Melbourne captain Nathan Jones says Demons trying to attack more, Jack Watts progressing well and supports James Frawley

AS Melbourne’s first season under the renowned premiership coach grinds to a close, co-captain Nathan Jones has a message for the nonbelievers.

AFL Round 19- Melbourne v Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium. Nathan Jones makes his way out. 3rd August 2014. Picture : Colleen Petch

NATHAN Jones knows the football world is impatient.

He has seen the plaudits for Paul Roos’ young side make way for questions about the lack of offence and just four wins to date.

But as Melbourne’s first season under the renowned premiership coach grinds to a close, the Demons co-captain has a message for the nonbelievers.

JETTA MAKING MOST OF ROOKIE CHANCE

He says the Demons are trying to kick more goals, desperate to grind out some late wins and is emphatic that this side is on the march under Roos.

“We were really disappointed with our effort against Brisbane but we feel like we can squeeze something out of the last three games,’’ Jones said this week.

Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones with the ball against Brisbane. Picture: Colleen Petch

“We have got some really clear direction now and the most frustrating thing is our consistency — bringing the effort and standard required.

“But the hope comes from knowing Roosy’s system. It has given the players a clear direction and it’s up to us to produce that standard.

“We are reasonably happy with the consistency of our defence, but clearly we have to work hard on our offence.”

The offensive numbers are ugly as the Demons take on GWS today in the hope of avoiding a pair of season losses to the AFL’s newest club.

Take the Giants’ 2012 season out of the equation and the Demons are on track for the lowest average score per game since the 1967 Western Bulldogs.

In the last five weeks they have failed to crack ten goals, but Jones says the impetus is there to score heavily.

“We have taken a step forward (defensive) and probably now there has been a shift in the last five weeks with Roosy trying to get us to take the game on a bit more.

“We talk about 18-man offence and 18-man defence, we have 18 on defence quite a lot but as soon as we win the footy back that drops away.

Melbourne's Nathan Jones in action against Hawthorn. Pic: George Salpigtidis

“We were exposed by Hawthorn, because on defence every one of their players is involved and then on the offensive movement their back pockets and back flanks and players all the way down the ground get involved.

“We have to work on that to test opposition going back the other way with speed and ball movement.”

Roos put a heavy emphasis on the scars the tanking era after a recent loss, and Jones made a point of clarifying with his coach.

“I followed up with Roosy after he made those comments,’’ he said.

“If you look at the list only four or five guys were involved from the so-called tanking era, but since then it’s been the limited success that has bred a lack of belief and lack of self-confidence. That is the direction Roosy was coming from.

“I was playing at that time and I can guarantee all of the players were giving 100 per cent but it was a pretty bleak period in terms of success. We haven’t had those rolls of confidence you get from winning.”

Melbourne has thrown the Messiah syndrome out the door, but it is impossible not to get excited about key forward Jesse Hogan.

He makes his 2015 debut in the VFL this weekend, with Jones believing his attitude will turn him into a star.

Jesse Hogan hasn’t played since the NAB Challenge due to a back injury. Pic Wayne Ludbey.

“He is what everyone wants in a big man. His competitive nature is one of the best I have seen and he is an aggressive big man who backs himself in. You couple it with a tremendous workrate and a hunger for the contest ... He is a smart reader of the game but I get more satisfaction knowing every time he steps out on the field he gives it his all and gives you that effort and intensity.”

The knives are out for Jack Watts in a week where former Demons star David Schwarz suggested he be traded but Jones is adamant he is improving.

“There is all this innuendo and unwarranted criticism of Wattsy. It comes with the territory of being a no. 1 pick in a struggling side.

“But he’s had a terrific year in terms of consistency and the role he is playing is what counts, not the expectations of people outside the footy club.

“I am pretty close with him and he has his priorities right, he loves his teammates and cares about what they think.”

So too does James Frawley, who Jones says has bought into the team environment despite facing the biggest decision of his career.

Jack Watts in action against Port Adelaide. Photo Sarah Reed.

Jones wants him to stay while admitting free agency would give Melbourne a silver lining through compensation if a high-profile player did depart.

“It’s hard for fans to digest. Free agency was voted for and supported by the players. I have been supportive of Chip all year and so has Roosy,’’ he said.

“He will make his decision but the positive thing for us is Chip has bought in all year and has been a strong contributor to our leadership.

“I can’t question him at all. At some stage he will make a decision and what that will be I am not too sure, but as far as this season he’s been a strong contributor.

“As free agency develops there will be some give and take. You will lose players valuable to your team but if you are smart and can manipulate it well you will get something pretty positive on the back of it as well.”

So another year, another bottom-four result for the Dees, but this time in a year of real growth.

“Going into the next pre-season we know what the expectation is, we know how Roosy wants us to play, so we will get a little fitter and stronger and if we can squeeze as much as we can out of this season hopefully we head into the pre-season with a bit of momentum.”

Originally published as Melbourne captain Nathan Jones says Demons trying to attack more, Jack Watts progressing well and supports James Frawley