The smooth-moving Lochie O'Brien saw marginal improvement when moved up to the wing in the second half of 2019. He collected 18 touches thrice but otherwise made no significant statistical progression. O'Brien looks to be one of the victims of recently-added talent, so will almost certainly find himself in the reserves to start the season. While he has a bright future, he isn't worth a pick this year. Let him glide into the free agent pool.
Volley to pass LOB
The smooth-moving Lochie O'Brien saw marginal improvement when moved up to the wing in the second half of 2019. He collected 18 touches thrice but otherwise made no significant statistical progression. O'Brien looks to be one of the victims of recently-added talent, so will almost certainly find himself in the reserves to start the season. While he has a bright future, he isn't worth a pick this year. Let him glide into the free agent pool.
Window opens for O'Brien
While he didn't poll at all in Rising Star voting, Lochie O'Brien played 18 games in his first season and gradually worked into his craft, including his first two 20+ disposal outings in rounds 22 and 23. It would be a brave coach who would burn anything more than a late pick on O'Brien, as he is a candidate for second-year syndrome and his trailing average is a good 10 points behind the back baseline.
Look outside for O'Brien
Comfortable at half back or on a wing, Lochie O'Brien would have been tagged at TAC Cup level if that were allowed, because his left boot is too deadly. He went at rates of 25 disposals at that level and 15 at the Championships, though he was more of a handball-receive merchant than staying outside for marks. There will come a time when Kade Simpson hangs up the boots and there is a spot for O'Brien to play a similar sort of freewheeling role to avoid tags and rack up stats behind the play. He could have no better teacher, but he'll have to wait for the old man to retire before the opportunity really presents itself.
