The Western Bulldogs have confirmed that Arthur Jones will make his debut on Thursday night against the Brisbane Lions, after being picked up by the Dogs in the 2021 AFL Draft.
Drafted with pick no.43, Jones spent the 2022 season in the VFL working on his craft, now given the opportunity to prove himself at senior level.
The speedy 19-year-old, who hails from Mt Barker in Western Australia, was sidelined earlier in the year with a groin injury but has impressed over the summer, earning a spot in Luke Beveridge's Round 3 side.
Jones' debut comes amid a period of uncertainty for the Dogs, staring down the barrel of a 0-3 start to the season after a disappointing few weeks. The Bulldogs have lost the opening two games to Melbourne and St Kilda, falling by a combined 101 points.
Arty's reaction is everything ๐ฅน๐ฅน๐ฅน
The moment our debutant got the news. pic.twitter.com/4c1NisbeDd
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) March 28, 2023
Facing the Lions on Thursday night looms as yet another challenge, with Brisbane trying to improve on their own 1-1 record.
The Bulldogs confirmed the news of Jones' debut Tuesday, with the young pup told in front of the playing group at a team meeting.
Jones managed 16 games in the VFL last year, kicking 7.15 while spending time in the middle and inside 50.