‘I let it get to me’: How Docker-turned-Pie Lachie Schultz beat keyboard warriors to find a home in Collingwood forward line

Lachie Schultz was the Pies’ high-profile recruit coming into 2024, but his first month left a bit to be desired if you ask the keyboard warriors who made life hell. He speaks to JON RALPH about the turnaround since then ahead of game 100.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA. April 25, 2024. AFL. Anzac Day. Essendon vs. Collingwood at the MCG. Lachie Schultz of the Magpies celebrates a 3rd quarter goal. Pic: Michael Klein

Lachie Schultz learnt the hard way – when you’re a Collingwood player on the big stage, there is nowhere to hide.

For every teammate praising his role as the goals failed to materialise in those early season contests for the Magpies, there was a keyboard hero desperate to bring him down.

He knew there would be expectation given Collingwood had handed Fremantle a first-round pick, but he found the dark side of fame when those meaningless multi-bets failed to hit.

“I think in the early days I struggled to comprehend it and I let it get to me a little bit more than I should have,” Schultz told this masthead of that month where he looked a little lost as the Pies’ new forward.

“People read so much into stats and don’t know enough about what certain roles are on the field so, yeah I had to turn off my messages to the public. As soon as I didn’t kick a goal my inbox would just light-up.”

Lachie Schultz has learned there’s nowhere to hide in a Collingwood jumper. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

Yet if the social media side noise was dulled, it still didn’t quieten the little bloke on his shoulder wondering if he should be doing more. With Collingwood three points up with nine minutes remaining against Carlton in round 8, Schultz’s byplay with former Dockers housemate Blake Acres went horribly wrong. What should have been a harmless push in the back turned into a punch to the back of his neck.

Acres won the free kick and Schultz was suspended for a week.

Collingwood held on and – as it turned out – the incident became a cathartic moment for Schultz, resulting in a heart-to-heart with coach Craig McRae about the burden of expectation.

“Fly (McRae) sat me down and we had a really good chat about it all,” Schultz said this week. “It was a good opportunity to really see where I was at and (to) release some of that frustration I probably had.”

The 26-year-year old remains mortified about the strike and yet it might end up as a turning point, releasing the pressure valve for the former Docker.

“(Blake is) one of my best mates,” Schultz said. “We catch up regularly and we have had a laugh about it since then, but it was just friendly bit of banter that got out of hand. It was supposed to be a little shove in the back.

“It is something where I probably let the occasion get to me and (I) deeply regret it. I am extremely remorseful for my action and it’s not a good look.”

Schultz will play his 100th AFL game on Friday night against his old side and has found form – with goals in his last five games, as well as seven tackles in each of his last two.

“It has reminded me how resilient I have to be as an AFL footballer,” Schultz said.

Lachie Schultz celebrates a goal against the Swans in Round 1. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“It’s all part of it. I have so much support around me at the club, so that has helped to filter it out. There is a lot more expectation on me after my trade (from Fremantle) so that comes along with playing with such a good club like Collingwood. We have expectations that are so high and the fans are so passionate so they care so much about what you are doing.”

Schultz is not the first player to battle with the downside of fame and fortune.

He might be the first to be drafted while working as a plumber, covered with mud and rain sloshing around in a basement – oblivious to the moment his life changed. It is why Moama-raised Schultz will savour his 100-game milestone, aware every gain has been hard-won after working his way onto an AFL list through VFL hard yards with Williamstown.

That opportunity at Fremantle – pick 57 in the 2018 national draft – came after two VFL seasons, honing his craft under coaches Andy Collins and Clint Proctor.

“Coming into the system as a 20-year-old and getting to 100 games, it’s a massive achievement for anyone, let alone someone who has done it that way,” Schultz said.

Lachie Schultz has found form after a rough start to the season. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“I was never touted to be drafted; I was always on the edge. There was disappointment when I missed out, but there was always the hunger to get better and prove everyone wrong.

“I was actually on the tools when I got drafted. I was in a basement doing a plumbing job.

“I was hooking up stormwater in an underground carpark in a house. I was covered in mud and water. It wasn’t nice. I had no (phone) reception and was watching the draft on my phone, checking it every time I got out of the basement. It got to pick 50. I went (back) down and (when I) came back up, my phone had just blown up. Then it was Ross Lyon calling me and I was like, ‘this must be it’.”

Five years at Fremantle brought 90 games, but in the end, compelling family reasons for him and partner Maddie saw Schultz request a trade back to Victoria. Enter Collingwood.

“It’s been so special to be able to enjoy the fruits of being an AFL footballer, but also be in my home state as well,” Schultz said.

“Mum is extremely happy. My sister is back home now (too), we are spending so much quality family time together and for my partner, Maddie, to be back home now with her family, it’s so special for both of us.

“It’s a bit of a full-circle moment (playing against the Dockers on Friday night). It’s pretty special to play your 100th (game) against the guys you used to play against.

“In front of a crowd who cheered you for 90 games – (they) will probably boo (too). It’s surreal and very fitting. I am so grateful and have so much respect for (Fremantle).”

Originally published as ‘I let it get to me’: How Docker-turned-Pie Lachie Schultz beat keyboard warriors to find a home in Collingwood forward line