Punt Rd back on the AFL map

Punt Rd oval could be brought back to life as a boutique stadium. Picture: Blair Hamish

THE AFL has started some "interesting" work on the possibility of bringing Punt Rd Oval back as a boutique ground for games featuring low-drawing interstate clubs.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said Punt Rd and Visy Park were the two options the league was looking at, and had already done a feasibility study on Carlton's base.

"There's some work we've already commenced on Punt Rd which looks really, really interesting," Demetriou said on SEN today.

Demetriou said Punt Rd held a key advantage over Visy Park with its public transport access, with the ground situated adjacent to Richmond train station and next to the MCG.

"We have a situation where we've probably got 8-12 games (per year) where we think we're going to struggle to get 18, 20, 22,000 people," he said.

"But in a boutique stadium, where you might be playing Western Bulldogs versus Greater Western Sydney Giants or Richmond versus Gold Coast Suns, it makes sense to consider a boutique stadium that would have a great atmosphere with that crowd."

The AFL will acquire Etihad Stadium in 2025, but the league has been in talks about buying the stadium early to help clubs who get a poor return from playing at the venue, including Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and St Kilda.

Demetriou has previously said the number of games the AFL was contracted to play at Etihad Stadium would drop next year.
 

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Corey to miss Hawks clash

Geelong veteran Joel Corey will sit out Monday's clash against Hawthorn. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG veteran Joel Corey will sit out the Cats' Easter Monday blockbuster against Hawthorn after an interrupted pre-season.

As revealed in the Panic Room yesterday, Corey is expected to be eased back into the Cats' best 22 following minor setbacks in his preparation.

Meanwhile, Hawthorn is set to unleash young gun Jed Anderson in Monday's clash at the MCG.

The Northern Territory local has been named on the interchange bench alongside Shave Savage, Liam Shiels and defender Ryan Schoenmakers.

Former Olympics aspirant Mark Blicavs will lead the Cats' short-handed rucks division with Trent West starting on the pine.

HAWTHORN

B: J.Gibson, B.Lake, B.Guerra
HB: G.Birchall, B.Stratton, S.Burgoyne
C: I.Smith, S.Mitchell, B.Hill
HF: C.Rioli, L.Franklin, L.Breust
F: J.Gunston, J.Roughead, P.Puopolo
Foll: D.Hale, B.Sewell, J.Lewis
Int: J.Anderson, S.Savage, L.Shiels, R.Schoenmakers
Emerg: M.Bailey, K.Cheney, J.Simpkin

GEELONG

B: J.Rivers, T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: T.Hunt, H.Taylor, T.Varcoe
C: A.Mackie, P.Chapman, M.Stokes
HF: J.Murdoch, S.Motlop, B.Smedts
F: J.Podsiadly, T.Hawkins, M.Duncan
Foll: M.Blicavs, J.Selwood, J.Bartel
Int: T.West, J.Caddy, A.Christensen, G.Horlin-Smith
Emerg: J.Corey, J.Walker, J.Stringer

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LIVE: Giants v Swans

Swans co-captain Kieren Jack celebrates a goal in the second quarter. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

Swans defender Ted Richards looks to dish off the ball upfield against GWS Giants. Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

All eyes will be on Lachie Whitfield as the top draft pick makes his debut against Sydney. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

6.50pm: Swans 81 - Giants 51

SYDNEY looks to have the GWS Giants' measure heading into the final quarter at Etihad Stadium.

The Swans edged 31 points clear of their cross-town rivals in a tight term where the likes of Josh Kennedy, Jude Bolton and Kieren Jack stood tall.

Giants young gun Lachie Whitfield left the field of play late in the term with tightness in his leg.

6.22pm: Swans 61 - Giants 42

LIAM Sumner has given the Giants a sniff with his first goal early in the third quarter against Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

But the Josh Kennedy-led Swans hold a 19 point buffer despite the plucky Giants best efforts.

Kennedy has 19 disposals including 17 contested and a goal.

5.55pm: Swans 61 - Giants 34

SYDNEY is starting to assert its authority over a plucky GWS Giants outfit at ANZ Stadium.

The reigning premiers jumped to a 27-point lead after being headed midway through the term.

Kieren Jack and Mike Pyke have done most of the damage with two goals apiece while Josh Kennedy leads allcomers with 17 disposals.

The Giants controlled the first 10-15 minutes of the second quarter but faded as the Swans drove home five unanswered goals to close out the first half.

Live HQ: Click for live SuperCoach scores and stats

Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh (13 disposals) got busy in the second quarter kicking a goal after being well held.

Giants captain Phil Davis left the field late in the second quarter with what appeared to be a hip/back injury.

Meanwhile, Tom Scully was reported in the first quarter for tripping Swans defender Rhyce Shaw.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Phil Davis of the Giants lies on the ground after injuring his hip during the round one AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

5.38pm: Swans 35 - Giants 34

JUDE Bolton has steadied the ship for Sydney after GWS Giants surged to the lead with a five-goal burst in the second quarter.

The Giants burst out of the blocks after the break with Jonathon Patton (two goals) and Jeremy Cameron (one goal) doing most of the damage.

But Sydney responded through Bolton who marked strongly 40m out on a slight angle.

Live HQ: Click for live SuperCoach scores and stats

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Dylan Shiel of the Giants breaks the tackle of Mike Pyke of the Swans during the round one AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

5.27pm: Swans 29 - Giants 16

The Giants are mounting a fight back with goals to Toby Greene and Jeremy Cameron cutting the margin to 13 points.

The Swans dominated the first quarter but the Giants exploded after the break at ANZ Stadium with back-to-back majors within a couple of minutes of play.

Greene's goal was the best of the game so far, threading a drop punt between the big sticks from deep in the right forward pocket.

Swans magnet Josh Kennedy has nine disposals and a goal to his name while Giants young gun Adam Treloar leads allcomers with 12 possessions.

Sydney star Adam Goodes leads to the ball. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

5.07pm: Swans 23 - Giants 1

UNLIKE Brisbane, Sydney is experiencing no premiership hangover putting paid to GWS Giants in the first quarter at ANZ Stadium.

Mike Pyke opened the scoring with a goal before back-to-back majors made it 22-1 scoreline nearing quarter time.

Josh Kennedy kicked the Swans second swooping on the pack and snapping his first goal for 2013.

Live HQ: Click for live SuperCoach scores and stats

Shane Mumford added to the Giants woes converting a set shot from about 40m on a slight angle.

The ruckman has been solid up forward taking four marks.

Earlier today, NAB Cup champions Brisbane was hammered by 68 points by the Western Bulldogs.

Adam Treloar has been the pick of the Giants early with Callan Ward and Stephen Coniglio busy in the clinches.

Top draft pick Lachie Whitfield is yet to touch the ball.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Dylan Shiel of the Giants breaks the tackle of Mike Pyke of the Swans during the round one AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

4.45pm: Swans 6 - Giants 0

RUCKMAN Mike Pyke has given the Swans the ideal start kicking a goal within 30 seconds of the opening bounce at ANZ Stadium.

The Canadian won soft a hands in the back free kick running with the flight of the ball and made no mistake from the set shot.

The Swans will be out to get their premiership defence off on the right foot after having their colours lowered by the Giants during the NAB Cup.

Giants top draft pick Lachie Whitfield started on the ground.

Adam Treloar has the job on Swans ball magnet Josh Kennedy.

Live HQ: Click for live SuperCoach scores and stats

Meanwhile, Taylor Adams (Giants) and Tony Armstrong (Swans) are the substitutes.

