Byrne-Jones shows ton of potential for Port
A MISSED team meeting cost Darcy Byrne-Jones a shot at 100 straight AFL games but the star Port Adelaide backman hasn’t put a foot wrong since and won’t with a return to the finals in sight.
The 24-year-old will reach triple figures against Sydney on Sunday knowing a return to the post-season is his and the power’s reward for performances he said could “go to another level” in coming weeks.
A shrinking injury list is set to increase competition for spots and Byrne-Jones, who played his lone final in a loss to West Coast in 2017 – Port’s only final since 2014 – said it was his “driving force” to get back there.
“Guys like Ollie (Wines) and Trav (Boak), they played in those prelims (in 2014) and the joy and excitement you get out of playing finals is definitely the main driving force behind my football,” he said.
“To come into the team four or five years ago and to play just about 100 straight, when I do sit down and think about it, I’m pretty proud of what I’ve done.
“But obviously we’ve got bigger fish to fry this season and it’s exciting to be in this position.”
The dashing defender paid tribute to assistant coach Brett Montgomery for encouraging backline players to attack, which is a key feature of arguably the best season ByrneJones has produced.
“He really wants us to get aggressive as halfbacks and get going and get involved and that’s music to our ears,” he said. “To be able to have the freedom and going out there with intent each week has really helped us.”