Demetriou cashes in on bonuses

Vote now on whether Andrew Demetriou deserves his mega pay packet. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou received $440,000 worth of bonuses last year, the league's annual report reveals.

The game's most powerful man earned $1.88m in 2012, a package which included superannuation, bonuses and an $88,000 pay rise.

He pocketed $2.2 million in 2010.

The annual report also revealed a record revenue for the 2012 season of $425m and a $6.7m profit.

About $290m was distributed among the 18 AFL clubs.

The turnaround in fortunes comes after the league leaked $24m in 2011 – most of it spent on setting up expansion clubs Greater Western Sydney and Gold Coast.

The AFL Grand Final was the most-watched sporting event in Australia last year with an average audience of 4.08 million people.

While total attendances fell from 7.48m people in 2011 to 7.37m last year, memberships soared for the 12th consecutive year with 707,621 people (up from 650,373) signing up with clubs.

AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick attributed a fall in attendances to the league's expansion in western Sydney and Gold Coast.

The league's executive arm, made up of eight members, earned $4.5m in salaries and bonuses.

Fitzpatrick said attendances had dropped due to the AFL palying more matches at smaller, boutique stadiums.

"Although attendances at AFL matches were down in 2012 when compared to the record levels of 2011, that outcome was consistent with our expectations linked to the fact that expansion clubs Gold Coast Suns and the GWS Giants were participating in 20 per cent of the total number of games," he said.

"That principle is why we were pleased to support an initiative of the St Kilda FC to play an historic first premiership season game outside Australia in 2013 when the Club takes on reigning premiers the Sydney Swans in Wellington, New Zealand on Anzac Day."

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Wrist injury for Butcher

Port Adelaide key forward John Butcher has a wrist injury. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide's injury-plagued forward John Butcher has had another setback, with scans expected to confirm he has suffered a small crack in a wrist.

Butcher - who missed much of the Power's pre-season campaign as he recovered from hip surgery - was injured during the second half of Port's five-goal trial match win against premier Sydney at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

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It was initially thought Butcher had sustained a hand injury.

The club now believes he has suffered a small fracture at the top of the wrist and is awaiting the results of scans later today.

The Power insists the injury isn't serious and that Butcher could still be an outside chance to be available for selection for the round one clash against Melbourne at the MCG on March 31.

However this seems highly unlikely.

Even if Butcher's wrist injury is minor, he has not had enough football to justify being picked in Port's best 22.
Saturday's match against the Swans was his first AFL hitout for the season and he was scratchy in his only SANFL trial for the Port Magpies the previous week.

The highly-rated Butcher has played just 12 games in three seasons since being drafted at pick eight at the 2009 national draft because of a long line of back, hip and soft tissue injuries.

The Power expects former captain Dom Cassisi (calf) and forward Brett Ebert (hamstring) to resume from injury in SANFL trial matches this week.

Robbie Gray, who last weekend played a half with West Adelaide in his return from a knee reconstruction, is expected to play three quarters in the SANFL this week.

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Traditional surgery for Johnson

Sydney defender Alex Johnson will have traditional surgery. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

SYDNEY premiership player Alex Johnson is set to miss the entire season after opting for traditional surgery - and not revolutionary LARS - to repair his torn ACL.

Johnson tragically ruptured the ACL in his left knee during Sydney's NAB Cup clash against Gold Coast last week.

The young defender ventured back to Melbourne last week to think the decision over with his family, before decided for the traditional rehabilitation.

LARS surgery could have had Johnson back playing within two months, but clubs are fearful as to whether the artificial fix can stand the test of time.

Johnson, 21, will go under the knife next week.

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Winged Eagles not worried

Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui will miss the start of the season. Picture: Justin Benson-cooper. Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast skipper Darren Glass is confident his team has the depth to cover for a host of injuries in Saturday's Round 1 showdown against Fremantle.

The Eagles will be without ruckman Nic Naitanui (groin), midfielder Daniel Kerr (knee), former Pie Sharrod Wellingham (ankle), forward Mark Nicoski (hamstring) and wingman Matt Rosa (thigh) this week.

In contrast, Fremantle will be close to full strength, with Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) being the only notable omission.

West Coast enters the season as one of the premiership favourites, and Glass said the club had plenty of options to replace the injured players this week.

"It's very rarely you're at full strength week in, week out. I'm very comfortable with our depth," Glass said.

Nicoski missed all of last year after undergoing hamstring surgery, and has again been placed on the long-term injury list after a slower-than-expected recovery.

Glass remains hopeful the 29-year-old can overcome his injury troubles in time to play a key role this year.

"He's had a terrible run of luck, but he remains positive and still a good opportunity to play lots of good footy this year," Glass said.

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Tigers primed for Round 1

Richmond star Brett Deledio in full flight against the Western Bulldogs at Visy Park. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick came away from yesterday's nine-point win over the Western Bulldogs confident his team was in great shape for its Round 1 showdown against Carlton.

The Tigers have dropped only one game in the pre-season and have almost a full list to chose from for the season opener on Thursday week.

Against the Dogs they came from 18 points down in the third quarter to kick seven of the last nine goals in scrappy conditions at Visy Park, and did so with subdued performances from key players Trent Cotchin (18 disposals), Jack Riewoldt (one goal and six disposals), Dustin Martin and Chris Newman (10 possessions each).

