{"id":211133,"date":"2026-03-31T14:42:02","date_gmt":"2026-03-31T04:42:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=211133"},"modified":"2026-03-31T14:42:04","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T04:42:04","slug":"aami-talent-league-player-focus-lachie-werts-sturt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/03\/31\/aami-talent-league-player-focus-lachie-werts-sturt\/","title":{"rendered":"AAMI Talent League Player Focus: Lachie Werts (Sturt)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>FEW FORWARDS, if any, can lay claim to a better opening two rounds in the AAMI Talent League than Sturt&#8217;s <a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"209877\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/lachie-werts\/\" target=\"_blank\">Lachie Werts<\/a>. The speedy goalsneak has kicked four goals in each of the Double Blues&#8217; first two matches, the latest being a win over Woodville-West Torrens on Saturday afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Werts is a prospect from outside South Australia&#8217;s state academy who looks to have taken a significant step in his top-age year. He was a premiership player last year, playing 13 games for five goals. If you&#8217;re following along with the maths, he has already surpassed his 2025 tally in two outings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>We put Werts&#8217; performance under the Player Focus microscope.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>>> <strong>MOTR: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2026\/03\/30\/aami-talent-league-round-2-motr-west-adelaide-vs-glenelg\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AAMI Talent League &#8211; Round 2 (West Adelaide vs. Glenelg)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div>    <div class='t1_footy-regular player-detail_card rmc-block'>\n    <div class='player-detail_img'><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"669\" height=\"556\" src=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/01\/Lachie-Werts-Sturt-2026-AAMI-Talent-League-1-1.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/01\/Lachie-Werts-Sturt-2026-AAMI-Talent-League-1-1.jpg 669w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/01\/Lachie-Werts-Sturt-2026-AAMI-Talent-League-1-1-300x249.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/01\/Lachie-Werts-Sturt-2026-AAMI-Talent-League-1-1-128x106.jpg 128w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2008\/01\/Lachie-Werts-Sturt-2026-AAMI-Talent-League-1-1-32x27.jpg 32w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 669px) 100vw, 669px\" \/><\/div><div class='player-detail_data'><div class='player-detail_team'><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"team-img\" src=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Sturt.png\" alt=\"Sturt-logo\" title=\"Sturt-logo\" \/><a class=\"team-link\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/team\/sturt\/\">Sturt<\/a><span class='player-position'>Small Forward<\/span><\/div><h3 class='heading title h3'>Lachie Werts<\/h4><div class='details-wrap'><p class='cmpt-copy'><span class='cmpt-head'>Height: <\/span>175cm<\/p><p class='cmpt-copy'><span class='cmpt-head'>Weight: <\/span> - <\/p><p class='cmpt-copy'><span class='cmpt-head'>DOB: <\/span>17-01-2008<\/p><\/div><\/div>    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><strong>STRENGTHS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>+ Evasiveness<br>+ Finishing<br>+ Smarts<br>+ Speed<br>+ Tackle pressure<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>IMPROVEMENTS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8211; Contested work<br>&#8211; Size<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SEASON AVERAGES:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>2026 AAMI Talent League (2 games):<\/em><\/strong><br>17.0 disposals | 2.5 marks | 3.0 tackles | 4.5 inside 50s | 4.0 goals (8 total)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>2025 SANFL Under 18s (13 games):<\/em><\/strong><br>10.2 disposals | 2.0 marks | 3.4 tackles | 2.2 inside 50s | 0.4 goals (5 total)<\/p>\n<div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/CNHOChaUu8A?si=A99pM0gNT9XoVM--\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-player-focus\">PLAYER FOCUS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2026 AAMI Talent League: Round 2<br>Sturt 14.13 (97) def. Woodville-West Torrens 7.8 (50)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>#8 <\/strong><a data-type=\"player\" data-id=\"209877\" class=\"_dc_spo\" href=\"\/afl\/player\/lachie-werts\/\" target=\"_blank\">Lachie Werts<\/a> <strong>(Sturt)<\/strong><br><strong>Stats: <\/strong>18 disposals (12 kicks), 4 marks, 2 tackles, 4 inside 50s, 4 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FIRST QUARTER:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It took Sturt near-on 17 minutes to register its opening goal, which just so happened to come off the boot of Werts. What\u2019s more, it was arguably the highlight of the round. After marking all alone in the corridor, Werts set off towards goal with three bounces before cutting inside to snap the ball home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His movement makes him difficult to defend at the best of times, but the Eagles afforded him far too much leeway to push up the ground or find pockets of space inside 50. Werts took toll, benefitting from his side\u2019s quick ball movement to either be a part of the attacking chain, or get on the end of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When the ball was bobbling around in dispute, Werts showed good energy and smarts to provide an outlet around the packs, but was relatively steady in his approach to the contest. Instead, he picked his moments to pounce when the ball came loose, or peel off to be an option heading forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>SECOND QUARTER:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Woodville-West Torrens had the better of the opening half and established leads at the first two breaks. Werts ensured it would remain in single-digits with two more goals during the second term, both being clinical finishes in open play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once again, his anticipation and smarts were on show as he snuck over the back on a fast break, collecting the ball and using his dancing feet to keep an opponent at bay. When he had space to shoot, he snapped the ball through with class.