AFL pre-season matches wrap

Gary Ablett appeals for a free kick as the Suns beat the Dees. Picture: Adam Head Source: HWT Image Library

THE Suns beat the Dees, Hawthorn broke its pre-season duck and a Roo was placed on report. Get a full wrap of all of today's AFL pre-season matches here.

RICHMOND 148 (92) def WESTERN BULLDOGS 12.11 (83) at Visy Park

A BURST of last-quarter domination from Tigers rookie Sam Lonergan ignited Richmond to a nine-point win against the Western Bulldogs in a hotly contested match at Visy Park today.

Both sides fielded near full-strength sides as a proper tune-up for Round 1, and the Dogs controlled most of the match before Lonergan separated the sides.

Richmond v Western Bulldogs at Visy park, Sam Lonergan crash's into Luke Dahlhaus Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

The former Bomber won a pair of centre clearances and kicked an important goal as he fights to win a place on Richmond's senior list.

Ruckman Ivan Maric was best-afield, booting three goals and impressing around the ground, while Shane Edwards, Shane Tuck and Shaun Grigg relished the winter-like conditions.

Former Docker Nick Lower took another step towards sewing up a Round 1 place for the Western Bulldogs, shutting down superstar and Richmond captain Trent Cotchin.

Lower has excelled as a tagger this pre-season, also taking the honours against Sam Mitchell.

A Jason Tutt goal cut the gap to just three points in the final term, before Jack Riewoldt found the sticks to secure victory.

Earlier, the Dogs raced to a four-goal lead as Adam Cooney and Mitch Wallis got busy.

Cooney booted a last-quarter goal when Nathan Hrovat, the first-round draft pick who the Dogs debuted today, spotted him in attack.

Hrovat and Tom Liberatore impressed in the final quarter with their inside midfield grunt.

Jordan Roughead again showed signs his move to defence is set to pay off, while a dazzling interception from Luke Dahlhaus set up a Daniel Giansiracusa goal in the third quarter as the Dogs looked set to run away with the match.

Richmond v Western Bulldogs at Visy park, Sam Lonergan crash's into Luke Dahlhaus Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

But the Tigers held firm until the last change before making their move, with goals to Maric and Brett Deledio to start the last quarter.

Brett Goodes capped his incredible summer with another standout performance from halfback and looks certain to make his AFL debut in Round 1 at the age of 29.

GWS GIANTS 16.6 (102) def ST KILDA 12.14 (86) at Blacktown

ST KILDA has suffered a 144-point turnaround from its debut meeting with GWS Giants late last year, falling to the baby club to end its pre-season campaign.

The Saints leaked six last-quarter goals as they were overpowered by the wooden-spoon favourites in a shock result at Blacktown.

It prompted Giants coach Kevin Sheedy to issue a stern warning after the match to nemesis Sydney, declaring "they wouldn't want to treat us with any disrespect" when they do battle in Round 1.

Beau Maister goaled to give the Saints the lead late in the third term, but it was all GWS after that as the home side cruised to a rare victory.

Jack Newnes again impressed, while Gold Coast recruit Tom Hickey was spared the majority of ruck duties as Ben McEvoy took control

Oddly, St Kilda beat the premier (Sydney) and lost to the bottom side (GWS) this NAB Cup. The Saints now have a week off before travelling to Metricon Stadium to play Gold Coast in Round 1.

GOLD COAST 12.8 (80) def MELBOURNE 8.7 (55) at Southport, Queensland

A DOMINANT performance from maligned Dee Jack Watts did little as an undersized Melbourne was exposed by Gold Coast in its final pre-season match today.

A Demons side missing Mitch Clark,  Jack Viney, Jack Trengove James Frawley and Chris Dawes lacked firepower up forward and was stretched in defence as the Suns' young tall timber speared the home side to a 25-point win.

Big men Aaron Hall and Charlie Dixon combined for five majors, while Gary Ablett stepped his pre-season up another notch, collecting 24 touches in the 12.8 (80) to 8.7 (55) victory at Southport.

Watts racked up 25 disposals as he was unleashed from halfback, while James Sellar provided a lone target in attack, booting three goals.

Mature-aged recruit Dean Terlich again impressed for Melbourne and is on track for a Round 1 debut against Port Adelaide in two weeks.

Terlich collected 21 touches and booted a goal, while Mark Jamar was dominant in the ruck.

Suns' first-round draftee and midfield wrecking ball Jesse Lonergan injured his wrist and was spotted sporting a sling after the match.

16/3/13 AFL -The Gold Coast Suns play the Melbourne Demons in NAB Cup game at Southport Sharks on the Gold Coast. Jesse Lonergan in a sling after the game. Pics Adam Head Picture: Adam Head Source: HWT Image Library

HAWTHORN 19.8 (122) def NORTH MELBOURNE 5.11 (41) at Craigieburn

HAWTHORN and North Melbourne called off their practice match halfway through the last quarter as wild weather lashed Craigieburn.

With the Hawks leading by 79 points and 13.55 on the clock, both sides mutually agreed to end the contest.

And the Roos could be without another defender for their Round 1 clash against Collingwood with former Sun Taylor Hine reported for a high bump on Jack Gunston.

The Roos are already without Scott McMahon for the season-opener, while veteran Brent Harvey is suspended until Round 7.

The Roos were monstered by Hawthorn, with David Hale booting four goals in the first three quarters against his old side to spear the Hawks to a 76-point lead at the final change.

Nathan Grima and Ryan Bastinac tried hard for the Roos, while Lance Franklin and Gunston kicked three goals each.

For updates from Craigieburn follow Matt Windley on Twitter

PORT ADELAIDE 15.12 (102) def SYDNEY 10.12 (72) at AAMI Stadium

NEW Port Adelaide skipper Travis Boak speared his side to a five-goal win against premiers Sydney to cap the Power's impressive pre-season under Ken Hinkley.

The midfield star booted three goals from 29 touches as Port shot clear in the final quarter.

But forward John Butcher injured his hand during the 15.12 (102) to 10.12 (72) win, although Port Adelaide tweeted it did not appear to be a serious blow.

Brad Ebert collected 25 touches, while former Eagle Lewis Stevenson racked up 21 from defence as he continues to bolt towards a Round 1 Power debut after 10 games for West Coast in 2010.

Goals to Sydney stars Adam Goodes, Kieran Jack and Jesse White in the third quarter sent the Swans into the final break just seven points down, before the home side seized control in front of 5042 fans.

Sam Reid kicked Sydney's sole major in the final term, two weeks out from Sydney's Round 1 match against GWS.

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Hawks win carries worries

Sam Mitchell spins out of trouble. Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

HAWTHORN finally got its first win of the pre-season, but will now sweat on the fitness of Josh Gibson and the Match Review Panel's verdict of David Hale's hit on Leigh Adams as it prepares for Round 1.

The Hawks defeated North Melbourne by 81 points in Craigieburn this afternoon in a match that was cut short midway through the final term as both teams opted for a safety first approach at a rain-swept Highgate Reserve.

Gibson was smashed in a marking contest in the dying seconds of the first half and appeared to be short of breath and holding the left side of his rib cage.

Get a wrap of all the matches here

He moved gingerly towards the bench, but then was assisted from the field by two trainers once the half time siren sounded.

He did not return to the field, but coach Alastair Clarkson said afterwards it was always planned to rest Gibson - as well as Jordan Lewis and Jarryd Roughead - in the second half.

nm#38 Majak Daw gets away from h#25 Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

Hale was reported for making forceful front on contact to Adams in the first quarter.

Both attacked a ground ball in the Hawks' forward 50m, but Adams was sent crashing to the turf after being collected high.

He played on, but was sporting a black eye after the match.

Injuries and reports aside, it was a fairly routine win for Hawthorn against an extremely undermanned Kangaroos outfit missing up to 12 of its first choice players.

After a competitive first quarter, the Hawks ran out 19.8 (122) to 5.11 (41) winners.

Hale kicked four goals while Gunston, Lance Franklin and Sam Grimley chipped in with three goals each.

Clarkson said he was confident Gibson would be fit to face Geelong at the MCG in 15 days time.

"I think he's going to be OK, Gibbo ... he just got a bit of a knock in a marking contest,'' Clarkson said.

nm#38 Majak Daw gets away from h#25 Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

"We were going to take him out at half time anyway. He'll be OK, he's a pretty tough competitor.''

