Senior coach Ross Lyon has praised young ruckman Scott Jones after an impressive start to his AFL career.
Jones played an important role in Fremantle’s nine-point win against Port Adelaide on Sunday at Optus Stadium, presenting as Fremantle’s primary target up front and creating opportunities for the other forwards.
The game was just Jones’ third in his career, with the no.75 mature age draft pick taking to the game’s highest level.
“I think he’s starting to sink his teeth into it so, hopefully, that will fuel him to go on and become a great preparer and have a good AFL career,” Lyon said.
Lyon said Jones only adds to a number of young talented players who have arrived at the club through the draft in recent years.
“It is pleasing as you’re only as good as the talent brought into your club, so drafting is so critical to our future and success,’ Lyon said.
“There’s been some challenges in previous years but certainly, last year and maybe the year before, it looks more at the level and success rate that we would like.”
Lyon compared Jones to fellow young ruckman Sean Darcy, who arrived at Fremantle in 2016, the year before Jones.
“He brings the ball to front, he’s a big man who competes,” Lyon said.
“He’s like Sean. You can be big but not have much pop but he’s got a bit of power and speed so he can chase them down and tackle.
“The modern day defender is so much stronger at screening out and letting another one in, but his ability, even when he’s got one screening him, to bring the ball to ground is really critical.
“Often it is about the contest and bringing it to ground and I thought he’s done that better than any of our talls and then that allows (Brennan) Cox and (Cam) McCarthy to free up a little bit.”
