Sadly, but understandably, it appears that Jonesy has been gently placed on the football scrap heap. 

In view of his magnificent contribution to his beloved Demons, I would hope, that IF we make the Grand Final, he will be named as medical sub. Then, in the last 10 minutes with us safely in front(knowing Melbourne it would have to be at least 8 goals!), one of our boys would be "concussed" and Jonesy given a free run to be on the field when the final siren sounded. What a fitting end this would be to a wonderful career. Thoughts?

  On 24/06/2021 at 04:28, Bobby McKenzie said:

Sadly, but understandably, it appears that Jonesy has been gently placed on the football scrap heap. 

In view of his magnificent contribution to his beloved Demons, I would hope, that IF we make the Grand Final, he will be named as medical sub. Then, in the last 10 minutes with us safely in front(knowing Melbourne it would have to be at least 8 goals!), one of our boys would be "concussed" and Jonesy given a free run to be on the field when the final siren sounded. What a fitting end this would be to a wonderful career. Thoughts?

Big risk carrying him as medical sub, but can appreciate the sentiment

Gifting somebody a game in a Grand Final when you haven't won one in 60 years is unbelievably high risk, but I'd be into the idea of him presenting the cup. Bit weird to have a serving player do it but far more relevance to this era than Barassi, Lyon and even Neitz. 

  On 24/06/2021 at 04:34, Supermercado said:

Gifting somebody a game in a Grand Final when you haven't won one in 60 years is unbelievably high risk, but I'd be into the idea of him presenting the cup. Bit weird to have a serving player do it but far more relevance to this era than Barassi, Lyon and even Neitz. 

Would it be such a risk if his form in the twos was good? He is not completely hopeless you know. Just saying.

  On 24/06/2021 at 04:39, Bobby McKenzie said:

Would it be such a risk if his form in the twos was good? He is not completely hopeless you know. Just saying.

Why didn't he play the Prelim then? If we're in the fortunate position to be playing for a flag there's no place for sentiment. Until it's won, then force-feed me sentiment until it causes a seizure. 

So difficult. I agree with everything both of you have written.

Every member of the team should get a medal, similar to the NBA where everyone gets a ring. I know it seems a bit tokenistic but there does seem to be a real mentality in the NBA that you're still apart of it all even if you're not out there in the end. 

Edited June 24, 20213 yr by adonski

too early to say he’s been scrap heaped. a few injuries and he’s back . and if so i reckon he’ll  be ok too.

Certainly not scrapheap just yet. Even if he was, please be courteous and say he's been 'put out to stud'. 

If a couple of the younger guys drop off and aren't providing the manic pressure they need to, then Jones can be more than useful because even though he can't bring the closing speed he definitely can get to smart spaces to interfere with opposition rebounds or receive-and-snap.

He's a smart player who will do the team thing and is still fit. Might be just what we need to steady us if the little mid-season fluctuation becomes a problem.

Remember, we haven't lost a game with him in the team this year.

And if the moment comes when we need someone to just constantly iron out Toby Greene for two hours I'm sure it would be a footballing achievement any self-respecting player close to retirement would want to add to their medals.

 

With all due respect, its waaaaaay too early for this type of discussion. Perhaps after prelim week

I reckon Chunk would probably hate this concept anyway. He's 100% selfless.

GFs are for best 22 only. If he is, great. But at this stage, no.

 

Jones is still clearly ahead of Melksham and Sparrow in my eyes and, if we ever revert back to 2 tall forwards, there is a further spot available.

Spargo's goals have dried up and it would be a big effort for Jordon to play every game. I'm sure Jones could step in for either if required.

There are plenty of opportunities for Nathan if we can get some consistent VFL games into him.

  On 24/06/2021 at 05:12, poita said:

Jones is still clearly ahead of Melksham and Sparrow in my eyes and, if we ever revert back to 2 tall forwards, there is a further spot available.

Spargo's goals have dried up and it would be a big effort for Jordon to play every game. I'm sure Jones could step in for either if required.

There are plenty of opportunities for Nathan if we can get some consistent VFL games into him.

Spargo and Melksham will get about the same amount of touches but ensure quality disposal. Jones mainly handball receives and give off’s. No way he can match Jordan’s defensive pressure and tackles. Jones will only get a final if attrition raises its ugly head assuming we get there

I'm positive Jones will play again his year and will justify his inclusion whenever that maybe by playing well. It is entirely up to him and his form to bang that door down. We have very good depth now and can cover most if injuries occur.

  On 24/06/2021 at 05:01, adonski said:

Every member of the team should get a medal, similar to the NBA where everyone gets a ring. I know it seems a bit tokenistic but there does seem to be a real mentality in the NBA that you're still apart of it all even if you're not out there in the end. 

So relevant to the new TEAM approach.... all those named through the year.. make it gold.

  On 24/06/2021 at 04:31, BW511 said:

Big risk carrying him as medical sub, but can appreciate the sentiment

he would be in the frame though if fit.

Not a bad thought has he can fill roles and is versatile.  Except  ruck of course.

