COACH Paul Roos has lauded Nathan Jones’ ability to win three consecutive Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophies and says the durable ball-winner has the ability to go to another level.

Roos said it was a fine achievement by the co-captain, who gained his third best and fairest in a row for the club last week.

“I think Nathan’s a much better player – and hopefully he thinks he thinks that – at the end of season than what he was at the start,” he told Dee TV.

“We spoke to Nathan a lot about the way we wanted him to play. He’s been a terrific captain and he’s really embraced the coaching group and he’s really coachable.

“The fact that your captain can take responsibility when he makes a mistake and can correct those mistakes helps the coaching staff out enormously.”

Roos said what he most admires about Jones is that he is a competitor.

“He just works from minute one to 120 and we still think he’s got some real growth as a player,” he said.

“We still think he can be better as a player. This year we saw him in a run-with role for the first time and he played on [Carlton captain] Marc Murphy, who is a high quality player. He did really well in that role, so we know he’s got an ability to win the ball, but we want to expand his repertoire and make him an even better player.

“But three best and fairests in a row – and as captain of the footy club, winning a best and fairest is always a little bit more special.”

Although Jones was deemed Melbourne’s best player in 2014, he wasn’t included in the 40-man All-Australian squad, with the final team to be named on September 16. Roos said he was disappointed Jones wasn’t named in the initial group.

“It’s all subjective. The more games you win, the more likely you are to figure. I would’ve thought he should’ve been in discussion and in the 40-man squad – no question about that,” he said.

“I don’t pick it and to be honest with you, I think it’s a fantastic effort to get in it and anyone that’s going to get in the All-Australian team is going to be a very good player.

“We think Nathan’s had an All-Australian season.”

Meanwhile, Roos said this year’s premiership tip was still wide open.

“I think they’re all really good teams and it’s hard to pick,” he said.

“With [Fremantle coach] Ross [Lyon] being a good mate of mine and [my history with] the Swans – could it be a Swans and Freo Grand Final?

“But it’s so hard to pick. Teams that don’t lose players – the healthiest teams – generally win in September and generally win premierships.”