JACK Lonie’s lack of height doesn’t concern him. Nor does the perception that at 174cm, he is limited in what he can offer the Saints in 2015.
Despite the influx of 190cm ‘prototype’ midfielders like Nat Fyfe and Josh Kennedy in recent years, Lonie firmly believes there is still a place for players of his stature in the modern game.
It is this confidence in his own ability that catapulted the small forward into draft calculations last year following his MVP award for Vic Country, ahead of future Saints teammates Paddy McCartin and Hugh Goddard.
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“I think my height is a help,” Lonie told SAINTS.com.au.
“There are players in the AFL that are a similar size to me and that’s always given me confidence that I can get picked up and do well.
“There has been a bit of talk about it but I’ve not really worried about it and let my footy do the talking.
“If I was a bit taller I might not be able to do the things I can do.”
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The 18-year-old has made a bright to start to his career at Linen House Centre, recovering from an ankle injury sustained before Christmas to impress in the intra club before taking part in Saturday’s clash against the Lions in Moreton Bay.
“The intra club was great. To be out there with the boys was very good. I felt like I did a few good things but wasn’t great,” he said.
“I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to play against Brisbane on the weekend and felt like I improved again at that level. Richo has given me a bit of confidence to play at that level and hopefully I can continue to play my role and stay in the team.”
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Like all professional sportsmen, Lonie has been forced to make sacrifices since being selected with pick 41 in November’s National Draft.
Though it has taken some time to get accustomed to the lifestyle, he couldn’t be happier with his lot in life.
“You’ve got friends going out on Saturday nights, where as you have to sit back and take it in because you are playing a professional sport. You have to weigh up your decisions and be smart about what you do. I feel like I’m learning it as I go on,” he said.
“In TAC Cup there was a lot of education on how to go about it (living an elite lifestyle). Getting drafted was something I always wanted to do and I will do anything to play AFL. If that means that I have to make a few sacrifices, then so be it.
“St Kilda is the ideal club and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else at the moment.”
Jack Lonie takes a diving mark against Brisbane on Saturday. (Photo: AFL Media)
Lonie is the lightest player on St Kilda’s list, with official AFL records showing his weight at 70kg.
But after an intense summer in the gym under the guidance of Strength and Conditioning Manager Josh Low, he finds himself slightly heavier than that.
On top of his usual program, Lonie has been doing one or two extra weights sessions per week for three months.
By working tirelessly on his strength, the Seaford local believes he is well placed to make his mark this season.
“My aims for the season aren’t really limited to be honest,” he said.
“Richo just said if you‘re good enough you will be playing. If I play five games, one game or 18 games I will be happy.
“As long as I’m building, improving and playing my role for the team, whether that is for Sandringham or St Kilda, I will be happy.”