Many Hawks fans would have headed to the northern suburbs hoping to glean information on how their side would go about replacing the injured Matthew Suckling.

Matthew Spangher was good in defence and can play both tall and small, while Kyle Cheney was also serviceable.

Interestingly, Gunston also won a fair few possessions in the back half and also had two rebound 50s to his name.

Clarkson said the art of re-working his side's backline was still a work in progress.

"We'll work it out, we've got good depth at our footy club,'' he said.

"Suckers is obviously a loss for us, but you've just got to forge ahead _ when one goes down you replace him with another guy.

"We think we've got enough depth, is it the same quality? We'll wait and see. We'll keep putting blokes in there and hopefully we'll get the same rebound as last year.''

The coach said Gunston's clean foot skills could be utilised in defence at times.

"But just his polish in the front half is really valuable for our side, so we'll continue to explore things across half back but we probably don't want to rob the influence he can have for us in the front half of the ground.''

Clarkson said the match had been approached as a full Round 1 dress rehearsal and, as such, he was happy enough with the outcome.

"You can only control what you can do ... by and large it was a good hitout for both sides.''
 

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Port surprises Swans in trial hit-out

Port Adelaide's Hamish Hartlett tries to get the ball out to Kane Cornes in the trial match against Sydney Swans at AAMI Stadium. Picture: Morne de Klerk. Source: Getty Images

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has rated the Power's consistency of effort as the most promising aspect to come out of the summer after the club this week will review a 30-point win against premier Sydney ahead of the home-and-away season.

It is the quality that has eluded Port for the past two seasons of struggle, when the club was let down by quarters of free fall that undid passages of good work.

He has put it down to the desire of the players over summer, but warned not to read too much into the practice matches, in which the Power has claimed scalps of Sydney and premiership contender West Coast in consecutive weeks.

"A really consistent performance on the back of last week - it was really important for us to back up last week's game," Hinkley said.

"Regardless of the result, it was about the way we went about it.

"NAB Cup form, it's really hard to know. All we can take out of it from a club point of view is that we've had a solid pre-season.

"What they've done is made it a tougher decision for us. But what I said early days was we wanted a good number of players available, 30 to 35 players, and now we're in a position where we've got a healthy list which seems to be in good form.

"We're just happy that we've got rucks in form, and big Brent Renouf coming back playing half a game last night (in the SANFL) and he'll play a full game this week.

"We're in a healthy position, which we need to be, because this game is really brutal.

"The last couple of weeks we've been challenged in both games and we've been really strong at the end.

"I couldn't be more pleased at the moment about the way they've gone about it - these boys, for their pre-season, they deserve a pat on their backs.

"But I stress that it's in NAB Cup."

Port's only concern to come out of the match was a knock to the hand of key forward John Butcher, which is feared to have left him with a cracked bone.

But after consulting with the club doctors, Hinkley was confident it would not keep rule Butcher out for round one.

Sydney coach John Longmire was typically pragmatic about the five-goal loss - Sydney has never been known to be flying in the pre-season cups - and said it was difficult to learn much from the match.

"We got some more game time into some of our players who needed it," Longmire said. "I thought they (Port Adelaide) looked pretty sharp.

"But everyone's different in preparation and at this point is hard to measure what everybody's doing.

"It's not until you get well into the season that you know."

PORT ADELAIDE  4.1  7.5  11.6  15.12 (102)

SYDNEY               3.5  4.7   9.11 10.12 (72)

GOALS: Port Adelaide: Boak 3, Young, Mitchell 2, Brad Ebert, Pittard, Colquhoun, Stewart, Lobbe, O'Shea, Thomas, Wines. Sydney: Parker, Goodes 2, Malceski, Jack, Reid, Bolton, McGlynn, White.

BEST: Port Adelaide: Boak, Brad Ebert, Trengove, Hartlett, Carlile, Wingard, Lobbe, Pittard. Sydney: Kennedy, McVeigh, Malceski, Mattner, Jack.

Injuries/reports: Butcher (hand).

Umpires: G Fila, S Hay, H Ryan, C Fleer

Crowd: 5042 at AAMI Stadium.

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Roos not out for Round 1 rehearsal

Ryan Bastinac gets a kick away before the match was abandoned. Picture: Scott Chris Source: Herald Sun

AS NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott sought out his Hawthorn counterpart during the last quarter seeking to call today's practice match off early it spoke volumes for what the Roos were trying to get out of the day.

Granted it was pelting down with rain at Craigieburn's Highgate Reserve, and with the Hawks ahead on the scoreboard by some 81 points there was little to gain from playing out the final 15 or so minutes.

But still, North - minus up to 13 of its best 22 - were in the northern suburbs purely for a practice match, not a Round 1 tune up.

Calling the match off early was the only thing needed to ensure the club's No.1 objective for the day was met - not suffering any injuries heading in to its clash with Collingwood in a fortnight.

"I think everyone had just about headed for cover,'' Scott said.

nm#3, Ryan Bastinac Picture: Scott Chris Source: Herald Sun

"The Hawks wanted to shorten the last quarter anyway and then when the rain came it was just handy having the coaches boxes next to each other (so such a decision could be made).

"When the weather's like that two weeks before Round 1 you're just worried about getting your players through unscathed.

"We came in to the game with a genuine practice match mentality.''

There were no injuries to speak of for North Melbourne, but the club does have a Match Review Panel concern.

Former Gold Coast defender Taylor Hine - who Scott suggested was in line for a Round 1 call up - was reported for making forceful front on contact on Jack Gunston in the third term.

Gunston was bending down to pick up the ball, but was collected in the head by Hine's hip and, if precedent is anything to go by, would be facing a nervous wait for the MRP's verdict.

The undermanned Roos were competitive in the first half and Scott was pleased with the endeavour, but ultimately numbers told as a near full-strength Hawks line-up ran out 19.8 (122) to 5.11 (41) winners.

Brent Harvey, playing his last game before a six-week suspension layoff for the season proper, kicked two goals, as did Drew Petrie.

Ryan Bastinac was a spark in the middle, while Nathan Grima wracked up an impressive 26 possessions as he strengthened his Round 1 claims by playing a full game.

Otherwise, game time for specific players was the name of the day for Scott and his men.

"We've got about, by my rough calculations, two or three spots that 10 or 12 players are putting their hands up for so we wanted to give them really good opportunities to try and push their case against what was pretty much a Round 1 dress rehearsal (line-up) for Hawthorn.''

The battle for North's No.1 ruck spot continues - Todd Goldstein had 19 hitouts and six possessions to Daniel Currie's 16 hitouts and four possessions.

Scott said Goldstein's first quarter was his best quarter of footy  "in two or three years'' and admitted Currie "wasn't as good today'' before endorsing his pre-season as a whole.

Scott said the coaching staff had a tough decision to make, but conceded it was unlikely he would play both in the one team throughout the season proper.

"Who does it in the AFL these days? The Swans did it, but one of the rucks plays key forward. West Coast do it because (Nic) Naitanui is a rare athlete,'' he said.
 

"Other than that there are very few clubs who can do it with one on the bench and three substitutes. I'd say it would be very unlikely we would go that way, but it's a good problem to have.''
 

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No pressure on Robbie return

Robbie Gray at Moonta Bay during the Port Adelaide Power Football Club Community Camp on the Yorke Peninsula. Picture: Matt Turner Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide forward Robbie Gray will make his comeback from knee surgery earlier than expected in the SANFL tomorrow.

But Power coach Ken Hinkley is putting no timeline on when Gray will return to AFL action this season.

"He'll play a half (for West Adelaide) this week and hopefully a bit longer next week and we'll progress from there," said Hinkley of his valued pinch-hitting midfielder.

"He is still in that rehab phase. We're just getting him ready and the best chance to be available for AFL football when his knee is ready to go. That is the important thing. And it is not far away.

"It is definitely not going to be far away for Robbie because he has moved really well for seven weeks on the training track.

"It is not something we are worried about. It's about ticking off the boxes to make sure that Robbie starts to build for competitive football.

"It's an open-ended (return). I'd love nothing better than it to be as soon as it possibly can, but we'll see a glimpse on Saturday night on how far away that might be."

