The 19-year-old displayed his talent after coming on as the sub in his debut match against Richmond at the MCG in round 14, and went on to play the next two games before an Achilles injury pushed back his progress.
Jones, who returned to the senior side for the Swans’ final home and away match of the season in round 23, told SwansTV he is determined to become a more regular fixture in his second season.
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“I was always confident that I could play,” Jones said.
“Now I want to play even more – so I’m definitely pushing for a spot.
“I’m hoping that I can cement myself in the side early and play the whole year out.”
While many of his team mates travelled overseas throughout the off-season, Jones made the decision to stay home and dedicate his time to improving his fitness.
The young Swan said improving his endurance was his goal over the last two months, and said he was starting to reap the rewards on the track.
“I’m feeling really good,” he said.
“I feel like I went through my paces outside the club over the off-season and I’ve come back and felt alright.
“I just went home and wanted to focus on my running, my fitness, and my tank.
“It was really hard and I probably vomited about three times, so it really was a solid session away from the club.
“I knew that I really just had to push myself and put the paces in and you can’t slack off in your sessions.”
Jones, who is known for his on-field competitiveness, said he also felt he had returned to the club for pre-season with the right mindset.
“I reckon my competitiveness and my aggression are in the right place,” he said.
“I feel good in that sense, and know that I’m in the right head space and that’s been really good.
“I’ve spoken to the coaches about it and they’ve helped me through it and they’ve been really good with me, so I’m looking forward to what’s ahead.”
With defender Nick Malceski moving to the Gold Coast Suns this year, Jones will likely be one of a handful of players eyeing his spot in the starting back six.
Jones said while he was confident he has what it takes to fill the role, his job this pre-season was to convince the coaches he was ready for the opportunity.
“I’m hoping that’s the way the coaches see it,” Jones said.
“Hopefully they are looking at me and thinking ‘This kid can fill that spot’.
“They are big shoes to fill, but I know I want to take that spot and I think I can do it.”
Zak Jones and Isaac Heeney during a boxing session on Wednesday morning
