Reid was under a cloud all week after he suffered an adductor injury in the Swans' thrilling preliminary final.
While Geelong opted not to risk youngster Max Holmes in the decider because of a hamstring injury, the Swans picked Reid, a 2012 premiership player, in their 22.
Sydney backed Reid's importance to the point young forward Logan McDonald was dropped to bring in Hayden McLean as a ruck option, allowing Reid to remain in attack.
But the 30-year-old failed to fire a shot in the opening half and made way for Braeden Campbell early in the third quarter, with the Swans trailing Geelong by 54 points.
In the first half, Reid's direct opponent, Cats young gun Sam De Koning, starred.
De Koning unexpectedly went to Reid instead of Lance Franklin and dominated in the air, recording 12 disposals, five marks and six intercepts to halftime.
In comparison, Reid had just four touches, no goals and one mark to his name.
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