Season wrap with Luke Parker
Luke Parker speaks to sydneyswans.com.au about his debut season at the Swans and his plans for the next season…
In his debut season at the Swans, Luke Parker impressed many with his attack on the ball and ferocity around the contest.
Parker was selected with pick 40 in last year’s AFL draft, and made his senior debut as the Swans substitute in the round 8 win over Port Adelaide.
The 18-year old went on to play 13 games, including both finals, and even recorded a vote in the Brownlow Medal for his 26 possessions and two goals against the Gold Coast Suns, where he was a late replacement for Jude Bolton.
Parker spoke to sydneyswans.com.au about his debut season, and where he wants to improve in the future.
Luke, how did you find your first season with the Swans?
I absolutely loved every minute of it. This year, I probably out did my expectations as a first-year player. I guess I just wanted to prove myself to the team and I was happy to be able to push myself into the senior side. I thought hopefully I could play a few games towards the end of the season, but to play 13 games, I was absolutely wrapt.
You made your senior debut at the SCG in round 8 against Port Adelaide. What are your memories of that experience?
It was something that I was hoping to do, and wanting to do when I came to the club. I think I was actually in bed when John (Longmire) rang me up and told me that I was playing. I was just that excited to get a spot - I think I was the sub, but I didn’t care. It was just an amazing experience to be out there. It was nothing like I had ever experienced before.
What were the main differences you found from playing under age football last year to seniors this year?
Definitely the speed and intensity of the game, and the want to win of everyone. I don’t think there is anyone out there who is going in half-hearted at any contest. Probably the body size as well - they’re all men out there, so they’re much heavier than at under 18 level.
Who are the players who have impressed you most in your first season?
Adam Goodes has definitely impressed me the most. He is one of the older blokes on the list, and it is impressive to see him really leading the way in games, and off the field with his professionalism. That’s someone for me to aspire to, to have his attributes on and off the field.
Jude Bolton’s also a really good one to look up to. I see myself as playing a similar position, and I’m impressed by the way he goes about things. He’s really well prepared for games and does everything he can to get the best out of himself every week. He also knows when to have fun, but also when to take things seriously.
What are the areas you want to improve on next season?
For myself, I’d like to think having another pre-season would definitely help me prove myself as a footballer and help me push myself into the side for 24 games next year.
This break, I really want to focus on my fitness so that I can play in the engine room. This year playing 13 games mainly up forward, I think they wanted me to get some experience and get used to the speed of the game without burning out towards the end of the season. Now that I have that experience, I want to work harder to try and play in the midfield.
As a team, we really want to focus on consistency. Coming back from the break, we’re all going to be focused on where we have to improve and what we need to do to be a top four side.
Speaking of the break, what will you be getting up to?
I’ll be catching up with family and friends down in Victoria. I’ll probably go on a holiday as well, but also working hard to make sure that I come back in good shape for next year. I think I have about a week or so off, and then my fitness campaign slowly builds up to some pretty solid sessions. I live near Jarred Moore, so I’ll probably have to go and visit him and do some work with him.