By Jeff Neumann
At just eleven years of age, North Melbourne fanatic and University Cougars Under 12 defender Lachlan Carmody is an inspiration to many.
Only just last year, Lachlan required plates to be inserted into his ankles with his body developing faster on the inside compared to the outside. Due to his light frame, the wounds from the surgery were very slow to heal and Lachlan was wheel-chair bound for over 3-months.
To this day, the plates remain but Carmody has returned to footy and a testament to his character and passion to play football with mates.
Lachlan has quite the schedule with four of the five week-days taken up with either swimming, football or training with his GPS (Great Public Schools) sports at Toowoomba Grammar. Add to this his weekend schedule with University Cougars game days and of course, supporting his beloved Kangaroos.
However, his commitment to support does come at a cost with Lachlan frequently is very sore after physical activity and requires to see his orthopaedic surgeon in Ipswich regularly.
If the plates fail then Lachlan will need to undergo osteotomy surgery. (An osteotomy is a surgical operation whereby a bone is cut to shorten, lengthen, or change its alignment.)
Lachlan's father Cameron, who is a Doctor has been right behind his son and is proud of his efforts in getting back out on the football field.
"As his dad though I am proud as punch."
"Lachlan loves being a defender, he has a job to do and can see the play in front of him," Dr Carmody added.
Lachlan also spoke to darlingdowns.aflq.com.au about his love for footy and just been back on the field.
"(I love footy) because of the contact, the rough stuff, and playing with (my) friends," Lachlan said.
"(I love University because the) kids from various backgrounds, they don’t bully (me), they just are a good bunch of people.”
Lachlan also said, “Having missed a lot of footy last year it made me sad, I couldn’t walk let alone kick a footy for a long time. I really missed my friends and running out onto the ground."
The surgery to insert plates isn't just the reason behind this young man's inspirational story.
Lachlan was born with severe hearing loss. Though his dad said it isn't an issue for his son.
"He functions extremely well, better than his doctor father," Dr Carmody said with a smirk.
"On the footy field Lachs’ can not wear his hearing aids for risk of injury, sometimes he is lost in the play and cannot hear the calls, but loves it he really loves it."
Lachlan doesn't want to be identified as a child with a disability, doesn’t want any favours, or expects no quarter on the field, nor in the school yard. All he wants to do is play footy, with his mates.
Not only is the 11-year old a star defender but he is also quite the talent in the classroom. Lachlan has taken out quite a few awards at his school Toowoomba Grammar for creative writing and reading. The rugged defender also kicked his first ever goal this year for his club side University Cougars, not bad for a player in the last line of defence.
Keep an eye out for the Cougars Under 12 star defender, Lachlan Carmody, wearing number 18. Lachlan can also be seen supporting his brother Ethan every weekend, his brother also another rugged defender and no doubt we will see the Carmody brothers dominating well into the future for the Cougars.
Player Profile
Lachlan Carmody #18
Career Games: 38 Career Goals: 1
Position: Defender Club: University Cougars
Last Modified on 20/08/2014 08:21
