St Kilda has informed Jack Lonie that he won't be offered a contract for next season. Out of favour for the best part of two years, Lonie is now hoping for a chance to extend his AFL career.
It comes as a massive blow for Lonie, who grew up around the corner from the club's old Seaford headquarters.
A lifelong Saints fan, his dream came true when selected by the club with pick 41 in the 2014 national draft.
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After a promising start, the small forward stalled due to a combination of injury and form. Following the arrivals of Dan Butler and Jack Higgins, Lonie saw his opportunities limited even further.
The former Dandenong Stingray played a total of 86 games for the club, kicking 73 goals in that time. However, season 2021 saw him kick just four goals from nine games, leading to the Saints not offering him another deal.
St Kilda list manager James Gallagher praised the small forward for his contribution to the club, saying in a statement "This was a really difficult decision to make,"
"Once drafted to St Kilda, he has never taken his AFL opportunity for granted and has played with a passion, enthusiasm and courage that earned him the respect and friendship of his teammates and warmed the hearts of our supporters and our legion of past players," said Gallagher.
"He should be very proud of what he has achieved at St Kilda and we are very thankful for the seven years he has given to us.
"We wish Jack all the best for the next chapter of his life."
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A crafty small forward, who is just as comfortable kicking goals as he is antagonising the opposition, Lonie reportedly had interest from other clubs last off-season.
Turning his back on them to stay with the Saints on a one-year deal. The deal contained a trigger for an added year, however he failed to reach the required number of games.
GWS have been in the market for a small forward this off-season and could offer Lonie a lifeline up North.
