VAFA Premier B 2018: St Bernard’s ex-West Coast and North Melbourne AFL forward Chad Jones closing in on century of goals in comeback season

SPEARHEAD Chad Jones is determined to cap a stunning VAFA comeback with his second premiership at St Bernard’s.

St Bernard's VAFA forward Chad Jones. Picture: VAFA media.

SPEARHEAD Chad Jones is determined to cap a stunning VAFA comeback with his second premiership at St Bernard’s.

The former West Coast and North Melbourne key forward retired in 2015 after booting 43 goals as the Snowdogs claimed their first senior flag in 13 years.

THE CLASSIC MELBOURNE FOOTY GROUNDS WE LOVE

HISTORIC JUNIOR FOOTBALL CLUB TO FOLD

WHY CARLTON FANS SHOULD BE SMILING

After two years out of the game, the 34-year-old has produced a superb return season and is closing in on the 100-goal milestone, booting 80 majors despite only featuring in 12 games.

He has kicked five goals or more in 10 games, including a monster 13-goal haul against Mazenod and nine in Saturday’s 15.17 (107) to 6.5 (41) win against Beaumaris.

St Bernard's star VAFA forward Chad Jones marks on the lead. Picture: VAFA media.

Jones, who enjoyed a successful career with WAFL side Claremont, said he approached St Bernard’s about returning after he “got the bug” again last year.

“I always kept an eye on the scores and how they were going,” Jones said.

“Talking to some guys around the club, it was pretty heartbreaking last year how it played out for them.

“I am sure they would have loved to have been back up in A Grade this year.

“Hopefully we can go well towards the end of this year and put ourselves in a good position for next year.”

Chad Jones in a rare moment with a defender on his tail. Picture: VAFA media.

St Bernard’s succumbed by 14 points in a preliminary final against Old Scotch last year, missing out on an immediate return to the top tier of the VAFA after being relegated in 2016.

But the Snowdogs are primed for another tilt at glory, with Jones leading Premier B’s most lethal forward line in a team which has averaged an awe-inspiring 126 points per game.

“That’s why you play footy, for the finals and to try to position yourself well for the finals,” Jones said.

“They’re where the big games start and you hope to play well in the big games.”

Captain Simon Caven said Jones’ presence had been beneficial for the club’s other forwards, such as Michael Caven and Jack McNamara.

“He gives so much direction to them in the forward line,” Caven said.

“He’s a really good leader in that forward line and the whole team.”

Chad Jones at training during his AFL stint with West Coast.

Michael Caven has contributed 34 goals, while McNamara (17), Alex McLeod (14) and Jordan Farrell (14) have showcased the depth of the club’s attacking weapons.

Jones said he was relishing his return and only entertained rejoining St Bernard’s when he settled on making a comeback.

“I was just keen to have a run around with the guys and play some footy,” he said.

“I knew they had some good young talent coming through the team so it has been great seeing those guys come through and step up.”