Tributes flow for beloved clubman

Lachlan “Lockie” Hernaman should be running out onto Brunswick Oval alongside his Harvey Bulls teammates this Saturday in round four of the South West Football League.

But instead, the Harvey Bulls Football Club, Lockie’s family and friends and the South West football community is mourning his tragic and sudden death.

The 20-year-old collapsed during the club’s routine training session on Tuesday night and it is believed he never regained consciousness.

He was pronounced dead a short time later at Harvey Hospital.

It is understood Lockie had flown home just hours earlier after a week-long holiday with his sister and mother in Melbourne, where they watched three games of AFL together.

He had also completed a four-year plumbing apprenticeship just 11 days ago.

The tragedy has sent shockwaves rippling through the local football and wider South West communities.

Hundreds of tributes continued to flow onto social media yesterday, describing the talented young footballer as a selfless and caring mate, brother, teammate and son.

“You entered so many peoples lives and made them complete, there will now always be that hole in our hearts that can never be filled,” one mourner wrote.

“I remember the first training I had with the Harvey colts and you were the first person to come up and introduce yourself, knew from then the kind of person you were and how much of a brother you became,” another said.

Friend and teammate Kyle Hickman on Wednesday read a statement from the Hernaman family, describing Lockie as an amazing young man who moved to Harvey 17 years ago as a “cheeky” three-year-old.

“He was such a sociable, loved person who became friends with everyone he met,” Mr Hickman said.

“He was a great big brother and the best son and grandson that anyone could have ever asked for. He was his mum’s rock for the last two years. He had so many mates who were just like brothers.

“He gave 100 per cent to everything he did and will be missed by so many and never, ever forgotten.”

Lockie’s boss, J & H Fielder Plumbing owner-operator Ellis Fielder, described his young apprentice as loyal, energetic, fit and good all round kid.

“You couldn’t fault him, really,” Mr Fielder said.

“He was a good up and comer – Lockie was a big part of our team.

“Everybody is just so sad and upset. We walked onto the site we’re working on and no one feels like working.”

The Harvey Bulls Football Club released a statement this week saying the club was deeply saddened by Lockie’s death.

“The club offers its deepest condolences and sympathies to Lockie’s family, friends and teammates and is working with the West Australian Country Football League and West Australian Football Commission to offer support and counselling services,” it said.

The SWFL and WACFL also echoed condolences.

“The WACFL and WAFC are offering support and counselling services to Lachlan’s club, teammates, family and friends during this extremely difficult time,” a statement from WACFL said.

“Our thoughts are with all of them and we pass on our sincere sympathies.”

Saturday afternoon’s fixtures between Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault and Harvey Bulls across all football and netball grades have been cancelled.

Police said a report would be prepared for the coroner.