Tex gets hand from the 'other side'

Taylor Walker goes off injured after wrecking his knee. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

INJURED Crows forward Taylor Walker on Monday is expected to have the tendon of a dead person grafted to his damaged right knee.

This is to repair lateral collateral ligament damage (LCL) to the joint.

At the same time, Walker will have the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rebuilt with a traditional graft from a hamstring.

The LCL also can be rebuilt with a graft from Walker's hamstring, but adelaidenow understands the Crows already have sourced a tendon from a donor clinic in Queensland.

The Adelaide Football Club medicos today refused to detail the procedure citing patient confidentiality.

However, Walker already has put the process on public record by saying on radio "I'm actually going to get an allograft for my lateral ligament which I've torn as well, so someone that's passed away, I get a ligament from them."

Adelaide football operations chief Phil Harper told adelaidenow: "It is not an unusual procedure. It is quite a standard procedure with knee injuries and has been done before several times.

"Taylor has consulted two surgeons. They are both of the same opinion. They are both extremely confident it will work."

Walker will have to spend 12 months out of AFL football to recuperate.

Walker's season - in which he carried the hopes of the Adelaide attack after the defection of fellow key forward Kurt Tippett to Sydney - ended after an awkward landing on the MCG last Saturday.

Walker's leadership - that has drawn the praise of his teammates - will not be lost as Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson wants to keep Walker involved in the Crows' campaign this season.

"We'll get Tex doing some opposition analysis stuff when he's ready," Sanderson said.

"Tex will be back. He's got another seven or eight good years ahead of him. The next game he plays will be at Adelaide Oval, which will be something for him to look forward to. It's a setback a lot of players have had to go through during their careers.

"There's no reason he can't bounce back and be an even better player than what he was."

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Gilbert joins Hayes on the sidelines

Sam Gilbert trudges off with a knee injury. Picture: Getty

SAM Gilbert has avoided becoming the latest ACL victim but will still miss "several weeks", joining St Kilda champion Lenny Hayes on the sidelines.

Gilbert underwent scans today, revealing structural damage to his left knee and he has been booked in for knee surgery this week.

VIDEO: See the video in the player above

Live HQ: Collingwood v St Kilda

In a statement, the Saints said: "(Gilbert) is expected to miss several weeks. A specific time frame cannot be ascertained until after the surgery is completed."

Hayes withdrew from last night's clash with a calf strain after breaking down in the pre-match warm-up.

He is expected to miss a further 2-3 weeks.

St Kilda is also expected to lose Justin Koschitzke after his errant elbow floored Magpie Jamie Elliott last night.

The Saints meet Carlton next Monday night before duels with Adelaide (AAMI Stadium) and the Western Bulldogs.

Round 6: Collingwood v St. Kilda at Etihad Stadium , Docklands May 3rd 2013 Melbourne, Sam Gilbert off injured in the third Picture: Salpigtidis George Source:

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Sluggish Dons able to slay Giants

Bomber Nick Kommer flies to try to foil a catch from Jonathan Giles. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

Scott Gumbleton and Jobe Watson celebrate. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

A SLUGGISH Essendon have sprung to life in time to avoid having their unbeaten AFL streak ended by winless Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium.

For slightly more than a half on Saturday, the bottom-placed Giants threatened to produce one of AFL history's great upsets against the top-placed Bombers.

But after trailing by 27 points early in the second half, Essendon lifted as the Giants tired to win 17.18 (120) to 12.9 (81) and remain unbeaten heading into Friday night's bumper clash with Geelong, when there's no way they'll get away with such a poor start.

The Giants kicked three unanswered goals in the first nine minutes, including two to impressive young key forward Jeremy Cameron (six goals).

Cameron had three by quarter time, forcing the Bombers to swap his starting opponent Tayte Pears for Cale Hooker.

But GWS, 21 points clear at the first change, went further ahead.

AFL Round 6: Essendon v GWS at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne. Picture: Coppel Alex Source: Herald Sun

Tom Scully, enjoying a fine game in the midfield, kicked his second goal early in the second term.

And while Alwyn Davey replied for the Bombers, Cameron got clear of Hooker to mark and kick his fourth to push the lead to 27 points midway through the quarter.

