Hawks fear worst for Suckling

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN has been dealt a blow with superboot Matthew Suckling suffering what appears to be a serious knee injury.

ALASTAIR Clarkson's dislike for the NAB Cup grew deeper yesterday when Hawthorn midfielder Matt Suckling left Aurora Stadium on crutches and seems destined for a season-ending knee reconstruction.

The Hawks' coach, who has labelled the AFL's preseason competition as a TV gimmick and nightmare for coaches, resigned himself to the fact that 25-year-old Suckling's year is over.

Statistically Hawthorn's best rebounding defender last season, Suckling spent the NAB Cup making his case for a spot further upfield with the departure of hard-running Hawk Clinton Young to Collingwood.

Suckling's knee gave way while he was evading a tackle from Richmond defender Troy Chaplin at the seven minute mark of the third quarter of their one-point NAB Cup loss to Richmond in Launceston yesterday.

Suckling will know his fate tomorrow after tests in Melbourne.

"It's more than likely going to be an ACL, and that's a great disappointment for us," Clarkson said.

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"We've had five knee reconstructions in the past 12 months and that's the brutal nature of the game."

The Hawks coach is already dirty on the AFL for announcing its plan the slash interchange rotations from a league average of 130 per game to a cap of 80 next year.

"Once again, it (Suckling's injury) focuses on how important it is for us all to give serious consideration to the demands of this game on our players," Clarkson said.

"It's a very demanding game, in my view the most difficult ball sport to play in the world.

"We need to be especially mindful of the loads on our players."

The preseason competition, Clarkson said, was the most dangerous time for players.

"Most knee reconstructions happen either in the NAB Cup series or the first five or six rounds of the season," he said.

"We'll get the occasional one after their bodies are hardened and are match-conditioned.

"But this is a real precarious time for the players and unfortunately you're going to lose someone along the way and unfortunately we lost Suckling today.

"That's disappointing, but we'll have to replace him with another bloke and forge on."

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Hawthorn lost its fourth consecutive NAB Cup match yesterday, going down to the Tigers, who won 0.13..7 (85) to 0.13.6 (84).

Clarkson took solace from the loss,

"They (Richmond) looked to be in control of the contest but we hung in there and that was really pleasing," he said.

"We've played a lot of our young players over the series.

"Interestingly, us and Sydney sit on the bottom of the NAB Cup ladder.

"It's all because our preparations are a lot different to a lot of the sides.

"All four sides we played (Gold Coast, Brisbane, Bulldogs and Tigers) didn't play finals last year so they've had longer campaigns than us.

"We'll get our side a lot more stable over the next few weeks leading into the Geelong game in round one."

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Jacks leads Tiges to victory

Jack Riewoldt kicked three goals in Richmond's NAB Cup victory over Hawthorn. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

A GOAL after the final siren from Richmond star Jack Riewoldt has given the Tigers a heart-stopping one-point AFL pre-season cup win over Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium.

Riewoldt nailed the difficult six-pointer from wide to the left to hand Richmond a 0.13.7(85) to 0.13.6(84) victory after a seesawing final quarter in which the lead changed six times.

The victory gave Richmond a 3-1 record for the pre-season and left grand finalists the Hawks winless after four.

Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead booted three of his five goals in the final term, but it wasn't enough after his side had clawed back from a 19-point halftime deficit.

Riewoldt and Chris Newman finished with three each for the Tigers with Roughead supported by Shaun Burgoyne and Matt Spangher with doubles in front of 8601 in Launceston.

Hawthorn went into the game against the near full-strength Tigers without a number of big guns, including Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli and captain Luke Hodge but Burgoyne and Grant Birchall made their first appearances of the year.

Richmond were all over them early and kicked four of the first five goals to race out to a 19-point lead.

But three goals in quick succession to Shane Savage, Jed Anderson and Burgoyne saw the Hawks finish the first term the stronger and at level pegging.

The Tigers came our growling in the second, booting four of the five goals to go to the long break up 0.8.4 to 0.5.3.

Riewoldt provided the comedy when he spectacularly somersaulted over the boundary fence and into one of the stands at Aurora, emerging unscathed moments later.

Hawthorn clawed their way back, kicking the first three goals of the third - two to Spangher - to narrow the margin to just three.

They hit the lead when Derick Wanganeen goaled but Richmond led by two points when Bachar Houli kicked a major on the stroke of three-quartertime.

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Saints overrun Demons

St Kilda goalsneak Terry Milera cops a high tackle from Melbourne enforcer Nathan Jones. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

THE stars returned to the St Kilda line-up and helped lead the Saints to a 25-point victory over Melbourne in their pre-season cup match at Casey Fields.

The Saints won the match 2.10.13.(91) to Melbourne's 2.7.6.(66).

Victory was set-up by a dominant second quarter performance, when veteran goalsneak Stephen Milne kicked three goals to help turn around his team's fortunes.

Both teams had chosen to rest players in the hot conditions, but captain Nick Riewoldt and star midfielder Lenny Hayes both played their first pre-season match this year for the Saints.

It was the Demons who started better in the tough conditions.

Ruckman Mark Jamar grabbed control of the ruck early and was able to give his midfield first use of the ball.

Recruits Shannon Byrnes and Cameron Pedersen were productive early and the Demons quickly shot out to a 22 point lead.

St Kilda by contrast looked rusty in the first quarter.

They turned the ball over in the backline and their kicking out of defence was poor early in the game. Melbourne had the benefit of a hot wind behind their backs in the first term, and Lynden Dunn used it to good effect to kick a supergoal after a strong mark.

Trailing by 15 points after the first quarter, some of the Saints more experienced players stood up in the second.

As well as Milne, the likes of Hayes and Leigh Montagna became influential in the game.

The Saints kicked two supergoals through Jack Newnes and former Swan Dennis Trent-Lane to give them a 31 point lead at the main break.

The predicted stifling conditions forced the AFL to relax the rules around the interchange bench with teams allowed unlimited interchange rotations and six players to come off the bench.

The game slowed down after half time and scoring became more difficult in the hot conditions.

Melbourne controlled much of the play in the second half but the Saints were able to counter any attack.

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Cats reign supreme over Roos

Geelong star Steve Johnson was pivotal in the Cats 12-point win over North Melbourne at Simonds Stadium. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

EVERGREEN Paul Chapman kicked three clever final-quarter goals as Geelong hung tough to beat North Melbourne by 12 points in their pre-season cup clash on a brutally hot day at Simonds Stadium.

The scores were tied at 10.8 (68) apiece at three quarter-time and it seemed North would have more to play for in the final term, as a victory would have earned them a spot in the pre-season cup final for the first time in 13 years.

But it was the Cats who had the best of the fourth quarter, kicking four goals to two to win 14.12 (96) to 12.12 (84).

The Kangaroos led by seven points early in the final term courtesy of a goal from key forward Lachie Hansen, only for Chapman to step into the breach.

His first goal came from the tightest of angles after Sam Wright had soccered the ball out of bounds on the full.

Chapman put the home team up by seven points with a skillful left-footed snap and then iced the win with his third goal with just 12 seconds on the clock.

Key forward Tom Hawkins also kicked three goals for Geelong - all of them coming in the second quarter.

Steve Johnson was busy in the midfield picking up 20 disposals including five clearances. The star Cat also laid nine tackles.

Lindsay Thomas was the Kangaroos' leading goalscorer with three.

The temperature was 37 degrees when the match kicked off and had only dropped by a couple of degrees at the final siren.

With the extreme heat policy invoked, their were no interchange restrictions imposed on either side.

The Cats rested several big names including Jimmy Bartel, Corey Enright, James Podsiadly and Harry Taylor while North Melbourne were without Brent Harvey, Nathan Grima and Todd Goldstein.

First-choice ruckman Goldstein played in the curtain-raiser for the Kangaroos VFL affiliate North Ballarat, allowing Currie to play a full game in the seniors.

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Tigers in Tassie to win

Trent Cotchin returns to the team to lead the Tigers in Launceston tomorrow. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

IT MAY not be the 10-goal mauling the Tigers handed Hawthorn when they met last season but Richmond is determined to humble the Hawks again tomorrow.

The Tigers hit the immaculate green carpet at Aurora Stadium today for a relaxed run ahead of their Round 3 NAB Cup showdown with Hawthorn tomorrow at 1.10pm.

Already packing a 2-1 win-loss ratio and sitting sixth on the pre-season table, compared to a winless Hawthorn sitting second-last, Richmond is not just preparing its systems for Round 1.

"We've come here to win," assistant coach Ross Smith said.

"We beat both Grand Final teams last year, but we need to win games and build our confidence going into the season proper."

The Tigers have been boosted by the return of new captain Trent Cotchin and vice-captain Brett Deledio, ruckman Ivan Maric, midfielder Reece Conca and defender Steven Morris.

Richmond's new key defender Troy Chaplin has been tipped to play half a game on his way into the team after injury, and new midfielder Sam Lonergan, picked up from Essendon, will play most of the match in his first game back from injury.

"To have Chappy to bolster our backline is fantastic, and we've got a pretty good midfield as it is but Sam Lonergan adds a little bit of grunt and experience and compliments that," Smith said.

Changed man: Sam Lonergan wants to repay the faith the Tigers have shown in him. Picture: David Smith Source: Herald Sun

 

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Oval funds should be repaid - AG

An artist's impression of the Adelaide Oval redevelopment. Source: The Advertiser

PRESSURE on the Stadium Management Authority to explain its spending at the new Adelaide Oval has increased with the Auditor-General raising questions about government funds at the project.

Auditor-General Simon O'Neill has found government funds designated for the construction of the $535 million Oval were used for the management operations of the SMA - and not construction of the oval as they were intended.

