Lukosius Wants Out of Gold Coast, Port Adelaide Beckons
Gold Coast forward Jack Lukosius has requested a trade to Port Adelaide. The South Australian has two years left on his deal at the Suns but is keen to return home, according to AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey.
Lukosius' decision comes after he was omitted late in the season, fueling speculation about his future. While he has stated that he was happy to stay at Gold Coast, he's now looking for a fresh start in his home state.
Port Adelaide's Strong Links to Lukosius
Lukosius' relationship with Port Adelaide captain Connor Rozee has been a crucial factor in his decision. The two are close friends and even have a connection that goes beyond their on-field ties: Lukosius is in Rozee's wedding party.
The Power's aggressive pursuit of Lukosius hasn't gone unnoticed by other South Australian clubs, particularly the Adelaide Crows. While the Crows were initially in the running to secure his services, they have accepted that Lukosius has chosen Port Adelaide, and are now focusing their attention elsewhere.
Power Offers a Lucrative Contract
Port Adelaide has reportedly offered Lukosius a six-year contract, which surpasses his current deal at Gold Coast. His existing contract, which had two years remaining, was worth $1.9 million, translating to an average of $950,000 per year. Port's generous offer reflects their keenness to secure the services of a talented forward who could potentially solidify their attack for the coming years.
However, the trade negotiations are not straightforward. Port Adelaide's highest selection in this year's draft is pick 36, and they may need to make additional sacrifices to acquire Lukosius given his hefty salary. The Power will need to find a way to balance their draft assets and their desire to land a player who can help them challenge for the premiership in the near future.
Lukosius' Time at Gold Coast
While Lukosius has been a key player for the Suns, his consistent performances have been somewhat inconsistent. He finished the season with 23 goals and 16 goal assists but wasn't able to maintain a high level of performance throughout the year. This has led to speculation that he might not be the perfect fit for the Suns' current playing style, and that a change of scenery could help him unlock his full potential.
The Power's Roster
Port Adelaide already boasts a strong forward line with the likes of Charlie Dixon, Mitch Georgiades, and Connor Rozee. However, the team has been looking to add a reliable target who can contribute in various aspects of the game, and Lukosius' versatility makes him an attractive option for the Power. If he joins the club, he could potentially be the missing piece that helps them finally break through and claim a premiership.
A Big Day for Port Adelaide
The Power have had a busy trade period, with multiple players expressing interest in joining the club. In addition to Lukosius, the team is also looking to secure the services of GWS free agent Isaac Cumming, who is considering a move to South Australia. The Power are also awaiting a call from fellow Giants free agent Harry Perryman, who is also being pursued by Collingwood and 'sees himself as a midfielder'.
The Future is Bright for Lukosius and Port Adelaide
The trade of Jack Lukosius to Port Adelaide has the potential to be a win-win situation for both parties. Lukosius gets to return home and play alongside his friend Connor Rozee while potentially getting a bigger role in the team. Port Adelaide gets a talented forward who could be a key part of their premiership aspirations. It remains to be seen how the trade negotiations will play out, but if both parties can agree on a suitable deal, this could be a significant move for both the player and the club.
