Lachlan Henderson

[Grimreepah]

pick 8, 2007

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/5729/hendersoneu7.jpg

[Grimreepah]

Bomberblitz interview (http://bomberblitz.com/news/interviews/henderson.php)

BomberBlitz: Who was your footy idol growing up and why?
Lachie Henderson: James Hird and Nathan Buckley, cant split the two. Both these players just appealed to me because of the way they played footy and the leadership they both show on and off the field.

BB:Who do you barrack for, and where do you want to go?
LH: Collingwood and it makes no difference wherever I can play footy to the best of my ability.

BB: Do you have a rough idea of where you might be placed in terms of draft position?
LH: Not really I have been told different by people but anything could happen.

BB: What is your preferred position on-field and why?
LH: CHF, I like to be up the ground a bit able to run but also able to kick and set up goals.

BB: Three reasons why you would like to come to Essendon that distances it from its rivals.
LH: James Hird was there, Kevin Sheedy was there and it is a good club with a great history.

BB: Did you injuries this season set you back a lot in your preparation?
LH: Yeah, they have a fair bit. I struggled with my broken fibula bone earlier in the year and then a ankle and foot injury later in the season that i am still carrying. My fitness is surprisingly alright but everything is lacking with the little work I have done.

BB: Are you nervous about making the transition from the TAC to AFL?
LH: No, not really. I think these days there are so many people to help and guide you through that I will be alright. It will still be tough though.

BB: Just how much growth do you have in you to make?
LH: A fair bit I haven't played a lot this year so I have still got a year to catch up on everyone. I still have a lot to learn to hopefully become a solid AFL footballer.

BB: Which modern footballer (or if not one perhaps one from the past) do you think you think you are most like on field?
LH: Nick Riewoldt

BB: Who do others say you play like?
LH: Nick Riewoldt

BB: What would you say are you’re greatest assets in terms of AFL?
LH: My marking, my brain and decision making and my leadership.

BB: What areas do you reckon you could improve on?
LH:Ground Balls, second efforts and speed

BB: What would your top 3 goals be once you’re drafted to an AFL club?
LH: Have a full pre-season, run a 15+ beep (or just be real fit), do extra skill work to get myself ready for AFL and to try and play that season.

BB: What was it like getting an AIS scholarship for AFL?
LH: Awesome, I really did not expect it at all I didnt even know what it was when I got told I was getting looked at. I learnt so much throughout the year and owe a lot too the program.

BB: What do you think of the prospect of possibly moving away from home?
LH: Not really too happy with it but sacrifices may have to be made. I would miss a lot of things over here and it would be interesting to see how I go. But if its to play footy I think I would be alright.

BB: Who has been the hardest player to play on in the under 18s?
LH: With not many games this year I cant really tell but for me probably Mathew Lobbe or Hugh Sandilands.

BB: What have been your best and worst experiences out of AFL Draft camp this year? How did you find it?
LH: Best experience was just been around all the boys and catching up with the AIS boys. I couldn't really tell you the worst it was never that bad, maybe 3km time trial. It was a great experience. Very tiring but was worth it and was great to be around people that are going through the same thing as you, I enjoyed it.

BB: When did you start playing footy?
LH: I played all through primary school just at lunch at recess with all the older boys. But properly i started in under 14's when i was in grade 6.

BB: You’re in year 12 this year, how has it been fitting both footy and school work?
LH: It has been alright being in Geelong this year right next to school made it a lot easier. It has been fine.

BB: What subjects are you doing?
LH: Geography, English, Design and Technology, Further Maths, and Maths Methods. I also did Physical Education last year.

BB: Who has had the greatest influence on your footy career so far?
LH: My Dad

Your dad had a big influence on your footy career so far, did he play a fair bit of footy back in the day or does he still?
LH: Yeah he was a great club footballer. He just has a great eye for the game and has learnt to change with it and he still understands and knows whats going on, he is fantastic.

BB: Do you play any sports other than footy?
LH: Yeah I play golf, tennis and cricket. But really only golf now.

BB: If AFL wasn't around, what would you do instead?
LH: Something to do with sport anything around it. Maybe focus on Golf earlier on and try club pro or something. *laughs*

BB: Now for the important questions. Are you a cinnamon, iced or jam centred type donut man?
LH: Cinnamon.

BB: If you could hold a Guinness World Record, what would it be for?
LH: Fastest 20m sprint.

BB: What music do you listen to?
LH: Anything

BB: If someone made a film of your life, who would you like to play the lead role?
LH: Brad Pitt.

BB: Name 3 people you would invite to dinner and why?
LH: Tiger Woods, James Hird and My Girlfriend.

BB: One place you would like to visit?
LH: Trevi fountain in Rome.

BB: Three words to describe yourself?
LH: Hard working, Honest, Loyal

BB: What is your favourite colour M&M?
LH: Green

BB: Do you think milk should be added to instant coffee prior to boiling water or after?
LH: After

BB: Shorts or pants man?
LH: Pants.

BB: Shoes or thongs?
LH: Shoes.

BB: Thanks for the interview Lachie and good luck with the draft!
LH: Thanks.

Link (http://blackwhitestripes.scribblewiki.com/images/blackwhitestripes/b/b6/HendersonSouthAfricaTourStory.jpg)

http://i25.tinypic.com/2gspxu8.jpg

Lachlan Henderson will never forget the AIS-AFL Academy tour he went on to South Africa last month. However, his memories will not be influenced by the fact he broke his leg before he even left for the trip. For Henderson, the South African adventure, visiting Soweto, Cape Flats and Cape Town, left an undeniable imprint on his memory. Henderson described the firsthand experience of seeing poverty he had previously only read about as "eye-opening". He believes the football clinics that attracted hundred of indigenous South Africans were some of the most uplifting moments he has ever experienced.

"It was hard knowing that we are so lucky over here with everything we've got and to see how little those kids had," Henderson said. "I think it was great doing those clinics with the kids. Helping them have some fun was something I'll never forget. "The kids had massive smiles on their faces all the time. The thing that struck all the players was that they were just so happy."

Henderson was amazed that the youngsters seemed oblivious to the fact that they lived in one-room shanties and that most of them had no shoes. He said there was a genuine excitement among the kids learning and playing Australian Rules, and has no doubt the South Africans have the athleticism and skill to adapt to the game.

"Obviously, they've only just started playing and haven't got the technique yet, but they're learning quickly and they never stop trying," Henderson said. "I think in 10-20 years they can be very good at it. When our boys played South Africa, we were winning by about 150 points, but it was amazing to see that they were still having fun and trying as hard as they were in the first minute," Henderson said.

As for the leg he broke in leadup match against Perth, Henderson said initiailly it was thought that he had torn a ligament not a broken bone. Henderson felt the seasonlong injury to Tom Swift, who snapped his ACL around the same time, put his own injury into perspective, and that returning home was never a consideration. And given what unfolded in South Africa, it was a decision he's glad he made.

While unable to play, Henderson said he "limped around as a water boy" and participated in some strenuous gym sessions with ex-Richmond premiership player Rob Wiley. He hopes to get the go-ahead to resume playing in early June, and when his commitments with Geelong College finish, squeeze in some games with the Geelong Falcons. Whatever the year holds, Lachlan Henderson is more knowledgeable, understanding and a better person for his experience on the AIS-AFL Academy tour to South Africa. It was, as Henderson said, a trip of a lifetime.

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/5232/henderson2hr1.jpg

Link (http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2007/11/20/9038_geelong_sports.html)

The Henderson kid's AFL draft dream
Brad Green
20Nov07

THE town of Birregurra is well-known for being the location where the popular TV series The Henderson Kids was filmed in the mid 1980s. Another Henderson kid is preparing to put the small country town back into the national spotlight.

Geelong Falcons' big man Lachie Henderson appears a certainty to be chosen in the top 10 of this Saturday's AFL national draft.

But, despite all the hype surrounding just where his new home will be, the humble 196cm key forward said he is not getting carried away at all.

``I haven't really thought about the top 10 that much,'' the quietly-spoken Henderson said.

``It's not really that big a thing to me about being top 10. If I go at 60 it wouldn't matter and I reckon there's no real difference. It's just at that stage you're rated a better player at the time.

``So I don't think I'm much better than the player who goes at 70. I'd really like to stay in Victoria, but to play AFL footy, who really cares. I'd be happy to go anywhere.''

Henderson has been on the horizon of AFL clubs for a couple of years now.

He attracted the attention of the Falcons through his performances with Geelong College in the APS competition and then was earmarked as a potential AFL player by being chosen in the AFL-AIS Academy program late last year.

Falcons coach Garry Hocking has watched Henderson develop over the past two years and has no doubts about his talent.

``He's very mobile for a big man and he's not only a strong mark but he's good at ground level as well,'' Hocking said.

``The best thing about Lachie is that he's a great kid. I also think that he's got great leadership qualities.''

However, despite his undoubted talent, the 2007 season proved a frustrating one for Henderson as he was constantly sidelined with a series of injuries.

After an encouraging 2006, he played only six games for the Falcons and missed out on the chance to showcase his talents at the AFL under-18 national titles.

``It's been a real eye-opening year,'' Henderson said. ``I've never had an injury that's put me out for any length of time and I've learnt from it a lot.''

His problems started right from the opening round of the season. Early in the third quarter of the Falcons' match against Murray at Skilled Stadium, the 17-year-old copped a heavy knock to his left leg and he feared that the injury would stop him from joining his academy teammates on their two-week tour of South Africa.

