For Shepparton product Lachie Ash the goal for season 2022 is simple — take his game to the next level.
Selected with pick four in the 2019 national draft, Ash has quickly made himself at home in the GWS Giants’ best 22, carving out a nice role for himself across half-back.
But as he embarks on his third season at AFL level, the 2018 Shepparton premiership player has higher aspirations, with a potential move into the midfield now on the cards.
Speaking on the eve of the 2022 campaign, the 20-year-old said he was excited to show off the hard work he had put in during the pre-season.
“Obviously I am very excited to get into it, we have all been working away towards this day for the best part of three to four months — so it is good for it to finally be here,” Ash said.
“Last year I sort of moved into the midfield over the last few games, so I have been doing a lot of craft and education stuff around being a midfielder, compared to the work I was doing as a defender where I played through my first year and a half.
“On top of that I have also been working hard on my general stuff, like kicking, handballing and craft like that have been my two main focuses personally.”
Along with the development of his skills, Ash said he had noticed a major change in his body in the past few months, as he continues to round himself into a quality AFL-level footballer.
“I feel like my body belongs (at AFL level) now, when I look at myself now, I don’t see too much difference to blokes who have been in the system for six or so years, and I feel like myself and guys like Tom Green and Jake Riccardi are all in that same boat,” he said.
“That gives me a lot of confidence that I can take the next step from being a consistent performer and just playing your role to taking that next step and being a really productive player in your team.”
Part of an exciting group of young players at the Giants, this year offers a fantastic opportunity for the Shepparton export to take more responsibility within the team and take pressure off the club’s experienced heads as they strive for success.
“One hundred per cent (I want to step up and take a bit more responsibility), those guys like Stephen Coniglio, Josh Kelly and Toby Greene have been doing it for so long — so it is time for guys like myself, Tom (Green) and Jake (Riccardi) to really step up and take us as a team to new heights,” he said.
“We are really excited to take our games to the next level and try and give opposition teams and coaches something else to think about, the potential is definitely there for us, and I can’t wait to see how we go.”
As he embarks on what is set to be an exciting new season, Ash says he still feels the love from his hometown and always enjoys flying the flag for the region on the big stage.
“Whether it is family, friends or coaches from the past, I am constantly getting messages from people at home wishing me luck for the new season which is quite flattering to know they have you in the back of their mind,” he said.
“It definitely makes you feel loved and had a little impact on the community in the time that I was there, and it makes you want to go out there and do well for not only your family but the entire town.”
He also took the chance to outline a couple of goals for the upcoming season, with team success the top priority.
“From a team perspective it is to play in that last day in September and win it — that is the ultimate goal,” he said.
“But personally, for me it is about getting better week by week, I am only three years into my career, so I’m still pretty young in terms of a footballer, so if I can continue to improve that is something I want to do as I put myself out there and try be the best player I can be.”