While this season isn't looking like he pictured, Adelaide's Chayce Jones is remaining optimistic for play to resume in 2020.
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Pencilled in by many for a breakout season at AFL level after eight games last year, the 20-year-old former Launceston Blue is spending his time in isolation with partner Nicola in their new home state but is still managing to get his training in.
"There's a little footy oval just up the road so we've been able to use that a fair bit. A few of the other boys have got a bit of a gym set up so we've been able to go around there which makes it easier as well," he said.
A part of the Crows' nail-biting three-point loss to Sydney in round one, played a day before the AFL called a temporary halt to proceedings, Jones said he is unsure about how the season will look going forward despite rumours of isolation hubs - including one in Launceston - coming into play.
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"It was good to get into the season by starting a round. It's disappointing not to be playing but I felt good leading into the season.
"I think we will just try and get as many games in as possible and whether it happens in two weeks, three weeks or a month, whatever it may be, we'll be prepared to go and ready to go again."
Charging head on into his second year at the highest level, the former Kings Meadows High School and Launceston College student took out both time trials either side of the Christmas break and despite the difference of new coach, has made the most of life under Matthew Nicks after taking over from Don Pyke.
"It's been a different pre-season, coming in and knowing a bit more of what to expect makes it a bit easier.
"[Working with a new coach] is the same as your junior footy, a different coach brings in different ideas and different ways they want to go about it.
"As much as it is different, you've just got to adapt and they are only doing what they are doing for the best of the team, which is what you're trying to do as well."
Jones showed his potential last season and proved the Crows he was a worthy selection, taking out the Mark Bickley emerging talent award as their best young player.
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Josh Partridge
As a sports-mad fan who loves to remain challenged, sports journalism always seemed the path for me and it's allowed me to do things I never thought possible. A keen racquet sports player, I'm experienced in that field, allowing me to do my job at a strong standard.
As a sports-mad fan who loves to remain challenged, sports journalism always seemed the path for me and it's allowed me to do things I never thought possible. A keen racquet sports player, I'm experienced in that field, allowing me to do my job at a strong standard.