He recommends the State Government "recover the relevant costs" from the SMA, which is a partnership of the SA National Football League and the SA Cricket Association.

The State Government is now seeking advice from the Crown Solicitor on whether it can remodel the SMA which has no government representative on its eight-man board.

The concerns about the operating budgets of the SMA were flagged by the two SA-based AFL clubs - Adelaide and Port Adelaide - in The Advertiser today.

Mr O'Neill does not indicate exactly in his report how much money the SMA should tip back into the construction budget funded by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure.

However, he found there were payments of $960,000 to the SANFL and $1 million to SACA which had to be retrospectively approved by the Treasurer.

These payments were not related to the redevelopment or construction, but legal, public relations and salary costs for the SMA.

"Following the completion of this report I intend to write to DPTI recommending it seek to allocate contract costs between the redevelopment project and the AOSMA component and seek to recover relevant costs from AOSMA," Mr O'Neill said in his report.

Mr O'Neill adds the Treasurer also would need to retrospectively approve another blow-out - by $135,000 blowout on a $300,000 allocation approved to the SMA last year.

The Auditor-General's report follows the AFL clubs noting the SMA's budgets have ballooned from an anticipated $2m to $9m.

This has worried the Power and Crows about their future earnings at the Oval where AFL football will be played next season in the new 50,000-seat stadium.

The SMA's need for more money is measured by its grab of the premium tickets at the Oval - the exclusive "Stadium Club" memberships.

The SMA originally was to take 600 of the 1455 "Stadium Club" memberships that sell at $4500 and offer the best seats, best dining options and car parking at Adelaide Oval.

The SMA has now has claimed 1000 of these elite memberships.

The difference of 400 seats adds $1.8m to the SMA's coffers - money the Crows and Power want to boost their returns from the Oval.

Both Port and the Crows are mystified as to why the SMA has grown into a $9m body.

Power chief executive Keith Thomas said yesterday: "The original Adelaide Oval model put to us in 2009 was for a lean SMA to maximise the returns to the sports playing on the new Oval, in particular footy. We're asking why has that changed?"

Crows chairman Rob Chapman added: "The original intent was for a lean SMA that managed the Oval and its precinct - and maximised the return to football and cricket. That was always the intention.

"There must be fairness and equity in how money is distributed at Adelaide Oval."

SMA chief executive Andrew Daniels was at meetings in Melbourne yesterday and unavailable for comment.

The authority told The Advertiser: "There is pressure on the SMA to deliver a lean stadium management model - and a great product at the Oval."

Chapman on Wednesday for the first time took suspended Crows chief executive Steven Trigg's seat at the joint SMA meetings and argues "common sense can prevail" on the carve up of Adelaide Oval's returns.

"We reached a compromise on one key issue on Wednesday because there is goodwill and good relationships between all the parties," he said.

"I'm still confident we can get the right outcomes. But there is a long way to go."

The major intent of football's return to the city - after setting up AAMI Stadium at West Lakes in 1974 - was to generate more money for both the Crows and Power so the AFL clubs would move from the bottom half of AFL stadia return to the top quarter.

Adelaide's non-negotiable stance on leaving AAMI Stadium was Adelaide Oval had to deliver a $3m uplift in returns - a figure met in the 2009 projections.

The 2009 figures were based on the new Oval delivering more fans, more members and more sponsors than at AAMI Stadium where there has been a recent downturn in all these categories.

But Thomas says the 2009 budgets sold to the Crows and Power no longer stack up in 2014 and need to be re-assessed before the clubs sign 20-year leases at the Oval.

The AFL clubs may need as much as an extra $3m from the Oval in 2014 to keep pace with their interstate rivals.

"Three years after those original numbers were put to us, they now look insufficient," he said.

"Adelaide Oval can produce money to meet everyone's needs. But we need an open mind on how that money is distributed."

The biggest problem for the two SA-based AFL clubs in this debate is having no direct representation on the SMA.

The authority has eight directors - four appointed by the SANFL and four by the SA Cricket Association, the original leaseholder of the Oval from the Adelaide City Council.

There is no AFL representative. There is no appointee from the State Government which is pumping more than $500m into the redevelopment of the Oval and its precinct.

Baulderstone in October, 2011, was awarded the construction contract to redevelop Adelaide Oval - a $535 million State Government project expected to be completed for the start of next year's AFL season.

The SMA, however, is answerable to the government on construction issues at the Oval.

The blind point for the Crows and Power is not having a seat on the SMA is being denied transparency on how the authority operates - and how it manages the overheads at Adelaide Oval.

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Goodes steps down as captain

Adam Goodes with the 2012 premiership cup. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ADAM Goodes has stepped aside as Sydney captain, handing the baton to rising star Kieren Jack.

Goodes made the call after four years in the job.

The 319-game veteran will remain in the Swans' leadership group.

The announcement continues Jack's remarkable story. The son of rugby league champion Garry, Jack was recruited with pick 58 in the 2006 rookie draft. He is now a Sydney best-and-fairest winner (2010), premiership player (2012) and co-captain.

"I'm really honoured and humbled to receive this opportunity to be co captain with Jarrad," Jack said.

"It's great for me personally coming from Sydney.

"(This is) a club that I followed since I was a kid a club that gave me an opportunity when a lot of other clubs said I wasn't good enough."

Kieren Jack celebrates his last-quarter goal during the Grand Final. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Goodes said he had spent a lot of time thinking about his future during his rehabilitation from a knee injury suffered in the Swans' Grand Final win.

He said he made up his mind during a pre-season camp at Coffs Harbour.

"It was nice to hear the voices of the leaders in the room really stepping up," Goodes said.

"I could tell it was the right time to step down and give someone the opportunity to which I had four years ago.

"I don't see it as a backward step, I see it as a great step moving forward for our footy club.

"We've had fantastic leaders and the succession in leaders is something we can hang our hat on."

Longmire paid tribute to outgoing co-captain.

"Adam has been a tremendous leader of our club for a long time and while he won't be a captain, he will still play an important role in our leadership group.

"The club fully supports Adam's decision to stand down after four years as co-captain and think it is a great show of faith from him in our younger leaders."

As revealed on SuperFooty this morning, the Swans also announced new contracts for Goodes and Jack.

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LIVE: Giants v Bombers

Brendon Goddard kicked a nice goal from deep in the pocket to extend the Bombers' lead. Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

GREATER Western Sydney will be looking to continue its solid pre-season form when the Giants take on Essendon tonight.

6.53pm - Bombers add to Giants pain
Giants 0.1.1 (7)
Bombers 1.7.6 (57)

ESSENDON continues to pile on the pressure against GWS Giants with Patrick Ryder and Heath Hocking extending the Bombers' lead to 50 points.

Hocking kicked the Dons' first goal of the second quarter snapping from the top of the square.

Enter Ryder who marked Michael Hurley's centering kick for the second in a hurry to put paid to the young Giants.

Giants skipper Phil Davis is under siege in the back half defending the Bombers onslaught. Davis has picked up eight disposals including three marks.

Meanwhile Callan Ward is off the ground after copping a heavy knock in the first quarter.

Ward, one of the Giants most important playmakers, had just one disposal to his name.

6.29pm - Bombers goal frenzy
Giants 0.1.1 (7)
Bombers 1.4.3 (36)

IT'S getting ugly at Manuka Stadium with Essendon skipping away late in the first quarter.

The Dons trailled the Giants by seven points early in the term before goals to Jackson Merrett, Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard and Michael Hibberd silenced the home crowd.

Goddard's was the pick of the goals converting a difficult shot from deep in the pocket.

PRE-GAME: GREATER Western Sydney will be looking to continue its solid pre-season form when the Giants take on Essendon tonight.

The fledgling AFL club boasts a 1-2 NAB Cup record including a runaway victory against arch-rivals and reigning premiers Sydney.

Add to our LiveHQ coverage by tweeting your thoughts on tonight's games @superfooty or @gilbertgardiner

The Giants, set to unleash No.2 draft pick Jono O'Rourke against the Bombers, two losses have been by a combined five points at the hands of Carlton and Brisbane last week.

Essendon has named a largely unchanged line up for the tonight's match at Manuka Stadium with Tayte Pears and Nathan Lovett-Murray added to the squad.

See all the teams HERE

Veteran ruckman David Hille was left out.

Check back throughout the evening for breaking news and match updates

Meanwhile, Giants posterboy Tom Scully is back after missing last week's loss to the Lions with a minor knee injury.

CARLTON takes on Adelaide in game two of tonight's pre-season twin bill, with the winner moving into next week's NAB Cup grand final.

A win for the Blues at AAMI Stadium against the Crows would cap off a sterling start to master coach Mick Malthouse's tenure at Visy Park.

Schedule

GWS v Essendon at Manuka Stadium from 6.30pm
Adelaide v Carlton at AAMI Stadium from 8.30pm

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Buzz around 'new Port'

Jay Schulz and Tom Logan at Port Adelaide training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: Herald Sun

LEADING Port Adelaide forward Jay Schulz believes the off-field movements of the Power - which culminated in a $1.5million per year major sponsorship with Renault this week - will carry momentum on field.

After two gloomy seasons at Alberton, the former Tiger is daring to believe his dream of playing finals football for the first time in his decade-long career is getting closer as Port is getting its ship in order under a new board and a new coaching panel.

"We've got the same feeling that everyone on the outside is feeling tends to be felt on the inside as well,'' Schulz said. "There's a real buzz around the place.

"The boys are feeling good, feeling fit, as most clubs are this time of year.

"Just really excited about the season ahead.

"Renault coming on board has given us another lift as well and our corporate has worked fantastically to get that deal done.

"I think all the changes that have been made have all been positive and have taken the club in a new direction.

"The boys are feeling it and now we just look forward to putting it on display.''

Schulz said Alberton barely bore resemblance to the place he first joined when he left Richmond to come home to South Australia.

