MELBOURNE stalwart Nathan Jones will pull on the red and blue again in 2021, signing a one-year contract extension with the club.

The 32-year-old agreed to terms on Wednesday and put pen to paper for what will be his 16^th AFL season.

General Manager of Football Operations Josh Mahoney said the new deal reflected the veteran’s devotion, to both the team and the club.

“We had some chats with Nathan later in the year about next season, which mainly centred around if he felt that he had more to give, we were keen to offer him another contract. Nathan bleeds red and blue, and we’re really pleased to have him extend for another year,” he told Melbourne Media.

“Nathan had some challenges physically this year, but his development off-field and the impact he has across all players has never been stronger. Speaking to him today, he is as competitive as ever and is totally invested in being part of our journey going forward.

“We look forward to him continuing to play an important role for us in 2021.”

Jones featured eight times for the Demons in 2020, with his experience and leadership once again proving paramount.

Despite struggling with injury at the beginning and towards the end of the season, the much-loved Dee’s advice and knowledge was invaluable, as he found new ways to influence and impact the group.

Since debuting in 2006, Jones has tallied 294 games, captained the club for six seasons and won three Best and Fairest Awards.

He now sits second on Melbourne’s games played list, behind only former skipper David Neitz (306 games).

Jones was taken at pick No.12 in the 2005 National Draft and has 139 goals to his name.