Clarke cut from the Saints

Raph Clarke and Brendon Goddard have both left the Saints. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

RAPH Clarke has joined Jason Gram on the St Kilda scrapheap, delisted after 85 games across nine seasons.

Clarke played just three matches under new coach Scott Watters this season.

The Saints made a total of nine list changes, headed by Brendon Goddard who defected to Essendon as a free agent.

Meanwhile, Carlton officially delisted Bret Thornton, who has been linked to an AFL lifeline with Greater Western Sydney.

Former Tiger Andrew Collins was also cut from the Blues.

The Western Bulldogs upgraded lightning quick midfielder Jason Johannisen and ruckman Tom Campbell from their rookie list.

The Dogs will maintain a full rookie list with Mark Austin, Jack Redpath, Lin Jong and Alex Greenwood earning second seasons at Whitten Oval.

ST KILDA OUTS:

Brendon Goddard (Essendon)
Jamie Cripps (West Coast)
Jason Gram (delisted)
Raph Clarke (delisted)
Sam Crocker (delisted)
Brett Peake (delisted)
Dean Polo (delisted)
Daniel Archer (delisted)
Warwick Andreoli (delisted)

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McLachlan: two byes a must for teams

Gillon McLachlan, right, with AFL boss Andrew Demetriou, says AFL teams can expect two byes. Picture: Andrew Filipovic Source: The Daily Telegraph

THE AFL fixture could look drastically different from next season as the league today strengthened its commitment to giving clubs two byes.

The 2013 season will kick off with two standalone Round 1 matches on the weekend of March 22.

That is the weekend, AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan said, all teams would ideally start to allow for a season that contains two byes and still concludes with a Grand Final on the last Saturday in September.

SEE THE FIXTURE IN FULL HERE

That cannot happen currently with cricket occupying the rights to the MCG, SCG and Gabba until the end of March.

Identifying ground availability as ``problematic for us'', McLachlan called on cricket and state governments to be ``pragmatic'' in their approach to the issue.

``They know very clearly our issue, we've made representations to the government,'' McLachlan said.

``I guess we're looking for some constructive solutions. I understand that if Victoria were to host the (Sheffield) Shield final theoretically they need the MCG, but what their minimum standards are and what they need to deliver that ... we're hoping to get some traction with that.

``At the moment it's not ideal.''

The AFL has again adopted the model it introduced this year, whereby six teams are given byes over three consecutive weeks in 2013.

Should cricket relinquish the rights to the 'G, that scenario would occur twice each year conceivably splitting the season in to thirds.

A centre of excellence for Cricket Victoria at the Junction Oval could be the answer to the problem, with plans in place to refurbish the ground to make it capable of hosting Sheffield Shield games.

Cricket Victoria chief Tony Dodemaide said the centre of excellence is the ``obvious solution'' for all parties.

However there is no suggestion such a refurbishment could take place in time for the 2014 season.

``We're certainly still pursuing that as hard as we can and working with the government to make that reality,'' Dodemaide said.

``But I guess the basics of it is that unless we have got somewhere else to go then there's nothing we can do. We simply don't have anywhere else to play first class cricket other than the MCG at the moment.''

The AFL Players Association has led the charge for additional breaks.

And AFLPA general manager of player relations Ian Prendergast said his organisation would continue to push the AFL on the issue.

``While we have been unable to achieve that for 2013 due to ground availability, we will continue to work with the AFL on the inclusion of two-byes for the 2014 season and are pleased that the AFL is making this a significant priority,'' Prendergast said.

McLachlan said the issue was understandably ``priority one, two and three'' for the players.

But he denied the push was related to the AFL's mooted move to a capped interchange system in 2014.

``Our players are crying out for a rest ... I think this is independent of that,'' McLachlan said.

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Wilkinson burns Suns field

Gold Coast midfielder Joel Wilkinson was six seconds faster than any other Suns player in today's time trial in Arizona. Picture: David Clark Source: Herald Sun

TAGGER Joel Wilkinson confirmed his status as the fittest player on the Suns list after dominating the gruelling two kilometre time trial in Arizona today.

Wilkinson finished six seconds ahead of Jeremy Taylor in the gut-busting hit out, which kicked off a tough second day for the 42-strong Gold Coast squad.

Wilkinson was pleased with the effort but said the job was far from done yet.

"It was a similar time to what I ran in the second 2km time trial in Arizona last year, so it's good to know I've adapted quicker to the conditions this year," Wilkinson said.

"But my aim is to be the fittest player in the competition, so I have to push myself harder every day."

Some handled the effects of running at high altitude better than others.

New recruit Tom Murphy said it felt like he had a constantly tightening belt strapped around his chest, while Jared Brennan likened the time trial to carrying 59kg in a Melbourne Cup.

The two kilometre dash was followed by 40 minutes of trail running before a solid weight session and one hour of body balance in the afternoon.

Suns new fitness boss Stephen Schwerdt said he was impressed by the squad's attitude in the opening days.

"I love their attitude and willingness to do whatever has been asked," Schwerdt said.

"But the test is still to come and we are only in the early stages of the camp and everyone is still pretty upbeat.

"But they will get tired and grumpy and start missing home and that's when it will get really challenging."

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Wood chopped by the Pies

Cameron Wood has been cut by the Pies. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

COLLINGWOOD has lost faith in under performing ruckman Cameron Wood, chopping the first-round pick as part of another five list changes.

The Pies also delisted untried ruckman Jon Ceglar, pint-sized forwards Kirk Ugle and Luke Brown and former Melbourne big-bodied midfielder Simon Buckley.

Wood finished with 64 games after costing the Pies pick 14 in the 2007 draft.

Collingwood sent that pick to Brisbane in exchange for Wood, who was initially drafted with pick No. 18.

The Demons seized the 2007 ontraded pick and snared co-captain Jack Grimes.

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Pies coaching strategist Rodney Eade recently hinted Wood could be on the way out, declaring his season had been disappointing.

The Pies are hoping 209cm beanpole Jarrod Witts can break through for senior action in 2013 as veteran Darren Jolly nears the end of his career.

Nathan Buckley's side has now turned over 13 players this off-season, headed by trade targets Chris Dawes (Melbourne), Sharrod Wellingham (West Coast) and young defender Tom Young (Western Bulldogs).

"All of the boys did what they could to give themselves a chance and they were good people to have around the club," Pies football manager Geoff Walsh said.

"People don't always see what sacrifices are made to try to forge an AFL career. We thank all of them for that effort and wish them well."

Collingwood holds prized picks 18, 19 and 21 in next month's national draft and will also dominate the rookie draft.

The Pies cleared their rookie list last month and the AFL has reduced the amount of space on rookie lists for next season.

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Butcher says Jacobs can still stay

Ben Jacobs can stay at Alberton. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide forward John Butcher has reached out to stranded teammate Ben Jacobs, who was unable to find a new home during the trade period.

Butcher says Jacobs – who wanted to be traded to North Melbourne – would be welcomed back by the playing group should he decide to return to Alberton.

"I gave him a few calls before his decision to go back and he told me the reasons why he wanted to go back,'' Butcher revealed.

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"You could understand those reasons from his point of view. I've already sent him a message post the trade not going through and I'm pretty keen to have a chat with him on the phone.

"I think a lot of boys have been in contact since the trade period as we will all welcome him back with open arms. We'd love to get him back because he's going to be a pretty handy footballer.''

Jacobs, a first-round draft pick, sought a return to Victoria due to family reasons, with his girlfriend moving back to Melbourne earlier this year.

He must now take his chances through the national or pre-season draft should he choose not to continue with the Power.

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Campbell, Garlett head Roo culls

Matt Campbell has been delisted. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

UNTRIED Sudanese ruckman Majak Daw and mature-age star Sam Gibson have officially been elevated to North Melbourne's senior list, but four prolific goalkickers have been delisted.

