Lachie Ash is an AFL footballer - and the Invergordon icon is headed for the harbour.
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The 18-year-old half-back runner has been taken at pick four in the AFL Draft by the Greater Western Sydney Giants, where he will look to make an immediate impact at one of this year's grand finalists.
With the opening stages of the Draft going to script - Gold Coast picked Oakleigh Charger midfielders Matt Rowell and Noah Anderson with the first two selections while Melbourne took East Fremantle ruck Luke Jackson with the third selection - the path was carved for the Giants to take Ash and address their identified need for a line-breaking defender.
It completes Ash's journey from his parents' Invergordon orchard to the big league, which featured stops at Katandra and Shepparton - where he was part of the Bears' 2018 Goulburn Valley League premiership side - along the way.
He appears a chance to play senior football immediately, slotting into a grand final side that is looking to add to its run from the back half, particularly with veteran Heath Shaw expected to retire in the next year.
"I was a bit jumpy and jittery, but it’s sunk in now – I’m playing AFL footy. I can’t wait to get started," Ash said.