WEST Coast mentor Adam Simpson says a Heywood-raised livewire is pressing his case for an imminent and long stint in senior footy.
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Simpson told The Standard Jamaine Jones, who has featured 13 times for the Perth-based club in 2021, was highly-rated internally.
Jones, 22, has impressed as a pressure forward but was dropped for West Coast's clash against second-placed Western Bulldogs this past Sunday.
Simpson said the former Portland and Heywood talent, who was drafted to Geelong with pick 48 in the 2016 rookie draft, was fulfilling his potential.
He's had a lot of growth this season and I wouldn't be surprised if he found his way back into the side sooner rather than later.
- Adam Simpson
"Jamaine's been great this year, he's had a great year," the North Melbourne premiership player said.
"He found his way out of the side not through lack of form but was in a bit of a squeeze with some players coming back in."
Simpson said Jones' defensive nous was proving to be his biggest contribution to the side.
"He puts a lot of pressure on, he's just been trying to lift his opportunities with his disposals," he said.
"He's had a lot of growth this season and I wouldn't be surprised if he found his way back into the side sooner rather than later."
West Coast will play off against Sydney at GMHBA Stadium on Sunday. Simpson said his side had "tunnel vision" and were focused solely on dishing up an improved effort on the back of a 55-point drubbing from the Bulldogs.
He said Western Australia's COVID-19 situation was out of mind ahead of the Swans clash. Jones has been included in an extended Eagles squad.
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