Roos find new CEO

Tredrea backs double act at Port

Carl Dilena (second from left) is North Melbourne's new CEO. Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne's 199-day search for a new chief executive is finally over.

The Roos today announced they had hired with Carl Dilena, with the former North player set to start in February.

North Melbourne narrowly missed on poaching Geelong boss Brian Cook and was linked to Adrian Anderson after his sudden departure from the AFL this month.

Dilena, 45, was a former senior partner at KPMG and is on North Melbourne's board.

"We were looking for someone with great leadership skills, senior management experience, a comprehensive understanding of the football industry and someone who also appreciates the unique culture of our club," Roos president James Brayshaw said.

"Carl has been a senior partner with one of the world's biggest professional services firms, played football at the highest level, has been a member of our Board for the past five years and has chaired the club's finance and audit committee.

"He comes to us with an impressive skill-set and we couldn't be happier to announce his appointment."

Dilena played 33 games with the Roos and Fitzroy between 1989-92.

The Roos have been searching for a new chief executive since Eugene Arocca resigned in June.

Cameron Vale, the Roos chief financial officer, has been serving as interim chief executive but was told last month he would not be handed the permanent position.

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We'll always be the Dockers

Matthew Pavlich celebrates a goal. Freo says it won't be changing its name from the Dockers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE president Steve Harris has promised the club will continue to be known as the Fremantle Dockers despite announcing it is shifting its training base to Cockburn.

In conjunction with the City of Cockburn, the Dockers will build a $107 million training base on a 26,000-square metre greenfields site in Success. They hope to move there in 2016 or 2017.

"It's only two years ago that we successfully completed lengthy negotiations with Levi Strauss to have the legal right to call ourselves the Fremantle Dockers, and we have absolutely no intention of changing our name from the Fremantle Dockers either now or in the future," Harris said.

''We are and will always be known as the Fremantle Dockers."

The City of Cockburn will fund most of the project, with contributions from the Dockers, the AFL and the state and federal governments also expected.

The club has spent this year weighing up whether to redevelop its current base at Fremantle Oval or create a new base in Success, at a site known as Cockburn Central West.

In the face of a backlash from some members over abandoning their traditional home, the Dockers said it would take a compelling case to move.

The move has been seen as a fait accompli for months and club's board formally resolved this week that compelling case had been sustained.

"Given our club's traditional and historical links to Fremantle Oval, there is no question about the significance of the decision to locate our core operations away from Fremantle Oval, and this was carefully considered throughout the decision-making process," Harris said.

"In addition to the club's operating costs at Cockburn Central West being less when compared to redeveloping at Fremantle Oval, the Cockburn Central West option allows for our club to have access to a bigger indoor training facility, bigger and better aquatic facilities and provides for access to a second oval.

"It is a green field site, so there is likely to be less planning uncertainty and there will be no facility transition costs or interruption to club operations as there would be under the Fremantle Oval master plan options.

"Operating costs at the Cockburn Central West site will also be lower because we are sharing the City of Cockburn's sporting and aquatic facilities with the community. This is also a great result for the community."

Harris said the new facility presented an outstanding opportunity for the Dockers to gain an advantage over their rivals.

"When the club opened its current training and administration facility at Fremantle Oval in November 2000, the facilities were regarded as one of the better club facilities in the AFL," he said.

"However, given the advances in the past decade nationally and internationally in technology and sports science, and an increase in the competitive landscape of the AFL, the club's current facilities are now well behind the AFL benchmark.

"In addition to the Cockburn Central West site allowing for the development of a world-class training and administration facility not seen previously in Australia, the site, which is within the greater Fremantle region, provides greater prospects for future expansion, community engagement and supporter interaction."

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Meet the new, improved Karmichael

Gold Coast Suns player Karmichael Hunt is the slimmest he's been in three AFL pre-seasons. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

SPECIAL K has become Shrinking K.

Gold Coast Suns midfielder and code-hopper Karmichael Hunt is the lightest he has ever been in his well-travelled professional football career, with the 26-year-old tipping the scales at 87kg this week.

When he played rugby league for the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia he was 93kg.During his stint in French rugby Biarritz in 2009/2010, he nudged the 100kg mark.

But the trademark treetrunk legs are now gone, with Hunt halfway through his third AFL pre-season training program.

A leaner Hunt no longer looks like a rugby league player built to withstand multiple front-on high-speed collisions.

He appears every bit like an AFL on-baller who is required to cover vast distances over four quarters.

Gold Coast strength and conditioning coach Chris Gaviglio said Hunt's significant body shape transformation was a result of his single-minded determination.

"Karmichael needed to make those changes to survive and succeed in the AFL," Gaviglio said.

"He is a highly-driven athlete and he has been prepared to do what it takes to meet the demands of the sport. That is what has underpinned his success across all three codes.

"He is an inherently gifted athlete and he has really bought into our strength and conditioning program as well as working closely with our dietician Benita Lalor.

"You could tell he was cooked by the end of his first season but he would have run out last season if not for a shoulder injury. His legs were willing and able to go the full distance."

After an understandably indifferent first season in 2011, Hunt had a break-out year in 2012 with a shift from defence to the midfield.

The high point was his match-winning goal after the siren against Richmond in Cairns to hand the Suns their first victory of the season, but his on-ball work throughout the year also caught the eye.

He also produced a number of bone-rattling bumps on opponents to become a genuine enforcer.Gaviglio said Hunt would still pack a punch in 2013 despite shedding the weight.

"He is stronger than ever. He is bench pressing 145kg, which is more than what he was doing at the Broncos," he said.

Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft said Hunt's leaner appearance was inevitable.

"Karmichael has been training well and is in great shape at the moment but you can't not lose weight given the amount of running he has had to do," the triple premiership player said

"Especially in his new role in the midfield, he has covered a lot of kilometres.

"He has had a season in the VFL and two seasons in the AFL so it was only a matter of time before his body shape became more suited to the demands of our game."

The Suns had their last pre-Christmas training session yesterday  and will resume on January 7.

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Bone shaved from Cat's hips

James Kelly battled a hip injury during the 2012 season. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG midfielder James Kelly has revealed he had bone shaved from his thighs during post-season surgery after a pain-stricken 2012 season.

Kelly yesterday declared himself on track to play in Geelong's NAB Cup campaign after a successful recovery from an arthroscope on both hips.

The operation involved having bone shaved off both femurs.

The 28-year-old has been on a modified program this pre-season and will return to full training early in the new year, confident his hip troubles are behind him.

"I will be training more heavily over the coming days and it's all going pretty good," Kelly said.

"I'll be back to full training on January 1.

"It's clearing up really well."

Despite having a strong season, in which he was Geelong's leading tackler and still picked up 470 touches, Kelly revealed he had a weekly struggle with hip pain.

But he is confident of a pain-free season next year in a major boost to Geelong's top-four ambitions.

"The hips were more painful during the year than they are now. I'm relying on the physios a lot and they're helping out but I've still been able to do a fair bit of training recently," he said.

"I've been going through the rehabilitation program well and everything is going as planned.

"I'll be 100 per cent ready to go come next season."

Pic gallery: Cats roam the highlands

Geelong assistant coach Dale Amos last week said Kelly and Jimmy Bartel (foot) were making strong progress in their recoveries from post-season operations.

"They've been conditioned, they're doing their weights, they're just being nursed back into the football side," Amos said.

"I would be surprised if they didn't play (NAB Cup). The plan is for them to be ready for Round 1, so you'd imagine they'd play (NAB Cup) at some stage.

"They've been doing their running inside and their conditioning inside and now they're starting to do the work outside, so I think after Christmas we expect to see them a bit more.

"They'll be integrated back in after Christmas. I'm not totally sure when they'll be totally unrestricted, but they're well and truly on track and they should be right amongst it by the time we get back after Christmas.

