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AFL eyes on NZ for new talent

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 26 Januari 2013 | 14.57

New Zealand teenager Shem Tatupu, right, looks imposing beside St Kilda ruckman Ben McEvoy. Picture: Sean Garnsworthy/AFL Media. Source: Herald Sun

THIS is the size and power the AFL is scouring New Zealand for.

Kiwi teenager Shem Tatupu weighs 105kg, stands 197cm, has signed with Hawthorn as an international rookie and looked imposing beside St Kilda ruckman Ben McEvoy at a training session in Wellington on Thursday.

The Saints were in Wellington to promote their historic Anzac Day match against Sydney.

Tatupu joined a group of 40 Kiwi teens for a training camp, which coincided with the level one AIS-AFL squad completing a 10-day camp. AFL talent manager Kevin Sheahan said the next Jim Stynes story could be unearthed.

"This is All Blacks country, but some bodies are better suited to playing our game than playing union," Sheahan said.

"There is a little bit of talent.

"It won't be a flood and it won't replace all the wonderful Australian kids who want to play our game, but there will be opportunties."

A combine yesterday for the Kiwi youngsters will be followed by combines in Ireland in mid-February and the US in April, to be co-ordinated by 2005 Sydney premiership player Tadhg Kennelly.


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Eight AFL players top $1m

Gold Coast Suns skipper Gary Ablett is believed to be one of the AFL's $1 million men. Picture: Darren England. Source: The Courier-Mail

THE number of AFL players earning more than $1 million rocketed to a record eight last year.

The highest number of million-dollar-earners previously was two in 2008 and 2011.

AFL figures released yesterday revealed the dramatic rise in player salaries on the back of the league's expansion and record broadcast rights deal.

The AFL did not release the names of the eight players, although champion midfielder and Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett, Saints' skipper Nick Riewoldt and Greater Western Sydney midfielder Tom Scully are believed to be among the top earners.

One AFL player agent suggested heavily front-ended contracts could have propelled the GWS co-captains, Callan Ward and Phil Davis, into the top bracket.

Lance Franklin, Chris Judd, Matthew Pavlich and Adam Goodes were other players tipped to be among the leading earners.

Code-jumper Israel Folau, who quit GWS in November after just 13 games and one season in the AFL, was also reported to be one of the league's biggest earners last year.

But the AFL said only match payments and ASA agreements were included in the figures and not third-party arrangements.

The figures, which will be included in the AFL's 2012 annual report, also showed that 111 players earned more than $400,000 last year.


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Saints want annual NZ Anzac Day game

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt and Lenny Hayes meet players from the Denver Broncos. The Saints play the first AFL match for premiership points overseas this year - in NZ on Anzac Day against Sydney. Picture: Dustin Bradford. Source: Getty Images

ST KILDA expects an open-ended ticket from the AFL to play Anzac Day matches in Wellington from this year as the club begins the journey into the sport's newest frontier.

The Saints will play Sydney on Anzac Day for the premiership points - the first league game to be held outside Australia - and foresee an arrangement where they play an Anzac Day game off-shore for at least the next 10-20 years.

So embraced with the concept, Saints chief executive Michael Nettlefold was open to the suggestion the game remained a permanent fixture.

"Clearly, this is the first step and we'd like to think it is long-term," Nettlefold said.

"We've taken a long-term approach, investing a lot of time, effort and energy, and we're doing that because we see the long-term prospect of working with New Zealanders, developing our business in New Zealand.

"My view, it would have a 10, 20-year framework.

"We have an obligation to keep developing our club and the club's commercial interest, developing our culture, leadership and vision ... we're restless in our approach to do that.

"And this is good to be at the forefront of ... it's great for all of our club."

The Saints have an agreement to play on Anzac Day for the next three years at Wellington's 34,500-seat Westpac Stadium and will play an extra game for official points in August of 2014 and 2015. NAB Cup games are also planned.

But as the Saints forge a partnership with the Australian Defence Force and the New Zealand Defence Force, it's Anzac Day they want to own, as much as Essendon and Collingwood has at the MCG.

The match will be telecast live on Fox Footy immediately after the Pies-Dons match.

"It's a significant day, an historical game," Nettlefold said.

"It's the first game outside of Australia for premiership points and it will acknowledge the Anzac relationship between Australia and New Zealand.

"Our intention is to embrace Anzac Day quite significantly.

"We have a number of past players who lost their live in overseas conflicts in our 140-year history, we have a close working relationship with the ADF, they play their carnival at Moorabbin, we are doing work now with the ADF in some of our leadership and cultural programs, so our intention is to embrace it wholly."

It's anticipated the AFL's two senior executives, Andrew Demetriou and Gillon McLachlan, will attend the game, while Prime Minister Julia Gillard will also be invited.

Nettlefold would not reveal the club's projected windfall from playing in New Zealand - potentially upwards of $500,000 a game.

"It's fully underwritten for us at the moment, but from a financial aspect we're not quite sure where the returns are going to finish," he said.

"We hope it's going to be strongly positive because it's commercially important for the club that it is."

The Saints yesterday held a brief training session at the "Snake Pit", the stadium where the game will be played, and reported that its surface was as good as any they had played/trained on.


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Summit to scrutinise Mad Monday

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert sparked the drugs issue in a speech late last year. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

"MAD Monday" and post-season football trips will be heavily scrutinised at Wednesday's AFL's drug summit.

With the AFL Players Association confirming it is prepared to discuss changes to the code's three-strikes illicit drugs policy, the long-held traditions of end-of-season celebrations and large scale trips away by players could be scaled back and more closely monitored by the clubs.

Already AFL clubs have cut back on large scale end-of-season trips, restricting them to smaller numbers because of concerns about the behaviour of some players.

Some clubs have already had security accompany players on their overseas trips and this could be expanded in the future.

Those points will form part of a wide-ranging agenda for the AFL player welfare summit next week, with the tightening of a loophole in self-reporting by players to avoid a drugs strike also being strongly considered.

The league will host a range of high-powered administrators, players, medical officers, drugs experts and police at Etihad Stadium to discuss and debate the best way to tackle the drugs issue in AFL football and the wider community.

The Herald Sun has obtained a copy of the forum's agenda, which will be chaired by AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou, who this week admitted he expected to see a "spike" in positive drugs tests conducted last season.

The forum was called after Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert raised the drugs issue at the AFL CEO's meeting on the Gold Coast last year.

Pert later said he feared some players had "volcanic behaviour" during their off-season break.

Three current AFL chief executives - Geelong's Brian Cook, Western Bulldogs' Simon Garlick and West Coast's Trevor Nisbett - will lead a panel discussion centred on the AFL's illicit drugs policy.

Some of the issues to be addressed will be:

THE involvement of the AFL and the reporting procedure to the AFL

CLUB board and executive involvement and meetings

THE sanctions and expectations of the player going forward after a positive drug strike and what to do if he re-offends.

All three CEOs have had experience in dealing with player drug issues at their club.

Cook had to deal with Mathew Stokes' possession charge in 2010; Garlick was involved in dealing with the fallout of Tom Liberatore being found in possession of an ecstasy tablet last year; while Nisbett was at the Eagles during Ben Cousins' drug controversies.

