Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
Welcome to the Kennel
Shifter write up
Luke Cleary
Sandringham Dragons, NAB League / Beaumaris FC
State: Victoria Metro
Height: 189cm
Weight: 80kg
Date of Birth: 05/03/02
Invited to the NAB AFL Draft Combine last year but overlooked in the 2020 NAB AFL Draft, he has bounced back, taking every opportunity to impress including strong performances in the Victorian Young Guns match as well as representing Victoria Metro at under-19s level. This complemented his polished performances for the Sandringham Dragons, playing seven matches and averaging 20.1 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency (a strong indication of his composure with the ball in hand). A fine intercept mark and reader of the play across half-back, he finished runner-up in the Dragons' best-and-fairest award this year.
Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
POSITION: Defender
A consistent performer over the season in the defensive 50 across all levels of competition, Cleary showed onlookers exactly why he earned a draft combine invite in 2020, despite such little exposure. The top-ager impressed this year with his positioning behind the ball which allowed his intercepting game to thrive, following up with well measured and safe kicks. Cleary may not be the flashiest or most damaging defender from the draft pool, but he has shown that he’s a reliable and composed figure under pressure in defensive 50.
STRENGTHS:
+ Kicking efficiency
+ Positioning
+ Intercepting
+ Rebounding
IMPROVEMENTS:
- Contested game
- Hurt factor
Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
Man we love drafting half back flankers
Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
Is another tweener sized defender really a need? O’Brien, Khamis, Crozier, Cordy and now Cleary.
A ruckman or a genuine key defense prospect would have been a better choice, imo.
Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
Welcome Luke. Intercept marking trait I like. Easton Wood vibes :)
Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
Quote:
Originally Posted by
comrade
Is another tweener sized defender really a need? O’Brien, Khamis, Crozier, Cordy and now Cleary.
Louis Butler as well
Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
Seems an odd choice based on profile...
We seem to refuse to stock up on key defender or rucks.
Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
Quote:
Originally Posted by
The Bulldogs Bite
Seems an odd choice based on profile...
We seem to refuse to stock up on key defender or rucks.
Charlie Dean was available but was very unlikely.
Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
Found this footage on twitter of the vice-captain of the Dragons
https://twitter.com/i/status/1463821862643769346
Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
We were always going to take an overager, we love them.
Good luck to the kid.
Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
Anyone else reckon Duryea replacement? Seems like a good tackler, decent medium size, looks assured with the ball and a good intercept mark without being spectacular at either.
Re: Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary
Quote:
Originally Posted by
soupman
Anyone else reckon Duryea replacement? Seems like a good tackler, decent medium size, looks assured with the ball and a good intercept mark without being spectacular at either.
Looks more like Bailey Williams, not a standout athletically but well balanced