A career-best season saw the 23-year-old pressure forward switch to the other end and excel as a dashing defender, earning him a ninth-placed finish in the Club Champion award.
Jones started the campaign brilliantly with 21 disposals and two goals in the hard-fought loss to Gold Coast in round one, but was soon shifted into defence where his scything runs and piercing left foot helped with the Eagles’ ball movement.
After a brief stint in the WAFL, the former Cat was back against Brisbane in round eight and showed promise across half-back, finishing with 21 disposals, and coach Adam Simpson continued the experiment with success.
Jones’ second half of the season was particularly impressive, even as he battled back spasms, and he picked up a personal high 28 disposals and 525 metres gained in the last round at the Cattery.
Inked a fresh contract extension after the season finished and with just 42 games under his belt still has plenty of growth ahead.
Standout performance: Cracking in against the Crows
There was an air of anticipation heading into the last home game for the season and Josh Kennedy’s farewell game, and Jones was one of the Eagles who helped push the Crows all the way in a cracking contest.
The speedy half-back racked up 24 disposals and took the game on at every opportunity, while also laying six tackles.
Jones gained 402 metres for West Coast and launched numerous counter attacks in another step forward in a new phase of his career.
Season averages
Disposals – 15.5
Pressure acts – 15.1
Tackles – 3.8
Rebound 50s – 2.2
Score involvements – 2.1