Three AFL players and AFLPA board members Luke Ball (president), Daniel Jackson and Robert Murphy - as well as AFLPA chief executive Matt Finnis - will lead a debate on how footballers can balance their life with the increasing demands of the game across 10 months of the year.

Other issues to be discussed include: the pressure on players, training expectations on annual leave, closer monitoring of players on leave and downtime, a potential role of club integrity/security, and greater development for players outside of the game.

Australian Drug Foundation chief executive John Rogerson and leading psychologist Dr Michael Carr Gregg are among the speakers who will discuss the treatment of drug users and the link between drugs and excessive use of alcohol.

Victoria and Federal Police will also be well represented.

Among the law enforcement speakers will be former Tiger and Bulldogs big man Emmett Dunne, who is now Assistant Commissioner, Professional Standards Command of Victoria Police.


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AFL faces up to reality with new show

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 25 Januari 2013 | 14.57

Collingwood president and Fox Footy TV personality Eddie McGuire is said to be behind a proposed AFL reality show. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis. Source: Herald Sun

A REALITY football show being considered by the AFL would guarantee the winner a spot on a league list.

The Herald Sun has learned Fox Sports has put the radical proposal to AFL heavyweights, with plans to film this season.

The prize would be a spot on a club's rookie list, most likely Greater Western Sydney.

Collingwood president and football kingpin Eddie McGuire is behind the project and is slated to host the program.

McGuire Media chief executive Cos Cardone did not want to comment at length last night.

"We have a number of formats in development and we are always talking to broadcasters about those ideas," Cardone said.

While the league is yet to formally agree to the concept, it is understood key officials, including chief executive Andrew Demetriou, have tentatively backed the Fox Sports proposal.

A mechanism which would give every club access to the winning player is being discussed.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane last night said the league would assess the plan in detail.

"Yes, there has been an initial discussion," Keane said.

"The AFL will now await a proposal to consider it and the possible ramifications for the wider industry."

Under one plan, clubs could bid for the winning player in December's rookie draft.

The player would go to the club that placed the highest bid.

If no bids were received, the player would be automatically listed by the Giants.

Greater Western Sydney chief executive David Matthews welcomed plans to produce the reality football show.

"There have been a number of concepts similar to this proposed over the years and we think it's an idea that's got merit and the Giants would be happy to support it subject to AFL approval," Matthews said.

Financial backing would need to be secured for the show, although there are hopes it would be a ratings hit.

The program would take viewers deep into the trials and tribulations of a group of youngsters intent on proving their AFL worth.

Players from around Australia would be invited to try out for the show.

Fox Sports would appoint a team of experts to select the participants.

Short-listed players would be put through gruelling physical and mental testing at a series of selection camps.

Former AFL football operations boss Adrian Anderson was understood to have been a strong supporter of the concept.

His recent departure has slowed the approval process, but Fox Sports remains hopeful the show can be recorded this season.

The concept draws on Australian sports reality shows Football Superstar and Cricket Superstar, which both aired on Fox8.

In those shows, amateur soccer and cricket players were put through training and trial matches under the close watch of expert judges.

Each week, contestants were removed from the show, leaving a couple of finalists to battle out for the grand prize of a professional contract.

The winner of Cricket Superstar, Ian Holland, was listed by the Victorian Bushrangers for the 2012-13 summer. He also did four months training at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar signed a player each as part of the three-season Football Superstar series.


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AFL freezes prices again

Footy tickets will not rise in price this year. Picture: Jason Edwards Source: HWT Image Library

FOOTY fans have had a win before the season has even started with the AFL freezing ticket prices for the third straight year.

General admission prices will remain unchanged in 2013 with adults $20, concessions $12 and family tickets $40.

The AFL announced the move this morning.

Junior tickets will remain at $2.50.

The ticket prices are the same as those set in 2010.

peter.rolfe@news.com.au


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Saints train in Wellington

SuperFooty's Mark Robinson joins training with St Kilda at Westpac Stadium as they prepare for their Anzac Day clash

St Kilda will play at Westpac Stadium. Picture: Getty Images Source: HWT Image Library

VIDEO: FROM Moorabbin to Seaford to Wellington, take a look at St Kilda's latest training base.

Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson takes you inside Westpac Stadium in New Zealand as the Saints go through their paces in their pre-season training camp.

>> VIDEO: Watch in the video player above

The Saints will host Sydney in an historic Anzac Day match in Wellington  this year - the first AFL game played for premiership points off Australian shores.

As the build-up to April 25 begins, take a look at Robbo's video and make sure you pick up tomorrow's Herald Sun for the latest from him in New Zealand.


Summer Barometer: See how the Saints are shaping up


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Ablett to lead Suns again

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett, centre, sets the pace at Suns training. Picture: Matt Roberts. Source: Getty Images

SUPERSTAR Gary Ablett will lead the Gold Coast Suns for a third successive season in 2013.

The Brownlow Medallist will be assisted by Nathan Bock and Michael Rischitelli, have retained their vice-captain and deputy vice-captain roles respectively.

The Suns will shake things up this season, splitting the players into three separate groups according to their level of playing experience.

Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said every player's leadership skills would be groomed under their new-look structure.

The Suns will develop their leadership program this season in a partnership with sports consultancy business Bluestone Edge.

"Our initial leadership groups have set the framework for our club and that included identifying what the players wanted to stand for, their values and expectations," he said.

"As the majority of our players transition into their third season, and now understand what it takes to play and prepare at the highest level, we have challenged them to take the next step on the leadership front."

Meanwhile, Suns forward Liam Patrick is expected to be sidelined for two to four weeks after injuring his hamstring at training on Thursday.


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Suns suffer injury blow

Written By Unknown on Kamis, 24 Januari 2013 | 14.57

Liam Patrick celebrates a goal. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

SUNS forward Liam Patrick looks set to miss the NAB Cup after injuring his hamstring at training today.

The 24-year-old, who has played 11 senior games for the club, was carried from Metricon Stadium and later emerged on crutches and with ice strapped to his hamstring.

He has been sent for scans.

Patrick was left lying on the ground after a contest in a match drill that involved a pack of players that included Karmichael Hunt.

The Suns' trainers initially feared he may have been knocked out but later reported he had suffered no other injury beside the hamstring.

Summer Barometer: Click here for Suns' training, injury latest


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Young Magpie denies assault

FIGHTING: Collingwood's Marley Williams has pleaded not guilty to an assault charge. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD young gun Marley Williams has pleaded not guilty to an assault charge and will face trial in a WA court later this year.

Williams was charged over an incident at a nightclub in his home town of Albany in late December.

Police allege Williams, 19, got into an argument about 1.30am with a 29-year-old man.

The other man was ejected from the venue, and when Williams left he saw the man outside.

Williams then allegedly punched the man, who was taken to Albany Regional Hospital with a broken jaw.

The footballer was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.

In Albany Magistrates Court today, he pleaded not guilty via video link from Melbourne.

The case has been scheduled for mention in March.

The footballer asked to be excused from appearing via video link on that date, but the request was rejected by the court. No date for the trial has been set.


