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Shane Jones is a sports reporter for Leader, Herald Sun and CODE Sports, who has been covering sport around Australia for almost a decade. He was based in Bundaberg from 2015 until 2020, covering local sport for the NewsMail before making the move to Victoria in 2022 to cover country sport around the state.

Shane Jones

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Country Footy

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 04: Jack Whitlock (Victoria Country - Murray Bushrangers) and Matt Whitlock (Victoria Country - Murray Bushrangers) pose for a photo during the Telstra AFL National Draft Combine Day 1 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on October 04, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Murray Bushrangers look towards another strong draft haul

Towering twin stars headline the crop of young footy guns from the Murray Bushrangers who are in the hunt to be drafted this week.

Country Footy

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 14: Sam Lalor of Victoria Country marks during the 2024 Marsh AFL Championships U18 Boys match between Victoria Metro and Victoria Country at Marvel Stadium on July 14, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos)

AFL Draft: Rebels on cusp of record draft haul

Sam Lalor is on the verge of being the second number one draft pick within three years to emerge from the Greater Western Victorian Rebels, but that is just the start of the good news for this growing footy factory.

Country Footy

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Tobie Travaglia of the AFL Academy in action during the 2024 AFL Academy match between the Marsh AFL National Academy Boys and Coburg Lions at Ikon Park on April 13, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Bendigo Pioneers in contention to be drafted

The Bendigo Pioneers have one standout this year who could be a top-10 pick and there are several others in the frame to find AFL homes. Here is the state of play.

Crows

Former Crow lands plum new coaching role

Delisted Crow Ned McHenry will remain in Adelaide in 2025 after signing on as a playing coach in local footy.

Country Footy

Premiership Cat’s coaching homecoming

A struggling country football club has been given a huge boost with one of their famous sons returning to coach the club next year. Here is what we know.

Local Footy

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Nick Hind of the Bombers handballs whilst being tackled by Andy Moniz-Wakefield of the Demons during the round 18 AFL match between Melbourne Demons and Essendon Bombers at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on July 13, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

Delisted Essendon speedster finds new footy home

Former Essendon utility Nick Hind has signed for a new footy club and will play as soon as this weekend. Here’s what we know.

Country Footy

Bendigo FNL, Round 11, Gisborne V Sandhurst, at Gisborne, Zac Denahy, 27, Gisborne Bulldogs & Liam Ireland, 13, Sandhurst Dragons, Picture Yuri Kouzmin

How eight-team competition will impact Bendigo’s finals

A country league is set to retain it’s finals system despite a reduction in clubs. Here is what we know.

Country Footy

All the signings of the 2024-25 Goulburn league off-season

The off-season is well underway for Goulburn league clubs who have unveiled a host of recruits for 2025. Here are all the moves in our signing tracker.

Local Footy

All the signings of the 2024-25 Ovens and Murray league off-season

The off-season is well underway for Ovens and Murray league clubs who have unveiled a host of recruits for 2025. Here are all the moves in our signing tracker.

Country Footy

Bendigo FNL, Round 7, Maryborough V Golden Square, at Princes Park, Maryborough, Maryborough Magpies , Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Historic country footy club falls into recess

One of country Victoria’s most famous footy clubs, which was the home of Carlton legend John Nicholls, has made a stunning decision on its playing future.

Original URL: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/journalists/shane-jones