The GIANTS’ Academy has produced another NEAFL Rising Star nominee, with Lachlan Squire being nominated after an outstanding performance in the GIANTS’ round 18 win over the Swans.
18-year-old squire is the sixth GIANTS Academy player to have been nominated with NEAFL teammates Harry Grant(round 11), Tom Green (round nine) and James Peatling (round seven) and former GIANTS Academy players Rhys Pollock (round eight) and Connor Owen-Auburn (round four) who both now at the Canberra Demons all nominated in 2019.
Squire collected 25 disposals in the GIANTS’ 14 point win at GIANTS Stadium on Saturday and laid an incredible 13 tackles to go with an important goal in the third quarter.
Originally from the Queanbeyan Tigers, Squire made his NEAFL debut in 2019 and has now played nine games in 2019 averaging 15 disposals, five tackles and five clearances per game in 2019.
GIANTS Academy Coach Jason Saddington said Squire had well and truly earned the nomination after a string of solid performances for the GIANTS’ NEAFL side.
“Lachie’s last month of footy has been really consistent in the NEAFL playing a midfield role,” he said.
“He’s been winning a lot of possession, contested possession, laying a lot of tackles and I think the game on the weekend was probably his strongest so far.
Squire’s opportunity to play in the GIANTS’ midfield has come off the back of AFL selection and injuries diminishing the amount of AFL listed players available for the club’s NEAFL side.
Saddington said the opportunities available to the GIANTS’ Academy players to play in the NEAFL provides them with another avenue to develop as footballers.
“We’re grateful that the boys get a lot of opportunity to play in the NEAFL with the GIANTS,” he said.
“One it enhances their development, it’s a great environment and it’s a great learning opportunity and two we’re proud that they’re able to step in and play really good roles and perform.
“It’s good reward for those kids and they work they put in."
With Pollock and 2016 GIANTS NEAFL Premiership player Owen-Auburn continuing their careers at the Canberra Demons, Saddington is proud that players who leave the GIANTS Academy are able to make an impact at their new clubs.
“I think the NEAFL is an important part of the talent pathway for kids coming through the junior system and the Academy system,” he said.
“It’s the perfect result for what we’re looking for in our academy kids graduating from our program and stepping into the next program.
“The Demons allow that in Canberra and Sydney Uni allow that in Sydney, so it’s great to see those boys continue through that pathway.”
