Career: 2004-2006
Debut: Round 1, 2004 vs Fremantle, aged 21 years, 317 days
1069th Carlton Player
Games: 46
Goals: 22
Guernsey No. 26
Last Game: Round 22, 2006 vs. Sydney, aged 24 years, 111 days
Height: 202cm
Weight: 99kg
DOB: 15 May, 1982
Deluca was drafted at Pick 72 in the 2003 National Draft. Wearing the #26, Deluca was picked up as a ruckman from the VFL from Port Melbourne but was played more as a forward, he was named in the VFL's team of the year in 2003.
Deluca played TAC Cup at the Oakleigh Chargers U/18's, and before that with the Panthers.
He started very well in 2004, playing all 22 games. In 2005, stress fractures reduced his input to 11 games. His possessions count dropped marginally from 8.1 to 7.6 per game despite playing more as an on-baller. He kicked 6.3 in 2005 after kicking 8.6 in 2004.
Deluca would finally enjoy an injury free year in 2006 but would have to compete with a number of other tall forwards and ruckmen at the Club and at times was squeezed out of the team. He would play 11 games in 2006, taking him to 46 games over his 3 years. Deluca played in Rounds 1-5, 7-8, 12-15 and 21-22 in a variety of roles, including a half forward flanker early in the season, forward pocket in the middle and at all times an occasional ruckman where the Blues search for back-up for Barnaby French continued. Kicking 8 goals from those 11 games, Deluca played predominantly forward but - for the exception of 1 quarter in Round 12, 2006 where he would break open the packs and kick 3 goals against the Roos - would not be able to take the games by the scruff of the neck. Deluca adopted the use of gloves in 2006, in an effort to improve his marking, which appeared to work.
After the end of Season 2006, Deluca announced his surprise retirement at the tender footy age of 24, citing the need to pursue other personal and professional interests. After having a spell from footy and time overseas, Deluca lined up with VFL club Port Melbourne for the 2009 season with his younger brother Fabian who had been delisted at the end of the 2008 season by Port Power.