The Roos today revealed Matt Campbell, Cruize Garlett, Ben McKinley, Ben Speight and Ben Warren would all be cut from their senior list.

Speedster Campbell played 15 matches this season but was arrested last month after he "went to town" kicking and seriously denting a car after being thrown out of Crown casino.

Campbell 25, has played 82 career games and was linked to a move to Port Adelaide in trade period.

Warren and McKinley consistently fired for VFL affiliate Werribee, combining for 97 goals to power the Tigers to a preliminary final.

But with North's array of star tall timber only Warren could crack through for a senior match this season, playing one game.

Garlett played seven matches this season and was seeking a return to Perth in the trade period.

North's off-cuts can now be signed by rivals as delisted free agents between November 1-13.

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Saints take in heights

Former Western Bulldogs fitness trainer Bill Davoren is taking the Saints to America. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA expects next month's Colorado training camp to develop into an annual high-altitude staple, along the same lines as Collingwood's visits to Arizona over the past decade.

"My understanding is it's a fairly long-standing commitment to make this an annual part of the pre-season regime," St Kilda high-performance manager Bill Daveron said.

Daveron, who joined St Kilda this month, said the Saints would gather the list in the days after the November 22 national draft and head to Boulder, Colorado, for a 16-day camp.

The team will fly out on November 27 and base itself at University of Colorado.

The group will stay at a hotel on the edge of the campus that is "within jogging distance of all the training facilities" and will incorporate several hikes in its itinerary.

A former Triathlon Australia head coach whose experience with altitude training dates to 1991, Daveron said Boulder was the training base for several high-profile Australian endurance athletes, such as four-time Olympic marathon runner Benita Willis and three-time ironman triathlon world champion Craig Alexander. Davoren hoped to involve one of them in the Saints camp.

"Boulder's been a bit of a Mecca for distance runners, but also for cycling and triathlon," Davoren said.

"I'm not sure that Craig will be there, but I'm working on getting an elite athlete from the endurance field to come in, talk to them and be involved."

The Saints may also look to take in some major sport while they are in Colorado. NFL team the Denver Broncos play Tampa Bay on December 2, while NBA outfit the Denver Nuggets play Toronto the following day.

While training at 1650m will improve the players' endurance and repeat-effort capacity, the Saints' new sports science manager, former Melbourne Storm guru Simon Kearney, will also examine sleep programs and conduct blood analysis.

"We're over there for 16 days which is what you need to put together an adequate exposure and training program," Davoren said, adding the expectation was to follow up with training sessions in the club's Seaford altitude chamber throughout season 2013.

"We might try to get some people into the altitude room a couple of times a week during the season, but that varies depending on their loads and fatigue and those sorts of things."

The club's 2012 draftees and its injured players will take part in the camp. Lenny Hayes, who had corrective heart surgery last month to repair a leaky valve, will also make the trip.

"He's certainly going on the trip," Davoren said. "Look there'll certainly be some modifications around Lenny, and that will be driven by the medical team, but the aim is that he'll be taking part in a number of the activities with us.

"Any players in rehab will continue on their programs and, because the facilities are so good, if anything we'll be able to monitor them more closely."

St Kilda's pre-season begins with the young players training on the day before the Melbourne Cup, and the older players resuming on November 12.
 

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West Coast trades 'omen'

NEW FACES: Midfielder Sharrod Wellingham and fellow recruits Cale Morton and Jamie Cripps will add midfield pace at West Coast. Source: Herald Sun

WEST Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold has compared the club's trade spree to when the Eagles brought in Tyson Stenglein and Daniel Chick in the lead-up to the 2006 premiership.

The Eagles won't have a pick in the first two rounds of the national draft and will be the last team to enter the ballot when they have their first selection at 46.

It is a rare departure from West Coast's usual strategy, which has involved largely sitting on the sidelines during the trade period and preserving early draft picks.

The Eagles instead focused on bringing in running players via trades, securing Collingwood premiership midfielder Sharrod Wellingham, along with fellow West Australians Jamie Cripps (St Kilda) and Cale Morton (Melbourne).

In the lead-up to its last flag, West Coast identified a need to add strong bodies and gave up first-round draft picks to trade in Hawthorn hard nut Chick and Adelaide Crows midfielder Stenglein.

"We had a team we felt was very close and we needed to add what was missing," Worsfold said.

"This year's been a little bit of the same philosophy.  I think prior to this year we've used our draft picks pretty well, and we weren't going to have a really high pick anyway, so it's a good time for us to go down this pathway."

West Coast's willingness to sit out of the opening two rounds of the draft for the first time is a clear signal it believes its squad is capable of going all the way next year, although Worsfold shied away from the premiership mode tag.

"I don't call it premiership mode, I call it building your list and making it better," he said.

"But if we weren't in really good touch then we might have a really high draft pick and you'd want to take that draft pick.''

Worsfold signalled his intent to add speed to the midfield immediately after West Coast crashed out of the finals with a 13-point loss to Collingwood in the semi-final at the MCG.

Ironically, it was one of the players in the Magpies team who the Eagles had identified as a crucial addition.

"I'm really keen to see Sharrod fit into our midfield mix and watch him develop there," Worsfold said.

"He's got some pace and can play inside as well as outside. He's a good tackling player, so he fills a few things.

"I think he's still got some improvement to come and he's been a solid player for the past couple of years."

The Eagles lost veteran forward Quinten Lynch to Collingwood through free agency, while midfielder Koby Stevens was traded to the Western Bulldogs and half-back Lewis Stevenson to Port Adelaide.

West Coast is likely to make a couple of delistings early this week, ahead of Wednesday's first list lodgement deadline.

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Freo could be 'lite' Eagles with move

STANDING FIRM: Chris Lewis (second from left) and Keep Freo in Freo members Richard Utting, Peter Newman and Peter Dowding are keen for the Dockers to remain at Fremantle Oval. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE board nominee Chris Lewis says the Dockers risk becoming "West Coast Eagles lite" if they turn their back on their heritage and set up a new training base in Cockburn.

Lewis, one of six candidates who have nominated for the member-elected board position, is one of the founders of the Keep Freo In Freo lobby group and is running on a platform to fight for the Dockers to remain at Fremantle Oval.

The corporate consultant has launched both traditional advertising and online campaigns and believes he is a strong chance of being elected.

Lewis is running against former Fremantle captain Peter Mann, sitting director Kate Grieve, real estate director John Garland, Keystart Home Loans chief financial officer John Vojkovich and Summit Fertilizers executive Murray Browne.

Online voting opens at 9am tomorrow and closes at 5pm on November 26.

The Dockers have spent several months considering whether to redevelop their traditional training base, or move to a greenfields site known as Cockburn Central West.

A decision was originally expected by the end of the recent season but The Sunday Times understands this may now not be made until early next year.

Lewis praised the direction of the club under president Steve Harris and CEO Steve Rosich, but said it was clear members wanted the Dockers to be based in Fremantle.

"It's a wonderful organisation, a great club and a great business: it's got a lot of things going for it," he said.

"The Dockers have endless potential and are just starting to get somewhere. We just need to make sure it stays on track and works alongside its members."

Lewis said the Dockers needed to understand their attachment to Fremantle gave the club an important geographic and historic link not enjoyed by their cross-town rivals.

"The Dockers do have a unique identity," he said. "The opportunity is to capitalise on that.

"One of the risks of moving away is we end up being West Coast Eagles lite.

"Just like watering down a beer, we would be watering down the strength, the passion, the heartland of the entire Dockers movement.

"I've put my hand up as a members' representative: someone who will actually get up and say things and take a strong stand on matters and pursue the Keep Freo in Freo stand."

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Demons to sweat it out in Kakadu

Melbourne will ramp up their pre-season with a camp in Australia's Top End. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE'S pre-season training will include a Darwin training camp in December that takes in a 30km trek through the Kakadu National Park.

