History of Jack Jones (footballer, born 1924) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 10, 2026

John Raymond 'Jack' Jones (born 1924) was an Australian rules footballer who played in the Victorian Football League (VFL). He is primarily known for his time with the Essendon Football Club. His career involved playing Australian rules football at a high level in one of Australia's major leagues, the VFL.

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Full Timeline Success & Recognition

November 1924: Birth of John Raymond Jones

John Raymond Jones was born in November 1924. He later became an Australian rules footballer in the VFL, playing for Essendon.

1933: First game at Windy Hill

In 1933, at the age of eight, Jones watched his first game at Windy Hill, which was the day Dick Reynolds debuted.

December 1942: Enlistment in the Second AIF

On December 15, 1942, Jones enlisted in the Second AIF and served with the 24th Infantry Battalion in New Guinea and Bougainville.

March 1946: Discharge from the Second AIF

On March 14, 1946, Jones was discharged from the Second AIF after serving in New Guinea and Bougainville.

1946: Start of consecutive games streak

In 1946, Jones began a streak of playing in 133 consecutive games for Essendon.

1946: Career at Essendon began

In 1946, Jones began his football career at Essendon, wearing the number 24 jumper.

1946: Premiership as a reserve

In 1946, Jones was a reserve in Essendon's premiership team.

1946: Essendon's best utility player award

In 1946, Jones won Essendon's best utility player award.

1947: Essendon's best utility player award

In 1947, Jones won Essendon's best utility player award.

1949: Premiership win

In 1949, Jones starred on the half-forward flank in Essendon's premiership team.

1949: Essendon's best utility player award

In 1949, Jones won Essendon's best utility player award.

1950: Another Premiership win

In 1950, Jones was again on the half-forward flank in Essendon's premiership win.

1951: Vice-captain of the State side

In 1951, Jones was the vice-captain of the State side against a combined Riverina team at Narrandera.

1952: End of consecutive games streak

In 1952, Jones's streak of 133 consecutive games for Essendon ended.

1953: Best clubman award

In 1953, Jones won the best clubman award.

1954: Essendon's best utility player award

In 1954, Jones won Essendon's best utility player award.

1955: Captain-coach of Albury

In 1955, Jones became the captain-coach of Albury in the Ovens and Murray Football League.

1956: O&MFL premiership

In 1956, Jones coached Albury to the O&MFL premiership.

1959: End of coaching at Albury

In 1959, Jones ended his time as captain-coach of Albury.

1960: Coaching Kergunyah Football Club

In 1960, Jones coached Kergunyah Football Club.

2010: Inauguration of the Jack Jones Academy

In 2010, Essendon announced the inauguration of the Jack Jones Academy, a development program for first-, second-, and third-year players.

February 2020: Diagnosis of cancer

In February 2020, Jones was diagnosed with cancer and given a prognosis of "maybe three months, maybe six months", to which he responded with acceptance.