Paul Licuria
| Paul Licuria | |||
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| Personal information | |||
| Original team(s) | Keon Park Stars/ Northern U18 | ||
| Debut | Round 1, March 29, 1997, Sydney vs. West Coast Eagles, at Subiaco Oval | ||
| Playing career1 | |||
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1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2006. | |||
| Career highlights | |||
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| Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com | |||
Paul Licuria (born January 4, 1978) is an Australian rules footballer in the Australian Football League. His father is Italian and his mother is Spanish.
Licuria was drafted to Sydney in the 1995 National Draft as a second round selection, after having two knee reconstructions at ages 16 and 17. He was recruited as a hard-working midfielder but also was rumoured as a recruit to keep Anthony Rocca at the club as they were good friends. Licuria struggled to get a spot in the side after his debut in 1997. He played 4 games in 97, and then only 6 more in 1998, not having the impact he would've liked.
Licuria was traded to the club he supported as a child, Collingwood for the Pies first round selection, (no.3 overall). Licuria immediately made an impact at the club with his ability to win the ball off half-back, however his disposal let him down, and consistency had dropped off, causing him to be dropped half-way through his first year, however he came back into the side and won a Rising Star nomination for a 28 possession game against the West Coast Eagles. His form of late was signs of what to come and he carried it into the 2000 season, finishing 6th in the club best and fairest, and playing every game averaging 21 touches.
His 2001 and 2002 seasons were brilliant. His disposal was once again questioned, but his incredible workrate and consistency were rated very highly. He played every game in both seasons, averaging 23 and 22 touches a game in respective seasons. He capped both terrific seasons by winning the Copeland Trophy. It stunned everyone with his win in 2001, but in 2002 it was expected in the year the club made it to the Grand Final. Licuria's final series was fantastic, despite a poor performance in the big game, he would have a career high 40 disposals in the Qualifying Final against Port Adelaide.
His 2003 season was productive also, managing 24 games, missing round 1 through suspension, and breaking a consecutive games run of 74 games. He played all games once again in 2004 and 2005, being noticed as one of the most durable midfielders, despite his knee problems in his early career. He finished runner-up in the 2004 best and fairest, once again showing his improtance to the side. 2006 however would see Licuria exposed as a tiring player, with his use of the ball continually debated, and his consistency was also questioned. He was rested in Round 16 after an inconsistent start to the year, with highs and lows. He played for Williamstown in the VFL but forced his way back into the side after one week in the reserves. He played out the year in fine style, having some big games.