After an exceptional debut season, 2016 hasn’t quite been what Jack Lonie envisaged at the start of the year. But despite a few setbacks, the small forward has finished off the year with an impact to build some momentum into the pre-season.
Lonie kicked three goals from 14 possessions (10 contested) and accrued 43.2 pressure points (3rd most for St Kilda), in a positive end to a season where he added ten senior appearances, taking his career tally to 27.
The classy livewire forward conceded that his second season at Linen House Centre has been difficult, so he was determined to finish the year inside Alan Richardson’s team and with some form in the bank.
“It’s been a tough year (personally). Honestly, I haven’t had the results that I would have liked. I’ve made sure that I’ve really finished off well,” Lonie told saints.com.au after St Kilda’s 58-point win over Brisbane on Sunday.
“It was getting late in the season and I still wasn’t in the team and I really wanted to make sure I finished the year in the AFL team.
“I did that and I finished with a pretty positive performance today. I’ll take that into the pre-season.”
While spending an extended period at Sandringham wasn’t easy for Lonie to deal with, it allowed him to iron at some wrinkles in his game before he returned to the senior side for the final two rounds.
“It was really important that I didn’t crack it and let it get to me. I made sure I learnt from it and learnt while I wasn’t in the team and made sure I did something about it,” Lonie said.
“Richo’s been really honest with me. He’s made sure I’ve gone back and tried to fix the things that had me out of the team.
“It’s probably going to make me a better player so hopefully next year I can stay in the AFL team and build towards having a good career.”
While the rest of us had to watch from distance, Lonie enjoyed an armchair experience to the Nick Riewoldt show on Sunday. The Seaford product described the skipper’s nine-goal, 21-mark effort as the best individual effort he has ever seen.
“That’s probably the best game I’ve ever seen anybody play. He’s a terrific player, obviously, he’s got a great record,” he said.
“He’s getting older but it doesn’t seem to hurt him too much. The way he’s adapted to the game, always working his arse off, he’s been fantastic and someone that’s great to learn off. I wish I could play with him for my whole career.”
