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Former Dogs defender willing to play on
Andrew Slevison • October 2nd, 2025 12:16 pm
Liam Jones would certainly be open to another opportunity at AFL level.
The veteran defender was let go by the Western Bulldogs last week following his second stint at the club which lasted three seasons.
Jones, 34, endured a tough 2025 with varying injuries restricting him to just five AFL games and a dozen in the VFL with Footscray, including the VFL premiership.
Following his Doggies axing, the former Carlton defender was asked: What are your football hopes and dreams moving forward?
“They’re a little bit indifferent at the moment,” Jones admitted on SEN Breakfast.
“I feel like this season was almost a write-off. I had a pretty bad hammy on the last day of pre-season, that mixed with some calf injuries and a pretty significant back injury.
“Over three months worth of injuries from that last day of pre-season halted my preparations through that important part of pre-season games and the start of the season.”
But that misfortune has created a thirst that still needs to be quenched when it comes to playing footy at the highest level.
“It’s left me still wanting and pushing for that opportunity if it was to come because I still believe I can play given the right preparation,” Jones continued.
“If it doesn’t eventuate I’m proud of the career I’ve had and I’m excited for whatever other opportunities might be next.”
It was only in 2024 that Jones finished fourth in the Doggies best and fairest having finished fifth in 2023 after a one-year AFL hiatus.
Does he feel the Dogs lacked patience in their decison-making?
“I guess maybe through the year but I think that’s just the way the game moves,” he said further.
“When I came back to the Bulldogs for my second stint I was able to finish in the top five both times. I hold myself to high standards and as I’ve done that the club has held me to a high standard, and when I wasn’t playing to that standard they were looking for other guys to either develop or to get going in that position. And I just lost my spot.
“I understand that’s how it works. If you’re not playing at your best then you have to move aside and someone else gets an opportunity.”
Jones says his manager, Shane Casley from TGI Sport, is getting the word out that the 205-game intercept defender remains interested in playing on.
But if an opportunity is not forthcoming from a playing perspective, Jones insists he would jump at the chance to step into a coaching gig or something else in the footy landscape.
“My manager has made people aware that I am willing to play on, that’s why the decision to not retire is there to leave the door ajar,” Jones said.
“If there was some genuine interest and another opportunity to play at AFL level (I’d take it), because you’re a long time retired. I still feel like I can play the game.
“It’s a very busy period for a lot of clubs. I’m assuming that a lot of conversations are being had. At this stage I’m probably not a high priority on the list but something might pop up over the next few weeks.
“If it doesn’t I’d love to stay in football, so if that was to be as a development coach or be involved in some capacity, I love the game and would be excited about that opportunity as well.”