At AFL level, the Power on Saturday will have two key pieces of its jigsaw puzzle in attack step up their claims for a place in the premiership-opening 22 - Essendon recruit Angus Monfries and highly rated key forward John Butcher. Each is to play a half against AFL premier Sydney at AAMI Stadium.

Port Adelaide recruit Angus Monfries. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

Monfries is resuming from a hamstring strain suffered in Port's NAB Cup openers and Butcher is back in action after double hip surgery in August.

"Angus comes back at an ideal time, really," Hinkley said.

"We'll get half a game into him this week and get him ready for Round 1 (against Melbourne on the MCG on March 31). We're really confident.

"Butcher will be a bit like Monfries. We thought it was important John get a taste for the (AFL) level and give himself the chance to be available for Round 1. This is the only opportunity before them to get him to play at AFL standard.

"He (Buchter) is really excited. He's had a long layoff, but he's been training and playing (SANFL trials) for a little while now so it is now a matter of stepping him up to the next level - and what a great opportunity against the Swans."
 

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Drubbing doesn't bother Dogs

Tory Dickson of the Bulldogs cools down during the practice match against Fremantle in Mandurah. Source: Getty Images

THE Western Bulldogs deny any momentum gained from the NAB Cup win against Hawthorn a fortnight ago was lost in last week's Fremantle drubbing.

The Bulldogs took a severely under-strength lineup to Western Australia last Saturday and paid the price with a 109-point loss.

But with a near-full compliment of players to choose from for tomorrow's final pre-season hitout against Richmond at VISY Park, Dogs assistant coach Shannon Grant said preparations for Round 1 were on track.

"I think more than anything (the Freo game) gave some of the older guys a chance to have a week off just to recover," Grant said.

"The demands of the game are pretty high these days and it is a long year so we're hoping it works the other way for us.

"It was a great experience for the kids to be able to go across, a lot of them haven't travelled yet interstate. Perth is a long trip, it takes a lot out of you.

"You certainly don't like to lose by that amount, but I still think we can take a lot from it."

Some teams hope for nothing more than a clean bill of health from their final practice match.

But Grant said the Dogs would be using the match as a tune-up for Round 1 against the Brisbane Lions in a fortnight.

"We'll certainly have a much stronger side in (than last week)," he said.

"So we'll be treating it as basically a full dress rehearsal and hope that we go in to Round 1 with some confidence under our belt."

The Bulldogs only have short-term injuries to Easton Wood (hamstring) and Jake Stringer (ankle) to worry about - and neither player has been ruled out of contention for Round 1.

Grant said the absence of any long-term injury concerns made the coaching staff's job much easier at this time of year.

"Being able to have a lot of depth makes for a lot more competition for spots," he said.

"We've got a healthy list and we're hoping to keep it that way."
 

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LIVE: NAB Cup grand final

Carlton star Chris Judd returns for the NAB Cup final. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

LIVE AT 7:45PM AEDT - Follow our live coverage of tonight's NAB Cup grand final between the Brisbane Lions and Carlton at Etihad Stadium here.

Superstar Chris Judd makes his first appearance of the pre-season tonight - and what a time to do it.

Make no mistake of it, the Blues want this and see it as the perfect way to launch their new era under new coach Mick Malthouse.

But the Lions, who are still aggrieved this match is not being played in Queensland, decided a long time ago they wanted to win the NAB Cup.

If they win, it will be their first piece of silverware since the 2003 premiership win.

Brisbane Lions:

B: Joel Patfull, Daniel Merrett, Elliot Yeo

HB: Jed Adcock, Matt Maguire, Mitch Golby

C: Patrick Karnezis, Tom Rockliff, Pearce Hanley

HF: Rohan Bewick, Jonathan Brown, Josh Green

F: Aaron Cornelius, Stefan Martin, Dayne Zorko

Foll: Billy Longer, Brent Moloney, Daniel Rich

Int: Sam Docherty, Ashley McGrath, Claye Beams, Andrew Raines, Jack Redden, James Polkinghorne

Emg: Marco Paparone, Ryan Lester, Jack Crisp

Carlton:

B: Chris Yarran, Michael Jamison, Simon White

HB: Nick Duigan, Lachie Henderson, Zach Tuohy

C: Kade Simpson, Brock McLean, Dennis Armfield

HF: Andrew Carrazzo, Andrew Walker, Kane Lucas

F: Sam Rowe, Levi Casboult, Eddie Betts

Foll: Shaun Hampson, Bryce Gibbs, Marc Murphy

Int: Chris Judd, Matthew Kreuzer, Mitch Robinson, Josh Bootsma, Ed Curnow, Aaron Joseph

Emg: Jeremy Laidler, Tom Bell, Heath Scotland

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Mayne, Dawson commit to Dockers

STAYING ON: Chris Mayne will remain with Fremantle until at least 2016 after signing a contract extension. Picture: Paul Kane Source: Getty Images

FREMANTLE has shored up its future at both ends of the field, with Chris Mayne and Zac Dawson agreeing to contract extensions at the club.

Mayne, who was coming out of contract at the end of the season, will remain at the Dockers until at least 2016 having signed a three-year extension.

The dead-eye forward booted 39 goals and just seven behinds in 23 appearances last year to finish second behind Coleman Medal contender Matthew Pavlich (69) on Fremantle's goalkicking tally.

Mayne, 24, has played 81 games for the Dockers since his debut in 2008.
Dawson will be at Fremantle through to the end of the 2015 season after agreeing to a two-year extension.

Fremantle general manager of player management Brad Lloyd said the club was happy to have secured the duo for the medium-term.

"Both players are very important components of our structure," he said.

"Chris had an excellent 2012 playing as a forward, and Zac was part of a solid defensive group that really grew as a unit last year."

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson

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Dempster blow for the Saints

Sean Dempster will miss 2-4 weeks. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: HWT Image Library

ST KILDA defender Sean Dempster could face a belated start to the season after breaking down with a hamstring injury.

The 29-year-old could miss up to a month, joining tall Rhys Stanley (knee) on the sidelines two weeks out from the Saints' Round 1 clash against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.

The Barometer: Your full medical update of every club

Dempster suffered hamstring tightness in the NAB Cup win against Melbourne at Casey Fields on Saturday and has been listed by St Kilda as a 2-4 week casualty after undergoing treatment this week.

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

The All-Australian has not missed a match since Round 12, 2010, playing 59 consecutive matches.

But the Saints boast a light injury list on the cusp of the season, with Daniel Markworth - who is expected to miss the entire season after undergoing a knee reconstruction - the only other Saint not in full training.

St Kilda rounds out its pre-season campaign against Greater Western Sydney in Blacktown on Saturday.

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Thigh injury hits Rosa for six

BODY BLOW: West Coast's Matt Rosa is expected to be sidelined for six weeks. Picture: Morne de Klerk Source: Getty Images

LUCKLESS West Coast midfielder Matt Rosa is expected to miss the first six rounds of the season after having surgery on his thigh on Tuesday.

Rosa adds to a long list of key players who will be unavailable for the Round 1 Western Derby for the Eagles.

Ruckman Nic Naitanui (groin), midfielders Daniel Kerr (knee) and Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) and forward Mark Nicoski (hamstring) have also been ruled out.

West Coast coach John Worsfold said Rosa was injured in the NAB Cup loss to Port Adelaide in Alica Springs last Saturday.

The Barometer: Updated injury list for every club

"Matt Rosa pulled up sore after the Port Adelaide game, our medical staff assessed him and unfortunately he has compartment syndrome which required surgery," Worsfold said.

Rosa won the Ross Glendinning Medal for best afield in the first derby of 2012, torching Fremantle on his way to a career-high 43 disposals in Round 9.

The midfielder played 18 of a possible 24 games last season, averaging a tick over 23 touches per outing.

Andrew Embley is expected to be available for next weekend's derby after suffering a minor hamstring strain in the second round of the NAB Cup.
 

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Monfries back in action

Former Bomber Angus Monfries training with Port Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide's big-buy recruit of the trade period, Angus Monfries, is ready to return to action.

The former Essendon forward has passed a fitness test on his strained hamstring to be available for the Power's pre-season finale against Sydney at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

Monfries was injured in Port's 20/20 NAB Cup openers against St Kilda and Adelaide.

The Barometer: Medical update for every club

He is set to play a half against the Swans. If this proves successful, he will be a contender for Port's season-opener against Melbourne at the MCG on March 31.

