Jones’ dream comes true

Five years after going through the WA under-18 program, Busselton’s Scott Jones has been drafted by the Fremantle Dockers.

Jones was selected during the National draft on November 24, securing a spot on the team with the club’s eighth and final pick at No.75.

Speaking at a press conference earlier this week, the 205cm ruckman, who has been playing for East Perth in the WAFL, said the draft outcome was a huge surprise.

“I thought the rookie draft was a possibility but didn’t really think I would get selected in the national draft,” he said.

“I was watching it to see what teammates I would get from the Eagles through the alignment with East Perth, so to hear my name get called out on Friday at the nationals was huge and I am completely over the moon.

“I am rapt to live out my dream and finally get drafted.”

Jones’ road to being drafted was rife with injuries, but he had a stand-out season for East Perth this year, achieving 40 hit-outs in his third WAFL game and finishing the season averaging more than 20.

“It has been a bit of a long road from draft year and breaking my leg in round one when I was 18 was really a bit of a shock and really set my career and aspirations back a bit,” he said.

“Missing out on State teams that year and then dislocating my AC joint in 2015 just as I was getting back into good form which put me out for six months and really made me reset the progress again.”

However, after two full pre-seasons at East Perth, Jones said he was now happy with his form going into next year’s season.

Jones will now be balancing an AFL career with study, currently working towards completing a Bachelor of Technology and Motor Sports.

“Cars have always been a sort of my side hobby and that is a career aspiration for me for life after footy, so it is something I want to keep pursuing,” he said.

As for players he is looking forward to playing alongside, Jones singled out the obvious pick — Aaron Sandilands.

“It’s a dream come true to get to work with one of the best ruckmen going around in the last 10 years and I will be learning as much as I can from him,” he said.