North Geelong veteran Luke Parker admits a return to the senior team wasn’t on the cards heading into the 2025 season.
One of only two members of the Magpies’ most recent premiership still wearing black and white at senior level – Blake Miller is the other – Parker has played the last three games at 2 o’clock.
And he’ll add to that tally when North hosts Bell Post Hill at Keith Barclay Oval tomorrow.
“I’ve been having a run around in the twos, getting my 8-10 games in over the last four or five years,” Parker told K rock Football’s Beyond the Boundary podcast.
“But, (with) a little bit more time on my hands – kids have grown up a little bit – I was having a chat with my wife a few months ago, (and) just said I’d like to be able to do a little bit more on a weeknight and try and look after my fitness a little bit better, so what better way to do that than back down with the boys at footy training
“I think I’ve done about six or eight weeks of training; three or four before I even got a game in the twos, and then a couple in the twos.
“A couple of the soldiers fell down in the ones and then ‘Ricco’ (coach Peter Riccardi) had a conversation with me on a Tuesday or Thursday night – it might have been both actually – just about my thoughts on it and yeah, obviously I’ll do whatever the club requires me to do.”
Parker, who was 22 when North Geelong ended Bell Post Hill’s quest for four consecutive flags, is enjoying the chance to play alongside the next wave of talent.
“I’m absolutely loving playing with the boys,” he said “It’s obviously quite an age gap between me and a lot of them. They’re keeping me young; it’s quite fun out there with them.
“We’ve got some ripper young kids. They’re full of life, and, geez, there’s some talent in the side.
“We’ve had a couple of road bumps the last two or three weeks. Obviously, we’ve come up against some good sides, so it’s been a good challenge.
“But, these kids, they’re learning plenty of week-by-week.
“I’m definitely enjoying running out with them at the moment, that’s for sure.”
North Geelong has made three forced changes for its meeting with Bell Post Hill
Osca Riccardi suffered a concussion in last week’s loss to the Belmont Lions that is now subject to an AFL Barwon investigation, while key defender Ben O’Brien (shin) and Cooper Pasque (unavailable) are also missing.
They’ve been replaced by Paddy Cleary, Dylan Fisher and Damian Fazio.
The Panthers have lost veteran Tim Barton to a back injury and Matt Purnell to a fractured finger that may require surgery.
They’ve been replaced by star defender Beau McNamara for his first game of the season and the recalled Tyler Edwards.
Ladder leader Belmont Lions will welcome back GDFNL rep Ben McPherson, Matt Dyster, and Billy Pelham for its tricky trip to Galvin Park to take on Werribee Centrals.
The Lions have lost James Beasley, Shaun Jubber and Angus Quinn to injury.
The Centurions are strengthened by the return of Jack Stephenson, Tate Camilleri, and Daryl Chesterman, with Damian Williams, Zech De Leon, and Josh Stone omitted.
Bannockburn will be boosted by the inclusion of Rob Maibaum among three changes for its meeting with second-placed East Geelong at Victoria Park.
The Tigers have also named Bailey Alford for his first senior game since being injured in Round 5, while Ashton Phillips has earned a recall from the reserves.
Big man Rhys Ginn is unavailable, with Brodie Harding and Luke Young omitted.
The Eagles will be without playing coach Ned Aulsebrook due to work commitments, with Jeremy Ollis to take the reins.
Inverleigh has named bottom-aged under-18 player Sam Cations to make his senior debut in the match-up with rural cousins Winchelsea.
The Hawks welcome back Will Stoney from concussions, with Dan Maher (injury) and Noah Durham out of the team that lost to Anakie last week.
The Blues have lost coach Ben Moloney to a throat injury that will sideline him for at least six weeks.
Baxter Boddington will play his first senior match of the season.
Geelong West has made four changes for its meeting with reigning premier Thomson at Godfrey Street.
The Giants have lost veteran Matt Sondergeld to injury, while Mick Leamer, Samuel Edwards, and Alex Buckwell are unavailable.
They’ve been replaced by Noah Craven-Briggs, Fraser Sertic, Matthew Farrell, and Jacob Medwell.
The Tigers welcome back Regan Kerslake and have promoted Charlie MacFadyen but will be without veteran forward Lucas Boyd (calf) and Dylan Jose (unavailable)
A mixed bag at selection for Anakie ahead of its meeting with Corio at Anakie Reserve.
The Roos regain Brad Gerrard, Matt McLachlan, and Robel Ukubamariam but lose Josh Mawson and Brayden Riddell.
X: @krockfootball
