Why equality serves all

Peter Gordon says we need to fashion a competition where every game is an adventure of interest and the result unpredictable. Picture: Stuart Walmsley Source: Herald Sun

AN odd part of my past is that, as Footscray's AFL director in the early 1990s, I seconded the AFL board resolution to admit the Adelaide Football Club into the national competition.

(I've been quiet about this since the 1997 Crows-Dogs preliminary final.)

The Crows have been a great success.

They stand alongside the Eagles, Dockers, Power, Giants, Suns, Lions and the Swans as franchises forged, fashioned or remoulded by the AFL as part of a grand and unique Australian-designed premier sporting competition.

Think about that.

Eight clubs - almost half the competition - are the creation in whole or in part of the AFL itself.

By diverting and prioritising financial resources, it has given effect to a national design much greater than the sum of its parts.

The AFL equalisation debate will have some representatives of larger AFL franchises decrying the threat of football socialism. Those clubs will have fans asking "why should we support smaller clubs to get better and be more competitive?" It's the wrong question.

The right question is, "how should the AFL distribute the money the game raises to best build the game?"

The best way is to fashion a competition where every game is an adventure of interest and the result unpredictable. How not to do it is to allow a code to evolve where some clubs are permitted to leverage larger fan bases to trample smaller franchises in predictable 20-goal whitewashes.

Probably, it's just human nature for presidents, CEOs and many fans to want to cannibalise smaller clubs in search of more and more premiership success.

But it's no way to run a billion-dollar corporation. Nor is it any way for the AFL to position itself for the real market competition - against the NRL, soccer and the litany of other sports and entertainment options that AFL consumers will get to choose from in coming years.

Rounds of football in which five out of nine weekly games are over before the first bounce will be played in empty stadiums and with TV cameras that might as well be off because no one will be watching or advertising.

A recurrently even competition is the best way. Recurrent onfield evenness is, like it or not, most significantly influenced by evenness of football spend.

Some of the best evidence comes from the NFL in the US. Its evenness and unpredictability of result mantra is encapsulated in the expression "any given Sunday".

Private owners in the NFL, the world's biggest sporting competition, whose main aim is franchise profit, achieve this by centralising revenues and distributing them to achieve a competition where, on any given Sunday, any team can win. A mind-boggling 70 per cent of NFL revenue is shared.

US TV networks bid billions of dollars for the rights because pretty much every game is a blockbuster.

You'll hear lots of views in the next few weeks from different clubs and their sectional interests.

That's their job. I have mine, too - and they will be obvious to you.

Peter Gordon is the Western Bulldogs' President

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

New Dees ready for judgement

Chris Dawes leads out the Demons ahead of their NAB Cup against North Melbourne. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Chris Dawes marks the ball ahead of Luke Delaney. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

CHRIS Dawes has urged Melbourne supporters to judge his team as a collective and not as a bunch of new players cobbled together this off-season.

The Demons squad for matches against North Melbourne and Richmond last night contained five draftees, five recycled players and Jesse Hogan, the club's GWS mini-draft pick unable to play senior footy until next season.

Dawes said it was OK to get excited about the club's new talent throughout the NAB Cup, but how those players come together as a team for the season proper is all that really counts.

"There's probably slightly more new players than a regular intake each year,'' Dawes said.

"But let's also not forget that the majority of the team is who was there 12 months ago.

"At this time of year you focus on what's new, the changes, but once the season gets underway it'll be forgotten about pretty quickly that there are new faces and we'll just be judged on our performances rather than how long we've been at the club.''

Speaking at the club's family day at Luna Park this morning, Dawes said the form of father-son selection Jack Viney and top draft pick Jimmy Toumpas was encouraging.

"I didn't see much of the Richmond match because I only played the North game and was inside recovering, but it sounds like Jimmy Toumpas kicked a goal and was lively,'' he said.

North Melbourne finish the NAB Cup triple-header against Melbourne and Richmond undefeated while the Tigers prove too good for the Demons.

"He's a really classy ball user and a good decision maker. It sounds like he went OK and will be a good player.

"Viney, has that burst speed out of packs and is a pretty tough player too. There's a lot to get excited about and it was a good hit out for those two young boys.

"As well as preparing for Round 1 you hope that individuals can find some form and I was impressed with a number of our new players - older guys like (Shannon) Byrnes and (David) Rodan as well as young Jesse Hogan, Dean Kemp who I thought impressed as well."

Dawes, playing his first game for the Dees since making the off-season switch from Collingwood, said he was happy with his form.

Dees v Roos v Tigers: How it happened

But the forward conceded a calf niggle was still causing him some grief.

"The calf is OK. I probably would have played a little bit more game time ideally, but it was just one of those things, it was starting to tighten up.

"Had it been a normal season game I would have kept playing, but it was NAB (game) one, there was no need to push it at all.''

Melbourne plays Port Adelaide in Renmark next Sunday, a trip Dawes doesn't expect to make.

"I'm not even sure how many players we'll take there,'' he said.

"But I think the plan will probably be that I'll rest up next week and play the final two NAB Cup games.''

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crows overrun Dockers in trial match

HOLDING ON: Fremantle's Clancee Pearce looks to outmark Adelaide's Sam Kerridge. Picture: Simon Cross Source: PerthNow

COMMITMENT: Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins crashes into the post as he tries to mark. Picture: Simon Cross Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE aren't concerned by game-ending injuries to Stephen Hill and Michael Walters in their five-point loss to Adelaide in today's trial match.

Hill copped an arm injury and Walters hurt an ankle but neither ailments were serious, Dockers coach Ross Lyon said.

The Crows, fielding five more players, over-ran the Dockers to win 13.11 (89) to 13.6 (84) at a heat-baked AAMI Stadium.

Adelaide used 30 players and their numerical advantage proved decisive in the result, particularly as Fremantle lost Walters and Hill during the game.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Walters limped from the ground in the second quarter and Hill, who had off-season shoulder surgery, favoured his left arm when departing in the third term.

But Lyon was unfazed.

"(Walters) just had a niggle in an ankle and then he got a cork on his calf so we just tapped him out, the same as Hill," Lyon said.

"Hill had a bit of a numb arm for a minute and was just a bit vulnerable, he's pretty important to us so we tapped him out.

"He had a bit of a dead arm but he had full strength, which is a really good sign."

The Dockers booted the initial six goals and led by 35 points at halftime.

But they wilted in the 34 degree temperature as Adelaide's pre-arranged advantage in player numbers took effect - though it took the Crows until the 21st minute of the final quarter to take the lead.

Fremantle veteran Kepler Bradley had a set shot from 35 metres out with 15 seconds remaining to tie the final scores, but missed.

Lyon said he was missing eight of his top 22 but prime movers David Mundy and Nat Fyfe were influential in their first outings this pre-season.

Mundy gathered 17 disposals over four quarters while Fyfe collected 19 touches in three terms.

The dynamic duo helped Michael Barlow (27 possessions) and Tendai Mzungu (20 disposals, two goals) form a dominant midfield for the Dockers.

Adelaide's Brodie Martin kicked three goals, Josh Jenkins and Lewis Johnston both booted two and defenders Matthew Jaensch and Richard Tambling were among the Crows' best with 18 possessions each.

ADELAIDE 1.3 4.4 9.10 13.11 (89)
FREMANTLE 6.2 10.3 11.4 13.6 (84)

Goals: Adelaide - B Martin 3; L Johnston, J Jenkins, T McIntyre 2; R Henderson, T Lynch, I Callinan, S McKernan.
Fremantle - H Crozier, T Mzungu 2; M Walters, N Suban, D Mundy, Z Clarke, L Spurr, T Sheridan, L Neale, N Fyfe, C Pearce.
Best: Adelaide - M Jaensch, R Tambling, B Crouch, B Martin, S McKernan, C Ellis-Yolmen.
Fremantle - M Barlow, J Crichton, T Mzungu, D Mundy, Z Clarke, H Crozier, N Fyfe.
Umpires: L Hanssen, S Hay, C Bowen, C DeBoy.
 

