Dempster out for a month

St Kilda defender Sean Dempster will miss 3-4 weeks after breaking his hand. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

ALL-Australian defender Sean Dempster is set to miss 3-4 weeks after breaking his hand last night.

He sustained the injury early in the match but played on through the pain as the Saints suffered their second-straight loss of the season.

Dempster finished with 16 disposals including eight rebound-50s. He also clunked six marks.

The 29-year-old played 22 games last year en route to his maiden All-Australian selection.

St Kilda coach Scott Watters lauded Dempster's efforts after the 17-point loss to Richmond at the MCG.

"I don't want to get too caught up in the specifics other than he broke a bone in his wrist," Watters said.

"He was cleared, obviously. We wouldn't put a player out there if he wasn't cleared from our doc. But it was an effort that I admire and I thought there were a number of those from our players even though we lost."

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Goal umpire stretchered off

Goal umpire Courtenay Lai was stretchered off the field after Bulldogs hardnut Liam Picken accidently fell across his leg.

Goal umpire Courtney Lai lies on the ground after injuring his knee after he was struck by Liam Picken. Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images Source: HWT Image Library

A GOAL umpire has been stretchered off the field in the Western Bulldogs-Fremantle clash at Etihad Stadium today with a horrific knee injury.

Officials from both clubs carried goal umpire Courtney Lai from the field after Dogs hardnut Liam Picken fell across his leg, causing it to buckle awkwardly.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

And in a bizarre twist, it has been reported Lai is a qualified doctor and diagnosed his own injury as a possible ACL tear.

Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

Picken laid a heavy bump on Michael Walters as the Docker booted a major from the goalsquare early in the third quarter.

VIDEO: See the injury happen in the video player above

After colliding with Walters, Picken fell across the goal line and collected the umpire.

Lai immediately grimaced in pain and called for assistance.

Field umpire "Razor" Ray Chamberlain patted Lai on the head before he was carried from the field, while the crowd clapped as Lai was lifted onto the stretcher.

Fox Footy reported Lai was taken to Epworth Hospital in an ambulance for treatment by renowned orthopedic surgeon David Young, who also works for the Dogs.
 

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Dogs rue sloppy start

Goal umpire Courtenay Lai was stretchered off the field after Bulldogs hardnut Liam Picken accidently fell across his leg.

Ryan Griffen was tagged by Ryan Crowley. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

THE first 25 minutes at Etihad Stadium were always going to tell the story.

Ultimately it was 1500 seconds which summed up the whole game.

Last week the Western Bulldogs were able to do as they pleased against the Brisbane Lions. Brendan McCartney's men were ranked No.1 in the comp for effective kicks, marks and uncontested marks.

Goal umpire stretchered off

It took all of a minute for the Dogs to establish that they would not have things so easy against Fremantle.

The Dockers cleared from the middle and although they didn't score from their first foray forward, it took the Bulldogs an eternity to find an avenue out of defensive 50m.

Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

They were not afforded the time and space they got against the Brisbane Lions last week, as Robert Murphy learnt in the early stages.

He got free 30m from goal but was forced in to a quick snap for the big sticks and as such missed a wide open Daniel Giansiracusa.

Live HQ: Western Bulldogs v Fremantle

His shot was marked on the goal line.

A short time later the Dockers sent a nothing ball inside 50m, but the harrying pressure of Matthew Pavlich and Michael Walters forced a couple of fumbles from Jordan Roughead and Adam Cooney, leading to a shot on goal from the Freo skipper.

Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

The Bulldogs won nine of the first 12 clearances, but the effectiveness was just not there. The Dockers relentless pressure on the ball carrier was too much.

Last week the Dogs chalked up a kicking efficiency tally of 71 per cent.

By the 20-minute mark yesterday they were going at 48 per cent efficiency by foot, the Dockers were at 75 per cent.

Last week the Bulldogs kicked the first six goals. Yesterday they conceded the first five.

Game over.

But this, as the rest of the game would suggest, was not so much a reality check for the Bulldogs as it was a demonstration in just how good Fremantle are and will be for the rest of the season.

Coach McCartney should have walked from Docklands last night happy in the effort his side put in.

From quarter time the Dogs matched the Dockers on the scoreboard and probably shaded their opponents in endeavour.

Tom Liberatore (28 possessions) will be a gun and is already a clearance king.

Cooney might not be able to run out a full game in the midfield, but his dash off half back is going to be a lethal weapon for the Dogs this year.

Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

Will Minson battled manfully against Fremantle ruckman Jonathon Griffin and Nick Lower took yet another scalp in the form of David Mundy.

Fremantle is going to be a force this year.

Ross Lyon has stamped his authority all over this team _ it is intense around the contest, suffocates its opponents in to submission and is nigh on impossible to score against.

Griffin is a more than able substitute for the injured Aaron Sandilands, the outside speed of Danyle Pearce and Stephen Hill is hard to combat while Michael Walters adds another exciting dynamic to a forward line already possessing lethal finishers in Pavlich and Chris Mayne.

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Sluggish Swans bury Suns

The Suns' Gary Ablett and Sydney's Jarrad McVeigh. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: HWT Image Library

JARRAD McVeigh led from the front as Sydney overcame an uncharacteristic slow start at the SCG to post a 41-point win over Gold Coast.

The Swans unfurled their 2012 premiership flag under overcast skies and heavy rain, which soon turned torrential in the opening quarter.

Live HQ: Sydney v Gold Coast

It made for an incredibly turgid tussle and Swans coach John Longmire was quite rightly breathing fire in the coaches' box as the Suns proved more willing and grabbed a one-point lead at quarter-time.

AFL - Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns at the SCG. The Swans run out after unfurling the 2012 premiership flag to the fans. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: HWT Image Library

Only five games in the past three seasons had the Swans trailed at the SCG after the first quarter, and never against opposition as lowly as the Suns.

With traditional saviour Adam Goodes below his best, McVeigh proved the steadying influence as the showers cleared in the second term.

In the space of seven minutes, the co-captain kicked two goals and hit the post with another shot to lay the platform for the Swans' 17.12 (114) to 11.7 (73) victory.

McVeigh, who celebrates his 28th birthday on Sunday, finished with 27 possessions, seven clearances, eight inside-50s and four goals in a best afield display.

AFL - Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns at the SCG. The Swans run out after unfurling the 2012 premiership flag to the fans. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: HWT Image Library

The Swans started their premiership defence with an unconvincing 30-point win over Greater Western Sydney last week, and Gold Coast provided similar stubborn resistance at the SCG.

The visitors only trailed by only 22 points at three-quarter time and impressively the Suns did it with Gary Ablett reduced to mere-mortal status.

Ablett still tallied 24 disposals but Kieren Jack and Nick Smith combined well to curb his influence on the contest.

The Swans took control of the game in a one-sided final term, with Ryan O'Keefe booting two goals and Mike Pyke, Andrejs Everitt and Luke Parker all slotting their second goal.

A crowd of 20,372 turned up for the final celebration of the Swans' grand final success over Hawthorn, despite it being Sydney's wettest start to April in 14 years.

The premiership flag was unfurled by Susie Colless, wife of Swans chairman Richard, with the likes of AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou watching on in a poncho.

Key defender Ted Richards was chaired off the ground after playing his 150th game for the Swans.

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Let the flag dream go, Saints

Nick Riewoldt with the premiership cup. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

IN THIS week's installment of his weekly column, Please Explain, Glenn McFarlane asks the tough questions of the Saints.

Dear St Kilda,

You're stiff. Very stiff.

But for the bounce of a ball in 2010, or an audacious toe-poke in 2009, you might have a second premiership cup sitting in the trophy cabinet at Seaford.

The fact is you haven't and, barring a miracle, won't with this group of players. And while that's cruel for the likes of Nick Riewoldt and Lenny Hayes who deserve a flag, it's the cold, hard reality.

It seems more certain than ever that your premiership window has slammed shut. The only way to prise it open again is to be bold, daring and invest in the national draft.

You had the chance to start that last year, but went with the present instead of the future.

In a sense, that's understandable given your record with drafting over a long period.

As revealed in Champion Data's AFL Prospectus, of the 24 players you drafted, elevated or traded in from 2008-2010, only five remain. None has yet made a telling impact.