The Demons will stay at Robertson Barracks and train at Palmerston Football Club during the camp, which will run from December 6 to 14.

The club also hopes the Top End stint will help the players adapt to ball-handling in humid conditions, with the team to add to the three home games it has played at Darwin's TIO Stadium since 2007.

"Research shows there are benefits in training in humidity," Melbourne's football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"We think that is a great advantage to take (the team to Darwin) during pre-season and couple that up with the fact we play games in Darwin and want to further our footprint in the Darwin area."

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Dees axe another eight players

Get the first look at the AFL's future stars in this preview of draft analysis series 'Pick Me'

Melbourne will part ways with young forward Lucas Cook. Picture: Chris Scott. Source: Herald Sun

MARK Neeld's overhaul of Melbourne's playing stocks escalated today with eight Demons delisted, including senior players Matthew Bate, Ricky Petterd and Jamie Bennell.

The Demons have now cut or traded 14 of the 46 footballers from their 2012 playing list.

Jordan Gysberts (North Melbourne), Cale Morton (West Coast), Stefan Martin, Brent Moloney (Brisbane Lions) and Jared Rivers (Geelong) all found new home in the trade and free agency period.

Today's cuts also included Lucas Cook, Liam Jurrah and rookies Jai Sheahan, Leigh Williams and Kelvin Lawrence.

Cook, a first-round draft pick, is hoping to find a new home as a delisted free agent after failing to crack through for a senior debut in his two seasons at the Dees.

Lawrence quit the club mid-year, while Sheahan was axed after only one season.

Last year the Dees had the chance to secure a second-round pick for Bate from the Western Bulldogs, but they demanded their first choice - No. 17 - and the deal fell through.

The Dees also lost former captain Brad Green, who retired after 254 games.

Dees to sweat it out in Kakadu

Petterd, a 24-year-old marking forward, may attract the most interest from rivals. Originally from Queensland, he has kicked 55 goals in his 54 games since his AFL debut in 2007.

The Dees have already added Chris Dawes, Shannon Byrnes, David Rodan, Cam Pedersen, Jack Viney and Jesse Hogan to their 2013 list.

Hogan, 17, is not eligible to play at the top level until 2014.

 

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Hooker blocks St Kilda's Brown bid

Get the first look at the AFL's future stars in this preview of draft analysis series 'Pick Me'

Mitch Brown was nearly a Saint. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MITCH Brown was as good as a St Kilda player on Thursday night before Cale Hooker's reluctance to leave Essendon thwarted a proposed three-way trade, according to player agent Liam Pickering.

The Saints were desperate to secure Brown in the trade period to shore up their undersized defence and tabled a three-year contract the West Coast backman wanted to accept.

But with Brown tied to the Eagles for 2013 and West Coast hesitant to trade the 23-year-old, talks between the Saints and Eagles continually broke down.

But Pickering, who manages Brown, said a bumper deal involving Jamie Cripps, Hooker and picks 25 and 26 was "done" before Hooker blocked the move.

"We actually had the deal done late on Thursday night which involved Essendon and Cale Hooker," Pickering told SEN.

"But Cale Hooker didn't want to leave the Bombers in the end, so that was the end of that deal."

Under the deal, the Bombers would've landed picks 25 and 26 for Hooker, with West Coast securing Hooker and Cripps.

The Saints would have coughed up picks 25, 26 and Cripps to secure Brown.

Ultimately, they handed over Cripps and pick 46 for picks 41 and 44 in a direct trade with the Eagles.

Hooker, from East Perth, is believed to have been offered a three-year deal from the Eagles.

But with Darren Glass, Erick McKenzie and Will Schofield already at West Coast, Hooker could have been starved of AFL opportunities, as Brown was this season.

Hooker played 17 games for the Dons this year.

"But Cale Hooker was determined to stay at the Bombers and had a year to go on his contract, so that was the first snag," Pickering said.

"West Coast were pretty up front all the way - they wanted cover for Mitch.

"They were happy to do the deal with Cale Hooker if he wanted to go back, just so they had the player there.

"But once they couldn't get the player, they were never going to do it for the pick, which was disappointing."

St Kilda list manager Ameet Bains said the Saints were "very, very close" to prying Brown east, insisting they tried everything possible.

"But unfortunately it couldn't get done," he said.

"We understand it's a business and every club needs to be happy with the trade completed, so it is what it is."

But Eagles list manager Craig Vozzo denied that, declaring the contracted Brown was never placed on the table.

"(It was) never close at all. Our priority was always to keep Mitch," Vozzo said.

"He's a contracted player, we rate him very highly and want to keep him for a long time.

"We never wavered from that."

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Sherman exits kennel

Justin Sherman's stint at the Dogs is over. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN Bulldogs line-breaker Justin Sherman has left the club and will seek a third home via the pre-season draft despite having a year to run on his existing contract.

The former Brisbane Lion was not traded during October's player movement frenzy and the Dogs today declared they had reached a "mutual agreement" with Sherman.

Dogs football manager James Fantasia said the club and Sherman recognised he was not in the future plans at Whitten Oval.

"Justin and the club agreed that there were limited on-field opportunities for him next season and that it was best to part ways," Fantasia said.

"We wish Justin the best in his future endeavours."

Sherman played 24 games since crossing from the Lions at the end of the 2010 season.

He was restricted to just 10 this season.
 

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How does your club rate?

SuperFooty's Matt Windley and Sam Edmund review the furious final days of the AFL trade period.

Adelaide failed to do a trade for Kurt Tippett and is now set to lose him for nothing. Source: Herald Sun

Get the first look at the AFL's future stars in this preview of draft analysis series 'Pick Me'

ADELAIDE failed miserably, Sydney too, while Geelong, Collingwood and Essendon made the most of the AFL's trade window. Click for club-by-club report card.

ADELAIDE

IN: Angus Graham (Richmond)
OUT: Chris Knights (Richmond)

DRAFT PICKS: 20, 54, 64, 83, 101, 119, 137

VERDICT: A disaster. Hard to remember a worse trade period for a club. Stuffed up the Tippett deal to such an extent it is now under AFL investigation for draft and salary cap tampering. Only (small) consolation is it now has some genuine ruck relief.

RATING: 1/10

BRISBANE

IN: Brent Moloney (Melbourne), Stefan Martin (Melbourne)
OUT: Nil

DRAFT PICKS: 8, 24, 33, 91, 109, 127

VERDICT: Shouldn't be too many complaints here. Added clearance specialist Moloney for nothing, and while Martin is no Wayne Carey, he is a versatile big man the club desperately needed. Tippett would have been nice, but they're not on their own there.

RATING: 6/10

CARLTON

IN: Nil
OUT: Jordan Russell (Collingwood)

DRAFT PICKS: 11, 36, 56, 71, 76, 94, 112, 130

VERDICT: Had the chance to improve its list but wouldn't, or couldn't, deliver. Wanted Cloke and dipped toe in water for Dawes and Lynch, but largely sat on its hands. An established key forward would have been nice.

RATING: 4/10

COLLINGWOOD

IN: Quinten Lynch (West Coast), Clinton Young (Hawthorn), Jordan Russell (Carlton)
OUT: Chris Dawes (Melbourne), Sharrod Wellingham (West Coast), Tom Young (Western Bulldogs)

DRAFT PICKS: 18, 19, 21, 39, 82, 100, 118, 136

VERDICT: Looks a winner, in both short and long term. Lynch and Clinton Young are arguably the equal of Dawes and Wellingham, while Tom Young was effectively swapped for Russell. Then there's the cherry on the sundae -- three first-round draft picks. Tidy work.

RATING: 8.5/10

ESSENDON

IN: Brendon Goddard (St Kilda), Joe Daniher (father-son)
OUT: Angus Monfries (Port Adelaide)

DRAFT PICKS: 10 (committed to Daniher), 35, 52, 55, 75, 93, 111, 129,

VERDICT: Quiet draft ahead, but would be sitting back satisfied. Lured the biggest fish in the free agency window in Goddard. Made to part with pick 10 for teenage prodigy Daniher, but even that appears a bargain.

