Jack Lonie has had to fight for his spot, once again, and he doesn’t want to hand it back.
Competition for spots has never been fiercer since the livewire forward debuted in the opening round of 2015 and played 17 games in an eye-catching debut season.
After a difficult 2016, the 20-year-old pocket rocket played the first four games this season before finding his way out of Alan Richardson’s 22.
From there, he spent a couple of months at Sandringham and was forced to break the door off its hinges before walking through it and back into the team a fortnight ago.
His return has coincided with St Kilda’s return to form against North Melbourne and Gold Coast.
And with Darren Minchington and Nathan Wright breathing down his neck, Lonie knows he must perform to hold onto a spot he doesn’t want to relinquish.
“I just really want to contribute. Obviously it’s really hot for spots at the moment; I’ve found that out already this year and I don’t want to let it go,” Lonie told saints.com.au following the 31-point win over Gold Coast on Sunday night.
“I just want to stay in there for as much as possible, play my role and hopefully my teammates are enjoying playing with me.
“I think (the competition for spots) makes you a better player. We’ve seen Nathan Wright and Darren Minchington both contribute this year already and they are similar players to me.
“At the moment I’ve got the spot, but I’m sure they’ll be banging down the door, they both play good VFL footy. But at the moment I’ve got the spot and I really want to hang onto it.”
Playing alongside great mate and fellow creative forward, Jack Billings, Lonie enjoyed a front row seat to a clinical performance at Etihad Stadium by the 2013 No. 3 pick.
Lonie said there is no secret to the success Billings is enjoying this season.
“He just puts in the work. There’s no secret to what he’s doing. He’s put in the work so he’s getting all the rewards. I’m really happy for him,” Lonie said.
“Obviously there’s been plenty of talk about him and the position in the draft and that, but he’s going to be a fantastic player for the club.
“I love playing with him and look forward to playing with him for many years to come.”