Port's squad for the trial against the AFL premier includes Hawthorn recruit Brent Renouf for the first time in this pre-season. The Power has named three ruckmen - Renouf, Matthew Lobbe and Jarrad Redden.

The Power also has named key forward John Butcher, a week after he made an encouraging return to competitive football in an internal trial with SANFL club Port Adelaide Magpies.

Port's medical staff also has cleared forward Robbie Gray to start his playing comeback from his serious knee injury.

Gray, who damaged a knee in the Power's round 4 loss to Collingwood last year, will play a half for his SANFL club West Adelaide in a trial game at Richmond Oval on Saturday night.

Click here to see all this weekend's practice match squads

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Adelaide Crows ready to fly solo

Sanderson feels omens are right for a Crows flag in 2013.

Crows chairman Rob Chapman says the Adelaide Football Club is ready to start the next phase of its history. Source: The Advertiser

CROWS chairman Rob Chapman has delivered the vision of a new Adelaide Football Club expecting independence from the SANFL this week.

The club's AFL licence is ready to be signed away by the SANFL club presidents, 22 years after the Crows were formed as SA's first entry to the expanding VFL.

SA Football Commission chairman John Olsen last night briefed the SANFL club presidents on negotiations with the AFL to release SA's two AFL licences that are badged Adelaide and Port Adelaide.

"We're not there yet, but I hope we are only days away from clearing away a range of approvals (to hand back the licences to the AFL)," said Olsen.

The Crows and Power would then answer to the AFL Commission rather than the SANFL.

Both club boards from November would be independently appointed by members or the current directors rather than need to be ratified by the SA Football Commission.

"We can then start the next phase of our history - and we do it very well prepared," Chapman said at the Crows' season launch at West Lakes.

Adelaide already has the frame of a new constitution that will for the first time give Crows members a greater say in the make-up of the club's board. This has been written in recent months by Chapman, deputy chairman Jim Hazel and former club chief executive and chairman Bill Sanders.

"Our members deserve that right," Chapman said last night.

"With independence, we need a new constitution to determine how that right looks."

The Crows and Power will pay the SANFL for their independence - Adelaide more so than Port.

The release of the licences will deliver an annual payback cheque worth a total of $15 million in the next 15 years from the AFL clubs to the SANFL.

As Chapman last night delivered the first vision of the new AFC with a home at Adelaide Oval in 2014, he also cleared away the stain from the Kurt Tippett saga. He announced:

ADELAIDE'S first audit-integrity committee, chaired by lawyer-accountant Garry Winter. He will be joined by the Lotteries Commission's June Roache and a senior police representative.

A NEW operating framework for the Adelaide board. It will work with five committees and new charters, all designed to ensure the Crows meet the compliance test "100 per cent".

"We are already 100 per cent adhering to all AFL rules and laws. Every file at our club has been checked by the AFL's forensic accountants," he said.

Adelaide's methods were brought into question last year with Tippett's secret 2009 deal that included a promise to deliver the key forward to the club of his choice.

The AFL fined Adelaide $300,000, docked the club draft picks and suspended chief executive Steven Trigg, operations chief Phil Harper and former football chief John Reid.

Adelaide last night recognised inaugural coach Graham Cornes and head trainer Vince Del Bono with life membership.

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SuperCoach Show is back

Brad Johnson will host The SuperCoach Show on Fox Footy this season. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

THE SuperCoach Show returns for 2013 on Fox Footy with a bumper four-part series to help you pick the best side in the land.

Former Bulldogs champion Brad Johnson will host the SuperCoach Show Draft Week with former Hawk Ben Dixon and Herald Sun SuperCoach experts Jay Clark and Sam Edmund.

Beginning on Monday, the team will analyse each of the four SuperCoach positions – defenders, forwards, midfielders and rucks – so you know who to select and who to avoid before the first bounce.

The SuperCoach Draft Week continues through to Thursday at 6pm each night on Fox Footy.

It will screen at 6pm each Thursday during the season so you can keep up to date with SuperCoach developments before each round of matches.

NEXT WEEK
6pm Monday: Forwards

6pm Tuesday: Defenders
6pm Wednesday: Midfielders
6pm Thursday: Rucks

The SuperCoach Show screens at 6pm each Thursday during the season

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Power set for Swans litmus test

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley will measure his side's improvement against Sydney. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide believes its practice match against premiership side Sydney will be its best indication yet on how much the Power has improved under Ken Hinkley.

The club considers the Swans as the ideal opponent to use as a springboard into the home-and-away season and expect neither team to leave anything in the locker room.

"The last two practice games, generally, it's on,'' Hinkley said.

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The Saturday afternoon match at West Lakes will also be the players' last chance to make a case for selection for Round 1, with several fringe players desperate to lock down a spot.

Chad Wingard, the club's top draft pick in 2011, said the players had taken much confidence out of their win against West Coast in Alice Springs last weekend and would seek to continue in a similar vein.

"It's a great opportunity just to test ourselves,'' Wingard said.

"We've got a good team up again and it's just a good opportunity for people to put their name up for round one.

"That's what we're trying to do.''

Wingard said the path ahead had been clearer under the stewardship of Hinkley and a stocked-up coaching panel.

Chad Wingard gets his kick away. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

Port will continue to put emphasis on defence.

"We've got more focus areas,'' Wingard said.

"We stick to three different areas which we try to improve each week.

"I think we're all confident in where we're going. We've got the right path set for us now and with Ken and everybody on board I think we'll have a good year.''

"Just our pressure; our defensive skills helped us get the win, I think,'' Wingard said.

"We played as a team and stuck to our structures and that's what got us over the line.

"We've just got to make sure we do it again this week and put up a good effort against Sydney because they're another strong team.''

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Blues, Lions set for bumper years

Jonathan Brown will try and lead Brisbane to its first ever pre-season title on Friday night. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

LOCK in at least one of Carlton or the Brisbane Lions to burst into the top four this season and expect both to see September action.

That is if recent NAB Cup form is any guide to the season proper.

Not since Denis Pagan's bizarre pre-season success – where the Blues collected wok-shaped cups in 2005 and 2007 only to disastrously bomb out in the real stuff – has a NAB Cup grand finalist missed the eight.

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In fact, the past 10 pre-season grand finalists have unearthed winter-time success.

They've netted seven top-four finishes, two runner-ups and one premier, when the Cats collected the 2009 premiership double in the midst of their golden era.

Each of the past five NAB Cup deciders has foreshadowed a top-four side, while in 2009 and 2010 all four March grand finalists went on to seal double chances.

It took two Grand Finals for NAB Cup runner-up St Kilda to go down in September 2010, six months after it was trounced by a Barry Hall-led Western Bulldogs.

NAB Cup Grand Final. Western Bulldogs v St Kilda. Etihad Stadium. Barry Hall with the trophy. Picture: Darren Tindale Source: HWT Image Library

The Dogs finished fourth that season, edged by the Saints in a preliminary final.

Adelaide's rapid rise last season surprised most – but perhaps was to be expected after collecting the NAB Cup silverware.

The Crows beat West Coast for the pre-season title, before the Eagles went onto finish fifth.

TAB Sportsbet rates Carlton a $2.75 chance to finish in the top four this year, while the Lions are still at $15.

The Blues are $1.35 to make the eight, while Brisbane is sixth last in the betting line at $3.50.

Friday night's clash at Etihad Stadium will be a rematch of the 2007 decider, when the Blues downed the Lions, before NAB Cup grand finals began to consistently unearth impressive sides.

NAB CUP GRAND FINAL FORM GUIDE TO THE REAL SEASON

2008
NAB Cup premier: St Kilda (finished 4th in real season)
Runner-up: Adelaide (5th)

2009
NAB Cup premier: Geelong (Premier)
Runner-up: Collingwood (4th)

2010
NAB Cup premier: Western Bulldogs (4th)
Runner-up: St Kilda (Runner-up)

2011
NAB Cup premier: Collingwood (Runner-up)
Runner-up: Essendon (8th)

2012
NAB Cup premier: Adelaide (3rd)
Runner-up: West Coast (5th)

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TEAMS: Judd back for Blues

Carltons Marc Murphy will step out as Blues captain for the first time on Friday. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON star Chris Judd will step out for the first time this pre-season in Marc Murphy's debut as Blues captain on Friday night.

