Former Sunbury Lion Lachie Bramble will get a second shot at an AFL career after being picked up by the Western Bulldogs on the opening day of the pre-season supplemental selection period.
The Bulldogs have signed the former Hawthorn player as a rookie.
The 25-year-old arrives at the kennel after three seasons at Hawthorn, playing 30 games after making his debut in Round 14, 2021.
A dashing utility with impressive footy IQ, Bramble joined training on the first day of pre-season after officially signing with the red, white and blue on Monday.
Bramble averaged 17 touches per game during his 11 AFL games last season.
Bramble said he was excited to get to the club.
“It’s an exciting club, great new facilities here as well, it was an easy decision to come across,” he told Bulldogs media.
“I kept in contact a little bit just after the delisting. I had a zoom call them [Sam Power and Luke Beveridge] while I was away which was pretty cool. I wasn’t able to meet face-to-face until later on, but it’s all going well now and great bunch of people here.
“I’m really pleased.”
Bramble said the player he was most excited to play with was skipper Marcus Bontempelli and that the playing group had been quite welcoming.
He said he brings a lot of flexibility to his playing style.
“I feel like I’m quite versatile. I can play multiple positions, I spent a bit of time at half back, on the wing previously at the Hawks over the last couple of years.
“I bring my speed and agility and I’ll look to hit the scoreboard a little bit.”
“I’m really excited to get properly stuck in. It’s really exciting and I can’t wait.”
Bulldogs list and recruiting manager Sam Power is pleased to welcome Bramble and is excited for what he can add to the mix.
“Lachie brings some exciting athletic traits to our program and plays a variety of positions across the midfield and defence,” he said.
“He has played 30 AFL games throughout his three seasons at Hawthorn and will provide plenty of speed and dash to our squad.
“We look forward to welcoming Lachie and his family to VU Whitten Oval this week.”
Bramble originally signed with the Hawks as part of the pre-season supplemental selection period.
It’s been a long journey for Bramble who gave up playing in the Victorian Football League in 2019 and returned to playing for the Sunbury Lions to regain his love of the sport.
He told Star Weekly after he was picked up by the Hawks that he thought it would never happen.
“At stages I didn’t think it would happen,” he said.
“I did a few Wednesdays training with Hawthorn during the week… and then got asked to train two weeks full time with the club.
“It was awesome and I was blown away they had asked me to do it. I thought this was my opportunity.
“It was one last crack and it paid off. It is awesome and starting to settle in.”
