Lin Jong regrets mid-season Collingwood visit but still weighing up future at Western Bulldogs

LIN Jong says he regrets his mid-season tour of Collingwood’s facilities as he weighs up the “big decision” whether to leave Western Bulldogs.

Lin Jong will weigh up his future. Picture: Michael Klein

LIN Jong says he regrets his mid-season tour of Collingwood’s facilities as he weighs up the “big decision” whether to leave Western Bulldogs.

Jong was named emergency for Saturday’s Grand Final against Sydney and said he had “mixed emotions” about missing selection.

The midfield hard nut was best on ground in the VFL team’s Grand Final win on Sunday in what could be his last game for the club.

He is considering pursuing more senior opportunities at either Gold Coast or Collingwood next season.

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Speaking about his contract future for the first time, Jong told the Herald Sun the timing of his mid-season meeting with the Pies was a mistake.

“If I had my time over again I definitely would not have done that, mainly because I didn’t want to jeopardise anything or become a distraction for the team,” Jong said.

“I do really hope it didn’t affect the team in any way or the boys thought differently of me because that was my biggest concern.

“But obviously looking back it would have been done a lot differently. It was nothing to do with the club it was more about exploring my options but the timing wasn’t the best.”

Lin Jong was overlooked for the AFL Grand Final despite being best on ground in the VFL decider. Picture: Michael Klein

Jong said he would consult family and friends about the decision to stay or not.

“Once the season is over I can sit down and have a good hard think about it with a lot of people close to me and as I said I will choose what is going to be best for me,” Jong said.

“It’s not going to be an easy decision whatever it is, but I know the club has been there for me from day one. They took a chance on me and I won’t forget that.”

Jong said he would “prepare as if I’m going to play” in the decider.

“Anything could happen but at the moment I’m emergency,” he said.

“At the same time it is a bit disappointing, so there’s mixed emotions.

“This is still really good experience, I’ve still got to put it in perspective there’s a lot of boys who would love to be involved in this.

“I’m still really grateful to be even be emergency and to experience the grand final parade.”