Bramble grabs his opportunity

Lachlan Bramble. Picture Shawn Smits

Tara Murray

Sunbury Lions young gun Lachlan Bramble has come from nowhere to grab a spot on Hawthorn’s AFL list for 2021.

The Hawks announced this morning that Bramble had signed a one year rookie contract with the club as part of the pre-season supplemental selection period (SSP).

Bramble, who signed with the club’s VFL side for this season, had been invited to train with the senior squad after impressing in his time with the VFL squad.

He continued to impress, with the Hawks deciding to add him to the list.

Hawthorn head of football Rob McCartney said Bramble had impressed in the club’s recent trial matches.

“We’re excited to bring Lachlan into the fold at Hawthorn,” said McCartney.

“We see plenty of upside with Lachlan, he’s got experience playing at the VFL level with Williamstown and had signed on with Box Hill earlier this year. He has shown good development over the past few years and has plenty of room to grow.

“Lachlan has presented himself strongly over the pre-season and our recent trial matches. He’s got versatility in his game, shows skill on both sides of his body and possesses good speed and power.

“We believe the added maturity of some life experience outside of football will set Lachlan in good stead as he takes the next step in his football career.”

Bramble had earlier stepped away from playing VFL, concentrating on playing local football with the Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat Football League in 2019.

He starred in the midfield and then signed with Williamstown’s VFL side for the 2020 season, which would later be cancelled.