AIN’T NOTHIN’ LIKE A WARRIOR

Supporters of every club adore it when they have a warrior in their team … the bloke who crashes into packs to win the ball seemingly without fear for their own wellbeing.

And Sydney supporters have been blessed more than most clubs, with a constant line of these gutsy midfielders who will do anything to win – dating back to one of the best to ever lace up a boot in Bob Skilton and over the past 30 years the likes of Paul Kelly, Brett Kirk, Jude Bolton, Dan Hannebery and Josh Kennedy.

Sitting comfortably in that illustrious group is co-captain Luke Parker.

For the past 12 seasons, Parker, the substitute in the Swans’ 2012 premiership win over Hawthorn as a 19-year-old in his 32nd AFL game, has become the epitome of everything Sydney stands for. u N AB AFL Auskick is all about fun, getting hands on the ball and constantly being involved in exciting activities in an inclusive environment.

It was never more evident than last Saturday, when despite having had his head busted open twice – later receiving at least 17 stitches – he willed the injury-riddled Swans across the line against North Melbourne, which threw everything at them despite several injuries itself.

The drama of the last minute took the spotlight away from Parker’s performance, but it would have been cruel for him to walk away empty-handed after having 28 disposals (18 contested), six clearances, five tackles, nine score involvements and seven intercept possessions for 339m gained.

He also kicked an important second-quarter goal to earn the 10 AFL Coaches Association’s votes in a continuation of another outstanding season for the triple Bob Skilton medallist who has been a constant force in 270 games since being drafted from Langwarrin and the Dandenong Stingrays at No. 40 in 2010.

He is averaging 24.9 disposals, 4.3 marks and 5.3 clearances in his first 10 games this year, all above his career averages ahead of his 100th game as co-captain against Carlton on Friday night.

He is also training youngsters such as James Rowbottom and Angus Sheldrick to become the next in that line of fearless Swans midfielders. And if anyone can rescue Sydney’s season, it is Luke Parker.

This year, all community Auskick packs had a club branded drawstring bag with a beautiful Indigenous design and story by Bri Pengarte Apma Hays, who has helped at her local centre Belmont Lions for many years.

Some of the Auskickers taking the field will be wearing custom-made Indigenous T-shirts, designed by former Brisbane and Hawthorn player and proud Indigenous man Rhan Hooper and produced by Indigenous-owned business Yilay.

The AFL is excited to showcase this amazing artwork during Sir Doug Nicholls Round.