Is Macca right? Leave a comment below

We know Ross Lyon coached for the moment, and it almost won you that elusive cup.

He failed to trade out any high-profile players when they had currency – Justin Koschitzke must have been an option several years ago – and followed the Sydney model of chasing experience over youth.

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

Scott Watters has to learn to coach for the future and you - the club - need to back him and highly-rated head of football Chris Pelchen to make this happen.

Short to medium-term pain might equate to long-term gain.

We're still surprised by what you did last year when you got your hands on picks 12 and 13 in last year's draft then jettisoned them during the trade period.

Fair enough on Tom Hickey. He is 22 and a promising young ruckman. But with Ben McEvoy locked in for the best part of the next decade, and with your young midfield stocks almost bare, maybe snaring one of the best young onballers in the land might have been a better option with pick 13.

It's harder to fathom why you traded pick 12 for Tom Lee, who kicked 60 goals in the WAFL last year. While the worry is the quality of your young midfielders, you seemingly have an endless supply of forwards.

And here is a damning fact for the future.

You have the second oldest playing list in the competition - at an average age of 24.54 years - and the fifth most experienced - averaging 77.08 games.

The best players in your side are in the twilight in their careers.

St Kilda players on the ground after the 2011 Grand Final draw. Picture: David Caird Source: Herald Sun

There are some young guys coming through - Jack Steven, Arryn Siposs, Jack Newnes, Seb Ross, Rhys Stanley, Sam Dunell, and perhaps Tom Ledger.

But it is time to seriously plan for the long haul. That doesn't mean you won't win quite a number of games this year – you will. But a premiership? It isn't going to happen.

If it comes to a 50-50 decision at the selection table between a kid and an older player, go with the kid.

The focus needs to be on identifying - and drafting - the best youngsters available in November, not trading out any first-round picks you might get.

Better to punt on kids and chase a flag in 2018 than wallow for an extended period in the bottom half of the ladder with a delusion that a premiership remains within reach with this group.

Yours Sincerely,
Glenn McFarlane

PS

MELBOURNE
It's good to hear how well you trained in the lead-up to last week's game against Port. Just imagine how bad things could have been if you had trained poorly.

JEFF KENNETT
Jeff, you've apologised, but surely now it's time to channel your predecessor Ian Dicker and quietly and constructively assist the football club that you profess to love.

BRENDAN McCARTNEY
Hey Macca, great win last week, but can you please do us a favour? Play Adam Cooney and Tom Young at opposite ends this week. We couldn't tell the difference between them last week and neither could Haylea Cooney.

BRIAN TAYLOR
It's OK to call Ben McEvoy "Big Boy McEvoy" a few times. But when it is ad nauseum, it's annoying.

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the Adelaide Crows should not be taking part in next week's AFL draft. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

 

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Chat live with Josh Jenkins

Josh Jenkins chases a loose ball at Adelaide training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

HOW are the Crows shaping up ahead of their round 2 clash with Brisbane? Ask Adelaide ruckman Josh Jenkins from 3pm.

The Crows, preliminary finalists last season, suffered a surprise 35-point loss to Essendon in their season opener at AAMI Stadium.

They will be desperate to register their first win of the season when they take on the Lions, also 0-1, this Saturday.

Got a question about the match, what the Crows have been doing in preparation for Round 2 or any other footy issue?

Join the live chat with Josh Jenkins from 3pm (Adelaide time) below:

Using a mobile device? Click HERE for a better chat experience.

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Live chat: Round 2 teams

Will Minson joins the boys to discuss their picks ahead of round 2.

Even when he's a passenger on a road trip, Shane Crawford is still thinking about SuperCoach - and why Buddy needs to lift. WARNING: Poor quality vision, filmed with a potato.

Magpie Heath Shaw will return after suffering gastro last week. Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN will give Luke Hodge a chance of making a shock Round 2 return after naming its underdone captain to face West Coast on Sunday.

But Brian Lake is no chance of making his Hawks debut after being left out of the 25-man squad to travel west.

See every Round 2 side in full at Live HQ now

The former Western Bulldog was a late withdrawal against the Cats on Easter Monday, but the Hawks did name recycled recruits Jon Simpkin and Matt Spangher.

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld has axed two of his controversial mature-age recruits in the fallout from last week's embarrassing 79-point loss to Port Adelaide.

David Rodan and Cam Pedersen were axed among four changes, with Luke Tapscott and Lynden Dunn (hamstring) also out of the side to face Essendon on Saturday night.

Veteran Aaron Davey, co-captain Jack Trengove, defender Tom McDonald and debutant Dean Terlich are set to face the Dons at the MCG on Saturday night.

The Bombers made no changes after their impressive win against Adelaide two weeks ago.

St Kilda is set to roll the dice on defenders Sam Fisher and Sean Dempster when it battles Richmond tomorrow night.

The Saints, who have not lost their opening two matches since 2000, also brought back veterans Leigh Montagna and Adam Schneider.

Live HQ: Every Round 2 side now

Scott Watters axed Trent Dennis-Lane and lost boom ruckman Tom Hickey (foot), James Gwilt (knee) and Farren Ray (hip) to injury.

The Tigers' backline will receive strong reinforcement from the reinvented Ricky Petterd and injury-riddled Dylan Grimes for the MCG clash.

Hayden Crozier will replace goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne when the Dockers face the unchanged Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

Collingwood resisted the urge to bring back Dale Thomas, who returned last week in the VFL, but did name Heath Shaw after he missed last week with gastro.

REPLAY THE CHAT WITH SAM LANDSBERGER BELOW

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

 

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Richards wary of flag distraction

Sydney's Ted Richards plays his 150th AFL match this weekend. Source: Getty Images

BITTER memories of the last time Sydney unfurled an AFL premiership flag have Swans milestone man Ted Richards on alert for Saturday's match against Gold Coast.

The Swans will spend a few minutes out on the SCG around half an hour before the game when the flag is unfurled, before returning to the sheds.

Richards, who will play his 150th game for Sydney on Saturday, knows all too well a day of celebration can quickly turn sour.

"In my first game on the SCG back in 2006, we unfurled the flag here in Round 2 and we got smashed out here (by Port Adelaide)," Richards recalled.

"From memory they jumped us right from the start, so we've learnt from that to concentrate.

"I'm fully aware that if we take our mind off what it should be on, that we can be in for a real shock."

Richards was impressed by the professionalism and growing maturity of the Suns in their opening-round win against St Kilda.

He revealed Sydney had focused on not allowing a repetition of their second-quarter drop-off against Greater Western Sydney, which kicked five straight goals to temporarily take the lead.

"We've spoken a fair bit so far this week about not giving teams the opportunity to come back once we get a lead," Richards said.

Reaching his 150th game for Sydney is the latest up in what 30-year-old Richards cheerfully admits has been a rollercoaster ride of a career.

"Only a few years ago I spent eight weeks straight in the reserves and thought that my time in footy was up," Richards said.

Firmly entrenched in defence, Richards was initially slated to play at the opposite end of the field after being traded by Essendon.

"I actually came up here to be a key forward prospect, to help out Barry Hall and Micky O'Loughlin," Richards said.

"I took a turn halfway through my career, but I'm happy down back. I really enjoy my footy, down there."

Richards said playing a senior game alongside younger brother Xavier was an ambition, with his 19-year-old sibling starting his career in the Sydney reserves last weekend by playing on GWS veteran Setanta O'hAilpin.

"I had a look at his tape and he did some really good things," Richards said.

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Tigers try to find room for Vlastuin

Richmond's first-round draft pick Nick Vlastuin is pushing for senior selection. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says top draft pick Nick Vlastuin is AFL match ready, but he's no certainty to debut against St Kilda on Friday night.

Hardwick said Vlastuin's omission from their Round 1 side was because of the Tigers new-found depth.

"The coach is very excited about his prospects as well (as the fans),'' Hardwick said.

"It's a tough one. Funnily enough, he's probably the most ready Round 1 draft pick we've had, but because of the depth of our side, the talent that's available at the moment, he's just missed out.

"He'll force his way in, I've got no doubt. He was very good at the weekend again. Whether he makes his debut this week, three weeks' time, he's going to play at some stage.''