"We've been patient with them. You want to progress those guys as quickly as you can without pushing them too much."

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Ox: Don't kill the Dees

David Schwarz, who played 173 games with the Demons, fears a heavy sanction could pose a serious threat to the club's future.Picture: Fiona Hamilton Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE great David Schwarz hopes any penalty that might flow from the league's tanking investigation will not "cripple" the club.

The AFL is today expected to serve the Demons with evidence gained from its five-month probe into their list management in 2009.

While Melbourne could be hit with heavy fines or loss of draft picks, there is mounting belief the AFL would prefer to penalise individuals, rather than the club, if it is found guilty of deliberately losing games under former coach Dean Bailey.

Melbourne has pledged to vigorously defend any charges and has suggested it would be willing to take the fight to the Supreme Court.

The AFL has interviewed and re-interviewed a host of former and current officials who were at the club in 2009.

President Don McLardy said yesterday he had not seen the interview transcripts that are expected to be presented to Bailey, chief executive Cameron Schwab and former football operations manager Chris Connolly.

"There is still no comment on the investigation," McLardy told the Herald Sun. "We are pleased to see progress and are letting it take its course."

Schwarz, who played 173 games with the Dees, fears a heavy sanction could pose a serious threat to the club's future.

"I, like anyone, hope it goes away, but something might come of it," Schwarz said.

"Whatever it is, you just hope it doesn't hurt or cripple the club. That said, if individuals have done the wrong thing, then they have got to be held accountable."

If the AFL does lay charges, it is likely to happen late next month, in order to give the Demons time to respond to the evidence and prepare their defence.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has warned any person found guilty of manipulating the result of a match would "never work in football again".

Connolly is at the centre of the storm after it was reported he reminded football officials about the importance of losing matches to improve the club's draft position.

But Robert Shaw, who was Fremantle's football operations manager when Connolly coached the Dockers, said Connolly could not have been "solely responsible".

"My gut feeling is the focus on Chris is concerning," Shaw said. "These types of suggestions and allegations could not purely be the work of Chris Connolly."

Shaw said Connolly's work helping raise money for the Demons and the Dockers helped save the two clubs.

"I always found him to be a person of integrity and strong football character," he said.

"The work he did when he first went to Fremantle, I reckon he saved the two clubs.

"His appetite for work and to get out and raise sponsorship singlehandedly at Fremantle, and knock on doors himself, all that sort of stuff is unfairly forgotten in the mist that is tanking allegations.

"He always had the best interests of his football club at heart."

TANKING TIMELINE

JULY, 2012

CARLTON midfielder and former Demon Brock McLean re-ignites the tanking debate when he reveals in an interview on Fox Footy's On the Couch a major reason he wanted to leave Melbourne was because of its strategy of deliberately losing games.

"You can't create a good culture by going out and experimenting and trying to get draft picks and losing games of football,'' McLean said.

"It goes against everything you're trying to do.''

THE AFL launches a fresh tanking investigation, headed by its integrity officer Brett Clothier, following McLean's explosive TV interview.

AUGUST, 2012

McLEAN is called to AFL headquarters to face integrity chief Brett Clothier over his explosive claims the Demons tanked in 2008-2009.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou promises severe punishment for any side found guilty of tanking, encouraging anyone with knowledge of tanking to come forward.

"We shouldn't sweep it under the carpet,'' Demetriou said.

"If they've got information that can prove, that's supportive of the fact that a club lost a game on purpose to achieve a particular outcome that is a serious allegation and I would encourage them to come forward.

"Any issue that involves integrity of the code, any issue, is something we should thump on the head.

"That's my strong position.''

MELBOURNE president Don McLardy launches a passionate defence of the club's integrity in the wake of the AFL's tanking investigation.

"I want to make it very clear that we will defend our club's integrity in the strongest fashion,'' McLardy said.

"For anyone to suggest that our players did not give their all every time they ran on to the field is not acceptable to us.''

AFL intensifies its tanking investigation, interviewing former coaches and key football figures, including former senior coach Dean Bailey.

OCTOBER, 2012

THE AFL uncovers details of a meeting, addressed by former football boss Chris Connolly, of the Demons' football department in which the need to play for draft picks was reinforced.

A SECOND member of Melbourne's 2009 wooden-spoon winning team claims then coach Dean Bailey was under fierce pressure to lose matches deliberately.

"It was disgusting what was going on and you felt for 'Bails' because everyone knew he was under the pump to lose,'' said the player, who the Herald Sun agreed not to name.

"Players had meetings and asked him what was going on but there was nothing he could do.''

NOVEMBER, 2012

A THIRD Melbourne player reveals coach Dean Bailey called a player meeting to signal a sudden change in tactics midway through the 2009 season.

A FORMER Melbourne sponsor reveals a Melbourne Football Club official boasted openly about tanking at a meeting of big sponsors.

"It was an off the cuff remark regarding the No.1 draft pick,'' the company representative said.

"He said words to the effect of, `We made sure that happened'.''

DECEMBER, 2012

THE AFL has asked Melbourne to respond to evidence that could lead to the club being charged with tanking for draft picks in 2009. The league said its five-month investigation was complete and a report of evidence would be provided to all relevant parties.

PERSONS OF INTEREST

Chris Connolly, Dees football manager

Cameron Schwab, Melbourne CEO

Brock McLean, Melbourne player in 2009

Dean Bailey, Melbourne coach in 2009

James McDonald, former Demons skipper

Scott West,  ex-Melbourne assistant coach

Barry Prendergast, former Demons recruiting manager

Josh Mahoney, then assistant coach, now football manager

WHAT THE RULES SAY

"A person, being a player, coach or assistant coach, must at all times perform on their merits and must not induce, or encourage, any player, coach or assistant coach not to perform on their merits in any match - or in relation to any aspect of the match, for any reason whatsoever.'' - AFL Regulations 19(A5)

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2012 countdown: Top 10 performances

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

Hawthorn star Lance Franklin snaps around the body for goal number 13 against North Melbourne. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

LANCE Franklin had a field day against North Melbourne but was Dane Swan's effort on Anzac Day better?

Over the next 10 days we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We kicked off the series on Monday with the best 10 AFL games of 2012, on Tuesday we went with the top 10 marks, and followed that with the top 10 goals yesterday.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 individual performances of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. Scott Thompson v Greater Western Sydney
The North Melbourne intercept king had a day out when the Kangaroos were made to work to counter a plucky GWS outfit. Thompson amassed 39 disposals (192 SuperCoach points), almost unheard-of numbers for a key backman, in the 28-point victory at Skoda Stadium. The Kangaroos' most prolific stopper also clunked 13 marks.

9. Trent Cotchin v Western Bulldogs
Brett Deledio tweeted post-match he had a front seat at the Cotchin Show after the No.9 put on a clinic with 35 touches, three goals and an amazing 17 score involvements. He also picked up 170 SuperCoach points. It would be the start of a withering four-game run of 30-plus possession games which propelled the silky-skilled midfielder to equal second in the Brownlow Medal with 26 votes.

8. Marc Murphy v Essendon
The Carlton star had a frustrating season and he took it out on arch-rival Essendon in Round 21. Murphy had the ball on a string, collecting 37 disposals while kicking two goals as the Blues romped home by 96 points. He also laid six tackles. Murphy capped off his superb performance with a goal after the siren to give the Blues a handy percentage boost.

7. Dean Cox/Nic Naitanui v Geelong
Orren Stephenson is still waking up in cold sweats after confronting the Eagles duo on a Friday night in Perth. When Cox and Nic Nat combine for 41 disposals and 13 marks it makes it difficult to trump West Coast. Add 77 hitouts and five goals and it's an almost impossible task. The vaunted ruck pair dominated the Cats when the two sides met in Round 20, the Eagles outlasting their rivals by five points. Cox was brilliant, kicking three goals while picking up 23 disposals and eight marks. The veteran added five clearances and four inside-50s to his stats sheet. The pair also combined for 343 SuperCoach points.

