Liam Jones is set to return to the big time in 2023 as an unrestricted free agent, with a former club the likely suitor for the recently departed defender
Jones was forced to quit football at the top level due to his stance on vaccination, however now that the AFL has removed their vaccination mandate, is on track to return to the competition next year.
However, according to Cal Twomey of AFL.com.au, the 31-year-old will do so with the greatest freedom that the free agency system grants and is reportedly set to return to his former club the Western Bulldogs on a multi-year deal after meeting with a host of other teams.
Defender
Disposals
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Originally taken at Pick 32 in the 2008 national draft as a tall forward, the Tasmanian was much maligned in his early days of AFL football prior to being traded to Carlton for season 2015.
A switch to defence in 2017 saw his career revitalised to the point where he became one of the Blues' most important figures in their back-six, establishing himself as a key pillar of their 22 and managing to play 95 games for the side prior to his hiatus.
In order to stay match-fit for an impending return to AFL, Jones plied his trade in the QAFL with Palm Beach-Currumbin, however has reportedly stopped playing with them off the back of his imminent move back to Victoria.
Depending on the level of the contract that the defender signs at The Kennel, the Blues will receive draft compensation that will be decided upon completion of the move, with free agency kicking off on September 30.
This is a welcome addition to the Bulldogs backline with Jones' superb ability overhead and his physicality only serving to bolster Luke Beveridge's rearguard.
With their season looking dead and buried barring a fortunate turn of events, Jones' signing will help Doggies fans shift their gaze towards season 2023 and returning to the big time.
