The North Melbourne Kangaroos pinched the best small forward available in the 2025 AFL draft on Wednesday night, securing the Nick Watson-esque talents of Lachy Dovaston.
For a forward line that has lacked consistency and flair for several years, Dovaston will look to immediately jolt some life into the supporting cast around spearhead Nick Larkey as the club aims to become a top-eight scoring side next season - something that the Roos haven't achieved since 2019.
Speaking to NMFC Media on Wednesday, Dovaston expressed his excitement to get to work with his new teammates, who have already made him feel welcome at the club.
"I'm still a bit speechless, but I'm stoked to get into the blue and white. I'm ready to get into it," Dovaston said.
"As soon as I got the jumper and put it on, I met [Finn O'Sullivan] and Matt Whitlock, and they got around me, which made it less nerve-racking."
The 18-year-old from Blackburn arrives at Arden Street having already had a taste of senior football, featuring at VFL level for the Box Hill Hawks in Round 20 this year.
Dovaston was lively in a clash featuring multiple AFL staple names, and kicked 1.3 from 18 disposals and five marks, highlighting the damage he can bring to North Melbourne immediately in 2026.
"As your typical small forward, I try bring a bit of swagger into it, I'm a bit of a pest with that," Dovaston said.
"I want to bring high-forward or small forward energy and try kick some goals and have relentless pressure."
Dovaston has immediately become a fan favourite, flashing his lively personality in his first media appearances as a Kangaroo. That persona will undoubtedly be seen on the football field next year and potentially make North Melbourne a must-watch team moving forward.
