Sport
20 March, 2023
Jake Lohmann elevated to Sandringham leadership group
Maryborough local Jake Lohmann’s second year at Sandringham has started in the best fashion possible, named as one of three vice captains at the club for 2023. Lohmann was voted in to the leadership group via a peer vote, with coaches, players and...
Maryborough local Jake Lohmann’s second year at Sandringham has started in the best fashion possible, named as one of three vice captains at the club for 2023.
Lohmann was voted in to the leadership group via a peer vote, with coaches, players and staff involved in deciding who should be leaders. He will serve as vice captain alongside Tyson Milne and Darby Hipwell, while Anthony Seaton will continue on as club captain.
Lohmann feels his qualities as a person and a player gave him the impetus to become a leader at the Zebras.
“I guess being myself, having lots of fun and bringing energy is what I’ve been able to do. I feel like I can be a bit of a barometer in terms of getting the boys up and about and trying to use my powers as a person and connection and find balance and direct teammates where to go. It’s a great culture and I feel supported being there. It made the move a lot easier,” he said.
“My qualities as a leader are to just be myself, but actions speak louder than words. I just want to put my best foot forward at training and lead the way in driving the standards. I also want to find that balance between being responsible and having fun, which is what I’ve always wanted to do.
“The big qualities to me are looking after yourself first before spreading your wings around other people, and the environment I’m in makes it a lot easier. I’m really excited for this year and grateful for the opportunity to be vice captain.”
Lohmann says the opportunity to learn from players who have been in the AFL system has been priceless, while also citing his parents as a great source of inspiration.
“I’ve had great role models and mentors. Trent Dennis-Lane was a great help for me. He showed the power of authenticity, and the coaches are people that I think are really good role models, set standards and behave in a certain way. It’s what I’ve drawn attention from. My parents have also been role models. Mum is very supportive, she’s a guardian angel and looks after everyone around her, and dad has always been a loud character and out there. I feel I have both of their traits and it blends in to who I am,” he said.
Lohmann’s elevation to the vice-captaincy will give him added impetus in his quest to join brother Kai on an AFL list.
“Kai always comes to me for advice every week. He has the answers, but I always feel I can guide him as an older brother every week as well. It gives him the motivation knowing I’ve been there every step of the way from Princes Park to where he is now. I’ve felt I’ve always been a natural leader in some ways, perhaps from a bit of tough love over the years, but I’m excited for him and I hope I can join him and be next to him on a field — it’d be a dream come true,” he said.
Lohmann is also excited about the club’s tie-up with St Kilda which will deliver them a number of their best young talent every week as they continue to develop.
“We have a new list at Sandringham that will be topped up by St Kilda players. The list will be a bit younger now that St Kilda have drafted a few really good young players. I’m excited to bring out their best qualities as a footballer and make them feel comfortable by leading and directing them for our game plan, where to run, use the footy and set up defensively. We’ll play a fast style of footy and I am excited for it. It will suit our youthful energy and we’ll hopefully kick plenty of big scores,” he said.
Lohmann, and Sandringham, start their season on Saturday afternoon with an away game at Southport.