Lachie Sholl shines stepping straight into senior football for first time

Lachie Sholl had never played senior football when he was drafted by Adelaide last year but such has been his ability to adapt to SANFL footy, he’s played every game in his debut season.

Lachie Sholl in action for Adelaide against West Adelaide. Picture: Sue McKay

It would be an understatement to say Lachie Sholl’s first season of senior football was eye-opening.

The 18-year-old had never played senior football before being drafted by Adelaide with pick No.64 in last season’s national draft.

The NAB League Calder Cannons graduate walked straight into an AFL pre-season and the cut-and-thrust of a full SANFL season with the Crows’ reserves.

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The running defender played all 21 matches this season, in an impressive start to life as a professional footballer, and Sholl has enjoyed every minute.

“I actually hadn’t played senior footy before, not even locally,” he said.

“It was a big step up but at the same time we first years were lucky enough to experience match sim against the AFL side.

Lachie Sholl in action for Adelaide against West Adelaide. Picture: Sue McKay

“I’ve really enjoyed the challenge of adapting to the speed and physicality, which is something that’s fast-tracked my development.

“I’ve been really lucky, I’ve been able to play every game, which is a huge bonus in terms of my development.”

Sholl has proved himself one of the best young defenders in the SANFL, averaging 19 disposals a game and delivering at an elite 92 per cent efficiency.

Adelaide’s season ended with a preliminary final loss to Glenelg but Sholl finished as the Crows’ second leading disposal-winner with 24 touches.

The back pocket collected 20 or more possessions in eight of the team’s final nine games.

Sholl said kicking was his biggest weapon and credited SANFL coach Heath Younie and development coach Brent Reilly for helping him continue to develop.

Lachie Sholl in action for Adelaide against West Adelaide. SANFL 2019. Picture: Sue McKay

Lachie Sholl during his time at Calder Cannons. Picture: Chris Eastman

“It’s something I base my game off, my kicking, but I’ve still got a long way to go in terms of my game as a whole,” he said.

“I’m working on a few different things defensively, learning the craft and the game plan.

“Brent does an awesome job of giving feedback to us. It’s great getting that feedback from someone else and from someone with such great experience.”

Sholl faces some stiff competition to crack the Crows’ AFL team with the likes of Rory Laird, Brodie Smith, Luke Brown and Wayne Milera holding down the half-back, back pocket roles.

However, the St Bernard’s junior is determined to fulfil his football dream.

“I’d love to play AFL football, it’s why all of us chase this dream,” he said.

“At the same time, I’m very aware of the fact I have a long way to go in my development.

“It will be good to get a full pre-season next season, we came in last year sort of halfway through, but it will be good to build a base over the pre-season and go from there.”

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