Daisy in doubt for Round 1

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley reveals star midfielder Dale Thomas is no certainty to be fit for the start of the season following ankle surgery.

Collingwood stars Dale Thomas, Heath Shaw, Dane Swan and Ben Johnson talk shop at training yesterday. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Injured Collingwood star Dale Thomas remains in doubt for Round 1. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley has cast doubt over Dale Thomas's availability for Round 1.

The midfielder has yet to resume full training as he recovers from ankle surgery.

The news comes as Buckley accused his onballers of being downhill skiers at times last year.

"He is still a couple of months away," he said of Thomas.

"He will need to get some solid training in and get up to speed before he is ready to play some games of footy, whether that is late in the NAB (Cup) or early in the home-and-away (season) will depend on the speed of his recovery.

"He has had a modified pre-season and has got a lot of fitness work in, but not on legs. So we will have to judge that as we go."

As the Magpies gear up for Round 1 against North Melbourne on March 31, Buckley said yesterday players who could not instil defensive pressure all over the ground would not be selected.

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Brownlow medallist Dane Swan has been criticised for his one-way running, but Buckley felt he was not alone.

"We were too offensive out of stoppages and with our transitional running at times," he said.

"And not clean enough to support that offence. If we were cleaner and more efficient inside 50, you can run forward all you like. The ball is never going to come back. But when you come up against other sides, the ball comes back at you more often and you need to be able to handle that.

"I believe in team defence. You need 22 players to be defending. We improved our transitional defence as the year went on and we were better for it. We have some real depth now in our squad.

"If you are not going to tip into the defensive aspects, you are going to struggle to get a game of footy for us."

Buckley said the club's review of 2012 also identified the need for a tagger and that the Pies kicked to Travis Cloke to often.

He said the club had scored on only 40 per cent of its inside-50s, despite going to Cloke 80 per cent of the time.

"We need to be more aggressive with our ball movement," he said.

The off-contract Thomas said last week he was in no rush to start negotiating a new deal until he recovered.

But he said he was wary of letting contract talks turn into the "circus" that engulfed Cloke last year.

Buckley said: "We have got about 40 per cent of our list coming out of contract this year and we will deal with those guys, appropriately, at the right times."

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Buddy suspends contract talks

HAWTHORN superstar Lance Franklin has told the club he will not discuss a new contract until the end of the season, sparking fears he may leave.

Franklin is a restricted free agent at the end of the year, meaning he can entertain offers from rival clubs.

The Hawks said yesterday they made a "very good offer" to Franklin -- understood to have been between $900,000 and $1 million a season for up to four years -- and were stunned when told this week all negotiations were off until the end of September.

The offer also included a healthy slice of the club's marketing allowance.

"Buddy has made it pretty clear he'd prefer to leave the discussions to the end of the 2013 season," Hawthorn's head of football Mark Evans said.

Franklin's manager Liam Pickering said last night: "Buddy has 12 months to go on his contract and he wants to concentrate on playing.

"He said he didn't want the distraction of a contract and he has advised me talks are off until the end of the season.

"He doesn't want to entertain discussions and, whilst Hawthorn aren't happy, that's how it is, unfortunately."

Will Buddy be the next Gary Ablett?

Hawthorn is unable to pay Franklin market value as skipper Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell are on massive contracts, and Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Grant Birchall, Brian Lake, Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell are on sizeable deals.

Fremantle has been linked to Franklin, though the Dockers have not spoken to Pickering. Last year the Dockers offered Collingwood's Travis Cloke about $1.1 million for five years, but failed to land him. 

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The expectation is Franklin, who is from Western Australia, would be offered more than Cloke.

The Hawks yesterday confirmed six months of discussions had hit a brick wall this week.

Evans admitted Franklin's decision had rocked the club and already there were fears the constant talk about Franklin's future would become a major distraction, as it did at Collingwood with Cloke.

"It is not an ideal situation because we'd prefer to close off the distraction for Buddy, for the club, for supporters, for Pickers, and have a free run at our 2013 campaign," Evans said.

"We've been having a number of discussions over the past 5 1/2 months, and we've put together what we think is a very good offer, and Pickers is on record as saying it is respectable.

"Obviously, we had a few things to sort out.

"We know our offer is a strong offer, but at the moment it's not that the offer hasn't been accepted or rejected, it's only the discussions have been put off until the end of the season."

Lance Franklin tells Hawthorn he will not discuss a new deal until the end of the year, sparking fears at the Hawks that he may walk.

The Hawks accept Franklin can explore free agency.

"He's a free agent at the end of 2013 and he's got every right to proceed with contract discussions as he wants to," Evans said.

Despite Franklin's decision to cease discussions, the Hawks said they would endeavour to keep contact.

"We need to make sure we have regular contact with Pickers and Buddy and, should the situation change, our door is open," Evans said.

Pickering also manages Gary Ablett, who left Geelong for Gold Coast after announcing at the start of 2010 that contract talks were on hold until the end of the year.

Greater Western Sydney's Tom Scully said the same, then left Melbourne.

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Does Buddy delay equal disaster?

Kurt Tippett put off contract talks with the Crows last season. It didn't end well - unless you're a Sydney fan. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN fans are fearing the worst after Lance Franklin put contract talks on hold. History says they have plenty to worry about.

Franklin says he doesn't want contract talks to distract him from his footy this season.

If history tells us one thing, it's that his decision to suspend negotations won't stop speculation about Buddy's future.

Does it mean he's already decided to walk? There are plenty of recent examples that indicate the answer might be yes. But there is some hope for Hawthorn supporters.

Here are some other players who have put off contract talks in recent years - in their own words.

TOM SCULLY

"I'd love to end my career and say I was a one club player, and anticipate that will be the case."

- Scully, March 2011

"To ensure there are no distractions and that Tom can direct all his energies to the 2011 season, we recommended to him last August that we put contract talks on hold until the end of this season and advised the club accordingly."
- statement from Velocity Sports

"I'm absolutely delighted to be in Sydney here today .... No doubt money was a factor, but I saw an opportunity to be part of a brand new football club."
- Scully, September 2011 after signing a six-year deal with GWS

Melbourne training at AAMI park. Tom Scully faces the media before training. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

GARY ABLETT

"I just spoke to (Geelong CEO) Brian Cook today and we're going to put negotiations on hold until the end of the season to try and take some heat out of the whole situation. It gives him a chance to concentrate on playing, it takes a bit of heat off the club as well ... so they can get on with the job of playing and winning football matches."
- Ablett's manager Liam Pickering, June 2010

"This is all about the challenge of joining a new team and a new and unique opportunity to be part of something special in football."
- Ablett in September 1010 after signing with Gold Coast

Gary Ablett with Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna after announcing his move to the Suns. Picture: David Caird Source: Herald Sun

BRENDON GODDARD

"As I've said all along, we've been in constant talks with the footy club and they are the discussions we're having at the minute and I think it's pretty clear what my intentions are. I've said all along I'm happy where I am."
- July 2012

"I know Brendan wants to stay at (the) St Kilda football club. He's very committed to wanting to be here, there's no doubt about that."
- St Kilda coach Scott Watters, August 2012 after the Saints tabled a "very strong" contract offer

"It (was) something that a lot of thought went into. I was actually on the golf course (at the time)You can do a lot of thinking and there was a process where we did our due diligence. That decision wasn't made until late in the piece, (it was) after the season when it was probably crunch time to make the decision."
- Goddard in November 2012, a month after joining Essendon as a free agent.

