Teen steps up to State squad

Baldivis Brumbies player Lachlan Mitchell is set to have his first taste of national competition after being selected for a State squad.

The 14-year-old Cooloongup teen was picked for the under-15 WA State AFL team bound for Sydney next Friday.

Lachlan said he started kicking a footy around as a “little tacker” in Auskick at the Rockingham Rams Football Club.

“I just really enjoyed it and I haven’t stopped,” he said.

Later moving to Safety Bay Football Club, he said he switched to Brumbies two years ago.

He said he tried out for the State team out of curiosity.

“I wanted to see if I would be chosen and it was also a good opportunity to see how I ranked against other State players,” he said.

“I was pretty excited and pretty honoured to get in because there were a few boys who tried out.

“It was good to make the final cut.”

Training in the Comet Bay College football squad, the Baldivis Brumbies under-15s and Peel Thunder under-15 development squad, Lachlan spends most days dedicated to training.

He said he was looking forward to playing at a higher level and meeting new people.

Looking up to players like Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett, the young midfielder said he hoped to one day play AFL.

“I just love to play and love to be out there on the ground,” he said.

“The dream would be to play AFL at a top level, but we’ll see how it goes.”