MIDFIELDER Matt Jones says he is ready for greater scrutiny in 2014, after his fine first-up season last year.

Jones made his AFL debut in round one last season and played every match in 2013 – the only Demon to do so, along with unrelated teammate Nathan Jones.

But with his second year coming up, Jones is determined to back up and improve on 2013, when he finished fourth in Melbourne’s best and fairest.

“In my first year, there wasn’t as much expected of you and that was the same for guys like [Dean] Terlich and [Jimmy] Toumpas,” he said.

“But having played every game last year, the expectation has gone up a little bit, but in terms of personal pressure, I haven’t put too much on myself.”

With Melbourne boosting its midfield considerably over the off-season, Jones is fully aware competition for places have increased.  

“My first goal is just to play in the first game in round one and then go from there,” he said.

“Hopefully I can get through all the pre-season and play the practice games and then play the first game.”

Having recently signed a contract extension until the end of 2016, Jones is eager to make the most of his opportunity under new coach Paul Roos.

“[Roos] has been great. I’ve caught up with him a couple of times and so far it’s been good. The boys are really enjoying training so far and are keen to start playing games,” he said.