The Western Bulldogs have drafted intercept defender Luke Cleary with pick 61 in the 2021 NAB AFL Draft.
An intercept defender, Cleary was overlooked in the 2020 Draft but impressed as a 19-year-old for the Sandringham Dragons in 2021.
He is an elite kick, a sound decision-maker with ball in hand, and is an outstanding character.
Cleary was rewarded with an outstanding season which was interrupted by covid-19, playing seven games for the Dragons and finishing runner up to Finn Callahan (selected at pick three in the Draft) in the Club’s Best and Fairest.
Here’s how AFL Talent Manager Kevin Sheahan described Jones in the lead-up to the NAB AFL Draft:
“Invited to the NAB AFL Draft Combine last year but overlooked in the 2020 NAB AFL Draft, he has bounced back, taking every opportunity to impress including strong performances in the Victorian Young Guns match as well as representing Victoria Metro at under-19s level.
“This complemented his polished performances for the Sandringham Dragons, playing seven matches and averaging 20.1 disposals at 82 per cent efficiency (a strong indication of his composure with the ball in hand).
“A fine intercept mark and reader of the play across half-back.”
Luke Cleary profile
Sandringham Dragons (NAB League), Beaumaris FC
State: Victoria Metro
Height: 190cm
Weight: 80kg
Date of Birth: 05/03/02
