The Lockett name is synonymous in AFL circles and the family line could continue at the highest level.
Although, unlike his legendary uncle Tony, Jye Lockett will not call Moorabbin or Moore Park home, but potentially the Gold Coast.
Lockett, 18, is just one of many academy prospects that could join the Suns via this year's draft - who have access to the Greater Western Victoria Rebels product, as reported by AFL.com's Callum Twomey.
Tony Lockett's nephew, Jye, is tied to Gold Coast's Academy this year. As you'd hope and expect he's a goalkicker whose nickname is 'Plugger'.
A look here at all the leading Academy prospects for the four northern clubs in this year's NAB AFL Draft. https://t.co/qeUPcUw9Z4
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) February 16, 2021
In previous years, the Suns have been able to walk their academy prospects to Carrara without having to field bids on draft night, but with uncertainty surrounding the possibility of updated rules, Gold Coast may well be forced to fight for Lockett's services.
Since last December's draft, the AFL has tightened its restrictions on Next Generation Academy players, with only Sydney, GWS, Brisbane and Gold Coast remaining exempt from their curtailments.
Twomey explained that although the Suns may not have to have to barter to secure Plugger's nephew, their free pass at plucking talent may soon be revoked.
FOOTBALL | @GWVRebels Jye Lockett spoke to us in the preseason about his year ahead for the NAB League Boys after moving down from Queensland where he represented his state in the #AFLU16s last year. #AFLDrafthttps://t.co/6xUJRzJOCO
— Draft Central (@DraftCentralAus) June 28, 2020
Should the Suns' previous recruitment methods be quashed, it is likely due to their open desire to trade draft picks last season, including a failed move to swap a second-round selection for this season - a move blocked by the AFL.
The 18-year-old Lockett - also referred to as 'Plugger' - currently plies his trade at Centre half-forward for NAB League outfit Greater Western Victoria Rebels and Queensland in the national championship.
Standing at 189 centimetres, Lockett has previously expressed his desire, and ability, to play both as a deep forward - like his uncle - as well as further up the ground.
Tony Lockett booted 1360 goals - the most in the VFL/AFL history - from 281 games for St Kilda and Sydney from 1983-2002 and is widely considered one of the greatest forwards of all time.
