Glenelg’s Lachlan Hosie joins North Melbourne after being picked up in mid-season draft

Glenelg forward Lachlan Hosie took his mind off the mid-season draft by concreting pools with his dad, now he can focus on football full-time after being picked up by North Melbourne.

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Lachlan Hosie was a Glenelg footballer building concrete swimming pools for his dad Paul’s company on Monday. The next day he was a full-time footballer for North Melbourne.

Hosie’s life took a massive change in direction on Monday night when he was picked up by the Kangaroos with the No. 5 selection in the mid-season draft.

Glenelg's Lachlan Hosie has been picked up by North Melbourne in the mid-season draft. Picture: Dean Martin

His elevation to the national stage was no surprise, speculation was rife he was headed to the AFL system after using his athletism and lust for the high-flying mark to rise to the top of the goalkicking list this season with 21 from eight games.

“I’m over the moon,” Hosie said. “I’d not really thought about the draft to be honest, just try and play consistent footy for Glenelg.

“I tried to keep it low key, ignore it and try and help win games for Glenelg. I’m stoked to get this opportunity with a great club like North Melbourne, but at the same time I was really happy playing for Glenelg.

“Monday was a pretty long day, I’m not going to lie. I worked with dad to try and keep my mind off it (draft).

Lachlan Hosie takes a strong mark for Glenelg against North Adelaide. Picture: Image AAP/Mark Brake

“But once it got to 5pm, the nerves started to kick in. I was not going in with any expectations and if it happened, it happened. It’s crazy, going from working with dad to full-time footballer. I’m so pumped.”

Hosie played his junior football at Henley, but notes he never played first 18 for his school St Michaels.

He said his game flourished when he got to the Tigers as an 18-year old, and he claims the Glenelg Football Club had been the best thing to happen to him. That is until now.

“Glenelg has been unreal for me and I cannot thank them enough,” he said. “It has been unbelievable this year and it is the tightest bunch of mates at the club.

“The culture there at the moment and the belief, plus the game style (coach) Mark (Stone) is teaching us .... the last six games (six wins) from last year, we went into this year with a lot of belief.

“Everyone is playing their role and there are no real individuals.”

The Tigers are top of the ladder after dropping just one of their eight games. Hosie has taken his game to a new level and he mentions a meeting with Stone where they discussed other facets he could bring to the team.

To be known as more than a kick-mark player, he admits he needed to find other ways to influence games such as his ground level play and defensive work.

“A good pre-season put me in good stead and Stoney gave me some licence to bring my flair to games, I’ve loved it,” he said.

“Working with Josh Scott, Liam McBean and Jesse White, they have been really good for me and tremendous for my growth.”