Hardwick said he would have to make some "tough calls'' at match committee.

"No doubt you like to reward winning form,'' Hardwick said of team selection.

"In saying that we've got players like (Dylan) Grimes that are available to play, Ricky Petterd will put up his hand, Chris Knights, Nick Vlastuin, some quality players as well.

"We've got some options.

"It's very important (depth), if you don't play well, you go out.

SuperCoach alert: Top Crow backs Crouch debut

"Whether we make changes this week or not we'll certainly make a few tough calls in match committee this afternoon.

"It's probably something that we haven't had for a period of time. It's certainly good when you go to our Coburg side and you watch them play and you certainly see a lot of players that are capable of playing AFL football.

"We've got ourselves in a good situation.''

SuperCoach early trades: See the pros and cons

Hardwick said he had addressed the last quarter of Richmond's five-point Round 1 win against Carlton, when the Tigers almost let a 36-point three-quarter time lead slip.

"We've just got to make sure we don't take that form into quarter one on Friday night,'' he said.
 

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Crouch wins rave reviews

Adelaide Crows youngster Brad Crouch is closing on an AFL debut. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE stalwart Scott Thompson has sung the praises of highly-rated teenager Brad Crouch ahead of his possible AFL debut this week.

Crouch, 19, is in the selection frame at Adelaide for the Crows' away fixture against Brisbane on Saturday.

And Thompson hopes to have the precociously talented midfielder as a teammate "real soon".

Crouch was signed by the Crows in 2011 but was unable to play AFL last season due to his age.

But the North Ballarat onballer is winning rave reviews from the likes of Thompson.

"From the day he came to the club he was full of energy," Thompson said today.

"He wanted to ask questions from a lot of experienced players and was harassing the coaches straight away, trying to gain as much game knowledge as he could in that first year when he wasn't able to play AFL footy."

Crouch collected 31 disposals in the SANFL last weekend, with Thompson describing him as a "natural footballer".

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"He knows where to run," he said.

"Defensively he can still get better, which comes with age.

"The teams that he has played in growing up, he has been the dominant player for those teams so he has probably been able to play the game one way where at this level you can't afford to be just an offensive player.

"I'm hoping we will see him in the team real soon."

Thompson said the Crows would travel to Brisbane keen to make amends for their Round 1 loss to Essendon, which was followed by an Easter weekend without a game.

"It's not ideal playing your first game and then having a week off," he said.

"Perfect world, you would like to play the following week and put it behind you. We haven't been able to do that, there has been a lot of media hype around our performance in Round 1.

"There were a lot of areas we need to get better at."

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No date on Nic Nat return

SOFTLY SOFTLY: West Coast is taking no risks with Nic Naitanui. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

NIC Naitanui's comeback is on hold indefinitely in a major blow to West Coast's 2013 premiership aspirations.

Last year's All-Australian ruckman is still struggling with groin soreness and is unable to step up his training load to the level required.

Eagles coach John Worsfold admitted the club didn't know when Naitanui would be able to resume full training.

When he does, the 22-year-old will then require three weeks of solid training before being ready to play a match.

It is understood a cautious West Coast is prepared to be without Naitanui for virtually the first half of the season if it means he can be fit for the remainder and be primed for an impact in the finals.

A frank Worsfold was prepared to be without Naitanui for some time.

"He hasn't been able to step up to anywhere near full training yet," he said.

"If he steps up and has a harder session and gets sore, then his next session can't be harder again.

"So really you don't know. He could just progress through every session and be up and going in a few weeks.

"Or if he keeps getting some soreness as he progresses up, we'll just stay at that level for a little bit longer.

SuperCoach Round 1 dilemma: Trade or hold?

"We want to prepare Nic to be able to come in and play full games. We probably won't go down the option of giving him a half a game in a reserves team somewhere.

"It's likely we'll just train him up until he's really ready to go. So that may hold him back till he is actually playing footy again."

The Eagles are prepared to be conservative with one of the most valuable commodities on their playing list.

"These injuries can linger over the course of full seasons and multiple seasons," Worsfold said.

"We don't want that to happen."

In better news, midfielder Daniel Kerr is likely to make his comeback following knee surgery for East Fremantle in the WAFL on Saturday.

West Coast hosts Hawthorn at Patersons Stadium on Sunday.
 

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Beams to miss two more

Dayne Beams cools off at Collingwood recovery at St Kilda Beach. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

INJURED Collingwood star Dayne Beams won't play against Carlton and is unlikely to return until Round 4.

Beams, last year's Copeland Trophy winner, was a late withdrawal from the Magpies' Round 1 team after hurting himself at training.

The Pies have kept the extent of Beams' injury close to their chest but today revealed he is expected to miss 1-2 more matches.

That rules him out of Collingwood's blockbuster clash against Carlton on Sunday and most likely the match against Hawthorn the following week.

But there is better news on the injury front with Ben Reid (cut mouth) and Ben Johnson (cork thigh) cleared to play after being hurt in Round 1.

And Alex Fasolo (hamstring), Alan Didak (hamstring), Paul Seedsman (hamstring), Clinton Young (calf) and Jackson Ramsay (groin) are all ready to return, most likely via the VFL.

The Barometer: Updated injury list for every club

"With the likes of Dale Thomas and Andrew Krakouer making their way back in the VFL last week and Seedsman, Fasolo, Young and Didak all close, we've definitely got a few more selection options opening up for us," football director Geoff Walsh told the club website.

"Some of those boys still need to find their legs, if you like, but it's encouraging to think that in a week or two we could have a lot of players pushing for a lot of positions in the side."

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Time for Clarkson to go: Kennett

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has called for coach Alastair Clarkson to be sacked at the season's end following 10th straight loss to Geelong

Keep walking, Clarko. Former Hawk president Jeff Kennett says it is time for a change at Hawthorn. Source: Herald Sun

A CONTRITE Jeff Kennett has apologised to Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.

In a letter received by the Herald Sun, Kennett admitted this afternoon that his frustration prompted him to "wrongly single out Alastair for the seven point loss".

The former Hawthorn president called for Clarkson's sacking at the end of the season after Geelong scored its 10th consecutive victory over the Hawks at the MCG yesterday.

He said he sincerely apologised to Clarkson and his family "for the grief I have caused them".

Kennett's letter said:

I apologise to Alastair Clarkson.

I was out of line yesterday in holding him solely responsible for our club not saluting in the last three years and for our performance yesterday.

It is true that with out list of players and the support the club has given the football department that I felt we have underachieved over that three year period.

Of course that is a subjective view, and on each occasion we were beaten by a better team on the day.

And yes, someone must accept responsibility for those defeats.

But maybe in my support for my club I have come to expect too much!

And on reflection I was wrong to single out Alastair alone.

He, like all at the club, have done their best and Alastair has personal values which I have always gratefully respected.

We are all responsible for the good times and less successful.

Monday's game was a classic in that Hawthorn performed well in the first half and Geelong less so. But after halftime Geelong came out on a mission and turned the game on its head.

Our five goal advantage, which became three goals just before half time, quickly disappeared. We seem to have lost our mojo as Geelong found theirs.

The performance of (Paul) Chapman always has me in awe.

He is consistent in his toughness and drives the ball everytime he gets his hands on it. (Joel) Selwood is a wonderful leader who sets a very high standard of both leadership and effort.

Not to say Hawthorn was without contributors through (Sam) Mitchell, (Brad)  Sewell and ever competitive (Josh) Gibson. But, sadly not as competitive enough across the group as our opponents.

I guess when you have witnessed the club grow since 2005 to the level of membership and good health it enjoys today, you just expect it to keep performing at the highest level.

Hopefully that will continue to be the case and the season has just started, so to make judgments based on one game is inappropriate.

That said, the tribal nature of the game drives our emotions and yesterday, in my frustration, I wrongly singled out Alastair and for what was a team result for which we all must accept responsibility and be challenged to do better, week on week.

I sincerely apologise to Alastair Clarkson and his family for the grief I have caused them.

EARLIER today, Hawks captain Luke Hodge urged Kennett to think before he opens his mouth.

"Jeff done great things for our football club when he was president of the footy club," Hodge said on Tuesday morning.

"Now he is a frustrated person who is very opinionated. Some of the things (he says), I think he should think before he speaks ... a lot of smart people in football disagree with what he had to say.

