Cooney's cutting-edge treatment

Western Bulldogs are hoping Adam Cooney can return to his best with the help of radical surgery in Germany. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Herald Sun

BROWNLOW Medallist Adam Cooney is set to undertake cutting-edge treatment in Germany on the troublesome cracked patella that has jeopardised his career.

Cooney will fly out to the club's European training camp on Sunday, October 28,  to visit a specialist in Dusseldorf.

The Dogs are highly encouraged by the progress Cooney made with his knee this year and his form in the last weeks of the season.

The treatment is worth several thousand dollars but will not involve surgery and has the club hoping it might further allow Cooney to train and play to his undoubted potential.

He will join the Dogs after his three-day treatment process at their London base, as they train there before their exhibition game against Port Adelaide.

Cooney is not attending Munich's Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt, the controversial specialist who injects calf blood into patients.

He has helped Geelong's Max Rooke and Richmond's Mark Coughlan and Dylan Grimes with their soft-tissue problems.

The 27-year-old has battled for years with the effects of the cracked patella, which limits his ability to train regularly.

"The treatment has been used by elite athletes around the world in basketball and gridiron and other sports, so we have explored it," football manager James Fantasia said.

"Adam is very keen to have a go at it. He has got himself into this particular treatment and we go over to London on Tuesday so he will leave two days early and join the group over there."

Meanwhile, the Dogs are hopeful of satisfying West Coast's demands after 21-year-old midfielder Koby Stevens nominated them as his club of choice.

The former Gippsland Power inside midfielder chosen the Dogs ahead of Essendon and St Kilda, and while he has real potential despite an injury-plagued start to his career Brendan McCartney's side has the whip hand.

They hope to satisfy West Coast with a second or third round pick for Stevens, but have the fourth selection in the pre-season draft should West Coast play hard ball on a trade.

It is a boon for the Dogs to be chosen ahead of more highly-fancied Victorian rivals, and with five picks inside 50 they should be able to satisfy West Coast.

His decision, revealed by superfooty.com.au yesterday, comes after he managed only 11 games in his three seasons at West Coast because of their midfield depth and his injuries.

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Clubs protest cut to rookie list

Champion Dockers ruckman Aaron Sandilands is one of many players who have gone on to outstanding careers after being elevated from the rookie list. Picture: Daniel Wilkins. Source: PerthNow

CLUBS have called on the AFL to revisit a drastic cut to the rookie list, which will see almost 40 players miss out on being drafted this year.

The league will reduce each club's rookie list from six to four players, after allowing clubs extra rookies in the expansion era.

It means the hopes and dreams of two additional players at each club will not be realised in December - some teams will retain all four existing rookies and not bring in any new 18-year-olds.

Essendon chief executive Ian Robson said clubs would lobby the AFL to allow the additional players, given the success of the rookie list.

Many of the stars of the game, including Shane Mumford, Aaron Sandilands and Dean Cox started from rookie lists.

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Riley replaces Hinkley at Suns

Carlton assistant coach Mark Riley, who is heading to the Gold Coast, talks to Ed Curnow and Andrew Carrazzo during Blues training. Picture: George Salpigtidis. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Carlton assistant Mark Riley will coach at Gold Coast next year.

Riley has agreed to a two-year contract at the Suns and will fill the void left by Ken Hinkley, who has been appointed Port Adelaide senior coach.

Riley reached a financial settlement with Carlton, which last week said his position had been made redundant.

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Cats looking beyond 2013: Scott

Geelong coach Chris Scott has defended the club's decision to sign two 28-year-old players. Picture: George Salpigtidis. Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG has not compromised its long-term future by re-loading with experienced pair Hamish McIntosh and Jared Rivers for a shot at next year's flag.

While many see the recruitment of the two 28-year-olds plus the introduction of Gold Coast midfielder Josh Caddy as a sign the Cats are positioning for another premiership run, coach Chris Scott says it's not a short-term fix.

"We were keen to look at things that would help improve us in the short-term without compromising the long term at all which is what these three things do," he said.