KURT TIPPETT

"He wants to focus solely on performing on-field to the best of his ability before considering his future later in the year, and to ensure that the matter does not became a distraction to him or anyone at the club in the lead-up to and during the finals."
- Adelaide football manager Phil Harper, August 2012

"Boys, this morning, I have told the club that I won't be renewing my contract for 2013 ... Have absolutely loved playing alongside you all. You are all friends for life! I'll be in touch. Love KT."
- Tippett's text message to teammates after walking out in October 2012

NATHAN BOCK

"I don't see any reason to leave, but I'll leave that to my managers to sort out."
- June 2010, after putting off talks until after the mid-season break

"There are different reasons, not all financial (but) it is a significant offer that was too hard to refuse. It sets me up for after footy."
- August 2010, after becoming the first out-of-contract player to sign with Gold Coast

Gold Coast signings Nathan Bock and Nathan Krakouer. Picture: Adam Head Source: The Courier-Mail

CAMPBELL BROWN

"My three or four other contracts that I have signed have been done towards the end of the year, and I would expect nothing to change."
- May, 2010

"It was a tough decision, but when I was making the decision I thought it would be best for my football."
- September, 2010 after joining Gold Coast

But the contract sagas don't always end badly ...

TRAVIS CLOKE

"We've had enough of all the talking, we're going to play football."
- Collingwood president Eddie McGuire in July 2012 after talks with Cloke's management broke down.

"We always wanted him to stay there, but there was going to be an issue if he did not get the fifth year. It did get close towards the end there."
- manager Ralph Carr after Cloke signed a five-year deal to stay with the Pies

Travis Cloke celebrates his goal in the third quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

MATTHEW PAVLICH

"I'm really happy with where it (negotiations) is placed. We're happy with how it's progressing and so is the club. We'll get to a point some time later in the year."
- May 2010

"I'm really happy with the process and the outcome, I hope the Freo faithful are happy as well."
- Pavlich in September 2010 after signing a four-year deal with the Dockers

TRAVIS BOAK

"We have never put pressure on Travis for a decision. We've said we would like to know sooner rather than later and understood the difficulty of Travis' decision because of his family."
- Port Adelaide football manager Peter Rohde in July 2012 after contract talks stalled

"I'm so relieved to have got the deal done after what has at times been a challenging year for me personally and for the club."
- Boak after signing a two-year deal with Port in September 2012

Port Adelaide star Travis Boak meets young fan James Nussio after signing a new contract with the Power. Picture: Dean Martin Source: Herald Sun

... and some we won't know for about seven months.

LANCE FRANKLIN

"He said he didn't want the distraction of a contract and he has advised me talks are off until the end of the season. He doesn't want to entertain discussions and, whilst Hawthorn aren't happy, that's how it is, unfortunately."
- Franklin's manager Liam Pickering, February 2013

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SuperCoach X-factors

Essendon youngster Elliot Kavanagh will leave no stone unturned in his bid to become an AFL star. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Shane Crawford channels his inner Liam Neeson when he discovers Gary Ablett is 'taken' and tries to organise a swap with one of his mates

SUPERCOACH is back and so are the selection headaches that come with Australia's biggest and best fantasy sports game.

Those playing SuperCoach CLASSIC will be looking to pick a mix of elite, fringe and young players (cash cows) ready to make an impact on the big stage.

But it's a whole different ball game if you're playing SuperCoach DRAFT.

Ablett, Franklin, Cox and Swan will be gone after a handful of picks in your private league draft. Add Pendlebury, NicNat, Selwood and Watson to that list.

Tough decisions will need to be made, especially in the latter rounds of your SuperCoach DRAFT parties.

Enter the fringe dwellers of fantasy football.

A talented crop of bargain buys who, with little help from injury, from and a slice of luck, can boost their numbers and help turn your SuperCoach fortunes around.

None of these players are household names, and some might bomb. But it only takes one gem to make you a SuperCoach genius.

Do you agree with Gilbert's predictions? Leave a comment below and send him a note on Twitter at @gilbertgardiner.

ADELAIDE: Shaun McKernan $274,500 ruck/fwd
2012 SuperCoach average: 57

McKernan was restricted to just six games last year with injuries, form and Kurt Tippett cruelling his 2012 campaign. Tippett's departure leaves an opening for a tall forward/ruckman - McKernan just has to beat Josh Jenkins to the gig.

BRISBANE LIONS: Todd Banfield $234,100 fwd
2012 SuperCoach average: 43

Big wraps on the speedy goalsneak who had a less than inspiring 2012 marred by knee tendonitis and stress fractures. Banfield was one of the Lions' best small forwards in 2010 and 2011 and has the potential to play further up the ground. Expect Banfield to shoot up the rankings in his fourth AFL season.

CARLTON: Simon White $291,100 def
2012 SuperCoach average: 54

White is all the rage at Visy Park, training the house down in his first full pre-season since joining the club in 2010. The 190cm 88kg key back is doing everything right to make an impact in the Blues backline. Bargain buy.

COLLINGWOOD: Brent Macaffer $128,000 fwd
2012 SuperCoach average: N/A

A proven goalkicker who can drift into the midfield, Macaffer looms as one of the bargain buys of the season. The 2010 premiership player missed all of last season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in the Magpies' NAB Cup opener. He played four games in 2011 battling through back and foot injuries. But back in 2010 he was one of the Pies' best small forwards, averaging 80 SuperCoach points a week.

Brent Macaffer makes a comeback to training after a long-term injury. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON: Elliott Kavanagh $139,100 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: 26

Don't expect Kavanagh to get too much time in the Bomber midfield just yet, but he could prove handy in second half of the season. Kavanagh, 19, was pick 19 in the 2011 draft and boasts silky skills with both hand and foot.

FREMANTLE: Alex Silvagni $256,800 def
2012 SuperCoach average: 60

If Silvagni can break back into the Dockers' best 22 he could prove to be a handy SuperCoach acquisition. The key defender endured a torrid 2012 managing just five games as the third back behind Luke McPharlin and Zac Dawson. Silvagni possesses strong hands can mix it with the best forwards in the comp.

GEELONG: George Horlin-Smith $198,000 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: 37

The hyphen is in line for greater opportunities in 2013. The Sturt product has put together a strong pre-season adding bulk to an already impressive frame. Look for Horlin-Smith to make an impact in the NAB Cup.

