GUN North Warrnambool Eagles midfielder Sam McLachlan has returned to his home club Colac as he eyes a berth in the VFL.
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The 20-year-old signed with the Geelong Football League club this week as he pursues a spot on the Geelong Cats’ VFL list for 2016.
With the Cats expected to name their final squad in the coming weeks, McLachlan chose to align with his former club for the season.
“I’ve trained at a few others (in the GFL), but when I went there, I knew everyone, so it was a pretty easy choice,” he said.
“I’ve only been to a couple of trainings at the moment … it’s just a good fit.”
McLachlan made two senior appearances as a 16-year-old when he last played at Colac in 2012.
The Eagles’ 2015 best-and-fairest winner said he had also had interest from VFL clubs Essendon and Werribee, and went to an Essendon testing day, but Geelong was a clear choice as it was closer to home.
The Cats resumed training this week and McLachlan – who has been with the squad since mid-November – said he was enjoying the new challenge of training with state league players and hopefuls.
“It (the standard) is pretty high – it’s intense as well,” he said.
“Everyone is a lot fitter than what you generally are (in regional leagues). They’re a lot smarter as well. It’s a definite step up.
“It’s pretty full-on and I’m learning a fair bit.”
McLachlan, who played a representative game for Victoria Country’s Under 19 side last year, spent the past three seasons with the Eagles.
“I loved it. They were pretty good to me and give me a lot of support,” he said.
Fellow Hampden league players Sam Dobson and Jay Moody have also been training with the Cats’ squad, and have aligned with St Marys and Grovedale respectively.
North Warrnambool Eagles co-coach Brendan Murfett said the club was sad to see McLachlan go, but understood his desire to test himself at VFL level.
“For a young kid, you always want to keep pushing them to do that,” he said.
“We were hoping he might’ve used us as a feeder club, but I think Geelong stipulated he needs to play around that area.
“Obviously we’re very disappointed to lose him.
“Sam was our best and fairest winner; he’s a great young kid and footballer.”
With McLachlan’s departure, the Eagles are still on the hunt for a couple more recruits, despite already landing eight before Christmas.
“We’re still talking to two other people. We’re pretty happy with the list we’ve got, (but) we’ve lost a few,” Murfett said.
I’ve trained at a few others, but when I went there, I knew everyone, so it was a pretty easy choice
- Sam McLachlan