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In a year when North selected seven players in the Draft, it was the final pick which provided the most value (with apologies to Drew Petrie).
Corey Jones was selected with pick 60 in 2000 and ended up being a life member by the time he retired at the end of 2010. Originally from Sturt, Jones played the high-half-forward role which is now a staple of almost every club’s structure.
An important player, when he was playing well, North often won. His best three years in terms of total goals also resulted in finals appearances.
[RELATED: Every North selection from every draft in history]
Jones’ best season was in 2007. As North charged to a preliminary final, the left footer kicked 46 goals in 23 games, while averaging almost 14 possessions.
While Jones struggled in his last two years, Brad Scott pointedly explained his role in building ‘the revered Kangaroos’ playing culture’ when Jones announced his retirement.
Oddly enough, every selection taken by North outside the top 10 in 2000 played more than 100 games for the club. However the return on Daniel Pratt would have to wait a few years.
Corey Jones
Pick: #60, 2000 National
Games: 157
Goals: 216
Pick before Jones: Luke Hammond, Brisbane (0 games)
Pick after Jones: Callan Beasy, Carlton (14 games)
North at the 2000 National Draft
| Pick | Player | Recruited from | Games for North |
| 6 | Dylan Smith | Sandringham U18 | 11 |
| 8 | Daniel Motlop | North Adelaide, SA | 47 |
| 14 | Daniel Harris | Bendigo U18, VIC | 149 |
| 23 | Drew Petrie* | North Ballarat, VIC | 244 |
| 30 | Saverio Rocca | Collingwood, VIC | 101 |
| 42 | Daniel Pratt | Northern Eagles | 119 |
| 60 | Corey Jones | Sturt, SA | 157 |
| Rookie elevation | Ryan Pagan | 3 |
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