Before they left, the squad played a practice match against WAFL side Perth and Henderson said he pleaded with academy coach Alan McConnell to be allowed to play.

``He (McConnell) only let me play the last quarter and I went out there with my leg strapped up and I could run fine,'' Henderson said.

``I had a lot of pain playing, but it was such a big game that I wanted to play. About seven minutes into that last quarter I had a big heavy collision with this little five-foot bloke.

``He gave me a hip-and-shoulder and my leg must have got caught because I got up and couldn't walk at all.

``They (medical staff) thought that it must have been torn from the week before and I ran on it for next two weeks in South Africa. When I came back, I went and got the fibula checked out and that's when we found out it was broken.''

The injury kept him sidelined for the next two months, but he was still named in the Vic Country side for the national championships and played a couple of games for College in the lead-up.

However, Henderson said he made the tough decision to withdraw from the side.

``It was my decision in the end to take myself out of the carnival, but it wasn't for own benefit, it was for the team,'' he said.

``It was probably a good thing for the team in the end because Ryan Hobbs came in and played fantastic.'' Henderson played all his junior football with Birregurra in the Colac and District Football League while he attended primary school in the town.

For five years, Henderson travelled up and back from his family's home at Birregurra to go to school at Geelong College.

His parents, Ian and Vonnie, decided it would be better for his Year 12 studies and his football commitments if he was based in Geelong.

Vonnie made a major sacrifice by temporarily moving out of the family home and rented a place in Geelong that she and Lachie have lived in since late January. As luck would have it, they stumbled on a unit within a drop punt of the College.

``We needed to save him two hours of travel a day,'' Vonnie said.

``We could have put him in the boarding house, which was an option, but I still needed to be there to be able to run him around.

``It was going to be fine in the later half of the year because he's got a lot of mates who have turned 18 and have cars.

``So it was much better all-round for him that I moved up and it was just pure luck that we found this place. So instead of travelling on a bus for two hours a day, he walks for two minutes across the road and he's in the school grounds.''

Vonnie believes the injury setbacks have been a good test of her son's character.

``As a mother, he's my only son and my youngest, so you do get a bit emotional about it because you see that he's a kid and all he wants to do is get out there and play footy,'' she said.

``I have to say, I'm pretty proud of the way he has handled himself because it's been really frustrating for him.''

That support is not lost on Henderson.

``I don't reckon mum realises just how appreciative I am,'' he declared.

Now that his Year 12 exams are finished, Henderson has been able to regularly indulge in another of his sporting passions _ a round of golf.

While Henderson said his preferred position is centre half-forward both McConnell and Hocking believe he is an attractive option at centre half-back.

``He hasn't had a great opportunity to present to the industry this year through injury, but he can play both forward and back and has done some work in the ruck,'' McConnell said.

Henderson has signed with Ricky Nixon's Flying Start management group and said he does not plan to attend Saturday's draft.

Vonnie said it will be a nervous wait for the whole family _ including his older sister Chloe, who lives in London _ until his name is read out.

Henderson said the uncertainty of the draft is making him nervous, but he can't wait for Saturday morning to roll around.

``It's very exciting, but I just have to take it as it comes and not get to ahead of myself,'' Henderson said.

``It's only really the start when you get drafted.''

http://img507.imageshack.us/img507/6631/hendersonyx2.jpg

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.afl.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=208&newsId=53283)

Top draft prospects: Tall forwards
7:12 AM Fri 16 November, 2007
By Jason Phelan,

Lachlan Henderson – Geelong Falcons, VIC, 195.5cm, 91.5kg, DOB 14/12/89

Honours

Vic Country representative – NAB AFL Under-18 Championship 2007
AIS-AFL Academy graduate

NAB AFL Draft Camp highlights

Handspan – 25.0cm (7th overall)

Alan McConnell, AIS-AFL High Performance Coach says:
“Lachie has had a challenging year with injuries, but was a key player in Geelong College’s premiership in APS (Associated Public School) footy 12 months ago; he was a pivotal player there.
“He hasn’t had a great opportunity to present to the industry this year through injury, but he can play both forward and back and has done some work in the ruck. Most of his TAC Cup footy has been up forward and in the ruck, but he has also played some school football in defence and, in my mind, that may be where he finishes up.”

[Grimreepah]

Test Results

Pre Season

Height - 195.5
Weight - 89.9
5m sprint - 1.09
20m sprint - 3.07
Agility - 8.64
Shuttle - 14.0
Vertical jump - 57

Screening

Height - 195.5
Weight - 91.5
5m sprint - 1.18
20m sprint - 3.14
Agility - 8.88
Shuttle - 13.8
Vertical jump - 56
Repeat sprints - 24.98

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://afl.com.au/Season2007/News/NABAFLDraftBlogwithMattBurgan/BlogArticle/tabid/8123/Default.aspx?newsId=53419)

Matt Burgan's 2007 Phantom Draft
11:30 AM Fri 23 November, 2007
By Matt Burgan

8 – BRISBANE LIONS – LACHLAN HENDERSON
Geelong Falcons, VIC, Tall forward, December 14 1989, 195.5cm, 91.5kg
This will be an intriguing selection. Brad Ebert and Jack Grimes have been huge tips here for some time, with Henderson strongly associated with St Kilda (No.9). And although Ebert and Grimes remain right in the hunt for the Lions, the momentum for Henderson continues to build at No.8 – he looms as a No.8-12 pick – and he will be right in the Lions' thinking. Alex Rance, Tom Collier and Cyril Rioli are also contenders for the Lions, as Chris Masten and David Myers are likely to be gone.
Bio: A tall, key forward prospect with strong hands. Very good on the lead and exceptionally quick off the mark for a player his size. He displayed impressive endurance at the NAB AFL Draft Camp with a shuttle run result of 13.8. AIS-AFL Academy graduate. From Geelong College.

[BigCat2]

His stats were worse in the screening. Was that because of his leg injuries?

Still that's a pretty good agility score, and fitness seems to be ok too. 14 beep for a KPP is very good.

[Grimreepah]

Phantom drafts

Quigley (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=395411)

14. Melbourne – Lachlan Henderson – DOB 14/12/89 Ht 196 Wt 90

Before Melbourne picked up this pick they would have been giving serious consideration to Henderson at 4 and they would be ecstatic to get him at 14. The Melbourne forward line is getting a little long in the tooth and Henderson has as much potential as any key position available. Gourdis, Grant and Simpson are likely to be the others which Melbourne will be looking closely at here.

This would have to be one of the weakest key position drafts in quite some time and with the year that he has had Henderson would probably only have been lucky to be a second round pick last year. Henderson has great height for the position and can be a real handful in the forward line. He is pretty agile for a guy his size and is good overhead. Before this year he played predominantly at ruck and so is not hugely experienced as a key forward and I remain to be convinced that he will be able to make the jump to forward at AFL level. He is very similar in this regard to Sellar last year. It is worth noting that his Gary Hocking (his coach from Geelong) rates his best position as being at centre half back. In the games he did play toward the end of the year he had a tendency to seriously fade in and out of games and his kicking was pretty ordinary. Despite those games he has a reputation of being a good kick with a good awareness of what is happening around him.

As mentioned he was injured for most of the year and as a consequence he missed the Championships this year which given the poor performance by Vic Country and the poor service he would have gotten it might actually have helped his draft stock. He comes into the draft without his reputation as the best KP prospect in the draft being tested to any significant degree and the team that takes him will be taking a fair risk. On the other side of the coin the rewards could be equally high as he could develop into a top notch key position player.

Official (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=393244)

#14 Lachlan Henderson - Tall Forward - Geelong Falcons, 196cm, 92kg

KPP (predominantly CHF), but equally adept at FF and at a pinch, CHB. Melbourne need a big bodied KPF to eventually replace Nietz. Aside from Newton who shows promise, there is only the lightly built Dunn and Garland who both look better suited to the third tall forward role. Henderson fits the bill. Was highly rated coming into the ’07 TAC season and was talked of as a top 5 selection. IIRC he fractured his tibia early in the season and subsequently missed the U18 champs. Came back reasonably well and I was impressed with the game I saw him play down at Geelong against Eastern. Another good display against Calder at Coburg where he kicked 2 and played all over the ground at various stages. After that though his form seemed to slide a little and it didn’t look like he could kick over a jam tin. Despite that his KPI’s still all improved slightly from ’06.
At #14 I’m willing to overlook his late season kicking woes as players rarely come back well from such a leg injury in their first year back. To the naked eye he looks quick on the lead, has a beautiful set of hands, a genuine one-grab mark and is a good set shot for goal. Plays with great intensity and is willing to crash the packs if he doesn’t look like marking the ball. Could be a very exciting prospect with two pre-seasons and some fitness under his belt.