Under new coach Ken Hinkley and the off-field leadership of Keith Thomas and David Koch, the club is finally poised to give something back to its long-suffering fans.

"It's just been a different joint, in general,'' Schulz said. "A lot of things have been parked, there are a lot of new phases and you know the old saying - a change is as good as a holiday.

"I truly believe that.''
 

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Roo Currie to ruck solo

Daniel Currie of the Kangaroos rucks against God Coast's Zac Smith last weekend. Source: Herald Sun

SYDNEY reject Daniel Currie will have a chance to claim the Kangaroos' No.1 ruck role when he goes solo against Geelong on Saturday.

Currie, 24, spent five years on the Swans' list without playing a senior game.

He was delisted at the end of 2011 and played for North Adelaide in the SANFL last season, winning the most hitouts in the competition.

He was recruited by the Roos with pick 49 in the national draft as back-up to Todd Goldstein following the departure of Hamish McIntosh to Geelong.

But Currie's excellent NAB Cup form has prompted coach Brad Scott to consider whether he could be the club's No.1 big man.

"This is an opportunity for us to have a close look at Daniel and see what he can do," Scott told the club's website today.

"Obviously, we are well aware of what Todd (Goldstein) can do on the field already and the NAB Cup gives us the chance to have a really good look at Dan and expose him to some elite competition in Geelong, while also giving him sole-ruck responsibility."

Goldstein will play for North Ballarat in the VFL this weekend.

Scott said Goldstein was not being moved aside, but it's unlikely he and Currie would play in the same side during the home-and-away season, especially with the athletic Majak Daw providing another tall option.

Daw is expected to play against the Cats after missing last weekend's match due to knee swelling.

"This is about giving Dan the chance to show us what he can do, without Goldy there to lean on," Scott said.

"It's exciting for him to get this opportunity and we're really confident he'll do well and carry the load."

Currie is a $109,500 ruckman in SuperCoach. Click here to start picking your squad now

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Big names back for NAB Cup

Andrew Swallow will line up against Geelong on Saturday. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Chris Judd at Carlton training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

NICK Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes, Matthew Pavlich and Adam Goodes are among the stars named to play in this weekend's NAB Cup matches.

The Saints have named a host of key veterans including Stephen Milne and Justin Koschitzke as teams get closer to their Round 1 line-ups.

The start of the home-and-away season is now less than two weeks away.

Geelong has called up Joel Selwood, Tom Hawkins and Joel Corey for its clash against North Melbourne, which has been boosted by the inclusion of captain Andrew Swallow and key forward Drew Petrie.

But in a surprise move, Daniel Currie will lead the Kangaroos' ruck division with No.1 Todd Goldstein to line up in the VFL.

The Roos also welcome back Leigh Adams for his first game back from shoulder operations and excitement machine Majak Daw, who missed a week with a knee injury.

Geelong has named Paul Chapman, who was subbed out of last week's win against Adelaide with a quad injury. Jimmy Bartel, Jared Rivers and James Podsiadly have been rested.

Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich will play his first match of the pre-season against the Western Bulldogs in Mandurah while Jonathan Brown will lead the Lions for the first time in 2013 against Collingwood.

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE EVERY NAB CUP SQUAD

The WA game will be played with shortened quarters and a bigger interchange bench to cope with extreme heat.

Richmond regains stars Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio and Ivan Maric while free agent Troy Chaplin will play his first game for the Tigers against Hawthorn in Launceston.

The Hawks have rested Lance Franklin.

Jack Watts, Jack Grimes, Shannon Byrnes and Jimmy Toumpas return for Melbourne, but the Demons have not named father-son draft pick Jack Viney.

Yesterday, Carlton left star midfielder Chris Judd out of its squad for tomorrow's NAB Cup clash against Adelaide.

The Blues have named veteran Heath Scotland for his first pre-season hitout, although he will miss the first two weeks of the home-and-away season serving a club suspension.

"It's all about load balance for those two guys," Blues football manager Andrew McKay said of Judd and Scotland.

Carlton has suffered injury setbacks to a series of young players with David Ellard (hamstring), draftee Nick Graham (knee) and rookies Andrew Collins (ankle) and Rhys O'Keeffe (heel) all out for at least a month.

Andrew Carrazzo will captain the Blues on Friday night in his audition for the top job.

Adelaide boosted the team that suffered a disappointing loss to Geelong last weekend, adding Rory Sloane, Jared Petrenko, Sam Shaw, Ian Callinan and Rising Star Award winner Daniel Talia.

In the earlier Friday night game, Essendon takes on GWS in Canberra with defender Tayte Pears and veteran Nathan Lovett-Murray added to the team that lost to Richmond in Wangaratta. Ruckman David Hille has been left out.

The Giants have named Tom Scully after he missed last week's loss to Brisbane with a minor knee injury.

NAB CUP SQUADS

GWS v Essendon, Manuka Oval, Friday 6.10pm

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

1. Phil Davis, 2. Curtly Hampton, 3. Stephen Coniglio, 4. Toby Greene, 5. Dylan Shiel, 7. Rhys Palmer, 8. Callan Ward, 9. Tom Scully, 11. Taylor Adams, 17. Adam Treloar, 20. Adam Tomlinson, 23. Sam Reid, 24. Jono O'Rourke, 28. Liam Sumner, 30. Lachie Plowman, 31. Jacob Townsend, 35. Aidan Corr, 37. Setanta O'hAilpin, 39. Tim Mohr, 40. Adam Kennedy, 42. Mark Whiley, 43. Kurt Aylett, 46. Bret Thornton, 48. Sam Frost, 50. Dean Brogan

ESSENDON

1. Michael Hibberd, 2. Tom Bellchambers, 4. Jobe Watson, 5. Brent Stanton, 7. Leroy Jetta, 9. Brendon Goddard, 12. Stewart Crameri, 15. Courtenay Dempsey, 16. Tayte Pears, 17. Jake Melksham, 18. Michael Hurley, 20. Jackson Merrett, 21. Dyson Heppell, 22. Jake Carlisle, 23. David Myers, 26. Cale Hooker, 28. Elliott Kavanagh, 29. Alwyn Davey, 30. Patrick Ryder, 31. Dustin Fletcher, 34. Kyle Hardingham, 35. Martin Gleeson, 38. Nick Kommer, 39. Heath Hocking, 40. Ben Howlett, 42. Nathan Lovett-Murray, 46. Mark Baguley

Adelaide v Carlton, AAMI Stadium (Friday, March 8, 8.40pm AEDT)

ADELAIDE

2. Brad Crouch, 3. Brent Reilly, 4. Josh Jenkins, 5. Scott Thompson, 7. Nathan van Berlo, 9. Rory Sloane, 10. Matthew Jaensch, 11. Matthew Wright, 12. Daniel Talia, 13. Taylor Walker, 14. David Mackay, 16. Luke Brown, 17. Bernie Vince. 18. Graham Johncock, 22. Andy Otten, 23.Jared Petrenko, 24. Sam Jacobs, 25. Ben Rutten, 26. Richard Douglas, 29. Sam Kerridge, 32. Patrick Dangerfield, 34. Sam Shaw, 35. Shaun McKernan, 36. Brodie Martin, 37. Ian Callinan, 40. Jason Porplyzia, 45. Ricky Henderson

CARLTON

1. Andrew Walker, 3.Marc Murphy, 6. Kade Simpson, 7. Dylan Buckley, 8. Matthew Kreuzer, 9. Kane Lucas, 11. Robert Warnock, 12. Mitch Robinson, 13. Chris Yarran, 14. Brock McLean, 15. Jeremy Laidler, 19. Eddie Betts, 21. Josh Bootsma, 22. Shaun Hampson, 23. Lachie Henderson, 27. Dennis Armfield, 28. Tom Bell, 29. Heath Scotlan, 34. Nick Duigan, 35. Edward Curnow, 38. Jeff Garlett, 39. Frazer Dale, 40. Michael Jamison, 42. Zach Tuohy, 43. Simon White, 44. Andrew Carrazzo, 45. Aaron Joseph

Exclusive video: Carlton season preview

Hawthorn v Richmond, Aurora Stadium Saturday 1.10pm

HAWTHORN

2. Jarryd Roughead, 3. Jordan Lewis, 4. Matthew Suckling, 5. Sam Mitchell, 6. Josh Gibson, 8. Xavier Ellis, 9. Shaun Burgoyne, 10. Bradley Hill, 13. Kyle Cheney, 14. Grant Birchall, 16. Isaac Smith, 21. Shane Savage, 24. Benjamin Stratton, 25. Ryan Schoenmakers, 27. Matthew Spangher, 28. Paul Puopolo, 29. Will Langford, 31. Angus Litherland, 32. Jordan Simpkin, 34. Jordan Kelly, 35. Sam Grimley, 37. Jed Anderson, 39. Max Bailey, 40. Tim O'Brien, 41. Taylor Duryea, 43. Amos Frank, 46. Derick Wanganeen

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, 13. Ricky Petterd, 14. Bachar Houli, 18. Alex Rance, 20. Ivan Maric, 22. Sam Lonergan, 23. Daniel Jackson, 24. Ben Griffiths, 25. Troy Chaplin, 26. Robin Nahas, 27. Aaron Edwards, 28. Jake King, 29. Tyrone Vickery, 30. Reece Conca, 35. Matthew White, 38. Steven Morris, 44. Matt Arnot, 45. Brett O'Hanlon