RATING: 8/10

FREMANTLE

IN: Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide)
OUT: Greg Broughton (Gold Coast)

DRAFT PICKS: 17, 37, 40, 80, 98, 116, 134

VERDICT: Might be seen to be treading water, but Pearce offers what Broughton could not -- pace and run-and-carry skill to a largely one-paced midfield. Should ease reliance on Stephen Hill.

RATING: 6/10

Get the first look at the AFL's future stars in this preview of draft analysis series 'Pick Me'

GEELONG

IN: Josh Caddy (Gold Coast), Jared Rivers (Melbourne), Hamish McIntosh (North Melbourne)
OUT: Shannon Byrnes (Melbourne), Ablett compensation pick

DRAFT PICKS: 16, 59, 79, 97, 115, 133

VERDICT: More shrewd work from arguably the best list management team in the biz. McIntosh (if he stays fit) will make a huge difference, Rivers will plug a hole in defence and both will keep the flag window ajar. Caddy and retention of pick 16 keeps the future bright, too.

RATING: 9/10

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

GOLD COAST

IN: Tom Murphy (Hawthorn), Jack Martin (mini-draft), Greg Broughton (Fremantle), Ablett compo pick
OUT: Josh Caddy (Geelong), Tom Hickey, (St Kilda)

DRAFT PICKS: 13, 57, 60, 87, 105, 123

VERDICT: Gave up pick 2, but Martin is said to be a gun in the making. Caddy and Hickey could go on to make them pay, but Broughton for pick 37 is as a great deal that will add grunt and Murphy fills a need. The Ablett compo pick goes in the back pocket. Solid.

RATING: 7/10

More news: Department of Trades

GWS GIANTS

IN: Stephen Gilham (Hawthorn)
OUT: Jack Hombsch (Port Adelaide), Jake Neade (Port Adelaide), Jed Anderson (Hawthorn)

DRAFT PICKS: 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 28, 65, 69, 86, 104, 122

VERDICT: In a word _ ominous. Given numerous free kicks, but was able to get maximum value from its 17-year-olds and pre-listed players. Incoming picks mean it will monopolise draft for the second year running. Gilham stiffens the back half.

RATING: 8.5/10

HAWTHORN

IN: Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs), Matt Spangher (Sydney), Jed Anderson (GWS)
OUT: Tom Murphy (Gold Coast), Clinton Young (Collingwood), Stephen Gilham (GWS)

DRAFT PICKS: 29, 68, 72, 84, 102, 120, 138

VERDICT: Launched out of the trade waters like a hungry great white to snatch Lake, who is a risk but could also win them a flag. Would have liked more for Young, but that was out of their hands. Gilham was surplus in the back half.

RATING: 7/10

MELBOURNE

IN: Chris Dawes (Collingwood), Shannon Byrnes (Geelong), David Rodan (Port Adelaide), Cameron Pedersen (North Melbourne), Jack Viney (father-son), Jesse Hogan (via 17yo mini-draft), Dom Barry
OUT: Jared Rivers (Geelong), Brent Moloney (Brisbane), Jordan Gysberts (North Melbourne), Cale Morton (West Coast), Stefan Martin (Brisbane)

DRAFT PICKS: 4, 27 (committed to Viney), 49, 53, 70, 73, 77, 88, 106, 124

VERDICT: Huge turnover, but club is sick of rebuilding. Wants and needs to be better in 2013, hence big money for Dawes and the addition of stop-gaps Rodan and Byrnes. Viney is a star, but a lot was sacrificed for Hogan and Barry (3 & 13). Simply lost patience with Morton and Gysberts, but the latter could still blossom.

RATING: 6/10

NORTH MELBOURNE

IN: Jordan Gysberts (Melbourne)
OUT: Hamish McIntosh (Geelong), Aaron Edwards (Richmond), Cameron Pedersen (Melbourne)

DRAFT PICKS: 15, 38, 42, 48, 58, 63, 78, 96, 114, 132

VERDICT: Underwhelming. Got Gysberts - and a slightly better pick - for Pedersen in a deal that added some respectibility to a trade period in which two established players left. Gyberts has talent, but has polarised Demons supporters.

RATING: 5/10

PORT ADELAIDE

IN: Angus Monfries (Essendon), Jack Hombsch (GWS), Lewis Stevenson (West Coast), Campbell Heath (Sydney), Jake Neade (GWS)
OUT: Danyle Pearce (Fremantle), Troy Chaplin (Richmond), David Rodan (Melbourne)

DRAFT PICKS: 7, 30, 31, 85, 90, 108, 126

VERDICT: Lost two regulars in Pearce and Chaplin, but Monfries was the only senior player to come the other way. Hombsch has shown promise, but Stevenson and Heath are far from guarantees. Only one first round draft selection (No.7) means it can't even console itself with a raft of early picks.

RATING: 5/10

RICHMOND

IN: Chris Knights (Adelaide), Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide), Aaron Edwards (North Melbourne)
OUT: Angus Graham (Adelaide)

DRAFT PICKS: 9, 32, 34, 43, 92, 110, 128

VERDICT: Chaplin is a good needs-based get who will slot straight in. We can debate the impact of Knights and Edwards, but the fact is the Tigers have effectively got three players in the door for nothing and kept their top 10 draft pick.

RATING: 7/10

ST KILDA

IN: Tom Lee (Claremont), Tom Hickey (Gold Coast), Trent Dennis-Lane (Sydney)
OUT: Brendon Goddard (Essendon), Jamie Cripps (West Coast)

DRAFT PICKS: 25, 26, 41, 44, 77, 95, 113, 131

VERDICT: Blinked in Cripps-Brown standoff. Dealt an early blow after losing its marquee man, but scored some wins. Gave up 13 for Hickey, but the young ruckman will repay the faith, while Dennis-Lane could have an impact. No Mitch Brown hurts. They needed another key defender, but persuasive powers not strong enough to force West Coast into action.

RATING: 6/10

SYDNEY

IN: Nil
OUT: Campbell Heath (Port Adelaide), Matt Spangher (Hawthorn), Trent Dennis-Lane (St Kilda)

DRAFT PICKS: 23, 45, 47, 66, 67, 103, 121, 139

VERDICT: Left feeling like the jilted lover. Huffed and puffed for Tippett, but any chance of getting the forward was ripped out of their hands by Adelaide's mismanagement. Can't be blamed, but in the end was left without a chair when the music stopped. Handballed three fringe players.

RATING: 3/10

WEST COAST

IN: Sharrod Wellingham (Collingwood), Cale Morton (Melbourne)
OUT: Quinten Lynch (Collingwood), Koby Stevens (Western Bulldogs)

DRAFT PICKS: 46, 61, 62, 81, 99, 117, 135

VERDICT: Might as well not show up on draft day, which tells you where they think of their flag chances next year. Wellingham is a good get. Gave up the equivalent of a packet of Twisties for Morton, but like Josh Hill before him, could kick on. Won't miss Lynch.

RATING: 6.5/10

WESTERN BULLDOGS

IN: Lachie Hunter (father-son), Koby Stevens (West Coast), Tom Young (Collingwood)
OUT: Brian Lake (Hawthorn)

DRAFT PICKS: 5, 6, 22, 50 (committed to Hunter), 51, 89, 107, 125

VERDICT: All about the draft for the Dogs, who need to strike gold with picks 5 and 6. Lake will play well enough to frustrate, but it was the right call for a rebuilding list. Hunter is good value at 50.

RATING: 6/10

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Tippett could get draft approval

Kurt Tippett faces an uncertain future. Source: Herald Sun

KURT Tippett could be eligible for this year's national or pre-season drafts but will require approval to nominate from the AFL.

