Scott Jones faced a tough test on debut but feels he will emerge from Fremantle’s 61-point loss to Collingwood at the MCG as a better player for the run.
The 23-year-old ruckman faced no bigger challenge on debut than coming up against star Magpie ruckman Brodie Grundy.
“Brodie’s probably the in-form ruckman in the competition so it was a good challenge. I guess a good way to learn to swim is to jump in the deep end,” Jones said.
“I learnt a lot from him, especially his positioning and workrate off the ball. It’s something I’ll be able to take on my journey and work on and kick on from there.”
Jones said the debut-game nerves dissipated quickly as the game got underway.
The East Perth product provided two highlights of the day with two strong contested marks leading to goals. One to David Mundy in the third term and another off his own boot – his first in the AFL.
“I’m really happy, it’s nice to float across and take a decent mark,” Jones said of his effort in the final term.
“That’s something I’ve ticked off and I can move on to the next one.”
Jones’ final term goal was one of seven for Fremantle, who showed some fight in the later stages as Collingwood threatened a blowout.
“It was a big game for us, especially when we’re so young against an in-form team in Collingwood,” Jones said.
“I think we’ve all got something to work on from the game but the final term showed we’ve got the talent, we just need to work on that consistency and effort.
“That was the problem, is we got out-worked and a couple of decisions led to errors.
“We showed in the last quarter, if things are going right we can get to work so that’s something to focus on for next week.”
Jones paid tribute to fellow ruckman Michael Apeness, who shared the load with Jones as he made his return from injury with 645 days on the sidelines.
“Michael was really good,” Jones said.
“We started slowly as a team but by the end he was really tackling hard and competing well and supporting with his follow up.
“It was great, I think he got four clearances as well and he worked well off the ball. It was a good effort from him and it’s good to see him back.”
