'Hold your heads high': Hird

Essendon coach James Hird is urging his troubled team to play with pride. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON coach James Hird has urged his players to hold their heads high, declaring the club will fight to uncover the truth as investigations continue into its "irregular" medical practices.

While the club has conceded there are issues of concern in its sports science division, a bullish Hird said he welcomed the findings.

"I just want the truth. (Essendon chairman) David Evans wants the truth. That's what we are after," he said."

"I believe once that comes out we will be able to get on and play football. Our footy club is going to fight.

"It's going to fight to prove where it's at, and we are not going to walk around with heads bowed, we are walking around proud of our footy club."

Hird's optimistic approach signifies his belief that Essendon's players will be cleared and the club exonerated.

But given the review will examine the club's chain of command and the alarming practices of its sports science division, it will inevitably lead to tough questions for Essendon.

Hird says he is ready for whatever the review finds, aware that given the buck stops with the senior coach he will be central to the investigation.

"My focus is on coaching the football club," he said.

"If we have to be distracted during the week (by the review) we will be, and we will, through this review process,get the truth for our supporters.

"Our supporters deserve that. My job is to coach this team as best I can, and I will be involved in the review when I need to be, but my job is to get this team playing great footy."

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LIVE: Bombers vs Tigers

Jobe Watson has his first NAB Cup hitout against Richmond. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Geelong star Paul Chapman will be looking to impress against Adelaide today. Picture: Reg Ryan Source: Geelong Advertiser

LIVE NOW- Essendon and Richmond take to the field in Wangaratta as we continue a huge day of NAB Cup action. Follow it here!

6.38pm AEDT - Bombers 45, Tigers 43

Essendon finally nailed the first goal of the third quarter after eight wasteful minutes.

Alwyn Davey missed a shot on goal and Michael Hurley put a set shot out on the full before a clean run down the field landed the pill in Paddy Ryder's hands, and he finished it off to extend Essendon's lead to eight points.

6.12pm AEDT - HALF TIME - Bombers 43, Tigers 42

A rocking finish to the second quarter has handed Essendon a one-point half-time lead over Richmond.

The Tigers held sway - and their slender quarter-time advantage - for most of the second term, but two Bomber goals and a super goal in less than three minutes turned the tide.

Michael Hurley nailed his first to close the gap to 14 points.

Then Brent Stanton ignored better options but was rewarded when he slotted one from 40m out, and the Bombers rocketed into the lead for the first time when Leroy Jetta streaked through the middle and bombed a super goal.

Leroy Jetta watches his super goal sail through late in the second quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

5.58pm AEDT - Bombers 21, Tigers 35

The Tigers are sticking fat and holding onto their first-quarter advantage against the Bombers.

Bombers forward Stewart Crameri opened the scoring in the second quarter when he roved his own ball and snapped truly from the right forward pocket.

But Richmond replied with a goal to Shane Tuck at the nine-minute mark to reestablish their lead.

5.38pm AEDT
Bombers 14, Richmond 25
Kangaroos 73, Suns 34

There's the quarter-time siren in Wangaratta and the traffic mostly went Richmond's way in the opening term.

The two teams traded goals but it was an early Matt White super goal and a flurry of late behinds that gave the Tigers the edge.

One of those misses cam from the boot of Orren Stephenson, who is a surprise possession leader for the yellow and black, with seven, while Brendon has been the Bombers' best, setting up a goal for Nick Kommer while racking up 10 touches.

In the other match currently under way, North Melbourne lead Gold Coast by 39 points at half-time, with Aaron Black, Daniel Currie and Lindsay Thomas all snaring two goals in the first half.

5.20pm AEDT - Bombers 12, Tigers 15

Richmond bounded out of the blocks with a super goal to Matt White and a curling banana kick from the boundary from Robin Nahas, but the Bombers have answered with goals of their own each time.

The match review panel might have a look at the incident that led to Essendon's first goal.

Ricky Pettard got a little testy in an exchange with Nick Kommer, taking a swing and catching the mature-aged Bombers recruit somewhere between his shoulder and chin.

Kommer accepted the freekick and duly slotted the goal, and Paddy Ryder nailed the Bombers' second after about 10 minutes, running into an open goal after Brendon Goddard brought the ball to ground.

5.10pm AEDT

Now we turn our attention to Wangaratta, where the Bombers will take on a slightly undermanned Tigers outfit.

5.05pm AEDT
FULL TIME
Geelong 2.16.12 (126)
Adelaide 1.8.6 (63)

And so ends an impressive outing for Geelong and an equally worrying display from Adelaide just a couple of weeks out from the season proper.

The Crows were woeful going forward in the absence of Kurt Tippett, and there's already been plenty of talk around the traps this afternoon that they'll be the big sliders of the 2013 season.

Geelong were far too good from the outset, kicking seven goals in the first quarter (including two super goals), but the best part may have been their continued ability to unearth and develop young players, despite having an elite list for the best part of a decade.

Jordan Murdoch was solid, Shane Kersten bagged three goals and most of the youngsters who took the field got their hands on the ball nearly 10 times to put themselves forward as Round 1 smokeys.

4.55pm AEDT
Geelong 119, Adelaide 57
North Melbourne 47, Gold Coast 8

Embarrassing stuff in this final term from the Crows.

An attempt to rebound from their defensive 50 ends in Shane Kersten smothering the ball, gathering it and running into an open goal to boot his third.

That followed two consecutive Taylor Walker shots that hit the post at the other end.

4.40pm AEDT - Geelong 113, Adelaide 46

Both sides snag an early one in the final quarter, with Shane Kersten the beneficiary of some Jimmy Bartel magic and Patrick Dangerfield bagging his third for the Crows a short time later.

Bartel dragged in a huge pack mark among about eight players just outside 50 and dished off a quick handball, with the resultant kick finding Kersten all alone and running into goal.

Meanwhile, it's all North Melbourne up in Townsville. They lead 26-6 against Gold Coast off the back of two first-quarter goals to Aaron Black.

Jimmy Bartel is in dominant form down at the Cattery. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

THREE-QUARTER TIME
Geelong 2.13.11 (107)
Adelaide 0.6.4 (40)

IT'S been a dirty, dirty day for Adelaide, who have enough of their stars in the side to suggest they should be doing a lot better than this.

Patrick Dangerfield has played virtually a lone hand with his 25 disposals and two goals, while Jimmy Bartel (22 disposals, two goals) and Harry Taylor have been exemplary for the home side.

Crows coach Brenton Sanderson probably said it best during an interview at three-quarter time: "We've really chopped it up going forward".

4.27pm AEDT - Geelong 107, Adelaide 40

GRAHAM Johncock finally got one back for the Crows after almost 15 minutes of play in the third term, when Taylor Walker found space over the back of Geelong's zone and spotted Johncock further downfield.

The veteran ran into an open goal, but that moment of respite was short-lived as the Crows answered with goals to Mark Blicavs, Jordan Murdoch and Jimmy Bartel.

Nine disposals for the quarter now for Bartel to go with his two goals.

4.05pm AEDT - Geelong 86, Adelaide 34

GEELONG have picked up in the third quarter where they left off at half-time.

Jimmy Bartel keeps the rout rolling with his first major of the match and the Cats' lead is pushed beyond 50 points.

3:30pm AEDT- Geelong 74 leading Adelaide 12

THE Cats have gone on with it in the second term.

James Kelly, Mitch Duncan and Shane Kersten have all added goals in the second term, while the Crows have added two through Patrick Dangerfield and Nathan Van Berlo.

Sam Jacobs in action against Geelong. Source: Getty Images

3:10pm AEDT - Geelong 54 leading Adelaide 12 at QUARTER-TIME

THAT's quarter-time at Simonds Stadium - and what a term it has been for the Cats.

Geelong are treating this seriously and it shows.

They lead by 42 points at the first change.

This could be a long day for the Crows if Geelong keep up this intensity.

Andrew Mackie is tackles against the Crows today. Source: Getty Images

3pm AEDT- Geelong 41 lead Adelaide 6

IT seems someone has forgot to tell Geelong it is the NAB Cup, because they are up and about.

They have come out blazing and have opened up a big lead over the Crows.

Paul Chapman, Jordan Murdoch and Andrew Mackie all with goals since the last update.