 

Schwabs Whiteboard Wednesdays may look like this

Sentimental reasons for Chunk

Haz played lotz of gameZ

Pragmatic reasons for in form players

football 101

 

now, without being condescending - Roberto Mancini current coach of Italy, was a World Cup player and failed to play in his home country - and has rotated subs including goal keepers (for 3 minutes) to have played in an international (euros) on home turf, as a remedy (so to speak) for his own anguish. Top bloke.

but in a one off game? Hmmmm.... unless your 8 goals up as you say...but then would he make it as a sub... I’m dubious 

Edited June 24, 20213 yr by Engorged Onion

Sorry. i'm not down with this at all. may as well bring Neita out of retirement and make him medical sub. it's the same argument.

The best 23 get selected. If Jonesy makes the cut good on him. But no way we put him ahead of team success

 

With the AFL doing nothing serious about dirty tactics employed by those icons of the game, the reality is that the Prelim and Granny games are always a danger for our better players being targeted for thuggery.

Personally I would have Jones for the Prelim in an old fashioned enforcer role, and the only one allowed to ‘use his hands’, to prevent others getting in tribunal trouble. This role would then pass to Viney for the GF. I never want to see another 2000.

The 1st person that clatters into the back of Gawn’s head or snipes Oliver gets a Byron type run through from our champion. A’la Buckley on Camporeale (1m20s on his best 5 highlights YouTube, I cannot bring myself to post the video links itself), preferably before our player is ruined out (-;…

Otherwise, I would like to see a game or two where we try a two tall fwd line up with Jones as alternate fwd pocket, I really think he is OK around goals.

Every coach gets sucked in with a tall fwd line, hardly ever works long term.

@Little Goffy I couldn’t agree more that seeing Jones wobble Greene would be awesome, TG is a clever little thug who I think would turn Jones inside out (reality of youth) anywhere other than a boxing ring.

 

Edited June 24, 20213 yr by DEE fence
The Buckley example

I reckon Jones has still got a few games in him.

We need senior hardened men out there as we grind through the July and August months and we can't afford some of our younger players to repeat what they dished up against Collingwood over the coming weeks. 

Edited June 24, 20213 yr by Bring-Back-Powell

Forget prelims and grannies - we need to win a minimum of 12* games first to actually make the finals.

* Most likely

  On 24/06/2021 at 07:15, DEE fence said:

With the AFL doing nothing serious about dirty tactics employed by those icons of the game, the reality is that the Prelim and Granny games are always a danger for our better players being targeted for thuggery.

Personally I would have Jones for the Prelim in an old fashioned enforcer role, and the only one allowed to ‘use his hands’, to prevent others getting in tribunal trouble. This role would then pass to Viney for the GF. I never want to see another 2000.

The 1st person that clatters into the back of Gawn’s head or snipes Oliver gets a Byron type run through from our champion. A’la Buckley on Camporeale (1m20s on his best 5 highlights YouTube, I cannot bring myself to post the video links itself), preferably before our player is ruined out (-;…

Otherwise, I would like to see a game or two where we try a two tall fwd line up with Jones as alternate fwd pocket, I really think he is OK around goals.

Every coach gets sucked in with a tall fwd line, hardly ever works long term.

@Little Goffy I couldn’t agree more that seeing Jones wobble Greene would be awesome, TG is a clever little thug who I think would turn Jones inside out (reality of youth) anywhere other than a boxing ring.

 

Jones has never been the enforcer type. That would be in AVDB’s portfolio. I would rather see him in the finals doing the protection.

Edited June 24, 20213 yr by John Crow Batty

If we want someone on the bottom of the pack to force a ball-up, Nathan’s our man. But I think our game plan is a bit more sophisticated than that. 
Good luck to him, but he’s not best 23 unless we get a few injuries.

  On 24/06/2021 at 07:32, John Crow Batty said:

Jones has never been the enforcer type. That would be in VDB’s portfolio. I would rather see him in the finals doing the protection.

I agree, only rarely, but I see it as a role for him to be developed. VDB is sensational at countermeasures, but his disposal and lack of foot speed has him finished for mine with thanks and appreciation. 

IMHO, he's still well inside our best 23. And we all know who I'm talking about!

  On 24/06/2021 at 05:12, poita said:

Jones is still clearly ahead of Melksham and Sparrow in my eyes and, if we ever revert back to 2 tall forwards, there is a further spot available.

Spargo's goals have dried up and it would be a big effort for Jordon to play every game. I'm sure Jones could step in for either if required.

There are plenty of opportunities for Nathan if we can get some consistent VFL games into him.

Clearly not in the FD's eyes though.

Jones doesn't play Spargo's style of game. He's not quick enough nor is he a good enough kick inside 50 to replace him.

Jordon's playing a gut-running midfielder's role, including with some time on the wing. Not Jones' forte.

Having said all that, Jones isn't playing right now in no small part because we only have one best 22 player injured (Tomlinson). That is unlikely to be the case for the rest of the year. Opportunities can, and likely will, arise.