Tom Jonas has revealed he struggled more than the footy world knew throughout 2023, a season that would see him injured, suspended and dropped all as Port Adelaide captain.
The 32-year-old announced his retirement in August but didn’t feature in the finals with a calf issue and was chaired off for the final time as Port departed finals in straight sets.
Jonas became just the second captain to be left out for form reasons in 25 years this season and was often exposed when he did take the field at AFL level.
Relegated to the SANFL on six occasions, Jonas says 2023 was the hardest season he’s had. That’s despite Jonas playing under 10 games in three different seasons while managing 13 in the year just gone.
“It was pretty tough, I probably haven’t let on quite as much as I could have about how tough it was but that’s because I feel like everyone else has got their own problems,” Jonas told SEN SA Breakfast.
“I shared it with the people close to me and got some support that way but footy wise, it’s probably as hard as I’ve had.
“I just knew by sticking at it and getting through it I’d be better for it. There was a lot of things that challenged me this year but it also made the highs a lot better.”
“When I did come in, and I kicked a goal against North Melbourne for example which was a really nice moment. I had opportunities to have my family around the club a little bit more and to say farewell the right way.”
Jonas finished with 216 AFL games to his name, all at Port Adelaide.
As for what the future holds, Jonas said he would “love to stay involved in footy in some capacity” but is reluctant to jump at the first opportunity.
“Maybe doing some work with another sporting organization down the line and making it up as I go,” he added.
There is no clear candidate to succeed Jonas at Alberton, with Ollie Wines, Zak Butters and Connor Rozee all in the frame.