AFL great Nathan Jones signs on with the Portarlington Football Netball Club

There will be no doubt where Nathan Jones is played when he steps out for Portarlington this season, as coach Pete O’Connor plans to keep things simple for the ex-AFL star.

Portarlington coach Pete O’Connor will have a very simple plan for Nathan Jones, when the ex-AFL Demon returns in the red and blue at BFL level.

The Melbourne games record holder will put on the Portarlington jumper on July 9 against Ocean Grove, after being taken with the first pick by the BFL club in the Carlton Draft.

The initiative sends ex-AFL stars to local clubs in a bid to boost the coffers of local footy.

Nathan Jones marks for Melbourne. Pic: Michael Klein

Portarlington held the first choice in the draft and first nominated up to five players they were interested in, before working out whether the dates worked with the talent.

While the likes of Eddie Betts and Shaun Burgoyne made the short list, O’Connor said Jones was chosen given his Demon heritage.

From junior footy to the top of the ranks, the three-time Melbourne best-and-fairest only ever played for clubs known as “the Demons”.

While the hard-nut may have had designs on playing forward, O’Connor will plant his magnet right in the middle of the field.

“I don’t think we will play him at full-forward, no,” O’Connor laughed.

“I might let him coach us for the day. I think we will tell him to do whatever you feel like.

“I think the best part of this is just him being at the club and being able to leverage off his experience. He has been at both ends of the spectrum at Melbourne so it will be fascinating to have him down here.”

Nathan Jones, Eddie Betts and Dale Thomas were in the running for the Carlton Draft.

While Portarlington has been belted by an average of 128.5 points in its four losses to start the season, O’Connor said his side had already shown signs of improvement.

The Demons had to battle on without important players Jack Rose, Brock Wells and Stan Hogan against Drysdale on Saturday, but they outplayed the Hawks in a second quarter patch.

O’Connor said the trio are expected to come back into the fold this weekend against Ocean Grove.

“Even though the scoreboard is still not very complimentary, compared to the same games last year we are probably 5-6 goals better each game but we are coming from a long way back,” O’Connor said.

“They are still fairly brutal losses but we are seeing some improvement and the attitude of the guys, we are counting the small wins at the moment.”

PORT LANDS NATHAN JONES IN CARLTON DRAFT

Melbourne Football Club great Nathan Jones will again don the red and blue after he was selected as the number one pick for Portarlington Football Netball Club.

The 33-year-old father of four was selected to play for the club through The Carlton Draught.

The initiative will see AFL greats head to country footy leagues across Victoria in a bid to help bring bigger crowds back to local footy in 2022.

The picks are in for The Carlton Draft, with AFL greats heading to country footy leagues across Victoria in a bid to help bring even more passion back to local footy in 2022. Draft Commissioner Jonathan Brown with Nathan Brown Picture: Supplied

Jones, who retired last year, said he was looking forward to playing footy again.

“I’ve never worn anything other than red and blue – as a junior, in my 16 year AFL career and now I find myself there again,” Jones said.

“I’m pretty excited about that.”

The former captain played 302 games for Melbourne and was named best and fairest three times during his career.

He announced his retirement just before last year’s AFL grand final, which Melbourne won, after looking likely to miss out on selection.

Jones instead left the hub to be by his wife’s side ahead of the birth of their twins.

The proud dad said he had adjusted to retirement and had not expected to be playing football again so soon.

“I said I’d avoid it at all costs, but this is a chance to get involved in what I think is an awesome initiative with Carlton Draught,” he said.

“I am pretty grateful for the chance to play.”

Jones said he hoped the initiative, which will also see ex-players Eddie Betts, Cameron Mooney, Shaun Burgoyne, Jarryd Roughead, Alex Rance, Brendon Goddard and Dale Thomas play for other clubs – would boost attendance at local games.

Jones said while he had maintained his level of fitness he was a bit worried about his kicking ability and hoped he wouldn’t “pop a calf” on the field.

“If that happens I’ll just have to suck it up,” he said.

Jones is expected play for Portarlington on July 9.

Originally published as AFL great Nathan Jones signs on with the Portarlington Football Netball Club