LACHIE JONES was already a Port Adelaide supporter before he landed at Alberton in this year’s draft but if he did not know much about the club before he joined its Next Generation Academy, he has no excuse not to be completely ingrained now.

Jones officially became a Port Adelaide player at Wednesday night’s draft after the club matched Collingwood’s bid for him with pick 16.

Jones was first spotted by the club in 2017 and he joined its NGA soon after because he met the eligibility criteria of living in Port Adelaide’s Yorke Peninsula zone and had Indigenous heritage.

After finishing high school, the now 18-year-old moved from his home town of Bute to Adelaide ahead of the 2020 season to play league football for Woodville-West Torrens, and ended up playing every game as the Eagles went on to win the SANFL premiership.

Port Adelaide’s Head of Player Welfare and Development, Paul Stewart, who worked with Jones as NGA coach was impressed by him from the first time they met in 2018.

“He was this big country kid playing for Woodville-West Torrens,” Stewart told portadelaidefc.com.au.

“You could tell he loved his footy. He was really driven, quiet but really wanted to improve. It’s shown over the last two years how quick he’s developed into a good SANFL player.

“He’s a witty, quiet but really switched on country kid. He’s got time for everyone, he’s really reliable, punctual and does what he’s meant to do.

“He’s definitely got the professional attributes to be a good AFL footballer.”

Amongst his Port Adelaide education, Jones was first spotted by former Port defender Alipate Carlile and then Director of Academies Shaun Hart, in an under 15 game in 2017.

When he moved to Adelaide, the club helped him settle in by getting him to move in with SANFL skipper Cam Sutcliffe, and he worked with former player Tom Logan before the club found him different employment.

“We helped find him work with Jason at Defining Gardens, who has been brilliant for him,” Stewart explained.

“Lachie has been working as a landscaper all year and playing SANFL footy.

“There was actually a good opportunity for him to also move in with Cam Sutcliffe, who was our SANFL leadership player at the time and another league footballer from the Eagles in Jake Von Bertouch, who were also each from Yorke Peninsula.

“To live with two professional guys was a great opportunity and may have had something to do with his success in 2020.”

Stewart says Port Adelaide supporters will have plenty to look forward to as Jones continues to build his 188cm, 86kg frame.

“He’s a strong, ready to go kid at AFL level,” he said.

“His power is outstanding, his speed is good and he’s got a really driving long right leg kick.

“His kicking is his weapon and his ability to read the ball off half back is a real strength.”