A year to remember for Darcy Jones

It’s been a year to remember for Swan Districts speedster Darcy Jones. Having been exposed to all three WAFL grades, this season might’ve been chaotic for the 18-year-old, but he had no trouble slotting into whichever team he was required to play in. After a monstrous 44 disposal effort in round three of the Colts, Jones later earned a league debut and didn’t disappoint against senior men, kicking two goals and gathering thirteen disposals in game one, which was followed up by another two majors and nineteen possessions a week on.

As the reserves made a push for finals themselves, Jones enjoyed helping them reach this milestone with impressive performances against West Perth and Peel Thunder in the final two rounds of the home and away season.

“Each team having different structures was probably the most difficult part, but I didn’t mind going up to the ressies because coming off a flag last year I had all my good mates there” Jones said.

However, it was the way Jones carried himself in the Under 18 National Championships that saw him shine as one of the state’s brightest football talents. In what was a challenging tournament from a team perspective, Jones relished the opportunity to represent his state for the second year in a row after featuring last season in the Under 17’s and was often named in the top players with his pace and ability to hit the scoreboard.

This resulted in All-Australian honours, something only three other West Australians were able to achieve.

“I was over the moon when I got that message. It’s probably the craziest thing that’s happened in my footy journey so far and just to see all my family proud was pretty special. Being able to compete with the big names over east is something I’ll never forget.”

With a promising future ahead, Jones remains focused on adding to his light frame and knows there’s always room for improvement regardless of how well things are travelling.

“There’s been quite a few times I’ve tried to burst out of stoppages, and someone’s been able to just hang onto me, so I’ve worked on getting on more strength through the hips, quads and my core so that I have that extra power to break through” Added Jones.