Thanks Jonesy - Retirement

[In Harmes Way 7,477]

He's well and truly earnt his place among the MFC immortals on the right side of the Demonland banner.

All the best in your retirement Chunk, it's pretty clear you have universal love and admiration from all demons supporters.

[forever demons 1,797]

Just a really good bloke.Well played Nathan Jones

[Sir Why You Little 34,420]

10 minutes ago, Chook said:

One day I'll be old, and little ones will gather around me by the fire, asking for the story of the Rise of Melbourne. And I'll think back, and say:

"This is the story of a time long ago.

A time of myth and legend, when the Footy Gods were petty and cruel and they plagued old Melbourne with suffering. Only one man dared to challenge their power…Nathan Jones. Jones possessed a strength the world had never seen. A strength surpassed only by the power of his heart. He journeyed Australia battling the minions of Geelong, Collingwood and Hawthorn. But wherever there was evil, wherever an hardball needed getting, there would be…Nathan Jones."

I think it goes further back to Robert Flower. But Jonesy certainly has his own chapter 

[Hatchman 485]

Bloody hell we are going to win the Grand Final.

[rufus 916]

1 hour ago, dazzledavey36 said:

A sad day for the footy club and also a day of celebration of a fine career.

Thank you so much for all you have done Jonesy during some of the darkest times in this footy club. 

There are no fairytales in footy but I hope you're able to reflect on the contribution you've made in getting us there.

From a different person I think now the club can now move on from all the Nathan Jones noise. Was starting to get a tad worried it was going to be a bit of a distraction, but once he made the decision to leave WA her made the right call for his family.

The number 2 is a very sacred number at this footy club.

Agree wholeheartedly.

And on the Nathan Jones noise, I am hearing a lot of complaints this week about how Premiership medals only go to those who play on the day. While i agree that its wrong, i don't think its something we can change right now and the noise feels a little 'Port Adelaide' in a 'cart before the horse' sense.

If the guys can dig deep enough and deliver what we are all hoping for, I have no doubt the club will find a way to honour Jones and the others who have contributed appropriately. But there is still a mountain in front of us right now and its going to take everything the club has got to climb over it. 

[Hellaintabadplacetobe 4,089]

I was one of the many opposed to him getting games this year but the club could not have handled it any better on getting him to 300 games. Glad I was there to witness that glorious occasion.

Well done Chunk and thankyou!

[Sir Why You Little 34,420]

3 minutes ago, rufus said:

Agree wholeheartedly.

And on the Nathan Jones noise, I am hearing a lot of complaints this week about how Premiership medals only go to those who play on the day. While i agree that its wrong, i don't think its something we can change right now and the noise feels a little 'Port Adelaide' in a 'cart before the horse' sense.

If the guys can dig deep enough and deliver what we are all hoping for, I have no doubt the club will find a way to honour Jones and the others who have contributed appropriately. But there is still a mountain in front of us right now and its going to take everything the club has got to climb over it. 

The players on the Ground get the medals 🏅 

The rest of us in the Stands and watching TV applaud and go nuts

[Range Rover to the snow 146]

The guys need to do it for Jonesy now. Hopefully, this'll be the extra little bit of motivation they need to get it done!

But yes, Chunk was a beacon of light in some very dark days. A legend.

[Binmans PA 25,897]

Thanks for staying loyal, Jonesy and congrats on an incredible career. 

[Rodney (Balls) Grinter 10,570]

2 hours ago, Jaded said:

A light in the darkness. A hero when we needed one. A standard setter. A leader. A champion player who carried an entire club on his shoulders for a decade. 
Nobody has done so much for our club during such low times. When others chose to run, he stayed and fought. Through all the bad games, all the bad seasons, all the bad years. 
He is a credit to himself but he’s also a credit to where the club is today. His determination, his never say die attitude, his leadership and care for his teammates is a big part of why we are where we are today. 
 

Thank you Jonesy for choosing us over and over again when it would have been very easy to walk away to greener pastures. You will never be forgotten. 

 

2 hours ago, Axis of Bob said:

The culture of this team is based on his work ethic and integrity.

In the early part of the decade, he was given the leadership of the club despite not being a natural or outspoken leader. But when this new group of players came into the club it was his example that demonstrated to everyone that this is how you train, this is how you prepare and this is how you make yourself into a good AFL footballer. 

The others were moved on from the club and Nathan Jones, with his example of who they should all try to be, was forced into the middle of club. 

The integrity of him as a person, and the integrity of his work ethic, is an example that all of this generation of players will have with them through their careers. A super player in his own right but his character still lives through the club through his actions over his career. 

I can't say how much I thank him for staying with us and help us become the club we are now. He'll always have a special place the the MFC and any future success we have will be built on the foundations that he laid down with sweat and integrity. 

