Luke Faulkner will make his 100th appearance for the Mayne Tigers this Saturday at the Den at Mott Street against the Caloundra Panthers.
A fine Tassie product, Faulkner came to the Tigers at the beginning of 2010 as a highly credentialed and experienced forward who had already carved a successful career across three states. He was lured to the Tigers on the prospect of playing with a traditional club which boasted players like Andrew Housego, Caleb Brown and Luke Ferguson and to play an important part in shaping the future success of the club. Coach Mitch Ferguson used his key assets in some of his team leaders to help in “selling” the benefits of joining the Tigers to Faulkner which proved just the ticket.
Faulks as he is affectionately referred to, immediately rewarded the Tigers with a very impressive first season to take out the Club Champion award, a feat he repeated again in 2011 after taking on the senior coaching role that year.
The list of accolades and records have accumulated ever since with 2014 being a particularly impressive year as he swept away almost every award available in the club and the league after kicking a club record of 136 goals. He was awarded the Duncanson Medal as the Best and Fairest player in the QFA North competition, League Goal Kicking Medal, the Mick Nolan Best and Fairest Player in the Grand Final, the Mick Nolan Medal as the best player in the Reunion Day match and the Runner Up Best and Fairest in the Club Champion award. In great reward for his efforts a Premiership Medal as well. He backed up this performance by kicking another 73 goals in 2015 to win the League Goal Kicking Medal back to back as well as another Premiership medal.
In all, Luke Faulkner has been a tremendous addition to the Mayne Tigers with his on field talent obvious for all to see, however it has been his work behind the scenes that has elevated his value to the club to a level rarely seen in players still on the paddock and particularly one with so much talent.
Club President Russell Ditchburn has been fortunate enough to work with Luke when coaching together but also in putting together club social events over many years and recollects; “Luke has played an incredibly important part in the success of the club over the time since he joined with his willingness to take on so many roles over and above the exciting brand of football that he brought to the club. Luke has organised golf days, club champion nights, Black and Gold Balls, numerous other functions and helped find sponsors and always seems to know someone that might add some value to the club. He loves the Tigers and it is really tremendous to see him play on in 2016 and reach this important milestone.”
Faulks will be a proud Tiger on Saturday as he runs out with his son Archie but it is his team mates that have shared many enjoyable years together that will be just as proud to be there with him for this momentous occasion.
The following heartfelt thoughts have been put together by Faulks’ friends, coaches and team mates to acknowledge and recognise his considerable achievements. The extent of these recollections and best wishes speaks volumes about the regard with which he is held at the Tigers.
The first time Mitch Ferguson took me to meet this gun player (Faulk's) he was trying to recruit for the 2010 season, he was working in a clothing store in the valley and I remember instead of us 'selling' him the prospect of playing for Mayne he ended up selling us both a heap of new attire. Once Faulk's committed to Mayne though I considered my purchase one of the best investments I've ever made.
Faulk's has not only won every award there is to win (most of them multiple times) since coming to Mayne he has contributed enormously off field and in particular to the recent success. From a playing perspective he is the most naturally talented footballer I have played with and I am so glad he will get to play his 100th game on the weekend.
I am also really lucky to have got to know Faulk's and his family off the field so am really looking forward to being a part of his 100th. Well done mate, can't wait.
Caleb Brown
Firstly, as a person Luke and Jess were two of the first people to welcome Steph and I to the club with open arms. Always a friendly face and with both of us coming from 'down south' it was great to hit it off right away. Would always welcome new players and families to the club and I think that's where culture starts at a football club. Not many champion players for a club do as much work off the field but Luke has.
As a player, I doubt you will find a more talented guy that's come through Mayne. As a coach whenever we needed someone to step up in a big finals game, he did. Although he could be a 'typical full forward' and get cranky at times, this was due to his competitive nature and setting such high standards of himself. I consider myself lucky to have coached Luke and he certainly helped us win some crucial games off his own bat.
Congratulations to a champion player and champion bloke on 100 terrific games. I wish I could be there to run out next to you mate and share a few laughs and stories after the game. Go you mighty Tigers!!!
Shaun Daly
I recall quite vividly the first meeting I had with Luke when I was looking to get him across to Mayne. I was in the process of rebuilding the playing list and was keen on getting a high profile player across to the Tigers. I knew that I only had one chance to make a good first impression so I called in the big guns. I rounded up 8 of the senior leaders at the club and we headed in to see Luke at his work in the city and offered to take him to lunch. The sight of players like Caleb Brown, Luke Ferguson, Andrew Housego and Tom Falconer strolling into his shoe shop to convince him to play alongside them was brilliant and it did the trick. Aside from the on field opportunities at Mayne I think Luke was just as convinced it would be the right move for him and his then girlfriend (now wife) Jess to cross to Everton Park. Both have settled in beautifully and are now part of the fabric of the club. Since that first year they were soon married - with a strong Tigers contingent on hand - and then welcomed Archie into the fold. As Luke's coach his natural talent never ceased to amaze me. He has wonderful balance over the footy and in marking contests and is an incredibly tough player, quite often copping the brunt of the opposition each week. His skills both sides of his body serve as a reminder to young players the benefit of hours of practice on your game. Luke has played some superb games for the Tigers throughout his 100 game career but I derived enormous satisfaction sitting quietly on the hill at the 2014 grand final and watching him destroy the opposition with 8 goals in a best on ground performance. Ideally, recruiting is a long term project and I think Luke has paid the club back in spades. I consider myself fortunate to have coached such a unique football talent as Luke and reflect fondly on what has and will be a loyal friendship. I sincerely thank Luke for believing in me all those years ago and joining the Mayne AFC and wish him and his family the best of luck for a memorable and enjoyable day on Saturday
Mitch Ferguson
Luke has been an inspiration to the club both on and off the field. His commitment to the club has been far beyond any other player. Luke has put his hand up both on and off the field to assist in making the club successful. GVG has recognised this unique club spirit in Luke, and that he is an outstanding talent, and this is why we have gladly been his player-sponsor for the past five years.
