Luke Valente is set to make his debut in 2021, he was selected at pick 32 in the 2018 AFL Draft.
Valente averaged 14.0 Disposals, 1.9 Marks & 5.6 Tackles from 7 games in the WAFL in 2019, with AFL listed players unable to compete in the WAFL in 2020 due to Covid-19 he was restricted to practice matches only.
“Unfortunately for Luke, but also all of our players this year that were playing in the reserves, they didn’t get to play an 18 on 18 game, so it was really hard to judge them and probably a little bit more difficult for them to develop in some aspects.” Dockers senior coach Justin Longmuir in early December via Fremantle Media.
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Valente was behind several midfielders according to Longmire in 2020, he’ll look to secure a place in the team in 2021 with a strong pre-season.
“We felt like he deserved an opportunity at AFL level this year but there was probably too many midfielders going well.”
“We’ve got strong confidence that Luke can become not only a very good AFL footballer, but we have high hopes for him to be someone who can influence others at the football club.” Justin Longmuir.
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Luke Valente was a popular player throughout the 2020 pre-season, he was unable to make his debut in the H&A season.
Valente had some issues with his groin in the 2020 pre-season (via @FootyRhino on Ep.13 of the @PlusSixPodcast), additionally Valente is yet to complete a full season at any senior level after being drafted back in 2018.
“He was able to progress and get his training loads up to an AFL level towards the end of the year (2020). His fitness is at AFL level now” Dockers senior coach Justin Longmuir.
The midfield at the Dockers is developing well under Justin Longmuir, it may take a while for Valente to be used consistently through the middle of the ground in 2021 but opportunities are likely.
If Valente can complete a full pre-season & be in the frame for selection at Round 1 his ownership will be high in AFL Fantasy classic, he’s likely a pass or a speculative late round selection in 10 team standard draft leagues.
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