Neeld said it annoyed him when he read in the media this year that Melbourne didn’t have an A-grade player. But he was adamant that Jones fitted the bill.
“We have one with a very big heart,” Neeld said of Jones.
Neeld said that, from the moment he arrived at the club, he saw Jones “digging deep” in every aspect of his game.
“Whether that be a recovery session, whether that be in one of Misso’s torturous running sessions … whether it be standing up for what he believes are elite level standards - that’s what digging deep means.”
Reflecting on the season that was, Neeld said “patience and development” was still needed to produce a style fit for finals football. But he added that the players had put in “sheer hard work” behind the scenes all year.
“It’s evident that a season of four wins may not look overly successful. However, we as a whole football club are looking forward to an era of sustained success,” he said.
“Our whole club is being educated as to what it takes to achieve such a thing. [They are] endeavouring to put in a ruthless club culture that demands adherence to elite standards.
“In essence, what we get to see goes well beyond our 2012 win/loss ratio. It still has a fair bit to do with intent at the footy, and team defence.”
After a year with the club, Neeld said he was now “emotionally involved” in Melbourne.
“There’s no question about that,” he said.
“Every player, every employee, every board member and supporter will benefit greatly from this season, as we all take the club forward and begin our climb up the AFL ladder towards sustained success.”
