Luke Parks | 2021 Season Review

Written by Ari Stamatakos

SEASON SYNOPSIS

With all due respect, many didn’t know who Luke Parks was prior to the season, and even more so when he made his debut only 3 games into the year. However, he hushed those critics very quickly as his performance in that, and subsequent games showed that he has plenty of potential. He played until round 9 against the Dees. Before the long locks were back for his final game of the season against the Giants in round 14. This relative unknown showed major promise and was a very serviceable player when in the side. His 3.3 spoils per game - which rank elite in the competition for defenders - is a perfect example of this. 

BEST PERFORMANCE

Parks didn’t really have any standout games. As a defender, he was the definition of a role player. Not making the headlines with an unbelievable performance but playing his role for the team and helping the likes of Jones and Weitering to have the ‘standout game.’ His debut was the game where he announced himself to the Carlton faithful. In a game that was set up for each of Carlton’s tall defenders to play well, he took the opportunity with both hands and ran with it.   

He had 13 disposals, with many of them being pushed up on the wing and taking intercept marks. He had 3 tackles, 5 intercept possessions, 4 score involvements, 3 rebound 50’s and 382 metres gained. He got the crowd excited with his flying marks and gave absolutely everything to make a name for himself. He showed all the assets which he displayed for Glenelg the year prior and showed that he can provide the Blues with some valuable depth for years to come. 

OFF-SEASON & 2021 OUTLOOK

It was a very promising season for Luke Parks. After many didn’t really know who he was prior to the season, he made a splash in the 6 games he played and got valuable minutes and AFL experience which could lead him in good stead for years to come. Will he play 6 or more games in 2022? Probably not, unless he makes himself impossible not to include through his performances in the VFL, Parks should be looking to address areas of concern and build to increase playing time in 2023. However, if he is required to play more than 6 games in 2022, he has shown that with the leadership of Jones, Weitering and Docherty, he can be guided to a serviceable game, where his assets are shown while hiding the weaknesses he has. With the new coach coming in, this could heavily increase the trajectory for Parks, with improved development and a clear defensive structure, he could become an explosive, athletic and dynamic defender which could cause some of the most dangerous forwards in the game serious problems. 

2021 REPORT CARD RATING

B

STATUS HEADING INTO 2022 

Sporadic 22