2012 Player Review - # 2 Nathan Jones

[Demonland 73,161]

We start our 2012 Player Review series with the season's best (comments from the MFC website Player Reviews):-

Nathan played 21 games and had a very consistent season, showing improvement in all areas of his game which were required by the coaching staff.  I was really happy with the way Nathan handled being tagged, particularly in the latter part of the season.  Again, it was a credit to him for getting tagged, because opposition teams only tag good players.  I thought from a leadership point of view that Nathan was outstanding - obviously he was elected in the leadership group, and some of his leading, particularly by example, and allowing others to follow from his attitude and the way he worked, was excellent. - Brian Royal (midfield coach) melbournefc.com.au

Games MFC 2012 21 MFC Total 135 Goals MFC 2012 16 MFC Total  68

MFC 265 kicks (2nd) 251 handballs (1st) 516 disposals (1st) 45 marks 95 tackles (3rd)  73 inside fifty (1st)

MFC Keith "Bluey" Truscott Memorial Trophy Winner 368 votes

[Rolling Stone 158]

This bloke must be the closest we have to an A grader and I'm sure if he was strutting his stuff as a member of one of the sides playing today at the G, that's exactly what they would be saying.

[Straight Sets Simon 23,113]

It's a shame that Jones is the first player to get reviewed because it is all down hill from here.

Great season, unlucky to not make All-Australian squad of 40.

[Deecisive 1,709]

Excellent worker, solid performance, suggested development acting school, so he can learn how to pretend to punch the ball when lying on it.

[Guest José Mourinho]

One of the few on our list right now that wouldn't have looked out of place on the G yesterday.

[Whispering_Jack 30,674]

Interesting that Mark Neeld said at a function tonight that as he watched the grand final he was contemplating how many of his players would have survived that game. He didn't have to say it but Nathan Jones would have definitely done that.

[monoccular 17,575]

One player who has made the most out of his talents, plus more, through sheer hard work and determination.

A shining (not just his head) example to all.

[Whispering_Jack 30,674]

I find it strange that the club champion should elicit the least number of views on this forum of the seven players included to date in this series.

Perhaps it tells us something about ourselves?

[Nascent 9,283]

I find it strange that the club champion should elicit the least number of views on this forum of the seven players included to date in this series.

Perhaps it tells us something about ourselves?

I'd suggest that him having the least amount of views on an internet forum is a compliment, rightly or wrongly.

[Demonsterative 3,020]

I was not a supporter of Jones. I saw him as a dumb footballer who was too often caught with the ball and a turn over merchant. Now, for many reasons he the perfect answer to where the club is heading.

He bought into the Neeld way of things

He had the fitness to play the Neeld way.

I believe the new development coaches is testiment on how a player can improve. This makes me hopeful

When our younger players reach similar fitness and experience i hope/believe they will see similar improvement if not more.

Congratulations Nathan you are an example for others to follow. Great leadership.

[Guest José Mourinho]

I find it strange that the club champion should elicit the least number of views on this forum of the seven players included to date in this series.

Perhaps it tells us something about ourselves?

What more can we say though, that hasn't already been said and isn't patently obvious?

He's a standout player.

[John Crow Batty 8,879]

I find it strange that the club champion should elicit the least number of views on this forum of the seven players included to date in this series.

Perhaps it tells us something about ourselves?

If I could add my two bobs worth. For decades we have seen many players have a breakout season then play for only for their pay packets for the remainder of their careers. To many supporters are spooked and not surprisingly so.

[IRW 1,387]

I find it strange that the club champion should elicit the least number of views on this forum of the seven players included to date in this series.

Perhaps it tells us something about ourselves?

Actually the least number is reserved for Chip...the only long term A grader on the list...now THAT is strange

[Whispering_Jack 30,674]

Actually the least number is reserved for Chip...the only long term A grader on the list...now THAT is strange

True but Chip's item only went up this morning while Jonesy has been on the site for six days.

[IRW 1,387]

True but Chip's item only went up this morning while Jonesy has been on the site for six days.

I reckon pretty much all that can be said about Jones has already been said during the season,only leaving a long list of mea culpas to be made by those who I assume spent years deriding him.

At least I assume the experts here were as blind as their mates on Ology.

Chip on the other hand has been very much ignored.His form was ordinary,his attitude apparantly questionable and he's probably playing injured.Nonetheless he usually won his position...that's how good he is

I would have thought there might be many threads about him during the season,if only out of concern for his position on the list or his place in Neelds plans.

Jonesy....almost A grade,heart and soul committment,inspirational,skills improving each season,decision making likewise.Every liklihood he can get even better... What else is there to say? A bit of practise and he can be club spokesman given his twitter output; he's certainly more interesting than the Jacks.

Edited October 3, 2012 by IRW

[bjDee 1,249]

I find it strange that the club champion should elicit the least number of views on this forum of the seven players included to date in this series.

Perhaps it tells us something about ourselves?

Interesting observation.

It's been a long and draining year, and many other issues have taken our attention from the players who now form the core of the club.

I can only speak for one, and as an unreserved fan of Jonesy I thought it had all been said this year. But lest it be misunderstood:

LOVE YOUR WORK JONESY.

[Demon Jack 6,930]

More than worthy of best and fairest result this year.

Not many players stood up to the plate this season but he always stood up and and provided great leadership when his team needed it most.

Keep up the great work Jonesy!