Luke Nelson will join former Richmond teammates Jacob Ballard and Tom Silvestro for the upcoming VFL/East Coast FL season, having recently committed to a 2-year deal with the club.
23-year old Nelson spent 2020 playing his football in the Tasmanian State League on loan with Lauderdale where he managed 18 goals from 11 games to lead the Bombers goalkicking and was awarded with team of the year selection. From those 11 games, he was named in the best players on six occasions.
Nelson burst onto the VFL scene in 2019, kicking ten goals from his first three matches, including a five-goal haul in his second game against Geelong, and three against Coburg the next week in Beaconsfield. He eventually finished the season with 13 goals from 7 games.
He looked set to build on from those appearances in 2020, however with COVID-19 forcing Richmond’s hand from the proposed revised 2020 competition and when a move to Casey Demons fell through, he made the move to Tasmania.
Standing at 174cm, Nelson possesses outstanding foot skills and displays an exceptional contested ball ability at ground level and in the air, complemented by his outstanding pace and decision making.
Prior to his arrival in the VFL, Nelson rose to prominence following an outstanding 2018 season with Noble Park where he finished 2nd in their clubs best and fairest and was nominated for the Eastern Football League Young Gun Award.
Before joining the Bulls, he managed 29 games for 60 goals with AFL South East club Berwick which included playing in a premiership in 2015.
Nelson already can’t wait to meet the majority of his new team mates when training is confirmed to begin for 2021.
“I’m very happy to have signed at Coburg for the next two seasons because its going to develop my football and provide new challenges for me. In the past I’ve been so impressed by the way Coburg operate and the determination they have shown to achieve success in such a high-level competition. Its going to be really exciting when training starts, and to pull on the jumper for the first time.”
“Playing for Coburg in the new look competition is particularly exciting for me as a 23-year-old, because I’m really looking for the opportunity to get my name out there and play consistent tier 2 football. The thought of playing against AFL listed players and showcasing what I can do is super exciting. Not only for my football, but as a person. I see that playing for Coburg is going to be very beneficial and a step in the right direction.”
Over the next few days and weeks the club will continue to announce both re-singings and more new player signings as it prepares to succeed in 2021.
You can play your part and commit to the club as a member in 2021 by heading to following the club on all social media channels and ensuring that when the 2020 membership campaign is launched that you’re part of the club by becoming a member.
