End of the Line III
It’s the end of the line for another Eagle, a little lower profile than the last bloke to leave, but no less talked about by supporters, Rowan Jones.
He often polarised supporters - some who saw a player that was not a prototypical athlete, with a booming right boot and so criticised him for it. Others saw a player who would give an 80 metre lead when no-one else was moving at half-forward. Or a player who would put his body between his opponent and the ball to let a team-mate through. Or a player who knew his limitations (no post AFL NFL kicking career for RoJo) but played his role for the sake of the team. In my book, aside from what has been a long-lasting career, that gets much respect from this supporter.
It looked like the curtain could’ve come down on Jones following a horrible 2005 season when, in spite of truckloads of Claremont possessions, he couldn’t crack the senior side. His chance came late in the season and he took it, only to injury a thigh prior to the Grand Final forcing him, along with fellow stalwart Michael Braun to miss the game. My theory is if those two guys played we are a 5 point better side and we win.
He started as a half-forward, became a run-with on baller, and then became a strong marking half forward again. However, judging by his last game the semi-final against Collingwood, he struggled against the pace and skill of Heath Shaw and it appeared the pace of the game had, finally, caught up to him.
We have appreciated all you’ve contributed to the club and we wish you well Rowan in all your future endeavours.
For more - see Carneagles take. It’s good stuff.
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