But the professionalism of the 20-year-old ensured he would play first grade in round two of the AFL Riverina Championship after dominating the contest with 50-plus touches.

The former GWS Giants Academy member kicked three goals in Oakleigh Chargers' NAB League grand final win last year, before signing with VFL side Port Melbourne.

After the VFL was cancelled, the Northern Jets junior opted to add to the family tradition by donning the Crows colours.

"My grandfather and uncles played with Leeton so that was the club I ended up talking with," he said.

"Plus I'd played with or against lots of their boys in juniors and got to know them pretty well. That was another factor, there's quite a few boys there my age which made it easier to go there.

It was good to get back into it after a break, and get some match fitness back. I enjoyed being out there playing again, it was a tough game and Mangoplah has a pretty handy ressies side."

Lucas received four votes as one of Leeton-Whitton's best in last week's 71-point win over Turvey Park in first grade, with the Crows the only unbeaten team through two rounds.

They face some tough assignments in coming weeks, with this Saturday's clash against Wagga Tigers at Robertson Oval followed by Ganmain-Grong Grong Matong (home) and Osborne (away).

"It's a good start so far but this this week will be a good test against Wagga Tigers," Lucas said.

"By all accounts they were pretty strong against Ganmain (in a one point win) and they'll be a strong outfit, so we're looking forward to that challenge.

"I predominately like midfield, but going forward I enjoy too. I've always done a little bit of both so it's good to have a spell up forward at times.

"Once I get a bit more fitness throughout the season, I might be able to run more games out in the midfield."

The VFL shutdown was a blow for Lucas, who along with Crows teammate Cooper Sharman still has goals of being picked up in the AFL Draft.

"It was disappointing, I was looking forward to a first year at Port Melbourne," he said.

"But I'm lucky in some ways to be able to come back home and play here, because lots of people living in Melbourne won't be playing football at all.

"You never want to give up on that (draft). It's definitely something I still want to do."

Leeton coach Daniel Muir made a point of highlighting Sharman and Lucas' professionalism after their starring roles against the Bulldogs.

"It was pleasing to watch how a guy of his professionalism goes about it and the way he's fit into the club so far has been exceptional," Muir said.

"I'm impressed by how he's come in and bought into the way we want to play footy, and how he's jelled with the players. He's only been there for two weeks but it's like he's been here for seasons with how he gets on with everyone and how he gets involved.

"You can tell he's going to be a class footballer and he's destined for bigger things.

"I touched on it after the game about about how young but professional they (Lucas and Sharman) are."

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