Stars align for the Cats

Jimmy Bartel is set to resume full training as he continues to make excellent progress from off-season surgery.l Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

James Kelly has impressed the Geelong camp since surgery. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

KEY Geelong stars Jimmy Bartel, James Kelly and Josh Caddy are set to resume full training after making encouraging progress from off-season surgery.

Assistant coach James Rahilly said yesterday the trio had recovered strongly after injury-enforced layoffs.

The injury news came as a near-full Geelong list battled it out with North Melbourne in a scratch match behind closed doors at Simonds Stadium yesterday.

Former Roo Hamish McIntosh was one of few to miss the interclub match arranged by the clubs' coaches, brothers Chris and Brad Scott.

McIntosh is recovering from knee surgery.

Bartel (foot), Kelly (hip) and Caddy (shoulder) were restricted to laps and light drills in a half-hour warm-up at the nearby St Mary's Oval, but all played in a short, sharp match at Simonds Stadium against a North Melbourne side that featured star forward Drew Petrie.

Rahilly said he was pleased with the trio's progress.

"Jimmy's travelling pretty well. He's starting to train and do a few sessions," Rahilly said.

"I'm not sure when he'll be doing a full session, but it won't be too far away.

"James Kelly is pretty much up to full training as well, so they're going along very well."

Gold Coast recruit Caddy has handled full-contact sessions and is close to joining the main group, while McIntosh remains on a restricted training program.

"I can't see him being too far away," Rahilly said. "He's a little bit slower than the others, but he'll be back in full training soon as well.

"He's still doing a lot, but when he joins the match-simulation drills will be up to the docs and physio. He's on the track completing drills and doing some one-on-one stuff, so I wouldn't think he'd be too far away at all."

Rahilly said the scratch match with the Roos was low-key.

"We only did a couple of drills with them. It only went for 15-20 minutes max and then we completed our training," Rahilly said.

"The main reason (for the scratch match) is they don't have a ground and wanted to come down to use our ground.

"It's something we've done to help out other sides and have a bit of combative training. It was nothing too silly.

"There was no real tackling to ground or ridiculous spoiling. We had a match-simulation drill, but it wasn't very long.

"We worked the ball down one end, our defenders had a go, their defenders had a go, and then the forwards.

"It was a test for where we're at and where they're at, but the bulk of our session was done on our own."

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Part II: 2013 fixture preview

Bulldogs star Adam Cooney will play against good mate Brian Lake in Round 17. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

North Melbourne will be looking to limit Lance Franklin's influence when the two sides meet in 2013. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

THE Hawks twice or the Giants twice? Two trips to Perth or an array of Friday night blockbusters? Six-day breaks or a lengthy spell? These are the quirks that can define a club's season and the careers of coaches and players alike.

Over the next few days SuperFooty will bring you a comprehensive guide to the fixtures of all 18 clubs.

Today we look at Sydney, West Coast and Western Bulldogs.

Over the past few days we've looked at Adelaide, Brisbane, Collingwood, Carlton, Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney.

HAWTHORN:

EASY GAMES:
The Hawks face GWS, Gold Coast and Melbourne – the bottom three sides from 2012 – leading into their bye. That shapes as a soft month they can use to build percentage. They also travel to hostile interstate venues on just four occasions.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The two clashes with Geelong will be pivotal. Shane Crawford wrote on the verge of last year's Easter Monday clash that if the Hawks couldn't topple the Cats then they wouldn't for the year. He was dead right, and they need to leap this rising mental hurdle in Round 1. The Round 7 Grand Final rematch against Sydney at the MCG could also be a testing match crucial to the Hawks' mental belief.

TOUGH GAMES:
An absolute horror start to the season. The Hawks face all 2012 finalists in the first seven rounds, which includes trips to face Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, West Coast in Perth and concludes with the Grand Final rematch. A nightmare start – but if they can escape with a positive win-loss ratio they'll be well on the way to the top four again.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Hawthorn's opening two months is littered with blockbusters, but you can't go past the Grand Final rematch. The Hawks must be looking for another crack at the Swans and while it might not be September, it shapes as a pivotal game given Alastair Clarkson's draw early. The match against Collingwood in Round 3 will be huge, too, and gives the Hawks the chance to square-off with Clinton Young after he defected to the Westpac Centre.

SUMMARY:
Hawthorn was disappointed the AFL did not fulfil its request to host seven matches at the MCG, while the opening two months loom as a major danger. But, that means the middle chunk of the season is extremely friendly. A SuperFooty poll recently revealed readers think Hawthorn has the toughest fixture – and by some margin.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Geelong (MCG)
Round 2 v West Coast (PS)
Round 3 v Collingwood (MCG)
Round 4 v Fremantle (AS)

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

MELBOURNE:

EASY GAMES:
The Dees have a mortgage on the MCG for most the season. In the first 15 rounds, they play just two games away from the home of footy – both interstate trips. Home bouts against Port Adelaide, GWS and Gold Coast in the first seven weeks presents an opportunity for the new-look Dees to create the winning culture Mark Neeld is desperate to implement.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The Round 2 match against Essendon should be interesting. The Dees have the wood over the Bombers and would love that streak to continue. The two games against the Dogs in the back half of the season will also be telling with both clubs in a similar bracket.

TOUGH GAMES:
The three-week stretch of Fremantle away, Hawthorn and Collingwood will test the Demons' improvement. Games against Adelaide away and Geelong in Geelong will also be tough to compete in.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
As if Queen's Birthday wasn't a big enough duel for the Dees, they now to go show off star recruit Chris Dawes against his old Magpie premiership teammates. Added to that Mark Neeld's former stint at the Pies and it shapes as a juicy contest.

SUMMARY:
Only three six-day breaks is a win, as is playing fellow bottom-four sides GWS, Suns and Dogs twice each. But the Dees missed out on Friday night action and must play a home game at Etihad Stadium, against their request.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Port Adelaide (MCG)
Round 2 v Essendon (MCG)
Round 3 v West Coast (MCG)
Round 4 v GWS (MCG)

NORTH MELBOURNE:

EASY GAMES:
Not many. The Roos don't play any of the bottom-four sides twice, but a run of five-straight games again non-finalists from Rounds 14-18 should give a platform to launch a run at September.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The opening five weeks could set up North Melbourne's year. The Roos face Collingwood, Geelong, Sydney in Tasmania, Brisbane and Hawthorn and will be desperate to walk out with a few of wins. They will also be without Brent Harvey for the first six weeks, adding to the early challenges.

TOUGH GAMES:
Plenty. Two trips to Perth and return bouts against Hawthorn, Adelaide Collingwood and Geelong. Eight six-day breaks to boot makes it a hard draw on paper.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
You suspect a few North boys wouldn't mind a crack at Carlton in Round 17, and another look at Chris Judd after last year's chicken-wing gate. The clash with West Coast in Round 8 will also be eagerly-anticipated after North Melbourne's finals capitulation last year. And the Roos' backline will hopefully be devising some new plans for the Round 5 clash with Hawthorn – and 13-goal terroriser Buddy Franklin.

SUMMARY:
A difficult draw on paper, and a mixed bag commercially. Two home Friday night games (three in total) should help boost the bottom line, but the club wasn't overly thrilled with receiving three home Sunday twilight games this season.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Collingwood (ES)
Round 2 v Geelong (ES)
Round 3 v Sydney (BA)
Round 4 v Brisbane Lions (ES)

PORT ADELAIDE

EASY GAMES:
New coach Ken Hinkley will be gifted the chance to ignite his coaching career with winnable games against Melbourne, GWS and Gold Coast inside the first month. The Power travels to Darwin to meet the Dogs and doubled-up against the two expansion sides – but, being the sole club to have suffered defeat against both new franchises, will be wary of those matches.

CRUNCH GAMES:
It has to be the home matches. Port Adelaide hosts Richmond, Brisbane Lions and Carlton at home this year and to leap forward the Power has to restores some fear in a trip to AAMI Stadium.

TOUGH GAMES:
Road trips to face Fremantle, Carlton and Geelong come with warning bells. Hinkley will be hell-bent to compete with Collingwood, Hawthorn and Sydney at home, too.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Hinkley would love to get one over his mates at Geelong in Round 9, while the next week a few Power players might be eager to atone against Will Minson and his Western Bulldogs, even if Danyle Pearce has departed. The Round 14 Port Adelaide-Collingwood duel – the two clubs John McCarthy played for – promises to include some touching moments and tributes.

SUMMARY:
A commercially strong fixture with home matches big-drawing sides Richmond, Geelong, Collingwood, Hawthorn and Carlton. The Power is also looking forward to farewelling AAMI Stadium in Round 23, where the club won 23 SANFL flags.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Melbourne (MCG)
Round 2 v GWS (AAMI)
Round 3 v Adelaide (AAMI)
Round 4 v Gold Coast (MS)

Port Adelaide Power footballers training at Montefiore Hill and then finishing at McKinnon Parade, North Adelaide. Picture: Dean Martin Source: HWT Image Library

RICHMOND

EASY GAMES:
The Tigers' trademark "easy games" are scattered throughout the season, which isn't a bad result. They open with three matches against non-finalists, giving the chance to sing the song early – something they struggled to do last season. Four of the final five games are at the MCG, with the exception a trip to Skoda Stadium to face GWS.