CouchCoach (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=393275)

Draft Pick No 4 Melbourne
Best Available IMO: Chris Masten
Best Club Fit: With McLean, Jones, Moloney, Petterd, Bruce and McDonald do they really need to pick up a midfielder at 4 when they have pick 14 as well? Therefore Henderson to fix future forward line problems
Possible Options: IMO there is no clear best forward as Henderson has had injury concerns which leaves McEvoy and Gourdis as options. I'm a big fan of Gourdis and would like to see him picked up here
Outside Chances: Alex Rance, Melbourne may decide to build from the back rather than the forward line
Hope to Slide: Kreuzer would add to the midfield and forward line as he and Jeff white can both play forward
Selection: Lachie Henderson (Key Fwd / Ruck) - 18 December 1989, 196cm 90kg. Vic Country/Geelong/Geelong College
Reasons For: Tall, mobile, strong, good in the air, in short everything you want from a CHF player
Reasons Against: Injury concerns and question in my mind as to wether he is the best forward available
TAC Stats: 5 Games, 10 goals, 2 behinds, goal accuracy 83%, average possessions 13.8, kicking efficiency 71%, handball efficiency 92%, tackles per match 3.6 and 24 marks with 25% contested.
Foj1 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=391568)

5. Western Bulldogs- Lachlan Henderson 196cm 90kg Geelong Falcons

Talented tall forward who has a wretched year with injury. Has the ability to mark strongly, display surprising agility and rotate between chf and ff. Perhaps slight risk drafting Henderson because of injuries but we need to remember Joel Selwood’s season to know that taking a risk on talented players is well worth taking.

timmeh (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=391478)

11. Lachlan Henderson (Geelong Falcons/VICTORIA) – Sydney
Position: Key Forward
Height: 195cm Weight: 90kg
Lachie has had two injury interrupted seasons but that won’t shy away recruiters as he has shown in games over the years and few this year he is one of the highly rated key forwards. Being a great contested mark and very mobile he is what you will look for in a CHF. Decision making and on-field leadership are great. There will be question marks on whether he is injury prone and about his kicking distance (after coming back from injury this year).

The Swans will have a key position player in their sights after not having much success with blooding young ones and having to draft Henry Playfair. Henderson, Grant and Rance will be on the radar.

Bulldogs 6 (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=391549)

5. Lachie Henderson- Bulldogs. The Bulldogs are surely going to draft for needs this year and pick up the best available KPP at pick 5. Lachie is a genuine CHF with great hands and reads the play extremely well. Relatively good kicking but doubts whether the Bulldogs will pick him or Ben McEvoy up due to Lachie's on-going injury troubles. (Key Foward). Height: 195cm Weight: 90kg

Alberton Magpie (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=389672)

Pick 05 (Bulldogs) – Lachie Henderson – Arguably the best Key Position forward in the draft Lachie Henderson will be going to the Bulldogs if still available by pick 5. Bulldogs are screaming out for KP players and they will address this issues with pick 5 in the draft.
Weaver - leading draft prospects at midyear (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=347430)

3. Lachie Henderson (Key Fwd / Ruck)

At 196 would only be a part-time AFL ruckman, and so would get drafted as a key forward. Mobile, strong, good in the air. Skilled. Missed carnival with an injury but has been rated for a long time. Showed out in last year's TAC finals as one to watch and although an up-and-down season has shown he can impact games. Not too many very tall KPs on offer this year which should see Henderson nudged up a spot or two.

Weaver (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=397192)

14. Melbourne – Lachie Henderson

I see Henderson's inability to kick over a jam team for the bulk of the season to be good cause for him to drop away, and perhaps a lot further than even this. He has genuine height at 195cm and is a lead-mark FF who is quick over the crucial first 5 meters. He plays in front, stays in front and takes marks in his hands. He has been obliged to learn to be good at short-passing to blokes in better position so has developed a nice line in bringing other forwards into the game. That said, with little exaggeration, he couldn't kick 30m by September and was no sure thing with a set-shot 25m out dead in front. The leg injuries? Probably, so he will be taken but it will be a nervous club watching him microscopically over preseason praying that there are no more leg problems. He is no Lee Walker, but he has a favourite surgeon on speed dial.

Snoop Dog (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=393907)

# 6 Essendon - Lachlan Henderson (Geelong Falcons / 196cm / 90kg)

Hard to know what the Dons will do here as midfield pace seems to be their focus but I think they did a good job of fixing that last year with Davey, Jetta and Houli. Not sure Henderson would be their ideal but if he lasts this long I cannot see them going past him.

Drafters seem to be going hold on him but I will hold onto him as an early selection. Henderson is a product of the Geelong Falcons and has been a stand out at junior level for a long time. Missed the Championships this year with a broken leg but seemed to return fairly off an injury that requires a lot of confidence. Kicking doesn’t seem to be as good but again the experts will fix this.

David Myers would not surprise here and even David Gourdis or Brad Ebert could come into contention. The other smokie here would be Rioli.

GoDons (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=395188)

5. Western Bulldogs: Lachie Henderson CHF/FF 196cm 90kg Geelong Falcons
It seems clear that the Bulldogs will go tall, and I believe Henderson leads the group of himself, McEvoy, Grant and Gourdis. Henderson stands 196cm which stands him as a bigger prospect than Grant and Gourdis and a big presence is what the Bulldogs need. He shakes McEvoy in that he is quicker and more athletic, I can’t see McEvoy ever being a CHF at AFL level.

TOA (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=395295)

Pick 8 – Brisbane – Lachlan HENDERSON (14/12/89) 196/92
Henderson has been seen as one of the standouts of this draft since the u16s, and even though his progress has been slowed by a broken leg he has undoubted talent. When on song he is quick, much quicker than his draft camp results suggest and he has potential to play CHB, CHF or FF. Many might see him as an unorthodox selection here however the Lions have shown reasonable interest in him and they have proven each year they will pick the best player available with the first selection, regardless of position. The fact Henderson could easily develop into a quality CHB should remove the pain for Lions supporters gunning for a midfielder. Henderson has also received strong interest from the Saints, so he might go at the next selection. If not, he shouldn’t get pas the Swans at 11.

TFLUA Tiger (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=395629)

Pick 9 > StKilda - Lachie Henderson - 196cm 90kgs - Geelong Falcons (Key Fwd)

With the retirement of Gehrig, the Saints need a KP forward to complement Reiwoldt and Koschitzke, who ideally, can pinch hit in the ruck. With great aerobic capacity, and sticky mitts, the Saints have found their tall forward. Will need to spend time fixing up his goal kicking as it is incredibly inconsistent, but barring that, is a great player, with no other deficiencies in his game. At 196 cm and 90 kg Henderson will become a lead up forward similar to Gourdis but with more height and less aerobic capacity. If he is to spend time in the ruck will need to bulk up and put on one or two centimetres, but with Jeff White an elite ruckman at 196 cm there is no reason why Henderson can't be either.

Rizzo (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?t=396831)


Pick #05 - Bulldogs– Lachie Henderson – Geelong Falcons – Tall Forward
The dogs are on a mission to boost their tall stocks and Henderson looks like the player they will go for. He is fantastic in pack situations, and is mobile around the ground. He broke his leg and missed a lot of footy this year, however many people liken him to a young Matthew Pavlich.

Whispering Jack (http://demonland.nozzs.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=8371) (Demonland)

Lachlan Henderson 14.12.89 196 90 (Geelong Falcons Vic Country) – this kid may well be a risk worth taking but it would certainly be a dangerous risk with a pick as high as number 4. He can play key forward or key back and is very mobile for his height of 196 cm. He has a great pair of hands, is a very good kick and what more can you say but for the fact that he spent most of 2007 on the injury list with a broken leg.

Melon22 (http://demonland.nozzs.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=8433) (Demonland)

8. Lachlan HENDERSON - Geelong Falcons 14/12/89 195.5cm 91.5kg - FF/CHF

Was a candidate for the top draft pick at the start of a year, but a leg injury in the first weeks of the season put him out for most of the year and he could only manage 5 TAC Cup games on top of his school football for the year. His speed and agility is good for someone of his size and he uses his speed to present well on the lead. He is a good mark and he knows how to use his body in the contested situations, he is also a decent kick but you wouldn’t be expecting him to make the distance from outside 50. The overall package is okay without Henderson, but I just don’t think there is that special something about him. He gives the impression that he lacks a bit of intensity at times on the field as well. He is a very difficult player to judge for me because he missed most of the champs and he played school footy over the last 2 years.

Probably the most difficult player to predict where he will go on draft day, but someone who moves as well as he does and can take a contested mark shouldn’t last too long.

[Quigley]

From Inside Football:

"A top-10 pick despite the fact that he broke his leg early in the year and missed a large chunk of footy. Big and mobile with great hands, is good on the ground, is a good kick and has very good awareness in contested situations. Probably his best position is centre half back but I reckon he is a top 10, potential top 5 selection" Geelong Falcons coach Gary Hocking.

[serbkoolie]

pity he was injured throughout this year:mad:

[serbkoolie]

good to have him at the lions

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=53749)

RD 1 SELECTION, PICK No. 8 OVERALL – LACHLAN HENDERSON
Original Club: Geelong Falcons (VIC)
DOB: 14/12/1989
Height: 195.5cm
Weight: 91.5kg
Position: Tall Forward

Strong marking and tall key forward or big defender prospect with strong hands. Very good on the lead and exceptionally quick off the mark for a player of his size. He displayed impressive endurance as a Vic Country representative at the recent NAB AFL Draft Camp with a shuttle run result of 13.8. Henderson has a handspan of 25cm placing him equal seventh overall. AIS-AFL Academy graduate from Geelong College. Firmed strongly as the Lions’ first round pick in the days leading up to the draft.

Alan McConnell, AIS-AFL High Performance Coach says:
“Lachie has had a challenging year with injuries but was a key player in Geelong College’s premiership in APS (Associated Public School) footy 12 months ago – he was a pivotal player there. He hasn’t had a great opportunity to present to the industry this year through injury, but he can play both forward and back, and has done some work in the ruck. Most of his TAC Cup footy has been up forward and in the ruck but he has also played some school football in defence, and in my mind, that may be where he finishes up.”

