MONDAY’S Queen’s Birthday match against Collingwood at the MCG isn’t a season-defining clash, according to co-captain Nathan Jones.

With Melbourne entering round 12 possessing a 5-5 win/loss record, Jones said regardless of the result, it was not going to dictate the rest of its season.

“No, not really. We’ve been a little bit inconsistent this season. We finished off, heading into the bye, with a really strong performance in Alice [Springs] and the Pies are in terrific form, winning three on the trot,” he said.

“Their latest [win] in Perth [over Fremantle] was a pretty big deal, so we respect them and understand the form they’re in.

“We expect their best on Monday, but as far as we’re concerned, it’s about trying to rectify some of the things that have added to our inconsistency. We want to play our best footy come Monday and the result will take care of itself.”

Jones said the upcoming clash was a great opportunity for both teams to play in a finals-like atmosphere.   

“Both clubs haven’t played finals for some time now and this presents itself as an opportunity with a finals-like atmosphere and hopefully a finals-like crowd,” he said.

“Both teams are in pretty good form and we expect it to be a pretty tightly-fought contest.

“Hopefully it paves the way, particularly for our young group, to play in front of a huge crowd and play at the level that’s expected when you get the opportunity to play in September.”