Melbourne v St Kilda, Casey Fields, Saturday 2.30pm

MELBOURNE

1. Jesse Hogan, 2. Nathan Jones, 4. Jack Watts, 5. Jimmy Toumpas, 8. James Frawley, 10. Shannon Byrnes, 12. Colin Sylvia, 13. Jordie McKenzie, 14. Lynden Dunn, 15. David Rodan, 20. Colin Garland, 21. Cam Pederson, 22. James Magner, 26. Daniel Nicholson, 27. Tom Gillies, 28. Joel MacDonald, 30. James Sellar, 31. Jack Grimes, 32. Michael Evans, 35. Luke Tapscott, 36. Aaron Davey, 38. Jeremy Howe, 39. Neville Jetta, 40. Mark Jamar, 42. Jake Spencer, 45. Matt Jones, 46. Dean Terlich

ST KILDA

2 Arryn Siposs, 3 Jack Steven, 4 Clint Jones, 6 Sebastian Ross, 7 Lenny Hayes, 8 Trent Dennis-Lane, 9 Tommy Lee, 11 Leigh Montagna, 12 Nick Riewoldt, 14 Jarryn Geary, 15 Tom Ledger, 16 Jack Newnes, 17 Dylan Roberton, 19 Sam Gilbert, 22 Farren Ray, 23 Justin Koschitzke, 24 Sean Dempster, 25 Sam Fisher, 26 Nick Dal Santo, 27 Jason Blake, 29 Jimmy Webster, 30 Brodie Murdoch, 32 Terry Milera, 33 James Gwilt, 37 Beau Maister, 44 Stephen Milne, 45 Jackson Ferguson

Geelong v North Melbourne, Simonds Stadium 3.40pm AEDT
 
GEELONG

1 Mitch Brown, 4 Andrew MACKIE, 5 Travis Varcoe, 9 James Kelly, 11 Joel Corey, 13 Tom Lonergan, 14 Joel Selwood, 15 Jordan Schroder, 19 Taylor Hunt, 20 Steven Johnson, 21 Jordan Murdoch, 23 Josh Caddy, 26 Tom Hawkins, 28 Allen Christensen, 29 Cameron Guthrie, 32 Steven Motlop, 33 George Horlin-Smith, 34 Joshua Walker, 35 Paul Chapman, 37 Cameron Eardley, 38 Jackson Sheringham, 39 Shane Kersten, 40 Jackson Thurlow, 41 Jesse Stringer, 42 Ryan Bathie, 45 Joel Hamling, 46 Mark Blicavs

NORTH MELBOURNE

1. Daniel Currie, 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, 13. Leigh Adams, 14. Jordan Gysberts, 16. Scott Thompson, 18. Shaun Atley, 19. Sam Wright, 20. Drew Petrie, 23. Kieran Harper, 24. Levi Greenwood, 28. Will Sierakowski, 29. Brent Harvey, 34. Jamie Macmillan, 35. Aaron Black, 38. Majak Daw, 41. Aaron Mullett, 42. Scott McMahon, 43. Sam Gibson

Fremantle v Western Bulldogs, Mandurah Saturday 6.30pm

FREMANTLE

1. Hayden Ballantyne, 3. Zac Dawson, 4. Jayden Pitt, 6. Danyle Pearce, 7. Nat Fyfe, 8. Nick Suban, 9. Matt de Boer, 10. Michael Walters, 12. Jon Griffin, 13. Tendai Mzungu, 15. Ryan Crowley, 16. David Mundy, 17. Hayden Crozier, 18. Luke McPharlin, 21. Michael Barlow, 23. Chris Mayne, 26. Kepler Bradley, 27. Lachie Neale, 29. Matthew Pavlich, 30. Zac Clarke, 32. Stephen Hill, 33. Cam Sutcliffe, 34. Lee Spurr, 37. Michael Johnson, 41. Paul Duffield, 44. Jesse Crichton, 46. Clancee Pearce

New dad Pavlich ready to play

WESTERN BULLDOGS

1. Jarrad Grant, 3. Mitch Wallis, 6. Luke Dahlhaus, 8. Jack Veszpremi, 10. Easton Wood, 11. Jackson Macrae, 14. Clay Smith, 15. Jason Tutt, 17. Adam Cooney, 20. Daniel Pearce, 21. Tom Liberatore, 23. Jordan Roughead, 25. Koby Stevens, 29. Tory Dickson, 30. Christian Howard, 31. Tom Young, 32. Michael Talia, 33. Nick Lower, 34. Alex Greenwood, 37. Lukas Markovic, 39. Jason Johannisen, 43. Jack Redpath, 44. Brett Goodes, 45. Tom Campbell, 46. Lin Jong, 47. Mark Austin, 49. Ayce Cordy

Brisbane v Collingwood, Etihad Stadium Saturday 6.40pm

BRISBANE

1 Sam Docherty, 3 Brent Moloney, 5 Billy Longer, 6 Josh Green, 7 Jed Adcock, 8 Rohan Bewick, 9 Ashley Mcgrath, 10 Daniel Rich, 11 Pearce Hanley, 12 Stefan Martin, 15 Dayne Zorko, 16 Jonathan Brown, 17 Claye Beams, 18 Todd Banfield, 21 Daniel Merrett, 22 Marco Paparone, 23 Matthew Leuenberger, 24 Joel Patfull, 26 Elliot Yeo, 28 Patrick Karnezis, 29 Andrew Raines, 31 James Polkinghorne, 38 Tom Rockliff, 41 Mitchell Golby, 42 Justin Clarke (Rookie), 44 Aaron Cornelius, 46 Sam Michael (Rookie)

COLLINGWOOD

2 Jordan Russell, 3 Brent Macaffer, 5 Nick Maxwell, 6 Tyson Goldsack, 8 Harry O'Brien, 9 Martin Clarke, 11 Jarryd Blair, 14 Clinton Young, 15 Jarrod Witts, 16 Nathan Brown, 17 Dayne Beams, 18 Darren Jolly, 21 Quinten Lynch, 22 Steele Sidebottom, 24 Josh Thomas, 26 Ben Johnson, 27 Ben Kennedy, 28 Ben Sinclair, 37 Kyle Martin, 38 Peter Yagmoor, 39 Heath Shaw, 40 Paul Seedsman, 41 Sam Dwyer, 43 Adam Oxley, 45 Jack Frost, 46 Marley Williams, 48 Caolan Mooney

Gold Coast v Sydney, Blacktown 7pm

GOLD COAST
1. Jaeger O'Meara, 2. Zac Smith, 3. Jared Brennan, 4. Maverick Weller, 10. Dion Prestia, 11. Harley Bennell, 12. Sam Day, 14. Matthew Warnock, 15. Daniel Gorringe, 16. Rory Thompson, 17. Stephen May, 23. Charlie Dixon, 24. David Swallow, 25. Danny Stanley, 28. Jack Martin, 29. Tom Murphy, 30. Campbell Brown, 32. Brandon Matera, 33. Aaron Hall, 34. Jack Hutchins, 35. Michael Rischitelli, 36. Greg Broughton, 37. Jesse Lonergan, 38. Joel Wilkinson, 42. Kyal Horsley

SYDNEY

2. Rhyce Shaw, 3. Jarrad McVeigh, 4. Daniel Hannebery, 5. Ryan O'Keefe, 9. Nick Malceski, 11. Jed Lamb, 12. Josh Kennedy, 13. Andrejs Everitt, 14. Craig Bird, 15. Kieran Jack, 18. Jesse White, 19. Tony Armstrong, 20. Sam Reid, 21. Ben McGlynn, 22. Dean Towers, 24. Jude Bolton, 25. Ted Richards, 26. Luke Parker, 30. Lewis Roberts-Thomson, 32. Lewis Jetta, 34. Alex Johnson, 37. Adam Goodes, 38. Michael Pyke, 39. Heath Grundy, 41. Shane Mumford, 43. Dane Rampe, 44. Jake Lloyd

Port Adelaide v West Coast, Alice Springs, Saturday 7.30pm

PORT ADELAIDE

1 Travis Boak, 3 Campbell Heath, 5 Matthew Broadbent, 7 Brad Ebert, 8 Hamish Hartlett, 12 Jackson Trengove, 13 Cameron O'Shea, 14 Paul Stewart, 15 Lewis Stevenson, 16 Oliver Wines, 18 Kane Cornes, 20 Chad Wingard, 23 Matthew Lobbe, 26 Andrew Moore, 27 Alipate Carlile, 28 Jay Schulz, 29 Jasper Pittard, 30 Sam Colquhoun, 31 Darren Pfeiffer, 32 Jake Neade, 34 Jarrad Redden, 36 Jack Hombsch, 37 Kane Mitchell, 39 Justin Westhoff, 40 Aaron Young, 41 Brendon Ah Chee, 42 Thomas Jonas

WEST COAST

1 Mitch Brown, 2 Mark LeCras, 3. Andrew Gaff, 5 Brad Sheppard, 7 Chris Masten, 8 Beau Waters, 10 Scott Selwood, 11 Matt Priddis, 13 Luke Shuey, 14, Jacob Brennan, 15 Jamie Cripps, 16 Eric MacKenzie, 17 Josh Kennedy, 20 Dean Cox, 22 Callum Sinclair, 23 Darren Glass, 24 Matt Rosa, 25 Shannon Hurn, 26 Sam Butler, 27 Jack Darling, 28 Ashley Smith, 29 Scott Lycett, 31 Will Schofield, 33 Josh Hill, 35 Pat McGinnity, 37 Adam Selwood, 43 Ashton Hams

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No more excuses for Crows

Brent Reilly (right) stretches at Adelaide training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

SENIOR Adelaide player Brent Reilly has hinted the race for spots for Round 1 has contributed to the Crows' poor pre-season form.

The competition, already highlighted by coach Brenton Sanderson, is on with Adelaide having just one more game to impress the selection committee: tomorrow night's match against Carlton.

Reilly said the club needed to use the match to settle down ahead of the premiership season and use Carlton, which has been impressive under new coach Mick Malthouse, as a barometer.

