When Scott Jones takes to the MCG for Fremantle against Collingwood this Sunday, he will have a big task ahead of him.
Jones will line-up against in-form ruckman Brody Grundy, who is arguably one of the best ruckman in the competition this season.
But Jones isn’t one to shy away from a challenge.
“It’s nerve-racking, but I have come in to do a job and that’s play competitive footy and play my role,” Jones said.
“I know what my role is and what I need to do, so it’s a great opportunity for me to get in and get started.”
Jones will rely on advice from injured ruckman Aaron Sandilands and said he’d spend time chatting to ‘Sandi’ before the game.
“I’m going to chat with Aaron a little bit later today and go through any tricks and tips and just get whatever info I can from him,” Jones said.
“Grundy is in the best form of his career, so anything I can take from Aaron to compete against and try and nullify him will be great.”
The 23-year-old mature age recruit who came to the club via pick 75 in the 2017 National Draft grew up in Busselton, and credits his family for their support in him being able to realise his AFL dream.
“It’s been a long journey and they have supported me so much over the last few years,” Jones said.
“They supported me moving to Perth by myself and helped me peruse my football dream, now I’m getting the chance to realise it playing on the big stage.”
Club captain Nat Fyfe announced in Friday morning’s team meeting that Jones would debut this weekend and presented him with his no. 40 playing jumper.
“It was really special, he is such an important player for this club,” Jones said.
“To be recognised by him and have my jumper presented by him is something that I wont forget.”
Jones had a couple of minutes in between the team meeting and Friday morning’s training session starting, he used that time to pass on the good news to his overwhelmed family.
“There were a few tears shed,” Jones said.
“Dad was just as shocked as me that I got the call up, but I know my family will drop everything to get over there and watch.
“It’s a pretty big moment for me and they have been supporting me a great amount over the journey.
“It will be good to have them there.”
