Buckley wants the specifics

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says the cloud over players, and the lack of information filtering down to clubs is tarnishing the sport.

Essendon boss Ian Robson responds to calls for heads to roll following Stephen Dank's interview last night.

Clean: Collingwood players are addressed by coach Nathan Buckley on the track yesterday. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley says players' reputations are being tarnished by a "frustrating" lack of detail supporting claims they are using illegal substances.

After reviewing supplement programs back to 2002 yesterday, Collingwood is "very" confident it is clean.

The AFL has confirmed Essendon, and one player from another club, are under investigation by the Australian Sports Anti Doping Authority.

Buckley yesterday said the vagueness of the Australian Crime Commission's findings was damaging football.

"It is yet to be proven about Essendon's situation and we need to wait for the facts to understand that," Buckley said.

"But I wouldn't think it (performance-enhancing drug use) would be wide-spread and I think all of us have seen it watered down as the time has gone on over the last week or so.

"To the point where there is an element of frustration in that, 'OK, if you are going to make those claims, be specific about them because you have tarnished the sport and brought individuals of great quality and reputation into disrepute'.

"That's not good for the code and we need to fix it."

Calls to sack Hird off the mark

Buckley said "as a sports fan, as much as a coach, I want answers" about performance-enhancing drug use in the AFL, but was happy Collingwood's supplement program was clean.

Spotlight moves to the coaches

"We take TGA-approved substances and proteins and carbohydrates ... all that are well-recognised brands that have all got the rubber stamp," he said.

"We are not a club that lives in the grey area. We believe that there is plenty of one-percenters to be found in things that are in our control and that are quite mundane."

A long time friend of Essendon coach James Hird, Buckley yesterday expressed sympathy for his Bombers' counterpart, amid calls for Hird to resign due to the doping authority probe.

"I can't imagine how he would feel," Buckley said.

"I'm sure he would never have contemplated it, even in his darkest times. But I'm sure with his qualities he will navigate the club through."

Geelong coach Chris Scott says the decision-making processes used at the Cats mean they have nothing to worry about, concerning the ACC investigation into drugs and organised crime in sport.

The AFL has also warned clubs about the lurking danger of outlaw bikies mixing with players.

Buckley said clubs must guard against association with the underworld .

"The majority of people who are involved in footy are of good character," he said.

"But when you are as big as we are there are going to be people who take short cuts."

Geelong coach Chris Scott also called for patience.

"As a competition, we've got to suck it up and just ride it out," he said. 

What do you think of the ACC report and its effect on the NRL and AFL? Who's to blame? Will you still support your team? Do you think players are clean?
Have your say by taking our quick survey below.

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Anzac Day game investigation

"We obviously won't train properly, it's all about recovery; it's all about the high performance guys, we will leave the guys in their hands." - James Hird before Anzac Day, 2012 Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON'S rushed preparations for last year's Anzac Day game against Collingwood will come under close scrutiny by anti-doping investigators.

The Bombers had a 94-hour turnaround between their match against Carlton on April 21 and the Magpies clash on April 25.

The recovery period was managed by fitness staff Dean Robinson and Stephen Dank.

A source said yesterday: "The whole season will be scrutinised but heavy scrutiny will be on the period leading up to Anzac Day."

The Bombers beat Carlton by 30 points and lost to Collingwood by a point.

The activities of Dank and Robinson, which included the use of injections and intravenous drips, are at the centre of an Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation into the possible use of performance-enhancing drugs by the club last year.

In the lead-up to Anzac Day, coach James Hird said about the four-day turnaround: "We obviously won't train properly, it's all about recovery; it's all about the high performance guys, we will leave the guys in their hands."

They made one change for Anzac Day - Michael Hurley out, Jake Carlisle in.

Hird said after the Blues game "there would be five or six that probably won't get up for the Collingwood game in four days time".

The Herald Sun is not suggesting Bombers players did use performance-enhancing drugs and Dank has strongly denied anything inappropriate was administered.

Calls to sack Hird off the mark

But if proved, a ban of six months to two years can be levied at players, even if use was without their knowledge.

Spotlight moves to the coaches

Club chiefs told the players' parents on Monday night that, in their knowledge, banned drugs were not given to the players.

Buckley wants more specifics

Parents were told the club had documented each and every supplement supplied to players during the season.

Those electronic documents will be given to ASADA.

Essendon boss Ian Robson responds to calls for heads to roll following Stephen Dank's interview last night.

