'O'Meara will lead Suns': Ablett

Gary Ablett says Jaeger O'Meara, right, could be the next captain of the Gold Coast Suns. Picture: Glenn Hampson Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GARY Ablett says he expects to retire a Suns premiership player but not captain and has anointed teenager Jaeger O'Meara as his potential replacement.

Ablett also identified David Swallow and Tom Lynch as young players with outstanding leadership credentials who would make worthy skippers.

O'Meara has yet to play an AFL game as he was ineligible because of age restrictions in 2012.

But Ablett said O'Meara displayed maturity beyond his years and the fact he has yet to taste senior action did not mean he could not quickly emerge as his successor.

"He has got a lot of talent, he is a very hard worker and leads by example," he said.

"As soon as he gets the confidence and starts speaking up a bit more he could be the future captain of our football club."

Ablett has always maintained the Suns' first premiership would not come until the senior players recruited in 2010 to build the club were no longer the headline act on the football field.

He also believes that extends to the leadership of the side.

"I think we need it for the side to get better, and a couple of them have already stepped-up in the leadership group," he said.

"I think a lot of guys can step up into the leadership group next year and if they squeeze us older blokes out, they can take those duties and we can concentrate on our footy.

''Ablett is by no means trying to dump the captaincy but says he expects to play out his career under another captain."I'm enjoying it at the moment," he said.

"But when the coach and club think someone else is more suitable I'll happily hand it over.

"I've come here to win premierships and if that means someone else stepping into the captaincy that is fine by me."

Ablett's nomination of Lynch may surprise Suns fans but he is highly regarded by the match committee for his enormous work ethic and competitiveness and is one of the most respected voices in the side.

Ablett said this was the first pre-season where he felt the younger generation were ready to stamp themselves on the competition and take control of the side's destiny.

He said O'Meara, Swallow and Lynch were the drivers behind a new level of confidence and maturity from the side's crop of exciting young talent.

"Sometimes talented kids come to clubs but they don't really understand what it takes to be an AFL footballer," he said.

"From day one they have worked hard and they have listened, that is the main thing."

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Merrett poised to sign again

Daniel Merrett is set to sign a deal that will make him a Lion for life. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE vice-captain Daniel Merrett will be a "Lion for life".

The 28-year-old is poised to sign a contract extension with Brisbane that will see the vice-captain finish his career as a one-club player.

The fullback would have been a free agent at the end of this season but he will sign a new deal before this year's competition starts.

"I've got every intention of being a Lion for life. I'm very close to re-signing," Merrett said.

"I'm a Queensland boy and I want to stay in Queensland and be a one-club player.

"This club has a proud history, I love the club and I love the jumper.

"The club has invested a lot into me and I want to repay that. I'm happy where the club is headed and I want to be a part of it."

Merrett has played 135 senior games since his debut in 2005 and at his best is an All-Australian contender.

The Gold Coast junior spent most of last season in the forward line but will return as a full time defender this year.He is a contender for the vacant co-captaincy post but expects the club to give the nod to a youngster.

"We've got a great group of young guys coming through who can step up to the plate. I don't whether or not I take on a mentoring role and allow these young guys to spread their wings and grow as leaders," Merrett said.

Merrett and Lions captain Jonathan Brown visited flood-affected areas of Grantham and Laidley yesterday as part of Brisbane's two-day community camp in Toowoomba.

Brown visited the Grantham State School two years ago, soon after the town was ravaged by flood waters.He said the community had done an "awesome job" of rebuilding.

"The community spirit is incredible. I know, being from a small country town myself, how strong people are in the country," Brown said.

"These people know how to get up after they've been knocked over. You wouldn't have blamed them for leaving but they have rebuilt and stayed strong."

Merrett said it was a humbling experience to see the community triumph over hardship.

"When you see what these people have gone through, it puts things like a bad week on the training track into perspective," he said.

"It's definitely inspiring to see the smiles on faces no matter how tough times have got. We'll probably get more out of this than the kids will."

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Back on, but off the Record

Essendon James Hird gets back to basics ringing the changes as the Bombers go down in a preseason thriller. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

TO THE vast relief of the besieged Essendon Football Club and concerned coach James Hird, the black clouds lifted just a little last night.

By becoming the first team to win a match for the new season, a low-key NAB Cup encounter with the Western Bulldogs, and then failing by only seconds to repeat the feat against Collingwood, the Bombers gave their many fans good reason to believe that, if nothing else, they are not buckling under the extreme pressure of the drugs scandal engulfing this proud old club.

Normally, this would have been an assignment of little consequence - glorified match practice.

But in the current context of uncertainty, if not naked fear, about what lies ahead, a morale boost was desperately required and gratefully received, despite the disappointment of watching the Magpies dramatically snatch a game that had seemed safe.

If there was any extra burden on the usually unflappable Hird, whose own future has a large question mark against it, it wasn't obvious from the grandstands at Etihad Stadium, where 27,000 Essendon, Bulldogs and Magpie supporters soaked up their first footy fix of the year.

Oops, make that their first taste.

Hird went on TV beforehand and repeatedly declined to talk about anything other than the games about to be played.

He eventually handed the microphone back and walked away.

 The AFL, too, appeared to have a "don't mention the war" policy in place.

The Record, its official organ, ran to 124 glossy pages but not one of the 100 or so journalists employed in the league's enormous media department was required to write one word about the issues that have dominated the mainstream media for nearly two weeks.

Two pages headed Ins and Outs of a Busy Off-season stopped in January, before Essendon asked for itself to be investigated and the Crime Commission dropped its "sport's blackest day" bombshell.

Must have been the deadline, the bane of all print media.

The section devoted to Essendon read: "All eyes will be on the talent-laden Bombers as they hope for a better run with injuries in James Hird's third season as coach". Well, that's true enough - there already are a lot of eyes fixed on them, but not necessarily to check out the talent.

There were no banners, but that doesn't mean there wasn't any taunting from rival fans, with one lot sending up Essendon's song - See the Bombers fly up, up - with their provocative version: see the Bombers shoot up, up ... "

Dressed for the 30C heat in club-issue grey shorts and T-shirt, Hird attracted plenty of applause each time he entered and left the arena.

In times of trouble, it is important to keep the faith - and that's exactly what the defiant Dons were doing. They may be required to keep doing it for some time yet.

ron.reed@news.com.au

Twitter: @Reedrw

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Footy's back: What we learnt

Essendon coach James Hird heaps praise on his players after they finally played some footy after a tough couple of weeks.

Essendon star Brendon Goddard dishes off a handball in last night's match against Collingwood. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

WHAT did we learn from last night's NAB Cup round robin between Collingwood, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs.

ESSENDON

BRENDON Goddard showed us why the Bombers were so keen to snare the big-bodied utility from St Kilda. Goddard was dangerous every time he went near the ball last night against Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.

PLENTY to like about the way Nick Kommer goes about his football. The mature-aged recruit, who cut his teeth in the WAFL, attacked every contest with vigour.

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AGE shall not weary Dustin Fletcher. The 37-year-old demolished an inexperienced Western Bulldogs forward line in the NAB Cup opener last night. Fletcher denied the Doggies forwards time after time before sitting out the second game.

Picture: Getty Images. Source: Getty Images

WESTERN BULLDOGS

DANIEL Giansiracusa is still the most dangerous Bulldog inside 50. And, that's a worry. Despite fielding a full strength side against Collingwood and Essendon the Bulldogs failed to fire a shot inside the arc. Giansiracusa provided a spark against the Magpies but it was short-lived.

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MATURE-aged recruits Brett Goodes and Nick Lower performed admirably in their first runs as Bulldogs. Goodes was solid across half forward while Lower had the football on a string in the midfield.

IT was great to see Dale Morris back in the mix after an 18-month lay off rehabilitating a broken leg. The All Australian defender lowered Essendon sharpshooter Michael Hurley's colours in game one of the triple header. Morris sat out game two against Collingwood.

COLLINGWOOD

NATHAN Buckley put his stamp on the Magpies last night with recruit Clinton Young, the chief destroyer, working the ball through the corridor. Under predecessor Mick Malthouse it was boundary at all costs, but the 2013 Magpies looked dangerous when flirting with danger on the back of pin-point passing out of defence

IT was the Travis Cloke of old last night. The spearhead, no longer troubled by protracted contract negotiations, single-handedly sealed victory against the Bulldogs with back-to-back marks and goals. Cloke ($436,300) is a SuperCoach steal as one of the premier forwards in the competition.

PINT-sized forwards are back in vogue at the Westpac Centre with the Magpies reaping the rewards of Brent Macaffer's and Jamie Elliott's ferocious attack on the contest. Good times to come if these two can make a habit of mopping up Cloke and the Q-Stick while punishing teams on the scoreboard.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

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West Coast 2013 SuperCoach preview

IN AND UNDER: West Coast's Matt Priddis is one of the competition's best contested ballwinners. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

WHICH West Coast players should you pick in your SuperCoach team and who should you avoid?

Over the next month we'll count down every team in the AFL with a comprehensive SuperCoach preview. We looked at Fremantle yesterday, and now it's time to turn to their cross-town rival in West Coast today.

There's a wealth of SuperCoach options available at the Eagles, with two of the game's best ruckmen in Nic Naitanui and Dean Cox supported by an explosive group of midfielders.

