LUKE Power has tonight received a significant honour, being named the 2021 AFL Coaches Association’s Assistant Coach of the Year.

Since arriving at IKON Park two years ago, Power has left a valuable imprint on Carlton’s players, earning respect across the competition in the process. 

Arriving at the Blues as the Head of Development at the end of 2019, Power stepped up into a midfield assistant coaching role in the second half of the 2021 season.

Power has imparted his knowledge on the young members of the Carlton playing group since his first day at the Club, drawing on his extensive playing and coaching experience spanning over two decades.

A triple premiership player at Brisbane and the inaugural co-captain of GWS, Power spent three years as the coach of the AFL Academy, working with the best young talent in the country.

Power is the 19th recipient of the Assistant Coach of the Year award, which has been won by future senior coaches John Longmire (2006), Stuart Dew (2016) and Craig McRae (2019).

Carlton Head of Football Brad Lloyd said all involved at the Club were delighted for Power, who has consistently gone “above and beyond” in his time in Navy Blue.

“Since he walked through the doors of our football club two years ago, Luke has been the ultimate professional and a valuable asset for all of our players, coaches and staff,” Lloyd said.

“There’s never a task too big and he is constantly doing extras with the playing group: he’s extremely committed to his role and the people around him at the football club.

“Along with VFL Senior Coach Daniel O’Keefe, Luke’s done a great job in overseeing our development and reserves programs, particularly given how interrupted the VFL competition has been over the past two years.

“He stepped up into a line coaching role this year and really embraced it in the second half of this year. The players absolutely love working with him and we’re delighted that he’s been recognised with this award.”