"You have to take the good with the bad and I don't think you are going to change Jeff."

Speaking on Nova 100 on Tuesday morning, Hodge said Kennett was someone who "loves to get his opinion across because of who he is", but believed the club's most outspoken supporter needed to tone down criticism.

After watching his side lose to Geelong for the 10th consecutive time at the MCG on Sunday - to continue the 'Kennett Curse' -  the man himself said it was time for a change.

Asked if he thought Clarkson should be moved on at end of the season, Kennett said: "Yes."

"I think we need to introduce a freshness at the club that doesn't exist at the moment because so many of the personnel have been there for a number of years," Kennett told 3AW last night.

"They have been listening to the same voice for too long."

HAVE YOUR SAY - IS IT TIME FOR CLARKO TO GO?

Clarkson, who has a 57 per cent winning percentage in his eight years at the helm, has another year remaining on his contract.

But Kennett said last night the club had "underachieved" since winning the 2008 premiership.

"I always believe six to eight years is long enough any coach should stay at any club," he said

"He has brought great service to the club, but he has been in charge of one of the best groups of young men going around in footy now for a number of years now, certainly since 2008.

"There was an excuse in 2009 for our performance because of injury.

"But in 2010, 2011, 2012 we underperformed...someone has to accept responsibility for that."

Kennett said the club should look at appointing an untried assistant coach rather than try to lure a big name.

"I'd be looking for a second-tier coach who has proved himself and hungry for success and trying to prove himself," he said.

"I don't believe you look around for another senior coach - you elevate an assistant coach who has something to prove.

"Alastair has now been there for a long time, the players understand him very well...you have to freshen up the group.

"And we have a very good list still."

Kennett said near enough was not good enough at Hawthorn.

"What are we doing right? We're not winning flags," he said.
 

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Herald Sun Player of the Year

Jobe Watson has made a flying start to 2013. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

THE stars have come out to start the season, clogging the leaderboard in the Herald Sun Player of the Year Award.

Brownlow fancies Jobe Watson, Trent Cotchin, Joel Selwood and Scott Pendlebury all scored maxiumum votes for their performances in Round 1.

And Gary Ablett can consider himself unlucky three is the maximum number of votes available in any game after his incredible effort against St Kilda.

Joining the big names on three votes are Bulldogs ruckman Will Minson and Port Adelaide midfielder Hamish Hartlett.

Votes this year will be awarded on a 3-2-1 basis for the best three players on the field.

LEADERBOARD
3 Jobe Watson (Ess)
3 Michael Barlow (Frem)
3 Trent Cotchin (Rich)
3 Will Minson (WB)
3 Kieren Jack (Syd)
3 Gary Ablett (GC)

3 Hamish Hartlett (PA)
3 Scott Pendlebury (Coll)
3 Joel Selwood (Geel)

ROUND 1

ESSENDON v ADELAIDE
Reece Homfray's votes
3 Jobe Watson (Ess)
2 Ben Howlett (Ess)
1 Dyson Heppell (Ess)

FREMANTLE v WEST COAST
Braden Quartermaine's votes
3 Michael Barlow (Frem)
2 David Mundy (Frem)
1 Danyle Pearce (Frem)

RICHMOND v CARLTON
Warwick Green's votes
3 Trent Cotchin (Rich)
2 Brett Deledio (Rich)
1 Chris Judd (Carl)

W BULLDOGS V BRISBANE LIONS
Glenn McFarlane's votes
3 Will Minson (WB)
2 Nick Lower (WB)
1 Brett Goodes (WB)

GWS V SYDNEY
Neil Cordy's votes
3 Kieren Jack (Syd)
2 Ryan O'Keefe (Syd)
1 Adam Treloar (GWS)

GOLD COAST V ST KILDA
Greg Davis's votes
3 Gary Ablett (GC)
2 David Armitage (StK)
1 Jarrod Harbrow (GC)

MELBOURNE V PORT ADELAIDE
Bruce Matthew's votes
3 Hamish Hartlett (PA)
2 Travis Boak (PA)
1 Brad Ebert (PA)

NORTH MELBOURNE V COLLINGWOOD
Jon Ralph's votes
3 Scott Pendlebury (Coll)
2 Andrew Swallow (NM)
1 Dane Swan (Coll)

GEELONG v HAWTHORN
Bruce Matthews' votes
3. Joel Selwood (Geel)
2. Sam Mitchell (Haw)
1. Mathew Stokes (Geel)

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SuperCoach: Trade or hold?

Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield under extreme pressure against Essendon. Source: Getty Images

SHOULD we hit the trade button already on underperforming stars or to grab an early bargain? Al Paton weighs up the pros and cons.

We've all felt it - the itchy trigger finger.

Unless you're on top of the overall leaderboard, we've all got players in our SuperCoach teams who didn't live up to their potential in Round 1.

Meanwhile, other players we almost picked, or just never thought about, are racking up the points for everyone else's team.

The temptation to trade straight away is almost overwhelming. And with 30 trades this season, what's the harm?

Take a deep breath.

There are still 22 rounds to play, another week until player prices change and head-to-head matches begin, and two days until the first rolling lockout of Round 2.

There might be a good reason to make a trade, but make sure you've thought it through properly first. Here's some points to consider:

When a trade is a good idea

There are a couple of good reasons to get your team right before the private league season begins:

GETTING RID OF A PERMANENT DONUT

It's hard to know which young players will get a game before Round 1, and there's no shame in backing the wrong horse.

Watch the team selections this week and if one of your bench players is still yet to make an appearance, it's probably a good idea to trade them in for a rookie who is playing and about to increase in value (see list below).

LONG-TERM INJURY

Getting burnt by injury in Round 1 is not easy to take (yes, we're talking about you Mark LeCras). But there isn't much point hanging on to a player when he can't score points for more than two weeks. See the list below for possible alternatives - fellow Eagle Josh Kennedy seems the obvious swap for the Frenchman.

Eagle Mark LeCras comes off the ground with a serious arm injury. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

When trading is a bad idea

ONE BAD GAME

It's only natural to be dirty on Patrick Dangerfield for scoring just 63 in the opening round, or to be dirty on yourself for picking him instead of a player like Scott Pendlebury - who scored a lazy 160 - or David Mundy, who managed 126 despite costing $150,000 less than Dangerfield.

But we only have to look back to Round 1 last season to see how dangerous it can be to read too much into one game.

Magpie Steele Sidebottom managed just 72 points against Hawthorn in Round 1, 2012. If you jumped off him, you would have missed one of the year's best mid-price options as Sidebottom went on to average 106 for the season.

Eagle Andrew Gaff scored just 60 against the Bulldogs 12 months ago, then averaged 90 for the rest of the year. In the same match Dogs forward Tory Dickson scored just 30 points. He turned out to be an excellent forward bench choice, ending the year with an average of 70 points a game.

Conversely, the rookie everyone wanted to jump on this time last season was Bulldog Clay Smith, who scored 102 in his first match. Unfortunately, Smith didn't go close to matching that again, finishing the season with an average of 52.

Eagles forward Josh Kennedy scored 115 in that Bulldogs match (sound familiar?). If you jumped on him after that game you would have received all the benefits of a season average of 56 points a game - and, importantly, none of those 115 points count to your total no matter how quickly you hit the trade button.

That's not to say Round 1 means nothing. Last season Brad Ebert surprised with a score of 111 first-up, and he held that form all season.

But if a premium has bombed (Dangerfield) there is usually a reason behind it.

Back the choices you made after weeks - or months - of research over gut feel after one game.

Steele Sidebottom's Magpies are rolling in money, spending a massive $21.2 million on their football department alone last season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MY RANKING NEEDS URGENT IMPROVEMENT

If you're feeling down about your start to the SuperCoach season, here's a stat that will make you feel better: last year's overall winner was ranked 67,429th after Round 1.

Michael Thuen went on to claim the $50,000 prize even though his team Chewylizard ranked in the top 1000 for the week just three times for the season.

As Mick Malthouse would say, it's a marathon, not a sprint.

I DON'T WANT TO MISS THE PRICE JUMP

Round 3 is vital for SuperCoach - it's when our head-to-head private league matches start, and also when player prices change for the first time. Prices go up and down every week after a player has played three matches, based on form.

