WITH the New Year here, melbournefc.com.au takes a look at each player’s key stats entering 2016, as coach Paul Roos provides a pre-season update on every squad member. Be sure to check back each day on melbournefc.com.au, as we present all 45 players in the first half of January …
JAYDEN HUNT – No.29
Date of birth: 3/4/1995 (20 years old)
Height: 187cm, Weight: 79kg
AFL debut: yet to debut
AFL games: 0, AFL goals: 0
Position: Half-back/wing
Recruited: East Sandringham (Vic)/Brighton Grammar (Vic)
Drafted: 2013 NAB AFL Draft (No.57)
“Hunty’s really grown – literally. He now has an AFL body and he’s got elite speed, which we’re starting to see at training. He’s come out of his shell a bit with his personality. It’s been hard for him, when you’re not playing and you’ve been out injured for most of the time. Now, he’s back in training and really enjoying it and doing well, so he’s starting to have an impact, which is good.” – Paul Roos
NEVILLE JETTA – No.39
Date of birth: 12/2/1990 (25 years old)
Height: 180cm, Weight: 82kg
AFL debut: 2009
AFL games: 73, AFL goals: 21
Position: Small defender
Recruited: Carey Park (WA)/Swan Districts (WA)
Drafted: 2008 NAB AFL Draft (No.51); 2013/14 NAB AFL Rookie Draft (No.50); 2014 NAB AFL Draft rookie elevation
“Nev came back in terrific shape. He realises he’s got to go to another level again, having gone from the senior list to rookie list and back to the senior list. He’s become a really important player for us and he knows he’s got to work on his fitness and he’s done that really well. I’m really excited about what Nev can do for the club.” – Paul Roos
MATT JONES – No.45
Date of birth: 18/10/1987 (28 years old)
Height: 188cm, Weight: 81kg
AFL debut: 2013
AFL games: 51, AFL goals: 10
Position: Midfielder
Recruited: South Croydon (Vic)/Labrador (Qld)/Box Hill Hawks (Vic)
Drafted: 2012 NAB AFL Draft (No.52)
“Matty had a frustrating 2015 season – being in and out of the team. But we gave him some real clear instructions in the off-season and his pre-Christmas has been exceptional. He would’ve been in our top five or six trainers prior to Christmas, so it’s a real credit to him.” – Paul Roos
