Eagles youngster Lachie McNeil remains positive about AFL draft prospects
A Woodville-West Torrens youngster still hopes to still hopes to be selected by an AFL club this October despite being overlooked for the national and state combine.
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Woodville-West Torrens youngster Lachie McNeil refuses to abandon his dream of playing AFL – despite not receiving an invitation to test at October’s national or state draft combine.
McNeil has shone this season in the 10 reserves matches he’s played for the Eagles, averaging 18 touches and 7.1 tackles a game.
The 18-year-old was part of the state under-18 side that competed at the national underage championships in July.
He also featured in Henley High’s state school knockout football grand final loss to Prince Alfred College and, in a burst from the contest, kicked a key late goal that almost stole victory.
The midfielder is disappointed not to be going to the combine but is still aiming to impress recruiters during the Eagles’ reserves finals campaign.
“I didn’t get invited to either (draft),” McNeil, of Glenelg East, says.
“I have talked to a few of the AFL clubs.
“The combines I can’t control, so now I just have to control what I can control.
“Just because I haven’t gone to the combines doesn’t mean I won’t get drafted.
“I’m just looking to add a second position – not just being an inside midfielder – but being able to go up forward and kick goals or play on the wing.
“But I’m still hopeful that this year I’m still a chance to get drafted.”
McNeil, who is studying Year 12, says playing in the state knockout title decider will always be a moment to cherish.
“It was obviously disappointing – but it was a really fantastic game,” he says.
“To get the opportunity to play against a top private school team and have a competition for the best teams in the state is great.
“It was a very high intensity game and you felt the pressure out there.
“I’ve had plenty of good experiences (this year) and I’m just enjoying everything.”
McNeil was part of Woodville-West Torrens under-18 side that beat South Adelaide by five points in the grand final last year.
And he hopes to win another premiership – this time with the reserves side.
McNeil booted a goal in the Eagles’ reserves semi-final victory against Central District at home on Saturday.
“We have a really good, young group of reserves players and everyone plays quite well together.
“I’ve really enjoyed my footy at a reserves level.”