“IT’S just a really big dream come true.”

It was a case of third time lucky for Courtney Jones when her name was called at pick No.59 in the 2019 NAB AFL Women’s Draft.

Despite being named as an All Australian in her underage year for the Dandenong Stingrays, the 19-year-old was overlooked in last year’s draft.

Carlton’s last selection in this year’s draft, Jones received the phone call with the good news while at trade school.

“I’m so excited, I’ve waited a long time for this,” Jones said.

“I was at trade school actually. A few of the boys and I went to lunch at Knox and I got a random phone call and they all sort of looked at me.

“I answered it and when I got told I think I collapsed on the floor. I was just in shock and they were so excited: they all got around me.”

Jones is a familiar face around Ikon Park, having spent time training with Carlton in its inaugural season as part of the NAB AFLW Academy.

Close with a number of the playing group, Jones is most excited to run out alongside the Hosking twins in 2020.

“When I did national academy I actually was chosen to train here with Carlton,” she said.

“I did get to know a lot of the girls so it’s really good to be back in a group that I know so well.

“It’s really good to actually run out on to the big stage with them and not just out to training.”

With key position stocks bolstered early in the draft selections, Jones offers depth to an experienced Carlton midfield after a rookie career on the wing.

“I think I’m really clean, I’m really good with my kicking and my hands and I’m really good at reading the play,” she said.

“I have played the wing for four or five years now, so I like to think I’ve gotten the hang of it.”