Open training – Thursday at Arden Street, 11.30am-12.30pm approx. Autographs, sausage sizzle and merchandise available.
He’s taken all before him this year, but Luke McDonald isn’t content just yet.
Finishing third in the NAB Rising Star, a member of the 22under22 team and part of two finals’ wins, the 19-year-old has always had his eye is on a bigger prize.
“I’m not going to lie (though)... at the start of the year I remembered Joel Selwood played in a premiership in his first year and I wanted that to be me as well,” McDonald told the Herald Sun.
Selwood was part of the Cats’ 2007 flag-winning side with just 21 games to his name. Watching on as a 12-year-old at the time, McDonald was recalls that moment driving him to succeed.
“I just remembered that and thought I wanted to do it. All the planets have aligned with (Nick) Dal Santo coming, everyone is fit and firing at the right time and you never know.”
Tough, fearless, courageous; McDonald has already drawn comparisons to Luke Hodge. Statistically his first-year numbers are close to identical to the Hawks’ captain.
But it’s the number 21’s defensive exploits that have received the most praise. His scalps include Rory Sloane, Dale Thomas, Dayne Zorko, and as recently as last week, Steven Motlop.
McDonald’s rise to prominence has come as no surprise though. Highly touted as a youngster, he joined North as a father-son prospect last year.
“He was well and truly worth (the No. 8 pick) — and that’s a big tick straight away because we’ve seen those decisions fail at other clubs,” club champion David King said.
“He’s got an ambitious nature about him and he’s not happy just playing AFL football, he wants to thrive and win and taste victory.
“It’s not like an under-18 player in the AFL, he’s not making those schoolboy errors.”
Vice-captain Drew Petrie another to be impresed by the youngster.
“Luke’s done some courageous things this year, he’s had run-with roles and he’s like a dog at a bone,” he said.
“He’s earned his spot every single week this year. I expect him to feature really well in our own best-and-fairest.”
McDonald will have another huge task against the Swans, with their array of talls and smalls meaning he could end up manning anyone from Adam Goodes or Sam Reid, to Luke Parker or Ben McGlynn.
One thing’s certain – he’ll be giving his all for another chance to belt out ‘Join in the Chorus’ on Friday night.
“Obviously dad played for North and that’s why singing the song is so special, because I’ve known the words since I was practically born.”
Luke Hodge 2002 v Luke McDonald 2014
Games 15 v 22
Disposals 15.5 v 17.1
Contested possessions 5.8 v 5.0
Marks 3.8 v 3.8
Intercept marks 1.2 v 0.8
Rebound 50s 3.0 v 2.5
Tackles 1.6 v 2.6
Source: CHAMPION DATA
