Welcome to the Western Bulldogs - Luke Cleary

[GVGjr]

Welcome to the Kennel
Shifter write up

Luke Cleary
Sandringham Dragons, NAB League / Beaumaris FC
State: Victoria Metro
Height: 189cm
Weight: 80kg
Date of Birth: 05/03/02

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, he finished runner-up in the Dragons' best-and-fairest award this year.

[GVGjr]

POSITION: Defender

A consistent performer over the season in the defensive 50 across all levels of competition, Cleary showed onlookers exactly why he earned a draft combine invite in 2020, despite such little exposure. The top-ager impressed this year with his positioning behind the ball which allowed his intercepting game to thrive, following up with well measured and safe kicks. Cleary may not be the flashiest or most damaging defender from the draft pool, but he has shown that he’s a reliable and composed figure under pressure in defensive 50.

STRENGTHS:

+ Kicking efficiency
+ Positioning
+ Intercepting
+ Rebounding

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Contested game
- Hurt factor

[GVGjr]

We do love our defenders

[soupman]

Man we love drafting half back flankers

[comrade]

Is another tweener sized defender really a need? O’Brien, Khamis, Crozier, Cordy and now Cleary.

A ruckman or a genuine key defense prospect would have been a better choice, imo.

[Eastdog]

Welcome Luke. Intercept marking trait I like. Easton Wood vibes :)

[Sedat]

Is another tweener sized defender really a need? O’Brien, Khamis, Crozier, Cordy and now Cleary.
Louis Butler as well

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Seems an odd choice based on profile...

We seem to refuse to stock up on key defender or rucks.

[GVGjr]

Seems an odd choice based on profile...

We seem to refuse to stock up on key defender or rucks.

Charlie Dean was available but was very unlikely.

[MrMahatma]

Welcome fella! Go dogs!

[choconmientay]

Found this footage on twitter of the vice-captain of the Dragons

https://twitter.com/i/status/1463821862643769346

[Mofra]

We were always going to take an overager, we love them.
Good luck to the kid.

[bornadog]

All the best to Luke.

[soupman]

Anyone else reckon Duryea replacement? Seems like a good tackler, decent medium size, looks assured with the ball and a good intercept mark without being spectacular at either.

[boydogs]

Anyone else reckon Duryea replacement? Seems like a good tackler, decent medium size, looks assured with the ball and a good intercept mark without being spectacular at either.

Looks more like Bailey Williams, not a standout athletically but well balanced

[soupman]

Looks more like Bailey Williams, not a standout athletically but well balanced

Yeah I wasn't getting the same poise in traffic vibes I get from Bailey, more the business like efficiency of Duryea.

[azabob]

Is another tweener sized defender really a need? O’Brien, Khamis, Crozier, Cordy and now Cleary.

A ruckman or a genuine key defense prospect would have been a better choice, imo.

Fair point but I'd argue Khamis, Crozier and Cordy might not be on the list in 2023.

We certainly go all chips in on defending types, but the game is currently played around intercept defending and attacking off the intercept. Mind you other clubs seem to use much taller players to play this role!

[azabob]

Luke and Cody Weightman played underage footy together, so Luke will have a friendly face from day 1.

[EasternWest]

Luke and Cody Weightman played underage footy together, so Luke will have a friendly face from day 1.

The friendliest of faces possible. He's like a labrador puppy.

[bornadog]

He is growing already

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FFCH408UYAIjEjB?format=jpg&name=large

[Axe Man]

Luke and Cody Weightman played underage footy together, so Luke will have a friendly face from day 1.

At Haileybury I am guessing since they played for different NAB cup teams and are from different areas?

[Sedat]

The in-between size doesn't bother me if he can actually defend one-on-one. Dale Morris is the same size and Rampe is shorter, and both of those boys could/can defend the lights out.

[Mofra]

The in-between size doesn't bother me if he can actually defend one-on-one. Dale Morris is the same size and Rampe is shorter, and both of those boys could/can defend the lights out.
Cleary seems more intercept than pure lockdown, although his tackles really seem ferocious.

[bornadog]

https://youtu.be/rqSBxHTXxUw

[Mitcha]

Looks very much like a young Zaine Cordy before the Mo.

[EasternWest]

Looks very much like a young Zaine Cordy before the Mo.