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Dogs maul Lions by 68 points

Western Bulldogs first gamer Nick Lower, Koby Stevens, Brett Goodes and Tom Young after the Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane Lions match at the Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. March 30, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Matt Maguire iced up at 3 quarter time of the Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane Lions at the Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. March 30, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

SOMETIMES a long wait can be well rewarded.

If scriptwriters were searching for a theme for the Western Bulldogs' 68-point mauling of NAB Cup champions the Brisbane Lions in an extraordinarily one-sided Round 1 clash at Etihad Stadium, it wouldn't have been hard to locate it.

Just ask the Bulldogs' players - and their long-suffering fans - who have waited and waited to finally win a match for premiership points again.

Before today, the last time it had happened was way back in Round 12 last season and what followed was a miserable streak of 11 losses that had doomsayers fearing what 2013 might hold in store for Brendan McCartney's team.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Yet what the Bulldogs served up at their first offering for this year offered hope for the present, as much as the future, and it showed some vindication of the path on which McCartney is offering up for his young side.

Given the wait the Western Bulldogs had experienced, you could understand why they looked so elated at the final siren, given they were missing their captain Matthew Boyd, and were coming up against the form side of the pre-season competition.

But the simple equation was that the Bulldogs wanted it more. And the Lions were desperately disappointing.

There were stories of reward for effort and redemption for reward everywhere you looked for the Bulldogs, and you could understand why some of the players in the winning side celebrated long and hard on the final siren.
 
Just ask Brett Goodes who finally made his AFL debut at the ripe age of 29, and performed so well that it's almost an indictment on the competition that he was forced to wait so long.

He might do something that his brother Adam couldn't do - win a Brownlow Medal vote in his first game. Adam had to wait until his third season to poll votes off the umpires.

Goodes was outstanding off the half-back line - something which allowed acting captain Robert Murphy the chance to play forward - and he used the ball like a wily veteran that he is in age terms, but not in terms of AFL games played.

Just ask Dale Morris, who played his first game in Bulldogs colours in a home-and-away match in 595 days after a career-threatening broken leg, and who importantly got through the match with confidence in his game and in his leg.

He attacked the ball hard when he went anywhere near it, and led the backline, offering up confidence and support to key defender Jordan Roughead, who outpointed Jonathan Brown.

Just ask Nick Lower, who this time last year was struggling to adapt to life under Ross Lyon at Fremantle.

Lower completely shut-out Michael Tuck medallist Daniel Rich, restricting him to an almost inexplicable eight possessions.

He was a worthy inclusion to the Bulldogs' midfield that overwhelmed a much-hyped Lions engine room that looked as flat as the look on coach Michael Voss' face.

Lower worked well with ruckman Will Minson, who played one of his best games for the club, and the likes of Ryan Griffen, Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis.

Just ask Koby Stevens and Tom Young, who were bit players for their respective clubs West Coast and
Collingwood last season, but who slotted nicely into McCartney's team to suggest they might play nice roles this season.

And maybe ask Adam Cooney, who started the week in hospital due to an infection to his troublesome right knee, but finished it singing the Bulldogs' theme song for the first time since Round 12 last year.

Brisbane was nothing like the team that won the NAB Cup only a few weeks ago.

They were denied the ball early by the ferocious Bulldogs and nothing seemed to go right for them.

The Dogs now face Fremantle next Saturday, while Brisbane finally returns to the Gabba to meet Adelaide on the same day.

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The Panic Room: Cooney cured

Matt Windley and Glenn McFarlane name the rookies and left-field picks to give you the SuperCoach edge.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Adam Cooney of the Bulldogs boxes during a Western Bulldogs AFL training session at Whitten Oval on March 26, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

DOGS fans don't fear, Adam Cooney has made a stunning comeback.

Word out of the Kennel is that Cooney absolutely brained them at Thursday's main training session, just days after coming out of hospital because of an infected knee.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, video, stats and more

He was zipping around like he hadn't missed a beat which had been the case throughout the pre-season until the mishap following the final practice match.

At today's open session at Etihad Stadium, Cooney did some cross-training and boxing but don't be alarmed as that's what he does the day before a game given the history with his troublesome knee.

And don't think he will be eased into proceedings tomorrow, watch for him to start either wing or in the middle and play 70-80 per cent game time.

Down Geelong way there are two premiership heroes very much under the microscope - Trent West and Joel Corey.

Cats ruckman Trent West has undergone knee surgery. Picture: Alison Wynd Source: Geelong Advertiser

West had minor knee surgery last month and hasn't played in the pre-season. While he's increased his training loads over the past couple of weeks it would be a very un-Geelong like risk to throw him straight into Round 1 despite the depletion of the club's ruck stocks.

Steeplechaser Mark Blicavs has already been named and expect fellow rookie Josh Walker to be his back-up.

Corey has had a number of minor setbacks over the summer and didn't play in the final practice match. Word has it he's not quite right and will be eased into the season.

SUPERCOACH ALERT:

There are dilemmas everywhere but Collingwood have thrown a couple of curve balls at us by naming upgraded rookies Jack Frost and Sam Dwyer on interchange. Both appeal given we're all desperately seeking cheap defenders (Frost) and forwards (Dwyer - also mid) at the luxury price of $96,200. Frost appeals as the one more likely to get over the three-game mark although don't expect big scores as he's an old-fashioned see-ball hit-ball defender.

Young Collingwood defender Jack Frost at training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Dwyer's problem is he's a half-forward flanker who is clearly only treading water until Dale Thomas, Andrew Krakouer and Alex Fasolo return from injury which could be as soon as next week.

MONEY MATTERS:

All week we agonised over whether to go for the big upset with the Gold Coast. If ever St Kilda are ripe for the picking it's tomorrow with a shot defence, no Leigh Montagna and playing in the humid conditions at Metricon Stadium.

In the end, one conversation changed my mind when I was reminded that the Saints have torched the Suns by 90-plus on both occasions and Nick Riewoldt loves playing against them. So the tip didn't go the Suns way but the line bet of +22.5 ($1.82) is gold.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt catches his breath. Source: Getty Images

Throw in GWS at +50.5 ($1.90) - because the Swans historically take a while to get up and running - and Geelong ($2.25) to win on Monday and we end up with odds of $7.78.

Hawk Jarryd Roughead joins the panel to provide inside SuperCoach info on the Hawks.

ON NOTICE:

North Melbourne.

The Roos keep saying they want to play with the big boys and be considered a legitimate top eight team. Well, Sunday is a perfect opportunity to do that given they are taking in a full-strength team - minus veteran Brent Harvey only - against an injury-hit Collingwood outfit who they beat by five goals at Etihad when they met in Round 21 last year.

North Melbourne skipper Andrew Swallow is a proven SuperCoach star. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

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Dons boast clean bill of health

Jason Winderlich is back for the Dons. Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

ESSENDON'S injury curse is officially a thing of the past with the top-of-the-table Dons boasting a clean bill of health on the back of Jason Winderlich's successful VFL return today.

The Dons have joined North Melbourne with empty medical rooms, with Winderlich impressing with three goals in his first appearance this year.

Winderlich missed most of the summer with a groin complaint but lined up as a small forward for a half and was lively in the 75-point practice match thumping of St Kilda's affiliate Sandringham.

The 28-year-old is now expected to build on his match fitness again in the VFL, when the Bombers' reserves side plays Bendigo Gold in Round 1 of the second-tier season next week.

"Obvoiusly I would rather have kept playing than stop at half time but it is a long year and I am aiming to play 16 to 17 games this season," he said.