Link (http://www.essendonfc.com.au/news/news.asp?nid=5469)

AFL Top 30 Draft Prospects

11. Lachlan Henderson, VIC, 14 December 1989, Tall Forward, 195.5cm, 91.5kg.

A tall, key forward prospect with strong hands. Very good on the lead and is exceptionally quick off the mark for a player his size. He displayed impressive endurance at the NAB AFL Draft Camp with a shuttle run result of 13.8. AIS-AFL Academy Graduate. From Geelong College

http://img292.imageshack.us/img292/1513/hendersonsv1.jpg

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/general/draft-day-is-like-christmas-for-16-afl-clubs/2007/11/17/1194767026939.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap2)

Draft day is like Christmas for 16 AFL clubs
Emma Quayle | November 17, 2007 - 10:35PM

The following is not a phantom draft, rather how she rates her top 25 players from this year's pool.

14. Lachlan Henderson
(Geelong Falcons. 17, 196cm, 92kg) Henderson is this year's tricky one.
He missed the first half of the season with a broken leg.
He got back after the under-18 carnival, but struggled through the last few Falcons games with various niggles.
So clubs will be considering his under-16 form strongly when they make their minds up £ he showed great speed off the mark in that carnival, and covered enough ground for Geelong regional manager Michael Turner to compare him to Matthew Pavlich.
It would be no surprise if he proves to be one of the best players from this draft.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=53749)

Henderson is a 196cm strong marking player with excellent speed off the mark and good endurance as evident by his 13.8 beep test result at the NAB AFL Draft Camp.

“We are really excited about getting him,” Allan said. “He is great leader who can play centre half-back, centre half-forward and is also athletic enough to play in the midfield.”

“Geelong Falcons Manager Michael Turner thought Lachlan was as good a player as they have ever had since Luke Hodge and Jonathan Brown. Mick also believes he will captain an AFL club one day and could potentially be the best player from this draft in three or four years.”


Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=53752)

Allan was particularly pleased to have landed Geelong Falcons tall forward Lachlan Henderson with the club’s first pick, No.8.

“We rated Henderson at four in the draft and we rated Tom Collier as a first round selection, so we were delighted with our first two picks,” Allan said from Telstra Dome.

“I think Henderson down the track could develop into a great player. Mickey Turner [manager of the Geelong Falcons] told me yesterday that Henderson will be a marquee player and a captain of your club one day, so he’s an outstanding kid. Mick’s got massive wraps on him and I really respect Michael’s opinion.

[Fairley]

does anyone know if he will be training straight away?

[Quigley]

He was playing at the end of the year so I would expect him to be training with us from the get go.

[TheBrownDog]

Here is some video footage of Henderson in action (no.25) (mms://wm9.streaming.telstra.com/wh_afl1/OnDemand/Preseason08/lachiehenderson.wmv)

[Sherminator.]

Yep, if he wasn't injured most the year Hendo could've gone top 3 on Draft Day, once again Brisbane's best available policy nabs another highly skilled first rounder. :)

Now we have Hendo, Collier, Clark and Leuenberger as future KPP's. Exciting? :thumbsu:

[Quigley]

I hope he turns out to be as good as the last number 8 taken with leg problems.

[Grimreepah]

http://img510.imageshack.us/img510/8062/hendersonnn7.jpg

[Vipertooth]

Top Draft Prospects

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/123/draftprospectsmj3.jpg

Henderson and Leigh

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9998/hendersones1.jpg

How massive are Leigh's forearms :eek:

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://footyheads.com.au/index.php/2007/11/23/the-footyheads-2007-afl-national-draft-formguide-picks-10-to-1/)

8. Lachlan Henderson, 195/91, Geelong Falcons. Big unit with strong hands and Lockett-like speed over the first ten metres. Henderson shapes as one of the key selections that will determine whose clubs select whom and when. Already has a body size to hold down a key position (95 kilograms) and is high on the Lion’s draft radar. The Bulldogs, desperate for a strong key forward may pounce first with pick five. At the very least, if he finds himself drafted to downtown Wooloongabba, he should take some of the heat off Jono Brown from opposing defenders. That scenario alone should get mouths watering at Brisbane and that’s even before factoring in the scheduled return of Daniel Bradshaw. As I said though, that’s if the Dogs don’t snap Henderson up first.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,22816085-5007190,00.html)

High hopes for Lachlan Henderson
Article from: http://www.news.com.au/images/sources/sm_sundaymail.gif
Selina Steele
November 24, 2007 11:00pm

WITH his strong hands and speed off the mark, it's easy to visualise Geelong teenager Lachlan Henderson leading out of the goalsquare alongside Brisbane Lion Jonathan Brown.
Brisbane yesterday used its first pick (No.8 overall) to snare the 17-year-old at the AFL national draft camp in Melbourne.

Football manager Graeme Allan said the 91kg former Geelong Falcons player and the other four picks could all potentially play senior football next year.
Henderson's selection has given the Lions insurance at both ends of the field because while he prefers to play across centre half-forward, the Lions are in urgent need of a tall key defender and the 196cm teen could also fill this void.

AIS-AFL high performance coach Alan McConnell has already tipped Henderson to make the transition to defence.
"Most of his TAC Cup footy has been up forward and in the ruck but he has also played school football in defence and that may be where he finishes up," he said.

Allan added: "Geelong Falcons manager Michael Turner thought Lachlan was as good a player as they have had since Luke Hodge and Jonathan Brown.

"Mick also believes he will captain an AFL club one day and could potentially be the best player from this draft in three or four years' time."

Henderson, who bypassed a schoolies trip to Byron Bay to attend yesterday's draft in Melbourne, doesn't mind where he plays.

"I prefer centre half-forward but I haven't thought about where the Lions will play me. I'm still awe-struck," he said.

"Jonathan Brown is one of the best centre half-forwards going around. I'll be happy to get a run."

Henderson missed a large part of the year with a broken leg.

"I went on the academy tour to South Africa but I didn't play a game," he said.

http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/4529/hendersonjv4.jpg
New recruit for Brisbane . . . Lachlan Henderson with Lions coach Leigh Matthews.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://the.standard.net.au/articles/2007/11/22/1195321908580.html)

BIRREGURRA teenager Lachie Henderson and his parents will use an old-fashioned way of monitoring the AFL national draft on Saturday. Henderson, his father Ian and mother Vonnie will listen to radio coverage of the AFL recruitment process.
The 17-year-old Geelong Falcons key position player is tipped to be a top-10 selection.
The family gathering will take place in the Geelong suburb of Newtown, where the Geelong College student has lived for the past 12 months to focus on his academic and football pursuits after five years of travelling from Birregurra.
Henderson was yesterday playing down his high draft rating.``Just as long as I get taken it's fine,'' he said.
``When I got onto the AFL-AIS Academy (last year) it clicked that I could get drafted.
``It's really just come from loving footy, growing a bit, developing as a player and trying to do the best I can.''
Geelong Falcons regional manager Michael Turner yesterday described Henderson as a top-10 chance.
``He's got the potential to become a Matthew Pavlich-type player,'' Turner said.
``There's been a lot of (AFL club) interest in him.''
Henderson had an injury-interrupted season, breaking his leg in the first game of last season. He returned to action on July 2 with Geelong College and played the last three games of the state under 18 football competition with the Falcons.
Talent scouts are already well acquainted with Henderson's abilities, as he has been in the Geelong Falcons junior development programs from under 16 level.
Turner said the 196cm key player could line up at centre half-back, centre half-forward or ruck rover.


http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/2902/hendersonwj5.jpg

Geelong Falcons player Lachie Henderson, of Birregurra, is hoping to hear his name in the national AFL draft broadcast.

[weevil]

Size, speed, hands, tank and reads the play. On paper that’s a pretty reasonable combination.

[Grimreepah]

AIS Profile (http://www.ais.org.au/austrules/henderson.asp)

Lachie Henderson

Name: Lachie Henderson

Sport: Australian Rules Football

Position/event:

Date of birth / birthplace: 14 December 1989

Are you also a SIS / SAS scholarship holder, and if so what institute / academy?

What year did you begin your AIS scholarship? 2006

What is your most significant achievement in sport? AIS Scholarship, Under 18 Victorian Country Squad, APS Premiership

What is your major sporting goal? To be drafted and subsequently play AFL

Who are your idols, and why (not necessarily sporting)? Natahn Buckley for his leadership and what he has achieved, Tiger Woods fro his skill and achievements

Who has most influenced your sporting career, and why? Dad and mum for all the things they have taught me and also taking me to each sport

Do you work or study while training - if so what? Studying at school

How do you hope to be remembered when you retire from your sport? As a hard and tough working footballer

What are your career goals after sport? Unsure at this time

What do you regard as the most memorable sporting moment? Winning the APS premiership in 2006

http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/9099/hendersonqf4.jpg

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=53788)

All change for the Hendersons
11:42 AM Sun 25 November, 2007By Simon White
for lions.com.au


LACHLAN Henderson might be the most high-profile member of his family to get a new team on Saturday – but he isn’t the only one.

Henderson, taken by the Lions with the No. 8 pick of the draft, was previously a Collingwood supporter.

So also, he says, was his father.

“We were at the 2003 grand final when the Lions thrashed Collingwood and it wasn’t much fun,” Henderson recalled.

“I think Dad will have to pretty much give up on Collingwood now and become a Brisbane supporter.

“He’s already been joking that he’d be happy for me to play really well against Collingwood and kick a bag of goals – so long as the Pies win by a point!”