George Horlin-Smith in action against Port Adelaide. Picture: Glenn Ferguson Source: Geelong Advertiser

GOLD COAST: Joel Wilkinson $171,200 def
2012 SuperCoach average: 32

Don't let Wilkinson's lowly average scare you off. A complete athlete, he looks ready to blossom rebounding out of the Suns' backline after starting his career as a tagger. The 20-year-old of Nigerian descent led the Suns' time-trial recently while last week breaking the bench press record for Queensland-based AFL players. Hasn't got a lot of the ball in the past but expect that to change.

SPORT - Gold Coast Suns player Joel Wilkinson set a new bench press record for the club. He lifted 160kgs. Pic by Luke Marsden. Picture: Luke Marsden Source: The Courier-Mail

GWS: Liam Sumner $217,200 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: 58

A a class act who will be in the thick of the action after overcoming foot problems last year. He made his debut against Carlton in Round 6, picking up 92 SuperCoach points. The No.10 pick in the 2011 draft attacks the contest hard and is a good user of the ball.

HAWTHORN: Xavier Ellis $284,100 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: 59

It's not a skill issue with Xavier but a body issue. The smart left-footer has struggled with injuries and will be looking to re-ignite his career after playing just 14 games in the past two seasons. Averaged 70-plus SuperCoach points per game between 2009-11. Don't discount Ellis racking up a heap of touches at both ends of the ground.

MELBOURNE: Shannon Byrnes $230,100
2012 SuperCoach average: 43

Byrnes was starved of opportunities at the Cattery but the proven goalkicker will slot into the Demons midfield taking the pressure off young stars Jack Viney and Jimmy Toumpas. The 28-year-old will be hoping to wind back the clock to his 2009 and 2010 seasons where he averaged 18 disposals per game and kicked 30-plus goals. If he does, get on.

Get the latest SuperCoach news and tips by following @superfooty on Twitter

NORTH MELBOURNE: Kieran Harper $275,500 fwd
2012 SuperCoach average: 51

Arden St is awash with praise for the young half-forward expected to take his game to the next level in 2013. Don't read too much into his numbers last year as Harper was often shared substitute duties with former Kangaroos speedster Matt Campbell. The exciting prospect boasts clean hands, explosive pace and silky footy skills.

PORT ADELAIDE: Oliver Wines $169,500 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: N/A

Wines is primed for SuperCoach selection given his ball-winning ability. The hard-nosed midfielder oozes class and looks ready to play senior football straight away. Watch for Wines burrowing in at stoppages during the NAB Cup.

RICHMOND: Chris Knights $248,300 fwd
2012 SuperCoach average: 46

Knights will be looking to re-launch his 96-game career at Punt Rd after moving during free agency. Knights booted 43 goals in 2009 but saw his time at half-forward reduced in the following three seasons due to injury and form. Knights has the talent to play AFL footy and will prove dangerous inside the arc alongside Jack Riewoldt, Robin Nahas and recruit Aaron Edwards.

Richmond recruit Chris Knights. Picture: Stuart Walmsley Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA: Tom Lee $115,900 fwd
2012 SuperCoach average: N/A

St Kilda has a good track record of recycling forwards (refer Ahmed Saad, Terry Milera). And there's little to suggest Lee, a mature-aged recruit from West Australia, won't be given similar opportunities at the start of the season. The 21-year-old kicked 60 goals in a premiership season with WAFL side Claremont last year.

SYDNEY: Tom Mitchell $115,900 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: N/A

The highly-rated father-son selection is a proven ball magnet on the cusp of senior selection. Mitchell was plagued by a niggling knee injury last year but collected 42 disposals in 70 minutes of a reserves game. He also clunked six marks and kicked a goal in the standout NEAFL performance. He's certainly one to keep on the radar.

Andrew Embley (WC) $283,600 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: 53
Disregard Embley at your peril. The veteran midfielder averaged 22 disposals a game between 2008-11 and despite missing most of last season after a shoulder reconstruction, he topped the 20-disposal mark in four of his five games after his return. Loves drifting forward to kick a goal.

Koby Stevens (WB) $176,600 mid
2012 SuperCoach average: 33

Stevens failed to fire a shot for the Eagles last year despite starring in the WAFL. An inside midfielder, Stevens will be given every chance at proving himself at the Doggies. Will rate highly in contested possessions and clearances at Whitten Oval.

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Roos youngsters set the pace

North Melbourne young gun Kieran Harper is one of the big improvers of the Kangaroos pre-season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne is reaping the rewards of a solid preseason with recruits Jordan Gysberts and Ben Jacobs leading the way.

Gysberts moved to Arden St during the AFL trade period after three seasons at Melbourne where he played 19 games.

Kangaroos champion Brent Harvey endorsed the 2009 No.11 pick's arrival at the club.

"Jordy's just gone about his footy the way he should be, and that's training really, really hard and setting a great standard for our younger guys to follow," the 246-game veteran told SEN radio this morning.

Meanwhile, Jacobs, a No.16 pick in 2010, has slotted into the Kangaroos defence after walking out on Port Adelaide.

"Benny Jacobs is one of the most professional guys I've seen come through our footy club. He's really switched on and loves his footy."

Harvey, suspended for the first six rounds of the season, expects the Kangaroos' youngsters to improve in leaps and bounds.

"It's going to be really, really good. We've got a lot of depth now and we can look at those young guys to really start taking over our footy club," Harvey said.

"(Shaun) Atley and (Kieran) Harper, they're the ones that everyone talks about; (Ben) Cunnington and (Ryan) Bastinac, they've all played 50-60 games together now and I think what I've seen over my career is teams start gelling when that young group have all played 50-60 games together.

"You can't expect too much from them when it's 20-30 games and they are still learning each other's style, but it's pretty much right now when you'll see the improvement from that group."

North Melbourne rookie Eric Wallace joined in the club's competitive hit-out against Geelong at Simonds Stadium today.

Wallace was signed as an international rookie last year.

"Participating in full on 18v18 training with the boys! Catching on quickly! Improving daily!!" he tweeted yesterday.

"The more I learn & develop as a footy player, the more I start to see the similarities there are in basketball! still an entirely diff game!"

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Rich tax debate surprises Pies

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert is surprised the equalisation debate is back on the table. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD chief executive Gary Pert says he's surprised the equalisation debate is on again after a deal to narrow the gap between the rich and poor clubs was struck less than 18 months ago.

Victoria's power clubs, including Collingwood, are set to rebel against plans for a luxury tax, which would impose a levy on big-spending clubs.

Pert said today the Magpies had supported an unequal distribution of the AFL's last media rights deal, signed in 2011, to avoid having their revenue streams "attacked''.

"I was a little bit surprised when this whole equalisation debate has surfaced recently,'' Pert said.

