Premiership Party: Nathan Jones finally gets to say goodbye to the Demon faithfull
What Nathan Jones had provided the Dees over his career made his absence from their premiership the most heartbreaking - now the club legend got his chance for a fitting farewell.
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Melbourne premiership hard luck story Nathan Jones says he’ll put pressure on his former teammates to ensure the Demons faithful witness a premiership at the MCG next year.
Jones and fellow retiree Neville Jetta spoke during the club’s premiership celebration day on Sunday with fans given the chance to officially say goodbye to the two Demons stalwarts.
Jones, who agonisingly missed out on a spot in Melbourne’s grand final side which defeated the Western Bulldogs to break a 57-year premiership drought, said it was a “tragedy” Melbourne fans couldn’t be there to soak up the celebrations in September.
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“I think the greatest tragedy that came out of this year was that the game wasn’t played here in front of all you guys,” Jones said.
“This is yours – the players over the last 12, 18 months have really drawn on the tragedy of the fact that you guys haven’t been able to be there and be a part of many games live.”
“We’ll put the pressure on Maxy and the boys to make sure they bring it home next season and we’ll all be here celebrating.”
Jones, 33, reached the 300-game milestone in the Demons’ win over last year’s premiers Richmond in the Anzac Day eve clash in April but managed just one more appearance for the season.
The veteran was on the cusp of the best 22 as the Demons surged towards September and travelled with the group to Perth before heading back to Victoria so he could be there for the birth of his child after he was told by coach Simon Goodwin he would not be required for the decider.
Jetta had also been a walk-up selection in the Demons backline for a number of seasons before being edged out of the senior side this year to make way for emerging defenders Trent Rivers and Jake Bowey.
But there were no signs of dismay as thousands of diehard Demons fans paid tribute to the pair who endured some of the darkest times of the club’s history as they spent consecutive seasons near the bottom of the ladder.
“(The fans) are the reason why I think Nev and few others have experienced some pretty dark times and hung in there,” Jones said.
G-force: Why Dees won’t need motivation for next flag
Melbourne vice-captain Jack Viney says the lure of winning a premiership in front of his family and a packed-out MCG will prove fierce motivation for back-to-back premierships.
The Demons’ premiership celebration at the MCG was a riotous success.
About 30,000 Melbourne fans cheered every goal of the replay, then witnessed a victory guard of former Demons escorting the cup to the premiership dais.
What could have been an anti-climax instead could be the start of a new tradition as Neale Daniher was given a standing ovation in presenting the cup.
The players, too, got the chance to bring children on to the victory dais.
Coach Simon Goodwin was blunt about Melbourne’s aspirations ahead of Monday’s start of pre-season: “We want to come back and win the cup at the MCG”.
But if the Demons needed any more motivation, the prospect of what the premiership in front of 100,000 fans and their families was laid bare.
“As good as winning the premiership was over in Perth, certainly it‘s a piece to the puzzle missing,” Viney said.
“Being able to do it in front of family and friends, a full packed MCG of Demons fans, so it leaves a little bit to be desired (winning away from our home ground).
“We didn’t get the opportunity to celebrate with our fans and even having our family here, it was a great event.
“The Demons faithful came out in big numbers and the energy was unbelievable, so it was a special moment with our fans.”
Former Demons coach Daniher was happy to remain in Melbourne instead of presenting the premiership cup at Perth Stadium.
But his role in the MCG celebration was the afternoon’s most rousing moment.
“It is incredibly special. He has been such a big part of the football club for so many years,” Viney said.
“He has been one of the true fighters of the Melbourne football club and it was wonderful to have him here today.”
Every Melbourne premiership player will return to the list next year with Michael Hibberd the only 30-plus player until Max Gawn hits that milestone on December 30.
The Demons players have been training together for weeks in such numbers they are already in match simulation before new fitness boss Selwyn Griffiths attempts to make his mark.
A series of 1km time trials will blow out the cobwebs on the first day of official training for the senior players.
“We go back tomorrow, so this was nice to close the chapter in a way and tomorrow is back onto the 2022 season,” Viney said.