Saturday’s selection with the Lions’ first choice in the draft provided the best possible finish to a year in which Henderson’s resolve has been well and truly tested.

The 195cm, 92kg key position prospect missed much of the 2007 season with a broken leg and, at times, wondered whether the injury would affect his chances of being drafted.

“I had a pretty bad year in terms of injuries – breaking my fibia and then I had a string of injuries after that as well,” Henderson said.

“For a while I was sort of thinking that it might mean me not getting drafted but luckily I had plenty of people around to tell me that it was all going to be all right.

“I had a pretty fair idea that the Lions were going to take me and that I would go in the top eight but it was all still pretty nerve-wracking.

“It was good to hear my name called.”

The 17-year-old Geelong Falcons product has played most of his junior football as a key forward but has also spent time at centre half-back.

Having that string to his bow might prove useful at the Lions, where the forward line is already populated by marking goal-kickers Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw but there is a lack of a traditional-sized centre half-back.

“I don’t mind actually where I play – I’d be glad just to be playing,” Henderson said.

“My preference is centre half-forward and that is where I’ve played the majority of footy.

“But the last couple of years I’ve been thrown back to centre half-back at times to pinch-hit.

“Wherever I’m asked to play, I’ll play.”

Henderson actually played with Brown’s younger brother Tim at the Falcons and can’t wait to start training alongside the champion centre half-forward.

“It’s going to be fantastic – I’m really looking forward to it,” he said.

“Brown and Bradshaw are such terrific players and great forwards and I’m going to learn a lot off them.

“All you ever hear about Brisbane are good things about the club and the people involved.

“I’m headed up to Brisbane on Monday. I got told I could take a little bit of time and come up the week after but I didn’t see the point in sitting around the house when I would be in Brisbane and getting a full week of training under my belt.”

[Sherminator.]

He sounds like a very mature lad. I hope plays in '08. My only worry is we have too many tall forward (Hendo is best suited to a forward role). Bradshaw/Brennan/Brown/Clark/Henderson, all 191cm+ forwards.

Maybe the recruiting staff was looking at replacing Bradshaw 3 years down the track?

[Fairley]

He sounds like a very mature lad. I hope plays in '08. My only worry is we have too many tall forward (Hendo is best suited to a forward role). Bradshaw/Brennan/Brown/Clark/Henderson, all 191cm+ forwards.

Maybe the recruiting staff was looking at replacing Bradshaw 3 years down the track?

I'd say they were also looking to free Brennan up on a wing :thumbsu:

The chances of Bradshaw, Brown, Clark, Henderson all being fit at the same time is quite low as well... (going by recent injury records)

[danielcanberra]

“All you ever hear about Brisbane are good things about the club and the people involved.

“I’m headed up to Brisbane on Monday. I got told I could take a little bit of time and come up the week after but I didn’t see the point in sitting around the house when I would be in Brisbane and getting a full week of training under my belt.”

I like Hendo already. Right, I'm getting on his bandwagon now.

From what I've read about him and the statements he has made, he reminds me a lot of Shermo.

[Fairley]

my windows media is lagging so much with that henderson video and i really want to watch it, what to do! :(

[Grimreepah]

Right, I'm getting on his bandwagon now.


Good to see Dan:thumbsu:

With most people thinking we should have taken a midfielder (eg. Ebert) in the first round, there hasn't been all that much support for the young kid.

[notting18]

I like Hendo already. Right, I'm getting on his bandwagon now.

From what I've read about him and the statements he has made, he reminds me a lot of Shermo.

Can I smell another sponsorship Dan?;)

[danielcanberra]

Good to see Dan:thumbsu:

With most people thinking we should have taken a midfielder (eg. Ebert) in the first round, there hasn't been all that much support for the young kid.

Actually I had my eye on Ebert, but I wasn't going to admit it. :o

But I'm happy to support and encourage Lachie. Something as simple as acknowledging that they exist goes a long way. Every player wants to be noticed.

Can I smell another sponsorship Dan?;)

This football business is costing me a fortune. :eek:

[TheBrownDog]

Video of draft day here with footage of the draft and some interview snippets. (mms://wm9.streaming.telstra.com/wh_afl1/OnDemand/Preseason08/071124_NABDRAFT.wmv)

At approx 5:15 into the video is about 12 seconds of interview footage with Henderson. Seems a good kid, and genuinely excited about making the move.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,22820441-23211,00.html)

Henderson key position prospect

By Bart Sinclair
November 26, 2007

NOT only have Brisbane Lions gained a key position prospect with national draft selection Lachlan Henderson, the club has a new support base at Birregurra.
Birre where?
Henderson hails from the one pub town of Birregurra, population circa 400, only 15km from Colac and 25km inland from Lorne, the trendy beachside town on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.
Henderson is not the first AFL player from Birregurra.
Alan "Darkie" Rowarth played 70 games for Melbourne, including premiership seasons in 1959 and 1960, and Alan Barr played 22 games for Geelong from 1975 to 1967.
Henderson's parents, Ian, a mixed practice vet, and, Vonnie, sensed they had a son who was sports mad from a very early age.
"Lachie never had a truck or a train as a kid," Vonnie said.
"He always had a bat and ball. We have a very small farm and Lachie would be out in the paddock kicking a football whenever he could."
The Lions predictably went tall and athletic in the national draft conducted in Melbourne on Saturday.
Henderson, a 192cm marking player with the versatility to play forward or back, was their first selection, with pick No.8, and Tom Collier, a running 192cm defender from Tasmania boasting outstanding endurance, was their second, with No.25.
Both Henderson and Collier probably would have been earlier draft selections had they not suffered injuries in the past season.
Henderson missed a big chunk of the year after suffering a cracked fibula in April.
"I played in an (Australian Institute of Sport) team in Perth on the way to South Africa, and hurt the leg," he said.
"It was diagnosed as a tear at the time and I went to South Africa but never played in the three tour games.
"I was running as a water boy in those games but when I came home and had X-rays they found the fracture."
Henderson was out of action for 13 weeks but returned late in the season to play for his school, Geelong College, and also Geelong Falcons, who were bundled out in the opening week of the finals.
He had further injury niggles which prevented him from performing at his best in the draft camp last month hut the Lions had seen enough.
Former AFL player Michael Turner, now the regional manager of the highly successful Falcons nursery, is sure the Lions have backed a winner with Henderson.
"If Lachie had an injury-free season I think he would have gone in the first two or three picks at the draft," TTurner said.
"I've been doing this job for 13 years and we had Jonathan Brown through the system. I'm not saying Lachie is as good as Brownie but he's a similar sort of kid from a good family with strong leadership qualities."

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/Season2007/News/NewsArticle/tabid/5085/Default.aspx?newsId=53877)

2007 draftee Lachlan Henderson (196cm) is the club’s shortest first round selection since Jared Brennan (192cm) in 2002. Over the past six years, the average height of the Lions first round draft selection is just over 198cm.

[BigCat2]

Only 196cm. Midget. :D

[Grimreepah]

http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/6476/henderson2gf6.jpg

Contrary to BigFooty reports, Lachlan Henderson can kick.

The rumours that Henderson struggles to kick 30 metres are absolute garbage. He was having no problems kicking 50 odd during the centre drill. Very impressed with him. Mobile, hands like vices, strong, and will be a great team player - always encouraging. I don't want to put too much pressure on him, but the way he presented and marked today screamed Pavlich to me. It may just have been where I was sitting though.

I'm glad the kicking issue has been put to bed, because that was a query on him going into the draft.

[Governor]

I'm on Hendo's bandwagon too! I have mates in Melbourne who are grimacing at the thought of seeing Hendo and Brown in the same forward line.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/News/NewsArticle/Default.aspx?newsId=53978)

If the eagerness of the class of 2007 to get to Brisbane is anything to go by, then Johnson is sure they will have no problems fitting in at the den."When we went out and visited the guys after they got drafted, the thing that really impressed me was how they couldn’t wait to get up here and start training," Johnson said.
"They all had the option of staying an extra few days at home but all of them came up straight away.
"If Lachlan Henderson could have been on the same flight back as us that night then he probably would have been."


Gotta love the kid's enthusiasm. He might be our youngest player (by about 9 months) but already there are signs of him leading by example.

[POBT]

Link (http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/News/NewsArticle/Default.aspx?newsId=53978)



Gotta love the kid's enthusiasm. He might be our youngest player (by about 9 months) but already there are signs of him leading by example.
The more you read, the more it seems like we've picked up a really level headed and enthusiastic kid.

[The Flying Belgian]

I hear he's scored a couple of player sponsors already. I'm hearing nothing but good things about his attitude and demeanour.

[TheBrownDog]

I hear he's scored a couple of player sponsors already. I'm hearing nothing but good things about his attitude and demeanour.

The local sports media love him too supposedly.

Apparently they normally dread interviewing the new young kids because they are shy, nervous wrecks.

From what I've been told, Lachy dazzled them.

At training last week, Lachy arrived with Simon Black, and they appeared to be chatting and joking together as equals. Not even a suggestion of shyness or awe from Henderson who 4 days earlier wasn't on an AFL list.

[Fairley]

I smell something "mitch clarkish" about henderson, i don't seem to have a lot of confidence that he will play much at all in the next 2 years... due to injuries etc... however i guess you could say that is expected, but i just am so impatient i just want to see everyone play at once :(

[Warwick]

I smell something "mitch clarkish" about henderson, i don't seem to have a lot of confidence that he will play much at all in the next 2 years... due to injuries etc... however i guess you could say that is expected, but i just am so impatient i just want to see everyone play at once :(
Can't see that being a huge problem at all. I doubt he will get too much time either but we can afford to wait with our KP depth.

