NATHAN Jones has been voted in for kicking the third-best goal at Melbourne in 2018, putting through the first goal of the last quarter against Geelong in the Elimination Final.

The 30-year-old is the heart and soul of the club and was the only remaining player on the list to have played in the Demons’ last final in 2006.

So when the red and blue needed someone to stand up and give them the dream start to the final term, Jones was the man.

“It was pretty unreal being able to kick that goal, such an important one,” Jones told Melbourne Media.

“After a few really tough years it was a pretty significant game, one I won’t forget.”

The Demons led by 23 points at three quarter-time, and with the door slightly ajar for the Cats to pounce, Jones stood up under the utmost pressure.

“It was a big moment, but in that moment you don’t overthink think it too much, your natural instincts just sort of take over,” he said.

“Trac (Christian Petracca) weaved through traffic and fed me the ball, so it was a great piece of play by him.

“Then I just threw boot to ball and luckily it went through.”

A packed MCG full of 91,767 people erupted as the co-captain nailed the crucial goal, creating a memorable moment in the club’s history.

“That noise was amazing,” Jones said.

“The atmosphere was something I hadn’t ever experienced … and it was amazing to share that moment with the fans.”

Jones’ goal took just 50 seconds of play after the final break, handing Melbourne a match winning 29-point lead.