As the Bombers prepare to open all aspects of their club to the ASADA inquiry, it can be revealed:

HIRD and assistant coach Mark Thompson had a disagreement over Robinson in December.

DANK had his authority curbed about halfway through last season.

ESSENDON continued its supplement program while Dank took a back seat. He left the club at the end of the year.

The Thompson-Hird disagreement is understood to have centred on whether Robinson should continue as high-performance manger.

Hird wanted a review of the position and Thompson wanted Robinson to continue.

Sponsorship standoff hurting clubs

That Robinson had two years to run on a contract worth up to $300,000 a year helped sway the decision to continue with Robinson, although his suspension after the announcement of the ASADA inquiry suggests his career at Essendon is over.

Dank last week told the Herald Sun he had not given players banned drugs.

The Bombers are bracing for a forensic examination of their supplement regimen including what was administered and the amount.

Coaches, players and support staff will be interviewed. Clubs officials refused to comment yesterday on the investigation.

Coach James Hird (back on) instructs the team as a group during an Essendon training session at Tullamarine last week. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: Herald Sun

WINDY HELL: ESSENDON'S PRE-SEASON WOES
LATE NOVEMBER, 2012
Essendon denies to the Herald Sun that it has concerns over its sports science department after sacking sports scientist Stephen Dank.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4
Essendon again denies to the Herald Sun that it has an issue in its sports science department, particularly around performance-enhancing supplements.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5
Essendon holds a press conference at AFL House where it announces it has asked the AFL and Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority to investigate the club over concerns players may have been unknowingly given supplements that do not comply with the WADA code. It is revealed that Bombers players received off-site injections of supplements in the stomach.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6
Dank denies to the Herald Sun that he gave Essendon players banned supplements, feared to be banned peptides.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7
- The ACC, Federal Government and a coalition of major sporting bodies front a press conference in Canberra as the ACC releases a report saying performance-enhancing drug use is widespread in Australian sport and that there is also of links to organised crime and concern about match-fixing.

- The AFL Commission holds an extraordinary meeting and announces that the league's integrity department will be beefed up.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10
AFL second in command Gillon McLachlan confirms the league has been made aware that a player at a second club is also under investigation for possible use of performance-enhancing drugs.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11
- The AFL refuses to alert the second club on the advice of its lawyers.

- The 17 clubs other than Essendon tell the Herald Sun that they have not been contacted by the ACC or the AFL in relation to the matter.

- Dank appears on ABC TV and declares some Essendon coaches had taken WADA-banned supplements.

- He again denies administering banned drugs to players.

YESTERDAY
- Sources close to Essendon say they expect heavy scrutiny over the short turnaround between Round 3 win over Carlton and the Anzac Day clash.

- It emerges Hird and Thompson in December had a disagreement over whether Robinson should stay at the Dons, Hird pushing for his departure.

WHERE THE INVESTIGATION STANDS
- ASADA and AFL investigators will interview all Essendon players and officials, as well as other relevant parties.

- Samples taken during the 2012 season likely to be flown to Cologne for special testing for peptides.

- Electronic and other records relating to supplement program will be examined.

- Details about investigations into the second club remain unknown.

WHAT THE MAIN PLAYERS SAY
JAMES HIRD, COACH
"I'm shocked to be sitting here. As a coach, I take full responsibility for what happens in our footy department. It's my belief we've done everything right." - February 5

DAVID EVANS, CHAIRMAN
"This is a minefield ... we've received information that's concerned us." - February 5

STEPHEN DANK, FORMER BOMBERS SPORTS SCIENTIST
On what the Bombers' hierarchy knew: "There was a very significant involvement from Dean (Robinson) as the high-performance manager, there was detailed discussion with James Hird, there was detailed discussion with the club doctor (Bruce Reid). They were sort of the main people involved in the knowledge of the program."

On coaches taking supplements: "A couple of coaches were using supplements that were a little bit outside the WADA code but, again, they were entitled to it and nothing illegal in those". - February 11

ANDREW DEMETRIOU, AFL CHIEF EXECUTIVE
"Under the ASADA rules whether you knew or not it's no excuse . . . they are the WADA rules." - February 5

What do you think of the ACC report and its effect on the NRL and AFL? Who's to blame? Will you still support your team? Do you think players are clean?
Have your say by taking our quick survey below.

