Luke Ivens Retires

[Wedgie]

I'm pretty confident in saying I don't think many opposition fans could say a bad thing about the helmetted one. All guts and a great club man at North for many years, unfortunately injuries took their toll eventually. Probably the last of an era where I called a lot of players good friends.
A huge shame he finished 7 games short of 200.

We wish to advise our members/supporters that long time fan favourite Luke Ivens has decided to retire from SANFL football.
Luke has spent considerable time working through this decision and he is leaving on his own terms.
The man known by his teammates as “Papa Ivens” will leave with great memories and has made a name for himself as a hard running, competitive defender who was the ultimate club person.
The rock of the backline over many years with the helmet and the famous number 10 guernsey will be missed by all who support the red and whites.

Below are Luke’s career statistics and accomplishments;

League Career:
2001-2008; 2010-2013
193 games, 15 goals
Jumper No. 10

Debut: Round 23 at Norwood (Friday night). North won by 15 points in an upset victory. Luke named in the best players
Luke’s first League Team:
F: R. McGahey, D. Hargraves, B. Casey
HF: S. Sutherland, J. Rivers, P. Fowden
C: S. Bamford, D. Wintle, J. Newberry
HB: L. Holland, A. Morgan, T. Gluschenko
B: D. Ebert, R. Ebel, L. Ivens
1R: M. Jamar, H. Younie, T. Cook
Int: A. Byerlee, N. Kurzel, S. Leal

Reserves games:
1999-2003; 2007-08; 2010; 2013
47 games 1 goal

Thus his career span at North’s was 1999-2008, 2010-13 (14 seasons)

Other Games
1 Foxtel Cup match

Awards
League
Best and Fairest: 2005
Most Consistent Player (CL Jessop Trophy): 2004
Defender of the Year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011
3rd in Best & Fairest: 2006

Reserves
Team Manager Award: 2000

Under 17s
Best & Fairest: 1999

Achievements
NAFC Life Member
Grand Final Player: 2007
13 Finals matches
14 Magarey Medal votes

Media Awards
The Advertiser Team Of The Year: 2005, 2006

Miscellaneous Stats
Luke’s 193 places him 17th on the NAFC All-Time Games Records list.
2nd most games played in the No. 10 jumper (168 games) – only behind B Robran
Total individual stats: 2048 kicks, 826 marks, 1458 handballs, 3506 disposals
Best match_ Round 16 2006 16 kicks, 26 handballs – 42 disposals.
26 handballs – 2 short by club record (28 T Perkins, 27 T Nunan)
We wish Luke and his family all the very best for life after football and the future.
Luke will make a speech tomorrow night at the after match awards following the league game against South Adelaide.
Let’s make sure we all get there to acknowledge one of the present day champions of the football club.

[Columbo]

Seems to have been around forever and always seemed to play well against the Eagles. Think you are spot on Wedgie, one of those blokes that you would love to have in your side.

[JK]

Can't remember him playing a bad game against us. Honest question, at full health is he still in North's best 21?

[DOC]

I agree Wedgie that its a shame that he finished 7 games short, especially since he played 47 reserves games and played his junior footy with North as well.

Always left me with the impression that he gave it is all with what was a fearless attack on the ball any any one who had it. I admire one club players greatly and wish him well.

What did he do in 2009? Was it overseas travel?

[Mr Fuller]

Congratulations on a great career.

I always thought the eagles were more of a chance to beat north when he wasn't in the side!!

He still seems too young to retire. Does anyone know why he has pulled th pin? Is it related to concussion given the recent Advertiser story that he featured in?

Off-topic, love some of the names to appear in that named North Adelaide team. Brings back some memories of another era i.e. Paris Fowden, Ray Ebel !

[puppet arms]

one of the opposition players I always rated highly. Just went about his business without any fuss. Fantastic player and would've loved him at the bay. A real shame injuries cut him off so close to 200.

[SDK]

Well done on a great career, I agree not many would dislike this guy. Pity about the 7 games short.

[Big Phil]

Luke will be coming up to the commentary position and joining RPH for a chat at half time of the League game here at Prospect...

[Adam4]

Luke currently playing at Uraidla with a number of ex-North players

[Alaska]

Playing very well at Uraidla to.

[Big Phil]

Was having dinner at The Robin Hood last night with friends and saw Luke there himself, along with a few former North team mates...

Almost had an accident with one of the them, as we were leaving the carpark, Will Dalwood and his big bloody 4WD almost cleaned me up !!!

[RB]

Was having dinner at The Robin Hood last night

Live around there do ya Phil?