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

LIVE: Suns v Hawks

Jaeger O'Meara is looking forward to his debut season. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

FOLLOW all the action from tonight's NAB Cup matches featuring Gold Coast, Hawthorn and Brisbane at Metricon Stadium.

HAWTHORN will be looking to open its NAB Cup campaign in style against Gold Coast in game of the triangular series starting at 7.40pm AEDT.

The Hawks boast a strong side despite missing key midfielders Sam Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne, Brad Sewell and skipper Luke Hodge.

Tweet your thoughts about tonight's games to @gilbertgardiner or @superfooty

Spearhead Lance Franklin is expected to play his role in tonight's matches alongside forwards Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust, Jack Gunston and goalsneaks Paul Puopolo and Shane Savage.

Gold Coast too will have plenty to prove with skipper Gary Ablett set to open his campaign tonight.

The Suns are missing key back Nathan Bock, on the comeback trail from a broken leg last year, Brandon Matera, Danny Stanley and Trent McKenzie.

But all eyes will be on Jaeger O'Meara ready to make his presence felt after spending 12 months in the Gold Coast system.

O'Meara was drafted as a 17-year-old access selection and spent last year in the reserves developing body and skills for the rigours of senior football.

Hawthorn defender Brian Lake will also step out for the first time in brown and gold after 197 games with the Western Bulldogs.

SCHEDULE

Suns v Hawks 7.40pm AEDT
Lions v Hawks 8.45pm AEDT
Suns v Lions  9.50pm AEDT

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Late fade-outs cost us: Cross

Western Bulldogs veteran Daniel Cross says the club is paying for late fade-outs. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

LATE quarter AFL let-downs have already returned to haunt the Western Bulldogs.

The club has identified its failure in "red-time'' areas with minutes on the clock as a major problem - and last week's pre-season cup hit-out highlighted the same headaches.

Veteran midfielder Daniel Cross said after a gruelling extended training session on Friday that the Bulldogs needed to fix the glaring problem quickly.

Last week, the Dogs failed badly in the opening round of the pre-season cup against both Collingwood and Essendon.

"I think the main things were late in quarters where we let ourselves down again,'' Cross said.

"It became a bit of a trend last year. I think that was the one thing that stood out.

"Concentration levels, being selfless for each other, probably cost us wins but definitely closing the the margins in the end.

"Those red-time areas we need to sharpen up in.''

But he was confident the team would learn as they began playing together with a new-look side during the premiership season.

"We've got new players in the group,'' Cross said. "That's the thing with NAB Cup - you don't have everyone out there who will be playing together all the time.

"Different squads playing together can affect you at times.''

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hawks play Hodge safe

Hawthorn is taking no risks with captain Luke Hodge. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN is prepared for captain Luke Hodge to miss the start of the AFL regular season if that helps him avoid last year's injury dramas.

The star utility was plagued by calf and knee injuries and only managed 10 games last season.

His start to the pre-season was delayed by knee surgery.

Coach Alastair Clarkson said Hodge was progressing well in his training, while the player himself hopes to be ready for the round one blockbuster against arch rivals Geelong.

"He's travelling okay and he's stepped up his training over the last two or three weeks,'' Clarkson said.

"He'll do even more so in the next two to three weeks as well.

"We're not going to rush him - round one isn't necessarily the focus for some of the older players on your list.''
Hodge is among several players who will miss Saturday's round-one pre-season cup fixture on the Gold Coast against the Suns and Brisbane.

Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis, Brad Sewell and Shaun Burgoyne are also not in the team.

But the lineup features Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli, who missed the Indigenous All Stars game against Richmond earlier this month because of injury.
`
"We want to take a healthy group into our round-one game against Geelong,'' Clarkson said.

"If our more experienced players are part of that, great - if they're not, then we're not too concerned about it.''
Franklin's AFL future will be a topic for the rest of the season after he decided to postpone his contract talks with the club.

Clarkson is confident the issue will not affect the Hawks.

"I continue to treat `Bud' with the same attitude that I do with the rest of the players - that's what is critical in terms of the way we manage him,'' Clarkson said.

Former Western Bulldogs fullback Brian Lake will also make his Hawthorn debut on Saturday.
Clarkson said the immediate goal was making sure the key defender is fit and ready for round one, ahead of making sure he adapts properly to how Hawthorn's defence works.

"It doesn't necessarily mean he has to be up and going and full conducive to the way we play by round one,'' Clarkson said.

"It might take him until round 12 or longer - I'm not too sure.

"I'm sure if we get his body right, then he'll be a really good contributor for us - hopefully for a good two or three years.''

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Danger, Sloane open campaigns

Adelaide Crows in pre-season training, from left, Nathan Van Berlo, Rory Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE is calling back some - but not all - of its big guns for Saturday's home trial against Fremantle.

After resting nine first-choice players from the NAB Cup openers, the Crows will put into action captain Nathan van Berlo, fellow midfielders Rory Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield and unleash key forward Taylor Walker.

Midfielder Bernie Vince also has been cleared from the injury list after shoulder surgery in the summer.

But lead ruckman Sam Jacobs, club champion Scott Thompson, forward Jason Porplyzia and experienced defenders Brent Reilly and Ben Rutten will be held back as Adelaide protects its senior players for the long premiership campaign.

Walker's return to action will give Adelaide the first chance to develop an attack that this season has to deal with the defection of Kurt Tippett to Sydney.

The trial begins at 11.30. Adelaide will work 26 players with flexibility considering the 37C heat forecast at West Lakes.

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

LIVE: Kangaroos v Demons

Melbourne's father-son selection Jack Viney with his dad Todd at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

FOLLOW all the action from tonight's NAB Cup matches featuring North Melbourne, Richmond and Melbourne from Etihad Stadium.

6.55pm - Kangas, Dees slow to start

North Melbourne 0.1. 1 (7)
Melbourne 0.1.2 (8)

MELBOURNE has drawn first blood with Jack Watts kicking a goal from directly in front.

Watts capped off a nice five minute burst by the Dees which included an errant kick for goal by midfielder Colin Sylvia.

Sylvia missed a golden opportunity to give the Dees the edge when he missed from 30m out.

But North Melbourne responded with Lindsay Thomas answering the challenge marking deep inside 50 and making no mistake.

Demon father-son prospect Jack Viney has made a solid start picking up early possessions in the midfield.

PRE-GAME: NORTH Melbourne will be out to continue an impressive week for the club when it takes on Melbourne in game one of tonight's triangular series.

The Kangaroos, fresh off re-signing Shaun Atley today, boast a strong list for the clash against a Demons outfit littered with exciting young guns and experienced recruits from rival clubs.

SCHEDULE
North Melbourne v Melbourne 6.45pm AEDT
Melbourne v Richmond 7.50pm AEDT
Richmond v North Melbourne 8.55pm AEDT

Atley's commitment follows the news of coach Brad Scott, Jack Ziebell and Daniel Wells all inking contract extensions to remain at Arden Street.

But all eyes will be on Demons father-son recruit Jack Viney and No.4 pick Jimmy Toumpas who step out for the first time in the blue and red.

Melbourne also features a forward line bolstered with the addition of Chris Dawes and Shannon Byrnes.

Tweet your thoughts on tonight's matches to @gilbertgardiner or @superfooty

It will also be the first time former Kangaroos utility Cameron Pedersen lines up against his old side after forming part of a deal which saw Jordan Gysberts traded to North Melbourne.

Gysberts is one of a number of new faces on Kangaroos list which includes rebounding defender Ben Jacobs and developing ruckmen Daniel Currie and Majak Daw.

Veteran Brent Harvey is expected to play the majority of game time in both matches while no risks will be taken with Daniel Wells and Jack Ziebell.

