Mathematics doesn’t enter the equation for Tom Jonas: whether it’s game No.1 or 200, finals on the line or not, the Port Adelaide skipper’s steely determination to win will not waver.
Jonas, who has taken what he called a “non-traditional” route to the top, will play his 200th AFL game when the Power takes on Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday in a clash Port simply must win to remain any hope of pulling off a finals miracle.
Three losses in the past month have dropped the Power to an 8-10 record, with Ken Hinkley’s men needing to win their remaining four games and hope a string of other results go their way to scrape into the top eight.
It’s a complex equation unlikely to work out in Port’s favour, but don’t talk to Jonas about the maths.
“If that door stays ajar, I know the odds are against us, but while we’re living and breathing we’ll keep going for the win,” Jonas said.
“And regardless of where we end up in a week or a fortnight or in three weeks, every week we go out there and we want to win.”
The Magpies will slam the door shut on Port Adelaide’s unlikely finals bid if they can score a 10th win in a row to solidify their claims on a top-four finish.
Having lost seven games by 14 points or less this year, Hinkley and his men are left to ponder what might have been if they could’ve emulated the Pies’ record in close games in a season where eight of their wins have been by margins of 11 points or less.
“It feels like they’ve been the opposite of us because they’ve been able to get over the line,” Jonas said.
“It probably comes from the way that they attack the game.
“When the game is on the line they get bolder and braver and really take it on.
“I think you make your own luck and the way that they play the game has certainly manifested that.”
A win would not only keep Port’s finals flame flickering, but it would also be a fitting way for Jonas to celebrate such a significant milestone.
The 31-year-old admits it’s a feat that he didn’t dare dream was possible back when he was picked 16th overall at the 2011 rookie draft.
“It was a bit of a non-traditional path and I’ve been very fortunate across my journey that people showed faith in me and gave me an opportunity,” he said.
“I feel like every day I try to repay that.
“For me it’s been a pretty simple recipe, it’s about hard work, leading by example through my actions, being selfless and just being the best teammate that I can be.”
Jonas will share his special day with vice-captain Ollie Wines after the pair also played their 150th games together.
“It’s a privilege to be able to celebrate a milestone with one of your best mates and teammates along the way,” Jonas said of Wines.
“It’s one of the rare times where it becomes an individual game or you get an individual moment.
“To be honest, we don’t play footy for the individual accolades, so to be able to share it with someone like Ollie is awesome.”
Originally published as AFL 2022: Port Adelaide captain Tom Jonas not writing off his team pulling off a finals miracle
For all the latest Sports News Click Here
For the latest news and updates, follow us on Google News.
