Indigenous young gun Jones impresses for Bulldogs

Monday, February 8: Promising indigenous forward Liam Jones could be given an opportunity to strut his stuff for the Western Bulldogs during the AFL’s NAB Cup pre-season competition.

Possibly even as early as the side’s anticipated first round clash with Brisbane at Manuka Oval in Canberra this Sunday.

The 19-year-old son of one-time St Kilda player Bob Jones will be desperately hoping to start on the interchange bench against the Lions after an impressive performance during the Bulldogs’ intra-club practice match in front of 1500 fans at the Whitten Oval on Saturday morning.

Fired up to catch the attention of coach Rodney Eade, Jones moved well to slot two goals, despite having the monumental task of being opposed to star full back Brian Lake.

He spilled a couple of marks, though.

But the second year draftee didn’t show any signs of being overawed by the occasion.

He’s hungry for success.

While high profile recruit and Sydney 2005 premiership captain Barry Hall captured most of the headlines for also kicking two goals, Jones’ display was particularly heartening.

Eade was encouraged by the North Hobart product’s performance.

He described Jones’ attitude as “terrific” and labelled him a “great competitor”.

 The club’s second round (No. 32 overall) selection in the 2008 National Draft, Jones is expected to improve tremendously in his first season as a full-time footballer after dividing his time between secondary school studies and VFL reserves with Williamstown last year.

Jones is determined to add more muscle to his developing frame.

Another indigenous young gun in mercurial, but lightly-framed half-forward/winger Shane Thorne also displayed plenty of promise.

Thorne showed his class and poise by firing off a 20-metre handball to a teammate on the move.

The 23-year-old arrives at the Bulldogs from Wanderers in the Northern Territory with the nickname of “Mr Magic”.

He was the Bulldogs’ fifth round (No. 76 overall) selection at the 2009 National draft.

The AFL Record season guide 2010 is glowing in its description of Thorne:  “Freakishly skilled with uncanny goal-sense, he has the potential to become a cult figure.”

Fellow indigenous players Brennan Stack and Josh Hill also showed out.

After managing three senior games last year, Stack is expected to seriously challenge for a regular spot in the line-up as the Bulldogs gun for their first premiership since 1954.

Stack broke several tackles with his straight-ahead style as he alternated between half-forward and half-back.

Hill was lively across the half-forward line.

Electrifying midfielder  Ryan Griffen played a dominant game along with Shaun Higgins and Callan Ward.

Marngrook Footy Show host Grant Hansen loves Ward’s style.

“He oozes class,” he said.

Hansen likens the Spotswood product to North Melbourne legend and 1973 and 1974 Brownlow Medal winner Keith Greig.

Not surprisingly, Sydney’s former bad boy Hall attracted plenty of attention.

He provided a target to finish with two goals, but should’ve kicked four goals.

Fans on the terraces were on their feet when Hall displayed controlled aggression by sending half-back Lindsay Gilbee sprawling to the turf with a fair shirtfront early in the second quarter.

Gilbee dusted himself off with a smile on his face and promptly gave Hall a polite pat on the back of the head.

Eade insists Hall has plenty of work in front of him as he adjusts to the Bulldogs’ style of play.

“It’s completely different from where he’s come from, so he’s just got to get used to our leading patterns and kicking patterns which doesn’t rely on one particular player,” Eade said.

“He’s coming to grips with that.

“It will take a bit of time and it may even be in the early rounds of the season.

“I would think by mid year, he’ll start to get the total hang of it.”