Harvey is not eligible to play in the regular season until Round 7 after being suspended in the Kangaroos heavy elimination final loss against West Coast.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scott, Wells ink new deals

North Melbourne looks set to extend coach Brad Scott's stay. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has re-signed coach Brad Scott and star midfielder Daniel Wells through to the end of 2016.

As exclusively revealed by the Sunday Herald Sun, the Kangaroos reached an agreement with Scott on a new deal late last year after he led the club to its first finals series since 2008.

Wells' contract extension all but ensures the 28-year-old 2002 No.2 pick will finish his career at Arden St.

Scott commended Wells and co-vice captain Jack Ziebell for inking contract extensions.

"To have players of the calibre of Daniel and Jack re-sign sends a great message to our supporters," Scott said.

"It's a vote of confidence that our players want to say here."

Kangaroos chief executive Carl Dilena said the club regarded Scott as the "best" young coach in football.

"His commitment to be part of the future of the club is exciting, and we are confident he is the man to take North Melbourne to its fifth premiership," Dilena told the club's website.

Scott took control of the Roos in 2010. He has won 35 of his 67 games as coach of the club, with a 52 per cent winning record.

After finishing ninth in his first two seasons as coach, last season the club won 14 games, including 10 of their last 13.

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Judd to miss NAB Cup opener

Carlton forward Andrew Walker runs laps with Chris Judd, Andrew Collins and Dennis Armfield. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON veteran Chris Judd has been ruled out for the Blues' NAB Cup mission north to face Sydney and the GWS Giants.

The dual Brownlow medallist is one of a number of senior players expected to miss games during the pre-season competition as new coach Mick Malthouse primes his troops for Round 1.

The Blues take on reigning premiers Sydney and the AFL's newest franchise, Greater Western Sydney, on Sunday at Skoda Stadium in Blacktown.

Sheedy expects fired up Malthouse

"You need to have your players in good form by Round 1, so the NAB Cup is very important. We're looking for winning form," Malthouse said today.

"Chris Judd won't play this week."

Malthouse said the Blues would implement a defensive game-plan honing in on the player's strengths.

"We've got certain strengths and we want them to come to the fore, so they'll be heavily promoted."

Meanwhile, Blues forward Andrew Walker expects plenty of improvement out of supremely talented teammate Bryce Gibbs.

The pair were partnered together during the pre-season to learn from each other's skill sets.

The high-flying forward is looking to improve on his delivery by foot while Gibbs is hoping to work on his endurance.

"He's (Gibbs) bulked right up but he is running better than I have ever seen him," Walker told SEN radio this morning.

SuperCoach is back! Free to play & you could win $50,000

Gibbs ($509,800 def/mid) mixed his form during the Blues' ill-fated 2012 campaign which came to a crushing end at the hands of Gold Coast in the penultimate round of the home and away season.

"I think he may be 2-3kgs heavier than what he was last year but his running power has changed so much over the past 3-4 months."

Walker said training under Malthouse had helped him get his body right for the season.

"I've got a huge benefit out of Mick coming this year… I actually feel my body is 100 per cent and I'm ready for the first game.

"One of his (Malthouse) strengths is he sees things from a player's perspective, he understands that you can't be flogged 100 per cent of the time.

"He recognises that and if the time comes where he can see we need a rest or we need a freshen up – mentally – he's willing to give us some time.

"The boys might have been a little flat or blokes just starting to get sore and he just takes the initiative to maybe give the boys 24-hours off to recover so we come in feeling fresh mentally and physically two days later."

Walker endorsed Nick Duigan as a knockout chance of winning the Blues' captaincy race ahead of frontrunners Marc Murphy, Andrew Carrazzo and Kade Simpson.

"Everyone looks up to him, he speaks very well and trains the house down so he's a great leader."

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sheedy expects fired up Malthouse

GWS coach Kevin Sheedy with No. 1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield, who is set to make his debut this weekend. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

THE reigning premiers and a power club revitalised by an old adversary - Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy couldn't have hoped for a better start to his 29th AFL season in charge.

GWS will test themselves against Carlton, now under the tutelage of Sheedy's old foe Mick Malthouse, and Sydney in Blacktown on Sunday.

The 65-year-old, who has squared off against Malthouse a staggering 46 times, has warned his young charges what to expect when their second season starts.

"I know Mick and he'll be really wired up and ready to go. That's him,'' Sheedy said.

"I explained that to my players - don't think he's going to come up here and not take the first round of the NAB Cup seriously.

"Because if you know Mick Malthouse, he's serious about everything he ever does.

"It's a great opportunity to find out where we are.''

 
Malthouse and Sheedy, counterparts who came to represent Essendon and Collingwood's Anzac Day rivalry, have been swapping barbs for over 20 years.

The VFL/AFL's two most experienced coaches outside Jock McHale will again square off on the weekend, with John Longmire, coach of reigning premiers Sydney, the man in the middle of Sunday's triple-header.

"Two of the most experienced and successful coaches that have ever been part of the game. So I'm very much the new kid on the block, and hopefully I learn a few things this weekend,'' Longmire said.

Sheedy, who took four seasons off between his storied stint at Essendon and new beginning at the Giants, said Malthouse would be a force in 2013 after his one-year break from coaching.

"He's a very good coach. His coaching record will tell you that, he'll be ready after 12 months off,'' Sheedy said of the man who has coached three premiership sides, one less than him.

"That (one year) is a lot shorter than what I had off , and he'll be ready to fire.''

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pies remain hopeful on Thomas

Collingwood is holding out hope on Dale Thomas being ready for Round 1. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD still hope star utility Dale Thomas can play in Round 1, but only if there are no setbacks.

There is ongoing speculation about Thomas, who is returning from an ankle injury and is yet to resume full training.

Coach Nathan Buckley said he had not ruled out Thomas from the round-one match on March 31 against North Melbourne.

"But at the same time, we're not going to push a bloke to play round one when it's going to put undue risk on him to re-injure and then you lose him for another month,'' Buckley said.

"We'll make the decision based on how well he trains between now and when he comes back and when we pull the trigger on him.''

Thomas, Luke Ball, Alex Fasolo, Tyson Goldsack, Alan Toovey and Lachlan Keeffe have all had off-season injury issues.

Toovey and Fasolo could return to the side for next week's second-round NAB Cup match against West Coast in WA.

Ball, whose season last year was ruined by a knee reconstruction, is slightly ahead of Thomas in his training.

"Luke could drop into full training at any stage in the next week and Dale is probably a week away from doing warm-up and full training in a couple of weeks,'' Buckley said.

"If Daisy full-trains in a week's time, we're still a month out from round one.

"If he was able to achieve that, he'd be around the mark for round-one start.''

One player who has had no issues with pre-season training is Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan.

The Magpies banned Swan for two games late last season for breaking a club alcohol ban ahead of the finals.

He still finished third in the club best and fairest voting and remains one of the game's top midfielders.

The Magpies have been rapt not only with Swan's pre-season form, but also his attitude.

"He's invested, he's showing a real care for his team-mates and the environment that he's operating in,'' Buckley said.

"That can ebb and flow in individuals, as it can in teams.

"But we feel like we're in good shape at the moment.''

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crows focus on footy: McLeod

Adelaide legend Andrew McLeod talks footy with indigenous footballers Dellick Nelson,15, Gerard Watson,15, and Kingsley Nelson,15, from the Pipalyatjara community. Picture: Dean Martin Source: The Advertiser

CROWS legend Andrew McLeod says Adelaide's premiership hopes have not been dented by the off-season scandals which have rocked the club.

McLeod - dual Norm Smith Medallist in the club's only two premiership wins in 1997 and 1998 - believes the players will "get on with their business'' and be a major player in the premiership race for the second consecutive year.

"I don't think it will impact the way they play their footy,'' said McLeod, speaking at the launch of Adelaide's Aboriginal Youth Leadership and Governance Program.