I think we have a gem on our hands here.

[leaper]

Just thought I'd add a bit of useless trivia. Lachlan Henderson comes from Birregurra. Birregurra was the town in the Henderson Kids (they did the filming there in the mid 80's). How do I know, my rellos had a farm there at the time.

[xplo]

'The Henderson Kid'... Sounds like a nickname to me.

[BigCat2]

'The Henderson Kid'... Sounds like a nickname to me.

At 196cm and already a decent lump, he could end up bigger than Browny....some kid.

[Sherminator.]

At 196cm and already a decent lump, he could end up bigger than Browny....some kid.

In 5 years time, a 198cm, 25 year old (Clark) and a 196cm, 23 year old (Hendo). Either taking KPF or CHF and CHB, sounds great. :)

[xplo]

At 196cm and already a decent lump, he could end up bigger than Browny....some kid.

I like irony in my nicknames ;)

[TheBrownDog]

Jumper number details

The Lions' top draft pick Lachlan Henderson gets No. 14

Source - The Age (http://www.theage.com.au/news/sport/tigers-no-1-hope-gets-coveted-no-9/2007/12/10/1197135375642.html)

[The Flying Belgian]

My word not good enough for you? (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?p=9555873#post9555873)

[TheBrownDog]

My word not good enough for you? (http://www.bigfooty.com/forum/showthread.php?p=9555873#post9555873)

Clearly not.

[Grimreepah]

The Bulldogs went off him in the interview. He said he didn't want to be the main man in a forward line and preferred to be the 2nd or 3rd forward.

With Jon Brown in the side he got to the right club.

If that's true that would be a strange thing for the Dogs to be basing their recruitment on.

[Quigley]

It sounded like crap to me especially when the story had been around for weeks before camp that the Bulldogs were going to take Grant. It sounded like excuses were being made for that decision.

That being said he might not have interviewed that well and it might be possible that he might not have wanted to go to the Bulldogs. Who knows really apart from the participants themselves and they don't seem to be chipping in - Hendo if you are out there feel free to correct the record.

[xplo]

The dogs don't have any obvious, cherry-ripe, ready-to-rock big power forwards, so any young KPP has to be made aware that there's a good chance he'll be fighting out of his weight division for the first 2-4 years at the dogs.

At Brisbane, the same player will be nipping around the edges of Brown, Bradshaw, Clark, etc, for the same period. Similar to guy like Mills, he's unlikely to get a chance to settle in one spot, and is highly likely to play multiple positions, back and forward, flanks and KP with quite a bit of time on the bench and even more at Suncoast. That is exactly what Collier, Garner and Tyler have to look forward to.

If he were asked -

How do you see yourself playing over the next few years?

a). As a permanent, hardworking, key forward prepared to be the focal point of the forward line.

b). As a versatile tall utility playing multiple roles week to week both defensively and offensively, and able to adapt to new roles and expectations quickly and without fuss.

Now the dogs have plenty of B (Hargreaves, Everett, Williams) but not so much of A, so although answering B isn't an inherently bad answer, it's not the answer the dogs needed.

I'm just speculating, but the point is, there doesn't have to be a bad guy in there, even if the reported facts were mostly correct.

[Grimreepah]

I'm just speculating, but the point is, there doesn't have to be a bad guy in there, even if the reported facts were mostly correct.

That's what I was thinking. Do you want a 17 year old kid who was injured all year to say he wants to lead the attack or to say he's not ready for it? Which answer is more 'impressive'?

It would be interesting if it is true that the Bulldogs went off him after the interview, because his personality was a big tick for the Lions. Do the clubs have different screening processes, different interpretations or different values?

[xplo]

It would be interesting if it is true that the Bulldogs went off him after the interview, because his personality was a big tick for the Lions. Do the clubs have different screening processes, different interpretations or different values?

There's no doubt their processes and expectations would differ, as they would between any competing businesses.

For mine, the key thing is Brisbane and the dogs have had almost polar opposite recruiting philosophies.

Clayton likes midfielders/tall flankers, and had no hesitation at spending first round picks on Murphy, MacMahon, Power, Cooney, Ray, Griffen and Higgins. Remember he was happy to grab those guys even though their key position strength was never particularly strong during that period after Chris Grant and later Brian Harris. The Tigers cop a fair bit of stick for passing over Buddy Franklin, but tend to forget that the Doggies did too (to be fair, Richmond had two chances to pick him). There's no doubt Griffen is a gun, but I'd argue Franklin would be considerably more valuable to the Dogs than he even is to Hawthorn, who already have a good developing spine with Roughead, Boyle, Gilham, Thorp, etc.

True, they were a bit unlucky with injuries to the genuine only KPs that they did draft -- Walsh and Williams -- but I reckon even at Brisbane Scott Clayton was always attracted to the quick return you get from the Lappin's, Powers', Murphy's', Griffen's and Higgins'. They become valuable footballers quickly.

In the last 5 years at least, Brisbane has tended to go the opposite way (not always successfully by any means), using 1st rounders almost always on talls -- Brennan, Wood, Spaandermann, Clark, Leuenberger, Henderson, etc (even often 2nd rounders in Mills, Merrett, Collier). That, all despite having a more established spine for most of that period in Brown, Bradshaw, Michael, Leppa etc.

They've then backed themselves to unearth a good midfielder or two from deeper in the draft in Adcock, Sherman, Hooper, Rischitelli, etc.

So taking that into account, it's not surprising that that the Dogs would put a much higher value on a kid who is backing himself to be a fast tracked KP.

Brisbane are simply in a position to be happy to sit back and let the kid get fit and play Suncoast all year.

[Grimreepah]

So what do you think of the place? (http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/News/NewsArticle/Default.aspx?newsId=54644)

As Lachlan Henderson wryly notes, there are some small differences in climate between Brisbane and his native Geelong.The Lions’ No.8 selection from last year’s draft says he is acclimatising to the heat but the oddities of the Queensland rain are another matter.
“I didn’t think it would rain nearly this much,” he laughed.
“And when it rains here it’s still 25C. Back home in Geelong when it rains, it’s probably more like 13C.”
After an injury-plagued TAC Cup season in 2007, Henderson is working hard to ensure he stays out of the treatment room in 2008.
A modified summer program has been designed with that in mind and, when it comes to doing the right things by his body, Henderson’s current landlord is sure to prove a good influence.
“Because of the injuries I’ve had, my program is a bit modified at the moment. I do most things but not everything,” Henderson said.
“[Strength and conditioning coaches] Lachlan Penfold and Alex Moore have been great in helping me out with that and making sure I stick to what I should be doing.
“I’m living with Simon Black at the moment and that has been great as well.
“Obviously all the players are professionals and set good examples but Simon Black is one of those real professionals, who you can learn a lot from by just taking in what they do.”

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23157990-5003410,00.html)


The club's top draft pick, Lachlan Henderson, is a tall marking forward from Brown's old junior side Geelong Falcons. He will play in attack tonight and may get a run up forward against the Bombers.
Fellow draftee Tom Collier will also be given a chance to impress during the NAB Cup and both are considered strong chances to play some senior footy in their debut years.
Although Henderson has played the majority of his football in attack, defence is the one area with positions up for grabs at the Lions and he may find himself in a battle with Collier for a position down back this year.
Collier has already played against men in the VFL last year, but tonight is Henderson's first senior game.

http://img511.imageshack.us/img511/1789/hendotm7.jpg
BIG chance . . . Lions recruits Tom Collier and Lachlan Henderson will be out to impress against teammates in the Brisbane intraclub match.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23196285-10389,00.html)

First-year draftee Lachlan Henderson is likely to start at full-forward (against the Bombers in round 1 of the NAB Cup), with Wayde Mills or Jared Brennan as the other tall man. He played in attack alongside Brown in a short scratch match last night, kicking two goals.
Henderson, taken with pick eight in last year's draft, has the chance to press for selection for the regular season opener against West Coast in Perth.
Although Brown will be ready by then, Bradshaw will still be at least a month away from playing and Clark might struggle for selection given Matthews's long-standing rule that players must have had competitive match practice before a senior call-up.
By then Henderson could have impressed enough to earn a spot, either in attack or across half back, making him just the second draftee in 10 years to play his first game in round 1 of his first season at the Lions.

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/3043/henderson1xg3.jpg

[TheBrownDog]

Good to see the club has had some sort of scratch match, even if it was extremely limited.

[LIONOFZION]

Naturally, I'd like to see Mitch fit and firing but on the upside his quad tear (reported to be minor? Is there such a thing as a minor quad tear at the Lions?), means that we'll get the opportunity to see Hendo in action. He'd have a tough first-up assignment if he did happen to make the team at FF in Rd 1. - Darren Glass!! :eek:

[Fairley]

Naturally, I'd like to see Mitch fit and firing but on the upside his quad tear (reported to be minor? Is there such a thing as a minor quad tear at the Lions?), means that we'll get the opportunity to see Hendo in action. He'd have a tough first-up assignment if he did happen to make the team at FF in Rd 1. - Darren Glass!! :eek:

Ah you'd think Darren Glass would take Jonathan Brown... :p

[notting18]

Ah you'd think Darren Glass would take Jonathan Brown... :p

Jonathan Who?;)

[Lace Out]

Good to give him a taste so early.Wouldn't expect anymore than about 5 touches though.