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Werts\u2019 third major of the afternoon was similarly classy, first making the effort to tackle and cause a spill before sagging off to receive the handball and curling home another from 45 out. His eye for goal and opportunism made for Sturt\u2019s only two goals of the quarter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He punished the Eagles any time he was given the opportunity, but also refused to be tackled when stuck in tight spots. His evasiveness meant he could manufacture a way out of trouble on most occasions, though he was not exempt from being caught in possession on occasion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lachie-Werts-Sturt-2026-AAMI-Talent-League-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-211092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lachie-Werts-Sturt-2026-AAMI-Talent-League-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lachie-Werts-Sturt-2026-AAMI-Talent-League-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lachie-Werts-Sturt-2026-AAMI-Talent-League-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lachie-Werts-Sturt-2026-AAMI-Talent-League-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lachie-Werts-Sturt-2026-AAMI-Talent-League-1-128x85.jpg 128w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lachie-Werts-Sturt-2026-AAMI-Talent-League-1-32x21.jpg 32w, https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Lachie-Werts-Sturt-2026-AAMI-Talent-League-1.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lachie Werts celebrates a goal | Image Credit: Shaun Howell<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>THIRD QUARTER:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Werts\u2019 opportunism again got him in the action, this time both offensively and defensively. First, he prevented the Eagles from breaking out of a defensive 50 stoppage by hunting down the ball carrier, knowing it was his turn to go and closing down in a flash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He then pounced to bag a fourth goal after the Eagles effectively gifted him the ball, inciting a one-two passage before curling a snap around his body. Such burst play proved highly effective throughout the day, including in Sturt\u2019s run of 10-straight goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Out of possession, Werts seemed to preserve energy at times but would then come to life when opportunity arose. His instincts proved to be sharp and often led to scoring passages, mostly for the man himself. At this point, Sturt well and truly had the run of the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FOURTH QUARTER:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was a relatively quiet end to proceedings from Werts, who again benefitted from the Eagles\u2019 loose checking and Sturt\u2019s fast transitions. He seemed to be cramping after an early set shot to the hot spot, but continued to use leading channels up to the wing, allowing Sturt to maintain possession and ice the game. At times, the Double Blues&#8217; ability to move the ball resembled a training drill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-dc-block-dc-mention _dc_mention\"><div class=\"section-heading_wrap\"><span class=\"section-heading is-small\">Mentions<\/span><span class=\"hor-border\"><\/span><\/div><ul class=\"js-overflow-list overflow-list\"><li class=\"object-mention_single\"><div class=\"tag tag--is-clickable\"><a class=\"tag-text _dc_mention_p\" href=\"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/player\/lachie-werts\/\">Lachie Werts<\/a><\/div><\/li><li class=\"js-dropdown dropdown overflowed\"><button class=\"btn btn-icon-only\"><span class=\"icon btn-icon\">\n                    <!-- icon - plus circle - 20px-->\n                    <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\">\n                        <path d=\"M15,9.28h-4.3V5h0A.72.72,0,1,0,9.28,5h0V9.28H5a.72.72,0,0,0,0,1.43H9.28V15a.72.72,0,0,0,1.43,0h0V10.71H15a.72.72,0,0,0,0-1.43Z\"\/>\n                        <path d=\"M10,0A10,10,0,1,0,20,10,10,10,0,0,0,10,0Zm0,18.57A8.57,8.57,0,0,1,10,1.43h0a8.57,8.57,0,0,1,0,17.14Z\"\/>\n                    <\/svg>\n                <\/span><\/button><div class=\"popover\"><div class=\"popover-content\"><ul class=\"popover-menu\"><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FEW FORWARDS, if any, can lay claim to a better opening two rounds in the AAMI Talent League than Sturt&#8217;s Lachie Werts. The speedy goalsneak has kicked four goals in each of the Double Blues&#8217; first two matches, the latest being a win over Woodville-West Torrens on Saturday afternoon. Werts is a prospect from outside [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":20,"featured_media":211091,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[18050,8,2177,22151,3130,11604],"tags":[23299],"class_list":["post-211133","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-afl-draft","category-news","category-player-focus","category-sanfl","category-south-australia","category-sturt","tag-lachie-werts"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/211133","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/20"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=211133"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/211133\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":211148,"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/211133\/revisions\/211148"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/211091"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=211133"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=211133"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=211133"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}