Which Eagles will be in your SuperCoach squad? Leave a comment below.

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West Coast fell short of a preliminary final last season after a string of injuries cruelled their top-four chances. But the Eagles' pain could well be your gain this season as a fantasy footy coach.

Mark LeCras, Josh Kennedy and Mark Nicoski are all underpriced and represent great value for money in the mid-priced forward tier. There's also the addition of Sharrod Wellingham, who will appeal to many as a dual-position prospect as he settles in at his new club.

BYE: Round 12 (with Geelong, Melbourne, North Melbourne, St Kilda, Sydney)

SUPERCOACH STAR

Nic Naitanui (ruck) $611,000

He's highly unlikely to be playing in Round 1, but don't let that put you off. Naitanui well and truly cemented his place among the competition's elite ruckmen in 2012, and looks set to continue his progression upon his early-season return following groin surgery.

The All-Australian does it all. He ranked second in goals kicked by ruckmen last year (beaten only by teammate Dean Cox), can climb high for a truckload of hitouts, and collects around three-quarters of his possessions in contested fashion.

It all adds up to pure gold from a SuperCoach point of view. Jump on and enjoy the ride.

BANK EM

Matt Priddis (midfield) $588,300

Four straight years averaging 104 or better. That's all you need to know.

The durable midfielder simply knows how to find the footy, and has turned contested ball-winning into an art form. Only five players in the competition had more contested touches last season, and just three enacted more clearances.

Priddis rarely has a bad week and is receiving more midfield support than ever from his Eagles teammates.

Beau Waters (defender) $536,500

The pool of defenders in SuperCoach is traditionally not as strong as that of the midfielders or forwards, so it's imperative to pick the top talent available.

Waters is undoubtedly among the AFL's top half-dozen SC backmen when fit. He's coming off an All-Australian season, with his marking - including high-scoring intercept marking - the main feature of his game that appeals to coaches.

Be prepared for the odd missed game through injury or suspension, but it's hard to overlook the future Eagles skipper.

BUY EM

Mark LeCras (forward) $369,200

Mark Nicoski (forward) $280,100

The two Marks are ready to make their mark in 2013 after missing the entirety of last year with serious injuries.

LeCras didn't even make it to the NAB Cup in 2012 after a training mishap that led to a knee reconstruction. Nicoski was primed to consolidate his newfound role in West Coast's forward 50 before hitting the deck in the pre-season grand final with a serious hamstring injury.

Provided he can get through the NAB Cup with no setbacks, LeCras should be right for Round 1. Nicoski may take a bit more time to return to senior action but has to be considered at the discounted price.

BURY EM

Daniel Kerr (midfield) $476,900

The most decorated of West Coast's midfield unit, it seems surprising that the veteran is the least relevant SuperCoach-wise.

But while Kerr remains an important influence in the Eagles' set-up, there are plenty of other similarly-priced players around the league that are capable of bigger and better things in the SC realm this season. Players that may escape more tags than Kerr, too.

Cale Morton (midfield) $305,600

There'll be a few people tempted by the returning West Aussie, who showed he was capable of posting the odd reasonable score at Melbourne.

But Morton looks set to begin the year a fair way off the Eagles' best 22 and could take time to work his way in. At this price, he's not worth the pick-up.

SUPERCOACH DRAFT WATCHLIST

Scott Selwood (midfield)
His season average has risen from 65 (2010) to 104 (last season) in no time at all. Not as glamorous as some of the other top-bracket midfield choices, but works exceptionally hard and is worth a look after the top 20 or so mids.

Shannon Hurn (defender)
Another quality SC backman on West Coast's list. Can be susceptible to a hard tag, but uses the ball better than most in the league.

Josh Kennedy (forward)
Underpriced coming off an injury-affected 2012. Should be entering the prime of his career and looms as the focal point of the Eagles attack.

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson

 

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Byrnes lights up Dees' trial game

Shannon Byrnes booted five goals today. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HWT Image Library

CREATIVE forward Shannon Byrnes underlined his value to Melbourne's forward set-up with five goals in an intra-club game at Casey Fields in Cranbourne today.

Byrnes bagged three goals in a lively opening term at his new club in the heat and swirling wind that made it difficult for ball handling.

Demons coach Mark Neeld said later the dual Geelong premiership forward's verbal directions were equally as important as his precise finishing skills.

"Shannon has been really good for us over summer with his leadership and the way he trains. And for him to come out and play pretty well was good,'' Neeld said.

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"He might be short in stature, but in terms of volume, he's pretty loud. And that's good for our young players to hear and see the way that he moves.

"The boys were ripping into him out there. Look, he played well. It's February, but it was a good start. Better than playing poorly.''

David Rodan was another new Demon to find the ball regularly during the simulated match practice over four 20 minutes quarters.

"He's very similar to Shannon in terms of personality. They'll like two little mossies that have been let loose in the change rooms,'' Neeld said.

Jack Watts was steady across half-back, best and fairest winner Nathan Jones racked up plenty of possessions and youngsters Jack Viney and Jimmy Toumpas quickly adjusted to the tempo.

Eddie: Let the Dees off the hook

Co-captain Jack Trengove, key forward Mitch Clark, new goalkicker Chris Dawes and high-leaping forward Jeremy Howe didn't play the Demons first practice match.

Neeld said Dawes and Howe will play next Friday's NAB Cup opening round against North Melbourne and Richmond and he remained hopefully Trengove and Clark, still in rehab from serious foot injuries, may be ready for the AFL season opening round.

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Tippett fires in Swans' intra-club

Kurt Tippett looked the goods. Picture: Tim Hunter Source: HWT Image Library

KURT Tippett showed more than enough in a Sydney intra-club match to confirm he should make a major contributon to the Swans' premiership defence.

The only problem is he will now have to wait until June 22 before entering the fray again.

The former Adelaide ruck-forward fired alongside Sam Reid in the game at Lakeside Oval, earning plenty of praise from coach John Longmire.

The contest was a long way divorced from the rigours of an AFL match but the quality of Tippett's opponents, including Ted Richards and Heath Grundy, was not to be sneered at.

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Longmire said Tippett had ticked all the right boxes during the reigning premiers' pre-season, but that the biggest test would come now - an 11-match suspension for his part in the Crows' salary cap saga.

"It's good to see Kurt Tippett have a really good strong hit-out and have five or six shots at goal - against a quality defence," Longmire said.

Daily Telegraph. The Sydney Swans practice match in Moore Park today. Picture: Tim Hunter Source: HWT Image Library

"He's obviously got to make the most of these opportunities because he doesn't have too many games coming up."

Longmire acknowledged managing his star recruit's workload, and balancing the fact he'll be minus half an AFL season of match fitness, would be a challenge for the club.

"He looked really good today, he looked sharp. He's been doing all the training," he said.

"Obviously we need to make sure he gets enough conditioning and he keeps his conditioning up. We'll work out a program.

"We'll also work through the frustrations that he no doubt will feel at different times during the year when he's not able to play.

"But we're confident he'll be able to round his game off really well in that period, work on some things he needs to work on."

The Swans start their pre-season campaign on Sunday week against Greater Western Sydney and Carlton and at least four premiership players will be sidelined.

Co-captain Adam Goodes (knee), Marty Mattner (hip), Nick Smith (knee) and Shane Mumford (ankle) are likely to be missing, but all are expected to be ready for the season proper.

Longmire said the side's grand final win over Hawthorn was nothing but a memory and counted for nothing now.

"Everyone's on the same number of points at the start of the year and we need to get better.'

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McLean, Graham sizzle for the Blues

Brock McLean and Tom Bell were among the standouts. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HWT Image Library

A RESURGENT veteran and a teenage draftee were the headline acts in Carlton's intra-club match this morning.

Brock McLean and Nick Graham dominated the Blues' second internal hitout at Visy Park in the absence of a host of stars.

McLean's transformation from VFL specialist to influential AFL ball-winner has gained more pace over summer, with the former Demon finishing with 22 disposals and three goals in a clear best on ground performance.

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Graham, 18, was outstanding. Last year's Morrish Medallist had 17 touches and, along with fellow draftee Tom Temay, looked right at home.

Carlton intra club practice game,Mitch Robinson marks,3rd term, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HWT Image Library

Blues director of coaching Rob Wiley admitted both boys had exceeded expectations.

"Nick has got that great ability to find the football. He did that in the under 18s and he reads the play, has good composure and he's certainly heading in the direction of being a very good AFL footballer," Wiley said.

"Carlton is very fortunate to have him."

Tom Bell was eye-catching, Kane Lucas was again among the best and Matthew Watson is on the way to cementing a defensive post.

Bryce Gibbs played in the midfield for the vast majority of the three quarters he played and was solid, while Jeremy Laidler is back to his best across half-back.

Carlton Intraclub practice match at VISY Park. Levi Casboult goes hard on Matthew Watson. Picture: Mark Stewart Source: HWT Image Library

Malthouse rested a stack of his best players, with Marc Murphy, Andrew Carrazzo, Kade Simpson, Andrew Walker, Matthew Kreuzer, Eddie Betts and Heath Scotland among the spectators.

But the Blues are ecstatic about the health of their list, with only Jarrad Waite (calf) and Chris Judd (hamstring) carrying legitimate injuries.

