Mark LeCras

Last updated

Mark LeCras
Mark LeCras 2018.2.jpg
LeCras playing for West Coast in April 2018
Personal information
Full name Mark LeCras
Nickname(s) Lecca, [1] The Frenchman [2]
Date of birth (1986-08-30) 30 August 1986 (age 37)
Original team(s) Cervantes Football Club (CMCFL)/West Perth
Draft 37th pick, 2004 National Draft (West Coast)
Height 183 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight 80 kg (176 lb)
Position(s) Small forward, midfielder
Playing career1
YearsClubGames (Goals)
2005–2018 West Coast 219 (441)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of end of 2018.
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Mark LeCras (born 30 August 1986) is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was predominantly used as a small forward, though he has occasionally played in the midfield. He won an AFL Premiership with West Coast in 2018, his last season.

Contents

His father played senior football for East Fremantle in the West Australian Football League (WAFL), and his brother, Brent LeCras, played for North Melbourne in the AFL. His cousins, Toby, Ashley and Cory McGrath, also played senior football in the WAFL and AFL. [3]

He made his debut for West Coast late in the 2005 season, and played his first full season in 2007. LeCras kicked 58 goals in 2009 and 63 goals in 2010, leading the club goalkicking in both years.

He won the club best and fairest in 2010, and was also named in the All-Australian team. In 2017, LeCras broke Phil Matera's club record for the most career goals by a small forward. In the same season he also became just the third West Coast player to kick 400 career goals, after Peter Sumich and Josh Kennedy.

He now works as a coastal reporter for Seven News Perth. [4]

Early life

LeCras was born to Peter and Leonie LeCras on 30 August 1986. Originally from Cervantes, he began with the Cervantes Football Club in the Central Midlands Coastal Football League (CMCFL), [5] but moved to Perth to attend Prendiville Catholic College, playing with Whitfords JFC and Quinns, before returning to Cervantes after his graduation. [6]

He played for Western Australia at the 2003 and 2004 Under-18 Championships, and was named in the 2004 Under-18 All-Australian team. He played colts football for West Perth in the WAFL in 2003 and 2004, and was named as a half-forward flank in the Team of the Year in both seasons. [6] LeCras made his senior debut for West Perth against Claremont in round 20 of the 2004 season, and played two further games for the season, in rounds 21 and 23. [7]

Career

Early career

LeCras was recruited by the West Coast Eagles with the 37th pick overall in the 2004 National Draft. After spending the first half of the season with West Perth, He made his debut for West Coast in round 10 of the 2005 AFL season, kicking two goals and recording 12 disposals. He played one more game before being dropped back to the WAFL, where he played the rest of the season.

He was recalled in 2006 for the Round 14 clash against Hawthorn, but only managed a total of 16 disposals in two games before being dropped and recalled for the Round 22 demolition of Richmond, where LeCras put in a surprise performance, booting 5 goals. LeCras placed fourth in the Sandover medal for the best player in the WAFL in 2006. The award was won by fellow West Coast Eagle player Matt Priddis. He fought his way back into the team in 2007, and had a stellar season, kicking 36 goals for the season.

In 2009, Mark LeCras kicked 58 goals in the home-and-away season, leaving him in All-Australian contention. Ultimately he missed out on selection. In round 13, 2009, he scored his 100th AFL career goal in West Coast's 20-point win against Hawthorn at Subiaco Oval. For the overall 2009 season, LeCras became the most potent forward in the team kicking 30 goals in the first 12 rounds, and 58 for the season, topping the Eagles' goalkicking list.

LeCras in 2009 Marklecras.jpg
LeCras in 2009

2010: All-Australian

In round 16 of 2010, LeCras kicked a personal best of 12 goals, doubling his previous record of 6, in an outstanding individual display against Essendon at Etihad Stadium. It broke the previous record of 11 (kicked by Stephen Milne) for the most goals kicked by an individual in a game at the stadium. [8] This was one of a few highlights in a dark season for the Eagles in which they won the wooden spoon for the first time in its history. The performance also earned LeCras 226 points in the Herald Sun Supercoach competition, the highest score for the 2010 season. [9] LeCras later finished Third in the Coleman Medal with 63 goals from 21 games, behind Jack Riewoldt and Barry Hall. On 10 September 2010, LeCras was awarded the "prestigious" award of the West Coast Eagles Club Champion. [10] On 13 September, LeCras was selected at forward-pocket in the 2010 All-Australian team, the only player from the West Coast Eagles in the team. [11] He was also nominated as one of the three contenders for goal of the year for his effort against Essendon in Round 16, one of twelve goals scored on the night, eventually losing out to Lance Franklin for the award. [12]

