Melbourne veteran Nathan Jones returns in the nick of time for twin birth

After making the gut-wrenching call to leave his team ahead of their grand final, Melbourne stalwart Nathan Jones’ decision paid off.

Melbourne veteran Nathan Jones made the heartbreaking decision to leave the squad ahead of a grand final appearance, but it certainly paid off as he made it back to Melbourne in the nick of time to witness the birth of twins.

Jones, who is a former club captain and has made over 300 appearances for Melbourne, was previously in Perth with the squad but had not played for the side since June, meaning his chances for game time in the finals were slim.

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He made the dash back home to Melbourne and thankfully made the birth just in time.

Jones and his partner Jerri welcomed Odie Reign and Dove Margot to the world on Sunday morning after an emergency C-section.

The 33-year-old shared the good news to his Instagram followers, revealing the decision to leave the squad ahead of a fairy tale grand final was one he’d “never regret”.

“So grateful to have made it back in time,” Jones wrote. “I made it with only hours to spare.”

“Once the door was closed on an opportunity to play with my @melbournefc brothers, I had to be home with my family, a decision ill (sic) never regret.”

Jerri shared the update on her own Instagram page, revealing how pivotal a role her husband played.

“Nath literally just made it back in time and I couldn’t be more grateful to have had him by my side,” she wrote.

“It’s hard to describe how emotional and heartbreaking it has been personally for Nath not being included in the team after giving his absolute everything.

“However, the silver lining was that he made it home to us and the babies’ birth and despite the football outcome being out of his hands, credit to the incredible person he is, he stayed true and left no stone unturned as he always has and I couldn’t be prouder of him

“Thank you for all of the support from our family during this time and well wishes from friends and so many of you!”

Jones’ family now grows to six, as he had a son and daughter before the birth of the twins.

Melbourne will no doubt welcome the support of the newest Joneses ahead of the grand final, as the Demons look to end their 57-year trophy drought against the Western Bulldogs on September 25.

Originally published as Melbourne veteran Nathan Jones returns in the nick of time for twin birth