Nathan Jones set to play on with Melbourne in 2020 after being offered a one-year contract
Nathan Jones is set to play on with Melbourne in 2020 on a reduced deal and star ruckman Max Gawn says his goal is to break David Neitz’s long-standing Demons games record.
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Melbourne star Max Gawn says Nathan Jones will play on at the Demons next year as he closes in on the club’s games record.
Jones has played 284 AFL games and has the chance to hit 300 matches with Melbourne next year and eclipse David Neitz’ club record of 306 AFL games.
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The Herald Sun revealed on Monday that the Demons had offered Jones a one-year deal on significantly reduced money that he was yet to sign.
But Gawn said despite the contract impasse being foreign territory for the 31-year-old, he couldn’t see Jones moving clubs.
“This is the first time he has ever been out of contract,” he told RSN Radio.
“It’s new to him and I am pretty sure he will get a good deal.
“He is one season away from David Neitz’ games record and that will be on the goal list and obviously we need to become a better team for him and hopefully he plays finals.
“He bleeds red and blue and it doesn’t matter what sort of offer it is, I am presuming he would sign on. Pre-season (start) is early this year so I will see him in September.”
“He has played every position this year. He is a half backer and he rotates through the middle which has been a lot of his last two or three years and he’s played some pretty good footy back.”
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The Demons have backed Jones in, given his leadership and ability to play different positions including wing, and last week deep in defence.
The deal will be on a significantly reduced wage but given he was at the peak of his powers when he signed his last long-term contract, but Jones will be happy to accept that offer.
Jones told Channel 7 on Sunday he wanted to play on and predicted a quick bounce in form next year.
“Mentally you are dealing with frustration and disappointment but I have changed my role a lot and played a multitude of positions,” he said.
“I have played down back, last night more as a back pocket and have played as a high half back but mentally and physically if I looked at it, I want to continue to play and feel like I am capable.
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“This group is in a terrific position. The personnel hasn’t really changed.
“We have a lot of things wrong, we admit that but at the same time we don’t use that as an excuse.”
Melbourne champion David Schwarz has questioned the decision.
“Nathan Jones I love to bits and he’s been our warrior,” he said on Macquarie radio.
“I think if you want this list to go forward and win you a premiership, Nathan Jones isn’t going to be there.”
He suggested Jones could potentially move into a coaching role to keep him at the club, “but you can’t be giving Nathan Jones 50 per cent in the midfield and not developing other kids coming through.
“I know footy’s a brutal sport, he’s had a great run, but I think it’s time.”
Four-time premiership Hawk Jordan Lewis will retire at the end of the season.
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