Jack Lukosius took a major step in 2020 in his first full season as a defender, finishing equal-ninth in Gold Coast’s 2020 Club Champion.
The 20-year-old played all 17 games where he averaged 16 disposals, four marks and five rebound 50’s per game.
After playing most of his debut season as a forward, Lukosius was tested in defence at the back end of 2019, before being shifted permanently into the back half this year.
The move was a success, with Lukosius able to showcase his precision kicking out of defence by being given the responsibility of taking the SUNS’ kick-ins.
Lukosius became the metres-gained king this season, leading the league in the stat in 2020.
He’s shown vast improvement from his first year, almost doubling his disposal average when adjusted for the shorter game-times in 2020.
He may eventually move back to the forward line later in his career, but for now, Lukosius has found a home in defence where he can thrive and impact games.
Stat that matters:
You can’t go past Lukosius’ dominance in the metres gained stat. The defender clocked up a total of 7,998 metres gained throughout the season – almost eight kilometres in total. Coming at an average of 470 per game, it was enough to lead the entire competition through 18 rounds.
Best performance:
Lukosius’ best game was in Round 12 against Richmond. He accumulated a massive 836 metres gained in this match, a season record. To go with the territory gain, he also had a season-high 27 disposals, seven marks and 10 rebound 50’s.
Moment of the season:
Earning recognition with a nomination in the AFL Players’ Association’s 22Under22 squad would be up there with Lukosius’ best highlights of the year. He earnt enough support in the fan-voted award to secure a place in the back pocket of the 2020 team, securing his first 22Under22 jumper.
Year in a movie title:
Going the Distance