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Academic defends Dank's integrity

Former Essendon sports consultant Stephen Dank at his Ascot Vale home. Picture: Tony Gough Source: Supplied

THE academic supervising Stephen Dank's stalled PhD has defended the integrity of the figure emerging as sports science's fall-guy in the Essendon supplement scandal.

And Bomber great Tim Watson has turned the heat up on the Federal Government to justify the gravity of claims made last week about drugs in sport with evidence and/or criminal or civil charges of individuals.

University of Sydney Associate Dean, Ian Spence, backed his student Dank - the central character in the Essendon drug furore - as a straight shooter with considerable academic talent.

"Academically he is good, knows his stuff but had a lot going on,'' said Spence, referring to Dank's work with NRL and AFL clubs.

"He really knows a lot about sports physiology, has got his head around all of that.''

Spence's assessment contrasts with the portrayal of a man allegedly injecting as yet undetermined substances into Essendon players before leaving the club last December.

"It (sports science) is a bit of a voodoo area and that is why he wanted to do the PhD to try and get one of these products documented,'' he said. ``I never saw anything to do with injectables.''

In an interview with ABC's 7.30 Dank indicated he would be submitting his PhD but Spence said his candidature was suspended last year.

Dank's PhD centred on the use of lactiva - an extract from pine bark that could be used to help rejuvenation. Spence hopes Dank will finish the written stage of the PhD.

"He is a PhD student but is not currently enrolled. I don't know what the future holds. He could come back if he gets it all back together.''

Regardless, Dank has polarised opinion across the sports and academic communities.

Jobe Watson's 2012 Brownlow Medal win has been questioned in light of the Bomber supplement furore.

Jobe's father Tim indicated the joint media conference to announce the Australian Crime Commission's investigation into the integrity of sport on last Thursday may have been elevated in an election year

"I think there has been a bit of political grandstanding that has gone on with all this,'' said Watson adding he would be "flabbergasted'' if players or coaches took banned supplements at Essendon.

Federal Minister for Sport Kate Lundy has been forced to defend the timing of the ACC report finding with the Gillard government languishing in opinion polls.

"The Crime Commission completed their report and handed it to Government and briefed the codes. And it was the Crime Commission's completion of that report that determined the timing," Senator Lundy said.

What do you think of the ACC report and its effect on the NRL and AFL? Who's to blame? Will you still support your team? Do you think players are clean?
Have your say by taking our quick survey below.

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teams: Macaffer returns for Pies

Essendon star Brendon Goddard, pictured here with Collingwood recruit Clinton Young and Bulldogs youngster Jackson Macrae, will make his debut for the Bombers on Friday night. Picture: Scott Chris Source: Herald Sun

Brent Macaffer is set to make his return after breaking down in last year's NAB Cup. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON will unveil star recruit Brendon Goddard in Friday night's NAB Cup openers against Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.

Goddard transferred to Windy Hill as a free agent from St Kilda during last year's trade period.

The big-bodied utility was elevated to Essendon's leadership group during the pre-season.

Emerging midfielder Elliott Kavanagh has been named in the squad along with mature-aged West Australian recruit Nick Kommer and Dylan van Unen.

But the embattled Bombers are without skipper Jobe Watson (ankle), David Zaharakis (quad) and Jake Melksham (hand) for the round-robin style pre-season competition.

Father-son selection Joe Daniher has missed the cut along with injury-prone forward Scott Gumbleton (hamstring).

COLLINGWOOD will open its NAB Cup campaign with a near full strength line up.

The Magpies have named 13 premiership players in the squad to take on the Bombers and Bulldogs in two games consisting of 20-minute halves.

Among those is small forward Brent Macaffer who ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in last year's NAB Cup missing the regular season.

Macaffer has trained strongly during the pre-season and is expected to make an impact inside the arc.

Collingwood has also named recruits Quinten Lynch, Clinton Young, Jordan Russell and journeyman Ben Hudson for their first runs in black and white stripes.

But the Magpies are without playmaker Dale Thomas (ankle), Tyson Goldsack (ankle) and hard-nosed midfielder Luke Ball, who missed the bulk of last season following a knee reconstruction.

Developing ruckman Jarrod Witts and rookies Kyle Martin, Jack Frost and Sam Dwyer have also be named in the extended list.

THE Western Bulldogs have named five new players including mature-aged recruit Brett Goodes and highly-rated youngster Jackson Macrae.

Goodes was among the best in the Indigenous All Stars thumping of Richmond last week.

