AUSSIE Jones has coached under the player points salary cap system and has no doubt in its capacity to provide even competition.
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Before taking the job as Bendigo Gold coach two years ago, Jones spent five seasons coaching in the Casey Cardinia Football League with Narre Warren and Beaconsfield.
All five of Jones’ seasons in the competition were spent under the player points rules, with a similar system to be potentially trialled across the Bendigo, Heathcote District, Loddon Valley and North Central football leagues next year.
“I rate the system very highly in that it’s basically a form of local footy equalisation,” Jones said on Friday.
“I found that it helps to keep the competition even and give everyone a chance. The cashed up clubs can’t just go out and recruit all the top players because of the points they bring.
“I was involved in the Casey competition for five years and I can’t recall a club that didn’t play in the finals during my time.
“But more than anything, it breeds loyalty and I remember former Collingwood player Andrew Williams having been recruited straight from Williamstown.
“At the time, he was a six-point player, but by the time he had spent five years at our club, he was back to a one-point player.
“It makes clubs really diligent about the people they bring to their club. They can’t just go out and bring in big names to try to pinch a flag, they need to build a sustainable list. I’m a massive wrap for the system, particularly considering spending in local footy needs to be slashed.”