Carlton Intraclub practice match at VISY Park. Mick Malthouse. Picture: Mark Stewart Source: HWT Image Library

Robbie Warnock (corkie) and Rhys O'Keefe (neck) were casualties today, but they are not considered serious.

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Reasons to watch the NAB Cup

The Pies, Dons and Dogs will kick off the NAB Cup. Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

FOOTY is just one sleep away, with Essendon, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs set to ignite the NAB Cup. So, what should we look forward to from their triangular series?

SuperFooty takes a look.

ESSENDON

How will the Bombers react after their two weeks from hell?

THERE are infinite questions surrounding the Bombers' arrival tomorrow night. What mental state will the players be in following two weeks of front and back page media scrutiny following their drugs scandal?

What reception will Hirdy get? How will the fans react? Will the opposition players get stuck into them? Is this side in the right frame of mind to play footy?

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Will they look to make a statement or use the NAB Cup for what its worth – an experimentation tool?

This will be enthralling to witness. From an on-field perspective, Bomber fans must be disappointed they have to wait for their first look at Joey Daniher, but at least Brendon Goddard will be unleashed.

And for SuperCoaches out there, keep an eye on mature-aged recruits Dylan Van Unen (Frankston VFL) and Nick Kommer (WAFL). Youngster Nick O'Brien has also caught the eye this summer and could impress.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 14: Coach James Hird walks back to the club rooms during a Essendon Bombers AFL training session at Windy Hill on February 14, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

WESTERN BULLDOGS

Keep an eye on the young and the old

IT'S all about two players when the Dogs take the stage for their pair of lightning encounters – the youngest in Jackson Macrae and one of the oldest in Dale Morris.

Both are ripping stories for polarising reasons. Macrae, the prized No. 6 draft pick, represents hope and optimism for Bulldog fans after two seasons of pain. Morris, one of the most popular stars at the kennel, will provide a spark when he runs out for his first game in 18 months after horrifically snapping his leg – also against Essendon.

It's a remarkable comeback and a much anticipated debut – even if it only is February.

Watch for a beefed-up Macrae's freakish sidestep and elite vision, while all eyes will also be on Adam Cooney after a faultless summer.

From a SuperCoach perspective, Brett Goodes is the man to zero in on. If he takes another step towards a Round 1 debut, pencil him in.

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

Western Bulldogs training at the Whitten oval., Dale Morris during training Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD

Q-Stick and the game plan - are they really all the rage?

THE Magpies have chosen an impressive squad and after the buzz surrounding the Q-Stick all summer, keep your eyes glued on the former Eagles spearhead.

Quinten Lynch will partner Travis Cloke in attack for the first time (if they play in the same match) and it will be fascinating to see how the new-look one-two punch attack fires.

Brent Maccaffer and Andrew Krakouer are also fit and firing after a full pre-season following their knee-plagued 2012s, while Collingwood's trio of VFL rookies will be on show.

Jack Frost, a key defender highly rated for his ability to spoil, classy midfielder Sam Dwyer who is a pure footballer and goalkicking onballer Kyle Martin are in the squad and are looking impressive.

If they can fire and ramp up competition for places at the Pies this year it'll add another dangerous ingredient into Nathan Buckley's quest for a premiership.

Players aside, it'll be fascinating to get a glimpse at the revamped game plan under Bucks. Direct, down the guts and rapid ball movement is the word filtering out of the Westpac Centre.

And lastly, Ben Hudson v good mate Robert Murphy and his old mob the Western Bulldogs. Bring on the footy.

Stay tuned for reasons to watch the other triangular series this weekend, featuring Geelong, Fremantle, West Coast on Saturday night and St Kilda, Port Adelaide and Adelaide on Sunday.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 12: Quinten Lynch kicks the ball during a Collingwood Magpies AFL session at Westpac Centre on February 12, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

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AFL umpires given extra powers

AFL Umpire's manager Jeff Gieschen will oversee the rule changes to be implemented in the NAB Cup. Picture: Greg Scullin Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL will unveil a series of rule changes during this weekend's NAB Cup matches, with sliding the most contentious.

Under the new rules, a free kick will be paid against a player who slides into a contest, taking out an opponent's legs.

The crack down follows an incident last year when Sydney speedster Gary Rohan had his leg snapped in a legal contest with North Melbourne goalsneak Lindsay Thomas.

Thomas received a three-match ban for the challenge later dismissed as an accident by the AFL Tribunal.

Sydney champion Adam Goodes was also pinged for sliding into Port Adelaide defender Jacob Surjan.

"The free kick for forceful contact below the knees was aimed to protect players from serious lower limb injuries such as broken legs, ankles and knee ACL injuries," the league said in a statement today.

"The change to throw the ball up around the ground at stoppages has been introduced to help alleviate congestion and encourage quick ball movement and genuine marking contests."

But Geelong great Cameron Ling expects the sliding rule to divide opinion.

"Contact below the knees is going to be an interesting one this year!! Could be a lot paid early and some confusion!" the triple premiership star and football commentator tweeted today.

The new rules include:

Forceful contact below the knees – A free kick will be awarded against any player who makes forceful contact below the knees of an opponent (excludes smothers)

Ball up around the ground – Umpires will only bounce the ball at the start of each quarter and after goals.

Ruckman at stoppages – Ruckman will not be allowed to make contact at stoppages until the ball has left the umpire's hand.

Umpires will also be clamping down on holding the ball decisions, the time allowed for kick ins (reduced to 5-6 seconds) and blocking in marking contests.

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Banned agent at Lions training

Disgraced player agent Peter Blucher made a surprise appearance at Brisbane training. Picture: Adam Armstrong Source: The Courier-Mail

Lions star Simon Black rans laps while his teammates competed in an intra-club match. Picture: Adam Armstrong Source: The Courier-Mail

THE surprise sighting of banned AFL player agent Peter Blucher threatened to turn most heads at the Brisbane Lions' intra-club despite recovering ruckman Matthew Leuenberger's encouraging return.

Most eyes were on Leuenberger in his first senior hitout since being restricted to three games last season due to an achilles injury - until Blucher arrived.

He raised eyebrows as he took in some of the trial before leaving after a brief greeting with former client, Lions legend Simon Black, who sat out the game nursing a knee niggle.

Brownlow Medallist Black and Lions skipper Jonathan Brown parted ways with Blucher's Velocity Sports management over Kurt Tippett's AFL draft-tampering controversy.

Blucher was last month banned from acting as a player agent for a year for his role in the salary-cap rort surrounding Tippett's  2009 contract with the Adelaide Crows.

Young Lions hungry for success

Blucher was among the interested observers as Leuenberger impressed in the first two of the trial's three terms before receiving a well-earned rest.

Ablett poised to miss NAB Cup opener

Black is expected to be fit for the AFL season opener after being ruled out of the NAB Cup campaign which starts for the Lions against Gold Coast and Hawthorn next weekend.

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Teams: Dockers turn to youth

BRING IT ON: Fremantle's Clancee Pearce will be part of a youthful Dockers squad for the opening round of NAB Cup fixtures. Picture: Paul Kane Source: Getty Images

FREMANTLE will take a depleted midfield into Saturday's NAB Cup clashes against Geelong and West Coast, with on-ball stars David Mundy and Nat Fyfe left out of the Dockers squad.

Mundy and Fyfe will join other big names including skipper Matthew Pavlich and last season's Doig Medal winner Ryan Crowley on the sidelines.

Coach Ross Lyon said the games would be a valuable opportunity for some inexperienced players.

"It's a great competition to be able to expose some young players and people that have had really strong pre-seasons," Lyon said.

Teams: Bombers, Dogs and Pies

"The ultimate aim over the next three to four weeks is to condition our players for Round 1 and the season proper, and identify what areas we're going well in and need to improve in."

Lyon said his second pre-season in charge at Freo had been an improvement on last summer.

"Some really strong summers from our younger players, we've seen improvement - our indicators tell us that," he said.

"It's been the same volume (as last summer), but more players have done it. More work into more players at a higher quality."

Lyon said the club was well-placed to handle the pressure of expectation this season after the Dockers' brave finals series last September.

"That's about leadership isn't it. From our senior players and our coaching group and really from our president and CEO down, and we welcome expectation," he said.

"League football, there's a given amount of pressure that goes with it. We'll focus on what we can control and we'll work really hard together and give our greatest effort.

"And if that leaves us short, that's okay, because we know we're giving great effort and we'll improve."

Young ruckman Zac Clarke, who has put on 5kg in the off-season, will also miss Saturday's matches after suffering an adductor strain.

Fremantle rookie Matthew Taberner has glandular fever and will be out of action for some time.

But the Dockers still have plenty of firepower for Saturday's shortened clashes, with Aaron Sandilands, Stephen Hill, Hayden Ballantyne and off-season addition Danyle Pearce all set to play.

WEST COAST recruits Sharrod Wellingham, Jamie Cripps and Cale Morton will all make their club debuts for the Eagles on Saturday night.

As expected, forward Mark LeCras was also included in an expanded squad to make his return after 12 months out following a knee reconstruction.

Big-name Eagles Matt Priddis, Darren Glass, Beau Waters, Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling have all been named.

GEELONG has opted for mix of young guns and veterans for its trip across the Nullarbor.

Cats stars Steve Johnson, Jimmy Bartel, Corey Enright and Joel Corey will all make the trip along with skipper Joel Selwood and defender Harry Taylor.

