Lochie Burrows profile, height, 17 clubs show interest in Sandringham Dragons star

Lochie Burrows always believed he had the talent and fortitude to make it at AFL level.

But even the tough and versatile Sandringham Dragons prospect didn’t anticipate just how quickly his draft stocks would soar in 2026.

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Somewhat “under the radar” 12 months ago, by his own admission, Burrows is now a genuine top-20 draft chance.

He’d only spoken to around six AFL clubs halfway through the year. By the time he’d spoken to foxfooty.com.au at last month’s draft combine, he’d spoken to all but one (Gold Coast).

Ahead of next week’s national draft, Burrows has been heavily linked to St Kilda (Picks 10 and 16) and Adelaide (Pick 15), with some sources suggesting Burrows would suit Ross Lyon’s style at the Saints.

Burrows (181cm) said he entered his draft year “not knowing how everything would go”, but knew he “had to crack in to hopefully make my dream come true”.

But few prospects have made more of their opportunities than Burrows in 2026.

“At the time, it (top 20) wasn’t where I was at. I was probably under the radar a bit,” Burrows told foxfooty.com.au of his standing one year ago.

“But I always thought I had it in me. I always thought I was good enough and believed in myself to get there.”

HARD YARDS BEHIND DRAFT SURGE

But Burrows’ rapid rise hasn’t happened by accident.

A self-confessed “natural gym-goer”, Burrows went to work on his running last summer. He completed extra running and skills sessions on Saturdays with mates from the Dragons. The 1km repeat sessions were “always hard”, as were the 100m efforts designed to improve his sprinting.

The gains in his running, combined with his natural strength, tenacity and footy nous, meant Burrows quickly became the buzz player of the draft class across the back-half of the year.

Burrows is now viewed by virtually every recruiter you speak with as a future AFL player, thanks to his array of transferable traits.

He’s fiercely combative and strong over the ball. His improved aerobic capacity complements his natural power, while his versatility gives him the ability to play across all three lines.

Burrows’ four games for Vic Metro helped propel his draft stocks, averaging 13.0 disposals, 5.8 marks and going at 78.8 per cent efficiency by foot. He’d been playing primarily on the ball before the national championships, but his performances as a high half-back caught recruiters’ attention.

“As soon as I got settled in the backline, I more understood it (my role). I was playing more of a lockdown role on whatever man I was on, usually on a small forward,” Burrows said.

“From there, I’m seeing how I could impact on offence. If I could spread out, get to a spot to be used and put speed on the ball, that was great.

“But I think the biggest thing was focusing on playing my role defensively, having a defensive mindset and winning my one-on-ones. Doing what I can defensively is something AFL recruiters look at. It’s what they ask players to do in their team environments, so it’s something I’ve worked on and something that’s definitely going to help me at AFL level.”

VERSATILE WEAPON … WITH A POSITIONAL QUESTION

While clubs see plenty of AFL potential in Burrows, two questions remain about his game.

Can he refine his polish and ball use at the next level? And what will be his best role in the AFL?

Burrows has heard of – and been asked – those questions all year.

He acknowledges “skill-wise it’s a whole step up”, but said “after a couple of pre-seasons I’ll improve and get there”.

Asked by foxfooty.com.au if he had a preferred on-field role, Burrows said: “Look, good question. I probably like the midfield-forward role the best – you get to kick goals and be tough in the midfield – but I quite enjoy the backline as well, actually. I feel like it’s a clearer role.”

But where do clubs think he should play at AFL level?

“Well, most of them ask me the question and ask where I’d like to play,” Burrows said with a laugh.

“They don’t all tell me where, but they all think different things. Some think I’m a back, some think I’m a forward, some think I’m a mid-forward, some just mid.”

Burrows, though, views that versatility as a strength, rather than a reason to question his AFL ceiling.

“Going into the championships was definitely weird because I had to learn not just different team structures, but different structures for different positions within different teams. So there was a whole other level to it, which I found a bit overwhelming at first and had to really lock in for,” he said.

“But I think it’s helpful and it’s something I’ve enjoyed.”

COMPETITIVE STREAK THAT NEVER SWITCHES OFF

Burrows, who barracks for Essendon, describes himself as a “tough pressure player” who likes throwing his body around and flying for the footy in marking contests. He’s also clean at ground level and intensely competitive.

“I don’t want to lose anything,” he said. “If there’s a ball to win or a game to win, I’m always doing everything I can to win, whether that’s applying pressure or just trying to hold the ball.

“Even school games on the lunch field, I’m always doing everything I can to win. I play table tennis at home quite a bit as well and I go against my dad. We’ve got a good thing going.”

That competitive mindset has also given Burrows confidence he can handle the demands of an AFL environment.

“Mentally, I think I’m ready,” he said.

“The scheduling (clubs) have and the day-to-day work required to stay on task are things I already feel I can handle. I can go in, follow their schedule and keep up to date with everything.”

Asked how he’d like the AFL world to be talking about him in five years’ time, Burrows said: “I’d like them to know me as a tough player who always plays his role and always gives it his all on the field. Someone who always does the best he can.”