CRUNCH GAMES:
It starts with Round 1 against Carlton. Can the Tiges finally get some success to start the season? The month leading into Richmond's bye will also be telling – it faces Port Adelaide away, Melbourne, Essendon and the Eagles in Perth. Dare we mention the trip to Cairns to host the Gold Coast?

TOUGH GAMES:
Two trips to Perth and a clash with Sydney at the SCG hurt, but other than that it looks a friendly year for the Tigers. They also meet top-four outfits Collingwood and Hawthorn just once each. The Tigers smashed grand finalists Hawthorn and Sydney last year, can they repeat those performances in 2013?

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Blues – courtesy of a Brock McLean shank – nailed Richmond's coffin shut last season, so expect some fireworks in Round 1 for Mick Malthouse's Carlton coaching debut. The Blues have won the past nine against Richmond, while surely, SURELY it can snap the curse of Cairns and topple Gold Coast this year.

SUMMARY:
After some uncertainty owing to the MCG availability, the Tigers kept their Round 1 blockbuster against Carlton, while 13 games at the MCG will please the club and fans alike. A balanced draw with a spread out travel load presents the ideal chance for a red-hot crack at the finals.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Carlton (MCG)
Round 2 v S Kilda (MCG)
Round 3 v Western Bulldogs (ES)
Round 4 v Collingwood (MCG)

AFL. Richmond Training at Cazaly's in Cairns. Alex Rance and his team mates show the strain in the heat during sprint work. Picture: Stewart Mclean Source: HWT Image Library

ST KILDA

EASY GAMES:
The Saints should dodge a few bullets early, avoiding a 2012 finalist until Round 5. That's a nice stepping stone into the year, while a six-week midseason stretch of games against the Dogs, Roos, Eagles (home), Dees and Tigers – with a bye tossed in the middle – gives another chance to spear up the ladder.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The stakes will be high for the Anzac Day clash with Sydney in Wellington, adding to the excitement. Another two duels with former mentor Ross Lyon's Fremantle are on the cards, while the Saints face Richmond, Essendon, Carlton and the Roos a combined six times. Those matches will be pivotal with those sides clunked in the same ladder bracket as the Saints in 2012.

TOUGH GAMES:
Road trips to face Adelaide, Fremantle and Sydney will be mighty tricky, but the Saints will tackle Collingwood and Hawthorn just once each – both at their Etihad fortress.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Brendon Goddard showdown in Round 4 will be big. It has already been hailed as a "grudge match" externally, while there will again be intrigue when the Saints meet Lyon's Dockers. You can bank on some hype when Stephen Milne and Harry O'Brien come toe-to-toe in Round 6 as well, after the goal sneak allegedly made a homophobic sledge to the Magpies defender last year.

SUMMARY:
Three Friday night games as well as the Anzac Day clash is a ripping result commercially, but not a great result for the fans. Eight times the Saints play outside of Melbourne (including Geelong), a number comparable to non-Victorian clubs. On the field it's a fairly balanced draw.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Gold Coast (MS)
Round 2 v Richmond (MCG)
Round 3 v GWS (MO)
Round 4 v Essendon (ES)

St Kilda training at Seaford. Stephen Milne enjoying being back on the ground Picture: Chris Eastman Source: HWT Image Library

SYDNEY

EASY GAMES:
No excuses for a premiership hangover early, with Sydney set to open its premiership defence against GWS and Gold Coast. The Swans don't face a top-four side until Round 7, while three of their final four games are at home ahead of September.

CRUNCH GAMES:
Duels with Adelaide away, Collingwood, Fremantle and Hawthorn in the first half of the season – without Kurt Tippett – will be telling. The Anzac Day trip to face St Kilda in Wellington will come off a five-day break, and the Saints don't mind playing the bloods.

TOUGH GAMES:
In addition to the short lead-in to Anzac Day, the Swans have six six-day breaks which could prove tricky. Geelong at Geelong late in the season looms as a challenging fixture, as does West Coast in Perth – although the Swans did triumph in the corresponding game last season. At least Tippett will be onboard for those encounters.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Swans narrowly miss their chance to parade Kurt Tippett in front of the Adelaide backline, but his debut should still come at AAMI Stadium when Sydney meets Port Adelaide in Round 13. The eyes of the football world will be on the No. 8 Swan that day, while the Grand Final rematch with the Hawks in Round 7 will also be a huge battle. And the Hawks could enter in desperate need of a victory given their hellish start to 2013.

SUMMARY:
The Swans' bookkeepers will be pleased. The two ANZ Stadium clashes are against preliminary and Grand Final opponents in Collingwood and Hawthorn, while the premier also hosts powerhouses Geelong, Essendon, Carlton and Richmond at the SCG – including two Friday night blockbusters. Swans fans can lock in the Round 1 date against GWS as a must-see match, with Sydney set to unveil the premiership flag before the match.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v GWS (ANZ)
Round 2 v Gold Coast (SCG)
Round 3 v North Melbourne (BA)
Round 4 v Geelong (SCG)

Source: HWT Image Library

WEST COAST

EASY GAMES:
The first 10 rounds presents a great opportunity for West Coast to put a mortgage on a top-four place. It plays six games at Patersons Stadiums and travels to meet stragglers Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Brisbane Lions and GWS. The Eagles also avoid the dreaded long trip to Tasmania.

CRUNCH GAMES:
It starts Round 1, when the Eagles face Fremantle in a stand-alone derby. That will be massive, while the following week West Coast hosts Hawthorn. They could be 2-0 and flying or 0-2 and in early trouble. The final three games, against Geelong, Collingwood (MCG) and Adelaide could also decide just how high the Eagles finish on the ladder.

TOUGH GAMES:
Must face the Hawks and Crows twice, while West Coast has drawn eight six-day breaks in addition to its hefty travel load. The five-game stretch after the bye – against Hawthorn (away), Essendon, Adelaide (away), Fremantle and Sydney will also examine West Coast's double-chance credentials.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Round 1 derby – a home game for Fremantle – will be a monster clash. These sides hate each other and it'll be great for the entire football world to tune in and see it with no other matches that day.

SUMMARY:
Logistically, West Coast's fixture presents challenges. In addition to the eight six-day breaks and hefty travel load, it plays four away games at night – which makes return and recovery a tough ask. A home match the week before finals is a bonus.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Fremantle (PS)
Round 2 v Hawthorn (PS)
Round 3 v Melbourne (MCG)
Round 4 v Carlton (PS)

The West Coast Eagles are back into pre season training. pictured - Mark Nicoski Picture: Justin Benson-cooper Source: HWT Image Library

WESTERN BULLDOGS

EASY GAMES:

Not a whole lot to choose from. The Dogs face GWS, Port Adelaide and Gold Coast once each – all interstate – but have drawn the Dees twice. Brendan McCartney's side does have the chance to spark some serious optimism early with winnable duels with the Lions, Dockers and Tigers to start the season – all at Etihad.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The two showdowns with Melbourne will be big. The clubs haven't met since Round 4 last season, but both remain in the same bracket. The Dogs host five interstate clubs at Etihad Stadium and would give themselves a chance in all of those as they look to take a step forward in 2013.

TOUGH GAMES:
Road trips to face Adelaide and West Coast, as well as duels with Collingwood, Hawthorn and Geelong will prove tricky. Seven interstate trips is a lot of travel, but that does include a home game in Darwin.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Nothing which blatantly stands out, but the two battles against Melbourne in the final nine rounds will be hotly contested. The Dogs might also enjoy a crack at former star defender Brian Lake when they meet Hawthorn in Round 17.

SUMMARY:
No Friday night games and the lack of battles with fellow bottom-four clubs makes for a demanding season. Strange that Port Adelaide, which finished outside the bottom four, meets the two expansion sides twice each, but the Dogs cash in just once. But, as the Dogs said when their draw was released, it creates a sound opportunity to test their improvement against the best sides.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Brisbane Lions (ES)
Round 2 v Fremantle (ES)
Round 3 v Richmond (ES)
Round 4 v Adelaide (AAMI)

Footscray (Western Bulldogs??) training/video launch...Western Oval. Picture: Mike Keating Source: HWT Image Library

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Playing the pain game

Back to work: Richmond Tigers player Daniel Jackson and Melbourne Vixens netballer Bianca Chatfield hit the pavement after the Christmas break. Source: Herald Sun

IN the age of the professional athlete, Richmond's Daniel Jackson and Melbourne Vixens' Bianca Chatfield compare a combined 25 pre-seasons at the coalface of their respective codes. Eliza Sewell reports.

Eliza Sewell: Now, you've both done a few pre-seasons, how many in fact?

Daniel Jackson: Ten.

Bianca Chatfield: I think this is my 15th.

ES: Oh, goodness.

DJ: That hurts.

BC: And I'm still going.

DJ: It hurts the mind more than the body.

BC: I often enjoy pre-season. During the season I get sick of being on court all the time and it all being just about netball. During pre-season you have a little bit of everything. It's kind of nice to mix it up.

ES: What's a story from a pre-season that sticks in your mind?

DJ: A few years ago they told us a training camp was going to be fairly relaxed, that we could bring tennis racquets and golf clubs. We met on Monday morning, I think at 5.30am, to start this camp, I think I even brought a book to read while I was away. We were standing in the gym waiting and these special operations group police officers walked in, starting ranting and raving. We all just looked at each other. We knew exactly what we were in for, four days of brutal activity. No sleep, no food.