"Caddy is a top-10 pick from two years ago so he's still years away from his best footy but he's going to help short-term and long-term.

"The other two I think help our best team but they also help our depth as well and the ability to transition young players into our team without depending on them completely.

"The only way bringing in old players comprises you long term is if you give up too much for them and we have given up very little. The other thing is if you pay them too much and we're certainly not doing that either."

The Cats gave up theirs second round pick (No.36) to the Kangaroos for McIntosh while Rivers came as an unrestricted free agent from Melbourne on a two-year deal.

Scott said he understood there was an element of risk in the Cats' trade strategy.

"Hamish at his best is a very good player, we know he comes as a 28-year-old who hasn't played much footy in the last couple of years and he's got a significant injury history so there are risks associated with that and if it doesn't work, we are prepared, we can accept the worst case scenario there," he said.

"It's a little bit the same with Jared Rivers, he comes as a free-agent who basically takes up the last spot on our list if you want to look at it that way.

"He is a pretty well credentialed player but he and Hamish understand that we also have got some pretty good players that play in the same position as them."

Importantly, Geelong has retained its first-round pick, No.15, but will have only one other live pick in next month's national draft given the Cats already committed to upgrading rookie Jessie Stringer.

After a shock exit to Fremantle in the first week of the finals this year, Scott is confident that despite the loss of club great Matthew Scarlett the Cats will be a contender again.

"We know it's going to be difficult for us and history suggests that we shouldn't be one of the premiership favourites next year but that's an outsiders point of view," he said.

"We don't think that the players we brought in are the answer. We think they are going to help a little bit but more we think it satisfies multiple objectives."

Rivers described as "ridiculous" any suggestion that he came to Simonds Stadium as Scarlett's replacement.

"To be compared to, or to try and play a similar role, to Matthew Scarlett is just ridiculous," he said.

"He's going to go down as one of the best full-backs of all time. I'm just grateful for the opportunity Geelong has given me.

"It was a massive decision (to leave Melbourne). The last two years have definitely been more challenging mentally than physically.

"I can't wait to have some success at Geelong as I still think they are a real chance of winning a premiership."

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Young enough for Pies

Hawthorn has lost Clinton Young to Collingwood. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD has lured Clinton Young from Hawthorn, only days after the club's football manager said the club's player negotiations were ''done and dusted''.

Earlier this week Magpies football manager Geoff Walsh said the Pies were "done and dusted" in terms of trades - but this time he says he means it.

The Pies have watched their salary cap closely and say recruits Young and Quinten Lynch will take up the space left by departing Sharrod Wellingham and Chris Dawes.

Collingwood has been linked to other fringe players including Melbourne's Stefan Martin, Kangaroo Cam Pederson and young Gold Coast ruckman Tom Hickey.

But Walsh said the club was happy to go to the draft with three first-round picks.

"I don't think we'll do any more trading from a player point of view because we've got some issues from our salary cap that have been well documented throughout the year," he said on AFL trade radio.

"We think three first-round draft picks and given Derek's (recruiting boss Derek Hine) track record of picking players through the draft, we're very happy with that."

McIntosh dismisses injury fears

Collingwood currently holds picks 17, 18 and 20 although they are likely to be pushed back slightly when compensation picks are assigned for lost free agents.

Walsh said some dealing could still take place if Hine was able to improve the club's draft position.

Join the live trades chat here

He said the Pies were delighted to secure Young, and the fact he took so long to make up his mind was a plus.

"I think in end reason took so long to mull over it was he felt a real commitment to the Hawthorn Football Club and I think that's a good thing, we'd all like to think our players aren't just going to up and leave at the drop of a hat."

The Pies last night agreed to sign unrestricted free agent Young on a multi-year deal, trumping Hawthorn's offer for the hard-running wingman.

The Hawks issued a statement this morning saying Young had passed up "a considerable offer" to leave.

"Clinton and his family were a big part of the club and it's disappointing he has chosen to leave," coach Alastair Clarkson said.