2011–2012: Midfield move and injury

After a strong pre-season, LeCras ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) at a West Coast training session in February 2012, and was ruled out for the remainder of the season, opting to undergo a full knee reconstruction. [13]

2015: Return to form and Grand Final Heartache

2015 would see Mark LeCras to form as a small forward. Mark went onto kick 45 goals for the season.

In the 2015 AFL Grand Final between the West Coast Eagles Football Club and Hawthorn Football Club Mark would only kick one goal. Hawthorn Football Club won by 46 points. The 2015 would be Mark's first Grand Final appearance as a player. After being on the West Coast Eagles list when the West Coast Eagles lost the 2005 Grand Final and won the 2006 Grand Final. The 2018 Grand Final was Mark's second Grand Final appearance.

2017–2018: Later years and premiership

Against Port Adelaide in round seven of the 2017 AFL season, LeCras kicked his 390th career goal, breaking Phil Matera's club record for the most goals kicked by a small forward. He kicked his 400th career goal in the round 17 Western Derby against Fremantle, in his 190th game, becoming only the third West Coast player to reach the milestone (after Peter Sumich and Josh Kennedy). [14]

LeCras had an improved season and defied many critics who thought he had nothing left to give. He finished his career on a high with being part of the West Coast Eagles' premiership winning team in 2018, and announced his retirement after the AFL trade period.

In 2019, LeCras signed with West Coast's fierce local rivals, Fremantle, as a part-time specialist forwards coach, for the 2020 AFL season.

Honours and achievements

Team

Individual

Statistics

[15] [16]
Legend
  G  
 Goals
  K  
 Kicks
  D  
 Disposals  
  T  
 Tackles
  B  
 Behinds  
  H  
 Handballs  
  M  
 Marks
SeasonTeamNo.GamesTotalsAverages (per game)
GBKHDMTGBKHDMT
2005 West Coast 1922012113731.00.06.00.56.53.51.5
2006 West Coast 194562312351561.31.55.83.08.83.81.5
2007 West Coast 21936191225717958431.91.06.43.09.43.12.3
2008 West Coast 21123887281154982.10.77.92.510.54.50.7
2009 West Coast 22158261949829287482.80.28.66.214.82.61.6
2010 West Coast 22163242137328697363.01.110.13.513.64.61.7
2011 West Coast 222472923712135892862.11.310.85.516.34.23.9
2012 West Coast 2000000000.00.00.00.00.00.00.0
2013 West Coast 215302719146237804621.812.73.115.85.33.1
2014 West Coast 21530141759727269632.00.911.76.518.14.64.2
2015 West Coast 2244531284156440122661.91.311.86.518.35.12.8
2016 West Coast 2233827269107376127751.71.211.74.716.35.53.3
2017 West Coast 21932211908027094451.71.110.04.214.24.92.4
2018† West Coast 223322123010133189701.40.910.04.414.43.93.0
Career219441253222797732049865952.01.210.24.514.64.52.7

Personal life

LeCras married Emily Marshall in a private ceremony on 23 December 2011, with the reception held at Cottesloe Beach. [17] They share two children. [18]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quinten Lynch</span> Australian rules footballer, born 1983

Quinten Peter Lynch is a former Australian rules footballer who played with the Collingwood Football Club and the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). Originally from Grass Patch, a rural farming community near Esperance, Western Australia, he played for the West Perth Football Club in the West Australian Football League (WAFL) before being recruited to West Coast with the 19th pick overall in the 2002 Rookie Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew Embley</span> Australian rules footballer, born 1981

Andrew Embley is a former Australian rules footballer who played with the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). He is known for winning the Norm Smith Medal as the best player in the 2006 AFL Grand Final.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Troy Wilson (Australian rules footballer)</span> Australian rules footballer, born 1972

Troy Wilson is a speedway driver and former Australian rules footballer. Wilson played for West Coast in the Australian Football League (AFL), and for West Perth and East Perth in the West Australian Football League (WAFL).