"I was involved when the new media rights deal came out and we underwent not only an equalisation calculation, but we allocated the dis-equal amounts to the less financial clubs.

"Part of that process was run by the AFL was to work with the clubs, establish what financial support they needed for the long term.

"All the clubs, including Collingwood, supported that process, which was designed specifically to set all the clubs up into a similar scenario so they had the financial support and resources.

"As a club, Collingwood signed off on that dis-equal contribution specifically so we wouldn't be going through this, so we wouldn't have are revenue streams re-attacked.

"I find it amazing that a year, 18 months later we're re-assessing that. I'm very surprised.''

Meanwhile, the Magpies today announced a new multi-million dollar three-year sponsorship deal with Holden.

Holden will become the official sponsor of Nathan Buckley and his coaching team.

Pert said the new deal was a "natural fit'' for the Magpies, who were previously sponsored by Lexus.

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Young Demon cleared of injury

Dean Terlich has been hospitalised after a training mishap. Picture: Regi Varghese Source: adelaidenow

MELBOURNE draftee Dean Terlich has been cleared of any injuries after an ugly collision at training today.

Terlich was training with teammates at Moorabbin Oval earlier today when he suffered a knock to the head and neck region.

An ambulance was called to take him to hospital, where he underwent precautionary tests.

A forward-turned-defender, Terlich was drafted by Melbourne with pick 68 in the 2012 National Draft.

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Lions need Brown's presence

Brisbane coach Michael Voss talked Jonathan Brown into staying on as captain. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE coach Michael Voss says it would have been "a bit wrong'' for Jonathan Brown to completely relinquish leadership duties at the Gabba.

Brown will step down as sole captain in 2013 but will remain as a co-captain after four seasons as the single figurehead.

Voss said the new co-captain will be announced in the near future but it was important that Brown still played a critical leadership role due to the AFL superstar's sheer "presence''.

"One of the first things that Brownie spoke about was stepping down and I thought it just sort of looked a bit wrong to have the big fella coming in behind somebody,'' Voss said.

"He'll always be a leader but to be able to have him out the front with someone beside him just made a bit more sense than stepping down.''

Voss said it was the right time to start "succession planning'' at the Lions.

"It's just a sign of where our group is at and the fact that Brownie has got a lot of confidence in the group that is coming through,'' he said.

Meanwhile, Brisbane today announced a three-year, seven-figure sponsorship deal with storage company, National Storage.

National Storage joins Vero insurance joins the club as a co-major sponsor.

The Lions posted a net operating loss of $2,513,262 for the financial year ending October 31, 2012. It was Brisbane's third-straight seven-figure loss. They lost $2.5 million in 2010 and another $1.8 million in 2011.

The Lions also recorded a $603,207 loss in 2009 and a $2.2 million loss in 2008.

Brisbane CEO Malcolm Holmes said the new deal would help the club turnaround its bottom line.

"It's a great outcome for the club...it's great news. It shows there is a lot of support for our brand,'' Holmes said.

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Goddard would have led Saints

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard in his new colours. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NICK Riewoldt would have handed the St Kilda captaincy to Brendon Goddard if he had not quit the club to join Essendon.

Nick Riewoldt was yesterday appointed St Kilda skipper for the eighth season.

However, he revealed today he had been happy to hand over the captaincy, but the prime candidate left to join the Bombers as a free agent.

"I thought if BJ (Goddard) was still at the club it would have been him this year, and I was more than happy for that to occur - and for anyone else to step into the role," Riewoldt said.

Riewoldt hinted at an issue facing the club in trying to find the next generation of leaders.

The Saints have a large group of veterans aged 29 and over and a crop of emerging youngsters, but few experienced players in between.

The issue was acknowledged with the inclusion of Ben McEvoy, James Gwilt, David Armitage, Sean Dempster and Jarryn Geary in the leadership group, with a group of elder statesmen nominated to mentor an "emerging leaders" group.

"The club went for a bit of a change in the leadership group with three younger guys stepping into the group and they just wanted some stability at the top," Riewoldt said.

"It's now our job as the senior guys - myself, Lenny, Milney, Blakey, all those guys - to make sure we promote some of the younger guys so sooner rather than later someone else can step into the role."

Summer Barometer: See how the Saints are shaping up

Asked on SEN if he had tried to talk Goddard out of leaving, Riewoldt said: "Absolutely, definitely.

"He's one of my great mates, was one of the groomsmen at my wedding, and nothing will change there as far as our friendship goes (but) I certainly wanted him to stay a St Kilda player.

"But at the end of the day it's his decision and I respect the decision he's made."

 

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Lions keen for February wins

Superstar Lion Jonathan Brown is in great shape. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: HWT Image Library

THE Brisbane Lions will refreshingly use the NAB Cup to drive a winning culture after three disappointing seasons without a finals appearance.

Football manager Dean Warren said the Lions were out to be competitive in the pre-season competition, which they kick off against Gold Coast and Hawthorn in three weeks.

The Lions have won just 21 matches in the past three years but took a giant step forward last year, recording three impressive victories to end the season and unveiling a rich list of young talent.

"We certainly want to be really competitive in the NAB Cup,'' Warren said.

Summer Barometer: See how the Lions are shaping up

"Yes, we want to make sure we give most players on our list an opportunity to play, but we'll certainly be there to try and win as many games as we can."

The Lions also face Greater Western Sydney in the four-match three-round series, where the top two sides advance to the grand final.

Sport 22.1.13 BCM Lions. Daniel Rich. The Brisbane Lions training Coorparoo. Pic Peter Wallis Picture: Peter Wallis Source: HWT Image Library

"With where we're at it's important to balance between being super competitive and putting your best out there to trying to give your young guys an opportunity to play as well," Warren said.

"So we'll try to balance that."

Brisbane Lions have never won a pre-season tournament, but finished runner-up in 2007 and 2001.

The Lions are rated a $34 chance to claim the silverware this year, while Warren said captain Jonathan Brown could be unleashed in the latter stages.

Green light for Black's return

"He's had a terrific break mentally and physically he's in terrific condition," Warren said.

"We'll ease through NAB Cup, we might not play him too much but our goal with him is to make sure he's right to go Round 1."

Sport 22.1.13 BCM Lions. Daniel Merritt. The Brisbane Lions training Coorparoo. Pic Peter Wallis Picture: Peter Wallis Source: HWT Image Library

Warren said knee victim Brent Staker had completed a full pre-season and was set to return to Michael Voss's side, while Melbourne recruits Brent Moloney and Stefan Martin had "slotted in extremely well".

"It feels like Moloney's been here for five years, so we're very happy with those two and how they're performing," he said.

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Cornes out for 10 weeks

Giant Chad Cornes will miss up to 10 weeks. Picture: Rohan Kelly Source: HWT Image Library

GIANTS veteran Chad Cornes will miss the start of the season after undergoing knee surgery yesterday.

