Melbourne assistant coach Troy Chaplin says club champion Nathan Jones is still right in the mix to play again this season, despite not featuring for the Dees since Round 7.
The 2021 season could be the last for the 302-game veteran as he is currently without a contract for 2022.
Having stood by the club through its dark days, the former Demons captain would have hoped to be in the best 22 in what might be the club’s best chance at a premiership in 57 years.
From the outside, Jones appears to be long odds to play again this season, however, Chaplin insists Melbourne’s coaches speak about his potential inclusion every week.
“He’s right on the edge, he’s been spoken about in match committee for the last month… he’s really not that far away,” Chaplin told Sportsday WA.
“Who knows if this is going to be his last chance or what the future’s going to hold, so he’s desperate to get in.”
Jones has never played in a Grand Final despite his longevity in the game and would be forgiven for pulling the pin on this season, especially with his wife 35 weeks pregnant.
However, the assistant coach says Jones has been essential to the finals campaign with his experience and commitment to the group.
“He’s been through a lot with this football club, but the willingness and his sacrifice to know that the team is bigger that the individual has just been first class,” Chaplin said.
“We’ve been super happy with what he’s been able to provide, but we haven’t put a line through him, he’s right in calculation.”
As for what it would take for Jones to play in the Demons’ Preliminary Final in Perth next weekend, it’s no secret that he’s banging on the door.
However, the club respects the midfielder’s delicate family situation and will aim to provide clarity where possible.
“It only takes one soldier to fall down at training or during next week’s game and the door’s wide open for him,” Chaplin said.
“I think for him if he’s not in the team he’s going to fly back, but if he’s every chance (to play in the Preliminary Final or Grand Final) he’s going to stay and play.
“We’ll give him a real clear look at what it looks like as soon as possible, we’d hate to string him out if he’s not going to play.”
Melbourne will play the winner of the Geelong v GWS Semi Final in next week’s Preliminary Final at Optus Stadiu.