THE late great Jim Stynes remains the only player in Melbourne’s history to win three Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophies in a row.
Yet Nathan Jones, on the back of his 2012-13 best and fairest wins, has the opportunity to achieve this feat in 2014. (For the record, Stynes holds the club record, along with Allan La Fontaine, for the most club best and fairest wins with four each).
But mention the possibility of Jones joining Stynes, who won the award in 1995-96-97 and Jones said it would be an honour – only after team success, of course.
“If the individual accolades and achievements come on top of being a successful team and if that results in me having a successful year, then I’d be stoked,” he told melbournefc.com.au.
“You play the game to get in finals and be a part of that team success, so that’s why we all play. Whatever happens on top of that is a bonus. That’s how I look at it.
“I don’t think my best footy is behind me at all. I think I’m going to have to adapt and develop, but I’m pretty excited to be able to play an improved brand of footy and in some success.”
Jones, who has been Melbourne’s best performer over the past two seasons, said he was confident he could equal – and better – his past two years.
“I’m pretty confident that I can train and play at that level. I don’t really see me being close to my ceiling. I think there is a lot of improvement left in certain areas of my game. I also feel I can become a more rounded player,” he said.
“I still see plenty of challenges that lie ahead. At no stage am I satisfied with the results of the last couple of years. You play to get results for the team and individual rewards come secondary.
“I’ve been affected by how poor the footy club has been, but at the same time, I’m still driven and excited to see some team success and see the growth and development in my game.”
Jones said the fact Melbourne had topped up its midfield depth considerably was an important step forward for climbing up the ladder in 2014.
“For us to become a successful footy team, we need to have depth in the midfield. It’s no secret that it’s been an issue for us. The more guys that you can get through there with experience and talent can then build a unit and drive the team. The best teams have strong midfield units,” he said.
“I see it as a great opportunity to forge ahead and develop in an area we really need to. The better teams don’t rely on individual brilliance – even though they’ve got it – but they share the load evenly, with 10 to 12 midfielders required on any team.
“The boys we’ve got into the club are really exciting for us, because they’ve given us some depth and bolstered our midfield.”
Jones said the pre-season under coach Paul Roos had benefitted the entire squad.
“I think the structure of training is a little bit different from how I’ve previously seen it,” he said.
“There is a real focus on getting the fitness in, particularly the running component and the majority of it done through the skill work. I think that’s really rejuvenated the group.
“The other real noticeable thing is the morale around the place and the vibe of the playing group, and the excitement of the direction that we’re heading in. The belief that we’ve got has become really powerful and I’m pretty excited. To be honest, there is a lot of optimism.”
