 Jones, who was born in Hobart, is the son of Kevin and Mollie Jones (née Macleod),

He played first grade football with North Hobart Football Club, and was selected in the Tasmanian State Team in 1965 (when just 18 years).He was one of the best Tasmanian players in the team that lost to the combined V.F.A.team, 11.10 (76) to 12.11 (83), in the interstate match played at Toorak Park, on Sunday 18 July 1965 -- he rucked well, and he kicked two goals.