Father-son sensation Joe Daniher lined up in attack, alongside Scott Gumbleton, and booted one goal in the 14.19 (103) to 3.10 (28) win.

But the Dons opted not to play David Zaharakis, instead boosting the dashing midfielder's match fitness through intensive training.

David Hille won the praise of Dons development coach Hayden Skipworth for his efforts in the ruck.

"He was excellent for us all day and once again all around the ground he was good for us," Skipworth said.

Justin Koschitzke booted one goal for the Zebras after being left out of the Saints side to face Gold Coast tomorrow night.

Small forward Adam Schneider worked hard and is edging towards reclaiming a place in St Kilda's side.

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Charged Jurrah locked up for Easter

Liam Jurrah pictured during a break in his court proceedings in Alice Springs earlier this month. Picture: Justin Brierty Source: adelaidenow

TROUBLED footballer Liam Jurrah will spend the Easter weekend in custody after being charged with four counts of assault in Alice Springs.

The charges come after the footballer's arrest in Alice Springs when three women were allegedly assaulted at a 24-hour store in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Jurrah, 24, and another man, 32, were arrested.

Without naming Jurrah, Senior Sergeant Darrell Kerr from Alice Springs confirmed that two men arrested over the incident at the store had been charged on Thursday night.

He said a bail application was heard before a magistrate in an over-the-phone hearing today and was refused.

"Police opposed bail due to the seriousness of the charges," said Snr Sgt Kerr.

The news means Jurrah will be locked up over Easter until the court resumes sitting on Tuesday.

Last week he walked free from the Alice Springs Supreme Court after being acquitted of attacking his cousin with a machete.

Twice this week he has failed to appear in court in South Australia, where he faces separate charges of aggravated assault and drink driving.

Jurrah made his AFL debut in 2009 and played 36 games for Melbourne.

The club delisted him at the end of last season but he has since signed on to play for the Alice Springs South Kangaroos Football Club.

His grandmother, Cecily Granites, said she did not understand why Jurrah had ended up in custody.

"He went over to the 24-hour shop on Gap Road and bought something to eat, like a sandwich," she said.

"There was a group of (people that) saw Liam going in and when he came out there was a couple of people standing there and they started talking to him in a really angry way."

Ms Granites said she received a phone call about 4am saying Jurrah was in trouble and that he was in police custody.

Superintendent Brent Warren said police attended the incident after 3am and identified three women who allegedly had been assaulted.

"Police subsequently arrested two men, aged 24 and 32, in relation to the alleged incident," he said.

In Adelaide yesterday, Magistrate David McLeod said a warrant for Jurrah's arrest would lie on the file after he failed to appear in Elizabeth Magistrates Court to answer a charge of aggravated assault.

Jurrah's lawyer told the court her client had stayed in Alice Springs for his grandfather's funeral, but Mr McLeod said he wanted corroboration the funeral was taking place.

The hearing proceeded without Jurrah, but prosecutors said the charge against him was likely to be withdrawn because the alleged victim had signed a form saying she did not wish to proceed.

Defence lawyer Joanna Caracoussis told the court Jurrah's grandfather died late last year and the funeral was scheduled for last week but had been postponed.

The funeral had been planned for last Thursday - the day a jury returned its not guilty verdict in Jurrah's case of alleged assault against cousin Basil Jurrah.

The matter was adjourned to May.

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Teams: Demons leave out Davey

Matt Windley and Glenn McFarlane name the rookies and left-field picks to give you the SuperCoach edge.

SuperFooty delivers the best live match news to your phone

Aaron Davey shows the strain of pre-season training. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Jack Viney tries to evade James Frawley at Melbourne training. Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has left veteran Aaron Davey out of the team to face Port Adelaide on Sunday.

Melbourne cut its bench this afternoon, with Davey named as an emergency alongside mature-age South Australian recruit Dean Terlich.

Davey, 29, has played 158 games.

The Melbourne bench for its clash against Port Adelaide on Sunday is Sam Blease, Luke Tapscott, former Kangaroo Cam Pederson and 25-year-old Matt Jones, who will play his first AFL match after being recruited from VFL side Box Hill.

Port Adelaide named top draft pick Oliver Wines on the bench, setting up a head-to-head match-up with his best mate, Demon Jack Viney.

Last year's Sandover medallist Kane Mitchell is also on the bench.

It was a good day at the selection table for mature-age recruits, with Collingwood selecting 26-year-old Sam Dwyer on its bench for Sunday's clash against North Melbourne.

Dwyer was recruited from VFL side Port Melbourne in last year's rookie draft and was promoted to the senior list yesterday.

Former Carlton defender Jordan Russell is also on the bench, alongside Marty Clark and Ben Johnson.

Paul Seedsman, Josh Thomas and elevated rookie Jack Frost are emergencies.

The Kangaroos decided not to play Majak Daw, leaving Todd Goldstein as the Roos' only ruckman.

The final benches for Monday's Geelong v Hawthorn game will be named tomorrow.

Scroll down for Round 1 teams

SuperCoach Round 1 formguide: Captain picks, lockout info and more!

Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions, Etihad Stadium, Saturday 1.40pm

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dale Morris, Jordan Roughead, Liam Picken
HB: Jason Johannisen, Tom Young, Brett Goodes
C: Adam Cooney, Nick Lower, Koby Stevens
HF: Tory Dickson, Liam Jones, Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Rob Murphy, Ayce Cordy, Luke Dahlhaus
Foll: Will Minson, Ryan Griffen, Tom Liberatore
I/C: Mitch Wallis, Daniel Cross, Shaun Higgins, Clay Smith
Emg: Jason Tutt, Lukas Markovic, Tom Campbell

NEW: Tom Young (Collingwood), Brett Goodes, Nick Lower (Fremantle), Koby Stevens (West Coast)

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Elliot Yeo, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Jed Adcock, Matt Maguire, Pearce Hanley
C: Patrick Karnezis, Tom Rockliff, Mitch Golby
HF Dayne Zorko, Stefan Martin, Josh Green
F: Rohan Bewick, Jonathan Brown, Ashley McGrath
Foll: Billy Longer, Daniel Rich, Brent Moloney
I/C: Claye Beams, Jack Redden, James Polkinghorne, Aaron Cornelius
Emg: Sam Docherty, Andrew Raines, Ryan Lester

NEW: Brent moloney (Melbourne)

GWS v SYDNEY, ANZ Stadium Saturday 4.40pm

Panic Room: Cooney good to go, Cats in trouble

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
B: Adam Kennedy, Tim Mohr, Stephen Gilham
HB: Tomas Bugg, Phil Davis, Curtly Hampton
C: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Stephen Coniglio, Jeremy Cameron, Tom Scully
F: Liam Sumner, Jonathon Patton, Devon Smith
Foll: Jonathan Giles, Adam Treloar, Toby Greene
I/C: Taylor Adams, Dean Brogan, Lachie Plowman, Dylan Shiel
Emg: Sam Frost, Rhys Palmer, Nathan Wilson

NEW: Lachie Whitfield, Lachie Plowman

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Rhyce Shaw, Heath Grundy, Nick Smith
HB: Martin Mattner, Ted Richards, Nick Malceski
C: Ben McGlynn, Daniel Hannebery, Lewis Jetta
HF: Kieren Jack, Sam Reid, Ryan O'Keefe
F: Mike Pyke, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
Foll: Shane Mumford, Josh Kennedy, Jarrad McVeigh
I/C: Tony Armstrong, Luke Parker, Dane Rampe, Lewis Roberts-Thomson
Emg: Andrejs Everitt, Jed Lamb, Jesse White

NEW: Dane Rampe

Hawk Jarryd Roughead joins the panel to provide inside SuperCoach info on the Hawks.

