LACHIE Cowan was up at 4am to prepare for his flight from Tasmania to Victoria, following the news that he would be heading to IKON Park.

The 17-year-old (he turns 18 tomorrow) found his way to Carlton following a live trade, with the Blues keen on Cowan after an outstanding draft year with Tasmania: he was the 2022 Morrish Medallist - the NAB League's best-and-fairest player - and an under-18 All Australian.

A childhood Bluebagger, Cowan still can’t believe he is a part of the Club he has supported since day one.

“This is the best-case scenario,” Cowan said.  

“I had no clue that I would end up here, so hearing my name get read out was the best feeling ever.” 

Watching the draft, Cowan started to get a bit nervous when his manager informed him he was on Carlton’s radar: that was originally with pick No.32, having no inclination that the Blues were in discussions with the Pies.

It saw Cowan selected with pick No.30, with footage of Cowan's mates soon surfacing. Emerging unscathed from the pile on, it was pretty soon after when he started packing his bags for a move to Melbourne.

“Probably around pick Nos.27 or 28, my manager messaged me and said ‘the Blues have just called, you’re in the running for their pick No.32’,” he said. 

“Then I saw them trade up and started to get pretty nervous and as soon as I heard my name read out, I was swamped by my mates and it was the best feeling I’ve ever had – and a nice early birthday present.” 

Cowan noted that his football hero was Sam Docherty – a fitting favourite to have as an emerging rebounding defender himself.

Cowan originally started his career in the midfield, before being thrown down back: it was his 2022 campaign which saw him touted as the standout Tasmanian prospect.

Known for his speed and rebound ability - as well as a penetrating right foot - Cowan's work across half back is what impressed recruiters. He was ranked 'elite' for disposals (26.9 per game), marks (five per game), intercept marks (2.2 per game), intercept possessions (eight per game) and score involvements (5.3 per game).

“I see myself as a half-backer, maybe moving into the midfield in the later stages but definitely starting half-back,” he said. 

“I’ve met [Docherty] – he sent me a text last night which was awesome, and I was speaking to him at the Club: it’s unreal meeting someone like him.”