Child-faced and weighing in at 73kg, Noah Lengthy wasn’t anticipated to make a splash when he landed on the West Coast.
Taken with the Eagles’ final decide within the 2022 draft, Lengthy was simply overshadowed on arrival by the spectacular measurement of high choice Reuben Ginbey and the boldness of Elijah Hewett.
However because the pre-season has ramped up so has the hype across the 177cm goalsneak from Victoria, who’s shortly changing into the bolter for the upcoming season.
It comes after a tough draft 12 months for Lengthy, who broke his collarbone in three locations within the Bendigo Pioneers’ opening recreation of the season.
It value the ahead helpful time within the fitness center and threatened his probabilities to be recruited.
However three intelligent objectives for Vic Nation in opposition to Western Australia within the under-18 championships caught the eye of the Eagles.
Pioneers coach Danny O’Bree stated it turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Lengthy, as he remodeled right into a artful ahead.
“I stated to some of the recruiters main as much as the draft that he was one of many cleaner gamers you will meet,” he stated.
“He is a extremely good kicker, a very good determination maker and really intelligent. I believe it units him up properly if he can get somewhat bit fitter and stronger to go to that subsequent degree.
“On the again finish of the 12 months, he was in a position to present his flexibility as a participant and flexibility. I most likely did not have too many issues that he may do it.
“It was undoubtedly a blessing in disguise.”
O’Bree stated he would not be stunned to see Lengthy in an Eagles guernsey this season as he competes for the vacant ahead position left by Junior Rioli’s transfer to Port Adelaide.
“We have been round him for the final couple of years and perceive how exhausting he works and what his character is,” he stated.
“He most likely wasn’t on the radar as a result of he had so many accidents during the last couple of years. It is extra stunning for individuals who have not seen him sufficient.
“He is labored so exhausting to get rather a lot stronger and larger. Being in a full-time setting will actually go well with him and I believe he’ll take each alternative because it comes.
“His ability and his determination making, management on the sector and coach-ability actually units him up for fulfillment, so I would not be stunned if he performed this 12 months in any respect and I believe he will be round for a very long time too. “
West Coast captain Luke Shuey stated Lengthy was an thrilling prospect from what he is seen within the first three months of his time on the Eagles.
“He is bought loads of small ahead craft,” Shuey stated.
“Most likely one thing we want shedding Vennas (Daniel Venables) and Junior during the last couple of years.
“He is one other child who has come in additional mature than simply an 18-year-old so he will be a ripper for us.”