ES: They fooled you.

BC: We went on one where we couldn't eat or sleep for 48 hours. Or they'd give you little bits of food, but you had to stay awake the whole time. I hated life. It made us stronger as a team, though, because we hated all the staff that were on it. As a team we were like, 'We're not going to let them beat us, we're not going to show that we care'.

ES: Sometimes do you think it's more mental training than physical?

DJ: It's certainly a combination.

BC: They're on par. We've done one where they took us down the Mornington Peninsula and we went to a day spa and did things like that. We thought that was heaven but we didn't do very well that year (laughing).

ES: So how much time do you get off after your season?

BC: We have to have eight weeks off, but I probably spent two, even only a week, doing nothing and the rest of it you start building up again. I also had (foot) surgery during that time.
 

ES: So you have a break, but you don't really.

DJ: It's getting harder and harder. I had eight weeks. But it's the same thing (as Bianca). We're given a full training program. I think we got 10 to 14 days of no training after the end of the season and then it's a five-day-a-week program. We've got apps that tell us what training we have to do, we've got GPS watches that measure all of our running. You just can't come back unfit any more.

BC: That's probably the biggest battle for our sports is that they tell you to go away and have a break, but you can't possibly. So mentally you don't get to fully escape.

ES: What do you dread the most about pre-season?

DJ: The long days. It's so hard to have a balanced life when at the end of a long training day you've got no energy to do anything else.

ES: So how long would your day generally be?

DJ: This morning I was at the club at 7.20am. I should have finished at 4pm, but they wrapped me up at 3pm. So it tends to be 7.30am-4pm. People will say, 'Oh that's not too hard, I work till 6.30pm'. But they go home and they've still got energy. We get home and we sit on the couch.

BC: For me, it is (that) you know once you come back in January, if you're successful in making the Aussie team as well, you won't finish until November. You've got to look after your body to make sure you get through all that way, but also it's the mental pressures of getting selected and then gearing yourself up to make the Aussie team. You're never really 100 per cent secure in your position, which you shouldn't be, either. But that's always the tough challenge.

Bianca Chatfield

Age: 30 Height: 189cm

Professional netballer - Vixens, Australia

ANZ Championship average wage: $21,000

Education: Bachelor of Applied Science (Human Movement) and Bachelor of Education

Other interests: Runs leadership consultancy Pivot Performance with teammate Sharelle McMahon, Australian Netball Players Association delegate

Pre-season workload: Monday-Saturday, Sunday off
3 weights, 3 on-court, 2-3 conditioning (running/bike/cardio), 1-2 rehab (pilates), 1 massage

Season starts: March 25 (14 games plus finals)

ES: What do you love about pre-season?

BC: You miss your teammates over Christmas, and really I just love getting back and hanging out with everybody.

DJ: That's a good point. I like the bonding, you spend so much time together, it's like being at school together. It's nearly a little bit sadistic, but I quite like the hard work.

ES: Is there an activity that you're really good at or that you like?

DJ: The guys would hate me to say it, but they already know it, I actually enjoy running. Everyone hates running, they just want to play footy. I don't mind a tough running session.

BC: Um ...

ES: You can say 'nothing'.

BC: Yeah, I don't really know what I love so much about it.

DJ: Massage?

BC: Yeah, the massage at the end of the day.

DJ: I kill the massage, I'm good at that.

ES: Of your teammates, who lags? Or is there someone who tries to avoid a certain activity?

DJ: Jake King cannot swim. If you threw him in the pool, he would drown. We would swim 50m before he's even finished 25m, probably 100m. He pretty much dog paddles.

BC: Karyn Howarth - this is her second year at the club, it's fair to say she hates the running sessions.

ES: And who powers through? Who irks you with their enthusiasm?

BC: Maddie Brown, she's good at everything, it kind of makes you sick. She swam the Pier to Pub, she's good at running, she's an all-round powerhouse.

DJ: It's probably Alex Rance. He's a good sprinter, he's now really good at endurance running, he's a good swimmer. He can't box, but otherwise he smashes everything.

ES: What's changed this pre-season?

BC: We've got a new coach (Simone McKinnis). She's right into being on court early and building in fitness and skills together. Normally we would be doing our running and fitness and build up to being on court, but we've been on court straight away.

DJ: Over the last few years it's become a lot more footy-orientated, which probably sounds obvious. A lot of the fitness is incorporated into drills. There's a lot more match play rather than just running the Tan. You still have to run the Tan, but just not as often.

BC: Who does it the quickest?

DJ: We've gone to Princes Park now, but I have the Tan record. I told you, I like running.

ES and BC: What do you do it in?

DJ: 12.36. I couldn't do that at the moment. Now we just do 2km time-trials at Princes Park.

ES: Why did they change?

DJ: The 3.8km (Tan distance) is unrealistic for our game now, we never really run for that distance (in a game). Even 2km is a little bit irrelevant, except that it's a good gauge of where guys are at.

BC: When I first started, we would do lots of long-distance running and it's just pointless. Our court is 30m long and we need to be powerful and quick.

DJ: What testing do you do?

BC: We've been doing the Vo2 max test on the treadmill.

DJ: I don't mind that.

Daniel Jackson

Age: 26 Height: 188cm

Professional footballer - Richmond

AFL average wage for senior player: $260,000

Education: Bachelor of Commerce

Other interests: AFL Players Association board member, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Australia board member, Headspace ambassador, presenter for Step Back Think

Pre-season workload: Monday-Saturday, Sunday off
3 main football sessions,  4-5 weights, 3 skills, 4 running, 2-3 cross training (swim/bike/boxing), 2 yoga/pilates, 2-3 massage

Season starts: March 28 (22 games plus finals)

ES: What is it?

DJ: You're on a treadmill with a snorkel in your mouth and you run until you can't run any more. They keep speeding it up, and eventually when it's at a speed where you can't go any faster, they start raising the gradient until you're knackered.

ES: So how long would you last on that?

DJ: People who struggle, 10 minutes. I think the longest we had was 14 minutes.

BC: And they take your blood lactate every minute, they'll prick your finger and take the blood out.

ES: So you're animals?

BC: Yeah, you are. Sometimes you do feel like that. You get your skinfolds done, everyone's poking and prodding you.

DJ: That's the scary part, the skinfolds. We just had two weeks off and everyone tiptoes around the dietitian because we have measures we have to meet, and if you've been having too many non-green tea related drinks ...

BC: ... you're in the fat club.

DJ: Exactly.

ES: So how often do you get them checked?

BC: We're monthly.

DJ: About every fortnight.
 

ES: What is your personal motto for this season?

DJ: Train smart. When you're younger, you need to push the boundaries because that's the only way you're going to catch up to all the established players, just to do more, and if you get injured, you wear it. When you get older, it's more about getting yourself right to perform.

BC: I would definitely say train smart, too. But also just to love it. You don't know how much longer you can play for, and I just really want to take in every moment that I've still got playing.

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Fledgling Crows stretch their wings

Adelaide Crows youngsters Sam Siggins, Brad Crouch and Rory Atkins. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE expects a number of its young guns to stake a claim for senior action this season after returning from a development camp that highlighted the maturity of its first and second-year players.

Luke Brown and Sam Kerridge are expected to push hard for regular berths after earning debuts in their rookie seasons last year, while Brad Crouch leads a host of untested players looking to make gains.

"Everyone wants to talk about Crouchy but there are a number of guys training well and any number of them could put their hands up and play a game here or there," Crows leadership development manager Paddy Steinfort said.

"I wouldn't be surprised if there was a second or a third- year (player) who pushed up to become a regular contributor," he said.

Adelaide took 13 of its first and second-year players on a development camp at the Gold Coast last weekend and Steinfort was impressed by the professional attitude of the young players.

"There was a bit more maturity shown from the group compared to last year, which was the thing that probably stood out," he said.

"That's a credit to the rest of the playing group ... our leaders and emerging leaders are as mature and professional as I've seen."

The Gold Coast trip - which differed from last year's development camp in that it focused more on education than physical activity - gave the players an insight on what it takes to succeed at the elite level.

They had sessions with world championship winning Northcliff Surf Lifesaving Club, London Olympics gold medal winning kayaker Tate Smith and Australian national team gymnastics coach John Curtin.

"Last year we took them out to the bush and left them for dead for a couple of days," Steinfort said.

"That was about resilience. This year they had a bit of trepidation heading up there because they thought it was going to be the same thing again, but this year it was more about looking at professionalism and developing good professional habits.

"A lot of these guys have come out of under-18s football where they're not really at the elite professional level. So we try and fast-track them into that.

"We've got a fair bit of research that shows us if we can develop their conscientiousness and these habits quicker than other clubs we're going to have a fair advantage."

WHO WENT TO THE CAMP

Rory Atkins, Brad Crouch, Nick Joyce, Sam Siggins, Luke Brown, Cameron Ellis-Yolmen, Sam Kerridge, Mitch Grigg, Rory Laird, Dylan Orval, Kyle Hartigan, Tim Klaosen and Jack Osborn.

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Part II: 2013 fixture preview

North Melbourne will be looking to limit Lance Franklin's influence when the two sides meet in 2013. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

THE Hawks twice or the Giants twice? Two trips to Perth or an array of Friday night blockbusters? Six-day breaks or a lengthy spell? These are the quirks that can define a club's season and the careers of coaches and players alike.