The defender flew to Melbourne to go under the knife and must now endure 10 weeks of rehabilitation, which is expected to rule him out of Greater Western Sydney's Round 1 clash against Sydney.

"We decided to send Chad to Melbourne to meet with Dr David Young to investigate the cause of his knee issues," GWS sports science manager John Quinn said.

"They discovered a cyst on Chad's right knee and decided the best cause of action was to operate. They're very happy with the results."

The 32-year-old, who will wear jumper No. 53 this season, played 16 matches last year after being given a lifeline following his Port Adelaide days.
 

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SBS hands Marngrook a lifeline

Former North Melbourne great Wayne Carey signs on with The Marngrook Footy Show. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis, Source: Herald Sun

WAYNE Carey will join The Marngrook Footy Show as a regular panellist when it returns to television on SBS after being axed by the ABC last year.

The indigenous football show with a cult following will air on Thursdays during the home-and-away season.

Former Brisbane Lions premiership player Chris Johnson, Robbie Burns and Gilbert McAdam return to the program alongside reporters Leila Gurruwiwi and Shelley Ware.

The Marngrook Footy Show started as a radio program in 1997 before moving to National Indigenous Television (NITV) in 2007.

Marngrook's dumping last year sparked a social media frenzy with fans of the show calling for rival networks to revive the program.

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Zaharakis suffers quad strain

David Zaharakis picks up a loose ball at Essendon training. Picture: Andy Drewitt Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON star David Zaharakis' flawless pre-season has been derailed by another quad injury.

The influential midfielder strained the muscle while kicking at training this week, putting his NAB Cup participation in jeopardy.

The quad injury is to the same leg that caused Zaharakis to miss nine matches last season. But the Bombers today stressed the "minor nick'' was far less serious and to a different part of the muscle.

Essendon's acting football manager Danny Corcoran said scans this morning meant Zaharakis may only miss 2-3 weeks.

"He was going beautifully, but we're not seeing it as a major thing. It's a minor one to a different area. Everyone says that's rubbish, but I'm telling you that's what it is,'' Corcoran said.

"He's pain free, but we'll still take the necessary precautions.''

Summer Barometer: See how the Bombers are shaping up for 2013

Corcoran said the club and Zaharakis had been buoyed by the medical report.

"Everyone thinks the worst, but when the scans came back he was very relieved and very happy,'' he said.

"We expect him to start his running program as soon as he's pain-free and he's pain-free. They'll probably err on the side of caution and he might start next week.''

Bombers coach James Hird only today addressed a crowd at Federation Square to declare Essendon had buried its injury nightmare and was in supreme physical condition.

"I think we'll all get them (injuries),'' Corcoran said.

"But it's how we cope with them, how we deal with them and how we treat them.''

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Carlton a 'drug-free zone'

Jarrad Waite is confident no Carlton players are taking illegal drugs. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON forward Jarrad Waite is adamant the club is drug-free and says he would welcome daily testing to prove it.

Waite backed the AFL's three-strike drug policy but expected the league and AFLPA to closely scrutinise the self-reporting loophole at tomorrow's drugs summit.

The Herald Sun today revealed four Collingwood players allegedly dodged strikes by volunteering drug-use to club doctors.

Waite insisted Visy Park was a drug-free zone and said any player "stupid" enough to take drugs was jeopardising their football career.

"I don't see any of it. I wouldn't mind if I got tested every day of the week, because I don't do it," Waite said on a day out with Lygon St locals.

"If they want to do more tests, that's good because I've got full confidence, especially at Carlton, that we don't have a drug culture here.

"I would be very surprised if professional athletes were putting their careers at risk by doing drugs and doing stupid things like that.

"Personally, if I got tested every day, it would annoy me, but it wouldn't bother me because I don't do drugs."

There is a strong push to reduce the AFL's strikes policy from three to two but Waite said the AFL's current illicit drugs policy was a world-leader.

"I think our system is very good. The players chose to have this system in place, and it's the best drugs system in the world," he said.

"There is a lot of sports out there that don't get drug tested in the off-season.

"As a playing group we decided as a whole to be tested in the off-season to prove to the people that we are not a drug cultured sport.

"But at the end of the day we are happy with the way it's been. If it changes we are fully supporting the AFL and the PA (players' association)."

Players accept more off-season drug tests

Waite said the self-reporting loophole would likely undergo close review.

"If there is any little loopholes, I'm sure having the summit tomorrow, if they think it is a big enough issue it will be changed," he said.

"It is up to the AFLPA and the AFL to see if they want to make any changes to the system and I'm sure tomorrow there will be an outcome about that."

Waite said any player using drugs was taking a big risk.

Summer Barometer: Get the Blues' training and injury latest

"If you want to risk your AFL career go ahead do it every weekend, but it's not something I would ever do and I would be very upset if our players were out there every weekend getting on the drugs because alcohol is bad enough.

"But mixing drugs your senses are a bit all over the joint. You wouldn't risk it."

Carlton players and coaching staff mixed with locals and local businesses on a walk down Lygon St today.
 

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Robbo out to win back respect

Carlton forward Mitch Robinson has been caught on footage in a scuffle at the Big Day Out in Flemington.

Mitch Robinson shown in a scuffle at the Big Day Out. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON hard nut Mitch Robinson is working to win back the respect of his teammates after an ugly incident at Big Day Out.

Robinson was ordered to donate $1000 to charity and serve two months community service after he was captured on video in a fight with another man at the music festival.

Blues forward Jarrad Waite said today Robinson had acknowledged he has made a mistake.

"He knows that he has done the wrong thing by the club and he knows that he has lost a little bit of respect," Waite said.

"But the good thing about Robbo is that he is a really good trainer and we know that he will come out with a positive attitude.

"He is so critical to the team but we've moved on now and so has he."

Waite said the incident was a let-down.

"From a club perspective it's very disappointing that he has put himself in that situation," Waite said.

"But like I said, we've moved on now and so has he.

"He's just looking forward to giving back a little bit today to the members and trying to get that respect. Not just from the players but the community as well."
 

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SuperCoach draft strategy

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott talks with recruiting staff at the AFL draft.  A SuperCoach draft can be just as intense. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

WHEN AFL recruiting managers stand up on draft night to read out their club's next selection, the choice is the result of months - sometimes years - of intense research.

Unfortunately, we don't have that long to prepare for our SuperCoach drafts, but the decisions are no less important.

Unlike AFL scouts we are choosing from a known pool of players - no surprise picks from the Ballarat league - but how many of the more than 700 players on AFL lists do you really know?

It's time to start studying!

The good news is even in big draft leagues you'll still use less than half of AFL-listed players, so you don't need to know the injury history of every GWS rookie. But SuperCoach DRAFT will open your eyes to a lot of players that don't come into calculations for most of us in SuperCoach CLASSIC.

