The 16-year-old utility found the net twice to lift Rangers to a 2-1 victory over Forest in round 12, but the versatile forward said his biggest goal was now continuing his hot run against third-placed Ballarat on Sunday.

Loughhead, who started the season in Rangers’ back four, said he was thriving on the freedom of playing forward.

“I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to step up to the front when we had some injuries in other areas around the park,” he said.

“I’ve kind of played everywhere around the park, but I’ve been lucky in that when I’ve played up front, the team has been playing really well and that makes the job a little easier.

“Lately I’ve really looked at myself as a forward. I’ve been really comfortable there and I feel like I’ve worked well with the team as a whole.”

Rangers are just one point adrift of Ballarat in fourth place and could move within one point of second place if Sebastopol fail to defeat North United, who are languishing in seventh place.

Loughhead, who began his football career with Warrnambool Wolves before moving to Jones Park in 2013, said the physicality of the first division was the most difficult part of transitioning to senior football.

“But I haven’t had any injuries this year and it has been really solid like that,” he said.

“It’s obviously tougher playing against bigger bodies, but I try to give my best and just persist with it.”