Trent West is expected to lead the Cats at the stoppages with recruit Hamish McIntosh (knee), Dawson Simpson (back) and Nathan Vardy on the sidelines.

Geelong will blood running machine Mark Blicavs in the NAB Cup along with rookies Ryan Bathie, Cam Eardley, Jackson Sheringham and Josh Walker.

SQUADS:

West Coast - 1. Mitchell Brown, 2. Mark LeCras , 3. Andrew Gaff, 7. Chris Masten, 8. Beau Waters, 10. Scott Selwood, 11. Matt Priddis, 12. Sharrod Wellingham , 13. Luke Shuey, 14, Jacob Brennan, 15. Jamie Cripps, 16. Eric Mackenzie, 17. Josh Kennedy,  18. Bradd Dalziell, 19. Adam Carter, 22. Callum Sinclair, 23. Darren Glass, 25. Shannon Hurn, 26. Sam Butler, 27. Jack Darling, 28. Ashley Smith, 29. Scott Lycett, 30. Blayne Wilson, 31. Will Schofield, 32. Andrew Embley,  33. Josh Hill, 34. Mark Hutchings, 35. Patrick McGinnity, 36. Fraser McInnes,  37. Adam Selwood, 40. Cale Morton,  42. Jeremy McGovern, 43. Ashton Hams, 46. Simon Tunbridge.

Fremantle - 1. Hayden Ballantyne, 3. Zac Dawson, 4. Jayden Pitt, 5. Garrick Ibbotson, 6. Danyle Pearce, 8. Nick Suban, 9. Matt de Boer, 10. Michael Walters, 11. Tom Sheridan, 12. Jonathon Griffin, 13. Tendai Mzungu, 17. Hayden Crozier, 18. Luke McPharlin, 21. Michael Barlow, 22. Tanner Smith, 23. Chris Mayne, 25. Josh Mellington, 26. Kepler Bradley, 28. Peter Faulks, 31. Aaron Sandilands, 32. Stephen Hill, 33. Cameron Sutcliffe, 34. Lee Spurr, 35. Haiden Schloithe, 36. Alex Silvagni, 37. Michael Johnson, 38. Jack Hannath, 39. Sam Menegola, 41. Paul Duffield, 44. Jesse Crichton, 46. Clancee Pearce.

Geelong - 1. Mitch Brown, 2. Billie Smedts,  3. Jimmy Bartel, 5. Travis Varcoe, 7. Harry Taylor, 11. Joel Corey, 12. Trent West, 13. Tom Lonergan, 14. Joel Selwood, 15. Jordan Schroder, 19. Taylor Hunt, 20. Steve Johnson, 21. Jordan Murdoch, 22. Mitch Duncan, 23. Josh Caddy, 25. Jared Rivers, 26. Tom Hawkins, 27. Mathew Stokes, 28. Allen Christensen, 29. Cameron Guthrie , 31. James Podsiadly, 32. Steven Motlop, 33. George Horlin-Smith, 34. Josh Walker, 36. Brad Hartman, 37. Cam Eardley, 38. Jackson Sheringham, 39. Shane Kersten, 40. Jackson Thurlow, 41. Jesse Stringer, 42. Ryan Bathie , 44. Corey Enright, 45. Joel Hamling, 46. Mark Blicavs.

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Buckley wants the specifics

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says the cloud over players, and the lack of information filtering down to clubs is tarnishing the sport.

Essendon boss Ian Robson responds to calls for heads to roll following Stephen Dank's interview last night.

Clean: Collingwood players are addressed by coach Nathan Buckley on the track yesterday. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley says players' reputations are being tarnished by a "frustrating" lack of detail supporting claims they are using illegal substances.

After reviewing supplement programs back to 2002 yesterday, Collingwood is "very" confident it is clean.

The AFL has confirmed Essendon, and one player from another club, are under investigation by the Australian Sports Anti Doping Authority.

Buckley yesterday said the vagueness of the Australian Crime Commission's findings was damaging football.

"It is yet to be proven about Essendon's situation and we need to wait for the facts to understand that," Buckley said.

"But I wouldn't think it (performance-enhancing drug use) would be wide-spread and I think all of us have seen it watered down as the time has gone on over the last week or so.

"To the point where there is an element of frustration in that, 'OK, if you are going to make those claims, be specific about them because you have tarnished the sport and brought individuals of great quality and reputation into disrepute'.

"That's not good for the code and we need to fix it."

Calls to sack Hird off the mark

Buckley said "as a sports fan, as much as a coach, I want answers" about performance-enhancing drug use in the AFL, but was happy Collingwood's supplement program was clean.

Spotlight moves to the coaches

"We take TGA-approved substances and proteins and carbohydrates ... all that are well-recognised brands that have all got the rubber stamp," he said.

"We are not a club that lives in the grey area. We believe that there is plenty of one-percenters to be found in things that are in our control and that are quite mundane."

A long time friend of Essendon coach James Hird, Buckley yesterday expressed sympathy for his Bombers' counterpart, amid calls for Hird to resign due to the doping authority probe.

"I can't imagine how he would feel," Buckley said.

"I'm sure he would never have contemplated it, even in his darkest times. But I'm sure with his qualities he will navigate the club through."

Geelong coach Chris Scott says the decision-making processes used at the Cats mean they have nothing to worry about, concerning the ACC investigation into drugs and organised crime in sport.

The AFL has also warned clubs about the lurking danger of outlaw bikies mixing with players.

Buckley said clubs must guard against association with the underworld .

"The majority of people who are involved in footy are of good character," he said.

"But when you are as big as we are there are going to be people who take short cuts."

Geelong coach Chris Scott also called for patience.

"As a competition, we've got to suck it up and just ride it out," he said. 

What do you think of the ACC report and its effect on the NRL and AFL? Who's to blame? Will you still support your team? Do you think players are clean?
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Anzac Day game investigation

"We obviously won't train properly, it's all about recovery; it's all about the high performance guys, we will leave the guys in their hands." - James Hird before Anzac Day, 2012 Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON'S rushed preparations for last year's Anzac Day game against Collingwood will come under close scrutiny by anti-doping investigators.

The Bombers had a 94-hour turnaround between their match against Carlton on April 21 and the Magpies clash on April 25.

The recovery period was managed by fitness staff Dean Robinson and Stephen Dank.

A source said yesterday: "The whole season will be scrutinised but heavy scrutiny will be on the period leading up to Anzac Day."

The Bombers beat Carlton by 30 points and lost to Collingwood by a point.

The activities of Dank and Robinson, which included the use of injections and intravenous drips, are at the centre of an Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation into the possible use of performance-enhancing drugs by the club last year.

In the lead-up to Anzac Day, coach James Hird said about the four-day turnaround: "We obviously won't train properly, it's all about recovery; it's all about the high performance guys, we will leave the guys in their hands."

They made one change for Anzac Day - Michael Hurley out, Jake Carlisle in.

Hird said after the Blues game "there would be five or six that probably won't get up for the Collingwood game in four days time".

The Herald Sun is not suggesting Bombers players did use performance-enhancing drugs and Dank has strongly denied anything inappropriate was administered.

Calls to sack Hird off the mark

But if proved, a ban of six months to two years can be levied at players, even if use was without their knowledge.

Spotlight moves to the coaches

Club chiefs told the players' parents on Monday night that, in their knowledge, banned drugs were not given to the players.

Buckley wants more specifics

Parents were told the club had documented each and every supplement supplied to players during the season.

Those electronic documents will be given to ASADA.

Essendon boss Ian Robson responds to calls for heads to roll following Stephen Dank's interview last night.

As the Bombers prepare to open all aspects of their club to the ASADA inquiry, it can be revealed:

HIRD and assistant coach Mark Thompson had a disagreement over Robinson in December.

DANK had his authority curbed about halfway through last season.

ESSENDON continued its supplement program while Dank took a back seat. He left the club at the end of the year.

The Thompson-Hird disagreement is understood to have centred on whether Robinson should continue as high-performance manger.

Hird wanted a review of the position and Thompson wanted Robinson to continue.

Sponsorship standoff hurting clubs

That Robinson had two years to run on a contract worth up to $300,000 a year helped sway the decision to continue with Robinson, although his suspension after the announcement of the ASADA inquiry suggests his career at Essendon is over.

Dank last week told the Herald Sun he had not given players banned drugs.

The Bombers are bracing for a forensic examination of their supplement regimen including what was administered and the amount.

Coaches, players and support staff will be interviewed. Clubs officials refused to comment yesterday on the investigation.

Coach James Hird (back on) instructs the team as a group during an Essendon training session at Tullamarine last week. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: Herald Sun

WINDY HELL: ESSENDON'S PRE-SEASON WOES
LATE NOVEMBER, 2012
Essendon denies to the Herald Sun that it has concerns over its sports science department after sacking sports scientist Stephen Dank.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Essendon again denies to the Herald Sun that it has an issue in its sports science department, particularly around performance-enhancing supplements.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Essendon holds a press conference at AFL House where it announces it has asked the AFL and Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority to investigate the club over concerns players may have been unknowingly given supplements that do not comply with the WADA code. It is revealed that Bombers players received off-site injections of supplements in the stomach.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Dank denies to the Herald Sun that he gave Essendon players banned supplements, feared to be banned peptides.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7
- The ACC, Federal Government and a coalition of major sporting bodies front a press conference in Canberra as the ACC releases a report saying performance-enhancing drug use is widespread in Australian sport and that there is also of links to organised crime and concern about match-fixing.