Patrick Dangerfield has kicked Adelaide's sole major.

2:47pm AEDT - Geelong 16 leads Adelaide 0

WELCOME back to football, Travis Varcoe.

The forward proved his injury issues are behind him with a supergoal from outside 50.

It was followed up by Mitch Duncan, who kicked truly from a set shot.

Great start by the Cats.

The Cats run onto the field for today's NAB Cup clash. Source: Getty Images

PRE-GAME

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of today's NAB Cup action, which starts with Geelong taking on Adelaide at Simonds Stadium.

Then at 3:30pm AEDT, the Gold Coast Suns will take on North Melbourne up in hot and humid Townsville.

At 5:10pm AEDT, Essendon take on Richmond in Wangaratta.

Follow all the action right here!

GEELONG: Mitch Brown, Billie Smedts, Jimmy Bartel, Andrew Mackie, Travis Varcoe, Harry Taylor, James Kelly, Joel Corey, Taylor Hunt, Steven Johnson, Jordan Murdoch, Mitch Duncan, Josh Caddy, Jared Rivers, Cam Guthrie, James Podsiadly, Steven Motlop, George Horlin-Smith, Josh Walker, Paul Chapman, Cam Eardley, Shane Kersten, Jackson Thurlow, Jesse Stringer, Corey Enright, Joel Hamling, Mark Blicavs.

ADELAIDE CROWS: Brad Crouch, Brent Reilly, Josh Jenkins, Scott Thompson, Nathan Van Berlo, Lewis Johnson, Rory Sloane, Matthew Jaensch, Matthew Wright, Taylor Walker, David Mackay, Luke Brown, Bernie Vince, Graham Johncock, Andy Otten, Sam Jacobs, Ben Rutten, Richard Douglas, Tom Lynch, Sam Kerridge, Patrick Dangerfield, Shaun McKernan, Brodie Martin, Ian Callinan, Jason Porplyzia, Aidan Riley, Ricky Henderson.
 

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Young Cats smash Crows

Jimmy Bartel was in superb touch against Adelaide. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

OLD hands Harry Taylor and Jimmy Bartel piloted an experimental Geelong line-up to a commanding 63-point victory over disappointing Adelaide in their NAB Cup clash at Simonds Stadium.

Taylor was impassable in defence for the Cats, completely blanketing Crows spearhead Taylor Walker while amassing a game-high  31 possessions.

Bartel, standing in as captain for the rested Joel Selwood, was also impressive as the Cats won 2.16.12 (126) to 1.8.6 (63).

But just as pleasing for coach Chris Scott was the performance of some of Geelong's lesser lights, who took their chance with the likes of Selwood, Steve Johnson, Tom Hawkins, Joel Corey and Tom Lonergan on the sidelines.

Billie Smedts and George Horlin-Smith showed good signs, while rookie-listed former steeplechaser Mark Blicavs was competitive in the ruck and kicked a goal.

Also pleasing for the Cats was the performance of Travis Varcoe, who was dominant early in the game running off half-back.

Varcoe was limited to just one game in 2012 because of a serious foot injury.

In contrast there was little to get enthused about for Crows coach Brenton Sanderson, less than three weeks out from the Crows' season opener against Essendon.

Adelaide went with a near full-strength lineup on Saturday, with midfielder Rory Sloane and last year's Rising Star winner Daniel Talia among their few notable absentees.

Powerhouse Patrick Dangerfield was a rare shining light with three goals.

The home side had the match well in hand when they led by by 42 points at quarter-time having begun the match kicking with the aid of a strong breeze.

Geelong took no risks with star utility Paul Chapman, substituting him out of the game at quarter-time after he landed heavily in a marking contest.

The Cats return to Simonds Stadium next Saturday for a pre season Cup clash against North Melbourne while the Crows host Carlton at AAMI Stadium on Friday night.

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Alarm bells ringing for Crows

Geelong's Harry Taylor took Crows full-forward out of the match at Simonds Stadium. Picture: Scott Barbour. Source: Getty Images

FOR the Crows, thank heavens this was a practice match; the effort at Simonds Stadium was a screeching signal that it is time for them to ramp matters up in few weeks leading up to the home-and-away season.

Smashings such as this 10-goal loss prompt an obvious question: was Geelong awesome or Adelaide aweful? The answer likes somewhere in between, but Adelaide looked flat yet hesitant, sloppy when under pressure and too reliant on too few.

As much as Geelong looked like millionaires despite playing a young side, they were helped along by the Crows, who arrived as favoutites with the bookmakers but were never even close to the Cats.

Adelaide's movement out of the backline is a major concern: full of one-step kicks, overuse of the ball and players getting in the way of one another.

Geelong added to the woes with by pressing forward, but this is one area that needs attention and fast.

Of the young ones, Brad Crouch and Sam Kerridge showed positives to take home - Crouch for body strength and composure in congested situations, Kerridge for looking more and more like he belongs at this level.

There was a fresh southerly gushing towards Corio Bay as the match began in crisp autumn sun, but it wasn't just the wind that made the Crows look pedestrian.

You could see that it assisted the Cats when Travis Varcoe, a former Central District player, elegantly glided past a contest, received, a nonchalantly kicked it from outside 50.

But the conditions could not account for the Crows being second to the ball as Geelong cranked up their well-known drill of sharing it around and running in numbers.

It didn't help the Crows that Taylor Walker was stood by Harry Taylor, one of the best-marking defenders in the competiton, and was given a bath. Best on ground versus best to forget.

But it gave a clearer picture of what the Crows can expect as it embarks on the post-Tippett era: Walker not only receiving the standout defender, but also having other backmen drop off to help out.

The Cats ran circles around them, and late in the first quarter Geelong had 20 inside-50s to Adelaide's two.

As Crows coach Brenton Sanderson had predicted, the Cats shape as a contender again. Varcoe, who only managed one game last year because of injuries, Steven Motlop and Billie Smedt added zip to go with the sturdy contributions of Paul Chapman, James Kelly and Jimmy Bartel.

Predictably, it befell Patrick Dangerfield to take matters in his own hands. When Geelong had 31 points on the scoreboard, Adelaide none, he wrested the ball out of a contest, avoided one tackle and broke another, took off on a sprint and kicked the Crows' first. Close to 15 minutes had been played.

Gradually, the Crows worked themselves back into the match, much through the steady hands of Dangerfield, captain Nathan van Berlo, Scott Thompson, Sam Jacobs taking control in the ruck and Ben Rutten asserting himself down back.

But clearly, it was not all about the wind; the lead had grown from 42 points at half time to 46 at the long break. It only got worse from there. By three quarter time, some of the audience was already making their way out into the surrounding parklands to find something else to fill their day.

BEST: Geelong: Taylor, Kelly, Varcoe, Mackie, Bartel, Horlin-Smith, Enright. Adelaide: Dangerfield, van Berlo, Thompson, Rutten, Vince

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GWS SuperCoach preview

Jonathon Patton is worth keeping an eye on in his second season. Source: Getty Images

WHICH GWS players should you pick in SuperCoach this year and who should you avoid?

Last year GWS was all the rage in SuperCoach land, and with good reason.

Possessing 11 of the first 14 picks of the 2011 national draft, there were plenty of ultra-talented, cheap Giants to pick up and watch grow in to fat and juicy cash cows.

This year, however, we must look at much of Greater Western Sydney's list for what it actually is - full of talented yet highly over-priced (in SuperCoach terms, at least) second-year players.

The key to selecting Giants this year is your willingness to sift through the recycle bin for players in the second chance saloon and the nursery for the yet-to-debuts.

BYE: Round 13 (with Adelaide, Carlton, Collingwood, Essendon and Gold Coast)

SUPERCOACH STAR

Callan Ward (midfield) $570,100
This tough-as-nails midfielder didn't take a backwards step despite having little support in the engine room throughout 2012. He was the only Giant to average above 100 points per game (he was at 106.55) and at 22 can only improve further with age. He led the club for contested possessions, clearances and tackles last season and that is SuperCoach gold.