The forward will require the green light from league headquarters to find a second home after quitting Adelaide before becoming the centre of draft tampering and salary cap breach investigations at the Crows.

The 25-year-old is likely to be deregistered by the AFL but, as it stands now, is able to enter the drafts.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane tweeted today: "Pending ongoing investigation now in place and subject to AFL approval, player Tippett is able to be part of Draft or Pre-Season Draft.

"AFL has no timeline for investigation to be completed."

The AFL today advised the Crows any potential trade involving Tippett would be blocked. The trade deadline passed with Tippett stuck in football's abyss.

Adelaide today tweeted: "AFL has no timeline for investigation to be completed. Tippett can nominate for draft(s) subject to AFL approval."

AFL officials today seized documents from the Crows' headquarters as part of the Tippett investigation.

More to come...
 

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Eagles keep Saints hanging

West Coast defender Mitch Brown remains in St Kilda's sights, despite the Eagles declaring he is a required player. Picture: Faith Moran Source: Herald Sun

Footy guru Mike Sheahan names the trade that made fans cry to Frank the barber in an exclusive Gillette trade week video.

WEST Coast is refusing to budge on St Kilda's offer of Jamie Cripps and pick 25 for key defender Mitch Brown.

The Saints have not given up hope of breaking the deadlock before tomorrow's 2pm trade deadline, but Brown's manager Liam Pickering said the Eagles had not backed down on their declaration that Brown is a required player.

Brown, contracted to the Eagles for next season, requested a trade to the Saints after they tabled a three-year deal for the key backman to fill the defensive void at Seaford.

"We've had plenty of dialoge with St Kilda and West Coast and nothing's really changed, they're still saying he's required," Pickering said today.

"I'm not sure how that will pan out tomorrow, he'd love to get to St Kilda.

"What St Kilda is prepared to offer for Mitch Brown is Jamie Cripps and pick 25 and I think that's fair. West Coast don't think that's fair," he told AFL Trade Radio.

"That's what's on the table but at the moment they're not going to take it, that's up for the two clubs to have a go at and see if they can work something out, and if they can't he'll play for West Coast next year."

Department of Trades
 

Join the LIVE AFL Trades Chat

Earlier, Saints list manager Ameet Bains said his club would fight until tomorrow's 2pm trade deadline to satisfy the Eagles, who have been hell-bent on retaining the 23-year-old.

"We (are) definitely still keen to get Mitch Brown," Bains said today on Radio Sports National.

"We've had more positive dialogue with West Coast (in the past two days).

"We have a pretty good relationship with West Coast and we're hopeful that things will work out."

St Kilda's Jamie Cripps has been ruled for the remainder of season 2011. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

The Saints have been an aggressive playmaker in the trade and free agency period, trading away picks 12 and 13 as part of deals to secure prized Gold Coast ruckman Tom Hickey and boom Claremont forward Tom Lee.

They were gifted pick 13 from the AFL after star Brendon Goddard defected to Essendon.

Bains said the ploy to land Brown was part of a considered trade strategy.

"Whether it can get everything over the line in the next 24 hours or so remains to be seen, but discussions have been at least positive this week," he said.

Meanwhile, Pickering said another client, Gold Coast defender Josh Toy, was likely to enter the draft if a trade deal isn't done with a Victorian club by 2pm tomorrow.

"He's a really talented quality kid but we've got to find a club that is prepared to give up something for him," Pickering said.

ST KILDA IN TRADE AND FREE AGENCY PERIOD

IN: Tom Lee (Claremont), Tom Hickey (Gold Coast), draft picks 25, 26, 46
OUT: Brendon Goddard (Essendon), draft picks 12, 13, 37, 57

DRAFT PICKS: 25, 26, 46, 47, 77, 95, 113, 131

Get live trade updates on Twitter @superfooty and join the debate on Facebook

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Hombsch keen for Euro trip

Former Sturt junior Jack Hombsch is returning from GWS to play for Port Adelaide. Picture: Brett Costello. Source: The Daily Telegraph

PORT Adelaide recruit Jack Hombsch says the playing group is excited about leaving for its European training camp on Saturday.

Having been traded from Greater Western Sydney on Tuesday, Hombsch is set to join 28 other Power players training at the Australian Institute of Sport's base in Milan before tackling the Western Bulldogs in an exhibition match at The Oval on November 3.

''Europe will be very exciting,'' said Hombsch, who arrived at Alberton with the Giants' Northern Territory zone selection Jake Neade in exchange for pick No.29.

''It will be a great way to bond with my new team-mates while getting some training in world class facilities.

''It will be a good way to bring us closer, it's a great way to get to know everyone. Hopefully we'll have a look at our game plan and what the coaches want us to do for next season.''

The 10-day trip will also include a visit to the Lords Cricket Ground in London before watching Liverpool clash with Newcastle in an English Premier League soccer match.

Hombsch is this afternoon joining Port's first, second and third year players for the opening training session for the pre-season at Alberton Oval.

Essendon recruit Angus Monfries is also alongside Hombsch for his first appearance in Port colours.

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Freo denies coach rift

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: Herald Sun

Dockers defender Greg Broughton played in defence, in the midfield and as a defensive forward this season. Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE has denied Greg Broughton had a falling out with new coach Ross Lyon after the club traded the defender to Gold Coast.

The Dockers gave Broughton and pick 60 in the draft to the Suns in return for selection 37, ending Broughton's fairytale at Fremantle after being plucked from the WAFL in the 2009 rookie draft.

Broughton finished third in the Doig Medal under Mark Harvey in 2010 but had limited impact in a variety of roles under Lyon this season before his season was ended prematurely by finger surgery.

Dockers football operations manager Chris Bond said it was a tough decision to let the Subiaco product go.

"There's been speculation that he fell out with the coach and that's not right,'' Bond said.

"Ross has got a lot of respect for Greg and Greg for Ross, but at the end of the day it was just a decision in the best interests of the footy club and in talking to Greg, we think that everyone comes out with a win.

"We spoke to Greg and his management at length yesterday and I think we all walk away really satisfied, and Greg as well that he's going to get a great opportunity at the Gold Coast.

Department of Trades

"And we get a great opportunity to have two second-round picks and a first round pick.

"He leaves on really good terms. He's got a lot of respect within the playing group. I think we all acknowledge that it's a great journey coming from the last pick in a rookie draft to play 68 games and do what he's done.''
 

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Dogs seal Stevens deal

Footy guru Mike Sheahan names the trade that made fans cry to Frank the barber in an exclusive Gillette trade week video.

Cam Mooney reveals the day Denis Pagan told him he was off to Geelong to Frank the barber in an exclusive Gillette trade week video.

Koby Stevens is headed to Whitten Oval. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

KOBY Stevens is officially a Western Bulldog.

The Dogs and West Coast today struck a deal that secured Stevens' path home to Victoria, a week after the 21-year chose the Whitten Oval as his destination.

The Dogs gave up pick No.44 to the Eagles for the midfielder in an agreement that comes two days before the trade deadline.

Every deal at Department of Trades

Stevens is an inside-midfielder who once captained an AIS-AFL tour of Europe, but he played only 11 games in three years at West Coast given their strong midfield and injury problems.

His reputation as a contested ball aggressor seems to align perfectly with Dogs coach Brendan McCartney's philosophy.

Join the live trades chat here

"Koby is a high-quality person, with outstanding training habits and will add depth to the club's midfield," Bulldogs list manager Jason McCartney said.

"His big strong body along with a terrific attitude to his football make him a great acquisition to our football club."

Essendon and St Kilda were also interested in Stevens, who was originally taken by West Coast with pick No.22 in the 2009 national draft.

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Crows in draft tamper claim

Kurt Tippett listens in during a Crows training session at West Lakes earlier this year before announcing his wish to move to Sydney. Picture: Tait Schmaal. Source: The Advertiser

THE AFL is investigating potential draft tampering by Adelaide from its three-year deal with Kurt Tippett signed in 2009.