Over the next few days SuperFooty will bring you a comprehensive guide to the fixtures of all 18 clubs.

Today we look at Port Adelaide, Richmond and St Kilda.

Over the past few days we've looked at Adelaide, Brisbane, Collingwood, Carlton, Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney.

Tomorrow we finish our preview with Sydney, West Coast and Western Bulldogs.

HAWTHORN:

EASY GAMES:
The Hawks face GWS, Gold Coast and Melbourne – the bottom three sides from 2012 – leading into their bye. That shapes as a soft month they can use to build percentage. They also travel to hostile interstate venues on just four occasions.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The two clashes with Geelong will be pivotal. Shane Crawford wrote on the verge of last year's Easter Monday clash that if the Hawks couldn't topple the Cats then they wouldn't for the year. He was dead right, and they need to leap this rising mental hurdle in Round 1. The Round 7 Grand Final rematch against Sydney at the MCG could also be a testing match crucial to the Hawks' mental belief.

TOUGH GAMES:
An absolute horror start to the season. The Hawks face all 2012 finalists in the first seven rounds, which includes trips to face Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, West Coast in Perth and concludes with the Grand Final rematch. A nightmare start – but if they can escape with a positive win-loss ratio they'll be well on the way to the top four again.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Hawthorn's opening two months is littered with blockbusters, but you can't go past the Grand Final rematch. The Hawks must be looking for another crack at the Swans and while it might not be September, it shapes as a pivotal game given Alastair Clarkson's draw early. The match against Collingwood in Round 3 will be huge, too, and gives the Hawks the chance to square-off with Clinton Young after he defected to the Westpac Centre.

SUMMARY:
Hawthorn was disappointed the AFL did not fulfil its request to host seven matches at the MCG, while the opening two months loom as a major danger. But, that means the middle chunk of the season is extremely friendly. A SuperFooty poll recently revealed readers think Hawthorn has the toughest fixture – and by some margin.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Geelong (MCG)
Round 2 v West Coast (PS)
Round 3 v Collingwood (MCG)
Round 4 v Fremantle (AS)

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

MELBOURNE:

EASY GAMES:
The Dees have a mortgage on the MCG for most the season. In the first 15 rounds, they play just two games away from the home of footy – both interstate trips. Home bouts against Port Adelaide, GWS and Gold Coast in the first seven weeks presents an opportunity for the new-look Dees to create the winning culture Mark Neeld is desperate to implement.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The Round 2 match against Essendon should be interesting. The Dees have the wood over the Bombers and would love that streak to continue. The two games against the Dogs in the back half of the season will also be telling with both clubs in a similar bracket.

TOUGH GAMES:
The three-week stretch of Fremantle away, Hawthorn and Collingwood will test the Demons' improvement. Games against Adelaide away and Geelong in Geelong will also be tough to compete in.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
As if Queen's Birthday wasn't a big enough duel for the Dees, they now to go show off star recruit Chris Dawes against his old Magpie premiership teammates. Added to that Mark Neeld's former stint at the Pies and it shapes as a juicy contest.

SUMMARY:
Only three six-day breaks is a win, as is playing fellow bottom-four sides GWS, Suns and Dogs twice each. But the Dees missed out on Friday night action and must play a home game at Etihad Stadium, against their request.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Port Adelaide (MCG)
Round 2 v Essendon (MCG)
Round 3 v West Coast (MCG)
Round 4 v GWS (MCG)

NORTH MELBOURNE:

EASY GAMES:
Not many. The Roos don't play any of the bottom-four sides twice, but a run of five-straight games again non-finalists from Rounds 14-18 should give a platform to launch a run at September.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The opening five weeks could set up North Melbourne's year. The Roos face Collingwood, Geelong, Sydney in Tasmania, Brisbane and Hawthorn and will be desperate to walk out with a few of wins. They will also be without Brent Harvey for the first six weeks, adding to the early challenges.

TOUGH GAMES:
Plenty. Two trips to Perth and return bouts against Hawthorn, Adelaide Collingwood and Geelong. Eight six-day breaks to boot makes it a hard draw on paper.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
You suspect a few North boys wouldn't mind a crack at Carlton in Round 17, and another look at Chris Judd after last year's chicken-wing gate. The clash with West Coast in Round 8 will also be eagerly-anticipated after North Melbourne's finals capitulation last year. And the Roos' backline will hopefully be devising some new plans for the Round 5 clash with Hawthorn – and 13-goal terroriser Buddy Franklin.

SUMMARY:
A difficult draw on paper, and a mixed bag commercially. Two home Friday night games (three in total) should help boost the bottom line, but the club wasn't overly thrilled with receiving three home Sunday twilight games this season.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Collingwood (ES)
Round 2 v Geelong (ES)
Round 3 v Sydney (BA)
Round 4 v Brisbane Lions (ES)

PORT ADELAIDE

EASY GAMES:
New coach Ken Hinkley will be gifted the chance to ignite his coaching career with winnable games against Melbourne, GWS and Gold Coast inside the first month. The Power travels to Darwin to meet the Dogs and doubled-up against the two expansion sides – but, being the sole club to have suffered defeat against both new franchises, will be wary of those matches.

CRUNCH GAMES:
It has to be the home matches. Port Adelaide hosts Richmond, Brisbane Lions and Carlton at home this year and to leap forward the Power has to restores some fear in a trip to AAMI Stadium.

TOUGH GAMES:
Road trips to face Fremantle, Carlton and Geelong come with warning bells. Hinkley will be hell-bent to compete with Collingwood, Hawthorn and Sydney at home, too.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Hinkley would love to get one over his mates at Geelong in Round 9, while the next week a few Power players might be eager to atone against Will Minson and his Western Bulldogs, even if Danyle Pearce has departed. The Round 14 Port Adelaide-Collingwood duel – the two clubs John McCarthy played for – promises to include some touching moments and tributes.

SUMMARY:
A commercially strong fixture with home matches big-drawing sides Richmond, Geelong, Collingwood, Hawthorn and Carlton. The Power is also looking forward to farewelling AAMI Stadium in Round 23, where the club won 23 SANFL flags.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Melbourne (MCG)
Round 2 v GWS (AAMI)
Round 3 v Adelaide (AAMI)
Round 4 v Gold Coast (MS)

Port Adelaide Power footballers training at Montefiore Hill and then finishing at McKinnon Parade, North Adelaide. Picture: Dean Martin Source: HWT Image Library

RICHMOND

EASY GAMES:
The Tigers' trademark "easy games" are scattered throughout the season, which isn't a bad result. They open with three matches against non-finalists, giving the chance to sing the song early – something they struggled to do last season. Four of the final five games are at the MCG, with the exception a trip to Skoda Stadium to face GWS.

CRUNCH GAMES:
It starts with Round 1 against Carlton. Can the Tiges finally get some success to start the season? The month leading into Richmond's bye will also be telling – it faces Port Adelaide away, Melbourne, Essendon and the Eagles in Perth. Dare we mention the trip to Cairns to host the Gold Coast?

TOUGH GAMES:
Two trips to Perth and a clash with Sydney at the SCG hurt, but other than that it looks a friendly year for the Tigers. They also meet top-four outfits Collingwood and Hawthorn just once each. The Tigers smashed grand finalists Hawthorn and Sydney last year, can they repeat those performances in 2013?

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Blues – courtesy of a Brock McLean shank – nailed Richmond's coffin shut last season, so expect some fireworks in Round 1 for Mick Malthouse's Carlton coaching debut. The Blues have won the past nine against Richmond, while surely, SURELY it can snap the curse of Cairns and topple Gold Coast this year.

SUMMARY:
After some uncertainty owing to the MCG availability, the Tigers kept their Round 1 blockbuster against Carlton, while 13 games at the MCG will please the club and fans alike. A balanced draw with a spread out travel load presents the ideal chance for a red-hot crack at the finals.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Carlton (MCG)
Round 2 v S Kilda (MCG)
Round 3 v Western Bulldogs (ES)
Round 4 v Collingwood (MCG)

AFL. Richmond Training at Cazaly's in Cairns. Alex Rance and his team mates show the strain in the heat during sprint work. Picture: Stewart Mclean Source: HWT Image Library

ST KILDA

EASY GAMES:
The Saints should dodge a few bullets early, avoiding a 2012 finalist until Round 5. That's a nice stepping stone into the year, while a six-week midseason stretch of games against the Dogs, Roos, Eagles (home), Dees and Tigers – with a bye tossed in the middle – gives another chance to spear up the ladder.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The stakes will be high for the Anzac Day clash with Sydney in Wellington, adding to the excitement. Another two duels with former mentor Ross Lyon's Fremantle are on the cards, while the Saints face Richmond, Essendon, Carlton and the Roos a combined six times. Those matches will be pivotal with those sides clunked in the same ladder bracket as the Saints in 2012.

TOUGH GAMES:
Road trips to face Adelaide, Fremantle and Sydney will be mighty tricky, but the Saints will tackle Collingwood and Hawthorn just once each – both at their Etihad fortress.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Brendon Goddard showdown in Round 4 will be big. It has already been hailed as a "grudge match" externally, while there will again be intrigue when the Saints meet Lyon's Dockers. You can bank on some hype when Stephen Milne and Harry O'Brien come toe-to-toe in Round 6 as well, after the goal sneak allegedly made a homophobic sledge to the Magpies defender last year.