Despite the not guilty plea, the Magpies have chosen to make Williams work with the Salvation Army's soup van on the streets of Melbourne as punishment for his involvement in the late-night scuffle.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley announced last week Williams would help the Salvos for the next 10 weeks until the home-and-away season kicks off.

"We just feel it's a good opportunity for Marley to see a different side of things, and we'll be supporting him with our leaders attending each week as he goes through that community service, which we think is appropriate," Buckley said.

Williams joined the Magpies last year as a rookie and played six senior games. He has been promoted to the senior list.
 


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Nic Nat keeps Round 1 door ajar

Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui will start his pre-season campaign late. Picture: Justin Benson-cooper. Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast big man Nic Naitanui has refused to rule out a shock Round 1 appearance in the derby showdown against Fremantle.

The ruckman underwent surgery on his groins in November and is expected to sit out the entire NAB Cup.

Naitanui, 22, carried the groin problem and significant soreness late last season but bravely played on, finishing with 22 games for the year.

The All-Australian ruckman was slated for a return between Rounds 2 and 8.

"I have been following my program. My goal is still Round 1," he said today.

"I'll see how I go and track along in the next few weeks. It's my body. I know how it feels."

Eagles assistant coach Justin Longmuir told the Herald Sun this month the club wanted the key big man to be reaching his peak towards September.

"He's just started running again, so he's a long way behind the rest of the group and we'll take a really cautious approach with him," Longmuir said.


"We really need Nic Nat firing at the end of the year, not so much at the start of the year.

"If he comes up for Round 1 that will be great, but we've got the cover if he doesn't come up for Round 1."

Summer Barometer: Click here for Eagles' injury, training latest


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Tippett's manager cops a year

Player agent and former Lions media manager Peter Blucher, right, pictured here with Michael Voss. Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

BREAKING: KURT Tippett's manager Peter Blucher has had his licence revoked for 12 months.

Blucher's penalty was announced by the AFLPA today after he was found to have acted inappropriately when negotiating Tippett's illegal contract with Adelaide in 2009.

Blucher's 45 players can stay under the Velocity player management banner, but can have no dealings with the banned manager for at least 12 months.

The AFLPA's Agent Accreditation Board found that Blucher had failed in a number of his obligations as a player manager .

He will have to re-apply to become a player agent again when his ban is over.

Late last year Tippett was fined $50,000 and banned from playing for half of the AFL season for breaching the AFL's draft and salary cap rules.


Kurt Tippett is one of many players over time who have looked for a new home. Source: Herald Sun


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Tough Eagle joins rules committee

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 23 Januari 2013 | 14.57

Essendon players make their feelings known after Jobe Watson was felled in a collision with Beau Waters (left). Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

Eagle Beau Waters takes a diving mark. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

DON'T expect a crackdown on the bump any time soon after Eagles hard man Beau Waters joined the AFL laws committee.

Waters, who has had several run-ins with the match review panel, has been appointed the new player representative on the committee to replace Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich.

Last season the 26-year-old was twice guilty twice of high bumps, escaping with a reprimand for a collision with Demon Jack Grimes in April but copping a one-week ban for a hit on Brisbane midfielder Jack Redden in June.

In between he was cleared of any wrongdoing after another contentious bump on Richmond's Daniel Jackson.

Waters has played 113 games in 11 seasons with West Coast and was named in last year's All-Australian team.

Pavlich stood down last year after four years in the role.

"The AFL greatly values the contributions of current players, and the wider AFLPA, to the important discussions around the Laws of the Game and is pleased that Beau will join the laws panel," the AFL's acting football operations manager Gillon McLachlan said.

The committee consists of McLachlan (acting chairman), Kevin Bartlett, Joel Bowden, Leigh Matthews, Luke Power, Rowan Sawers, Michael Sexton, Waters and Shane McCurry (secretary).


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Judd deal may survive

Chris Judd is waiting for a verdict on his deal with Visy. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

CHRIS Judd's manager remains hopeful he can negotiate a compromise with the AFL over the dual Brownlow medallist's third-party deal with Carlton sponsor Visy.

Judd's manager Paul Connors confirmed today he'd had fresh talks with the AFL over the matter.

Connors is believed to be keen to avoid a formal grievance tribunal hearing that could result in a straight win-or-loss scenario.

AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson informed Carlton in November that Judd's deal with Visy, which is estimated at $250,000 per season, would have to be included in the salary cap from 2013.

However, Anderson's departure from AFL ranks last month has prompted new discussions and a negotiated deal is now a likely outcome, the AFL website reported.

Carlton chief executive Greg Swann was also part of the talks.

The 29-year-old Judd's six-year deal expires at the end of the 2013 season.

"I can confirm that I met with the AFL yesterday," Connors said.

The Blues had a scare on the training track on Wednesday when injury-prone key forward Jarrad Waite dislocated a finger, although a club spokesman claimed the injury wouldn't derail the 29-year-old's pre-season campaign.


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Demetriou expects drugs spike

AFL supremo Andrew Demetriou. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis Source: Herald Sun

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has prepared the football world for a spike in positive drug tests by players when 2012 figures are revealed.

The 2011 figure, released in June last year, revealed six players tested positive to illicit drugs in out-of-competition tests.

As club CEOs prepare for a drugs summit next Wednesday, Demetriou said he expected that number to rise.

"I think we're going to see a spike this year, but I haven't got that data yet," the league chief executive said on Channel 7.

"Our ideal result is getting zero positives, but we know we're not going to get there, that would be a foolish expectation."

Collingwood CEO Gary Pert called for tougher action by AFL clubs on the issue of illicit drugs in November, saying there was a serious issue of "volcanic behaviour" by players during the off-season.

In December the Herald Sun revealed that some players were exploiting a loophole in the league's three-strikes drug policy by self-reporting the use of illicit drugs.

By self-reporting, players avoid registering a positive drug test and a strike against their name.

Self-reporting is a feature of the AFL's three-strikes illicit drugs policy and occurs when a player wishes to admit having used drugs.

Demetriou said he was open to discussions about the three strikes policy, but he maintained that players could not dodge drug tests.

"If there is a player or an official that is in involved in the use of illicit drugs or performance-enhancing drugs, inevitably they will be caught, and they will pay a hell of a price," he said.

"There's no coming back and you will get caught, that's what I do know."

The six positive tests in 2011 were first-time offenders and for stimulants, which include cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines. There were no positive second or third tests.

Under the AFL's illicit drugs policy, players are only named publicly if they test positive three times.


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Waters closing in on return

COMEBACK PATH: Beau Waters is eyeing a NAB Cup return. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

WEST Coast enforcer Beau Waters says he is on track to play NAB Cup as he continues his recovery from post-season hip surgery.

Waters, who has been limited by injury to 113 of a possible 164 matches since his 2004 debut, had his left foot strapped today "as a precaution", having recovered from a serious ankle injury suffered in the elimination final win over North Melbourne.

But the 26-year-old also required hip surgery before Christmas and has been restricted to the rehab group as the 2013 season approaches.

Speaking at a press conference following his appointment to the AFL Rules Committee, Waters said his recovery remained on track and that NAB Cup action was "very likely".

"The ankle's just precautionary, but yeah, I had hip surgery in December and I'm feeling really good," Waters said.


