PORT ADELAIDE recruit Jack Lukosius is excited to join Port Adelaide, saying his decision to leave the Gold Coast was one of the toughest calls he’s made in his career.
Keen to add to the forward line at the Power, the 24-year-old knows it’s now up to him to make the most of his new opportunity.
Lukosius spoke to the Adelaide media on Wednesday about what influenced his choice of club, reaching his potential as a footballer, and how he sees himself fitting into the forward line.
Lukosius on the move to Port Adelaide
“Yeah, it's pretty cool. It's been a busy few months, and it's actually the first time I've seen myself in the colours. So doesn't quite feel right yet, but very excited for what’s to come here at the club. I couldn't be happier, it’s a great footy club with a great history, and they're in a great spot at the moment. So I'm looking forward to adding to that.
“It was probably one of the toughest calls I've made in my life so far. And I definitely took my time. But I think, yeah, just how settled the club is. They've got a great balance of older guys and younger guys. And I think the direction they're going is really exciting. And I thought my role and what I can bring will add to that and get the best out of myself as a footballer as well.”
Lukosius on the photo of him in a Port jumper as a child
“(Despite growing up as an Adelaide supporter), lots of the family are Port, I think I might have been with Nanna and Pa that day, so they wanted to dress me up (in Port gear).”
Lukosius on making the decision to seek a trade
“Yeah, it was a bit of a journey. I was, especially this season, I was very committed to the Gold Coast and didn't really want to talk to any other clubs or anything, and I wanted to keep fighting to play my best footy and achieve success there. And yeah, it didn't happen until very late, but speaking of some important people in my life that I decided that a move might suit my footy and the rest of my career. So yeah, gave my all, and unfortunately, didn't end up in a successful time up there. But hopefully the move will be good for me down here.”
Lukosius on choosing to leave Gold Coast
“All the important people around me were kind of (saying) ‘I think this is the best move for you’. And it took me a while to realise it, but yeah, I'm very grateful I did, and looking forward to the opportunity here.
“(Gold Coast) were open to it. We had a pretty open chat in my exit. They said that the way we played here, that it might not suit your strengths and the way you play. And they wanted the best for me as a footballer, as well as the best for them as a club. So we took our time working through that, but yeah, got there in the end.”
Lukosius on his communication with Ken Hinkley
“Yeah, I've had lots of chats with Ken. I met with him at the end of the season. And yeah, I was pretty impressed. He's a pretty impressive guy and passionate guy for his footy club. And that was a very cool meeting. And then I've had a few phone calls with him before the trade went through, and then again afterwards. So Ken’s been great. I'm looking forward to playing under him.”
Lukosius on what his role will be at Port Adelaide
“Yeah (being a forward is) what I wanted. I think that's where my best footy is, and that's where I want to play, and they were aligned with that as well. So it was good to hear that from (Port Adelaide), and I'm looking forward to see what we can achieve over the next few years.”
Lukosius on his friendship with Connor Rozee
“He was very excited (when I told him I was coming to Port Adelaide). He was great…he kind of was pushing for me to go to Port, but knew I had to make my own call for my own journey (so) he kept a bit of a distance. And then I told him on Brownlow night, and he was stoked and we had a couple of beers together. So it was great.
“It was more what's going to suit me and my career, and I want to be a part of something that is pretty special and have a crack at playing finals, and deep in finals, and I thought I could add to this group the most. But clearly, as I said, you can't predict anything, and now it's up to me and the boys to get to work, and I'm looking forward to that.”
Lukosius on building resilience at the Gold Coast
“Yeah, it taught me a lot, especially early days. Obviously, we were very much in a rebuild, and I've kind of seen the journey of the club kind of coming up, and was a big part of where we wanted to get to. And over the last three years, we've been knocking on finals with maybe six or seven games to go, and it's kind of fallen away. So I've definitely seen the tough sides of footy and been through that side.”
Lukosius on his aspirations to play finals football
“Absolutely, yeah, there's nothing more I wanted than was to play finals and succeed up there. And, yeah, I'm pretty flat that I won't be able to achieve that, so I'll be looking forward to add to what is a strong culture here, and hopefully learn as much as I can of what they do here, and try and add to that and hopefully make the club go further.”
Lukosius on fitting into Port Adelaide’s forward line
“I think that there's lots of guys with different strengths in that forward line that will complement (me), especially the way the midfield and the team move the ball from half back and down the ground. So yeah, I'm not sure if there'll be an absolute number one or whether we can all gel together, but I'm looking forward to the pre-season, and obviously I’ve got 20 odd new teammates, or 40 odd across the whole list that I'll have to gel with and learn how they function. So yeah, whether I become one or two or three or whatever it is, I'm just looking forward to playing my role.”
Lukosius on his potential
“I feel like I've got a lot more to add. And I think this club is probably the environment that I thought would suit to unlock that. So definitely the midfield in front of the ball, and the other types up forward I thought suited the way I can get the best out of my footy. And obviously it's impossible to predict in the AFL what's going to happen in the future, but definitely in the now, I think they're in a very good spot.”
Lukosius on how tough the decision was
“I was very close with both clubs (both Port Adelaide and Adelaide). Yeah, they both pitched very impressively, and to be honest, I thought I would fit in at both and yeah, it was an incredibly tough decision. And making the phone calls to both clubs let them know wasn't an easy few hours, but yeah, I'm very grateful that I've ended up here. And now it's up to me to make the absolute most of this opportunity.”
Lukosius on his connections at Port Adelaide
“Yeah (I know) a fair few. There's a fair few Eagles boys, a few guys from Henley High as well that I went to school with, and obviously Connor. But you come back here every off-season and you run into people, and I feel like I‘ve met at least half the list. So looking forward to growing those relationships.”
Lukosius on playing in a big AFL state
“Yeah, to be honest, I'm just looking forward to it. I grew up here. Everyone goes ‘what’s your hobbies outside of footy?’ and stuff like that and I just love my sport. I love my footy, so I'm looking forward to all that that encompasses and I think it'll help me play my absolute best footy. So I’m keen to pull on the colours next season. And yeah, can't wait.”
Lukosius on watching Port Adelaide this season
“I probably didn't start watching them until a bit later in the season, but I just thought their ability to get it done late in the season. I think they had a few injuries and suspensions and stuff, and they were pretty young, and they kept rocking up and being really resilient. So I think they've clearly got that culture side of things sorted. And yeah, I think that midfield group is really exciting. So hopefully they can kick me some good ball.”
Lukosius on Connor Rozee’s upcoming wedding
“Yeah, I'm looking forward to that. It's obviously a special weekend for him. And yeah, I'm keen to meet a few boys and have a good time. I'm a groomsman, so I'm not actually sure what that entails yet. Looking forward to celebrating them.”
