Lamont jumps at Eagles’ call

Albany’s Sam Lamont will be part of the West Coast Eagles’ historic first year competing with a standalone WAFL team, signed as a top-up player by the reigning AFL premiers for the upcoming season.

Lamont, pictured, jumped at the chance to join the Eagles’ WAFL-aligned league side when approached late last year and received his jumper at their official presentation on Monday night ahead of the 2019 season beginning this weekend.

He is one of several local players recruited by the Eagles to help fill their WAFL team, which will be made up by the majority of their non-selected AFL-listed players each week.

After growing up in Albany, Lamont moved to Perth, where he played three seasons for Claremont at colts and then reserves level.

Lamont switched to play A-grade football for North Beach in the WAAFL competition in 2014 and he thrived there, winning two best and fairest awards at the club.

The 25-year-old was grateful to be given a chance by the Eagles to have a crack at senior WAFL football.

“I got a message from Jordan Loxley, the manager of the WAFL Eagles team, and caught up with him,” Lamont said.

“Straight away I said ‘it sounds amazing and a great opportunity to have another crack at playing WAFL senior footy’.

“I was a bit disappointed when I left Claremont. I thought I could play senior footy but it was tough. I was an apprentice working 10-hour days and then going to training.”

Lamont, who played for Royals growing up, said the knock on him being too small was something he used as motivation to perform better every week.

“That has always set me back, in a new team or environment you know people are thinking ‘is this guy big or strong enough?’,” he said.

“I was like 65kg ringing wet back in colts at Claremont and I’m 10kg heavier now and I don’t see it as a problem.”

Lamont is 75kg these days and stands at 175cm and expects to play half forward or wing in the Eagles set-up.

“It’s a pretty amazing opportunity,” he said.

“We get to train with the AFL team once a week and have elite facilities coming at Lathlain.

“Talking at training, we want to play finals and 100 per cent I think I can definitely contribute. It might be hard to crack a game this week but we don’t find out until (tonight).”

Lamont will wear No.63 for the Eagles and return to play with North Beach if not picked for their side.