CAPTAIN Nathan Jones says the club hasn’t even discussed the possibility of playing finals this year.

Speaking at TIO Stadium on Friday, Jones told reporters he “hadn’t even thought about it to be honest”, when asked the question after training.

“It’s not something we really consider – we’re more [worried] about the immediate future and tomorrow (Saturday) night than worried about the consistencies of our performances,” he said. 

“Finals is a result ... tomorrow night is another opportunity and if we can get on a roll and play consistent footy over the next eight weeks, then anything is possible.

“But it’s not something we openly discuss as a group and even internally, it’s not something the players talk about. It’s more about trying to get a result tomorrow night and moving on to the following week and another challenge.”

Meanwhile, Jones said ruckman Max Gawn once again loomed as an integral part in Melbourne’s prospects against Fremantle at TIO Stadium on Saturday night.

Gawn will be up against Jon Griffin, with Fremantle ruck giant Aaron Sandilands on the sidelines due to injury.

“Freo are well equipped in the midfield to try and stop the influence of Gawny, and that’s going to be up to our entire midfield group to [capitalise] on Gawny’s dominance in the ruck,” Jones said.

“At the same time, we respect their ruckmen and they’ve probably got some tactics, which Maxy has come up against at different times this year.

“We’ll be looking to take advantage of him (Gawn) where we can.”