6. Jack Riewoldt v St Kilda
The Riewoldts combined for 11 of the 34 goals scored when Richmond held out St Kilda in a Round 10 shootout at Etihad Stadium. Jack claimed family bragging rights, helping the Tigers to a seven-point victory with eight goals in his 100th match. The flighty forward also clunked nine marks along the way. It would be Jack's biggest haul of the season en route to his second Coleman Medal with 65 majors – three clear of Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins.

Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

5. Gary Ablett v North Melbourne
Little Gazza single-handedly kept his young Gold Coast Suns within striking distance of North when the two sides met at Metricon Stadium in Round 12. Ablett put on a masterful display including 42 disposals and four goals – none more impressive than a 45m left-foot snap from the boundary line during the second quarter. Ablett's haul included 10 clearances, five rebound-50s and four inside-50s. It was the best of Ablett's 2012 highlights reel; two weeks earlier he equalled the VFL-AFL record for possessions in a game with 53 touches against Collingwood.  4. Dayne Beams v Sydney
It was party time on Smith St when Pictures mark II, Dayne Beams, slotted his third goal to ice Collingwood's eight-point win against Sydney at ANZ Stadium. The heavily tattooed star midfielder starred in the absence of namesake Dane Swan, who was serving the first of a two-week club-imposed suspension for breaking player rules. Beams helped himself to 34 disposals including 11 clearances and five tackles. He finished with 170 SuperCoach points.
3. Dean Cox v North Melbourne
Cox was the difference between West Coast winning or losing to the Roos at Blundstone Arena in Hobart. Cox booted three goals including the sealer to ice the Eagles come-from-behind two-point victory in Round 15. The 204cm ruckman also clunked marks at both ends of the ground to stymie the Kangaroos at every turn. Cox finished with 21 disposals, 15 marks and 24 hitouts - and a lazy 215 SuperCoach points.

Hawthorn v North Melbourne. Aurora Stadium, Launceston. Lance Franklin kicks his 11th goal. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

2. Lance Franklin v North Melbourne
The Roos were on the receiving end again - also in Tassie - when Buddy ran riot in Hawthorn's 115-point demolition in Round 10. The raking left-footer outscored the Kangaroos 13.4 to 9.5 in the Round 10 rout at Aurora Stadium in Launceston. The Hawks piled on 27 majors to hammer the Shinboners into submission. The superstar feasted on Kangaroos defenders Scott Thompson, Nathan Grime and Luke Delaney, booting six first-half goals including three in three minutes during the second quarter. But Franklin saved his best for last, with goal No.12 coming from deep in the left forward pocket while, No.13 was a dropped mark, snap around the body with only seconds left on the clock. It was the highest SuperCoach score of the year (236), but in terms of the stage, stakes and influence on the result, we've got him just behind...
1. Dane Swan v Essendon
Talk of Swan carrying a few extra kilograms was quickly shelved when the Brownlow medallist ran amok in Collingwood's thrilling one-point win on Anzac Day. Swan collected a staggering 42 disposals – 20 contested – and kicked three goals in the MCG blockbuster. Swan capped off a brilliant day by rubbing his stomach – mocking those who called him overweight – after kicking his third goal late in the third quarter. The Anzac medallist finished with 13 clearances and six tackles. Swan obviously likes playing the Bombers - he picked up another 42 touches when the two sides met in Round 23.

TOMORROW:

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter @gilbert0408

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Roos find new CEO

Tredrea backs double act at Port

Carl Dilena (second from left) is North Melbourne's new CEO. Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne's 199-day search for a new chief executive is finally over.

The Roos today announced they had hired with Carl Dilena, with the former North player set to start in February.

North Melbourne narrowly missed on poaching Geelong boss Brian Cook and was linked to Adrian Anderson after his sudden departure from the AFL this month.

Dilena, 45, was a former senior partner at KPMG and is on North Melbourne's board.

"We were looking for someone with great leadership skills, senior management experience, a comprehensive understanding of the football industry and someone who also appreciates the unique culture of our club," Roos president James Brayshaw said.

"Carl has been a senior partner with one of the world's biggest professional services firms, played football at the highest level, has been a member of our Board for the past five years and has chaired the club's finance and audit committee.

"He comes to us with an impressive skill-set and we couldn't be happier to announce his appointment."

Dilena played 33 games with the Roos and Fitzroy between 1989-92.

The Roos have been searching for a new chief executive since Eugene Arocca resigned in June.

Cameron Vale, the Roos chief financial officer, has been serving as interim chief executive but was told last month he would not be handed the permanent position.

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We'll always be the Dockers

Matthew Pavlich celebrates a goal. Freo says it won't be changing its name from the Dockers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE president Steve Harris has promised the club will continue to be known as the Fremantle Dockers despite announcing it is shifting its training base to Cockburn.

In conjunction with the City of Cockburn, the Dockers will build a $107 million training base on a 26,000-square metre greenfields site in Success. They hope to move there in 2016 or 2017.

"It's only two years ago that we successfully completed lengthy negotiations with Levi Strauss to have the legal right to call ourselves the Fremantle Dockers, and we have absolutely no intention of changing our name from the Fremantle Dockers either now or in the future," Harris said.

''We are and will always be known as the Fremantle Dockers."

The City of Cockburn will fund most of the project, with contributions from the Dockers, the AFL and the state and federal governments also expected.

The club has spent this year weighing up whether to redevelop its current base at Fremantle Oval or create a new base in Success, at a site known as Cockburn Central West.

In the face of a backlash from some members over abandoning their traditional home, the Dockers said it would take a compelling case to move.

The move has been seen as a fait accompli for months and club's board formally resolved this week that compelling case had been sustained.

"Given our club's traditional and historical links to Fremantle Oval, there is no question about the significance of the decision to locate our core operations away from Fremantle Oval, and this was carefully considered throughout the decision-making process," Harris said.

"In addition to the club's operating costs at Cockburn Central West being less when compared to redeveloping at Fremantle Oval, the Cockburn Central West option allows for our club to have access to a bigger indoor training facility, bigger and better aquatic facilities and provides for access to a second oval.

"It is a green field site, so there is likely to be less planning uncertainty and there will be no facility transition costs or interruption to club operations as there would be under the Fremantle Oval master plan options.

"Operating costs at the Cockburn Central West site will also be lower because we are sharing the City of Cockburn's sporting and aquatic facilities with the community. This is also a great result for the community."

Harris said the new facility presented an outstanding opportunity for the Dockers to gain an advantage over their rivals.

"When the club opened its current training and administration facility at Fremantle Oval in November 2000, the facilities were regarded as one of the better club facilities in the AFL," he said.

"However, given the advances in the past decade nationally and internationally in technology and sports science, and an increase in the competitive landscape of the AFL, the club's current facilities are now well behind the AFL benchmark.

"In addition to the Cockburn Central West site allowing for the development of a world-class training and administration facility not seen previously in Australia, the site, which is within the greater Fremantle region, provides greater prospects for future expansion, community engagement and supporter interaction."

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Young Saint ruptures ACL

Tredrea backs double act at Port

Daniel Markworth will miss most of the 2013 season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

EXPLOSIVE St Kilda youngster Daniel Markworth will miss most of the 2013 AFL season after rupturing his ACL in pre-season training.

Markworth, 20, sustained the blow to his right knee in the Saints' US altitude training camp in Colorado.

There were reports last week the goalkicker, who was close to a late-season debut, had suffered a serious knee injury in Boulder. The Saints confirmed the injury on their website last night, revealing he had been booked in for surgery this week.