BANK EM

Jonathan Giles (ruck) $498,900
Definitely not as appealing as he was last year in terms of price, but in a shallow pool of ruck stocks you have to view Giles as a quality option. Started last season like a house on fire, slowed slightly, but still ended the year averaging 93 points a game. At 25, Giles should be near the peak of his powers and with few challengers for the mantle of the Giants' No.1 ruckman, there's no reason why the 200cm big man can't push the 100 points per game mark this year.

BUY EM

Setanta O'hAilpin (forward/ruck) $252,500
Can't believe the Irishman is rated a $252k player after playing just the one game last season, but alas he remains one to consider for several reasons. GWS coach Kevin Sheedy is a massive O'hAilpin fan, even suggesting his side could have won a couple more games last year had the former Blue not injured his knee.
He's versatile - he can fill holes down back, up forward and in the ruck. And he's fit, kicking three goals in the Giants intra-club match recently.

GWS forward Setanta O'hAilpin is pushed out of a marking contest. Source: Getty Images

Lachie Whitfield (midfield) $199,500

Not much explanation needed for this one - the Dandenong Stingrays product is going to be a jet. No.1 draft picks are so often an automatic selection in any serious SuperCoach player's team and, while injuries conspired against teammate Jon Patton last year, Whitfield is one you can't afford to pass up.

Liam Sumner (midfield) $217,200

Of the Giants' bevy of picks in the first round of the 2011 national draft Sumner played the least games, as a foot stress fracture ended his season during only his second match. With a second pre-season under his belt, there is no reason why Sumner won't add to his games tally significantly and, given his starting price, the 19-year-old could be a left-of-centre cash cow.

BURY EM

Phil Davis (defender) $387,400

Wasn't a bad Giant to pick up last year because we knew he'd play every game and his lowly price could only increase because he'd be relied upon so heavily. But $387k is about as high as the former Crow is going to get and the fact remains that his points per game average in his three seasons has only been 60, 52 and 72.

Jeremy Cameron (forward) $333,700

There's no reason why last year's forward line revelation can't continue to come along in leaps and bounds this season. But in SuperCoach terms, Cameron's price makes him a difficult proposition to select considering he is still a key-position player coming in to just his second year. Watch his development with interest and awe, but don't do it while hoping he can score you crucial SuperCoach points.

SUPERCOACH DRAFT WATCHLIST

Toby Greene (midfield)

This guy is going to be a star - if he isn't already. You always fear the second year blues for someone who has burst on to the scene as Greene did last year, so in traditional SuperCoach terms his price tag of $506,300 is a little tough to swallow. But in the draft, where money is no issue, the 19-year-old could be a crucial lower round pick for your side.

Toby Greene on the move. Picture: Mark Evans Source: Herald Sun

Bret Thornton (defender/forward)

Every year always supplies one or two recycled players who go on to thrive in a new environment. Thornton played only seven games last year, the lowest amount in his career, which followed on from a 2011 season in which the former Blue could not work out if he was a forward or defender such was the Carlton coaching staff's propensity to throw him all around the field. Wherever he ends up playing this season, know that games are going to come to Thornton in a big way. And the fact that he is a dual-position player makes the 29-year-old a valuable draft proposition.

Tom Scully (midfield)

Can't doubt the 2009 No.1 draft pick's skill and coming in to his fourth season the time might be right for Scully to well and truly announce his arrival as a gun of the competition.

SPORTSBET ODDS

GWS highest-scoring player

$2.65 Callan Ward
$3.25 Jonathan Giles
$3.50 Toby Greene
$8 Adam Treloar
$8 Tom Scully
$8 Stephen Coniglio
$12 Dylan Shiel

* not including finals

Source: sportsbet.com.au

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Safety first with Stevie J

Steve Johnson kicks the first goal. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG has taken a cautious approach by withdrawing premiership pair Steve Johnson and Joel Corey from tomorrow's NAB Cup clash against Adelaide at Simonds Stadium.

Cats football manager Neil Balme said the duo had pulled up sore from training today.

"They both tried to train today and they were a bit sore, so we decided not to play them,'' Balme said.

"I think it's only about tomorrow ... it's certainly nothing serious.''

Johnson will miss Round 1 of the home-and-away season after being suspended for striking Hayden Ballantyne in the first round of the NAB Cup.

Johnson and Corey have been replaced in the Cats' squad by Brad Hartman and former basketballer Ryan Bathie, but Balme said they would be the likely emergencies.

Premiership players Paul Chapman, Andrew Mackie and James Kelly will have their first pre-season hitouts against the Crows.

Meanwhile, Balme said earlier ruckman Nathan Vardy was expected to make a return before Round 1.

"As we know he had quite a serious hip issue which is pretty good, he's got a very slight groin issue that we are being very conservative with.'' Balme said on SEN.

"He'll play almost certainly within the next week or two.

"He's in pretty good shape and he'll be fine.''
 

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Lions excited by Leuey return

Matthew Leuenberger works on his tapwork at Lions training at Coorparoo. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

WHEN Brisbane vice-captain Tom Rockliff thinks about the difference having Matthew Leuenberger on the field, his face lights up.

In fact, he smiled his way through an interview after AFL training today from the time Leuenberger's name was mentioned until he stopped raving about him two minutes later.

The 204cm ruckman, who is at the end of a long road back from an achilles injury he sustained three games into the 2012 season, didn't take part in the slippery training session at Coorparoo.

But to the delight of Rockliff and coach Michael Voss, he will be on the club's private charter flight to play a pre-season match against Greater Western Sydney in Wagga tomorrow night.

The Lions will be missing several guns, who will be available for next weekend's clash with Collingwood, but all eyes will be on Leuenberger's eagerly-anticipated comeback.

Rockliff said having the club's No.1 ruckman back would be a "massive benefit".

"It is great to see the big fella back out there, he's been through a fair bit," he said.

"Luey's our best ruckman and has been for a couple of years.

"I think we saw at the end of 2011, those last 10 games he was one of, if not the, best ruckman in the competition.

Leuenberger is a $301,100 bargain in SuperCoach. Click here to add him to your squad now

"The ability for him to get up and give us first use in the midfield, I think that's something we lacked last year - taking nothing away from Huddo (Ben Hudson), he was fantastic for us."

Leuenberger's speed across the ground for such a big man, combined with his ability to give teammates like Rockliff first use of the ball, will make Brisbane even more dangerous this year.

"He's pretty much a fourth midfielder for us but also gives us the ability to get our hands on the ball first," Rockliff said. 

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LIVE: Hawks v Bulldogs

Lance Franklin, sporting his new moustache, will take on the Western Bulldogs tonight. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

LIVE AT 7:40pm AEDT- Follow our live coverage of tonight's NAB Cup clash between Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

PRE-GAME

HELLO and welcome to tonight's live coverage of the NAB Cup clash between Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

Hawthorn midfield guns Sam Mitchell, Brad Sewell and Jordan Lewis will play their first game of year.

Still missing for the Hawks will be captain Luke Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne, Grant Birchall, Liam Shiels, Michael Osborne, Xavier Ellis and new recruit Brian Lake.

While the Bulldogs will have former Eagle Koby Stevens play his first match for the red, white and blue.

Follow all the action right here!

Full squads are below.

Hawthorn

2 Jarryd Roughead
3 Jordan Lewis
4 Matt Suckling

5 Sam Mitchell
6 Josh Gibson
10 Bradley Hill
12 Brad Sewell
13 Kyle Cheney
16 Isaac Smith
18 Brent Guerra
19 Jack Gunston
20 David Hale
21 Shane Savage
22 Luke Breust
23 Lance Franklin
24 Ben Stratton
25 Ryan Schoenmakers
27 Matt Spangher
29 William Langford (R) - Emergency
32 Jonathan Simpkin
35 Sam Grimley
37 Jed Anderson
38 Mitchell Hallahan - Emergency
41 Taylor Duryea
43 Amos Frank (R)
46 Derick Wanganeen (R)
47 Jonathon Ceglar (R) - Emergency

Western Bulldogs

2 Robert Murphy
3 Mitch Wallis
4 Daniel Cross
5 Matthew Boyd
6 Luke Dahlhaus
9 Jake Stringer
10 Easton Wood
11 Jackson Macrae
13 Daniel Giansiracusa
14 Clay Smith
15 Jason Tutt
16 Ryan Griffen
19 Liam Jones
21 Tom Liberatore
23 Jordan Roughead
25 Koby Stevens
27 Will Minson
29 Tory Dickson
31 Tom Young
33 Nick Lower
37 Lukas Markovic
38 Dale Morris
39 Jason Johannisen
42 Liam Picken
44 Brett Goodes
45 Tom Campbell
49 Ayce Cordy

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Eagles, Dockers name strong line-ups

BIG INCLUSION: Ruckman Dean Cox will make his first pre-season appearance for the Eagles this weekend. Source: The Mercury

WEST Coast has named a strong squad for Sunday's NAB Cup clash with Collingwood, with as many as 18 first-choice players set to take to the field.

