Scott Lucas of Essendon in action during the AFL Round 16 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Essendon Bombers at the MCG. Slattery Images
After witnessing Jarrod Roughead’s eight goals against Carlton last week, Triple M’s commentators mused about where the partnership between Roughy and Buddy Franklin ranked against those of our modern era.
Thinking about it, it doesn’t seem that long ago that Essendon’s Scott Lucas formed one of the deadliest duos of our game.
Working off premier full-forward Matthew Lloyd, Lucas has booted 453 goals from 262 games and played a key role in many of the Bombers’ successes since making his debut in 1996.
The raking left-footer, equally as renowned for his dislike of a handball, has been a terrific servant of the club.
It is doubtful that he would have had as much success without Lloyd taking the opposition’s best defender every week.
But it is just as arguable that a decent chunk of Lloyd’s 901 goals wouldn’t have been possible without his partner-in-crime Lucas across half forward.
Still, that Lucas has been poor in 2009 cannot be questioned. In six games, he has booted just four goals. He’s looked rusty and woefully short on confidence.
Lucas has bounced back from injury before, but another knee injury sustained over pre-season appears to have been among his toughest.
After Essendon’s thrilling Round Three win over Carlton, the spotlight shifted from Lloyd to Lucas. Subsequent games against North Melbourne, Collingwood and Brisbane only intensified its glare.
This week, aged 31, he finds himself bereft of a spot at Essendon, with the raw Jay Neagle taking his place alongside Lloyd and co.
Lucas was offered a week off or a game with VFL affiliate Bendigo this week, and testament to the battling forward, he chose the latter.
But it still leaves Lucas in dire risk of ending his career similar to former Melbourne ruckman Jeff White, who was all-but cut adrift as the Demons’ focus shifted to youth last season.
A dual best-and-fairest winner for the club, Lucas has shown plenty of mettle to come back from serious knee injury on a number of occasions during his career.
The latest setback is hardly as physical. But it will be the difference between ending his career on a good note – as it deserves – or fading away ignominiously.
Michael C
Roar Guru
Redb - He looked gone on 2 fronts. A. form and confidence and perhaps body given the 'speed' of the game. B. just plain 'out of favour' given Essendons 'selection policy'. However, it seems that with Paddy Ryder rucking solo with all other tall timber out injured, and with Jay Neagle showing he's still a way off, and Scott Gumbleton injured - - along comes Scotty - - and he prooves that rumours of his demise were premature.
Redb
Roar Guru
MC, I agree, Scotty Lucas has been very good the alst 3 games. Along with Lloydy we have a functioning two spearhead forward line. Redb
Michael C
Guest
Seeing this story - he's done okay to come back - given a return of 4 goals 7 in Rounds 1 to 6 where his confidence was shot, since returning, 16 goals 6 in rounds 11 to 15. Not bad at all. Good effort.
Redb
Roar Guru
Col, yes quite right his career. I remember being in the crowd at Docklands a few years ago when Lucas got ther ball on the half back flank, a Bomber fan yelled "have a shot Scotty!". :-) Art, it is at this point where I think we have to part ways, I can't have any association with candles, if my bloody wife buys any more of the bloody things I'm sure she's gunna burn the house down one day. :-) Redb
Art Sapphire
Guest
redb + pip - He started handballing because they are the actions of a desperate man trying to make himself look useful before his employer gives him the choppy chop. Interesting factoid - a cousin of mine, who runs a candle factory, sponsored him for a couple of years in the late 90's. You can say that Scott has finally run out of wick :)
Colin
Guest
Redb don't you mean for the first time in his career :)
Redb
Roar Guru
Art, No say it is isnt so, he started handballing for the first time this season :-) Redb
Pippinu
Roar Guru
IT's Coodabeen speak: take a good long hard look at yourself :)
Art Sapphire
Guest
I am not so sure Redb - I reckon his time has come. He might play a few more games in the ones this season and I am sure the club will find a way to give him a fitting send off.
Redb
Roar Guru
Pip, keh? I'm bit suprised the Bombers dropped Lucas altogether he would have been handy in the back line as a tall to help with Franklin and Roughead. He'l be back. Redb
Pippinu
Roar Guru
When you find yourself playing a game of footy out at Stawell, in round 7, you know it's time to TAGLHLAY.