By DAVID NAGEL
OUTGOING Beaconsfield coach Austinn Jones starts a new chapter in his already glistening football career when he takes over the reins at VFL club Bendigo Gold in 2013.
But that was the furthest thing from his mind after his Eagles had succumbed in meek fashion to the old foe Berwick in Sunday’s elimination final.
“I’m gutted, I really wanted to get a win or two during this finals series to help develop the group,” Jones said.
“We had five or six blokes out there today who will really learn from the experience, they weren’t mentally prepared for the step up to finals football.
“You need to be prepared mentally if you’re going to be successful at this level.”
Jones has blooded 15 debutants this season and highlighted the improvement in former fringe players like 21-year-old Kane Hughes and 20-year-old James Johnston as positive signs for the future of the club.
He is unsure how his tenure at Beaconsfield will be remembered.
“That’s a hard one,” he said.
“If we pinch one in 2010 it would be all positive but we didn’t so that’s disappointing.
“You can talk about development and debutants and that type of thing but the bottom line is we didn’t win that ultimate prize.
“The reality is what it is; other people can make the judgement on that one.”
Jones will be replaced by this year’s assistant coach Clint ‘Boofa’ Evans in 2013 and he sees the appointment of Evans as a great move for the club.
“Look, I have to take full responsibility in that I didn’t get this group 100 percent fit, and that’s major strength of Boofs,” Jones said.
“I wish him and the club all the best.”
And the Gazette wishes Jones all the best Aussie on his next challenge.
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