NATHAN Jones says the expectation for this Monday’s clash against Collingwood at the MCG is no different to any other round.
Although from a club perspective, the Queen’s Birthday clash is arguably its biggest for the season, Jones said the players were treating it exactly the same as any other contest.
“It’s not any different to any other week,” he said.
“We get excited to play in this game for the added reasons of the ‘Big Freeze’ but we’re excited for another opportunity to play out on our home ground against a team we really respect.
“It’s just another chance for our group to gain more experience and we’re gunning for the result, as we haven’t won in the past couple of weeks. It’s a chance for us to bounce back after a strong performance.
“We’re looking to get the four points.”
Reflecting on last Saturday’s loss against Hawthorn at the MCG, Jones said it was a strong effort, despite falling short by 18 points.
“We put in a pretty good effort last week against the reigning premiers and unfortunately we couldn’t get over the line,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to playing the Pies come Monday and we took some positives out of our performance last weekend.
“We’re looking to work on a few areas, which probably cost us in the end. It’s another chance for us – that’s for sure.”
Jones said Melbourne’s midfield had showed its depth last week, particularly with the likes of Jack Viney and Angus Brayshaw out of the side, through injury.
“We’ve got a lot of guys who can run through there,” he said.
“We saw the talent of Dom Tyson and what he displayed on the weekend and he’s just one of many.
“Some of those young guys like [Christian] Petracca … Clayton Oliver and James Harmes – the depth is the real key there.
“We’ve still got a fair way to go and those young guys in particular we can’t expect too much from them, only being so young into their careers. It’s really exciting … and big Maxy [Gawn] is the key in there [in the midfield]. He’s been a key pillar for us this year.”
Jones added that reigning best and fairest winner Bernie Vince was having another outstanding season.
"I think he's had a terrific season and when he does play on the edge that's when he plays his best," he said.
"We've spoken to him about not going too far, because we don't want him reported, but I think that's the beauty of what he brings to the team.
"You see his leadership and intensity around the ball is important for setting the standard of some of those others in the midfield. He did that terrifically last weekend and I expect he will continue to do that for the rest of the year."
Meanwhile, Jones said he was conscious of not getting reported for anymore wrestling incidents, after he was nabbed for the third time by the match review panel.
"My wife's says I do [have to be careful]. If I get fined again, I have to pay her what I've paid the AFL in fines," he said.
"It's unfortunate and I don't want to get myself in any hot water here. I'll have to try and avoid wrestling.
"It'd be nice if Liam [Shiels] offered up some cash to fund [my wrestling], which has been $7000 or $8000 this year, so it's hurting a bit in the hip pocket - that's for sure."
