Untried Melbourne forward Luker Kentfield could be handed his AFL debut before the end of the season, with caretaker coach Troy Chaplin confirming the 2024 mid-season recruit is firmly in the mix.
Kentfield’s strong run of form in the VFL, 16 goals in the past six weeks, including two four-goal hauls for Casey Demons, has caught the eye of selectors and may see him unveiled against Collingwood in Round 24.
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‘We’ve been really pleased’
“He’s not far away,” Chaplin said. “We’ve been really pleased with his competitiveness, his marking, his finishing in front of goal. He’s still learning the game as well. It’s a big ask to put him in in these types of games, but it’s something we haven’t dismissed either.”
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Chaplin added that this week’s VFL clash against Box Hill would be another important test: “That will give us another reason to look at him if he performs. There’s no doubt he’ll come into consideration next week.”
The West Australian’s progress has already been rewarded, with Melbourne list manager Tim Lamb confirming Kentfield has signed on for 2026. “Having watched Luke grow from strength to strength since joining us in 2024, we’re pleased to have him sign on for another year,” Lamb said.
If selected, Kentfield’s debut would cap a rapid rise from mid-season draftee to potential senior contributor in little over a year.