MATT Jones believes there are plenty more mature-age players capable of making an impact at AFL clubs, if given the opportunity.

Jones, who played all 22 matches in his first year with the Demons in 2013 and finished fourth in the club best and fairest, was adamant several players in competitions such as the VFL could make the transition to the AFL.

“I reckon there are heaps of players playing in state comps that could play AFL footy,” he told melbournefc.com.au.

“If they got into the system and they were training day in and day out, there would be heaps of guys who could come in and impact.”

The midfielder was claimed by Melbourne at No.52 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft and the recently turned 26-year-old said he was ready for the opportunity, after spending time at Box Hill and also with Labrador in Queensland. 

“I had a pretty good year in 2012, but it just comes down to what a certain club wants,” he said.

“I was lucky that Melbourne footy club was trying to find the right sort of player.

“It comes down to luck a bit, but I was fortunate that they chose me.”

Jones had to combine his work as an electrician and his VFL commitments before he joined the Demons, but he said that taught him valuable time management and discipline skills.

“I did like it, but I haven’t actually picked up a tool since,” he said.

“Hopefully I’ll still know what I’m doing, if I ever have to go back to it.”