AFL team lists: Melbourne Demons’ Nathan Jones signs new one-year deal, Bulldogs extend Easton Wood

Nathan Jones will play on in 2021, with Melbourne announcing a new one-year deal for the former Demons skipper.

The contract extension means Jones remains on track to break the club’s all-time games record, currently held by David Neitz (306 games).

“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’ future at Melbourne looked shaky at the end of 2020 when he missed the final three games of the season with a quad injury.

But the Demons today confirmed the veteran would play on for a 16th campaign.

Jones captained Melbourne from 2014 to 2019 before stepping down as captain.

The Demons were led by Max Gawn in 2020.

WOOD KICKS ON

Bulldogs premiership captain Easton Wood has signed a new two-year deal to stay at Footscray.

The new deal will make the 31-year-old a Bulldog for life.

“This place is my home, and I’ve never wanted to be anywhere else,” Wood said.

“It’s just wonderful to have that locked away and be here for another two years. I’ll be able to finish my life as a Bulldog, which has always been the goal.

“I’m obviously getting a little older now, so I need to make sure I’m looking after my body and I’m really happy with what shape I’m in. Hopefully I’m able to keep that durability going.”

Wood was taken by the Bulldogs with pick 43 in the 2007 Draft before making his debut against West Coast in 2009.

He led the Dogs to the 2016 flag after a heartbreaking injury to skipper Bob Murphy earlier in the year.

Wood went on to be named full-time captain in 2018 after Murphy’s retirement before handing on the role to Marcus Bontempelli for 2020.

TIGERS DELIST TWO

Young Richmond duo Luke English and Fraser Turner have not been offered new contracts.

The duo, who were part of the Tigers’ VFL flag in 2019, had not featured for Richmond at senior level.

Both players were taken in the 2018 Draft - Turner at pick 58 and English at pick 62.

“We thank Luke and Fraser for their dedication and commitment across the past two seasons,” Tigers general manager of football Blair Hartley said.

“Both boys have played their part in our recent success, and we wish them all the best for the future.”

CATS CUT TIES WITH TRIO

Midfielders James Parsons and Jacob Kennerley, along with rookie Blake Schlensog won’t be at Geelong next season.

Parsons played 35 games for Geelong after debuting in 2017 while Kennerley and Schlensog failed to earn a senior debut in their two years at the club.

"James, Jacob and Blake have all grown as players and people during their time at the club and we wish them well in their future endeavours," Cats head of football Simon Lloyd said.

"Once a Geelong player, always a Geelong player and they will always be welcome at the club."

The decision to axe the trio leave 14 players still out-of-contract next season at the club.