Jones was rookied by the Saints at the end of the 2006 season at the age of 22. Considered young in just about any other walk of life, 22 is ancient in the world of football drafting.
But Jones has had to work for his opportunities after several years with South Fremantle in the WAFL, before the Saints took him with their first rookie pick in 2006.
He said he was disappointed not to be picked when many of his peers had gone before him.
“At 18 I thought I was a chance to get drafted. That year South Fremantle colts won the Grand Final and I had a pretty good game so I was a bit hopeful. It didn’t eventuate but from then on I went through the ranks, played league footy for South,” he said.
“In 2004 I spoke to a couple of clubs but again it didn’t happen. I pretty much thought it wasn’t going to happen for me. But I kept playing good consistent footy in the WAFL and got my chance in the end.”
Jones says self belief made him persist and, though a spot on an AFL list seemed unlikely, he knew he was worthy of one.
“Deep down I always thought I was good enough but it was just a matter of getting the opportunity.”
Since St Kilda gave him that opportunity, he has only continued his hard work in establishing an AFL career.
He was called up from the rookie list in round three against the Bulldogs last year but was omitted the next week.
Jones went on to play another five games last year before earning a permanent promotion to the senior list over summer.
He says the difference between the WAFL and AFL was obvious from his first minute with the Saints.
“It’s just the pressure. There are no easy balls out there in the AFL. If you want to get a kick you have to work your butt off. There are a lot more contests at AFL level,” he said.
Far from resting on his laurels once he earned a senior spot, Jones says he has worked closely with the St Kilda coaching staff, particularly development coach Danny Sexton on the deficiencies in his game.
“I suppose I just wanted to work on some of my weaknesses like applying pressure and tackling,” he said.
“Since I’ve come across I’ve been working on my accountability side of things. That has definitely improved and it has helped the defensive side of my game.”
In his six games in 2008, Jones is a noticeably different player to the one that wore the number 38 guernsey last year.
His defensive game and disposal under pressure have improved out of sight.
“I think the main thing is having confidence in yourself and the club has helped me develop that. Lately I’ve been able to find a bit of confidence and play some OK games in the seniors,” he said.
If he can maintain that confidence for the rest of the season, the St Kilda midfield may just have another string to its bow.