"I think a lot of the boys are just trying to get a game for Round 1 and they're showing there's a bit of pressure on them,'' Reilly said.

"This week we need to play as a team and play good team defence and that will help on the scoreboard.

"We're not unsettled ... I just think we need to get our team defence together."

See every NAB Cup squad here

But there are still holes to fill. Reilly pointed to the loss of Mick Doughty, a rugged defender who retired after last season, as one of the most difficult players to replace.

"He is going to be a massive loss for us, he took the key small forward ... I don't think we are going to replace him,'' Reilly said.

"Sando's given the younger guys a go but this week we've got our full-strength team in. 'Tarls' (Daniel Talia) is back tomorrow night and 'Shawry' (Sam Shaw) is back too, so there's no excuses now.

"We've been out of form a little bit this year already, but we're looking forward to tomorrow night and Carlton are a good team and we need to have a win.

"We haven't had our full team in until tomorrow night.  We've got one more game to go until Round 1 so it's going to be a good show tomorrow night.''
 

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Brisbane Lions season preview

2013 preview: The Lions midfield is improving, but Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson says they still rely on their skipper

Jonathan Brown will have a big say in where the Lions finish this season. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

IT MAY be his 14th season, but skipper Jonathan Brown still carries the fate of the Brisbane Lions on his broad shoulders.

The Lions showed signs of a revival last season, winning 10 matches - including their last three - to offer hope of a return to the finals for the first time since 2009.

The return of Matthew Leuenberger from a serious Achilles injury will provide a huge boost to Brisbane's onball brigade.

He was one of the competition's top ruckmen in 2011 and will provide silver service to young guns Jack Redden, Daniel Rich and Tom Rockliff and former Demon Brent Moloney, who arrives to provide some much-needed clearance support for Simon Black.

The defence looks good, headed by quiet achiever and best-and-fairest winner Joel Patfull.

But the big questions is where will the goals come from?

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Watch Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson answer the tough questions on the Lions in 2013 in the video player above

Last year Brown led the Lions goalkicking with 47 and the next best was Daniel Merrett (26), who Michael Voss would prefer to use at the other end of the ground.

Aaron Cornelius provided some reason for optimism with five goals last weekend - but it was a NAB Cup game against GWS in Wagga, so Voss won't be getting too carried away.

To jump into finals calculations he needs the Lions to improve their record against sides above them on the ladder - last year they registered just two wins against top-12 teams - a successful return from Leuenberger - with back-up Ben Hudson now at Collingwood - and, yet again, a big year from Browny.

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Blues leave Judd on ice

Chris Judd at Carlton training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON star Chris Judd will have just one week of match practice before Round 1 after skipping Friday's NAB Cup clash against Adelaide.

The Blues named their squad for Friday's clash at AAMI stadium without Judd, who is being carefully managed on the training track.

Earlier today the club said on its website the former skipper was available for selection.

The Blues have named veteran Heath Scotland for his first pre-season hitout, although he will miss the first two weeks of the home-and-away season serving a club suspension.

"It's all about load balance for those two guys," Blues football manager Andrew McKay said of Judd and Scotland.

Carlton has suffered injury setbacks to a series of young players with David Ellard (hamstring), draftee Nick Graham (knee) and rookies Andrew Collins (ankle) and Rhys O'Keeffe (heel) all out for at least a month.

Andrew Carrazzo will captain the Blues on Friday night in his audition for the top job.

Adelaide boosted the team that suffered a disappointing loss to Geelong last weekend, adding Rory Sloane, Jared Petrenko, Sam Shaw, Ian Callinan and Rising Star Award winner Daniel Talia.

In the earlier Friday night game, Essendon takes on GWS in Canberra with defender Tayte Pears and veteran Nathan Lovett-Murray added to the team that lost to Richmond in Wangaratta. Ruckman David Hille has been left out.

The Giants have named Tom Scully after he missed last week's loss to Brisbane with a minor knee injury.

NAB CUP SQUADS

GWS v Essendon, Manuka Oval, Friday 6.10pm

GWS

1 Phil Davis
2 Curtly Hampton
3 Stephen Coniglio
4 Toby Greene
5 Dylan Shiel
7 Rhys Palmer
8 Callan Ward
9 Tom Scully
11 Taylor Adams
17 Adam Treloar
20 Adam Tomlinson
23 sam Reid (e)
24 Jono O'rourke
28 Liam Sumner
30 Lachie Plowman
31 Jacob Townsend
35 Aidan Corr
37 Setanta o'Hailpin
39 Tim Mohr
40 Adam Kennedy
42 Mark Whiley
43 Kurt Aylett
46 Bret Thornton
48 Sam Frost
50 Dean Brogan

Essendon

1 Michael Hibberd
2 Tom Bellchambers
4 Jobe Watson
5 Brent Stanton
7 Leroy Jetta
9 Brendon Goddard
12 Stewart Crameri
15 Courtney Dempsey
16 Tayte Pears
17 Jake Melksham
18 Michael Hurley
20 Jackson Merrett
21 Dyson Heppell
22 Jake Carlisle
23 David Myers
26 Cale Hooker
28 Elliott Kavanagh
29 Alwyn Davey
30 Paddy Ryder
31 Dustin Fletcher
34 Kyle Hardingham
35 Marty Glesson
38 Nick Kommer
39 Heath Hocking
40 Ben Howlett
42 Nathan Lovett-Murray
46 Mark Baguley

ADELAIDE v CARLTON, AAMI Stadium, Friday 8.40pm

Adelaide

2. Brad Crouch
3. Brent Reilly
4. Josh Jenkins
5. Scott hompson
7. Nathan van Berlo
9. Rory Sloane
10. Matthew Jaensch
11. Matthew Wright
12. Daniel Talia
13. Taylor Walker
14. David Mackay
16. Luke Brown
17. Bernie Vince
18. Graham Johncock
22. Andy Otten
23. Jared Petrenko
24. Sam Jacobs
25. Ben Rutten
26. Richard Douglas
29. Sam Kerridge
32. Patrick Dangerfield
34. Sam Shaw
35. Shaun McKernan
36. Brodie Martin
37. Ian Callinan
40. Jason Porplyzia
45. Ricky Henderson

Carlton

1 Andrew Walker
3 Marc Murphy
6 Kade Simpson
7 Dylan Buckley
8 Matthew Kreuzer
9 Kane Lucas
11 Rob Warnock
12 Mitch Robinson
13 Chris Yarran
14 Brock McLean
15 Jeremy Laidler
19 Eddie Betts
21 Josh Bootsma
22 Shaun Hampson
23 Lachie Henderson
27 Dennis Armfield
28 Tom Bell
29 Heath Scotland
34 Nick Duigan
35 Ed Curnow
38 Jeff Garlett
39 Frazer Dale
40 Michael Jamison
42 Zach Tuohy
43 Simon White
44 Andrew Carrazzo
45 Aaron Joseph

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Crows at full-strength

Rory Sloane is back in the Crows team to face Carlton. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ADELAIDE has recalled five first-choice players for Friday night's NAB Cup clash against Carlton at AAMI Stadium.

Jared Petrenko (shoulder) and Sam Shaw (knee) have overcome injuries and will play their first games of the year while key onballer Rory Sloane, AFL Rising Star winner Daniel Talia and small goalsneak Ian Callinan have been recalled to the side which was thrashed by Geelong last week.

In a sign that former Saint Tom Lynch has fallen well behind Josh Jenkins and Shaun McKernan as a key forward replacement for Kurt Tippett, he has been dropped from the side and will play in a trial game for his SANFL club Glenelg.

Tough midfielder Aidan Riley also has been omitted from the Crows' 27-man squad.

He will play for Sturt this weekend.

The Crows have only two players on their injury list - running defenders Brodie Smith (collarbone) and Richard Tambling (back).

"We've pretty much got a fit list. Now, we need to get everyone into form,'' said coach Brenton Sanderson, who has been critical of his side's attitude in the NAB Cup.

SEE ALL THE NAB CUP SQUADS FOR THIS WEEKEND HERE

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Port declares: We want Buddy

Lance Franklin has put of contract talks until the end of the season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

PORT Adelaide chairman David Koch says the Power will chase superstar Hawthorn free agent Lance Franklin.

Franklin has put off contract talks until the end of the season, setting a side a long-term offer worth up to $1 million a season.

Koch said Port needed a "marquee player" and would chase Franklin hard, but conceded moving to Sydney might be a more attractive option if he decided to leave the Hawks.

"We're in the market for Buddy," Koch told the Port website today.

"We've got plenty of room under our salary cap for next year and he would be part of our target."

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou this week said Franklin could be paid outside the salary cap if he joined Greater Western Sydney and took up a role as an AFL ambassador, similar to work done by rugby convert Israel Folau last year. Demetriou stressed the league would not help or encourage any player to change clubs.

Koch added an interesting perspective on speculation Buddy could head north, saying the champion goalkicker was already comfortable in the harbour city.

"I saw him quite a bit over summer in Sydney. He hangs out in Sydney, he hangs out with the Waratahs guys, the rugby union guys quite a lot.

"He hangs out around Bondi, the Cross and where all the beautiful young people go ... from what I saw of him, he seemed to be enjoying the environment."

Koch also joined Melbourne club bosses in calling on the AFL to scrap the extra salary cap allowance for the two Sydney clubs.

The Swans and Giants receive an extra 9.8 per cent in their salary cap to account for a higher cost of living.

"They don't need any extra money whatsoever," Koch said.

"It is more expensive (in Sydney) but there are more opportunities for a lot of players in Sydney for things outside of football. I think it measures up.

"I actually think the AFL has got to start focusing back on the traditional heartland clubs rather than the expansion teams and look at their core again and give us a bit of a break."

