In the lead-up to the 2021 season, Dons Digital is checking in with some of the Bombers' promising youngsters as they strive to make their mark in 2021.

First up is emerging young forward Harrison Jones, who takes us through how his second pre-season is tracking in his quest to make his debut for Essendon and achieve a boyhood dream.

Harrison, what’s been the biggest difference between going through your second pre-season as an AFL player versus your first?

"I think last year, all of the first-year players were restricted in training, so coming into this year it’s been full on. I’m training fully whereas last year because I was a draftee, I was getting pulled out halfway through sessions."

How have you managed to bounce back after suffering a stress fracture in your metatarsal head last year? 

"It was sticking to the rehab and sticking to what the physios had to say. It was frustrating at times because I felt like I was ready to go, but it was sort of just a waiting game, but I’m glad I waited now because the toe is all good and I can have a season where I can keep the body right and get out on the track and play some games."

What’s been the biggest challenge during this pre-season?

"I think (facing) the bigger bodies. Because I’m still working on mine, I’m still developing that AFL-type body and wrestling with all the big boys. It’s helped me a lot and helped my game improve massively."

What’s an attribute you’ve noticed which has drastically improved over pre-season? 

"Just my strength. I’ve had a good off-season in the gym. I came in at 75kg and now I’m 85kg, so I’ve put on 10kg since being here. It’s (my body) slowly developing and getting stronger."

Being an Essendon fan growing up, how much would it mean to make your Dons debut this year? 

"It’s really exciting. I’ve got that tight-knit group of friends here and to play a game with them even would be unreal. Growing up being a Bombers fan, to put on the red and black would just be pretty amazing and I’d be very proud to put it on if I get the chance to."

What do you think you have to do to show the coaches you’re ready for an AFL debut?

"Work-rate, knowing the game plan, sticking to my strengths and backing myself."

Is there anyone in particular who’s taken you under their wing this pre-season to help you improve?

"'Langers' (Kyle Langford) and Peter Wright. I moved in with Kyle at the start of this year and he’s been really good off-field on professionalism and everything to do with footy and life. Pete’s been really good from a forward-line perspective with watching edits together and now I’m teaching him and he’s teaching me, so it’s been good."

If we were chatting in 10 months' time, what are some of the goals you’d liked to have reached and accomplished in 2021?

"Hopefully play my first game and stay in the side and play consistent footy, as well as keeping the body right, getting stronger and starting to build that AFL-type body."