MPNFL: Mt Eliza keen to welcome back Nathan Jones

Will the AFL Demons great play with his junior club Mt Eliza next season? The Redlegs give an update and announce key signings.

Nathan Jones celebrates a goal in the First Elimination Final against Geelong in 2018. Picture: Julian Smith

Mt Eliza is building nicely towards 2022, announcing a string of quality signings.

But the Redlegs are yet to convince their most famous home grown talent, Melbourne great Nathan Jones, to have a kick with them in the MPNFL next year.

“We’re not putting any heat on Nathan Jones,’’ Mt Eliza coach Steve Brattle said.

“Just let him get over his 300 game playing career. I don’t think we need to do anything.’’

Brattle said Jones would be welcomed with open arms at Mt Eliza but said a return to Madsen Reserve would be “on his own terms’’.

“There are enough people he knows and socialises with that are Mt Eliza people,’’ Brattle said.

“I could think of nothing better but it’s not anywhere on my radar to make it happen.

“I think that’s the way to go about it.

“But imagine that bit of enthusiasm…’’

Mt Eliza won eight games and had a draw from its 12 matches this year to emerge as a premiership contender in MPNFL Division 1 before Covid killed the season

Jones could be the missing piece of the premiership puzzle for the Redlegs next year.

Nathan Scagliarini (right) playing for the Tiwi Bombers in Darwin. Picture: Glenn Campbel

Mt Eliza has already strengthened its list, adding Frankston Dolphins VFL player Nathan Scagliarini.

The 23-year-old classy midfielder, who is tipped to sign with Port Melbourne, has made the Redlegs his home club.

Jordan Capkin celebrates a goal.

“He’s mates with a few of the boys,’’ Brattle said.

“I tried to get him in 2014 when he was 16 coming out of Mt Martha.

“He and his dad turned up on the doorstep at Mt Eliza back then.

“I’ve known him for a long time.’’

Mt Eliza has also regained Jordan Capkin, Anthony Cleary and Ben Landry in a huge boost.

Brattle said the Redlegs’ only loss was Ryan McGannon, who is returning to his home club Fish Creek.

“We’ve had a great buy-in from everyone wanting to come back to the club,’’ Brattle said.

“We don’t need to do too much at all.

“We’ve got plenty of depth, we’ve won six reserve grand finals. It would be really good to see some of those guys in the reserves side win a grand final in senior footy.’’