"Looking back at it now, I see it as a blessing in disguise," Jones told AFL.com.au.
"I think, sometimes, players can take playing footy for granted, even training, and I certainly don't now. I love every minute of it, and make sure I do everything I can to the best of my ability.
"Especially missing the whole season (in 2023). Obviously, I had to work pretty hard and I missed a lot of football and when that was all finished, I made the most of it and did all I could."