[LIONOFZION]

Ah you'd think Darren Glass would take Jonathan Brown... :p

You'd think so but I was just going by what Hamo said in the article (if Glass plays FB as usual). We'll see. Actually the more I think about it I'd prefer Glass to take Hendo which would leave Brownie with their second best defender which = LOTS OF GOALS :)

[danielcanberra]

25 November 2007
I like Hendo already. Right, I'm getting on his bandwagon now.

[BigCat2]

I'm on the bandwagon too. Looks the goods - presents well, great hands, excellent second efforts & ground work. That last quarter & goal (as well as the almost mark before that) showed some class.

[Kochie 16]

Good first game, 3 goals!

[notting18]

I'm on the bandwagon too. Looks the goods - presents well, great hands, excellent second efforts & ground work. That last quarter & goal (as well as the almost mark before that) showed some class.

I just hope you didn't take up the last seat BC2! I was very impressed.

[Ceebee]

Very impressive, looks like he belongs, I say we keep him.:)

[BigCat2]

I just hope you didn't take up the last seat BC2! I was very impressed.

Plenty of room still, but make sure you get on quick - the wagon is off & running!

[KING-JAMES]

Looked fantastic tonight. Will only be better with better delivery and Browny back as well.

[Campbell's Chunky]

Super, super impressed guys.

[Ruse]

Wonder why the bulldogs passed him up at the draft with their pick 5? he seems ready to play at afl level already.

[xplo]

Wonder why the bulldogs passed him up at the draft with their pick 5? he seems ready to play at afl level already.

He missed the majority of last year with injury and when he did play, he was hampered.

Basically the doggies decision comes down to the dimming memory of a 16 year old gun versus the fresh memory of a good tall kid you saw play in the last couple of months. Hendo might turn out better than Grant -- long time till we know the answer to that question -- but he was unquestionably a riskier pick than Grant.

[Sherminator.]

Henderson really impressed me, he should play a few games this year.

Clark and him are a future forward duo ;)

[KING-JAMES]

He missed the majority of last year with injury and when he did play, he was hampered.

Basically the doggies decision comes down to the dimming memory of a 16 year old gun versus the fresh memory of a good tall kid you saw play in the last couple of months. Hendo might turn out better than Grant -- long time till we know the answer to that question -- but he was unquestionably a riskier pick than Grant.

Grant played 8 TAC cup games last year, kicked 27.17 while averaging 2.1 goals assists and 3 contested marks a game which saw him ranked #1. He also averaged 2.1 assists and the 2nd most inside 50s. Basically he was a pretty safe bet, which the doggies liked.

Personally I think Henderson is a better prospect.

[xplo]

Grant played 8 TAC cup games last year, kicked 27.17 while averaging 2.1 goals assists and 3 contested marks a game which saw him ranked #1. He also averaged 2.1 assists and the 2nd most inside 50s. Basically he was a pretty safe bet, which the doggies liked.

Personally I think Henderson is a better prospect.

Spot on. Thanks KING_JAMES. I didn't know the exact stats, but that's exactly what I would have expected.

[xplo]

http://www.lions.com.au/Default.aspx?tabid=5085&newsId=55361

Henderson finds his feet

11:56 AM Sun 17 February, 2008 | Back

By Simon White

for lions.com.au
News

IT DIDN’T take young Brisbane Lions forward Lachlan Henderson long to appreciate the difference between junior football and AFL level.

Which is understandable when you consider that his first opponent was Mal Michael, with his not-inconsiderable 190cm, 99kg frame.

Despite the Lions going down to Essendon by 27 points in Saturday’s night’s round one NAB Cup clash, Henderson impressed on debut with three goals.

Even more remarkably, he did it against former Lion Michael, perhaps the most consistent stopper in the competition over the past seven years.

"I got thrown around a bit – I definitely couldn’t move Mal, so I had to try and run him around,” Henderson said.

"I was pretty happy with the way I went but [Michael] is amazing with some of the spoils he pulls off. He just comes out of nowhere and gets you.

"I didn’t actually get nervous until the warm-up and from then on I was a little nervous until five or 10 minutes into the first quarter – then I sort of started to feel like I was supposed to be out there.”

The notion that Henderson is “supposed” to be locking horns with the likes of Michael, would certainly be endorsed up by Lions fans, who had waited all summer to see the club’s top draft pick in action.

They weren’t disappointed.

In front of 10,078 fans at Carrara, Henderson showed impressive mobility and dexterity and his snapped goal from hard-up against the boundary line in the second quarter was perhaps the game’s most exciting moment.

"To be honest I had no idea what I was doing with that one,” he laughed.

"I reckon I’ve missed the last 10 of those that I’ve tried in training. I was just telling Scotty Clouston before that it was pure fluke.”

While Henderson’s goals for the season extend to no more than staying fit and in contention for a game, assistant coach Justin Leppitsch has no doubt he is set for big things.

Leppitsch stood in as coach for Leigh Matthews on Saturday night and was very much enthused by Henderson’s 11-possession, five-mark display.

"He was playing on a very good player in Mal Michael and did a good job,” Leppitsch said.

"He showed some really good signs and we have high hopes for him long-term.”

[TheBrownDog]

Can't remember the exact quote (was watching the replay very late) but Vossy said something about Henderson 'presenting well'...

Huddo responded with something like "not really, he didn't even shave for his first match".

Heh.

[TheBrownDog]

Even Hammo sounds impressed.

Lachlan excels against big men

Andrew Hamilton http://www.news.com.au/images/sources/h14_thecouriermail.gif
February 17, 2008 11:00pm
Link to Original Article (http://www.news.com.au/couriermail/story/0,23739,23229599-5003410,00.html)

ONE of the few unknown qualities about draftees who have only ever played under-age football is how they will go against men.

Such is typical of the depth of detail demanded in the AFL recruiting game.

Lachlan Henderson ticked that box on Saturday night with an impressive first-up showing against powerhouse former Lion Mal Michael.

Henderson kicked three goals and should have had another but for a sprayed set shot. He finished the game with 11 disposals, five marks and 3.2.

What would impress Lions coach Leigh Matthews most was the Geelong Falcons youngster didn't once flinch when it was his time to go, even winning a free kick for putting his head over the ball in some heavy traffic.

After the game the No. 8 draft pick identified the pace of the game and the strength of the bodies in contests as the major step up from schoolboy football.

"It was fast, but being down at full forward helped and having Bushie (Robert Copeland) there helped me get in the right positions," he said.

"I was pretty happy; he (Michael) was amazing with his spoiling – how he can come from nowhere and get you, I suppose they are all going to be like that in the AFL.

"I got thrown around a bit and I couldn't move Mal, so I had to try and run around him.

"I did a few things wrong which I have to improve whenever next I play, but I am pretty happy.

"Hopefully I'm in next week and having another hit at it."

Henderson looked at home from the opening bounce and although his best value in his development year will be as a leading forward, he competed well in pack situations and also showed impressive agility at ground level for a big man.

And in a promising sign of his composure, he said he hadn't felt overawed by the occasion.

He did however admit he may have been blessed with some good luck when he goaled with a clever shot from the pocket.

"I didn't get nervous until the warm-up and from there I got nervous but five or so minutes into the game I was fine and I felt like I was supposed to be in there," he said.

Like Mitch Clark, the club's other top-10 key forward draftee of recent years, Henderson has looked toward superstar Jonathan Brown in his early months at the club.

[Lace Out]

Me.Bandwagon.

[Cousin Jed]

Sorry - Bandwagon is full

http://img03.picoodle.com/img/img03/4/2/17/f_bandwagon11m_9afbfb1.jpg

[Lace Out]

Sorry - Bandwagon is full

http://img03.picoodle.com/img/img03/4/2/17/f_bandwagon11m_9afbfb1.jpg
I don't mind being dragged along in the dirt.

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=460284) (strange title)

Daunting assignment for young Bomber
17th February 2008, 13:55 WST

As far as first assignments go, none come more daunting for a rookie forward than hardened Essendon fullback Mal Michael.

Indeed injury-plagued Brisbane Lions top draft pick Lachlan Henderson would have been forgiven for suffering another ailment - namely a strained heart muscle - lining up against Michael on senior debut in their NAB Cup opener on the Gold Coast on Saturday night.

While stand-in Lions coach Justin Leppitsch admitted some of his youngsters looked like boys against men in their 27-point loss to the Bombers, Henderson passed his first test with flying colours with a team high three goals on man mountain Michael.

Hailing from the same junior side as Lions colossus Jonathan Brown - the Geelong Falcons - Henderson is a real chance of lining up alongside the Brisbane co-captain in their regular season opener against West Coast at Perth after his mature performance up forward.

Tall key position Henderson - selected at No.8 overall in the draft - can play either in attack or across half back.

But a vacancy appears likely up forward with Daniel Bradshaw (knee) not expected back until round three and Mitch Clark (quad) in doubt for the season start.

The 196cm, 92kg Henderson was picked up as a long-term replacement for Brown but he now has a foot in the door to become just the second draftee in 10 years to play his first game in round one of his debut season at the Lions.

It was believed Henderson was not picked earlier in the draft because of his shocking recent run with injury - he missed 13 weeks last year with a broken leg.

The 18-year-old had further niggles which prevented him from performing at his best in the draft camp but looked every inch a top pick as he lit up the rain-affected Carrara clash on Saturday night.

