AFL Player #34: Luamon Lual

[VelvetSledge]

 

[DonsRule]

Standard​

standard.net.au/story/8431682/essendon-drafts-south-warrnambools-luamon-lual-via-afl-draft/

Justine McCullagh-Beasy21 November 2023

Luamon Lual (centre) celebrates with family in Warrnambool after getting drafted into the AFL. Picture by Sean McKenna

THOSE closest to Luamon Lual were there to celebrate the biggest moment of his football career.




Essendon snapped up the talented South Warrnambool defender with pick 39 in November 21's AFL national draft.

Lual, 18, was the first GWV Rebels' player taken. His close mate George Stevens, also from the Roosters, was a bargain buy for Geelong at pick 58.




Lual - the second oldest of four siblings - said the support of the Warrnambool community including the South Sudanese contingent meant the world.

The talented teenager watched the draft at the Akoch family home. The two families have been lifelong friends.

Luamon Lual soaks up being drafted to Essendon with his family and friends. Picture by Sean McKenna

"It is crazy. My phone is going berserk," he told The Standard.

"It is such an amazing feeling. I heard Otha (Akoch) and dad going berserk and Charity (Akoch) and all of them were going bananas.

"It just didn't feel real, it felt like a dream to be honest. I am super stoked and excited to join Essendon."

Luamon Lual is all smiles after joining Essendon via the AFL draft. Picture by Sean McKenna

A photo and candle tribute to his late mum Regina ensured she was a part of the special moment.

"It was so special for my mum (to be included) - if you see that photo over there, she's smiling and it (me getting drafted) is something she would be very proud of," he said.

"I am grateful to have Charity here by my side who is a mother-figure for me as well.

"I am super blessed to have her and it means the world to her, just as much as it would for mum.

"It is crazy how fast time goes and to be in this position, I am super grateful and it's super humbling as well."

Luamon Lual (centre) is embraced after becoming an Essendon footballer. Picture by Sean McKenna
Lual will team up with Hampden league export Zach Merrett - Essendon's captain - at the Bombers.
"It will be pretty cool to have someone like him there," he said.
"Country boys, we all have something in common in a sense. He'll be a great role model for me for sure.

"I think the young talent they've got there is really good and there will be so many good people to learn off," he said.
"I am really excited to get stuck into things, meet the boys. I can't wait to see what the future holds."
Lual and Stevens were two of four GWV Rebels drafted with Horsham Saints' Joel Freijah landing at the Western Bulldogs with pick 45 and East Point's Lachlan Charleson joining Port Adelaide at pick 52.

'It felt like a dream to be honest': AFL draftee ready for football adventure

South Warrnambool defender has joined one of the biggest clubs.

www.standard.net.au

 

[naraku]

I'm quite happy with Lual, really hope he can give us drive out of defence.

 

[eth-dog]

Bomber fan growing up

 

[Loonerty]

Hand in your membership if you call him Lululemon

 

[eth-dog]

Call him bitters.

Partly for the Dogs board reaction, partly for the drink joke

 

[dank420_]

LL COOL LUAL

 

[brutus76]

WOW LUAL should catch on pretty quick

 

[Loonerty]

Call him bitters.

Partly for the Dogs board reaction, partly for the drink joke

What

 

[Loonerty]

WOW LUAL should catch on pretty quick

Disagree

 

[eth-dog]

What

Lemon, lime and bitters?

I'll see myself out.

 

[dank420_]

“LUAL THE LEMON LIME BITTERS GUY WOW”

 

[Red Black and Blue]

Just AL.

 

[dank420_]

The players will nickname him LUALSY and you all know it

 

[boncer34]

Margaret

 

[The Airing of Grievances]

Well there's no doubt he has a great turn of foot. Bit hard to make a judgement on decision making and disposal on the highlights but if he brings/and or we can develop those traits he could be a real asset. Our 5 most recent picks in this range: ADJ, Alistair lord, Josh Eyre, ,Nick Bryan and Irving Mosquito so we are definitely in the land of hope rather than expectation. But certainly the potential for some thrilling moments for us fans if he can make it to the level.

 

[Run and carry]

Watched the Youtube video on his road to the draft. Impressed with his character and his family seem like really decent, humble people doing it a bit tough.

Its a really good story.

 

[carnthedons]

As someone born and raised in Warrnambool, I fully approve of this.

Really fangin a Kermond’s burger right now

 

[brain taylor]

The players will nickname him LUALSY and you all know it

i’d give them enough credit to at least figure out “luey” but you’re probably right

 

[MiguelM]

As somebody who had an awesome time at the African Music Festival at Fed Square on the weekend, I fully endorse this selection.

Think there will be a big jump in the % of Sudanese players in the coming years.

Athletically very suited to the modern game, esp running offensively off the backline.

 

[DERO]

Welcome Lululemon

 

[Maddogm]

Little afl doco on him:

3 more eps to come

 

[ghostdog]

Stoked we've gone with rebounding pace off half back. Should replace Hind in time I guess.

Hard to see how he doesn't end up being called Lou tbh.

 

[ghostdog]

LL COOL LUAL

We've actually got both LL and Redman

 

[Goat Hird]

Better than McGrath

 

[ydc55]

Good luck young man