While Sydney veteran Luke Parker would prefer playing at AFL level, the champion Swans is making the most of his stint in the VFL this season, with a match-winning torpedo from range helping steer the club's reserves to victory at Arden Street on Saturday.
Parker, who returned to action a fortnight ago with Sydney's VFL side after overcoming a broken arm, lined up for his third game at the state league level this weekend as spots in John Longmire's side continue to be hard to come by.
The 31-year-old managed games of 34 and 37 disposals against Box Hill and GWS in his two previous VFL performances, and while he didn't match the heights of his ball-winning efforts this weekend against North Melbourne, Parker was able to deliver a defining moment in the match.
Trailing by a point within the dying minutes of the Round 7 clash, Parker marked the ball close to 70 metres out from goal and assessed his options inside 50.
The right-footer then wheeled around on his preferred side and launched a torpedo attempt toward goal, with the barrelling ball going over the head of a pack of players in the goalsquare before bouncing over the line.
LUKE PARKER OH MY 🤯
🎥: Watch the Smithy’s VFL live and free on the AFL website and AFL Live Official App: https://t.co/3V9lTkSGTM pic.twitter.com/DMSOjxJHIf
— VFL / VFLW (@VFL) May 11, 2024
The goal put the Swans ahead by five points before forward Phill Moi Moi added a behind to the travelling side's tally to extend the lead.
The siren would soon sound and see Sydney's reserves claim their third win of the VFL season, holding off a Kangaroos unit that booted three successive goals in the final term to take back the lead late in the contest.
The match-winning Parker had 20 disposals, six clearances and six tackles, working in tandem with AFL-listed trio Peter Ladhams, Braeden Campbel and Caiden Cleary in featuring among the Swans' best.
Defender Joel Hamling booted a game-high four goals as he continues to be deployed in attack, while Moi Moi contributed three goals in the win.
Young North Melbourne midfield forward Zane Duursma was promising after being omitted from the Roos' senior side, kicking four goals in the narrow loss.
The Swans surpass North Melbourne on the ladder as a result of the win, with Sydney sitting in ninth and the Roos falling to 14th.