The Blues have named a strong team for the NAB Cup grand final against Brisbane at Etihad Stadium including power forwards Sam Rowe and Levi Casboult.

Coach Mick Malthouse has also include young Josh Bootsma for his first pre-season hit out as the Blues prepare for their Round 1 clash against Richmond on March 28.

Bryce Gibbs returns after being rested for last Friday's 'preliminary final' against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

But the Blues will go into the decider without reigning best and fairest Heath Scotland, Tom Bell and Jeremy Laidler.

Judd has been named on the bench with Matthew Kreuzer and hard-nosed defender Mitch Robinson.

Meanwhile, Lions coach Michael Voss has reunited his emerging 'Three Rs' midfield with Jack Redden joining Tom Rockliff and Daniel Rich for Friday's grand final.

Rockliff and Rich were critical to the Lions defeating Collingwood.

Meanwhile, veteran defender Matt McGuire will be looking to win a second pre-season competition medallion following his victory in 2004 with St Kilda.

Injured ruckman Matthew Leuenberger (achilles) has been rested for the match as a precautionary measure.

Rookies Justin Clarke and Sam Michael have been omitted.

TEAMS: NAB Cup Grand Final

CARLTON

B: C.Yarran M.Jamison S.White

HB: N.Duigan L.Henderson Z.Tuohy

C: K.Simpson B.McLean D.Armfield

HF: A.Carrazzo A.Walker K.Lucas

F: S.Rowe L.Casboult E.Betts

Foll: S.Hampson B.Gibbs M.Murphy

INT: C.Judd, M.Kreuzer, M.Robinson, J.Bootsma, E.Curnow, A.Joseph

Emg: Heath Scotland, Jeremy Laidler, Tom Bell

BRISBANE

B: Joel Patfull, Daniel Merrett, Elliot Yeo

HB: Jed Adcock, Matt Maguire, Mitch Golby

C: Patrick Karnezis, Tom Rockliff, Pearce Hanley

HF: Rohan Bewick, Jonathan Brown, Josh Green

F: Aaron Cornelius, Stefan Martin, Dayne Zorko

Foll: Billy Longer, Brent Moloney, Daniel Rich

Int: Sam Docherty, Ashley McGrath, Claye Beams, Andrew Raines, Jack Redden, James Polkinghorne

Emg: Marco Paparone, Ryan Lester, Jack Crisp

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Zaharakis still in Round 1 frame

2013 preview: The arrival of Brendon Goddard won't be enough to push the Bombers into the top eight, says Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson.

David Zaharakis will play VFL on Friday for Essendon. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON is seeking permission from the AFL to play several underdone players in its VFL team in a practice match on Friday night.

Midfielders David Zaharakis and Jake Melksham head the list the Bombers want to get urgent match fitness before the AFL opening round.

Under AFL and Players' Association rules, a club must get approval to trial players the weekend before its first home-and-away game.

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Zaharakis (strained thigh) and Melksham (broken hand) have missed the NAB Cup and are short of match conditioning for the first game against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Friday week.

"We've applied for eight to 10 players who have had missed or interrupted preparations to play in this VFL match,'' Bombers football operations manager Danny Corcoran said.

"With the extended interchange bench, some players have played only half games. So, we'll just wait for the approval to come through. The AFL will declare who's available.''

Zaharakis, sidelined for almost the entire second half of last season with a severe quad muscle injury, is ready to go again following a minor recurrence of the same ailment at training in late January.

Melksham managed only one NAB Cup appearance after being accidentally kicked in the hand during an intraclub game.

Injury-prone forward Scott Gumbledon, who played three quarters with the VFL team last weekend, is another the Bombers want to play against Bendigo Gold at Windy Hill on Friday.

Essendon's senior list will train normally this week and have the weekend off.

Forward Michael Hurley will appreciate the break to rest the sprained ankle from the last NAB Cup game against the GWS Giants in Canberra. "He'll be fine. They just put him in the (moon) boot to slow him down,'' Corcoran said.

Meanwhile, Collingwood and North Melbourne are both set to be weakened for their Round 1 clash.

The Roos will be without suspended defender Scott McMahon, while Dale Thomas and Luke Ball look set to miss through injury.

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Leuenberger injury setback

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

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

BRISBANE Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger has been ruled out of Friday's NAB Cup final and is in doubt for Round 1.

Leuenberger has played just one quarter in the NAB Cup in his comeback from an Achilles injury that he suffered in Round 3 last season.

The Lions revealed today the ruckman was a late withdrawal from last Saturday night's win against Collingwood after pulling up sore following his brief game time against GWS.

He won't play in the NAB Cup final on Friday night and is now in doubt for Brisbane's first home-and-away match against the Western Bulldogs on March 30.

"We're going to give him the best chance to be ready," assistant coach Adrian Fletcher said after training today.

"We go back to three interchange players on the bench and that will make it a little more difficult. He's an important component to our set-up."

The AFL website reports the Lions are waiting on scans to determine if there has been any fresh damage to Leuenberger's foot.

Roos ruck Currie pushes for Round 1 start

But Fletcher was confident the setback is only minor.

"He's had a pretty good run over the pre-season, just had a minor hiccup and we think we'll get him going again Thursday.

"It's not serious at all. We've just got to make sure when it's in that area of the body, you've got to make sure you don't have a hiccup."

Matthew Leuenberger is a $301,100 ruckman in SuperCoach. Click here to start picking your squad now

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No Thomas, Ball for Round 1

2013 preview: The Magpies will struggle to make the top four this season, according to Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson.

Luke Ball has eased back his training load. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD is set to start the season without Luke Ball, Dale Thomas and Alan Didak.

Ball has suffered hamstring soreness following a graft to repair his injured knee, Thomas is recovering slowly from ankle surgery before Christmas, and Didak is almost ready to return from a hamstring injury.

Thomas is listed as 3-4 weeks away on the Magpies injury list with Ball sidelined for three weeks.

Collingwood opens its season against North Melbourne in 19 days.

Last week the Pies admitted they had eased back Ball's training load after he complained of tenderness where a piece of the hamstring tendon was removed to replace his torn knee ligament.

Key defender Reid is listed as 1-2 weeks away from a return after hurting his knee in the Magpies' NAB Cup win against West Coast last week.

Didak, 30, has not appeared at all in the NAB Cup but the Pies say a return is "not far away".

"Alan is getting towards the sharp end of his recovery," football director Geoff Walsh told the club website.

"He is stepping up his training and has had no setbacks. He's on target for a return in three weeks' time."

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Dusty ready to explode: Hardwick

Richmond's Dustin Martin at pre-season training. Picture: Stuart Walmsley. Source: Herald Sun

A CLOSE bond with former Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams will be the making of Dustin Martin, says Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.

The powerful 21-year-old midfielder had his struggles on and off-field last year, earning a club suspension and failing to live up to the promise of his first two seasons.

But as Martin enters his fourth year, Hardwick says he's fitter, more settled and ready to play the sort of football he's always looked capable of producing.

"The fact is he's working incredibly hard on the field and off the field he's started a part-time job, which we're really excited about," Hardwick said.

"He's getting some stability in his life and he's formed a really close relationship with (new Tigers development coach Mark) Williams.

"We think this will be the making of him as a player.

"He's had a fantastic pre-season, we certainly look forward to him having a good season in 2013.

"I'd be getting him in your (SuperCoach) side, put it that way."

Hardwick rated Martin as the Tigers' best in several of their early pre-season games.

He said even in their nail-biting recent win over Essendon, when Martin played only a half, he was best afield.

It hasn't surprised him, given Martin's training performance.

"He's had an enormous pre-season. He's been very, very good," Hardwick said.

"His fitness work has improved."

The flow-on effect of Martin's increased fitness could be new Richmond captain Trent Cotchin becoming even more damaging.

The 22-year-old, admired for his courageous ball-winning in tight and smart distribution, was already joint runner-up in last year's Brownlow Medal count.

But Hardwick said Martin's readiness for more midfield time, the drafting of promising young midfielder Nick Vlastuin and the development of other youngsters would free up Cotchin.

The coach wants him to get more touches in space and kick more goals.

"We think he's capable of kicking two goals a game on a regular basis so we'll look to exploit that," Hardwick said.

He said while Vlastuin needed to learn where to run to gain more possessions, his toughness and good ball use were great starting ingredients.