As flagged by coach John Worsfold yesterday, the Eagles will welcome ruckman Dean Cox and spearhead Josh Kennedy back into the fold, with wingman Matt Rosa also set to play his first pre-season game.

Though Daniel Kerr, Nic Naitanui, Beau Waters, Sharrod Wellingham and Mark Nicoski remain on the sidelines, the Eagles are set to start favourites against the side that knocked them out of last year's finals.

Magpies big guns Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Dale Thomas and Steele Sidebottom will all make the trip west for the Patersons Stadium clash, while Quinten Lynch will line up for his first game against his former side.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Meanwhile, Fremantle will bolster its midfield for Saturday's NAB Cup game against Cartlton at Etihad Stadium, with a trio of key players set to return.

Last year's club champion Ryan Crowley will take to the field for his first pre-season hit-out, with David Mundy and Nat Fyfe also included after missing the NAB Cup opening games a fortnight ago.

Skipper Matthew Pavlich will miss the trip due to the expected birth of his first child, while Stephen Hill (arm) Michael Barlow (rested) are also absentees.

SEE ALL THIS WEEKEND'S NAB CUP SQUADS HERE

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said he was eager to "get minutes" into the club's up-and-coming players like Hayden Crozier and Lachie Neale as the NAB Cup wears on.

Both the Dockers and Eagles will need victories to keep their hopes of making the pre-season final alive after each club notched one win and one loss on the opening weekend of the tournament.

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson

TEAMS:

CARLTON v FREMANTLE at Etihad Stadium - Saturday 4.30pm WA time.
CARLTON: Andrew Walker, Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Kade Simpson, Matthew Kreuzer, Kane Lucas, Rob Warnock, Mitch Robinson, Chris Yarran, Brock McLean, Jeremy Laidler, Sam Rowe, Eddie Betts, Lachie Henderson, Dennis Armfield, Tom Bell, Marcus Davies, Nick Duigan, Jeffrey Garlett, Frazer Dale, Michael Jamison, Levi Casboult, Zach Tuohy, Simon White, Andrew Carrazzo, Aaron Joseph, David Ellard.
FREMANTLE: Hayden Ballantyne, Zac Dawson, Jayden Pitt, Garrick Ibbotson, Danyle Pearce, Nathan Fyfe, Nick Suban, Matt De Boer, Michael Walters, Tom Sheridan, Jon Griffin, Tendai Mzungu, Ryan Crowley, David Mundy, Hayden Crozier, Luke McPharlin, Tanner Smith, Kepler Bradley, Lachie Neale, Zachary Clarke, Cam Sutcliffe, Lee Spurr, Michael Johnson, Jack Hannath, Paul Duffield, Jesse Crichton, Clancee Pearce.

WEST COAST v COLLINGWOOD at Patersons Stadium - Sunday 4.30pm WA time.
WEST COAST: Mitch Brown, Mark Lecras, Andrew Gaff, Brad Sheppard, Chris Masten, Scott Selwood, Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey, Jamie Cripps, Eric MacKenzie, Josh Kennedy, Dean Cox, Darren Glass, Matt Rosa, Shannon Hurn, Sam Butler, Jack Darling, Ashley Smith, Scott Lycett, Will Schofield, Andrew Embley, Josh Hill, Pat McGinnity, Adam Selwood, Jeremy McGovern, Ashton Hams, Simon Tunbridge.
COLLINGWOOD: Jordan Russell, Nick Maxwell, Harry O'Brien, Martin Clarke, Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair, Jarrod Witts, Jamie Elliott, Ben Reid, Quinten Lynch, Steele Sidebottom, Josh Thomas, Ben Hudson, Ben Kennedy, Ben Sinclair, Travis Cloke, Alan Toovey, Dane Swan, Kyle Martin, Peter Yagmoor, Heath Shaw, Paul Seedsman, Sam Dwyer, Adam Oxley, Jack Frost, Marley Williams, Caolan Mooney.
 

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Get SuperCoach anytime, anywhere

Shane Crawford tries out the new SuperCoach phone app. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

NOW you can access your SuperCoach team 24 hours a day with the new apps for iPhones and Android.

Make trades on the run, follow your team's progress over the weekend and - most importantly - make changes to your team before every match.

WHAT'S NEW IN 2013:

- New look - We've rebuilt the interface from the ground up with an all-new look and feel for easier and quicker use.

- Easy management - All-new "field view" makes it even easier to make trades, substitutions, captain and emergency selections.

- Rolling Lockout - Full support for the all-new rolling lockout system - you can make squad changes right through the round of footy wherever you are, up until each of your players' actual AFL game begins.

- Easy Stats - SuperCoach GOLD gets you access to projected scores, breakevens and projected prices for players.

Each app costs just $2.99 for the whole season.

Click HERE to get the SuperCoach iPhone app

Click HERE to get the SuperCoach Android app

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Crows leave out Tambling

Crow Richard Tambling in action. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

RICHARD Tambling's stop-start campaign to make the final year of his contract count at Adelaide has stopped again.

The former Richmond midfielder is a surprise absentee from the Crows' 27-man squad for the NAB Cup clash with Geelong at Geelong on Saturday.

Tambling, a top-three disposal-earner in Adelaide's five-point win against Fremantle on Saturday, has reported back soreness and will not be pushed this weekend.

Adelaide list manager David Noble said: "Richard's back was sore early in the week. It's not a major issue, but we felt it best to rest him this week."

Adelaide has opted to persist with the trial of young defender Luke Brown for the vacancy created by Michael Doughty's retirement at the end of last season.

Adelaide is hopeful Tambling will resume in its last NAB Cup qualifier, against Carlton at AAMI Stadium, next Friday.

SEE ALL THIS WEEKEND'S NAB CUP SQUADS HERE

Adelaide's big search for a new ruck combination - in the wake of Kurt Tippett's defection to Sydney - has put another former Tiger out of the Crows squad with Angus Graham not in the 27 named by coach Brenton Sanderson today.

Lead ruckman Sam Jacobs returns for his first pre-season game of the summer. Adelaide has Josh Jenkins and Shaun McKernan on audition at Geelong on Saturday to be Jacob's ruck partner.

Adelaide, as expected, has put Jacobs, club champion Scott Thompson and experienced defenders Ben Rutten and Brent Reilly on a team sheet for the first time this pre-season.

All four should play in Adelaide's pen-ultimate game of the NAB Cup series that is set to end for the Crows against Carlton at AAMI Stadium next Friday.
 

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Port guns stay at home

Port Adelaide midfielder Travis Boak will sit out the second week of the NAB Cup. Picture: Justin Sanson Source: Northern Territory News

PORT Adelaide is leaving the top brass at home for its match against Melbourne at Renmark on Sunday.

Ken Hinkley and his selection committee have opted to put time into the younger section of the group and have a good look at what they have to offer while leaving out the elite group.

Captain Travis Boak, club champion Kane Cornes, Brad Ebert, Alipate Carlile, Brett Ebert, Jasper Pittard, Jay Schulz and Justin Westoff will have a break.

Former Bomber Angus Monfries is missing because of a hamstring injury.

SEE EVERY NAB CUP SQUAD HERE

Ruckman Matthew Lobbe will play his first game for the year after being rested from week one of the NAB Cup because of a hamstring injury.

