Kangaroo Jones Could Be Traded

The Age

Wednesday September 24, 2008

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 goal-kicker 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.

Not only is the pool of draft talent seen to be strong, it is also the last regular draft before the next three drafts are corrupted by the best picks being preserved for the AFL's two new teams on the Gold Coast and in western Sydney.

Some clubs with ageing lists are therefore seeking to bring in young talent. They will be chasing draft picks while those with enough young players are more prepared to chase talented middle-aged players whom they might not otherwise have been able to secure. Jones fits this category of a player who might not otherwise have been in play as a trade option.

North has undergone a significant change since its disappointing end to the season, losing its only final after appearing likely to finish in the top four.

The club said then that changes would be made after consecutive years of finals disappointments.

Shannon Grant, Jess Sinclair and Nathan Thompson have all retired, which raises the prospect already that the Roos' forward line will look structurally different next year without their first-choice full-forward Thompson and clever small forward Grant.

These changes suggest the Roos might be more inclined to hang on to Jones, who has kicked 198 goals in his 145 games.

A club spokesman yesterday declined to comment.

Former Collingwood rookie Ben Davies was yesterday delisted by the club after playing two games this year.

Sydney Swans 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. -- With AAP

© 2008 The Age

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