Rising Rosella: Cheltenham’s Sean Lai captures the attention of Richmond VFL

It only took a couple of rounds for Cheltenham to realise it had unearthed a “special kid” in Sean Lai. He now has a chance to move beyond the Rosellas.

Sean Lai. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

It didn’t take Cheltenham long to realise it had found a serious prospect in Sean Lai.

A handful of drills into pre-season had the coaching staff asking: ‘Can he produce it in a game and at senior level?’

And, according to new coach Justin Pickering, the Rosellas had their answer by Round 2.

The attributes that impressed Cheltenham at training were apparent in matches and now have the left-footer with a chance to land on Richmond’s VFL list at the end of November.

“We saw him come down to pre-season and you could see straight away that he had skills that were pretty special,” Pickering, who played 59 matches for Richmond, said.

“We played him against Cranbourne in round 1 and he just stood up, not only with his kicking – that’s clear for everyone – but he was quite happy to stand under the ball and cop what was coming.

“After those first two games against top-quality opposition, we knew we had a special kid.

“School footy was a priority, as it should be, but we knew we had a really good talent and we were absolutely astounded he wasn’t in the system.

“We knew pretty early that he was an elite kick but he has other attributes too.”

Sean Lai. (Photo by Josh Chadwick)

Justin Pickering. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Lai, who is in the Sandringham Dragons region, was unwell at the time of a pre-season trial match and missed the final list.

The Oakleigh Chargers gave the half-back flanker an opportunity late in the season. He played two matches and held his own in the Coates Talent League.

Lai said missing out on the Dragons’ list didn’t change his objective for the season.

“My goals were kind of the same: just play good, consistent footy regardless of where it’s at, enjoy it and if you’re good enough, you’re good enough,” he said.

“I enjoy playing at higher levels so this VFL opportunity is really cool.

“It’s a good experience, you know, you see all this higher-level stuff and it looks fun and interesting to get into.

“I can’t wait to be in that environment and see what it‘s like.

“I want to try and keep the same thing (approach), whether I am developed enough to make it, it’s fine, I have plenty of time ahead of me.

“Just keep doing what’s best for me, hopefully, if I am good enough, I am good enough.”