SUMMARY:
Three Friday night games as well as the Anzac Day clash is a ripping result commercially, but not a great result for the fans. Eight times the Saints play outside of Melbourne (including Geelong), a number comparable to non-Victorian clubs. On the field it's a fairly balanced draw.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Gold Coast (MS)
Round 2 v Richmond (MCG)
Round 3 v GWS (MO)
Round 4 v Essendon (ES)

St Kilda training at Seaford. Stephen Milne enjoying being back on the ground Picture: Chris Eastman Source: HWT Image Library

 

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SuperCoach won't be same again

Why should recruiters like Scott Clayton have all the fun? Now we can all have our own draft day. Source: Herald Sun

SAY goodbye to everyone having the same team and book in your draft party - the exciting new face of SuperCoach is here.

When SuperCoach opens on February 1, players will also be able to sign up for free for the new SuperCoach Draft game using the same login - the game will run alongside traditional SuperCoach and you can have teams in both competitions, or continue to play traditional SuperCoach only.

But players who sign up for SuperCoach Draft will be able to take the game to an amazing new level.

The biggest change is that every player is selected in a unique private league draft - which means they can be selected only once; if you take Gary Ablett with pick one, no one else in your league can have him.

So much for concerns about the same players ending up in every side.

It also makes getting the right players at the start of the season crucial - check SuperFooty in coming weeks for plenty of tips on how to do that.

SuperCoach draft also brings a new level of flexibility and customisation to the game - you can set up your league to run exactly how you want it.

Users can set up leagues of six, eight, 10 or 12 teams, choose their preferred fixture and whether to play finals or head-to-head matches, or just compete for total points.

There are seven options for team squads, ranging from 12 players to 22.

A rolling lockout every weekend is optional, and so is giving double points for your captain.

And players will also have a huge say over their league draft - which can be conducted live, automatically or in users' own time based on several formats - and trading rules.

Unlike traditional SuperCoach, there are unlimited trades in SuperCoach Draft and players can orchestrate trades between each other - but other players in their league will have the option of a veto to prevent Kurt Tippett for Jesse White style shenanigans.

If all that sounds daunting, don't worry. There will be step-by-step guides on how each option works or you can just click on the "quick start" button to create a league based on a default set of rules.

Organising a draft party with your mates is a great night in - or out; a team of sports nuts with laptops is a common sight in US sports bars and restaurants at the start of fantasy season.

The game brings new challenges and a lot more fun - this is where the real bragging rights are.

SuperCoach and SuperCoach Draft are both completely free and open on February 1, and drafts can be run from February 11.

Meanwhile, a new rule has been confirmed for the classic SuperCoach game, with only your best 18 scoring players to count towards your team score during the three bye rounds.

With players from six teams unavailable each week from Rounds 11-13, the new rule levels the playing field and will help avoid having your season derailed by one disastrous round.

Check out the other new rules for SuperCoach 2013 HERE.

For more SuperCoach news and tips, check out the SuperCoach Facebook page and follow @superfooty and @al_superfooty on Twitter.

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Will Demons go Gangnam Style?

Melbourne players are looking for some musical inspiration when they run through the banner at the MCG. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Will PSY's huge hit Gangnam Style spark the Demons into action? Source: AP

THE AFL is following the lead of professional wrestling by asking clubs to find a pre-match entrance song for 2013.

While the song is not compulsory, clubs have been encouraged to find a suitable anthem that can inspire players and fans before teams hit the field this season.

Renowned in pro wrestling circles, the entrance song is common in US sports including Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, college football and the UFC.

Richmond tested the water last season by playing Welcome to the Jungle by Guns n Roses at some matches and Melbourne is exploring the possibility of a tribal theme for 2013.

The Demons made the brave (crazy?) move of asking for suggestions on its Facebook and Twitter accounts yesterday, and both were swamped with suggestions.

What song would you like to see your club run out to? Leave a comment below

Predictably, they weren't all helpful.

The sound of an AC/DC guitar riff might get the blood pumping, but the impact would be lost when the chorus screams Highway to Hell or Long Way to the Top.

Ditto for Green Day's Wake me up when September ends and Talking Heads' Road to Nowhere while we're not sure the Yazz and the Plastic Population hit The only way is up is inspirational at any of its 4min5sec.

One fan suggested Chumba Wumba's Tubthumping in a nod to the three Demons who clashed with fans in Bay 13 on Boxing Day and several proposed the Dees use the theme song for Thomas the Tank Engine.

The harshest Facebook critic was Sam Borland, who suggested the original composition We're a pack of tanking flogs (give up already) by "various artists".

The call also attracted some left-field suggestions from artists including S-Club 7, One Direction and Enya. One fan mysteriously suggested It's Raining Men while the list wouldn't be complete without PSY's Gangnam Style.

The famous horse-riding dance would be more entertaining than the players waiting on the MCG boundary line for stragglers as cheer squad members struggle to keep the banner upright. Or maybe not.

Facebook fan Carol Taweel had this novel proposal: "No songs or music other than the theme song - they should just be concentrating on the game! But if you have to have music then only Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture complete with the sound of cannons firing! That may warn the other team off!"

But the Dees deserve points for at least asking the question. And there were plenty of more serious suggestions too.

If the winner is chosen on votes, Eye of the Tiger is the runaway leader.

Demons fans reckon the team could be inspired by Rose Tattoo's We can't be beaten and songs by
Metallica, Wolfmother, Motley Crue, Rage Against the Machine and, somewhat obscurely, the theme from the movie Transformers.

The songs will not replace traditional club anthems and Melbourne says it won't mean unemployment for the MCG bugler, a Demons fan who has trumpeted the club song, A Grand Old Flag, before the bounce in the past two seasons - news that will disappoint some.

"Why would they need another song to run out to..its a grand old flag or nothin. Just promise you will sack the bugle bloke this year," Facebook fan Jonathan Bowlbysaid.

FAMOUS ENTRANCE SONGS

Real American (Rick Deringer) - Hulk Hogan (WWE)
Hart Attack (Jim Johnson) - Brett "the Hit man" Hart (WWE)
Hell Frozen Over (Jim Johnson) - Stone Cold Steve Austin (WWE)
Already Home (Jay-Z) - Alex Rodriguez (MLB)
Stayin Alive (The Bee Gees) - Aubrey Huff (MLB)
Bad to the Bone (George Thorogood) - Jared Burton (MLB)

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Video: Is this tanking?

SuperFooty analyse the match at the heart of Melbourne tanking allegations.

Jordan McMahon is mobbed by his teammates after he goaled after the final siren giving the Tigers a four-point win. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

YOU DECIDE: These are the moments at the heart of tanking allegations against Melbourne.

Former Demons coach Dean Bailey and club officials Chris Connolly and Cameron Schwab have been asked to show why they should not be charged with offences including draft tampering in 2009.

That was the season Melbourne won just four games to qualify for a priority draft pick, which allowed the Demons to recruit Tom Scully and Jack Trengove with the first two selections in the national draft.

The club has received a 1000-page dossier containing the findings of the league's five-month tanking probe.

The AFL is understood to have interviewed about 20 people, including current and former Melbourne staff and players, about the club's on-field intentions in 2009.

Those interviews are believed to have focussed on the Dees' Round 18 loss to Richmond, when Jordan McMahon kicked a goal after the siren to get the Tigers over the line by four points.

Watch the key moves in the video player above and have your say

A review of the tape by SuperFooty has revealed several bizarre moves by the Demons' coaching box.

The most unusual was Melbourne's forward set-up at the start of final quarter, when they led by three points.

The Dees' forward line consisted of regular key defenders Matthew Warnock (full-forward) and James Frawley (centre half-forward) with top ball-winner Nathan Jones and tagger Clint Bartram in forward pockets, plus veteran Aaron Davey.

Only Davey had any history as a goalkicker. Warnock and Frawley had kicked one goal each for their careers to that point, and neither went close to adding to their totals that afternoon.

With its defenders in the forward line, Melbourne had regular forwards Brad Miller and Matthew Bate playing as onballers in the centre square. Miller (194cm) was matched up on a young Trent Cotchin (185cm).

At other stages in the game Miller played in the ruck while 199cm Paul Johnson played full-back for most of the day, opposed to Jack Riewoldt and Nathan Brown.

Brown kicked a crucial goal during the final quarter while directly opposed to the 18cm taller Johnson.

Nathan Jones outmarks Richmond key defender Jayden Post. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Melbourne made just 47 interchange rotations that day, their fewest of the season and way down on their season average of 85.

There have been suggestions questions were asked about whether players fumbled deliberately in the dying minutes, but Melbourne kicked two goals in time-on to pinch the lead before McMahon's heroics.

And Richmond players made their share of mistakes as well.

Nathan Brown summed it up in a post-match interview: "It wasn't the greatest game in the world, but it's good to get the points."
 

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Aker a hit as bush coach

Looking back on Port's year of pain

Controversial former AFL star Jason Akermanis has embarked on a coaching career. Picture: Robert Mckechnie Source: Herald Sun

JASON Akermanis might have been given the boot from two AFL clubs, but he's proving a hit at new side North Albury.

Akermanis, who accepted the senior coaching position at the Hoppers in October, has last year's wooden spooners breathing fire in the pre-season.

Hoppers president Paul Spencer said the club was amazed how easily Akermanis had fitted into the club.