Markworth is expected to undergo traditional surgery, which would sideline him until late in the 2013 season.

The highly rated 189cm forward slid to St Kilda's second pick, No.35, in the 2011 draft.

The Calder Cannons graduate impressed for VFL affiliate Sandringham this season, kicking 10 goals in 14 matches.

He was best-afield in the elimination final loss, booting three goals from 23 touches.

Meanwhile,

Saints president Greg Westaway has announced next season will be his last at the helm.

Westaway announced at last night's AGM he would relinquish the role at the end of 2013.

The transport guru took over from Rod Butterss at the end of the 2007 season.

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Murphy a loyal Dog

Tredrea backs double act at Port

Robert Murphy has committed to the Bulldogs. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

BULLDOGS veteran Robert Murphy has committed to guiding the club's young pups until the end of 2014.

Murphy, 30, was already contracted until the end of next season and has extended the deal by another 12 months.

Entering his 14th season, Murphy has played in three preliminary finals (2007-09) but he knows the next phase of his career will be helping a new generation as the Dogs rebuild under Brendan McCartney.

"If it's not me (who wins a premiership), well, that's just the way it goes. But I'm going to put my energy into helping the Bulldogs win their next one," he told Fairfax Media.

Murphy said he never considered leaving Whitten Oval.

"I've been asked a few times, 'Would you ever consider going to a side in that premiership window?'.

"And it just didn't sit well with me to do that.

"I'm not going to judge people who have done it - good luck to them. But it's just not for me. The Bulldogs are my footy club and part of who I am and it means more to me to help the Bulldogs."

Murphy has played 230 matches to sit No.11 on the club's all-time list.

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North signs US rookie Wallace

Check out North Melbourne's prospect former US Basketballer Eric Wallace in a college game.

American Eric Wallace in action at the draft camp. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Eric Wallace in a picture he posted on Twitter today. Source: Supplied

NORTH Melbourne has signed US college basketball player Eric Wallace following a 10-day trial with the club.

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said Wallace, 23, was "keen to make a success" of his transition from college basketball to an AFL rookie.

The 197cm and 102kg utility impressed scouts with his athleticism at the draft camp in October, finishing fourth in the vertical leap and top 10 in the sprint.

Wallace has won a two-year rookie contract after completing a 10-day trial at Arden St.

"At the moment he's got the physical attributes to play multiple positions," Scott said.

"It's really exciting for us to see just how far we can take Eric."

Scott said Wallace would forge his AFL path in the VFL reserves.

"The ovation he received from the playing group when we announced his signing was evidence of how highly regarded Eric already is at our club and the way he has fitted in so easily.

"He still has a lot to learn about the game but his passion for Aussie rules is already very strong and his athletic ability is outstanding."

Wallace said he was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the club.

"I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to grow as a footy player. Thank you to @NorthKangaroos for the chance & to all thanks for the support," he tweeted.

He sent a second tweet with a photo of himself in a Roos jumper and the caption "The first step to a long challenging journey! #NMFC #AFL #39"

The 24-year-old from North Carolina said this morning he had watched this year's Grand Final and said he was inspired by Canadian Mike Pyke.

"Four or five years ago he was in the same situation as me, playing a different football code – I was playing basketball – but not having not much skill in the game of AFL and in the Grand Final he helped his team to a victory and he looked superb out there," Wallace told SEN.

"I'd love to continue being a professional athlete, I'm looking at this as a new opportunity.

"I just want to become an asset to the Kangaroos and say I did it," he said.

Pic gallery: AFL international success stories

Wallace could become the third American born player to make an AFL debut after Sanford Wheeler (43 games, Sydney from 1989-94) and Don Pyke (132 games, West Coast 1989-96).

Collingwood recently delisted ruckman Shae McNamara after the Milwaukee native spent three years on the rookie list unable to break into the senior team.

McNamara played one game during the Magpies 2011 NAB Cup campaign.

From Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Wallace originally had his eye on the NBA draft.

But after stints at three colleges in five years, the latest at Seattle University, his hopes of a professional basketball career - in the US or overseas - seemed shot.

That was when he was invited to Los Angeles for a camp for potential international AFL recruits.

"I didn't know the rules," Wallace told cbssports.com. "I was confused."

But he stayed up all night watching tapes of games and did well enough to be invited to the draft camp in Melbourne, where he was the standout international.

Making the AFL is still a long shot, but Wallace has never been one to give up on a dream.

"I'm really falling in love with the game, getting addicted," Wallace said. "More than I could have ever imagined.

"I was going hard right. But then the AFL approached me and I decided to take a step to the left. It's not basketball, but it's still being a professional athlete."

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Daniher goes under knife

Tredrea backs double act at Port

Star draft pick Joe Daniher joins Essendon training. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON'S much-vaunted new draftee Joe Daniher has had knee surgery.

The Bombers say the 18-year-old forward, who joined the club under the father-son rule in the national draft, will be on a restricted training program in early January.

But the club says it was only minor surgery, and is not expected to cause much disruption to Daniher's otherwise impressive pre-season campaign.

"He's had a minor scope to clean up a bit of cartilage that came loose from his patella," Essendon football manager Danny Corcoran said today.

"We're expecting him to be running on day one when we return (from the club's Christmas break).

"He's had a good six weeks before the break. He's really trained very, very well so far in the pre-season."

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Cats pour praise on recruit Caddy

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Recruit Josh Caddy (right), kayaking with Shane Kersten, has impressed the Geelong crew since joining the club. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG has lauded recruit Josh Caddy for his hard work since he arrived from the Gold Coast two months ago.

"He's been fantastic," assistant coach Nigel Lappin said. "He hasn't done a lot of contact work yet, that will start for him after Christmas.

"We had a time trial up the mountain ... on the bikes and Josh finished with the third-best time.

"He's another strong body for us in the midfield to take some pressure off (Jimmy) Bartel and (Joel) Corey and (James) Kelly and (Joel) Selwood, so we're really excited."

Caddy's power and poise were on show at yesterday's training run in Mt Beauty, despite the midfielder being on a slightly restricted program due to post-season shoulder surgery.

"It's never easy walking into a side with this much experience and this many good players, but I had a pretty good start to the pre-season," Caddy, 20, said.

Former elite runner Mark Blicavs blitzed teammates in two-minute sprints - after more than two hours of training in 27C.

Gallery: Cats roam the highlands

Blicavs tried out for the London Olympics before being picked up by the Cats.

The 198cm rookie finished streets ahead of the chasing pack, including Selwood, Josh Walker and Jesse Stringer.

"He's an amazing athlete, a terrific person and a fantastic trainer," Lappin said of Blicavs.

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Johnson heads back to Dogs

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Evasive outside runner with class and good goal sense.

Midfield wrecking ball Hrovat picks up possessions with ease and nearly every AFL club has shown interest in drafting him. Is he the next Sam Mitchell?

Former Western Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson is heading back to the kennel. Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson is heading back to Whitten Oval as the Dogs continue to load their coaching artillery with former greats of the game.

Johnson joins as a specialist coach and will work in development, imparting his knowledge on the Dogs' first, second and third-year players.

The six-time All-Australian retired at the end of the 2010 season and came close to accepting a coaching position at Geelong the following season.

Johnson established himself in the media this year, commentating games for Fox Footy.

The 36-year-old's role at the Dogs will be a part-time mentoring and skills position as the club continues to rebuild under senior coach Brendan McCartney.

Last month the Dogs signed former Geelong stars Matthew Scarlett and Cameron Mooney to part-time coaching positions.

"When presented with the opportunity to bring Brad on board – we wholeheartedly grabbed it," Dogs football manager James Fantasia said today.

"There is no question that Johnno will bring an incredible amount of experience, skills and knowledge to our younger players – who are just thrilled to have him on board."