All Australian defender Dale Morris returns for his first game since breaking his leg in 2011.

But the Dogs won't be unveiling No.5 pick Jake Stringer in Round 1 of the pre-season competition.

SCHEDULE

Essendon v Western Bulldogs 6:45pm AEDT    

Western Bulldogs v Collingwood 7:50pm AEDT

Collingwood v Essendon 8:55pm AEDT

NAB CUP ROUND 1 SQUADS

WESTERN BULLDOGS

J Grant, R Murphy, M Wallis, D Cross, M Boyd, L Dahlhaus, S Higgins, E Wood, J Macrae, D Giansiracusa, C Smith, J Tutt, R Griffen, A Cooney, L Jones, D Pearce, T Liberatore, D Addison, W Minson, T Dickson, C Howard, T Young, M Talia, N Lower, L Markovic, D Morris, J Johannisen, L Picken, J Redpath, B Goodes, T Campbell, L Jong, M Austin and A Cordy

COLLINGWOOD

J Russell, B Macaffer, N Maxwell, A Krakouer, H O'Brien, M Clarke, S Pendlebury, J Blair, C Young, J Witts, N Brown, D Beams, D Jolly, J Elliott, B Reid, Q Lynch, S Sidebottom, B Hudson, B Johnson, B Sinclair, T Cloke, D Swan, K Martin, P Yagmoor, H Shaw, P Seedsman, S Dwyer, J Frost, M Williams and C Mooney

ESSENDON

M Hibberd, T Bellchambers, B Stanton, L Jetta, B Goddard, N O'Brien, S Crameri, J Ashby, C Dempsey, T Pears, M Hurley, D Hille, J Merrett, D Heppell, J Carlisle, D Myers, A Browne, A Steinberg, C Hooker, L Davis, E Kavanagh,  A Davey, P Ryder, D Fletcher, D van Unen, K Hardingham, M Gleeson, L Dalgleish, N Kommer, H Hocking, N Lovett-Murray, H Hunter, M Baguley and C Dell'Olio

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

McIntosh out for three weeks

Geelong ruckman Hamish McIntosh will miss three weeks after minor knee surgery. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG recruit Hamish McIntosh has been dealt a blow in his return from a recurring knee injury.

McIntosh, 28, will sit out for up to three weeks after having surgery to remove fluid from the back of his knee.

Cats coach Chris Scott described the operation as only "minor" despite it being yet another setback for the ruckman cruelled in recent seasons by injury.

Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin missed the Indigenous All-Star Game against Richmond with a similar injury last week.

"It's the same knee, different problem but it's very minor," Scott said.

"It was something the surgery can fix quite quickly the surgeon tells us."

The former North Melbourne ruckman was sidelined last year after copping a knock to the knee in Round 7.

He resumed training late in the season before opting to go under the knife to replace his posterior cruciate ligament.

McIntosh was restricted to just one game in 2011 battling achilles problems.

Geelong coach Chris Scott says the decision-making processes used at the Cats mean they have nothing to worry about, concerning the ACC investigation into drugs and organised crime in sport.

Scott remains hopeful McIntosh will be right for the Cats Round 1 blockbuster against Hawthorn.

"Obviously that's going to put a little bit of a dint in his preparation for the early rounds of the season," Scott said.

"(We're) still hopeful that he might be OK for Round 1 but it's not a certainty."

Scott said the Cats would be without playmakers James Kelly, Paul Chapman, Nathan Vardy and Dawson Simpson (back) for this weekend's NAB Cup opener against West Coast and Fremantle.

Trent West is set to shoulder the bulk of the load at the stoppages while exciting half-forward Travis Varcoe is expected to play.

Meanwhile, Brisbane utility Brent Staker will miss six weeks following minor surgery on his left knee.

Staker missed all of last year after undergoing a full reconstruction on his right knee following LARS surgery in 2011.

The 28-year-old will be restricted to light duties during his rehabilitation.

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Salter ruled out for eight weeks

Port Adelaide's Nick Salter will miss eight weeks. Picture: Simon Cross Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide's worst injury fears for Nick Salter have been realised with the key utility to miss eight weeks with foot stress fractures.

Scans have confirmed the injury which has troubled Salter for several weeks.

The stress fractures are in the opposite foot to the one which has plagued Salter in the past two years, restricting him to just six AFL games and none last year.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

The Power has placed the 25-year-old on its long-term injury list.

