Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin says Murphy Reid’s ability to think “one or two seconds before anyone else” is what sets the young Fremantle star apart.

After a terrific first season, Reid has shown no signs of second-year blues as he passed the 30 disposal threshold for the first time in his career against Essendon last weekend.

In his second year, the teenage sensation has lifted his output across every major category except for goals per game after spending more time on the ball this season.

Franklin said that while Reid benefits from playing in a strong team, he still stands out in the Dockers’ stacked midfield.

“This guy is only 19 years of age, not many players can come in and do this,” he said on The Buddy and Shane show podcast.

“It’s incredible what he’s doing, yes, he is playing in a very good team that will play deep into finals, but he’s still got to do it.

“He thinks one or two seconds before anyone else, and that’s obviously instinct and natural talent, and I think he’s a very clever football player and a pleasure to watch at the moment.”

The Hawthorn turned Sydney legend, said Reid, is one of the most dangerous players in Fremantle, who has adopted the name Walyalup for Sir Doug Nicholls Round, and oppositions must target him if they have any hope of slowing him or the Dockers.

“He’s averaging 1.2 goals a game and seven score involvements. Every touch he gets, he hurts you, so that’s why you can’t give him any space,” he said.

“You’ve got to be right on his bumper, barring him, I think that’s a key with him, you can’t let him get goal side, and you’ve got to pressure him to make sure that when he does get the ball, he’s under pressure and his kicks aren’t hitting targets.”

His sentiments echo those of former teammate and podcast co-host Shane Crawford, who labelled Reid a freak when speaking to The West Australian earlier this week.

“Even under enormous pressure, he’s able to do what a lot of players can’t do, which is get the ball to advantage or get the ball to a teammate.

“You look at what Steele Sidebottom has done at Collingwood. Every time he gets the ball, something happens.

“He just all class and we haven’t seen the very best of him yet, even though he’s performing at a high level.”