That means next week is your last chance to grab a star rookie before he goes up in price, or to offload a dud before his price drops. The key to improving your team all season is to make money so it's vital you have players who increase in value.

It also means you have one more week to assess the form of players before making the decision to use a trade.

See the "one bad game" point above on why it's dangerous to make a move too soon.

But if you're still feeling trigger happy, keep an eye on these bargain selections this week. If they pull out another big score, it's worth making a switch to get them in your side:

Oliver Wines (Port Adelaide) $169,500 mid. Round 1 score: 125
Jack Viney (Melbourne) $109,500 mid. Round 1 score: 117
Brett Goodes (Western Bulldogs) $128,200 def/mid. Round 1 score: 113
Jasper Pittard (Port Adelaide) $128,000 def. Round 1 score: 93

And some mid-pricers who could be in for a hefty price rise:

Brent Moloney (Brisbane) $362,400 mid. Round 1 score: 100
Tom Liberatore (Western Bulldogs) $444,400 mid. Round 1 score: 130
Josh Kennedy (West Coast) $299,600 fwd. Round 1 score: 109
David Mundy (Fremantle) $477,300 mid. Round 1 score: 126
Danyle Pearce (Fremantle) $458,800. Round 1 score: 130
Ben Howlett (Essendon) $447,500. Round 1 score: 164

Port Adelaide midfielder Oliver Wines. Source: Getty Images

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My family were 'bitter' with Pies

Mick Malthouse has no interest in making peace with Eddie McGuire.

Mick Malthouse and Eddie McGuire after the 2011 Grand Final loss to Geelong. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON coach Mick Malthouse has revealed his family were 'bitter' and 'disappointed with humanity' following his departure from Collingwood as the build up to Sunday's blockbuster at the MCG intensifies.

As he prepares to face his former club for the first time, Malthouse has made public his family's distaste of the coaching handover to Nathan Buckley following the 2011 grand final defeat.

"They (my family) thought it (coaching) was finished at the end of Collingwood," he said in the third and final instalment of his Malthouse: No Limits documentary.

"They were very disappointed, bitter in many respects, with the way it finished (at Collingwood).

"And really done with football and disappointed with humanity, if you like.

"I like to build things on friendship, and they go along with that friendship – when it's broken, it's broken and badly broken."

His wife, Nanette, also revealed she could not wait for Sunday's blockbuster at the MCG to be over.

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse and wife Nanette. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis Source: Herald Sun

"I'm just dreading it," she said in the documentary.

"I'll just be glad for it to be over because it's all everybody talks about.

"I'd like to go and hide away somewhere."

The three-time premiership coach admitted he was expecting to cop some comments from over the fence on Sunday.

"I'm sure the media will make more out of it than what it should be...(but) if I draw the attention and it helps my team, so be it," he said.

"I am not silly enough to suspect that when we walk onto the ground at the MCG in Round 2 that there is not going to be some banter between the supporters and them to me."

Malthouse said most Collingwood supporters he had come across still held him in high regard.

"I haven't met one Collingwood supporter that has been negative," Malthouse said.

Dave Hughes and Peter Helliar tell us why they love to hate each other's footy teams.

"It surprised me because I don't think a lot of them know the full story.

"None the less, those that I do have contact with just acknowledge the fact I spent 12 good years at the Collingwood Football Club.

"Most wish me all the best, albeit with a follow up like, 'Why Carlton?'

The comments emerged the day after Malthouse made it clear he had no plans to reconcile with Magpies president Eddie McGuire.

"I have many things to do, but I don't think that is going to happen," Malthouse said on Fox Footy's On the Couch last night.

"And Eddie knows exactly the reasons why.

"I don't need to go there...there's a million things that happen on this planet and that are going to happen in football.

"I'm just focusing on this year."

McGuire has said he hoped to one day repair his relationship with Malthouse.

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RELAY: Hawks v Cats

Hawthorn star Cyril Rioli marks in front of Geelong midfielder Taylor Hunt at the MCG. Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

5.54pm: Hawks 86 - Cats 93

THE curse lives! Geelong had to overcome a six goal margin to register its tenth straight win over Hawthorn.

Joel Selwood led the fight back with 33 disposals and a goal.

Hawthorn pushed late with Shane Savage (two goals) giving the Hawks a chance in the shadows of full time.

But it was not to be as Geelong's defence stood tall amid a flurry of Hawk forward thrusts.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and commentary

Luke Breust had the chance to put the Hawks within two points with under a minute to play but sprayed his set shot for goal.

Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead stunk it up.

5.43pm: Hawks 79 - Cats 93

THE match hangs in the balance with Luke Breust putting the Hawks within 14-points midway through the final quarter.

Geelong looked to be all over Hawthorn early with James Podsiadly and Mitch Duncan kicking goals to make it a 21-point margin.

But never-say-die Hawthorn responded at the 18-minute mark with Breust.

Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead hardly sighted in the second half.

5.33pm: Hawks 71 - Cats 86

HAWTHORN faces the prospect of 10 straight losses to Geelong with the Cats running amok at the MCG.

The Cats have kicked nine of the last 11 goals to turn a six goal deficit into a 15-point lead early in the last quarter.

Allen Christensen gave the Cats the perfect start forcing a turnover from a kick in to slot the first of the final term.

James Podsiadly then got on the end of a Mitch Duncan kick inside 50 to give the Cats a handy buffer.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Meanwhile, Billie Smedts is off the ground in a bad shape after copping a heavy knock.

Geelong is yet to activate substitute George Horlin-Smith.

5.14pm: Hawks 70 - Cats 72

GEELONG has been dealt a blow with key defender Jared Rivers off the ground with a knee injury.

The Cats lead 72-70 late in the third quarter after a Joel Selwood-inspired comeback.

But the Hawks refuse to lay down with Jarryd Roughead, who has struggled to make an impact today, slotting a much-needed goal in the shadows of three-quarter time.

Hawthorn young gun Brad Hill has been substituted out of the match.

Tom Hawkins kick a long goal during the 3rd quarter of the Hawthorn vs Geelong match at the MCG. April 1, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

5.05pm: Hawks 57 - Cats 58

GEELONG has whittled away a 20-point half-time deficit to level the scores midway through the third quarter.

Joel Selwood sparked the fight back ripping the ball out of a stoppage to set up Mitch Duncan for his first goal of the match.

The skipper then added salt to the Hawks wounds moments later converting a set shot from directly in front.

Enter spearhead Tom Hawkins who slotted his second to cut the margin to one point and put the Hawks on the ropes.

Allen Christensen then put the Cats in front missing a set shot from 45m on a slight angle.

Geelong has dominated the third quarter with Hawthorn's playmakers going Sam Mitchell, Cyril Rioli and Brent Guerra struggling to hold the Cats at bay.

Sam Mitchell shows Mathew Stokes a clean pair of heels during the 1st quarter of the Hawthorn vs Geelong match at the MCG. April 1, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

4.25pm: Hawks 57 - Cats 37

POOR kicking continues to plague Hawthorn in its pursuit of vanquishing a nine-game hoodoo against Geelong.

The Hawks looked in control late in the second quarter when Lance Franklin and Isaac Smith slotted back-to-back goals.

Jarryd Roughead and Brent Guerra sprayed shots on goal in the shadows of half time as the Hawks go into the main break with nine behinds on the board.

But Geelong hit back with Tom Hawkins outmarking Ryan Schoenmakers to kick his first goal and put the Cats within striking distance.

Enter Travis Varcoe who used his speed to burst out of congestion and snap around his body cutting the margin to 20 points.

The Cats too have had their troubles in front of the big sticks registering seven behinds.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Hawk Paul Puopolo got plenty of the ball going into the main break with 76 SuperCoach points. Cyril Rioli (12 possessions, one goal) was next best.

Meanwhile, Geelong skipper Joel Selwood has been the pick of the Cats ahead of veteran Corey Enright and former Melbourne defender Jared Rivers.

Standby for a huge second half!

4.15pm: Hawks 43 - Cats 25

IT'S a battle of attrition at the MCG with Hawthorn and Geelong playing an exciting brand of end-to-end football.

