THE Reid family is getting used to high drama at the MCG.

Last year Collingwood’s Ben Reid was part of the Magpies side that played a draw in the first grand final against St Kilda, and then last Sunday, the Swans own Sam Reid played in the drawn game against Melbourne.

It was Sam’s second senior game of AFL for the Swans after he made his debut in round 22 last year, and it was a day to remember.

“It is a pretty big stage, the MCG. I got a small taste of what my brother Ben went through in the draw last year, though of course not quite to the same extent,’’ Sam said.

Sam, who only turned 19 last December, is one of the most exciting young talents at the Swans.

He lined up in attack against Melbourne and ended the day with 12 disposals including a goal.

But it was the way the 195cm, 91 kg youngster led for the ball and competed in the air that most impressed fans at the game on Sunday.

Sam says it’s early days but he’s feeling more at ease.

“I was a little bit more comfortable the second time around, I was a bit more used to the preparation side of things, having played in the NAB Cup helped and travelled to Melbourne,’’ he said.

“Knowing what to do before a game and getting the routine right helped.

“The main thing (assistant coach) John Blakey has been trying to tell me is that they’re not expecting me to kick 10 goals and take 20 marks but just to really compete and provide a contest and not put too much pressure on myself.’’

His dad, Bruce, who played for Footscray, gave him the same pre-game advice as he has done since Sam was a kid. “Dad said back yourself on, and make it happen, have confidence.’’

Sam said it helped having Adam Goodes in the forward line alongside him.

“I look around and see Goodesy and he points out where I should be or tells me if I’m in the right spot or not. It’s really helpful,’’ Sam said.

With the first game of the season, Reid has now ticked off a couple of his goals for 2011.

“The first goal was to play in the NAB Cup and I achieved that and then following on from that it was to try to get out there for round one which I did achieve, and now it’s to keep some consistent form and try to keep my spot and really cement it.’’

Reid, who comes from the small Victorian country town of Bright, was taken with pick 38 in the 2009 national draft.  It was a big move from Bright to Sydney for Reid, who hadn’t even turned 18 at the time of the draft.

“I’m starting to really enjoy it up here and starting to get used to the lifestyle. Hanging around with the guys here, I’m not missing home as much as I was last year, I’m starting to warm to Sydney a lot more so that is definitely helping in my footy as well.’’

Reid lives with Nick Smith and Jed Lamb, and is learning the finer points of cooking from Smith.

“I did a lasagne the other night for the first time so that was a good achievement!’’