The Roosters unfurled their 2009 premiership flag at Eureka Stadium and Jones did his best to make it an even more memorable day with five goals and a close to best on ground performance.
The day started off on the right note for Jones as he booted three opening quarter goals - the first came after he intercepted a Northern Bullants kick-in just 20 metres out and minutes later he was the benefactor of a down-field free kick. His third came after a diving mark and ensuing 50-metre penalty.
It wasn’t just his work up forward that would have pleased North Ballarat coach Gerard Fitzgerald, the veteran also tackled hard and worked hard up the ground to create a hit-up target.
Josh Smith was also active from the get-go and kicked the Roosters fifth goal of the quarter after crumbing a dropped mark by a Bullants’ defender.
Cruize Garlett had plenty of the ball in the first quarter and worked well with Ben Cunnington who was given plenty attention after 29 touches last week against Coburg.
Heading into the second quarter with a 21-point lead, the Roosters struggled to keep the momentum and allowed the Bullants to kick three unanswered goals.
Smith eventually broke the drought after a strong mark and afforded his side some breathing space and a nine point buffer.
Cunnington was shaken after a heavy hit in North Ballarat’s defensive half but the 18 year-old was able to bounce back - he had his legs taken out in a marking contest near the wing which caused him to land heavily on his back.
At half-time the home side maintained a seven point advantage and Garlett topped the possession tally with 19.
The third term began like the first with Corey Jones putting his stamp on proceedings. Used at both ends of the ground, the left-footer put through his fourth major five minutes in.
It was a scrappy affair for the remainder of the term with Daniel Pratt beginning to find his way into the game. North Ballarat kicked two goals three while the Bullants had two goals two and trailed by eight points.
With the game up for grabs it was the Roosters who charged out of the gates snaring the opening two goals of the final quarter. Jones again received a gift - another down-field free kick which resulted in his fifth goal and the lead blew out to 20 points.
Marcus White provided good drive through the centre of the ground and Luke Delaney was solid in the back-line while Warren Benjamin was consistent playing on the ball.
The Roosters were able to repel a late fight back from the Bullants with Smith kicking truly at the 23 minute mark for his third.
Cruize Garlett (25 disposals) had a quieter second half but was among the best on ground along with his North Melbourne teammate Corey Jones (14 disposals, 10 marks, 5 goals).
North Ballarat: 13.10.88
Northern Bullants: 10.10.70