GOLD COAST v ST KILDA, Metricon Stadium, Saturday 6.45pm

GOLD COAST
B: Joel Wilkinson, Matthew Warnock, Tom Murphy
HB: Dion Prestia, Rory Thompson, Greg Broughton
C: Matt Shaw, Gary Ablett, Jarrod Harbrow
HF: Harley Bennell, Charlie Dixon, Brandon Matera
F: Luke Russell, Sam Day, Steven May
Foll: Zac Smith, Karmichael Hunt, David Swallow
I/C: Aaron Hall, Jaeger O'Meara, Jared Brennan, Michael Rischitelli
Emg: Maverick Weller, Jack Hutchins, Kyal Horsley

NEW: Jaeger O'Meara, Greg Broughton (Fremantle)

ST KILDA
B: Jason Blake, James Gwilt, Dylan Roberton
HB: Jarryn Geary, Tom Simpkin, Sam Gilbert
C: Jack Newnes, Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Aaron Siposs, Nick Riewoldt, Terry Milera
F: Stephen Milne, Beau Maister, Rhys Stanley
Foll: Ben McEvoy, David Armitage, Jack Steven
I/C: Ahmed Saad, Tom Hickey, Clinton Jones, Farren Ray
Emg: Nathan Wright, Trent Dennis-Lane, Tom Lee

NEW: Dylan Roberton (Fremantle), Tom Hickey (Gold Coast)

Melbourne v Port Adelaide, MCG Sunday 1.10pm

MELBOURNE
B: Lynden Dunn, Tom Gillies, Daniel Nicholson
HB: Jack Watts, James Frawley, Colin Garland
C: Jack Viney, Jack Grimes, Jimmy Toumpas
HF: Jeremy Howe, James Sellar, Colin Sylvia
F: Shannon Byrnes, Mitch Clark, David Rodan
Foll: Mark Jamar, Jordie McKenzie, Nathan Jones
I/C: Sam Blease, Cam Pederson, Luke Tapscott, Matt Jones
Emerg: Aaron Davey, Dean Terlich, Jake Spencer

NEW: Tom Gillies (Geelong), Jack Viney, Jimmy Toumpas, Shannon Byrnes (Geelong), David Rodan (Port Adelaide), Cam Pederson (North Melbourne)

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Tom Jonas, Jackson Trengove, Campbell Heath
HB: Jasper Pittard, Cameron O'Shea, Lewis Stevenson
C: Matthew Broadbent, Brad Ebert, Kane Cornes
HF: Justin Westhoff, Paul Stewart, Angus Monfries
F: Chad Wingard, Jay Schulz, Jake Neade
F: Jarrad Redden, Hamish Hartlett, Travis Boak
I/C: Matthew Lobbe, Oliver Wines, Andrew Moore, Kane Mitchell
Emerg: Aaron Young, Daniel Stewart, Jack Hombsch

NEW: Campbell Heath (Sydney), Lewis Stevenson (West Coast), Angus Monfries (Essendon), Jake Neade, Oliver Wines, Kane Mitchell, Jack Hombsh (GWS)

North Melbourne v Collingwood, Etihad Stadium Sunday 4.40pm

COLLINGWOOD
B: Nathan Brown, Nick Maxwell, Ben Reid
HB: Alan Toovey, Heath Shaw, Harry O'Brien
C: Steele Sidebottom, Dane Swan, Jarryd Blair
HF: Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke, Quinten Lynch
F: Ben Sinclair, Tyson Goldsack, Brent Macaffer
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Dayne Beams
I/C: Martin Clarke, Sam Dwyer, Ben Johnson, Jordan Russell
Emerg: Jack Frost, Paul Seedsman, Josh Thomas

NEW: Quinten Lynch (West Coast), Sam Dwyer (Port Melbourne), Jordan Russell (Carlton)

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Shaun Atley, Scott Thompson, Michael Firrito
HB: Jamie Macmillan, Nathan Grima, Ben Jacobs
C: Aaron Mullett, Ryan Bastinac, Kieran Harper
HF: Ben Cunnington, Robbie Tarrant, Daniel Wells
F: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Lachlan Hansen
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
I/C: Liam Anthony, Leigh Adams, Sam Wright, Sam Gibson
Emerg: Taylor Hine, Will Sierakowski, Majak Daw

NEW: Ben Jacobs (Port Adelaide)

Hawthorn v Geelong, MCG Monday 3.20pm

HAWTHORN
B: Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, Brent Guerra
HB: Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton, Shaun Burgoyne
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Bradley Hill
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Luke Breust
F: Jack Gunston, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo
Foll: David Hale, Brad Sewell, Jordan Lewis
I/C (from): Jed Anderson, Shane Savage, Luke Shiels, Max Bailey, Ryan Schoenmakers, Kyle Cheney, Jonathan Simpkin

NEW: Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs), Jed Anderson, Jonathan Simpkin (Geelong)

GEELONG
B: Jared Rivers, Tom Lonergan, Corey Enright
HB: Taylor Hunt, Harry Taylor, Travis Varcoe
C: Andrew Mackie, Paul Chapman, Joel Corey
HF: Jordan Murdoch, Shannon Motlop, Billie Smedts
F: James Podsiadly, Tom Hawkins, Mitch Duncan
Foll: Mark Blicavs, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
I/C (from): Trent West, Josh Caddy, Mathew Stokes, Allen Christensen, George Horlin-Smith, Josh Walker, Jake Stringer

NEW: Jared Rivers (Melbourne), Mark Blicavs, Josh Caddy (Gold Coast) 

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10 things you'll see tonight

It doesn't matter how well Daniel Jackson plays tonight. He's still unlikely to win any Richmond fans over. Source: Getty Images

WILL a player drop dead from jumper asphyxiation? Will Chris Judd be a shadow of his former self? We predict tonight's big stories.

1 - Richmond supporters light a membership card bonfire

The eternal optimism that Tigers fans bring to Round 1 every year never ceases to amaze us.

That's despite Richmond losing its last nine games against Carlton, including every season-opener since 2007, so don't be surprised to see fans looking for the nearest flame to torch their plastic.

Carlton's current winning streak against the yellow and black is its longest since they went 24 games without dropping one between 1908 and 1917.

2 - Same Mick, different shirt

The moustached one will be extra prickly tonight, with the Carlton faithful expecting the earth but the coach not necessarily having the greatest list at his disposal.

It might not be the best night for a young journo to chance his arm with a curly one in the press conference.

Then again, maybe Mick will just lose the plot again and talk about bread...

Jake King might be too big for his own good this year. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

3 - Medical emergency due to overly tight jumper

At some point this year a player is going to lose circulation to their brain after going one size too small in the jumper department.

From what we've seen, St Kilda are the biggest "spray-on" offenders, but there's a little man at Punt Rd who might just trump them and pass out if he flexes a bicep a little too vigourously at any point against Carlton.

If Jake "the push-up" King has been doing the kind of reps we know he can in the off-season, there's every chance he might never get out of the jumper he puts on tonight.

4 - SuperCoaches bemoaning their Cotchin/Deledio decision

Can you squeeze both Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio into your squad?

Unlikely, with Deledio no longer a backline option. So who do you pick?

Cotchin will probably have Andrew Carrazzo going Siamese on him for large chunks of the game, which could spell trouble for the Tigers captain.

With the Blues also having to think about Dustin Martin and Reece Conca, not to mention Shane Tuck, Deledio may once again be left to do as he likes.

Better go with Brett.