The investigation concerns an alleged addendum to the contract filed with AFL House, which could have been as informal as a gentleman's agreement but could also have been taken as a verbal contract. It is not believed there was a legal document signed by Tippett's manager Peter Blucher and the club.

At the heart of the inquiry is whether the Crows had guaranteed Tippett an easy passage to return to Queensland at the end of his contract, or to the club of his choice.

"The Australian Football League wishes to advise it has recently become aware of a matter regarding the contracting of player Kurt Tippett to the Adelaide Crows in 2009, to cover the 2010 - 2012 AFL seasons,'' AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said.

"The AFL is still in the process of investigating this matter and how it relates to the operation of the AFL Player Rules.

This afternoon the Crows released a statement confirming the investigation.

"The process began when the Adelaide Football Club notified the AFL of its concern relating to the matter and submitted relevant information to the League," the statement said. "The club welcomes the investigation and continues to assist the AFL with its enquiries. 

"Until the matter has concluded, the club will not be available for any further comment."

Earlier, Fairfax Media reported the Crows last week met with the AFL and presented a written document that confirmed an agreement between the club and Tippett allowing him to move to a new team of his choice.

In talks leading up and during the trade period, Tippett's manager Peter Blucher was clear that the Crows would help Tippett arrive at "the club of his choice'' when his contract expired, not limiting Tippett to the Gold Coast or Brisbane.

Either scenario, if proven, could amount to draft tampering and may not meet clear commercial value for both clubs, which is a requirement under AFL trade rules.
 
Every contract and trade deal has to be ticked off by the AFL and it's certain the clause would not be approved by the league if it had been put into the player contract Tippett signed three years ago.

Department of Trades

The Crows have denied Tippett had a "go home" clause in his last deal and Adelaide list manager David Noble previously said his understanding was that the club would seek to help Tippett return to Queensland. But he was not involved in signing off on the contract, having worked as an assistant coach at the time.

It is unknown whether the supposed gentleman's agreement was put in writing, served as a verbal contract or was less formal than that.
 
Join the live trades chat here

Tippett this month nominated Sydney as his preferred club. The trade period ends this week and if a deal with the Swans - or any AFL club - is not reached Tippett will slip through to the national and/or pre-season draft, leaving the Crows without compensation.

Trigg arrived back in Australia from Europe on Friday and put a planned swap of Tippett for Sydney's pick 23 and fringe player Jesse White on hold.

It is believed Trigg is demanding a better financial deal for the Crows.

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Tough Stevens the perfect Dog

Midfielder Koby Stevens' tough style will perfectly suit the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Daniel Wilkins. Source: PerthNow

THE football world doesn't know much about Koby Stevens yet, but his TAC Cup club says the Western Bulldogs have just acquired a tough and fearless midfield wrecking ball on the cheap.

Stevens was today traded to the Dogs for pick 44 after being starved of AFL opportunities in his three years at West Coast.

The 187cm, 83kg inside midfielder played just 11 games despite blistering form in the WAFL and is expected to take little time fitting into Dogs coach Brendan McCartney's side.

Join the LIVE AFL trades chat here

"He'll be a sensational player. He was one of the toughest, hardest players to go through this program," Gippsland Power region manager Peter Francis said today.

"He was probably averaging around the 35-40-possession mark in the WAFL every week.

"He's strong overhead, he can play back, through the midfield or go forward and he's been one of our better tacklers too.

"So he's got versatility and he's just such a good contested player."

Francis said Stevens was a "tackling machine" – much like Power graduate and the Dogs first-round pick last year, Clay Smith.

"He's as hard as a cat's head, much like Clay Smith, and they'll make a great combination too – both are from Bairnsdale and their dads work at Patties Pies together.

Dogs seal Stevens deal

"It's ironic they're now both at the Dogs. 'Kobes' is perfectly suited to Brendan McCartney."

Francis said it was always going to be tough for Stevens to crack West Coast's star-studded midfield, headed by Daniel Kerr, Matthew Priddis, Scott Selwood, Andrew Gaff, Chris Masten and Luke Shuey.

"He's a really contested player, there's no doubt about that. It's what he's built his game around."

The Dogs also secured father-son prodigy Lachie Hunter in the trade period, at the bargain price of pick 50.

Stevens caps an impressive off-season at Whitten Oval, with the Dogs also able to improve their draft order after moving on veteran full-back Brian Lake, who did not fit their list profile.

"His big, strong body along with a terrific attitude to his football make him a great acquisition," Dogs list manager Jason McCartney said.

Stevens captained the AIS-AFL team before being jagged by the Eagles with pick 23 in the 2009 draft.

Stevens joins Smith, Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis as young, inside midfielders in the contested mould McCartney craves.

The new recruit played 48 games in the WAFL, amassing 997 disposals.  He laid 83 tackles from 19 games in 2010 and became more attacking this season, booting 11.12 from 15 matches.
 

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White move alive despite delay

Steven Trigg is seeking a new angle on the Jesse White trade. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

JESSE White's mysterious hold-up in moving from Sydney to Adelaide on Friday was the result of Crows chief executive Steven Trigg seeking a new angle on the deal.

White, 25, on Friday had agreed to a two-year deal with the Crows as part of the long-running Kurt Tippett trade to Sydney that would have given Adelaide the Swans' No. 23 draft pick and the out-of-favour Swans forward.

But as Adelaide list manager David Noble was preparing to lodge the trade papers at AFL House on Friday, Trigg was returning to Australia from Europe - and finding reason to review the deal.

"It needed chief executive to chief executive talks to resolve it,'' said Trigg. "And that is (still) happening.''

Asked if the White deal was still on the table, Trigg said: "We have not killed it.''

Swans need third club in Tippett trade

Adelaidenow understands Adelaide's wish to sweeten the deal involves salary issues.

White is on contract to the Swans next year. Adelaide may be asking the Swans to pay White for next season and the Crows then take over White's salary in 2014.

Live: AFL Trades Chat

Adelaide and Sydney have until the Friday deadline for trades to resolve the issue.

But Adelaide may not be alone in chasing White, who would strengthen the Crows' forward options and ease the threat of key forward Taylor Walker being double-teamed by defences next season when he will Adelaide's No. 1 forward.

The Crows understand Brisbane is interested in White. The Lions today are interviewing Melbourne ruckman-forward Stefan Martin for the same role of supporting captain Jonathan Brown in the Brisbane attack.

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Morabito plans shock return

Fremantle midfielder Anthony Morabito could make a surprise comeback. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE could be bolstered for its Round 1 blockbuster against West Coast by a remarkable return from injury by midfielder Anthony Morabito.

Morabito's manager, Colin Young, said the Dockers bolter was confident he would be ready to put his hand up for Fremantle's season-opener and could be in line for selection as early as the NAB Cup, marking an against-the-odds recovery from consecutive knee reconstructions.

Morabito, the Dockers' No.1 pick from the 2009 draft, has not played for Fremantle since the 2010 finals series after he ruptured his left ACL in the following pre-season.

The Peel product, who turns 21 at the end of this month, was battling his way back through the WAFL and had made seven appearances for the Thunder before he endured a heartbreaking recurrence of the injury at a Fremantle training session in July this year.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon noted last month that his player's initial reconstruction had not been successful, leading to the re-injury, but Young said the second round under the knife had produced far better results.

"I haven't spoken to Morra since the best-and-fairest, but he's on track for NAB Cup,'' Young said.

"He doesn't see any problems starting Round 1 and going on.

"He looked in great shape when he was training and he's very confident, very excited about next year.''

A pre-season return for Morabito would be a stunning recovery and an overdue bout of good fortune for the footballer.

His first operation was in December, 2010, and it took almost 16 months for his return to football a 15-touch game with Peel reserves in Round 3, late March this year.

