MPFNL: Nathan Jones set to return to his junior club Mt Eliza

The former Melbourne captain is going back to where it all began, set to lace up boots in the MPFNL.

Nathan Jones will play his first game for Mt Eliza in nearly 20 years on Saturday. (AAP Image/Daniel Pockett)

There’s a buzz around Mt Eliza ahead of Nathan Jones’ return to the football field on Saturday.

The former Melbourne captain will feel right at home when he pulls on the red and blue jumper of his junior club Mt Eliza in the Mornington Peninsula league’s Division 1.

It will be his first game for the Redlegs in nearly 20 years.

Mt Eliza, in second spot after four strong wins, hosts Sorrento in a top-five clash.

Jones grew up in Mt Eliza and played 10 seasons of junior football with the Redlegs. It set him on the path to a storied career.

Nathan Jones of the Demons celebrates after kicking a goal. (AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy)

Mt Eliza is preparing for a bumper day on Saturday and quietly hoping Jones might play more games for them this season.

“It’s all dictated by his schedule,’’ Mt Eliza club president Cassandra Clayton said.

“But he’s committed to one game.’’

Many Mt Eliza people would love to see Jones finally get a flag in the red and blue; it would be fairytale story.

Jones retired from the AFL after the Demons won their drought-breaking premiership in 2021; he missed the grand final in Perth due to injury but he also opted to stay home with his wife while she gave birth.

Mt Eliza co-captain Nathan Scagliarini.

Mt Eliza coach Steve Brattle.

Jones will meet with the Mt Eliza juniors on Thursday afternoon before training with the senior squad. After training he will even pull out the winner of the membership draw.

“Then on Saturday we’re expecting massive numbers,’’ Clayton said.

“We’ve got our past players and officials day on the same day. We’ve invited all of the junior club, we’ve given them all complimentary memberships to the senior club this year. We’re expecting solid numbers.”

Mt Eliza coach Stephen Brattle said his message to Jones ahead of Saturday’s match would be straight forward: “just have a bit of fun, mate”.

“You’re not going to teach him anything,” Brattle said.

“The idea would be, ‘what can he do to have an impact’, rather than him having to do all the work.”