PORT ADELAIDE SQUAD
3. Campbell Heath
5. Matthew Broadbent
8. Hamish Hartlett
12. Jackson Trengove (acting captain)
13. Cameron O'Shea
14. Paul Stewart
15. Lewis Stevenson
16. Oliver Wines
17. Tom Clurey
20. Chad Wingard
21. Matt Thomas
22. Mason Shaw
23. Matthew Lobbe
24. Nathan Blee
26. Andrew Moore
30. Sam Colquhoun
31. Darren Pfeiffer
32. Jake Neade
34. Jarrad Redden
37. Kane Mitchell
38. Ben Newton
40. Aaron Young
42. Tom Jonas
43. Daniel Stewart
 
Emergencies
41. Brendon Ah Chee
45. Danny Butcher
46. Justin Hoskin

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Hawks call up big guns

Sam Mitchell returns to the Hawthorn line-up this weekend. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn captain Sam Mitchell and gun midfielders Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell will play their first matches of the pre-season matches against the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.

The star trio were left in Melbourne as the Hawks flew to the Gold Coast for their opening NAB Cup round-robin matches last weekend.

The night didn't go well, with Hawthorn suffering losses to Brisbane and the Gold Coast and copping injuries to Cyril Rioli (ankle), Brian Lake (calf) and Paul Puopolo (knee).

All three will miss Friday night's clash, with Puopolo in doubt for the start of the home-and-away season.

Others missing from the Hawthorn squad include skipper Luke Hodge, Liam Shiels, Shaun Burgoyne and Grant Birchall.

Youngsters Jed Anderson, Derick Wanganeen and Sam Grimley have all been named, along with recruits Jonathan Simpkin and Matt Spangher.

Lance Franklin will play after being kept goalless in Queensland.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have named former West Coast midfielder Koby Stevens for his first game in red, blue and white.

Fans will get another look at first-round draft pick Jackson Macrae and mature-age recruit Brett Goodes, while Jordan Roughead returns after missing the Dogs' opening NAB Cup clashes with a virus.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

SQUADS

Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs, Etihad Stadium Friday 7.40pm (FOX FOOTY live)

Hawthorn

2 Jarryd Roughead
3 Jordan Lewis
4 Matt Suckling
5 Sam Mitchell
6 Josh Gibson
10 Bradley Hill
12 Brad Sewell
13 Kyle Cheney
16 Isaac Smith
18 Brent Guerra
19 Jack Gunston
20 David Hale
21 Shane Savage
22 Luke Breust
23 Lance Franklin
24 Ben Stratton
25 Ryan Schoenmakers
27 Matt Spangher
29 William Langford (R) - Emergency
32 Jonathan Simpkin
35 Sam Grimley
37 Jed Anderson
38 Mitchell Hallahan - Emergency
41 Taylor Duryea
43 Amos Frank (R)
46 Derick Wanganeen (R)
47 Jonathon Ceglar (R) - Emergency

Western Bulldogs

2 Robert Murphy
3 Mitch Wallis
4 Daniel Cross
5 Matthew Boyd
6 Luke Dahlhaus
10 Easton Wood
11 Jackson Macrae
13 Daniel Giansiracusa
14 Clay Smith
15 Jason Tutt
16 Ryan Griffen
19 Liam Jones
21 Tom Liberatore
22 Dylan Addison
23 Jordan Roughead
25 Koby Stevens
27 Will Minson
29 Tory Dickson
31 Tom Young
33 Nick Lower
37 Lukas Markovic
38 Dale Morris
39 Jason Johannisen
42 Liam Picken
44 Brett Goodes
45 Tom Campbell
49 Ayce Cordy

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Morabito closes in on return

COMEBACK TRAIL: Fremantle's Anthony Morabito (left) could resume training within weeks. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon says midfielder Anthony Morabito could return to full training within a month.

Lyon revealed the "little snippet" at Fremantle's season launch at Burswood this morning, also stating that skipper Matthew Pavlich would not take part in this week's NAB Cup Round 2 clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium so as not to miss the birth of his and wife Lauren's first child.

Morabito is recovering from his latest of three knee reconstructions, having undergone LARS treatment five weeks ago in attempt to return to competition for the first time since his debut 23-game season in 2010.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Lyon told the attendees at the launch that the 21-year-old could return to full-time training in four weeks, but was reluctant to speak in-depth on Morabito's recovery, instead saying the player would talk when he was ready.

"I don't know whether it's (Morabito's recovery) ahead (of schedule), I don't think it's behind, I think it's just about right," Lyon said.

"He's right on track and, what is it, it's probably a bit longer than three weeks, Round 1, AFL he'll be introduced into full training.

"We're really keen for Anthony to talk to that when he feels comfortable.

"We enjoy that everyone respecting what he's been through and where he's heading, but we're keen to continue to update all our fans and members along the way.

"That was just a little snippet of where he's at and, at the appropriate time, he'll do a presser himself, I would imagine."

Lyon played a similar card with Pavlich's impending absence, saying it was up to the Fremantle captain to discuss his private matters, but said the game had evolved for the better in players prioritising their personal lives.

"I don't want to talk for Matthew, I don't think that's my position," he said.

"I think we all know Lauren's pregnant, it's close to the date and I don't think it's for me to talk about their private life.

"But him flying interstate would certainly put that at risk, so he won't play.

"If they need to be there, then they should be there.

"We're really respectful of the families and wives and the support that needs to be given there.

"The game's evolved a lot; fathers never used to go to the births and how tragic did that use to be, so we've all moved a little bit forward from those days, fortunately."

Nat Fyfe and David Mundy are expected to line up against Carlton and Lyon said they would retain their spots for the remainder of the pre-season competition as "they need to catch up on some minutes".

Michael Barlow will not face the Blues, while Stephen Hill will also miss after picking up an arm injury in the practice match loss to Adelaide last Saturday. However, his omission was labelled as precautionary.

Lyon said the Dockers' other injury concern from the Crows game, Michael Walters (ankle), will fly east.

Follow Glen Foreman on Twitter: @glen_foreman

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Patton extends Giants deal

Jonathon Patton kicks for a goal against Sydney. Source: Getty Images

NO.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton has extended his contract with Greater Western Sydney until the end of 2016.

Patton was one of seven youngsters who recommitted to the Giants on Wednesday.

The tough forward, who had an injury-interrupted year with the Giants in their inaugural season, said he was happy to commit to the club long-term.

"It's a great place to be," he said. "I think we are in the best position we can possibly be in.

"I think success is going to happen sooner rather than later."

Patton, whose contract was due to expire at the end of this year, was joined by Dom Tyson, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Andrew Phillips and Sam Frost in agreeing to contract extensions until the end of 2015.

Tyson was linked to Richmond during last year's trade period.

Curtly Hampton and Aidan Corr have also committed to the club until the end of 2016.

Patton was the No.1 pick in the 2011 AFL draft.

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Zorko star still rising

Brisbane forward Dayne Zorko takes the bull by the horns. Picture: Mark Calleja Source: Herald Sun

DAYNE Zorko's great rise at the Brisbane Lions just keeps getting better after the midfield revelation was elevated to the club's emerging leadership group.

Entering just his second AFL season, the nippy Zorko has been earmarked as a future leader by coach Michael Voss following a brilliant 2012 debut.

A mature-age recruit who feared he'd missed the boat after being overlooked at four AFL drafts due to his size at 175cm, the Gold Coast product made the most of his late chance at the Lions.

Brisbane tweaked their club champion rules for him to convincingly take their rookie of the year award after averaging 20 disposals in his 16 games.

Skipper Jonathan Brown even believes Zorko would have won the best-and-fairest too if not for missing the first six rounds with a hip injury.

Despite his AFL inexperience, Voss had little hesitation in naming Zorko with fellow rising stars Jack Redden, Pearce Hanley and Mitch Golby in his young leaders group.

The Lions appointed Jed Adcock as co-captain with Brown, while Tom Rockliff and Daniel Rich were named as deputies in a four-man 'captain's group'.

But within the process Voss named two small leadership groups of rising players and mentors, featuring Simon Black.

"It was a fantastic honour, really," Zorko said today. "I was really speechless when I got told and it was great to hear that's what my peers thought of me."

A dominant force in the NEAFL for Broadbeach until 18 months ago, Zorko admits he finds it hard to believe his Lions ascension after he was on-traded by the Gold Coast Suns for pick No.34 in the 2011 national draft.

Dayne Zorko attacks the football. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

Now he's doing his best to ensure he's no flash in the pan.

