THREE-time best and fairest winner Nathan Jones says “everyone is trying to play finals” and the club is no different.

Jones was asked about the possibility of playing finals this year at the MCG on Wednesday afternoon.

He was at the ‘G with world No.3 tennis star Milos Raonic to announce Melbourne’s new three-year deal with apparel New Balance. Jones and Raonic are both sponsored by New Balance.

But the Melbourne skipper said that if the club is to play off in September for the first time since 2006 that it will be an “outcome” of what it’s achieved throughout 2017.

“We’re really focused on making sure we have the right mix [of players] and we’re continuing to work really hard on our game and educating our players and creating depth, so we can have a really consistent year,” he said.

“Hopefully at this point in time everyone is aiming for that (finals) – we’re no different.”

On the club’s new deal with New Balance, Jones said: “This is very exciting for our footy club, which takes it to an association for nine years, which is one of the longest serving partnerships with an apparel sponsor in the AFL.”

Jones said he was a “terrible” tennis player and was thankful he didn’t have to have a hit with Raonic. Although Jones had a kick with the Canadian tennis ace. 

But Jones said the 196cm tall Raonic would make a fair partnership with Max Gawn in the ruck.

“I feel pretty small at the best of times against some of the big boys, but Milos is quite an athlete and I think he’d fit right in – maybe even on the wing,” he said.

Jones also spoke about the club’s intense pre-Christmas camp, which he said was a great experience upon reflection.

“Just prior to Christmas, it was designed to test the group both mentally and physically and take us out of our comfort zone – and challenge us in unfamiliar circumstances,” he said.

“I think it was a real positive for the group and something we can draw on throughout the year.”