After two injury-interrupted years, Harry Jones is loving every minute of a return to full training this pre-season.
The promising forward has enjoyed a fresh run since recovering from his ankle surgery last May, participating in the squad’s full training schedule since December.
Taking confidence from his body of work over the past three months, the 23-year-old is more than ready for another taste of competitive action.
“(Pre-season has) been awesome, I’m just happy to be out here at the moment,” Jones said.
“It’s been two years without a proper run at it, so to get some consistent work in, have confidence in my body and feel good is really nice.”
Jones joins a growing list of Dons to scratch their names off the injury list in recent weeks as teammates Zach Reid and Jake Stringer continue to train fully, with ruck Sam Draper and veteran midfielder Dylan Shiel also making strong progress in their respective returns.
Factored in with some new inclusions via the draft, Jones is keen to see how the Bombers’ competition for spots takes shape leading into round one.
“I think it makes sense that the more people you’ve got out here, the higher quality (training) will be. It’s the first time in a long time we’ve had most of the boys out there,” Jones said.
“My housemate Zach Reid is looking pretty nice out there. I know it sounds cliche, but all the boys have come back in good nick, but everyone has taken a step forward.
“Nate Caddy is an excitement machine. He adds another layer to (our forward mix) and it’s tough for spots out there, so it’s exciting.”
Building a level of consistency in the second year of Senior Coach Brad Scott’s tenure is still at the forefront for Jones, using last year’s development as a base for the group to work off.
As the squad’s chemistry grows week-to-week in the build-up to the season, Jones is excited for the side to implement their training focuses into gameplay.
“For me, it’s about consistency (at this stage of the year). For the team, it’s nailing down these little new things we’re learning and the ability to bring it out in-game,” Jones said.
“(We can) keep building on the game plan we learnt and grew last year, we still have a lot of improving to do and we’re just continuing to fine-tune that and become a consistent team. By the looks, it seems to be working at the moment.”