Jack Lukosius not feeling pressure after being labelled ‘once-in-a-generation’ player ahead of draft
He has been touted as a top-10 draft pick ever since a surprise senior SANFL debut last year but Jack Lukosius says he is not feeling the pressure of being labelled a once-in-a-generation player.
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The wraps on Jack Lukosius have been hardly fair.
The South Australian has been touted as a top-five draft pick, likened to St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt and described by at least one recruiter as a “once-in-a-generation player”.
“That’s where a bit of pressure comes, the big quotes like that,” Lukosius said.
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“But I think I’m a long way off that. A generation’s about 30 years and I think there’s been some pretty good players in the last 30 years so I’m not taking that too seriously. I’m just doing my best.”
Lukosius’ best is better than most.
Described as tall, athletic, smart on the lead and a beautiful kick, the 194cm forward has not looked back since kicking four goals in his senior debut for Woodville-West Torrens in last year’s SANFL preliminary final to put his name up in lights.
Lukosius has backed that up by playing most of his football this year in the SANFL seniors, kicking 14 goals from 13 games while often opposed to AFL-hardened opponents including Port Adelaide-turned-North Melbourne defender Jasper Pittard.
“I think playing in the SANFL’s definitely going to help that,” Lukosius said of a transition to the AFL.
“I only played four or so weeks against kids this year. But I am pretty light. I’m going to take a bit of time to develop and put on weight and mature so I know that’s not going to be my biggest strength.”
Lukosius played national under-17 cricket for South Australia as a right-arm pace bowler before suffering a stress fracture in his back while playing district cricket, which led to a decision to give away cricket and focus on football.
An Adelaide fan growing up whose favourite player is captain Taylor Walker, football had been the passion since Lukosius was a child.
“I knew all my six times tables really early, before kindergarten. I was a bit of a nuffie like that,” he said.
“I had AFL Live 2004 on PlayStation. I watched all the games, everything, and wherever I went I had a footy with me. I just loved it.”
Now the sport is set to become more than that … a job.
“I kind of know that my name will hopefully get called out so I’m not in that boat that’s worrying heaps and heaps,” Lukosius said.
“But it’s pretty exciting, not knowing where you are going.”
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