"It's really disappointing for Salts given his history (with injury) at this early stage of the year, he can't get a run at it but the reality is that in elite sport setbacks will happen,'' Port director of coaching and strategy Alan Richardson told the club's website.

How did the Power fare in their trial match? Get the full wrap here

"He will just focus on his rehab and once match-fit he'll still have an opportunity to play a significant role for the team given he'll be back early in the season.''

Salter is one of six Power players already ruled out of Sunday's NAB Cup clashes against St Kilda and Adelaide, joining Robbie Gray (knee), John Butcher (hip), Dom Cassisi (calf), Brent Renouf (knee) and Cameron Hitchcock (foot).

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Drug claims tarnish AFL: Buckley

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley says he feels for Essendon and rival coach James Hird. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley believes football's reputation is suffering from the lack of detail in the Australian Crime Commission's claims about drug use in sport.

Buckley said he had not been made aware any of his players were being investigated or linked to performance enhancing drug use.

Buckley said he sympathised with Essendon coach James Hird and wanted more specific information about the alleged drug problems which he believed were clouding the AFL playing group's reputation.

"For the 12 hours after the announcement last week, you were wondering 'geez', that's a lot worse than what I expected and what I thought," Buckley said.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

"And you would generally think that an individual here and there being apart of it and it is yet to be proven about Essendon's situation and we need to wait for the facts to understand that.

"But I wouldn't think it would be wide-spread and I think all of us have seen it watered down as the time has gone on over the last week or so.

"To the point where there is an element of frustration in that 'OK, if you are going to make those claims, be specific about them because you have tarnished the sport and brought individuals of great quality and reputation into disrepute'."

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says the cloud over players, and the lack of information filtering down to clubs is tarnishing the sport.

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Choices aplenty for Sando

Crows coach Brenton Sanderson marshals his troops at training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

CROWS coach Brenton Sanderson is blessed with extraordinary luxury as he looks at 43 players capable of starting Adelaide's NAB Cup defence on Sunday.

And Sanderson appears tempted to use as many players as he can with the AFL allowing coaches to work 34-man squads in the first week of 20/20 games.

Adelaide will play St Kilda and Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

Adelaide will not play young defender Sam Shaw (knees), 2011 draftee Nick Joyce (groin) and energetic forward
Jared Petrenko (shoulder).

The conservative approach at West Lakes means Adelaide is unlikely to push its 2012 NAB Cup final hero Bernie Vince (shoulder) and will demand fellow midfielder Richard Tambling prove his fitness before being released for action.

MUST READ: Adelaide SuperCoach preview

How many Crows play in both 20/20 clashes against the Saints and Power is set to be minimised by Sanderson wanting to push youth and manage the workloads of his senior players.

Sanderson was further encouraged to test the depth of his squad after seeing many young players impress in Adelaide's internal trial at West Lakes on Friday.

"We'll certainly give our young players plenty of opportunity to show us what they've got during the NAB Cup,'' said Sanderson.

"At different times, some of our experienced players won't be playing and we'll get a chance to see who out of those young guys stands up. We'll try to give almost every player on our list a bit of exposure.''

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scouting report: Intra-club matches

Mick Malthouse has a word to Andrew Walker during the Blues' intra-club. Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: HWT Image Library

Shane Crawford channels his inner Liam Neeson when he discovers Gary Ablett is 'taken' and tries to organise a swap with one of his mates

YOU could be forgiven for not knowing, but the Sherrins have already been bounced at most AFL clubs.

The weather forecast is still in the 30s, cricket is still on television at night and the calendar still reads February, but intra-club practice matches are under way.

With the NAB Cup just four sleeps away, SuperFooty has gone behind the scenes to dig out all the gold from your club's low-key trial matches.

Get your SuperCoach notebook ready.

CARLTON

ABOUT 10 first-choice players were rested for the first hit out under new coach Mick Malthouse's watchful eye. But there was an air of familiarity, with both Blues sides clearly intent on hugging the boundary, as the Pies were under Mick's reign.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Brock McLean was the midfield standout, racking up possessions with ease. He looks in fine touch, while Kane Lucas, who has promised that breakout year for so long now, showed glimpses.

Key defender Matthew Watson excelled, with his lethal boot and ability to read the play making him a standout. Jeff Garlett surprisingly pushed towards a halfback flank in a sign the goalkicking dazzler could be unleashed this year, as Mick did to Leon Davis in the pair's final year at the Pies.

