Plugger’s nephew explodes with 17-goal blitz for QAFL finals push

AFL legend Tony 'Plugger' Lockett's nephew has exploded onto the footy scene, kicking 17 goals in a fortnight to keep his team's season alive.

Jye Lockett (left) with family including younger brother Taj Lockett in 2025. Picture: Broadbeach Cats

The nephew of the AFL’s all-time leading goalkicker has caught fire in front of goal in the QAFL, booting 17 majors in two weeks to guide his side within striking distance of the finals.

190cm Broadbeach forward Jye Lockett has rocketed into fifth on Queensland’s goalkicking leaderboard (34 total) with 12 goals against Mt Gravatt and five against Maroochydore.

Lockett’s goals have helped Broadbeach win five of its last six to sit one game outside the QAFL top eight.

Coach Lewis Chiodo said growing maturity had unlocked the best in the 2022 Suns Academy prospect, who has channelled his famous uncle ‘Plugger’ - 1360 goals in 281 games for Saints and Swans - in front of goal recently.

“He’s starting to focus a little bit more on preparing yourself better, and he’s got a lot of talent,” Chiodo said.

“That little switch is going off in his head and he’s been focusing and enjoying his footy a lot more as well.”

Chiodo said the AFL had always been Lockett’s goal and backed the youngster to make it all the way if he worked at it.

“Personally I think the world is his oyster,” the coach said.

“I think if he really applies himself and has a serious pre-season coming up, everything can turn for him. I really do.”

The coach hailed Lockett as a great example for players overlooked by the league at 17- or 18-years-old who have instead gone into senior footy and served hard apprenticeships.

In turning around Broadbeach from a 1-7 record to 6-8 with three games to play, Lockett’s coming of age has arrived at precisely the right moment.

Originally published as Plugger’s nephew explodes with 17-goal blitz for QAFL finals push