‘Heartbreaking’: Melbourne Demons veteran Nathan Jones makes tough decision

Former Melbourne captain Nathan Jones has made a “really tough” decision ahead of the highly-anticipated AFL grand final.

Perth - September 10 2021: AFL Preliminary Final . Melbourne vs Geelong at Optus Stadium, Perth. Nathan Jones hugs Kysaiah Pickett after tonights win over Geelong . Photo by Michael Klein

Melbourne Demons veteran Nathan Jones has made a “heartbreaking” decision ahead of the highly-anticipated AFL grand final.

On Saturday afternoon, the Demons confirmed Jones will leave the Perth hub to attend the birth of his twins in Victoria, meaning he’ll miss Melbourne’s first grand final since 2000.

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The 33-year-old has only featured in seven matches this season, but has been on the verge of selection throughout the finals campaign.

However, Melbourne coach Simon Goodwin is unlikely to change the team line-up for the season finale in Perth.

“There’s a hard luck story but Nathan Jones … that’s an emotion-stirrer,” sports reporter Sam Edmund told SEN’s Crunch Time.

“Wife Jerri is about to give birth to twins and they’re about to become a family of four. He’s a former captain, 302 games played for the club and through all the hard times, if anyone is due success it’s this man.

“There are some reports out there that he’s made the decision to leave and fly back to Melbourne day, I’ve spoken to the Demons and he hasn’t made a decision categorically yet.

“He might still head home today, but they’re saying categorically that the decision hasn’t been made yet.”

Nathan Jones has not represented the Demons since June. Picture: Michael Klein

Speaking on Triple M’s Dead Set Legends, radio presenter Jay Clark claimed Goodwin was no chance of selecting Jones for the grand final, which is scheduled for Saturday, September 25.

“Nathan Jones, he‘s going to fly back to Melbourne to be with his partner Jerri. She’s expecting twins any day now. Melbourne are going to be unchanged for this,” Clark said.

“It‘s heartbreaking for Nathan Jones, but Simon Goodwin’s not going to change this team.”

Following Melbourne’s crushing 19.11 (125) to 6.6 (42) victory over the Geelong Cats on Friday, Goodwin reiterated that the final decision would be made by Jones and his wife.

“That‘s a decision that’s going to be left with Nathan. Obviously, he’s really close to selection, it’s a really tough situation. He’s so proud of his footy club right now, he’s given so much and he’s in a really tough situation,” Goodwin said.

“Jerri’s due with twins and could come at any stage, so we’ll continue to liaise with Nathan and Jerri as to what that looks like, but he’s close to selection, he’s pushing his case and he wants to be a part of it.”

Jones has played 302 games for the Demons since making his AFL debut in 2006, captaining the club for six seasons.

“It’s a really tough decision but he wants to see the birth of his twins.”

Jonesy will return home to his family in Melbourne. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/cYVvINcbN4

— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) September 11, 2021

Officially Nathan Jones will decide today.

But it’s a pretty obvious choice. Most parents will attest to the fact kids are the best thing in life.

Plus, no one deserves to be dropped. The Demons were basically 10 out of 10 and Smith could return

— Tom Browne (@TomBrowne7) September 11, 2021

Melbourne legend Garry Lyon said Jones’ situation was “heartbreaking”.

“There was every excuse for him to leave, no-one would have begrudged him,” Lyon told Fox Footy on Friday.

“He wasn’t getting the best opportunity … yet he stuck the task and stayed and his level of professionalism, performance and care for the footy club never diminished.

“And now you have this modern day situation which breaks your heart but there are no fairytales in footy.

“He is not in the best 23 or 24 and he has the situation at home with his wife who is heavily pregnant with twins and he has stuck (with the team).

“Yeah I’ve thought about him a lot, it’s heartbreaking.”

The second preliminary final between Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs is scheduled to get underway tonight at 7.40pm AEST.