Ultimate SuperCoach Round 1 formguide

5 - Traffic armageddon

There's rain around today, which means average motorists become mobile road blocks as they slow down by 30km/h, halve that speed again if there are tram tracks and generally freak out for no apparent reason.

With tomorrow's public holiday making tonight effectively a Friday, expect to see traffic gridlock around the 'G from now until about May.

You'd suggest taking public transport would be a better bet, but with the temperature straying outside of the 22C-24C window at which Melbourne's system can run without going into meltdown, you might be better to dust off your bike.

6 - Action Jackson to be a hated man

Daniel Jackson is the man Richmond fans love to hate.

It's hard to understand why a bloke who sees himself as a bit of an intellectual doesn't endear himself to the rabid crew behind the Tigers' goals, but for some reason he (and let's not forget Tyrone Vickery) cops most of the wrath from the stands.

Maybe it's the red hair.

Maybe it's his disposal efficiency that usually hovers somewhere around mid-60 per cent.

Maybe it's his two suspensions last year, one of which was for striking Chris Knights, who is now his teammate.

Either way, Jackson (pictured, top) could have 35 disposals and kick five goals and he'd still find manure in his locker on Monday morning.

Carlton fans will be hoping Levi Casboult will be the missing link up forward tonight. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

7 - Excuses about Carlton's game plan

We've heard Malthouse making a rod for his own back all pre-season, talking about needing more time to implement Carlton's new style.

But will Blues fans buy what the boss is selling?

Geelong revamped their game plan in 2011 under new coach Chris Scott and won a premiership.

Yes, their list was superior to Carlton's, but the shift to a kicking game from the Cats' handball-heavy style was the cornerstone of their third flag in five years.

Other coaches to turn their team around in quick time ... try Sydney's premiership-winning second year under John Longmire?

Cometh the man. Cometh the mullet. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

8 - More of Maric's mullet

Surely that thing is alive.

The Richmond big man had a breakout season in 2012, while carrying the ruck duties almost solo for the entire year.

But was he alone?

The marsupial growing on the hulking Tiger's head must surely be ready to spring forth and don a jumper of its own.

Expect the running bouffant battle between Maric and Taylor Walker to continue deep into September.

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9 - Nothing to look forward to

Anyone else noticed there's been a surprising lack of the usual bleating about a footy-free Good Friday?

Thankfully the NRL and the A-League have scant respect for the sanctity of religious holidays.

Tomorrow night we'll settle in with fish 'n' chips and turn our attention to the white ball to see the Storm take on the Broncos up north, and the round ball as Newcastle take on Western Sydney.

Probably the only time all year that the AFL will lose the cross-code battle - though Channel 7 will be doing some solid work with the Good Friday Appeal - but it's still an annual sporting downer.

This could be the year that former Blues captain Chris Judd finally crashes back to earth. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

10 - A shadow of the former Judd?

Just three quarters of pre-season action, diminishing pace and a battery of quick opponents set to come at him.

Tonight could be the beginning of a tough year for former Blues captain Chris Judd, and SuperCoach boffins agree.

Just 3.6 per cent of SuperCoaches have Judd in their team this year - a  far cry from years gone by when he'd be a walk-up start in most squads and an almost guaranteed 100+ points each week.

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LeCras has surgery on arm break

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

WEST Coast have confirmed forward Mark LeCras will be out of AFL action for about a month with his broken arm.

LeCras suffered the injury in Saturday night's season-opening loss to Fremantle and has had surgery.

The Eagles have listed him as a four to five-week injury.

They will also lose key defender Eric Mackenzie for two weeks with a hamstring injury.

West Coast said in a statement that Mackenzie's injury was at the lower end of the scale.

Utility Pat McGinnity is close to resuming after recovering from a back injury.

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Get your Good Friday footy fix

Bendigo Football League 2012 premiers Golden Square will face Kangaroo Flat on Good Friday. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin Source: Herald Sun

WHILE Andrew Demetriou holds firm on his stance that no AFL games will be played on Good Friday, there is still footy for fans to watch tomorrow.

A total of 14 games will be played in Victoria as nine leagues kick off their seasons.

Most of those will be played in the bush on a day that injects much-needed funds into club coffers.

"That's why the country leagues look to schedule games on Good Friday,'' AFL Victoria country football manager Brett Connell said.

"The clubs go about it fairly respectfully in regards to the religious significance of the day, but it's a boon for them because there's always plenty of people who travel for Easter and a lot of the games on are in those tourist hot spots.''

"It's something to do for people on the Friday and the clubs get a lot of people through the gates.''

Where to get your footy fix around Victoria on Good Friday

COUNTRY

Bendigo: Golden Square v Kangaroo Flat, My Jet Oval, 2.15pm

Goulburn Valley: Shepparton v Shepparton United, Deakin Reserve, 7pm; Euroa v Benalla, Memorial Oval, 7pm

Mornington: Rye v Rosebud, RJ Rowley Reserve, 2.15pm

Murray: Tocumwal v Congupna, Tocumwal Recreation Reserve, 2.10pm; Deniliquin Rams v Finley, Hardinge St Oval, 2.10pm; Moama v Echuca United, Moama Recreation Resreve, 2.10pm; Nathalia v Tongala, Nathalia Recreation Reserve, 2.10pm

Ovens and King: Bonnie Doon v Milawa, Bonnie Doon Recreational Reserve, 2.15pm; Moyhu v Greta, Moyhu Recreational Reserve, 2.15pm

Ovens and Murray: Lavington v Albury, Lavington Oval, 7pm

Warrnambool: Merrivale v Old Collegians, Merrivale Recreational Reserve, 2.20pm

METRO

Essendon District: Strathmore v Keilor, Lebanon Reserve, Strathmore, 2.15pm

Western Region: St Albans v Hoppers Crossing, Kings Park, St Albans, 6.30pm
 

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Blowtorch on young Swans

Daniel Hannebery wins Sydney's pre-season 3km time-trial. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

SYDNEY co-captain Jarrad McVeigh has put the acid on Daniel Hannebery, Lewis Jetta and Sam Reid to improve the Swans this year.

It's no secret the Swans possess an ageing list and gun recruit Kurt Tippett will be of no use to the premiers until Round 13 because of suspension.

McVeigh said the Swans had the hunger to aim for back-to-back premierships but admitted the team needed natural improvement in players aged 21-25.

"Absolutely we need Jetts, Reidy and Hanners - those gun kids - to step up,'' McVeigh said.

"They have played well, they've shown they can do it, but we need them to go to another level and push myself, Goodesy (Adam Goodes), those types of guys to go again as well.

"They're definitely the group of kids, along with Alex Johnson who's going to miss the year unfortunately, that we need to keep going again.''

Hannebery, 22, was a standout in last year's finals, amassing possession tallies of 27 and 33 in the qualifying and preliminary finals before almost snatching the Norm Smith Medal with a 29-disposal, four-mark and one-goal performance in the Grand Final win against Hawthorn.

Jack says Swans have no excuses

McVeigh said Hannebery could be ready to take the competition by storm.

"He's been playing really good footy for the past couple of years, but his finals series last year was incredible for a young kid,'' McVeigh said.

"We really rate him. He's really courageous and set the team alight in the Grand Final with a few of those acts.

"He's trained really well over the summer, he's fit so we'll be looking for another big year from him and to get that consistent high-level performance.''

Jetta, 23, had a breakout season last year, but struggled at times for consistency as he learned to deal with taggers.

"It takes time to learn how to deal with those sorts of things, but the best players get tagged every week and you want to be tagged because then you know you're going well,'' McVeigh said.

