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A SIMPLE question in his 100-game press conference led to a remarkable insight into the career of Tom Jonas.

When asked to reflect on his journey, Jonas – who clocks his century this Saturday night against St Kilda – spoke for an incredible two minutes and six seconds about his journey from underage footballer to dogged AFL defender.

That against-the-odds path (he was initially overlooked for a place in Norwood’ Under-18 team and was rookie-listed by the Power) has seen him rise to the Port Adelaide leadership group and enjoy perhaps his best AFL season this year.

You can listen to Jonas’s reflection in the audio player below (start at 7:15) or read it in full below.

Tom Jonas’s two-minute-six-second monologue

I had an interesting path to the AFL. I missed out on an under-18s game for Norwood in my first year out of school. And then Nathan Bassett gave the coach a kick up the bum and got me playing Under-18s at Norwood. I ended up playing in the losing premiership against Central District in 2010 under the tutelage of Bass – it’s been nice to be reunited with him – and then after that I was given a rookie spot at Port.

We obviously went through some pretty dire times, and I got my first start against Hawthorn, which wasn’t overly glamourous – I think we lost by 26 goals at the ‘G – that was interesting.

At the same time it also gave me an opportunity to get into the side. I probably relish that a little bit, and I might not have got a go if I came into the system in 2012 … like some of the other guys who’ve had to bide their time a little bit more.

Since then, I haven’t had an outstanding 100 games. I wouldn’t say there’d be too many highlights, I’ve just played my role, get my job done, and I had a big focus on the leadership aspect because I don’t do the flashy things that other players do.

I’m just really proud to play 100 games for the club. At one stage, it’s a strange memory, but I was thinking to myself, if I could just play one game for Norwood that means the father-son rule would work, and I’d be happy to finish my career there.

Now I’m sitting in front of you, about to play my 100th game for Port Adelaide.

It feels like I’ve come a long way. But I’m very privileged for the opportunity and support, everyone’s been super supportive along the way.

Last year was obviously a disappointing glitch. Things didn’t go to plan, as they often don’t, but I feel like I’ve bounced back and I’ve had some great support from the club.

They appreciate the way I play, that I make mistakes playing that way, and I feel like I’ve paid them back a bit this year in the way I’ve gone about it.

Port Adelaide hosts St Kilda at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday 29 July at 4.05pm.