"The club hasn't had the best off-season but hopefully all that has been put to bed now and the players can move on and do what they do well.

"They went within a kick of making the (grand) final last year and I see no reason why they can't be back there again and perhaps go a step further."

The Crows are still reeling from having key assistant coach Dean Bailey banned for the first 16 rounds of the premiership season for his role in the Melbourne tanking scandal.

He is the third key Adelaide official to be suspended by the AFL, following those of chief executive Steven Trigg (six months) and football operations manager Phil Harper (two months) for their roles in the Kurt Tippett salary cap affair.

McLeod is convinced the off-field dramas will not affect the Crows players' performances but refuted suggestions from list manager David Noble that they could actually galvanise the group.

"I don't think they need that sort of motivation,'' McLeod said.

"If you are looking for motivation that way you are obviously not playing the game for the right reasons.

"They are highly motivated people, sure they've probably spoken about things, but you see them out there training and they are just worried about improving from last year and going one step further.

"There's no reason why they can't do that.''

McLeod said Bailey could still have a "valuable role'' to play at the club while he serves his ban "because he's too good a person not to''.

McLeod expressed surprise at the drug allegations which have cast a dark cloud over the competition, describing them as "not nice for the game''.

"But I'm sure from what happens now there will be some things put in place which will see the game go to a new level,'' he said.

The Crows Aboriginal Program aims to assist Year 8 to 12 indigenous children gain leadership and governance skills which will help them to take on leadership roles within their communities and gain employment after school.

The program is managed by McLeod and his wife, Rachael.

"For me to be able to help the Adelaide Football Club nurture and grow these young men and women to become future leaders of their communities and champions of their own people is something pretty close to me,'' McLeod said.

"The Adelaide Football Club was my home for 16 years and for me to be able to step away from football and give something back to the community is pretty special.''

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Adcock to lead Lions with Brown

Stepping up: Jed Adcock, seen here in action last year, will lead the Lions with long-time skipper Jonathan Brown. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

BRISBANE defender Jed Adcock has been appointed Lions co-captain.

The 27-year-old will serve alongside long-time skipper Jonathan Brown in the Brisbane leadership group with young guns Daniel Rich and Tom Rockliff appointed as vice-captains.

Adcock has 141 career games to his name after making his senior debut in 2004.

He has regularly filled in as acting captain when Brown has been injured in recent years and his greater on-field experience gave him the edge over his captaincy rivals.

Adcock is the eighth player in the history of the Brisbane Lions to be appointed captain or co-captain.

"It's a huge honour. Massive,'' Adcock said.

"This club had a great tradition so to be recognised as a co-captain is a huge honour. Very proud.''

Senior coach Michael Voss said the new leadership structure was a good fit for the club.

"Jed has demonstrated outstanding leadership over his time at the Lions, and most specifically in his past four seasons as a vice-captain,'' Voss said.

"As we know, Brownie won't be around forever, and with Jed as co-captain, it will not only ease the load on Brownie but importantly they will both play a critical role in the continued development of Tom's and Daniel's leadership capabilities over the coming years.

"Jed is not only a leader on-field, he is an excellent representative of this footy club, and its culture and values.

"Tom and Daniel, as the deputies, are extremely capable young men who have shown maturity beyond their years in their short times at the club.''

Jed Adcock and Jonathan Brown will co-captain the Brisbane Lions in 2013. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teams: Roos name Ziebell, Daw

Jack Ziebell at North Melbourne training. Picture: Darren Tindale Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne co-captain Jack Ziebell has been named in the Kangaroos squad for Friday's NAB Cup matches against Melbourne and Richmond.

Ziebell underwent a minor knee operation last month and was in doubt to make an appearance in the early rounds of the preseason competition.

The Kangaroos have also named recruits Ben Jacobs and Jordan Gysberts in a full-strength squad which includes developing ruckman Majak Daw.

SuperCoach is back! Free to play & you could win $50,000

Mature-aged recruit Daniel Currie is the only untried Kangaroo to make the cut with 2012 National Draft picks Taylor Garner (15), Mason Wood (41) and Mitchell Wilkins (47) missing out.

Hard-nosed midfielder Leigh Adams remains the only senior Kangaroo on the sidelines.

Daniel Wells will be looking to continue his solid preseason form while Brent Harvey, suspended for the first six weeks of the regular season, is expected to play the bulk of game time.

Young guns Kieran Harper, Shaun Atley and Ben Cunnington will also be out to impress ahead of the home and away season.

MELBOURNE will unleash young guns Jimmy Toumpas and Jack Viney on Friday night at Etihad Stadium.

The Demons' 34-man squad includes mature-aged recruits Shannon Byrnes, Chris Dawes, David Rodan and Cameron Pedersen.

The NAB Cup triangular-series will be Dawes' first run in Demon strips after being rested for the club's practice match last week.

Meanwhile, mini-draft pick Jesse Hogan, 17, has been given permission to play in the NAB Cup.

The power forward, not eligible to play in the AFL until 2014, will play for Melbourne's VFL-affiliate Casey Scorpions during the regular season.

Usual suspects Jack Watts, Colin Sylvia, Jordie McKenzie, James Magner, Aaron Davey, Jeremy Howe and 2012 best and fairest award winner Nathan Jones are expected to take their spots in the starting line up.

RICHMOND star Trent Cotchin will step out as captain for the first time when the Tigers take on Melbourne in game two of Friday night's NAB Cup matches.

Cotchin replaced stalwart Chris Newman as skipper during the off-season.

The Tigers' squad includes ball magnets Brett Deledio, Shane Tuck and spearhead Jack Riewoldt.

Young gun Dustin Martin has also been named along with rebounding defenders Brandon Ellis and Bachar Houli.

The Tigers look set to unveil No.9 pick Nick Vlastuin, speedster Steven Verrier and mature-aged recruits Aaron Edwards (North Melbourne), Chris Knights (Adelaide), Ricky Petterd (Melbourne).

FIXTURE:

North Melbourne v Melbourne 6.45pm AEDT
Melbourne v Richmond 7.50pm AEDT
Richmond v North Melbourne 8.55pm AEDT

NORTH MELBOURNE

1. Daniel Currie, 2. Brad McKenzie, 3. Ryan Bastinac, 4. Liam Anthony, 5. Ben Jacobs, 6. Lachlan Hansen, 7. Jack Ziebell, 8. Daniel Wells, 9. Andrew Swallow, 10. Ben Cunnington, 11. Michael Firrito, 12. Lindsay Thomas, 14. Jordan Gysberts, 15. Luke Delaney, 16. Scott Thompson, 17. Nathan Grima, 18. Shaun Atley, 19. Sam Wright, 20. Drew Petrie, 22. Todd Goldstein, 23. Kieran Harper, 24. Levi Greenwood, 25. Robbie Tarrant, 28. Will Sierakowski, 29. Brent Harvey, 30. Tom Curran, 31. Cameron Delaney, 34. Jamie Macmillan, 35. Aaron Black, 38. Majak Daw, 41. Aaron Mullett, 42. Scott McMahon, 43. Sam Gibson, 46. Ben Speight

MELBOURNE

1. Jesse Hogan, 2. Nathan Jones, 4. Jack Watts, 5. Jimmy Toumpas, 6. Chris Dawes, 7. Jack Viney, 8. James Frawley, 10. Shannon Byrnes, 12. Colin Sylvia, 13. Jordie McKenzie, 14. Lynden Dunn, 15. David Rodan, 17. Sam Blease, 19. James Strauss, 20. Colin Garland, 21. Cameron Pedersen, 22. James Magner, 25. Tom McDonald, 26. Daniel Nicholson, 27. Tom Gillies, 28. Joel Macdonald, 30. James Sellar, 31. Jack Grimes, 32. Michael Evans, 34. Dean Kent, 36 Aaron Davey, 38. Jeremy Howe, 39. Neville Jetta, 40. Mark Jamar, 42. Jake Spencer, 45. Matt Jones, 46. Dean Terlich, 47. Tom Couch, 48. Jack Fitzpatrick

