August 31, 2024: It’s Round 1 and two-time AFLW premiership winning Crow Eloise Jones kicks two goals against Port Adelaide to help seal a season-opening win. It was a positive start both for Jones, and the team.

But by the end of Round 3, the speedy forward had snapped her Achilles playing Hawthorn at Unley Oval; her season brutally halted with a long recovery ahead.

Almost 12 months to the day and Jones returned to Unley Oval on Sunday to face Geelong. She once again produced a two-goal game to help seal Adelaide’s first win of the NAB 2025 AFLW season – part of a stunning, come-from-behind team effort.

“Anyone who's gone through a long-time injury knows the challenge and how tough it can be mentally and physically,” Jones said.

“In all honesty, firstly A, I wanted to come back for this season and B, I wanted to be selected and then be able to impact, maintain my spot and play a role for the team.”

Jones not only kick two last-quarter goals against the Cats, but pick up 15 touches for 328 metres gained, taking three marks and two clearances.

Her goals were two of seven kicked in the final term – the highest-ever score in a quarter in Crows’ AFLW history – that helped the team overrun Geelong by 38 points.

Adelaide went into the final term two points down, but Jones said the side was up for the challenge and were able to overrun the Cats with an exciting goal-fest.

“It was a bit of a fight in the first couple of quarters, obviously they got on top of us, which was a little bit frustrating, but we knew if we stayed in the game we were in with a chance,” she said.

“In the fourth quarter we came out with more of a fighting mentality and to be able to hit the scoreboard so efficiently and so fast, was really pleasing to see.”

Crows Coach Matthew Clarke praised Jones’ return from her Achilles injury.

“Her pressure and the way she worked up to the ground to (also) be a defensive presence was really strong,” he said post-match.

“(We missed her in 2024) but equally we need to be patient, she’s had a really good recovery but it’s still early. With Achilles injuries you’ve got to be respectful of the management, so she’s doing well.”

Jones said she was looking forward to continuing to return to form post-injury.

“I think it will slowly come together, but currently my body feels good and getting a little bit more consistency under my belt would be amazing,” she said.

“A long-term injury is very challenging mentally and physically and I was really lucky that we've got a fantastic group here and I always felt the love and support and I think for me I wanted to make sure I stayed connected to be integrated with the group and still stay involved.

“I think if I went down the other way of isolating myself then that probably wouldn't have been the best for my mental health and my performance as well.

“I've got a really fantastic support network, my partner Erin, my parents … I'm so lucky to have the people I do, and this football club did nothing but support me.

“And now, all I want to do is come back and reward the faith they had in me. I want to continue to work, put my head down, be a role player and impact.

“I’m really happy to be back; footy is my happy place, my safe space and I’m really pleased to be back playing.”

The Crows will look to put a second win on the board when they face GWS at Henson Park this Saturday, with the first bounce at 12.35pm (ACST).