Mark Nicoski is a former Australian rules footballer who previously played with the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). From Perth, Western Australia, Nicoski first played for Subiaco in the West Australian Football League (WAFL), before being recruited by West Coast in the 2003 Rookie Draft. Promoted from the rookie list prior to the 2004 season, he made his debut for the club in round five, and became a regular in the side the following season as a half-back flanker, playing in West Coast's grand final loss to Sydney. In 2006, Nicoski fractured an ankle midway through the season, and thus missed out on playing in the club's premiership victory. Over the next seasons, shoulder and groin injuries restricted his time on the field, but in 2011 he took up a different role in the team, kicking 41 goals playing as a forward. Nicoski also represented Australia in the 2011 International Rules Series. However, after serious injuries, including a torn hamstring during the final of the 2012 pre-season tournament, he did not play at AFL level over the following two seasons. Having played 112 games for West Coast, Nicoski retired from the AFL at the end of the 2013 season.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Kennedy (footballer, born 1987)</span> Australian rules footballer, born 1987

Joshua J. Kennedy is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). He previously played for Carlton from 2006 to 2007 and is regarded as one of the best key-forwards of his generation.

Andrew James Krakouer is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Richmond Football Club and Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Ryan Edwin Turnbull is a former Australian rules footballer who represented the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). Turnbull was a member of the Eagles' 1994 premiership side, and was the club's first-choice ruckman for much of the 1990s. He also played with the Claremont and East Perth Football Clubs in the West Australian Football League (WAFL), and was awarded the Sandover Medal in 2001 as the best player in the competition, as well as winning the Simpson Medal in 2001 and 2002 as the best player in the league's grand final. In State of Origin football, Turnbull represented Western Australia in five matches between 1992 and 1999, and captained a Western Australian representative team in 2003.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Hill (footballer)</span> Australian rules footballer

Josh Hill is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the Western Bulldogs and West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL).

Chad Jonathon Jones is an Australian rules footballer currently listed with the Claremont Football Club in the West Australian Football League (WAFL), having previously played for the Kangaroos and the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). From Perth, Western Australia, Jones made his debut for Claremont in 2003, and was recruited to the Kangaroos in the 2003 National Draft. Over three seasons at the club, he played six games, kicking a single goal, before being traded to West Coast prior to the 2007 season. At West Coast, Jones played seven games over two seasons before being delisted. Remaining with Claremont where he played as a key forward, Jones led the club's goalkicking in 2009 and 2010, also winning the Bernie Naylor Medal as the competition's leading goalkicker in both seasons. He went on to play in Claremont's 2011 and 2012 premiership sides, having also represented Western Australia in two interstate matches.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nic Naitanui</span> Australian rules footballer

Nicholas Mark Naitanui is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). He was born in Sydney to Fijian parents, and his family moved to Perth, Western Australia after his father's death. Growing up in Midvale, Naitanui attended Governor Stirling Senior High School, and played football for the Midvale Junior Football Club. After representing Western Australia in the 2007 and 2008 AFL Under 18 Championships, he debuted in 2008 for the Swan Districts Football Club in the West Australian Football League (WAFL). Naitanui was drafted by West Coast with the second pick in the 2008 National Draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Walters</span> Australian rules footballer

Michael Walters is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the Fremantle Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Originally playing mainly as a small forward, Walters has recently spent more time in the midfield. In 2019 he was rewarded with his debut selection in the All-Australian team.

Brent Phillip LeCras is a former Australian rules football player who played in the Australian Football League for the Kangaroos. He was originally recruited from Cervantes.

Andrew Strijk is an Australian rules footballer currently listed with the West Perth Football Club in the West Australian Football League (WAFL). He previously played with the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jack Darling</span> Australian rules footballer

Jack Darling is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). Additionally, he was recruited from West Perth in the WAFL with pick 26 in the 2010 AFL Draft.

Gerrick Peter Weedon is an Australian rules footballer who previously played with the Claremont Football Club in the West Australian Football League (WAFL) and the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). Originally from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Weedon moved to Perth to play for Claremont, before being recruited by West Coast with the 22nd pick overall in the 2009 National Draft, playing his first game for the club in round seven of the 2011 season. Due to his inability to break into West Coast's senior side, Weedon spent most of his time at the club playing in the WAFL, playing in Claremont's premiership sides in both 2011 and 2012. He was delisted from West Coast at the end of the 2012 season.