With each player able to be selected only once per league, by the third or fourth round of your league draft you'll be looking beyond the top-line stars.

So who do you choose on the biggest night of your new SuperCoach DRAFT career? Here's a crash course.

1. Playing to win

In the SuperCoach CLASSIC game we know and love, recruiting is limited by a $10 million salary cap. We try to squeeze as many star players into our teams as possible along with kids who will shoot up in value and bargains under-priced due to injury.

SuperCoach DRAFT requires a new way of thinking. For starters, there is no salary cap - so players don't have dollar values, which means no price changes and no cash cows (good news for vegetarian SuperCoaches).

In SuperCoach CLASSIC there is little logic in picking a middle-rung player who will score 70 points every week when you can get a rookie far cheaper who will deliver similar output, then cash him in halfway through the year. In SuperCoach DRAFT the thinking is reversed - an experienced player who has the same scoring potential as a draftee may be a smarter pick if he is more likely to produce consistent output, dodge the subs vest and avoid a rest in the VFL.

2. Positional relativity

It sounds like one of Einstein's less recognised theories, but you don't have to be a theoretical physicist to get the basic idea: the value of a player to your side is hugely impacted by what position he plays.

In short, ruckmen, defenders and forwards will go much higher in the draft than they would if the order was determined purely on points-scoring potential.

The reason is simple - there are far fewer players in these positions capable of delivering big scores, which means the teams in your league who recruit those players have a big advantage.

Think of it this way: you have pick 10 in your league draft and have the option of taking Joel Selwood, Matthew Pavlich or Ivan Maric.

Selwood has clearly the best SuperCoach average, about 10 points ahead of the other two. Picking him is a no-brainer, right?

But wait. Think about your next pick and who might be available. If you don't take Joel now he'll almost certainly be gone by the time your next pick comes around. But you could still pick up Matt Priddis or Ryan Griffen, who are still pretty handy players.

Pass on Pavlich and the best forward available next time around might be David Hale - a huge drop in potential output. Likewise in the ruck, where choosing another position ahead of Ivan Maric could leave you choosing between Will Minson and Mike Pyke for your leading big man.

Gun midfielders will still deliver most of your points, but it's certainly something to keep in mind on draft day.

3. Draft for trading strength

Draft strategy 101 is to pick players to fix holes in areas of the ground that need a boost.

Strong in the guts but light on for big men? Time to pick a ruckman, even if a better midfielder is available.

But there are times when it might be shrewd to take a different tack.

If you have already picked up Aaron Sandilands and Sam Jacobs is on the table, your first instinct would be to take someone from another position since you already have a good ruckman - and in most SuperCoach DRAFT formats, you only start with one ruck on the field each week.

But picking Jacobs could have big benefits down the track.

If you have a strong ruck division, there's a fair chance some other players in your league don't. And some of those players who might be desperate to trade for a decent ruckman soon could be the same teams who jumped on all the gun midfielders you need.

So rather than pick a third-string onballer, you could take Jacobs and use him as a bargaining tool to trade for Jobe Watson or Sam Mitchell - a much better result.

It's all part of the fun of SuperCoach DRAFT!

4. Breakout contenders

Although prices are not involved, players about to have a breakout season are still extremely valuable in SuperCoach DRAFT.

Last year you may have been able to snap up Patrick Dangerfield late in the draft and by the end of the year he was worth a first-round pick.

Look for players who might improve their performance and go under the radar of your draft rivals.

5. Help!

If all this sounds pretty complicated, or you just don't have time to make a list ordering your preferred draft picks from 1-300, don't panic.

We'll have plenty of tips on who to select, including some cheat sheets you can print out and take with you on draft day.

Stay tuned to SuperFooty and don't forget to follow SuperFooty on Twitter at twitter.com/superfooty and like SuperCoach on Facebook at facebook.com/supercoach to get all the latest news and advice from the experts.

 

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Tex can be as good as Buddy: Danger

Crows forward Taylor Walker wraps his hands around the ball at a Crows training session at Max Basheer Reserve. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

Star Adelaide midfielder Patrick Dangerfield says man mountain Taylor Walker is a ``force to be reckoned with'' who is ready to challenge Hawthorn's Buddy Franklin as the AFL's premier key forward.

Dangerfield says the club quickly moved on from the defection of Kurt Tippett, who controversially joined premiers Sydney in the off-season, and were ready to centre their attack on a bulked-up, mullet-sporting Walker.

And while Tippett kicked 39 goals for the Crows last season, Walker booted 63 and trailed just Franklin, Fremantle's Matthew Pavlich and Richmond's Jack Riewoldt for the Coleman Medal.

And Dangerfield says he's ready to rival the AFL's best in 2013 and doesn't deserve to have his rise compared to filling the breach left by Tippett.

"I don't know about fill the boots of Tippett - Tex (Walker) is his own man,'' Dangerfield told AAP.

"He kicks a goal just about better than anyone in the competition.

"I think he'll be a force to be reckoned with up forward for us.

"On his day, Buddy Franklin's very good, but I think Taylor Walker has the potential to be just as good a forward as him.

"He's an exciting prospect for us.''
 
Without Tippett drawing key defenders in 2013, Dangerfield knows Walker will have a tougher time fighting for possession - but says his imposing 192cm, 105kg frame will be ready for the challenge.

"He was already pretty big. It was hard to increase his size,'' Dangerfield said.

"He's a power forward. He's 105 kilos.

"I think the challenge for him and the challenge for many young players like myself is to continue to build the consistency, and that's what he'll be setting himself for this year.

"We're hoping that he takes the next step. He knows he'll have the number one key defender every week this year.

"He's looking forward to that challenge along with our other key forwards. I think we've got a pretty potent forward line.''

Tippett's extraordinary departure from Adelaide left a bad taste in the mouths of Crows players at the time, with
Dangerfield insisting the club wanted to build around players 'who want to be part of our footy club'.

"He made the decision to leave and that's fine. We understand that,'' he said.

"Once Kurt decided to leave, we have to move on with players who want to be around the footy club.

"And that's the players that are on our list.

"We've got a really exciting group of players at the moment and I think we can play some really impressive football this year.''

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Blues reprimand Robinson

Carlton forward Mitch Robinson has been caught on footage in a scuffle at the Big Day Out in Flemington.

Mitch Robinson shown in a scuffle at the Big Day Out. Source: Herald Sun

Mitch Robinson held back from someone else in the crowd at the Big Day Out. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON will force Mitch Robinson to perform community work following an ugly incident at Big Day Out.

Video footage taken by a bystander shows Robinson land a left-hand blow to the other man before he is struck hard to the side of the head as he appears to bend over to pick up an item on the ground.

They then wrestle each other to the ground as others come in to remonstrate and also separate them, including a woman.

Carlton football operations boss Andrew McKay said Robinson should not have put himself in a position to be involved in such an incident.

"This type of behaviour, no matter what the circumstance, is not acceptable or in line with Club policy," McKay said in a statement released today.

