Moama’s Lachlan Hogan has impressed in his first game for the Greater Western Sydney Academy at the under-16 NAB AFL National Development Championships, booting three goals against Sydney.
Hogan only recently learnt he would be part of the GWS side and the youngster hadn’t even met his GWS teammates before last weekend, but that didn’t stop him from putting in a great performance.
The 16-year-old kicked the opening goal of the game and was named among the best in the Giants’ 17.14 (116) to 7.7 (49) win over Sydney.
After his goal in the first term, Hogan added two more in the third quarter — a neat crumbing goal and a nice finish from a set shot.
It was a unique journey for Hogan to reach the footy field in Blacktown.
From Moama, Hogan plays with the Moama Magpies and Bendigo Pioneers and thought he would play for Victoria Country at the championships.
But after not being named in the Vic Country squad, Hogan learnt it was because he was part of the NSW system instead.
He got a phone call saying he’d been chosen to be part of the Giants’ squad and after being named in the 23-man team for the clash against the Swans, he was off to Sydney.
His first appearance for GWS is just one of the many milestone achievements for Hogan this year. He has captained the Pioneers and also made his senior debut for Moama against Barooga.
The Giants will take on Gold Coast on July 4 and Brisbane on July 8.