"From the very first training he's impressed everyone with how committed he is to the job," Spencer said.

"The person you hear in the media and the person we see at training couldn't be more different."

Spencer said the hype surrounding the signing of the Brownlow medallist had rejuvenated the club.

"We've had more than 50 blokes on the track every night before Christmas, whereas in previous years we would have been lucky to get 25."

"At the end of the day we finished on the bottom last season. But I think with the recruits we've managed to attract and the enthusiasm in the place I'd say finals would be our least expectation."

While the Ovens and Murray league has lost Sydney premiership hero Barry Hall as drawcard for the coming season, the circus surrounding Brendan Fevola looks certain to continue.

Fevola is set to miss Yarrawonga's Round 1 Easter blockbuster as he serves a one-match suspension acquired in the Pigeons' grand final victory.

Rumours are rife the Pigeons are looking for another high-profile recruit to take his place for the match, with almost every player to depart the AFL in recent seasons raised as possibility.

The loophole that allowed Fevola to line up in last year's Easter fixture, despite a similar suspension, is expected to be closed by AFL Victoria Country in the coming months.

The Ovens and Murray league season will begin on March 29 with a Good Friday showdown between cross-town rivals Albury and Lavington.

Brendan Fevola celebrates with his Yarrawonga teammates after winning the Ovens and Murray grand final. Picture: Simon Dallinger Source: Herald Sun

 

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Roos to help Tassie rebuild

Looking back on Port's year of pain

Aerial photos show the destruction wrought on the Tasmanian town of Dunalley. Picture: Toby Zerna Source: The Mercury

The remains of Dunalley Primary School outside Hobart . Picture: Channel 9 Source: Supplied

NORTH Melbourne has pledged to help rebuild the Dunalley Primary School after it was destroyed in Tasmania's devastating bushfires.

The primary school was completely destroyed by the blaze which razed about 70 buildings in the coastal town 57km from Hobart.

The Roos have established close ties with Tasmania and will play two home matches in Hobart this year.

"It's obviously an extremely difficult time for all Tasmanians and we will be doing everything we can to support and assist in the recovery efforts," interim CEO Cam Vale said.

"We want to express our deepest sympathies and pass on our best wishes to everyone involved and affected by the fires."

Vale said the club's first-year players would be in Hobart next week for a training camp and the club was investigating how they could join the recovery effort.

"If we can utilise our players and coaches in some way, then we will definitely do that. All of that is still to be determined.

"Right now it's important that we stay in direct contact with the Premier, AFL Tasmania and the AFL to ascertain what the community needs and where best we can focus our efforts and energy to help the various areas and residents get back on their feet."

AFL Tasmania chief executive Scott Wade said football clubs had escaped the worst of the fires so the AFL community would rally to rebuild the Dunalley school.

On Monday Hawthorn, which also has strong Tassie ties, made a $10,000 donation to the Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfire Appeal.

 

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J-Pod set to reload in defence

Looking back on Port's year of pain

James Podsiadly could bolster Geelong's defence this season. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HWT Image Library

COULD James Podsiadly become the new Matthew Scarlett?

The Geelong spearhead is set for a shock move to defence this season after a summer learning how to spoil, rebound and clog the holes he has desperately led into for his entire career.

Podsiadly has been training with the Cats' backline as coach Chris Scott looks to add a touch of versatility to the veteran and open opportunities for his young, power forwards light on for AFL experience.

"He's just getting a look at both ends," Geelong defender Tom Lonergan told the AFL site.

"Obviously he has played a lot forward, so he knows what that is about, so he is just getting a look at playing down back at the moment.

Podsiadly, 31, has kicked 136 goals in his 59 games since winning a fairytale AFL listing three years ago.

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Video: Is this tanking?

SuperFooty analyse the match at the heart of Melbourne tanking allegations.

Jordan McMahon is mobbed by his teammates after he goaled after the final siren giving the Tigers a four-point win. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

YOU DECIDE: These are the moments at the heart of tanking allegations against Melbourne.

Former Demons coach Dean Bailey and club officials Chris Connolly and Cameron Schwab have been asked to show why they should not be charged with offences including draft tampering in 2009.

That was the season Melbourne won just four games to qualify for a priority draft pick, which allowed the Demons to recruit Tom Scully and Jack Trengove with the first two selections in the national draft.

The club has received a 1000-page dossier containing the findings of the league's five-month tanking probe.

The AFL is understood to have interviewed about 20 people, including current and former Melbourne staff and players, about the club's on-field intentions in 2009.

Those interviews are believed to have focussed on the Dees' Round 18 loss to Richmond, when Jordan McMahon kicked a goal after the siren to get the Tigers over the line by four points.

Watch the key moves in the video player above and have your say

A review of the tape by SuperFooty has revealed several bizarre moves by the Demons' coaching box.

The most unusual was Melbourne's forward set-up at the start of final quarter, when they led by three points.

The Dees' forward line consisted of regular key defenders Matthew Warnock (full-forward) and James Frawley (centre half-forward) with top ball-winner Nathan Jones and tagger Clint Bartram in forward pockets, plus veteran Aaron Davey.

Only Davey had any history as a goalkicker. Warnock and Frawley had kicked one goal each for their careers to that point, and neither went close to adding to their totals that afternoon.

With its defenders in the forward line, Melbourne had regular forwards Brad Miller and Matthew Bate playing as onballers in the centre square. Miller (194cm) was matched up on a young Trent Cotchin (185cm).

At other stages in the game Miller played in the ruck while 199cm Paul Johnson played full-back for most of the day, opposed to Jack Riewoldt and Nathan Brown.

Brown kicked a crucial goal during the final quarter while directly opposed to the 18cm taller Johnson.

Nathan Jones outmarks Richmond key defender Jayden Post. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Melbourne made just 47 interchange rotations that day, their fewest of the season and way down on their season average of 85.

There have been suggestions questions were asked about whether players fumbled deliberately in the dying minutes, but Melbourne kicked two goals in time-on to pinch the lead before McMahon's heroics.

And Richmond players made their share of mistakes as well.

Nathan Brown summed it up in a post-match interview: "It wasn't the greatest game in the world, but it's good to get the points."
 

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Essendon signs Toy and Bate

Exciting young talent Josh Toy will play with Essendon's VFL side. Picture: Stephen Harman, Source: HWT Image Library

AFL discards Matthew Bate and Josh Toy will use Essendon's new reserves side as a launching pad as they strive to reignite their stalled careers.

The pair are the Bombers' marquee signings ahead of their inaugural season as a stand-alone VFL club, after senior coach James Hird lit the fuse to break away from the alignment with Bendigo.

Toy, 20, knocked back a one-year contract extension from Gold Coast to return to Victoria, but was overlooked in the draft.

It was revealed in October he had battled congenital heart block, a condition limiting his aerobic capacity.

AFL discards: Where are they now?

The powerful defender was rated as a top-five draft choice before he was snapped up by the Suns as a pre-listed 17-year-old, but he was unable to reach his dazzling potential.

Essendon ran stress tests on Toy during trade period, while he trained with Richmond in the lead-up to the pre-season draft.

"There's no reason why someone of his ability and at his age he couldn't get back in the system," Essendon's VFL general manager Matthew Little told SuperFooty.

"He's got a lot of upside and plenty of time to get back into the system and we think we can help him do that."

Bate, 25, briefly trained with the Western Bulldogs after he was delisted by Melbourne as part of Mark Neeld's major list overhaul.

delisted Demon Matthew Bate. Picture: Loughnan,paul Source: Herald Sun

Little said the Dons targeted the lead-up forward due to his outstanding leadership on and off the field.

"He's going to be really influential for us, developing our culture as a new stand-alone club," he said.

"He's a fantastic player, there's no reason why he shouldn't get back into the AFL system next year and we think we've got the program to help him do that."

The Dons have also snared classy midfielder and former Bendigo captain Ben Duscher as a playing-assisting coach, looking after the onball brigade, and boom 206cm Sandringham ruckman Michael Sikora.

Little said signing a ruckman was a priority, while Duscher is again expected to push for a fairytale AFL listing.

"We're expecting (Duscher) to have a really good year after the pre-season he's had with Essendon and the Western Bulldogs," he said.

SuperFooty Fixture special: We rate Essendon's 2013 draw

The Dons have followed the premiership model set by Geelong and Collingwood in fielding a stand-alone VFL side, a venture which costs about $400,000 but gives total control over player development.

Little said the benefit for the Bombers would be flexibility with the playing list, but stated developing a winning culture would be a key focus.

"Having your own side means you can make decisions on players in terms of positional changes and it also gives you that recruiting aspect, where you can develop players within your own program to see if they can get drafted," he said.

"It offers the Essendon list flexibility and time to play them in a variety of roles and from a VFL perspective, that program of being able to develop them to your game style and to your game plan and with the same facilities AFL players get to use."

The VFL Bombers will play nine home games at Windy Hill this year under the guide of highly-rated development coach Hayden Skipworth.

The Dons are hoping fans will attend double-headers, with a handful of early VFL matches preceding twilight AFL matches in Melbourne.

Richmond and the Western Bulldogs will follow suit and field reserves sides in an expanded VFL competition next season.

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter at @SamLandsberger

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AFL discards: Where are they now?

