Luke began managing the Oval 1 Grandstand Reestaurant and Bar under SUSF in the mid-1990s, before taking it on as his own business in 2003. Together with his daughter Michelle, Luke has been part of so many SUANFC game days and club functions. 

Former Club President, Chas Wilkinson, penned a tribute to Luke:

On behalf of those at Sydney University Australian National Football Club during my time with the Club, I would like to send  condolences to Luke’s family, and in particular, Michelle, Luke’s daughter, and SUANFC Life Member, Gerard Mitchell, Luke’s cousin.

Personally, I’m very saddened by the news.

Over a period of some 15 years, during my time at the Aussie Rules club, as Luke referred to us, I had the pleasure of organising many a club function with Luke and his daughter, Michelle at The Grandstand. 

Presentation nights, reunions, Club parties, sponsor lunches, player recruitment meetings post match drinks …Luke was always fair and straight to the point, with a great sense of humour, events and meetings were always a success. 

Luke was always there at the Grandstand, always had a way of putting a smile on your face, and more often than not, conversations ended with laughter.

Overwhelmingly, with Luke, you felt he cared for and about people.

Functions and game days down at No.1  will not be the same without Luke. He will be missed.