Josh Hones in on 100

By ZAC MILBANK

Sturt’s Josh Hone was forced to make the most of his opportunities from a young age en route to his 100th Statewide Super League game.

One of six siblings, Hone is the second youngest of five brothers who used to go toe-to-toe in the backyard as he developed his craft as a nippy small forward.

Speaking on SANFL Radio, Hone said mixing with his brothers, including being coached by older brother Nick at Mount Lofty, had held him in good stead to take his chances as an opportunist goal sneak.

And off the field, the Hones are also keeping it in the family by working in their family-owned business – Australian Paving Centre, with Hone no stranger to getting his hands dirty on the forklift.

Making his Statewide Super League debut in Round 15 of 2014, the 22-year-old was forced to wait a week until he registered his first goal against North Adelaide in Round 16.

The 2014 SA U18 Championship-winning forward confirmed his first League major was actually touched by an opponent but after Hone celebrated it sailing through the big sticks, the officiating umpire gave it the all clear.

A self-confessed fan of Western Australian sporting teams in the Warriors, Scorchers and Dockers, Hone booted a career-high six majors against West in Round 14 to take his career tally to 107 across his 99 appearances.

The Adelaide Hills product will be hoping for a similar performance in his milestone match against Norwood at Peter Motley Oval on Sunday.