“Probably lucky to get a contract last year”: The players keeping Port captain Jonas in the SANFL
Tom Jonas is being kept out of the Port Adelaide side due to the form of a number of young Power defenders, including one who was “lucky to get a contract” in 2023.
The Port captain will feature in the reserves for the third consecutive week this weekend, with the 32-year-old still building back to his best form.
It’s proved one of the biggest selection calls of this year, but one which has Port Adelaide humming with 10 consecutive wins. But despite the tough nature of the call on Jonas, development coach Hamish Hartlett says there’s no friction within the group.
“TJ is one of my very good mates, so that’s proved to be an interesting dynamic coaching him over the last few weeks,” he told SEN SA’s Sportsday.
“I’m not sure there’s too much I can educate him on, but he’s been fantastic, his attitude since coming back down to the SANFL has been unbelievable, he’s still leading the entire group in such a professional manner and I know he’ll continue to do that.
“It provides a bit of a precedent… once your captain is not getting selected then no one is safe, I think that provides a great competitiveness to the group.”
Hartlett named Miles Bergman, Dylan Williams and Lachie Jones as three who perhaps weren’t in the club’s backline calculations but have locked themselves into the best 22.
Bergman’s contract value has rocketed up courtesy of his breakout season, Williams has played 10 of his 11 career games and Jones gathered 19 disposals, six marks and four rebound 50s against the Western Bulldogs to further enhance his credentials for the Power.
“We’ve seen some incredible development from some of our younger guys this year. If I look at Miles Bergman for example, he started on the wing this year but his intercept marking at half-back and penetration he gives us with ball in hand has been amazing,” Hartlett continued.
“I’ve got to admit, Dylan Williams was probably one who was lucky to get a contract at the back end of last year but he’s been amazing since he’s transitioned down back
“He’s so composed with ball in hand, makes great decisions and is defending really well too.
“And then Lachie Jones probably played the best game of his career last weekend.
“So there’s some young guys that are really taking their opportunities and developing really well.”
Jones goes out of Ken Hinkley's 23 to face Geelong on Thursday, with Ryan Burton recalled in his place.