Jones, who replaced Brad Tyrell at the helm at the start of the year, has been battling injury and has only managed two senior matches.

With the Swans’ reserves struggling for numbers last week, the veteran forward filled in and booted 14 goals against Border-Walwa.

But Jones said he was close to calling it curtains on his playing career.

“I had a kick in the twos on the weekend, only because we were short on numbers,” Jones said.

“But my body is struggling and I could hardly walk on Monday.

“I said I was retired at the end of last year but the way the coaching position unravelled in February I was sort of coaxed into the coaching job and playing again.

“With the club struggling for numbers I have had to pull the boots on a couple of times already, but my preference is to coach from the sidelines for the remainder of the season.”

Despite battling for numbers, Federal remains in finals contention and sit fourth with a 3-4 record.

Federal caused one of the biggest upsets of the season against flag fancy Corryong in round three and clashes with its fiercest rival again on the weekend.

In a major boost to the Swans’ finals credentials, they have signed Howlong premiership player Daniel Hibberson.

Corryong is expected to regain utility James Paton, who has missed the past two matches.

Bullioh should prove too strong for Tumbarumba at home.

Cudgewa will have little trouble notching its eighth win of the season against Border-Walwa.