Much-vaunted future draftee Harley Reid took the next step in his eventual ascent to the AFL, making his VFL debut for Carlton's reserves against Footscray on Saturday afternoon.

News that the Bendigo Pioneer would be linking up with Luke Power's Blues unit at stages throughout the 2023 VFL season came to light within the past fortnight, with the Princes Park outfit and the Pioneers previously agreeing upon a talent-sharing deal.

Throughout his campaign opener at North Port Oval, Reid proved more than handy, racking up 13 disposals and a pair of clearances, as well as taking three marks and completing two tackles during his side's narrow five-point loss.

Saturday's outing wasn't the first time Reid had taken on senior bodies, with the precocious talent sending tongues wagging during Gather Round after collecting 22 disposals, seven clearances and slotting a goal during the opening half of the AFL Academy's clash against Port Adelaide Magpies at Mount Barker.

So proficient is Reid, both in the centre and behind the ball, the Tongala native has drawn comparisons to Tigers champion Dustin Martin, with pace, precision and strength already hallmarks of the youngster's game.

Reid has been touted as the future No.1 Pick at this year's draft for the entirety of the year, as well as much of last.

Over the course of three earliest appearances for the Pioneers in 2023, the country wunderkind has produced averages of 22.3 possessions, 4.3 marks, 4.0 tackles and 1.7 goals per game.

Should premonitions of Reid's future prove correct, the classy youngster will be wearing brown and gold bars in 2024, with Hawthorn currently leading the race for the wooden spoon and the attached opening pick.