Jones Could Be Traded

The Age

Wednesday September 24, 2008

By Michael Gleeson with AAP

NORTH MELBOURNE forward Corey Jones has emerged as a surprise high-profile target of rival clubs in what shapes as an aggressive trade market. Jones' name has been raised as a possible trade in unofficial talks before the official exchange period in two weeks. The 27-year-old, who was the Kangaroos' leading goalkicker last year, remains under contract for next year. The strong-marking forward is not being pushed out by the Roos but several clubs have expressed early interest in him. Jones has previously been on North's untouchable list and it is uncertain whether the ground has now shifted. All clubs are taking a more open-minded attitude to players and potential trades this year in the knowledge that the value of draft picks is of almost unprecedented currency. A club spokesman yesterday declined to comment. Former Collingwood rookie Ben Davies was delisted by the Kangaroos yesterday after playing two games this year. Sydney full-back Leo Barry will play on for one final AFL season, after agreeing to a new deal with the club. Barry, 31, who has played 234 games, said he was confident he still had something to give. Nigel Lappin has knocked back an offer from new Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss to come out of retirement. Lappin, 32, a four-time All Australian, played only 22 games in three seasons, including four in 2008, before succumbing to an Achilles injury. He said an unorthodox fitness test told him his time was up. "It (the Achilles injury) made some improvements towards the end of the season but ... I went for a 500-metre run the other day and it pulled up really sore," Lappin said. "I was jogging to catch up with someone. Actually, it was the kids. "My body is feeling good but my Achilles is still not good and that's the disappointing thing." -- With AAP

© 2008 The Age

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