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Teenage debutant Lachie Jones becomes instant cult hero

The AFL has unearthed its newest cult hero, with a teenage phenom winning over footy fans before his debut even got underway.

Nic SavageNic Savage
@nic_savage1
2 min read
April 10, 2021 - 12:09PM
Lachie Jones reacts to his first game with Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide have unearthed their newest cult hero, with a teenage phenom winning over footy fans during his AFL debut on Friday evening.

Talented backman Lachlan Jones was picked up by Port Adelaide as pick 16 in last year’s AFL Draft after his phenomenal SANFL season with Woodville-West Torrens in 2020.

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In October last year, he was awarded the coveted SANFL Mark of the Year for his soaring effort against Glenelg in Round 12.

Lachlan Jones during a training session.
Lachlan Jones during a training session.

After recovering from a hamstring injury, Jones was given an opportunity to prove his worth in the round four clash against defending premiers Richmond at Adelaide Oval — coincidentally falling on his 19th birthday.

Port Adelaide assistant coach Michael Voss told 3AW before the first bounce: “He has got extraordinary power. Like, extraordinary.”

When cameras panned towards the teenager during Friday’s blockbuster clash, fans gushed over his glorious mullet — his thick moustache would even rival that of footy greats from the past.

“Have you seen a more Port Adelaide looking man than Lachie Jones?” Channel 7 commentator James Brayshaw asked.

“Look at that for a mullet! And he has the real moustaka rolling as well.

“They would be very proud of the way Lachie Jones presents himself. He’s got cult figure written all over him.”

Jones received an enthusiastic cheer from the home crowd every time he got his hands on the Sherrin.

He was tasked with following Richmond powerhouse Dustin Martin inside 50 — a pretty tough assignment for any debutant.

Port Adelaide held a narrow seven-point lead at halftime, but that margin should have been significantly larger, with the hosts missing several shots in front of goal during the second term.

“Their kicking was terrible,” Brisbane great Jonathan Brown told Fox Footy at halftime.

Melbourne legend Garry Lyon agreed: “Their kicking has been horrendous.”

Former St Kilda star Nick Riewoldt elaborated: “The ball lived in Port Adelaide’s half, they couldn’t move the football Richmond once Port got it in, but Port just didn’t capitalise. It should be a three or four-goal lead.”

Regardless, Port Adelaide held their nerve to claim a thrilling 11.13 (79) to 11.11 (77) victory, their third win of the season.

The lead was exchanged on seven occasions throughout the match, but Robbie Gray’s clutch goal in the dying minutes was enough to secure the win.

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Jones finished the match with 17 disposals and six marks, also registering 431 meters gained.

Port Adelaide veteran Travis Boak told Channel 7 after the win: “(Jones) is my idol now. He will be a fan favourite, I reckon.

“The way he played tonight, he had a crack. It was an honour to present him with his jersey and his journey throughout his junior career and part of the program as well and a real privilege and the young guys of the future and they gave as inspiration.”

Port Adelaide will next face Carlton at the MCG on Saturday, April 17.

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/teenage-debutant-lachie-jones-becomes-instant-cult-hero/news-story/ad2941c327d6e1ec275e4bdf5223b3bb