And also before Tom Boyd dropped him on his head.

[comrade]

Looks very much like a young Zaine Cordy before the Mo.

Zaine 2.0. Yay!

:)

[Mofra]

Yeah I wasn't getting the same poise in traffic vibes I get from Bailey, more the business like efficiency of Duryea.
Vlastuin would be the player I'd choose to model him on. That mid sizer who takes intercepts through superior judgement rather than Wood/Crozier like leaping.

[kruder]

Kinda reminds me of Lachie Young

[bornadog]

Good luck to Luke.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FScWBMSakAAK4kq?format=jpg&name=large

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FScWBevaMAAFUri?format=jpg&name=large

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FScWB7gaMAE83u8?format=jpg&name=large

[bornadog]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FScWCW8agAAH19n?format=jpg&name=large

[bornadog]

https://youtu.be/QPeMvUj13C0

[Smads57]

Congrats Luke - has definitely showed improvement with each VFL game he has played this season.

[Eastdog]

Good luck to Luke Cleary. Hope he has a great debut.

[hujsh]

https://youtu.be/QPeMvUj13C0

Weightman being unable to join the mosh pit has the same energy as a dog wearing a plastic cone

[Grantysghost]

https://youtu.be/QPeMvUj13C0

Clearly a popular lad!

[Eastdog]

Great stuff with all our players getting around him.

[boydogs]

Sounds like he earned it, our small-mid defenders aren't where the injuries are

[The bulldog tragician]

Sounds like he earned it, our small-mid defenders aren't where the injuries are

Maybe he’s replacing Bailey W who’s been out of form?

[Before I Die]

Sounds like he earned it, our small-mid defenders aren't where the injuries are

He is an intercept marker. This was going to be Tim O’Brien’s job but he had to play KPD while Keath was out. So Luke is replacing Tim in this role.

[Bulldog4life]

Good on Luke. I always enjoy watching a first gamer.

[MrMahatma]

Well done young man.

Go get em!

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

All the best to the lad. What an exciting moment for him.

[azabob]

All the best to the lad. What an exciting moment for him.

Yep. I heard his dad interviewed this morning. Luke has always made the VIC metro teams and had leadership roles.

Also one for the commentators he went to Hailebury and Matthew Lloyd was his coach and also played under 16's basketball at a high level - ahead of Josh Giddy, who tore up the NBA this year.

So the double banger; private school kid with a basketball background!!

[josie]

Been a calm presence in our vfl side in a tough year for them too. Good luck Luke. My moniker for him…..Cool hand Luke - predicting he’ll go ok.

[comrade]

Thoughts on his debut?

[The Underdog]

Thoughts on his debut?

Got to good positions, used the ball reasonably well and didn’t look out of place. Pretty solid start all up.

[Yankee Hotel Foxtrot]

As above, I thought he didn't look overawed, and made a positive contribution to the result.
What stood out most for me is that it didn't take him any time to adjust to the speed of the game at this level. This seems to be the bit that most new players struggle with: they get caught with the ball because they don't make quick enough decisions.

As an aside there was a passage of play late, where Bont got the ball out of the middle and had 2 options to pass to, and he overlooked the closest and easiest option to pick out Cleary. I liked how Bont looked for opportunities like this to get him in the game and to trust him.

[GVGjr]

Thoughts on his debut?

As well as could be expected. Seemed to handle the pace of the game and had positive intent with his play. Early days in his development though.

[bornadog]

Didn't look to panic with ball in hand, took 7 marks and defended well.

[comrade]

Didn't look to panic with ball in hand, took 7 marks and defended well.

7 marks is encouraging on debut. The lack of aerial ability amongst our defensive group is a big issue, so if Cleary can develop and retain this skill he’ll have a role in the side. Composure with ball in hand is another big tick.

[chef]

Didnt look out of place and seems to have a good frame to develop into. A lot to work with.

[Happy Days]

Yeah I was pretty impressed. Seems to move well, has depth on his kicking and just looked assured out there.

[Grantysghost]

He's pretty skinny but from what I can tell from the TV looked good when he had it.

Very composed for his first game and has really nice skills.

Wasn't sure about his aerial work but that will develop.

Nice start.