''It was a tough old game really, and the conditions weren't really great, but to walk away at the end of the NAB Cup campaign with four wins and one loss was a reasonable result for us,'' Hardwick said.

Jake King and Daniel Jackson, who were rested yesterday, are both expected to be available for the Round 1 match against the Blues.

Chris Knights and Dylan Grimes, who have had injury-interrupted pre-seasons, are expected to get at least a half in Coburg's VFL match against Weribee on Sunday.

Nathan Foley remains at least a month away from playing.

The Tigers had six multiple goalkickers, led by ruckman Ivan Maric, with Luke McGuane (two goals) presenting as a third marking forward.

''He was good, kicked a couple of goals,'' Hardwick said. ''He does compete, Luke, that's the one thing we love about him.''

The Bulldogs were disappointed they could not finish off the march, but would be encouraged by knowing about a half a dozen new faces could come into the team that finished the 2012 season, with Brett Goodes, Jason Johannisen, Nick Lower and Tom Young among those with strong cases for inclusion.

Lower did exceptionally well nullifying Cotchin, restricting him to just six disposals in the first half and frustrating the Tigers skipper throughout.

Assistant coach Brett Montgomery was buoyed that experienced core played well, but several recruits had played well.

''At the selection table ... we've got plenty to choose from and there were at least 12 or 13 weeks last year where that wasn't the case and we were just putting whatever we had out there,'' Montgomery said.

Adam Cooney (24 touches) showed glimpses of the explosive best that was a feature of his glory days, Robert Murphy was damaging alternating between half forward and half back and Daniel Giansiracusa (two goals) was a constant threat.

Ryan Griffen collected 30 possessions and Dale Morris totally outplayed Riewoldt.

Montgomery said the club was hopeful Shaun Higgins, Easton Wood and possibly Tom Williams would be available for the Round 1 match against Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium, although the Dogs were conscious of not including several underdone players in the 22.

Higgins and Wood are likely to play at VFL level next weekend.

Hardwick also backed the AFL's new sliding rules after the match.

''Overall I think the rule is great, I really like it. 54 free kicks today is a lot of free kicks. It's really hard for the umpires to administer. Is it forceful contact or is it (just) contact .... wet conditions is tough. I think the overriding concept is good.

''There's a couple though on a wet day where a guy slides to get the ball and a player falls over the top. They're probably the ones where we have to wait and see (how the rule is interpreted).''

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Gray happy to be back

Robbie Gray at Port Adelaide training. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide specialist forward Robbie Gray will step up his workloads after a successful return from serious knee surgery to competitive football on Saturday night.

Power assistant coach Garry Hocking today described Gray as a "kid in a lolly shop'' in his chase for the ball during half a game with SANFL club West Adelaide in a night trial at Richmond Oval.

He added the recuperation program would now have Gray play three quarters in SANFL trials with roles in the midfield.
 
Independent observers noted Gray has lost none of his pace despite his legs having naturally lost their tone.
 
Gray yesterday Tweeted: "Got through and pulled up well. Good to be back playing again!''

Gray was injured in April in Port's away clash with Collingwood. At best, he could resume in the AFL on April 6 at home against Greater Western Sydney.

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Thomas in no hurry to sign

Collingwood midfielder Dale Thomas says he is in no hurry to re-sign. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD midfielder Dale Thomas says there is no point rushing to sign a new contract after ankle surgery and a modest 2012.

Thomas said he wanted the chance to build on his form before he started contract talks.

"There is no point in me signing currently coming off the year that I had last year and just coming back with an injury,'' Thomas said on Channel 7's Game Day.

"I would like to think I would give myself a bit of time to get some form up, play some good footy and then start talking contracts.

Injuries: Reid, Thomas a chance, not Faz and Krak

"But at the minute I am sure the club would like to get my signature at the minute because it would be worth next to nothing.''

Thomas said he had not set a time-frame for his contract negotiations, but was mindful of protracted talks turning into a "circus''.

"I think I will just let it unfold. I don't want to a put a time on it and say I will wait until the end of the year,'' Thomas said.

"But the last thing I want is for it to become a circus as these things over the past few years for other players have kind of happened.

"The last I want is for that to happen. My signature will go on a piece of paper at some point, as it has to happen.''

Thomas, who had surgery in November, said he remained hopeful of being ready to play in the Round 1 clash against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

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Leuenberger unscathed in return

Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger got through half a game with Brisbane's reserves side. Picture: Adam Armstrong Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE had further cause for celebration over the weekend with ruckman Matthew Leuenberger playing half a match in the reserves.

Leuenberger's start to the season was under a cloud after he suffered back stiffness and calf soreness following the game against GWS in Wagga Wagga two weeks ago.

He did not play against Collingwood the following weekend and was not considered for the NAB Cup  final, putting his availability for round 1 in doubt.

But the back ailment has cleared and he emerged from the practice match unscathed.

Leuenberger, who suffered a series achilles injury in 2012 to miss all but three games, will resume full training this week.

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AFL pre-season matches wrap

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For updates from Craigieburn follow Matt Windley on Twitter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hawks win carries worries

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

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

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

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

Get a wrap of all the matches here

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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