"I'm doing a lot of running on the ground now, with that intimate rehab group.

"We're all improving at a steady rate and NAB Cup is a very likely possibility and then, obviously, moving into Round 1.

"Asking me and asking the physios are two different things.

"I'm hoping in the next three weeks to four weeks I'd be moving back to the main group and hopefully challenging the boys."

Waters said the recovery of fellow rehab-group member, Nic Naitanui, was also tracking well, but said the club had put no timeline on the ruck tyro's return.

"I don't think there's any timelines for Nic," he said.

"He's a very important commodity for the club and he's had some pretty serious groin surgery.

"He's moving along well, I know he's starting to do some stuff on the ground and, physically, he's looking fit and his attitude has been perfect throughout the entire process."

Waters' appointment to the Rules Committee ensures WA football retains a place in the nine-person body, following Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich's decision to step down from the role late last year.

Waters played a straight-bat when asked light-heartedly if the renowned rough-nut's presence would see a return of the shirtfront and said he looked forward to getting a different perspective on changes made to the game.

"The shirtfront has obviously been eliminated from the game for the safety of the players and we can see (the effect it has had) across all the codes," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to sitting down with the guys and understanding where they're coming from, rather than me running like a rat up a drainpipe.

"It's good to keep the role in WA, though, it's a long way from Victoria and it'll be a voice that'll be heard."

The latest rule change to the game came today, with the AFL preparing to ban six types of gloves after an investigation by Melbourne's RMIT University found they gave users an unfair advantage.

The iconic glove of former Eagles forward Quinten Lynch, as well as that of his new Collingwood teammate Travis Cloke, are among those to be banned.

Waters made light of the change, jumping on the chance to give Lynch some ribbing.

"The old iron-clad box-handler, it's been ruled out," Waters said.

"I'm not looking forward to seeing Lynchy without a glove, he wasn't too effective with one.

"It's quite funny, actually, and we'll be stirring Lynchy up when we first play them."
 


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AFL banks on blood profiles

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 22 Januari 2013 | 14.57

The AFL has introduced the same blood profiling system used in cycling to catch doping cheats. Source: Supplied

THE AFL says it has built a bank of biological data on its players equal to the profiling system that has helped clean up cycling post-Lance Armstrong.

League medical commissioner Dr Peter Harcourt said yesterday records from five years of blood testing AFL players were available to doping investigators.

Changes in biological profile would alert authorities, led by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, that a player required close scrutiny.

Cycling's "biological passport" is being adopted by other sporting bodies around the world.

But Harcourt said the AFL was ahead of most sports. He said its testing, in partnership with ASADA, was almost identical to that of cycling.

"We are effectively already doing it," he said.

"We have been blood testing in the AFL for four or five years -- and now ASADA are introducing the Athlete Biological Passport, we are morphing our blood profiling, which is essentially the same, into the biological passport.


"But basically it's exactly the same as what we have been doing with the blood testing and urine testing. That was a part of the strategy -- to get ahead of the game.

"We do about 1000 tests (a year) all up . . . and a lot of our blood profiling is about trying to see if someone looks a bit unusual.

"And then if they look a bit unusual, then we do more tests.

"There's a lot of intelligence that sits behind it -- analysing things," he said.

"We started doing it four years ago and we picked it up because cycling were doing it. We were the first sport in Australia to do it."

Harcourt said the only major difference with the passport was a requirement for players to be rested for two hours before a blood sample is taken.

He said players identified by ASADA had been blood or urine-tested up to nine times in a year.

Samples can be stored and re-tested for up to eight years.

Asked why some players would be targeted, Harcourt said: "Well, they would have had some irregularities. We have had individuals who have had strange test results . . . but none of them have come through as anything other than natural."

Former Richmond ruckman Justin Charles is the only AFL player to have been found guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs. He was suspended for 16 matches in 1997 after admitting to using anabolic steroids.

Biological passports measure and monitor an individual athlete's blood over a period of time.

Testing agencies can create a profile on a sportsperson and are able to uncover irregularities.

While not necessarily detecting the type of prohibited substance used by an athlete to cheat, the passport can indirectly reveal the effects of doping.

"The athlete biological passport testing differs from traditional testing by looking for the effects of blood doping rather than detecting the prohibited substances or methods used," an ASADA spokesman said yesterday.

ATHLETE BIOLOGICAL PASSPORT

* Measures and monitors an athlete's blood variables over a period of time

* Catches cheats by flagging abnormalities and irregularities

* Indirectly reveals the effects of doping, as opposed to a reliance on traditional detection tests

Source: WADA
 


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Scully shocked by vice-captain job

Tom Scully during a GWS AFL training session in Blacktown, western Sydney. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: Herald Sun

GREATER Western Sydney $6 million man Tom Scully has been promoted to vice-captain but missed out on the co-captaincy spot vacated by Luke Power.

Scully, 21, joined the Giants from Melbourne on a huge contract and has been rated a future captain.

But those ambitions will have to wait at least another season after the Giants opted for just two captains in 2013.

The AFL's newest club was led by 21-year-olds Callan Ward and Phil Davis, along with veteran Luke Power, in its first season.

After Power's retirement the club has decided not to replace him with a new captain.

Ward won the Giants' best-and-fairest while Davis was the only GWS player to play all 22 matches last season.

Summer Barometer: Click here for GWS training, injury latest

The leadership group was selected by players and coaches who were asked to nominate those players they believe best demonstrate leadership qualities.

Scully said he was honoured to be nominated.

"I certainly wasn't expecting this, but I'm very humbled to be voted by my teammates as vice captain and look forward to working closely with Phil and Callan," Scully said.

"Since coming to the Giants I think my leadership is something which has really improved. Obviously, being one of the players with a bit more experience in the squad is a unique thing in itself especially being so young myself.

"I think it has helped me mature a lot more as a person and as a footballer. It's something that I have really embraced. Setting an example through leadership is something I hope to develop over this year and in the years to coming.

"I'm really looking forward to the year ahead and the responsibility that comes with it."

Power will be an assistant coach with the Giants in 2013.


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Lions welcome traning aggro

Former Demon Brent Moloney at Brisbane Lions training. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

Daniel Merrett (centre) watches at Brisbane Lions training at Coorparoo. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE vice-captain Daniel Merrett could not be happier that things are getting "narky'' at Lions training.

Competitive drills pitting the forward line and defenders against each other are causing spirits to run high.

And the full-back said the extra passion on show in the pre-season augered well for the 2013 campaign when Brisbane hopes to improve on its 10 wins from last year.

"At the moment we are all over the forwards, it's good competition,'' Merrett said.

"At times it can get a bit narky and a bit aggressive but that's exactly what you want because you want to drive high standards and it's only going to make us better.

"Where our group is at, we are developing and breeding into the younger guys to be aggressive ... it's perfect.''

This time last year, the long-time defender was swung into the forward line after captain Jonathan Brown suffered his third facial injury in a training mishap and ruckman Matthew Leuenberger was sidelined by an Achilles injury.

With former Hawk Jordan Lisle leading the race to be Brown's foil in 2013 ahead of ex-Demon Stefan Martin and a host of rookie recruits, Merrett is glad to return to the backline which has been nicknamed "The Men's Club'' by Brisbane defenders.

