High draft hopes for high-flying Tiziani

NSW/ACT RAM Lachlan Tiziani firmed his draft prospects with a strong showing at the recent NAB National Draft Combine.

Originally from Broken Hill, the 18-year-old hopes to follow his hometown’s current AFL star, Adelaide captain Taylor Walker, onto an AFL list.

“When he started off at the Crows I had a bit to do with him,” said Tiziani.

“Every time he came back to Broken Hill we’d go for a kick or something like that. He was good to me when I was a junior so he’s had a bit of an impact on my footy.”

Tiziani recently turned heads with a Combine-high running vertical leap, just 5cms short of the all-time record.

“I jumped 97cm, I think Naitanui was 102cm. That was a bit of a surprise. It was good.”

The youngster said his achievements at the combine hadn’t gone unnoticed among his friends back home.

“Yeah they’re all pumped for me. I got a few messages from some of the boys back in Broken Hill. They’re getting around me which is good.”

Now living in Albury and playing for the Bushrangers, Tiziani said he is an outside runner, happy to play at both ends of the ground.

“I’m a bit of a utility but I like to use my speed off halfback, that’s probably my favourite position.”

The 189cm Tiziani is a member of the PM Capital GIANTS Academy and played four NEAFL games with UWS in 2015.

Tiziani now faces a nervous wait to learn his AFL fate ahead of the National Draft on November 24.

“I’m pretty nervous going into draft night. I think I tested alright so I guess we’ve just got to wait and see what happens.”