Blayne O’Loughlin, nephew of Swans great Michael O’Loughlin, named in SANFL talent hub

The nephew of a Sydney Swans premiership star hopes to follow his uncle’s footsteps after receiving some sound advice from the AFL great.

Blayne O’Loughlin, The nephew of ex-Sydney Swans star Michael O'Loughlin. is one of the names in the 2021 SANFL talent hub and has hopes of being drafted this year. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Work harder than everybody else.

That is the piece of advice that will always stick in Blayne O’Loughlin’s mind.

The North Adelaide rising star received that guidance from his uncle, Sydney Swans premiership star Michael O’Loughlin.

Like his uncle once did, the youngster dreams of landing on an AFL list and is eligible to be drafted this year.

The 18-year-old was one of 30 players selected in the 2021 SANFL under-18 State Talent Hub but said he knew was only about to begin.

Blayne O’Loughlin is ready to put in the hard work this year with North’s under-18s and in the SANFL Talent Hub with an aim of being drafted. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“He says work hard, just work harder than everyone else and whatever someone else is doing, you’ve got to do it better,” Blayne said.

“If they’re running, you’ve got to run harder.

“He pretty much just said to keep track of my running because that’s what they like to see – they like to see Aboriginal kids keep running.

“After games, he also gives me advice on how I played. He usually watches them on the SANFL Digital Pass and then talks to me about how I could improve and what I could do better and what I did well.

“He’s been a good influence for me, growing up.

“He does want me to get drafted, so he’s doing everything to hep me get there and I really appreciate it.”

Michael O’Loughlin, originally from SA, played 303 games and kicked 521 goals for the Swans during an AFL career that spanned across two decades, before he retired in 2006.

Former Sydney star Michael O’Loughlin celebrates with ex-teammate Brett Kirk during a game in 2008. Picture: Phil Hillyard

He was also the third indigenous player to line up in more than 300 games.

Blayne, a speedy defender with a silky left foot, started with Gepps Cross Football Club before being selected in North’s development squads.

He was also part of Adelaide’s Next Generation Academy.

Blayne believed he would add plenty to an AFL club if drafted this year but also wanted to be a role model for young, indigenous kids on and off the footy field.

“I’m a crafty backman, someone who can read the ball well and I love to get my teammates involved as well,” Blayne, of Prospect said.

“I’m looking forward to learning from other players and improving during my time in the SANFL hub, but also being a better person.

“I want to be a better leader … and I want to be a better role model in the community.

“I have a lot of cousins that look up to me and I just want to keep it moving for them and other young indigenous people, too.”