Former Bomber Kyle Reimers will line up for Perth in the WAFL this year. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

FROM Perth to the Uni Blues in the Victorian amateur league, find out where axed and retired AFL stars will be playing in 2013.

Players fresh from the elite facilities of the AFL are about to report for pre-season training at lower leagues around the country - some lower than others. Here's a run-down of who's playing where.

Retired Geelong champion Matthew Scarlett announced last year he would line up for South Barwon this season in the Geelong Football League.

The 284-game Cats champion said one of his career dreams (presumably behind playing in three AFL premierships) to finish his career at the Swans.

"I feel like I've made the right decision (to retire) and really excited that I'm joining a great club, going from one great club to another, so I'm just excited and ready to jump into it," Scarlett said.

The bad news for opponents is Scarlett says at 33 his body feels great.

Newly-appointed co-coach Casey Tutungi joked Scarlett "might be the swingman for us" while fellow coach James Garvey added: "What's he done, he's played 15 years down at full back? We might throw him forward and see how he goes."

Matthew Scarlett after being announced as a new recruit for South Barwon Football Club. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: Geelong Advertiser

Scarlett will combine his playing duties with a part-time assistant coaching role at the Western Bulldogs - where he'll work with Cam Mooney, Ben Graham and Brad Johnson. Other retirees who will stay in the AFL system as assistant coaches include Brad Green (Carlton) and Josh Drummond (North Melbourne).

Delisted Melbourne forward Matthew Bate and overlooked Gold Coast utility Josh Toy have not given up on their AFL dream, signing with Essendon's VFL side.

But others are happy to pull on the boots in a more relaxed environment.

Lindsay Gilbee, who played 206 games from the Western Bulldogs, knocked back an offer from Wangaratta Rovers to line up with University Blues in the VAFA.

His former Dogs teammates Brodie Moles and James Mulligan will play for Hoppers Crossing out west while Ryan Hargrave has signed with Hillside, a division two side in the Essendon District Football League.

In the top division of that star-studded comp are 2004 All-Australian Adam McPhee (Greenvale), sacked Richmond defender Daniel Connors (Aberfeldie) and delisted Tigers ruckman Andrew Browne (Keilor).

Other former Tigers playing the suburbs next year include Brad Miller (Heidelberg) and Jayden Post (below), who will pull on the Altona Vikings' purple strip.

Former Richmond footballer Jayden Post is returning to his home club Altona in the WRFL. Picture: Mark Dadswell Source: Herald Sun

And there are unconfirmed reports retired Magpie Chris Tarrant has joined Deer Park.

Other players will stick with the main feeder comps in Victoria and interstate in bid to stay on the AFL radar.

Brent Prismall trained with Essendon, Port Adelaide and the Bulldogs in the lead-up to the rookie draft, but didn't get picked.

He'll be under the noses of Dogs coaches at Williamstown, alongside former Collingwood ruckman Cameron Wood. Also in the VFL are former Collingwood and Gold Coast midfielder Sam Iles (Box Hill) and ex-Giant Steve Clifton (North Ballarat).

Cruize Garlett walked out on the Kangaroos in the hope of a new start at another AFL club. He'll be playing for Perth in the WAFL in 2013 ex-Bomber Kyle Reimers - who opted to return home despite an offer to train with Carlton in draft week - and retired Hawk Chance Bateman.

Kyle Reimers celebrates a goal for Essendon. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Also in the Perth comp are axed Saint Brett Peake, who has signed a two-year deal with his former club East Fremantle, delisted Carlton defender Paul Bower (Peel Thunder), former Eagle and Swan Mark Seaby (Claremont) and Brendan Lee, who will line up for East Perth after playing two matches for Essendon late last season.

Ben McKinley is also expected to play for the Royals, while Jay van Berlo (delisted by Fremantle) and Andrew Strijk (West Coast) will stay at West Perth.

Paul Medhurst has come out of retirement (again) and will line up for Claremont.

Across the border in South Australia, former North Melbourne forward Matt Campbell has signed with North Adelaide along with former rookies Daniel Archer (North Melbourne) and Nathan Gordon (Sydney), best known for dropping the F-bomb on live TV after his AFL debut.

Axed Bomber Henry Slattery will play for the Port Adelaide Magpies alongside Jacob Surjan and Liam Jurrah, who Port's AFL cousin has committed to helping through his off-field issues.

Liam Jurrah training with Port Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

Matthew Panos will play for Norwood after failing to crack a senior appearance at the Bulldogs in 2012 and luckless Gold Coast defender Michael Coad has signed with Sturt.

Tasmanian Football League Clarence has won the race for the signature of former Richmond wingman Jeromey Webberley.

"I was really surprised by all the offers," Webberley told The Mercury.

"It was actually hard to make a decision.

"Because I've played at Clarence before -- and all the players there -- that helped me make my decision and was something that got me over the line in the end."

But the prize for the biggest career move goes to Shae McNamara.

The American was playing for Collingwood in the NAB Cup last year. This season he'll play for Sandringham Sabres in the South East Australian Basketball League.

Have you heard of any other ex-AFL players at a local team near you? Let us know by leaving a comment below or contact us on Twitter @superfooty. Here's some early additions:

From @elenib76: @superfooty delisted Hawk Tom Schneider announced on Twitter yesterday he'll be playing for the Vermont Eagles.

@FraserBrierly: @superfooty David Wojcinski signed to play for the Newtown and Chilwell Football Club in the Geelong Football League

@cammudge: @superfooty former collingwood gun Sean Rusling will line up for Adelaide university in its return to division 1 amateur league this season

- with Sam Landsberger, Michael Washbourne, Chris Cavanagh, Matt Turner

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Daisy in moonboot as Pies hit track

Looking back on Port's year of pain

Collingwood train at Gosch's Paddock today. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Collingwood star Dale Thomas at training today. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD hit the training track for the first time this year this morning with Dale Thomas sporting a moonboot.

Thomas joined his teammates on Gosch's Paddock, but was restricted to stationary skills.

The star Magpie has had a very interrupted pre-season, which has hindered his fight to get himself in the best shape possible for 2013.

But Magpies backline coach Ben Hart said Thomas would return to full training in two weeks.

"(We) expected (Thomas) to be in the boot for two more weeks then will return to full training."

The midfielder, who carried the injury through the latter half of last season, underwent surgery on his right ankle late last year.

It meant he was one of a handful of players to miss the club's high-altitude training camp to Utah.

It is a setback as he looks to return to his damaging best this year following a topsy-turvy 2012.

Meanwhile, star midfielder Scott Pendlebury left the training track early today after speaking with coaching staff.

See our gallery of the Magpies in action at Gosch's Paddock today here.

Injury curse: Morabito hurt again at Dockers training

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Third knee reco for Morabito

It could be more heartbreak for Fremantle midfielder Anthony Morabito after suffering a knee injury at the Dockers' first training session of 2013.

Anthony Morabito injures his knee at Fremantle training. Picture: FOXSPORTS Source: Supplied

HURTING: Fremantle's Anthony Morabito (left) will require a third knee reconstruction after suffering a fresh setback this morning. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE says midfielder Anthony Morabito is devastated after learning he will require a third reconstruction of his left knee.

Scans this afternoon confirmed the club's worst fears after Morabito was hurt in an innocuous incident at training this morning.

Morabito was driven from Fremantle Oval by coach Ross Lyon in dramatic scenes after he injured the knee when attempting to tackle new recruit Tanner Smith.

A distressed Morabito grabbed at his left knee before slumping to the ground on all fours and put his head in his hands.

>>> VIDEO: See the injury in the video player above

Scans revealed the 21-year-old had torn the graft on his repaired left anterior cruciate ligament.

The Dockers have yet to decide on the type of reconstruction Morabito will undergo, but are likely to strongly consider the merits of the controversial LARS surgery, which would allow him to play in the first half of this season if successful.

Melbourne sports doctor Peter Larkins tweeted his fears for Morabito's career.

"Major concern for career of morabito now that second ACL graft rupture confirmed," Larkins wrote.

"I'm sure Freo will support him but he will be gutted."

There were words of sympathy and support from other AFL clubs and stars.

Collingwood midfielder Scott Pendlebury tweeted: "Feeling for Anthony Morabito, such bad luck for a young star."

GWS co-captain Phil Davis added: "Sad news for Anthony Morabito with his knee again. Terrible luck!! Never good seeing good players injured."

Anthony Morabito injures his knee at Fremantle training. Picture: FOXSPORTS Source: Supplied

Fremantle is mindful of Morabito's mental state, with his career now at a crossroads.

Football operations manager Chris Bond said the youngster would require "a great deal of support".

"Understandably Anthony is devastated at the moment and the club will be working extremely closely with him and his family," Bond said.

Dockers forward Michael Walters urgently signalled for attention for his stricken teammate when the injury occurred this morning. Morabito was able to walk off the ground unassisted but went straight into the rooms before leaving Fremantle Oval minutes later.

Morabito played 23 games for Fremantle during the 2010 season but has not appeared at AFL level since.

The young Docker had been targeting a return early in the season.

He has been mentored by coaching great David Parkin during his comeback.
 

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Burgess turns torch on Port players

Dom Cassisi and the rest of the Port Adelaide playing group were monitored over the Christmas break. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ANY Port Adelaide player hoping for some sympathy from fitness boss Darren Burgess while Adelaide bakes in the heat should have a rethink.

