Austinn Jones: I don't personally, going along well!
danni_luvs_riewoldt: What team did you barrack for as a child?
Austinn Jones: I was a mad Essendon supporter until I was drafted by the Saints.
churinga: Aussie, the midfield appeared a little slow in Launnie, what happened in the first half?
Austinn Jones: Hawthorn were probably more prepared, but there definitely is pace in our midfield!
i_luv_u_aussie: How do you want to be remembered when you finish footy?
Austinn Jones: Probably a player who could turn it on, and play important roles in Finals’.
footy_gal: Hi Austinn, disappointing loss last week - what's the feeling like around the Club?
Austinn Jones: We're a bit frustrated, but more focused on Round 1 now than we may have been - when the four points matter.
i_luv_u_aussie: How do you rate your own pre-season?
Austinn Jones: Probably about an 8 out of 10. I had a couple of niggling injuries before Christmas.
StHamillGal: Aussie, who were your role models when you were growing up, and do you have any now?
Austinn Jones: Growing up - probably Tim Watson and Gavin Wanganeen, and now - Robert Harvey - an inspirational leader.
sAiNtA: Do you have any goals set for this year?
Austinn Jones: I want to play 22 games, I don't want any injuries, and just to play Finals’ with the team.
i_luv_u_aussie: How did you rate our game last week?
Austinn Jones: Wasn't what I’d hoped for, got a slow start like the rest of the team, and went a bit better in the second half.
i_luv_u_aussie: Is it true you’re getting engaged! You’re gonna make a lot of girls very sad!
Austinn Jones: Yes, we're getting married on the 4th of October, so sorry to all those girls!
danni_luvs_riewoldt: What position do you think we'll finish this year?
Austinn Jones: Between 3 and 7.
footy_gal: Hey Aussie, any more updates on Kosi? Should he be right for Round 1?
Austinn Jones: Good news with Kosi, should be ready for Round 1, no structural problems, just a little tear, and he'll work hard to be ready for Round 1.
Lil_Sainter5: What has been your career highlight?
Austinn Jones: Probably have to be winning best Finals’ player in 1997, that was a big thrill.
Spelly: Aussie, who or what has had the biggest impression on your life so far?
Austinn Jones: Probably have to be my fiancé, Emily.
i_luv_u_aussie: Do you think that Hamill was the right person to be our Captain, considering he hasn’t been there for too long.
Austinn Jones: Yeah, I think he's earned it; he's a very professional person and a good leader.
i_luv_u_aussie: What do you do in your own free time?
Austinn Jones: Play a bit of golf, interested in horse racing, go to the beach.
sipdcup: Aussie, we had trouble scoring goals last Saturday - what’s being done to fix this?
Austinn Jones: I think a lot of that came from a crowded forward line, so we need to work on the structure, so when the ball is coming forward there is space to kick to.
i_luv_u_aussie: Considering Tim Watson was your role model, what was it like when he was coaching you?
Austinn Jones: It was great at first, but disappointing with the results we got under Tim.
chris_ladhams: Aussie Jones, how are ya buddy - what is the best goal you felt you have ever scored? Personally, I like the one in the 1997 Grand Final where you took all the Crows’ players on, got handballs back, and then kicked it from 50.
Austinn Jones: That would have to be it - kicked it on the left foot as well!
churinga: Aussie, you have pace, and your disposal is pin point - more of a rotation through the midfield this year than off the backline perhaps?
Austinn Jones: Spoke to Grant about that today, and he said there is a chance I’ll play a bit more in the midfield, depending on match-ups with the opposition.
StHamillGal: Aussie, did you find playing the pre-season rules confusing, and did you enjoy the change?
Austinn Jones: The rules were okay for a change, we got plenty of practice at them at training.
i_luv_u_aussie: Do you enjoy playing in Tassie?
Austinn Jones: It's great down there, the surface at York Park is brilliant, so it will be good to play a few games there this year.
i_luv_u_aussie: You’ve copped a lot of bad criticism in the past, what was that like for you?
Austinn Jones: I don't care too much about what the papers’ write, because they haven't picked a team yet, and probably never will.
sAiNtA: Do you still speak to Tony Brown?
Austinn Jones: Yes I do - he's moved to Adelaide with his wife, and is lining up for Port Adelaide in the SANFL again.
i_luv_u_aussie: Are fans allowed to come to the wedding?
Austinn Jones: No, unlike Nathan Buckley’s wedding, we won't be auctioning any seats off!
Lil_Sainter5: How has BJ fitted into the team?
Austinn Jones: Going well, he will play Seniors this week against Essendon.
i_luv_u_aussie: Have you spoken to Spider, or any of the other guys that left last year?
Austinn Jones: Spoken to Spider a few times, he seems to be enjoying himself at Hawthorn, wished him all the best!
chris_ladhams: Do you rate the Saints a genuine premiership side within 3/4 years?
Austinn Jones: Absolutely - within 12 months.
i_luv_u_aussie: Would you ever want to be the Captain of the Saints one day?
Austinn Jones: Blokes like Riewoldt and Hayes will probably come first, but if I did, it would be a great honour.
lenny_rox: Aus, it's good to see you back in form - have you had to work hard to overcome your hammie problems?
Austinn Jones: I have a different weights program than other guys to strengthen the back of the hammies, and constant physio.
Monolith: Aussie, what's your golf handicap?
Austinn Jones: Probably low teens or 11-12.
i_luv_u_aussie: You’ve come so close to leaving the Saints on a number of occasions, but are you happy that you’re still there?
Austinn Jones: Very happy I’ve stayed now with the outlook of the Club; the Club has great management now and is looking forward.
lenny_rox: We've heard about a buddy system from other players - do you have a particular young player you look out for?
Austinn Jones: It's not in place this year - I helped out Troy Schwarze last year, but I’m part of the leadership group helping out a lot of young guys.
Austinn Jones: Thanks a lot for your time this afternoon, don't worry about the Wizard Cup too much - we'll be ready to go for Round 1!
Austinn Jones: I have to take off now, thanks again for all the questions. Bye all – Go Saints!
