AFL
SELF-confessed "city boy" Zak Jones enjoyed Sydney's community camp to Wagga as he used the opportunity to explore different parts of the country.
Jones grew up in Melbourne and was picked up by the Swans with the 15th selection in the 2013 AFL Draft.
He was part of the four-man Sydney Swans contingent that visited Wagga this week as part of the AFL community camps.
Jones, the younger brother of Melbourne captain Nathan Jones, enjoyed the eye-opening trip to the bush.
"It's good to be down here in Wagga and seeing a different side of the countryside," Jones said.
"I'm a city boy, never been to Wagga, so it's been really good.
"Everyone is enjoying it, smiling, enthusiastic and polite, so it's good."
Jones managed two AFL games in his first season at Sydney, as a concussion from a big collision against West Coast set him back significantly.
The 19-year-old wants to make up for lost time.
"My goal for the year is to play most of the season," he said.
"I really want to play and crack into that team again.
"Then hold my spot."
Jones was able to enjoy the Swans' ride to the grand final in his first year at the club.
In just his second year, he can already notice a big difference this pre-season as Sydney look to rebound from a grand final loss.
"They look on fire," he said.
"I can't really comment on it, it's like it's different team.
"We seem determined and everyone's showing their leadership qualities. It's really good."
Jones got his chances in defence last season, but is now getting trained into a different role.
He is looking forward to forming part of Sydney's elite midfield group. "They're changing up my role a lot this year," he said.
"They're putting me in different positions, more a midfield role, but also following players.
"I guess that's to build my fitness, to change my role going from defence and hopefully I can add a bit more attack to my game as well."
