Power ends career on high

The AFL Players’ Association Madden Medal is awarded to the retiring player who has demonstrated on-field excellence, personal development and growth, as well as community spirit over the course of their playing career.  The Award is voted on by the Board of the AFL Players’ Association. This year’s poll saw Power come in ahead of other Madden Medal nominees Matthew Scarlett, David Wojcinski, Cameron Bruce, Chance Bateman and Brad Green.

Power accepted the award in person, from Simon and Justin Madden, and thanked his former teammates and clubs for their support throughout his career.

AFL Players’ CEO Matt Finnis said Power’s achievements across all areas were indicative of the way he went about his footy – humble, hardworking and very successful.

“He retires as a triple premiership player with 302 games at the elite level, as well as having co-captained the Brisbane Lions and more recently the Greater Western Sydney Giants, he has been a genuine star of the game for well over a decade,” said Finnis.

“The work he has done for his fellow players has been exceptional and having worked closely with Luke during his role as a delegate, board member and eventually the President of the AFL Players’ Association. I can say he is one of the most impressive individuals I have come across in this game.

"Not too many players retire with three premiership medals, 300 games and the accolade of captaincy at two different clubs. The respect he has earned from teammates across the board is testament to his endeavour, values and selfless approach to footy."

Power’s on-field brilliance saw him receive a large number of accolades including All Australian selection (2004), three time Best Finals Players (2006, 2008, 2010), five times placing in the top 3 of the Lion’s Best and Fairest, Lion’s members Player of the year in 2008, as well as being named in the Lions Team of the decade.

Power has also been awarded life membership to the Lions in 2007 and the AFL Life Membership in 2012.  Off the field, Power’s had a strong involvement with the AFL Players’ Association during his role as a both a delegate (2002 – 2007), Board Member (2008 – Present) and then President (2011), while also combining football and study to complete a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) at the University of Queensland.

Within the community, Power fulfilled the role of the Brisbane Lion’s Starlight Children’s ambassador where he excelled and provided his support to several awareness campaigns as well as going over and above his ambassador commitment to regularly visit the children in his own time, often bring toys and presents away from the spotlight.

In 2011, he was awarded the Variety Heart of Football Award which is presented to a person in the football fraternity who has continually displayed outstanding commitment to children. His work within the community on club visits to junior clubs, Auskick, community camps and school visits has also been exceptional.

Power and his teammates were also instrumental in assisting with the clean-up efforts during the Queensland Floods in 2011, and also visited the evacuation centres to visit the children affected by the floods.