"I'm back in the Men's Club ... I feel most comfortable down there but it's always fun kicking a few goals. But I've played there for a majority of my career, I definitely feel that's my best spot,'' he said.

Summer Barometer: Click here for Lions training, injury latest


 


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Gram dreams of AFL return

Jason Gram drives the Saints out of defence. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

SACKED St Kilda defender Jason Gram hasn't given up on a return to the AFL.

Gram, who was sacked by the Saints at the end of last season due to off-field behavioural issues, has signed to play under Jason Akermanis at North Albury this season.

And while the attacking defender says he is looking forward to a fresh start, he believes he still has something to offer at the elite level.

"I still believe I've got three or four years of good AFL football left, so I'm going to do everything I can still play to an AFL standard for North Albury this season," Gram said.

"If someone comes up to have a look and likes what they see then I'm not going to say no."

Despite having numerous offers from metropolitan clubs, Gram said he was always keen to play country football.

"Being a country boy from Sale, I knew once AFL was over that country football was where I'd prefer to play," he said.

"I received a lot of offers over the past few months ... and in the end cut it down to three."

After a two-day road trip that involved meeting clubs in Ballarat, Shepparton and Albury, Gram finally settled on the Hoppers.

"I had a look at their facilities and had a chat to Aker and was really impressed by the club," Gram said.

"It will be good to get out of Melbourne. I'll probably head up on a Thursday and come back on a Sunday or Saturday night.

"Hopefully I'll get to spend some time up there, meet the locals and enjoy a few beers with the boys after the game."

Where are they now? Click here to see AFL discards' new homes

Akermanis, who is the midst of his first pre-season as playing coach, said Gram's signature was a significant coup for North Albury.

"When we found he was still on the market I quickly texted him and said you might not be thinking about us, but you probably should," Akermanis told Weekly Times Now.

"He (Gram) let us know what the offers were everywhere else and we were able to match them quite easily."

While Akermanis would not divulge what Gram would receive for his services, he said it was not in the same ball park as the $5000 a game that Fevola was rumoured to be earning as he powered Yarrawonga to last year's Ovens and Murray league flag.

"It's bit ridiculous with what he's getting (Fevola), but if someone is willing to pay that than good luck to him," Akermanis said.

"Gram deserves every cent because he's going to put bums on seats and, while you get a sign on fee, you still have to play to be paid."

Akermanis said it was the Hoppers' last-placed finish in 2012 that was the biggest obstacle in landing Gram.

"I said you wouldn't have to worry about that mate (being competitive). It's chalk and cheese, just with the number of new players and the players coming back from injury," Akermanis said.

"In the end he didn't choose the money. He said the best thing for me, and his dad agreed, was to get out of Melbourne. Albury is a long way away and you can just relax and enjoy your footy."

In what looms as one of the highlights on the country football calendar; Gram, Akermanis - and possibly Cupido – are scheduled to meet Fevola and co when North Albury faces Yarrawonga in Round 2 on Saturday, April 6.

"That first game at home, we'll have Fev, Me, Grammy (Jason Gram) and possibly Damian Cupido – we're still in negotiations with him. We'll put them all in the mix, plus all of the other recruits we've got and it will just be a massive day for everyone at the club," Akermanis said.

Meanwhile, former Melbourne and Collingwood player Simon Buckley has signed for Echuca in the Goulburn Valley League.

Read more at Weekly Times Now


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One tiny reason why Roberton left Freo

Written By Unknown on Senin, 21 Januari 2013 | 14.57

FAMILY FIRST: Former Docker Dylan Roberton with the reasons he left Fremantle to return to Victoria - his Girlfriend Amy and their 11-week old baby boy Boston. Picture: Paul Loughnan Source: PerthNow

MEET baby Boston - the reason Dylan Roberton walked out on Fremantle at the end of last season to return home to Melbourne.

Roberton, who played 37 games for the Dockers in three seasons, decided he and partner Amy Capp needed to return to Melbourne to be near the support of family after she fell pregnant last year.

Fremantle could not get a deal done for Roberton during the October trade period, with the 21-year-old becoming a father in early November, at a time he did not have a club or know if he had a future in the AFL.

He continued to train by himself in the hope of a lifeline and St Kilda became his dream suitor in late November when it signed him as a delisted free agent.

The Saints' Seaford training base is just minutes from Frankston, where he and his childhood sweetheart grew up and have now returned.


"I didn't know what was going to happen, so I was a bit worried there for a little bit, but obviously it all turned out pretty good in the end," Roberton said.

"I tried to steer clear of thinking about (whether my career could have been over). I just kept training and kept talking to my manager and he sort of said that we should be able to get something done."

Roberton said he was coping well with fatherhood and predicted it would help his football.

"I've matured a lot over the past couple of months," he said. "I'm not just supporting myself now. I'm supporting a family, so I'll try to play as good as I can for as long as I can and stay at the club.

"Amy does a lot of the work, and being so close to the club makes it a lot easier as well.

"It feels like home and being back home with family to help out makes it easier than obviously if we were still back in Perth."

Respected WA football figure Tony Micale was instrumental in getting Roberton to St Kilda after he coached him at East Perth, before moving to the Saints as a development coach.

"I think this has turned out favourable for everyone,"  Micale said.

"It's a fantastic story.

"He's got back home. He's going to play his role very importantly as a father and he's got the opportunity to pursue his lifelong love of playing football."

Micale said Roberton's ability to remain focused on his training, despite the uncertainty regarding his future, had laid the foundation for a successful season.

"Considering what he was going through in his personal life, he turned up in good condition," he said.

"For a young kid of 21, there must have been a lot going on in his mind. It sends a real good message regarding his character.

"I think he'll play a real part in the direction we're going in as a football club.

"He can play a variety of roles. He reads the play extremely well as a defender and he sort of gives you that run and penetration."

Roberton, who will play under his third senior coach in four seasons this year, was grateful to the Dockers for their understanding of his reasons for wanting to go home.

"I think my first year was probably my best year and then I sort of dropped off a bit," he said. "But it was a good experience and I learnt a lot."


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Birthday boys stump Suns

Young Gold Coast stars Harley Bennell (left) and David Swallow (centre), pictured running with Jaeger O'Meara, are among 17 Suns players who will celebrate their 21st birthday this year. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

TWENTY One today, 21 today ... and next week and on NAB Cup Grand Final week, and dotted throughout the season and the finals.

It is party season on the Gold Coast with 17 Suns players preparing to celebrate their 21st birthdays.

It is a dilemma never before encountered by an AFL club and one the Suns admit to being a bit baffled by.

A committee planning the best course of action has been established that includes football operations manager Marcus Ashcroft, player welfare officer Sam Coen and football administration manager Kristy Hamson.

The 17 birthday boys have also met to discuss some proposals; three representatives will be elected to join the group that will make the final decision.

If it seems like overkill, consider it for a minute.

You can't let one player have a party and deny another.


Nor can you have 17 parties in a football season and hope to be also celebrating a few wins.

Even the dates that fall after the Grand Final, such as star duo David Swallow and Harley Bennell, coincide with the start of the next pre-season, the most physically taxing part of a footballer's year.

