Will Nathan Jones get a farewell game?

[dazzledavey36 56,347]

7 minutes ago, binman said:

They will take a squad to Adelaide, on the assumption that they will go straight to Perth. 

Every player that goes to Adelaide will be a chance to get a gig.

I've been thinking about the chance of Jonesy being a medi sub in finals.

 In terms of selection, Goody is a funny mix of pragmatism, sticking with winning teams and left field selections.

Who can forget the decision to bring Smith in for fritter in the 2018 prelim. And that was after bringing in vanders late in the season, which was made more curious because viney had come into the team late in the season too and so there was a risk with two players returning from injury.

Goody can be hard nosed, as Fritter and now Jordon know all too well, but he loves loyalty too, and has a dash of romanticism about him. 

So I could see goody making Jones a medi sub in this game and/or the prelim. Would bring his energy and spirit into the group, and a heart and soul intangible.

And in many ways he would be the perfect sub to come into a high pressure finals game. He is obviously very experienced. I assume has played in more finals than any other dees player.

Coming in fresh, say in the last quarter, he can impact with his strength and physicality. and can play in multiple positions, including as a defensive forward on Rich (though he might be a touch slow for that job). 

When do they announce the med i sub?

Usually an hour before the game.

[sue 9,277]

11 minutes ago, KysaiahMessiah said:

I'm in the older bracket, and tradition means a lot to me, but it's time to acknowledge anyone who contributed to a premiership throughout that season, a la NBA.  It would raise retrospective arguments sure, but I see no reason why a team member who has represented the club in their premiership year shouldn't receive the title "premiership player". A premiership isn't a one day one game event. For someone like Marlion Pickett to be a premiership player and life member after one game is a kick in the guts to players such as Nate Jones.  This isn't bagging Pickett,  but right place right time , at the moment trumps years of service,  blood, sweat, and tears. And I think this regardless of whether it's Nate Jones,  or Adam Tomlinson, or another clubs player.  It's time. 

I agree, though it might be necessary to have some limit on who is considered to be in that premiership team.  For example, a player plays one match in round 2, fails to make any impact, indeed causes a loss, is dropped, never plays again, team wins flag.  Whatever you do there will be odd and borderline cases.  As you say, it would raise retrospective arguments.

[KysaiahMessiah 725]

4 minutes ago, sue said:

I agree, though it might be necessary to have some limit on who is considered to be in that premiership team.  For example, a player plays one match in round 2, fails to make any impact, indeed causes a loss, is dropped, never plays again, team wins flag.  Whatever you do there will be odd and borderline cases.  As you say, it would raise retrospective arguments.

Maybe a minimum of games, impact can't really be judged ?  That way no arguments

[DubDee 26,679]

22 minutes ago, KysaiahMessiah said:

I'm in the older bracket, and tradition means a lot to me, but it's time to acknowledge anyone who contributed to a premiership throughout that season, a la NBA.  It would raise retrospective arguments sure, but I see no reason why a team member who has represented the club in their premiership year shouldn't receive the title "premiership player". A premiership isn't a one day one game event. For someone like Marlion Pickett to be a premiership player and life member after one game is a kick in the guts to players such as Nate Jones.  This isn't bagging Pickett,  but right place right time , at the moment trumps years of service,  blood, sweat, and tears. And I think this regardless of whether it's Nate Jones,  or Adam Tomlinson, or another clubs player.  It's time. 

Completely agree. At the moment you could play 24 games and contribute massively. Get injured and miss the GF and you’re not a premiership player?! A joke

[Demonland 74,444]

 

[Smokey 4,391]

I'll start by saying I love Jonesy. 

But - I'll be very disappointed if he is gifted a game for sentiments sake. And for what its worth, I doubt this would be the case anyway. 

If we have the requirement due to injury or horrible lack of form from one of several players during the prelim, then I'll be more than happy to see Jonesy come in. I honestly think he'd go really well in a GF. 

[deeTRACted 406]

8 minutes ago, Smokey said:

But - I'll be very disappointed if he is gifted a game for sentiments sake. And for what its worth, I doubt this would be the case anyway. 

Hard same. I think the time for Jonesy to play has sadly passed. If he didnt get injured and VFL was still running he probably would have been our perm sub. 
I do hope however, if we do make it to the GF and because it is in Perth Ron Barassi cant get over, that its Jonesy who presents the cup. (If we win)

[58er 6,872]

1 hour ago, deeTRACted said:

Hard same. I think the time for Jonesy to play has sadly passed. If he didnt get injured and VFL was still running he probably would have been our perm sub. 
I do hope however, if we do make it to the GF and because it is in Perth Ron Barassi cant get over, that its Jonesy who presents the cup. (If we win)

Good suggestion but RDB must be in a ceremony at some time of recognition officially also. 