Thank you Chunk. Not just for the last 15 years but also for everything that hasn't happened yet. Champion.

 

1 hour ago, Colin B. Flaubert said:

This puts a full stop on the dream that he’ll play in a flag. I was sad when I realized that, but we shouldn’t dwell on the negative.

I remember once in 2012 at a Saints vs Demons game when a few minutes of Lenny Hayes brilliance beat us despite a spirited resistance (unusual at the time). It was raining, it was cold, the odds were long we would win.

I bought a coffee from one of the stands and the young girl at the barista stand, clearly a neutral fan or  someone uninvested in the game, asked how I could will myself to the football to watch a game on my own in glacial weather in a contest we were unlikely to win.

My response was that the players go through much worse on the night.

Nate epitomized that.

I left Australia in 2015; the year before we became a legit chance to make finals. I have been a member from 2010 onwards, meaning that I too had to sit through our Sysiphus pushing the boulder journey through that time. 

There were times I felt absolutely devastated and almost personally affronted with how badly we played. I sat in partisan Melbourne crowds where the mood could only be described as unrestrained and sulphuric rage ready to erupt.

That was just my impressions as a supporter. I ask the reader to consider what it would have been like to be on the inside of that?

On top of that there were other things to consider: Players losing faith with the direction of the club and leaving. A coaching position with little to no stability and changing more often than some blokes change their jocks. A media swarm ready to slaver over the corpse of the team or at the slightest hint of an indiscretion. Opposition players openly holding us in contempt on the field. An off field set up where kids were thrown onto the scrap heap 3 years in after being given roles the weren’t ready for. A culture where the perks of being an AFL footballer were to be enjoyed, but the responsibilities of one weren’t to be observed.

While a lot of what I’ve written might seem superfluous, it’s not. I ask you to marvel at the fact that Nate had to endure all that bollocks, and continued to play the way he did: in and under packs, trying to get the ball away from clearances, taking hits and running hard. How he didn’t lose hope is a tribute to the bloke he is.

The last season of his career, which need not be elaborated on as we’ve all been riding the bumps with him for that final game, is further testimony to his resilience, loyalty and dedication.

We’ll miss you. 😥👏🏻

It's been quoted many times by the players in recient times that the key to our success so far this season has been that the players have embraced a team first mantra along with a sense if selflessness to acheive that.

In so many ways over his career by sticking with us and finally punctuated by his decision to put family first and return home, Nathan Jones should be viewed as the embodiment of that selflessness.

I previously thought that Jonesy playing on Grand Final day could provide extra motivation and his onfeild presence fearsome.  Perhaps in the end it could be his final football sacrifice that will the more powerful influence?

 

Jonesy thanks for giving everything you could to the Mighty Demons, giving us something to cheer for and the nucleus of hope for our club to build on  ---   Now go and bring us home the premiership Demons!!!

Edited September 15, 2021 by Rodney (Balls) Grinter

[TRIGON 4,714]

11 minutes ago, Sir Why You Little said:

The players on the Ground get the medals 🏅 

The rest of us in the Stands and watching TV applaud and go nuts

I see it differently. Whilst the 22 (23?) on the day peak the summit, everyone whose played in the firsts during the year have been part of laying the groundwork.

[YesitwasaWin4theAges 5,789]

There has been a rare few occasions in this great game Aussie Rules that a single individual has experience every single different emotion attatched to being a professional footballer.

One of these individuals played for our Grand Old Club and goes by the name Jonesy.

He has rode a journey that has not being overly pretty but has been marinated with sheer hunger, determination, skill and perseverance.

His team mates will run out Saturday Week at 5.15pm in the Grand Final @ Optus Stadium, whilst he will be hurting at not playing on this grand occassion nothing would bring him greater joy that watching his teammates on the grandest of stages.

This could be his everlasting legacy that he leaves behind at the MFC as a source of motivation energy to lead his club to its 13th Premiership.

God bless you and your family Jonesy, your Legacy will live on forever.

Thank you for being the source of hope and leadership during our darkest periods as a club.

Signed your bald headed brother from another mother.

Paul.

 

[Clintosaurus 6,411]

5 minutes ago, TRIGON said:

I see it differently. Whilst the 22 (23?) on the day peak the summit, everyone whose played in the firsts during the year have been part of laying the groundwork.

And I would expect all of them to be at the reunions.

[Demonland 64,416]

 

[hardtack 10,126]

24 minutes ago, Sir Why You Little said:

The players on the Ground get the medals 🏅 

The rest of us in the Stands and watching TV applaud and go nuts

Well, I believe the medical sub gets one as well, regardless of whether he is activated or not.

My thoughts have always been that the players who have taken the field at any stage during the year, have, even in small part, contributed to the club being able to play in a GF.

Ive nothing but admiration for Jonesy and how he has stuck fat with the club through the worst of times.

