www.krock.com.au
Log in to remove this Banner Ad
Though for McLachlan, a 185-centimetre forward selected with pick 6 in the 2024 Mid-Season Rookie Draft from the Geelong Falcons, it will be his AFL debut.
Lions coach Chris Fagan told the playing group the news after training on Thursday.
“It has been hard earned; I mean your form over the pre-season games has been sensational,” Fagan said of 19-year-old McLachlan.
“The way you’ve trained all summer and the effort you’ve put into things is a great story.
“You arrived here in the middle of the year last year wondering what the hell hit you, and here you are Round 2 of the next season making your debut.
“Congratulations on that, it will be an exciting day for you and your family. It will be a day you never forget and most of all we want you to play really good football for us.”
McLachlan, who hails from the regional Victorian town of Colac, is regarded as having strong work ethic and a strong overhead mark with speed to burn.
The teenage forward is a consistent finisher in front of goal, proving this recently with nine goals from his last two pre-season matches.
“I just want to say thanks to Fages (Chris Fagan), DD (General Manager Football, Danny Daly) and all of the coaches,” McLachlan said in front of the playing group.
“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get out there with you boys and hopefully get another win on the board.”