Saints lead race for Tom Hickey

"While it's disappointing to lose a member of our 2012 Grand Final team, and a long-time contributor to our club, player movement is a reality in the free agency market," he said.

Young will be unveiled as a Magpie at noon today.

Trade month winners and losers so far

Hawks fullback Stephen Gilham is considering a move, but given he is not a free agent he has a week to consider interest from Greater Western Sydney.

While Young is in demand, Carlton's Bret Thornton heads a list of free agents who will not be taken today so must wait until they are delisted on October 29 to throw themselves back into the free market.

2011 Elimination Final. Carlton v Essendon. MCG. Bret Thornton clears by hand Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Thornton has met with Gold Coast but, given he won't be selected before today's first free agency cut-off, he is still seen as a Carlton player.

I'm not Matthew Scarlett says new Cat Rivers

His task becomes harder after he is delisted, because every delisted player is automatically an unrestricted free agent, regardless of age.

The veteran defender must vie with fellow talls such as Melbourne's former first round draft pick Lucas Cook, who if delisted would be chased by several clubs.

Every deal at Department of Trades

Carlton free agent Jordan Russell will also be delisted by the Blues.

Essendon unrestricted free agent David Hille is yet to commit to another one-year deal with the Dons.

Bomber forward Scott Gumbleton has a week to weigh up his options to stay, or join the Western Bulldogs.

Get breaking trade news on Twitter @superfooty and join the debate on Facebook

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Gumbleton says no to Dogs

Scott Gumbleton will be at Essendon next season. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON forward Scott Gumbleton has turned down a late contract offer from the Western Bulldogs to stay at Windy Hill.

The injury-cursed key forward - originally recruited with pick 2 in the 2006 draft - has played 28 matches, including six this season.

After being offered just a one-year deal by Essendon, Gumbleton was spoken to by at least three clubs - Melbourne, Fremantle and the Bulldogs.

Gumbleton met Bulldogs officials on Monday and passed medical tests on his troublesome back.

The Dockers also completed a medical assessment.

The Bulldogs tabled a two-year deal to Gumbleton, but late today he has committed to the Bombers.

It is believed his new contract with Essendon includes an option for a second season.

"The club has stuck by me with the injuries I have had and I am really passionate about the Essendon football club," Gumbleton said in a statement released by the Bombers at 5.30pm today.

"While there were opportunities elsewhere, I have lots of good mates at the club and I am really confident in the direction that the team is heading."

Free agency compo picks revealed

Coach James Hird said Gumbleton was always a required player.

"We are really pleased that Scott has re-signed with the club. He a fantastic clubman and a great teammate and we look forward to him having a big pre-season campaign," he said.

Gumbleton's manager Paul Connors said it had been an "agonising decision" but "loyalty was Scott's prime motivator."

Department of Trades

The Bulldogs are still looking for an experienced key forward after also missing out on ex-Magpie Chris Dawes. The Dogs have, however, won the race for young Eagles midfielder Koby Stevens.

Essendon is still waiting on a decision from ruckman David Hille, who has also been offered a one-year contract.

The Bombers have signed free agent Brendon Goddard and traded Angus Monfries to Port Adelaide, but will have to make more cuts to their list before next month's draft.

Meanwhile, North Melbourne forward Lachie Hansen, recruited with the pick after Gumbleton in 2006, has today re-signed with the Kangaroos after also being discussed in trade talks.

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Tigers send Graham to Crows

Richmond ruckman Angus Graham is set to sign a two-year deal with Adelaide. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND has sealed a deal to gain 10 spots in the draft in exchange for ruckman Angus Graham.

In effect, the Tigers get rid of Graham and his salary and improve their draft position from pick 50 to pick 40.

Graham is on his way to provide back-up for Sam Jacobs at Adelaide after Crows officials signed off on the deal at Punt Rd today.

"We would like to thank Angus for his contribution to the Richmond Football Club, and wish him all the best with his new opportunity at Adelaide," Tigers football manager Craig Cameron said.

