The Blues have welcomed young midfielder Lochie O’Brien to the Club, selecting the Bendigo Pioneers product with pick 10 in the 2017 NAB AFL National Draft. 

Known for his exceptional endurance, the pacy left footer came second in the 2km time trial at the AFL Draft Combine, recording 6:12 minutes – just three seconds behind the winner.

A good decision-maker who possess an elite kick, Blues fans will want the ball in his hands as he runs along the wing breaking the lines to set up his teammates.

Carlton’s GM of List Management and Strategy Stephen Silvagni said O’Brien knows how to play to his strengths.

“We actually know Lochie quite well, he did his AFL Academy club week at Carlton and travelled to the Gold Coast with us on our pre-season camp last year, so we know he’ll fit in at the Blues,” Silvagni said.

“He’s an excellent athlete who has a good combination of speed and endurance, and importantly he knows how to use this to his advantage.”

Welcome, Lochie! 

DOB: 18.09.1999

Position: Midfielder

Height: 184cm

Weight: 75kg

Club: Bendigo Pioneers/Vic Country

He said it:

“At that time in my development I was much more successful in athletics but when I had to make the decision, I thought when you succeed in athletics it’s only you who gets the win, there’s no real sense of belonging that you get with a team win.”

– O’Brien took part in the AFL’s ‘Tomorrow’s Heroes’ series and talked about his decision between choosing a career in athletics or football.