AFL hopeful Lachlan Sullivan has opened up on the heartbreak of missing out on a list spot again despite his most promising season to date – and the opportunity that could change it all.
Sullivan is training with Collingwood over December and January after being invited to compete for one of the pre-season supplemental selection positions at the Magpies. He’s one of six players currently in contention, with several hoping for second chances.
But Sullivan, 26, has never had his first chance on an AFL list, despite another season dominating the VFL as Footscray captain.
The midfielder won the 2023 Coaches MVP Award after averaging more than 30 disposals and seven clearances a game, while he also finished 3rd in the J.J. Liston Trophy. Sullivan’s leadership credentials are seen in the fact he was captain of the 2023 VFL Team of the Year.
In revealing to SEN how his Pies opportunity came about, Sullivan suggested that the Western Bulldogs had indicated interest before leaving him on the draft board.
“I was definitely hopeful, I suppose you can’t get too confident knowing the nature of the industry… but unfortunately it didn’t go my way, that’s just how it is, I guess,” Sullivan said on SEN Mornings.
“About a week later we got in contact with the Pies and I met up with (Collingwood list boss) Derek Hine and had a coffee, they organised for a medical on the Monday and by Wednesday I was training, it happened real quick. It’s been unreal.
“It hits you pretty hard. It was probably the next day, the rookie draft was probably my timeslot. That was pretty tough… I’m 26 so I can take it, I was at work which was a bit rough, I wasn’t doing any OT (overtime) that day, that’s for sure.
“It would be tough for a younger kid who’s put everything into it and they’re not too sure what they are doing… I was obviously shattered but you’ve got to move on.”
Sullivan is now embedded in the Collingwood training group and can be signed in the second SSP window, between January 15 and February 19.
But as for the opportunity to finally force his way onto an AFL list, he said: “I’ve been given an opportunity, I’m stoked for it. It’s the first I’ve ever had (SSP potential) and the best I’ve ever had.”
It’s the tough on-baller’s best chance of playing league footy, with his last shot coming back in 2022 after Essendon expressed interest ahead of the mid-season rookie draft.
Sullivan, however, wasn’t available after failing to nominate for the previous National Draft.
VFL Magpies Campbell Hustwaite and Josh Eyre, delisted Port Adelaide ruckman Brynn Tackle, former Saint Jack Bytel and VAFA defender Sam Sofronidis are the other hopefuls contending for a spot on Collingwood’s list.
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