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The Bombers got it back to 21 points by halftime, but Cameron kicked his fifth less than a minute into the second half to rebuild a 27-point lead.

Brendon Goddard crashes his way through. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

When Essendon midfielder Brent Stanton was subbed out minutes later with an apparent quad injury, the Bombers seemed in major trouble.

But having managed just three goals to that point, they finally hit back, with four majors in a nine-minute burst.

Brendon Goddard kicked the first of those and key forward Stewart Crameri the fourth, after taking his first mark for the day midway through the third term.

Brendan Goddard and Sam Reid. Picture: Coppel Alex Source: Herald Sun

That brought Essendon within two points.

The Giants held the Bombers at bay for another nine minutes, before Crameri's second goal gave Essendon the lead for the first time since the game's opening minutes.

With captain Jobe Watson lifting after a quiet start, Goddard and David Zaharakis busy and Michael Hibberd and Courtenay Dempsey providing enormous run, Essendon dominated the rest of the term to take a stranglehold on the match.

By five minutes into the last quarter, Crameri had four goals, the Bombers led by 24 points and the result was clear.

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Roos end Power's unbeaten run

Ben Cunnington tries to break free of Port Adelaide's Kane Cornes. Picture: Nikki Davis-jones Source: The Mercury

NORTH Melbourne has ended Port Adelaide's unbeaten start to the AFL season with a hard fought 10-point victory at Bellerive.

The Kangaroos improved their season to 2-4 with a 14.9(93) to 12.11(83) win at their part-time Hobart base, seeing off a spirited Port side that sent a final quarter scare into the home side.

The Power are now 5-1 after proving early-season surprise packets and they fought hard but were outmuscled by a home side hardened by a tough opening to their campaign.

North had nine goalscorers with Drew Petrie bagging three and Aaron Black, Lindsay Thomas and Leigh Adams doubles.

For Port, Jay Schulz kicked three and Chad Wingard a double.

The Kangaroos kicked seven goals to one in the first quarter to lead by 33 at the first break before the gallant Power fought back in the second to be down by just 15.

North Melbourne skipper Andrew Swallow fights for the ball. Picture: Nikki Davis-jones Source: The Mercury

North booted three goals to one in the third to lead by 28 at three-quarter time before managing just two to Port's five in the last.

LIVE HQ- Get all the SuperCoach scores and stats here

The Kangaroos' tough losses to big guns Collingwood, Geelong, Sydney and Hawthorn should have stood them in good stead against a side whose scalps included strugglers Melbourne, GWS and Gold Coast.

But they again showed the lapses that have cost them so far in 2013.

Port's Justin Westhoff snaps unsuccessfully for a goal Picture: Luke Bowden Source: The Mercury

Without grounded head coach Ken Hinkley, who stayed in Adelaide after suffering from a virus midweek, Port looked to be continuing their impressive start to the season when diminutive Jake Neade booted the first goal of the match.

But North upped the physical pressure and kicked the next seven, including two from Black, to take a commanding 44-11 lead to the first break.

Port fought back with five goals to two in the second, including two to Wingard, to get themselves back into the game at 58-43 at the long break.

Port's Alipate Carlile (front) marks over North's Drew Petrie Picture: Luke Bowden Source: The Mercury

The Kangaroos stifled anything Port could offer in the third to lead 79-51 at the final change but needed to find some desperation in the final minutes to hang on.
 

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Crows sick of Hawks hangover

Adelaide's Scott Camporeale is sick of hearing about what the Crows did and didn't do last season. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE is tiring of living off the memory of its bitter, five-point preliminary final loss to Hawthorn last September - the game labelled as showing the Crows were "a kick away from the Grand Final".

The Crows face Hawthorn tomorrow for the first time since that epic final that was supposed to spur Adelaide to another top-four finish, which now seems far away from Brenton Sanderson's group, particularly with the loss of key forward Taylor Walker with a season-ending knee injury.

Crows midfield coach Scott Camporeale today tried to dismiss the notion that Adelaide players are still living off the back-slapping tributes of 2012 when they lifted the club from 14th to second in the home-and-away series.

"To be quite honest, I'm sick of hearing about that," said Camporeale.

"Last year was last year and this club has not achieved anything. All we did last year was gain a little bit more respect back from the competition.

