22 games: Matt Jones and Nathan Jones

[Nasher 33,615]

My favourite stat: the "every game" player. Jumper numbers 2 and 45 were our only two for the year.

Matt Jones proved the worth of ready made midfielders; he slotted right in and looked at home from minute one without needing the "grounding" time the young guys do. There's a lot to be said for having a body that is ready from minute one. If he can add some polish to his game he'll prove to be a real bargain.

As for Nathan Jones - I wouldn't expect any less from him now. Not only is he our best midfielder, but he's also easily our most durable player. He's barely missed a game since his debut. While obviously nature plays a part, it's also a testimony to his professionalism and rigorous recovery practice.

Well done lads.

[Ted Lasso 19,513]

well done boys, always 100% effort, that's all we can ask!

[Jaded No More 68,913]

Nathan Jones is a little champion.

Seriously, I watch him get dragged, scragged and smashed behind play and under packs each and every week. He gets no protection from his teammates or the bias umpires, he didn't even have Jamar in the centre square this year to protect him or tap to his advantage once in a blue moon.

That he keeps on getting up and willing himself to go at 100% when most of his teammates barely get out of 2nd gear each week, is amazing.

I am sure he carries niggles and injuries, but you just wouldn't know it. He is one of the most professional players I've ever seen at our club. He is one player you can truly be proud of every week.

He deserves the captaincy next year (from an outsiders' perspective anyway), and another Bluey.

[Tony Tea 2,809]

Nathan Jones - Demon royalty.

[Young Dee 1,303]

Nathan Jone - I respect you so much I can't even put it in words (I bet Viney is following Jones around like a shadow)

Matt Jones seemed to tire as the year went on. I think he would benefit greatly from a full preseason (improve fitness and put on some muscle).

I have always been skeptical of these mature age players (I expect him to improve next year if he doesn't then I am hoping by then he would be a fringe player)

Edited September 2, 2013 by Young Dee

[La Dee-vina Comedia 16,754]

Nathan Jones is a little champion.

Seriously, I watch him get dragged, scragged and smashed behind play and under packs each and every week. He gets no protection from his teammates or the bias umpires, he didn't even have Jamar in the centre square this year to protect him or tap to his advantage once in a blue moon.

That he keeps on getting up and willing himself to go at 100% when most of his teammates barely get out of 2nd gear each week, is amazing.

I am sure he carries niggles and injuries, but you just wouldn't know it. He is one of the most professional players I've ever seen at our club. He is one player you can truly be proud of every week.

He deserves the captaincy next year (from an outsiders' perspective anyway), and another Bluey.

Agree with everything above plus he has consistently improved his game, year on year.

[cowboy_from_hell 2,390]

Could you imagine how much worse the smashings would have been if Nathan jones wasn't playing? The man is our midfield.

[rpfc 28,405]

I do expect leadership positions to be re-won every year and 2014 should be no exception.

And Jones would be hard to look past as captain.

But that is up to the FD and the players.

[What 18,810]

if theres 1 player that deserves to player under a great coach and have success its Nathan Jones

[CBDees 3,167]

Just proves that it is not only in Rugby Union that the Welsh can excell!

[Watts going on 14]

This summer will be their third pre-season under Misson.

They should go up two notches.

The ruckman should be on carbs load.

A few will have the magic 70 games under their belt.

[Chook 15,013]

This summer will be their third pre-season under Misson.

They should go up two notches.

The ruckman should be on carbs load.

A few will have the magic 70 games under their belt.

I suspect you don't know what a carbs load even is, and what it can do.

[DemonFrog 1,354]

So when are we trading them as this appears what the MFC does to anyone who can actually play at AFL level!

Need a new thread to about keeping our good players.

[Ron Burgundy 8,584]

I reckon Matt Jones will seriously benefit from the tutelage of the new coaching team next year.

I expect he's the type that the Swans would like - no frills, yet hard at it, skilled and quite quick. Respectful attitude and team focussed. All attributes that the Swans onballers seem to have.

That Nate Jones will flourish under Roos is a no brainer. But Matt Jones is someone else whom I expect will benefit immensely.

[Gippy Dee 48]

I suppose this puts another spin on the saying "trying to keep up with the Joneses"...

[hardtack 10,537]

if theres 1 player that deserves to player under a great coach and have success its Nathan Jones

Very true... I believe he was #2 in the comp for centre clearances this year. If he improves further under Roos, I can see he becoming AA material.

Edited September 2, 2013 by hardtack

[titan_uranus 25,016]

Good on them both. Nathan should be considered for, and probably given, the captaincy in 2014. Matt had a great debut year and with a new coach and another pre-season, could well be a regular part of our best 22 as we push forward.