AFL Trade: Jack Lukosius on why he chose Port Adelaide over Adelaide

Jack Lukosius has revealed the reason behind his trade request to Port Adelaide, as well as the moment he told best mate Connor Rozee they’d be lining up together in 2025.

Port Adelaide recruit Jack Lukosius says it took him a while to realise that leaving Gold Coast and returning to South Australia would be the best move for his career.

Lukosius wanted to stay at the Suns but queries – from both sides – about his fit in Damien Hardwick’s game plan led to open talks with the club about a potential exit.

People close to the 24-year-old swingman convinced him he needed to change teams to fulfil his potential.

“Especially this season, I was very committed to the Gold Coast and didn’t want to talk to any other clubs,” said Lukosius, who played 116 games for the Suns across six seasons.

Jack Lukosius departed the Suns in the off-season. Picture: Matt Roberts/AFL Photos/via Getty Images.

“There’s nothing more I wanted than to play finals and succeed up there.

“I’m pretty flat I won’t be able to achieve that.

“I think the new system and game plan they implemented under Dimma (Hardwick) wasn’t quite suiting me.

“They were open to (a move) – we had a pretty open chat in my exit (interview) – they said the way we play here might not suit your strengths and the way you play.

“All the important people were all aligned that this was the best move.

“It took me a while to realise, but I’m very grateful.”

Lukosius joined the Power last week in a three-way trade with the Suns and Collingwood.

He described leaving Gold Coast, which drafted him as an 18-year-old from Woodville-West Torrens at pick 2 in 2018, as one of the most difficult decisions of his life.

Picking Port over the Crows – the club he supported growing – was a very close call.

One that came down to what he felt would help him unlock his best football.

He liked how settled the Power was, its blend of older and younger players, the direction the team was heading and what he felt he could add to its forward line.

Lukosius told long-time friend Connor Rozee he had chosen Port over Adelaide on Brownlow Medal night.

“He was stoked,” said Lukosius, a groomsman in Rozee’s wedding this weekend.

“He was pushing for me to go to Port but kind of knew I had to make my own call.

“I thought I would fit in at both (SA clubs) and it was an incredibly tough decision.

“Now it’s up to me to make the absolute most of this opportunity.”

The Suns did not finish higher than 12th on the ladder during Lukosius’s tenure.

He hoped to be part of something special at the Power, which reached a preliminary final this past season.

“I’m very excited for what’s to come,” he said.

“I couldn’t be happier.”

LUKO: ‘UNFORTUNATE’ I HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN SA CLUBS

Boom Port Adelaide recruit Jack Lukosius says it was “unfortunate” he had to choose between the Power and playing for his boyhood club Adelaide.

Lukosius returned to South Australia as part of the three-way trade which sent Port’s All-Australian defender Dan Houston to Collingwood and Magpie John Noble to Gold Coast.

The 24-year-old arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday and said he was eager to get down to work with his new teammates.

“It’s been a busy few months but I couldn’t be happier to be back here at the Power,” he said.

“Hopefully it’s a great thing. I’ve made the move that I think will best suit my career … looking forward to meeting the boys and getting into it.”

The former No. 2 draft pick endured a frustrating 2024 campaign and was dropped to the VFL late in the season.

Lukosius kicked 23 goals from 21 matches in his last season as a Sun, finishing his time in Queensland with 79 majors from 116 games.

He said the choice between Port Adelaide and the Crows had been “very tough” once he settled on asking for a trade.

“Both clubs are in a good spot. I just think I had to make the best call for me and I think the way Port are set up and the club they are, I think they (were best suited) for me going forward,” he said on Channel 7.

“Unfortunately can only pick one. Looking forward to the challenge ahead.”

Lukosius grew up an Adelaide supporter but said he was “happy to be a Port player”.

One of his first duties as a Power player will be attending the wedding of close mate and Port skipper Connor Rozee, who helped seal Lukosius’ arrival to Alberton.

“(The friendship) came into a little bit. Obviously good mates but I had to make the best call for me and my career and definitely took my time. It helps that he’s there, for sure,” he said.

Lukosius said he would play as a forward for Port Adelaide as Ken Hinkley revamps the club’s attack after the retirement of Charlie Dixon.

There are also doubts about whether Todd Marshall will continue his career due to concussion.

“That’s the plan, be the best forward I can be,” he said.

Originally published as AFL Trade: Jack Lukosius on why he chose Port Adelaide over Adelaide