Jay Lockhart

Interstate club tipped to hand axed Demon career lifeline

The 25-year-old is reportedly set to find a new home via the upcoming Rookie Draft.

Published by
Mitch Keating

Former Demon Jay Lockhart is reportedly set to gain an AFL lifeline from Greater Western Sydney this off-season.

The 25-year-old was among five Melbourne players to depart the Demons in the days following their drought-breaking grand final win over the Western Bulldogs.

Lockhart did not feature for the Demons in 2021, with his latest appearance at AFL level coming against the Dogs in Round 13 last year.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Jay Lockhart of the Demons and Michael Walters of the Dockers clash during the 2019 AFL round 14 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Fremantle Dockers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The North Launceston product played 22 games for the Demons before being culled, having first joined the club via the Pre-Season Supplemental Selection Period in 2019 following a promising stint with Casey.

After having his career with the Demons come to an end, the Giants are now firming as a potential landing spot for the delisted defender via the next month's Rookie Draft, according to reporter Sam Edmund.

“I’m told Jay Lockhart, who was delisted two days after the Grand Final, at least that’s when it was announced, he’s a very good chance of joining GWS and getting that AFL olive branch,” Edmund said on SEN

“I think he’s going to join the Giants in next month’s rookie draft, that’s the indication I’ve been given. The Giants have got a few other things going on with the National Draft and such.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 19: Jay Lockhart of the Casey Demons (R) looks to pass during the VFL round seven match between Frankston and Casey at Skybus Stadium on May 19, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Graham Denholm/AFL Media/Getty Images)

“Jay Lockhart is a real chance to join in the rookie draft.”

The Giants have already confirmed they will look to acquire former Eagles utility Jarrod Brander during the delisted free agency window, which will commence on November 3.

Greater Western Sydney underwent a quiet trade period, not acquiring any new players and having only one name depart, with spearhead Jeremy Finlayson being traded to Port Adelaide.

Published by
Mitch Keating