Luke Power arrived on the AFL scene just 180cm, less than 80kg dripping wet and as green as the Trinity Grammar School blazer he left behind.
Fifteen years later the 32-year old leaves the game as a Giant on and off the field.
A triple premiership player with the Brisbane Lions, All Australian, Brisbane Lions co-captain, Australia and Victoria representative and GWS inaugural co-captain. There is little Power hasn’t done on the field in 302 games.
Off the field, if there were a more upstanding citizen in the AFL industry would they please step forward?
Lauded and respected for his leadership, articulate manner and affable nature, Power certainly embraced his social responsibilities as an AFL footballer.
It is then no surprise Power was awarded the 2012 Madden Medal.
The Madden medal is awarded to a retiring player who has demonstrated on-field excellence, personal development and growth as well as community spirit over the course of their playing career.
Power has been a leader of the players and a driving force to maintain players rights during his career, he served as a players delegate for the AFL Players’ Association from 2002 to 2007 and became a board member from 2008 until 2012. He served as the president in 2011.
AFL players’ Association President Matt Finnis described his contribution to the AFL industry as “exceptional”.
“I can say he is one of the most impressive individuals I have come across in this game,” Finnis said.
“The respect he has earned from teammates across the board is testament to his endeavor, values and selfless approach to footy.”
Outside football Power has been a long-term ambassador of the Starlight Children’s Foundation and in 2011 he was awarded the Variety Heart of Football Award, which is presented to the player who demonstrates the most outstanding commitment to helping children in the community.
Power was also instrumental in the Brisbane playing group’s commitment to provide assistance during the Queensland floods in 2011.
Power has also completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Journalism at the University of Queensland.
As a creative half forward Power was instrumental in the Brisbane Lions charge towards three premierships.
But within the walls of the Greater Western Sydney Football Club Power he may be better remembered for his role in the Giants inaugural premiership.
GWS player welfare manager and former teammate Craig Lambert knows Power better than most and he has seen the influence Power has had at GWS first hand.
“To be able to utilize Luke Power for our players is a great asset,” Lambert told the Brisbane Times.
“To have him here is so good because not only is he a great player, but his ability to connect with young people and an organization is a great example to others.”
Power was typically modest in accepting the award.
“I don’t necessarily think I’m the best player (retiring this year),” he said.
“Obviously (The Madden Medal) takes into consideration a lot of other things and I’ve been fortunate enough to have done a fair bit and have had the resources to be able to do a fair bit over my career.”
Despite crossing to the Giants for twenty games and with plans to continue on with the GWS in a coaching capacity, Power says he will always be a Brisbane Lion.
“I love the Lions, I love the club and love everything about it. It’s been a huge part of my life and it’s a huge part of who I am because up until last year I had spent my entire adult family life there,” he said.
The Madden Medal caps off an amazing career and provides a fitting finale for a person of the standing within the AFL community.
Power’s kicking may be characteristically short but his legacy in the game will continue much further.