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Welcome to the Bulldogs Lachlan Carmichael(pick 22)

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Testekill

Don't look at me like that
Dec 3, 2009
20,224
20,896
Brisbane
AFL Club
Western Bulldogs
Other Teams
Footscray Bulldogs, Williamstown
STRENGTHS:
  • Competitiveness
  • Consistency
  • Decision making
  • Kicking
  • Intercepting
  • Rebounding

IMPROVEMENTS:
  • Contested ball
  • Midfield craft

Carmichael presents a well-rounded profile, which is something he has worked on across the course of the year. After making his way as a reliable distributor off half-back, he sought to improve his midfield craft and held his own there when given the opportunity. Carmichael's defensive weapons also grew as he continued to utilise his overhead marking ability, while competing well in one-on-one situations and generating counterattacks.

It is no surprise that Carmichael has been trusted with kick-in duties across just about every team he has represented. His vision and decision making allow his efficient skills to shine, with the keen playmaker able to relieve pressure by hitting short targets, or driving the ball forward with penetrative passes. Carmichael 's ability to assess his options is credit to how well he reads the game, which also translates to his intercepting prowess.

With ball in hand, Carmichael poses a threat when he can link up and begin chain running. Whether starting from deep or cutting off opposition kicks across a high line, he follows up his initial disposal to notch several possessions in single passages, helping work the ball all the way up the field. He also has a deceptive amount of poise and agility in traffic, knowing where the pressure will come to then manufacture extra time in possession.

Perhaps the more underrated facets of Carmichael's game lie in his defensive attributes. He is a capable interceptor who takes the ball cleanly overhead and can mop up at ground level, never afraid to put his body on the line. The same applies to his tackling, able to either force spills or wrap up opponents who have built a full head of steam. His one-on-one ability is quite sound too, exhibiting good core strength and competitiveness to win the ball.

Although, the contested side of the game is where Carmichael can continue to grow. He went at a 79 per cent uncontested possession rate at the National Championships, highlighting his preferred method as a half-back. He was also exposed to the midfield, though, and hopes to refine his stoppage craft to continue being a versatile asset at the next level. Often times, he joins or hangs just off the back of stoppages to help move the play forward.

It was admittedly difficult to identify glaring weaknesses in Carmichael's game. He does just about everything well and is as consistent as they come. That kind of bankability is something recruiters crave, and the Swans Academy prospect offers it in spades. Carmichael has also become a proven leader, thriving off being afforded greater responsibility in each team and welcoming the expectation placed on him over the years.
 

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Sydney Swans Academy prospect Lachy Carmichael is an exciting 183cm Sydney defender who enjoyed a consistent and eye-catching draft campaign this year.

Carmichael might just have the most underrated resume in the entire 2025
AFL Draft crop, having claimed U16s Sydney Academy MVP, U18s Allies MVP, Allies captain and AFL Academy honours.

The New South Welshman has played in every possible representative side and, in different ways, thrived every time.

Carmichael's skillset is built off his daring run and carry off halfback, tucking the ball under his arm and taking metres with both his run and booming kick.

When he is in the backline, he is trusted as the chief distributor given his creativity and ability to hit his kicks. Playing a more accountable defensive role in the AFL Academy series, he showed an ability to win one-on-ones, with his strength and competitiveness both standing out against the big boys despite not racking up the big numbers.

He also has the ability to play taller than he is, showing a capacity to take intercept marks and then slingshot on multiple occasions throughout 2025.

For the Allies, his ball-winning and execution were so clinical that he got to spend a game and a half in the midfield, and his power and influence in the engine room reinforced his offensive firepower.
 
I can talk myself into this pick, wanted Lindsay but Carmichael looks very similar and no reason he can’t be just as good. Had a very dominant last few seasons as a junior and his strengths are exactly what we need.

Decent write up here too

 
I love this kid, and while I predicted the Swans would pass before the draft, I think it'll end up being a mistake.
Some vids of his to watch:




Massive thanks for all your video work this year, it's been great for us nuffies to watch players pre-draft
 
Happy with this. Think from highlights, I've seen, He has the potential to come on faster than Lindsay. We don't have the time to play around anymore.
 

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I can talk myself into this pick, wanted Lindsay but Carmichael looks very similar and no reason he can’t be just as good. Had a very dominant last few seasons as a junior and his strengths are exactly what we need.

Decent write up here too

Offers more defensively then Lindsay with his leap and Intercept ability also more inclined to lay a tackle. His kicking isn't quite as good as Lindsay and both heavily favour uncontested football.
Biggest bonus's not looking at skillset is his consistency and his character, by all reports a great kid who will get the most out of himself and has lots of leadership potential.
 

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Wish him all the best in the RW&B but let’s be honest, if he was a stud Sydney match no matter what. Don’t give me the Dunkley tripe that was a pre-determined deal with Sydney if he could stay in Vic. The trade period and draft have been incredibly underwhelming and we’ve done zero to position ourselves for Butters next year. The Hawks on the other hand.
 
Watched a heap of him throughout the year.

My thoughts:

A "cake player". Set him a defensive task, and he will get it done. Set him a distributor role, and will not let you down. Is a safe pick that can see him slotting into a defensive position and playing 200 games. Unlikely to be on the highlights reel by breaking lines, or lasering a 50m pass to a teammate but can be trusted to take the option.

Not the most athletic player or have eye catching skills but will be that 10-15 type set and forget player in your line up.

The main ceiling raiser is his leadership and potential scope for mid development.

With swans hat on, reminds me of Nick Smith/defensive only Mills. Some of you may say "who the **** is Nick Smith?", but played 211 games for us and was probably the most trusted to do his job.
 
I love this kid, and while I predicted the Swans would pass before the draft, I think it'll end up being a mistake.
Some vids of his to watch:





Watching his highlights I sort of like his midfield work rather than his backline stuff? Looks very clean and composed around the ball and makes good decisions, but doesn't look as line breaking run and carry HBF as some of the other half backs in this draft.
 
Watching his highlights I sort of like his midfield work rather than his backline stuff? Looks very clean and composed around the ball and makes good decisions, but doesn't look as line breaking run and carry HBF as some of the other half backs in this draft.
Yeah he doesnt have elite dash but his kicking skills are classy, and he has more balance to his defensive game than some others who are more attack focused.
 
Has a lot of class about him, seems to do most things well, can rack em up. Has decent speed when he turns it on & looks to have a big kick on him too. Can see him playing early as well. Welcome!
 
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Welcome to the Bulldogs Lachlan Carmichael(pick 22)

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