Harrie Lahy - 100 Blacks Games

This weekend, the Blacks family will celebrate one of its finest sons, who becomes the second of the season to notch up his hundredth game.

Hailing from the banks of the Murray in Wakool, NSW, Harrie Lahy boarded at Ballarat Grammar. But after graduating in 2010, he moved to Melbourne and found a home at the Blacks.

He was part of a strong 2011 Under-19s crop which featured bona fide Blacks royalty such as current co-captain Josh ‘Juice’ Steadman, Cam ‘Pumper’ Turner and Phoenix stalwart Rohan ‘Tank’ Cleary to name but a few. It was a vintage that could perhaps challenge the 2014 superdraft as one of the most fruitful in Blacks history.

And it didn’t take long for Harrie and his Class to deliver at the Blacks. In just his second year, he was part of the senior side which seized the Premier B 2012 flag, and just two years later, hung an A-grade flag beside it.

Harrie is nicknamed ‘Lazer’, and not without reason. Perhaps the first thing any young Blacker in their first preseason at the club will notice will be the gust of wind as he laps them in the 2km time trial.

“Lazer has one of the most impressive work rates of anyone you will ever see on a footy field,” says former teammate and good friend Tom Sharp. “Even in our first year together in 2011, I vividly remember thinking how on Earth this bloke could continuously run and work so hard. It’s a trait he has carried to this day, both on and off the field.”

It was something even VAFA TV noticed, as they invited him to feature in their ‘Anytime Fitness Ultimate Athlete’ segment in 2014. But while Lazer is undoubtedly an endurance freak, he can always be relied upon to pop up when the team needs him most and back it up with unmatched on-field tenacity.

“Lazer is rightly admired for his clean-cut looks and ridiculous endurance and athleticism,” long-time Blacker Charlie Richardson says. “I however love the way Lazer tackles, chases and imposes himself physically at key moments in games. Whether it be running someone down from behind, a heavy tackle or a well-timed shirt front, he’s never been afraid of getting his hands dirty for the Blacks.”

Fellow 2011 clubman Cam Turner agrees. “Amazing work on 100 games Lazer, you have an unbelievable work ethic and an engine to match. From playing high school footy to playing at the Blacks, I’ll always enjoy watching you dump tackle opponents into the ground.”

But the best thing about Lazer, which his teammates and everyone who knows him will attest to, is his character. His fitness and tenacity are no cheap trick – they are the result of hard work from an honest footballer. When it comes to Harrie Lahy, what you see is what you get. And what is that?

“The Consummate Professional.” according to former captain Bede Mahon. “Clean-cut, intelligent, well-to-do and polite. Once he crosses that white line he is a fierce competitor who has prepared himself physically and mentally. This has allowed him to be a high-performing and consistent teammate. He is a proud boy from the bush and with multiple Blacks premierships, he rightfully adds a milestone game to his CV.

Above: Harrie and his 'colgate smile' with his good friend and 150 gamer, Angus Drysdale.

Here is a little Q&A to get to know our newest centurion a bit better:

How did you end up at the Club? 

Funny one, I'd spoken to a few people at Blacks and Blues over the Summer after finishing school but I was having a chat with a couple of guys at a pub in Geelong on New Year's Eve about the Blacks and someone walked past and overheard the conversation. He turned around, came back to the table and said you've got to go to the Blacks, it's the best decision you'll ever make. He then disappeared but about 15 minutes later came back, put a jug of beer on the table and said 'I've got to go but I look forward to seeing you at the Blacks next year, you won't regret it.' Unfortunately, I haven't seen him since, but it left a lasting impression on me.

A few months later I went down to a training at the Blacks, met Ray Wilson and Justin Gray, and that was enough for me. I went and got Cam and Juddy from Blues training at the other end of the pitch and we started training at the Blacks.

Any standout/strange memories from Under 19s?

'Crazy Horse'. Enough said. Many strange and fond memories.

Favourite player to watch when growing up?

Scotty West. Idolised him.

Who has had the most influence on your career?

Dad, but it would be remiss not to mention Mum who has been there every step of the way and couldn't have been more supportive.

Thriftiest/biggest tightarse at the Club?

Tough one, can't say anyone comes to mind. I've always found people pretty willing to buy the next round at Blacks. 

Favourite subject at high school?

Apart from the obvious one early on being PE, English in my senior years. 

Favourite teammate?

Too hard to pick one. It's one of the great things about playing at the Blacks. You play with so many great footballers, and even better people. 

Any interesting pre game routines?

No. Usually running late so have never had time to develop one. 

If you could teleport anywhere in the world right now and holiday for a week COVID free, where would it be?

To a sun lounge on the Amalfi Coast.

Last book you read?

The Happiest Man on Earth. Unbelievable story. 

Last but not least, favourite blacks memory, on or off the field.

Winning the Semi Final against St Kevins out at Box Hill in 2012. The feeling in the rooms after the match was unbelievable. 100 people in the rooms singing, hugging and cheering. We were finally going back to A grade.

Above: That 2012 Premiership winning team, with Harrie standing third from the left between Andrew Willingham and Jordan Foster.

Congratulations, Lazer. All of us at the club will be cheering your every step this weekend (and there will no doubt be a lot of those!). Go well in your hundredth game, and here’s to many more!