FORMER Ararat footballer Lauchlan Dalgleish has been named in the initial Victorian Football League squad to take on South Australia on May 29.
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Dalgleish was delisted by Essendon at the end of 2015 before joining the Western Bulldogs’ feeder team, Footscray.
He is one of 30 players to be chosen for the squad.
Footscray defeated Port Melbourne at North Port Oval on Saturday with Dalgleish named among his side’s best performers with 22 touches.
The 23 year old said he had endured some indifferent form so far during the 2016 season.
“I started my pre-season well, but in the lead up matches to this game I started to drop in form, so it was a surprise to be chosen,” he said.
“I found I was ball watching and drifting out of the game.
“The coaches sat me down to talk to me about what I needed to improve on, and I think that helped.”
Dalgleish has been playing along the wing and half-forward for Footscray although on Saturday, he featured across half-back.
He said he was more comfortable playing in the back line.
“At Essendon I played more down back and think I enjoy it there, but I’m learning as I go,” he said.
Dalgleish’s father Andrew said he is proud of his son’s selection in the squad.
“For him to have the opportunity to represent Victoria is exciting,” he said.
The elder Dalgleish said he was hoping his son’s body would survive the physicality of playing football.
“We’re just hoping his body holds up to the rigours of it,” he said.
“If Lauchie’s body isn’t right when the opportunity arises, then it could be the end of his career.”
Andrew said he doesn’t give his son any advice regarding his football, however he does attend Lauchlan’s games.
“We tend to get up there to Melbourne a fair bit, and living in Ocean Grove now makes it easier,” he said.
“We enjoy going up to watch his game, and we’ll catch up afterwards if time works out.”
Dalgleish’s father said he thought there is still an opportunity for his son be picked up by an AFL club.
“I’d imagine Lauchie’s still young enough to get drafted as long as he plays well enough and if the club identifies him as the type of player they need,” he said.
The VFL squad will be cut to 25 for the clash between the two leagues at Adelaide Oval on May 29. The squad will meet on May 24 before a final team of 23 is named for the showdown.