"He was good wasn't he. He's playing on a very good player in Mal Michael and did a good job, he showed some good signs," Leppitsch said.

"We've got some high hopes for him, long-term."

Leppitsch said Henderson did not look out of place against one of the AFL's toughest yardsticks in Michael.

"That's something you don't know about the kids until they get out here. There were a few kids who were very good and others who were not as good as you would have thought," he said.

"Lachlan in the forward line, James Polkinghorne (No.41 pick and nephew of former Hawthorn defender David Polkinghorne) when he went to defence looked more comfortable - they were the two young blokes who I thought went well."

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/6137/hendersontb4.jpg

Link (http://www.thewest.com.au/aapstory.aspx?StoryName=460284)

Lion-hearted Lachie faces up to big Mal
Nick Smart
18Feb08

LIONS first-gamer Lachie Henderson knew he was in for a tough initiation when three-time premiership defender Mal Michael jogged up to him at the start of Saturday night's NAB Cup clash at Gold Coast Stadium.

With fellow forwards Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw missing in action, Henderson knew he had big shoes to fill.

In a disappointing night for the Lions, who were convincingly beaten by Essendon by 27 points in front of 10,078, but fans would have walked away impressed by Henderson who kicked three goals and looked at home playing senior football.

Henderson said it was a good learning experience playing on Michael.

"I got thrown around a bit. I definitely couldn't move Mal, so I had to try to run him around," he said.

"I was pretty happy with the way I went but (Michael) is amazing with some of the spoils he pulls off. He just comes out of nowhere and gets you.

"I didn't actually get nervous until the warm-up and from then on I was a little nervous until five or 10 minutes into the first quarter.

"Then I sort of started to feel like I was supposed to be out there."

Henderson showed impressive mobility and his snapped goal from hard-up against the boundary line in the second quarter was perhaps the game's most exciting moment.

"To be honest I had no idea what I was doing with that one," he said.

"I reckon I've missed the past 10 of those that I've tried in training. I was just telling (fellow young Lion) Scotty Clouston that it was pure fluke."

While Henderson's personal goals for the season extend to no more than staying fit and in contention for a game, assistant coach Justin Leppitsch has no doubt he is set for big things. Leppitsch stood in as coach for Leigh Matthews on Saturday night and was very much enthused by Henderson's 11-possession, five-mark display.

"He was playing on a very good player in Mal Michael and did a good job," he said.

"He showed some really good signs and we have high hopes for him long-term."

Was the highlight of the evening. I think he's probably secured himself a round 1 berth.

[danielcanberra]

I've been driving this bandwagon since November last year, and while it is great to have you all on board, it is getting bloody heavy.

Could some of you please help with some pushing?

[ZoBlitz]

Looked very comfortable out there, I was very impressed. You'd almost think he'd been playing at this level for years.

[TheBrownDog]

The Bulldogs went off him in the interview. He said he didn't want to be the main man in a forward line and preferred to be the 2nd or 3rd forward.

If that's true that would be a strange thing for the Dogs to be basing their recruitment on.

He didn't seem fazed about being the primary target on Saturday.

[Ill Nino]

I would be disappointed if he did'nt debut round 1.

[xplo]

http://lions.com.au/tabid/5085/News/NewsArticle/Default.aspx?newsId=55458

Henderson on track for quick Lions debut

LACHLAN HENDERSON is closely following in the footsteps of Jonathan Brown and Lions veteran Robert Copeland believes Brisbane's top draft pick has the talent to make his AFL debut alongside him next month.

Copeland feels the 18-year-old wouldn't be out of place next to the 2007 Coleman Medallist when Brisbane kicks off their 2008 season against West Coast on March 22 at Subiaco Oval.

Henderson showed his immense skill at full-forward for the Lions in their 27-point first-round NAB Cup pre-season loss to Essendon at Carrara on the weekend.

The 196cm, 92kg Geelong Falcons product, drafted at No.8, kicked 3.2 on Bombers powerhouse Mal Michael in an eye-catching senior debut.

With Daniel Bradshaw not expected to return from a knee reconstruction until round three and Mitch Clark nursing a quad injury there's a vacant tall position up forward next to Brown.

When the Lions drafted Henderson last year, Falcons coach Michael Turner said he hadn't seen a player of his calibre since Brown played with the Geelong under-18s almost a decade before.

Newly converted forward Copeland had few doubts Henderson was good enough to become only the second Lions draftee in 10 years to debut immediately.

"Yeah, probably, definitely," he said. "It all depends on the injuries and who's available but he's in line for a chance of playing.

"He moves well, and he's good on the forward line.

"The way he moves and the way he listens, I was down there organising things and he listens really well and that will take him a long way."

Henderson's height, just two centimetres shorter than first-choice ruckman Jamie Charman, could also help his selection chances for the season opener.

Brisbane's ruck division is down to two after Beau McDonald announced his retirement last week and Henderson could be a good pinch-hitter for Charman and rising youngster Matthew Leuenberger.

Henderson will have to wait at least another week before he plays alongside Brown after coach Leigh Matthews named another young side to play the Kangaroos in Melbourne on Friday.

Matthews made only one change to his team with Irish rookie Pearce Hanley replacing the suspended Daniel Dzufer.

After a long career as a tagger and defender, Copeland is relishing his move up the ground where he's used as chase-tackle machine to aid spearhead Brown.

"I love it. A bit more enjoyment," he said.

[danielcanberra]

BigPond Video 'Young Guns' - interview with Lachie, about six minutes in and goes for about two minutes.

http://bigpondvideo.com/afl/43908

The interview looks like it was taken last Friday at Albert Park cricket oval. Lachie talks about the game against Essendon at Carrara, Blacky, living in Brisbane, and who cuts his hair (:eek:).

[TheBrownDog]

BigPond Video 'Young Guns' - interview with Lachie, about six minutes in and goes for about two minutes.

http://bigpondvideo.com/afl/43908

The interview looks like it was taken last Friday at Albert Park cricket oval. Lachie talks about the game against Essendon at Carrara, Blacky, living in Brisbane, and who cuts his hair (:eek:).

Nice find Dan. :thumbsu:

Unfortunately the BigPond site is a buggy mess, especially for Firefox users... so here is a direct link to the video without the BigPond bloat and fluff. (mms://61.9.191.56/wm9.streaming.telstra.com/wh_afl1/OnDemand/YoungGuns/080227_youngguns.wmv)

[Grimreepah]

Link (http://www.geelongadvertiser.com.au/article/2008/02/28/11726_gfc.html)

Brisbane footballer Lachie Henderson eyes injury-free year
Geelong Advertiser
Michael Auciello
28Feb08

IMAGINE lining up in the forward line for your first AFL game and seeing a colossus like Mal Michael coming towards you.
Former Geelong Falcon, now Brisbane Lion, Lachie Henderson knows the feeling.
"We talked about it a lot during the week so I knew he'd come to me,'' Henderson said.
"But when you see this big man mountain coming towards you, you think twice,'' he laughed.
"It was a good experience. Just his strength, and his footy smarts, he's obviously played the game for so long.''
The 18-year-old walked away from the experience with his head held high, though.
In an impressive first-up performance, the Lions' first-round draft pick had 11 touches, five marks and kicked three goals.
Post-match reports were glowing of Henderson's attack on the footy and his courage, which led him to win a free kick for putting his head over the ball in heavy traffic.
"Everything just fell my way, I got a bit lucky,'' he said.
"I was average last week though, it was a tough day for us.''
Henderson is looking forward to the prospect of taking on Geelong at Carrara tomorrow night, even though he barracked for Collingwood as a kid, not the Cats.
"I can't wait to play Geelong, if I get a game. I know a few of the boys and I trained with them last January through the AIS (program),'' he said.
The focus for Henderson all summer, and will continue to be throughout this season, is just not to get injured.
After missing 12 weeks with a broken leg last year, and never getting back to full fitness, he just wants to get his body and fitness right.
Henderson, who has been living with Brownlow medallist Simon Black since he made the move north, will line up alongside another former Geelong Falcon, Jonathan Brown, for the first time.

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/8039/henderson2vc0.jpg

[Lace Out]

Grant played 8 TAC cup games last year, kicked 27.17 while averaging 2.1 goals assists and 3 contested marks a game which saw him ranked #1. He also averaged 2.1 assists and the 2nd most inside 50s. Basically he was a pretty safe bet, which the doggies liked.

Personally I think Henderson is a better prospect.
Henderson already looks like a safe bet too.

It's always a great relief when you realise your top pick won't be a dud.It makes and breaks clubs.

[xplo]

Henderson already looks like a safe bet too.

It's always a great relief when you realise your top pick won't be a dud.It makes and breaks clubs.

He's started the preseason well but it's probably a bit early for that call.

[Lace Out]

He's started the preseason well but it's probably a bit early for that call.
I have to disagree that there is any chance he will turn out to be a player just making up the numbers.You can already see he reads the play beautifully and has very good hands-thats why I'm calling early.

[Panthera]

He's started the preseason well but it's probably a bit early for that call.

Not too early to make the call; barring injury he should become a 200 game CHF, and along with Clark at FF, replace Brown & Bradshaw down the track ;)

Quite exciting to know the the 2 hardest foward positions to fill are set for the next decade :D

[The Flying Belgian]

I have to disagree that there is any chance he will turn out to be a player just making up the numbers.You can already see he reads the play beautifully and has very good hands-thats why I'm calling early.

Cupido looked good in his early days. Nathan Clarke looked like a world-beater on debut too.