NATHAN Jones didn’t have the fairytale 200^th he would’ve loved.

Being subbed out due to an ankle injury and hobbling around the Subiaco boundary on crutches was hardly part of the script. Neither was the 54-point loss to Fremantle in round 22. But it could’ve been far worse, when Freo led by 30 points at quarter-time.

Still, Jones’ 200^th will still have some fond memories for the Melbourne skipper and he rightfully reflected on that after the match via Twitter.

“Today went nowhere near how I planned it but s*** happens, this will still go down as one of the best memories I'll have. Very grateful to have shared it with my little girl. To my family and friends, team mates, the @melbournefc, the supporters and fans I thank you all for the many humbling messages of support throughout the week. The boys had a red hot go against a class Freo team. I am already looking forward to next week, I'll be doing everything I can to be back out there!” Jones said.

What Jones’ milestone did show was a number of things.

He is loved by all who bleed red and blue – and of course by his teammates. This was shown via a fine tribute on melbournefc.com.au by Colin Garland in the lead-up. And by Jack Viney, who has quickly become a Melbourne favourite, when he spoke to Dee TV post-match. 

“It was disappointing for ‘Chunk’ not to finish out his 200^th,” he said. 

“For him to reach 200 games is a sensational effort and I know for me personally, he’s been a massive influence on my career – and one of the best football players I’ve ever seen and had to deal with.

“I’m really thankful he’s at the club I’m at, because he’s an elite professional and he’s really taught me the right way to go about my football.”

Jones’ achievement also confirmed a few things to me this week.

I reckon he is now one of the most universally admired – or respected players in the game. A lot of opposition supporters have voiced their thoughts via social media this week in appreciation of Jones’ double-hundred game tally. But I think he is a genuinely respected player across the competition.

Interestingly, he’s taken on what another No.2 did at Melbourne. The great Robert Flower was loved by every Melbourne supporter and universally admired throughout the competition.

It’s amazing to still hear many people say ‘I didn’t barrack for Melbourne growing up, but Robbie Flower was my favourite opposition player’.

Names such as Trevor Barker, Simon Black and Lenny Hayes spring to mind as other greats to have been loved by opposition supporters.

And I get the feeling if Jones isn’t in that category – he’s well on his way.

He gives his absolute all. And although things didn’t pan out his way – or the team’s – on Sunday at Domain Stadium, it was still a special occasion.

His mother Liz, wife Jerri and daughter Bobbi flew over to Perth to watch their beloved son, husband and dad play.

The sight of Jones running out with Bobbi was a touching moment.

As he told melbournefc.com.au in the lead-up to his 200-game, he has been likened to a Cadbury Crème Egg: tough on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s a great analogy and spot on.

Jones has matured greatly in his time at Melbourne. He’s come a long way and has grown every year he’s been at the club.

I reckon this year even more.

The combination of fatherhood and captaincy – by himself – have helped him blossom into the revered player he is today.

And don’t forget he’s won the best three club best and fairests, so to improve in another key area is a fine effort.

I’m not sure he’ll pinch a fourth ‘Bluey’ this year, with the likes of Bernie Vince, Tom McDonald, Jesse Hogan, Jack Viney and Daniel Cross also pushing their claims.

But if he does – he will still be a much-deserved winner. And it wouldn’t surprise me if he did.

Jones’ team play and overall care for the club, players, family and those who follow the club have improved significantly – an outstanding achievement, given his personal and professional life has included great responsibility: ie. fatherhood and the captaincy. It highlights how it’s been a big year for him.

And this week showed just how many admirers he has. I’ve got to say, my admiration for him as gone to another level. Reflecting on his career has made me realise what an absolute warrior he has been for the game – and for the club.

And even if it wasn’t his day on Sunday, he still had his moments.

It’s the moments that matter and he’s made them count – and he’ll continue to do so in the future.

Congratulations Jonesy.