"Playing in the preliminary final was a bonus for us. We understand where we're at - we all have to improve.

"We haven't spoken once about the preliminary final. That's last year. We have more as a club and a team to worry about than what happened last year."

Adelaide's search for answers after a disappointing 2-3 start brought savage internal questioning at West Lakes this week.

"Just clarity," said Camporeale of the result of the frank discussions between players and coaches this week.

"Clarity in what is expected from the individual and the group."

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Hawks know what to expect

Jay Clark and Mick Warner argue over what to do with their defence ahead of Round 6.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says the Hawks need to improve their clearance numbers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ALASTAIR Clarkson knows his Hawthorn side will confront a different looking Adelaide forward line at AAMI Stadium tomorrow.

But he expects the Crows game plan to remain the same.

Kurt Tippett is long gone and the Crows are now coming to terms with the fact Taylor Walker will miss the year with a knee injury.

The loss of opposition forwards normally creates an air of unpredictability their line-up.

But Clarkson suggested today counterpart Brenton Sanderson showed his hand at the selection table last night by selecting tall forward Shaun McKernan.

"It would have been a little bit more unpredictable if just (Jason) Porplyzia came in and they went a bit smaller,'' Clarkson said.

"But I'd expect that they'd structure up pretty similarly to what they have in the last little while.

"We've just got to make sure we defend the way we've defended all year, no matter who the opponent is.

"Walker is such a huge presence for them, but McKernan is a big boy. He and the big fella (Josh) Jenkins give them a bit more flexibility in what they do with the ruck, too.

"They can take (Sam) Jacobs forward a little bit more often than they have in the past. So we've just got to be prepared for all those things tomorrow afternoon.''

The Hawks were smashed in the clinches by North Melbourne last week.

They lost out in clearances and contested possessions as well as inside-50s but still managed to eek out a three-point win.

Clarkson said a similar result in those key areas tomorrow would not augur well for his side.

"It says something about our group that we still found a way to win but I'm not too confident that if all the stats are like that this week, that we'll get over the line against the Crows,'' he said.

"So we've got to make sure we're a bit more competitive in that area of the game.''
 

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Lamb's long wait over

Sydney younsters Brandon Jack (left) and Jed Lamb. Picture: Chris Pavlich Source: The Daily Telegraph

TWO years of injury setbacks and a nearly 500km off-season cycling odyssey in Myanmar have helped Sydney's Jed Lamb prepare for his AFL debut on Sunday.

Lamb was the Swans' first selection in the 2010 draft, which also netted premiership players Luke Parker and Alex Johnson.

The 20-year-old has had to a wait a little longer for his first AFL game, which will come against Brisbane at the SCG, but it's had nothing to do with the club's reputation for making players earn their stripes.

"It has been frustrating," Lamb said today.

"In the first year, I missed a lot because of injured hamstrings then, last year, I had shin splints. Towards the back end, I started to build some consistency, but it was a bit late."

It wasn't until the Swans started pre-season training last November that Lamb made coach John Longmire really sit up and take notice.

"That's one of the question marks you have, for young players in particular. When they go away, that's their time really to improve and to make up some ground on senior players," Longmire said.

"The challenge is (to do it) when nobody is watching, to do it by themselves.

"When he came back for his first day of pre-season, Jed was in great condition and he'd obviously worked quite hard.

"Once he'd increased his fitness in the off-season, we then got to work on his other areas of the game that he needed to improve on."

Lamb spent his holidays with reserves coach Jared Crouch on a cycling tour around Myanmar that blends young elite athletes with everyday people.

Physically, it was a great workout, but the real upside came in the form of personal development.

"That really put a perspective on footy and life in general. It really helped me with footy, during pre-season when things got tough - not to complain," Lamb said.

"Because over there, it just makes us realise we whinge about the stupidest things."

Longmire suggested the Lions were a more-potent threat than their 2-3 record implied.

"They play a bit of a similar style to Geelong. They've got some really good runners in the team and actually had more scoring shots than we have," Longmire said.

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Panic Room: Essendon warning

Jay Clark and Mick Warner argue over what to do with their defence ahead of Round 6.

