Player Watch #9: Luke Davies-Uniacke [Part II] - [C7/J.Ralph] LDU declares he wants to be a NM player for life; '24 SBM - congrats LDU

[r00boy96]

It'd be some game to get the Norm ahead of George or Harry

If anyone can do it then it will be LDU

 

[RightWingRoo]

I was there too with my heavily pregnant wife (wasn't too happy with the situation) so I'm claiming that was my son's first game. We'll both be there Saturday too!

Was an uncomfortable night. Playing a game in Cairns in March was always madness.
Would've been extra uncomfortable for your wife though. But at least you can say, you took her for a tropical getaway haha.

 

[TurnoverMerchant]

LDU re-signing with this great club would be a serious coup as it would make others want to stay. Arguably the most important signature we’ve had to get in a long time! Hearing commitment from the horses mouth feels great.

 

[DarkPhoenix]

Lukie

 

[Cool Kangas]

LD UUUUU LD UUU!!

 

[LETSGOKANGAS]

Band of Brothers shit right there.

 

[GoRoos2023]

Told you didn’t I xxoo

 

[Northball]

R.I.P ChairmanZia

You beat me to it

 

[Engimal v3]

Luke Davies-Uniacke set to rebuff monster free agency payday and re-sign with North Melbourne​

Luke Davies-Uniacke is set to turn his back on the chance to become one of the best-paid players in the game and recommit to North Melbourne. JON RALPH has the exclusive details.

Jon RalphSports Reporter


@RalphyHeraldSun

2 min read
June 27, 2024 - 6:30PM
News Sport Network




Footy’s most in-demand pre-agent Luke Davies-Uniacke has declared his intention to rebuff massive $10 million offers and instead re-sign with North Melbourne despite his impending free agency next year.

Davies-Uniacke is in the middle of a blinding spell of form that has had him earn AFL Coaches Votes in the past six games as his intoxicating blend of midfield play hits new heights.

Clubs would be prepared to offer $1.5 million a season over seven years if he turned his back on the Roos at the end of next to chase instant success – and vast riches.

Yet as he told the Herald Sun in an exclusive interview he wants to finish his career as a one-club player at the Roos.

The 25-year-old No. 4 draft pick said he was inspired by the pledges of loyalty from Nick Larkey, Jy Simpkin and Harry Sheezel, who have all been locked in long-term since last year.

On the verge of his 100th game he was emphatic when asked if he wanted to stay at Arden Street despite hitting free agency at the end of 2025.

Luke Davies-Uniacke is set to turn his back on free agency. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

“Yeah, absolutely. I see myself playing for North Melbourne for the rest of my career,” he said.

“I think there has been a lot of stuff and a lot of talk about my contract and I have always basically signed in the year that it is expiring. That is when we have done those talks.

“So we didn’t feel like there was any rush to get a move on with it quickly. It is obviously going to be an important decision to make and no doubt the club and my manager will get something done. I love the club.

“Sheezel, Larkey, Simmo, the big three. Them signing on certainly inspired me to want to get more involved in the contract talks. It certainly is one of the biggest aspects that will come from that stuff.”

“Potentially it could get it done earlier. I just enjoy playing footy and don’t’ worry about the stresses of the contract and I just want to put all my energy into my football and the team so I think a couple of the boys have got stuck into me about signing on but it’s all fun. But I am definitely looking to talk to the club more next year.”

Rye’s Davies-Uniacke lost his father three years ago to cancer and still returns to surf and see his mother once a week but appreciates the feel of North Melbourne as coach Alastair Clarkson attempts to build culture and togetherness.

Luke Davies-Uniacke is congratulated by Harry Sheezel after kicking a goal against Essendon. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images.

“I think it’s just the family vibe of the club, it reminds me a lot of back home. Inclusive and how it’s a big family club. And obviously they are the club who chose to have faith in my on draft night, it is something I will always respect and something I always hold account to.

On the money on offer amid speculation of long-term deals exceeding $10 million he replied: “Yeah, look I am not really fussed about the money. I am someone who is going to rock up each day, try my hardest and I think it’s just reward for effort

If you play good footy you deserve it and you only get that if you are playing good footy.“

The Roos are desperate to secure free agent Cam Zurhaar, who has been offered a five-year deal by the club on lucrative terms.
But if they could lock in Davies-Uniacke it would be a huge boon with George Wardlaw contracted to 2026 and Charlie Comben only just secured until 2027 this week.

Luke, I'm absolutely rigid.

 

[Northball]

I have a shinboner

 

[GoRoos2023]

If you are wrong I will hunt you down like a pig.

I’m safe?

 

[Northball]

I’m safe?

 

[King Corey]

I’m safe?

Yes and no.

Keep going about your business, but there'll be a Flowers By Irene van parked out front until the "Contract!" mail hits my inbox.

 

[Engimal v3]

If you are wrong I will hunt you down like a pig.

There has to be easier ways

 

[CBSlogger]

When every other club misses out on luring our gun player is that a reverse fish?

 

[ansonholt]

What a beautiful, beautiful season we are having.

This bloke says he wants to be a one-club player. Because others have done the same. Others whom we also love.

LDU, you have made us all very happy. The club we love: you have said that you love it too. Winning is not the only thing, and premierships are not the only thing. It's the journey as much as the destination.

You have chosen to stay with us, and we wouldn't trade that for all the tea in China.

The whole club will rise from here. You are a shinboner for life. You were anyway but you are even more so now. You have joined the other shinboners at the start of a brand new era. A new dawn for our club. A new dawn that promises hope, excitement, and much enjoyment as we watch you and your brothers run out onto the field in blue and white.

We will shout that we are blessed in our native land, North Melbourne, and we are blessed because we have you, and Harry, and Jy, and Nick, and Tristan, and Charlie and George, and so many others who will follow in your footsteps and align with us: the Kangaroo faithful. Much joy is to follow.

Yours is the most significant commitment we have had in many years. We thank you for making it. We wish you all the best, and we will be right behind you and your fellow shinboners, through the hard times and the good. More good now, from here onwards, will surely follow.

Thank you.

 

[barnrokn]

 

[barnrokn]

 

[Possession]

Love his reasoning for staying and his loyalty to the club. Oppo supporters will never understand.

 

[Disco Dew]

 

[roos 10]

Any one got the interview of LDU with Cleary

 

[justroyal]

Aints fans melting

 

[Disco Dew]

Aints fans melting

No chance in hell that he would ever entertain going to the saints.

 

[justroyal]

 

[CharlieMortdecai]

No chance in hell that he would ever entertain going to the saints.

Was he a saints supporter as a kid?