"By gaining selection 40 in the draft, we are in a strong position to add some young talent to our list, which will complement the arrival of Chris Knights and Troy Chaplin in the free agency period."

Adelaide list manager David Noble said Graham's arrival would boost the club's ruck stocks.

"Angus has played some high-level football at Richmond and is very excited at the opportunity to move interstate and join a club which is in an exciting phase, playing finals football," Noble said.

While there has been speculation Richmond will now look for another ruckman, they will not trade for or use a pick in the national draft as a back-up for Ivan Maric.

Instead, they might consider a mature-aged replacement in the rookie draft as insurance, given they hope Tom Derickx and Tyrone Vickery will help Maric this year.
 

Join the live trades chat here

The rookie draft is the only place the Tigers would consider re-recruiting former midfielder David Rodan, who has been delisted by Port Adelaide.

The Graham deal adds another bizarre twist to the Kurt Tippett saga.

Every deal at Department of Trades

The move throws into question the need to take ruckman-forward Jesse White from Sydney in a trade for Tippett.

A swap of the Swans' first-round draft pick (currently No.22) and White for Tippett was expected to be signed off today.

That hasn't happened but the Crows say they haven't ruled out the deal.

"He is still in the mix," Adelaide football manager Phil Harper said of White.

To claim both White and Graham, Adelaide will have to unload one of its current players to meet AFL rules of having three picks in the national draft.

Graham, 25, played just one AFL game this season as he fell behind former Crow Ivan Maric in the Tiger line-up.

The 201cm ruckman has played 48 matches since making his debut i n2007.

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Hawks pair worth pick 66

St Kilda was the biggest winner, scoring a first-round pick for losing Brendon Goddard to Essendon. Picture: Jon Hargest Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN has received no compensation for losing Tom Murphy to Gold Coast and only a third-round pick for the defection of Clinton Young to Collingwood.

Murphy, Shannon Byrnes (Cats) and Chris Knights (Adelaide) were all deemed not worthy of compensation picks by the AFL.

The Hawks gained just pick 66 for their pair of losses, while the Saints and Port were the only clubs to rejoice the AFL's announcement tonight.

FULL AFL DRAFT ORDER BELOW

St Kilda picked up pick No. 13 for Goddard's move to Essendon, while Port Adelaide snared picks 30 and 31 for its pair of losses.

West Coast was handed pick 62 for Lynch's move to the Pies, while Melbourne was given just pick 49 despite losing Jared Rivers and Brent Moloney.

But with the free agency deadline passed, several players are left stranded without homes, including Carlton's Bret Thornton and Jordan Russell.

Port Adelaide midfielder Steven Salopek and St Kilda's Raph Clarke are also without a new home and remain unsigned by their existing clubs.

Those players remain in limbo. They can either be re-signed at their current homes or delisted, which would make them delisted free agents as of November 1.

Delisted free agents are given a 12-day window to sign at the club of their choice.

Meanwhile, Scott Gumbleton has re-signed with the Bombers for one more season.

Gumbleton's manager Paul Connors confirmed the key forward had agreed to terms at Windy Hill, despite overtures from several rivals.

The Western Bulldogs met with Gumbleton this week and had tabled a two-year offer after missing out on Melbourne-bound spearhead Chris Dawes.

MORE TO COME...

FREE AGENCY FALLOUT
What compensation your club received

MELBOURNE
Gained: Shannon Byrnes
Lost: Brent Moloney, Jared Rivers
Compo: Third-round pick (pick 49)

Live chat: Trade and free agency

GEELONG
Gained: Jared Rivers
Lost: Shannon Byrnes
Compo: None

PORT ADELAIDE
Gained: Nil
Lost: Troy Chaplin, Danyle Pearce
Compo: Two second-round picks (picks 30, 31)

HAWTHORN
Gained: Nil
Lost: Tom Murphy, Clinton Young
Compo: Third-round pick (pick 66)