Luke Dahlhaus, who inherited the No. 6 jumper from Johnson, will work closely with the former captain, along with prized draft picks Jake Stringer, Jackson Macrae and Nathan Hrovat.
 

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Demetriou's new No.2 named

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AFL boss Andrew Demetriou with Gillon McLachlan at the Australian Football Hall of Fame. Picture: Andrew Filipovic Source: Herald Sun

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson announces his resignation. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

ANDREW Demetriou's likely successor Gillon McLachlan has been promoted to the new position of deputy CEO of the AFL.

McLachlan will also fill the role of acting head of football operations until a replacement is named for Adrian Anderson, who finishes at the league tomorrow.

The appointments are effective immediately.

The ascent of McLachlan, who knocked back a $1.5 million offer to be CEO of the NRL in September, is believed to have been a factor behind Anderson's resignation.

McLachlan held the job of chief operating officer from 2008-12. His responsibilities in that job - including broadcasting, venue deals and digital media - will now be part of the deputy CEO job description.

A new head of football operations is expected to be appointed before the start of the 2013 season.

A restructure of the league executive has followed the recent departures of Anderson, human resources manager Christina Ogg and strategy and marketing boss Andrew Catterall.

The league will advertise in January for a new football operations manager, "people and culture" manager and a manager of fan development and customer acquisition.

"It is timely to establish a new look team at the executive level to ensure the AFL maintains an organisational structure that is aligned with our future strategic priorities," Demetriou said in a statement.

"Gill has made a significant contribution to the AFL across a number of strategic fronts and this promotion is well deserved."

Tomorrow will be Anderson's final day at AFL House after nine years in the job.

Anderson says he is unsure what his next career move will be and has distanced himself from speculation linking him to the vacant North Melbourne CEO position.

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Surgery won't hold Clark back

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Tough, courageous and a born leader. The Dees have a steal in Viney, who will play Round 1 next year.

Melbourne forward Mitch Clark underwent surgery today. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

STAR Melbourne forward Mitch Clark went under the knife today - but don't sweat Demons fans - he is still on track to resume running in the new year.

Clark went in today to have staples removed from his right foot, which he suffered a season-ending injury to in June.

The former Lion sustained a 'Lisfranc injury' to his foot, a painful setback which ruined the career of Trent Croad.

Clark tweeted: "Just a quick in and out to get my staples out. Always part of the plan. Won't slow me down."

The 25-year-old was in blistering form for the Dees before the bitter blow and was shaping as their shining light for the season.

If he recovers before Round 1 he will join a powerful new set up, along with premiership forward Chris Dawes.

The Dees will add boom spearhead Jesse Hogan to their mix in 2014 as well, after nabbing the West Australian teenager in the mini-draft.

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Goddard's leading role at Bomberland

Former Saint Brendon Goddard, 2011 Rising Star winner Dyson Heppell and the injury-plagued Jason Winderlich are all named as members of Essendon's leadership group for 2013.

Mover and shaker: Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard has be chosen to join the eight-man leadership group at Windy Hill. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

STAR Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard has wasted no time stamping his authority on his new club and will today be elevated to the leadership group.

And in a pointer to the future, 20-year-old Dyson Heppell will also be named as one of the club's new leaders.

Goddard, Heppell and Jason Winderlich will join this year's leaders Jobe Watson, Heath Hocking, Brent Stanton, David Zaharakis and Michael Hurley in the eight-man group.

The only player to drop out of the 2012 rotation is the retired Mark McVeigh.

Goddard made the controversial switch from St Kilda to Essendon in October before heading to Colorado with a small band of fellow midfielders for a training camp last month.

Players took a leadership vote a fortnight ago and were told of the results late last week.

Heppell said he had no hesitation in nominating Goddard.

"I hold him in high regard as a leader, even though he's been here only a couple of months," Heppell said.

"He's stepped in as if he's been here for 10 years.

"Obviously he's a fantastic player and clearly a good leader as well, so he'll be great for the group."

Heppell's leadership elevation continues what has been a staggering first two years in the AFL system.

The 2010 No.8 draft pick stormed to the Rising Star award last year and had just as good a season in 2012, playing 20 games. Heppell vowed his new leadership tag would not change the way he played.

"Hirdy (coach James Hird) certainly mentioned that throughout last year, just to not add any extra pressure on myself," he said.

"I think I'll just take my footy the same way as I have been and just really enjoy it.

"(Being a leader) is about being able to have more say amongst the group, I guess, and not being afraid to voice my opinion.

"I'm pretty excited, it's great. It was a bit unexpected, but certainly a massive honour."

Heppell said that it was important for him to act as a conduit between the club's younger and older players.

"It was me only a couple of years ago, so I know what it's all about," he said.

"It's important for me to be able to assist them in any way I can because I know exactly what they're going through. That's something I'll be taking pretty seriously."

Heppell said it would be an honour to captain the club one day, if given the chance.

"It's something you dream about as a kid. It'd be unbelievable, but it's a long way down the track, I reckon, if that is ever going to happen," he said.

SQUADRON LEADERS
Jobe Watson (c)
Heath Hocking
Brent Stanton
David Zaharakis
Michael Hurley
Brendon Goddard
Dyson Heppell
Jason Winderlich
 

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Ablett the SuperCoach $740k man

Gary Ablett has confirmed his status as the No.1 player in SuperCoach. Picture: Matt Roberts. Source: Getty Images

GOLD Coast skipper Gary Ablett will cost you more than $740,000 in SuperCoach next season - $65,000 more than any other player.

Prices for Australia's biggest fantasy competition will be released to SuperCoach Gold subscribers later today, but SuperFooty can reveal Ablett tops the list with a price tag of $740,500.

The little master averaged 138 points a game in 2012.

His 2013 starting price is a $50,000 jump from 12 months ago and well ahead of the second most-expensive player, Magpie Dane Swan.

Swan's Collingwood teammates Scott Pendlebury and Dayne Beams are No.3 and No.4 on the rich list.

Pendlebury, the priciest player at the start of last season at $700,500, will cost $667,300 next season.

Beams' starting price has jumped more than $100,000 on the back of an outstanding 2012. Other big movers include Adelaide midfielder Patrick Dangerfield and Tigers Trent Cotchin and Ivan Maric.

The 10 most expensive players are all midfielders, with Hawk forward Lance Franklin coming in at No.11 with a price tag of $618,000.

There are 19 players priced at $600,000 or more including four ruckmen - Maric, Aaron Sandilands and West Coast pair Nic Naitanui and Dean Cox, who are both listed as ruck/forwards for 2013.

More than 100 dual-position players are available to pick from, including Dale Thomas (mid/fwd), Lewis Jetta (mid/fwd), Dyson Heppell (def/mid), Jack Watts (def/fwd) and Brendon Goddard, who retains his def/mid status.

But some big names can no longer be picked in multiple positions, including Beams, Dangerfield, Brett Deledio, Nathan Fyfe and Ryan O'Keefe, who are all pure midfielders in 2013.

Goddard, the most expensive player of 2011, is No.45 on the 2013 rich list, starting his career as a Bomber with a price tag of $541,500.

This year's No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield has a price tag of $199,500.

Father-son pick Jack Viney is just $109,500

There are plenty of bargains and surprises - scroll down for a quick sample.

SuperCoach will have a major shake-up next season with new rules including a permanent rolling lockout, extra trades and a change to how many players can be selected in each position - CLICK HERE to find out more.