[Demon17 5,262]

14 minutes ago, 58er said:

Good suggestion but RDB must be in a ceremony at some time of recognition officially also. 

My thoughts on a flag unfurling is a joint effort by which would compensate are:

RDB, Neil Daniher and Jim Stynes Widow, Sam. 

First game at the G next year.

I'm resigned to missing the GF now, but looking forward to the above in 2022.

I know this is mozzing us but I can dream can't I?

 

[Redleg 42,179]

If we win the PF there is going to be a bit of angst among those that miss out. That is natural.

I don't think Jones would be a liability in a GF,  especially if he was the sub, as he would do anything on the ground to win. If he was sub and had some game time, he would be fresh and raring to go. The 1%'s alone could be a significant contribution. He can still snag a major, or give a score assist, or whatever and he is experienced. He is not quick, but is footy smart and that would allow him to make position.

However, I could only see him play fp or hff with a defensive tagging mindset and we are pretty set there.

I am not advocating he plays only that if he did he could contribute.

Players like Melksham, Hibberd, Smith, Weid, Jones and JJ are going to be very disappointed if they miss out on a GF if we make it, but that is footy. Tomlinson also will be doing it hard.

Edited August 30, 2021 by Redleg

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Demon17 said:

My thoughts on a flag unfurling is a joint effort by which would compensate are:

RDB, Neil Daniher and Jim Stynes Widow, Sam. 

First game at the G next year.

I'm resigned to missing the GF now, but looking forward to the above in 2022.

I know this is mozzing us but I can dream can't I?

 

If we do win (and I emphasize that I am using the conditional 'if'), I personally wouldn't mind  Paul Roos handing over the cup. He is the most likely to be given permission to get into WA, and it would provide a brilliant sense of closure on the journey that was begun in late 2013. 

Some might shout me down for that, but I think it would be great to recognize the modern day odyssey we have been on since PJ (who clearly doesn't qualify to do this) walked into the club two days after 148.

[deelusions from afar 1,894]

On 8/27/2021 at 10:42 AM, Jaded said:

Nathan's wife just posted a video showing Nathan leaving to go into the finals hub. 

So he must at least be in strong contention to play, because realistically he is leaving behind two kids and a heavily pregnant wife carrying twins. I doubt the club would make him do that if  they didn't plan on playing him, even as just the sub come grand final day.

Goodwin and co don't strike me as the type of coaches to string a player along or at the very least give them a really strong understanding of where they're at.

I think you're onto something - I suspect Jones will be med sub for the GF if we make it (and potentially the Prelim).  You don't go over there while your wife is due with twins if you're the 26th man - I think he is right in the frame.

[Hellaintabadplacetobe 4,335]

8 minutes ago, Colin B. Flaubert said:

If we do win (and I emphasize that I am using the conditional 'if'), I personally wouldn't mind  Paul Roos handing over the cup. He is the most likely to be given permission to get into WA, and it would provide a brilliant sense of closure on the journey that was begun in late 2013. 

Some might shout me down for that, but I think it would be great to recognize the modern day odyssey we have been on since PJ (who clearly doesn't qualify to do this) walked into the club two days after 148.

Garry Lyon is in WA for media.

Would not at all be surprised if he gets the gig IF we can pull it off!

[roy11 4,076]

3 minutes ago, deelusions from afar said:

You don't go over there while your wife is due with twins if you're the 26th man - I think he is right in the frame.

They've sent everyone across to the hub.

There are a lot of names fighting to dethrone JJ of the Medi-Sub spot. 

Harsh if it is not JJ but hopefully they judge it on how people are training more so than romanticism. 

Either way we've only activated the sub 5? times this season and one of which was for the last minute of the game aha

 

[Sir Why You Little 37,459]

If we win the Cup Jonesy can Present it

September Finals have passed him by

[deelusions from afar 1,894]

7 minutes ago, roy11 said:

They've sent everyone across to the hub.

There are a lot of names fighting to dethrone JJ of the Medi-Sub spot. 

Harsh if it is not JJ but hopefully they judge it on how people are training more so than romanticism. 

Either way we've only activated the sub 5? times this season and one of which was for the last minute of the game aha

 

I guess that's what I mean though - if Jones was 7th in line as most supporters would have him on output this season (Hunt, JJ, Hibbo, Melksham, Vanders, Weid) then surely, Goody would say: Jonesy we want you here but 7 players need to get injured and/or lose form for you to make the side - completely understand if you want to be there for the birth of your children.

