Inaugural GIANTS Sam Reid and Matt Buntine will depart the GIANTS, after the pair was informed they won’t be offered contracts for 2022.

Reid arrived at the GIANTS in time for the club’s inaugural season in 2012 after 10 games across four seasons at the Western Bulldogs.

After 14 games over his first two seasons with the GIANTS and numerous injury issues, Reid retired to take up a development coaching role, as well as playing and coaching in the midfield in the club’s NEAFL team.

After two seasons, Reid made a remarkable comeback to the elite level and played 84 games over the next six seasons to finish with 108 AFL games.

The 31-year-old played every game in the club’s 2019 Grand Final season.

Along with his previous work as a development coach, Reid also coached within the AFLW program across the past five seasons and was instrumental working with younger players in the development and welfare space.

Reid, a type one diabetic, has used his profile as an AFL player to spread awareness for the condition as an ambassador for AMSL Diabetes.

Buntine also arrived at the GIANTS in the inaugural season of 2012, having been selected at pick five in the 2011 national draft.

He played 67 games over 10 seasons at the club and held positions in the club’s emerging leaders’ group across his time at the GIANTS.

Buntine played eight games this season and played a key shut down role in the club’s upset win over Geelong in round 21.

In conjunction with the club’s charity partnership, Buntine had worked as an ambassador for the Ronald McDonald House at Westmead over recent seasons.

GIANTS General Manager of Football Jason McCartney paid tribute to the pair.

“As foundation players who have been at the GIANTS since day one, Sam and Matt have contributed enormously to our club, both on and off the field, over the past decade.

“We thank them for their roles in building the GIANTS during our formative years, they will always have an indelible place in the club’s history.

“We wish Sam, Elissa and Elijah, along with Matt and Bessie, all the best for the future.”