AFL: Adelaide's Chayce Jones ready for next step in 2021

Months after being taken with Adelaide's pick nine in the national draft, a 19-year-old Jones was introduced to his new fans in a home clash with Hawthorn.

"Running out on the oval with 40,000 fans in the stadium, it's a surreal moment," Jones said.

"I remember running out and just having goosebumps for pretty much the whole warm-up - that's the main highlight [so far], but hopefully there's many to come."

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The former Longford and Launceston midfielder has faced some hurdles in his first two years of AFL, but lost none of his drive or love for the game.

After playing eight games in his debut year, Jones added another 15 in 2020 as the Crows slumped from a mid-table finish to their first-ever wooden spoon.

A two-goal, 13-disposal effort in the drought-breaking win over Hawthorn was among his best performances, but many believe the 21-year-old is only just getting going.

Crows coach Matthew Nicks predicted football fans could begin to see Jones' best footy in 2021.

"Chayce last year, I think even he would admit wasn't his best year. He was feeling out exactly what his role was at AFL level," Nicks told AFL.com.au last month.

"But he's done a hell of a lot of work over the break and he looks like a different man now.

"He's super diligent as far as understanding the gameplan (and) an elite runner - right up in the top echelon as far as our runners go.

"He's put on some size, he's added some power, and we're seeing some great stuff in matchplay and in training."

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If facing bigger, more experienced midfielders last season was hard work, it will only serve to enhance Jones' game in 2021.

A contract that runs until 2023 highlights Adelaide's faith in the ex-Kings Meadows High student and he is determined to pay the club back with interest.

"I just want to get the best out of myself and personally I think that's in the midfield and on the wing," he said.

"You build confidence from completing the task [playing in the midfield] beforehand so I'm definitely building some of that confidence.

"I'm really settled and loving life in Adelaide, it's a great place to be and the people are amazing.

"Growing up loving footy and wanting to do it all the time you're living the dream - it's everything you dream about and then some, I'm loving it."

After spending much of 2020 in hubs, Jones spent Christmas with family in Launceston before returning for his third AFL pre-season.

The Crows battled against flag fancy Port Adelaide in their sole practice match, but look set for a stronger year after drafting a handful of talented South Australians.

Jones backed his side to build on a finish to 2020 that yielded three wins in the last four rounds.

"We got a bit of momentum leading into the end of last year.

"We just want to play a brand of footy that fans can get excited about, put in effort each week and keep improving.

"There's not so much of a goal we want to reach, it's more about the building blocks to keep moving forward."

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