AFL Draft Watch: Lachlan Jones (WWT Eagles/South Australia)
IN the build up to football eventually returning, Draft Central takes a look at some of this year’s brightest names who have already represented their state in some capacity leading into 2020. While plenty can change between now and then, we will provide a bit of an insight into players, how they performed at pre-season testing, and some of our scouting notes on them from last year.
Next under the microscope in our AFL Draft watch is Woodville-West Torrens’ Lachlan Jones, a solidly-built defender who is part of Port Adelaide’s Next Generation Academy. The 185cm prospect has many elite level traits, and bosses the defensive 50 with his sound reading of the game, aggressive intercept style, and sound disposal by foot. Jones is also versatile in his defensive duties, able to either provide that intercept and rebound quality off half-back, or shutdown opponents deep with his one-on-one strength.
While he came in at 89kg during preseason, Jones is very athletic and tested well across the board, with his power shining through in particular. His rapid rate of development has seen him enter the SANFL League fray with the WWT Eagles, running out in all three of their opening fixtures to date in 2020. Should the Under 18 national carnival go ahead, expect him to be a key feature for South Australia, too.
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PLAYER PAGE:
Lachlan Jones
WWT Eagles/South Australia
DOB: April 9, 2002
Height: 185cm
Weight: 89kg
Position: General Defender
Strengths: Strength/aggression, defensive versatility, intercepting, speed-endurance mix, readymade
Improvements: Accumulation/consistency
2020 SANFL League stats: 3 games | 11.3 disposals | 4.0 marks | 2.7 tackles | 0.7 inside 50s | 2.3 rebound 50s
>> SANFL League Rd 3 Player Focus: Lachlan Jones
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PRESEASON TESTING RESULTS:
Standing Vertical Jump – 66cm
Running Vertical Jump (R/L) – 89cm/86cm
Speed (20m) – 2.97 seconds
Agility – 8.37 seconds
Endurance (Yo-yo) – 21.1
>> Full Testing Results:
Jumps
20m Sprint
Agility
Yo-yo
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SCOUTING NOTES:
2020 SANFL League Rd 3 vs. Norwood
By: Michael Alvaro
Jones’ ability to attack from defensive positions began to form an asset for the Eagles as they went on to dominate proceedings, with the youngster positioning well at half-back to intercept – almost presenting like a Norwood forward should have been to cut off attacking forays with confidence. He also doubled as a defensive outlet as the play slowed, finding space to possess the ball uncontested in a chip-around game across the back 50.
2019 Under 17 Futures All Stars
By: Ed Pascoe
The strong bodied Jones is a Port Adelaide NGA prospect who has had a good year for Woodville-West Torrens, looking most at home in defence. He was strong over the ball and made good decisions with ball in hand.
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>> 2020 South Australia U18s Squad Prediction
>> July 2020 Power Rankings
>> CATCH UP ON OUR DRAFT WATCH SERIES
Allies:
Tahj Abberley
Jackson Callow
Braeden Campbell
Alex Davies
Oliver Davis
Errol Gulden
South Australia:
Kaine Baldwin
Bailey Chamberlain
Corey Durdin
Luke Edwards
Taj Schofield
Riley Thilthorpe
Vic Country:
Sam Berry
Tanner Bruhn
Jack Ginnivan
Elijah Hollands
Zach Reid
Nick Stevens
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan
Vic Metro:
Jackson Cardillo
Nikolas Cox
Connor Downie
Eddie Ford
Bailey Laurie
Finlay Macrae
Reef McInnes
Archie Perkins
Will Phillips
Western Australia:
Denver Grainger-Barras
Logan McDonald
Nathan O’Driscoll
Brandon Walker
Joel Western
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