After much speculation and many rumours Luke Ball has decided to part way with the St Kilda Football Club and nominate for the pre season draft. The ex-skipper of the Saints played a total of 142 games for the club and spent much of the 2009 campaign in the reserves. He managed to break back into the team coming into the finals but it appears this was not enough to keep him at the club.
The St Kilda football club has confirmed the defection of Ball stating “…Luke has now made the decision to pursue his career elsewhere. While St Kilda is disappointed with Luke’s decision, the club believes it has conducted itself appropriately through what have been lengthy and complex negotiations in attempting to find a fair and reasonable outcome for all concerned…The club would like to thank Luke for his contribution throughout his eight-year career at the Saints.”
Ball and his manager sought a trade to Collingwood during the trading period but nothing eventuated from the negotiations. Many clubs have shown great interest in the number 2 pick of the 2001 national draft including Collingwood, Essendon and also Melbourne. It would appear that Collingwood is the preferred option for the in and under midfielder however they do not enter the pre season trading until pick 30. Melbourne has been very adamant that they will take Ball with their first pick in the draft and now only time will tell if this will be the case.
Ball at the demons would add some much needed hardness into the centre for the demons and also some much needed experience. This would also enable him to mentor the young group of players coming through the ranks at he club. Where do you think Luke Ball will end up?
Tags: Luke Ball, Pre Season Draft
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