AFL 2025: Luke Parker Discusses His Move to North Melbourne Insights on Leaving Sydney, Trade News, and Latest Updates

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Luke Parker needed a change of scenery.

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One of Sydney’s favourite sons endured a difficult 2024 campaign due to a variety of reasons.

Injury troubles, suspension and form all played a part in restricting the three-time best and fairest to just ten matches last year, but Parker returned to the fold late in the season, showing the footy world he still had plenty of good footy left in him.

Then North Melbourne came calling.

The Roos made no secret of their desire to add some experience to their playing list throughout the trade period and they pulled off a big triple coup.

Ex-Eagles forward Jack Darling and former Bulldog Caleb Daniel arrived, but it was the addition of Parker that piqued the most interest across the footy landscape.

Parker, an All-Australian and premiership player, came out of such a strong program in Sydney, that will no doubt give the Roos’ youth a huge insight into what it takes to make it to the top.

While his influence will be profound, a change of environment has also reaffirmed his passion for the game.

“The biggest thing that excited me was when I actually went through the list, the amount of young talent that they had on their list and improvement that they will hopefully have over the next few years,” Parker told foxfooty.com.au.

“Something I’m really looking forward to is working alongside those boys and getting to work.”

The Roos have had a strong focus on the draft in recent years and as a result, have a playing list stacked with elite youth.

Despite the list demographic, Parker has settled in well at Arden Street, enjoying the refresh that comes with being surrounded by such youthful exuberance.

“I’ve been loving it. It’s been really refreshing to come into a new environment and work with some young guys and hopefully go on a journey to improvement and getting to a place we want to get to. That’s what really excites me is the role that I can play in that.”

Caleb Daniel, Jack Darling and Luke Parker of the Kangaroos chat during a North Melbourne Kangaroos AFL training session at Arden Street Ground on November 25, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Parker has looked in tremendous touch during the pre-season, regularly dominating drills and helping out his younger teammates.

And while he’s enjoyed his start to life at his new home, Sydney will always hold a special place in his heart.

“I think being at a place for 14 years, I was a kid and grew up there and I have so many incredible memories and mates,” he said.

“I’ll have lifelong friends there and forever grateful for the opportunity to play there for so long and under a great organisation and coach and play alongside some of the all-time greats.

“The majority of my time there I was playing finals most years and that’s just experiences and memories that will last forever. I absolutely loved my time there, but I think it was just the right time for me to start somewhere fresh.”

Having played under John Longmire during his time at the Swans, Parker has landed under another legendary coach in Alastair Clarkson at the Roos.

Isaac Heeney of the Swans and Luke Parker of the Swans embrace after winning the Opening Round AFL match between Sydney Swans and Melbourne Demons at SCG, on March 07, 2024, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

“He’s been great, it’s only pre-season so everyone’s in a happy mood but he’s really detailed on the game and knows the style that he wants to play and really backs the boys in to play to their strengths – which is something I really value,” Parker said.

“I think once talking to Clarko and a few of the guys behind the scenes, it was more about the direction that the club would go soon and just needed a little bit of direction and leadership and the role that I could play in that.”

So, in a side stacked with emerging young talent, which youngster has caught the eye?

Parker has been blown away by the efforts of young gun Harry Sheezel, who is already a star of the competition at just 20 years of age.

“He’s really impressed me over the pre-season. His professionalism – I feel like he’s about 28 years old – but I keep forgetting he’s only 20 and he’s played two seasons,” Parker said.

“His leadership, always wanting to learn and get the best out of himself is second to none.

“I think he is one of the most professional kids I’ve played with. He really drives his own career; I haven’t seen too many others like him.”

The Roos take on West Coast in Bunbury on Sunday afternoon, but officially begin their 2025 campaign against the Western Bulldogs on March 15.