SUPERCOACH 2013 MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYERS

$740,500 Gary Ablett (GC) mid
$675,300 Dane Swan (Coll) mid
$667,300 Scott Pendlebury (Coll) mid
$657,600 Dayne Beams (Coll) mid
$647,200 Jobe Watson (Ess) mid
$643,300 Josh P Kennedy (Syd) mid
$636,600 Patrick Dangerfield (Adel) mid
$629,500 Joel Selwood (Geel) mid
$624,100 Brett Deledio (Rich) mid
$622,100 Trent Cotchin (Rich) mid

FIVE BIG PRICE JUMPS

Dayne Zorko  (BL) $535,100 - up $421,900
Sam Gibson (NM) $411,100 - up $316,400
Ivan Maric (Rich) $606,900 - up $268,600
Orren Stephenson (Rich) $320,400 - up $213,800
Harley Bennell (GC) $521,900 - up $150,200

10 POTENTIAL BARGAINS

Mark LeCras (WC) $369,200 fwd
Brent Moloney (BL) $362,400 mid
Matthew Leuenberger (BL) $301,100 ruck
Luke Ball (Coll) $301,800 mid
Josh J Kennedy (WC) $299,600 fwd
Travis Varcoe (Geel) $268,900 mid/fwd
Koby Stevens (WB) $176,600 mid
Brett Goodes (WB) $128,200 mid/def
Anthony Morabito (Frem) $115,900 mid
Tom Mitchell (Syd) $115,900 mid

10 NEW FACES

Lachie Whitfield (GWS) $199,500 mid
Jono O'Rourke (GWS) $195,400 mid
Jake Stringer (WB) $179,500 fwd
Ollie Wines (PA) $169,500 mid
Troy Menzel (Carl) $149,500 fwd
Jaeger O'Meara (GC) $115,900 mid
Brad Crouch (Adel) $115,900 mid
Brodie Grundy (Coll) $114,900 ruck
Jack Viney (Melb) $109,500 mid
Lachie Hunter (WB) $109,500 mid

SuperCoach will be open to all players on February 1, 2012. Prices are subject to change by that date. Stay tuned to SuperFooty for more news and tips all summer.

For more SuperCoach off-season talk follow Al Paton on Twitter: @al_superfooty

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AFL dives out of Man U's path

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Kevin Sheedy and James Hird when their teams clashed at Skoda Stadium this year. Picture: Rohan Kelly Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL will not pit its baby club up against Manchester United, shifting Greater Western Sydney's home clash against Essendon next year to avoid a clash with the soccer heavyweight.

The English Premier League club last week locked in a friendly with an A-League All-Stars side, to be played at night on July 20 next year at ANZ Stadium.

The Giants and Bombers were fixtured to do battle at Skoda Stadium in a Round 17 duel at the same time.

But the final coaching showdown between Giants mentor Kevin Sheedy and his former star James Hird will now be played at 2.10pm in the afternoon.

"The AFL seeks to support major events where possible, and to avoid clashes with any AFL matches, and it's in the best interests of all sports fans for these changes to be made for Round 17 next season with as much notice as we can provide," AFL broadcasting boss Simon Lethlean said.

St Kilda's home game against Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium will now be played at 7.40pm in a direct swap with the GWS-Dons match, to maintain the broadcast structure.

The reshuffle will bring relief to GWS supporters agonising over which match to attend in Sydney that night.

The NRL currently has a clash with the Manchester United sell-out, with the Sydney Roosters set to host Cronulla Sharks at Allianz Stadium that night.

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Swans: We need our cap bounty

Former Adelaide Crow Kurt Tippett in a Sydney Swans jumper for the first time after his first training session with his new club. The Swans salary cap bounty helped secure him. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

THE Sydney Swans have fired back at rivals calling for an immediate end to their salary cap bounty after last night announcing a minor $207,007 profit for 2012.

The AFL premiers used the announcement of their 2012 financial balance to get on the front foot and put pressure on the AFL to continue to grant them salary cap concessions for cost of living and player retention expenses.

The Swans' ability to blow all rival AFL clubs out of the water in luring former Adelaide power forward Kurt Tippett to the club on a two-year-deal reported to be worth around $1.5 million was met with a hail of gunfire from Melbourne-based clubs demanding the Swans $900,000 salary cap bonus be removed.

However, Swans chairman Richard Colless said the club's minor profit shows the reality of how volatile Sydney's sporting landscape can be with the club's minor profit coming off a dream premiership season on the field.

AFL superpower Collingwood earlier this month announced a record $7 million profit.

It comes in a year where the Swans growth has been hamstrung by redevelopments to the SCG, immense competition from new cross-town rivals GWS Giants, and huge boosts in the popularity of soccer in the harbour city through Sydney FC and Western Sydney Wanderers.

"The modest profit, posted after achieving the ultimate objective of winning the 2012 AFL Premiership, reflects the reality of fielding an elite sporting team in Australia's most competitive sporting market and in one of the world's most expensive cities to live,'' Colless said.

"The 2012 result was achieved despite the disruption caused by the Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust announcing in January that the SCG Stage 2 Redevelopment would proceed with approximately 10,000 seats being unavailable for the entire 2012 AFL Season (approximately 25 per cent of total SCG capacity).

"This resulted in over 7,000 of our members having to be relocated and regrettably approximately 3,000 chose not to renew their memberships.''

It is the second consecutive year the Swans have achieved an end of financial year profit, taking into account non cash expenses of $391,633.

The club is confident of cashing in on their premiership triumph in 2013 with memberships and match day attendance expected to grow significantly despite ongoing renovations to the SCG.

Leading into 2011, the Swans had lost $1,664,904 over three years.

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Tony Charlton passes away

Sports broadcaster Tony Charlton launches Fox Footy 2012 in this reflective video on AFL broadcasting

Tony Charlton, Channel Seven's first football commentator, has passed away. Picture: Lucy Swinstead. Source: Herald Sun

BROADCASTER Tony Charlton has been remembered as one of the best in the business - a man listened to by thousands, who always lent an ear to others.

AFL legends have paid tribute to the man whose voice became synonymous with the game. He died this morning after a battle with bowel cancer. He was 83.

Coach Kevin Sheedy said Charlton, an AFL Hall of Fame inductee, was a fantastic contributor in and out of the footy arena.

"He was a marvellous communicator with all the fans,'' Sheedy said. ``His voice, he was a master of the English language in many ways. People loved listening to him.

"He was an utter gentleman. You could not have met a nicer person, just a top class Australian citizen.''

Charlton will be remembered as one of Australia's finest sporting broadcasters, joining Channel Nine for the first major TV event in Australia, the 1956 Olympic Games.

Leave your tributes for Charlton below.

Afterwards, he became Channel Seven's first football commentator before returning to Nine for 11 years as producer and presenter of footy shows and other entertainment.

Tony Charlton, left, during his time as organiser of the Australian Open Golf tournament, with assistant Mel McLennan. Source: HWT Image Library

He was later promoter and tournament director of the Australian Open, the PGA Championship and the Victorian Open from 1970 to 1983. He was also a restauranteur and a pilot. 

Obituary: There will never be another Tony Charlton

He covered three Olympics and two Commonwealth Games for TV as well as tennis champion Rod Laver's second Grand Slam in 1969, track stars John Landy and Herb Elliott breaking the four minute mile and racing driver Jack Brabham winning the world championship.

He gave his time to sporting and charitable causes including the Alfred Hospital, Victorian Olympic Council and the Australian Commemorative Plaques group which marks sites of Australian military involvements around the world.

How we covered Charlton's Hall of Fame entry

Charlton was awarded an OAM in 1990 and an AM in 2003. In 2008 he received the Order of Merit from the Australian Olympic Committee.

Fellow broadcaster Kevin Bartlett said Charlton was one of the most liked broadcasters in the business.

"He was a wonderful presenter with a unique voice,'' Bartlett said. "He was a person who always gave advice and tried to help with positive feedback. He was a generous performer and that's what made him such a well liked person.

"This is very sad because he was one of the greats of Australian broadcasting. He seemed to be a person who always had an ear,  who listened and watched and always gave generously in feedback.''

