11 hours ago, Fifty-5 said:

He was clearly either injured or sick.  Get off his back!

Nathan Jones has earn the right to be quiet for a game or 2, he's carried this club through the darkest of dark times he'll come good our Jonesy boy.

Short memories some on here where is the RESPECT.

15 hours ago, beelzebub said:

Red... we're simply asking valid questions. No one. ..NO ONE gets a walk up start any more....or do you disagree ?

Jones isn't as 'vital'... as effective as he once was...that just calling it as it is.

I want the best team playing and as such don't give a monkeys who that 22 is....no one should...and no one ought have their allegiance to the Dees questioned for doing so.

No I am angry at the rubbish being posted that Jones was never any good and the fairly nasty attacks on him. I accept the legitimate questioning of a player’s current ability as I always have. 

 

5 minutes ago, Redleg said:

No I am angry at the rubbish being posted that Jones was never any good and the fairly nasty attacks on him. I accept the legitimate questioning of a player’s current ability as I always have. 

 

Which is what a stand alone thread has allowed to happen.  As I mentioned earlier, I'm not against the discussion, but a dedicated thread invites unwarranted vitriol and ridiculous comments.  This one has been no different.

15 hours ago, Fork 'em said:

How long is the list?
 
Didn't have much competition for those 3 Blueys did he.
I don't understand the fawning love myself.

So you have always thought Jones was a crap player. Fair enough if that is your opinion. I think most on here and the MFC and the players he played with and the footy public would disagree. But that is ok. When he won his Blueys did you post on here that he had beaten no one? Have you called for his dumping regularly? 

I am happy to question players ability but I don’t agree with personal attacks and rewriting history. 

Edited July 15, 20186 yr by Redleg

It's hard having an opinion on here sometimes and probably because there are a lot of ordinary posts about. However, just because you think Jones isn't good enough anymore and state that he has always lacked vital leadership qualities, doesn't mean you're being mean-spirited. 

I've been on record for many years as saying Jones stood out because he played in one of the worst teams in VFL/AFL history. A good player, but not a great player. Not an A grader. And not an onfield leader. He's been a captain by necessity, because of a vacuum; it must be said not created by him, but by the horrible recruiting of CC and BP and poor development standards set by CS - yes, we've had those discussions over and over again through the years.

But it seems there are some discussions we can't have around here without getting defensive. Or rather, some players or people being sacred.

Nathan has always stuck by the club when he could have gone and this has often afforded him the defence of some posters on Demonland (and my respect), despite his lack of genuine A grade quality or A grade leadership ability.

IMO, there have been multiple games over the years where his lack of leadership has cost us games, yet some posters refuse to admit this and instead revert to defence mode immediately. His lack of onfield leadership when the chips are down has been evident by mere body language, decision making and connectivity with his team mates for years. 

He seems like a really nice bloke and he has eked out every drop of himself, but if the end is coming, why can't we call it out? He's managed 250+ games and that is an incredible effort, but he's almost done. It's fine to accept that.

Edited July 16, 20186 yr by A F

9 minutes ago, A F said:

It's hard having an opinion on here sometimes and probably because there are a lot of ordinary posts about. However, just because you think Jones isn't good enough anymore and state that he has always lacked vital leadership qualities, doesn't mean you're being mean-spirited. 

I've been on record for many years as saying Jones stood out because he played in one of the worst teams in VFL/AFL history. A good player, but not a great player. Not an A grader. And not an onfield leader. He's been a captain by necessity, because of a vacuum; it must be said not created by him, but by the horrible recruiting of CC and BP and poor development standards set by CS - yes, we've had those discussions over and over again through the years.

But it seems there are some discussions we can't have around here without getting defensive. Or rather, some players or people are sacred.

Nathan has always stuck by the club when he could have gone and this has often afforded him the defence of some posters on Demonland, despite his lack of genuine A grade quality or A grade leadership ability. IMO, there have been multiple games over the years where his lack of leadership has cost us games, yet some posters refuse to admit this and instead revert to defence mode immediately. His lack of onfield leadership when the chips are down has been evident by mere body language, decision making and connectivity with his team mates. 

He seems like a really nice bloke and he has eked out every drop of himself, but if the end is coming, why can't we call it out? He's almost done.

Agreed...

2 hours ago, A F said:

It's hard having an opinion on here sometimes and probably because there are a lot of ordinary posts about. However, just because you think Jones isn't good enough anymore and state that he has always lacked vital leadership qualities, doesn't mean you're being mean-spirited. 

I've been on record for many years as saying Jones stood out because he played in one of the worst teams in VFL/AFL history. A good player, but not a great player. Not an A grader. And not an onfield leader. He's been a captain by necessity, because of a vacuum; it must be said not created by him, but by the horrible recruiting of CC and BP and poor development standards set by CS - yes, we've had those discussions over and over again through the years.

But it seems there are some discussions we can't have around here without getting defensive. Or rather, some players or people being sacred.

Nathan has always stuck by the club when he could have gone and this has often afforded him the defence of some posters on Demonland (and my respect), despite his lack of genuine A grade quality or A grade leadership ability.

