Lachie Ash signs two-year contract extension with GWS Giants

Lachie Ash is relishing the chance to play an important role in the Giants’ rise, and his form has been rewarded with a new multi-year contract.

GWS Giants defender Lachie Ash. Picture: Phil Hillyard

Lachie Ash found himself down on the family farm in Katandra during the Giants’ bye weekend in June.

He sat down with his parents determined to figure out his future. Off-contract at the end of 2023, he wanted to assess whether the path GWS was on was the right one for him.

It ended up being an easy discussion, with the 22-year-old this week putting pen to paper on a new two-year deal.

“It was obviously tough last year,” Ash said. “I wanted to make sure that the club was headed in the direction that I was comfortable with.

“I had a good chat with mum and dad and the discussion was I was happy to stay, so it made the decision pretty easy in the end. They see the club is on the right path which is important to me.

“I never entertained the idea (of leaving). I knew the process if I was to leave, but I never asked (my manager) to ask around.”

Lachie Ash is in the middle of the best season of his career, averaging 23.6 disposals a game. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

The former No.4 draft pick has played an integral role in the Giants’ change of fortunes this season. They have won six of their past seven matches, with their finals destiny seemingly in their own hands.

The most exciting part of the project building at GWS is the youthful energy driving the group and their style of footy. For Ash, it’s reminiscent of what the table-topping Magpies have achieved over the past two seasons.

“It was always going to take a little bit of time, but I think we are starting to build some momentum and play good footy,” Ash said.

“I look at Collingwood and what they did last year. They were in a very similar position – new coaching staff, first half of the year a bit inconsistent.

“Then second half of the year, they started to play consistent footy, and they were one of the best teams in the comp by the back end of the year. I think we’re not far off that at all ourselves.

“It’s exciting to see and another thing, it comes back to why you re-sign. A lot of those players (in defence) on the weekend, the oldest was Lachie Whitfield (aged 29). Hopefully, we can keep the group together for a long time to come.”

Lachie Ash (right) can sense something special building at the Giants. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

One of the changes made by Adam Kingsley was giving Ash a clearly defined role. He has gone from being a useful utility to a dependable defender, and he knows it has brought the best out of him.

“I’m loving being a part of the defence, having some consistency playing across half-back,” Ash said.

“It’s so easy to find your game and find ways to improve your game. You go into reviews and there’s two or three focus points and you can go down to the minor details. Last year I probably didn’t get that … this year I can look at specifics and improve.”

Now with momentum on the Giants’ side as the team looks to make it six straight wins, Ash believes the team has what it takes to ride the wave all the way to finals.

The win over Adelaide was the latest in the Giants’ push to September. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“I think our group has great belief in those tough situations that we’re going to get it done,” Ash said.

“That win (against Adelaide), the Melbourne win in Alice Springs and then the win down in Geelong – those three wins on the road against teams that are probably going to play finals is massive for our group.

“Momentum is really hard to build and it’s really easy to lose, which we know. So, we’ll keep doing the little things well.

“I’m confident about what we can get out of the year.”

Originally published as Lachie Ash signs two-year contract extension with GWS Giants