MELBOURNE skipper Nathan Jones says Wednesday’s AFL captains’ day at Etihad Stadium was a great opportunity to mix with some of the game’s elite.

Jones said it was a hectic, but enjoyable day, full of media, photo and other official commitments, including a lunch, before the AFL season launch. But he said mixing and spending time with his fellow AFL captains was something he relished.   

“I’m not intimidated [by the other captains], but I kept my head down a little bit and let the big dogs do their work,” he told Dee TV with a smile.

“It’s good to get everyone together and go through a few things and have lunch with the commission and discuss the game. It’s good to get to know the guys, have a coffee [with them] and have a chat about general things and with their preparation.

“You learn about them and where they’ve come from and their stories – it’s always good. Knowing a few of the boys is also pretty helpful, but we’re ticking off the requirements and getting back to training.”

Jones said he spent a bit of time with first-year Adelaide captain Taylor Walker, plus he knows the likes of Geelong’s Joel Selwood and Port Adelaide’s Travis Boak.

“I’ve spent a bit of time with ‘Tex’ (Walker) – he’s [a] pretty [captain] new as well,” he said.

“We keep quiet together and have a few jokes and I played a lot of footy with Joel [Selwood] when I was younger, so we know each other pretty well. Boaky (Travis Boak), I’m pretty close to him, but he’s not here today.

“Most of the boys are all good fellas, so it’s good to hang out.”

Looking ahead to round one, Jones said he couldn’t wait until April 4, when Melbourne hosts the Gold Coast Suns at the MCG.

“We were pretty disappointed with how we finished up last Friday night [against Essendon at Etihad Stadium in the NAB Challenge], but after reviewing the game, it sits more comfortable,” he said.

“We played some really good footy, but we shot ourselves in the foot, which … allowed Essendon to score some easy goals. Our best footy is pretty good and it will allow us to be really competitive. We have to bridge the gap and consistency at that level.

“But I’m really excited [about the season] … and as soon as next Monday comes around, we’ve got one session and then we’re into it on Saturday afternoon, so I’m looking forward to it.”