Then there is alcohol. Can you put a blanket ban on it without losing your players?

And what about all the 21sts of their best mates they'll be missing back in their home towns?

The options include having one group function after the NAB Cup or at season's end where the players can let their hair down, or a series of small individual dinners with the player's parents flown in for the occasion.

Ashcroft said the club's preference would be to host one major function prior to the start of the premiership season.

He said in that scenario alcohol would not be banned.

"It is a real dilemma, but it is also a great opportunity to get them all together for a group celebration,'' he said.

"Most of these guys came to us as 17-year-olds, they have been part of our family for a while now and we want to celebrate with them and for them.

"If you have 17 different dates, it would be hard to celebrate with families and mates because you are in season.

"They have been going pretty hard over summer and they have come a long way with their professionalism, we can work out a date that suits the players and has minimum impact from a conditioning point of view we think they deserve a party.

Summer Barometer: Click here for Suns training, injury latest

"We'll let them tell us what they want to do.''

Utility Steven May was the first to blow out the candles, celebrating his 21st birthday last week, smack bang in the middle of the first week of training after the Christmas break.

Not a good time for a bender for a player who is yet to cement himself in the club's best 22.

May said all the younger players understood the club could no longer afford to be critiqued any differently to other AFL side.

"The first two years I think everyone expected there would be growing pains, as the boys had to learn how to conduct themselves as professionals on and off the field,'' he said.

"Although most of us are still only in our early 20s, we've all had to fast-track our development and take a more mature approach to our football of our current senior players are now in the back-end of their careers and won't be around to guide us forever.

"Bluey (McKenna) said at the start of pre-season that we shouldn't to use the word 'young' any more around the club, he wants the players to be more accountable.''

Steven May at Gold Coast training. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Gold Coast Suns turning 21 in 2013.

January
10th Steven May
24th Luke Russell

February
5th Matt Shaw
13th Mav Weller
20th Jack Hutchins

March
4th Tom Nicholls
11th Brandon Matera

April
3rd Trent McKenzie

June
2nd Daniel Gorringe
17th Jeremy Taylor

August
6th Seb Tape

September
6th Sam Day
13th Jacob Gillbee

October
2nd Harley Bennell
12th Dion Prestia
31st Tom Lynch

November
19th David Swallow


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New Roo can run and jump again

Former Port Adelaide utility Ben Jacobs is relishing a fresh start at North Melbourne. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

BEN Jacobs felt anchored to the ground. The problem was the bones impinging on nerves in his ankles.

After surgery to remove them, even more restrictive was the scar tissue that formed in his joints.

By the time the curtain fell on his second season at Port Adelaide last year, the man once likened to a young Luke Hodge had lost all power and flex in his ankles.

There was only frustration at the prospect of an AFL career going backwards and a feeling in his gut that things had to change.

Now, at his new club North Melbourne, the former Brighton Grammar captain can finally run and jump again, without feeling like there is concrete in his boots.

After another operation to clean out the scar tissue, he is no longer a tied-down footballer.

"When I saw the surgeon he was pretty amazed how I could still run and even get through games at all," Jacobs told the Herald Sun.

"There was so much scar tissue which was blocking the tendons from moving freely, so there was no range of motion.

"I was literally running without any flexion in the ankle, which meant I couldn't sprint. After I strung six games together, just even trying to jump was a task."

As trade time crept closer last year, the just turned 21-year-old desperately wanted two things -- a club that could offer him top-line medical facilities and a life closer to home, near his bayside family and friends.

If North was hamstrung by the AFL's worst resources in the past, it now has some of the best at its Aegis Park headquarters, with an injury management record last year to back it up.

From their first meetings, Jacobs and Roos' coach Brad Scott clicked. The prospect of a permanent midfield berth also appealed.

During the trade period, Port tried hard to hang on to the 185cm utility, turning down the offer of a second-round draft pick from North. But in Jacobs' mind, he was already gone, albeit at the risk of being picked by another club in the national draft.

"It was a long process and I got along so well with the people at Port Adelaide that for it to be extended and as long as it was -- it wasn't ideal," Jacobs said.

"I was certain it (my new home) was going to be North, but I think a few clubs tried to play a few mind games and throw off North.

"I got late mail that I was going somewhere else (Essendon). But I think anyone other than North would have been stupid to take me because North was the only club I wanted to come to.

"So I'm loving it and very happy to be back."

The bonus for North Melbourne was it eventually secured Jacobs with pick No.37, only two years after it was prepared to part with pick No.17 (which it used on Shaun Atley) for him.

Including a bout of glandular fever, which stripped 12kg from his frame and hospitalised him for five days during his first year at Port, it has been at times a torturous start to life in the AFL.

"Because of the sickness and the injuries I just never felt myself (at Port), so it's hard to play like yourself," Jacobs said.

"For me, personally, to get my body back on track and actually play consistent quality AFL footy I needed to be back home and around family and get the resources I could around here.

"I was obviously struggling a bit there physically, needing to get my body right and to fast-track that being home, I think for everyone it was the best option."

North recruiters recall his dominant under-18 form.

Back in 2010, he was an authoritative, mid-sized ball magnet.

He was someone who could mark overhead, take an intercept mark in defence or barge through a contest and use his penetrating kicking to set up attacking opportunities.

Throughout the 2010 national championships, the strong-bodied utility averaged 29 possessions at 69 per cent efficiency, including a 47-possession haul against South Australia.

But his allround, long-kicking style is yet to materialise at AFL level.

Champion Data rated his kicking efficiency last year (60.7 per cent) as below average. For a defender, his rebounds per game (1.2) was classed as poor.

But Scott believes his new ball-carrier has weapons in his game and wants to shift the 26-gamer upfield, where he can hit the scoreboard.

"We were really looking to build the versatility of our midfield and Ben shows a lot of flexibility on mostly wing/back," Scott said.

"But we think he can play forward as well as an inside midfielder.

"Once we sat down and talked to him about what we could provide, he was really keen to come here.

"I think it is a great step for North Melbourne that a player who has pretty much got a choice as to where he can go, decides that 'I'm going to North Melbourne'.

"We had a lot of data on him from the (Draft) Combine because he went only one pick before Shaun Atley and we had him in the mix for our first pick (No.17) then."

Regarded as an elite kick in his junior days, Jacobs has not lost faith in his disposal. Now his ankles are on the mend, the confidence is returning.

"I think that has got to be a weapon for me to play good footy and make a mark in the AFL," Jacobs said. "I've got to be kicking well and that's something I still want to be a big weapon for me."

After a devastating elimination finals exit, copping a 96-point thrashing from West Coast in Perth, North made some aggressive moves in the off-season, securing two former first-round draft picks -- Jacobs and Melbourne midfielder Jordan Gysberts (No.11), in an exchange for versatile tall Cameron Pedersen.

Whereas Gysberts is a more reserved character, Jacobs is already a strong, encouraging voice around the club.

His leadership quickly came to the fore during the club's high-altitude pre-season camp in Utah.

"He is just a really driven guy, bordering on almost too serious," Scott said.

"We have a lot of players who drive the culture of the club, but we've also got a lot who do their job -- they don't necessarily want to drive the direction, they just want to be part of it.

