It’s often said that when you put in the hard yards the rewards will naturally follow suit.

Shepparton Swans star Luke Davies is testament to such a mindset and he’s got the chance to line up a second straight flag in the nation’s premier summer competition.

The 2022 and 2023 Lancaster premiership player is embarking on his second season at St Mary’s in Northern Territory Football League and he’s got the chance to go two for two in the Top End when his yellow and green outfit runs into Southern Districts at TIO Stadium on Saturday night.

Four premierships in two and a half years would be a tantalising prospect to any footballer, but there’s a certain drive required to go year-round.

“I’m still pretty young, so my body doesn’t go too bad with it,” Davies said.

“I just love footy that much. I played cricket when I was younger, but I got over it pretty quick.

“Having my brother play up here was what got me involved, but I love the lifestyle and I’ve met heaps of new mates up there.

“It’s been a good couple of years.”

Davies, primarily a key defender, has done the work to establish himself as an iron man, playing all 18 Goulburn Valley League games in red and white through the winter between his stints with the Saints up north.

He’s got the competitive drive to make it happen as well.

“This will be my fourth senior grand final, so it’s a big thing to be part of, especially dealing with ex-AFL players,” Davies said.

“I’m feeling a little bit nervous, but I’m definitely excited for the weekend.

“I wouldn’t consider ourselves favourites, but I think that’s how we like it. Southern Districts spent most of the year on top, so I definitely think people who follow the NTFL closely would have them tipped.

“Being one of the most successful clubs in Australia, though, we know we can perform well in finals, so it gives us more to prove having come from fifth to make the granny and, hopefully, we get the chocolates at the end of it.”

He hasn’t forgotten about the winter, though.

Before we know it, Goulburn Valley League action will be in full swing once more — and there will be little rest for the wicked in the meantime.

“I’m keen to get back down and get around the boys again,” Davies said.

“There were a few close games at the start of the year, I think three by three points and six by under two goals.

“Hopefully, we can turn those into wins and push for finals. If we get there, who knows? We’d be pushing for a deep finals run ideally; stranger things have happened.

“If we can make those small adjustments, which I think our coaching staff has been helping them to do during pre-season, it’ll go a long way.”

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Friday, 21st February 2025

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