Former Melbourne captain Nathan Jones has re-joined his boyhood team Mt Eliza ahead of the 2023 season in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League (MPNFL).
Growing up in the bay area, Jones played at the club for his junior career and has now come full circle.
Having spent his entire AFL career at Melbourne, the move to Mt Eliza will not be much of an adjustment for Jones, given they also wear the famed red and blue. Jones returns as one of the region's most well-regarded products, having proven his mettle at a time when the Demons were at their lowest.
Jones first represented Mt Eliza as a seven-year-old and has spoken in the past of his love for the bay area. The tough onballer idolised Robert Harvey growing up, likely due to the fact that the St Kilda legend also hailed from the same region.
Making his debut in round 17, 2006, Jones came to the Demons at a particularly tough time in the club's history. He earned enormous respect around the competition for his consistency, ferocity, ability and leadership, forging a reputation as a warrior.
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For their part, Melbourne were lucky to have someone of his character leading the way through some dark times, as he represented the club on 302 occasions with distinction, averaging 22.4 disposals across his entire career.
Jones departed the game after the Demons won their drought-breaking premiership in 2021, cruelly missing the Grand Final as he not only battled fitness concerns, but also opted to stay home with his wife while she gave birth.
The MPNFL is no stranger to having former AFL players in their midst and a player of Jones' calibre will only enhance the league's standards and reputation. The Mt Eliza Football Netball Club will no doubt be keenly anticipating the season ahead.