In summary:
Dashing and daring Swan Zak Jones again injected raw speed into Sydney’s outfit in 2018, providing a wealth of run and carry off half-back and the wing in his fifth AFL campaign.
The 23-year-old topped the Swans in average bounces per game and regularly left opposition players in his wake – telling signs of the hot wheels Jones possesses.
While Jones was enormous off half-back alongside ever-reliable duo Jarrad McVeigh and Jake Lloyd, he also made important contributions in the midfield.
His lightning-quick pace and willingness to take the game on again made for a pulverising match with the tough inside work of Josh Kennedy and Luke Parker.
What the numbers say:
Games: 19
Kicks: 194
Handballs: 176
Disposals: 370
Marks: 76
Tackles: 35
Rebound 50s: 57
AFL Fantasy: 68.7 (average)
Best performance:
Round 12: Sydney Swans v St Kilda, Etihad Stadium
Jones played a critical role in the Swans’ biggest win of the season, a 71-point victory over the Saints at Etihad Stadium in Round 12. The young gun netted 23 touches, five rebound 50s and a goal to earn two AFL Coaches’ Association votes, helping the Swans to a fifth-straight win.
What they said:
Zak Jones
“It was a very different year for me. I played multiple roles but it was a really good year for me. I learnt a lot and it was a lot of good fun playing alongside Lloyd, McVeigh and Grundy. You’ve got to try to get the nut but also defend down there.”
Assistant coach Dean Cox
“He gave us some real drive out of the back half. His run and carry certainly sets him apart from a lot of other players and that’s what we want. We want him to take the game on and break a line and that’s what he did.”
In pictures:
Jones bursts through with speed against the Cats.
"It was him."
Jones poses for a picture for the Daily Telegraph. Image: Phil Hillyard.
Stay tuned for more season reviews at sydneyswans.com.au over the coming weeks.
