Former SUNS Academy player Lachie Weller returned to the Gold Coast during the final moments of the NAB AFL Trade Period on Thursday.
After falling just short of being eligible for selection as an Academy graduate in 2014, Weller was subsequently drafted by Fremantle at pick 13 in the National Draft.
READ MORE: Lachie Weller returns to the Gold Coast
The midfielder has gone on to accumulate 47 career games so far, including every game for the last two seasons.
Originally growing up in Tasmania, Weller then spent his formative years on the Gold Coast and had always had a move home in the back of his mind.
"It's home for me. My partner's family is here, I lived here for a few years and I love living here," Weller told SUNS TV.
"I've always thought of coming home and playing footy for the SUNS.
"I’m not here for a holiday, I’m definitely here to work hard and it’ll feel a lot better being home."
His first three years at Fremantle have seen him spend time in both the midfield and at half-back, where his pace, clean ball skills and long, incisive kicking have been a major asset.
In 2017, the 21-year-old was among the Dockers’ leading disposal winners (averaging 20.1 per game) while he was also one of their most effective kicks.
When facing the SUNS during Round 20 this season, the midfielder gathered 20 disposals at 95% efficiency as well as nine marks, giving Gold Coast fans a first-hand look at his ability to find space and hit targets.
Weller brings more than just skill to his game, with professionalism and work ethic both traits that he prides himself on.
"I’d like to think I just leave everything out there every game and give it my all,” he said.
"A team player that tries to bring others into the game and...just leaves everything out on the ground and works really hard."
Since Weller's time in the club's Talent Academy a few things have changed, most notably the introduction of the Elite Training & Administration Facility that the players now call home.
"It’s an elite training facility now and there’s no excuses to not perform. It will be really exciting to use it and get the most out of it."
Heading into his first pre-season at the SUNS, the midfielder will strive to improve every aspect of his game under Senior Coach Stuart Dew.
"I’ll just be attacking it as hard as I can and trying to be a sponge, learning as much as I can."
Key Info
DOB: 23/02/1996
Height: 181cm
Weight: 79kg
Draft: 2014 NAB AFL Draft, Pick #13
Debut: Round 18, 2015
Position: Defender, Forward
Games in career: 47
Games in 2017: 22
Goals in career: 17
Goals in 2017: 5
2017 Season Averages:
Kicks: 11.7
Handballs: 8.4
Disposals: 20.1
Marks: 4.0
Tackles: 2.4
Goals: 0.2