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Bench cap 'will end careers'

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson has warned an interchange cap of 80 moves per match will change the game. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE coach Brenton Sanderson wants the AFL to cap interchanges at a minimum of 120 a game next year.

And he has warned that if the league cuts the rotation number by any more, some players will have their AFL careers cut short and clubs would be forced to change their recruiting tactics.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said this morning a cap would be imposed next year but the league was yet to settle on a number of allowed rotations.

"It would certainly affect the way we pick players at the draft and how we train,'' Sanderson said of the AFL's controversial plan to cap interchange rotations in 2014.

"If they cut it by too much we would need more players between the heights of 188 and 192cm with a really good aerobic capacity.'

'Adelaide averaged a league-high 160 rotations a game last year and Sanderson conceded "we can't make any more''.

"So that's the limit, that's the maximum,'' he said. "And we wouldn't want any more than that."

But he said cutting rotations to fewer than 120 would change the nature of the game.

"If it's (down to) 130 or 120 we could live with it and it wouldn't impact on things a great deal,'' Sanderson said.

"But we rely on speed, it's a fast game with us, that's how we train our players.

"Eighty (rotations) certainly impacted us on the weekend (against Geelong). So it's important clubs get their say and they get listened to.

"I think what will probably happen is the 18 clubs will unanimously vote against it (a cap on interchanges) and it will still come in.

Bulldogs players join cap backlash

"The cap's OK, we'll play by whatever rules the AFL brings in and that won't be the issue. I guess the number is what's important.

"So we'll have to make sure that after consultation with the AFL we're all happy.''

Clubs are allowed only 80 interchanges a game in the NAB Cup as the AFL experiments with rotation capping, prompting Melbourne coach Mark Neeld to say that it had put the game back five years.

Sanderson, meanwhile, said the Crows would welcome back five first-choice players for Friday night's NAB Cup clash against Carlton at AAMI Stadium.

Jared Petrenko (shoulder) and Sam Shaw (knee) will play their first games for the season after recovering from long-term injuries while Rory Sloane, AFL Rising Star winner Daniel Talia and Ian Callinan will return to the side.

Twelve Crows players left training early on Monday after being "violently ill'' with a gastro bug, but Sanderson said all had recovered and were at training today.

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Ooh la la! Renault to sponsor Port

Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak and vice-captain Brad Ebert during the announcement of Renault as Port Adelaide's new sponsor at the MCG. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: The Advertiser

The Renault Koleos diesel car. Source: Supplied

• Port fans - do you drive a Renault? Let us know in the comment box below

NEW Power captain Travis Boak is watching the promises he heard on the future of the Port Adelaide Football Club unfold and justify his decision to stay at Alberton.

Port Adelaide is breaking its financial shackles and suburban image with a much-needed major sponsorship with French car giant Renault.

The three-year deal - that will pump at least $1.5 million into the Power's coffers - was finally confirmed at the MCG today.

And there are more corporate backers ready to embrace Port, which has endured three years of tough financial concerns.

"The club is heading in the right direction," Boak said.

"This is a great step forward - and I am proud to be part of that," added Boak who last year resisted significant overtures from Geelong and North Melbourne to return to his home base in Victoria.

Sign up here for SuperCoach - it's free and you could win $50,000

Port Adelaide chairman David Koch leads captain Travis Boak vice captain Brad Ebert coach Ken Hinkley and Chris Bayman of Renault during the announcement of Renault as Port Adelaide's new sponsor. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: The Advertiser

Renault's investment gives new coach Ken Hinkley the chance to build a significant football program at Alberton.

And the first-year AFL coach hopes that beefed-up program gives Port more on-field success so it returns to the MCG for football games, in particular finals, rather than sponsorship announcements.

Port will open its AFL premiership season on the MCG against Melbourne on March 31. It will be the Power's only home-and-away game on football's biggest stage.

"Every club wants to play on the G," Boak said.

"But you also have to earn the right to play here. We also want to play here in September (during finals) - and we don't think that is far away."

Port has not returned to the MCG for a final - or played any final - since its disastrous loss to Geelong in the 2007 AFL grand final.

Renault becomes the first multinational to link itself to the Power since telecommunications giant Vodafone walked away from AFL clubs in 2009 to concentrate on motor racing.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley, captain Travis Boak, chairman David Koch, Chris Bayman of Renault and Port vice captain Brad Ebert during the announcement of Renault as Port Adelaide's new sponsor at the MCG. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: The Advertiser

Port president David Koch today noted Renault's catchphrase - "Drive The Change" - fitted perfectly with the Power's determination to start a new era with a new image.

"We are undergoing some of the most significant change in our own long and successful history," said Koch at the presentation at the MCG.

"We have a new board, new coaching staff, a lot of new players and we are only a year away from playing AFL games at a stunning new home ground at Adelaide Oval. Renault is also changing, growing its market in Australia by 250 per cent in the past two years. We are a perfect fit."

Port's SA-based major sponsor from last season, VIP Services, is still negotiating terms to remain with the AFL club. The charity arm Foodbank will now lose its place on the Port Adelaide jumper but will remain a key sponsorship mission for the Power.

Renault will have its internationally known yellow logo appear on the back of Port's black home guernsey and the front of its white clash strip.

Mr Koch, new coach Ken Hinkley and new captain Travis Boak unveiled the new corporate backer for the SA-based club at the MCG today.

Port Adelaide was expected to name the sponsor two weeks ago, but the release of the Australian Crime Commission report on drugs and match fixing cruelled the timing.

Wines is the new Power lynchpin

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Port Adelaide on track: Boak

Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak and vice captain Brad Ebert at the MCG today. Source: Herald Sun

NEW Power captain Travis Boak is watching the promises he heard on the future of the Port Adelaide Football Club unfold to justify his decision to stay at Alberton.

"The club is heading in the right direction," said Boak at the MCG during the announcement of Renault's three-year sponsorship deal for the cash-crunched Power.

"This is a great step forward - and I am proud to be part of that," added Boak who last year resisted significant overtures from Geelong and North Melbourne to return to his home base in Victoria.

Renault will pump at least $1.5 million into the Power's strained coffers giving new coach Ken Hinkley the chance to build a significant football program at Alberton.

And the first-year AFL coach hopes that beefed-up program gives Port more on-field success so it returns to the MCG for football games, in particular finals, rather than sponsorship announcements.

Port will open its AFL premiership season on the MCG against Melbourne on March 31. It will be the Power's only home-and-away game on football's biggest stage.

"Every club wants to play on the G," said Boak, "but you also have to earn the right to play here. We also want to play here in September (during finals) - and we don't think that is far away."

Port has not returned to the MCG for a final - or played any final - since its disastrous loss to Geelong in the 2007 AFL grand final.
 

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Our attitude was to blame, says McPharlin

BOUNCING BACK: Fremantle's Luke McPharlin says the side is confident it can put in an improved NAB Cup performance against the Western Bulldogs this weekend. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE veteran Luke McPharlin says the team's attitude was most to blame for the 70-point NAB Cup thrashing at the hands of Carlton last Saturday.

The Dockers were outpointed in almost every facet of the game by a slick Blues outfit in the most lopsided pre-season result of the weekend.

McPharlin said the mindset of the players was the biggest factor in the disappointing result.

"It seems to be mostly an attitudinal thing," he said.

"They were first to the ball (and) they wanted it more.

"We came up against a team that were willing to compete and prepared to have a red-hot go, and we clearly weren't, and that showed in a lot of the stats and figures that were coming out at half time.

"It's not ideal to be thumped by 70 points, but we've got a few weeks to have some good weeks on the track…and we think the attitude can be fixed pretty quickly."

In positive news for Fremantle, McPharlin said he still had "a couple of years" left in his legs as the veteran prepares for a 14th season at AFL level.

The defender held young Carlton tyro Levi Casboult to one goal last Saturday despite a flood of entries into the Blues' forward 50.

"I've been managed through the summer, being that I'm 31 and a bit more injury-prone than others," he said.

"The body feels good at this stage of the year, and I'm just looking to get a bit of touch and a bit of match practice as we have been the last few weeks, and I'll certainly be right to go Round 1."

Fremantle is expected to welcome back several key players for Saturday's NAB Cup clash with the Western Bulldogs in Mandurah, but it remains unclear whether Matthew Pavlich will be among them.

Pavlich did not travel to Melbourne last week as he awaits the birth of his first child.

McPharlin said he was confident the Dockers skipper would be ready to go for Round 1 regardless of whether he can get onto the field for another hit-out this pre-season.

"We all know Pav's a complete professional and a superstar player, and he knows exactly what he needs to do to get himself going," McPharlin said.

"He's been training really strongly the last couple of weeks.

"If he doesn't end up playing, I don't think it's going to affect him too much."

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson
 

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Adelaide Crows 2013 preview

2013 preview: Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson says Adelaide will struggle to repeat the highs of last season

Adelaide Crows midfielder Patrick Dangerfield in his first hit-out for the year. Picture: Simon Cross. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

VIDEO: ADELAIDE faces a tough battle to back up last year's extraordinary rise up the ladder.

Brenton Sanderson transformed the Crows in his first year as coach.

The Crows became a hardball-winning, long kicking machine - and went from 14th on the ladder to almost pinching a spot in the Grand Final.

Champion Data's AFL Prospectus reveals the numbers behind the change - Adelaide went from ranking 11th in the competition for winning contested possessions to a clear No.1. It went from the third-lowest kick-to-handball ratio to the highest in the comp.

Check out our Adelaide SuperCoach best buys here

With young gun midfielders Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane on the rise, the Rising Star Award winner Daniel Talia down back and Taylor Walker and his flowing mullet patrolling the forward line, it seems the sky is the limit for this team.

