Originally published as "Kilpatrick joins, as Blues Secure Giants double" by Matthew Lodge (@MatthewSLodge) at www.northernbluesfc.com.au
Fresh off signing teammate Ty Armitage yesterday, the Northern Blues have today secured the services of Manly-Warringah Giants midfielder Lachie Kilpatrick.
Hailing from Manly in Sydney’s northern beaches, Kilpatrick – like teammate Armitage – enticed offers from other VFL clubs before settling at the Blues.
Like Armitage, Kilpatrick is a convert from the round-ball game, trying his hand at AFL aged 15.
From there, the 21-year-old has made a swift rise through the ranks, bursting onto the senior Sydney AFL scene with a Rising Star nomination aged just 16.
Blues GM Garry O’Sullivan said Kilpatrick’s signing was another bonus for the Blues’ off-season recruitment.
“He's another one recommended to us, like Ty, and we're rapt to have secured them both at this stage of the off-season,” O’Sullivan said.
"He's had some good exposure to a higher level of footy other than the Sydney competition getting games with the Swans reserves.
"Lachie's had great individual and team success and having just turned 21, we see him as a great fit for our young group."
Prior to joining the Giants, Kilpatrick earned numerous opportunities with the Sydney Swans Reserves, playing 11 games alongside current Carlton utility, Andrejs Everitt.
Led by his captain Armitage, Kilpatrick has been a key cog in the Giants’ back-to-back premierships, earning himself the Rod Podbury Medal as best afield in the 2013 flag.
"He tested the waters with some other clubs, as is his right given that it is a big decision to move interstate,” O’Sullivan said.
“But what has struck us is that he's got a great attitude towards his footy and wants to test himself out at VFL level. We're really pleased that he's chosen the Northern Blues to be his home."
Kilpatrick is the fourth Northern Blues signing of the 2015 pre-season and will commence training with his new teammates on Friday.
Last Modified on 05/12/2014 13:28
