By: BRETT STUBBS
``It was just unbelievable to get the call and I didn't know what to say,'' Jones said.
``I was speechless for a few minutes there.''
The son of former North Hobart and St Kilda big man Bob Jones, Liam was cut down by a knee cartilage tear, only managing one game all last season for Scotch.
But after starring for the AIS-AFL Academy side in an unfamiliar defensive role during the pre-season and for Tasmania's under-16s the previous year, he was still snapped up by the Bulldogs due to his huge potential.
Western Bulldogs recruiting manager and AFL Tasmania board member Scott Clayton said he hoped Jones would eventually fill one of the Bullies' troublesome key posts.
``He needs a lot of development but has enormous upside if given time,'' Clayton said on the club's website.
At this stage, Jones said he had no idea what kind of role the club had planned for him.
``When I got seriously into football I was more of a centre half-forward type player but with the AIS-AFL Academy they put me at full-back which I wasn't used to,'' he said.
``I played some good guys back there so I'm not really sure what my natural position is supposed to be.
``I'm just looking forward to getting over there and training and seeing how I progress throughout the year.''
While undertaking his first full year as an AFL footballer, Jones will also attempt to do his Year 12 studies at Scotch.
But he said that after spending this year in Melbourne at Scotch, he was ready to tackle the challenges ahead.
``It has helped me with the transition away from my family and with the homesickness,'' he said.
``I'm over all of that and feel I am prepared to go over there and play with the Bulldogs.''
Last Modified on 02/12/2008 11:46