"He's got some things that you look at him and go, 'Wow, this kid could be a very good player for us,"' Hardwick said.

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Ultimate SuperCoach formguide

Travis Varcoe takes off out of the Geelong defence on Saturday. Picture: Mitch Bear Source: Geelong Advertiser

OUR SuperCoach scouts review every game of the weekend and reveal who's burning and who's stinking it up.

Round 1 is getting nearer which means pre-season form is becoming more and more relevant - and it's only two weeks until the new Nissan SuperCoach season begins!

With matches in all corners of the country it can be hard to keep track of every potential bargain and breakout player, fortunately SuperFooty was keeping a close eye on the action from Casey Fields to Mandurah.

Essendon 119 d Greater Western Sydney 28

IN SHORT, it was a massacre. The Giants had no answers for a relentless Jobe Watson-led Bombers outfit set on adding the polish to an otherwise torrid pre-season off the field. After easing back into action last week, Watson was sublime and worth every bit of his $647,200 price tag. The Brownlow medallist helped himself to 31 disposals (at 93 per cent efficiency) including seven clearances and two goals. He also laid seven tackles to finish with 150 SuperCoach points.

There was also plenty to like about the way Michael Hibberd ($395,100 def) went about his business in the Hird v Sheedy stage-managed grudge match at Manuka Oval. Hibberd continued his excellent pre-season, amassing 24 disposals, a goal and 101 SuperCoach points and could be a unique option.

We liked what Tom Scully ($424,700 mid) brought to the table, finishing with 10 disposals, three clearances and eight tackles. The at-times maligned former top draft pick worked his guts out through the midfield and could be ready to answer his critics in 2013. Toby Greene ($506,300 mid) was again the Giants' standout but comes with a hefty price tag, especially for a second-year player.

There was an interesting battle going in the ruck division - between the two Bombers big men Paddy Ryder ($564,300 ruck/fwd) and Tom Bellchambers ($459,100 ruck). Both topped the 100 SuperCoach point mark, indicating they could both flourish in the same team this season. Not great news for David Hille. 

Did not play: Jonathan Giles, Joe Daniher

Adelaide 109 d Carlton 106

TEX or Mullet, call him what you like. But Carlton had front row tickets to the Taylor Walker show last Friday night. An inspired Walker ($536,000 fwd) led the Crows to victory with five goals including two nine-pointers. He demanded the footy and the Crows' star-studded midfield delivered and if you're thinking of defying the "no key forwards" rule in SuperCoach, he could be your man.

David Mackay ($405,000 mid) caught the eye with 16 disposals at 93 per cent efficiency. Mackay, who had seven inside-50s and four goal assists, looks an ideal selection for those in deep SuperCoach Draft leagues.

Scott Thompson ($591,000 mid) was everywhere and must be considered, while in blue and white Dennis Armfield ($343,400 mid/fwd) was one of the surprise packets of the weekend. The right-footer provided plenty of spark finishing with 13 disposals, three clearances and eight tackles. He also kicked two goals at opportune times during the hotly-contested match at West Lakes. Oh, and he ran down two-time Grand Final sprint champion Patrick Dangerfield twice. Yes, you read it right. Twice!

Dangerfield had an unusually quiet game but don't read too much into his 16 touches after he was subbed out at three-quarter time. Of perhaps more concern was Rory Sloane ($567,700 mid) collecting just 11 disposals from more than 90 per cent game time.

But you can confidently put Brad Crouch ($115,900 mid) on your midfield bench after another impressive display, finding the ball 15 times at 80 per cent efficiency.

Meanwhile, gone are the days of Brock McLean ($568,600 mid) living in the shadows of Marc Murphy, Andrew Carrazzo and Co. A blue collar gun, McLean had the ball on a string in the last quarter and almost single-handedly dragged the Blues over the line. He finished with 109 SuperCoach points for the night.

Did not play: Bryce Gibbs, Chris Judd, Sam Kerridge

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Richmond 85 d Hawthorn 84

USUAL suspects Sam Mitchell (111 SuperCoach points), Brett Deledio (123), Trent Cotchin (110 and Jarryd Roughead (five goals) put in strong tune-ups for the season proper at Launceston. But it was the form of young Hawks midfielder Bradley Hill ($152,000 mid) which caught our eye. Hill, the younger brother of Fremantle's Stephen, was busy in the clinches amassing 22 disposals including four inside-50s. After the loss of Matthew Suckling ($442,400 def) to a knee injury, there could well be a spot for the young bolter off half-back.

Bachar Houli ($444,800 def) looks primed for a big season off half-back using his dash to pick up 24 disposals, nine marks and a goal, while developing backman Brandon Ellis ($300,100 def) is another worth the investment after a solid pre-season and NAB Cup campaign. Ellis clunked 10 marks at the weekend.

Did not play: Lance Franklin, Brad Sewell, Cyril Rioli, Brian Lake, Chris Knights, Nick Vlastuin

St Kilda 91 d Melbourne 66

MR Consistent Nick Dal Santo ($544,800 mid) put on the finishing touches to his 2013 preparations at Casey Fields. Dal Santo, who averaged a tick over 100 last year, had 19 polished disposals, four tackles, a goal and 102 SuperCoach points against the Dees.

His midfield mate Leigh Montagna ($530,700 mid) is a touch cheaper and looks an excellent option as an under-priced premium. He hasn't missed a beat this pre-season, picking up 21 disposals and 116 SuperCoach points on Saturday.

Forward rookie option Tom Lee ($115,900 fwd) provided a strong marking option inside the arc but his kicking let him down. The West Australian mature-aged recruit had four shots on goal for four behinds. With limited bench options up forward, he could be worth the investment at a rock bottom price.

Another young Saint to keep in mind is Jack Newnes ($299,500 mid), who is set to be given more opportunities in the midfield in his second season. He's an awkward price but on Saturday's evidence - 17 disposals and 97 SuperCoach points - he could be worth the punt.

James Magner ($317,200 mid) was the pick of the Demons' midfielders with 19 disposals – nine contested – seven tackles and six marks. Unfortunately he doesn't offer the same value as last season.

It wasn't a great day if you have plenty of Demons in your SuperCoach squad - consider these numbers: Jack Watts 11 disposals, Jack Grimes 10, Cam Pedersen 11, Shannon Byrnes eight.

More encouraging was the performance of mature-age defender Dean Terlich ($109,500 def) who collected the footy 16 times and looks a safe pick.

And where is Jack Viney ($109,500 mid)? The boom father-son recruit has been left out of Melbourne's squads the past two weeks after making his debut in Round 1 of the NAB Cup.

Did not play: Jack Viney

Leigh Montagna battles with Matt Jones during the Melbourne vs St Kilda NAB Cup match at Casey Fields. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Geelong 96 d North Melbourne 84

THE flukey Steve Johnson ($516,700 mid/fwd) has been replaced by a warrior with a ferocious attack on the contest. And the Kangaroos felt the wrath of Johnson's well documented move into the midfield. The triple-premiership Cat had five clearances, 20 disposals – nine contested – and led all-comers in the tackling department with nine to score a tidy 115 SuperCoach points. Watch out in 2013.

Paul Chapman ($535,600 fwd/mid) starred in the dogged victory with three last-quarter goals to rack up 128 SuperCoach points while young guns Jordan Murdoch, George Horlin-Smith and Steven Motlop will all feature prominently at the Cattery in 2013.

Travis Varcoe ($268,900 mid/fwd) will be a popular pick this season and he will play every week, but don't expect huge scores every week. He showed flashes of brilliance on Saturday but added just nine disposals to the stats sheet.

The Kangaroos ruck battle is looming as one of the big SuperCoach stories of the pre-season. Ex-Swan Daniel Currie ($109,500 ruc) was given the chance to ruck solo (against an admittedly under-strength Geelong ruck division) and grabbed it with both hands, knocking down 38 hitouts for 109 SuperCoach points. Not great news for Todd Goldstein ($497,900 ruck), who was running around in the VFL, but great for SuperCoach.

Currie shapes as the steal of the season. He should be on your bench, but could you go one step further and start him on the field?

Andrew Swallow ($585,100 mid) brushed off an ankle injury to make his presence felt with 19 disposals including seven clearances. The skipper laid six tackles, equal with Keiran Harper ($275,500 fwd) and one ahead of walking highlights reel Majak Daw ($115,900 ruck).

