A move to the midfield has done wonders for Lachie Hunter’s season, with the midfielder in career-best form in the past month.
Hunter is averaging 31 disposals from his past four games but the 20-year-old says he must continue that form to hold his spot in the team.
“To be firstly back in the team and getting a game and contributing, but obviously we’re going pretty well at the moment so it’s really good,” said Hunter speaking with RSN Radio on Tuesday morning.
“Went back to the VFL to get some form, went back and did that, and did what the coaches wanted and now I’ve got my spot over the last couple of weeks and hopefully I’ve done a fair bit to cement that.”
Despite spending time in and out of the team earlier in the year, Hunter has now played the last six matches and his form is suggesting he won’t be out anytime soon.
He credits an early-season move to the midfield, from the half-forward line, to his improved form.
“I was a half-forward at the start of the year, the change up to go to the wing has really freed up my game and it’s given me a chance to get a fair bit more of the ball and do a bit more so I’m really enjoying it.
“It’s a different role playing on the wing, you get to read the game more and have a bit more of a say on how the ball goes forward and both ways, which is one of my strengths so it’s been good.”
Hunter was again excellent in the Dogs win over Melbourne in round 20, collecting 28 disposals, three clearances, three inside 50s and one goal.
His performance earned the recognition of both Paul Roos and Luke Beveridge, earning four votes form them in the AFLCA Award.
Despite the rich vein of form on both an individual and team level, Hunter says no player can afford to rest on their laurels – with players banging down the door at VFL level.
“We probably have 35 players we can pick from every week, players that were playing really well at the start of the year can’t get a game at the moment.
“It only creates a better team when the people below are working hard to get a game and competing for spots.”