Preparations for 2013 haven't gone entirely to plan, however. First, Kurt Tippett walked out - and as much as you might question his huge pay packet, that is 39 goals the Crows will have to find from somewhere else this year. And more pressure on Walker.

On Saturday Adelaide had close to a full-strength line-up against a Geelong team packed with kids - and trailed by 42 points at quarter-time.

Western Bulldogs champion and Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson expects the Crows to make the finals this year, but says they will slip out of the top four. Watch the exclusive video above to find out why.

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All-clear from match review panel

Ricky Petterd celebrates the super goal that gave Richmond a last-minute win over Essendon. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND matchwinner Ricky Petterd was among three players cleared of incidents from the weekend's AFL pre-season games.

There will be no tribunal after the match review panel also decided not to lay charges against Carlton's Aaron Joseph and Sydney premiership defender Alex Johnson.

Petterd, who kicked the winning goal, was cleared of his contact with Essendon newcomer Nick Kommer in the first term of Saturday's match at Wangaratta.

Joseph is the latest opponent to be assessed for an incident involving Fremantle small forward Hayden Ballantyne.

The panel looked at a medical report from the Dockers before deciding Joseph did not use enough force to warrant a charge.

Last month, Geelong star Steve Johnson received a one-match ban for striking Ballantyne.

That puts Johnson out for the round-one blockbuster against arch-rivals Hawthorn.

Sydney's Johnson was potentially in trouble after he had a clash of legs with St Kilda onballer Clint Jones in the third quarter of the Sunday's match at Etihad Stadium.

Jones wrong-footed Johnson before disposing of the ball and then the players made contact.

Again, the panel ruled there was not enough force to warrant a charge.

Contact between Hawthorn star Lance Franklin and Bulldog Koby Stevens on Friday night did not attract the panel's attention.

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Jetta 'a marked man'

Lewis Jetta in action during the Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs AFL game at the SCG in Sydney. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

SYDNEY speedster Lewis Jetta will have to get used to being a target of opposition taggers this year, warns club legend Michael O'Loughlin.

As is the Sydney way, the Swans didn't build their 2012 premiership platform on any one player.

But Jetta's blazing runs invariably provided much of the highlight-reel fodder - none more astonishing than his 80m burst for a preliminary-final goal against Collingwood.

The 23-year-old was often central to the "slingshot" move in which the Swans moved the ball from half-back with precision and pace.

O'Loughlin believes rivals will spend more time on ways to nullify the influence of Jetta, who topped the Swans' goalkicking tally last year with 45.

"All the teams will be gunning for him in particular, because he's a little bit of a barometer," said O'Loughlin, who played 303 games with the Swans.

"Lewis will have to cope with even more tags this season, and teams are going to really try and take his scalp.

"So he's got his work cut out for him. But he's a pretty resilient kid and it's going to be an amazing test for him, to see how he copes with all that.

"And that's footy. All the good players go through it.

"He's just become a star so he's got a long way to go until he gets to that elite level.

"There'll be some ups and downs for Lewis this year, but he's got that character, the work rate, and that desire to be successful."

Jetta's rise to prominence followed a rigorous pre-season training regime, in which he shadowed Kieren Jack.

O'Loughlin noted more hard yards would be required if Jetta was to continue his rise.

"He's just got to keep improving. The reason he had such a successful year is because his workload went up a couple of notches, and I'd be surprised if he doesn't improve again," he said.

"Your natural talent and your gift takes over ... but it's always been about work rate - and he's certainly got that now."

In promising signs for Sydney, Jetta improved his personal best in the pre-season 3km time-trial by 50 seconds.

He sat out the opening round of the pre-season competition, having taken part in the Indigenous All Stars match, but tallied 21 disposals against St Kilda on Sunday.

The Swans start their premiership defence with a derby match against Greater Western Sydney on March 30.

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Alarm bells for big Ben as Eagles hobble

Collingwood Magpies dominate West Coast Eagles in 20 point NAB Cup win on Sunday.

Magpie Ben Reid limps off with an injury. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

COLLINGWOOD big men Ben Reid and Travis Cloke suffered injury scares as an under strength Magpies outfit overcame West Coast in the NAB Cup clash at Patersons Stadium last night

Cloke shrugged off a leg problem to kick a nine-point supergoal in the final term to ensure Collingwood got up before the Pies raced to the airport to fly home immediately following the game.

The 20-point win showed off Collingwood's depth and ensured it joined Carlton, Brisbane and North Melbourne as the unbeaten teams in the pre-season competition ahead of a virtual semi-final against the Lions at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Harry O'Brien on the charge. Source: Getty Images

In a mouthwatering potential NAB Cup grand final scenario, Mick Malthouse could coach against his former players in a Carlton-Collingwood blockbuster that would delight the AFL.

Chapman unjury may only be short-term

The disappointing Eagles, who fielded the more experienced outfit, suffered an injury blow of their own with Andrew Embley subbed out with a torn hamstring.

Injury sours Saints' solid win

Defender Mitch Brown, who was denied a move to St Kilda in the off-season when West Coast refused to let him go, came off with a knee injury in the last quarter but returned to the field.

Quinten Lynch up against his former side West Coast. Source: Getty Images

Midfielder Matt Rosa was sporting ice on his left hamstring after being taken out of the match but it was believed to be precautionary.

Brian Lake's experience already appreciated

In better news for West Coast, comeback forward Mark LeCras starred with four goals after missing the entire 2012 season.

North anger at going south

Collingwood handed chances to six rookie-listed players but it was midfield general Scott Pendlebury who shone brightest, finishing with 27 touches and five clearances.

Eagle Scott Selwood leads the charge against the Pies.Picture: Justin Benson-cooper Source: PerthNow

Reid grabbed at his right knee immediately after a third-term contest and limped from the field.

He was assessed by medicos in the interchange area before being fitted with the red vest and going to the rooms.

Cloke, who was held goalless by Eagles defender Eric Mackenzie in Collingwood's 13-point victory in last year's semi-final, was again shut out of the contest as he suffered an injury scare in the first half.

Quinten Lynch returns against his old side. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

Cloke, who finished with two goals, came off to get strapping on his upper right leg in the second quarter but returned to the field.

Free agency pickup Quinten Lynch had a mixed game but offered typical heart and physical presence in his return to Subiaco.

Evergreen veteran Ben Hudson, 34, battled manfully in the ruck against West Coast star Dean Cox before being subbed out at half time to give youngster Jarrod Witts his chance.

Luke Shuey and Mark LeCras of the Eagles celebrate a goal against the Pies. Source: Getty Images

Hudson assumed his second role as a ruck coach during the second half and spoke to Witts and Lynch at three-quarter time.

Embley was substituted out of the match in the opening quarter after hurting his right hamstring and cast a distressed figure as he watched the rest of the game from the bench.

The 31-year-old, who missed a large chunk of last season with a shoulder injury, is set to miss the highly-anticipated Round 1 western derby against Fremantle on March 23.

Nick Maxwell leads Collingwood out against West Coast. Source: Getty Images

LeCras kicked the opening goal of the game and continued his strong return from a knee reconstruction in February last year by spending time in the midfield.

The Magpies were kick started by a nine-pointer from Dane Swan and went goal for goal with the home side throughout the first term.

Collingwood booted the first three goals of the second quarter, including a supergoal to the unheralded but influential Paul Seedsman, to open up a 16-point lead before LeCras helped haul his side back into the contest with his second and third majors before half-time.

Magpie Heath Shaw bursts clear at Patersons Stadium. Source: Getty Images

The Magpies lead by 14 points at the final change but did not take full advantage of their third-term control against a sloppy Eagles outfit.

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Steeplechaser set for Cats ruck gig

Mark Blicavs taps the ball over Adelaide ruckman Sam Jacobs. Picture:Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Geelong thrash a flat Adelaide outfit by 63 points in their NAB Cup clash at Simonds Stadium.

HE'S played just six games since under-14s but Mark Blicavs has emerged as a wildcard to be Geelong's starting ruckman in Round 1.

The former steeplechaser, who had dreams of representing Australia before giving up his running career last year, more than held his own against Adelaide's Sam Jacobs in yesterday's NAB Cup game to put his hand up for the season-opener.

All of Geelong's senior-listed ruckmen are on the injury list - Trent West (knee), Dawson Simpson (back), Hamish McIntosh (knee), Nathan Vardy (groin) - which means Blicavs and fellow rookie Josh Walker have had to carry the load in the pre-season.

Blicavs, 21, joined the Cats midway through last year and played four VFL games - the first time he'd pulled on the boots since representing Taylors Lakes in the under-14s.

When asked if he was ready to carry the ruck load against Hawthorn in Round 1, he said: "Hypothetically if that happened, I versed (Aaron) Sandilands two weeks ago and Jacobs who are two of the best ruckmen in the league in my eyes.

"It can't be anymore daunting than that so I'll just take it as it comes . . . . against the Hawks would be pretty exciting I guess."

Assistant coach Blake Caracella said Blicavs' improvement over the summer had surprised everyone.

"His rate of improvement has been remarkable," Caracella said. "He's obviously an outstanding athlete, his spring is pretty good, he's a fantastic runner but his game sense and knowledge of how to play the game, for someone who hasn't played footy since U/14s is amazing.

"He has somehow managed to learn at a rapid rate and come along heaps. He's certainly going to push for selection come Round 1 or certainly during the season.

"I think (he could handle it). I think his game two weeks ago he jumped over Sandilands at his first centre bounce he took and obviously against a quality ruckman today he rucked quite OK.

"He and Josh Walker add some midfield depth as well because they don't just ruck, they get after the footy as well, they get after the tackles and contested footy as well. It brings certainly a different element to the game.

Blicavs had 14 hit-outs and eight possessions yesterday including an impressive mark and goal in the third quarter.

