VFL 2019: Casey Demons sign on-the-rise Noble Park defender Ariek Lual

Noble Park coach Mick Fogarty said “the sky’s the limit’’ for Ariek Lual, who has joined the VFL Demons after catching the eye in the Eastern league.

EMERGING Noble Park defender Ariel “Dell’’ Lual has signed at VFL club Casey Demons.

With half forward Cory Machaya out with a knee injury and on the long-term injured list, the Demons have placed the tall 20-year-old on their books ahead of the June 30 clearance cut-off.

Lual joined the Bulls this season and quickly made an impression with his athleticism and agility in the backline.

It’s believed an AFL club had a recruiter watch him when Noble Park played Blackburn three weeks ago.

Aside from Casey, VFL clubs Richmond and Frankston were also monitoring his progress.

The Sudanese-born Lual spent time at Norwood in the SANFL.

Media reports suggest Port Adelaide had assessed him as a potential Category B recruit.

Melbourne Next Generation Academy staff put his name up to the Casey Demons before the start of the season.

Ariek Lual fights it out at ground level for the Bulls.

But with the Demons’ list almost finalised they passed on Lual’s details to Noble Park, which was looking for a key defender to replace Ryan Morrison.

The Bulls have been thrilled with the right-footer’s contribution this year.

“He’s been enormous for us,’’ coach Mick Fogarty said this morning.

“When he played his first practice game you could see his raw talent and ability to defend.

“As the games came on we saw other things come out in him. He sees the ball well as it comes in, he kicks really well — he’s a prodigious kick but he probably hasn’t showcased it fully — and he can mark.

“He’s got all the attributes. The sky’s the limit with him, I think.

“If anything he probably needs to get a bit stronger, put more weight on, but he can do that.’’

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Fogarty added: “I can see him having a real impact at that level. Who knows where it can go.’’

It’s believed Lual is eligible to play in the VFL as the 23rd player.

Fogarty said the interest in Lula, young Liam Scott and Richmond VFL-listed Luke Nelson had been exciting for Noble Park this year.