Former Werribee Tigers and Oakleigh Chargers player Luke McDonald is the Round Four NAB AFL Rising Star nominee after playing a key role in North Melbourne’s 43-point win over the Sydney Swans last weekend.
Playing off half-back, Luke had 20 possessions and five marks, which considering the wet and slippery conditions, was an impressive effort.
In 2013 Luke played with Werribee in the Peter Jackson VFL while training with North Melbourne. He also captained Vic Metro in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
The son of former North Melbourne player Donald McDonald, Luke was selected by the Kangaroos as a father-son pick in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft.
Luke played in three preseason games for North Melbourne, with his form earning him selection in Round One. Since his debut, Luke has held his position in the team playing all four games of the season, averaging 19 disposals.
North Melbourne coach Brad Scott said Luke has impressed in his first month in the AFL.
"Luke has been a complete professional in the way he has gone about his football since arriving at North Melbourne," Scott said.
"He has worked extremely hard to get to where he is now and that diligence has paid off as it's shown in the first few rounds of his AFL career. Last year he balanced training with North, playing for Werribee and studying at university, which has put him in the best position to not only become a strong footballer but also a well-rounded young person."
Last Modified on 17/04/2014 14:34