RICHMOND

1. Chris Newman, 3. Brett Deledio, 4. Dustin Martin, 5. Brandon Ellis, 6. Shaun Grigg, 7. Matt Dea, 8. Jack Riewoldt, 9. Trent Cotchin, 10. Shane Edwards, 11. Jake Batchelor, 12. David Astbury, 13. Ricky Petterd, 14. Bachar Houli, 15. Chris Knights, 16. Luke McGuane, 18. Alex Rance, 20. Ivan Maric, 21. Shane Tuck, 23. Daniel Jackson, 24. Ben Griffiths, 26. Robin Nahas, 27. Aaron Edwards, 29. Ty Vickery, 30. Reece Conca, 31. Nick Vlastuin, 35. Matt White, 36. Matt McDonough, 37. Orren Stephenson, 38. Steven Morris, 39. Tom Derickx, 43. Todd Elton, 44. Matthew Arnot, 45. Brett O'Hanlon, 49. Steven Verrier

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

ASADA continues talks at Windy Hill

Essendon chairman David Evans has promised his members answers amid ASADA's investigations into the use of banned substances at the club. Source: Getty Images

THE Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority today met with Essendon players as part of its inquiry into the possible use of banned substances.

Essendon chairman David Evans said it was an important step in the investigation.

"ASADA outlined the process for the investigation to continue, including interviews with players to determine if a prohibited substance had been administered," Evans said in a statement.

"I know our members and the football community want answers, and I ask that the club be allowed time to cooperate with the ongoing investigation."

ASADA met with the players informing them about their rights and entitlements during probe into alleged use of banned supplements during the 2012 home and away season.

The investigation follows the release of a damning Australian Crime Commission report which found wide-spread use of performance enhancing drugs in Australian professional sporting codes.

MEANWHILE, the AFL has bolstered its integrity unit adding a new full-time employee to its ranks this week.

Two part-time employees will also be upgraded to full-time as part of the AFL's clamp down on the use of performance enhancing and illicit substances in the sport.

The integrity unit is set to conduct background checks of all AFL club employees, contractors and consultants in the coming weeks.

AFL medical directors will also begin meetings with club doctors to review practices and audit clubs' use of supplements and other treatments.

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Clarko confident Buddy stays

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says players, fans and clubs must get used to free agency. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson remains confident superstar Lance Franklin will stay at the club beyond 2013.

But Clarkson conceded under free agency players were entitled to assess all options and opportunities put on the table.

Franklin has postponed contract talks with the Hawks until the end of the year.

"At some point in time he'll sit down with all the information that's available to him, and I think he just genuinely wants to see how this footy season unfolds before he makes a decision on where he wants to play his footy in 2014," Clarkson told SEN this morning.

"[There's] a very, very high chance that that's at the Hawthorn footy club."

Clarkson said free agency was a "delicate situation" with high profile players given the option of switching clubs.

"Staying in one place for nine years is a long period of time now, and that's another thing we've just got to get used to," Clarkson said.

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Melbourne cleared, Bailey banned

Dean Bailey (right) and Chris Connolly pictured at the Junction Oval in 2007. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan addresses the media after releasing the findings of an investigation into alleged tanking by Melbourne FC. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has been found not guilty of tanking after a forensic seven-month investigation by the AFL.

But key individuals - then-coach Dean Bailey and then-football manager Chris Connolly - have been found guilty of conduct which was prejudicial to the interests of the AFL, stemming from comments made by Connolly.

The Demons will be fined $500,000 - the third-largest fine in the game's history - for being the employers of Connolly and Bailey, which will be paid by the club in instalments.

"The Melbourne FC, its coach and team did not set out to deliberately lose in any matches during the 2009 premiership season," the AFL says.

However, despite this finding, Bailey has been suspended for the first 16 rounds of the coming season, and Connolly until February 1, 2014.

Bailey can remain employed by Adelaide - where he is an assistant coach - during his suspension, but cannot deal with players in any capacity. Crows chairman Rob Chapman later confirmed the club will stand by Bailey.

Adelaide stands by Bailey

Connolly, who still works for Melbourne in a marketing role, is not allowed to perform any function for or on behalf of the club until his suspension is lifted.

The AFL's deputy CEO Gillon McLachlan announced the results of the investigation in a press conference this afternoon.

McLachlan said Connolly was banned because of comments he made in a football department meeting during the 2009 season.

He said Bailey had admitted to bowing to pressure and making decisions in regards to selection and player management with regard to those comments.

"There is no allegation that is able to be sustained that Dean Bailey didn't coach on his merits or any players didn't play to their utmost abilities,'' McLachlan said.

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan addresses the media after releasing the findings of an investigation into alleged tanking by Melbourne FC. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan addresses the media. Picture: Jay Town

"Connolly has accepted he went into a football department meeting and he made a terrible and stupid decision in the context of an AFL rule that has now changed (priority draft picks) and in the context of a pressure and expectation of success.

"He made a comment regarding the performance of the team, a desire to secure a priority pick, and I know he now regrets that comment.''

McLachlan said Melbourne, Connolly and Bailey had accepted their penalties.

He also confirmed Melbourne chief executive Cameron Schwab, who also had that role in 2009, had been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Melbourne FC president Don McLardy speaks to the press after his club was cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to alleged tanking in 2009. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: Herald Sun

Melbourne FC president Don McLardy speaks to the media after the AFL reported the findings of its tanking investigation. Picture: Rob Leeson

McLardy accepts sanction

Later, Melbourne FC president Don McLardy said the investigation had "a major impact on our club", but that the team could now run out on Friday night in the NAB Cup "clear of any distractions".

"From the moment the investigation commenced, we were determined to defend our club against the allegation that we deliberately lost games. This has been achieved," McLardy said in a statement.

"The findings ... state clearly there was no directive from the club board or executive management to deliberately lose matches, and the Melbourne Football Club never set out to deliberately lose matches in any game during the 2009 season."

He described the $500,000 fine as "significant", but said the club considered it was in its own best interests to accept the sanctions and avoid a potentially lengthy and costly legal battle.

He added that Connolly - "an outstanding football person" - would continue as a Melbourne FC employee after his suspension is lifted, and thanked the club's members and fans for their support.

Melbourne Football Club president Don McLardy speaks to the media after the AFL cleared the club of any wrongdoing in relation to alleged tanking in 2009. Source: Getty Images

Melbourne FC president Don McLardy speaks to the media after the AFL reported the findings of its tanking investigation. Picture: Getty

Dees keep draft picks

The Demons will not lose any draft picks because the club was found not guilty of the serious charge of conduct prejudical to the draft. In other words, not guilty of deliberately losing matches at the end of the 2009 season.

Rule 17.1 states in part that "conduct prejudicial to the draft means conduct which has the purpose or has or is likely to have the effect of hindering, prejudicing, interfering with or preventing the natural operation of the draft.

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

More than 50 past and present club staff were interviewed by the AFL and club documents and computers were examined before the league's integrity unit submitted an 800-page report.

In the end, AFL investigators found no evidence to that the club tanked.

It's accepted that clubs can experiment with player positioning on the field.

It's understood a contentious move in the Melbourne-Richmond game in Round 18 of 2009, where Melbourne ruckman Paul Johnson found himself on Richmond's small forward Nathan Brown, has been determined as a brief match-up and not, as has been suggested, a deliberate coaching move.

It is the first time the AFL has penalised a club or officials over this sort of scenario.

Full text of the AFL's statement

The AFL summarised its findings as follows:

- There had not been a directive from the Melbourne FC board or executive management that the team should deliberately lose matches in any game during the 2009 premiership season.

