Lachie Fogarty | 2021 Season Review

Written by Ari Stamatakos

SEASON SYNOPSIS

The most unassuming of the off-season acquisitions, Lachie Fogarty came across from Geelong for peanuts and most fans were a bit confused as to why this was made. Hadn’t made waves for The Cats and played in a position where Carlton fans thought we had plenty of players in. He had a very good pre-season and was select for round one where he impressed with 20 touches. He remained in the side until round 18 where he was dropped and wasn’t brought back until the last round of the season. This was where he found back the form which he had lost through the middle period of the year. 

Being played majority forward, he was very damaging, averaging 2.5 inside 50’s, 212 metres gained, 9.8 effective disposals and 4.1 score involvements. All rank above average - barring score involvements which rank average - and he provided class and composure in a side which tends to panic when under pressure. His versatility was on full display as he was able to be pushed into the middle and provided speed and poise. His toughness went very underrated the whole year, as his 4.5 ground ball gets indicates a player who is alot tougher and willing to put his body on the line. 

BEST PERFORMANCE

After two good games of football in the opening rounds, Fogarty announced himself to the Carlton faithful against the Dockers in round 3. On what was a glorious day for the Baggers, Fogarty stood out amongst the rest as a player who performed well above expectations. 

He had 25 disposals, 80% efficiency, 7 marks, 7 tackles, 8 score involvements, 440 metres gained, 5 inside 50’s, 3 clearances. He shocked many as the Carlton faithful didn’t really know he had this performance in him. It was his career-best game yet as he displayed excellent ball use - off both feet - as well as dash and speed through the inside which was needed as Zac Williams was riddled with injuries throughout. What is most impressive, is that from his 4 centre square bounces attending, he managed 2 clearances from them. He slowly warmed into the game, being played deep inside 50, then on the forward flank, then ultimately in the middle where he played his best footy.  

This was the culmination of a very good 3 weeks for Fogarty, which showed all the qualities that he has and how much of a shrewd acquisition this was for the Blues.  

OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK

After an impressing but unassuming year, Fogarty has established himself as a very valuable first-team player. This was a very rare example of shrewd business from the Blues, a fantastic identification of talent which will prove to be very valuable for the Blues. In 2022, Fogarty will be looking to play similarly then what he did this, but on a more consistent basis. He only achieved 20+ touches 5 times and only kicked 6 goals. Whilst he was very pressure was very consistent throughout, averaging 3.6 tackles and 16.3 pressure acts per game, he is damaging enough for the Blues to want to get the ball in his hands more often. 

2021 REPORT CARD RATING

C+

STATUS HEADING INTO 2022 

Fringe 22