passionate about and to be able to help the GIANTS take the next step is an exciting challenge,” he said.

Head Coach Leon Cameron said Reid would be a valuable addition to the GIANTS coaching staff along with other new development coach and former Swans premiership player Amon Buchanan.

“Sam has been fantastic in his two years on the playing list at the GIANTS and has set an example for his younger team mates,” said Cameron.

“This is a quality we felt could be really useful as our young list continues to develop and this role was a perfect fit.”

“We’ve picked up a number of quality experienced players in the trade period and with picks 1 & 2 to come at this month’s NAB AFL Draft, 2014 is shaping as a big year for the GIANTS and Sam Reid will be playing an important role for the club” he said.

The majority of the GIANTS list returned for the start of pre-season training in Sydney today.