By ADEM SARICAOGLU
WESTERN Jet Lachlan Hickey admits he was surprised to learn of his invitation to next month’s state combine.
After getting nine starts as a bottom-ager in 2012, Hickey played 19 games for 14 goals this season, including a bag of four majors against the Northern Knights in mid-June.
However, the 17-year-old Melton Bloods junior believes his form was “patchy” right throughout the season.
“I think I did all right. I probably didn’t play to my full potential and had a pretty patchy season – good in parts but not good in others,” Hickey said.
“I feel like within myself that I could’ve played better at times – I just think I have a bit more ability than I showed.
“I was kind of patchy all the way through but I think the two finals games I played were up to the standard.”
It’s for that reason Hickey was never really expecting to get a call-up to the combine.
But the young speedster’s flashes of brilliance at certain moments throughout the year looked promising enough for recruiters to give him a chance to showcase his abilities at the combine.
“I think a lot of it would be just a few flashy things I’d done, like taking the game on and all that sort of stuff,” Hickey said.
“I was pretty surprised. I really didn’t feel like I was going to get an invite or anything like that so I feel pretty privileged to be part of that.”
The Jets played in two finals and were knocked out of the TAC Cup at the hands of the Calder Cannons last week.
Luckily for Hickey, those two games gave him a chance to produce some consistent footy.
Jets coach Torin Baker was impressed with the progress Hickey had made after getting a taste of TAC Cup footy in 2012.
“He certainly made some really big strides with his football this year,” Baker said.
“This year he’s played in a variety of roles, mainly forward or on the wing, he’s had an excellent finals series and he’s a real elite athlete and a really courageous footballer as well.
“I think one of the things with Lachie is that his running capacity, both in terms of endurance and speed (means) that he probably could actually run out a game of AFL footy.
“His running standards will be very similar to a lot of midfielders going around in the competition and because he’s got that elite speed and endurance, I’ve got no doubt people will be watching him.”
