Melbourne midfielder Nathan Jones is on track to break the AFL club's games record after signing on to play again in 2021.
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The 32-year-old's one-year contract extension puts to rest any speculation the career of the Demons' former captain may have been over.
Jones missed Melbourne's final three games of 2020 after suffering a quad injury against Sydney in round 15 and was not guaranteed to be offered a new deal.
But the Demons on Wednesday confirmed the veteran would play on for a 16th campaign.
Jones has run out for Melbourne 294 times since debuting in 2006 and sits behind only former star forward David Neitz (306) in games played at the 162-year-old club.
After playing just eight games this year, he will need to play 13 in 2021 to surpass Neitz's mark.
"We had some chats with Nathan later in the year about next season, which mainly centred around if he felt that he had more to give, we were keen to offer him another contract," Demons football boss Josh Mahoney said.
"Nathan bleeds red and blue and we're really pleased to have him extend for another year.
"Nathan had some challenges physically this year but his development off-field and the impact he has across all players has never been stronger."
Jones captained Melbourne from 2014 to 2019, taking the reins after one of the most tumultuous periods in the club's history.
He won three-straight best-and-fairest awards from 2012.
Australian Associated Press