[Deeoldfart 7,712]

Jonesy doing what's in the best interests of the Club, right to the very end.

His heart beats true, and he bleeds red and blue!

[Bobby McKenzie 2,169]

Jonesy, thank you for your loyalty, guts, skills, leadership over a long period of time. How easily you could have gone to the top teams and enjoyed premierships. But you didn't and remained a Demon warrior for life. A true legend of our club. Did the number 2 great honours along with Robbie Flower, Steven Tingay and Bob McKenzie snr. A famous number indeed.

[Pates 9,536]

Like so many that have come before him, he deserves so much better in terms of being able to play in a premiership/grand final/or even just finals. Sadly he got his chance early and he had to wait years before he got his chance again. I don't think there could be a single bad word said about the guy, he's been a warrior, a soldier, and a true clubman. Now he's the father of two beautiful twins to go with the two he already has.

Congrats on a great career, thanks for the memories, and thank you for everything you have done.

I'd made a video in tribute to his 300th purely for my own enjoyment earlier in the year, it's a bit corny but I reckon it'll tug some heartstrings. So here it is:

 

 

Edited September 15, 2021 by Pates

[Smokey 4,112]

Many here will have far more poignant words than I, but ...

Thanks Jonesy. You were my only light during a very dark period for many years. I really hope the Jones family remains involved at the club in some capacity. 

We love ya Jonesy 

[WERRIDEE 5,198]

26 minutes ago, Pates said:

Like so many that have come before him, he deserves so much better in terms of being able to play in a premiership/grand final/or even just finals. Sadly he got his chance early and he had to wait years before he got his chance again. I don't think there could be a single bad word said about the guy, he's been a warrior, a soldier, and a true clubman. Now he's the father of two beautiful twins to go with the two he already has.

Congrats on a great career, thanks for the memories, and thank you for everything you have done.

I'd made a video in tribute to his 300th purely for my own enjoyment earlier in the year, it's a bit corny but I reckon it'll tug some heartstrings. So here it is:

 

 

Great stuff Pates. Gone but never forgotten, it definitely pull on the heart strings👍

[Hellaintabadplacetobe 4,089]

38 minutes ago, Pates said:

Like so many that have come before him, he deserves so much better in terms of being able to play in a premiership/grand final/or even just finals. Sadly he got his chance early and he had to wait years before he got his chance again. I don't think there could be a single bad word said about the guy, he's been a warrior, a soldier, and a true clubman. Now he's the father of two beautiful twins to go with the two he already has.

Congrats on a great career, thanks for the memories, and thank you for everything you have done.

I'd made a video in tribute to his 300th purely for my own enjoyment earlier in the year, it's a bit corny but I reckon it'll tug some heartstrings. So here it is:

 

 

Sensational mate, great work! 

Covered in goosebumps after watching that!

[DeeZone 7,669]

11 minutes ago, WERRIDEE said:

Great stuff Pates. Gone but never forgotten, it definitely pull on the heart strings👍

Totally agree Werride, thanks so much Pates that shows Nathan Jones as the great warrior and Leader that he was and always will be at the Melbourne Football Club. Thank you Nathan you will never be forgotten, a true legend of the club, we will be thinking of you and your family Saturday week..💙❤️🙏

[von 1,212]

Maybe some recency bias but Nathan Jones along with Neville Jetta are my two favourite demons. They’re not the best we’ve ever had but they are as hard and loyal as any we’ve had. Jones probably more so. What they did for the club year after year while I sat there pulling my hair out is nothing short of incredible. To sacrifice a chance of success in your professional career by staying at a club like ours,  for whatever reason is something I will always remember. What this generation went through is highlighted well on a podcast where Shane Crawford interviews jack watts. I can’t believe we retained anyone through the neeld era. It was genuinely [censored].  Nathan Jones will be remembered along side any great you care to come up with because he was the bridge to now,  the life jacket for fans like myself who contemplated giving up while walking out at 3/4 time through pure frustration watching us lose by about ten goals or more week after week, the guiding light to the next generation, the beating heart. He was everything. Without him Paul Roos and Peter Jackson may not have been able to do what they did, without Nathan Jones on the field who else could lead the way after any of our experience had been gutted. He deserves all of the glory but will not get it. A statue should be made for our training facility. Not a public display but a very private one. One for the players. This is the standard boys and girls. This amount of loyalty and resilience or don’t bother showing up. I was a generation late to see Robbie flower and while not as good a footballer it seems he had every other attribute. An absolute pleasure to watch. Thanks Nathan.

[deegirl 1,285]

Jones walked so the rest of them could run.

[spalding 1,116]

B&F night 2021

"The inuagural Jones-Jetta award for the most selfless MFC player to both the team and the culture of the club is awarded to Angus Brayshaw"