"He's had to learn different ways of how to get the ball ... hopefully he can put those things into place again this year.''

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Hannebery said today he was looking forward to a big season.

"There's no doubt that I've had interrupted pre-seasons since I've started and so far, touch wood, I've been injury-free and everything's been going really well,'' Hannebery said in Sydney.

"I've been able to do most of the sessions and it's good to get continuity in training.

"I feel good and I'm confident going into the season.''

Hannebery expects a fierce contest against their Sydney rivals on Saturday, even though they finished on opposite ends of the ladder last season.

"You can never take any team lightly and I think GWS have proven in the (pre-season) Cup they've certainly improved and we've definitely done our homework this week,'' he said.

"They've got two big forwards in (Jeremy) Cameron and (Jonathon) Patton down there so our defenders have got their work cut out.

"They're two quality players and their backline's definitely a year more mature and stronger.''

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O'Meara can't wait for AFL debut

Jaeger O'Meara at Nobby's Beach. Picture: Gosling Richard Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

HYPED Gold Coast teenager Jaeger O'Meara will make his senior debut against St Kilda at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

The young midfielder, who many believe would have been last year's No.1 draft pick if eligible, has waited a year to make his senior debut because of his age.

He has been given the nod for Round 1 and It is also believed former Docker Greg Broughton and ex-Hawk defender Tom Murphy are locked in to make their club debut against the Saints.

"I am definitely excited – I have been here for a year now and got to know the boys and got to develop my game," O'Meara told SuperFooty today.

"I'm really excited to get the opportunity."

Expectations for the Suns will be low again this season, but O'Meara said there was a quiet internal confidence among the group heading into the club's third season.

"The boys had a really good block of footy at the end of last year and we have had a pretty good NAB Cup campaign," he said.

"We had a great win against Melbourne a couple of weekends ago – I'm not sure how much you can take out of that, but we've definitely taken a bit of confidence.

"It should hold us in good stead come the weekend and the rest of the season."

O'Meara said this year would be about earning respect and being harder at the ball in previous years.

"We need to gain more respect in terms of contested footy," he said.

"We went away from that last year at times, so that will be a focus.

"We've improved strength wise and running wise over the pre-season.

"But we still have to play football, be aggressive at the ball and gain more respect in the AFL."
 

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Buddy's not on our radar: Lyon

RULED OUT: Ross Lyon says Lance Franklin is not on Fremantle's radar. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has fired back at claims the Dockers are chasing Lance Franklin, labelling claims as"a beat-up" and saying he had personally approached Hawthorn to quell the speculation.

Lyon said he approached Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson at a recent meeting to insist there was no truth to rumours the Dockers would approach Franklin, who has put off contract talks until the end of the season.

"This will clear it up and probably puts a really fine point on it; I went to a coaches association sub-committee meeting and Alastair Clarkson was there and we have a professional relationship," Lyon said.

"I sought him out, because this was bubbling around - unlike (Travis) Cloke last year, we were clearly in that - and this is totally different.

"I sought out Alastair and said, 'This is not us. Just to be really clear, just to let you know so you don't have to worry, it is not us'.

"That's on the public record.

"I think that really puts that article (into perspective); lack of rigor, lack of substance and just sensationalism in its true context.

"It should clarify for the whole industry and I can't be more clear than that."

Lyon said Fremantle had two priorities in its list management - retaining its burgeoning talent base and servicing its veterans - and those would be the areas it would focus on.

"That's a clear message to our player group, that they're the priority for us, and a clear message to anyone that wants to write stories that have no basis," he said.

"It eradicates that.

"It's an opinion business and, I mean, when Taylor Walker came through, did anyone know he was going to be a power forward? And (Kurt) Tippett and young (Sam) Reid from the Swans?

"Sometimes, people occur and grab opportunities and you think, 'Gee, where did he come from'.

"I think that just suited the red herring, or the kite being flown or, I'm not sure what it's called in this profession."

Lyon's comments come the morning after the club's 20-year-old Jayden Pitt was announced to have a heart condition that could result in the premature end of his career.

An irregular heartbeat discovered by medical screenings resulted in Pitt's career being immediately suspended for health reasons.

"We're really supportive of Jayden and he's been working behind the scenes with our medical staff (along with) his parents Greg and Jenny," Lyon said.

"It's been the result of a strong welfare program for our players, it's not mandatory screening, although it probably should be.

"A number of clubs do it and it's thrown up this, which is a big risk for Jayden and his career.

"He's had to put his AFL career on hold and, personally, as a senior coach with 45 players on our list, (I have) genuine care for all of them and this is a unique situation that I haven't come across before."

Follow Glen Foreman on Twitter: @glen_foreman
 

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Lee a safe SuperCoach pick: Watters

Shane Crawford reveals his bargain ruck strategy and why Brett Deledio is a better SuperCoach pick than Trent Cotchin

Tom Lee (right) joins fellow recruits Tom Hickey (left) and Trent Dennis-Lane at Seaford. Picture: Chris Eastman Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA coach Scott Watters may have solved the problems of many a SuperCoach by pointing us in the direction of a cheap forward.

Tom Lee.

The bane of almost every SuperCoach's existence this pre-season has been the forward line.

More specifically, trying to find a dirt cheap forward that will play.

Brent Macaffer is a lock, while Joe Daniher and Sam Rowe are on the fringes of their respective teams.

Otherwise you're looking at players well over $200,000 to fill your side.

Of the players listed in the Herald Sun last week as the game's most popular selections, Lee appeared at the bottom of the list as the 10th most chosen forward.

He is currently in about one of every five SuperCoach teams, and at the price of $115,900 he might be a nice selection for your bench - even if he doesn't play straight away.

"We think we've got a really good prospect,'' Watters told the Herald Sun.

"He's rounding out his game. We have high expectations of Tom Lee, Tom Hickey and Arryn Siposs - they're not yet complete players but they're working extremely hard.

"Tom's got some great attributes and he's shown us some really good signs. We think this is going to be a really important development year for him, but he's certainly good enough to force his way in to the side.

"So if that gives a little bit of a heads up to our SuperCoach supporters, he'll force his way in, there's no doubt.''
 

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We can respond: Bickley

Former captain and current Crows assistant coach Mark Bickley says the club will respond. Picture: Simon Cross Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE believes its ability to respond will be its greatest ally as the Crows seek to revive its season against Brisbane next weekend.

The Crows have underlined the importance of not losing two games in succession under coach Brenton Sanderson, and the players and coaches at West Lakes will draw confidence from their ability to regroup and rectify its methods after temporary failure.

Areas of concern from the club's first-round match included a losing tackle count, slow ball movement and losing centre clearances.

The positive that remains is that the current group have so far refused to fall into a form slump.

"It's about getting back to winning,'' assistant coach Mark Bickley said.

"We hate losing, full stop.

"The (not having) two losses in a row is really about getting back on the horse.

"We know it's going to be a really even competition and every opportunity to get four points -- whether it be against a top side or a bottom side -- you need to take it.

"The actual measure about not losing two in a row is a test of resilience. You challenge one week and it didn't go to plan ... how are you able to respond next week?''

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Ballantyne accepts one-game ban

SITTING OUT: Docker Hayden Ballantyne won't contest a one-game ban. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE has opted not to challenge Hayden Ballantyne's one-game suspension, meaning the forward will miss the Dockers' Round 2 clash with the Bulldogs.

Ballantyne this morning accepted a one-match suspension for engaging in rough conduct against Scott Selwood during the first quarter of last weekend's derby triumph.

Contact was assessed as reckless, body contact and low impact.

