Joe Jones signs with South West Queensland Thunder ahead of 2025 season

With the departure of club legend Mirko Crociati, the South West Thunder have moved quickly to fill the void left by the star import with an impressive acquisition who brings elite football experience.

New 2025 South West Queensland Thunder FC signing Joe Jones

The South West Thunder has been bolstered by the addition of Joe Jones, who is set to join the men’s side as a player while also playing a key role off the field in the academy development.

Jones takes up the role previously held by club icon Mirko Crociati and he is excited for the next venture in his career.

“It’s really exciting, it’s another step towards the future for me in regards to helping the younger generation as well,” Jones said.

“I am really looking forward to actually playing with a new group as well as being involved with the academy, but it is really exciting.”

Jones boasts an incredible resume, playing youth internationals for Wales, while also featuring in the Cardiff City and Ipswich Town programs.

“I have got 13 international caps for Wales as well as playing for Cardiff City and Ipswich Town,” he said.

“It (playing for Wales) was crazy, it was everything you wish for as a kid, standing there singing your country’s national anthem and playing the best players within the country you’re playing against.

“It was quite surreal some of the players that I played against so it was a really proud moment.”

Former Wales international Joe Jones is set to take over the academy role previously held by South West Queensland Thunder icon Mirko Crociati (pictured). Picture: Nev Madsen.

The Welsh star believes his elite level experience will provide a boost to his teammates as well.

“I think I can pass on quite a lot of experience to the boys,” he said.

“We’ve got a really young squad but they’re full of enthusiasm and work rate and the willingness to want to learn and improve.

“I think my experience can really drive the standards and also with the academy as well passing on my experience to the youngsters.

“Football’s been a big part of my life, it’s pretty much been an everyday thing for the last 20 years, I feel as though everything that I have to offer will help the squad.”

Jones said the opportunity to be involved with the Thunder academy was a major drawcard to him signing with the club as he looks to a career off the field.

“Obviously moving to Queensland from Melbourne has been a little bit difficult in regards to the weather, it’s a future move for me, this is me thinking about my future and not just short term,” he said.

“This is something that I really want to look forward to in regards to long term.

“This is something that I want to do long term in regards to helping the younger generation.

“I think as you get older you got to start looking at life after football, this opportunity was something that I couldn’t let go really so I am really, really excited to join the Thunder in that aspect as well.”