The Hawks lead by 20 points but the Cats continue to push through Travis Varcoe and Joel Selwood providing plenty of spark.

But poor kicking has been the tale of the tape so far with Hawthorn and Geelong combining for 13 missed opportunities.

Hawthorn v Geelong,Goal, Brent Guerra, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

4.05pm: Hawks 34 - Cats 23

FRANKLIN passed his fitness test, alright. The superboot wasted little time in the second quarter launching a 55m drop punt for goal to open the scoring.

But Geelong hit back with goals to Paul Chapman and James Podsiadly cutting the margin to 11 points.

Tom Hawkins has been quiet early while young Hawk Brad Hill continues to dominate.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and commentary

3.50pm: Hawks 26 - Cats 11

LANCE Franklin is off the ground with medicos checking out the superstar's hamstring.

A huge blow to the Hawks if the superboot is unable to return.

Brad Hill the star for the Hawks with 10 disposals and 49 SuperCoach points in a dominant first quarter.

The Cats only goal was a ripper from Billie Smedts late in the term tucked up along the boundary line.

Smedts snapped the ball around his body threading the goals but was forced to wait out a goal review to celebrate.

The review proved to be inconclusive with video umpire unable to determine if the ball had shaved the post on the way through. The goal umpire thought he "heard something".

Hawthorn v Geelong, Lance Franklin bumps Joel Selwood off play, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

3.43pm: Hawks 19 - Cats 5

GEELONG is on the back foot after back-to-back goals to Luke Breust and Brent Guerra to set up a 19-5 lead late in the first quarter.

Hawthorn has dominated play early with Guerra and Brad Hill the pick of the rampaging Hawks.

Hill, younger brother of Fremantle's Stephen, has been a revelation providing plenty of dash off half-back in the absence of Matthew Suckling (knee).

But the Cats only have themselves to blame spraying six shots on goal in the opening term.

Joel Selwood and Andrew Mackie the best for the Cats early.

Hawthorn v Geelong, Lance Franklin bumps Joel Selwood off play, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

3.28pm: Hawks 6 - Cats 2

HAWTHORN defender Josh Gibson has first crack on dangerous Geelong forward Tom Hawkins at the MCG today.

Hawkins booted a goal after the siren to deliver the Cats their ninth-straight victory over Hawthorn last time these two sides met.

Meanwhile, Ryan Schoenmakers is lined up against Cat James Podsiadly.

The Hawks have made the early running with Cyril Rioli, Jordan Lewis and Brad Hill getting plenty of the football.

Lewis kicked the first goal of the match taking a strong mark inside-50.

LiveHQ: Follow the match live with live SuperCoach points, stats, commentary and more

PRE-GAME

BRIAN Lake is a late withdrawal from the Hawthorn team to face Geelong at the MCG today in the final match of Round 1.

Lake was named in the Hawks' defence despite not playing since he hurt his calf in the first round of the NAB Cup.

The team sheets for today's match have just been submitted and the former Bulldog is out, replaced by ruckman Max Bailey.

The late inclusion means the Hawks have three potential rucks in their line-up - Bailey, David Hale and Jarryd Roughead - while the Cats are playing first-gamer Mark Blicavs as first ruck. Trent West is on the bench.

The Geelong team is unchanged.

The subs are Jed Anderson (Hawthorn) and George Horlin-Smith (Geelong).

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Thomas cleared for Reid bump

North Melbourne goalsneak Lindsay Thomas faces a nervous wait with the match review panel after flooring Collingwood's Ben Reid with a big bump.

Lindsay Thomas clashed heads with Ben Reid. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne goalsneak Lindsay Thomas is in the clear for his off-the-ball bump that floored Magpie Ben Reid.

Thomas crashed into Reid with a fierce shepherd at Etihad Stadium, forcing the Magpie from the field with a bloody face as a result of a clash of heads.

The incident sparked a fierce war of words between opposing coaches after the match, with Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley labelling the hit an "average" act that would see the AFL "hold him to account for his actions".

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott defended his player, telling Buckley to "keep his opinions to himself".

VIDEO: See the incident in the video player above

But the match review panel today ruled the clash of heads was accidental and Thomas is free to play next weekend.

The panel ruled that despite making contact several metres off the ball, Thomas did not leave the ground and made contact to Reid's body with his shoulder and body.

The clash of heads which injured Reid was deemed to be "caused by circumstances outside the control of the player, which couldn't be reasonably foreseen."

The incident sparked a mini melee in the third quarter of the Etihad Stadium clash, with Reid bleeding from the mouth.

Live HQ: North Melbourne v Collingwood

The panel also cleared Carlton's Chris Yarran for a short jab to Richmond defender Bachar Houli, saying the contact wasn't sufficient to constitute a report.

Tom Scully, Jared Brennan and Kieren Jack are also in the clear after match-day reports for tripping, striking Stephen Milne and rough conduct were thrown out.

Melbourne's Colin Sylvia can accept a reprimand for striking Port Adelaide's Justin Westhoff at the MCG yesterday.

Brisbane defender Pearce Hanley can also accept a reprimand for an ugly spoil on Bulldogs veteran Daniel Giansiracusa.

If you don't mind, umpire: Round 1's most controversial calls

Social media was divided yesterday on whether Thomas would be rubbed out, but former Pies ruckman Josh Fraser leapt to the Roo's defence.

"Players block off the ball like Thomas did all the time. Not sure it's the crime people are making out," he tweeted.

The incident came among a stretch of Magpie goals as the undermanned side kicked four goals clear after the halftime break.

Brad Scott tells Buckley to "keep opinions to himself".

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Lyon questions Dees' courage

The AFL's contentious score review system has again come under fire with two incidents in today's Melbourne-Port Adelaide clash at the MCG

Nathan Jones after the match Picture: Harman Stephen Source: HWT Image Library

Melbourne great Garry Lyon with the players last season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE great Garry Lyon has launched a stinging attack on the Demons following their "demoralising" loss to Port Adelaide yesterday.

Lyon, who described the 79-point hammering as "heartbreaking", questioned the Demons' intensity, effort and courage.

"I've got absolutely no defence for the football club," Lyon said on Triple M today.

"Whatever comes their way they need to cop, and wear it and there is no defence at all that can be mounted for the performance that unfolded yesterday.

The Tackle: Demons simply pathetic

"The lack of pressure, the decision making, the lack of intestinal fortitude ... courage if you like. It was all there, anything you need to throw up was there to say (it was) absolutely hopeless.

"To come out for the first game of the year on your home ground, with credit to Port, they weren't playing Hawthorn or West Coast. This was a side that had six new players as well.
 

Live HQ: Melbourne v Port Adelaide

"You see guys going back with the flight and flinching and ducking their head and electing to punch rather than take possession, that to me, I don't ever excuse that in footy, but sometimes you can rationalise it, but not ever in a first game when your whole season is alive.

"It's demoralising to have a Round 1 like that ... I can cop floggings but I need to know what happens in the week following and I'm not confident in next week.

Lyon said coach Mark Neeld had to flog the players on the training track this week.

"Sacrifice an injury, sacrifice a tear ... if you don't compete out there, compete somewhere else."

Dees lay egg in Easter shock

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Cats reign supreme over Hawks

Geelong captain Joel Selwood bursts out of trouble to set up a late goal for the Cats. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

CAPTAIN is a moniker that befits a warrior like Joel Selwood.

He oozes leadership, a fine trait that was never more evident than when the contest hung in the balance at the MCG.

Geelong's tardy first half required someone to show the way back against Hawthorn in the second half.

Selwood immediately and instinctively stepped forward in the critical third quarter which the Cats started with a 20 points deficit.

The midfielder simply willed himself to win the ball at a fiercely congested contest in the centre of the ground that set free Mitch Duncan to goal on the run.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Selwood built on that perfect start after the resumption by floating across a pack of players, with typical disregard for his own welfare, to mark and slot another goal.

And he hit a leading Tom Hawkins on the chest with a bullet pass a couple of minutes later for the big Cat to roost one from 50m to trail by only one point.

It was deflating for the Hawks to watch all their first half toil disintegrate in 10 minutes of sterling Selwood leadership that dragged along senior colleagues like Paul Chapman.