We wish him all the best on his 100th game, and look forward to many more.
Guy Gardner
Mayne Tigers Treasurer and Major Sponsor
Faulks is without a doubt the most skilful and talented player I have played with. He does things on the field that no one else can do. However I think something that often gets overlooked is his toughness. He is targeted by the opposition and takes a lot of knocks and plays sore quite often but always gets up and is hard at the ball.
It has been a privilege to play alongside him for the last 5 years, but in 2014 especially, which is one of the great individual years in Mayne history. To kick 136 goals and nearly single handed drag us over the line with 8 goals in the grand final was incredible and we were lucky to have front row seats to the Forks show.
He is also a great clubman off the field and does a lot of work for the club. He also put his hand up to coach the club when we were struggling in 2011. That was probably a tough year but he stayed loyal to the club, which shows what type of bloke he is. It’s great that he got the rewards for his hard work and loyalty the last two years.
Congrats Faulks.
Jack Collings
I have played with Luke Faulkner since 2012. He is definitely one of the best footballers I have played​ with. When "Faulks" is up and going, he is unstoppable and opposition teams have no way of suppressing his influence. He has won many games for Mayne Tigers off his own boot and forged a tremendous reputation for himself. I think above all, his work off the field in promoting the club is the true mark of his character. He is a genuine clubman and for this has gained the ongoing respect from the entire Mayne community.
Congratulations on 100 games Faulks.
Dean Hartley
Faulks has had a great footy journey but nothing like the season of 2014. Part of the breaking of a 32 year Premiership drought for the Tigers,
League B&F, Norm Smith and r/up Club B&F and 136 goals, he seriously had the best domestic season of footy I've witnessed in over 30 years of community footy, at 31 years of age!
Having coached the club in 2010 when times were tough, to being a part of 2 flags, to walking Pickering St for sponsors this year, he has embodied the full Mayne story and we hope there's one last little chapter in 2016!
Danny Craven
Faulks has made an enormous contribution to the club on and off the field. His marking ability and freakish goal sense have been a joy to watch from the other end of the field, for both me and my direct opponents (who sometimes even admit it). He has been a consistent performer in big games, especially grand finals. Congrats on the milestone Faulks!
Bill Stephens
Faulks has had a huge impact on the Mayne footy club, from player, coach, mentor to mate. Since his first game he has led the way on the field kicking goals and taking names. He is always a great source of advice and has a great understanding of the game. It's been a privilege to watch the great man in action over the years and can't wait to watch him kick another bag in his 100th match.
Jake Magill
Faulks is the most skilful player I have played with or against without a shadow of a doubt. His left foot is better than my right and he'll mark just about anything he can reach. He's probably the most competitive guy too and gets dirtier on himself than anyone else could at him for stuffing up. Watching him kick 136 goals in a season was ridiculous, and he set the bar so high that people would wonder what happened if he only kicked 6 one day. He's helped out off the field a lot in different roles and seems to take on more each year which every players email inboxes can confirm. Congrats on the 100 games mate.
Taylor Murtha
Really happy to see Faulks reach his 100 games for the club this weekend. Since joining the club under Faulks as coach up until now it has been great to be able to witness his talent and skills up close. I have not played footy with a more talented player. Faulks has the ability to take freakish marks consistently even in the wet and with multiple opponents and has always kicked the goals in big games when it counts. Congratulations on the milestone and look forward to the rest of the year.
Sam Paterson
It's a fantastic achievement for Faulks to hit the 100 game milestone, and I know he will be very proud to play this game in front of family and friends. I've played quite a few games with Faulks and although people are fascinated at his ability to take the big marks and kick plenty of goal, it's actually his stubborn determination and relentless competitiveness that sets him apart from any other player I've played with. He's extremely strong over the ball, quick and agile and has terrific balance which enables him to play most positions becoming a nightmare match up for opposition sides.
He has always given plenty of his time off the field in a variety of roles and is a nice guy too. He is usually the difference in the close games, especially the big ones and is the best and most complete player I've played alongside. I wish him all the best for his 100th game and the best of luck for the remainder of the season.
Luke Ferguson
Last Modified on 09/06/2016 21:05