AFL draft 2021: Claremont and Wesley College bolter Arthur Jones one to watch in WA combine testing

He was the 27th and final West Aussie invited to Sunday’s Perth leg of the AFL draft combine but Claremont and Wesley College speedster Arthur Jones is expected to right at the top of testing results. The Mt Barker product, who’s related to the Krakouer family and calls WA Football Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy his uncle, has bolted into draft calculations after a stunning AFL grand final curtain-raiser. The exciting 178cm winger amassed 16 disposals, six inside-50s and kicked a couple of eye-catching goals in WA’s national under-19s carnival victory over South Australia at Optus Stadium to announce himself to AFL recruiters. His efforts were even more impressive considering he wasn’t part of the initial squad and only got his chance due to unavailability and injuries to a dozen of the best 23. As PSA level, Jones averaged 22 disposals, five inside 50s, four clearances, four tackles and 0.5 goals per game to earn team-of-the-year selection and help Wesley rise from the bottom of the ladder into Alcock Cup contention. WA Football Commission State talent manager Adam Jones was hopeful his namesake, who he described as a fantastic athlete and ripper kid, would find his way onto an AFL list. “He’s such a ripper kid, Arthur,” Adam Jones said. “We all thought that he was tied to West Coast through their Next Generation Academy but that’s not the case, so he’s available in the open market. “I think he’ll test really well. He’s got a great mix of speed and endurance. “He’s such a great kid. He’s bubbly, extroverted and just so appreciative of the opportunity and really coach-able and engaging. “The clubs that are interested and start to do their homework on him will get a fantastic athlete and fantastic character and he can play the game a bit as well. Hopefully he’ll find his way onto an AFL list.” East Fremantle have the most players attending with six, closely followed by East Perth and grand finalists Claremont with five apiece. Sharks trio Josh Cripps (brother of Carlton co-captain Patrick), Taj Woewodin (son of Brownlow medallist Shane), Corey Warner (brother of Sydney Swan Chad), South Fremantle’s Jesse Motlop (son of ex-Port Adelaide/North forward Daniel), Subiaco’s Richard Farmer (nephew of Melbourne/Fremantle champion Jeff) and Swan Districts’ Rhett Bazzo (son of late WAFL great Steve) are among the players with famous bloodlines. Sprint, agility and vertical jump testing is scheduled for Sunday morning at Wesley College, while the 2km time trial is happening at WA Athletics Stadium in the afternoon. Top-10 Subiaco and Hale School draft fancy Neil Erasmus (quad), his Lions colts premiership teammate Jake South (knee) and East Perth sharpshooter Jye Amiss (knee) won’t test due to injury. West Perth defender Noah Pegoraro, 24, was the only mature-aged WA prospect invited. WA draft combine invitees Eric Benning, Arthur Jones, Angus Sheldrick, Jahmal Stretch, Jacob van Rooyen (Claremont) Josh Browne, Josh Cripps, Judd Mcvee, Corey Warner, Taj Woewodin, Jack Williams (East Fremantle) Jye Amiss, Kade Dittmar, Kaden Harbour, Ethan Regan, James Tunstill (East Perth) Brady Hough, Luke Polson (Peel Thunder) Jesse Motlop (South Fremantle) Neil Erasmus, Richard Farmer, Matt Johnson, Jake South (Subiaco) Rhett Bazzo, Bryce Watson (Swan Districts) Lochlan Paton, Noah Pegoraro (West Perth)

AFL draft 2021: Claremont and Wesley College bolter Arthur Jones one to watch in WA combine testing

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