STRENGTHS:

+ Clean hands
+ Kick penetration
+ Physicality
+ Power
+ Scoreboard impact
+ Tackling

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Durability
- Endurance

While his exploits inside attacking 50 have been handy this year, Lalor shines brightest as a bull at the contest. He's a one-touch first possession winner with imposing physical traits, which he uses to dominate the inside and burst to the outer. His clean hands and big frame also translate to marking the ball strongly, taking pack marks around the ground or absorbing contact one-on-one before reeling the ball in.

At 188cm, Lalor looked like a man amongst boys at times this year. He showed he could stand up in, break through, or roll tackles off his back, and fended off opponents at will. He hits hard too, laying punishing tackles and ragdolling unsuspecting opponents on the rare occasion he is beaten to the ball. Those kinds of acts lend to his leadership qualities, as he sets an ominous tone at the contest - going both ways.

Lalor's explosive power elevates him above being just a one-dimensional extractor. What's more, he impacts forward of centre with penetrative kicking and high scoreboard impact. Lalor's punchy ball delivery inside 50 matches a sound short-range game, and needless to say he is neat by hand. He is also a threat deep inside 50 where he beats opponents one-out and can finish his chances, which is quite in vogue for modern day midfielders.

One of the great early examples of Lalor's potential as a forward came in Round 2 of last year's Coates Talent League season. With GWV trailing the Sydney Swans Academy by 26 points in the final quarter, the then-bottom-ager stepped up with two of the game's last three goals to help his side snatch a four-point win. That same quality was seen in Vic Country colours this year, and in his seven-goal return from injury for Geelong Grammar.

Lalor was a consistent scorer at APS level and booted four majors in his three National Championships appearances this year - including a hat-trick against the Allies. He backed it up with some exceptional games through midfield, too. Lalor racked up 34 touches in his first outing for GWV in 2024, and while his numbers were low at times, has proven capable of big hauls as a primary on-baller.

An arduous preseason faces Lalor in order to rebuild his endurance base, and the durability to become a full-time AFL midfielder. He showed improvements to his outside game at times this year, but was a touch underdone given his repeat injury setbacks - hence the bulk blocks of forward time. Evasiveness is another area Lalor is looking to improve on, so as to not solely rely on his physical gifts to escape the contest.