A NAB Cup return would mark a seven-month layoff, while a Round 1 selection to face the Eagles would be eight-month recovery.

Young said there was a notable difference in Morabito's reaction to the latest surgery.

"He went to Melbourne to have the operation under Julian Feller, who's probably the master of all surgeons in Victoria,'' he said.

"He was pretty convinced that he'd be back for NAB Cup, if not, then latest Round 1 and so he's very happy with the outcome of working with Julian.

"(The first time around) I don't think in his own mind he felt confident that the operations were successful; he just didn't feel quite right.

"He really feels 120 per cent now, since the last one.

"He had no swelling at all after the operation and he's really confident going forward.''

Fremantle begins its pre-season on November 14, with the first to third-year players, with general manager of football operations Chris Bond saying the Dockers expected Morabito to rejoin ball drills in January.

"It's tragic circumstances, but to his credit he's really dug in,'' Bond told ABC radio. "We've had the surgeries done and we're expecting him to start running well into our pre-season and join in our football in January.

"We're in no doubt at all that we're going to get football out of Morra next year and we'll get a fair bit of footy.

"Now, what level and that, that's not the priority for us at the moment.

"Anthony Morabito is going to be a long-term player at our club and the way that he's gone through this adversity is a real credit to him.''

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Port scores GWS pair in trade

Jack Hombsch punches the ball away from Brent Thornton. He is heading to Port. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

PORT ADELAIDE has converted its second-round draft pick of No. 29 to two players in the AFL trade period.

Greater Western Sydney tall defender Jack Hombsch will return to SA.

The second player is small forward Jake Neade, originally from the Northern Territory and now studying St Patrick's College in Ballarat. The 17-year-old is a zone-based recruit the Giants can on-pass to rival AFL clubs.

Originally from SANFL club Sturt, Hombsch was one of the 17-year-olds the Giants could claim while setting up its inaugural list last year. He was the first South Australian added to the GWS list.

Live: AFL Trades Chat

Hombsch, 19, played nine AFL games with the Giants this season.

Neade, a Year 12 student who won All-Australian colours representing Northern Territory this year, will move to Alberton from Ballarat.

Port football manager Peter Rohde said Hombsch would be a long-term replacement for Troy Chaplin, who left to join Richmond as a free agent.

"Jack's main attributes include his running ability, his ability to drop off and take contested marks and his kicking from defence. He'll certainly have the ability to play on the opposition's tall forwards," Rohde said.

"We've made no secret that we've been targeting talented South Australians with outstanding character and we think we've achieved that with Angus Monfries and now Jack Hombsch."

See every deal at Department of Trades
 

Neade finished second in the 3km time-trial at the draft camp and ran 2.95sec for the 20m sprint.

"We identified him early as a small forward who can kick goals and apply plenty of defensive pressure and we look forward to his journey and development here at Port Adelaide," Rohde said.

GWS will have picks 1, 2, 3, 12, 14 and 29 in next month's draft.

"(Hombsch's) move to Port Adelaide will give him the opportunity to play more senior football and we wish him all the best in his future playing career," Giants football manager Graeme Allan said.

"As a club we're very pleased to have been able to secure an early second round selection in this deal which strengthens our position going into November's draft."
 

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LIVE: AFL trades chat

North Melbourne utility Cameron Pedersen could find his way to Melbourne. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

THREE weeks into the AFL's marathon trades period and the future of Adelaide defector Kurt Tippett is no clearer.

The key forward is locked in trade talks with Sydney as the Swans look to broker a deal with the Crows ahead of Friday's 2pm trade deadline.

Sydney ruckman/forward Jesse White looms as the likely trade option, with the Crows also in line to receive Swans 23rd pick in the national draft.

Meanwhile, St Kilda is set for a busy week as the Saints look to lure West Coast defender Mitch Brown and Gold Coast ruckman Tom Hickey.

Brown, who is contracted to the Eagles, wants out to return home to Melbourne.

But West Coast is determined on keeping the key defender and refuses to budge on the Saints offer which includes homesick West Australian Jamie Cripps.

More news: Department of Trades

Expect Melbourne to seal a deal which will see North Melbourne utility Cameron Pedersen become a Demon.

St Kilda midfielder Farren Ray could also find his way to Melbourne.

Others in the mix to switch clubs this week include: Mitch Brown (Geelong), Tom Gillies (Geelong), Stephen Gilham (Hawthorn) and Koby Stevens (West Coast).

LIVE HQ: JOIN THE LIVE AFL TRADES CHAT FROM 11AM BELOW:

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Hawks lead race for answers

Hawthorn is angry at the compensation it received for wingman Clinton Young and defender Tom Murphy. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN is leading the fight for AFL clubs to get more information on the formula used to decide free agency compensation.

The Hawks are studying details to see if they can challenge the draft pick 66 return for running back Clinton Young's move to Collingwood.

"We'll go back through our documentation to see where there's (grounds) for an appeal or not. There doesn't appear to be one at first look,'' Hawks football manager Mark Evans told the Herald Sun today.

Evans said the clubs want more details of the new system, claiming they are "flying blind'' when not even being aware of an offer to a player who's an unrestricted free agency like Young.

"We'll all get use to it, but we need to have a system that has some equity in it. And we need to be able to understand why some things come out the way they do,'' he told SEN radio.

"I know it was an agreement between the AFL and the Players Association and that the formula be kept secret, but it doesn't help us understand the system.

"We've had some discussion with them (AFL), but we certainly haven't put anything formally at this stage.

"It's hard to determine the free agency compensation because we don't understand the details of the formula they've used. And it's not like we've got 10 years of experience of looking at free agency compensation picks to determine whether it's fair or not.

"We've only got the free agency compensation picks that have been handed out and, on the surface of it, pick 66 as a combination for Clinton Young and Tom Murphy doesn't seem just. And certainly doesn't look just when you look at some of the other compensations that were handed out.

"My issue is, if you've got a player who has just played in a grand final team with a club that's right at the top of the ladder and then you end up being 30 or 40 picks behind some of the other compensations for players you think might be regarded as about the same (ability), all I'm saying is that maybe that system we've come up with has got a couple of chinks in it.''

Evans said he wasn't aware there was no compensation for some players.

"We certainly need some better detail on why we ended up getting pick 66 for Clinton Young,'' he said.

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Cats, Suns to light up Geelong

Brian Cook (right) gives Sport Minister Kate Lundy, Federal Member for Corangamite Darren Cheeseman and Federal Member for Corio, Richard Marles MP a tour of the Simonds Stadium redevelopment. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG will host its first home game under lights when the Cats face Gold Coast on June 1 next season.

The Cats will play up to four night matches at the redeveloped Simonds Stadium which will hold 34,000 fans when the new Players Stand is completed.

Geelong will play its first 10 matches away from home - and six games outside Victoria - as it waits for construction work to finish. The Cats will then get seven home matches in the final 10-11 rounds.

Geelong chief executive Brian Cook revealed today the Cats hope to unveil a $1.2 million "super screen" scoreboard when the redeveloped stadium makes its debut.

"We're going to have lights here by May 28," Cook told the Cats website.

"For the first time in Geelong's history we're going to have games under lights here in Geelong. We think we'll get three maybe four night games here next year.

"The first game will def be against Gold Coast on June 1, a Saturday night, so you've got the Gary Ablett factor, and the Josh Caddy factor now, so it's really exciting."

Cook said Geelong's long-term stadium vision - which could take 10 years - was for a venue that could hold more than 37,000 fans and host AFL and other sports including soccer, rugby league and rugby union.

But stage four of the stadium redevelopment is set to cost more than the $110 million spent on the first three stages combined.

Cook also weighed into the free agency debate, questioning the need for compensation picks for clubs that lost players.

"I have a principle that we should not necessarily be compensated, as clubs, for losing free agents, but I'm not sure that would be shared by everyone outside," he told the AFL website.