[1eyedog]

7 marks is encouraging on debut. The lack of aerial ability amongst our defensive group is a big issue, so if Cleary can develop and retain this skill he’ll have a role in the side. Composure with ball in hand is another big tick.

Almost all of those were uncontested on the chest. Still, he found space and provided an option which is pleasing.

[The Bulldogs Bite]

Looks like he has something to work with, which is more than can be said for a few others on our list.

Reality is he was picked before ideally ready due to our injury list, but he acquitted himself well. Strength / presence in the air will hopefully come with time, but his footy IQ / composure / skill were all clearly AFL standard.

[MrMahatma]

but his footy IQ / composure / skill were all clearly AFL standard.

That's true and, let's face it, not the kind of thing that's been said about McComb, Scott, McNeil... Butler after their early matches.

[Bumper Bulldogs]

That's true and, let's face it, not the kind of thing that's been said about McComb, Scott, McNeil... Butler after their early matches.

Ouch!

[Insufficient Intent]

Played as if he'd a few games under his belt already, not playing his first. Smart, focused and moves well. Very promising Luke, well done.

[bulldogtragic]

Signed an extension to 2026. Averaging about 20 touches and 5 marks in a very consistent VFL season but still can’t get near selection. Any idea what’s going on?

[G-Mo77]

Signed an extension to 2026. Averaging about 20 touches and 5 marks in a very consistent VFL season but still can’t get near selection. Any idea what’s going on?

It's impossible to know why. Player X only has to do A to get a game, player Y has to do A, B, C, D and E over a 10 weeks stretch to get a game.

[hujsh]

Signed an extension to 2026. Averaging about 20 touches and 5 marks in a very consistent VFL season but still can’t get near selection. Any idea what’s going on?

Not to nitpick but 2025

https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/1300440/cleary-locked-away-until-2025

[Dancin' Douggy]

I can only think that Bevo has his favourite pet projects and everyone else can get &*%$#ed. I'm totally over it.
Signed an extension to 2026. Averaging about 20 touches and 5 marks in a very consistent VFL season but still can’t get near selection. Any idea what’s going on?

[GVGjr]

Signed an extension to 2026. Averaging about 20 touches and 5 marks in a very consistent VFL season but still can’t get near selection. Any idea what’s going on?

Who would he replace? I don't think he is physically strong enough yet to play on most 3rd tall forwards.

[josie]

Who would he replace? I don't think he is physically strong enough yet to play on most 3rd tall forwards.

Guessing he is replacement for Duryea.

[Scorlibo]

Who would he replace? I don't think he is physically strong enough yet to play on most 3rd tall forwards.

Vandermeer would be the one. Strange that Laith got the nod for games off half back instead of Cleary, off a limited build up at VFL level.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

Not to nitpick but 2025

https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/1300440/cleary-locked-away-until-2025

To be fair to BT he would have got that right if we simply had a page with all contract info.

[josie]

Vandermeer would be the one. Strange that Laith got the nod for games off half back instead of Cleary, off a limited build up at VFL level.

Presume it’s VDM’s speed - can also lay a good tackle (not saying Cleary can’t but he hasn’t had the chances at senior level VDM has).

[EasternWest]

Vandermeer would be the one. Strange that Laith got the nod for games.

I've fixed that for you, Scorlibo.

[bornadog]

Vandermeer would be the one. Strange that Laith got the nod for games off half back instead of Cleary, off a limited build up at VFL level.

Probably due to his pace he got the gig.

Hopefully he uses it more like last week

[Scorlibo]

Presume it’s VDM’s speed - can also lay a good tackle (not saying Cleary can’t but he hasn’t had the chances at senior level VDM has).

Probably due to his pace he got the gig.

Hopefully he uses it more like last week

No doubt that was the logic. Is pure pace a bit overrated though compared to the less quantifiable evasiveness that Cleary seems to have in spades?

[bulldogtragic]

Not to nitpick but 2025

https://www.westernbulldogs.com.au/news/1300440/cleary-locked-away-until-2025

Footywire is my short cut for contract info. They’ve got him for 2026 for some reason. Still, substantively, not sure how VDM off a couple of VFL games as a HBF (JOD just a few at all too) and a clearly cooked Duryea are keeping him out of the side. So was wondering out loud if some posters knew why.

