MATT Jones will play his 50^th AFL match against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium this Sunday. He spoke with Matt Burgan about his AFL journey in the lead-up to his half-century milestone …

Matt Burgan: Congratulations Matt on reaching your 50^th AFL match. It hasn’t been an easy road to get here, but it’s a fine achievement given your journey into the AFL.

Matt Jones: Thanks. It is a nice achievement. Getting drafted at 25 – there was a long time there where I never thought I’d even expect to play one game. To end up playing 50 games – it’s a nice personal achievement and hopefully we can win the game as well.

MB: How do you reflect on your first three AFL seasons?

MJ: The first year, I was really happy with my year, playing all 22 games and then again in the second year I only missed two games. This year, it was a fair bit tougher for me, because we’ve got a lot more depth at the club now, which has made it harder for myself and a few of the boys to play more games. But it’s a good spot for the footy club. I’ve just been trying to concentrate on my consistency and find my form and now I’ve found myself back in the team, which is nice.

MB: You played your first match this season in round seven against Hawthorn. Since then you’ve either played in the side or been on the cusp of selection. How have you handled this period?

MJ: Most of the time I’ve been in the squad of 25 or a carryover player, which is promising, but I’ve just got to take that next step in my game and be in the first 22 every week.

MB: Although it’s been a tougher season for you, do you believe you’re a better player now than your first season?

MJ: I definitely think I’ve become a better player. I think I’ve improved in a lot of areas, but the club has brought in a lot more talent, which has made it harder to find that spot in the team. Everyone wants to be playing, but it’s not much fun when you’re playing and you’re getting done every week. That’s a challenge for me now – to break into an improving team. I’d rather be playing in teams that are playing finals. Everybody wants to be playing, but sometimes you can’t.

MB: What’s been the feedback from the coaches about your game this year?

MJ: The coaches have been good and they keep telling me what I need to fix in my game and focus on, when I’m back at Casey, and then it will help get me back up to the seniors.

MB: What are your aims for the rest of this season?

MJ: My aim is to keep playing seniors and hopefully win a few more games, and then if I’m eligible to play at Casey, then play in the finals and hopefully win a premiership.

MB: You’re contracted for 2016. With an eye to pre-season and next year, what are your goals?

MJ: I’ll have a couple of weeks off and then get back into it. Over the pre-season, I’ll be focusing on parts of my game that I hope to improve. Hopefully I can go from being that player who is on the edge of playing AFL to someone who is always picked, so that’s my aim going into the pre-season. It’s good to have that contract as well next year because I haven’t been pleased with my season so far. At least I’ve got that contract for next year and hopefully I can get my game up to that point over the summer and then play in the senior team next year.

MB: What are you most proud of in your first 50 AFL matches?

MJ: Getting drafted at 25, I thought the childhood dream was gone. For the footy club to draft me was awesome, as was the thought of playing just one game. To end up playing 50 games – I’m really proud that I’ve kept on fighting.

MB: What’s been the best win you’ve had at the club?

MJ: I’d probably say the Geelong one [this year]. That’s been the best win I’ve been part of at this club. That or the one where we beat the Adelaide Crows over in Adelaide last year – I’d probably say those two wins.

MB: What else stands out to you throughout your time at Melbourne so far?

MJ: I just enjoy the day-to-day training with all of the boys. There aren’t too many jobs where you can have fun with your mates.

MB: You’re in a business with Max Gawn making tables, called ‘Max Jones’. How’s that going?

MJ: It’s going OK. We’ve got a back order, so Max and I will have to spend a little bit more time on it. Once the season finishes we’ll have a bit more time. It’s something that takes our mind off football, which is good.

MB: Max King is also now involved in ‘Max Jones’.

MJ: Yes, it’s me, Max Gawn and Max King.

MB: Any thought of changing the name to ‘King Max Jones’ when the business is big?

MJ: (Laughing) It’s sorted itself out, because it’s still called Max Jones. It’s just called Max Jones and co.

MB: Just finally, have you got quite a gathering coming to watch you play your 50^th?

MJ: My family comes to all of my games, but it’ll be good to have some mates, along with some aunties and uncles as well, so it should be a good day and we actually win.

MB: Good chatting Matt. Best wishes on your 50^th.

MJ: Thanks Matt.