Fremantle rookie Odin Jones, 19, recently underwent spinal surgery following a freak accident during training that left him with a fractured vertebra. The young key forward suffered the injury after an awkward fall last Wednesday, marking a challenging moment in his budding AFL career.
Jones is expected to spend a couple of weeks recovering in the hospital under the care of specialists. The club’s executive general manager, Joe Brierty, expressed the team’s support for Jones during this difficult time. “Odin will remain in the hospital for a couple of weeks while we await guidance from medical experts on his recovery timeline,” Brierty stated. He also emphasized the collective concern and well-wishes from everyone at Fremantle for Jones and his family.
Drafted with Pick 5 in the 2023 Rookie Draft, Jones has yet to make his AFL debut but has shown promising potential as a developing tall forward. Unfortunately, this latest injury adds to a string of challenges since joining the Dockers. Earlier, Jones endured a prolonged recovery from a concussion sustained during the 2023 pre-season, which sidelined him for months before he made his return to the WAFL side in May 2024.
Despite these setbacks, Jones has made notable contributions at the WAFL level, kicking five goals across six league matches in the 2024 season. His perseverance and dedication to the game were further recognized when Fremantle offered him a one-year contract extension, securing his position with the Dockers through to the end of 2025.
While the road ahead may be arduous, Jones’s determination and the unwavering support from the club and his family give hope for his eventual return to the field. For now, his focus will remain on recovery and rehabilitation as he navigates this challenging chapter in his football journey.