Melbourne gamers are “absolutely driven” by the prospect of hoisting the AFL premiership cup in entrance of loyal supporters on the MCG, former captain Nathan Jones says.
The Demons broke a 57-year drought in 2021 once they claimed their long-awaited flag at Perth’s Optus Stadium.
The victory over the Western Bulldogs was considered one of two consecutive grand finals performed outdoors Victoria throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, following the 2020 decider on the Gabba.
Lockdowns and interstate border closures meant many long-suffering Demons supporters have been solely capable of witness the historic triumph on tv.
“The only thing really missing from 2021 was the fact that Melbourne was in COVID lockdown and none of our supporters could get across there (to Perth),” Jones mentioned.
“They’re absolutely driven to get back to being a part of the grand final again at the MCG and hopefully being able to hold up the cup officially in front of all our die-hard fans that have been through so much.
“After such a protracted time period the place we noticed no success, 50-plus years, how that unfolded for our fan base and particularly our members is one thing that completely motivates the group.”
Jones, too, was in Melbourne during the 2021 grand final, having left Perth the day after the preliminary final to be at the birth of his twins.
The club stalwart had little chance of forcing his way into the team at that point, but had been crucial to lifting the Demons out of a dark hole during his 302-game career.
Jones believes Simon Goodwin’s men are better placed to contend for the flag this September than they were last year, when he watched in retirement as they bombed out of the finals in straight sets.
“Maybe in some regard final 12 months they form of mistimed their run a bit bit however I really feel like they’re constructing in the direction of some fairly strong kind,” Jones mentioned.
“Bar the harm to considered one of my greatest mates ‘Melky’ (Jake Melksham), I believe they’re in fairly good condition.”
Melksham tore an anterior cruciate ligament during the round-24 victory over Sydney, in what could prove to be the final act of his career.
Jones believes the 32-year-old, who is without a contract for next year, still has an important role to play for the Demons in September.
“He’ll be capable to contribute in a extremely optimistic method off the sphere as soon as he will get via the emotion of the primary few days however ultimately, in some regard, the boys will need to obtain one thing for him,” Jones mentioned.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
