WAFC State talent manager Adam Jones likens Mt Barker’s Arthur Jones to St Kilda’s Bradley Hill

WA Football Commission State talent manager Adam Jones believes Arthur Jones has the capabilities to find his way onto an AFL list. Adam Jones says the Mt Barker speedster has very similar traits to St Kilda’s Bradley Hill. After a strong showing at the WA draft combine, Arthur Jones is attracting interest from AFL clubs ahead of next month’s national and rookie drafts. Arthur Jones finished second in the 2km time trial, stopping the clock at 6min. 30sec. behind Corey Warner (6:20) on October 17. The Claremont and Wesley product also impressed in the agility and 20m sprint. He recorded a time of 8.19sec. in agility with Swan Districts defender Bryce Watson topping it with 8.006 sec. In the 20m sprint Arthur Jones stopped the clock at 3.12sec. behind winner Taj Woewodin (2.89). “Arthur performed very well at the combine,” Adam Jones said. “He had a really good last month of WAFL colts football and also played very well in our State 19s AFL grand final curtain-raiser game against South Australia. “I’m hopeful that has put him into draft calculations for this year. “Definitely his speed and endurance combination is exciting for AFL clubs, he has very similar traits to Brad Hill.” Adam Jones says the Mt Barker product possesses plenty of qualities on and off the field. “He’s had interest from a couple of AFL clubs,” he said. “Arthur was a pleasure to have involved in our State academy. “His character was outstanding in terms of his positivity, engagement and coach-ability. Although he is not a certainty to get drafted I am hopeful he has done enough to be selected as a later draft pick or rookie. “If Arthur is not selected this year in the draft, I certainly think he’s got the talent to be on an AFL list at some point in the future.” Arthur Jones said it was a great experience testing with the State’s leading draft prospects. “I strongly felt that I put my best foot forward and had a good combine trial, I smashed my personal bests and was very happy with my performance,” he said. “The testing wasn’t anything too unordinary but just knowing that you were at something as big as the NAB combine just made feelings and performance a lot more heightened. “I was a bit nervous knowing I had to perform in front of scouts but then I realised this is the life I wanted to have. “I’ve had a couple of clubs talk to me in the last two months and it’s very nerve-racking the thought of being drafted and knowing how close it is to the draft, my mind gets running.” The AFL national draft is on November 24 and 25 followed by the pre-season and rookie drafts on November 26.