- The AFL Commission holds an extraordinary meeting and announces that the league's integrity department will be beefed up.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10
AFL second in command Gillon McLachlan confirms the league has been made aware that a player at a second club is also under investigation for possible use of performance-enhancing drugs.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11
- The AFL refuses to alert the second club on the advice of its lawyers.

- The 17 clubs other than Essendon tell the Herald Sun that they have not been contacted by the ACC or the AFL in relation to the matter.

- Dank appears on ABC TV and declares some Essendon coaches had taken WADA-banned supplements.

- He again denies administering banned drugs to players.

YESTERDAY
- Sources close to Essendon say they expect heavy scrutiny over the short turnaround between Round 3 win over Carlton and the Anzac Day clash.

- It emerges Hird and Thompson in December had a disagreement over whether Robinson should stay at the Dons, Hird pushing for his departure.

WHERE THE INVESTIGATION STANDS
- ASADA and AFL investigators will interview all Essendon players and officials, as well as other relevant parties.

- Samples taken during the 2012 season likely to be flown to Cologne for special testing for peptides.

- Electronic and other records relating to supplement program will be examined.

- Details about investigations into the second club remain unknown.

WHAT THE MAIN PLAYERS SAY
JAMES HIRD, COACH
"I'm shocked to be sitting here. As a coach, I take full responsibility for what happens in our footy department. It's my belief we've done everything right." - February 5

DAVID EVANS, CHAIRMAN
"This is a minefield ... we've received information that's concerned us." - February 5

STEPHEN DANK, FORMER BOMBERS SPORTS SCIENTIST
On what the Bombers' hierarchy knew: "There was a very significant involvement from Dean (Robinson) as the high-performance manager, there was detailed discussion with James Hird, there was detailed discussion with the club doctor (Bruce Reid). They were sort of the main people involved in the knowledge of the program."

On coaches taking supplements: "A couple of coaches were using supplements that were a little bit outside the WADA code but, again, they were entitled to it and nothing illegal in those". - February 11

ANDREW DEMETRIOU, AFL CHIEF EXECUTIVE
"Under the ASADA rules whether you knew or not it's no excuse . . . they are the WADA rules." - February 5

What do you think of the ACC report and its effect on the NRL and AFL? Who's to blame? Will you still support your team? Do you think players are clean?
Have your say by taking our quick survey below.

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Academic defends Dank's integrity

Former Essendon sports consultant Stephen Dank at his Ascot Vale home. Picture: Tony Gough Source: Supplied

THE academic supervising Stephen Dank's stalled PhD has defended the integrity of the figure emerging as sports science's fall-guy in the Essendon supplement scandal.

And Bomber great Tim Watson has turned the heat up on the Federal Government to justify the gravity of claims made last week about drugs in sport with evidence and/or criminal or civil charges of individuals.

University of Sydney Associate Dean, Ian Spence, backed his student Dank - the central character in the Essendon drug furore - as a straight shooter with considerable academic talent.

"Academically he is good, knows his stuff but had a lot going on,'' said Spence, referring to Dank's work with NRL and AFL clubs.

"He really knows a lot about sports physiology, has got his head around all of that.''

Spence's assessment contrasts with the portrayal of a man allegedly injecting as yet undetermined substances into Essendon players before leaving the club last December.

"It (sports science) is a bit of a voodoo area and that is why he wanted to do the PhD to try and get one of these products documented,'' he said. ``I never saw anything to do with injectables.''

In an interview with ABC's 7.30 Dank indicated he would be submitting his PhD but Spence said his candidature was suspended last year.

Dank's PhD centred on the use of lactiva - an extract from pine bark that could be used to help rejuvenation. Spence hopes Dank will finish the written stage of the PhD.

"He is a PhD student but is not currently enrolled. I don't know what the future holds. He could come back if he gets it all back together.''

Regardless, Dank has polarised opinion across the sports and academic communities.

Jobe Watson's 2012 Brownlow Medal win has been questioned in light of the Bomber supplement furore.

Jobe's father Tim indicated the joint media conference to announce the Australian Crime Commission's investigation into the integrity of sport on last Thursday may have been elevated in an election year

"I think there has been a bit of political grandstanding that has gone on with all this,'' said Watson adding he would be "flabbergasted'' if players or coaches took banned supplements at Essendon.

Federal Minister for Sport Kate Lundy has been forced to defend the timing of the ACC report finding with the Gillard government languishing in opinion polls.

"The Crime Commission completed their report and handed it to Government and briefed the codes. And it was the Crime Commission's completion of that report that determined the timing," Senator Lundy said.

What do you think of the ACC report and its effect on the NRL and AFL? Who's to blame? Will you still support your team? Do you think players are clean?
Have your say by taking our quick survey below.

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Teams: Macaffer returns for Pies

Essendon star Brendon Goddard, pictured here with Collingwood recruit Clinton Young and Bulldogs youngster Jackson Macrae, will make his debut for the Bombers on Friday night. Picture: Scott Chris Source: Herald Sun

Brent Macaffer is set to make his return after breaking down in last year's NAB Cup. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON will unveil star recruit Brendon Goddard in Friday night's NAB Cup openers against Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.

Goddard transferred to Windy Hill as a free agent from St Kilda during last year's trade period.

The big-bodied utility was elevated to Essendon's leadership group during the pre-season.

Emerging midfielder Elliott Kavanagh has been named in the squad along with mature-aged West Australian recruit Nick Kommer and Dylan van Unen.

But the embattled Bombers are without skipper Jobe Watson (ankle), David Zaharakis (quad) and Jake Melksham (hand) for the round-robin style pre-season competition.

Father-son selection Joe Daniher has missed the cut along with injury-prone forward Scott Gumbleton (hamstring).

COLLINGWOOD will open its NAB Cup campaign with a near full strength line up.

The Magpies have named 13 premiership players in the squad to take on the Bombers and Bulldogs in two games consisting of 20-minute halves.

Among those is small forward Brent Macaffer who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in last year's NAB Cup missing the regular season.

Macaffer has trained strongly during the pre-season and is expected to make an impact inside the arc.

Collingwood has also named recruits Quinten Lynch, Clinton Young, Jordan Russell and journeyman Ben Hudson for their first runs in black and white stripes.

But the Magpies are without playmaker Dale Thomas (ankle), Tyson Goldsack (ankle) and hard-nosed midfielder Luke Ball, who missed the bulk of last season following a knee reconstruction.

Developing ruckman Jarrod Witts and rookies Kyle Martin, Jack Frost and Sam Dwyer have also be named in the extended list.

THE Western Bulldogs have named five new players including mature-aged recruit Brett Goodes and highly-rated youngster Jackson Macrae.

Goodes was among the best in the Indigenous All Stars thumping of Richmond last week.

All Australian defender Dale Morris returns for his first game since breaking his leg in 2011.

But the Dogs won't be unveiling No.5 pick Jake Stringer in Round 1 of the pre-season competition.

SCHEDULE

Essendon v Western Bulldogs 6:45pm AEDT    

Western Bulldogs v Collingwood 7:50pm AEDT

Collingwood v Essendon 8:55pm AEDT

NAB CUP ROUND 1 SQUADS

WESTERN BULLDOGS

J Grant, R Murphy, M Wallis, D Cross, M Boyd, L Dahlhaus, S Higgins, E Wood, J Macrae, D Giansiracusa, C Smith, J Tutt, R Griffen, A Cooney, L Jones, D Pearce, T Liberatore, D Addison, W Minson, T Dickson, C Howard, T Young, M Talia, N Lower, L Markovic, D Morris, J Johannisen, L Picken, J Redpath, B Goodes, T Campbell, L Jong, M Austin and A Cordy

COLLINGWOOD

J Russell, B Macaffer, N Maxwell, A Krakouer, H O'Brien, M Clarke, S Pendlebury, J Blair, C Young, J Witts, N Brown, D Beams, D Jolly, J Elliott, B Reid, Q Lynch, S Sidebottom, B Hudson, B Johnson, B Sinclair, T Cloke, D Swan, K Martin, P Yagmoor, H Shaw, P Seedsman, S Dwyer, J Frost, M Williams and C Mooney

ESSENDON

M Hibberd, T Bellchambers, B Stanton, L Jetta, B Goddard, N O'Brien, S Crameri, J Ashby, C Dempsey, T Pears, M Hurley, D Hille, J Merrett, D Heppell, J Carlisle, D Myers, A Browne, A Steinberg, C Hooker, L Davis, E Kavanagh,  A Davey, P Ryder, D Fletcher, D van Unen, K Hardingham, M Gleeson, L Dalgleish, N Kommer, H Hocking, N Lovett-Murray, H Hunter, M Baguley and C Dell'Olio

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McIntosh out for three weeks

Geelong ruckman Hamish McIntosh will miss three weeks after minor knee surgery. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG recruit Hamish McIntosh has been dealt a blow in his return from a recurring knee injury.

McIntosh, 28, will sit out for up to three weeks after having surgery to remove fluid from the back of his knee.