The new ruck rule which has outlawed scragging at ball-ups certainly helps the rookie whose outstanding leap is his best weapon.

"I'm 198cm and for a ruckman that's not that tall and I'm 96kg so for a ruckman that's tiny so I don't want to be trying to body on Jacobs or anything," Blicavs said. "That one-metre rule does advantage the jumpers who don't want to wrestle.

"I've found moving into the ruck and doing a bit of work in the midfield has helped (over the past two weeks). I guess it has given me a bit more free rein to run a bit and play a bit on instinct.

"I'm just loving it at the moment. It's really good."

Geelong has already placed Simpson on the long-term injury list which means they can elevate a rookie onto the main list for Round 1.

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The cap rule explained

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says his team are rusty while blasting the AFL's interchange cap.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson is no fan of the interchange cap rule. Source: Getty Images

COACHES may not agree with AFL's trial of capping interchanges at 20 per quarter, but they will be well advised to adhere to the rule.

Every time a team exceeds the cap it will effectively hand its opponent a goal.

The interchange steward will count each club's interchanges and when a club gets to 21 the field umpires will be alerted.

An umpire will then award a free kick from the "centre circle or where play has stopped, whichever is the greater penalty'' and then award a 50-metre penalty.

"You'll have a free kick paid against you in the way as if there's an interchange breach for a player entering the ground too early or from way outside the interchange gates,'' a league spokesman said.

It means that any breach will effectively result in the opposition team having a shot at goal.

The 80-interchange cap, which the AFL is trialling during for the rest of this season's NAB Cup matches and has agreed agreed ``in principle'' to introduce in 2014, is designed to drastically reduce the number of interchange rotations per game.

Clubs averaged 119 per match in 2011 but were up to an average of 131 last season.

At the end of last season the AFL's Laws of the Game committee had backed the introduction of a cap - totalling 90 when changes during the quarter and half-time breaks were included - and was critical of the AFL for rejecting its recommendation.

But the players' and coaches' associations, who were both in favour of retaining the three/one interchange mix without a cap, welcomed the AFL commission's decision to take a cautious approach on the issue.
 

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LIVE: NAB Cup Super Sunday

Swan Jude Bolton tackles Jack Newnes at Etihad Stadium today. Source: Getty Images

FOLLOW our live coverage of today's NAB Cup matches, with Port Adelaide taking on Melbourne and St Kilda locking horns with Sydney,

6:49pm AEDT - Melbourne 78 defeat Port Adelaide 75

THE Demons hold on to win by three points at Renmark. They lead by as much as 25 points in the final term, before the Power rallied.

They had their chances in the closing stages, but the Dees hold on.

Campbell Heath wins the ball over Luke Tapscott. Source: Getty Images

6:40pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 74 trail Melbourne 78, St Kilda 43 trails Sydney 52

Renmark: THE Power are coming home hard. The Demons looked home but the Power have gone bang. Six minutes remaining, can they do it? Hamish Hartlett has kicked two goals this term to get them back in it.

Etihad Stadium: THE Swans lead by 10 points at the Dome mid-way through the third term.

Lewis Jetta marks at Etihad Stadium. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

6:20pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 52 trail Melbourne 60, St Kilda 42 trail Sydney 50

Renmark: THE Power trail the Demons by eight points at the final change. They are right in it but will need to contain James Sellar, who has kicked five.

Etihad Stadium: AT half-time, Sydney lead St Kilda by eight points. Jude Bolton with 17 disposals is leading the way.

Hamish Hartlett under pressure Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

6pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 52 trail Melbourne 53, St Kilda 42 trail Sydney 45

Renmark: THE Power have lifted in Renmark. Daniel Stewart has two goals this quarter to have the Power within a point. He has three for the game.

Etihad Stadium: SWANS veteran Jude Bolton is running riot at the Dome as the Swans lead by 22 points.

Jackson Trengove gets a kick away. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

5:40pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 33 trail Melbourne 53 at HALF-TIME. St Kilda 8 trail Sydney 20 at QUARTER-TIME

Renmark: THE Demons have a 20-point lead over the Power at the main break. Sellar with four goals has been best on ground.

Etihad Stadium: THE Swans have some big names out, but their depth is on show here. Great start at the Dome. Luke Parker with 11 touches leads the way for Sydney.

Ted Richards marks against St Kilda. Source: Getty Images

5:21pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 33 trail Melbourne 47, St Kilda 6 Sydney 6

Renmark: THE Demond are chugging along, but the Power aren't going away. James Sellar has kicked four goals and is making life very difficult for the Power.

Etihad Stadium: WE'RE underway at the Dome. The Saints lead by a point in the early going.

5:05pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 15 trail Melbourne 27

PORT Adelaide are trying, but the Demons are executing much better.

And at quarter-time, they lead by two goals.

James Sellar up forward is creating headaches for the Power.

Campbell Heath wins the ball over Luke Tapscott. Source: Getty Images

4:46pm AEDT- Port Adelaide 8 trail Melbourne 19

JAMES Sellar gets his second goal for the day.

Melbourne are punishing Port Adelaide's mistakes.

The Power are playing too cute and it is hurting them.

4:41pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 7 trail Melbourne 13

DEAN Kent goals for Melbourne to extend the lead to two goals.

But the Power are able to reply through Ben Newton.

Good lively opening by both sides.

Paul Stewart wins the ball against Melbourne. Source: Getty Images

4:34pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 0 trail Melbourne 6

MELBOURNE are on the board.

Big man James Sellar takes a big mark and puts it straight through the middle.

Good start by the Dees in what are very hot conditions.

Power players warm up before tackling Melbourne. Source: Getty Images

PRE-GAME

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of today's NAB Cup matches, starting with Port Adelaide versus Melbourne at Renmark at 4:30pm AEDT.

Then at 5:10pm AEDT, St Kilda take on Sydney at Etihad Stadium

The action continues at Patersons Stadium with West Coast taking on Collingwood at 7:40pm AEDT.

Don't miss a second of the action right here!

PORT ADELAIDE: Brendon Ah Chee, Nathan Blee, Matthew Broadbent, Danny Butcher, Tom Clurey, Sam Colquhoun, Hamish Hartlett, Campbell Heath, Justin Hoskin, Thomas Jonas, Matthew Lobbe, Kane Mitchell, Andrew Moore, Jake Neade, Ben Newton, Cameron O'Shea, Darren Pfeiffer, Jarrad Redden, Mason Shaw, Lewis Stevenson, Daniel Stewart, Paul Stewart, Matt Thomas, Jackson Trengove, Oliver Wines, Chad Wingard, Aaron Young.

MELBOURNE: Jesse Hogan, Colin Sylvia, James Strauss, Colin Garland, Cameron Pedersen, James Magner, Josh Tynan, Daniel Nicholson, Tom Gillies, Joel Macdonald, James Sellar, Jack Grimes, Michael Evans, Dom Barry, Dean Kent, Luke Tapscott, Aaron Davey, Neville Jetta, Troy Davis, Jake Spencer, Rory Taggert, Matt Jones, Dean Terlich, Tom Couch, Jack Fitzpatrick, Nathan Stark, Mitch Clisby.

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Cox takes 'less is more' approach

Eagles veteran Dean Cox is managing his workload well. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: The Sunday Times

LESS IS MORE: Dean Cox will take part in his first pre-season hit-out today. Picture: Will Russell Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast ruck general Dean Cox has said the injury battles of teammates and Dockers counterpart Aaron Sandilands have kept him vigilant with his own fitness, as he holds faith in a "less is more" mantra.

Cox has proven remarkably resilient in his 12 seasons at West Coast, having missed just 30 games, many of which came in his 2009 campaign (nine games) as he struggled with groin issues.

The 203cm ruckman holds the current consecutive games tally at the Eagles at 71 - a feat made more impressive, given he began building the streak as a 29-year-old and looks set to continue into 2013, now at 31.

In further evidence of his fitness, Cox will resume his role at the heart of the Eagles' set-up in today's NAB Cup Round 2 clash with Collingwood at Patersons Stadium, having recovered from a finger injury that sidelined him for West Coast's three-way opener with Fremantle and Geelong.

It is a fortune not shared by Sandilands, who at 30 has missed 19 games over the past two seasons and was recently ruled out for eight weeks with a hamstring tear.

Asked if the recent run of injuries to a player in a similar role and career-stage brought about thoughts of his own sporting mortality, Cox said it was a constant issue he had to keep on top of and credited his longevity to a "less is more" approach as his career wore on.

"You look at, obviously, Aaron, but also (Anthony) Morabito and any one of our players, (such as) LeCras last season and you do feel for them, but it's part and parcel of the game, unfortunately," Cox said.

"I think in the back of every player's mind is that they want to do everything possible to play AFL and do everything to hopefully not get injured.

"As you get a bit older, you do become more aware and more pedantic in your preparation to make sure that these things (injuries) don't happen.

"The body doesn't recover as well as it used to and you just want to make sure you're following the correct procedures.

"We speak about this around the footy club; players that have an unlucky run with injuries.

"When I was younger, I was always trying to do as much as I possibly could, plus extra away from the program.

"As I've got older, I sat down with (assistant coach) Scott Burns and he suggested that less is more, now, because your body can't handle the work of a 22-year-old.

"It's also about being smarter: picking and choosing the sessions, the drills, and sitting down with the coach and fitness staff to go through a program that ensures you're as fresh as possible throughout the weeks."

Today's game will also mark the return of Quinten Lynch to Patersons Stadium after the former Eagles premiership player last year accepted a two-year deal to help spearhead the Magpies' attack.

Cox, who played 11 of his seasons alongside the forward, said he and many of the Eagles shared a bond with Lynch that would not be broken by the black and white bars of Collingwood.

"It'll be a little bit different, but he did so much for this footy club... but I understand the nature of the game," Cox said.

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