Speaking after winning the 2012 club best and fairest, Jones said he questioned if he would have a long term AFL career.
“Probably three or five years ago I wasn’t really sure if I could make it,” he said.
But Jones said he devised a plan “a couple of years ago” to transform his game.
“I’ve stuck to it and for me, I see tonight as recognition for the path that I’m on for the direction that I want to head,” he said.
“I can assure you I’m more driven than ever and more desperate than ever to make it as a player and for this footy club to succeed.”
Jones said that first year senior coach Mark Neeld, and director of sports performance, Neil Craig, had given him great support in 2012.
“Neeldy and Craigy really showed a lot of faith in me at the start of the year,” he said.
“I felt I was being played out of position in the last few years, but Neeldy decided to throw me back in the midfield and I really relished the opportunity.
“I had a reasonable year and I’m pretty happy to be playing back in the midfield.”
Jones said Craig’s advice on leadership was particularly pertinent and he encouraged his teammates to seek the two leaders out.
“I urge you (the players) if you’ve got any doubts - go and see Craigy or Neeldy, because the guidance that these two guys give you and the experience that they’ve got is something that you can’t buy,” he said.
“Craigy in particular with the leadership, I’ve really appreciated the help you’ve given me and the way that you’ve really driven me and pushed me to succeed.”
Along with his family and friends, Jones praised midfield coach Brian Royal and development midfield coach Aaron Greaves, plus boxing coach John Bowman and former Demon Paul Hopgood for helping him win Melbourne’s highest individual honour.
Jones also highlighted the roles of former Melbourne stars Gerard and Greg Healy, now a high profile media commentator and club board member respectively, who had become important mentors.
“I sat down with Gerard Healy, thanks to [former Melbourne player and now pro-scout] Kelly O’Donnell, he introduced me to Gerard and it was probably at a time when I doubted myself,” he said.
“We’ve become really good friends, because we surf heaps, but the help that you’ve given me with my footy and the confidence you’ve given me has really helped me believe in myself.
“I’m glad that that plan worked, because we got here tonight, and there’s still a long way to go and a lot of improvement left.
“Greg Healy is another great support and mentor and I surf with him as well - both the Healy boys love getting in the water. On the footy side of things, I really appreciate your support … thanks for mentoring me along the way.”