“It’s been solid, we have a new strength and conditioning coach in Sel Griffiths, with Darren Burgess leaving, so he wants to make his mark early,” Viney said.
“He has got us training really hard early and I know the boys have some nervous energy about the time trials tomorrow.
“Talking from personal experience, the majority of players are even fitter than they were coming into the pre-season last year, so the guys are looking to get back into training.”
The Demons have already re-signed six-goal grand final forward Bayley Fritsch until 2026 and have Angus Brayshaw, Luke Jackson, Kysaiah Pickett and Jayden Hunt coming out of contract.
Viney believes they will follow the path of stars including himself, Max Gawn, Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver in sacrificing financially to keep the list together.
“I think so,” he said.
“Hopefully the younger players and the middle tier of experienced players realise how enjoyable and how much fun winning a premiership is and how the sacrifices we make are worth it at the end of the season to hold that cup in your hands.
“I think that is motivation for a lot of players including myself to continue to make the sacrifices to continue to be involved in a strong football club and hopefully continue pushing to be on top of the ladder.”
Goodwin breaks silence: 71-day wait over for Dees fans
Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin spoke of his pride at restoring respect to a downtrodden Demons fan base and past players group after finally giving a premiership victory speech 71 days in the making.
Goodwin was never given the chance to make that premiership dais speech when the AFL’s master of ceremonies Basil Zempilas marched ahead with proceedings in the wake of the club’s drought-breaking victory.
Seventeen years ago Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams, now a Demons assistant, used his speed to publicly eviscerate club sponsor Alan Scott for doubting his coaching.
But for Melbourne premiership coach Goodwin the message was of unity and pride given Melbourne’s recent history as an AFL laughing stock and perennial easybeat.
His final words to the Demons fans spoke of the club’s determination to back in its game plan as well as the drought of more than half a century: “This is us, we have done it, 57 years. You beauty.”
Goodwin, closing in on a long-term contract extension after the brilliant victory over the Bulldogs, had joked he was “shafted” by Zempilas in the wake of the win.
But speaking to 30,000 MCG fans who turned up to watch the replay as club legend Neale Daniher presented him with the premiership cup, he spoke of sacrifice and belonging.
“I would thank all the sponsors but today is more about people, it’s about belonging and it’s about connection,” he said.
“When I think of people, I think about the legacy of so many of our great people, Neale Daniher, David Neitz, Neale Daniher, Nathan Jones, Ron Barassi, Noel McMahon, Norm Smith. When I think about people I think about the staff and the work they did to put into the team to get it where it is, I think about the families, the kids to sacrifice over the last two years to make this club the way it is.
“I think of the past players who have sweated for this club for a number of years to have this club back here for the first time in 57 years. Then I think about this player group, how special they are, not just the 23 but the 45 of them. They are incredible people and you should be so proud of them.”
“The last thing is to you guys (the fans). It is about belonging. You should be so proud to belong to this footy club. This is us, we have done it, 57 years. You beauty.”
Party time: Dees’ premiership celebration has begun
The party of a lifetime is underway.
Demon fans cruelly robbed of seeing their club’s drought breaking flag have headed to the MCG in their droves for a premiership party for the ages.
Flocking in through the members near 40,000 fans got to get up close with the 2021 Premiership Cup before taking their seats to re-live their famous Grand Final with a full replay on the big screens of the MCG.
The most spiritual moment of my life just happened. pic.twitter.com/KPKk4bmNib
— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) December 5, 2021
Bang.Bang.Bang.Bang.💥 pic.twitter.com/Jtn6XHcSin
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) December 5, 2021
The halftime entertainment rivalled that of Birds of Tokyo as cult hero Russell Robertson headed on the stage and rocked out front of the adoring fans.
Half-time entertainment. 🎶
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) December 5, 2021
Thanks for the tunes, Robbo. 👠pic.twitter.com/D6807SumNq
The celebrations haven’t stopped there with Club legends Neale Daniher and David Neitz on hand to present medals to both Simon Goodwin and Christian Petracca after the match.
A surprise still awaits however with an unknown famous Dee set to present the premiership cup.
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