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- Feb 21, 2002
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Although Logan shines brighter!
Lonie shines in time trial
12:41:18 PM Mon 7 November, 2005
Alan Shiell
Sportal for afl.com.au
Nathan Lonie has made an auspicious start to his AFL career with Port Adelaide by shining in the club's first pre-season training run on Monday.
The former Hawthorn half-back/wingman's advanced fitness was evident as he was among the leaders in a three-and-a-half-kilometre time trial in the north parklands opposite the University of Adelaide gymnasium.
Lonie, 22, and Brad Symes, 20, led Port's younger players, although they were shaded slightly by former Brisbane Lion Tom Logan, 20, who is doing the pre-season with the Power in the hope of being drafted.
Steven Salopek, 20, ran the fastest time in a solo run after the group, which did not include Port's senior players, who will start training on Saturday morning.
Former North Melbourne forward Daniel Motlop, 23 - who, like Lonie, became a Port player during trade week early last month - also had his first run with his new teammates, who were impressed by new-look coach Mark 'Slim' Williams, who has shed eight kilograms.
Asked whether he was surprised or disappointed Hawthorn was prepared to let him go (after 64 AFL matches), Lonie said: "Not really. Of course, all my friends I'd played with for years were there, but I was looking for a new start and Port Adelaide were good enough to give that to me, so I'm looking forward to repaying them and hopefully have a good year. It's a great feeling to come to such a great club …"
Lonie said he hoped to 'slot into the backline or on a wing and play a role for the team'.
"I just want to play league footy so that's why I'm here, pretty much," he said. "It's obviously very exciting. Port Adelaide obviously won the flag (in 2004) and played in the finals last season. I want to play finals footy …"
Asked whether he felt he was a 'walk-up start to Port's top 18', Lonie said: "No - no way. There are 20 guys who weren't here today who are starting (training) on Saturday. They're already in. We've got to work our way in and hopefully I can get a game."
On the inevitable comparisons with fellow long-kicking left-footer Stuart Dew, Lonie laughed and said: "Stuey Dew's got me covered. He's a beautiful kick. If I come in behind him I'll be pretty happy."
Lonie is living temporarily at Kane Cornes' house at Henley Beach.
"I know Kane Cornes very well," he said. "I went on a youth tour with him to Ireland a few years ago, so I'm staying with him and he's looking after me, which is good.
"He'd been in contact with me over the trade period. He was good. He's a good friend of mine so I thought if he's here, I'll come and play with him, and we'll have a good year, hopefully."
Lonie shines in time trial
12:41:18 PM Mon 7 November, 2005
Alan Shiell
Sportal for afl.com.au
Nathan Lonie has made an auspicious start to his AFL career with Port Adelaide by shining in the club's first pre-season training run on Monday.
The former Hawthorn half-back/wingman's advanced fitness was evident as he was among the leaders in a three-and-a-half-kilometre time trial in the north parklands opposite the University of Adelaide gymnasium.
Lonie, 22, and Brad Symes, 20, led Port's younger players, although they were shaded slightly by former Brisbane Lion Tom Logan, 20, who is doing the pre-season with the Power in the hope of being drafted.
Steven Salopek, 20, ran the fastest time in a solo run after the group, which did not include Port's senior players, who will start training on Saturday morning.
Former North Melbourne forward Daniel Motlop, 23 - who, like Lonie, became a Port player during trade week early last month - also had his first run with his new teammates, who were impressed by new-look coach Mark 'Slim' Williams, who has shed eight kilograms.
Asked whether he was surprised or disappointed Hawthorn was prepared to let him go (after 64 AFL matches), Lonie said: "Not really. Of course, all my friends I'd played with for years were there, but I was looking for a new start and Port Adelaide were good enough to give that to me, so I'm looking forward to repaying them and hopefully have a good year. It's a great feeling to come to such a great club …"
Lonie said he hoped to 'slot into the backline or on a wing and play a role for the team'.
"I just want to play league footy so that's why I'm here, pretty much," he said. "It's obviously very exciting. Port Adelaide obviously won the flag (in 2004) and played in the finals last season. I want to play finals footy …"
Asked whether he felt he was a 'walk-up start to Port's top 18', Lonie said: "No - no way. There are 20 guys who weren't here today who are starting (training) on Saturday. They're already in. We've got to work our way in and hopefully I can get a game."
On the inevitable comparisons with fellow long-kicking left-footer Stuart Dew, Lonie laughed and said: "Stuey Dew's got me covered. He's a beautiful kick. If I come in behind him I'll be pretty happy."
Lonie is living temporarily at Kane Cornes' house at Henley Beach.
"I know Kane Cornes very well," he said. "I went on a youth tour with him to Ireland a few years ago, so I'm staying with him and he's looking after me, which is good.
"He'd been in contact with me over the trade period. He was good. He's a good friend of mine so I thought if he's here, I'll come and play with him, and we'll have a good year, hopefully."
