Club/Recruited from: Tasmania Devils
Position: Defender
Height: 187cm
Weight: 81kg
DOB: 1 December 2004
FROM the Apple Isle to the Navy Blue.
Lachie Cowan has received an early birthday present, being drafted to Carlton with pick No.30 in the 2022 NAB AFL Draft.
The Blues acquired the selection after a live trade on the night of the draft. Striking a deal with Collingwood, the Blues gained pick No.30 in exchange for a future second-round selection.
Turning 18 this Thursday, Cowan was the 2022 Morrish Medallist (the NAB League’s best-and-fairest player) and an under-18 All Australian, putting together a superb season for Tasmania - where he was co-captain - as well as the Allies.
Making matters even better for Cowan is that - just like first-round selection Oliver Hollands - he has supported Carlton his whole life.
A classy rebounder out of the back half, Cowan has a prodigious right boot who is just as adept at providing dash from defence as he is thwarting opposition attacks via intercepts — he ranked equal eighth at the draft combine in the running vertical jump.
Previously a midfielder, Cowan starred in his first season in the back half, ranking elite for disposals, intercept possessions and score involvements for Tasmania in the NAB League before doing the same for disposals and metres gained for the Allies.
Having played against senior bodies already in the Tasmanian State League, Cowan joins a unique group of Blues from the Apple Isle, including Hall of Fame members Peter ‘Percy’ Jones and Brent Crosswell.
Carlton Head of List Management Nick Austin said Cowan’s AFL attributes were evident.
“We’re delighted to welcome Lachlan to our football club: we’re really excited by what he can bring to the table,” Austin said.
“He’s an impressive young athlete who has demonstrated his football nous for both Tasmania and at NAB AFL Under-18 Championships level: ending the NAB League season as the Morrish Medallist is a great personal achievement.
“He’s got leadership credentials and he plays football the right way. He’s got an attacking mindset and hates to lose, plus he’s really reliable with ball in hand coming out of the back half.
“Lachie showed his adaptability this year and we think he’s going to get better and better in our program: it’s great to have him in the Navy Blue.”
