‘The place went berserk’: Nathan Jones’ magnificent Mt Eliza homecoming

Moved to full forward in the last quarter, Nathan Jones gave Mt Eliza fans what they wanted.

Nathan Jones capped an excellent game for Mt Eliza with two last-quarter goals. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mt Eliza is hoping Nathan Jones plays more games this season after his “perfect’’ homecoming on Saturday.

The former Melbourne captain was named in the Redlegs best players in his first senior game for his junior club.

A big crowd and a carnival atmosphere at Madsen Reserve made Jones’ day memorable as Mt Eliza marked the occasion with a resounding 67-point win over Sorrento, 15.20 (110) to 6.7 (43).

Jones rotated between half forward and the midfield before finding himself in the unfamiliar role of full forward in the last quarter.

“At three quarter time we were up by 45 points or something and someone said ‘we need to get him a goal’,’’ Mt Eliza coach Steve Brattle said.

“So I moved him down to full forward — we didn’t want to turn it into a gimmick — and he kicked two in the last quarter.

“When he kicked the first one the place went berserk.”

Nathan Jones and Sam Gill lead Mt Eliza on to the ground on Saturday. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mt Eliza is second on the MPFNL Division 1 ladder and a player of Jones’ quality could be crucial as the Redlegs chase their first premiership in nearly two decades.

Brattle said Jones was likely to play more games but the main thing was that he enjoyed himself on Saturday.

“He had a big smile on his face,” Brattle said.

“He’s got a lot of commitments, he’s got four kids…twins who are 20 months old and he lives up in the city.

“If he can fit it into his schedule I think he’ll play a couple more if he can fit it in. For sure.”

Sorrento’s Jack Beverley.

Finlay Bayne. Pictures: Valeriu Campan

Brattle said the day couldn’t have gone better. The ground was packed with cars the clubrooms were heaving.

“It was a proper carnival. People were saying, ‘I’ve been here for 50 years and I’ve ever seen anything like it’,’’ he said.

“Football aside, after the game in the rooms his (Jones’) young bloke walked in first…and we got him (Jones) in the circle and sung the song and the roof nearly blew off the joint.

“It was unbelievable.’’

“There were so many of his friends, and his past coaches, his brothers and sisters and his family. There were people everywhere.”

Redlegs co-captain Braden Nelmes.

A big crowd watches on. Pictures: Valeriu Campan

Brattle said Jones was “super humble” and presented himself in top notch condition.

“He’s had his mini pre season up at Sandringham, he’s been sneaking out there by himself…but he’s been running a lot,’’ he said.

“Footy fit he probably wasn’t but he’s played 300 games so he probably knew where to go.

“He loved the contest, he was really good at taking ball, taking body, and getting us another stoppage.”

Mt Eliza made a fast start, with Finlay Bayne kicking a goal in the opening minutes, followed by another soon after.

Declan Cole, Nick MacDonald Girolami, Lochie Fewster and Tom Freeman also were influential as the Redlegs rushed to a 32-point lead at half-time, and capped the victory with a five-goal final term.