Debuts add SA feel to match
MELBOURNE will need to brace for an Adelaide invasion this weekend as Gold Coast Suns players Jack Lukosius and Chris Burgess prepare to make their AFL debut.
Burgess’ mother has hired a bus and will drive eight hours from Adelaide to Melbourne with 10 family members to see her son play while over 10 more will fly in to see the mature-age recruit play against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium tomorrow.
Lukosius will also have family attend while his friends from Adelaide will also undergo the road trip.
“It will be special having them there,” Burgess said.
The two have undertaken vastly different paths to the AFL. Lukosius was an under-18 All-australian last year, a highly touted forward who was taken with pick two of last year’s draft.
Burgess, 23, was a late developer who only started to believe he could reach the AFL while playing for West Adelaide in the SANFL last year.
Both secured their Round 1 starts after impressing in the JLT Series in the forward line.
Lukosius is still friends with his former under-18 underage representatives and was a keen observer of Sam Walsh’s successful debut for Carlton on Thursday night.
The 18-year-old said he hadn’t felt the weight of expectation that comes with his high draft pick but hoped to make the same impact as Walsh.
“I’m really good mates with nearly every kid who has been picked up,” Lukosius said.
“I was watching over the JLT everyone performing really well and Walsh (against Richmond).
“He is a star and it’s been good to watch him.
“Hopefully I can play my part on Sunday.”
Burgess said it was about making the most of his opportunity after being given a lifeline through the concessions given to the Suns.
“Coming into it I probably wasn’t expecting to play Round 1,” Burgess said.
“I was just the new guy to the club and I’ve just been trying to work hard and get to know the structures and the way we play.
“I’m hoping to role for the team.” play my