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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.
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.”
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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.”
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