Andrew Walker provided his usual flare, while blonde-haired Nick Graham won plenty of admirers. The bargain midfielder, nabbed at No. 54, won plenty of clearances.

Rhys O'Keeffe, the classy left-footer who kicks goals, impressed and is a highly regarded internally at Visy Park.

The Blues will play another scratch match on Friday.

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 06: Shaun Hampson is tackled by Brock McLean during a Carlton Blues AFL Intra-Club match at Visy Park on February 6, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD

IT looks like Andrew Krakouer is back. The magical forward showed plenty of tricks at Victoria Park on Friday, kicking a big bag of goals and avoiding

Quinten Lynch has been all the rage this summer and he justified that with some big grabs and working nicely into the Pies' structure.

Clinton Young got on the paddock despite foot surgery, while fellow recruits Jordan Russell showed poise in defence and big Ben Hudson hasn't lost any of his rucking nous.

Luke Ball boundary umpired, while Dale Thomas sat out and remains Collingwood's biggest worry with his ankle concern.

Dane Swan moved OK, but don't expect the likes of him or Scott Pendlebury to really flick the switch until next month.

Swan's fitness is supreme.

ESSENDON

IT was more bad news for the Bombers, with skilled onballer Jake Melksham suffering a broken hand.

He'll miss Friday night's NAB Cup opener, along with captain Jobe Watson (knee) and star David Zaharakis (quad).

Zaharakis remains the biggest worry of that trio, while Brendon Goddard's pre-season continues to be outstanding.

SuperCoach shopping list

Nathan Lovett-Murray captained the Indigenous All-Stars on Friday night and did well, but Paddy Ryder was the star.

The ruckman towelled up Orren Stephenson in a dazzling display, while Leroy Jetta provided a highlight in win with a 60m bomb goal.

RICHMOND

NOT a great showing put in when Richmond played the All-Stars in Alice Springs, but Tiger fans, keep your memberships away from all microwaves.

It was closer to a Coburg side than Damien Hardwick's best 18 on the paddock, while there were still some positives to extract from the 50-point belting.

Matthew McDonough looks like a shrewd addition. The medium forward showed his smarts and accuracy with a nice goal, while No. 9 pick Nick Vlastuin showed his trademark ferocious attack which is likely to earn him an advanced debut.

Luke McGuane and Aaron Edwards started in the forward 50, and with all due respect, the Tigers will be a far scarier outfit when Jack Riewoldt and Ty Vickery take their places.

Todd Elton showed promising signs as a tall forward in tough conditions, while Dusty Martin lifted after the first break, albeit his execution surprisingly let him down.

AllStars v Richmond,Alice Springs,Dustin Martin caught holding the ball, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HWT Image Library

ST KILDA

STEPHEN Milne was all the talk after his four-goal effort, but you suspect the showings of boom recruit Tom Hickey and rising star Jack Newnes would have coach Scott Watters even more elated.

Hickey, who the Saints snaffled from the Gold Coast to aid their shallow ruck stocks, monstered his rivals in the hit-outs early before performing well against Justin Koschitzke.

He looks set to make a big impact this season, while Newnes' class was on show for all to see.

David Armitage was among the standout performance, winning plenty of touches and sneaking forward to kick goals, while Milne's offsiders Ahmed Saad (two goals) and Terry Milera (three goals) again looked lively.

Beau Maister (formerly Wilkes), who has trimmed down, marked well up forward in a big boost to the attacking potency. The man with a swankier name could be on his way to a beefed-up season.

Josh Saunders showed how brave he is and was the pick of the kids, while fellow draftee Nathan Wright has impressed this summer.

But the Saints' second pick, mercurial forward Spencer White, faces an uphill battle to make an impact in his first year as he battles to overcome a wrist injury.

St Kilda intraclub practice match at Seaford. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

ADELAIDE

THE Crows boast one of the healthiest lists in the league and staged an intra-club behind close doors on Friday. Jason Porplyzia and Lewis Johnston, playing on opposing sides, booted three goals each, while Brad Crouch justified the hype surrounding his debut.

The hard-at-it but explosive midfielder, who coach Brenton Sanderson loves, is ready for a Round 1 debut after a year dominating at SANFL level.

He played in the midfield and drifted to half-forward, while ball magnet and bargain draft pick Rory Atkins showed off his neat kicking.

Taylor Walker was held goalless despite his side striking 16 majors in a positive sign for Adelaide's load sharing.

