Power, who spent 14 seasons with the Lions before completing his illustrious career with Greater Western Sydney in 2012, was selected ahead of other notable candidates including Geelong’s Matthew Scarlett, Melbourne’s Brad Green and Hawthorn’s Chance Bateman.
AFLPA CEO Matt Finnis said Power’s achievements across all areas were indicative of the way he went about his footy - humble, hardworking and very successful.
“He retires as a triple premiership player with 302 games at the elite level, as well as having co-captained the Brisbane Lions and more recently the Greater Western Sydney Giants, he has been a genuine star of the game for well over a decade,” Finnis said.
“The work he has done for his fellow players has been exceptional and having worked closely with Luke during his role as a delegate, board member and eventually the President of the AFL Players’ Association. I can say he is one of the most impressive individuals I have come across in this game.”
"Not too many players retire with three premiership medals, 300 games and the accolade of captaincy at two different clubs. The respect he has earned from teammates across the board is testament to his endeavour, values and selfless approach to footy."
Power’s glittering on-field AFL resume includes three Premierships, All Australian selection (2004), Lions and Giants Co-Captaincy, two-time Lions Best Finals Player (2003 and 2009), Lions Life Member, and member of the Lions’ Team of the Decade.
He also finished inside the Lions’ top five on Club Champion night a remarkable eight consecutive times.
Off the field, Power’s had a strong involvement with the AFLPA during his role as a both a delegate (2002-2007), Board Member (2008-present) and then President (2011), while also combining football and study to complete a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) at the University of Queensland.
Within the community, Power fulfilled the role of the Brisbane Lion’s Starlight Children’s ambassador where he excelled and provided his support to several awareness campaigns as well as going over and above his ambassador commitment to regularly visit the children in his own time, often bring toys and presents away from the spotlight.
In 2011, he was awarded the Variety Heart of Football Award which is presented to a person in the football fraternity who has continually displayed outstanding commitment to children. His work within the community on club visits to junior clubs, Auskick, community camps and school visits has also been exceptional.
Power and his teammates were also instrumental in assisting with the clean-up efforts during the Queensland Floods in 2011, and also visited the evacuation centres to visit the children affected by the floods.
The entire Brisbane Lions AFC once congratulates of their favourite sons on yet another remarkable achievement, and career.
Power joins Cameron Ling (2011), Brett Kirk (2010), Michael O’Loughlin (2009), Robert Harvey (2008) and Glenn Archer (2007) as winners of this prestigious award.
