PORT ADELAIDE captain Tom Jonas has been in self-isolation since returning from the Power’s round 1 win over the Suns on the Gold Coast to play his part in helping flatten the curve of the coronavirus outbreak.
The powerful defender has set up shop at his family’s shack on the River Murray, but admits he is already missing the roar of a passionate Port Adelaide home crowd.
“I can’t wait to get back to Adelaide Oval in front of all (our supporters),” Jonas said during a live stream on Port Adelaide’s Facebook page.
“I know everyone’s going to be champing at the bit to play footy and watch footy.
“It’s going to be absolutely massive – I can’t wait.”
The AFL got one round of games away before the hiatus and the Power’s resounding win over the Suns will see them sit top of the ladder for the foreseeable future.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding when they will play their next game, Jonas is confident in his team’s ability to continue their early season form, reiterating senior coach Ken Hinkley’s ambitions to be a player this season.
“Definitely going to aim to win the flag,” Jonas declared.
“It would be a pretty special one to win in the 150th year and with all that’s happened.
“We’re sitting in a good spot at the moment – it’s better than sitting bottom for four to eight weeks.”
In the meantime, the 28-year-old says he is focused on maintaining his fitness levels while the season is suspended.
“This is kind of like another pre-season period for us,” Jonas explained.
“We get set a program three days a week, running and gym.”
Jonas admitted things were a little more difficult without full access to the training facilities at the club’s Alberton base, but believes his team has themselves best positioned to keep fit during the shutdown period.
“Obviously with isolation it’s tough to get out and go to public gyms so we’ve basically pillaged the club for all their fitness gear,” he said.
“I’ve got a bench press, a couple of dumbbells and things like that.
“I’m lucky enough that we’ve got the property here that I just run around the paddock out the back, but a lot of the boys have had to get treadmills for home.”
Like many industries around Australia and the globe, football has been put on hold due to the COVID-19 crisis, and Jonas admits he is still coming to terms with the disruption to the AFL season and life in general.
However, Port’s skipper says his teammates and coaches are doing their best to remain connected and keep moral high amongst the group.
“It’s kind of weird that it has all happened – this is the time of year that we’re firing up,” Jonas said.
“All of a sudden we’re on like a mini holiday. You can’t go and do what you want per se, but you’re stuck at home watching tv or playing PlayStation and just trying to keep fit.
“You can’t go catch up with your mates or the footy boys so we’ve got a few apps going between the group – Zoom, Houseparty and Snapchat gets a fair run – just trying to stay connected with all the boys and keep a bit of banter going.”
