By Malcolm Conn
Luke Parker is perplexed that showing a moment’s personality on the football field could fill so much air time.
The Swans’ co-captain’s mock frightened expression to opponent Dylan Shiel after he beat his Essendon opponent in a contest, which resulted in a Swans goal, sent sections of the Melbourne AFL media into overdrive earlier this month.
Luke Parker mocking the Bombers’ Dylan Shiel.Credit: Fox Footy
Amongst the reaction, Essendon players were slammed by club great Matthew Lloyd for allowing themselves to be “walked over” by the Swans, while Parker’s actions were labelled “juvenile” and “arrogant” by veteran journalist Caroline Wilson.
“I thought the reaction was probably a little bit of a storm in a teacup,” said Parker, who was more interested in focusing on this Saturday night’s blockbuster against top team Melbourne at the MCG.
“It was probably dragged out for longer than I thought it would. I didn’t really think it was anything different to what goes on in a game probably 100 times that people don’t see.
“Obviously, this one was caught on camera and you could say a little bit more of the gesture. But I think that’s part of the game and just part of being competitive and wanting to win.
Luke Parker celebrates a goal against EssendonCredit: Getty Images
“I didn’t really think it was the big deal at the time that it was made out to be and at the end of the day, I think it was probably a little bit of a slow news week.
“It tended to be the one thing that kind of got thrown around and everyone continued to have an opinion on it but look for me, I moved on from it.”
In the days after the Swans’ 58-point win over the Bombers, Shiel said he didn’t feel like it was a “big deal”.
Parker said it was “just the part of the game.”
“He got on with it. He said later it didn’t really bother him.”
Nor did it bother Swans coach John Longmire. “I’m not sure it’s that relevant,” Longmire said in the days after the match. “What I have is absolute support for Luke Parker. I think Luke Parker’s history suggests he plays the game in the right way.”
Following a wobbly month when the Swans lost three out of four matches after a good start to the season, Friday night’s strong come from behind victory against Richmond at the SCG has injected some confidence.
Now 12 years, 246 games and the 2012 premiership into a career which makes him one of the drivers of a young and redeveloping side, Parker is keen to see how far this group can go.
Luke Parker thanks fans after the Swans beat Richmond last Friday night at the SCG Credit: Getty Images
“You go into any season thinking you can challenge for that top position,” he said.
“That’s that’s the mindset you want to have each year. It’s not hoping to build and wait a few years.”
This Saturday night will be a good indicator against reigning premiers Melbourne, a side on the rebound from their first loss of the season.
“They’re the best for a reason and it’s always good to come up against the best and see where you’re at,” said Parker, who was looking forward to a rare outing on the MCG.
“It’s always nice getting down to play on the “G”, Parker said. “We only play on it two or three times a year pre-finals.
“We’ve played some really good football there in the last couple of years, which is due to the size of it and the players that we’ve got.”
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