The Roos' mid-priced onball brigade delivered mid-tier performances: Jack Ziebell 14 disposals, Ben Cunnington 14, Ryan Bastinac 14 and Shaun Atley 11.

Did not play: Todd Goldstein

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Fremantle 146 d Western Bulldogs 37

IF Nat Fyfe ($498,800 mid) can keep his left shoulder intact, watch out! The classy midfielder was dominant in the Dockers' demolition of the Bulldogs with 30 disposals (17 contested), eight clearances and 130 SuperCoach points. He threw a scare through the Freo camp and the SuperCoach world when he went off late in the third quarter clutching his shoulder, but he played out the final term with no obvious discomfort. At that price, you have to take the risk.

Paul Duffield ($496,700 def) matched Fyfe with 130 SuperCoach points of his own, having it all his own way in defence while Matthew Pavlich ($593,900 fwd) kicked three goals in his first game of the pre-season and should be cherry ripe for Round 1.

The Dogs left half their team in Melbourne but there was a shining light in former Eagle Koby Stevens ($176,600 mid) who finished with 23 disposals including 12 contested possessions. Add seven clearances and four inside-50s for 105 SuperCoach points - and Brendan McCartney promising more midfield time post-match - and he shapes as an excellent cheap option.

Did not play: Ryan Griffen, Matthew Boyd, Will Minson, Robert Murphy.

Brisbane 88 d Collingwood 54

IT'S hard not to be seduced by the in-form Lions. Patrick Karnezis ($262,200 fwd) is an exciting talent who appears to be relishing his move further up the ground. Brent Moloney ($363,400 mid) has a new hunger after being given a second chance by Michael Voss.

Aaron Cornelius ($256,200 fwd) remains a risk despite his hot streak kicking eight goals in two weeks. The forward is far from a certainty to keep his spot in the team banished to the NEAFL regularly last year during the home-and-away season.

Daniel Rich ($485,800 mid) is ticking all the boxes for a breakout season  and had 25 disposals, a goal and 131 SuperCoach points on Saturday night. And Tom Rockliff ($520,500 fwd/mid) seems ready to bounce back after a disappointing finish to 2012 as a quality midfielder although his disposal let him down this week, scoring 100 SuperCoach points from 27 touches.

Steele Sidebottom ($568,400 mid, 27 disposals) and Dayne Beams ($657,600, 23 disposals) were the Pies' best, with Beams' effort including seven clearances and four inside-50s.

Youngsters Ben Kennedy, Paul Seedsman and Kyle Martin played well and should get their chances in 2013. Seedsman ($239,300 mid) looks the front-runner for a regular spot in the Magpies' best 22, just ahead of Kennedy ($109,500 fwd/mid), who finished with 19 possessions and a goal against the Lions.

Brent Macaffer ($128,000 fwd) played most of the game in the forward pocket and managed 10 disposals.

A big blow for SuperCoaches was the late withdrawal of Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger ($301,100 ruck). Berger is in plenty of teams but has so far has just one quarter of match practice this pre-season, which must put a big question mark over him early in the season.

Did not play: Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Dale Thomas, Travis Cloke, Matthew Leuenberger

Brent Moloney fires off a handball against Collingwood. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Sydney 80 d Gold Coast 44

JARRAD McVeigh ($526,000 mid) probably isn't the first midfielder on your SuperCoach radar but based on this pre-season, he should be. The co-captain ran riot against the Suns, picking 35 disposals, eight clearances and 146 SuperCoach points. Had he kicked straight (four behinds) it could have been the performance of the pre-season. Josh Kennedy ($643,000 mid) also had a field day with 28 touches, 12 clearances and 124 SuperCoach points.

Veterans Adam Goodes ($479,900 fwd) and Shane Mumford ($486,900 ruck) were eased back in their first pre-season hitouts and got through unscathed. Luke Parker ($379,500 mid) was solid.

Jaeger O'Meara ($115,900 mid) put in the performance we've all been waiting for collecting 24 disposals (15 contested) and seven clearances. The boy wonder had eight inside-50s and four tackles. The only let-down was his poor disposal efficiency (41 per cent) and five clangers.

Greg Broughton ($441,900 def/fwd) can't be ruled out given his point-scoring ability and dual position status. The former Docker had 19 possessions a hand in one of the Suns' six goals.

If you're considering Zac Smith ($375,900 ruck) as a cheap ruck option, best to look away now. He had two disposals for the night - although to be fair he was subbed out at halftime.

Did not play: Gary Ablett

Port Adelaide 92 d West Coast 86

BRAD Ebert ($535,300 mid) was the pick of the Port midfielders with 19 disposals and 11 marks. Ebert also had six inside-50s and laid five tackles. New skipper Travis Boak ($481,500 mid) led by example with 12 contested (24 overall) possessions, also adding eight inside-50s and five clearances to his tally.

Ollie Wines ($169,500 mid) attacked every contest as if it was his last finishing with 16 possessions (11 contested) and four tackles. Pre-season ball magnet Kane Mitchell ($126,200 mid) had just three disposals after being given a run-with role on Shannon Hurn. Hopefully we don't see much more of that during the home-and-away season.

Some of the other Port cheapies we sang the praises of last week were also quiet, with Sam Colquhoun ($109,500 def/mid) collecting nine disposals, Lewis Stevenson ($115,900 def) 10 and Jake Neade ($115,9009 fwd) eight.

Despite the unexpected loss, the Eagles can take solace from the fact Josh Kennedy ($299,600 fwd) is back to his devastating best. The key forward, who missed the bulk of last year with foot problems, booted 5.3 in a dominant performance inside the arc.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter @gilbertgardiner

Follow Al Paton on Twitter @al_superfooty

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Hurley ankle scare

Michael Hurley fights for the ball during the Round 2 NAB Cup match at Wangaratta. Source: Getty Images

ESSENSON is confident Michael Hurley will play in the season-opener against Adelaide despite the star forward wearing a moonboot to protect an injured ankle.

Hurley sustained the injury in the Bombers' easy win against Greater Western Sydney in Canberra on Friday.

The Bombers have this weekend off before their March 22 clash with the Crows.

While Hurley climbed onto the stage in his moonboot at the club's family day today, teammate Brent Stanton said he had assured the club he would be ready.

"It's a lot more precautionary than probably what you can see from the outside," Stanton said.

"He's confident, so is the doctor and so are the coaches.

"He's come in this morning - he's done extensive rehab over the last couple of days.

"But he's reassured us that it's just a general rolled ankle and he's going to be right to go in two weeks' time against Adelaide."

Stanton said the Bombers were content with their preparation after the 91-point thrashing of GWS, despite the Giants managing just three scoring shots in the the second half.

"GWS still had a very good crack at us and we were able to withstand it," Stanton said.

"We played the way we wanted to play - we were pretty happy with that.

"But we've still got a long way in terms of where we want to get to in our defensive structures."

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Essendon season preview

2013 preview: The arrival of Brendon Goddard won't be enough to push the Bombers into the top eight, says Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson.

Essendon coach James Hird has plenty on his mind. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Can Essendon overcome the off-field distractions to feature in the finals in 2013?

The cliche "pre-season from hell" doesn't even begin to describe what the Bombers have been through.

The supplements scandal has been discussed in detail elsewhere, suffice to say it can't be easy to concentrate on playing footy when the club is in the middle of multiple investigations that could drag coaches and players before interrogators at any moment.

With all the other news around the club, Essendon's dramatic form slump last season has largely been forgotten.

Essendon won eight of its first nine games in 2012 - then three of their next 13.

Individual players suffered huge form reversals - Brent Stanton and Stewart Crameri were highlighted, but they weren't alone - injuries struck and the Bombers even forgot how to kick, going from one of the highest kicking effiency ranking teams to second last ahead of only GWS.

Exclusive video: Watch Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson answer the hard questions about the Bombers in the video player above

So where does all that leave the Bombers entering 2013?

In terms of personnel, not a lot has changed although the one arrival is significant - former Saint Brendon Goddard.

Goddard can fill two desperate needs at Windy Hill - pinpoint kicking and offer some help for Jobe Watson in the middle of the ground.

As good as Jobe is - and he is very, very good - he has been left to do it all on his own for far too long.

Check out our top Essendon SuperCoach picks here

The other significant addition to the list is boom father-son recruit Joe Daniher, but don't expect too much of him this season.

