NATHAN Jones has been retained as Melbourne captain for the 2016 season.

It will be the third year Jones has led the club and the second season he has been sole skipper, after sharing the duties with Jack Grimes in 2013.

After being appointed captain for the 2015 season, Jones’ leadership grew as the year progressed.

He showed plenty of courage to play throughout 2015, after he carried a serious neck injury during the season.

Jones had an operation on his neck in the off-season, but is making a strong recovery towards the 2016 season.

The 27-year-old has played 201 matches for Melbourne since making his AFL debut in round 17, 2006 against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG.

He has become one of Melbourne’s finest players of the modern era, notching up his 200^th match against Fremantle at Domain Stadium in round 22, 2015.

Jones has won three best and fairest awards for the club – all in succession from 2012-14 – and also finished second in 2007.