Tony Charlton sat down with Mike Sheahan to discuss his life in sport in one of the great Open Mike interviews of 2012. Re-live some of the highlights.

Ron Barassi said the pair had shared mutual respect for each other over many years.

"We are missing a wonderful person today,'' Barassi said. "I know we respected each other and liked each other.

"It was not just what he said but it was how he said it with his distinctive and unusual voice, not one that grated but one you wanted to hear.''

Melbourne Cricket Club president Paul Sheahan said Charlton was "selfless''. "His concern was always for others, never for himself,'' Mr Sheahan said.

"MCC members will fondly remember Tony for his class and commanding presence behind the microphone, where he earned a reputation as one of the finest function hosts in the country.

"Needless to say, he will be missed by many and our thoughts are very much with Loris and the Charlton family at this time.''

Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett said he was always there for those in need.

"He had a wonderful sense of humour and had a voice that resonated with the community,'' Mr Kennett said. ``But above all, Tony was always on the road. Always visiting people. He was a Good Samaritan.''

Australia Day Committee chair Stefan Romaniw has led a chorus for Charlton's efforts to help others.

"Apart from his media career, Tony contributed  to many causes and was recognised for his efforts. He always kept the limelight on others and never on himself.

"He was a fine Woolworths Australian Day Ambassador and will be sadly missed.''

Broadcaster Neil Mitchell paid tribute to Charlton.

"He had one of the best contact books I've ever seen. But the overwhelming thing I have about Tony is his decency. He was a companionate, caring man," Mitchell told 3AW.

Commentator Drew Morphett took to Twitter to express his condolences.

"It will be hard to broadcast cricket today following news of Tony Charlton's death. Great man. Who will speak at his funeral? He was the best," he tweeted.

Gerard Whateley tweeted: "We are poorer for the passing of Tony Charlton. A wonderful man."

Other highlights from his career include:

* For 30 years, MC in each Capital City of the Caltex Sports Star of the Year series. Many of these occasions were televised.

* 1988-2008 (incl) MC of the Prime Minister's Olympic Dinner.

* Presenter in Melbourne for over 25 years, of the Dawn Service and Anzac Requiem each Anzac Day.

* 7 Network commentator for the VP Day 50th anniversary coverage and presenter at the Shrine of the VE Day 50th anniversary ceremony and the VP Ecumenical Service.

* 2005 – member of the inaugural Government of Victoria Spirit of Anzac Prize tour (the Western Front).

* 2008 – Chairman, Organising Committee of the World Latin American Dancesport Championship.

FoxSports will air Mike Sheahan's Open Mike interview with Tony Charlton from July this year at 9pm AEDT tonight (and 9.30pm AEDT on FoxSports 2).

2011 AFL Hall Of Fame inductees James Hird, Mark Ricciuto, Nathan Buckley, Michael Voss and Tony Charlton. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

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Black races the clock to be fit

Lions champ Simon Black is no certainty to line up in the season opening clash after undergoing knee surgery. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

SIMON Black is no certainty to play in the Brisbane Lions' season opening AFL clash with the Western Bulldogs.

The champion midfielder had clean-out surgery last week on his knee which had become irritated during the early stages of pre-season training.

Initial predictions were for a training comeback by the end of January and a cameo appearance during the NAB Cup.

But coach Michael Voss said there is little margin for error and the former skipper could be in a race against time and his ageing body to be ready by Round 1 on March 31.

"We are (confident) but it will be a lot tighter,'' Voss said.

"The surgery doesn't change his actual timeline. But obviously we would like more time for him to feel good about his pre-season and feeling fresh, not recovering.''

Otherwise the Lions are a fit and focused bunch as they head towards the Christmas break.

Black and ruckman Matthew Leuenberger have been the only absentees from training, with Leuenberger expected back on the track after Christmas.

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Guy urges Suns to maintain rage

Ahead of the pack? Gold Coast players Matthew Warnock and Jared Brennan take part in a training drill. Picture: Richard Gosling Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

ALL Gold Coast players may want for Christmas is a break from a gruelling pre-season schedule, but coach Guy McKenna doesn't want his Suns taking things too easily.

McKenna believes his squad is "about two weeks" ahead of many of their AFL rivals going into the Christmas break after an intense pre-season aimed at improving his young team's ability to contest physically during matches.

That's why Suns captain Gary Ablett is going to inform his teammates not to be too merry over the next fortnight and threaten to relinquish their hard-earned advantage.

McKenna said the two-time premiership winner will address players before they break up at the end of the week to emphasise the importance of not taking things too easily away from the scrutiny of the club's coaches.

"Our scouts say a lot of the other clubs have been a bit cautious, possibly gentle even, leading into Christmas," McKenna said.

"Gary Ablett's going to talk the group at some stage and over that break it might be a mental break if you like but it's not going to be a physical one.

"If we are one or two weeks ahead of some of the other teams, let's stay ahead of them."

McKenna said he's feeling no extra pressure following the club's public statement that they want to win a premiership by the end of the 2015 campaign.

He says the statement by chairman John Witheriff is not out of line with his own ambitions and if the club isn't moving forward McKenna will be the one held accountable.

"I think we were 0-8 and I got re-signed," he said.

"I'm pretty much a logical person and understand the game well enough that if we're 0-8 come the next contract re-negotiation, I don't think I'd be here.

"The boys understand the job's on and they're certainly relishing the challenge."

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Little Libba fit and firing

Tom Liberatore is letting his legs do the talking during the Western Bulldogs' pre-season training. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

WAYWARD Bulldog Liberatore is using the training track to win back his teammates' respect and trust, club veteran Daniel Giansiracusa says.

Liberatore was found drunk and carrying an ecstasy tablet in King St in August, and while he avoided criminal charges, he received a four-match club-imposed suspension, was temporarily banished from the club and was ordered to get a job.

Until that point, Giansiracusa had been one of the Bulldogs' shining lights in a disappointing season, averaging 20 disposals and finishing seventh in the club's best and fairest award, despite missing games as a result of the suspension.

Giansiracusa said the son of Bulldogs Brownlow Medal winner Tony Liberatore had returned to pre-season fit and firing, and was starting to repair the damage done that night.

"Obviously it was a bit of a wake-up call for him," Giansiracusa said.

"He went through some pretty tough times in that four-week period and then over the break, but he's back, he's training really well and he's fitted back into the group fantastically well.

"He's seems really committed to sort of getting the respect back of the group. He's a great player and he's going to come through it well."

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Players to speak on drugs

Eagle Adam Selwood marks in attack. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

WEST Coast players' delegate Adam Selwood says players are determined to have their say at next month's AFL drugs summit.

As debate swirls around the league's contentious illicit drugs policy, the AFL Players Association discussed the issue at its annual directors and delegates conference on Friday.

Selwood said players discussed the importance of their views being well represented at the summit.

"We are pretty keen and eager to make sure we have players in attendance to make sure that our voice is heard, that they understand the situation of players and everything else that goes along with it," he said.

"With the clubs, if there is an issue out there, we want to help it. And also, we're concerned with the players' wellbeing while they're in the game, but also post their career as well.

"If there are changes (to the policy), we want to be as proactive as we possibly can and we want to get as many guys in this summit to express their views."

Selwood said he was comfortable with the AFL's illicit drugs policy as it stands, but the players remained open to finding ways to improve the system.

"We are all in agreeance that the policy is set up for the right reasons and that's (to) try and help people who may have issues or that may have had an event that happened with an illicit drug," Selwood said.

"The numbers are extremely low ... Can we make the policy better?

"Obviously it has come to light in the last few months that maybe changes can be made."

