Press Release
By Bryan Mitchell
The 2006 AFL Draft saw Gippsland Power's Lachlan Hansen (Nar Nar Goon) and Tyson Goldsack (Pakenham) take the next step in their football dream by being selected by the Kangaroos and Collingwood respectively. Both boys were ecstatic at being picked up and eagerly looking forward to the physical and mental challenges involved at the elite level of the game.
Lachlan was touted as a top five pick long before the draft and, but for the age restrictions associated with it, would have been snapped up early in the 2005 draft along with fellow Power players Dale Thomas, Xavier Ellis and Scott Pendlebury. He had a glittering career with the Power and excelled at national championships at under 16 and 18 levels where he won dual All-Australian selection.
The hallmark of his game is his ability to take marks in contested situations and took over 15 such marks in several games in 2006. Lachlan thrived on taking on the oppositions best player in the key defensive post or when swung up forward or into the ruck. His mobility and agility made him almost impossible to counter as few players have this unique blend of football attributes and the skill to stick with him for a full game.
In stark contrast to Lachlan's pathway to the big time Tyson has literally gone under the radar to find his place in the AFL. In his first season with the Power in 2005 as a top-age player he managed 10 games but impressed with his athleticism and versatility and due to this was able to play again in 2006 as a nineteen year-old.
His willingness to go to the next level saw him become a key player for the Power this season and he played in a wide variety of positions with telling effect. He too can take a strong contested mark and has the pace and skill to generate run all over the ground. Tyson will not be the instant AFL success that many predict as Lachlan's path, but once he gains a little strength, he will make his own special and emphatic mark on the game.
While the club celebrates the success of both boys, several of their team mates are looking to take their own steps towards the big time. The up-coming rookie draft will hopeful give some of them an immediate entry into the AFL and they will be inspired by former team mate Craig Flints' achievement of being elevated to Carlton's senior list after one year as a rookie. If this avenue isn't available, many of the boys will be in demand by VFL teams and their long term dream remains well and truly on target
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 12:32