PORT ADELAIDE captain Tom Jonas has today informed his teammates of his intention to retire at the end of the season.
Jonas announced his decision at a team meeting on Tuesday afternoon.
A Life Member and winner of various club awards, the inspirational skipper reflected on his journey from the rookie list in 2011.
“It’s been a fair roller coaster but for me there have been so many more ups than downs,” Jonas said.
“You reflect on moments that maybe at the time were tough and challenging, exhausting or sad, but ultimately, they’re what makes you appreciate the good times and they’re what make you galvanise relationships and friendships with everyone that you spend time with along the way.
“The good thing about this for me is that the final chapter hasn’t been written, and that’s really exciting. For me it was about removing any distraction from the team with what we’ve got to look forward to in the month ahead.
“Obviously this weekend is our last home game ahead of finals so it’s a great opportunity to play again in front of some friends and family, and of course the supporters who’ve been so good to me along the way.
“I’ve got a lot of people to thank, and I’ll try and do that privately in person, but the people I’d like to recognise publicly are Ken (Hinkley), Chris (Davies) and Bass (Nathan Bassett) for supporting me to be the best person, leader, and footballer I can be over the years.
“Some of the significant individuals like Hamish (Hartlett) – we led the team side by side for a long time and he was always my sounding board – and the other leaders Darce (Darcy Byrne-Jones), Wal (Ollie Wines) and learning from Boaky (Travis Boak) and then this year Roze (Connor Rozee) and Buttsy (Zak Butters) stepping up and taking some of the load primarily with their actions and the way they conduct themselves.
“Most importantly Mum and Dad, and (my wife) Millie and the kids. I owe them a lot and it’ll be nice to share more time with them in retirement.”
Initially selected with the 16th pick in the 2011 AFL Rookie Draft, Jonas’s career, like his playing style has been unconventional but effective.
Committed to every contest, the 32-year-old has often been tasked with limiting the influence of the opposition’s best forward whether they are classified as tall or small - challenges he has embraced with his typical dogged nature.
Among his accolades are three All-Australian nominations (in 2017, 2018 and 2020), consecutive Fos Williams Medals as best team man (in 2017 and 2018) and three podium finishes in the John Cahill Medal.
“You’d love to play forever but inevitably it comes to an end,” Jonas said of his decision to retire.
“I wouldn’t have the biggest highlight reel so I’ve always cherished the team accomplishments and watching the team grow and achieve their goals, knowing I’ve played a small part. That’s where I’ve taken my fulfilment, not so much from what I’ve done myself.”
In his 215 games so far, Jonas has recorded 1310 one-percenters – those team-first acts like spoils, smothers and shepherds that don’t often get recognised. That number puts him nearly 400 in front of anyone else who has pulled on the Port Adelaide guernsey in the AFL.
Jonas became club captain in 2019 and has led the side in 94 AFL games to this point.
Senior coach Ken Hinkley said the uncompromising backman had always led by example.
“Tom has always given his all, whether that is on the field or off it, and it has been a pleasure to be involved in his journey,” Hinkley said, having coached 11 of Jonas’ 13 seasons at the club.
“He’s had to create his own path right from the start with enormous challenges along the way. While this season he has not always been first choice at selection, the way he has handled himself is the perfect example of his team-first attitude.
“He knows there is a lot to come for our club over the next month and at no stage does he want his own circumstances to get in the way.”
Chief Executive Officer Matthew Richardson praised Jonas for his willingness to always put the club first.
“When I think of Tom Jonas, I think of a selfless, fiercely loyal, hard-working and tough competitor who has grown into an outstanding leader of the Port Adelaide Football Club,” Mr Richardson said.
“Tom has been an outstanding player for our club over a long period of time. He has pushed to get absolutely everything out of himself and always put others first. There is no better demonstration of that than this year when he has continued to lead by example despite being out of the AFL team at times.
“Congratulations to Tom, Millie and their families.”
Jonas holds a law degree and a Masters of Business Administration, and has been an AFLPA club delegate since 2014, and board member since 2021.
He also has his own business – Hey Diddle Wines – with former teammate Brad Ebert.
Tom Jonas
Drafted: Pick 16, 2011 AFL Rookie Draft / Rookie elevation pick 85, 2012 AFL National Draft
Games: 215
Goals: 2
Debut: Round 21, 2011 v Hawthorn, MCG
AFL Honours
- All Australian nominee (2017, 2018, 2020)
Club Honours
- Captain (2019 - present)
- Runner-up Best & Fairest (2018)
- Third Best & Fairest (2017, 2020)
- Fos Williams Medal (2017, 2018)
- Life Member (2020)
- Coaches’ Award (2012)
