The coach’s call had come out of the blue for the young Swan, who was coming off a quiet week after being named the senior emergency for last Saturday afternoon’s clash with Port Adelaide at the SCG.
The 19-year-old, who was the Swans’ first selection in the 2013 National Draft at pick 15, stood in front of the senior coach and wracked his brain for an idea of what he might have done wrong.
Pyke's back, Jones to debut
“John called me and told me to come into the club,” Jones said.
“I walked into his office and he was just staring at me really blankly and I thought to myself, ‘What have I done?’”
Fortunately for the first-year Swan, the news couldn’t be more positive.
“I was just trying to think if I’d done anything wrong and he just said “Are you ready to play senior football?” and I said “Yeah, I reckon I am” and he said “Well, you’re going to play this week, mate”.
“I was pretty shocked.”
Jones, who will make his debut in tomorrow night’s round 14 clash with Richmond at the MCG, will become the second debutant for the Swans this season, following on from Jake Lloyd who played his first match in round five against Fremantle.
The former Vic Country and Dandenong Stingrays player said he was still coming to terms with the fact that he would be lining up on the MCG on Friday night.
“Last night I still couldn’t sleep and I was up until 12:00 or 1:00am just thinking about it, but eventually I got to sleep and now I’m just trying to keep my mind off it,” he said.
“It’s still pretty much a shock at the moment and I can’t believe it’s actually happening.
“I wouldn’t say that I’m surprised because it’s been something I’ve always strived for in my football.
“When I eventually got the call up, I was pretty shocked just because it was so soon.”
Jones is known for his competitive spirit and never-say-die attitude, and Longmire said he was excited to be able to give the Swans’ number 10 his opportunity this week.
“It’s a great opportunity to able to play his first game on the MCG,” Longmire said.
“It’s one of the real thrills of coaching to be able to tell a young player that he’s got his first game of AFL football.”
The younger brother of Melbourne Football Club star midfielder and captain Nathan Jones, Longmire said he was confident Zak was prepared for senior football.
“He obviously knows what AFL football is about because he’s got a brother who is a sensational player for the Melbourne Football Club,” he said.
“To be able to get his opportunity and to maybe start his journey is an exciting time for him.”
Jones, who has been a regular contributor in the Swans reserves this season, has played the majority of his football in defensive roles and said he expected to fulfil a similar role in his debut match on Friday night.
“I’ve been playing in the back pocket a fair but, where I’ve just been trying to learn to lock down a small forward,” he said.
“I’ve been trying to run off a little bit more and create a bit more in my game.
“It’s been good and I’ve had the support of Nick Malceski and Jeremy Laidler, the two defenders right next to me (in the locker room) who will be helping me out and directing me.”
Having grown up in Mt Eliza in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, Jones said he expected a big turnout from family and friends for his debut.
“I called my mum and dad and just let them know that I was debuting this week so they can get organised,” he said.
“Mum was meant to fly to Darwin and had to cancel that so she could stay around.
“It’s good that my brothers, Nathan and Josh, can get there too.
“Nathan is playing on Sunday so he can get there, and everyone else is able to come and see it, so it’s pretty good.”