"I've spoken to Vossy and I've spoken to Daniel Rich about the second-year syndrome and I feel like I've worked a lot on that so I'll go out there and play my role in the team like I did last year," said Zorko, who turned 24 this month.

Brisbane is well poised to make the NAB Cup final after winning both their opening round matches against the Suns and Hawthorn last weekend.

The Lions meet the GWS Giants at Wagga on Saturday night where a win would set up a virtual grand final qualifier against Collingwood next week.

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Jacobs says deal is above board

Sam Jacobs and teammates pictured during an Adelaide Crows training session at Grange beach. Picture: Simon Cross Source: The Advertiser

CROWS ruckman Sam Jacobs is comfortable his three-year contract extension will pass every forensic test at AFL House while Adelaide deals with the fallout of the Kurt Tippett scandal.

Jacobs today spoke of his comfort in having the AFL scrutinise with greater vigor his new contract that keeps him at West Lakes until the end of the 2016 AFL premiership season.

It is the first player contract renewal the Crows have sent to AFL House since they were stung for their secret deals with Tippett, who is now at Sydney.

"That is something, with what happened with the Tippo saga, that we're going to have deal with," said Jacobs. "I have; everyone at the club has full confidence in us being on top of everything now."

Jacobs said the Crows had put integrity checks in place to ensure "nothing like that  (the Tippett saga) happens again".

"I think we will be double-checking and cross-checking everything now."

Jacobs today dismissed the jibes of his teammates from Twitter where they have declared he has banked $1 million a year in each of the three seasons of his extension.

"I am a local, remember," said Jacobs, a Yorke Peninsula recruit with a dig back at the interstate-drafted Crows who can command more money to avert the go-home factor.

Jacobs said contract talks started in December when his manager declared Adelaide was ready to offer a new deal.

Pictures: Crows lark about at beach training

 

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Daw battles knee swelling

Majak Daw in action during the Kangaroos' NAB Cup win against Richmond. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

EXCITING North Melbourne big man Majak Daw has knee problems and is in doubt for the NAB Cup second round.

Daw developed swelling in both knees after the Kangaroos' wins against Melbourne and Richmond at Etihad Stadium last Friday night.

Coach Brad Scott said the ruckman-forward would need to improve rapidly over the next day or so to be guaranteed a place in the 24-player squad to face the Gold Coast in Townsville on Saturday afternoon.

"We're hopefully Majak will be up and right to play, but he did have some swelling Sunday and Saturday morning,'' Scott said.

"That was disappointing given that we managed his loads through the pre-season and thought he would get through. And we managed his load in the games, so at this stage at best he's 50-50.

"He will be selected in the side, but if that swelling doesn't reduce significantly over the next 24 hours, then he probably won't play. We'll look to get him right for the following week.''

Scott said Daw's running goal, when he pushed aside Tiger defender Steven Morris, was an indication of how much more development is required as well an illustration of the Sudanese-born Roo's immense athleticism.

"Right at this stage, Maj is in the early stages of his development. Despite what people say, he has a lot of work to do and he knows that clearly,'' Scott said.

"We're trying to simplify the game for him at the moment. I said before the game that he would do a few things that would make people stand up and take notice. But he's still really working hard on the fundamentals of the game.

"He didn't see Brad McKenzie on the inside. It's very easy in hindsight to say he should've passed it off, he simply didn't see him. And they're the fundamentals that I'm talking about.

North Melbourne ruckman Majak Daw provided the first highlight of the match with a strong mark backing into a pack. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

"It takes players a long time to develop the awareness around them. Maj at the moment, the simplest way for him to play is to play to his strengths.

"He'll evolve and develop that awareness as time goes on. He wants to be a respected member of this team and that means giving it to a player in a better position when it presents itself.

"When he saw the vision he said, 'Yeah, I should've given it to Brad, but I just didn't see him', so that's what we're working on with him to try to evolve his development.

"It's the joy of coaching, that's why we coach because the satisfaction you get from working hard with a player. And to (ruck coach) Alex Ishchenko's credit and all our development staff's credit, they take great satisfaction in watching Maj improve.''

Scott said the Kangaroos will be playing to win against the Suns and had already factored in the expected north Queensland heat in the preparations.

Nathan Grima and Leigh Adams are not likely to be risked for the long trip, but both are still on track to be ready for Round 1 of the home-and-away season.

"It's probably unlikely Leigh Adams will be right to play. He's probably the only regular member of our team who wasn't in the squad last week,'' he said.

"Nathan is close. He wanted to play last week, but he's a really important part of our back six, but we won't risk him if he's not 100 per cent. He prefer to get more training sessions into him.

"It will be more a process of leaving players out than bringing new ones in.

The Roos today unveiled the new surface at their training ground at Aegis Park.
 

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Scott: Stop messing with our game

Brad Scott wants the AFL to stop tinkering with the rules. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott fears the game will become "unrecognisable" if the AFL continues to tinker with rules.

Scott is opposed to the 80 interchange rotations cap to be trialled in this weekend's NAB Cup second round.

"I'm concerned a little bit that the premise is incorrect in the first place. I'm not sure that we should be trying to tire players out to try and reduce congestion," Scott said.

"You go back and look at the evolution of the game. In the early 2000s you had flooding, 2010 you had the opposite with players pushing to the other end of the ground. So the coaches evolve and alter their tactics based on what's presented to them.

"If we cap rotations and fatigue players and make it difficult for them to get around the ground, we'll just adapt, we'll just change the game again.

"If our players are really tired and we're getting scored against and we're opening up, we're likely to just put 16 players behind the ball to stop us being scored against.

Majak Daw battles knee swelling

"So, I'm very wary when it comes to tinkering with the game to try and change the evolution of the game. If we make rule changes every times there's an evolution in the game, we'll just end up chasing our tail.

"My great fear is that the game becomes unrecognisable in the not too distant future. I would prefer to just let things go as they are and let the game evolve naturally.

"I feel for the AFL because they do the best they can to trial things in the NAB Cup. But the reality is we're playing shortened games and, when you cap interchanges at 20 (each quarter), the quarters go for seven or eight minutes less than the regular season and you find most interchanges happen late in the quarter.

"So are we going to get accurate set of data? I doubt it, but I don't know what the alternative is."

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Cats won't change kamikaze Joel

Carlton legend Greg Williams has warned Geelong captain Joel Selwood against the dangers of multiple concussions.

Joel Selwood is a "ticking time bomb" for head trauma according to Greg Williams. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

Tom Hawkins marks strongly in front of Josh Hunt at Geelong training. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

GEELONG won't ask Joel Selwood to change the way he plays despite warnings of head trauma from repeated concussions.

Brownlow medallist Greg Williams described Selwood as a walking time bomb because of his fearless head-first attack on the ball.

Williams has revealed he is suffering from a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated knocks during his career with Geelong, Sydney and Carlton.

"He gets knocked out a couple of times a year and gets stunned that many times that the club has to protect him because he can't protect himself," Williams said.

"He is a champion player and courageous, but he is too courageous for his own good.

"If he keeps getting concussed, it's a huge issue for him in life and they have do to something about it."

But Geelong assistant coach Dale Amos said today the Cats wouldn't ask Selwood to change the way he plays.

"You can't change the way Joel plays. That's the way he is," Amos said at Geelong training today.

"The way they adjudicate the game, in terms of contact to players, is as good as it's ever been. It's much safer than it ever was.

"So we trust that the game will enable guys to play the way they are, because we all admire Joel.

"He's the captain of our footy club for a reason. He leads by example, and I think everybody admires the way he plays."

While Williams said players in his era would be considered "wimps" if they didn't keep playing after a head knock, Amos said times had changed.

"What was once seen to be brave and macho is quite different now," Amos said.

"Everybody in the industry is much more educated, and the players are no different.

"They report how they're feeling, and their consultations with the medical staff or the physios are quite extensive, so I think players are quite in-tune with how they feel."

AFL's concussion headache

And he said clubs couldn't take "short cuts" with concussed players.

"You just can't cheat the system anymore with those sorts of things," Amos said.

Meanwhile, the Cats will welcome back premiership stars Paul Chapman and Andrew Mackie for its NAB Cup clash against Adelaide on Saturday.

