Claremont colts featuring Jones and Delacey out to make amends for last year’s grand final defeat

Mt Barker excitement machine Arthur Jones says it would be a massive accomplishment to win a WAFL colts premiership with Claremont on Saturday. Jones didn’t play in the Tigers colts side last year due to injury and Public Schools Association football commitments but has been a revelation this year in nine games. The Tigers will tackle Swan Districts in the WAFL colts grand final at Optus Stadium in front of what is expected to be a big crowd and Jones hoped to cap his breakout season with a premiership medal. “I love my footy and the thought of playing in a WAFL grand final in my first season playing is a very enormous accomplishment,” he said. “I just have to play my style of footy and hope at the end of the day we finish with the best outcome. “After being a part of the squad last year and not winning was definitely heartbreaking but to win this year’s grand final and give it all back to the club would be a massive accomplishment not just for myself but for all of the lads that were a part of the team this year. “The connection we had this year as a group is extraordinary and to bring home the cup to the club would be massive as we are the only team in the grand final for Claremont.” Jones was named among the best players in WA’s thrilling win in the State game against South Australia last Saturday, played as a curtain raiser for the AFL grand final. The 18-year-old was a late inclusion to the WA team and caught the eye on the big stage as he booted two goals from 16 disposals and six inside-50s, including a brilliant running effort in the opening term. “It was a great opportunity to play the State game, I felt very lucky to be a part of the team and get the call up to play,” he said. “I enjoyed every moment being on the team and playing the game, I am really grateful for the opportunity I had. “Yes, it is nerve-racking to now know I have a few people watching me play but at the end of the day I just want to play footy and hopefully I can go all the way and follow my dreams of playing on the big stage.” The Tigers lost last year’s colts decider but will take plenty of confidence in having beaten Swan Districts already in the finals series. “I definitely believe we can use our contest-ball game and beat Swans in the contest but I feel like we can also use the width of the ground to open up the game and play our way of footy,” Jones said. “I am very excited to play again on Optus but I’m going to use my style of footy with the run and carry and breaking lines to help our team get through at the end of the day, using my leg speed and endurance to last four quarters.” Jones will be joined by fellow Great Southern product Talon Delacey (North Albany) in the Tigers grand final team as they look to win their second premiership in the past three years. Delacey, one of the prime midfielders in the competition, has returned strongly from an ankle injury and will be a key part of the Tigers’ winning hopes come bouncedown at 12.10pm. Meanwhile, Great Southern will have representation in the seniors’ grand finals with Railways’ Jye Clark, Mt Barker’s Jordan Reid and North Albany’s Jack Steel all set to play for Perth in the reserves decider against Subiaco at 9.20am. Ongerup defender Angus Dewar will look to add another premiership medal to his collection when he lines up for Subiaco in the league grand final against South Fremantle. Kojonup product and former Albany Sharks player Travis Abbott is also in the mix to line-up for the Bulldogs in the league grand final after playing in the Bulldogs’ winning preliminary final side last Sunday.