Already considered one of the more attractive prospects ahead of this year’s NAB AFL Draft, Lucas has been in fine form for Western Australia throughout the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
He starred against Vic Metro at Subiaco with 18 possessions, five inside 50s, two goals and two scoring assists.
In the 128-point belting of Tasmania at Casey Fields on Saturday, he finished with 23 disposals, three clearances, six inside 50s and two goals.
“He has got good hands, he’s quick and has got good skills – he is the complete player,” WA coach Andrew Lockyer told afl.com.au.
The decision to throw 188cm Lucas forward, Lockyer said, was taken for team reasons rather than with Lucas himself in mind.
“He’s one of our most consistent forwards – throughout the carnival he has probably been our best lead-up forward.”
A senior player at WAFL level with East Fremantle this year, Lucas is WA’s joint vice-captain.
In his second U18 carnival, he says playing up forward has been an opportunity to learn more about his game.
“I’ve been working on my opposite side and trying to get that up to scratch, and to develop a bit more penetration with my kicking,” he said.
“I think I’ve lost a bit over the year and am working on that – I think it’s really starting to come together now.”
WA remains unbeaten ahead of Wednesday’s finale at Docklands, which hasn’t hurt Lucas’s enthusiasm for the championships.
“It’s been awesome. Especially it being my second year this year and the boys have been a bit more successful,” he said.
“I’m having a lot of fun.”
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