Lachlan Hansen

D.O.B:    
17 August 1988
Club:    
Kangaroos
Honours:    
2006 NAB AFL Draft Pick No. 3
2007 AFL Debut
 

Originally from Nar Nar Goon Football Club and the Gippsland Power U18s, Lachlan is an AIS/AFL Academy graduate and a tall key position player capable of performing at both ends of the ground. He averaged 19 possessions and nine marks and kicked 16 goals in his 13 matches for the Gippsland Power in the TAC cup, which earned him U18 All-Australian honours.

Lachlan was picked up by the Kangaroos with their first pick in the NAB National Draft, number 3 overall. His pace and defensive skills were put on show in Round 2 in 2007 for the Kangaroos, in just his second AFL game. Lachlan performs well at both ends of the ground, can run through the midfield, is a strong mark and does his best work in defence. 

Hansen continued to improve in 2008 and played the final eight games of the season in defence against bigger, more experienced opponents.

Much was expected of Hansen in 2009 and the opening rounds suggested he was set for a big year. 21 possessions and 11 marks against Essendon the highlight before a hamstring injury in round five kept him out of the next six games. Lachlan returned in round 12 and played the final 11 games of the season predominantly as a lead up forward.

It remains to be seen whether he’s better suited to play in defence or attack, but a bright future looms either way.