Lachlan Brook’s patience and persistence began to come to fruition while in the New South Wales bubble and he is desperate to kick on next season.
Brook struggled for consistent playing time earlier in the 2019/20 campaign, but showed his undeniable potential after starting the final four league matches under Carl Veart.
He finished the season with eight appearances in all competitions, the most in his burgeoning career to date and is determined to establish himself as a regular within the first team.
“I’ve been working hard and it’s obviously good to get rewarded,” he said.
“But next year for me is definitely the year I want to completely break through and be a consistent starter.
“I just have to keep working hard and hopefully I can get there.”
The 19-year-old was also named a joint winner of the Youth Player of the Year Award alongside Taras Gomulka for solid campaigns with the Young Reds in both the National Premier League and Foxtel Y-League.
Brook said winning the award gives him encouragement heading into the upcoming A-League campaign.
“It came at the end of a long season and I think everyone was obviously stressed about it,” he revealed.
“It was a weird season with the COVID stuff and obviously we weren’t doing too well pre-COVID.
“So for me having a frustrating season, not getting much game time I’ve only got that NYL too rely on, so it’s good to be recognised for my performances in that and obviously gives me a little bit of confidence going into next season as well.”
Indeed, the Gawler Eagles junior, scored his maiden goal for the Reds too, courtesy of a clinical strike in the 5-3 victory over Perth Glory.
Brook said while he was proud of that moment he lamented the fact he was unable to share the moment with his family.
“That was awesome, that was a great feeling,” he recalled.
“Obviously it would have been nice to see my family and celebrate with my family as well.
“But I think we all made those sacrifices to stay in the bubble and the boys were really good about it.”
Based off Adelaide’s improved form during the hub, Brook said there was plenty of reason for optimism for fans heading into the new season.
“The boys are a good bunch of lads and when we get given not freedom, but in a way to play that suits us we can be a very good team,” he insisted.
“And I think being out of the bubble and focusing at training in Adelaide and playing games in Adelaide, I definitely think we can have a really good season.”