Cats coach Chris Scott described the operation as only "minor" despite it being yet another setback for the ruckman cruelled in recent seasons by injury.

Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin missed the Indigenous All-Star Game against Richmond with a similar injury last week.

"It's the same knee, different problem but it's very minor," Scott said.

"It was something the surgery can fix quite quickly the surgeon tells us."

The former North Melbourne ruckman was sidelined last year after copping a knock to the knee in Round 7.

He resumed training late in the season before opting to go under the knife to replace his posterior cruciate ligament.

McIntosh was restricted to just one game in 2011 battling achilles problems.

Geelong coach Chris Scott says the decision-making processes used at the Cats mean they have nothing to worry about, concerning the ACC investigation into drugs and organised crime in sport.

Scott remains hopeful McIntosh will be right for the Cats Round 1 blockbuster against Hawthorn.

"Obviously that's going to put a little bit of a dint in his preparation for the early rounds of the season," Scott said.

"(We're) still hopeful that he might be OK for Round 1 but it's not a certainty."

Scott said the Cats would be without playmakers James Kelly, Paul Chapman, Nathan Vardy and Dawson Simpson (back) for this weekend's NAB Cup opener against West Coast and Fremantle.

Trent West is set to shoulder the bulk of the load at the stoppages while exciting half-forward Travis Varcoe is expected to play.

Meanwhile, Brisbane utility Brent Staker will miss six weeks following minor surgery on his left knee.

Staker missed all of last year after undergoing a full reconstruction on his right knee following LARS surgery in 2011.

The 28-year-old will be restricted to light duties during his rehabilitation.

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Salter ruled out for eight weeks

Port Adelaide's Nick Salter will miss eight weeks. Picture: Simon Cross Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide's worst injury fears for Nick Salter have been realised with the key utility to miss eight weeks with foot stress fractures.

Scans have confirmed the injury which has troubled Salter for several weeks.

The stress fractures are in the opposite foot to the one which has plagued Salter in the past two years, restricting him to just six AFL games and none last year.

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The Power has placed the 25-year-old on its long-term injury list.

"It's really disappointing for Salts given his history (with injury) at this early stage of the year, he can't get a run at it but the reality is that in elite sport setbacks will happen,'' Port director of coaching and strategy Alan Richardson told the club's website.

How did the Power fare in their trial match? Get the full wrap here

"He will just focus on his rehab and once match-fit he'll still have an opportunity to play a significant role for the team given he'll be back early in the season.''

Salter is one of six Power players already ruled out of Sunday's NAB Cup clashes against St Kilda and Adelaide, joining Robbie Gray (knee), John Butcher (hip), Dom Cassisi (calf), Brent Renouf (knee) and Cameron Hitchcock (foot).

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Drug claims tarnish AFL: Buckley

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley says he feels for Essendon and rival coach James Hird. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley believes football's reputation is suffering from the lack of detail in the Australian Crime Commission's claims about drug use in sport.

Buckley said he had not been made aware any of his players were being investigated or linked to performance enhancing drug use.

Buckley said he sympathised with Essendon coach James Hird and wanted more specific information about the alleged drug problems which he believed were clouding the AFL playing group's reputation.

"For the 12 hours after the announcement last week, you were wondering 'geez', that's a lot worse than what I expected and what I thought," Buckley said.

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"And you would generally think that an individual here and there being apart of it and it is yet to be proven about Essendon's situation and we need to wait for the facts to understand that.

"But I wouldn't think it would be wide-spread and I think all of us have seen it watered down as the time has gone on over the last week or so.

"To the point where there is an element of frustration in that 'OK, if you are going to make those claims, be specific about them because you have tarnished the sport and brought individuals of great quality and reputation into disrepute'."

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says the cloud over players, and the lack of information filtering down to clubs is tarnishing the sport.

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Choices aplenty for Sando

Crows coach Brenton Sanderson marshals his troops at training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

CROWS coach Brenton Sanderson is blessed with extraordinary luxury as he looks at 43 players capable of starting Adelaide's NAB Cup defence on Sunday.

And Sanderson appears tempted to use as many players as he can with the AFL allowing coaches to work 34-man squads in the first week of 20/20 games.

Adelaide will play St Kilda and Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

Adelaide will not play young defender Sam Shaw (knees), 2011 draftee Nick Joyce (groin) and energetic forward
Jared Petrenko (shoulder).

The conservative approach at West Lakes means Adelaide is unlikely to push its 2012 NAB Cup final hero Bernie Vince (shoulder) and will demand fellow midfielder Richard Tambling prove his fitness before being released for action.

MUST READ: Adelaide SuperCoach preview

How many Crows play in both 20/20 clashes against the Saints and Power is set to be minimised by Sanderson wanting to push youth and manage the workloads of his senior players.

Sanderson was further encouraged to test the depth of his squad after seeing many young players impress in Adelaide's internal trial at West Lakes on Friday.

"We'll certainly give our young players plenty of opportunity to show us what they've got during the NAB Cup,'' said Sanderson.

"At different times, some of our experienced players won't be playing and we'll get a chance to see who out of those young guys stands up. We'll try to give almost every player on our list a bit of exposure.''

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Scouting report: Intra-club matches

Mick Malthouse has a word to Andrew Walker during the Blues' intra-club. Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: HWT Image Library

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

YOU could be forgiven for not knowing, but the Sherrins have already been bounced at most AFL clubs.

The weather forecast is still in the 30s, cricket is still on television at night and the calendar still reads February, but intra-club practice matches are under way.

With the NAB Cup just four sleeps away, SuperFooty has gone behind the scenes to dig out all the gold from your club's low-key trial matches.

Get your SuperCoach notebook ready.

CARLTON

ABOUT 10 first-choice players were rested for the first hit out under new coach Mick Malthouse's watchful eye. But there was an air of familiarity, with both Blues sides clearly intent on hugging the boundary, as the Pies were under Mick's reign.

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Brock McLean was the midfield standout, racking up possessions with ease. He looks in fine touch, while Kane Lucas, who has promised that breakout year for so long now, showed glimpses.

Key defender Matthew Watson excelled, with his lethal boot and ability to read the play making him a standout. Jeff Garlett surprisingly pushed towards a halfback flank in a sign the goalkicking dazzler could be unleashed this year, as Mick did to Leon Davis in the pair's final year at the Pies.

Andrew Walker provided his usual flare, while blonde-haired Nick Graham won plenty of admirers. The bargain midfielder, nabbed at No. 54, won plenty of clearances.

Rhys O'Keeffe, the classy left-footer who kicks goals, impressed and is a highly regarded internally at Visy Park.

The Blues will play another scratch match on Friday.

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 06: Shaun Hampson is tackled by Brock McLean during a Carlton Blues AFL Intra-Club match at Visy Park on February 6, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD

IT looks like Andrew Krakouer is back. The magical forward showed plenty of tricks at Victoria Park on Friday, kicking a big bag of goals and avoiding

Quinten Lynch has been all the rage this summer and he justified that with some big grabs and working nicely into the Pies' structure.

Clinton Young got on the paddock despite foot surgery, while fellow recruits Jordan Russell showed poise in defence and big Ben Hudson hasn't lost any of his rucking nous.

Luke Ball boundary umpired, while Dale Thomas sat out and remains Collingwood's biggest worry with his ankle concern.

Dane Swan moved OK, but don't expect the likes of him or Scott Pendlebury to really flick the switch until next month.

Swan's fitness is supreme.

ESSENDON

IT was more bad news for the Bombers, with skilled onballer Jake Melksham suffering a broken hand.

He'll miss Friday night's NAB Cup opener, along with captain Jobe Watson (knee) and star David Zaharakis (quad).

Zaharakis remains the biggest worry of that trio, while Brendon Goddard's pre-season continues to be outstanding.

SuperCoach shopping list

Nathan Lovett-Murray captained the Indigenous All-Stars on Friday night and did well, but Paddy Ryder was the star.

The ruckman towelled up Orren Stephenson in a dazzling display, while Leroy Jetta provided a highlight in win with a 60m bomb goal.

RICHMOND

NOT a great showing put in when Richmond played the All-Stars in Alice Springs, but Tiger fans, keep your memberships away from all microwaves.

It was closer to a Coburg side than Damien Hardwick's best 18 on the paddock, while there were still some positives to extract from the 50-point belting.

Matthew McDonough looks like a shrewd addition. The medium forward showed his smarts and accuracy with a nice goal, while No. 9 pick Nick Vlastuin showed his trademark ferocious attack which is likely to earn him an advanced debut.

Luke McGuane and Aaron Edwards started in the forward 50, and with all due respect, the Tigers will be a far scarier outfit when Jack Riewoldt and Ty Vickery take their places.

Todd Elton showed promising signs as a tall forward in tough conditions, while Dusty Martin lifted after the first break, albeit his execution surprisingly let him down.

AllStars v Richmond,Alice Springs,Dustin Martin caught holding the ball, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HWT Image Library

ST KILDA

STEPHEN Milne was all the talk after his four-goal effort, but you suspect the showings of boom recruit Tom Hickey and rising star Jack Newnes would have coach Scott Watters even more elated.

Hickey, who the Saints snaffled from the Gold Coast to aid their shallow ruck stocks, monstered his rivals in the hit-outs early before performing well against Justin Koschitzke.

