Tyler Jones - Round 15 Northern Conference Rising Star
By Liam Detering
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After a 2012 season in which Tyler Jones said he was unhappy in his football – a more settled role on the wing in the Redland’s NEAFL side has seen him regain his love for the game, culminating in him winning the Round 15 nomination for the NAB Rising Star award.
After playing a big part in Queensland’s Under-18 campaign at the National Championships and a long pre-season with the Redland’s seniors, Jones said that he was worn out.
But a shift to the wing in 2013 has given Jones a chance to enjoy his footy again, which has seen him have a strong past month, being named twice in the best on the way to the Round 15 Rising Star nomination.
"Yeah I thought it was one of my better games of the year and I was obviously stoked with the way I went – (it was a) close game so it was good to get the win," Jones said.
Redland Coach Greg Seton-Lonsdale said that when Jones first came down to Brisbane from Mackay, they struggled to find his true position – but after settling him on the wing in 2013 he has flourished.
"When he first came down from up north we started him in the midfield, half back flank – just as a defender, then forward but he’s really made a home for himself being one of those defensive wingman," Seton-Lonsdale said.
While Jones’ kicking in the forward half is his major asset, it has been his ability to assist in defence that has been most pleasing this season.
Seton-Lonsdale credits this with an improved ability to run out games in 2013 which had been lacking in 2012.
"He (Jones) is a very good kick (and) doesn’t miss targets," he said.
"He’s learning all the time.
"His ability to push back and defend and to drop in and be that plus one has been great for us.
"I think his fitness and his ability to run the whole game out has been one of his major attributes this year."
While Jones’ aspiration is still to find his way onto an AFL list, he said regaining his enjoyment for playing footy was his major focus in 2013.
"At the moment I’m just trying to enjoy my footy and whatever happens at the end of the year happens and if not so be it," he said.
Last Modified on 08/07/2013 10:58