AT just 17, Jamaine Jones has developed the handy habit of making the most of his opportunities.
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The Portland youngster got a call up to play against Ovens and Murray and won the Richard Nixon Medal as Hampden’s best player.
Jones kicked two goals and was lively across half forward, using his pace to not only create scoring opportunities but also to exact pressure on the Ovens and Murray defenders.
It has been a whirlwind ride for Jones who came across to Portland from South West district club Heywood at the start of the season. He attracted the attention of the Tigers after a best-on-ground performance in Heywood’s senior grand final win in 2015.
The Tigers have only had a fleeting look at their star recruit with Jones having played just one game at Portland. He has been busy with the North Ballarat Rebels, playing all seven games so far.
While Jones was disappointed his first interleague outing did not produce a win, he was thrilled to get the chance to be part of the occasion.
“I was very excited to get this chance, I had to train hard to get in,” Jones said.
“It was a good game to play in, the standard was similar to the Rebels but the bodies were bigger. Having played senior footy at Heywood all last year helped me with going up against the bigger players.
“It’s been a good season, playing interleague and Rebels and I have really enjoyed it at Portland, it is a good atmosphere there and they are looking after me”
