JONES, Jack

Jack Jones played with Ascot Vale CYMS after returning from his war service and was granted a permit to play with Essendon in April 1946.

He had enlisted in the 2nd AIF on 15th December, 1942, and served with the 24th Infantry Battalion in New Guinea and Bougainville. He was discharged on 14th March, 1946, and played his first game for Essendon just five weeks later on 20th April.

Jones could be dangerous on a half-forward flank as well as taking a fair share of the ruck work. As one of the fastest big men in the game, he used his speed to the full by continually breaking into the open. He also thrilled fans with his high-marking and was a good long kick.

Jones played in 133 consecutive games between 1946 and 1952 and no Essendon player has bettered this record. He never played in the Seconds.

He played during one of the Club's golden eras alongside champions like Reynolds, Coleman and Hutchison. He was a reserve in the 1946 premiership team and starred on the half-forward flank in the 1949 premiership team. He was also in that spot in the 1950 premiership win. In all, he played in 18 finals games and seven Grand Finals.

Jones was vice-captain of the State side against a Country team in 1951.

He won Essendon's Best Utility Player award in 1946, 1947, 1949 and 1954 and the Best Clubman award in 1953.

After leaving Essendon, Jones became captain-coach of Albury from 1955 to 1959 and then coached Kergundah in 1960. He later umpired in the Albury District League for two years.

He spent many years as a tour guide at the Essendon Football Club and host for sponsors and guests on match day. He was a prominent figure at every Anzac Day game and became one of Essendon's most loved characters.

In 2010, the Club has honoured his legacy by establishing the Jack Jones Academy, a development program for first to third year players. It later re-named the cafe at the Hangar as the Jack Jones Cafe.

He was appointed a Member of the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Jack Jones died on 24th March 2020. He had requested jumper number 24 because he had served with the 24th Battalion in World War II, so it seems appropriate that it would also mark the day he died.

His grand-daughter, Sarah Jones, became a well-known TV football personality.