A fully-fit Jay Lockhart knows he is capable of mixing it with the country’s best footballers.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The 21-year-old tradesman is the reigning Lefroy Medalist for his best-on-ground performance in Tasmania’s loss to NEAFL last season.
He is also a two-time North Launceston premiership player who has made the decision to leave UTAS Stadium later this month for Melbourne Football Club-affiliated VFL side Casey Demons in pursuit of his AFL dream.
Lockhart will be linking up with Northern Bombers flag-winning coach, turned Casey assistant Tom Couch in 2018.
Something he has mixed emotions about.
“Taylor [Whitford] taking over as coach at North made the decision a little harder, but I started looking into it around the state game last season,” Lockhart said.
“I knew deep down that I had to go but with Taylor getting the job I really wanted to stay and help him out, but he’s been great and a lot of the boys are hanging around which is good.
“The idea was always to go to an AFL club-affiliated VFL club so I was on the radar a lot more, as well as playing with and against guys dropping back from the AFL.
“I’m looking forward to it, the different scenery and step up in competition... should be a good experience – hopefully I can hang in there for a little bit.”
The former Lilydale District High and Launceston College student is one of two high-profile TSL players to trade the State League for the VFL during the off-season, with Clarence’s former AFL-listed utility Sam Siggins signing with Geelong.
I’m looking forward to it, the different scenery and step up in competition... should be a good experience – hopefully I can hang in there for a little bit.
- Jay Lockhart
Lockhart said he has full confidence in his left knee, which kept him on the sidelines for 11 weeks last year after tearing his meniscus.
He said Couch played a big role in helping him make the move to the Demons coached by fellow Tasmanian Jade Rawlings.
“I started thinking moving halfway through last year and it came of age after Couchy talking to a few people,” Lockhart said.
“I’ve been over there twice for a couple of week-long training blocks. They start training again Monday and I hope to head over there in the next couple of weeks.
“I haven’t had conversations with Jade specifically about roles yet but there are about 35 guys on the list.
“Couchy thinks I will make an impact going there – he made the decision to move over there an easy one.”
Corey Martin
Having started at The Examiner as a cadet in 2009, I have held various positions telling the stories of Northern Tasmanians in sport and news. I was appointed deputy editor in 2019 and became editor in September 2021.
Having started at The Examiner as a cadet in 2009, I have held various positions telling the stories of Northern Tasmanians in sport and news. I was appointed deputy editor in 2019 and became editor in September 2021.