Just the same, it took Geelong until 15 minutes into the third quarter to grab the lead for the first time in what was another cracking contest between these rivals.

Geelong forward Allen Christensen kicked a critical last-quarter goal to set up the Cats victory over the Hawks. Picture:Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

But you sensed the game was up for the dogged Hawks even when Shane Savage and Jarryd Roughead pulled back a couple of goals to snap the Cats' six-straight run late in the third term.

In the end, Geelong had too much run left and controlled the flow in the same manner as Hawthorn did in the first half.

When most players were sucking in deep breaths, Cats Travis Varcoe, Steven Motlop and Allen Christensen found acres of space to run and carry with devastating effect.

Goals by Christensen, James Podsiadly and Duncan pushed the Cats lead out to 21 points with only 10 minutes left.

And, while the brave Hawks kept coming with answers from Luke Breust and Savage, they were always going to run out of time as much as legs.

Tom Hawkins celebrates after kicking a goal during the 3rd quarter of the Hawthorn vs Geelong match at the MCG. April 1, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Geelong's defence, so shaky in the first half, regained control, with Tom Lonergan containing Lance Franklin to just two goals.

And he had wonderful support from Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie and Jared Rivers, particularly when the dangeous high balls floated within Buddy's reach.

Hawthorn should've gone into the long break with a bigger buffer than 20 points, particularly with 11 more inside 50 entries.

The Hawks dominated the first half, especially the centre clearances, with Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell right on top, and looked far more potent going forward.

Geelong's defenders were under immense pressure, illustrated by rare fumbles from the likes of Corey Enright and Mackie who have withstood the fierce heat of grand final battles.

When the Cats went forward, it was a scattergun approach.

They had been inside 50 11 times before Billy Smedts posted the first goal from a snapshot right against the boundary line.

Geelong increased the intensity in the second quarter, but the fumbles continued and a lack of system up forward presented key targets Hawkins and Podsiadly with few opportunities to operate one-out with opponents Josh Gibson and Ryan Schoenmakers.

At least the goals started to flow, especially with Podsiadly from a toepoke on the goalline and Hawkins two-steps snapshot from a mark close to the behind post.

And when the dangerous Varcoe crumbed a spilled ball at the top of the goal square for another with only seconds left on the clock, it set up an intriguing second half.

It may have taken the Cats 25 minutes to post their first goal and another half hour to find their touch, but the breathtaking manner they wrested the game away from the Hawks after half-time hammered out another warning of who was boss in these contests.

Sam Mitchell leads the hawks of the MCG after their 7 point loss to Geelong at the MCG. April 1, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

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LIVE: Demons v Power

Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney bursts forward against Port Adelaide. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

3.45pm: Demons 54 - Power 133

MELBOURNE was completely outplayed with Port Adelaide running away with the Round 1 clash at the MCG.

Port punished the hapless Dees who lacked the intensity required to play senior football.

The Power won by 79 points 19.19 (133) to 8.6 (54) in front of a small but vocal crowd.

The Demons looked a mess going forward, while other than the Jacks - Viney and Grimes - no body stood tall against the odds.

Viney starred with 22 disposals and a goal for 113 SuperCoach points in his AFL debut.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Meanwhile, Viney's best mate, Port Adelaide No.7 pick Olli Wines, finished with 24 possessions and a goal of his own.

The 13-goal hammering was made worse when Demons spearhead Mitch Clark left the field during the third quarter with an ankle injury.

Clark looked to be in trouble writhing in pain and clutching at his left leg.

But a short time after hobbling into the rooms he emerged on the boundary line unassisted with heavy strapping on his leg.

3.26pm: Demons 52 - Power 116

MELBOURNE has substituted Mitch Clark out of the match against Port Adelaide after the spearhead rolled his ankle during the third quarter.

Clark emerged from the rooms with heavy strapping on the ankle.

He was subbed out shortly after with Demons coach Mark Neeld not prepared to take any risks with his star commodity.

Melbourne looks to have lifted its intensity in the final term after a deplorable third quarter where the Demons failed to kick a goal.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Jordie McKenzie slotted the Dees first goal of the final quarter.

Viney continues to impress registering 104 SuperCoach points. Kane Cornes (138) is the stand out for Port Adelaide.

Mitch Clarke gets helped off the ground. Picture: Harman Stephen Source: Herald Sun

3.10pm: Demons 45 - Power 108

IT'S turned into a clinic at the G.

Melbourne is on the brink of being completely blown out of the water by Port Adelaide at the MCG.

And it only gets worse with spearhead Mitch Clark in the rooms with a serious leg injury.

Clark hobbled off the ground during the third quarter after hyper-extending his left leg.

The former Brisbane forward missed most of last year with stress fractures in his foot.

Angus Monfries kicked his third goal in the term against a lazy Melbourne outfit not willing to chase anymore.

Jack Viney remains the only shining light on a miserable day for the Dees.

2.57pm: Demons 45 - Power 82

PORT Adelaide has broken the shackles leading by 37 points early in third quarter.

Angus Monfries kicked his second goal after taking strong mark at the top of the goal square.

Melbourne showed signs of life early in the term but was let down with poor disposal.

Jack Viney leads the Demons with 17 disposals for 91 SuperCoach points while Mitch Clark has been hardly sighted after kicking two goals in as many minutes in the first quarter.

Kane Cornes is the pick of the Port players whit Jay Schulz and Hamish Hartlett dangerous every time they go near the pill.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Mitch Clark of the Demons celebrates after kicking a goal during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

2.27pm: Demons 44 - Power 73

THE case for goal line video technology is mounting with contentious marks being paid to Port Adelaide sharpshooter Jay Schulz and Melbourne utility Cameron Pederson.

Schulz was awarded a mark on the goal line despite an inconclusive review.

Moments later, Pederson clunked a strong mark next to the goal post which looked at real speed to have crossed the line.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

The Power dominated the first half setting up a 29-point buffer at the main break.

Paul Stewart booted three goals while Kane Cornes leads the Power with 14 disposals.

Meanwhile, debutant Jack Viney is the pick of the Demons with 15 touches -- 12 contested -- and a goal to his name.

The tough as teak midfielder also has four clearances to his name.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Jay Schulz of the Power takes a mark during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Herald Sun

2.04pm: Demons 31 - Power 58

MELBOURNE continues to find a way of keeping up with Port Adelaide at the MCG today.

The Power have made all the early running but until now have been unable to shake the pesky - at times outclassed - Demons.

Goals to Shannon Byrnes and Jeremy Howe, his second, cut the margin to 27 points midway through the second term.

Port Adelaide has kicked three goals in the term, its last in somewhat controversial circumstances with Jay Schulz awarded a mark on the goal line.

Schulz, who launched over the pack, looked to clunk the ball over the line. The umpires paid the mark despite a video review showing Schulz, his Demon's stepladder and the football clearly over the line.

Regardless, it was a goal, and great mark, either way. Play on!

1.49pm: Demons 19 - Power 45

ALL Port Adelaide and Melbourne's Jack Viney in the first quarter with the Power running rings around the hapless Demons.

The boom father-son prospect leads the Demons with nine disposals.

But the Power look superior to their rivals with Hamish Hartlett on track for a best on ground performance.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

The classy midfielder has 10 disposals and two goals early in the second quarter.

Mitch Clark made a welcome return to senior footy kicking two goals in as many minutes during the first quarter.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Hamish Hartlett of the Power passes the ball during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

1.34pm: Demons 13 - Power 27

MELBOURNE spearhead Mitch Clark has made a welcome return to senior footy kicking two goals in a hurry to claw the Demons back within striking distance.

Port Adelaide made all the early running at the MCG with midfielders Hamish Hartlett, Brad Ebert, Kane Cornes and young gun Olli Wines dominating the stoppages.

Clark's timely goals helped the Demons get back in the match before Power sharpshooter Jay Schulz's courageous mark in the goal square.

It took Melbourne about four minutes of play to register its first kick, a free kick to co-captain Jack Grimes at half-back.

PRE-GAME

Melbourne lines up as selected in today's match against Port Adelaide at the MCG.

The Demons will unveil prized recruits Jack Viney and No.4 pick Jimmy Toumpas in the Easter Sunday clash.

