Following his second season of AFL football after being drafted from the Gold Coast with pick 13 in the 2014 national draft, Fremantle’s Lachie Weller is beginning to feel settled in WA.
The talented midfielder is no stranger to change, having moved from his native Tasmania to Queensland at the age of 15.
Blakely's bright future
And without denying that relocating to the other side of the country had its challenges, Weller is growing fond of what Perth has to offer.
“The move is daunting, but you need to give it a bit of time,” Weller told AFL.com.au’s Road to the Draft Podcast on Tuesday.
“The first twelve months were tough but now I’m loving it.
“It’s starting to feel like home. I have just bought a surfboard and have been going out a fair bit… Now I surf a bit at Scarborough and Trigg.”
The 20-year-old signed a contract extension in November last year that will tie him to the club until at least the end of 2018.
After making three appearances in his debut season, starting twice as the sub, Weller played all 22 matches in 2016 and averaged 15 possessions and three tackles.
He consistently showed clean skills and a quick turn of pace, and was rewarded with a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for his 22-disposal, four-goal performance against Brisbane in round 12.
Tucker motivated to make history
The speedy youngster said he was constantly looking to develop at AFL level.
“You have to take the next step,” Weller said.
“Coming into this year I still felt like a first-year player because I hadn’t played too much.
“There’s more expectation from coaches and the playing group.
“You need to put your head down and give it your all on game day. The rest takes care of itself.
“I am really enjoying my time at the elite level.”
After a “tough year”, Weller is looking forward to travelling interstate and overseas, before returning for a gruelling preseason – his third as an AFL footballer.
“I am going to stay in Melbourne for a few days then back to the Gold Coast for a few days,” Weller said.
“Then I am heading off to Hong Kong and Thailand with (close friend and St Kilda defender) Hugh Goddard.”
