 Drafted by the Eagles, Read kicked 12 goals in 21 games in his rookie season.During the "Demolition Derby" in Round 21, 2000, Read was struck numerous times during an attempted fight with Fremantle's Dale Kickett.This started a melee involving a number of players which led to Kickett being suspended for a total of 9 weeks and Read for two with a hefty fine for multiple wrestling offences.