THIRD-year Demon Matt Jones says competition has heated up for a place in Melbourne’s ball-winning, engine room this year, now the club has bolstered its midfielders in the recent recruiting period. 

MORE: Skill improvement a focus: Jones

The club secured the likes of Port Adelaide midfielder Ben Newton in the off-season and also snapped up young guns Christian Petracca and Angus Brayshaw in the NAB AFL Draft, as long-term prospects. Former Collingwood star Heritier Lumumba is also likely to switch between midfield and defence in 2015. 

Along with the further development of players such as Jack Viney, Christian Salem and Jimmy Toumpas, Melbourne’s midfield is building. But for the underrated Jones, he is determined to play his part in the club’s midfield for 2015.

“I’m in the midfield group, but hopefully I can go half-forward and half-back,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“At this stage, we haven’t spoken about it too much. I’d like to cement my spot playing midfield, but being able to go forward or back as well.”

Jones said “another five or six midfielders” who have joined the club will help immensely.

“It’ll certainly help out the team,” he said.

“It’s going to make getting spots harder, but all of us need to be playing well to hold our spots.

“I’ve got to be confident in my position and hopefully once the practice games come around, I can cement my spot, but we’ll just have to wait and see.”