AFL Draft 2024: Top prospect Sam Lalor kicks seven goals in return from injury for Geelong Grammar

He is known as a midfielder, but this top-10 prospect dominated up forward for Geelong Grammar in his return from injury. And an emerging cricket star proved he is also handy with the Sherrin.

Sam Lalor made an emphatic return. Picture: Alan Barber

Top draft prospect Sam Lalor made a stunning return from injury in Geelong Grammar’s season-opener against Wesley College, booting seven goals in his side’s narrow loss.

The Bacchus Marsh product had been kept out of action with both the AFL Academy and Coates League club GWV Rebels but made an emphatic statement in his first game of the year, kicking 7.3 and tallying 19 disposals, 10 contested possessions, five tackles and 141 Premier Data ranking points.

With limited match fitness, Lalor played the majority of the first half through the midfield, kicking a goal, before he began cramping and was moved forward.

The bullocking 187cm midfielder went on to kick six goals in the second half, proving his worth as a potential top 10 talent in this year’s draft.

Geelong Grammar football director Troy Selwood said AFL recruiters watching on went in with low expectations but were thoroughly impressed by his display.

Lalor shoots for goal. Picture: Alan Barber

“They probably were tempering their expectations as to what he might put out as a first up run, but to be able to still find a way to really contribute despite being under duress in the second half, I think that really pleased the people watching,” Selwood said.

“Definitely was one of the more dominant performances I have seen at schoolboys football but obviously there is a lot more improvement left in his game once he gets some proper conditioning over the next month.

“It was quite impressive, he was still very short of a gallop but was able to show probably people who were watching that he has the ability to go forward and be a dangerous option inside forward 50.”

Geelong Falcons midfielder Xavier Ivisic was another draft prospect to impress for Geelong Grammar with 26 possessions, seven marks, seven cleances, six tackles, a goal and 137 points.

Xavier Ivisic celebrates a goal. Picture: Alan Barber

Lalor’s Rebels teammate Flynn Penry also made his return from an ankle setback that delayed his start to the year. The ruckman finished with 18 disposals, 10 contested possessions, five clearances and 99 points himself.

Bottom-age Falon Josh Lindsay was named as Geelong Grammar’s best after racking up a game-high 34 disposals, 13 contested possessions, eight tackles and 144 points.

Ollie Peake, well-renowned in cricket after starring on the world stage in Australia’s U19 World Cup win earlier this year, showed he is also handy with the Sherrin, kicking three goals to go with 15 touches.

Ben Rondgit, a bottom-age player who was part of Vic Country’s pre-season squad, had 15 touches and seven tackles, also showing off his exceptional spring in the warm-up.

Ben Rongdit showing off his leap. Picture: Alan Barber

Flynn Penry wins a hitout. Picture: Alan Barber

An inaccurate Wesley College took the win over the home side 12.18 (90) to 13.8 (86), with Sandringham Dragons product Charlie Rozeness leading the way with 28 disposals, 12 contested possessions, eight clearances and 117 points.

Meanwhile, Calder Cannons bottom-ager Felix Kneipp also dominated with 29 disposals, 10 clearances, six inside 50s and 119 points.

Oakleigh Charger Blake Leidler kicked four goals and had 20 disposals, while bottom-age Dragon had 17 disposals and booted three majors.

While Geelong Grammar’s boys side lost in a close one, the girls managed to hold on to win by two points over Wesley College 5.7 (37) to 5.5 (35).

Originally published as AFL Draft 2024: Top prospect Sam Lalor kicks seven goals in return from injury for Geelong Grammar