Western Bulldogs’ Arthur Jones draws on Optus Stadium memories, Cody Weightman and family in WA homecoming

Less than two years ago, Optus Stadium was where Arthur Jones where announced himself to recruiters and put his name on the draft radar. The 19-year-old has fond memories of playing there in the historic 2021 AFL grand final curtain-raiser, starring for WA against South Australia in an under-19s match with two eye-catching goals in the thrilling win. The Claremont and Mt Barker product, who inked a two-year extension this week, returns to the venue for the first time as a Western Bulldogs player in Friday night’s blockbuster Len Hall Tribute clash against Fremantle. His performance, which earned him a late draft combine invitation, was more impressive considering he wasn’t in the initial squad and only came in because of a host of injuries. Little did the Wesley College graduate know he would be drafted by the grand finalists a couple of months later with pick 43 in the national draft. “I remember playing the game then supporting the Dogs for the grand final after because I was hoping the underdogs would win,” Jones told The West Australian. “I think that state game really showed everyone what I had, I was just glad it was in front of the Dogs because I wouldn’t want to go anywhere else. “One thing led to another and then they said they were going to pick me up, I was blown away.” Jones broke the contract news to his family on Tuesday while in Perth. He said while they were going to miss him, he couldn’t be happier about staying at Whitten Oval. It’s capped off a big month for the talented and speedy goalsneak, whose AFL debut came in the win over Brisbane at Marvel Stadium in round three. “I’m absolutely stoked to be at the club for another two years,” Jones said. “I adore the club and I was just so honoured to talk about a new contract, then get an extension. “I got to tell the family so I was very happy to break the news to them, they’re disappointed that I’m going to be away for at least another two years but happy I’m living my dream. “I’m so grateful to stay and to get my opportunity on the big stage a few weeks ago. “Hopefully I just keep performing each week and just find myself in that small-forward pocket.” There will be a large contingent of Jones’ family in the stands at Optus Stadium to see his first match in Perth as an AFL player, with 20 tickets requested including one to his pop and North Melbourne and Claremont great Jim Krakouer. “I think I ended up requesting 20 tickets but I still don’t think that’s enough,” Jones joked. “I think I might throw the invitation out to my pop Jim Krakouer, he lives in Perth so hopefully he isn’t working and I can get him down to the rooms.” Jones is feeling settled away from family with forward-line partner Cody Weightman having a lot to do with that. The pair have been living together since late last year in what he described as the “turning point” for his life in Melbourne and footy career. They finally got to play together during Gather Round against Port Adelaide on Saturday night after Weightman returned from injury. “We’ve been living together the last four or five months and that’s been my real turning point,” the former Wesley College boarder said. “He’s just been a little angel on my shoulder, small forward to small forward he’s been telling me rights and wrongs and it’s been good learning from him. “He’s a bit more experienced than I am so obviously learning first-hand, that’s helped me take an extra step further in my career. “I think the closer we are off-field, the better we can be on-field.” Weightman has got the nickname Flea - and he’s been trying to get a nickname going for his fellow small forward as well. “He’s wants to bring out Magic Jones as my little nickname so I think that’s still in the birthing area but hopefully it can evolve,” Jones said.