Jones hits 100, but not at cricket
BRADY Jones has taken a different road to most towards his milestone.
Tomorrow Jones will play his 100th senior game for Clarence when the Roos take on Lauderdale at Blundstone Arena. Jones is honoured to reach the achievement with one of Tasmania’s most successful clubs.
“I have been here for six years and we have had some ups and downs so to get to 100 games means a lot,” Jones said.
The ups for Jones are obvious with the tough onballer captaining the Roos since 2013 and being a major part of many of Clarence’s victories.
It is the low moments for Jones that makes his accomplishment even more amazing.
After continuous knocks to the head over his career, Jones now plays with a helmet.
No one would have blamed Jones in the past if he decided to give the game away, especially because of his talents in cricket.
“I did have thoughts about giving away footy and just playing cricket because of my head,” Jones said.
“But at the end of the day I enjoy footy more than cricket.
“If I get knocked out with the helmet on then it is probably time for me to give it up.”
Jones’ cricket career includes 17 first-class matches for Tasmania and eight oneday games, but he is happy to put his cricket career aside to play the game he loves.
There is one thing that keeps the 28-year-old going and that is a premiership.
The improvement from Clarence this season has surprised Jones and makes it seem as though his wish might be even closer than he anticipated.
“After finishing seventh last season we weren’t expecting the improvement to happen so fast,” Jones said.
“Hopefully we can win this year, but we are still a young group and this side will have many years together to be successful.”