"But Ben will be a player who will drive the future direction of the club."

A high achiever by nature, the former Sandringham Dragons player has put extreme pressure on himself throughout his ups and downs.

It is something he has learned to manage better in his first two years.

"I'm pretty hard on myself," Jacobs said.

"I think I could have been a bit impatient early and it could have led to me being so sick and injuries and stuff.

"But I'm finding that balance now and growing up as a player and more mentally.

"I think you've got to be hard on yourself if you are going to get anywhere being in a such a cut-throat system.

"It's one of those things that you can do so you can sleep easy at night and not have any regrets.

"I love that I've got that trait, but I'm definitely getting smarter about it.

"The guys here at North -- being in a professional system -- you have to realise you've got to put some faith in them.

"When you've got the faith you can kind of relax a bit yourself, know that your body is being taken care of and so is your footy."


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Tex just one of six Crow targets

Taylor Walker has been a standout for the Adelaide Crows on the track this pre-season. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

CROWS fans may want to hold off on loading up on Taylor Walker for the Coleman Medal because of Adelaide's determination to keep an unpredictable forward line this season.

Walker (63 goals) was one of four Crows - along with Kurt Tippett (39), Ian Callinan (39) and Jason Porplyzia (30) - to pass the 30-goal mark last season, giving Adelaide the most balanced forward line in the competition outside of Hawthorn (five with 30-plus).

Adelaide forward coach Mark Bickley said it was essential a similar balance was maintained this season, even if it meant Walker - who is in peak physical condition - had to make some sacrifices.

"Our efficiency was number one or number two in the competition (because) we had a really even spread of goalkickers," Bickley said.

"If we try and isolate Taylor and every entry that goes in our forward 50 goes to him, yeah, he'll probably kick us 70 or 80 goals.


"But we'll also become very predictable to the opposition and they can drop extra numbers back and make it very difficult.

"We need to make sure we provide plenty of options for our midfielders."

Walker is paying $5.50 with Sportsbet to take home the league's leading goalkicker award (Lance Franklin is favourite at $3.25).

"I don't really care too much if Taylor kicks 25 goals; if we're winning it means we're doing something right," he said.

"I can assure you it won't be all about Taylor Walker this year and he certainly knows that as well.

"He's one of six guys in our forward line and it's more about us kicking a winning score than him kicking a massive bag of goals.

"Taylor is a very selfless player. He showed in the preliminary final last year he is prepared to play a different role."

The Crows hope to have small forward Jared Petrenko (shoulder) available close to the start of the season, but will give Brad Crouch, Sam Kerridge and Tim McIntyre a chance to show their wares during the NAB Cup.

They also plan to develop Patrick Dangerfield more as a forward this season.
 


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McKernan, Jenkins jostle for key role

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 20 Januari 2013 | 14.57

Adelaide Crows big man Shaun McKernan struggling with the heat at pre-season training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

IT'S the biggest question mark hanging over the Adelaide Crows line-up.

Will it be basketball convert Josh Jenkins or the unproven Shaun McKernan who steps into the space left by departed key forward Kurt Tippett?

After a season where Adelaide's forward line efficiency was a major reason behind its surprise run to the preliminary final, the ability of the Crows to cover Tippett's absence and replicate the high-octane offence we saw a year ago, could decide their success.

"Kurt obviously played a pivotal role last year," Crows forward coach Mark Bickley said.

"But we've got a couple of guys who played a bit last year who can step into that role."

The Crows will continue to send the message - at least until the season starts - that Lewis, Johnston and Tom Lynch are in a four-man race with Jenkins and McKernan for the berth.

But the truth is, at 193cm and 190cm respectively, neither Johnston nor Lynch is tall enough to fill the pack-crashing, ruck-relieving role Tippett did last season.

So unless the Crows decide to play Angus Graham in the same line-up as Sam Jacobs, which would be a surprise, either Jenkins or McKernan is going to play. So who is best placed to become Tippett 2.0?

We're dealing with relatively small samples but there are still conclusions to be drawn from what we have seen of the pair at AFL level.

Jenkins finds more of the ball (averaging 10.6 disposals to McKernan's 8.4), is more physically imposing (averaging 2.2 tackles to McKernan's 1.3) and is a better shot for goal (he has kicked 11.3 in 11 games compared with McKernan's 13.13 from 23).

He also finished the season as the Crows first option if Tippett was not available after McKernan was sidelined with a broken jaw. So on the surface he looks to have his nose in front.

But McKernan also has his real strengths.

He is a better pack mark and a better ruckman - averaging 7.7 hitouts to Jenkins' 5.5 - so if the Crows are confident Taylor Walker and Co can kick a winning score and they're more concerned about having someone to ease the load on Sam Jacobs, McKernan might just be the answer.

The key for McKernan will be to stop giving away so many free kicks - his career count is 18 for, 42 against - and to improve his consistency.

That not only applies to AFL level, but also if his season begins in the SANFL with South Adelaide, where his performances have ranged from outstanding to head scratching in recent seasons.

"That's one of the things we're continuing to work on with Shaun," Bickley said. "He's been a bit guilty of (it) when he hasn't played well, the contribution has been quite small. We want to narrow the gap between his best and his worst.

"If you look back at where Taylor Walker was a year or two ago, his form line was similar. Outstanding when he was great but when he wasn't ... "

Whether it's Jenkins or McKernan who steps up, there's reason to believe the Crows can survive life post-Tippett.

They averaged 118 points in the seven games Tippett missed, or when he left the field early, because of concussions last year.

That average was helped by the score of 27.16 Adelaide kicked against GWS in round 16, but there were also healthy totals tallied against West Coast, Fremantle and Essendon.

"It wasn't like we had the same players in, week in, week out," Bickley said.

"We had to use quite a few numbers through there and, at different stages, improvise.

"Both of those guys have had a taste ... and had some credible performances.

"It will be interesting to see how they go, you just never know who is going to jump up and grab the opportunity."


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Cheers to a fresh start for Gray

Port Adelaide's Robbie Gray serves a beer at the Dublin Hotel in Glenelg, which he has invested in with Travis Boak. Picture: Keryn Stevens Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

PORT Adelaide small forward Robbie Gray has asked the Power faithful to be patient with him as he takes a no-risk approach to his rehabilitation of a long-term knee injury.

Gray is pleased with the progress he's made since the Christmas break but is realistic about what he will be able to achieve on his return this season.

"I know it's not going to be a massive year for me," Gray said.

"I just want to get some confidence in my body, some fitness back and some form back.

"If I can get 10 or 12 games in   ... I just want to get back and once I do have a really smooth year and get some game time back into me."

Gray, who tore the ACL in his right knee against Collingwood in round four last season, has begun running at a higher speed in the past fortnight - although still not at full pace - and tried changing direction.

"It's stepped up a bit in the last couple of weeks," he said.

"I still don't know when (my return is) going to be exactly, we'll just play it by ear and see how it goes.

"But I'm really happy with how it's coming along at the moment."

Gray is one of the few undoubted elite performers in Port's squad, achieving top four best-and-fairest finishes when he's been injury-free.

The Power lacked a genuine crumbing forward in his absence last year, with Brett Ebert - who is more of a lead-up player - the only small forward to pass double figures in goals.

