Luke McDonald says keeping things simple was key to his stellar 2020 season.
The 25-year-old won his first Syd Barker Medal on Wednesday night, polling 43 votes more than his nearest rival, Jy Simpkin.
McDonald took home a total of four awards, also claiming the Mazda Excellence Award, Harold Henderson Best Clubman and Shinboner Of The Year.
“I certainly didn’t expect all these accolades tonight, but I’m obviously really proud of what I’ve achieved this year,” he said.
“Back when I was a kid and dad was assistant coach, coming into the old facility and there was all the photos of the Syd Barker Medallists all over the walls … I can’t believe I’m in that company with guys like ‘Cunners’ (Ben Cunnington), ‘Higgo’ (Shaun Higgins) and ‘Goldy’ (Todd Goldstein), and then guys like ‘Stevo’ (Anthony Stevens), ‘Brades’ (Brady Rawlings) as well.”
An injury suffered in 2019 was another catalyst in McDonald’s rise.
“I think when I broke my ankle last year, it was probably the kick up the arse I needed to really just take all aspects of my life to the next level,” he said.
“I sort of had two things; I just wanted to compete and be the best competitor on the ground, and secondly just enjoy myself and have fun, because at the end of the day I’m playing footy for the team I barracked for as kid. I’m very lucky.
“Not overcomplicating things and keeping it simple worked well for me.”
McDonald excelled in defence later in the year, but also added another string to his bow in the first half of the season - tagging.
Among his scalps, Marcus Bontempelli and Dylan Shiel.
“I think my greatest strength is competing, and when you go up against those guys, the fire’s in the belly and you just want to knock them off and do the best job you can for the team,” McDonald said.
“Playing on some of those gun players earlier in the year just filled me with so much confidence … when I beat them in a few contests, that maybe they weren’t as good as I always thought they were.”
McDonald paid tribute to head of development Gavin Brown, and departing coach Rhyce Shaw for their impact on his life and football.
“He (Shaw) backed me in so much over the last couple of years, and just gave me so much confidence to go and play … and not even just play, but be me.
“It’s pretty hard to sum up in words the influence he’s had on my footy career and my life over the past couple of years.
“I’ve honestly never met anyone like the man, and I just hope he knows how much all the boys love him, and I hope he’s getting all the support he needs and spending some quality time with his amazing family.
“Sometimes things are bigger than footy.”
