Exciting young indigenous footballer Liam Patrick has joined the Gold Coast Football Club.

Nicknamed the “Lajamanu Lightning Bolt”, Patrick, 21, is a leader in the small Lajamanu community on the northern edge of the Tanami Desert 640km south west of Katherine in the Northern Territory.

He has joined GCFC under the NT zone selection listing and has commenced training at Carrara in preparation for the 2010 VFL season before the club joins the AFL competition in 2011.

Patrick has played the majority of his senior football in the Lajamanu community, 550kms south-west of Katherine.

He has worked with the Northern Territory Office of Recreation and Sport in Lajamanu where he is responsible for promoting junior sport and educating young children in the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

His nickname of “Lightning” has deeper meaning than having reference to his speed on the football field. Liam advises that “Lightning” is a connection to his and his family’s dreaming.

Focusing on his family Liam limited his football to playing at a local level previously for Federal in the Alice Springs competition and more recently representing Lajamanu. Liam also was involved in the NT Thunder junior program during his junior years.

Identified as having immense talent, Liam was signed by the Wanderers Football Club and enjoyed an outstanding start to the 2009-2010 NTFL season where he has played in the forward line and in the ruck. Liam travelled a round trip of 1,600 kilometres to attend each of the Wanderers’ training sessions and games.

GCFC Football Manager Marcus Ashcroft said Patrick is an exciting prospect for the Gold Coast.

“He can jump, he can run and he knows how to play football.”

Patrick is excited about the challenge of playing AFL for the Gold Coast. He said signing with the Gold Coast has additional meaning to himself, his family and community.

“Not only have I realised a dream of being on an AFL list, but I will now be able to tell future generations in the Lajamanu community I was a part of the inaugural squad to represent the Gold Coast in the AFL.”