Port Adelaide Next Generation Academy prospect Lachie Jones says he has held conversations with 12 clubs in the lead-up to the National Draft.
The Woodville-West Torrens defender has spoken with Essendon, GWS and 10 other clubs, yet peculiarly is yet to officially meet with the Power.
“Yeah, I have spoken to Essendon,” Jones admitted on SEN SA Breakfast.
“Just once a few months ago but other than that no other contact, so not too sure (if they are seriously interested).
“I’ve spoken to about 12 clubs.
“I’ve spoken to one or two clubs twice. GWS was one and there was another one, but I lose track of this sort of stuff.”
During the chat, a listener messaged in asking about Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro and perhaps trying to get as many as points as possible to make a bid on Jones in the draft.
He said while there is a loose family connection to the Bombers, in that his mother has a love for the red and black, he doesn’t seem convinced that Dodoro is set to make a play.
“I always said that the whole family was Crows but deep down I think mum would want me to go to Essendon for her benefit,” Jones added.
“For mine she’d want me to go Port.
“In terms of Dodoro, I’m not really sure what his go is there.”
Despite the widespread interest, Jones is set on playing for the Power - the club he grew up supporting as a kid on the Yorke Peninsula - even if there’s been no official chat as yet.
“I haven’t had a direct interview with Ken (Hinkley) or any of the recruiting staff from Port,” he said further.
“Paul Stewart, the head of the academy, is the only person I’ve really stayed in contact with during the whole break.
“Nothing’s guaranteed but he says you’re in the academy so Port will give it a good crack.
“Ken and (GM of football) Chris Davies said that they’re in a position to take myself and Taj Schofield so I guess that’s pretty promising.
“It’s not guaranteed but hopefully they can get it done.”
He added: “Playing for Port has always been a childhood dream and it’s one that could potentially come true.
“It’s something that most kids don’t get the opportunity to have, especially not the first year of an AFL career, but maybe a few years down the track.
“It’s definitely a big difference that Port have got ‘first dibs’ and it’s a higher chance than going anywhere else, so it means a lot.”