Hard work and perseverance are traits every AFL player should possess, but few exude them more than St Kilda’s Jack Lonie. 

While the 22-year-old managed 11 games in 2018, his fourth season at the Saints was not an easy road, as the small forward struggled for form and confidence during the first half of the year.

Making his maiden 2018 appearance in Round 4 against Geelong, Lonie was dropped for the following month, before registering just four goals and two tackles from his next four matches against top-tiered sides Collingwood, Richmond, West Coast and Sydney.

More time playing for Sandringham saw Lonie’s confidence steadily grow, before he carried his VFL form into an impressive nine-tackle performance against Carlton in Round 17. 

And that impressive showing served as the catalyst for his explosive finish to the season. 

The small forward went on to boot 11 goals in five matches, with a four-goal haul against Hawthorn in Round 22 the most damaging of his late blitz.

Lonie’s efforts were praised by Assistant Coach Ben McGlynn, who commended the youngster’s grit and steely determination, despite the adversity he faced throughout 2018. 

“Jack proved in the last five games that he’s capable of being a really dangerous forward for us,” McGlynn said. 

“He’s a much-loved character amongst the boys, and he really took another step in terms of his leadership and output at senior level towards the back end of the year.” 

While his form may have been patchy at times, Lonie’s loyalty remained a constant, with his dedication and perseverance earning him a two-year contract extension, despite offers from several clubs. 

His knack for finding the goals at the right time, as well as his unexpected hardness at the contest, served as luring factors for rival sides.

READ: Lonie to stay a Saint

But the young Saint was quick to ink a new deal, bolstering St Kilda’s forward stocks alongside fellow smalls Jade Gresham and Ben Long. 

The 50-gamer slotted just the eight goals for the Zebras, but his ability to win the ball and provide grunt around the contest – despite his small stature – warranted future opportunities for senior selection.

Amassing 50 tackles within eight games – punctuated by an 11-tackle effort against Footscray – to complement a 22-disposal average, Lonie struggled to carry his impressive VFL form back to the Saints. 

“He always dominated VFL games but then couldn’t translate it to the AFL,” McGlynn said. 

“It was about trying to bridge that gap and get the confidence that he belonged at AFL level. 

“He was disappointed early in the year to not be in the senior team, but it was his character and his resilience that got him back in.” 

While his ability was never in question, reinvigorating Lonie’s confidence was a major factor for McGlynn, who worked closely alongside the small forward throughout the season.

The work ethic and resolve from both parties ultimately paid dividends, with the partnership between McGlynn and Lonie playing a key role in the latter’s late resurgence.

“We worked alongside Jack this year really trying to get his self-belief back to where it was,” McGlynn said.

“He always knew he could play footy, but I guess he just doubted himself and didn’t always take his opportunities earlier in the year.”

READ: Livewire Lonie 'building'

McGlynn has no concerns that with a solid pre-season, Lonie will be a reliable contributor to the Saints in 2019, now armed with the confidence he can hold his own at AFL level. 

“He’s a resilient little man, and he was easy to work with because he’s determined to make it,” McGlynn said.

Should his unfaltering character and commitment continue next year, expect Jack Lonie to explode into Season 2019.