ADELAIDE
Gained: Nil
Lost: Chris Knights
Compo: None

WEST COAST
Gained: Nil
Lost: Quinten Lynch
Compo: Third-round pick (pick 62)

FULL AFL DRAFT ORDER

FIRST ROUND:

1. Greater Western Sydney
2. Greater Western Sydney
3. Greater Western Sydney
4. Melbourne
5. Western Bulldogs
6. Western Bulldogs
7. Port Adelaide
8. Brisbane Lions
9. Richmond
10. Essendon (father-son Joe Daniher)
11. Carlton
12. Greater Western Sydney
13. St Kilda (Goddard compensation)
14. Greater Western Sydney
15. North Melbourne
16. Geelong
17. Fremantle
18. Collingwood
19. Collingwood
20. Adelaide
21. Collingwood
22. Western Bulldogs
23. Sydney Swans

YOUR CLUB'S DRAFT PICKS

ADELAIDE: 20, 54, 64, 83, 101, 119, 137

BRISBANE: 8, 24, 33, 53, 73, 91, 109, 127

CARLTON: 11, 36, 56, 76, 104, 112, 130

COLLINGWOOD: 18, 19, 21, 42, 48, 82, 100, 118, 136

ESSENDON: 10 (Joe Daniher), 36, 52, 55, 75, 93, 111, 129

FREMANTLE: 17, 40, 60, 80, 98, 116, 134

GEELONG: 16, 79, 97, 115, 133

GOLD COAST: 26, 47, 59, 87, 105, 123

GWS GIANTS: 1, 2, 3, 13, 14, 68, 86, 104, 122

HAWTHORN: 28, 65, 66, 84, 102, 120, 138

MELBOURNE: 4, 27 (Jack Viney), 49, 63, 70, 88, 106, 124

NORTH MELBOURNE: 15, 38, 39, 58, 78, 96, 114, 132

PORT ADELAIDE: 7, 29, 30, 31, 72, 90, 108, 126

RICHMOND: 9, 32, 34, 43, 74, 92, 110, 128

ST KILDA: 13, 37, 46, 57, 77, 95, 113, 131

SYDNEY: 22, 45, 67, 85, 103, 121, 139

WEST COAST: 41, 61, 62, 81, 99, 117, 135

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 5, 6, 22, 44, 50 (Lachie Hunter), 51, 71, 87, 109, 125

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Cats snare Rivers, McIntosh

Melbourne defender Jared Rivers is bound for Geelong. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG has recruited Jared Rivers and Hamish McIntosh in a one-two trade punch.

The out-of-contract Melbourne defender and the Cats today struck a deal that will see Rivers move down the highway in 2013.

The Cats have also confirmed they have signed Kangaroos big man McIntosh on a three-year deal.

In exchange Geelong has handed North Melbourne pick 36 in November's national draft.

The Roos are expected to receive another pick from the Demons for Cam Pederson - and are likely to use one of those selections to get young Port Adelaide midfielder Ben Jacobs.

In a huge day for the Cats, they have also confirmed the details of the deal to get Josh Caddy from the Gold Coast - sending the Suns pick 55 and the compensation pick for losing Gary Ablett two years ago.

Replay the live trades chat belowCats football manager Neil Balme said the club had been bolder than previous years in getting deals done.

"The list profile has change a bit, quite a few of our long term great players have retired over the past 2-3 years and that's likely to continue," he said on SEN.

"We've got a relatively young list at one end so we're probably in a position to look at what's going to happen over the next couple of years and we've probably taken a risk on a few older players."

Winners and losers of trade month so far

He confirmed youngsters Mitch Brown and Tom Gillies could be on the way out to make way for the new recruits.

"There will be a bit of fallout … we'll have to work through that (next week).

On the prospect of Geelong making even more deals, Balme said: "We're not really expecting to but you never quite know … like most clubs we're reasonably tight on the list, (there's) not a lot of scope to do more."

Every deal at Department of Trades

Rivers' management and Geelong are meeting now to formalise a two-year contract, ending an anxious fortnight for the 27-year-old.

