North Wagga recruit Lachie Highfield can’t wait for a taste of country footy after being blown away by the atmosphere at the Farrer League grand final.
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The 190cm defender, who has played 85 games in the NEAFL competition with Canberra club Ainslie, was looking for a change of scenery next season and is excited by the prospect of taking on a leadership role with the Saints.
“When I started talking to the club and Kirk (Hamblin) gave me a call, I said I’m definitely going to bring my experience in a higher competition to benefit the side,” Highfield said.
“I want to come in with different ideas and sorts of structures.
“I wasn’t actually a leader (at Ainslie) so coming to a new club I’m really looking forward to taking that on.”
Highfield had a connection through family to North Wagga identity Peter Keating.
“I know they’re a growing club and each year they’re progressively getting better,” he said.
“I’m also looking forward to playing in front of decent crowd numbers.
“In Canberra you get none, so to run out and hear the crowd and a few sledges or cheers, I’m looking forward to it.”
Saints officials liked what they saw when they watched the 24-year old in action during the year.
“He’s a key back, but you can play him in any position,” said North Wagga president, Greg Fox.
“He’d take their tallest forward and if they had a problem with anyone else, they’d move him around, so you can use him as a pinch-hitter for anyone giving you a bit of trouble.”
Fox said the acquisition helps with depth at the Saints, giving support to key backmen Dave Karlberg and Brayden Skeers.
Highfield is already bringing size and experience to the other end of the ground with his slightly taller former teammate, Alex Grozinger, also to travel across.
A full-forward who came up through the juniors with Highfield, Grozinger has won an AFL Canberra grand final with Ainslie and played around 10 games in the NEAFL over a handful of seasons.
“I played my first game when I was 17 or 18,” Grozinger said.
“It’s a lot quicker and (you learn) where to go, how to read the ball.”
Grozinger took a break last season due to work and travel commitments but Highfield said the change has them both excited.
“We went out and bought a couple of Sherrins and had a kick and he hasn’t lost his accuracy,” he said.