If Brendon Goddard is the slightest bit sore tomorrow morning, the Bombers wouldn't hesitate in giving him a rest. Source: Getty Images

SO ONE-sided is tomorrow's Essendon v Greater Western Sydney clash expected to be that even the Giants have "rested" players with a view to next week.

It would have been nice to see No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield run around again - especially for the SuperCoaches out there that plumped for him - but clearly Sheeds has the bigger picture in mind.

To that end it is no surprise that the Bombers have taken a similar approach at the selection table.

Jason Winderlich is simply "sore'' after playing a few matches in a row and even though Dyson Heppell is listed as being out because of a "groin'' we would suggest that if this game were against a top side the shaggy-haired one would be in the team.

And while Elliott Kavanagh, Nathan Lovett-Murray and Nick O'Brien are currently sitting on the emergencies list, we'd say they are more of a chance of playing than one or two of their more senior teammates who may happen to wake a bit sore after a restless night's sleep.

Meanwhile, Eagle-cum Swan-cum Hawk Matt Spangher flew to Adelaide with teammates today and is not without a chance of playing.

If the Crows swing a change, especially with the talls in the forward half of the ground, then don't be surprised to see Spangher make his Hawthorn debut.

The Cats are the kings of the late change but after Panic Room predicted a big out last weekend - cue Tom Hawkins' withdrawal - they have beaten us to the punch by announcing this afternoon Paul Chapman is out with hamstring soreness.

Another move isn't entirely out of the question, with the Geelong defence looking a little under-sized against Richmond trio Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery and Luke McGuane. Mitch Brown is listed as an emergency.

Sam Edmund, Jay Clark and Ben Dixon join Brad Johnson to discuss their 'DIY Fix-Ups' ahead of Round 6.

SUPERCOACH ALERT

You thought last week's midfield carnage was bad enough? This week the SuperCoach Gods have gone Armageddon on all defences across the land.

Heppell, Bryce Gibbs, Brett Goodes, Sam Docherty, Rory Laird and Jasper Pittard are all out.

Unfortunately the best solution for a lot of SuperCoaches this week will be to just sit it out and hope for the best.

But if you're keen to cover that last doughnut, consider flicking Pittard for St Kilda's Josh Saunders against Collingwood tonight.

Saunders debuted last week and scored 29 after being subbed on late in the game, and earned huge wraps from coach Scott Watters this week.

Job security seems OK and he's a dual position too.

Oh, and if you're considering making a Bomber - Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard or David Zaharakis - captain against the Giants, make sure you're using the captain's loophole with either Dane Swan or Scott Pendlebury tonight.

The young coach of Oliver's Army is the No. 6 ranked SuperCoach this season. He reveals the secrets behind his dominance to Brad Johnson

MONEY MATTERS

Panic Room is a huge wrap for Gold Coast this week.

Scott Gullan may be enjoying time at Warrnambool this week - and good on him - but even through the clouds (in his head, not on the coast) he can see the Suns.

And so can his stand-in this week.

Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands and Kepler Bradley aren't playing which means the Dockers are bereft of any - recognised - key forwards.

Nat Fyfe being suspended robs Freo of some midfield grunt, while the loss of Stephen Hill takes away some outside run.

The Dockers are vulnerable tomorrow night, Gold Coast is starting to show some really good form at home and if it's a hot and humid night at Metricon - which it is forecast to be - then look out.

Not sold? Why not take Guy McKenna's men at the line (15.5) into Port Adelaide at the line (20.5) against North Melbourne.

The Kangaroos are probably genuine favourites, but surely the Power's form gets them to within three kicks in Hobart tomorrow?

That'll get you a $3.42 return.

ON NOTICE

West Coast is starting to stagger.

The Eagles are not yet on the ropes, but with a 1-4 record John Worsfold's men would want to start making a move.

Key players come back this weekend, including Nic Naitanui and Matt Rosa, but the inclusion with the most to prove is former Magpie Sharrod Wellingham.

We all had a laugh when we heard that Wellingham had injured his ankle while jumping on the trampoline just before Round 1, but given the Eagles woes since he desperately needs to make it up to the Eagles faithful - and fast - otherwise they will quickly jump off him.

