Why Luke Parker is the right inclusion at the right time for Sydney

Josh Gabelich loved seeing the return of Luke Parker in Sydney’s 138-59 win over North Melbourne at the SCG on Saturday.

Parker only returned to the side as a substitute, replacing Sam Wicks who was a late out, but quickly made an impact after being brought onto the ground during the third term.

In his first AFL game for the year, Parker finished with two goals, 13 disposals, four tackles and six clearances and Gabelich thinks he’s returned at the perfect time for Sydney who despite sitting top of the ladder, dropped their last two games before Saturday against the Dockers and Saints.

Having endured a tough 2024 with injury and suspension as well as being forced to play VFL footy, Gabelich sees blue skies ahead for the 31-year-old who he expects will keep his spot in John Longmire’s team going forward.

“My Sunday judgment is that Luke Parker is the right inclusion at the right time for Sydney,” Gabelich told SEN Crunch Time.

“They needed an edge coming off a slight slump across the last fortnight even though they could have won both those games if Logan McDonald kicked those goals.

“But when you consider what he means to that group (his inclusion is huge) and the fact he's been through the wringer this year, he had the broken forearm, he had to spend a month in the VFL, and he's now served that six-game suspension.

“What he did yesterday I thought was inject them with spirit and an edge with 13 disposals, two goals and six tackles in just over a quarter.

“He just reminded Sydney how important he can be.”

While Sydney also needs to bring back Isaac Heeney next week following his one-week suspension, Gabelich thinks that Parker’s veteran presence will help the young classy midfield that includes names such as Errol Gulden, Chad Warner and James Rowbottom.

“They've got such a classy midfield, but it is a young midfield,” Gabelich said.

“So, to get the veteran back in at this time, there's no way he's going to come out of that side now.

“While Isaac Heeney comes back in next week, Luke Parker's going to be there and be there when it matters.”

With a selection squeeze imminent, Gabelich can even see Parker claiming the spot of recruit Taylor Adams who has played half-forward/midfield for the Swans for most of the season.

“I think the Taylor Adams role position is the most vulnerable,” Gabelich said.

“Justin McInerney might also miss the rest of the home in a season now, so there is a spot there.

“They're different players, I know that, and Heeney’s got to come back in.

“But I think Parker stays in.”

Parker will hope to keep his spot when the Swans face the Lions in a huge game at the Gabba next Sunday.