AFTER noticing "warning signs" from his body this pre-season, Melbourne co-captain Nathan Jones is more aware of the need to better manage himself towards the back end of his career.

Jones has had a slightly limited preparation this pre-season after he pulled up sore in the calf in one of his first sessions back at the club in November.

Then, after a brief stint in rehab and building his body back up, Jones was again taken out of the main group after experiencing back spasms earlier this month. 

The niggles have forced the 30-year-old to alter his approach to training, although he is getting set to join full training when the club travels to Maroochydore on Queensland's Sunshine Coast on Monday. 

"I've started to lean to quality over quantity rather than just driving myself into the ground," Jones told AFL.com.au.

"At some point, as an athlete, when you get to that point where you have those warning signs, it's about continuing to refine and work on those areas that keep you out on the park and keep you sound."

The midfielder played 16 games (the fewest of his career since his debut season in 2006) last year after succumbing to a quad injury that sidelined him for six weeks.

Jones said he had leant on teammate and fellow veteran Jordan Lewis for advice about how to get the appropriate conditioning in without overdoing it. 

Lewis, 31, is getting set to play in his 14th season in the League and is a fine example of AFL longevity. 

Jones, a three-time winner of Melbourne's best and fairest award, said he had come to the realisation that he could no longer keep pushing his body to the brink.

"It's just changing your approach and probably listening to your body a bit more rather than just trying to grind through it," he said.

"That's definitely not going to change the player I am or the performance that I put out there, though."

Melbourne's improved midfield depth following the emergence of Clayton Oliver, Jack Viney and Christian Petracca has allowed Jones to play a few different roles rather than just as an inside midfielder. 

Jones said he would continue to be moved around and provide his experience and leadership wherever it was needed. 

"I still see myself playing more wing with hits inside in the middle and spending a little bit of time down back as well," Jones said.

"I wouldn't mind spending a bit of time forward if I get a chance, as well. 

"Versatility is something Goody (coach Simon Goodwin) has really pushed with all our players and particularly with our midfielders."