After two years working with English Premier League club Liverpool, Burgess is enjoying the sun.

And his enthusiasm for extending the boundaries for players is fueled by the hot weather.

"I like training in the heat, it adds a great effect to the players," Burgess said.

"It makes everything a little bit harder.

"That makes them work harder so I am a fan of it. I did not see much of it over the last few years so I am welcoming it."

What impressed Burgess at Liverpool was the players' resilience. It is a mental toughness he wants to establish at Alberton and tireless work in the sun fits comfortably in his thought process.

"I want the Power to be a resilient team," he said.

"That is hard to get with a young team so we want to fast track that.

"With a young group you have to take them out of their comfort zone. There will be different drills and activities they have probably not done before to take them out of their comfort zone - that is the mental toughness."

The Power returned to work yesterday after a 13-day break but technology advances ensured there was no cheating the system while absent from Alberton.

The players had to meet targets for time trials, skinfolds and weight and they were constantly monitored.

"Every session was monitored for each player so we knew if anyone was not doing it or not doing it well enough," Burgess said.

"The players were really good and I could not compliment them any higher.

"The group as a whole, for being a young group, their enthusiasm and commitment is first class - it was a really nice surprise. There was no cheating, no hiding. Not only did we know what they did but we know exactly where they did it as well. So it is nice technology to have.

"Over the 13 days they had some time off - it was important to freshen them up. They had had a solid six weeks and no one lost fitness over the break. In fact, the 3km time trial was better than November when we last tested them. That was positive."

Burgess praised Kane Mitchell as a running machine and said fellow recruits Olilver Wines, Tom Clurey, Mason Shaw and Jake Neade were good runners with speed and endurance.

"The fitness side of things ... they are outstanding recruits," Burgess said.

"We will have to wait and see the skills side of things but certainly from a fitness point of view they are great."

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AFL guilty in tanking war: Thomas

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has warned anyone found guilty of tanking will "never work in football again". Source: Herald Sun

FORMER St Kilda coach Grant Thomas says tanking charges against Melbourne will blow up in the AFL's face if they end up in court.

Thomas, a vocal critic of league headquarters and CEO Andrew Demetriou, says the AFL is complicit in any rule breaking because it provided an incentive for clubs to lose.

Former Melbourne coach Dean Bailey and officials Cameron Schwab and Chris Connolly are believed to face charges including draft tampering and bringing the game into disrepute.

The AFL's tanking investigation centres on the 2009 season, when the Demons lost six of their last seven matches to finish the season on four wins and qualify for a priority draft pick.

"AFL is putting themselves into a corner with tanking saga that will eventually expose their own behavior & test their strategies legally," Thomas tweeted today.

"Any decent senior counsel would be able to rip the AFL apart in a witness box. Honorable Andy won't want to get in the box - GUARANTEED!"

Thomas said players always tried to win but officials could make decisions to reduce their chances.

He said it was impossible to prove the real motivation behind selection decisions and calls from the coach's box on game day. But he had little doubt tanking was real.

"If comp manager provides incentive for losing what do u expect? Players try but club realise greater reward is extra draft pick than 5th win."

Melbourne officials are digesting an 800-page document into  tanking allegations - and potential charges - against the club.

The documents were handed to chief executive Cameron Schwab, Chris Connolly and former coach Dean Bailey sometime before December 25.

Lawyers for the club, and Bailey's own personal representation, have been scouring the explosive allegations and must answer to interim AFL football operations manager Gillon McLachlan before the end of January.

The three parties involved must state their reasons why they should not be charged.

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

It is believed Bailey is facing three allegations which include tampering with the draft, not coaching to his full ability and bringing the game into disrepute in the 2009 season.

Schwab and Connolly however are only facing two charges -  tampering with the draft and bringing the game into disrepute.

At this stage lawyers plan to argue over the definition of tanking.

"The way the investigation has been carried out from a legal point of view is quite extraordinary, with some of the questioning," a source close to the Demons told Fairfax Media.

"There potentially could be a good challenge to the AFL rules. I think it's fairly fraught with danger the AFL going down this path."

The AFL investigation has centred on comments made in a Demons football department meeting run by football operations manager Chris Connolly, pictured with Dean Bailey, allegedly reminding staff about the importance of the extra draft pick. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Melbourne is believed to be willing to take the matter further if charged and found guilty of the offences, perhaps even as far as the Supreme Court.

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.

Former Melbourne player Brock McLean triggered the AFL investigation when he claimed in July he quit the club because it had set out to lose games in 2009.

"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."

As revealed by Jay Clark for News Limited last week, the AFL has interviewed and re-interviewed a host of former and current officials who were at the club in 2009.

Some of the interviewees were subsequently told as many as 12 people had provided the AFL's investigators with potentially incriminating details about the club's intent throughout the second half of the 2009 campaign.

Melbourne administrators allegedly held a secret meeting in 2009 to plot their tanking strategy. The end game was to secure the first two picks in that year's national draft.

It is also believed the AFL has inquired about knowledge of a follow-up meeting between Bailey and Schwab at Schwab's house.

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

Connolly, however, 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 previously that Connolly could not have been "solely responsible''.

Unusual tactical moves in the Dees' losses to Sydney (Round 17) and Richmond (Round 18) have been the subject of intense speculation.

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Suns of anarchy they are not

Gold Coast Suns young gun Harley Bennell arrested and charged over a New Year's Eve brawl in Mandurah.

Suns coach Guy McKenna denies there is a culture problem at his club. Picture: Tim Marsden Source: The Courier-Mail

SUNS coach Guy McKenna insists the club is not developing a culture problem, despite star midfielder Harley Bennell's arrest in the club's Christmas break last week adding to a series of off-field issues.

Bennell was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and failing to obey an order given by a police officer in his home town of Mandurah, south of Perth, on New Year's Eve.

The incident follows veteran Campbell Brown and then first-year players Maverick Weller, Joel Wilkinson and Jacob Gillbee being detained by police after an alleged bar-room brawl in Thailand in 2011, while defender Nathan Bock was suspended by the AFL for his part in a betting scandal in the same year.

Trent McKenzie added to the club's woes when he was suspended for turning up late to a recovery session last season following a night out.

McKenna admits slip-ups off the field were inevitable but is adamant the problem is not out of control.

When asked yesterday if a culture problem was developing at the club, McKenna replied: "Clearly not and it's not an issue whatsoever.

"When the boys go home to have a break and let their hair down, things will happen.

"You are always disappointed when your club gets shown in a bad light but the AFL, the AFL clubs themselves, coaches, senior players and all the playing group have to take responsibility and continue to drive for perfection."

The Suns will wait until Bennell's court case next Tuesday before determining if the incident will receive a club-imposed sanction.

But McKenna revealed Bennell's teammates would get the chance to air their thoughts on the matter as the club strived to be in the news more for the right reasons.

"In the scheme of things (Harley's incident) is not great but our pre-season has been good on and off the field and we will continue to move forward," McKenna said.

"The playing group will (get the chance to) air their grievances and we will come down after the court case and speak to Harley about all that.

"We want to make sure we become a club full of cleanskins and that's what you strive for."

The Suns squad resumed post-Christmas training yesterday under the watchful eye of McKenna, who is not due back from holidays for another week.

"I just wanted to see how they had come back from the break and leading into Christmas we had a really good physical block of training," McKenna added.

"Looking at the shape of them, they look pretty good."

Bock was seen jogging laps around Metricon Stadium as he attempts to keep his ambitious bid to return from a broken leg in round 1 on track.

But McKenzie was kept to light duties as the club continues to monitor his knee injury.

"He will need another one or two weeks to get over his knee injury," McKenna said.

"But round 1 is still a fair way away (March 30) and there is still a lot of time for him to get right."

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Roos won't risk Wells

Looking back on Port's year of pain

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott says Daniel Wells will be ready for round one of the AFL season.

Daniel Wells is battling achilles and calf problems. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott is hopeful star midfielder Daniel Wells will play in Round 1 despite more injury concerns.

Wells is still battling achilles and calf issues that caused him to miss three matches late last season and hampered his output in the Roos' elimination final loss to West Coast.

The 27-year-old has been on a managed pre-season program - including modified training on the club's training camp in Utah - and skipped the first full training session of the new year yesterday.

The rest of the Roos' squad sweated it out in a gruelling three-hour session in 35deg heat.

Coach Brad Scott said the club was taking a safety-first approach with Wells, who missed all of pre-season last season after a life-threatening blood clot.

Scott said he was hopeful Wells' fitness base would allow him to pick up the pace in time for North Melbourne's Round 1 clash against Collingwood on March 31.

"Last year even though he had the blood clot issue he still got a lot of aerobic work in, and the year before he had a terrific pre-season, so we know what he's capable of when he's fully fit," Scott said.

"So our focus is on just getting him fully fit and not taking any risks.

"We know when he's at his best and he's got some continuity he's one of the best players in the competition."

The eye-catcher at yesterday's session was Majak Daw, who is pushing for a senior debut after being promoted to the senior list.

The departure of Hamish McIntosh to Geelong leaves Daw and former Sydney big man Daniel Currie - picked up at No.56 in the national draft - challenging No.1 ruckman Todd Goldstein.

"That's going to be exciting for us and it's a bit of a new era," Scott said.

"Hamish was really important to us but now we've got three young ruckmen who are all going to push each other pretty hard."

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