A call-up to the senior side the day before her 32nd birthday – capped off with St Kilda’s first AFLW win – was the perfect present for Tamara Luke.

The key position defender came in for the injured Clara Fitzpatrick and performed a heavily unsung performance as the club’s chief defender.

It was her one and only match of the season as a recurring heel injury forced Luke to the sidelines, but the former Hawk made sure to deliver her leadership and experience as the Saints’ campaign continued.

After making the switch from netball to football in 2017, the Leongatha recruit was one of Hawthorn VFLW’s stars over the past three seasons.

Luke was appointed as the brown and gold’s captain in 2019 after two seasons as deputy, leading her side out to battle in 12 matches before being selected by St Kilda with pick No. 33 in the 2019 Women's Draft.

Occupation: Exercise Physiologist at Epworth Health Centre