- The Melbourne FC, its coach and team did not set out to deliberately lose in any matches during the 2009 premiership season.

- Melbourne FC then-general manager of football operations Chris Connolly during the 2009 premiership season had acted in a manner concerning pre-game planning, comprising comments to a football department meeting, which was prejudicial to the interests of the AFL.

- Melbourne FC then-senior coach Dean Bailey, having regard to Mr Connolly's comments, during the 2009 premiership season had acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the interests of the AFL.

SEE HOW THE PRESS CONFERENCE UNFOLDED IN OUR BLOG BELOW

On a mobile device? Click here for a better viewing experience

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sandilands out for two months

TALL TIMBER: The remainder of Fremantle's ruck unit will have to step up after Aaron Sandilands (centre) was ruled out for two months. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE has suffered a fresh injury setback ahead of the start of the AFL season, with ruckman Aaron Sandilands ruled out for two months with a hamstring injury.

The 30-year-old suffered a partial tear to his hamstring tendon during last weekend's NAB Cup opener against Geelong.

While Sandilands will not require surgery, the club expects him to be sidelined for up to eight weeks, ruling him out of the Dockers' Round 1 derby clash with West Coast.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

The Eagles are also expected to be without one of their first-choice ruckmen for the Round 1 clash, with Nic Naitanui facing a race against time to recover from a groin injury.

"It's certainly unfortunate that Aaron will be out for an extended period of time, but we have great confidence in our structures and players to be able to fill the role," Fremantle football operations manager Chris Bond said.

Sandilands played 14 of a possible 24 games last season after struggling to overcome a toe injury.

His absence for the opening few rounds of the season is expected to provide opportunities for ruck duo Zac Clarke and Jon Griffin, while Kepler Bradley could also be called upon to pinch-hit at stoppages.

Bookmakers reacted quickly to the news that Sandilands would miss the opening weeks of the season, with TAB.com.au pushing Fremantle's price out further in head-to-head derby betting.

A Dockers win in Round 1 now pays $2.30 with the betting agency - out from $2.25 - with West Coast firming into $1.60.

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson

 

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crows to stand by Bailey

Adelaide Crows assistant coach Dean Bailey. Picture: Andrea Laube Source: The Advertiser

THE Crows have already begun discussing potential roles for coach Dean Bailey after he received a 16 week suspension for his role in the Melbourne tanking affair.

Adelaide list manager David Noble confirmed Bailey was not allowed to have any involvement with players or the team's preparations on matchdays, but would be shuffled into other positions.

This could include list management, recruiting, opposition analysis and even marketing and sales.

Bailey will remain on full pay.

"Dean Bailey will remain an integral part of our football club as we continue to support him through this difficult period,'' Noble said.

"We have no choice to accept the sanction and we will work to ensure we are not disadvantaged within our football program.''

Noble denied the sanctions would make it more difficult for the Crows to build on last year's success.

"Every club gets presented with different challenges,'' he said.

"Does it make it harder if you lose someone with a knee reconstruction? Dean's got some enormous experience that he's added to our playing group in the 12 months he's been here. But when the chips are down our coaches and our players are very much a group that's got strong character and are prepared to get in and cover what's required...

"We think we've got some staff that will cover the area no problem at all.''

Noble said the players would miss interacting with the former Demons head coach.

"The players will miss him like crazy, there's no doubt...'' he said.

"He's keeping his head up and I'd have to say his main focus was to protect us as a footy club.''

Crows chairman Rob Chapman says Bailey will retain a behind-the-scenes role at the club despite him being banned by the AFL from having any match-day or one-on-one coaching involvement with any Adelaide player until after round 16.

Bailey today became one of the fall guys for the Melbourne tanking scandal in 2009.

The former Demons coach was found guilty of "engaging in conduct prejudicial to the AFL'' with some of his pre-game planning."

Melbourne cleared, Bailey banned

"We are extremely disappointed at the significant suspension which Dean has incurred following the AFL's investigation,'' Chapman said.

"But the Adelaide Football Club will continue to provide its full support to Dean during this time and is totally committed to retaining him as a valued employee of the club.''

Chapman said the Crows would look for other people to fill the role Bailey - highly-regarded for his coaching strategy - played on matchdays.

"We are really disappointed with the penalty Dean has copped but we have other people we can use,'' Chapman said.

League Acting General Manager of Football Operations Gillon McLachlan said Bailey had accepted his sanctions.

SuperCoach is back! Free to play & you could win $50,000

Bailey's former football lieutenant at Melbourne, Chris Connolly, has been banned for 12 months. He is not allowed to have any involvement with a football club until February 1, 2014.

Melbourne was also fined $500,000 for bring found guilty of deliberately manipulating results in 2009 when it finished bottom and was rewarded with the first two picks at the national draft, where it swooped on midfielders Tom Scully and Jack Trengove.
 

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Silence on Lions drug den claims

The AFL has yet to comment on whether they will investigate allegations of match-fixing, illegal gambling and drug use levelled at the Brisbane Lions.

No comment: Brisbane Lions chief executive Malcolm Holmes is silent on the drug claims. Picture: Glenn Barnes Source: The Courier-Mail

THE AFL has refused to reveal if it will investigate serious allegations of match-fixing, illegal gambling and drug use levelled at the Brisbane Lions.

Jason McGrath, the cousin of Lions premiership player Ash McGrath, has made a series of threats to expose behaviour at the club between 2002 and 2009, as the fallout continues from Australian sport's doping storm.

Jason McGrath, a confessed drug dealer, was seen in the Lions' dressingrooms and at functions at times during that period.

The newspaper made contact with Jason McGrath after he made a series of Facebook posts claiming he was ready to expose dodgy AFL practices: "If you don't think the drugs and match-fixing is real, I bet on the AFL and was involved in a game being fixed."

He told the newspaper he had been a drug supplier between 2002 and 2009 and named six Lions players from that period who were heavy users of speed, ecstasy and marijuana.

He said members of the Lions' coaching staff knew some players were regular drug users.

Lions chief executive Malcolm Holmes refused to confirm if the club would investigate the claims or pass the allegations on to the AFL.

"The Brisbane Lions do not comment on unsubstantiated allegations, rumour or innuendo," Holmes said.

The AFL has also refused to say whether it will look into Jason McGrath's claims.

The Courier-Mail can confirm the Lions administration at the time had heard suggestions about drug use by two of the players in question.

Jason McGrath claims to have been involved in fixing a match involving the Lions in 2003, another instance of spot fixing, and to have regularly received inside team information from Lions players just before games for the purposes of betting.

Jason McGrath also told of an occasion where he had delivered an ounce of speed to a Mad Monday celebration at the Broadway Hotel, another where a player was hospitalised after a binge on speed, and multiple times where players had smoked pot in his home.

He also said he had supplied cocaine to players on occasion.

Four players named by Jason McGrath are still playing in the AFL.

He also claimed he would provide to the newspaper betting slips and phone records to substantiate his claims about match-fixing, but he has since gone to ground and refused to return phone calls.

He claims to have received threats from a current player after making his Facebook posts.

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Stokes to miss at least a week

West Coast, Fremantle and Geelong all grab wins in NAB Cup triple-header, overcoming hot conditions in Perth.

Matthew Stokes walks off the ground after rolling his ankle. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

GEELONG is hopeful Mathew Stokes' rolled ankle will only keep him out of action for one or two weeks, despite him currently hobbling around in a moon boot.

Stokes turned his ankle in a tackle in the Cats' two-point win over West Coast and was on crutches post-game.

But Geelong football manager Neil Balme said he didn't expect the small forward to be out longer than a fortnight.

"It's hard to put a time on it but maybe a week or two, I think," Balme said on SEN.

"We're not all that worried about it."

"While the docs were concerned about it, he's got a moon boot and all that to take the weight off it but it's not all that bad, they reckon."