He looks set to make a big impact this season, while Newnes' class was on show for all to see.

David Armitage was among the standout performance, winning plenty of touches and sneaking forward to kick goals, while Milne's offsiders Ahmed Saad (two goals) and Terry Milera (three goals) again looked lively.

Beau Maister (formerly Wilkes), who has trimmed down, marked well up forward in a big boost to the attacking potency. The man with a swankier name could be on his way to a beefed-up season.

Josh Saunders showed how brave he is and was the pick of the kids, while fellow draftee Nathan Wright has impressed this summer.

But the Saints' second pick, mercurial forward Spencer White, faces an uphill battle to make an impact in his first year as he battles to overcome a wrist injury.

St Kilda intraclub practice match at Seaford. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

ADELAIDE

THE Crows boast one of the healthiest lists in the league and staged an intra-club behind close doors on Friday. Jason Porplyzia and Lewis Johnston, playing on opposing sides, booted three goals each, while Brad Crouch justified the hype surrounding his debut.

The hard-at-it but explosive midfielder, who coach Brenton Sanderson loves, is ready for a Round 1 debut after a year dominating at SANFL level.

He played in the midfield and drifted to half-forward, while ball magnet and bargain draft pick Rory Atkins showed off his neat kicking.

Taylor Walker was held goalless despite his side striking 16 majors in a positive sign for Adelaide's load sharing.

The battle to be Tex's sidekick will drag into the NAB Cup with Josh Jenkins and Shaun McKernan still vying for the role vacated by Kurt Tippett.

Crows training, Max Basheer Reserve. Brad Crouch Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE

AARON Sandilands dominated the ruck and continues to impress after two seasons plagued by two injuries.

The big man is running pain free and, at 30, is set for a bumper year.

Jack Hannath, the man Freo pinched at the 11th hour from Melbourne's clutches, kicked two goals and provided a target up forward.

Stephen Hill and Danyle Pearce are set to run riot on opposing wings this year, showing off their skill and dash at the Dockers' trial match.

Haydn Ballantyne spent more time in the midfield, while Fremantle's best three players – Matthew Pavlich, Nathan Fyfe and David Mundy – sat it out.

PORT ADELAIDE

THE Power played its SANFL equivalent – Port Magpies – and dominated in unsurprising fashion.

Jay Schulz snagged five majors in the first half before retiring, while raw draftee Mason Shaw played the second half and jagged two majors in front of the 4000-strong crowd.

Youngster Jake Neade booted two goals, including providing the highlight when he danced around several opponents before finding the sticks.

Former Bomber Angus Monfries unselfishly set up a few goals before unleashing in the midfield, while WAFL recruit Kane Mitchell blitzed in the midfield.

His tank looks impressive and the long-haired ball magnet could break through for senior action this season.

Mature-bodied clearance king Ollie Wines, Port's prized No. 7 draft pick, sizzled and is seemingly headed towards a Round 1 debut and MCG showdown against best mate Jack Viney.

For the record, the Power saluted by 129 points.

Jake Neade handballs to Kane Mitchell Picture: Simon Cross Source: HWT Image Library

SYDNEY

THE Swans played just a 40-minute trial match before holding a big skills session at Lakeside Oval on Friday, but it was again veteran Jarrad McVeigh who shone.

The premiership star has been a standout all pre-season for the Swans, who will host a 60-minute scratch match this Friday. Youngster Brandon Jack tried hard, while Harry Cunningham's midfield and forward work excited Sydney's coaching artillery.

Lewis Jetta is another Swan who returned from the flag victory in super touch and is looking to build on last year's breakout season.

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BJ reflects on Dons' madness

Brendon Goddard (middle) has reflected on Essendon's week from hell. Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

IN AMONGST the seriousness, Brendon Goddard had a chance to laugh.

The star recruit today became the first Essendon player to front the media since news of the performance-enhancing drug scandal at his club broke nearly a week ago.

Goddard had made the move from St Kilda during the off-season in search of greener pastures.

But just what has the 27-year-old walked in to?

SuperCoach research: Intra-club scouting report

"I'd say I've got a bit of experience in dealing with these kinds of things,'' Goddard joked, referring to the Saints colourful recent history he has had to deal with.

But then the seriousness returned.

How are his teammates feeling given the performance enhancing drugs allegations levelled at them?

"Understandably they've been a bit anxious,'' Goddard said.

AFL can tell club under doping cloud

"It's probably hard for me to get my head around it because obviously I wasn't there last year and not directly involved or affected.

"I don't think fearful is the right word, but anxious understandably.''

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Has the reputation of the club and its players been unfairly tarnished by the allegations?

"I don't think tarnished, it's all allegations at this point so nothing's been proven,'' he said.

"I don't think at this point we could make those calls.''

And what do you say to the Bombers supporters questioning whether or not to keep the faith?

"At this point in time it's all allegations and at no point can you jump to conclusions.

"So as players, as supporters, it's important just to stick by the club because the boys are doing everything they can to prepare for another season of footy and obviously that starts on Friday night so I hope to see a lot of the Essendon supporters there on Friday.''

How insignificant a triangular NAB Cup date with Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs must seem in the grand scheme of things.

But at the moment that's all the Bombers players have to distract themselves from furore going on around them.

And as the player prepare for what may well be the biggest battle in their playing careers _ the fight to prove their innocence and protect their reputations _ Goddard reverted back to footy cliché to sum up the impending struggle.

"What we've talked about as a group is what we can do as a team and as players,'' he said.

"And all that is is from Monday to Friday (concentrate) on our preparation and obviously once the season comes around control the controllables.

"As a team we've really helped each other in certain situations and talked about what we've got to do. We've got to control what we can control and that's really important for us as a playing group to move on.''

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Young: Grand Final pain will spur me

Clinton Young has not watched the Grand Final. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HWT Image Library

CLINTON Young may have changed his stripes, but the Collingwood recruit said Hawthorn's defeat in last year's Grand Final will be a personal spur this season.

Young said he has not watched last year's Grand Final in its entirety and doesn't want to.

The hurt, he said, lingers.

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"You experience the high of winning a Grand Final (in 2008), but losing a Grand Final is pretty hard and that will certainly motivate me more this year and I will be doing everything I can to make Collingwood a better team,'' Young said.

SuperCoach scouting report: Intra-club matches

"We went through the review process a few days after the Grand Final at Hawthorn, but since then I've completely tried to forget about it really and use that as motivation for this season.''

Young said his new Magpies teammates can relate to what he's going through given they tasted Grand Final defeat in 2011.

And they know just as well as anyone that there is no point dwelling on Grand Final moments that could have been changed for the better.

Just like Young's unfortunate slip running back to goal that allowed Swan Daniel Hannebery to swoop for a crucial six-pointer in the fourth quarter of last year's premiership decider.

"I think on the day Sydney were the better team,'' Young said.

"There were a lot of mistakes made from both teams all day, it was a high pressure game, so certainly no incident has affected me at all.''

Young had foot surgery soon after the Grand Final but is now back in to full training and is set to play in Friday night's NAB Cup opener against the Western Bulldogs and Essendon after starring in the Pies' intraclub match the weekend before last.

"In Utah I was still in rehab, but since January started I've stepped up training and in the past few weeks I've been participating in full training so it's progressed well,'' he said.

"I'll be playing this Friday and be building up throughout the next few weeks to be ready for Round 1.''

He may not be a Hawk anymore, but Young couldn't avoid a question about former teammate Lance Franklin and whether he thinks the forward will remain at Hawthorn after putting contract talks on hold until the end of the season.

Young said the spectre of free agency didn't distract him last season and doesn't expect it to impact on Buddy's game this year.

"Obviously he's made the decision to leave it until the end of the year.

"He's a loyal man I think so I think he'll be focusing on football. There'll be a lot of media on him, just like there was on Travis Cloke last year, but I'm sure he'll deal with it fine.''

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Dons parents called to Windy Hill

Chairman David Evans arrives at Windy Hill. Picture: Mike Keating Source: HWT Image Library

ESSENDON chairman David Evans has arrived at a special meeting at Windy Hill to speak to the players' parents.

Evans delivered a short statement to the waiting media pack before entering the club headquarters shortly before 5.30pm.

"As Chairman I'm here to talk to our players' parents tonight and I have no further comment," Evans said.

Parents were reluctant to speak before the meeting, saying they have been told not to talk to the media.

But Mandy and Bernie Crameri, parents of forward Stewart Crameri, threw their support behind the club.

"We're confident the proper procedures have been put in place," Mrs Crameri said.

But she said they were still in the dark about the investigations into the club.

"We still don't quite know what's been investigated yet."

Tim Watson put aside his expectations as he entered the meeting.

Flanked by his wife Susie, the father of Brownlow medallist Jobe Watson said he wasn't expecting anything from tonight's meeting as a media scrum followed the pair to the entrance of the club headquarters.

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Prized Giants safe from rivals

GWS Giants' 2011 No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton has committed to the club. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph

GREATER Western Sydney is on the verge of re-contracting some of its most prized young players, helping safeguard its glittering list from a poaching raid.

The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal three of its top-four picks from the 2011 national draft, including top selection Jon Patton, 19, have agreed to re-sign with the Giants.

