“Leading hybrid intercept defender in the competition”: Former Blue earns high praise

Williamstown coach Justin Plapp believes recognition for defender Luke Parks is overdue.

Parks is set to line up for Victoria in the State game to be contested at Glenelg on Saturday between a VFL and SANFL representative side.

The 24-year-old spent two seasons on Carlton's list, playing eight games and has won two Seagulls best and fairests, twice been in the VFL team of the year, and is set to play his first state representative game on Saturday.

“I was disappointed the selectors didn't pick him in the state team last year,” Williamstown coach Justin Plapp told Zero Hanger.

“I was really disappointed they didn't reward him off a VFL team of the year; I think he's the leading hybrid intercept defender in the competition. 

“I thought they got it wrong by not picking him last year and have got it right this year, that's my opinion. 

“He's a class act at VFL and should have been one of the first picked for me."

The former Sydney Swans Academy player was drafted as a mature-ager and has continued to improve since the Blues delisted him.

“He's very courageous and reads the ball in the air quickly,” Plapp said.

“He's another player I go ‘how aren't you on an AFL list?'. He might have gaps in his game which hold him back, but I look at his performance week-in and week out, and it staggers me he hasn't been given a second opportunity, so hopefully that's coming.

“I think the aerial stuff is there to see, but the challenges we've given Luke is to become a lot more offensive minded, and there are lots of elements to that. That's part of his growth as a player, but the other parts of his game are so impressive. 

The Seagulls also have Hugo Hall-Kahan playing in the match after a strong start to the season, playing in a new half-back role.

Hall-Kahan spent 18 months on Sydney's list as a forward, but has traits transferable to the role, with the position switch driven by team needs.

“He's growing and has had a strong start to the season,” Plapp said.

“He has offensive flair, ball-winning ability, and he knows his way around a footy ground well. He kicks the ball well, has good lateral movement and good speed, so those attributes are employable across any area of the ground. 

The 188cm talent is building defensive elements into his game to complement the offensive firepower, which is propelling back into AFL Draft discussions.

Now 22-years-old, Plapp believes Hall-Kahan is more equipped than ever if given a chance at the next level.

“There is a lot to like about Hugo, and we're still working hard on areas that will make him a more well-rounded player,” Plapp added.

“He's a well deserved pick in the state team because there aren't many players in the form he is, and so I'm pumped that he's getting the opportunity.

Joel Fitzgerald is another Seagull who continues to catch the eye.

Having established himself as a reliable defender in recent years, he has been showcased across the ground this year to give him the best chance of breaking through at the next level.

“He's another player who has some attention around him. He's been in our program for four years now and is maturing, getting good numbers and has great flexibility,” Plapp said.

“We've tried him on the wing and inside to evolve his game. He's an employable player because he can play multiple positions. 

“He's ferocious in the contest, defends it well and has an offensive flair to his game.”

Parks and Hall-Kahan will take part in the state game on Saturday from 2.30pm.

Full Victorian squad