"Mitch is extremely remorseful and has accepted the Club's sanction."

Robinson will complete two months of community service with the Salvation Army, working with the homeless and under-privileged in Melbourne's CBD.

He will also make a $1,000 donation to the Salvation Army.

Robinson left the Australia Day music festival off his own accord after the fracas, which ignited when the Blues midfielder tried to prevent his friend's "anti-social behaviour".

Both men have torn singlets when the footage begins, indicating the vision starts well after the fight began, but gets out of control after Robinson is struck while he is not paying attention.

The cowardly blow ignites the fight as a jeer can be heard from the crowd as two other men jump in to the fray as Robinson tries to escape a headlock.

One onlooker can be heard shouting ''That'll be six weeks Robinson'' after he throws the left hook.

Although witnesses who contacted the Herald Sun say they do not know why the fight erupted, they say up to eight men were involved in the melee before it was brought to an end.

One witness said Robinson was ''fuming'' after being ''targeted'' by a group looking for trouble.

''He was fuming, very angry, and was not going to walk away,'' the man said.

''It took his mates to get him to stop.''

But other witnesses were not positive Robinson and the other men were strangers.

The incident occurred after American band The Killers had finished their performance about 8pm.

Dayle, who said the fight started behind him near the Cruiser tent, said Robinson had ''plenty of opportunity to walk away''.

He said it appeared it may have been a fight between Robinson and someone else in his group.

''By the looks of it you would have thought it's been something in their internal group,'' he said.

''They were all pretty big and going at it. I didn't realise it was him (Robinson). He looked like he had plenty of opportunity to walk away from it.''

Carlton Football Club confirmed on Saturday night it was investigating the fight after pictures emerged of the 23-year-old on Twitter being held back by others in the crowd.

No report has been lodged with police and it is not believed anyone was injured.

Robinson, recruited from Tasmania, has played 67 games with the Blues.

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Mick in control of NAB Cup

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse will steer his side in the NAB Cup. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MICK Malthouse will look to make an immediate impression on Carlton players by taking charge of all of the Blues' NAB Cup matches.

In the second half of his time as coach of Collingwood, Malthouse allowed his assistant coaches to take charge on match day during the pre-season series.

But Carlton football operations manager Andrew McKay confirmed that Malthouse wanted to ensure his message was clear from the start.

"This is a different situation (as to when he was at Collingwood)," McKay said.

Summer Barometer: See how the Blues are shaping up

"I think his assistants are going to do the internal trial games (this year), and Mick will be doing the NAB Cup.

"He wants to make sure the messages are the way he wants them to be delivered and wants to make sure the players understand that.

Coach Mick Malthouse lays down the law at Carlton training yesterday. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

"The internal games are different. He needs to be looking at both teams in those games, so it makes sense for the assistant coaches to coach in them."

McKay said Malthouse's approach had made an impact on the players ahead of NAB Cup games against Sydney and Greater Western Sydney at Blacktown on February 24. "Mick is a positive person and that has rubbed off on the players," he said.

McKay said the Blues were better placed in terms of fitness compared to last year.
 

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Kennett urges strike action

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL must change its drugs policy. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL must change its illicit drugs policy to avoid a tragedy.

Labelling the system "grossly unfair", the beyondblue chairman said the three-strikes policy was flawed and clubs should be informed earlier.

"I don't believe the three-strike rule is appropriate, nor do I think it is fair to the players, or to their families or to their clubs," Kennett said yesterday.

"I hope that if (AFL boss) Andrew (Demetriou) is serious, just as initially they wouldn't move on concussion, they will recognise that if they are serious about drugs, then they have got to involve the clubs earlier than currently occurs.

"Three strikes and you're out - that is grossly unfair and it could lead to a situation where maybe you end up with a death."

Earlier notice wanted on drugs

AFL leaders meet for a historic drugs summit at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Club chiefs are expected to push for earlier notification of a player's positive drugs strike, with some support from clubs for the three-strikes policy to be stripped back to two.

Former Hawthorn midfielder Travis Tuck is the only player to record three strikes under the AFL illicit drugs policy - in 2010.

Kennett said clubs must be alerted earlier so they could support the player back to a "condition of good behaviour".

 "At the moment, a player gets suspended after three strikes without there necessarily being any outside assistance given to him," Kennett said.

"Often it's assistance given by club doctors, but not with the club's knowledge. But often a player needs more than that.

Summit to scrutinise Mad Monday

"You have got to look at who else in the club might be their friends, might be influenced by that player's behaviour, might be supplying that player with drugs. That can't be done by a doctor."

Kennett said a move to two strikes should be the first step.

"There are many who say it should be one strike and you are gone, but I don't think we're going to move to that position overnight," he said.

Demetriou said tackling mental illness would also be considered at the summit, with 50 per cent of players on a second strike dealing with mental health issues.

Kennett welcomed the move.

"It is something that should be tackled head-on," he said. "The biggest mind alterer in our society is alcohol and then there are drugs and then there is depression and often you don't know where people enter the cycle."

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Primus adds grunt to Suns' rucks

Gold Coast Suns ruck coach Matt Primus with senior coach Guy McKenna. Picture: David Clark. Source: The Courier-Mail

MATTHEW Primus has two key tasks at the Suns bring some mellow to the coaches box and mongrel to the football side.

For the Gold Coast AFL side to make ground in 2013, they need to improve their clearance work.

Primus' focus over summer has been injecting aggression into young ruckmen Zac Smith and Daniel Gorringe.

The fact that Primus was a senior coach at Port and an imposing ruckman in his playing days made him a key off-field signing for the Suns, to replace the cool head of assistant coach Ken Hinkley, who took Primus' old job at Alberton.

"He ticks all our boxes," coach Guy McKenna said. "To be competitive in the ruck you need an aggressive streak in you. Clearly Charlie Dixon is that way inclined, Zac and the other boys need to understand that.

"Part of that is being shown that and educated how. Matty, because that is the way he lived as a footballer, it should be easier for him to coach that."

Smith has acknowledged the impact Primus has already had.

"He's been unreal, he's helped me hopefully take it to that next level," he said.

"One of the things I need to work on is my aggression.ntsD He's hopefully going to give me some of thatnte."

The addition of Primus, and Malcolm Blight on a part-time basis, to the coaching ranks will also allow McKenna to continue to operate from the boundary line on game day.

The third-year coach believes his side would continue to benefit from the instant feedback he can provide from the dug-out.

"He (Primus) as been in the cut and thrust of it, he adds a lot of experience for us and to have him up there, you are certainly a lot more at ease,'' McKenna said.

"We still have two-thirds of our group who are first to third-year players, they still need a fair bit of coaching, so to have things taken care of upstairs allows me to do that from the sidelines."

Primus believes Smith and Gorringe have the makings of a first-class pairing and that questions over Smith's hardness are unwarranted.

