A persistent groin injury continues to curtail the development of Luke Valente. A dominant ball winner throughout his junior career, he struggled to replicate that form in the WAFL, averaging a lowly 14 touches. Valente has continued his rehabilitation over the preseason, the groin concerns proving difficult to overcome. Expect the 2020 season to be a development year for the youngster, not a prospect for fantasy squads.
Vale Valente?
A persistent groin injury continues to curtail the development of Luke Valente. A dominant ball winner throughout his junior career, he struggled to replicate that form in the WAFL, averaging a lowly 14 touches. Valente has continued his rehabilitation over the preseason, the groin concerns proving difficult to overcome. Expect the 2020 season to be a development year for the youngster, not a prospect for fantasy squads.
Valour in Valente
The ball-winning Luke Valente was snatched up by the Dockers after he slid to pick 32. The midfielder dominated the Championships in averaging 28 touches and a goal across the tournament, and walked away as vice-captain of the All-Australian squad. Valente is strong on both feet and shows great leadership and smarts. Valente has drawn comparisons with Jordan Lewis as a soldiering worker and an excellent decision maker. The departure of Lachie Neale and recent injury to Connor Blakely opens up a big hole in the Dockers’ midfield, which means Valente is a strong chance to slide into if he can impress in the JLT. Keep a close eye on this bloke as he’ll be a jet in the not too distant future.
