How strong game for Tassie helped Lockhart realise AFL dream

A big game for Tasmania in 2017 - and a little backing from a fellow Tasmanian already on Melbourne’s AFL list - helped Jay Lockhart realise his AFL dream at the Demons. Read Lockhart’s memories of that pivotal day wearing ‘the map’ here.

Tasmania's Jay Lockhart kicks forward against the NEAFL representative side. Picture: PATRICK GEE

A huge performance when wearing ‘the map’ was the major catalyst, but Jay Lockhart also owes Colin Garland a few beers for helping him realise his AFL dream.

Fellow Tasmanian Garland was in the final year of his AFL career with Melbourne in 2017, and coach Simon Goodwin in his first.

Garland kept pestering Goodwin about a kid playing for North Launceston, who he was adamant could make it in the AFL.

Lockhart, then 21, knew a strong game for Tasmania against the now-defunct NEAFL at Hobart in July could open a few doors.

He bashed the door down with 20 touches and nine rebound 50s playing across half-back, winning the Lefroy Medal as Tasmania’s best in the 8.7 (55) to 5.8 (38) loss.

It earned him a place in the Demons’ feeder side Casey, and a strong 2018 VFL season won him a place on Melbourne’s AFL list.

He would go on to play 22 AFL games through the 2018 and 2019 seasons.

Lockhart, who now plays for Queensland-based side Southport, said his display for Tasmania and Garland’s backing was pivotal in his ascent to the AFL.

“Colin Garland definitely mentioned my name to Melbourne throughout that year, but I had to perform as well,” he said.

“It was good to play half decent in that game, and it was definitely a massive factor in clubs looking at me.

“I missed most of the year after that game with a knee injury, but got invited to private screenings and there was a state combine.

“That game was probably the main factor in getting invited to those things, as well as Colin mentioning me to Melbourne.

“Colin and (fellow Tasmania 2017 player) Tom Couch definitely mentioned me to recruiters at Melbourne, and I thank them dearly for that.”

Lockhart isn’t the only example of a Tasmanian talent using a state game to kickstart an AFL chance.

Kingborough product Mackenzie Willis produced a huge game against the NEAFL a couple of years earlier, and went on to play five AFL games at Gold Coast.

The current crop get a chance to do likewise when Tasmania plays its first game since 2017 against Queensland at North Hobart Oval this Saturday.

Tasmania's Mitchell Thorp attempts to smother a kick from NEAFL's Jordan Keras. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“It’s funny, I was talking to Mackenzie who plays for Southport with me the other day,” Lockhart said.

A few years ago he had a really good state game, and he talked about how he put his best foot forward on a stage where recruiters are there.

“He knew there would be recruiters or scouts there and if he just played his role and added a bit extra, he could make them have a look at him and watch him a few more times.”

However Lockhart was adamant representing the state in the right fashion, and showcasing a small state can play some good football, was the main motivation when playing for Tasmania.

“We got to play with the best players in the state, guys we play against every other week. I loved pulling on the map, it was so much fun,” he said.

“We always had fierce rivalries, especially with Lauderdale when I was playing. I knew the guys a little bit but after playing a state game together and training for a few weeks, I’m close mates with a few of them now.

“I pulled the map on the year before, and we had a really bad performance against Western Australia.

“You knew it hurt for your family and everyone involved in Tassie footy. To come out the next year and nearly get a win made it special, but it would have been nice to get it done.

“Proving the TSL is a high enough standard where people can come and play footy, it’s one of the driving forces I had.

“We wanted to show we can match them and put the TSL on the map a bit more, that’s its a destination league where people can play a high standard of footy.”

Lockhart believes Tasmania should play annually, not only to bring the regions together together but give young players the chance he seized to audition for higher honours.

“I think they definitely need a state game once a year,” he said.

“WA and SA still have it every year, six years is definitely too long. Blokes might have missed their (AFL) window by then.”

Lockhart is proud of his journey to the AFL, but admits he still has some regrets at being unable to forge a longer career.

He didn’t manage a senior game in 2021, when the Demons claimed their drought-breaking premiership.

Jay Lockhart playing for the Demons in 2019. (AAP Image/Hamish Blair)

“It was definitely a dream achieved, but also I’m not content with how my career ended,” he said.

“I would have liked to look back and have contributed a lot more. I thought I was probably another number there (on the list) for a few years.

“That’s how I look at it. Maybe later on I’ll definitely be more proud, but I was eager to keep playing and contribute to an AFL team a bit more than I did.

“I probably didn’t seek out any advice at the time (2021) because they had 25 players looking like playing in a grand final.

“I definitely wasn’t part of that 25, I didn’t want to step on anyone’s toes and wanted them to have a good finals series.

“But looking back, I should have sought more feedback at the time.”