BACK IN ACTION: Sharrod Wellingham impressed in an outing for East Perth. Picture: Duncan Watkinson Source: PerthNow

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Swans chairman to stand down

Sydney chairman Richard Colless to stand down at the end of the season. Picture: Sam Mooy Source: Herald Sun

RESPECTED Sydney chairman Richard Colless will stand down at the end of the season sighting "no particular reason" for his departure.

"Richard has overseen the establishment of the Swans as one of the competition's most highly regarded clubs, both on and off the field.," Demetriou said.

"In terms of members, revenue, attendances per game and national TV audiences, the Swans are now the single largest professional sporting club in Sydney."

Colless, the league's longest serving club chairman, informed the Swans today that he would be standing down at the end of the season.

"There is no particular reason for this decision other than the old adage that it is probably 'about time'," Colless, who joined the club in 1993, said.

"I want to place on record how indebted I am for the support of the hundreds, but probably thousands of people, over the last 20 years. It has been truly remarkable."

Under Colless's reign the Swans have won two premierships and become a mainstay in the NRL-dominant Sydney sporting landscape.

Sydney chief executive Andrew Ireland paid tribute to Colless.

"Richard's contribution to the Club, spanning 20 years, has been quite remarkable," he said.

"He has shown a unique ability to understand how a membership based club playing in Australia's premier sporting competition, in the nation's most competitive sporting market, best operates.

"Above all else, he has an unwavering passion for the Club, the game and its history," Ireland said.

Colless was the inaugural chairman of the West Coast Eagles before taking the helm at Sydney.

He was awarded an Order of Australia medal in 2006 for services to Australian Rules football.

Colless will step aside in February at the club's annual general meeting.

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LIVE CHAT: Round 6 AFL teams

Shane Crawford reveals his latest SuperCoach tips ahead of Round 6

Andrew Krakouer could come in for the Pies. Source: Herald Sun

TALK SuperCoach and selections in the live chat with Gilbert Gardiner and see all the Round 6 teams as they are named.

Is Andrew Krakouer back for Collingwood?

Is Jarrad Waite in at Carlton?

Who makes way at North Melbourne for Will Sierakowski?

And how does the loss of Nathan Fyfe hurt your SuperCoach team?

All will be revealed at 5:30pm - join Gilbert Gardiner right here.

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

SUPERCOACH: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Collingwood vs St Kilda
Scott Pendlebury has dominated against the Saints since 2011, averaging 126 points a game – ranked No.1 at the club. Ben McEvoy has led St Kilda's charge with an average of 127 a game.

Essendon vs GWS Giants
David Zaharakis' ANZAC Day heroics earned him a $20,800 price rise after his 140 points against Collingwood. Despite scoring 113 points against Gold Coast, Callan Ward's price still fell, albeit by only $300.

North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide
Daniel Wells ranks No.1 at North Melbourne for points scored since Round 3, averaging 123 a game. Hamish Hartlett has been Port Adelaide's most prolific scorer in this period, averaging 134 points a game.

Adelaide Crows vs Hawthorn
Rory Sloane's average of 112 points a game at AAMI Stadium this season ranks him No.1 at the club. Sam Mitchell has been Hawthorn's best scorer at the venue since 2011, averaging 115 points a game.

Richmond vs Geelong Cats
Despite receiving plenty of attention last week from Ryan Crowley, Brett Deledio still managed to get reach three figures. Jimmy Bartel was one of three Geelong players to crack the ton against the Bulldogs, finishing with 109 points.

Gold Coast Suns vs Fremantle
Jared Brennan has averaged 103 points a game at home this season, ranked third at the club. Chris Mayne starred when he last played at Metricon Stadium in Round 6 last season, booting three goals straight on his way to 127 points.

Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions
Daniel Hannebery's average of 107 points a game this year is the fourth-most of any midfielder at the club. Brent Moloney's average of 103 points is the second-most of any midfielder at the club behind Tom Rockliff.

Carlton vs Melbourne
Chris Judd has averaged 26 disposals and 127 points a game against Melbourne since 2010. Colin Sylvia has been a solid performer in this period, averaging 21 disposals and 94 points a game.

West Coast Eagles vs Western Bulldogs
Josh Kennedy booted four goals straight in the first half last week against Port Adelaide, finishing with 124 points for the match. Liam Jones booted four goals of his own against Geelong, finishing with 107 points.

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