Sandilands out for three months

His previous poor record means he couldn't reduce the penalty to a reprimand even with an early guilty plea.

Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich was yesterday cleared of any wrongdoing after being reported on a rough conduct charge relating to a collision with Will Schofield.

Pavlich dodged a bullet, with 93.75 carry-over points hanging over his head for an incident in Round 19 last season.

But the Fremantle captain didn't escape the derby completely unscathed.

He revealed on Twitter yesterday he had visited hospital after the game to get his "hand and finger fixed and stitched up".

"No breaks & looks good for Rd 2," he said.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from Freo's win

Pavlich was held goalless in the Dockers' impressive win, restricted to just 60 SuperCoach points.

PAVLICH'S HAND. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM

Source: HWT Image Library

But North Melbourne star Drew Petrie said the star forward had little to worry about for his report.
 

"Hopefully the tribunal and match review panel will look favourably on it," he told Channel 7's Game Day.

Petrie said Pavlich bracing himself before colliding with Schofield in a marking contest meant he should have no case to answer.

Meanwhile, WEST COAST'S horror injury list has been compounded by the loss of Mark LeCras and possibly Eric Mackenzie.

GALLERY: Pearce ignites as Dockers whip Eagles

LeCras has had a plate inserted in his arm and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Mackenzie pinged a hamstring, placing him in doubt for the Eagles' crunch Round 2 duel against Hawthorn.

Ruckman Dean Cox said LeCras was in scintillating pre-season form, adding to the tragedy of his injury in his first match since 2011.

"He had an x-ray last night and it did reveal he had a broken arm," Cox said today.

"They'll rush him to surgery as quickly as possibly and hopefully he doesn't miss too many weeks."

ADELAIDE also has injury concerns with Luke Brown substituted out of Friday night's loss to Essendon with a foot complaint.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from the Dons' win

Brown tweeted yesterday: "Thanks to everyone for the supportive messages. Good signs so far now to rest up and recovery."

ESSENDON star David Zaharakis will suit up in the VFL next week as he looks to build on match fitness after his limited pre-season.

Zaharakis, who was the substitute against the Crows, told Channel 7 he was set to line up for Essendon's reserves in a practice match against Sandringham.
 
- with AAP

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Blicavs, Walker earn promotion

Mark Blicavs in Geelong colours. Picture: Stephen Harman Source: Supplied

GEELONG is free to unleash rookies Mark Blicavs and Josh Walker at Hawthorn on Easter Monday after promoting the pair to its senior list.

As revealed by the Herald Sun yesterday, both are expected to carry ruck duties in Round 1.

The Cats have three players on their long-term injury list, creating space to promote three rookies.

But while Walker debuted last year, Blicavs spent most the season training in the hope of representing Australia at the London Olympics.

"The coaches are happy with my progress," Blicavs said.

"Learning the structures has taken the most time, but I'm getting there, so far so good."

The three Cats suffering long-term injuries are Josh Cowan, Dawson Simpson and Lincoln McCarthy.

Meanwhile, Port Adelaide midfielder Kane Mitchell is eligible to make his AFL debut against Melbourne on Sunday after winning an upgrade to the senior list.

The former WAFL star, 23, replaces Nick Salter, who is on the long-term injury list.

"Clearly Kane has got the reward for the way he's gone about things since he arrived here in pre-season," Port coach Hinkley said of the Sandover Medallist.

"He's worked incredibly hard to try and improve himself and us as a club and it is a great reward for his effort."

Mitchell joined the Power in the off-season after winning two WAFL premierships with Claremont.

Kane Mitchell fires off a handball. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

The midfielder has been impressive in the pre-season with his endurance and pacy work.

Mitchell said he was "very excited" when senior coach Ken Hinkley told him of his elevation to the senior list.

"Ken was very measured and explained that it's come from hard work and it's hard work that'll get you where you want to go," said Mitchell.

"It's another step in my football journey and the direction where I want to go and it's something I needed to do to be able to play AFL.

"It's a huge honour to be promoted onto Port Adelaide's senior list. There are no guarantees that I'll get a game but I'll just continue working hard and playing my role on the training track."

- with Michelangelo Rucci

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Hardwick welcomes Tiger pressure

Richmond coach Damian Hardwick at Richmond training today. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says it's time for the Tigers to step up, as the club embraces the increased expectation before tomorrow night's season-opening MCG blockbuster against Carlton.

The Tigers have not beaten the Blues since Round 1 in 2008 and have not played finals since 2001.

"The best place to be is when expectations are high, that's where you get your best results," Hardwick said. "We've put the pressure on our guys this year to march their way up the ladder as have probably 17 other clubs.
 
Tame Tigers: A brief history of Round 1 heartbreak

"We certainly look forward to rising to the challenge ... I think there's some 14 sides that are going to be challenging for that final eight position and we're going to be one of those."

Richmond defender and former skipper Chris Newman told Melbourne radio this week Richmond feared no side when it was playing at its best, and Hardwick was buoyed by that attitude.

"The thing that we've seen this year is we have not played well over the course of the pre-season, but still got the results we were after," he said.

"And that's what good sides do and that's what we're starting to become. The guys just have to deliver that on a consistent basis...I think that's something our guys are starting to deliver, that steely resolve about getting over the line.

"I'm really glad Chris put that on the agenda because it's time to step up."

Hardwick said the Tigers were better placed than when they were trounced by 44 points by the Blues in Round 1 last season.

"Our list has improved again, they've got further experience, we think we're better prepared so look, overall we think it's going to be a good result for us going into Round 1," he said.

The fourth-year coach said the Blues were a completely different side under new coach Mick Malthouse.

"You look two years ago how Collingwood played, as Mick said, it's probably going to take them a little bit of time to come up to the standard that he had the Collingwood sides, but we've got no doubt they're going to be a formidable outfit," he said.

"Mick coaches, very,very well. They're very much a down the line side now as Collingwood have been years previous.

"He's had great success with that game plan over the course of what, two decades, there's no doubt he won't divert much from that plan and why would he with that success rate."

Hardwick said first round draft pick Nick Vlastuin and former Port Adelaide defender Troy Chaplin were a chance to debut for the Tigers tomorrow night.

Pic gallery: Tigers tune up for Carlton clash

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Stevie J out indefinitely

Geelong star Steve Johnson will miss the start of the season. Source: Getty Images

GEELONG has not put a timeframe on Steve Johnson's return after minor knee surgery today.

The Cats said they made the call to have a knee arthroscopy now in the long-term interests of Johnson, who was already set to miss Monday's Round 1 clash against Hawthorn due to suspension.

Football manager Neil Balme said Johnson's knee had "caused him aggravation" over the past week.

"There was a possibility that Steve could manage the issue through the season, but we all felt it was a better course of action to have the procedure now so that Steve will be at 100 per cent when he returns," Balme said.

"We think that by having the knee cleaned up he will be fully fit when he starts to play rather than the possibility that the knee will slowly deteriorate over time forcing the surgery later in the year."

The Cats enter Round 1 with several big names on the injury list, most of them ruckmen.

The club announced today it had promoted young talls Mark Blicavs and Josh Walker from the rookie list.

Meanwhile, Geelong's Round 1 opponent Hawthorn today placed knee victims Matt Suckling and Alex Woodward on the long-term injury list. No replacements have been named at this stage.

The Barometer: Updated injury list for every club

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Hospital, report for Pavlich

Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich was reported for charging Eagle Will Schofield in Derby No.37. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

MATTHEW Pavlich's sour start to 2013 took another turn for the worse last night when he was hospitalised with a finger injury.

