PROGRESSING at a “rapid rate”.

That’s the verdict from midfield assistant coach Brent Stanton in relation to the uptick of form from Lochie O’Brien.

The emerging wingman was once again a solid contributor in Carlton’s four-point win on the weekend, collecting 18 disposals — often stationed against Fremantle’s Brad Hill.

Speaking on Carlton Coaches’ Corner, Stanton said O’Brien’s form in recent weeks had been the direct reward of his character at a young age.

“Lochie’s on a really good path,” Stanton said.

“He’s an exciting kid to work with in wanting to learn and get better. For the last six or seven games, it’s going to be very exciting to see what he can produce.

“You’ve seen in the last three weeks what he can bring to our football team and that’s his run, his decision-making and especially his kicking and finish.”

The weekend marked another promising showing from the 19-year-old since his return to the senior side in Round 12.

Compared to his career average, O’Brien has enjoyed an increase in his possession rate, score involvements, metres gained and intercepts per game.

Stanton believes a key part of O’Brien’s development has been his exposure against some of the competition’s best in his position — and it’s something he sees continuing.

“He has played on some big names and very good players out on the wing, with Brad Hill and also Lachie hunter in the last couple of weeks,” he said.

“Lochie’s development playing on these players is invaluable.

“It’s very rare that you get a 19-year-old that comes onto the football scene and be able to run like he does.”

Combined with his ability to cover the ground is his disposal by foot, which has been a key feature of his game in the last few weeks — particularly forward of centre.

Stanton said the more opportunities O’Brien gets to use the football, “the better it is for the team”.

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“It’s been one of his attributes when we were looking at his draft tapes,” he said.

“There wouldn’t be a better player to be leading to at our club, maybe Marc Murphy.

“Lochie has this wonderful, long left foot but he’s also got the ability to hit a short target. He’s a beautiful kick of the footy.”

O'Brien's improvement

Career before Round 12, 2019 (averages)
13 disposals, 2.3 score involvements, 2.1 intercept possessions, 212.4 metres gained

Since Round 12, 2019 (averages)
16.7 disposals, 4.3 score involvements, 4.3 intercept possessions, 376 metres gained