A lot has changed for Lachie Whitfield since his name was called by the GWS Giants with their first selection in the 2012 National Draft. He has moved states, played his first game; in fact he has played 10 of the first 11, he has won a Rising Star nomination and made some new mates.
Whitfield, 18, says he has noticed significant personal growth over the last six months and by living away from home and having to make his own personal decisions he has developed “resilience”.
“I’ve learnt not to rely on other people like I did when I was at home. It has taken six months to get to where I am now, and I still have to improve, but that’s one thing I have learnt.”
I'm losing clothes like they're going out of fashion! Need to go on a big shop.. #irresponsible #dailyloss #help
— Lachie Whitfield (@LachieWhitfield) January 8, 2013
Another thing Whitfield has had to adapt to is the training load; he is having no trouble sleeping.
“I am surprised by how much time is put into the day-to-day routine of being an AFL footballer. Playing TAC Cup last year, I knew it would be full-on, but I didn’t know to the degree. Every day we are at the club 9-5, if not longer.”
Playing his first AFL game in Round 1 against Sydney at ANZ stadium and playing against the club he loved growing up – Hawthorn, have been the highlights.
“Lining up against Hodge and Mitchell and those sort of players who I grew up loving, was a pretty weird feeling. But it was a good feeling at the same time,” Whitfield says.
Living at Breakfast Point…
All six first-year players (Whitfield, Jonathan O’Rourke, Lachlan Ploughman, Kristian Jaksch, Aidan Corr, James Stewart), senior players Stephen Gilham and Bret Thornton and rookies; Joseph Redfern and Zac Williams, live within the gated Breakfast Point compound.
The boys live in twin condos with water views and manicured gardens. It is located 10 minutes from the GWS training base at Blacktown, it’s a $3 ferry ride to Darling Harbour, there are ample shops and restaurants, a golf course and the Cabarita Swimming Centre provides a picturesque location for post-game recovery.
The living arrangement for first-year players is inspired by the Florida State University athlete program.
Whitfield says having the new players together, living in each-other’s pockets has helped form instant friendships.
“I think across most AFL clubs the kids you get drafted with become your best mates, but it is a bit different up here because everyone is the same age, between 18 and 20,” Whitfield says.
“We all hang out a fair bit, we play cards and watch TV together because we are close, and it’s helped us form a strong relationship.”
First day off! Skinny latte thanks pic.twitter.com/T78JszXD
— Lachie Whitfield (@LachieWhitfield) November 29, 2012
What’s for dinner?
Whitfield shares his accommodation with a fellow Victorian, tall utility Kristian Jaksch, and while Whitfield has put hours into honing his foot skills, the same can’t be said for his knife skills; the top of the AFL class of 2012, is no master chef.
“We very rarely venture into the kitchen to be honest. I for one am a very poor cook, he doesn’t mind the spaghetti bolognaise and on the odd occasion we might get the BBQ out and cook up some meat.”
It is no surprise the thing Whitefield is most looking forward to when he returns to Victoria this weekend is a home cooked meal.
What’s on the box?
The boys are watching HBO series Suits, about a hotshot Lawyer, Harvey Spector and his genius apprentice, Mike Ross. Whitfield might be able to identify with Ross, a new kid on the block making a big impression, but surely not with the next selection.
“And we can’t wait for the Australian version of Geordie Shore,” he laughs.
In our spare time…
“In the summer the boys get over to Bondi or Coogee, but at the moment it’s too cold so we play some golf or go to the movies,” he says.
“We got given bowling cards and get two games for free every day. So we go ten-pin bowling a fair bit; which is a different sport to get into. The whole club plays heaps. Gezza Cameron is an elite all-round sportsman. I think he scores well over 200 pretty much every time.”
Love having Tuesdays off! Bit of golf with young plow and @stephengilham #loudpolo pic.twitter.com/acpRduYsSl
— Lachie Whitfield (@LachieWhitfield) April 30, 2013
A day in the life (Wednesday)…
8.30-9 – Arrive at the club, get strapped and injury screening.
9-10.30 – Meeting – opposition analysis and game plan education.
10.30 – Main training session for the week
Can't wait to train in 42 degree heat today! Going to be a sweat session #sydneyweather #maxsunscreen
— Lachie Whitfield (@LachieWhitfield) January 17, 2013
1-2 – Lunch
2-3 – Pilates
3-4 – Massage
4-5 – Physio
5 – Home
6.30 – Dinner