ACTING co-captain Nathan Jones says “it’s hard to ignore” the scrutiny surrounding Melbourne, but he is adamant that he wants to keep doing everything possible to help turn the club’s fortunes around.

Speaking post-match, following Melbourne’s 95-point loss to Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday, Jones said he was frustrated by the club’s situation, but was determined to keep at it. 

“I feel flat, because it was a weird game, and because we can take some positives out of it. How we went about it was much better, but we still got beaten by 95 points,” he said.

“They’re a top two team, probably.

“But it’s all about self pride, not wanting to let your teammates down, and I just want to try and get the best out of myself every time I play.”

After winning its first third quarter for the season last round against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium, Melbourne booted 4.3 to 2.4 against Hawthorn to win its second third term in two weeks.

“I felt like we fought the whole game. We didn’t roll over, but we just gelled in the third quarter,” he said.

“We used the ball better and guys were a bit more composed.

“My personal opinion is that the first half was really frantic. You try to do the right thing, but against a side like Hawthorn, if you turn the ball over, they punish you back the other way – and they did.”

Although Jones collected an equal season-high 28 disposals, he said it mattered little in the overall result.

“I’d much prefer to win, but I’m confident in myself that I can play well every week. I just want to see results on the scoreboard really, but the reality is that I’m really clear that that’s the last thing we’re going to see,” he said.

“I do get a bit of hope from the effort. I think we played a better system, but again we’ve played a better team.

“We’re not good enough in holding the ball and controlling the ball and being able to maintain possession.”