High flying Luke Ferguson has promised to pull in a couple of big marks in his 100th senior game for the Tigers this Saturday against Noosa at Everton. In reflecting on his journey to the milestone match, Ferguson indicated that the best piece of advice he has received as a player was “to keep going for his marks”. Given that he has won the “Mayne Tigers Mark of the Year” for the last 4 years – the big crowd at Everton this week will be hoping for more of the same.
Recruited from North Cairns in 2003, Ferguson drove the 2000 km from Cairns in 22 hours straight to arrive in Brisbane only hours before making his debut against Labrador at Kedron. He lined up alongside his older brother Mitch with Rob Dickfos senior coach. Dickfos was influential in improving his game to the point where Ferguson took out the club champion and players’ player award in his first year at Mayne. Mitch took over the reins from Dickfos a few years later and on Saturday will be as proud as punch in coaching his brother in his 100th match.
“Luke deserves every success that comes his way given the efforts he has put into the club over the last 6 years. Guys like him and Andrew Housego have carried a huge load in keeping the side together over the years – they can both enjoy themselves more now on the field. Luke has been a wonderful leader for the young kids, genuinely interested in their welfare on and off the field. I am sure that every one of his team mates will be busting their gut this Saturday to ensure he has some terrific memories of his 100th game.”
Ferguson has some interesting thoughts when answering the usual questions on his career to date. He rates Sandgate ruckman Clint Sheppard as the toughest opponent he has played on (and Sandgate the worst ground), with Dale Nolan just shading Andrew Housego as the best player he has played alongside. He would throw the ball to Brad Johns as the best kick for goal he has seen at Mayne, with Caleb Brown his most respected team mate. “Brownie’s impeccable preparation and all year round commitment to his fitness and match day performance is incredible” Mayne AFC life member Graham Walters rates as his best supporter at the club – having witnessed first hand nearly all of his 100 games! (and likely had Luke in his best and fairest votes each time!)
What continues to drive him on to perform each week is the exciting group of “tiger cubs” at the club. Ferguson strongly believes that the window of opportunity for Mayne is looming large with a growing list of rising stars now ready to take the next step. He rates Aaron Whitecross and Tom Falconer marginally ahead of a long list of other ex Mayne juniors as the top prospects to watch.
Luke has been a marvellous supporter of all club functions over the years, in particular being a stalwart of the end of season footy trips. He has thoroughly enjoyed the many characters he has met on and off the field through the club and had this to say when asked to comment on his time in the tigers outfit
“Playing 100 games for Mayne AFC is right up there amongst my proudest achievements in footy. It has been a tough challenge at times, both physically and mentally, particularly in the difficult years when we were trying to rebuild a side from scratch. I am grateful to the club for the opportunities I have enjoyed – career, wonderful friendships, self confidence and loyalty. Whilst our supporters may have heard it all before, I honestly think that we are building towards a tilt at the flag very soon – with the mix of young kids and experienced players we have at the club”
We wish Luke every success in his milestone game this week and thank him for his magnificent contribution to the Mayne AFC over the last 6 years.
Last Modified on 18/06/2009 11:38