Melbourne teen hopes to emulate footy hero
Tom Lamb has the hair to match his football idol, Nat Fyfe, and will be happy if he can live up to a fraction of the Fremantle star's immense talent.
The Melbourne 18-year-old from the Dandenong Stingrays has modelled his game on the high-marking Fyfe, having been an open admirer of the dual Doig medallist's ability to win the ball and burst through packs.
And standing at a handy 193cm, the midfielder/forward is hoping he can become a player as versatile as Fyfe at his new AFL home West Coast.
"I absolutely love Fyfe," Lamb said.
"He's a really good player. I try to watch him as much as I can.
"My best position is probably somewhere across half-forward I would have thought, but it's something I'll probably have to sit down with the club and work out where they see me."
Dandenong talent manager Mark Wheeler said Lamb was similar to Fyfe in terms of mobility.
"He's that Nick Riewoldt style (player) and like Nat Fyfe," Wheeler said.
"He's modelled himself on those two boys' games over the last 12 months. Athleticism is definitely the strength of his game.
"He knows how to find his own ball. That's the great component that you've got from him. He's actually going to play in a variety of positions.
"I wouldn't be surprised if he pushes himself for a NAB Cup game. Once he gets on the track, he's going to run like a third-year player."
The grandson of premiership Saint Ian Cooper, Lamb had trained with St Kilda earlier this year and impressed by climbing over Sam Fisher to pluck strong marks.
He had also been linked to Carlton and Richmond in the draft build-up, meaning he was shocked when the Eagles read his name out with their second selection at pick No.32
Lamb has extended family living in Green Head, about 290km north of Perth.
His blond dreadlocks will make him appear right at home on WA's pristine beaches.
"I suppose the family were maybe a bit upset that I'm moving," Lamb said. "But the excitement has overruled everything.
"I love Perth and if I was to go interstate, I always wanted to go to Perth. I'm absolutely privileged, especially to be going to a club such as West Coast."
