An Eddie Betts protege dominated at the Under-16s National Championships on the Gold Coast on Thursday.
Gary Lawford, a member of the Eddie Betts Foundation, kicked 3.2 from 18 disposals, both team-highs in Northern Territory's seven-point loss to Sydney Swans Academy.
All three goals came in a dazzling first quarter, and he played with aggression throughout the afternoon.
Originally from Beagle Bay in Western Australia's remote Kimberley region, Lawford now lives with Eddie Betts and attends Caulfield Grammar and plays in the Talent League for Oakleigh Chargers.
He has been in and out of Caulfield's firsts lineup and played four Talent League games this year.
Playing as a bottom-ager in the Northern Territory Football League's Under-18s Futures game in January, Lawford was named best on ground for his team.
The 176cm talent is one of five members of the Eddie Betts Foundation who have been set up in Melbourne to play in the Talent League, the premier talent pathway competition in the country.
An overager at this year's Under-16s Championships, he is eligible for the 2027 AFL Draft and has plenty of raw talent and goal sense.
The Eddie Betts Foundation uses the former Adelaide and Carlton player's lived experience to make a positive impact in Aboriginal communities through sport and education.
It reached 26 Aboriginal communities and spent 8200 hours mentoring youth and supporting families in 2025.
