FridayOL

GWS Giants star Lachie Whitfield is set to reach a monumental milestone this weekend, celebrating his 250th game against Geelong. But his journey to becoming a key pillar of the Giants wasn't always planned. The former number-one draft pick recently revealed he initially envisioned a return to Melbourne after just two seasons with the Giants, a far cry from the decade-long commitment he's now made to the club.

Drafted in 2012 with the coveted number-one pick, Whitfield arrived at the Giants with high expectations. Hailing from rural Victoria, the lure of returning to his home state of Melbourne was strong. He confided in those close to him that he anticipated a relatively short stint in Sydney, believing he’d eventually make the move back south after a couple of seasons.

“I think when I first got drafted, I probably thought I’d be back in Melbourne after two years,” Whitfield admitted in a recent interview. “I was pretty homesick early on, obviously being so far away from family and mates. It’s a big change, moving from a small town to Sydney, and adjusting to a new club and a new city.

However, something changed. The growth of the Giants as a club, the development of his own game, and the strong bonds he forged with teammates all contributed to a shift in perspective. He witnessed the club's evolution from a struggling expansion team to a genuine contender, and he played a pivotal role in that transformation.

“The club really started to build and get better, and I started to enjoy my footy more and more,” Whitfield explained. “I felt like I was really contributing and playing a role in something special. That’s what kept me here.”

Whitfield’s impact on the Giants is undeniable. He’s consistently been one of their most damaging midfielders, known for his penetrating run, precise kicking, and ability to break lines. His versatility allows him to play in a variety of roles, and his leadership qualities have seen him become a respected figure within the playing group.

As he prepares to celebrate his 250th game, Whitfield reflects on his unexpected journey with the Giants with a sense of pride and gratitude. What began as a temporary arrangement has blossomed into a long-term commitment, and he's now an integral part of the club’s fabric.

“It’s a pretty special milestone,” Whitfield said. “I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved here, and I’m excited to see what the future holds for the club.” This weekend's clash against Geelong promises to be a significant moment in Whitfield’s career as he looks to add another chapter to his remarkable story with the GWS Giants, a story that proves sometimes, the best journeys are the ones you don't plan.