Josh Schache’s TAC Cup coaches back the out-of-favour Lion to develop into a star of the AFL

YOUNG Brisbane forward Josh Schache has so far attracted little interest from Victorian clubs but his TAC Cup coaches have backed him to thrive at a new club when he’s back closer to family and friends.

Does Josh Schache have what it takes to make it at AFL level? Picture: Getty

JOSH Schache’s TAC Cup coaches believe his incredible skill set can overcome his lack of “mongrel” and still see him turn into a star forward.

The Brisbane second-year forward is effectively being pushed out the door by the Lions but has few takers so far from Victorian clubs.

Just two seasons ago Schache broke an under-18 record by kicking 24 goals as the Larke Medallist in the national championships.

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His Murray Bushrangers coach Darren Ogier, now the Northern Blues defensive coach, still believes Schache can be a star.

He says if Schache returns to Victoria it can only help him after a horror year working through his contract issues.

Collingwood has been urged to push hard for Schache by Matthew Lloyd, while Richmond for now has ruled out a bid for the 20-year-old.

Does Josh Schache have what it takes to make it at AFL level? Picture: Getty

AFL clubs clearly believe Schache is not enough of a competitor, and Ogier concedes it can be a challenge to add that mongrel spirit mid-career.

“It’s a hard question to answer. Players generally have got their traits and skill sets and you need to work on their weaknesses,’’ he said on Tuesday.

“But there are a lot of players who aren’t mongrels and they can be very successful.

“I think Josh is going to be a very good player whoever he ends up.

“He is very close with his mum and if he got back to Victoria that can only help him.”

Current Murray Bushrangers coach Leon Higgins, who coached Schache as an under-16 player, says he is too talented not to succeed.

“My view is that he is a really gentle kid, Josh, a considerate young fella and it’s just going to take him a little while to adjust,” he said.

“No doubt he will get there. Whether he has that real strong competitive streak that is driving him, but I am sure in a couple of years in the system he will get to the level everyone expects.

“Josh is a unique sort of player — around the 200cm mark and an excellent runner as well. He has all the attributes to play in the modern game.”

Josh Schache showed glimpses in his first year. Picture: Getty

But had a disappointing second season. Picture: Getty

Many of those who have come into contact with Schache believe he is “too nice”.

But it is difficult to judge his tackling pressure and athleticism when he has had such a turbulent second season.

Former Hawthorn recruiter Gary Buckenara on Tuesday said his old club could ask for a discounted trade for Schache because it was handing over Luke Hodge to the Lions.

“Hawthorn are still looking to replace David Hale and (Ty) Vickery hasn’t worked out so far, so someone like Schache would be fantastic back-up for the Hawks,” Buckenara said.

“But I think he’d be a good fit for everyone. Collingwood needs another tall forward and Richmond could use that taller one.

“I am surprised (at the lack of interest) because your talent doesn’t disappear overnight.

“Yes, maybe he could be a bit harder not only in terms of footy, but also his make-up.”

Matthew Lloyd said the Pies should take a chance on Schache, handing over a top-10 pick and getting a later selection back.

“If I was Collingwood, I’d take the risk,” Lloyd said.

“I would give up pick 6 and get a pick back in the late first round — I would do it.”