LUKE REYNOLDS is making a late push for the Ken Farmer Medal with an eight-goal performance against West Adelaide on the weekend bringing his season total to 30 majors.
The former North Haven player, who returned to Port Adelaide’s League side in 2015 after spending a year as a rookie with Carlton in 2014, sits equal third overall behind South's Brett Eddy (43) and Sturt's Mark Evans (31).
He shares the lead of the Magpies’ goal kicking race with John Butcher, with his eight-goal haul following bags of five and four kicked earlier this year, continuing his consistent effort as a leading forward for the Magpies.
Reynolds’ strong mid-year showing comes on the back of an intense, competitive pre-season, where he was able to train with the Power and gain valuable experience against AFL-grade defenders.
There, he learned the importance of work rate – continuously pushing himself towards in-play contests and working himself into winning positions in attack.
Capitalising on that rare opportunity offered by Port Adelaide’s Academy program has started to bear fruit for the young forward, who may well draw the eye of AFL recruiters looking for a mature-aged attacker in 2017.
“His competitiveness has improved through the pre-season and I can’t fault him for that,” Magpies coach Chad Cornes told portadelaidefc.com.au.
“He trained with the AFL boys over summer and I’m sure he’s learned a lot doing that.
“It’s similar to Nathan Rudloff, who played amateur footy last year, came out and trained with us [for 2016], and is now playing League footy.
“Training with the Power means you learn about work rate requirements for the AFL, so it’s a great system to be part of to improve in that area and take footy to the next level.”
Reynolds took an absolute screamer at Alberton earlier in the year
Cornes has been pleased with the way Reynolds has worked into positive recent form – currently averaging over two goals a game.
It’s consistent form that has cemented his place in the League line-up, and will keep Reynolds well-positioned to retained his spot as the Magpies welcome more AFL talent back from injury.
“Some of his goals look easy, but it all comes back to his workrate,” Cornes said.
“He’s always hitting up at the footy, turning hard to get back inside 50, and he’s a really good finisher – a great set shot for goal with really strong hands.
“The half-forward role, pushing up the ground, you’ve got to be able to run and he’s doing that as well as anyone.”
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