NATHAN Jones says he was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, support and well wishes he received from family, friends and football loving fans, after reaching the 250-game milestone.

Jones brought up his achievement in fine style, leading his side to a 49-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday. He also notched up 26 disposals, as the Demons won their sixth match in a row.

For Jones, it was a moment he’ll never forget.

“This week in particular has been hard to put into words to be honest,” he told Melbourne Media.

“I’ve been so humbled by the amount of support, from not only the footy club and my family and friends, but the wider members and supporters, and people within the AFL – I’m really grateful for that.

“It’s been amazing and I can’t thank the club enough for the experience they’ve given me and my family this week. I’ve had my kids and wife involved, and I’ve had the best fun and the last six weeks have been the most fun I’ve had in 12 or 13 years. I just want it to keep going to be honest.

“I just wanted to come here today and get the result and the four points and walk away with that. We did that and it was made even more special personally for me and my family, which I’ve loved every minute of.”

Jones couldn’t thank his inner circle enough for sticking by him through thick and thin.

“For my close-knit, immediate family and my wife, they’ve ridden the bumps with me and the lows and negatives and doubters over a long period of time,” he said.

“They’ve backed me in when I said ‘I want to persist’, so to see the joy on their faces … and to have had a hand in creating a tight-knit group – the relationships and spirit this group has – is something I’m really proud of.

“I just want to keep playing. Right now, all I can think of is playing next week,  because there is something special here.”

Jones said there was still “a long road ahead” this season, but he was adamant that something special was building.

“From when you look back six years ago – and I still remember having the discussions of ‘where we’re going?’ To be where we are right now is unreal and that’s just a credit to the work that everyone has put in – not just the players and coaches, but the whole footy club. We’re all on the one page,” he said.

“We’re all striving for something and that’s what happens when you get genuine spirit, genuine care and relationships, and a really clear plan, and people really investing everything they’ve got into it. We’re building something that has some real substance.

“That’s not to say we’re going to be world beaters, but we’re going to be a strong footy club that’s respected and plays a brand of footy that our fans and supporters and even AFL football watchers love. That’s something I’m proud of and we’ll keep driving internally as much as we can, because ultimately that’s what we’re all after – 17 other teams are playing for.

“I’m rapt with what’s going on at the moment, but to be honest, the job’s not done and I’m just staying pretty relaxed about the whole thing. We’ll get back to work early next week and I’m looking forward to playing the Pies – that’s for sure.”