NATHAN Jones says he thinks “all of the time” about what Melbourne can achieve in 2018.
The co-captain said he was not shying away from the fact that the club was on the cusp of playing finals for the first time since 2006 – and making a genuine impact deep in September.
“I don’t think you’d be human if you weren’t thinking about the possibilities and dream of what outcomes there are,” he said at a media conference at AAMI Park on Tuesday.
“Being an elite athlete in a professional environment, we stick to the week at a time and every session counts. That’s how we ultimately how to get there.
“There is a great opportunity here for the footy club and this team in particular, but the season couldn’t be closer. We’re right in the thick of it, with the teams all the way from third to 12th – and anything can happen.
“We’ve got to give ourselves the best chance by performing our best for the next three weeks.”
Jones was also daring to dream of a dual Melbourne Brownlow double this year, with Max Gawn and Clayton Oliver in the mix to win this year’s medal.
“I’d love that. You never know – who knows what the umpires think,” he said with a smile.
“He’s (Oliver) come steaming home – there’s no doubt about that. His past month has been unbelievable.
“With both of those guys, they’re in terrific form and ultimately their mindset would be about the team performance and the opportunities that lie ahead with that.
“From my personal point of view … I think those two boys have had terrific seasons and should definitely be in contention.”
Looking ahead to this Sunday’s clash against the Sydney Swans at the MCG, Jones said it was “a massive week” for the club, given the must-win clash also coincided with the Field of Women event.
“It’s a massive week for us. The association with BCNA has been long-running. Ever since I’ve been at the footy club, there has been a connection there.”
“More importantly this week is the Field of Women game, where they’re hoping to get 17,000-plus people out on the ground to create the women’s shape on the ground.
“It’s a terrific opportunity to raise awareness and funds for an amazing cause and hopefully we can put on a great spectacle against Sydney.”
Jones said Bayley Fritsch could spend greater time down back, while Cam Pedersen and Josh Wagner were in the mix to replace the injured Joel Smith.
He added that Sam Frost was the most likely to stand Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin.
Jones said Frost, Jeff Garlett and Dom Tyson had all performed strongly in recent weeks after spending time in the VFL.
“He’s come back in a far better player for us,” Jones said of Garlett.
“He’s such a vital cog and the same goes for those other boys
“Frosty … down back and Dom Tyson has found his niche on the wing and started to play some really consistent footy over the past couple of weeks.”