Amos said the pair were "fit and ready to play" after being rested for Geelong's trip to Perth for Round 1 of the pre-season competition.

He said Chapman was raring to go and was pushing for more midfield time.

"He's had a good injury free pre-season and in terms of his preparation it couldn't have gone any better. He's looking forward to playing, as most the senior guys are this time of year, and he's ready to go," Amos said.

Amos said Mathew Stokes (ankle) and Josh Hunt (quad) were making steady progress from injury but would not play against the Crows.

Injured ruckman Hamish McIntosh is also close to a return to training after under-going knee surgery.

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Panel clears Buddy hit

Lance Franklin runs the ball during the round one NAB Cup match against Gold Coast. Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN'S gun goalkicker Lance Franklin has no case to answer from an incident In the NAB Cup match against Gold Coast.

The AFL match review panel cleared Franklin of contact to Suns youngster Matt Shaw, deciding the Hawks ace had his hand open and it wasn't a striking action.

Carlton forward Levi Casboult is also in the clear after his heavy collision with GWS Giants Matt Buntine was deemed to be accidental.

The MRP decided Casboult had made a realistic attempt to win the ball.

Reports this morning suggested Buntine was still in hospital and may have suffered a punctured lung.

Gold Coast rookie Andrew Boston won't face a front-on bump charge after it was decided he had no alternative way to contest the ball when he collided with Brisbane Lion Claye Beams.

 

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SuperCoach: Rev up and win

Sign up for SuperCoach today for a chance to win the best seats in the house for the Australian Grand Prix. Source: Supplied

Scuderia Toro Rosso-Ferrari driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia powers past the crowd during qualifying for Formula One's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Source: AFP

TIME is running out to win an adrenalin-charged Melbourne Grand Prix package just by signing up to play SuperCoach.

Every SuperCoach player (aged 18 and over) who signs up to play before March 1 will go into the draw for a weekend of fun and thrills valued at more than $4000.

The F1 Adrenalin package includes:

TICKETS for the Winner and three friends to the 2013 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Premium Zone at Turn 15 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the event valued at $249 each.

A V8 Hot Lap valued at $1000.

HELICOPTER ride over the GP circuit.

ACCESS for the winner and friends to the VIP viewing platform at the Nitro Circus live closing performance on Sunday March 17.

PLUS accommodation for two at Crown Plaza in Melbourne from Thursday March 14-Sunday March 17 valued at $2200.

To have a shot at the fantastic prize all you have to do is register your team in Australia's biggest and best fantasy sports game before Friday.

And you'll also have a shot at the SuperCoach grand prize of $50,000 plus $1000 every week to the highest-scoring team.

Don't miss out!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR TEAM NOW

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Roos re-sign one more

North Melbourne defender Jamie Macmillan has committed to the club for another two years. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has continued to shore up its list, re-signing defender Jamie Macmillan on a two-year deal that will keep him at the Kangaroos until the end of 2015 season.

Veteran forward Daniel Wells and young star Jack Ziebell recently won contract extensions through to the end of 2016 while Shaun Atley signed until 2015.

Coach Brad Scott was given a vote of confidence by the AFL club last week when the Roos announced he'd signed a new deal tying him to the Kangaroos until the end of 2016.

Macmillan said the Kangaroos were confident of the direction they were headed in.

"We're all pretty close and its hard to explain, but I think we all have a good feeling about where were going and we have absolute confidence in Brad," Macmillan told the Roos website.

The 20-year-old played every game last year and is aiming to become more flexible and diverse in 2013.

Macmillan said he planned on playing a bigger role in the team and had a clear sense of his aims.

"Last year was about laying some groundwork and learning the basics of the game, and that's given me some confidence," he said.

"I'm the kind of guy who never really feels settled, but from day one of pre-season I've had some really clear goals about what I wanted to do and how I wanted to improve."

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Giant out with punctured lung

Young GWS defender Matt Buntine lies on the ground after being hurt in a marking contest. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

YOUNG Greater Western Sydney defender Matt Buntine will miss eight weeks after suffering a punctured lung in the NAB Cup.

Buntine was crunched by Carlton forward Levi Casboult at Blacktown yesterday and was immediately taken to Blacktown Hospital, where he had his lung drained.

He also suffered a broken rib and is now recovering in Westmead Hospital.

"It is unfortunate for Matt who has had a strong pre-season. But we are confident he will make a full recovery and look forward to him returning to the team and playing a key role for the Giants," GWS football manager Graeme Allan said.

He said co-captain Callan Ward would be available for the Giants' clash against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night after missing the first round of the NAB Cup with a minor knee injury.

Meanwhile, Giants coach Kevin Sheedy says he won't rush the development of his AFL side.

Sheedy noted GWS have the makings of an "absolutely magnificent team" after they posted a maiden win over cross-city rivals Sydney in a pre-season clash at Blacktown.

While Sheedy was all smiles, he noted the club was still aiming for long-term sustainable success.

"Clubs in a hurry have accidents," Sheedy said.

"You've seen that in the last few years in the AFL, they muck up by rushing their decisions.

"Rushing to want to be good, rushing to try and find the edge.

"Sometimes the edge is your own spirit, soul and talent."

GWS's 24-point victory over Sydney came after the Giants were left feeling "very, very annoyed with themselves" after going down to Carlton by two points.

The shock upset added another layer of intrigue to the opening-round Sydney derby on March 30 at ANZ Stadium.

"Teams are going to improve and GWS showed they've improved a lot and they really want to compete," Swans midfielder Luke Parker said.

"That's what we didn't do tonight.

"I guess their attack on the ball was always up there, but they were very attacking and used a lot of hands through the middle and they were doing it pretty well tonight.

"The thing is, we let them. We didn't have the pressure we normally put on them. So it made it a lot easier for them."

GWS lost both of their derby clashes in 2012, by an average of 78.5 points, and Sheedy was looking forward to seeing how far his side had come.

"It's a game that's actually going to change the state of football in NSW, for sure," Sheedy said.

"Because what our players are starting to feel is that we're not that far away, really, from any of the sides.

"I know we've got a bit of a way to go, but the growth of this team over the summer has been enormous.

"I've been around football a long time and I've seen the great Richmond sides play, and obviously coached the great Bombers sides.

"Get on early because this side is going to be an absolutely magnificent team."

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Lions and Suns shine against Hawks

Gold Coast Suns midfielder Harley Bennell in the NAB Cup opener against Hawthorn. Picture: Chris Hyde. Source: Getty Images

QUEENSLAND'S two AFL sides bundled Hawthorn out of NAB Cup contention at Metricon Stadium last night.

The Lions join Collingwood and North Melbourne as the only three club to have won both games in the round robin format.

You can't read too much from two 20-minute matches, but both the Suns and Lions showed signs there is a chance they can build on the momentum they built at the end of last season.

The Suns smashed the Hawks in the clearances and contested possessions in the opening game which they won 4.6 (30) to 4.5 (29) with an after the siren point from Luke Russell.

But they remain highly dependent on skipper Gary Ablett and looked like a different side in his absence from the second game.

Brisbane motored through their hosts 2.6.3 (57) to 4.6.24 in the final game giving Michael Voss the perfect start to his 2013 campaign.

The encouraging sign for Suns coach Guy mcKenna is his side has clearly taken another step in its physical development.

They no longer look like boys playing against men and were able to match both Brisbane and the Hawks physically. They weren't outmuscled by the Lions they were just outplayed.

Their two new faces look ready to step into the AFL in round one.

Jesse Lonergan adapted to senior footy with ease and Jaeger O'Meara also showed he was in the Suns' best side.

Like most footy fans Ablett is excited at the prospect of O'Meara's entry into the AFL this season.

He demonstrated his undoubted class in the 2012 NAB Cup and he showed last night he is more than ready for the physical demands of senior footy.

"He did really well, he played the role we asked of him and we're really pleased," Ablett said.

"He didn't kick any goals tonight but he cracked in which is what we wanted and he made his presence felt, the goals will come there is no doubt about that."

Brisbane's decision to recruit Brent Moloney apears to have paid immediate dividends.

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AFL boss leads crackdown on injections

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou says the league will implement ''very serious measures'' to outlaw any questionable medical practices at clubs. Source: Herald Sun

EXCLUSIVE: THE AFL will ban the use of injections - other than painkillers - in a significant crackdown on doping.

