St Kilda livewire Jack Lonie was at his electrifying best on Saturday night against the Hawks, booting a career-high four goals straight to lead the Saints on the scoresheet.
The Saints ultimately succumbed to the in-form Hawthorn by just four points, but Lonie’s performance capped off an impressive month for the young goal-sneak.
In what has been an interrupted season for the 22-year-old with multiple stints playing for VFL side Sandringham, Lonie has found his range since coming back into the senior side in Round 19.
The livewire bagged three consecutive two-goal hauls against the Giants, Bulldogs and Bombers respectively before exploding out of the blocks against the Hawks.
JCK LONIE
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) August 18, 2018
- Career-high FOUR goals
- Three clearances
- One hell of a heart#AFLSaintsHawks #HalosOn pic.twitter.com/R5BHpzz5wz
Lonie endured a wayward season in front of goal last year, posting 6.14 for the season, but the assistance of St Kilda goal-kicking coach Ben Dixon has been instrumental in his turnaround, particularly from set shots.
Historically prone to missing his set shots, Lonie's kicking action has been straightened out this year under the tutelage of Dixon, and he now sits comfortably at 14.9 for the year.
Alan Richardson was full of praise for Lonie’s efforts in his post-match press conference.
“Lonie was really impressive,” the senior coach said.
“He’s been building, ‘Lones’, he’s played some pretty good footy.
“A couple of (his goals) were free kicks but he’s actually going for his marks, which sounds a little bit ironic given he’s not a big guy, but he found himself in the position to launch, and he’s done that well.”
WATCH: Match Highlights (Saints v Hawks)
At 174cm, Lonie is the shortest player on St Kilda’s list, but both his aggression at the contest and eagerness to physically impose himself in games have endeared him to the red, white and black faithful.
“At times he’s a little bit rushed for such a talented player … but he always gives us really good pressure in defence,” Richardson said.
“He was drafted because he could do that, but also how clever he was, and how he was able to make something out of nothing.
“We’re starting to see a bit more of that from Lones and it was good that he was able to take his opportunities.”
READ: 'Pride' on the line for gallant Saints
Richardson said the small forward is coming into form at the right time, given he remains out of contract at season’s end.
“It’s important that players finish off strongly, and Lones is certainly doing that,” he said.
Lonie will play his 50th game for the Saints against North Melbourne next Sunday and will hope to build on his 10 goal return from the last four games.