Lachlan Jones

CLUB: Woodville-West Torrens (Port Adelaide NGA)

JUNIOR CLUB: Bute/Paskeville

DATE OF BIRTH: 9th April 2002

HEIGHT: 188cm

WEIGHT: 86kg

POSITION: Defender

Port Adelaide has picked up its Next Generation Academy talent Lachie Jones after matching a bid by Collingwood to claim the defender with pick 16.

The 18 year-old was part of the Woodville-West Torrens side which won the SANFL premiership at league level in 2020, playing every game as the Eagles took home the flag.

The big-bodied backman won the competition’s mark of the year for his big grab against Glenelg in Round 12, and became renowned for his intercept marking off half back as much as he was his booming right foot kick.

As part of the club’s NGA, Jones is very familiar with Port Adelaide and he also grew up a Port supporter in Bute on Yorke Peninsula.

Port Adelaide’s National Talent Manager Geoff Parker’s analysis of Jones:

“He’s got that ability to play a little bit taller and a bit smaller than what he is physically. He’s got some real speed and bursts and real power, and he can take a nice grab. He knows when to punch or when to spoil, he’s got a good feel for when to attack the ball and kick long.

“He’s got a really good body of work. Last year he played under 18s right through to Reserves footy and then this year he’s gone the next level and played every game at league level and become a SANFL premiership player so we’ve been able to develop all the way through.

“He’s pretty laid back and casual but there’s a quiet intensity about him. On the football field he leaves no stone unturned and takes no prisoners but off-field he’s pretty relaxed and jovial.

“Because he’s been aligned with us, he’s been able to attend some pre-season trainings in his last year, and he’s been living with Cam Sutcliffe as well because he’s moved down from the country. I think he’ll fit into our group really well because he’s a relaxed sort of kid and doesn’t get fussed by too much.”