The Fremantle captain, who was reported for charging through Eagle Will Schofield, revealed on Twitter he had his "hand and finger fixed and stitched up".

"No breaks & looks good for Rd 2," he said.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from Freo's win

Pavlich was held goalless in the Dockers' impressive win, restricted to just 60 SuperCoach points.

PAVLICH'S HAND. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM

Source: HWT Image Library

But North Melbourne star Drew Petrie said the star forward had little to worry about for his report.
 

"Hopefully the tribunal and match review panel will look favourably on it," he told Channel 7's Game Day.

Petrie said Pavlich bracing himself before colliding with Schofield in a marking contest meant he should have no case to answer.

Worryingly for Pavlich, he has 93.75 carryover points after accepting a reprimand for striking Mitch Brown in last year's derby.

The Dockers could also be without goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne when they travel to take on the Western Bulldogs in Round 2.

Ballantyne ended the match with a shin/calf injury and is also set to be scrutinised for an off-the-ball incident involving Scott Selwood.

Selwood crumpled to the ground and was left nursing a sore head after receiving a solid bump from Ballantyne well off the play.

Meanwhile, WEST COAST'S horror injury list has been compounded by the loss of Mark LeCras and possibly Eric Mackenzie.

GALLERY: Pearce ignites as Dockers whip Eagles

LeCras will undergo surgery this week to have a plate inserted into his arm and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Mackenzie pinged a hamstring, placing him in doubt for the Eagles' crunch Round 2 duel with Hawthorn.

Ruckman Dean Cox said LeCras was in scintillating pre-season form, adding to the tragedy of his injury in his first match since 2011.

"He had an x-ray last night and it did reveal he had a broken arm," Cox said today.

"They'll rush him to surgery as quickly as possibly and hopefully he doesn't miss too many weeks."

ADELAIDE also has injury concerns with Luke Brown substituted out of Friday night's loss to Essendon with a foot complaint.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from the Dons' win

Brown tweeted yesterday: "Thanks to everyone for the supportive messages. Good signs so far now to rest up and recovery."

ESSENDON star David Zaharakis will suit up in the VFL next week as he looks to build on match fitness after his limited pre-season.

Zaharakis, who was the substitute against the Crows, told Channel 7 he was set to line up for Essendon's reserves in a practice match against Sandringham.
 
- with AAP

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Young Crow in the clear

Luke Brown is in the clear. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

YOUNG Crows defender Luke Brown is clear of any bone damage to his left foot that was crunched twice in Friday night's opener against Essendon.

X-rays have revealed no break for the two-game defender who is certain to be available for Adelaide's second-round clash with Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday, April 6.

And Crows switch-hitter Ricky Henderson has passed the concussion test after taking a heavy knock to the head in the last term of the 35-point loss to the Bombers at AAMI Stadium.

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Adelaide has been left with a long list of issues to correct from the stinging defeat, none more pressing than the Crows' poor tackling. Essendon out-tackled the Crows 73-47.

Defender Brent Reilly admits: "We weren't good at it last year either. We worked hard on it in the pre-season - and we're still not up to scratch. We need to get better at it.''

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Round 1: Studs and duds

Jobe Watson was again a SuperCoach stud. Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images Source: HWT Image Library

SUPERCOACH STUDS AND DUDS: JOBE picks up where he left off, Danyle Pearce turns in a blinder and what to do with Mark LeCras?

ADELAIDE 11.16 (82) lost to ESSENDON 18.9 (117)

Crows stud: Not many. Sam Jacobs and Matthew Wright cracked the ton - both scoring 102.  Taylor Walker's last-quarter goals boosted his score to a respectable 91, but there was little joy elsewhere for the home side.

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Crows duds: Patrick Dangerfield finished with 63 points, about half of which were scored in the first term. After that Heath Hocking was sent to the explosive star and didn't give him an inch. Ouch, particularly for those who made Danger captain.

One to watch: Luke Brown was substituted out with a foot injury. The popular rookie-priced defender accumulated 44 points before that, but won't require a trade after being cleared of bone damage. With Michael Doughty retired, this young lad could be set for a promising season.

AFL round 1 - Adelaide Crows v Essendon Bombers at AAMI Stadium - LUke Brown Taken off at the end of the game Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

Dons stud: Captain Jobe did it again. He racked up 121 points and, given his supreme consistency, looks a mega captaincy contender, particularly if you don't have little Gazza. Ben Howlett played out of this world with four goals and 164 points, but can't see too many having him. Brent Stanton and Courtenay Dempsey also cracked the ton, while the lively Nick Kommer looks a bargain. A handy 70 points on debut. Cash cow goes: "Mooooooooo".

Essendon's Nick Kommer runs through the middle of AAMI Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Dons dud: Paddy Ryder finished with only 54 points, and that almost seemed generous given he had just two kicks. Brendon Goddard finished on 86, but showed damaging signs from limited involvements. If he gets a heap of it expect booming scores.

Vested interest: He'll build on his match fitness with a VFL hit out next week, and that surely means no more substitute action for David Zaharakis. The goalkicking midfielder scored 28 points from one quarter on Friday night and that means he's set for a big price drop. Keep an eye on Zaha in about a month or so.

FREMANTLE 16.12 (108) defeated WEST COAST 11.14 (80)

Dockers stud: New boy Danyle Pearce was the SuperCoach standout. A bumper 130 points from the $460k steal, who is even dual-position (defender/midfield). Ross told us Pearce had "bought in" - and it showed. Seven Dockers cracked triple figures in a monster display, with Michael Barlow (144) and David Mundy (126) leading the charge.

Danyle Pearce celebrates kicking his first goal in Dockers' strips. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

Dockers dud: Skip Matty Pavlich finished with no goals, just 60 points, a report and a night in hospital. Ouch. Won't see that too many times again.

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True to form: Jon Griffin's excellent pre-season held true. The ruckman scored 116 from four kicks and could be a handy point of difference with the big fella Sandilands out for a while.

Eagles stud: Has to be Josh Kennedy. Worked hard all night, kicked a couple and cracked the ton. Not bad for a player under $300k. Gee, he'd be handy in navy blue, wouldn't he? The ever-reliable Beau Waters top scored with 117, while Dean Cox scraped his way to 99.

Eagles dud: "Dud" a harsh term but none of West Coast's star-studded midfield hit three figures. Masten (87), Scott Selwood (81), Gaff (66) and Shuey (56) were all quiet, while Priddis's efficiency of just 39 per cent also kept him under 100.

Fire the Frenchman: It's a tragedy, but Mark LeCras has to go. If you had him, give yourself a pat on the back as his first half looked splendid. LeCras was on track to smash past 100 before a collision with Tendai Mzungu broke his arm, which requires surgery. And that means 4-6 weeks. Look for LeCras' teammate, Josh Kennedy, who is about $70k cheaper.

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

 

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The Tackle is back!

Mark Robinson's hard-hitting column The Tackle is back. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HWT Image Library

Footy's hardest hitting column is back.

Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson returns with his first edition of his award-winning column The Tackle for 2013 tomorrow morning.

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No target is too big for Robbo and he already has a new rule in his sights - and it isn't the sliding free kick that gifted Alwyn Davey a goal on Friday night.

Robbo will list his biggest likes and dislikes from the opening weekend of the 2013 AFL season.

And you can have your say on what's making you angry and happy in the footy world - connect via Twitter by following @Robbo_heraldsun and using #thetackle hashtag.

And join Robbo from 11.30am tomorrow - and every Monday - for a live chat.

Get hit by The Tackle tomorrow on SuperFooty.

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