Gray, who will change from guernsey number 17 to nine this season as he looks for a "fresh start", hasn't spoken to new Power coach Ken Hinkley about whether he sees him as a forward or a midfielder.

He just wants to get back on the park.

The 24-year-old is fully aware draft classmates Joel Selwood and Bryce Gibbs are on track to chalk up 150 games this season, while he's stuck on 70.

"I debuted halfway through my first year and have missed a lot of games through injury," he said.

"Just when I thought I was starting to get on top of it, this happened. It's definitely frustrating  ... but that's footy, these things happen."

Gray is confident he'll suffer no long-term effects and has taken note of Minnesota Vikings player Adrian Petersen, who narrowly missed out on breaking the NFL rushing record in his first year back from a knee injury.

"I did take notice of that," Gray said.

"Even in the AFL lots of guys have done it and gone on to have successful careers. I think once I'm back and confident it will hold up well."

He's also excited about his investment in Glenelg's Dublin Hotel.

Gray, teammate Travis Boak and Crows defender Ben Rutten bought into the pub just before Christmas in a deal that was instigated by Gray and Rutten's former West Adelaide teammate Luke Donaldson.


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One tiny reason why Roberton left Freo

FAMILY FIRST: Former Docker Dylan Roberton with the reasons he left Fremantle to return to Victoria - his Girlfriend Amy and their 11-week old baby boy Boston. Picture: Paul Loughnan Source: PerthNow

MEET baby Boston - the reason Dylan Roberton walked out on Fremantle at the end of last season to return home to Melbourne.

Roberton, who played 37 games for the Dockers in three seasons, decided he and partner Amy Capp needed to return to Melbourne to be near the support of family after she fell pregnant last year.

Fremantle could not get a deal done for Roberton during the October trade period, with the 21-year-old becoming a father in early November, at a time he did not have a club or know if he had a future in the AFL.

He continued to train by himself in the hope of a lifeline and St Kilda became his dream suitor in late November when it signed him as a delisted free agent.

The Saints' Seaford training base is just minutes from Frankston, where he and his childhood sweetheart grew up and have now returned.


"I didn't know what was going to happen, so I was a bit worried there for a little bit, but obviously it all turned out pretty good in the end," Roberton said.

"I tried to steer clear of thinking about (whether my career could have been over). I just kept training and kept talking to my manager and he sort of said that we should be able to get something done."

Roberton said he was coping well with fatherhood and predicted it would help his football.

"I've matured a lot over the past couple of months," he said. "I'm not just supporting myself now. I'm supporting a family, so I'll try to play as good as I can for as long as I can and stay at the club.

"Amy does a lot of the work, and being so close to the club makes it a lot easier as well.

"It feels like home and being back home with family to help out makes it easier than obviously if we were still back in Perth."

Respected WA football figure Tony Micale was instrumental in getting Roberton to St Kilda after he coached him at East Perth, before moving to the Saints as a development coach.

"I think this has turned out favourable for everyone,"  Micale said.

"It's a fantastic story.

"He's got back home. He's going to play his role very importantly as a father and he's got the opportunity to pursue his lifelong love of playing football."

Micale said Roberton's ability to remain focused on his training, despite the uncertainty regarding his future, had laid the foundation for a successful season.

"Considering what he was going through in his personal life, he turned up in good condition," he said.

"For a young kid of 21, there must have been a lot going on in his mind. It sends a real good message regarding his character.

"I think he'll play a real part in the direction we're going in as a football club.

"He can play a variety of roles. He reads the play extremely well as a defender and he sort of gives you that run and penetration."

Roberton, who will play under his third senior coach in four seasons this year, was grateful to the Dockers for their understanding of his reasons for wanting to go home.

"I think my first year was probably my best year and then I sort of dropped off a bit," he said. "But it was a good experience and I learnt a lot."


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Birthday boys stump Suns

Young Gold Coast stars Harley Bennell (left) and David Swallow (centre), pictured running with Jaeger O'Meara, are among 17 Suns players who will celebrate their 21st birthday this year. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

TWENTY One today, 21 today ... and next week and on NAB Cup Grand Final week, and dotted throughout the season and the finals.

It is party season on the Gold Coast with 17 Suns players preparing to celebrate their 21st birthdays.

It is a dilemma never before encountered by an AFL club and one the Suns admit to being a bit baffled by.

A committee planning the best course of action has been established that includes football operations manager Marcus Ashcroft, player welfare officer Sam Coen and football administration manager Kristy Hamson.

The 17 birthday boys have also met to discuss some proposals; three representatives will be elected to join the group that will make the final decision.

If it seems like overkill, consider it for a minute.

You can't let one player have a party and deny another.


Nor can you have 17 parties in a football season and hope to be also celebrating a few wins.

Even the dates that fall after the Grand Final, such as star duo David Swallow and Harley Bennell, coincide with the start of the next pre-season, the most physically taxing part of a footballer's year.

Then there is alcohol. Can you put a blanket ban on it without losing your players?

And what about all the 21sts of their best mates they'll be missing back in their home towns?

The options include having one group function after the NAB Cup or at season's end where the players can let their hair down, or a series of small individual dinners with the player's parents flown in for the occasion.

Ashcroft said the club's preference would be to host one major function prior to the start of the premiership season.

He said in that scenario alcohol would not be banned.

"It is a real dilemma, but it is also a great opportunity to get them all together for a group celebration,'' he said.

"Most of these guys came to us as 17-year-olds, they have been part of our family for a while now and we want to celebrate with them and for them.

"If you have 17 different dates, it would be hard to celebrate with families and mates because you are in season.

"They have been going pretty hard over summer and they have come a long way with their professionalism, we can work out a date that suits the players and has minimum impact from a conditioning point of view we think they deserve a party.

Summer Barometer: Click here for Suns training, injury latest

"We'll let them tell us what they want to do.''

Utility Steven May was the first to blow out the candles, celebrating his 21st birthday last week, smack bang in the middle of the first week of training after the Christmas break.

Not a good time for a bender for a player who is yet to cement himself in the club's best 22.

May said all the younger players understood the club could no longer afford to be critiqued any differently to other AFL side.

"The first two years I think everyone expected there would be growing pains, as the boys had to learn how to conduct themselves as professionals on and off the field,'' he said.

"Although most of us are still only in our early 20s, we've all had to fast-track our development and take a more mature approach to our football of our current senior players are now in the back-end of their careers and won't be around to guide us forever.

"Bluey (McKenna) said at the start of pre-season that we shouldn't to use the word 'young' any more around the club, he wants the players to be more accountable.''

Steven May at Gold Coast training. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Gold Coast Suns turning 21 in 2013.

January
10th Steven May
24th Luke Russell

February
5th Matt Shaw
13th Mav Weller
20th Jack Hutchins

March
4th Tom Nicholls
11th Brandon Matera

April
3rd Trent McKenzie

June
2nd Daniel Gorringe
17th Jeremy Taylor

August
6th Seb Tape

September
6th Sam Day
13th Jacob Gillbee

October
2nd Harley Bennell
12th Dion Prestia
31st Tom Lynch

November
19th David Swallow


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