Chief executive Andrew Demetriou has pledged the AFL will outlaw any questionable medical practices at clubs as the league vows to restore the trust some fans have lost in the game in a tumultuous off-season.

"Rogue" elements in and around clubs - whether they are players, staff or hangers-on - will be driven out.

Surveillance will be increased with a "substantial investment".

Club doctors will be required to be involved in all treatments of players, cutting out the risk of any unauthorised use of external people.

And the injection of all supplements will be banned.

Read the full interview with Andrew Demetriou

Asked if the AFL intended to stop sports science staff from conducting injections on players, potentially in the stomach, Mr Demetriou said: "Absolutely."

Outlining the crackdown, he said: "There will be a ban on IV at clubs, not just on game day.

"We are implementing some very, very serious measures to restore the treatment of players under one person and that is the club doctor.

"There is an audit going on of all supplements.

"We have got our AFL medical officers sitting down with club doctors, reviewing practices, particularly the use of external people.

"There is going to be a restriction on the use of injections.

"Painkilling injections have a legitimate use, but we will limit the use of injections."

The AFL introduced a rule a decade ago that banned clubs from using IV drips within 24 hours of a match.

It came about after the Brisbane Lions were using IV drips at half-time of its games in 2001.

Mr Demetriou was adamant the AFL should also restore more power into the hands of AFL club doctors instead of sports science staff members.

And in a wide-ranging interview with Sunday Herald Sun columnist Shane Crawford, he revealed he wanted clubs to monitor the people who could put the code's integrity at risk.

"We have drawn a line in the sand," he said.

"We are going to put a stop to rogue elements at clubs and the insidious nature of some individuals who are trying to spoil it for the rest of the code.

"It is only a handful of people but it can cause significant damage.

"The public are entitled to be questioning the values of the code because they are wondering about it given what has happened with Melbourne, Adelaide and Essendon (investigations).

"I have said the issues of values, principles and ethics in the code are absolute non-negotiables."

Mr Demetriou said clubs had been provided a "road map" of warning signs: "Things like ex-players, anti-ageing clinics, gyms and tattoo parlours".

On increased surveillance, he said: "We are investing more in data-based management, surveillance and intelligence gathering."

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Jacobs commits to Crows' cause

Sam Jacobs awaits the ball during an Adelaide Crows training session. Source: The Advertiser

CROWS lead ruckman Sam Jacobs has confirmed he is committed to a long-term contract extension at Adelaide.

Jacobs, 25 in April, will sign a three-year extension keeping him at West Lakes until the end of 2016.

The former Carlton player pre-empted official announcements from Adelaide by taking to Twitter today.

He Tweeted team-mate Patrick Dangerfield saying: "Great to join your ranks in hanging round for a long time.''

Dangerfield last year signed a three-year contract extension.

But Jacobs suggests there is a significant difference in his deal when compared to the big-grossing Dangerfield: "Not $$$ though.''

Jacobs has been held back in the Adelaide pre-season as the Crows manage their senior players.

He is expected to appear for the first time on Saturday when Adelaide plays Geelong in the NAB Cup at SKilled Stadium.

Jacobs was added to the Crows' leadership group this season.

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LIVE: Swans v Blues

It is Mick Malthouse's first game as coach of Carlton. Can he start off on a winning note? Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

IT is Mick Malthouse's first match as coach of the Blues. Follow all the live action from tonight's NAB Cup matches featuring Carlton, Sydney and GWS Giants at Blacktown here.

6:30PM AEDT - Sydney Swans 2.4 (16) trail Carlton 1.4.7 (40)

THE Swans are finally on the board.

Tommy Walsh booted their first from a set shot not long into the second half.

Then Alex Jackson received a 50 metre penalty and kicked their second.

There will be no great comeback, however.

Carlton all over them.

6:15pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 0.2 (2) trail Carlton 1.4.5 (38) at HALF-TIME

BIG man Shaun Hampson joins the Carlton party as he kicks a goal just before half-time.

At half-time, the vistors lead by 36 points as the rain starts to bucket down at Blacktown.

After a shaky performance against the Giants in the opener, the Blues have put their foot to the floor against the reigning premier.

The Swans are missing a bevy of stars, but the players on the park are struggling to get their hands on it.

Premiership hangover, anyone?

Carlton's Shaun Hampson tries to put his boot into it. Source: Getty Images

6:02pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 0.0 (0) trail Carlton 1.3.3 (30)

IT is all Carlton here.

Levi Casboult, who kicked the winner against the Giants, extended the lead to 20 points.

Then Tom Bell kicked a monster nine-point goal from 65 metres out on the run.

Sydney have barely touched the footy here.

Mick Malthouse would be very pleased with this showing to date.

Blues coach Mick Malthouse speaks to players at half-time of the clash against GWS Giants. Source: Getty Images

5:57pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 0.0 (0) trail Carlton 2.1 (13)

CARLTON are on the board nice and early against the Swans.

David Ellard gets on the end of a string of handballs to kick the opener.

It was followed up straight away by Eddie Betts, who exploded through the centre to kick a stunning goal on the run.

They are nice and warmed up now, the Blues.

5:31pm AEDT- GWS Giants 5.2 (32) lost to Carlton 4.10 (34)

HEARTBREAK for the GWS Giants as Carlton win by two points.

Levi Casboult nailed a tough set shot with 30 seconds remaining to take the lead.

The Giants controlled the match, but the Blues were able to gain some momentum late in the match and it was enough to get the win.

Terrific comeback by Carlton as MicK Malthouse gets a win in his first match in control.

Carlton will now back up against reigning premier Sydney.

Lachie Whitfield takes a mark over Carlton's Mitch Robinson. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

5:27pm AEDT - GWS Giants lead 5.2 (32) to 3.9 (27)

THE Blues are back.

Rowe kicked his second and that was followed up by Shaun Hampson, who made no mistake from a set shot after receiving a dubious free kick.

Can the Giants hang on?

Giant Anthony Miles gets away from Carlton's Levi Casboult. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

5:17pm AEDT- GWS Giants leader 5.2 (32) to Carlton 1.9 (15)

WELCOME to GWS, Stephen Gilham.

The Giants have skipped further ahead through the former Hawthorn defender, who made no mistake from a set shot.

Only the NAB Cup but a few concerns for Carlton.

There was no forward structure to speak of at this stage.

Blue Mitch Robinson in action against GWS Giants. Source: Getty Images

5pm AEDT - GWS Giants 4.1 (25) lead Carlton 1.6 (12) at HALF-TIME

The Giants are taking the game on here and it is showing.

Jonathon 'General' Patton looks a million bucks after a summer in the gym. He has kicked three goals and the Blues have no answer for him.

Liam Sumner has also kicked one for the home side and they lead by 13 points at half-time.

No one putting their hand up for the Blues.

Bryce Gibbs, Brock McLean and Chris Yarran are their leading possession winners to half-time.

Phil Davis (centre) and Stephen Gilham (right) of the Giants compete with Levi Casboult (left). Source: Getty Images

4:45pm AEDT - GWS Giants 1.0 (6) trails Carlton 1.3 (9)

A BAD mistake by Matthew Watson has seen the Giants kick the first game of the match.

As the ball bounced towards the GWS goal, Watson overran the ball - allowing big Jonathon Patton to run to it and kick the opener.

Carlton blew a number of early chances before San Rowe kicked the first goal for the Blues.

In first game since recovering from chemotherapy, Rowe slotted it home from a set shot.

Both teams still finding their feet in the early going.

New Carlton coach Mick Malthouse with his arch rival Kevin Sheedy. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

4:15pm AEDT-

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of today's NAB Cup clash from Blacktown.

It is Mick Malthouse's first game as Carlton coach and he will be looking for an instant response from his new players, who will all be looking to make an impression.

First up will be the Giants and the Blues at 4:40pm.

No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield will be making his debut for the Giants and he will be one to watch.

Follow the coverage with us right here!

SCHEDULE

Giants v Blues 4.40pm AEDT
Swans v Blues 5.45pm AEDT
Giants v Swans 6.50pm AEDT

FOLLOW NICK SMART ON TWITTER: @NickSmart85

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