"Zac's first year, most people were pretty impressed with how he went about his footy and he certainly hasn't lost that ability," he said.

"He might have had an average year last year but a lot of young players have ups and downs.

"He is aggressive by the way he jumps in and creates a contest, Charlie just has a bit more aggression when the ball hits the ground. They all have aggression in different waysntsD but I think they have a lot of talentnte."

Primus has enjoyed mixed fortunes as a player and coach. A two-time All-Australian and club captain at Port, he missed the 2004 premiership with a knee injury that ended his career prematurely.

His coaching career began well in 2010 when he won five games from seven after taking over as caretaker when premiership coach Mark Williams quit the post.

But 2011 and 2012 were a slog and he stood down with four matches to go last season after being told his contract would not be renewed. Primus said taking a back seat required adjustment but he is motivated by the enthusiasm at the Suns.

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Power caught with pants down

Port Adelaide veteran Kane Cornes, centre, with teammates during a pre-season beach session. Picture: Campbell Brodie Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

NO, this is not the latest commercial for the summer range of Bonds undies.

But Michael Clarke and Pat Rafter might be looking over their shoulders as company front men if yesterday's Port Adelaide session at Grange is any guide.

While most of the nation was packing Eskys and defrosting lamb legs for Australia Day celebrations, the Power were slugging it out during a morning beach recovery session.

Thirty-five players from the Power's senior and rookie lists wound down from another hard week on the track under new coach Ken Hinkley with a 15-minute run, stretch and 15-minute return run at Grange beach about 8am.

The group finished the session with a quick dip - a welcome but unplanned one, likely, considering the lack of board shorts on show.

Port Adelaide's Brad Ebert during a beach session at Grange. Picture: Campbell Brodie

Among the players getting into the Bondi spirit were Danny Butcher, far left, a former TAC Cup Morrish Medallist and younger brother of Port forward John.

Last year's WAFL best and fairest and fellow Port rookie Kane Mitchell, middle, and key midfielder Brad Ebert also channelled their inner David Hasselhoff.

The countdown to Port's and Adelaide's three-way NAB Cup clash with St Kilda, on February 17, hits three weeks today.

New Port Adelaide recruit Kane Mitchell during a pre-season training session at Grange. Picture: Campbell Brodie

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No Nic, no calamity for Eagles

READY: Ruckman Dean Cox says the Eagles are well-equipped to deal with the likely absence of Nic Naitanui at the start of the season. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper. Source: PerthNow

CHAMPION West Coast big man Dean Cox has assured fans the Eagles are well placed to cope without Nic Naitanui if his All-Australian ruck partner misses the start of the season because of injury.

Bookmakers have West Coast on the second line of betting for this year's flag, behind Hawthorn and ahead of reigning premier Sydney, but there is a view the Eagles' chances hinge on Naitanui's recovery.

While Naitanui has done little more than walk laps and complete handball drills after groin surgery, Cox has quietly powered through one of his strongest summers on the track.

Entering his 13th season in the AFL, Cox said he was capable of rucking for 100 minutes a game if Naitanui was not available early in the season.

But the 251-game veteran said he was so impressed with understudy Scott Lycett's improvement this summer that the team could continue with the unique 50-50 ruck sharing strategy that has been so effective with Naitanui in recent seasons.

Cox also said he would like to continue spending plenty of time forward after kicking a career best 28.14 last year.

"Even if it was me and Scotty, I think we'd continue to do the same thing," he said.

"The biggest thing I took out of my season last year was probably my work when I went up forward, and Nic as well, and we each had a lot of shots on goal."

Cox said the players were confident 20-year-old Lycett, who has played just three times in his first two seasons, was ready to step up.

"He's come on in leaps and bounds," he said.

"Just his soft hands, his control with the footy and his body positioning in ruck contests.

"I think he's getting a little bit more mature and starting to really understand how to position himself to try and control the stoppage.

"It's been really good to push each other all the way through the pre-season and try and learn from each other as well.

"I'd certainly love Nic to be fully fit and playing all the time. The player that he is and what he brings to the club is so important.

"But what you find out when players step up and fill the void is they really blossom and certainly if Nic isn't ready, Scotty will do that."

Rookie-listed ruckman/forward Callum Sinclair is also likely to receive opportunities during the NAB Cup, though Lycett is the frontrunner to partner Cox given his two years in the club's system.

Cox predicted the loss of Quinten Lynch, who was able to do some part-time ruck work, would mean the Eagles would have to select two genuine ruck options in every game.

None of West Coast's key position players have had experience as a relief ruckman, following Lynch's move to Collingwood as a free agent.

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Tex can be as good as Buddy: Danger

Crows forward Taylor Walker wraps his hands around the ball at a Crows training session at Max Basheer Reserve. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

Star Adelaide midfielder Patrick Dangerfield says man mountain Taylor Walker is a ``force to be reckoned with'' who is ready to challenge Hawthorn's Buddy Franklin as the AFL's premier key forward.

Dangerfield says the club quickly moved on from the defection of Kurt Tippett, who controversially joined premiers Sydney in the off-season, and were ready to centre their attack on a bulked-up, mullet-sporting Walker.

And while Tippett kicked 39 goals for the Crows last season, Walker booted 63 and trailed just Franklin, Fremantle's Matthew Pavlich and Richmond's Jack Riewoldt for the Coleman Medal.

And Dangerfield says he's ready to rival the AFL's best in 2013 and doesn't deserve to have his rise compared to filling the breach left by Tippett.

"I don't know about fill the boots of Tippett - Tex (Walker) is his own man,'' Dangerfield told AAP.

"He kicks a goal just about better than anyone in the competition.

"I think he'll be a force to be reckoned with up forward for us.

"On his day, Buddy Franklin's very good, but I think Taylor Walker has the potential to be just as good a forward as him.

"He's an exciting prospect for us.''
 
Without Tippett drawing key defenders in 2013, Dangerfield knows Walker will have a tougher time fighting for possession - but says his imposing 192cm, 105kg frame will be ready for the challenge.

"He was already pretty big. It was hard to increase his size,'' Dangerfield said.

"He's a power forward. He's 105 kilos.

"I think the challenge for him and the challenge for many young players like myself is to continue to build the consistency, and that's what he'll be setting himself for this year.

"We're hoping that he takes the next step. He knows he'll have the number one key defender every week this year.

"He's looking forward to that challenge along with our other key forwards. I think we've got a pretty potent forward line.''

Tippett's extraordinary departure from Adelaide left a bad taste in the mouths of Crows players at the time, with
Dangerfield insisting the club wanted to build around players 'who want to be part of our footy club'.

"He made the decision to leave and that's fine. We understand that,'' he said.

"Once Kurt decided to leave, we have to move on with players who want to be around the footy club.

"And that's the players that are on our list.

"We've got a really exciting group of players at the moment and I think we can play some really impressive football this year.''

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