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Swan Districts teen Darcy Jones on Draft Combine invite and friendship with fellow draft fancy Elijah Hewett

Samantha RogersThe West Australian
Darcy Jones celebrates winning his first league game for Swan Districts.
Camera IconDarcy Jones celebrates winning his first league game for Swan Districts. Credit: Blake Parry/Blake Parry

Pressure. It’s something young footballers in their draft year are all too familiar with.

But for Swan Districts young guns Darcy Jones and Elijah Hewett, having a fellow draft fancy around makes the pressure much easier to deal with.

“Me and Elijah are real good mates, real close,” Jones said.

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“It certainly helps, having each other to help each other out where we need and just talk is real good.”

In just his second league appearance, Jones collected 19 disposals and kicked 2.3 under tough conditions, improving on his 13 touches and two goals in his round 15 senior debut.

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“My first game I was real, real nervous but the more touches I get, the better I get,” the Kalamunda product said.

“I’ve got a lot more confidence now. It gives me a bit of hope and belief that I can hold up at the next level.”

Jones was full of praise for his fellow State under 18s representative, Hewett, who had 15 touches and kicked a classy goal from about 50m out against West Coast on Saturday.

“He’s just a hard inside forward, he’s really hard to take down,” Jones said of his fellow 18-year-old.

Swan Districts youngster Elijah Hewett celebrates a goal.
Camera IconSwan Districts youngster Elijah Hewett celebrates a goal. Credit: Blake Parry/Blake Parry / The Sports Photo

“He’s good through the midfield, good through the forward line. He’s a real valuable player for our team.”

The pair are among 12 West Australians to receive an invite to the National Draft Combine at Marvel Stadium in October.

Jones said he was delighted to be heading to Melbourne to prove himself ahead of the AFL Draft in November.

“When I got the message that I was in it, I was over the moon,” he said.

With each of the 67 players around the country nominated by at least three clubs, there is no question that Jones has caught the eye of AFL recruiters.

Whether West Coast, the club he grew up supporting, is among them is unclear but a solid performance in the 85-point win over the Eagles’ reserves side is sure to make them take notice.

“A few AFL players out there who actually knew who I am, which is pretty crazy,” he said.

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