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Young gun bonds as Dees feel heat

Aaron Davey shows youngster Dominic Barry the ropes on an Abrams tank at Robertson's Barracks in Darwin. Picture: Justin Sanson Source: Northern Territory News

ALICE Springs' speedster Dominic Barry feels a sense of belonging at Melbourne after completing a gruelling training venture in the Top End yesterday.

The 18-year-old joined the Demons in a pre-draft trade with Greater Western Sydney and was thrust into a nine-day camp designed to build physical and mental strength.

The squad completed a 35km trek through Kakadu National Park a week after a first training session was cut short because of sapping heat and humidity on the hottest December day in Darwin for 36 years.

Barry said there was a noticeable difference within the playing group when they left the Territory yesterday.

"It was good to bond with all the boys, because on these sort of trips there is nowhere to hide," he said.

"Alice Springs is as far (north) as I go, so I'm one of the boys that are unfamiliar with this weather and I'm in the same position as the other guys.

"Everyone is told to get out of their comfort zones on these trips, so I think everyone contributed in a way to help the team. On the walk, there were a few younger boys lifting the older ones up, and that's what it's all about."

Pic gallery: Dees' Top End commando course

Fellow Territorian Aaron Davey, 29, said the midfielder had taken his AFL journey in his stride.

"It's always good to have more indigenous boys at the club, obviously with Aussie (Wonaeamirri) and Liam (Jurrah) gone," he said. "Dom has fitted in well and gotten on with all the boys."

GEELONG recruit Josh Caddy did his best to make an immediate impact on his new captain Joel Selwood by breaking the skipper's nose at their Falls Creek training camp on Friday.

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Suns gun recruit moves like Jaeger

RISING STAR: New AFL sensation Jaeger O'Meara cools off at the end of training at Kurrawa beach. Picture: Glenn Hampson Source: PerthNow

HE'S got the rock-star name and the game to match.

Recruiters call him the next Chris Judd and say he can virtually play anywhere and do anything.

And 103 days before the WA teenager makes a likely Round 1 debut for Gold Coast against St Kilda, he's already been installed as the favourite for next year's NAB Rising Star Award.

The excitement has been building around Jaeger O'Meara since he kicked four goals in a classy WAFL debut for Perth in August 2011.

For a youngster surrounded by hype, he either does a brilliant impersonation of someone who hasn't been affected or he's not affected one bit.

With fate sending him to the Gold Coast a year earlier than draft age via the 17-year-old mini-draft, O'Meara could hardly be better prepared for his debut season.

He's spent the past 12 months getting his body and mind ready for his AFL entrance in the relative anonymity of Queensland, something O'Meara sees as a blessing.

"I like to stay pretty low-key, so it definitely suits me being on the Gold Coast. It's a lot more relaxed," he said.

"They say time flies when you're having fun, so I'm definitely having a lot of fun.''

The "next Judd" tag has been thrown at O'Meara in enough interviews for an answer to be virtually rehearsed.

"It's definitely very humbling, but I'm yet to play an AFL game," he said.

"I think those comparisons are slightly premature.''

Rising Star expectations are similarly batted away.

"It's not in my thoughts too much; I'm not much of a punter myself," he said.

What is in O'Meara's thoughts, though, is football. The Dongara product says he loves the game and has done ever since his dad put a footy in his hands at the age of five.

O'Meara's 2012 campaign for the Suns' reserves was interrupted by groin and hernia problems, but last season was always about preparing for the big time.

"They told me they don't really like to call it OP (osteitis pubis) anymore, but they term it as chronic groin pain," he said.

"I think it comes down to probably getting into the gym and heavy weights with a bit of a weak core, so I've been doing a lot of work on my core.

"I struggled with it for a little while and I just needed to get it done. I haven't felt any pain in my groin since surgery, so I'm pretty confident in it.

"That's something I've had to learn along the way. I've learnt a lot about my body in the time that I've been in rehab, so even though it was a negative, I probably looked at it as a bit of a positive as well."

Having used his time at the club to add another 7kg of muscle to his already strong 184cm frame, O'Meara is ready to go in every sense.

"I'd be happy to play anywhere, but my favourite position would be in the midfield," he said.

"I like to be in the thick of things and if there's a spot for me there then I'll be taking it with both hands.

"I feel as though I can play inside mid or outside mid, depending on where the coaches like to play me."

O'Meara, who will turn 19 on the day the Suns begin their NAB Cup campaign against Brisbane and Hawthorn, was allowed a taste of senior football during the last pre-season competition before being barred from playing in the season proper.

He didn't look out of place, but is confident he'll be far better prepared 12 months on.

"They say NAB Cup is probably AFL at about 60 per cent," O'Meara said.

"It was still pretty fast for me. It was definitely a step up from WAFL footy and I'm sure that once I do eventually get a game in the home-and-away season then it's going to be another step up."

O'Meara prefers to talk about the team rather than himself and it's clear he appreciates the timing of his entry.

With what were designed to be Gold Coast's two most difficult seasons out of the way, the Suns' lofty goals were recently outlined by chairman John Witheriff, who's targeted a premiership within three years.

"We need to improve as a team and I think this time of year is all about working hard and smashing yourself," O'Meara said.

"We've still got a few gains we need to achieve and we're going the right way about it at the moment. Hopefully by Round 1 we'll be fit and firing to go.

"The boys are coming into their third years now, so they know what AFL footy's all about and they've definitely shown that they can compete against the big clubs.

"Hopefully we can take that into this year and we can keep going with that for the next few years and maybe even win a premiership."

While O'Meara has been compared to Judd, it's another Brownlow medallist - Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett - who he's more likely to model his game on.

"He can do everything and I'd love to maybe one day become half the player he is because obviously he's a bit of a freak," O'Meara said.

"I've got a lot to learn but I'll pick his brain as much as I can. He's obviously one of the best players in the AFL, if not the best.

"I think he's probably the ultimate package. His willingness to execute skills at AFL pace at training is something that I've taken from him.

"He leads by example and he also tells boys how they can do things better and how they can improve."

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Boost for Eagles as Shuey signs on

STAYING ON: West Coast's Luke Shuey has re-signed with the club for two seasons. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast midfielder Luke Shuey has resisted the temptation to return home to Victoria, re-signing with the Eagles for two more years.

The gun midfielder was hot on the radar of several Melbourne-based clubs looking to lure home one of the competition's premier young ball-winners.

But it is understood the 22-year-old agreed to a contract worth about $500,000 a season, making the 52-gamer one of the AFL's top-paid players for his age.

Shuey, who finished second to Essendon's Dyson Heppell in last year's Rising Star award, made the commitment with one year remaining on his current deal.

It ties the classy right-footer to West Coast until the end of 2015, in a major coup for a club intent on making a genuine tilt at next year's premiership.

Shuey's manager, Nick Gieschen from Elite Sports Properties, would not comment yesterday, but is believed to have signed off on the new contract last week.

West Coast officials have lauded Shuey for his character after overcoming a nightmare injury run and the tragic death of his sister Mel shortly after he was drafted with pick No.18 in 2008.

From Oakleigh, Shuey has since become one of the club's key midfield pillars, finishing fifth in the Eagles' best-and-fairest award after his stunning 2011 season.

He backed it up in 2012 averaging 23 touches and a goal over 21 games.

Shuey was a priority signing for West Coast after the departure of fellow young midfielders Koby Stevens (Western Bulldogs) and Tom Swift (retired) at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Champion Data has ranked West Coast's draw fifth-toughest in the AFL next season. The Dockers' draw is rated eighth-hardest.

After climbing peaks in Utah, North Melbourne faces another uphill battle after being ranked with the toughest draw.

Champion Data has ranked the difficulty of every club's 2013 draw, with the Kangaroos sitting ahead of grand finalist Hawthorn, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.

Every club's ranking has been reached by totalling the 2012 premiership points from each of their 22 opponents  with five opponents doubling up.

-with Rebecca Williams

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