IMO, there have been multiple games over the years where his lack of leadership has cost us games, yet some posters refuse to admit this and instead revert to defence mode immediately. His lack of onfield leadership when the chips are down has been evident by mere body language, decision making and connectivity with his team mates for years. 

He seems like a really nice bloke and he has eked out every drop of himself, but if the end is coming, why can't we call it out? He's managed 250+ games and that is an incredible effort, but he's almost done. It's fine to accept that.

I feel that's harsh on Jones and a little disrespectful to his achievements. Yes he rose to the top of our club during probably our worst patch, but captain out of necessity? He showed grit and determination when everyone else just wanted to roll over. That's not a captain out of necessity, that's a captain full stop. 

As for his current position in the team, he's able to take more of a back seat while some really talented young guns step up but he still shows his presence and leadership, it might just not be as obvious to us armchair experts. 

I think he's got a big role to play as we press on, and with Viney out for a while (again) it'll be incumbent on him as sole captain to step up and lead us. 

3 minutes ago, Pates said:

I feel that's harsh on Jones and a little disrespectful to his achievements. Yes he rose to the top of our club during probably our worst patch, but captain out of necessity? He showed grit and determination when everyone else just wanted to roll over. That's not a captain out of necessity, that's a captain full stop. 

As for his current position in the team, he's able to take more of a back seat while some really talented young guns step up but he still shows his presence and leadership, it might just not be as obvious to us armchair experts. 

I think he's got a big role to play as we press on, and with Viney out for a while (again) it'll be incumbent on him as sole captain to step up and lead us. 

I am 100% sure Jones is a great leader in the changeroom, in the gym and during training, but he rarely imposes himself on a game. That’s the bottom line. I am sure he wants to, but it just doesn’t happen. 

Was he involved in the 3rd Quarter Blitz that did change the game? I don’t recall seeing him in any passages of play

September is red hot

 

On 7/15/2018 at 12:35 PM, H_T said:

He’s lucky Oliver, Gus lifted in the 3rd along with Gawn - the future. 

To be a top 4 team, they need to be more clinical, methodical and efficient under pressure. Jones wilted like Autumn when under pressure last night. Simple, we need more from him starting next week v Geelong.

Jones might be cooked, but push him Half Forward and he’ll still contribute - not Half Back because he’s not accurate enough. You can bomb at two tall sticks with a 15- degree window at 30 metres. But in defence you can’t thread a needle with a random bomb.

16 hours ago, Wiseblood said:

Which is what a stand alone thread has allowed to happen.  As I mentioned earlier, I'm not against the discussion, but a dedicated thread invites unwarranted vitriol and ridiculous comments.  This one has been no different.

Good healthy discussion

There is no doubt that Nathan Jones has lost some leg speed. He's had a fairly good season though and I think he is carrying a little niggle. That said, I think he should go to Ablett on the weekend. Really get under his skin - crash and bash him and lift the side to a victory.

Nathan Jones has had a very good year, is incredibly resilient and consistent, and has plenty more to offer. 

https://www.footywire.com/afl/footy/pg-melbourne-demons--nathan-jones

He's had 2 down weeks which is very uncharacteristic and any reasonable deduction is that he's injured or sick.  He was misused in a tagging role against the Hawks and look at the result. 

Some people don't know what they got until it's gone.  He'll be back with a vengeance

On 7/15/2018 at 4:54 PM, Redleg said:

Didn’t put him at the top of the Best Demons Ever List. I said he would be on the List.

How big's this list?

Anyway, I agree with 55 and others that Jones has had a pretty decent season and is well and truly in our best 22 ATM. It's hard to project too far out, but I'd be shocked if he still wasn't playing in the 1s each week in 2019.

Call it leadership, guts, determination, leading by example, never say die. 

I get a bit bemused at reference to leadership groups, "leaders", and, opinions, even moral judgments, about a persons qualities as a leader. 

Leaders can comprise individuals with a range of different personality types. 

Team success does not determine whether an individual has been a capable leader. Military history is littered with the bodies of great leaders that fought on the losing side or who fought in a losing battle. Gallipoli comes to mind.

Like many on the battlefield, Jones has been a shining beacon of virtue during the dark years.

Sure, he is not as skilled as many and he has deficiencies in his game, but no-one could doubt his mental toughness, perseverance and never say die attitude.  

During these years, he was the only Demon that came anywhere close to being captaincy materail and when the honour was bestowed on him, it was richly deserved.  When most of his teammates went missing in action each week, Jonesy was always fighting it out to the very end. He led by example, but most of teammates were incapable of stepping up to the plate.

He has been an outstanding person and player over many years and deserves the respect of the club and its supporters.  

6 minutes ago, hemingway said:

Call it leadership, guts, determination, leading by example, never say die. 

I get a bit bemused at reference to leadership groups, "leaders", and, opinions, even moral judgments, about a persons qualities as a leader. 

Leaders can comprise individuals with a range of different personality types. 

