Narre Warren coach Aussie Jones has rejected an approach from Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy to consider pulling on the boots for the Bombers next year.EXCLUSIVE
IT would be every St Kilda, and for that matter Narre Warren, fan’s nightmare Aussie Jones taking the field for Essendon in 2007.
That was the rumour that hit town last week when the Magpies’ coach was approached after playing in the Ted Whitten Legends charity match recently.
The interest was sparked by a lighthearted query from Essendon runner and former premiership ruckman John Barnes, who also played in the Whitten game.
“Yes, I’ve heard that rumour myself,” Jones smiled in the rooms before the Magpies weekend clash with Cranbourne.
“Barnesy was up to his usual tricks and started it after the Legends game.
“I was sitting and chatting with him and Stewy Loewe and he asked me if I would be interested in a chat. I said I was happy where I was, but he went and told Kevin Sheedy who rang me up a couple of days later to sound me out.”
Jones said he told Sheedy that he had played his AFL football and was now enjoying coaching and being involved at local football level at Narre Warren.
Sheedy left it at that, but told Jones to ‘never say never’.
“At this stage I have no intention of pursuing AFL football again. Gee, I’m struggling to get on the park and get a kick with Narre Warren,” a relaxed Jones chuckled.
Jones has also made a big impact in media circles this year with his onair radio work as part of the ABC’s Sunday commentary team.