[Grantysghost]

Footywire is my short cut for contract info. They’ve got him for 2026 for some reason. Still, substantively, not sure how VDM off a couple of VFL games as a HBF (JOD just a few at all too) and a clearly cooked Duryea are keeping him out of the side. So was wondering out loud if some posters knew why.

If only there was.....

[Dancin' Douggy]

But who is Hannan replacing when he gets games? Who is O'Donnell replacing? Who is Scott replacing? Who is McNeil replacing? Who is McComb replacing? These guys are just rotating in and out of the team with such little impact or contribution, but they seem to be clogging the turnstile and no-one else get's a look in. I am so consistently deflated with our 'ins'. I can only imagine younger players feel even worse. Talented players deserve a chance to just get out there, but Bevo has his favourites and it never seems to change. When West came in he had an immediate impact. He was decisive, he thought fast and he made things happen. O'Donnell who may turn out to be a good player, gets named over and over again despite having basically zero impact on the games he's played in. It has become a big problem in my opinion and it has become Bevo's Achilles heel.
Who would he replace? I don't think he is physically strong enough yet to play on most 3rd tall forwards.

[jeemak]

I don't see Cleary as a runner or as a tall, meaning he's a bit unlucky when we have Dale and Richards as first choice medium defenders and Duryea taking the smaller players.

We play VDM because as we need run/ pace out of defence. He's not been great thus far but I understand the logic, and assume he'll be replaced by JJ anyway. Could Cleary play that role? Possibly. Possibly not, but he's not replacing anyone else down there.

[Hotdog60]

How do we think Cleary would go on the wing? Good user and has evasive skills could be a better player being a link up player but does he have the tank? So more of a Hunter replacement.

[Axe Man]

Footywire is my short cut for contract info.

You are dead to me.

[bulldogtragic]

You are dead to me.

:D

I meant when I’m toggling through stats websites both AFEL & VFL, and posting at the same time, I tend to click the player in footy wire and be lazy.

They could never amount to you. And I assume a thread you’re hinting might exist?

[EasternWest]

:D

I meant when I’m toggling through stats websites both AFEL & VFL, and posting at the same time, I tend to click the player in footy wire and be lazy.

They could never amount to you. And I assume a thread you’re hinting might exist?

It doesn't. Long live footy wire.

[bulldogsthru&thru]

It doesn't. Long live footy wire.

When I'm desperate I'll hit the big footy contract page. It's better than nothing.

[bornadog]

When I'm desperate I'll hit the big footy contract page. It's better than nothing.

Big who :D

[hujsh]

Was mentioned a few times last night at the BnF despite not getting top 3 in the Footscray BnF (can't find the top ten anywhere but can't remember if he was in it or not). Quite humorously as the only player Libba could remember when trying to come up with a names of up and coming players.

Seems to perform well at VFL level, near constant emergency but often overlooked once a spot opens up (eg for Vandermeer or Crozier)

Aside from being a decent user of the ball what is his role going forward? Can he make the step up to AFL level? Who does he defend? Does he play an intercept role?

Solve this engima for me please.

[jeemak]

Medium sized running/ kicking defender. Needs strength and size.

[josie]

Medium sized running/ kicking defender. Needs strength and size.

I really like him but yeah he has a slight build and that’s I think what has held him back from seniors. Composed and smart user, doesn’t panic, seems to find a bit of space and time. Laid some decent tackles in his sole AFL game vs Plastics at Ballarat. Never seen him play anywhere other than backline so not sure if he is capable elsewhere.

[lemmon]

I thought it was interesting that he only cracked the squad when Ed Richards missed and they didn't consider him when JJ went down. Seems to indicate that they like him as an interceptor, but aren't convinced he has the pace and agility to play on the genuine smalls or run and carry the ball from D50.

I like him, he could carve out a solid career and I think his defensive work is excellent for such a young guy, but he clearly has a bit to prove to the match commitee about the 'type' of player he can match-up with.

[hujsh]

I thought it was interesting that he only cracked the squad when Ed Richards missed and they didn't consider him when JJ went down. Seems to indicate that they like him as an interceptor, but aren't convinced he has the pace and agility to play on the genuine smalls or run and carry the ball from D50.

I like him, he could carve out a solid career and I think his defensive work is excellent for such a young guy, but he clearly has a bit to prove to the match commitee about the 'type' of player he can match-up with.

