Gold Coast swingman Jack Lukosius is reportedly open to a return home to South Australia, but coach Damien Hardwick is prepared to reject that proposition.
Under new direction following the introduction of Hardwick to the Suns ahead of the 2024 season, Lukosius has found himself playing in multiple roles across the campaign.
The 24-year-old has long been subject to positional shifts across his six-year career but was adamant about playing forward under the former Tigers' coach.
Lukosius was axed for the nail-biting Essendon clash after a fortnight of goalless starts, fuelling reports of a potential move.
Speculation grew further when it was confirmed that Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks met up with the rangy right-footer to discuss his future.
However, Hardwick was steadfast in where Lukosius stands, saying he hasn't seen the best of him in Suns colours.
โLook, this time of year there's always speculation, isn't there? From our point of view, he's a required player,โ Hardwick said, according toย AFL Media.
โThe thing (is), some of that's on Jack, some of that's on me, we've just got to figure out how to utilise him.
โHe's an incredibly talented player that I feel I haven't got the best out of him yet, so we've got to sit down and figure out what that looks like, and that's on me, first and foremost as a coach.โ
Amid the speculation was Port Adelaide skipper Connor Rozee's link to the Woodville-West Torrens product, who admitted he speaks to "nearly every day".
The pair are good friends and the Power captain quipped about the possibility of luring the Lukosius to Alberton.
โWe speak almost every day, not specifically about the situation but he is going OK,โ he said.
โI might have to do some convincing, I'm sure he will love to come home he is a South Australian but there is a lot to play out and it is a very personal decision.โ
If Lukosius were to entertain a move, he could join former teammate Izak Rankine at the Crows, who departed the Gold Coast at the end of 2022.