Fraser McInnes is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mark Hutchings</span> Australian rules footballer

Mark Hutchings is an Australian rules footballer who last played for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL) and currently plays for West Perth Football Club. From Perth, Western Australia, Hutchings captained his state at the 2009 National Under-18 Championships, and, having also played for East Perth in the West Australian Football League (WAFL), was selected by St Kilda in the 2010 Rookie Draft. A midfielder, he was delisted after a season at the club without having made his senior debut, and transferred to West Perth upon his return to Western Australia. Establishing himself as a regular player for the team, Hutchings was one of the competition's best players during the 2012 season, playing state football, finishing second in the Sandover Medal, and winning West Perth's best and fairest award. He was drafted by West Coast at the 2012 National Draft, and made his senior AFL debut during the 2013 season, playing nine matches during his debut season, as well as playing in a premiership for West Perth.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tom Barrass</span> Australian rules footballer

Thomas Barrass is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). He has played as a key defender since his junior career with Claremont. Barrass was drafted by West Coast with pick 43 of the 2013 national draft, but did not make his senior debut until round 17 of the 2015 AFL season. He was nominated for the 2016 AFL Rising Star and won a premiership with West Coast in 2018.

Tom Lamb is a former professional Australian rules footballer who played for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Liam Ryan (footballer)</span> Australian rules footballer

Liam Ryan is a professional Australian rules footballer playing for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). He is a small forward who is known widely for his vertical leap and high-marking ability.

References

  1. ↑ Eagles known Lecca hard act to follow – thewest.com.au. Published 29 March 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
  2. ↑ Gibbs, Matt (2012). West Coast Eagles 2012 Season Preview – Big Footy News. Posted 13 February 2012. Retrieved 18 February 2012.
  3. ↑ Ooh Aah LeCras, McGrath Archived 22 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine – lmsc.com.au. Written by Melissa "Frizz" Ferguson. Published 5 May 2011. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
  4. ↑ "Seven News Presenters and Reporters". Media Spy. 16 February 2023. Retrieved 16 February 2023.
  5. ↑ Cervantes, Western Australia – scoreboardpressure.com. Published 1 August 2011. Written by Vin Maskell. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
  6. 1 2 Pick 37: Mark LeCras Archived 29 July 2023 at the Wayback Machine – eaglesflyinghigh.com. Published 20 November 2004. Written by Danny Brockhoff. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
  7. ↑ Mark LeCras (West Perth) Archived 11 October 2018 at the Wayback Machine – wafl.com.au. Retrieved 15 October 2011.
  8. ↑ LeCras' dozen breaks Bomber hearts. Afl.com.au (17 July 2010). Retrieved on 18 February 2012.
  9. ↑ Mark LeCras Leads The West Coast Eagles. Smh.com.au (19 July 2010). Retrieved on 18 February 2012.
  10. ↑ LeCras is Club Champion – Official AFL Website of the West Coast Eagles Football Club. Westcoasteagles.com.au (11 September 2010). Retrieved on 18 February 2012.
  11. ↑ LeCras, Sandi named in All-Australian side – The West Australian. Au.news.yahoo.com (13 September 2010). Retrieved on 18 February 2012.
  12. ↑ LeCras up for Goal of the Year. Afl.com.au. Retrieved on 18 February 2012.
  13. ↑ Chadwick, Justin (2012). West Coast star forward Mark LeCras to miss season with knee injury – PerthNow. Posted 17 February 2012. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  14. ↑ Finals fight: Cull on the cards as Eagles stare down barrel, 28 July 2017
  15. ↑ "Mark LeCras statistics". AFL Tables. Retrieved 7 May 2019.
  16. ↑ "Mark LeCras of the West Coast Eagles Career AFL Stats". footywire.com. Retrieved 17 June 2014.
  17. ↑ Phillips, Yasmine (2011). LeCras lines up a wedding goal – PerthNow. Published 24 December 2011. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  18. ↑ "Kids lift West Coast Eagle LeCras". The West Australian. 4 January 2016. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.