2003
Lucas had close to his best season at the club in 2003. He played every game and really took his game to the next level. He started the year at centre half forward and midway through the season he turned key defender. He became an integral member of the backline and shut down some of the game's key forwards including Brisbane's Jonathan Brown. Lucas was unlucky to miss All Australian selection, but his stellar season was recognised by the club when he was the joint winner of the best and fairest.
STRENGTHS
Lucas’ long penetrating kick is the standout feature of his game. With his successful move to centre half back this season, Lucas effectively moved the ball out of the backline on a number of occasions with his long left foot kick. Lucas has good hands and is rarely beaten in a one on one marking situation.
POSITION
This is a tough one – Lucas is a proven player at centre half forward. This is where he has made a name for himself, but he put a spanner in the works in 2003 when he moved to centre half back. The move proved to be a great success for Lucas and also the team. It is a good situation for the coaching panel to be in, but the question still remains – where does Lucas play his best footy and of most benefit to the team?
2004
Lucas takes career best form and a best and fairest award into the 2004 season. He is one of the most experienced players on the list now and will be aiming to show more on-field leadership this season. Where ever the coaching panel decide to play him, he will be of enormous benefit to the team and provides a strong marking target. It is an exciting era ahead for the club with Lucas and Lloyd in career best form.
WHAT SHEEDY SAYS
Scott has done marvelously well to cope with moving down back and be the joint winner of the best and fairest with James Hird. I think Scott has answered a lot of his critics - I often wonder why he has these critics. I went along to the best and fairest last year and would not have had a clue that it was a draw. I got the shock of my life that night. I put all of my votes in you see some of the other coaches’ votes, but you never know in the end who is going to win. I was really pleased to see him win a best and fairest and I think he has a lot of improvement still, which is good. If you know that your team can’t improve, then where is your next chance to climb up the ladder?