Port Adelaide also boasts a couple of new faces including No.7 pick Olli Wines and mature-aged recruit Kane Mitchell who will start as the substitute.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Demon Sam Blease will also start on the pine wearing the green substitute's vest.

Melbourne will join Port Adelaide in wearing black armbands today in memory of Power midfielder John McCarthy.

The former Collingwood and Sorrento utility fell to his death while on holidays in Las Vegas with Power teammates last year.

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LIVE: Roos v Pies

Ben Cunnington goals in the first quarter Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

6.40pm North 61 - 81 Pies

A BURST of four goals to start the third quarter has an undermanned Collingwood primed for a Round 1 victory against North Melbourne.

Live HQ for all the scores

And it wasn't only the scoreboard that hurt the Roos after the main break, with a brutal bump applied by Lindsay Thoams on Ben Reid set to be heavily scrutinised.

Lachie Hansen snagged a goal from a free kick nearing the final change to keep the home side alive at the last change.

Pendlebury and Swan have combined for 47 touches to monster North's engine brigade.

6.00pm North 52 - 54 Pies at HALFTIME

IT'S the Scott Pendlebury show. The star Pie has 19 touches and 97 SuperCoach points at the main break and is torching North Melbourne's engine room.

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Dane Swan Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

The Pies are firing with big forwards Cloke and Lynch combining for five goals, while Lindsay Thomas has been chief destroyer for the Roos with four majors.

Cloke is locked in a fascinating duel with Scott McMahon, while Alan Toovey is chasing Thomas.

HALFTIME SUPERCOACH STARS

Pendles (97)
Swallow (78)
Sidebottom (62)
Swan (58)

Live HQ for all the scores

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Nathan Grima battles with Travis Cloke Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

5.40pm Roos 52 - 53 Pies

FREE flowing, end-to-end, high pressure, 12 lead changes and loads of intensity. It's a cracking game at Etihad Stadium between two sides having a big dip.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

A pair of late goals in the second half handed Collingwood the lead against North Melbourne as Quinten Lynch and Steele Sidebottom both booted majors from the square.

Sidebottom's was courtesy of a beautiful transition from full-back ignited by Tyson Goldsack.

Lindsay Thomas has four goals for the Roos, while Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan have shared 35 possessions.

5.20pm Roos 32 - 23 Pies

A 50-metre penalty handed Quinten Lynch his first goal in black and white as the Pies cut the gap to just three points to start the second quarter.

And while the Roos won the first term, it was owned by Pies superstar Scott Pendlebury.

The midfielder racked up 12 touches, booted a goal and scored a whopping 56 SuperCoach points.

The intensity and pace of the match has impressed observers, particularly after the poor showing by Melbourne just hours earlier at the MCG.

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Harry O'Brien and Lindsay Thomas Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

5.00pm Roos 19 - 16 PiesIT'S taken just 15 minutes into Collingwood's season for coach Nathan Buckley to blow up, smashing - and breaking - a phone in the coach's box.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

But it was a nice start for the undermanned Pies, who trail North Melbourne by three points nearing quarter-time.

Dane Swan started his season in devastating fashion, racking up eight early touches in an exciting clash at Etihad Stadium.

Steele Sidebottom booted the first goal but Lindsay Thomas hit back with two majors for the Roos to give the home side the lead.

PRE-GAME: COLLINGWOOD'S short-term injury worries have taken another turn for the worse with star Dayne Beams and defender Heath Shaw late withdrawals from today's clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

The Pies replaced Beams with youngster Josh Thomas, will 26-year-old VFL recruit Sam Dwyer will have to wait a little longer for his AFL debut after being named the substitute.

Jack Frost replaced Shaw and will make his AFL debut.

The Roos enter unchanged with Liam Anthony set to start in the green vest.

North Melbourne touched up the Pies the last time they met late last year and enter the Round 1 clash full of confidence.

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Score review system sparks confusion

The AFL's contentious score review system has again come under fire with two incidents in today's Melbourne-Port Adelaide clash at the MCG

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Jay Schulz of the Power takes a mark during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Jay Schulz of the Power takes a mark during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

THE AFL's contentious score review system created confusion at the MCG today when Jay Schulz was surprisingly paid a mark he seemed to take over the goal line.

The Power forward launched over a pack and cleanly reeled in a screamer on his chest, before the umpires called for a review and deemed the mark should stand.

VIDEO: See the incidents in the video player above

The ball was headed for a Port goal regardless, but later in the same quarter Melbourne mirrored the situation when recruit Cam Pedersen took a mark awkwardly close to the goal line.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, video, stats and more

The umpires then checked whether he completed it in play and if the ball hit the post, before awarding Pedersen a shot at goal, which he converted.

It followed a bizarre ruling in the Dogs-Lions clash yesterday, when Jack Redden appeared to dribble through a goal from the square only to have a behind given.

The umpires went upstairs for several minutes before ruling the ball was touched.

The league brought in the system just before the start of last season and it has suffered teething problems, with very few decisions able to be overturned due to a lack of conclusive vision.
 

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Lights out for Dees as Power surges

Melbourne leaves the field lead by Jack Grimes Picture: Harman Stephen Source: HWT Image Library

IT FELL to Angus Monfries to put the polish on Port Adelaide's training drill on a rare run at the MCG.

That the former Bomber was able to mark uncontested on the edge of the goal square midway through the third quarter told only a part of Melbourne's sorry story.

The build up to Monfries' second goal for his new club was the ridiculous ease the Power players were able to ferry the ball around the southern wing in a wave of white jumpers.

Score review causes confusion at the MCG

Always one loose on the overlap to inevitably land the ball in the new forward's lap for another embarrassing goal.

Little wonder the patient Melbourne faithful broke into sustained hooting at the sound of the three-quarter time siren.

Generally, that reaction is aimed at the umpires - this time there's no doubt it was directed at their dysfunctional team.

The deplorable Demons had managed to scrounge a solitary behind from that third quarter after they were still in contest, facing a gettable 27 points deficit heading into the second half.

Simply, Melbourne never looked a winning chance.

Port Adelaide celebrate in the rooms after the game Picture: Harman Stephen Source: HWT Image Library

From the moment Port Adelaide pair Travis Boak and Hamish Hartlett took hold of the midfield duels in the opening minutes, the result was inevitable.

Only mystery was having to wait for the final siren for the full extent of the scoreboard carnage.

Nothing inspired the Melbourne players.

Not the ball hunger of new boy Jack Viney, not the gutsy comeback of key forward Mitch Clark, not even the spectacular "hanger'' mark and goal by recruit Cam Pedersen just before half time.

Live HQ: SuperCoach score, stats and more

Pedersen's goal left the Demons trailing by only 20 points, for goodness sake, with still half a game to play.What was Melbourne's response?

To allow Port Adelaide to dictate every aspect of play to literally stroll to their 79 points victory, only 10 short of the Power's greatest winning margin against the once proud team of the red and the blue.

Remember, the Power also had half a dozen new players in their line-up for what was a dream start for coach Ken Hinkley.

But the astute Hinkley knows his team won't be able to similarly run the ball unchecked and mark uncontested this season ... probably starting with a home assignment against the young Giants next Saturday night.Obviously, it's far too early to accurately assess Hinkley's effect on Port Adelaide.

The signs were healthy first up, like the midfield unit led by skipper Boak and Monfries class adding a new dimension to a forward set-up built around the dangerous Jay Shulz.

The Power players were disciplined, accountable to their opponents and worked together with a structure and purpose that was missing in their opponents haphazard ball use.

Mitch Clarke gets helped off the ground Picture: Harman Stephen Source: HWT Image Library

An interchange bench infringement when onballer Jordie McKenzie prematurely returned to the field early in the third term summed up the Demons dismay day.

But it was the complete lack of any system in Melbourne's play that most distressed its fans that made up all but a small pocket of the disappointing 22,924 crowd.

Viney's impressive debut was the only highlight of the Demons' bleak Easter Sunday.It started with teenager's breakaway burst, one bounce and pinpoint pass to Colin Sylvia midway through the opening quarter.

And he finished with 22 possessions, bettered only by captain Jack Grimes.In retrospect, the warning signs were flashing early for the Demons.

A free kick to Grimes was Melbourne's first effective kick ... and the contest had been running nearly six minutes.

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