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Break confirmed for young Crow

A devastated Brodie Smith with his left arm in a sling after injuring his left shoulder Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE's worst fears with hard-working midfielder-defender Brodie Smith have been confirmed with a break to his left collarbone.

But Smith, 21, may not need surgery to correct the break suffered in the opening five minutes of Sunday's NAB Cup clash with Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, where he landed heavily on his shoulder on the outer wing.

Smith will miss as many as eight weeks of competitive football, effectively putting him out of the first month of the AFL premiership season.

SuperCoach is back! Free to play & you could win $50,000

"It's disappointing. Brodie is such an important young player for us and had a fantastic year in 2012," coach Brenton Sanderson said.

After the match, Sanderson said Smith's injury would "test our depth".

Smith, who has played 36 AFL games since his AFL debut in 2011, was on track to be one of Adelaide's critical players for setting up opportunities to a new-look attack.

Meanwhile Angus Monfries' Port Adelaide debut was soured by a hamstring injury.

Power coach Ken Hinkley said Monfries had suffered a grade one hamstring strain which would sideline him from Port Adelaide's round two NAB Cup clash against Melbourne in Renmark on Sunday, March 3.

But Hinkley said Monfries was to be rested from the clash anyway.

"It's of no major concern for Gus or us," Hinkley said.

Monfries hurt his hamstring late in the loss to Adelaide in which he impressed with 11 disposals and one goal.

In the earlier win over St Kilda, the former Essendon forward had four touches.

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Monitor cap in heat: Buckley

Collingwood cach Nathan Buckley believes the AFL may have to alter its planned cap on rotations if extreme weather conditions continue. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley expects the AFL to scale back its planned trial of a cap on interchange rotations if there is a continuation of the hot weather in which the pre-season competition opened.

St Kilda, Adelaide and Port Adelaide players struggled through their triple-header in temperatures as high as 38 degrees at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

But they were at least able to have six interchange players and make team changes for each of their two mini-matches per side.

In the later rounds, teams will play full-length games, with three interchange players, one substitute and a limit of 20 rotations per quarter, a trial geared towards potentially introducing such a cap in the 2014 season proper.

Buckley, whose Magpies are due to play their first match under the cap against West Coast in Perth on March 3, said while he understood the AFL's desire to trial the cap, introducing it during one of the hottest periods of the year could be problematic.

"We obviously care for the welfare of our players," the Magpies coach told reporters in the Victorian town of Healesville, where the club are holding their community camp.

"It's probably something the AFLPA (players' association) will look pretty strongly at over the next couple of days in particular.

"I can understand the AFL's want to gather information about the cap on rotations and try to make it as realistic as possible with a three and one interchange bench.

"But if we're playing in 35-degree-plus conditions, whether it's Collingwood or any other team, I think there's a duty of care to the playing group to make sure that we shuffle things a little bit to make sure players aren't under undue duress at this stage of the season in particular.

"I'm sure the AFL and (players' association) will come to an arrangement there and I'd be surprised if we didn't see some movement to support the welfare of players."

Buckley said if the AFL did press ahead with the cap in hot weather, the information gathered would barely translate to the regular season anyway.

"If you're taking statistics from a 37, or what was it in Adelaide on the weekend, 38-degree day, with a three-and-one bench and cap of 80 rotations, that's not going to happen very often in June or through the middle of home and away," he said.

"You're not working off a level playing field."

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dank's plea to stay in the game

Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank. Picture: James Croucher Source: The Daily Telegraph

STEPHEN Dank has been cast as the chief scientific villain in the biggest doping investigation in the history of Australian sport.

But Dank says he has never used performance-enhancing substances in the NRL, including the illegal peptide GHRP-6, and hopes to work in rugby league again.

With the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority under increasing pressure to deliver a scalp in the doping probe, sports-science guru Dank yesterday spoke for the first time about his precise involvement with NRL clubs.

In a candid interview with News Limited, Dank:

Denied issuing the banned substance Warfarin to Cronulla players;

Said he was not aware of illegal peptides being used in the NRL;

Revealed his supplementation regime at Manly played only a minor role in their 2008 premiership win;

Claimed a lack of knowledge of sports science had fuelled baseless suspicions about doping in the NRL.

Dank's involvement with AFL club Essendon remains under ASADA investigation, but the besieged sports scientist insists he never presided over an NRL doping regime and is keen to return to the sport.

"I have done nothing illegal with any club in the NRL," said Dank, who met with his legal team last night to explore defamation proceedings.

"Not one player under my care has ever tested positive to performance-enhancing drugs.

"The truth is I would love to work in the NRL again. At the end of the day, I love helping athletes and I have ideas, legal ones, which I think can contribute to rugby league.

"All this (doping allegations) upsets me deeply because it is not true. I am not a doping scientist or a cheat.

"People ask me to test the boundaries and to find an edge.

"I try and maximise athletic performance, but I do it legally. I never cross the line. Simple."

Asked if he had an ongoing involvement with individual NRL players, as flagged in the Australian Crime Commission report, Dank said: "No."

Asked if NRL hierarchy had directly flagged doping concerns with him, Dank said: "Never. No club has raised anything against me with the NRL."

News Limited has obtained the high-performance program issued to NRL clubs detailing Dank's methods. Much of the program relates to the use of hyperbaric chambers, blood-testing, DNA profiling and training technology underpinned by GPS tracking systems.

There is no mention of peptides, the controversial supplement at the centre of the ACC's probe into AFL powerhouse Essendon and illicit drug use in Australian sport.

Dank piqued the interest of ACC investigators over his scientific methods at Manly, Penrith and Cronulla, including the possible use of Warfarin, a blood-thinning agent to promote anaerobic capacity, at the Sharks.

Asked if illegal peptide use exists in the NRL, Dank said: "There are legal peptides in protein shakes used by NRL athletes and footballers around the world.

"But I certainly don't believe there are performance-enhancing drugs in the Australian sporting landscape such as the growth hormones and testosterone stuff being talked about.

"There are peptides in various protein supplements, but many are legal and freely available."

Dank also lifted the lid on his methods at Manly, saying ill-informed critics were confusing the guarding of intellectual property with "something scurrilous".

"Sports scientists like myself aren't proponents of anything illegal," he said.

"It annoys me and hurts me because at the end of the day, Manly were a success story because of their coach, their players and their work ethic.

"We looked at periodisation of players training, how they recovered, the supplement program was only a small cog to be perfectly honest.

"In terms of science, we do barely anything in Australian sport. The way we train, the way we supplement athletes and the way things are done generally borders on mediocrity.

"Rugby league has the greatest untapped potential of any sport in this country and possibly any sport in the world."

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Geelong boss happy with recruits

West Coast, Fremantle and Geelong all grab wins in NAB Cup triple-header, overcoming hot conditions in Perth.

Geelong's Josh Caddy tackles Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne during their NAB Cup clash in Perth. Source: Getty Images

Geelong's Jared Rivers in action against West Coast in the NAB Cup. Source: Getty Images

GEELONG coach Chris Scott says he was delighted with what he saw from recruits Josh Caddy and Jared Rivers in the NAB cup triple-header in Perth.

Geelong, Fremantle and West Coast had a win each last night but, for the Cats and Eagles especially, it was noteworthy for the displays by some recruits and encouraging returns from long-term injuries by others.

Geelong came back to beat West Coast in the opening game on the back of a last-minute Joel Selwood nine-point super goal before falling short in another attempted comeback against the Dockers.

Most encouraging for Scott was the form of recruits Caddy and Rivers, as well as the return of Travis Varcoe off half-back after he was limited to just one game in 2012.

Caddy has 24 AFL games to his credit with the Gold Coast Suns and the 20-year-old arrived at Geelong set to be a long-term midfielder.

Rivers is at the other end of his career after 150 games at Melbourne and Scott was equally pleased with both.