The fate of the Bombers in 2013 is again likely to come down to the same names we have been talking about for years.

Picture gallery: Essendon family day

Will Paddy Ryder become the consistently dominant ruckman he has threatened to become? Will Michael Hurley take the competition by the scruff of the neck? Can David Myers, Jake Melksham and Tom Bellchambers go from promising to outstanding?

We are likely to have a lot more answers about Essendon - on and off the field - in the next few months. Watch this space.

Check out our previous team previews here:

Adelaide - Tippett leaves huge hole

Brisbane - Fate rests on Browny's shoulders

Carlton - Mick the messiah

Collingwood - good but not good enough

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Kosi's career on the line

Justin Koschitzke kicks at goal. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA forward Justin Koschitzke says he is competing with young ruckman Tom Hickey for a spot in the Saints' best 22.

The 31-year-old says he has given no guarantees by Scott Watters of getting a game as St Kilda tries to find its next generation of players.

And Koschitzke says while he has made no decisions about his future, he is treating this season as his last.

"I've got a pretty clear message that I'm fighting for a spot," Koschitzke told The Border Mail.

"The club's keen for me to play but the coach has been pretty direct in telling me that I need to put my best foot forward each week.

"Reputations are out the window because we've got some good kids coming through."

Koschitzke, a former No.2 draft pick, said he would continue to play as a key forward who could pinch-hit in the ruck to offer support to Ben McEvoy.

That puts him in direct competition with young big man Hickey, traded from Gold Coast at the end of last season, while young forward Tom Lee is competing to be another tall target in front of goal.

"Benny McEvoy is really coming along and has turned into a solid player," Koschitzke said.

"(Tom) Hickey is a promising young player who can take a catch, as well.

"I'm directly competing with him, probably, depending on our structures."

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Walker's 'catch' goes global

Carlton's Andrew Walker climbs over Adelaide's Sam Shaw to take a screamer in Friday night's NAB Cup match. Picture: Morne de Klerk. Source: Getty Images

CARLTON high flyer Andrew Walker nearly won mark of the year in 2011 and this year has already taken the "catch" which has been seen around the world.

Vision of Walker's leap over Adelaide's Sam Shaw on Saturday night quickly made it on to the internet, sending Twitter into a frenzy and had non-Australians tweeting in amazement at his effort.

Proving a great sporting effort gets universal applause, it didn't matter a lot of them didn't quite know what they were watching.

US sports website thebiglead.com reported an "Australian rules football player climbs up an opponent's back to make a spectacular catch".

"It's like an outfielder climbing a wall to rob a home run, but the wall is a person who is also trying to catch the baseball and the wall is trying to tackle you and dump you on your head," was how Walker's efforts were described.

Those who witnessed something different to what they were used to on the website, linked to USA Today, weren't sure what to make of it.

"Unfortunately in the NFL that would be called pass interference," one commented.

"Why wear booty shorts? It's like they are stuck in the '70s," said another.

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse was encouraged, despite the three-point loss to the Crows.

"We missed shots at goal . . . that should have been put away," he said.

"We may be a couple of weeks away from getting the next part of the execution right. Who knows? It may be months. I still think there are a lot more things that are on the up."

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Voss anger at AFL Brisbane snub

Brisbane coach Michael Voss reckons the Lions were controlled in using the ball during their NAB Cup win against Collingwood.

AN angry Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss has smashed the AFL for denying his side a home NAB Cup final.

The Lions will face Carlton in the pre-season decider on Friday night, but despite being the only undefeated side in the competition, will be made to travel back to enemy territory at Etihad Stadium.

"It's very disappointing. Which issue do you want to raise?" Voss said.

"Do you want to raise the fact we've lost the chance to advertise our game in the south east of Queensland?

"Or do you want to raise that if the Gold Coast were playing this game whether they would be playing in Queensland?

Brisbane coach Michael Voss prepares to talk to his players in the NAB Cup match against Collingwood. Picture: Robert Prezioso.

"We're happy to come down here because we've got a Victorian supporter base and they're terrific.

"But the NRL has already started their season and we've got two Queensland teams who aren't playing in Queensland this weekend.

"We haven't played a home match at all and we're not going to ... clearly it's not acceptable."

NAB Cup final round schedule

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley reckons the Pie's NAB Cup match with the Brisbane Lions was 'terrible.'

The Gabba is unavailable due to cricket commitments. The Suns' Metricon Stadium loomed as the next-best option, but the AFL has chosen Etihad because it believes it will attract the biggest possible attendance.

Voss, who had been encouraged by watching his side storm over a depleted Collingwood in the second half to win by 34 points last night, was visibly angered when the line of questioning moved to the venue for Friday's night's Grand Final.

"It's captain's call so we move on, but I just think we've lost a terrific opportunity," Voss said.

"We're trying to grow our own supporter base, we've had a tough couple of years and we're trying to grow it again and any opportunity you get to do that why wouldn't we be doing it? I don't understand.

"We sit up here as ambassadors of the game, we're in the northern outpost trying to grow the game.

"We've missed a chance to grow our supporter base against another code that happens to be the dominant, No.1 code in our state.

"We've missed that chance and that leaves me quite angry because I've been up there for 20 plus years."

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley did a double-take when told the Brisbane-Carlton match would not be played in Queensland.

"Where is it?" Buckley said.

"We discussed it late in the game in the box that clearly Brisbane are the undefeated side and they get home ground advantage, so we presumed the game would be at Metricon.

"Vossy has got every right to be disappointed."

Buckley described last night's loss as "terrible game of footy", but praised several of his younger players in what was an experimental line-up. Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Heath Shaw and Travis Cloke were all rested.

Asked about Swan's unauthorised TV interview, Buckley said his star player deserved to be fined.

"Our players know the rules and Dane and his management didn't follow the rules so it's pretty simple," he said.

"There was a commercial gain individually for something that he didn't follow the collective protocols. Dane knows it, I know it, 'Perty' (CEO Gary Pert) knows it, every player at the football club knows it, so it was a no-brainer.

"It's pretty simple, If you don't follow the expectations and needs and demands of the football club you cop your whack and move on.

"It's not a huge issue, but five grand is not a sniff of money, there's a fair bit there and I dare say that 'Swanny' would understand you couldn't do it the same way next time.

"It doesn't take away any of the positives that we're seeing from a football perspective. He or his management, whoever was responsible for letting (people) know what was going on, made a poor decision."

Last night's match started in sauna-like conditions - the mercury was still 32C at the opening bounce - and both sides rotated to the extreme.

With the controversial interchange cap lifted due to the heat, Collingwood finished with an extraordinary 168 rotations and Brisbane 143.

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NAB Cup final round schedule

BRISBANE have been forced to travel to Melbourne for the NAB Cup grand final, but where are the other teams playing?

Despite finishing on top of the NAB Cup ladder, the Lions will take on the Blues at Etihad Stadium next Friday night.

Join SuperFooty for live coverage of that match from 7.30pm AEDT.

Next weekend's practice matches kick off with the Magpies making a rare trip down the highway to Simmonds Stadium to play the Cats. Here's the full list of AFL practice matches.

All AFL members will get in free to see their side play.

Friday March 15
Geelong v Collingwood at Simonds Stadium, 4pm

Saturday March 16
Gold Coast v Melbourne at Southport, 11.30am
Port Adelaide v Sydney Swans at AAMI Stadium, 1pm

North Melbourne v Hawthorn at Craigieburn, 2pm
Richmond v Western Bulldogs at Visy Park, 2pm
GWS v St Kilda at Blacktown International Sportspark, 2pm

SuperFooty will have match reports from all matches across Friday and Saturday.

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Porplyzia out of hospital

Adelaide forward Jason Porplyzia is in line for Round 1 after going into hospital with stomach ulcers. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

CROWS specialist forward Jason Porplyzia is out of hospital today after suffering severe stomach pains - caused by an ulcer - after the NAB Cup win against Carlton on Friday.

Porplyzia was mystified by the pain after recalling no hit to his torso during Adelaide's three-point win against the Blues.

Tests later revealed a stomach ulcer.

He is still in contention for Adelaide's season-opener against Essendon at AAMI Park on Friday week.

"Jason will have a light week and be back into full training in the week leading up to the Essendon game,'' Adelaide football operations chief Phil Harper said today. "He's still in line for Round 1.''

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