The battle to be Tex's sidekick will drag into the NAB Cup with Josh Jenkins and Shaun McKernan still vying for the role vacated by Kurt Tippett.

Crows training, Max Basheer Reserve. Brad Crouch Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE

AARON Sandilands dominated the ruck and continues to impress after two seasons plagued by two injuries.

The big man is running pain free and, at 30, is set for a bumper year.

Jack Hannath, the man Freo pinched at the 11th hour from Melbourne's clutches, kicked two goals and provided a target up forward.

Stephen Hill and Danyle Pearce are set to run riot on opposing wings this year, showing off their skill and dash at the Dockers' trial match.

Haydn Ballantyne spent more time in the midfield, while Fremantle's best three players – Matthew Pavlich, Nathan Fyfe and David Mundy – sat it out.

PORT ADELAIDE

THE Power played its SANFL equivalent – Port Magpies – and dominated in unsurprising fashion.

Jay Schulz snagged five majors in the first half before retiring, while raw draftee Mason Shaw played the second half and jagged two majors in front of the 4000-strong crowd.

Youngster Jake Neade booted two goals, including providing the highlight when he danced around several opponents before finding the sticks.

Former Bomber Angus Monfries unselfishly set up a few goals before unleashing in the midfield, while WAFL recruit Kane Mitchell blitzed in the midfield.

His tank looks impressive and the long-haired ball magnet could break through for senior action this season.

Mature-bodied clearance king Ollie Wines, Port's prized No. 7 draft pick, sizzled and is seemingly headed towards a Round 1 debut and MCG showdown against best mate Jack Viney.

For the record, the Power saluted by 129 points.

Jake Neade handballs to Kane Mitchell Picture: Simon Cross Source: HWT Image Library

SYDNEY

THE Swans played just a 40-minute trial match before holding a big skills session at Lakeside Oval on Friday, but it was again veteran Jarrad McVeigh who shone.

The premiership star has been a standout all pre-season for the Swans, who will host a 60-minute scratch match this Friday. Youngster Brandon Jack tried hard, while Harry Cunningham's midfield and forward work excited Sydney's coaching artillery.

Lewis Jetta is another Swan who returned from the flag victory in super touch and is looking to build on last year's breakout season.

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More

BJ reflects on Dons' madness

Brendon Goddard (middle) has reflected on Essendon's week from hell. Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

IN AMONGST the seriousness, Brendon Goddard had a chance to laugh.

The star recruit today became the first Essendon player to front the media since news of the performance-enhancing drug scandal at his club broke nearly a week ago.

Goddard had made the move from St Kilda during the off-season in search of greener pastures.

But just what has the 27-year-old walked in to?

SuperCoach research: Intra-club scouting report

"I'd say I've got a bit of experience in dealing with these kinds of things,'' Goddard joked, referring to the Saints colourful recent history he has had to deal with.

But then the seriousness returned.

How are his teammates feeling given the performance enhancing drugs allegations levelled at them?

"Understandably they've been a bit anxious,'' Goddard said.

AFL can tell club under doping cloud

"It's probably hard for me to get my head around it because obviously I wasn't there last year and not directly involved or affected.

"I don't think fearful is the right word, but anxious understandably.''

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Has the reputation of the club and its players been unfairly tarnished by the allegations?

"I don't think tarnished, it's all allegations at this point so nothing's been proven,'' he said.

"I don't think at this point we could make those calls.''

And what do you say to the Bombers supporters questioning whether or not to keep the faith?

"At this point in time it's all allegations and at no point can you jump to conclusions.

"So as players, as supporters, it's important just to stick by the club because the boys are doing everything they can to prepare for another season of footy and obviously that starts on Friday night so I hope to see a lot of the Essendon supporters there on Friday.''

How insignificant a triangular NAB Cup date with Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs must seem in the grand scheme of things.

But at the moment that's all the Bombers players have to distract themselves from furore going on around them.

And as the player prepare for what may well be the biggest battle in their playing careers _ the fight to prove their innocence and protect their reputations _ Goddard reverted back to footy cliché to sum up the impending struggle.

"What we've talked about as a group is what we can do as a team and as players,'' he said.

"And all that is is from Monday to Friday (concentrate) on our preparation and obviously once the season comes around control the controllables.

"As a team we've really helped each other in certain situations and talked about what we've got to do. We've got to control what we can control and that's really important for us as a playing group to move on.''

14.57 | 0 komentar | Read More