Since joining Collingwood, Lachie Schultz has been keen to make an impact and he’s certainly done that across his first pre-season with the Club.  

Just ask forward line Coach Scott Selwood, or teammate Tom Mitchell, who will tell you that 26-year-old has slotted into the Club seamlessly.

Since joining the Pies during last year’s trade period, the forward has not only integrated into the side’s on-field system, but has added to the off-field environment with his leadership and genuine all-round positive personality.

“He’s got everything you want in a small forward,” Selwood said when asked about Schultz’s on-field capabilities.

“Not only that, but the guy himself- you’d take him for his character, just an absolute awesome person.

“We want to bring good people in and make sure that we’re developing those around us. Fly’s always talking about (acting like) winners  and what that looks like, and he’s a perfect example of what we want.”

Teammate Tom Mitchell is excited to see what Schultz can achieve with the Club in 2024.

“He’s been a great addition to the team, both on and off the track.. His pressure skills have been on-show this pre-season and I think a forward line with McCreery, Hill, Jamie Elliott and Schultz up there is pretty potent and pretty dangerous,” added Mitchell.

2023 Premiership Player Mitchell knows more than most what it’s like becoming a part of the Collingwood family from another Club, after signing from Hawthorn in the 2022 off-season.

“I think you always want to make a good impression and come to the Club, be ready to train, build relationships and be open to new ideas and strategies,” Mitchell said.

“There are nerves, but I think it’s probably more excitement.

“Having the opportunity to come to the biggest Club in the league with the biggest and greatest fan base, it’s a pretty unique and special opportunity. I was fortunate to live it last year as a new player to the Club and obviously Lachie is doing that this year.”

Schultz couldn’t have been more positive when speaking about how he had been welcomed into the Club by his teammates.

“You talk to anyone in the group and you wouldn’t know if they’ve played one game or if they’ve played 300 games, everyone is exactly the same and treats you exactly the same way,” he said.

“It’s obviously a very special group and they’ve achieved a lot of great things together already. To be able to step into that environment is very special and hopefully there is more exciting times ahead and more special memories to be had with them all.”

With almost a full pre-season under his belt, there’s only one thing left waiting.

“Since coming over, I’ve just wanted to get out there, get on the park and start playing games.  It’s been a long gruelling pre-season and one that has put us in really good stead,” he said.

“Opening Round is just under a month away and it can’t come quick enough if you ask me. I can’t wait, I’m so excited.”

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