TOPIC:

I think it took a while for Clint Jones to really stamp his influence on the field but I feel in the last 6 - 8 games we have started to see him really shine and I think he has had a massive influence on the entire playing group.

In fact I think his possession count has probably dropped off from being regularly in the 40's to the 30's but his influence has been greater. Maybe Tropiano getting back to his best and improved form and confidence of others has taken the load off him.

Absolutely wrapped to have him and if Dene White continues to struggle with injury Jonesy would be a no brainer to take over the captaincy with his onfield and off field leadership. I just see a real hunger to compete since his arrival like we haven't seen for many years, probably decades.

I agree DD. He really seems happy now, lots more chat coming from him and advice to both young and old. Brought an Englishman to the last couple of games and he who know nothing about footy reckons Jones is a stand out. I reckon his professionalism is having a big impact on the group, and add this to Jacobs elite endeavours in bike riding i can see the players understanding the effort and dedication required.
Not sure if Jones would want to take the captaincy while Whitey is injured though.

Hey why didn't St Kilda give him one more game for the 150?

It does not surprise me one iota Jonesy has greatly bolstered the Dees - I said before the season on here it was a very good pick up & we'd missed out big time in not getting him back home at the Port

Huge heart & will run all day to provide

Good player

He would have to be one of the most durable player I've ever seen. He has a stranglehold on the Sandover.

Roman wrote: He would have to be one of the most durable player I've ever seen. He has a stranglehold on the Sandover.

If he does win it he will probably ask for a re-count before he starts his acceptance speech lol. I was at that grand final between SF and Subiaco (was it 2004?) where he was announced by some old bag (no idea who she was) as the winner of the Simpson medal when half way through his acceptance speech he got the tap on the shoulder to say sorry mate it's not you. As Kylie Mole used to say, How Embarrassment!!

Winning the Sandover might make up for that one and I doubt anyone would begrudge Clint Jones winning it.

It appears that CJ is clearly very happy at our club and revelling in being an important part of our current revival.
His onfield example is having a huge impact on a young developing squad. But, not only that, he is leading by example a renewed spirit of focus, belief and pride amongst the players.
I noted that singing the club song after our first win of the season he sang with gusto while reading the words on the change room wall. By the next win he needed no help at all with the words.
Sandover?? I guess he is as good a chance as we thought Troppo was same time last year. Good luck to him but more important at the moment is the continued development of the team.
We are fortunate to have recruited well in the past two seasons.. CJ, Angus, Bluey, Troppo, Wilkins, Latch, Wolfy and the emergence of some talented youngsters have provided the basis for some optimism for the future. And just as importantly the appointment of Earl as senior coach has been a revelation.
Plenty more work to be done but the outlook is promising IMHO.
Just keep at it boys and the wins will continue to come .

DD wrote: I think it took a while for Clint Jones to really stamp his influence on the field but I feel in the last 6 - 8 games we have started to see him really shine and I think he has had a massive influence on the entire playing group.

In fact I think his possession count has probably dropped off from being regularly in the 40's to the 30's but his influence has been greater. Maybe Tropiano getting back to his best and improved form and confidence of others has taken the load off him.

Absolutely wrapped to have him and if Dene White continues to struggle with injury Jonesy would be a no brainer to take over the captaincy with his onfield and off field leadership. I just see a real hunger to compete since his arrival like we haven't seen for many years, probably decades.

Great post DD and wholeheartedly agree. Speaking to his relatives at the game on Saturday they said he took a while to feel he should speak up about some of the behavioural and cultural things he was seeing going on but once he did he hasn't looked back and i think that has been reflected in the team's performance in the second half of the season. The pieces are falling into place at Lathlain. Hopefully they are on the hunt for another key forward and key backman to complete the set.

Dazzler wrote:

DD wrote: I think it took a while for Clint Jones to really stamp his influence on the field but I feel in the last 6 - 8 games we have started to see him really shine and I think he has had a massive influence on the entire playing group.

In fact I think his possession count has probably dropped off from being regularly in the 40's to the 30's but his influence has been greater. Maybe Tropiano getting back to his best and improved form and confidence of others has taken the load off him.

Absolutely wrapped to have him and if Dene White continues to struggle with injury Jonesy would be a no brainer to take over the captaincy with his onfield and off field leadership. I just see a real hunger to compete since his arrival like we haven't seen for many years, probably decades.

Great post DD and wholeheartedly agree. Speaking to his relatives at the game on Saturday they said he took a while to feel he should speak up about some of the behavioural and cultural things he was seeing going on but once he did he hasn't looked back and i think that has been reflected in the team's performance in the second half of the season. The pieces are falling into place at Lathlain. Hopefully they are on the hunt for another key forward and key backman to complete the set.

Really??

With all the new players from colts and new recruits there was still some playing up going on this season?

30plusyeardrought wrote:

Dazzler wrote:

DD wrote: I think it took a while for Clint Jones to really stamp his influence on the field but I feel in the last 6 - 8 games we have started to see him really shine and I think he has had a massive influence on the entire playing group.

In fact I think his possession count has probably dropped off from being regularly in the 40's to the 30's but his influence has been greater. Maybe Tropiano getting back to his best and improved form and confidence of others has taken the load off him.

Absolutely wrapped to have him and if Dene White continues to struggle with injury Jonesy would be a no brainer to take over the captaincy with his onfield and off field leadership. I just see a real hunger to compete since his arrival like we haven't seen for many years, probably decades.

Great post DD and wholeheartedly agree. Speaking to his relatives at the game on Saturday they said he took a while to feel he should speak up about some of the behavioural and cultural things he was seeing going on but once he did he hasn't looked back and i think that has been reflected in the team's performance in the second half of the season. The pieces are falling into place at Lathlain. Hopefully they are on the hunt for another key forward and key backman to complete the set.

Really??

With all the new players from colts and new recruits there was still some playing up going on this season?

30plus I would imagine it's probably habits and behaviour he has seen at training and perhaps pre game. CJ played most of his AFL football under what most scribes regard as the most demanding coach in the game Ross Lyon.

Coming to a new club not knowing anyone apart from the CEO he's probably been able to be objective. He hasn't come to the club to notch up a milestone like a certain former player who pulled the plug after being chaired and cheered off the ground.

He's there for the challenge of bringing success, not to fuck around. About time we found someone who can set the bar higher and demand that from his team mates. Oh, and importantly he can walk the talk.

CJ is no superstar but you would struggle to find a player with a bigger work rate and willingness to compete.

From the games I've seen this year the stand out for me has been Julian Jacobs. He was a good player when he left but he's a gun now at WAFL level. He's a real general off half back and is a big body that we lacked. Also from the coaching side of things let's not forget the job Andrew Panetta is doing with the ressies. They've also improved out of site and never give up. Earl has given him the freedom to incorporate some old school methods and there's definitely been improvement with individuals coming through the dags. Hopefully he can stick around for a few more years