Magic midfield fuels

Every post a winner, thanks to solid Wilson

ANAKIE’S daunting task of matching powerhouse Bell Post Hill this weekend when local action resumes may be inspired by the exploits of its ruckman Luke Wilson.

The 26-year-old was pivotal in the GDFL’s victory on Saturday, rucking almost solo against multiple Heathcote ruckmen at North Geelong.

His tap-outs and quick disposals were recognised by the GDFL coaching panel, who awarded him the WorkSafe Medal moments after the game.

“Today was a fantastic buy-in by the group and the professionalism the coaches showed,” Wilson said.

“One of the points they raised was, ‘Don’t be a bloke that comes off the ground just having a jumper to take home’.

“They said, ‘Make sure that it means something’ and that each individual had earned it.

“Everyone did today. We only get to play with all these blokes once and we all loved it because it was really well done.”

Last season, Wilson finished fourth in the Whitley Medal with 16 votes, but he admits he has been slow to build up to his best form this year.

“You can ask (Anakie coach) Chris Moore and the coaching panel and they’ll also tell you that I was a bit down on myself in the first three or four rounds,” he said.

“I was playing cricket finals in March. I took my focus off footy and played just one practice match, so virtually I was figuring things out in the opening weeks.

“As a leader of our club, I’ll admit I was disappointed with the form that I put out.

“But I picked up against Bannockburn though and then I played well against Werribee — we faced Belmont and I was good as well that day.”

GDFL coaches were initially relieved to find out Heathcote ruckman Mitch McEvoy, cousin of Hawthorn big man Ben McEvoy, did not make the final squad.

But Wilson, with occasional help from Bell Post Hill defender Tim Barton, had his hands full taking on Elmore’s Jack Hayes and Colbinabbin’s Hadleigh Sirett.

As for comparisons with former Bell Post Hill ruckman Renn Lovitt in regard to the league’s most reliable tap ruckman, Wilson was keeping his distance.

“When you win three or four premierships in a row, then the results speak for themselves some will say,” Wilson said.

“I love Renn, I think he’s a very good ruckman, but at the end of the day you should think you’re the best yourself in each game and try to achieve that level. So I’ll always aspire to achieve that.”