Northern Knights’ Luke Bunker is using the AFL under-18 national championships to learn as much about his game as he can.
The 18-year-old played in Vic Metro’s opening two matches, against Vic Country and South Australia, both of which were won narrowly after the Vics came from behind.
“Obviously it’s a major honour and I’m thrilled to be part of it,” Bunker said after the first match, in which he had 23 possessions.
“I knew I would be a chance to be in the squad if I put in a lot of hard work. I knew what I had to do and the goal was to get selected for Vic Metro.
“The standard and skill level [against Vic Country] was the highest I’ve played in. I thought I played all right and I’ll take things out of it.”
Bunker, who played 10 games with the Knights last year, said the biggest difference in his game this year was having a better understanding of what he could do.
He also impressed the Knights with his work when he was selected as their vicecaptain.
“The first year of TAC Cup was more about learning and following instructions and learning the system,” he said.
“[This year] being a topage player, I knew my body could take more and I worked harder.
“I aimed to be part of the leadership group . . . it’s good to get recognition as a leader.”
It has been a busy year for Bunker as he has juggled, TAC Cup and Vic Metro commitments, along with playing school football.
“I take it one week at a time,” he said. ‘I might be at school football one week and then TAC Cup the next week.
“It’s part of the process and it’s something I enjoy.
“Hopefully, once school football has finished I’ll play another four or five games with the Knights.”
The Collingwood fan, who models his game on Hawthorn champion Sam Mitchell, said he was hoping to get drafted.
“I pride myself on winning the footy and making the right decisions,” he said.
“I’ve got to keep doing what I’m doing and, hopefully, I’ll get drafted.”
