Reid, who has been stranded on 99 AFL matches (his last in round 21 last season), has been backed by Pies VFL coach Dale Tapping in suggesting he is ready to take the next step and make a much-anticipated return.

After spending most of the VFL season in defence, Reid has spent the past two matches up forward, aligning with the timing of Travis Cloke's calf injury.

"I suppose in my earlier years in the AFL I played forward and then got switched to the back line and then in 2013 I went forward so I feel pretty comfortable at both ends of the ground and when Bucks [coach Nathan Buckley] wants me to play, I'm really happy to play," Reid said. "Today was another massive step, my body felt great. I opened up a fair bit which was good. I think I'm definitely ready to take the next step," he said. Reid said he was eager to help the Pies  after six consecutive losses.

"Yesterday [the loss to Melbourne] was probably the most disappointing performance we've had in the last six weeks. We've lost six straight but I think four of those six, we've put in some pretty good performances. It's disappointing but we think we're still a realistic chance of making finals," he said.

"I just want to get back out there and help the boys as much as I can. I'm ready to go."

Tapping praised Reid's work rate up forward, particularly in the final stanza as he took several marks despite only kicking the one major on a difficult day for forwards.

"I'm sure he will get his chance," Tapping  said.