AFL Draft 2024: East Fremantle ruckman Lachlan Blakiston a chance to go from ammos star to AFL in four years

Three years ago, Lachlan Blakiston was playing in C-3 grade footy in the Perth Football League. Fast forward to this month and there’s a chance the ruckman could find his way onto an AFL list, in what would be a remarkable rise for the former Cockburn Cobra. Blakiston is gaining interest as a mature-age ruckman despite having only 14 WAFL league games to his name in three seasons. The 26-year-old has garnered the attention of several clubs ahead of next week’s draft despite the non-linear pathway to the AFL. It was something Blakiston admits he never thought would happen, despite always holding dreams of playing at the highest level. “I think it’s fair to say most people that play footy growing up, dream about playing AFL. I just never thought it was a possibility because of my pathway and how things panned out,” he said. “Now that I may get the opportunity to, I feel incredibly grateful and excited. “The experience so far feels surreal. I grew up watching and playing footy but never expected it to become a realistic goal and if it comes my way, I sure will make the most of it.” He was content playing for the Cobras where he came up through the colts, won a C-4 premiership in 2019 alongside West Coast premiership ruckman Mark Seaby and was crowned the C-3 league’s best in 2021. After dominating Blakiston was encouraged to give the WAFL a shot and he landed at South Fremantle, where he played 10 games of reserves and caught the attention of cross-town rivals East Fremantle after kicking four goals against West Perth. The ruckman transferred clubs for free and played one league game for the Sharks in 2023, but one the reserves fairest and best after a stellar season. Interestingly, Blakiston was almost at a third club in as many years with the Sharks considering selling him to either Perth or Subiaco given they had former Port Adelaide ruck Brynn Teakle as well Luke Strnadica and premiership star Reuben McGuire on their list. Blakiston decided to stay, and when Teakle was picked up by North Melbourne in the mid-season draft, he became the Sharks’ No.1 ruckman. He rounded out the season by averaging 16 touches and 33 hit-outs. “I was encouraged to give WAFL a shot and thankfully I was given an opportunity,” Blakiston said. “I had never played at the level and the idea of it excited me. “I’m glad that I was encouraged and the option was made available to me. I’ve loved my WAFL journey and wish it had started it sooner.” Blakiston knows nothing in life is guaranteed despite the attention and is just enjoying the ride no matter where it ends. “The AFL interest like has been quite surreal. I would never have expected anything like this a couple of years ago,” he said. “To be considered and have these conversations has been an encouraging experience and I’m really appreciative. “I’m grateful to be in this position and I can’t wait to see how it all works out.”