Leaping into the public eye
By Greg Lange
richmondfc.com.au
Friday, May 4, 2007
HEADING into last weekend’s clash against the West Coast Eagles, Richmond’s Luke McGuane was known to most AFL fans as one of a batch of promising Tigers youngsters.
After standing on the heads of teammate Joel Bowden and Eagle Adam Hunter to take one of the marks of the round at the MCG, it’s fair to say McGuane’s profile has increased dramatically.
“I saw Joel Bowden and his opponent Adam Hunter just standing there and perfect for the sit,” McGuane said. “So I thought I should try and go up for a grab like I would have done at VFL level, and it came off thank God.”
McGuane’s passion for a leap was evident in his early years on the Gold Coast, where he enjoyed success on the athletics track in both the high jump and 800m events.
But according to the jovial 20-year-old sports science student, athletics was never really going to be an option.
“I like the physical aspect of AFL, where as in athletics I couldn’t use that side of things,” McGuane said. “I mean, it was fun and I enjoyed it, but I just enjoyed footy that little bit more.”
Considering McGuane’s genetic link to former Collingwood star Mick McGuane – the two are cousins - it’s no surprise he finds himself living out his AFL dream with the Tigers.
While he’s moved away from Queensland to follow his AFL dream at Punt Road, McGuane said he stays in close contact with his family, which is never short of advice.
“My brother is constantly sledging me about how thin I am, Dad is always analysing the game and even Mum is having a crack at me; always on my back about taking my multi-vitamins and proteins,” he joked.
Although, McGuane isn’t averse to having a good-natured crack at his teammates when the opportunity arises.
His sports science study partner and Tigers teammate Dean Polo is a favourite target.
“His hair style a couple of weeks ago certainly isn’t the latest trend, I don’t know where he got that one from,” McGuane, a self-confessed fashion aficionado, said.
“I felt for him, but I think he’s learnt from his mistake.”
On a more serious note, things couldn’t be better for McGuane on the field. His successful conversion from a forward to a defender has raised both the club’s and his own expectations for the 2007 season.
“I had a goal at the start of the year to play 10 senior games [and] I’ve now played the first five,” McGuane said.
“If I can hold on to my spot in the side and play 22 games I would be absolutely rapt as earlier on in the pre-season, it probably wouldn’t have been a consideration of mine.”
McGuane’s impressive form is having a positive effect on his self belief.
“It feels a lot better playing consistent footy in the senior team. I suppose you feel more apart of the group and more confident on and off the field,” he said.
McGuane has caught the eye of many experts since the season started and is clearly enjoying his new role as a key defender.
“I was always a forward but I’ve been tutored by David King to play in the backline and I’m really starting to enjoy it, especially going for my marks,” he said.
However, McGuane said there was a down side to getting the job on opposition key forwards each week – having to listen to his brother and bulk up.
Both tasks are proving to be difficult, he laughed.
“I have been trying to put on a bit of weight but it doesn’t seem to be working,” McGuane said.
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