The man Richmond made a big play for last year, inside midfielder Dom Tyson (No.3), line-breaking wingman Will Hoskin-Elliott (No.4) and versatile big man Aidan Corr (No.14, 2012 draft) have all made commitments to stay. 

The club, which made welcome progress on the deals on Friday, want to make an announcement about the youngsters' agreements in the coming weeks.

But a deal for last year's No. 1 pick Lachie Whitfield has not yet been finalised. The Giants are confident of extending terms before the end of the year.

The commitments are a major coup for the club, as it strives to keep its batch of youngsters safe from rival advances.

It is believed the youngsters either will or have signed for another two years, tying them to the club until 2015.

It is known the Giants fledgling young stars have raved about their relationship with GWS's new senior assistant coach Leon Cameron, who replaced Mark Williams late last year.

A source said Cameron's impact on GWS's first to third year players in particular has been "significant".

The Tigers, where Williams is now a development coach, made a major bid to snare the highly-rated Tyson, 19, last year, offering their first round draft pick for the prolific ball-winner.

Tyson has been laid low by a posterior ligament injury, but has been carefully managed by the Giants to help the Oakleigh prodigy return about mid-season.

Patton, the hulking key forward, has also been widely hunted but is set to stay at the Giants, helping make one of the formidable burgeoning big man partnerships with Jeremy Cameron.

Patton has been linked to Hawthorn, as a potential replacement option for Lance Franklin, if the out-of-contract All-Australian leaves Waverley.

The new contract agreements are a major accomplishment for Giants bosses, led by CEO David Matthews, list manager Steve Silvagni and veteran football manager Graeme Allan.

Despite the interest of Victorian clubs, the Giants have made an excellent start to keeping their list together.

A GWS spokesman said the club was happy with its list management progress as the club approached its second AFL season.

"Developing and retaining our best talent is a key priority for the GIANTS," the spokesman said.

"Last year we re-signed 13 players, including seven of our eight NAB Rising Star nominations, to long term agreements.

"We are not in a position to comment on any other players because nothing has been finalised at this stage but it will remain a key priority for the club as the year progresses."

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SA clubs vow: we are clean

South Australian clubs say they are confident their players are not involved in the drugs and betting scandal engulfing Australian sport. Source: Supplied

EVERY major club in South Australia has declared it is 100 per cent confident - or does not suspect - any of its players are involved in the drug and gambling scandal rocking Australian sport.

The Sunday Mail  has spoken to our 17 biggest clubs in the AFL and SANFL, soccer, netball, baseball and basketball, all of whom believe they are safe from the damning findings of the Australian Crime Commission.

The absence of suspicion in SA comes as rumours grow across the eastern states that several NRL and AFL clubs will admit this week to major problems with performance-enhancing drugs and betting.

The Sunday Mail can reveal that six NRL clubs are named in the commission's report and speculation is swirling around at least three AFL clubs. 

Adelaide United yesterday declared itself clean following revelations of a staggering $49 million Asian betting plunge on last year's 4-2 win over Melbourne Victory.

Football Federation Australia chief David Gallop said yesterday the plunge had been investigated but was not suspect.

Adelaide Crows chairman Rob Chapman said "given the significant education, welfare and support that is provided by us to our staff and players we have every confidence that we are compliant".

Port Adelaide boss Keith Thomas said: "As an AFL club, we must aim to set a higher standard than general society in these matters".

Adelaide United interim coach Michael Valkanis said match fixing was a problem overseas "but here, no".

SA Redbacks coach Darren Berry said he would be "shocked and staggered" if drugs were in cricket.

Thunderbirds acting chief executive Clare Harris said Netball SA could confirm no player or staff member "is implicated in these investigations".

Australian Crime Commission chief executive officer John Lawler yesterday warned its allegations about illegal drug use and match fixing in Australian sport "is no beat-up".

Facing a backlash over the refusal to name implicated clubs and players, Mr Lawler said he was working with codes to work out what they could disclose.

Mr Lawler told the Sunday Mail the release of any names of clubs involved in organised crime and drugs in sport would have to be done within the law, which states there cannot be any adverse impact on the club or individual.

While the codes were aware of the clubs involved, they were under strict legal obligations not to release the names publicly. "There is a long way for this to play out yet," he said. "This is no beat-up. We have sworn testimonies, we have corroborated evidence."

Mr Lawler said he was sympathetic to clubs and players who had done the right thing but the purpose of the report was intended to be "an alert" to everyone to improve their safeguards against drug-taking, a point he felt had been missed in the hunt for names.

It also served as a trigger for players, coaches and individuals to come forward to police.

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority began quietly stashing the blood samples of AFL and NRL players almost two years ago after becoming increasingly concerned about the use of peptides among athletes.

a major element of the Australian Crime Commission report is focused on a criminal network that sought to extort NRL players who'd been supplied with banned substances.

A source said players had been tricked into taking so called "supplements", later told that they had taken banned substances. Players were later threatened with being outed as drug cheats unless they agreed to fix matches or pay money.

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Cats leaders seek to ease minds

Geelong CEO Brian Cook, along with president Colin Carter, has written a letter to fans. Picture: Glenn Ferguson Source: Geelong Advertiser

GEELONG has taken the step of writing a letter to its members and supporters to assure them they need not fear an AFL or ASADA investigation into the way the Cats have run their sports science team throughout their recent dominant era.

With Dean Robinson - Essendon's now-suspended high performance manager - having started his career in the AFL at Simonds Stadium, the microscope has been turned on the Cats in recent days.

Robinson worked at Geelong - premiers in 2007, 2009 and 2011 - from 2007 to 2010.

Today, Geelong president Colin Carter and chief executive Brian Cook, who last week assured fans they had nothing to fear, reiterated that view by issuing a joint 'open letter' to fans on the club's website, saying it welcomed the widening investigation by the AFL and ASADA.

"Let me assure you that we have nothing to hide. Our processes are robust and we are confident that they stand up to any examination," the letter said.

"However, we know that this will not be enough for some people who will doubt the legitimacy of the game and are disillusioned. And so, we believe it is important that the story of a club that did everything "by the book" and achieved great success through hard work, professionalism, team work, unity and commitment should be celebrated."

The club leaders were also eager to defend their own medical team, saying many in the sports science team were having their reputations questioned.

Dons, one player in ASADA sights

"We want to make clear that we are proud of our people who work in this area of our club. They make an important and very professional contribution as part of our team," Carter and Cook wrote.

"We cannot comment on how other clubs operate but we can assure you that it is our doctors who directly determine all treatments and the use of all supplements by our players. We believe our protocols are best practice and that is why we are confident in our position."

The Cats' bosses said they were looking forward to erasing any doubt from the outside world, but more importantly easing the minds of supporters.

"We are confident that when the dust settles on this investigation we will be seen as we have been in recent years - a successful club that goes about its business in the right way."

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Dons investigation may take months

Gill McLachlan, AFL's CEO fronts the press to relay the latest information regarding AFL clubs and players under scrutiny.

The AFL says it is aware of only two specific cases where players or clubs may have breached the league's WADA code.

AFL deputy CEO Gillon McLachlan addresses the media on Sunday. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON are set to start the AFL season under a cloud of suspicion, with an investigation into the potential use of performance-enhancing drugs by multiple Bombers players likely to take months to complete.

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan confirmed on Sunday Essendon was the one AFL club being investigated for possible multiple breaches of the World Anti-Doping Authority (WADA) code following the Australian Crime Commission (ACC) report.

"I think it's reasonable to say, given that the Essendon football club has come forward to the AFL and to ASADA, and proactively advised us of concerns they have, it's reasonable to talk to that," McLachlan said.

"The AFL is aware of potential multiple breaches at that club."

A single player from another club was also being investigated, although McLachlan refused to reveal his identity.

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"The AFL is aware of one case involving the possibility of WADA prohibited performance-enhancing drug use by one player at one club," McLachlan said.

"The AFL is aware that a second case involves the possibility of WADA prohibited performance-enhancing drug use by multiple players at one club.

"In this case it's possible that players were administered the WADA prohibited substances without their knowledge or consent."

The Bombers play the opening match of the home and away season against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on March 22.

It was unlikely the investigations into alleged drug abuse at Essendon and by the other player would be completed by then.

Cats' bosses write letter to fans

"It's not going to be as quick as everyone would like," McLachlan said.

"The reality is that the investigators, which is ultimately ASADA in partnership with the AFL, have to get the right answers and that will take as long as it takes.

"It's more likely to be months rather than weeks."

That means that if Essendon or any of their players are found guilty of doping breaches, any penalties would be imposed after the season had begun.

AFL vows to save our game

Essendon went to the AFL with concerns over supplement use before the ACC handed down their report on Thursday.

But it was not until Sunday, when federal Justice Minister Jason Clare said any AFL or NRL clubs under suspicion could out themselves, that the AFL confirmed Essendon were the club named in the ACC report for alleged multiple breaches.

"We've given the names of the clubs to both the NRL and the AFL," Clare said.

"And the NRL and the AFL have asked for permission to tell the clubs that are affected by the investigation."

Watters confident Saints are clean

McLachlan said the AFL was also aware of other cases involving illicit, but not performance-enhancing, drug use.

But the league had not been warned of any specific instances of suspected match fixing in AFL competition.

Minister for Home Affairs Jason Clare admits that players have come forward in relation to doping, following the ACC's damaging report.

 

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