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

Boyhood club or best career choice? Jack Lukosius has opened up on why he chose Port Adelaide over Adelaide before making a blockbuster return to South Australia.

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