But the passionate Demon is as determined as ever to help the red and blue start the climb back up the ladder in 2013.
@melbournefc tweeted this photo of Nathan Jones doing the hard yards in the gym on Monday morning
“We’ve got a long way to go - there’s no doubt about that,” he said upon accepting the Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy.
“But if we can continue to dig as hard as we did last pre-season, I’m sure we can eventually get the result and play finals footy, which is the reason why I re-signed and the reason why I want to be a part of it, because I love this place.”
Jones said the players knew that they had to achieve their targets as set by elite performance manager David Misson over the off season in readiness for pre-season.
“Right now the focus is pretty damn clear and the tone has definitely been set - you either buy in or buy out,” he said.
“The mantra is elite preparation and elite compliance, which Neeldy and the coaches have pushed for a year now.
“We need to get harder as a footy club and harder as a footy team - the club doesn’t need to be where it is right now. It’s up to us to drag it up the ladder to where it should be.”
Jones also thanked last year’s club champion Brent Moloney, who is set to explore free agency opportunities.
“It’s disappointing that you’re not going to be here mate, but at the same time, I understand your decision,” he said.
“I’d like to thank you for the contribution that you’ve had in supporting me throughout my career.”
Meanwhile, Jones gave a heartfelt tribute to Port Adelaide and former Magpie player John McCarthy, who tragically lost his life in Las Vegas.
Jones played football with McCarthy in his junior days.
“It was a pretty heartbreaking and gut wrenching week for me to find out that a mate had passed away in such a tragedy on Monday morning. It hit pretty close to home for me - it puts a lot in perspective that footy is just a game and such a small part in our lives, compared to that of a life,” he said.
“I’d personally like to send my condolences to the McCarthy family, his girlfriend, all his close friends and family.
“I’ve got some great memories of Johnny. He was in the year below me at school and we played footy together and grew up in the same area along the Peninsula. You were taken way too soon, mate, and may you rest in peace, brother.”
