EDFL: Aberfeldie’s Luke Blackwell retires after decorated career
A key player in Aberfeldie’s memorable era will not take the field in 2020 after deciding to end a career that has included three premierships, a Reynolds Medal and two Reg Rose medals.
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Father Time has stopped Luke Blackwell like few opponents could.
The Aberfeldie champion has decided to call time on his decorated career after causing myriad headaches for rival EDFL clubs over the past five years.
While Blackwell’s body is crying out for a break, the competition will be poorer for his absence.
The three-time premiership player had weighed up his future after last season before returning to Abers for a crack at another flag.
But he has opted to retire after struggling through the second half of the campaign as Aberfeldie fell one step short of the ultimate prize.
“The body pretty much fell apart in the second half of the year unfortunately,” Blackwell said.
“I found it pretty tough in the latter part and was pretty sore.
“I don’t want to say I went one (year) too many, but the body can’t handle it anymore.”
Opposition players will likely breathe a sigh of relief, with Blackwell claiming the Reynolds Medal for the best-and-fairest player in Premier Division in 2016 to go with the Sandover Medal he collected at WAFL club Claremont in 2011.
He was also a proven performer on the big stage, grabbing back-to-back Reg Rose medals for best afield in a grand final in 2017 and ’18.
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Blackwell made 23 appearances at AFL level in a three-year stint with Carlton and will be remembered as one of the EDFL’s elite.
But he said the time was right to depart as Aberfeldie brings through the next wave of talent.
While Abers failed to complete a three-peat of premierships, seven players made their senior debuts for the club in 2019 under Blackwell and his co-coach Adam Potter.
“I don’t think you want to hold the spot when a young guy could come in if you’re just battling along,” Blackwell said.
“That was probably why I thought I should have finished up last year.
“I’m not a big fan of blokes not training. I think as you get older, you’ve got to train harder than everyone to keep up with all the young fellas.
“When you start not being able to train and things like that — like I was this year — I think you know it’s time to pull the pin.”
Blackwell featured in a grand final in each year of his playing career at Aberfeldie, which has advanced to seven consecutive season finales.
He said he felt fortunate to have enjoyed such success.
But his influence on Aberfeldie’s ascension to powerhouse status should not be underestimated.
“It’s been an amazing club to be a part of with a great bunch of guys,” Blackwell said.
“Even the coaching staff, Pottsy is a good mate of mine, and just everyone at the footy club has been unreal for me and my family.
“It’s like a second home to me, Abers.
“I’ve been lucky to be involved in such a great club.”
Blackwell listed Ryan Allan, Josh Cubillo, Jacob Craven, Josh Toy and Nick Cattapan among the finest he had played alongside in a memorable era.
While the premierships have been the obvious highlight, he has also enjoyed watching the next generation flourish.
“It’s a bit of excitement. You can see the energy in them and the love for the club,” he said.
“I’m pretty excited about what they can produce next year.”
As for a potential career as a coach, Blackwell said: “A few years ago, I would have said yes.
“These days, with the business side of things, I’m taking on a lot more responsibility.
“It’s probably looking less likely now than it was a few years ago, but never say never.”
He is also uncertain of his plans for 2020, but don’t expect to see him at another club.
“I definitely won’t be anywhere else,” Blackwell said.
“If I do anything in footy, it will be with Pottsy. If I don’t, I’ll probably go and sit on the hill on a Saturday.”
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