Nathan Jones

2005 – Jones has an outstanding final year in the under 18s. Jones represents Vic Metro in the NAB AFL under 18 championships, winning All-Australian honours. He is the leading division one player in six key statistical areas, including the equal most disposals. He also averages 28 disposals in the TAC Cup – more than any other player. Jones gathers 36 disposals in the TAC Cup Grand Final, playing in a losing side for Dandenong Stingrays. Days later, he records the sixth best time in the three-km time-trial at the NAB AFL Draft Camp (now Combine). Jones is then selected by Melbourne from Mt Eliza/Dandenong Stingrays at No.12 in the NAB AFL Draft.

2006 – Makes his AFL debut in round 17 against the Western Bulldogs and plays in Melbourne’s last eight matches for the season, including the club’s two most recent finals against St Kilda and Fremantle respectively. He receives a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination for his 25-disposal performance against the Kangaroos in round 20. Jones later gains two Brownlow Medal votes for his performance. He finishes the season playing in Sandringham’s premiership – Melbourne’s former VFL affiliate.

2007 – In just his second AFL season, Jones plays 21 matches and finishes second to James McDonald in Melbourne’s best and fairest. He misses just one match in round five, due to an ankle injury. Jones also gains his second NAB AFL Rising Star nomination and finishes third with 17 votes. He is ranked No.1 for inside 50s at the club.  

2008 – Jones finishes 18^th in the best and fairest, after being runner-up the year before. He still manages 21 matches and averages 20 disposals per match – three more than 2007. Jones claims 30 disposals for the first time, against West Coast in round 20. He signs a new two-year contract.

2009 – Averages 22 disposals in 20 appearances and finishes fifth in Melbourne’s best and fairest.

2010 – Plays all 22 matches – one of only three Demons for the season. He wins 31 disposals against the Western Bulldogs in round seven – his best effort until this point. Jones signs a new two-year deal.

2011 – Named in Melbourne’s leadership group, Jones claims fourth place in the club’s best and fairest. He notches up more than 500 disposals for the first time in his career, finishing with 507.

2012 – One of only two players, including newly appointed co-captain Jack Grimes, to remain in the club’s leadership group, Jones has his best season to date, winning his first Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy. He leads the side in disposals, contested possessions, handball receives, clearances and inside 50s. Jones has 20 disposals or more in all but three matches. On three occasions, he wins 30 touches or more, including a career-best 33 disposals against Greater Western Sydney in round 13. He also boots 16 goals and lays 95 tackles – both personal bests. Jones also receives 14 Brownlow Medal votes – his best. He signs a new three-year deal.

2013 – Jones remains in Melbourne’s leadership group and is elevated to vice-captain. During the year, in the absence of injured co-captain Jack Grimes, he is promoted to co-captain with Jack Trengove. Again, Jones produces another consistent season. He is set to play his 150^th AFL match against Geelong at Simonds Stadium in round 16. Remarkably, he has missed just five matches since making his debut.