Harry Jones looms as one to watch for Vic Metro as under-18 national championships kick off

He has been likened to St Kilda champ Nick Riewoldt, now Calder Cannons and PEGS forward Harry Jones looms as one to watch as the under-18 national championships kick off.

Young key forward Harry Jones looms as one of the players to watch as the under-18 national championships kicks off on Saturday.

The 194cm centre half-forward was named in Vic Metro’s squad on Wednesday and will strut his stuff in the tournament opener against Vic Country at the MCG.

Jones, 18, is one of three Calder Cannons selected in the 36-man squad alongside centre half-back Brodie Newman and midfielder Daniel Mott.

The Gisborne local played the opening three NAB League games for Calder and has since been in dominant form for his school, Penleigh and Essendon Grammar.

PEGS First XVIII coach Clay Illman said Jones was in terrific form ahead of the championships.

Harrison Jones in action for Calder Cannons.

“He’s dominated, averages five goals a game, and an unbelievable overhead mark,” he said.

“He had an absolute blinder against Camberwell, kicked eight in the first half and took 15-16 marks.

“Even though he’s 194cm, he’s mobile, he’s up around 12km a match, covering the ground like (Nick) Riewoldt.”

Also a budding cricketer, Jones had a delayed start to pre-season as PEGS reached its second consecutive grand final.

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In his final game for Calder in Round 3, Jones racked up 17 disposals, eight marks, two tackles and two behinds in a win over Western Jets.

Cannons talent manager Tom Lonergan said there was plenty to like about Jones’ potential.

“He was probably a bit rusty early, by his own admission, in the first two or three weeks,” he said.

“He’s been able to play some really consistent footy back at PEGS and was able to play really well in the final Vic Metro trial and kick four goals.

Calder Cannons captain Brodie Newman.

“He’s about 194cm, pretty light frame, but really athletic with good speed and work rate. He’s got huge potential.”

Cannons captain Newman has been outstanding this season, averaging 21 disposals, seven marks and five rebound 50s a game at centre half-back.

Vice-captain Mott has been equally effective with 27 disposals a game, four marks, four tackles and an elite clearance rate.

“Brodie has been our best player, he’s our captain and centre half-back. He’s been an absolute wall for us down there,” Lonergan said.

“Motty, plays inside mid and averages 12 to 14 clearances a game — he’s a clearance king — and kicks the ball really well.”

Sam Ramsay and Curtis Brown were in the initial Vic Metro squad but will have to bide their time with Calder after missing out on the final cut.

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