Luke Nankervis played eight games for Sandringham in 2021, kicking four goals and averaging 13.5 disposals as an athletic half-forward.[2] Born and raised in Victoria, Nankervis played amateur football for Bentleigh in the Southern Football Netball League in his youth. He won a premiership for the club at under-16 level.
The coronavirus pandemic and an ongoing knee injury postponed Nankervis' draft year in 2021.[3] Nankervis had to wait until the New Year, and ultimately was drafted by Adelaide with the second selection of the 2022 pre-season draft.[4]
AFL career
Before the 2023 season, Luke Nankervis extended his contract with the Crows for an additional two seasons, securing his place in the playing list until at least the end of 2025.[5] He averaged 21.5 disposals and a goal during the 2022 SANFL finals series. Prior to 2023, Nankervis had played almost exclusively as a half-forward flanker playing in Adelaide's reserves team. He moved to a more defensive role during the 2023 SANFL season, playing as a running half-back.[6] He excelled in the role change, and earned an senior debut in round 19 of the 2023 season against Melbourne at the MCG.[7] Nankervis collected 16 disposals as a half-back flanker on debut.[8] In 2024, Nankervis is becoming one of Adelaide's more consistent young talents, slowly shifting into a role on the wing.
Following a career-best game of 28 disposals, 10 marks, and 10 intercept possessions against Richmond, Nankervis was awarded with the Rising Star nomination for round 13, 2024.[9] His first career goal was a 50-meter set shot which came in the final round of 2024 against Sydney.
Personal life
Nankervis has two older brothers – Ryan and Joel – and a younger sister, Milly.[1] Their father, Paul, was listed with the Melbourne Football Club's under 19s squad in the 1980s, but never played senior VFL football.[4][3]
