Herald Sun |

The 33-year-old, who has played his entire career at full back, was swung forward in round five when resident spearhead Jye Conrau departed the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League's Division 2 competition because of work ­commitments.

Barclay had 48 majors to his name before round 12 when he booted 18 goals in his side's thumping 47.20 (302) to 4.2 (26) win over Kinglake.

Barclay and Sam Turner, 11 goals, combined for 29 goals playing out of the goal square.

The Healesville spearhead registered two goals in the opening quarter, four in the second and third terms before finishing with eight in the final stanza.

"We know Kinglake's been struggling the past few weeks and we respect their situation. But, in saying that, we also had to show no mercy," Barclay said.

"I missed six goals and gave off about eight, so it was a pretty good day."

It's not the first time Barclay has fired on the forward line in a pinch-hitting role.

Fifteen years ago he kicked 14 goals in a match in his first year of senior football.

This new role, in a season where Healesville is undefeated, is a welcome one.

"It's certainly nice when you're kicking goals up forward. I've played full back my whole life so I guess I know the tricks of the trade as a defender," Barclay said.

Coach Sean Ellis heaped praise on Barclay for his selfless play and setting up his fellow forwards.

"The most exceptional thing is that Luke kicked 18 but gave off eight and he might've kicked 40 goals in the past month but he is exceptionally team focused," Ellis said.

"He is creating space for others and showing great leadership.

"We have a pretty young list so having that experience in the forward line is important, forwards can be selfish as we know but that's certainly not the case with Luke."

Barclay's haul was the second biggest by a player in Australia that round, behind only Omeo-­Benambra's Cody Graske, who kicked 22 against Lindenow South in the Omeo District Football League.

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