Darren Chester uses football to talk down National party leadership speculation

What is it about leadership challenges, politicians, and Aussie rules?

As talk spread of a possible move against Nationals leader Michael McCormack the old analogy has been kicked around again.

Remember, back in 2010, when the Labor Party was wracked with speculation of a challenge to Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, and Julia Gillard invoked her beloved Bulldogs?

It was May 17, and the then deputy Prime Minister said there was "more chance of me being the full forward for the Dogs than there is of any change in the Labor Party"?

Well, guess what? A month later, Mr Rudd was dumped, and Ms Gillard became Prime Minister.

Today, Victoria's Darren Chester, a supporter of Mr McCormack, and no fan of Barnaby Joyce, tried to punt the talk out of the park.

"I would take full forward for the Sydney Swans if I had the chance. But there's no vacancy," Mr Chester told reporters.

Sound familiar?

Michael McCormack is hoping it is not an omen.

By the way, the Bulldogs played the Swans in the Grand Final two years ago.

The Dogs won.