Team success does not determine whether an individual has been a capable leader. Military history is littered with the bodies of great leaders that fought on the losing side or who fought in a losing battle. Gallipoli comes to mind.

Like many on the battlefield, Jones has been a shining beacon of virtue during the dark years.

Sure, he is not as skilled as many and he has deficiencies in his game, but no-one could doubt his mental toughness, perseverance and never say die attitude.  

During these years, he was the only Demon that came anywhere close to being captaincy materail and when the honour was bestowed on him, it was richly deserved.  When most of his teammates went missing in action each week, Jonesy was always fighting it out to the very end. He led by example, but most of teammates were incapable of stepping up to the plate.

He has been an outstanding person and player over many years and deserves the respect of the club and its supporters.  

He better be ready for a tough 10 weeks

no time for sentiment now. 

Time to chase some glory against 10 or 11 other teams, who want to rip us apart

16 minutes ago, hemingway said:

Call it leadership, guts, determination, leading by example, never say die. 

I get a bit bemused at reference to leadership groups, "leaders", and, opinions, even moral judgments, about a persons qualities as a leader. 

Leaders can comprise individuals with a range of different personality types. 

Team success does not determine whether an individual has been a capable leader. Military history is littered with the bodies of great leaders that fought on the losing side or who fought in a losing battle. Gallipoli comes to mind.

Like many on the battlefield, Jones has been a shining beacon of virtue during the dark years.

Sure, he is not as skilled as many and he has deficiencies in his game, but no-one could doubt his mental toughness, perseverance and never say die attitude.  

During these years, he was the only Demon that came anywhere close to being captaincy materail and when the honour was bestowed on him, it was richly deserved.  When most of his teammates went missing in action each week, Jonesy was always fighting it out to the very end. He led by example, but most of teammates were incapable of stepping up to the plate.

He has been an outstanding person and player over many years and deserves the respect of the club and its supporters.  

Well said

35 minutes ago, Sir Why You Little said:

He better be ready for a tough 10 weeks

no time for sentiment now. 

Time to chase some glory against 10 or 11 other teams, who want to rip us apart

Now there speaks an optimist.

Just now, sue said:

Now there speaks an optimist.

That’s the only way to look at it. 

We are still alive

3 hours ago, Sir Why You Little said:

He better be ready for a tough 10 weeks

no time for sentiment now. 

Time to chase some glory against 10 or 11 other teams, who want to rip us apart

Nothing to do with sentiment. Jones deserves recognition for his contribution over the years not criticism over perceived shortcomings in 2018. Father Time catches up with everyone. He appears to have lost a bit but his credits outweigh his debits. 

The success or failure in the weeks ahead will not be due to Jones. It will depend on the coaching staff and the whole team . 

Has a couple of bad weeks and people are sending him off to retirement. Jesus, I got hammered when I thought Trac should run around in the VFL ?‍♀️

Entitled to an ordinary patch after carrying this [censored] show on his shoulders for 8 seasons. 

20 hours ago, Sir Why You Little said:

Agreed...

Rubbish there is plenty of life in the old dog yet.

He'll still finish in the top 5 in the B&F

Edited July 17, 20186 yr by WERRIDEE

5 hours ago, Fifty-5 said:

He'll be back with a vengeance

And that’s exactly what I want by applying the blowtorch.

Well acknowledged.

1 hour ago, hemingway said:

Nothing to do with sentiment. Jones deserves recognition for his contribution over the years not criticism over perceived shortcomings in 2018. Father Time catches up with everyone. He appears to have lost a bit but his credits outweigh his debits. 

The success or failure in the weeks ahead will not be due to Jones. It will depend on the coaching staff and the whole team . 

He has been a B Grade player for years when compared to other midfielders in the AFL. 

Many people don’t like reading it, but it’s one of many reasons why we have been such a poor side, for so long. 

His credits are that he has stuck around so long and i applaud him for that. But i don’t expect any BOG performances either, never have  

If he kicks the odd goal for us up forward, fantastic

38 minutes ago, Sir Why You Little said:

He has been a B Grade player for years when compared to other midfielders in the AFL. 

Many people don’t like reading it, but it’s one of many reasons why we have been such a poor side, for so long. 

His credits are that he has stuck around so long and i applaud him for that. But i don’t expect any BOG performances either, never have  

If he kicks the odd goal for us up forward, fantastic

We are talking at cross purposes but never mind, that is the norm on social media. However,  I disagree that Jones is one of the reasons why we have been poor for so long. Blame Board, administration, culture, coaching, recruiting, poor skills, training methods, fitness, rehab, game plan etc.

Jones is not one of the reasons. 

8 minutes ago, hemingway said:

We are talking at cross purposes but never mind, that is the norm on social media. However,  I disagree that Jones is one of the reasons why we have been poor for so long. Blame Board, administration, culture, coaching, recruiting, poor skills, training methods, fitness, rehab, game plan etc.

Jones is not one of the reasons. 

Of course he is. He has been part of the club since 2006. I don’t blame just Jones, but he is part of what has gone down