Lockhart backs ‘The Map’ to springboard young guns’ AFL hopes

He got his AFL chance through a strong game for Tasmania. And boom Lilydale signing Jay Lockhart feels more rep chances next year can be the springboard the state’s young guns need.

Jay Lockhart playing for Melbourne in 2019. Lockhart has signed as a playing assistant coach with junior club Lilydale. (AAP Image/Daniel Pockett)

Former AFL player Jay Lockhart believes extra representative games will help take the pressure off young Tasmanians looking to make a list after signing with his junior club Lilydale for next season.

The 28-year-old was keen to continue playing VFL with Southport, but off-field factors meant he couldn’t commit to playing the elite level.

He will remain based in northern NSW and will travel to his home state for games. He expects to play at least half the matches of Lilydale’s division one campaign, as well as finals should the Demons qualify.

Lockhart played 22 AFL games for Melbourne and is a two-time TSL flag winner with North Launceston.

His chance with the Demons was borne from a standout game for Tasmania against the NEAFL in 2017, winning the Lefroy Medal as the Devils’ best on ground.

But after Tasmania played once in 2023 and twice this year, the state football overhaul features five to six representative games from next season, including against VFL teams.

While Lockhart felt there was scope to retain the now-defunct TSL, he said more chances to wear ‘The Map’ would give locals a more viable chance to get noticed by AFL scouts.

“There’s so many guys (in Tasmania) who can potentially get to the level,” he said.

“If you want to stay in Tassie it makes it a bit harder, but those rep games and playing the highest league that you can definitely gives you opportunities.

“The amount of rep games this year is going to be a good opportunity for guys to get noticed, and get their name thrown out there.

“My first one (rep game), I remember I built up so much pressure and anxiety around it. I thought I had to put my name out there, and ended up having five kicks against the WAFL.

“Definitely more each year is going to benefit players trying to get their name out there, it will take the pressure off and they can just play footy.

Jay Lockhart plying for Tasmania. Picture: PATRICK GEE

“If there’s an avenue to get through the top level playing in Tassie and rep games, it keeps guys home a little longer if they’re young and just starting work or uni.”

Corey Lockett will continue as Lilydale coach after guiding the Demons to the NTFA division one grand final in his first season at the helm this year.

“I really wanted to play VFL again, but with a few family and life decisions we (Lockhart and his partner) want to do over the next period of time, I couldn’t really commit to the time and dedication needed,” Lockhart said.

“But I’m really looking forward to getting back (to Lilydale) I played my juniors there and one year of seniors, my uncle is still involved and my old man is a life member.

“I won’t be playing every game. We haven’t quite worked out how many but it will be at least half the season and opefully we can get to finals and I’ll play them as well.

“I’m really close to Corey. A lot of it (assistant coaching) will be remote stuff, but they’re really keen to use my experience and knowledge, which is what I want to do as well.

“I’ll be able to help him (Lockett) advance what he wants to do as well.”

Lockhart expects division one, the NTFA’s second tier after the premier league, will be a tough competition.

“Looking from afar it looked like it needed a state league, but with the Devils coming in I think this model looks pretty good and exciting,” he said.

“There’s some good teams (in division one) and it’s going to be competitive. There looks like a lot of movement in the league with players going to premier league, it’s going to be a fun year.”

Lockhart said he hadn’t mulled over whether to wear ‘The Map’ again, but didn’t rule it out.

“I haven’t thought about it to be honest. I loved pulling on the map, there’s just something about that guernsey and how much the Tassie footy community respect it.

“I enjoyed it so much wearing it in under-18s and the rep games as well. You walk a little bit taller when you have the state on the front of your guernsey, that’s for sure.”