Mark LeCras

Mark LeCras (born 30 August 1986) is an Australian rules footballer who plays for the West Coast Eagles in the Australian Football League (AFL). Originally from Cervantes, a coastal town in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, he played for the West Perth Football Club in the West Australian Football League (WAFL) before being recruited by West Coast with the 37th pick in the 2004 National Draft. He made his debut for West Coast in the 2005 season, and played his first full season in 2007, kicking 36 goals from 19 matches. Mainly playing as a small forward, LeCras led the West Coast Eagles' goalkicking in 2009 and 2010, and was named in the All-Australian team in 2010. In February 2012, he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and was ruled out for the remainder of the season.

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

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. 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.

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.

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. 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 earnt LeCras 226 points in the Herald Sun Supercoach competition, the highest score for the 2010 season. 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. 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. 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.

2011–12: 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.

Statistics are correct to end of the 2013 season.

LeCras married Emily Marshall in a private ceremony on 23 December 2011, with the reception held at Cottesloe Beach. In February 2013, Mark and wife Emily welcomed their first child, a baby girl called Molly. They also have a son named Jack.