That's what I wonder about. Does he have the athleticism, or the smarts to compensate for a lack of athleticism, to play on the difficult tallish forwards like the man with the excessively punchable head at Melbourne?

[Sedat]

That's what I wonder about. Does he have the athleticism, or the smarts to compensate for a lack of athleticism, to play on the difficult tallish forwards like the man with the excessively punchable head at Melbourne?
Could you narrow that down a little? There are 6 punchable heads in Melbourne's F50 at any given time (I know you're talking about Beavis)

[Axe Man]

That's what I wonder about. Does he have the athleticism, or the smarts to compensate for a lack of athleticism, to play on the difficult tallish forwards like the man with the excessively punchable head at Melbourne?

That's a Melbourne Cup field!

[GVGjr]

Cleary needs to put on some size and strength otherwise he will just get some games when players are injured. A big preseason ahead of him.

[Go_Dogs]

Was mentioned a few times last night at the BnF despite not getting top 3 in the Footscray BnF (can't find the top ten anywhere but can't remember if he was in it or not). Quite humorously as the only player Libba could remember when trying to come up with a names of up and coming players.

Lol. What did Libba say?

[hujsh]

Lol. What did Libba say?

I don't think they put up his speach unfortunately but IIRC along the lines of 'there are some good younger blokes in the VFL coming through like Cleary and *long pause* there are others I just can't remember'

[kruder]

He doesn't do enough damage with ball in hand for mine.

[Scorlibo]

He has some limitations with his natural athleticism no doubt, but his strengths in decision making and composure are compelling. The MC's obviously leaned more on his limitations to this point in time. I'd like to see him given some opportunity to see where the ledger lies.

I wouldn't be expecting him to develop into a star by any means, but he's a valued member of the VFL side and it would be great to have another trusted contributor in the AFL side.

[Mofra]

I'm not even sure it's size, it's tank. He's going to take a while to build it but his ability to 'buy time' with ball in hand transfers well to AFL level.
I do wonder however how he fits in if (big IF) we get Coffield and Coffield magically gets his body right

[jeemak]

He has some limitations with his natural athleticism no doubt, but his strengths in decision making and composure are compelling. The MC's obviously leaned more on his limitations to this point in time. I'd like to see him given some opportunity to see where the ledger lies.

I wouldn't be expecting him to develop into a star by any means, but he's a valued member of the VFL side and it would be great to have another trusted contributor in the AFL side.


I'm not even sure it's size, it's tank. He's going to take a while to build it but his ability to 'buy time' with ball in hand transfers well to AFL level.
I do wonder however how he fits in if (big IF) we get Coffield and Coffield magically gets his body right

There were some suggesting that he should explore options due to not being played/ others favoured to fill gaps over the course of the season. But seeing him play at senior level in his one game and taking into account the above points, it's probable we have someone who could play at the highest level at least semi-regularly after working on strength, fitness/ stamina and execution/ decision making - but wasn't quite ready this year.

While there may be a few in front of him now things can change quickly. We'll be losing Crozier (who many said wasn't going to - or shouldn't - play this year, or last) and Duryea within 12 months, Coffield may not get on the park consistently if we land him. Luke just needs to keep working on his game/ the above, become a reliable depth player who takes his chances/ accounts for himself well, and within two years he could be a fixture of the team and on a better than normal late selection trajectory.

[hujsh]

There were some suggesting that he should explore options due to not being played/ others favoured to fill gaps over the course of the season. But seeing him play at senior level in his one game and taking into account the above points, it's probable we have someone who could play at the highest level at least semi-regularly after working on strength, fitness/ stamina and execution/ decision making - but wasn't quite ready this year.

While there may be a few in front of him now things can change quickly. We'll be losing Crozier (who many said wasn't going to - or shouldn't - play this year, or last) and Duryea within 12 months, Coffield may not get on the park consistently if we land him. Luke just needs to keep working on his game/ the above, become a reliable depth player who takes his chances/ accounts for himself well, and within two years he could be a fixture of the team and on a better than normal late selection trajectory.

Worth mentioning, because I'd forgotten, that he was an overager (19) at pick 61. For some reason I had the impression he'd gone earlier than that (probably his impressive debut game and VFL form)