LACHIE Hosie came awfully close to realising his AFL dream in 2019.
But the fact that the young North Melbourne rookie narrowly missed out on a senior debut late in the season has given him a steely new resolve heading into this summer.
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A wayward, but otherwise impressive performance in the VFL against the Northern Blues in late July had Hosie knocking on the door of earning his first senior appearance.
Indeed, ahead of the club's round 20 clash with Hawthorn on a Friday night – which North Melbourne won comfortably – whispers circulated that the young forward, claimed with the fifth pick in last year's NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft, would be making his debut.
Despite notching eight scoring shots (only to kick two goals, six behinds) in the VFL the week prior, Hosie just missed out. That, now, is providing him with his pre-season motivation.
"I was really, really close," Hosie told AFL.com.au.
"To be honest, I thought I was a bit of a sniff as well.
"It was a bit disappointing, not playing, but if you told me I was going to be where I am at the start of last year I'd have said you're dreaming.
"I understand why I didn't get there and I know what I have to work on to become an AFL player."
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It won't be Hosie's last opportunity, though. Having kicked 20 goals from 10 VFL games after arriving at the club in May – including a haul of six majors in the final game of the season against Footscray – the high-flying forward is firmly in new coach Rhyce Shaw's sights.
He earned a one-year contract extension for season 2020 in August and plans to use the club's Marsh Community Series clashes against the Western Bulldogs and Sydney to enhance his chances of establishing himself as a member of the club's best attacking unit.
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"Getting so close last year, it's something I want to build on," Hosie said.
"I obviously just want to get through pre-season unscathed and hopefully play some (Marsh Community Series) games and push for a senior spot this year.
"We've got some pretty good forwards that I can jell with up there, so it's just all about building the connection with them and making it pretty easy for me to slot in."
Hosie, 22, was drafted to North Melbourne via SANFL club Glenelg, where he kicked 21 goals from eight games to start last season.
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