For Eloise Jones, there’s nothing better than finally being able to re-join her teammates at training and kick a footy around, following months of rehab on a ruptured Achilles.
The Crows AFLW star, who tore her Achilles in Round Three last year against Hawthorn, has ticked off a big milestone in her recovery, returning to running and most pre-season drills.
But there were moments when Jones didn’t want to be around the Club, as she struggled with the loneliness of having a long-term injury.
“My first run was a couple of weeks ago, which was a little bit daunting, but I managed to tick it off and it’s been up from there,” Jones said.
“I have really enjoyed being back outside kicking a footy - that has been phenomenal. It’s been really lovely to be back in.
“Being in rehab was definitely a challenging space, there were moments where I spent a lot of time in my head and it was quite lonely as well.
“There was probably a little patch when I didn’t want to come to the Club, I didn’t want to be around it anymore, because I went from playing footy and doing something I loved so much to it causing me so much pain and frustration. But I came in and I think the second I was around the girls and everyone at the Club, it really helped me mentally stay focused, and also just stay sane.”
Jones, who featured in Adelaide’s 2019 and 2022 (Season Six) Premierships, watched on as her side earned a spot in last year’s Preliminary Final, before falling to the Lions.
The 26-year-old took up an off-field role in the coaches’ box, giving her a deeper appreciation for the side’s mentors.
“It was a weird time, there was a hint of jealousy, but I obviously wanted them to make it through to the Grand Final, you want team success,” Jones said.
“But as an individual it was really hard to sit there and understand they could make a Grand Final but I won’t be involved or play.
“I was really lucky, I got to sit in the coaches’ box, which was a really new experience for me, and when you’re sitting back in that coaching aspect, ultimately you can control some scenarios and you can get messages out, but the game can only be played by those on the field
“To be able to see the aspect of both sides was a really big learning curve for me.”
The Crows’ preparations for the 10th AFLW campaign, which kicks off in August, are ramping up, with pre-season well and truly underway.
Jones’ personal preparations are taking a focus on regaining her strength and fitness to be ready for the Crows’ Round One match on August 17.
“I’m just trying to build my fitness loads back up, footy is a very demanding sport, it takes quite a physical toll on your body, so I am just trying to get that back, get stronger in the gym,” Jones said.
“Footy is a very demanding sport, it takes quite a physical toll on your body, so I am just trying to get that back, get stronger in the gym.
“There’s still some drills I am out of, but hopefully over the next couple of weeks, I’ll be able to transition into full training, which will be really exciting.”
And although the side won’t dwell on the past, Jones said going down in last year’s Prelim has added an extra drive, as the team strives to earn another Grand Final berth.
“We are training hard on the skill fundamentals, honing in on what we want to deliver, we’ve done a lot of work on our handball game,” Jones said.
“We've got some great speed throughout the team, girls who are really quick, so just trying to use our weapons and get the most we can out of each other.
“After the (Prelim), the girls were really gutted, but I think it’s also being used as a bit of a driver for us this year.
“Everyone has come back really fit and ready to go, and with the work everyone has done in the off-season, it’s allowed us to hit pre-season harder, which has been really exciting.”
Adelaide’s 2025 AFLW campaign kicks off with a clash against St Kila at RSEA Park, Melbourne, on Sunday, August 17.
Now is the time to support the Crows’ W team and the best way to do that is by purchasing a 2025 Membership.
Adelaide AFLW Memberships start from $30 and are available here.
