Footy Prophet chatted to young Roo Luke McDonald, discussing a number of topics from draft night, the family name and his role as a defender.
You’re heading into a fantasy draft with the number one pick. Who do you take?
For me it would probably be Sam Mitchell. He gets heaps of the ball and he uses it well so he’ll score very well.
As fantasy buffs we think of the stats a lot. Are there any particular stats you try to build your game around?
As a defender, I don’t worry too much about stats. We get a lot of spoils, which don’t usually count as fantasy points – they should!
How are you feeling about your role so far in 2016, and what kind of role do you picture yourself playing as your career continues?
My form’s been alright; I’ve been playing in the small defender role. I’ve just been trying to cement my spot after playing a fair bit in the VFL last year.
Hopefully from here in the coming years, I can move into the midfield. But at the moment, I’m happy in the backline.
What was it like to finally get your first career goal last year?
It was nice to get that monkey off my back with the goal, and getting all the boys around me, I enjoyed that day. Hopefully there’s plenty more where that comes from.
Can you tell us how your dad came to be named Donald McDonald?
There are about 10 Donald’s in a row through the family history, so I sort of ruined the train.
My middle name’s Donald though, so I’ve kept it going through there.
How many more years do you think Boomer will keep playing?
He could have two or three at the rate he’s going. He’s freakish to say the least.
What was the feeling leading up to the 2013 draft?
I was in Utah on the night of the draft, so obviously I was hoping North was going to pick me up.
It was just exciting to finally be a Roo. After going for them for so long, to finally have your name called out and it all be official was awesome.
What are the pressures attached to a father-son draftee?
I didn’t really feel any extra pressure when I arrived at the club. For me it was just about wanting to play for the team I barracked for growing up.
There are more positives than negatives, I’m lucky that I get to play for North and that Dad still works here as well.
