With Fremantle’s ruck stocks in a state of transition, Scott Jones feels the group is preparing for whatever the future holds. 

Jones is currently playing as support to Sean Darcy in Fremantle’s starting 22, with no.1 ruck Aaron Sandilands on the sidelines with a calf injury. 

At 23-years old, Jones is the second oldest of Fremantle’s specialist rucks behind Sandilands, with Darcy, Luke Strnadica and Lloyd Meek all at 20 years of age. 

With the 265-game veteran out of the lineup, Jones said the next two to three games would be a crucial learning experience for the younger players.

“We’ve been working on little things, with Aaron guiding all of us with little tips here and there,” Jones said.

“Hopefully, we can all keep playing together for a lot longer. I’m sure the more games (the younger ruckmen) start playing together and the connections start working, the chemistry can build from that.”

With Fremantle often opting to field two ruckmen this season, Jones said he’s been working hard on developing his skills as a forward as well as a ruck.

“For the modern game, you’ve got to be able to play two positions, whether that’s ruck or whether that’s forward, you still have to have the same impact as if you’ve been playing in the ruck the whole game,” Jones said.

“It was a bit of a challenge for me, but in the last couple of years I’ve been playing a bit more with a focus on a forward role. 

“It’s a challenge to get out of my comfort zone and be that pressure forward, rather than just being a lone ruckman.

“It’s an exciting opportunity and I’m trying to make as much of it as I can.” 

Jones joined Fremantle in the 2017 NAB AFL National Draft with pick no.75, Freo’s final of eight selections that night.

After being previously overlooked in a number of drafts, the East Perth product said reaching the AFL has been a dream come true.

“It was a bit bumpy to start with, getting used to everything, but once I got everything off field sorted and getting all the preparation into gear, it’s come along and I’ve been able to play a few games,” Jones said.

“It’s been amazing and it’s been interesting as 12 months ago, I wouldn’t have thought I’d be playing AFL football and now here I am five games in. 

“It’s really exciting and I’m trying to grow from every opportunity.”