Maybe he has said that - but it doesn't sound like it.  I think its too much of a sacrifice for Jonesy to be making for his family if he is not 1st or 2nd in line.

[Supreme_Demon 4,144]

Still a big IF we are good enough to win the 2021 Premiership.

No point getting too far ahead of ourselves with our thinking.

I would love for Nathan Jones to be given a Shane Crawford style happy ending. That way he finished in 2008 was wonderful if you were a Hawthorn supporter. It would definitely benefit our culture and be the ultimate way for Nathan Jones to retire. I love the romanticism of it all. But sadly, we at the Melbourne Demons know all too well that fairytales don't really happen in football. The 1987 finals journey with Robbie Flower was an example of this. It all ended in disappointment and it shows why you need to be logical and pragmatic when it comes to winning games of football.

Allowing Nathan Jones to play 302 games was definitely good for the club and its culture that we respect and wish to achieve milestone games for our players.

In the end, if Nathan Jones earns his selection back in the team then that is fair enough. But Nathan needs to deserve it. Although, if anything, I actually think someone like Jake Melksham would be far more dangerous coming in as a forward who can kick goals in a final.

Anyway, we will wait and see what happens as the primary focus needs to be the preliminary final in Perth against either the Geelong Cats or the GWS Giants.

[roy11 4,076]

2 minutes ago, deelusions from afar said:

I guess that's what I mean though - if Jones was 7th in line as most supporters would have him on output this season (Hunt, JJ, Hibbo, Melksham, Vanders, Weid) then surely, Goody would say: Jonesy we want you here but 7 players need to get injured and/or lose form for you to make the side - completely understand if you want to be there for the birth of your children.

Maybe he has said that - but it doesn't sound like it.  I think its too much of a sacrifice for Jonesy to be making for his family if he is not 1st or 2nd in line.

One injury could be all it takes to open a door, can't really predict that.

Imagine the players will now be judged on training - not sure if they'll be having scratch matches or anything. 

A lot of days to go until the Prelim let alone the Big Dance. 

[forever demons 2,370]

This is what footy and sport is all about,the dreams that come true,romance and sacrifice.Kicking the winning goal after the siren in a GF,the legendary  warrior loved by all plays that one last game.called upon late to play,nobody knows how it will end but the champ plays,gets  that one last kick .GOAL GO JONESY .The dream comes true

[Jaded No More 68,976]

1 hour ago, roy11 said:

They've sent everyone across to the hub.

 

 

Did Mitch Brown travel? I haven't seen him in any of the photos the club posted

[roy11 4,076]

3 minutes ago, Jaded said:

Did Mitch Brown travel? I haven't seen him in any of the photos the club posted

"Scenes from quarantine in Perth." (Watching Brisbane game)

 

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Hell Bent said:

Garry Lyon is in WA for media.

Would not at all be surprised if he gets the gig IF we can pull it off!

 I don't believe we should hold grudges forever, but considering what happened leading into Roosy being appointed, that would sit a bit uneasily with me. 🙁

Edited August 30, 2021 by Colin B. Flaubert

[Jaded No More 68,976]

17 minutes ago, roy11 said:

"Scenes from quarantine in Perth." (Watching Brisbane game)

 

I saw this photo. No idea how I missed him. The hat maybe. 

I really love that we took the whole team. Gives the young kids something to build on and look forward to, and the older players a feeling of being a part of the journey. 

We  talk a lot about Jones, but my heart also breaks for Jetta. What a warrior he has been for us. At times the only decent defender holding together a shambolic backline. I hope he stays at the club in a mentorship capacity beyond this season. He would be a wonderful role model for not just our indigenous players, but all our young players. He is an outstanding person on and off the field. 

[Dee Zephyr 19,313]

Very hard to get into the side right now.

Thought Jones did present one of the more powerful moments from Saturday night. The vision of him next to Melksham and Hibbo, the hugs in the rooms from players and Goody, him clapping the song in the background. Very hard not to get a bit emotional watching that. 

[Mazer Rackham 14,972]

Anyone remember Jonesey's last game last year? It looked like being his last one ever. Kicked straight to the oppo, goal, momentum busted, loss.

Who would like to see him do that in a grand final?

It looked like a ignominious end of career for Nathan, but to the club's credit, they got him over the line for 300 and a dignified end.

We're on the verge of ending 57 years of pain. Let's not jeopardise that for the sake of one man.