I want to make the most of this opportunity

PORT ADELAIDE recruit Jack Lukosius is delighted to be joining Port Adelaide, saying his decision to leave the Gold Coast was one of the hardest decisions he has made in his career.

Looking to bolster the Power’s forward line, the 24-year-old knows he will now have to make the most of his new opportunity.

Lucozius spoke to Adelaide media on Wednesday about what influenced his choice of club, realizing his potential as a footballer and how he sees himself as an attacking player.

Lukosius moves to Port Adelaide
“Yeah, that’s pretty cool. It’s been a busy few months and I saw myself in flowers for the first time. So it’s not quite good yet, but I’m very excited about what’s going to happen here at the club. I’m really pleased, they’re a great football club with a great history and they’re in a great position at the moment. So I’m looking forward to adding to that.

“It was probably one of the hardest calls I’ve ever made in my life. And I definitely took my time. But I think yes, how established the club is. They have a great balance between older and younger guys. And I think the direction they’re going in is really exciting. And I thought that my role and what I could bring would complement that and allow me to be the best I can be as a footballer.”

Lukosius pictured as a child in port wine
“(Even though I grew up as an Adelaide fan), a lot of the family are Ports, I think I might have been with my grandma and dad that day, so they wanted to dress me (in a Ports uniform).”

Lukosius on the decision to exchange
“Yes, it was something of a journey. I was, especially this season, very loyal to the Gold Coast and didn’t really want to talk to any other clubs or anything and I wanted to keep fighting to play my best football and be successful there. And yes, it came very late, but, speaking of some important people in my life, I decided that this move could suit my football and the rest of my career. So yes, I gave it my all, but unfortunately I couldn’t succeed. But I hope this move will be good for me.”

Lucosius on decision to leave Gold Coast
“All the important people around me said, ‘I think this is the best move for you.’ And it took me a while to realize that, but yeah, I’m very grateful that I did it and I’m looking forward to the opportunity here.

“(Gold Coast) were open to it. At my exit we talked quite frankly. They said that the way we played here may not suit your strengths and the way you play. And they wanted the best for me as a player and also for them as a club. So we took our time working on it, but yeah, we got it done in the end.”

Lukosius on his interactions with Ken Hinckley
“Yes, I talked to Ken a lot. I met with him at the end of the season. And yes, I was very impressed. He’s quite an impressive guy and a passionate fan of his football club. And it was a very cool meeting. And then I called him on the phone several times before the deal went through, and then again. So Ken was great. I’m looking forward to playing under his leadership.”

Lukosius on his role at Port Adelaide
“Yeah (being a striker) is what I wanted. I think this is my best player and this is where I want to play and they lived up to that too. It was great to hear that from Port Adelaide and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve over the next few years.”

Lukosius on his friendship with Connor Rosie
“He was very excited (when I told him I was going to Port Adelaide). He was great…he kind of encouraged me to go to Port, but knew I needed to call my own trip (so) he kept a little distance. And then I told him about it that night at Brownlow and he was delighted and we had a couple of beers together. So that was great.

“It was more something that would suit me and my career and I want to be part of something very special and be able to play in the finals and deep in the finals and I thought I could add the most to that group. But clearly, like I said, you can’t predict anything and now it’s up to me and the boys to get to work and I’m looking forward to it.”

Lukosius on increasing sustainability on the Gold Coast
“Yes, it taught me a lot, especially in the early days. Obviously we were in a rebuilding process and I kind of saw the club’s journey coming and was a big part of what we wanted to achieve. And the last three years we got to the final, there were probably six or seven games left and it kind of fizzled out. So I’ve definitely seen the hard side of football and come through that side.”

Lukosius about his plans to play in the final football
“Absolutely yes, what I wanted most was to play in the final and be successful there. And yes, I’m pretty sure I won’t be able to achieve that, so I’m looking forward to adding a strong culture here and hopefully learning as much as I can about what they do here. , and try to add to that and hopefully help the club go further.”

Lukosius on fitting into Port Adelaide’s forward line
“I think there are a lot of guys in this front line with different strengths that will complement (me), especially the way the midfield and team move the ball from the midfield and around the ground. So yeah, I’m not sure if it’ll be an absolute number one or if we can all come together, but I’m looking forward to pre-season and obviously I’ve got 20-odd new teammates or 40. weird in the whole roster , which I will have to deal with and learn how they function. So yeah, whether I become one, two, three or whatever it is, I’m just looking forward to playing my part.”

Lukosius about his potential
“I feel like I have something to add. And I think this club is probably the kind of environment that I thought would be good for that. So midfield in front of the ball and other types of forwards are definitely where I think I can get the most out of my game. And obviously in the AFL you can’t predict what’s going to happen in the future, but certainly right now I think they’re in a very good position.”

Lukosius on how difficult the decision was
“I was very close to both clubs (Port Adelaide and Adelaide). Yes, they both performed very impressively, and to be honest, I thought I could handle both of them, and yes, it was an incredibly difficult decision. And call both clubs to let them know it hasn’t been an easy few hours, but yes, I’m very grateful to be here. And now my job is to make the most of this opportunity.”

Lukosius on his Port Adelaide connections
“Yes (I know), a lot. There are quite a few lads from the Eagles, a few lads from Henley High who I went to school with and of course Connor. But you come back here every offseason and you run into people, and I feel like I’ve met at least half the roster. So I’m looking forward to developing this relationship.”

Lukosius on playing in a big AFL state
“Yeah, to be honest, I’m just looking forward to it. I grew up here. Everyone asks: “What is your hobby besides football?” and all that, and I just love my sport. I love my football so I’m looking forward to everything it includes and I think it will help me play my best football. So I’m really looking forward to using colors next season. And yes, I can’t wait.”

Lukosius on watching Port Adelaide this season
“I probably didn’t start watching them until a little later in the season, but I just thought about their ability to do it at the end of the season. I think they had a few injuries and suspensions and things like that and they were pretty young and kept going strong and were very resilient. So I think they’ve clearly got the cultural side of things figured out. And yes, I think this group of midfielders is really interesting. Hopefully they can give me a good ball.”

Lukosius on Connor’s upcoming wedding to Rosie
“Yes, I’m looking forward to it. Clearly this is a special weekend for him. And yes, I really want to meet some boys and have a good time. I’m a groom, so I don’t quite understand what this means yet. I look forward to their celebration.”