"I thought he (Rivers) was impressive. He looks to me like a Geelong defender already. We aren't getting too carried away, but it was overwhelmingly positive - Jared's performance. But to be clear, Jared Rivers is not filling Matthew Scarlett's role,'' Scott said.

"We thought he (Caddy) was pretty solid. He got in good spots, was able to win the ball and looked strong in the contests. The indications are that Josh is going to be the sort of player we thought he would be.''

Geelong's Josh Caddy tackles Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne during their NAB Cup clash in Perth. Source: Getty Images

Scott also doesn't believe he has any reason to worry over an incident involving Steve Johnson and Fremantle foe Hayden Ballantyne.

"There tends to be not too much friction in NAB one,'' Scott said.

"I didn't really see what happened and I know he was down for a long time, but I was more concerned with how quickly he got up to set up the next goal. He didn't look too bad did he?''

West Coast coach John Worsfold liked what he saw from All-Australian forward Mark LeCras in his first official game in 17 months because of a serious knee injury. He also was impressed with Collingwood recruit Sharrod Wellingham.

"I was rapt. I think he (LeCras) was rapt too. He was just keen to get it all going again. His pre-season has been outstanding so it's just good to know he's up and going again,'' Worsfold said.

"He had a smile on his face after the game so I would say he's pulled up pretty well. That goal he kicked was probably to make sure he's still got it.

"It was a short hit out for Sharrod, but we were really pleased. He showed why we picked him, and we know what role we want him to play and he did it well.''

Fremantle did lose Chris Mayne (ankle) and Aaron Sandilands (glute) to injury during the night, but coach Ross Lyon is confident will both right in a fortnight's time with Matthew Pavlich, Ryan Crowley, David Mundy and Nat Fyfe among those set to face Carlton in the Dockers' next game.

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Saints turn up heat on Crows

St Kilda's Jack Steven and Adelaide's Matthew Wright contest for the ball at AAMI Stadium. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

Clinton Jones looks to handball. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

A RAZOR sharp St Kilda has drawn first blood in today's NAB Cup triangular series at AAMI Stadium.

The impressive Saints led from start to finish in scorching 38-degree heat to crush last year's NAB Cup premier Adelaide by 26 points, 0.8.2 (50) to 0.3.6 (24).

St Kilda - fielding a far stronger side than the Crows - booted four goals without reply in the first half to effectively knock Adelaide out of pre-season grand final contention in the opening round.

The Crows did not lose a game in five NAB Cup matches last year.

Today they were never in the hunt.

The Saints - whose game was built on short kicks to open targets - controlled the midfield, were well-marshalled in defence by Farren Ray and Arryn Siposs and had a dominant forward line.

Former Swan Trent Dennis-Lane and Beau Maister each kicked two goals for St Kilda while smalls Terry Milera (two), Ahmed Saad and Stephen Milne (one each) led their opponents a merry dance.

In contrast, the Crows - fielding a second-string team - had only one goalkicker.

Small forward Graham Johncock booted all three of their goals in an encouraging inside-50 display.

Adelaide badly missed key players Scott Thompson, Patrick Dangerfield, Taylor Walker, Rory Sloane, Sam Jacobs and captain Nathan van Berlo, who were all rested as coach Brenton Sanderson focuses solely on the premiership season.

But he would have been disappointed with most of his kids, who did not grab their opportunities.

Josh Jenkins - who wants departed Kurt Tippett's spot in attack - failed to take a mark, while fellow key forward Lewis Johnston had just one disposal.

Apart from Johncock, Brodie Smith stood out at half-back for Adelaide while Matthew Wright was impressive in the midfield with nine possessions.

Beginning a new era without its former star Brendon Goddard, who joined Essendon in free agency, St Kilda used the ball with great precision, recording 47 marks to the Crows' 26.

Playing without captain Nick Riewoldt, Justin Koschitzke, Lenny Hayes and Sam Fisher, the Saints were sharp, quick and well-drilled.

Dennis-Lane showed he would be a handy addition from Sydney while ruckman Tom Hickey highlighted why the club was so keen to trade for him from Gold Coast.

Surprisingly, the 20/20 match was not shortened by five minutes despite the high temperatures.

ST KILDA 0.4.1 0.8.2 (50)
ADELAIDE 0.0.4 0.3.6 (24)

BEST
St Kilda: Ray, Siposs, McEvoy, Dal Santo, Geary, Gwilt, Saad.
Adelaide: Johncock, Smith, Wright, Mackay.

GOALS
St Kilda: Dennis-Lane, Maister, Milera 2, Saad, Milne.
Adelaide: Johncock 3.

UMPIRES
S. McBurney, D. Harris, C. Bowen.

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

LIVE: Power v Saints

Sam Kerridge (Crows) and Ollie Wines (Port) will make their debut today.l Picture: Matt Turner Source: The Advertiser

FOLLOW the Round 1 NAB Cup action between Adelaide, Port Adelaide and St Kilda from AAMI Stadium

5:31pm AEDT - Adelaide 3.6 (24) were defeated by St Kilda 8-2 (50)

ST Kilda way too good for Adelaide in the first clash at AAMI Stadium today.

They started well and never gave the Crows a sniff.

It was a very impressive performance and coach Scott Watters would be very happy with that.

The Saints will take on Port Adelaide in the second fixture today.

Beau Wilkes after kicking a goal against Adelaide. Source: Getty Images

5:22pm AEDT - Adelaide 2.5 (17) trail St Kilda 8.2 (50)

HOW exciting do St Kilda look?

Their vast array of small forwards are making mince meat of Adelaide.

Johncock kicked his second for the home side, but other than that it has been all St Kilda.

Stephen Milne and Milera both with clever goals.

The Saints and Crows in action. Source: Getty Images

5:16pm AEDT- Adelaide 1.5 (11) trail St Kilda 6.2 (38)

BEAU Maister marks and goals to kick the opening goal for St Kilda in the second half.

But it is not all bad news for Adelaide with Graham Johncock getting the Crows on the board after roving off the pack.

It was booted to the hot spot and Johncock did enough to get his hands on it and run into an open goal.

But the Saints replied straight away through Dennis-Lane.

Saints look hard to beat.

5:02pm AEDT- Adelaide 0.3 (3) trail St Kilda 4.1 (25) HALF-TIME

IT has been all St Kilda at AAMI Stadium, who lead Adelaide by 21 points at half-time.

The Saints are full of running and look dangerous up forward.

While the Crows have been slow to get going and have wasted many multiple chances in front of goal.

Can the home side turn it around in the second half?

Arryn Siposs and Josh Jenkins compete for the ball at AAMI Stadium. Source: Getty Images

4:55pm AEDT - Adelaide 0.3 (3) trail St Kilda 3.1 (19)

VERY lively opening for St Kilda, who have kicked the opening three goals of the game.

Trent Dennis-Lane found some space to break away and mark 30 metres out from goal.

He made no mistake to give the Saints a two-goal lead over the Crows, who have been sluggish in the early going.

The home side have wasted a number of chances in front of goal.

The Saints are making them pay with Ahmed Saad snapping his first for the day.

4:47pm AEDT- Adelaide 0.1 (1) trails St Kilda 1-0 (6)

TERRY Milera has booted the first goal of the game for St Kilda.

The small forward, who kicked 19 goals last year, received a free kick for a high tackle and calmly slotted it through.

Richie Douglas nearly had the first goal of the day when he burst clear 60 metres from goal.

He let fly just outside the 50m but it hit the post.

Lively opening at AAMI Stadium.

Daniel Talia gets Terry Milera high at AAMI Stadium. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

4:15pm AEDT-

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of today's Round 1 NAB Cup clash at AAMI Stadium.

At 4:40pm AEDT, Adelaide will take on St Kilda.

At 5:45pm AEDT, Port Adelaide will then take on the Saints.

At then at 6:50pm AEDT, brace yourself for when the Crows and the Power lock horns.

Follow all the action right here!

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More