Injury-free and relishing the moment.

Harry Jones’ return to consistent action in 2024 provided a fresh look to Essendon’s line-up this season, with the injury-hit forward reminding fans of his potential in multiple positions over the course of the year.

The 23-year-old’s tireless work ethic and aerial competitiveness have always made him a likely target as an up-the-ground forward and that was reflected well in the first half of this season prior to his move to the wing.

Recalled for the round three clash against the Saints following a suspension to key forward Peter Wright, Jones slotted back in seamlessly with 10 marks and two goals, kickstarting a terrific run of form where he also contributed strongly in stirring wins over the Bulldogs and the Crows.

Given injury woes had limited Jones to just 15 games across the prior two seasons, an output of 20 games in 2024 served as reward for effort after a challenging road back to playing frequent footy.

“It’s definitely been my most consistent year of footy to date,” Jones said.

“It was pretty awesome to be able to play out the whole year and not have any interruptions. I just want to build on that again and keep getting better.

“I know now what I’ve got to do to get my body right and to get me out on the park, so that’s the plan for the years to come.”

Heading into the season off just five total games in 2023 and finding himself omitted after the opening round win over the Hawks, Jones showed his maturity with a steadfast response.

The ‘one week at a time’ mentality kept Jones in a good headspace and allowed him to continue playing with freedom.

“I didn’t try to think about the future too much (coming into this year off the injuries),” Jones said.

“I just focused on what I had to do every week to perform at my best. Speaking to coaches, I knew if I could get my preparation right, the rest would come and I wouldn’t need to worry about what was ahead.”

While Jones had grown accustomed to roaming the ground in his forward role, a chat with Senior Coach Brad Scott around the halfway point of the season saw the idea floated for a move to the wing.

Jones had to adapt quickly to the running demands of the positional switch but grew in confidence as the year progressed, typically providing the side with a strong outlet in transition.

“Obviously, there’s a lot more high-speed running on the wing to get adjusted to, getting back to help the defenders out,” Jones said.

“In some ways, it was already similar to my role anyways as that outside forward. It took a shift in mindset, because you know every game’s going to be hard already but knowing you’re going to be exhausted from getting up and down the wing all day was a new challenge.

“I faded out of some games early in that switch from just getting used to the different running patterns and efforts and my body felt wrecked, but I adapted to it quite well as the year went on. It’s a work-in-progress, but knowing I have a full pre-season to get even fitter has me really excited for what I can keep providing there.

“I should be able to do both (play forward and wing). It’s a pretty dangerous look at times when ‘Coxy’ (Nik Cox), ‘Duurs’ (Xavier Duursma) and I can help each other out down the ground in that wing role.”

Heading into the off-season injury-free, Jones is just hoping to continue his good work after a year that’s held his development in good stead.

“It’s just about consistency and getting things done now,” Jones said.

“I’ll obviously get away over the break to recharge for a bit but I know what I need to do to set myself up for a good year and I’m just thinking about putting my best foot forward.”