CO-CAPTAIN Nathan Jones says he understands why supporters are “livid” with Melbourne missing out on this year’s finals.
Speaking at AAMI Park on Monday afternoon, Jones said his message to the Melbourne faithful was that “we’ve only got ourselves to blame”.
He added that it wasn’t just the loss to Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday that cost Melbourne a spot in the top eight.
“The entire result of the year left us in that position,” he said.
“They’ve (the losses) quite potentially come back to haunt us.
“You get what you put in. As a team, we didn’t produce enough results to play in September. There is no blame. We take full responsibility. It leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.”
Jones said the players were “bitterly disappointed” after it was confirmed on Sunday that Melbourne’s season was over, following West Coast’s win over Adelaide at Domain Stadium, which saw the Eagles claim eighth spot and knock the Demons out of the finals.
“It was difficult to sit for the following 24 hours [after the loss to Collingwood] and then it (the Adelaide and West Coast game) could’ve gone either way,” he said.
“We (the players) got together last night. The mood was pretty flat. It’s a ruthless competition and a ruthless game.
“It was one of the more interesting ends to a season in my career. It wasn’t an easy game to sit through. I was hoping that Adelaide could get the job done.”
Jones said the 2017 season hadn’t been a waste, with the club achieving its most wins (12) since it last played finals in 2006.
“From a fundamental point of view, we’ve improved … but we can’t help but miss the elephant in the room and it leaves a bitter taste in your mouth,” he said.
“It’ll burn in the players’ gut and inspire them to new levels.
“It’s a tough lesson to learn, but hopefully it leaves us in good stead.”
Although frustrated and angry, Jones was optimistic about the future.
“We’re in a terrific position … and we’re well aware of where we sit in our journey. To see us on the improve … and then to see it slip like it has – hopefully it leads us to a better position,” he said.
“We’ve got the capability of matching it with the best teams … but we’ve got a long way to go. I feel like this club is heading in the right direction.
“I think we’re on track. There is definitely an opportunity to bolster our list.”
Jones said the loss of fellow co-captain Jack Viney was tough late in the season, and he was unsure if last year’s best and fairest winner would’ve been right for finals, due to a foot injury.
“It’s difficult for me to say [if he was rushed back],” he said.
“Maybe they could’ve taken more time, but they’re trying to push the limits to get back out there.
“Whether that played a part in the new injury – it’s tough to say. He’ll be back better than ever next year.”
Meanwhile, Jones was staggered young-gun Clayton Oliver was overlooked in this year’s All-Australian squad.
Oliver had the second most contested possessions in the AFL this year, the most handballs in the competition and the fifth most disposals in the league was incredibly overlooked for the 40-man squad.
“I am [surprised],” Jones said.
“It’s subjective. It’s opinion from the selectors.
“It’s a credit to him for how hard he’s worked off-field. He’s probably pretty stiff to miss out this year.”