Rivers was an unrestricted free agent and was allowed to move to the club of his choice.

That club has long been Geelong, who made it clear they wanted a ready replacement for recently retired full-back Matthew Scarlett.

The Cats' recruitment of Gold Coast youngster Josh Caddy and their ongoing pursuit of McIntosh had delayed the Rivers deal.

The league-wide uncertainty over compensation picks also muddied the waters.

Kangaroos football manager Donald McDonald said McIntosh had played a key role in North's run to the 2007 preliminary final but had been held back by injuries since.

"Obviously, it's disappointing to lose Hamish but we wish him all the best for his future and acknowledge the significant contribution he's made to our football club," McDonald said.

The move leaves Todd Goldstein as the Roos' No.1 ruckman with recently promoted rookie Majak Daw as back-up.

Hamish McIntosh keeps his eye on the ball. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

The Demons will receive AFL compensation tomorrow for losing free agents Rivers and Brent Moloney, although the compo will be off-set by their acquisition of former Cat Shannon Byrnes.

Rivers is a good friend of Geelong defender Andrew Mackie - a former schoolmate in South Australia - and knows several players at Simonds Stadium.

Port Adelaide also expressed an interest in Rivers after losing Troy Chaplin to Richmond.

Catch 22 picture special: Footy's biggest defectors

Geelong players reacted positively to the news on Twitter, with captain Joel Selwood tweeting "Busy day @CatsInsider #greatresults".

Other players to tweet included:

Tom Hawkins: "Great news for the Cats today! Exciting times getting even more exciting"

Andrew Mackie: "Great work by the club... Looking forward to it all starting again!"

Steve Johnson: "Good news! Look forward to seeing the boys soon.. Been a long time since I played footy with the big h!"

Rivers, who won the AFL Rising Star Award in 2004, played 150 matches for Melbourne after being recruited from North Adelaide with pick 26 in the 2002 national draft.

McIntosh played 107 matches for the Kangaroos, including the first seven this season before going down with a knee injury. He has reportedly recovered well from surgery.

2012 Trade and Free Agency period

MELBOURNE

IN: Chris Dawes (Collingwood), Shannon Byrnes (Geelong), Jack Viney (father-son pick), Jesse Hogan (via 17yo mini-draft), Dom Barry
OUT: Jared Rivers (Geelong), Brent Moloney (Brisbane)
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Scott Gumbleton, Cam Pederson
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Jordan Gysberts, Cale Morton, Stefan Martin
DRAFT PICKS: 4, 58, 64, 82, 100, 118

GEELONG

IN: Josh Caddy (Gold Coast), Jared Rivers (Melbourne), Hamish McIntosh (North Melbourne)
OUT: Shannon Byrnes (Melbourne)
STILL COMING (MAYBE): -
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Mitch Brown, Tom Gillies
DRAFT PICKS: 15, 55, 73, 91, 109

NORTH MELBOURNE

IN: -
OUT: Hamish McIntosh
STILL COMING (MAYBE): Ben Jacobs (Port Adelaide)
STILL GOING (MAYBE): Cam Pederson, Matt Campbell, Cruize Garlett
DRAFT PICKS: 14, 35, 36, 54, 72, 90, 108, 126

- with Jay Clark, Al Paton

Get breaking trade news on Twitter @superfooty and join the debate on Facebook
 

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Tiger signs new deal

David Astbury celebtrates a Tigers goal. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

KEY-position prospect David Astbury has returned Richmond's faith by signing a two-year contract extension.

Astbury, 21, has shown promise at both ends of the ground since making his debut in 2010.

But his development was stalled by a serious knee injury midway through 2011 that kept him out of action until the final two matches of this season.

"We're very pleased to see Dave re-committing to the club," Richmond football manager Craig Cameron said today.

"He is highly regarded, not only for his football ability, but also his excellent character.

"After a bad run with injury, he's now fit and really looking forward to a full pre-season.

"We expect him to come on in leaps and bounds throughout 2013."

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