Former Sydney Swans coach, John Longmire laid the foundation for Jones to get to the border, to showcase the club's resilience after damage from the 2022 floods sent the club into a two-year recess.
As junior radio presenter at Wangaratta’s 3NE 41 years ago, Jones was familiar with the Ovens and Murray Football League.
He said it was John Longmire’s praise for the club's response to the floods that led to a follow up story of their progress, in last week’s live-cross.
“When I first heard that this club was going into recess, we did a story for the news one night, so I thought I'd keep an eye on that,” said Jones.
“And then when I saw John at the airport in Adelaide and asked how the club was going, he was full of hope, full of confidence, and full of praise for his brother and everyone else who’s done such a great job to get it, and the netball team, back up and running.”
The Longmire name is etched in the local Roos folklore, as AFL Premiership player and coach John, at only 16 years of age, caught the attention of North Melbourne scouts when he kicked 82 goals in one season of the Ovens and Murray Football League in 1987.
Club co-president and John’s brother Beau Longmire, said the club was humbled by the Nine network spotlight.
“The interest shown by Nine in our footy club makes us feel better about our situation,” Beau said.
“Tony covered the story when we went into recess, and showed a great deal of empathy.
“His follow up was a great effort, which we appreciate.”
Jones drew the intra-club raffle, and enjoyed a sausage sizzle, which more than 100 club members and parents stayed around for.
Inspired by his cameraman, who was keen for a look around the area, he’d already caught one of the region's delights in the form of a bottle of whisky crafted from the Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory.
