Jones has kicked 16 goals in six matches with North Ballarat since his sole AFL appearance in round two, but in that time has cut back his North Melbourne commitments by two days a week to accommodate his return to the workforce.
For the last month, Jones has spent Mondays and Tuesdays working for a carpentry business in an arrangement encouraged by senior coach Brad Scott.
Scott told Jones earlier this year that the club's priority was to give senior opportunities to its developing players, which would significantly impact the 29-year-old's chances of selection.
"It's probably going to be my last year, but I'm not shutting the door totally," Jones said.
"I understand we're a pretty young side and it's going to be hard to get back in and play regular footy with all these young guys. Hopefully the young guys get every opportunity to show their worth.
"I'll just play it by ear, keep putting my hand up and let the coaches take care of that. As long as I continue playing good footy, I'm sure I'll get a chance in the not too distant future."
Jones admitted he was missing the camaraderie of his teammates in his days away from the club, which have also meant lone recovery sessions and a Wednesday review of the weekend's game.
However, he said that Scott's honesty had eased the frustration that could accompany an experienced player on the outer.
"He's been up front with me about what's going on and it's been quite good so far," he said. "While I'd like to be playing ones and I'm still striving to, it's not too bad.
"It's a little bit like the old days, being away Monday and Tuesday and training Wednesday.
"It's a good little opportunity so if footy was to finish I could do that. If I was to keep going for another year, we'd just wait and see.
"It's working quite well and I think Brad's pretty happy with how everything's going."
Assistant coach Brett Allison said during the pre-season that Jones had thrown his support behind the player groomed to take his place, Ben Warren.
Jones added that because his Queensland-bred teammate had not come from a pure football background, he was able to offer him extra advice on preparation, leading and body language to help fast-track his development.
Warren, 21, played the first seven games of the season but was dropped last round.
"He started off really well but he's finding it a little bit hard at present," Jones said.
"I've tried to help him along the way. We're going to be a better side if the older guys can help the younger guys develop quicker. [But it does] mean more pressure for your spot."
Jones has kicked 213 goals from 156 games since his 2001 debut, including a breakout 2007 season where he led the club's goalkicking (46).
He signed a two-year contract extension midway through 2008, but has played just 11 AFL games since round one last year.
