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HONING IN ON GOALS BY STEVE BARRETT
Sturt goalsneak Josh Hone likens the feeling brewing around the Double Blues camp this year to the ones he experienced in the pre-finals buildups of 2016 and ‘17. It’s an ominous sign for rival sides given Sturt went on to regale in premiership glory both those seasons. Get entrenched inside the top three, absorb the inevitable hiccup that arises during the process and, hopefully for a third time, hit the major round and pristine form. “This year definitely has a similar feel about it,” said Hone, who made his debut for the Blues in 2014 aged 17 after playing his junior footy at Mt Barker, then Mt Lofty. “In those years (2016-17) we had those funks in form as well where we lost a couple of games or had a few games tighter than they should have been. The key in both those years was we were playing our best footy at the back end. Hopefully (coach) Marty (Mattner) has us primed at the right time this year as well.” Hone’s rich goalkicking form has
played a key role in Sturt sitting pretty in second position on the SANFL ladder. The crafty 175cm forward has booted 31 goals, singlehandedly standing in the way of an all-Glenelg, Ken Farmer Medal podium, narrowly heading Luke Reynolds but trailing Lachie Hosie and Liam McBean. “I’ve been consistent and been able to hit the scoreboard regularly,” said Hone, who has been held goalless only once in 2023. “That’s my role – to do the scoreboard damage. We’ve had a fair few more inside-50s and kicked over 100 points three times already. In the past few years we struggled to get it up there as much.” Like all good small forwards, Hone absolutely has a favourite pocket to kick bags from, too. The southwestern pocket of Unley’s Wigan Oval could well be named after the excitement machine in the No.5 jumper. “The bowling club on the right-hand side, for sure,” said Hone, who has represented SA in two State games against WA. “I don’t mind that pocket
Play on! And he did. The goals are under threat as Sturt livewire Josh Hone unleashes. Photo: Cory Sutton
– I’ve kicked a few nice ones from there. The bouncing castle (northeastern) pocket is a harder one for a right-footer.” Hone, who works for his family business Australian Paving Centre, has already ticked off his first individual goal this year when he played his 150th league game, which he celebrated by kicking three goals in a Round 5 win against WoodvilleWest Torrens. Currently sitting on 194 career majors, he should, barring injury, cruise past the double-ton landmark this year. And, still just 26, there is ample time for Hone to become the 11th Double Blue to notch 200 games and 200 goals. Adding to his two flags, though, is the primary driver. “I’d like to play on for as long as I can and get to that (200-game, 200-goal) accolade, for sure. But, in the meantime, adding a few more flags is the main thing. The way we ended last year was disappointing losing to Glenelg (in the elimination final) and created the fire in the belly to get back up to the top.” sanfl.com.au
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