By JOLENE OGLE
It doesn’t sound like something you would want to remember but for ex-Noosa Tigers player Jono Freeman getting drenched in Powerade is something he never wants to forget.
The drenching was all part of a tradition in AFL with Jono’s Brisbane Lions team mates celebrating the 20-year-old’s four goals in their win against Collingwood at the MCG on 16 August, winning by an impressive 67 points.
“It seems to be the go these days, whenever someone gets their first win they cop a drenching,” Jono said.
“I got covered in Powerade in the middle of the (Lions) boys. I got to sing the Brisbane Lions’ song. I’ll never forget that.”
The former St Andrew’s Anglican College student, who grew up in Peregian Beach, said he had always dreamt of playing for the Brisbane Lions and running out onto the MCG for their last game was a dream come true.
“It was pretty amazing. It was my first time at the MCG all together, so I was pretty excited to get out there and play well. To get a win, is unbelievable,” he said.
Jono started his AFL career with the Noosa Tigers at age 15 playing for the junior team. Former Noosa Tigers’ coach Brett Maloney said Jono was a stand-out player from the beginning.
“As a player, he’s a big, raw talent. Big athletic-type bloke with the ability to jump, to take a good grab, a good mark,” he said.
“Even at that stage, when he decided to turn it on, that he was a bit above the rest.
“He could do things that make you wonder ‘how could he do that?’
“Especially with his athletic ability, he could weave in and out of traffic. He could take marks most others wouldn’t be able to.”
Jono played for the Noosa Tigers for three years before joining the Brisbane Lions’ Academy and entering the draft pool.
Hearing his name called at the draft, to become a Brisbane Lions’ player was an outstanding moment for Jono, but he said it was his parents who were most excited.
“They’ve seen what I’ve gone through. I’ve made a lot of trips to Brisbane chasing my dream,” he said.
“They’ve helped me all along the way. Mum used to have to drive me to Brisbane twice a week. They did a lot for me and it was pretty rewarding for them.”
Former coach Brett travelled to Brisbane to watch Jono’s first game with the Lions against the Adelaide Crows on 10 August at the Gabba.
“I went down and watched when he made his debut and (the Lions) got smashed by 105 points and he barely got near the ball.
“Then, in the space of a week, all of a sudden he’s kicked four goals against Collingwood, one of the biggest football clubs in the country, at their home game. That was really pleasing,” Brett said.
Brett said Jono’s achievements have little to do with him and his time spent coaching the newest Lions player, who he describes as an “absolutely outstanding citizen”.
“I’m just rapt for him. It’s not hell of a lot to do with me. I’m just rapt for Jono.
“If anyone deserves it, he does. He’s put the hard yards in,” he said.
“Hopefully he continues to develop and is a key player for Brisbane for many years to come.”
Jono is now preparing for the Lions’ round 23 game against the third-ranked Geelong Cats on 30 August at Simonds Stadium, Victoria.
Jono’s hoping for another stellar game.
