Announcing himself in Williamstown’s development league with multiple high possession performances, father-son recruit Lachie Hunter is embracing his increased fitness base and power on the field.
After training with the Western Bulldogs forward line in the pre-season, the 18-year-old has been given license in the VFL development league to play more onball and utilise his run and endurance through the midfield.
“I’ve been mainly playing midfield which is a bit of a change from pre-season,” he said.
“It’s been good I’ve been working with Joshy Prudden in the midfield there and yeah I’ve been getting good service from the ruckman and getting a bit of the ball.
“Really [Prudden] was the only one I knew going in there, so I think we stick together a bit in the matches, we seem to give each other a few touches.”
The midfielder - who has a proven capacity to shift forward and hit the scoreboard - has accumulated 30+ possessions in two of three games this season, while being an influential player in each of the Williamstown development league’s comprehensive wins.
The reserve side has defeated their opponents by an average margin of 146 points in the first three rounds, with Hunter named amongst the best players in two of those occasions.
“I haven’t really played forward much at all yet, but I am sure I will get down there,” he said.
“I have only kicked one goal so far, I’ve had a few 30 [disposal] matches, so I will have to get a few more soon.”
The benefits of Hunter’s first full pre-season are starting to come into effect, noticing his ability to cover more ground and incorporate a more physical side to his game.
“I feel like I am running a lot more than I did last year and previous years, I haven’t got any GPS data for it yet but I am sure it would be a lot higher than last year,” he said.
“Strength wise, absolutely, it has been a big change - I am starting to move people around a bit in the midfield, so it’s good.”
On the brink of a senior VFL call up, the Western Jets recruit will continue to press for selection at Williamstown, as he builds in form and confidence.