"The rightful compensation for losing a free agent is to get another one back in, really.

"The dollars that you gain by a free agent going off your list is money that should be used to bring someone on. That's the way I'm looking at it."

The Cats swapped free agents with Melbourne, losing Shannon Byrnes and picking up Jared Rivers.

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Morabito confident of derby return

ON TRACK: Fremantle midfielder Anthony Morabito (left) is aiming for a Round 1 return next season. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE could be bolstered for its Round 1 Western Derby by a remarkable return from injury by midfielder Anthony Morabito.

Morabito's manager, Colin Young, said the Dockers bolter was confident he would be ready to put his hand up for the season opener and could be in line for selection as early as the NAB Cup, marking an against-the-odds recovery from consecutive knee reconstructions.

Morabito, the Dockers' top pick from the 2009 draft, has not played for Fremantle since the 2010 finals series after rupturing his left ACL in the following pre-season.

The Peel product, who turns 21 at the end of this month, was battling his way back through the WAFL and had made seven appearances for the Thunder before suffering a recurrence of the injury at a Fremantle training session in July.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon noted last month that his player's initial reconstruction had not been successful, leading to the re-injury, but Young said the second operation had produced better results.

"I haven't spoken to Morra since the best-and-fairest, but he's on track for the NAB Cup," Young said.

"I said to him: 'Still Round 1?' and, he said: 'Nah, NAB's looking good'. He's keen to start for the NAB Cup; he said he's ready to go and doesn't see any problems starting Round 1 and going on.

"He looked in great shape when he was training and he's very confident, very excited about next year."

A pre-season return for Morabito would be a stunning recovery and an overdue bit of good fortune for the footballer.

After his first operation in December, 2010, it took almost 16 months for his return to football  a 15-touch game with Peel reserves in Round 3 in late-March this year.

An NAB Cup return would mark a seven-month layoff, while Round 1 selection to face the Eagles would be eight months' recovery.

Young said there was a notable difference in Morabito's reaction to the latest surgery.

"He went to Melbourne to have the operation under Julian Feller, who's probably the master of all surgeons in Victoria," Young said.

"He was pretty convinced that he'd be back for NAB Cup, if not, then latest Round 1 and so he's very happy with the outcome of working with Julian.

"(The first time around) I don't think in his own mind he felt confident the operations were successful: he didn't feel right.

"He really feels 120 per cent now, since the last one.

"He had no swelling at all after the operation and he's really confident going forward."

Fremantle begins its pre-season on November 14, with the first-to-third-year players, with general manager of football operations Chris Bond saying the Dockers expected Morabito to rejoin ball drills in January.

"It's tragic circumstances, but to his credit he's really dug in," Bond told ABC radio.

"We've had the surgery done and we're expecting him to start running well into our pre-season and join in our football in January.

"We're in no doubt at all that we're going to get a fair bit of footy out of him."

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TV bosses still want GF time swap

Sydney's Nick Malceski is mobbed by teammates after kicking the winning goal in a classic Grand Final win against Hawthorn at the MCG. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: Herald Sun

Seven boss David Leckie still wouldn't mind seeing a later timeslot for the AFL Grand Final. Picture: Getty Images Source: Herald Sun

TELEVISION bosses don't come bigger and badder than Channel 7's David Leckie.

But not even Leckie - armed with hundreds of millions of dollars - could secure a night or twilight AFL Grand Final during the last round of broadcast rights negotiations.

"I'd love to, but I've been bashed around the head," Leckie admitted when the $1.25 billion deal was penned.

The man that bashed him was Andrew Demetriou.

The league chief has long declared that a night Grand Final simply won't happen under his watch.

And on this count of trademark Demetriou belligerence, let's hope he's right.

It's called Grand Final 'Day' for a reason.

Since 1898 when Fitzroy beat the Bombers, the last Saturday afternoon in September has been the showpiece of the Australian game.

Why fix what isn't broken?

But rumblings are growing louder that the TV kings are set to try again, for a twilight slot at least.

Seven yesterday remained tight-lipped about its intentions.

And if you're one of those in favour of the game being played under lights, Collingwood president Eddie McGuire is your man.

"If you are serious about what you are trying to achieve, the ultimate marketing tool the AFL has is the AFL Grand Final," McGuire said this year. "And if you want to put on the biggest and best show you do it at night. Have an entertainment spectacular with a million-dollar budget."

Sorry Ed, but the Rolling Stones could have played pre-game this year and we'd still be talking about Nick Malceski's goal.

The Sydney-Hawthorn epic played out in fading light at the MCG didn't need fireworks or rock bands to make it an all-time great.

Rugby league's failed experiments should serve as another warning.

In 2001, the NRL shifted to a night decider on the whim of Channel 9 before people power got the game moved back to a 5pm start.

When last asked for their opinion, more than 90 per cent of AFL players said they opposed anything other than an afternoon game.

The AFL, obsessed about congestion, said amid the interchange furore this week that all its rule changes were made with a view to player safety and the spectacle of the game.

So surely the best stage for footy's biggest match is a sunny September afternoon - not a night match more likely to be slippery because of dew.

Not to mention the death of the backyard Grand Final BBQ.

But if Demetriou's words ring true, traditionalists need not fret.

"If the only reason we were to do it was to please our broadcasters or to get more eyeballs on it, it wasn't a good enough reason to do it," he has declared.

"Even if we were offered a significant amount of money to move our Grand Final, we wouldn't do it."

That was August 2007 and the boss isn't a man to backflip.

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How Mick stopped a player revolt

Mick Malthouse with Eddie McGuire at the end of the 2011 season. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Biography of Mick Malthouse to be released this week. Source: Herald Sun

MICK Malthouse hosed down a 2011 player revolt at Collingwood that wanted to keep him as coach.

In an exclusive book extract from Malthouse: A Football Life, to be released this week, it is revealed the Magpies' 2010 premiership coach was approached by a senior player who said several of his colleagues were prepared to sign a petition to have him stay on.

Former champion Collingwood player Nathan Buckley signed a deal in mid-2009 that meant he would take over from Malthouse as Collingwood coach for season 2012, regardless of interim results.

But almost from the moment the Pies saluted in the 2010 Grand Final replay against St Kilda, there was intense speculation about the arrangement and how the football giants would co-exist.

In the biographical book on her father, Christi Malthouse has revealed that while the thought of the petition appealed, the three-time premiership coach talked the player around because he thought it would "derail" the Magpies' 2011 premiership tilt which, at the time, was flying.

"By Round 16 (of the 2011 AFL season), the Magpies were second on the ladder, with 12 wins, one loss and two byes," Christi writes.

"By now it was early July and speculation about the future of the Collingwood coach had reached boiling point.

"Rumours abounded that Mick might not stay at Collingwood, that he might possibly coach elsewhere in 2012.

"Mick was in his office when a player tapped on the door.

"The young man in front of him looked nervous. 'Can I talk to you?'

"As the coach listened, his player revealed to him that several senior players wanted to sign a petition to have him reinstated as senior coach for the following year.

"It was nothing against the 'coach in waiting' (Buckley), he insisted, but the boys were concerned.

"They loved Mick, they needed Mick, and they weren't prepared to stand back and do nothing as he was replaced.

"Especially after winning a premiership. 'I would like to take it to management and the board', said the player.

"Mick's heart thumped inside his chest and echoed in his mind. 'What an amazing gesture,' he thought. But what a disaster it would be."

Christi writes that her father then made a call based on keeping the Magpies on a roll.

" 'No. Put those ideas away. I appreciate it, I really do, but it will only do more damage than good'," she writes.

"He was firm. 'It's not going to change anything. Nathan will be your coach next year - you have to get used to that. The only thing that can derail our season this year is if our focus is taken off winning.'

"Mick was desperate not to let that happen.

"They talked some more, and in the end it was agreed that everyone was better off concentrating solely on playing good football.

"They could worry about next year later."

Malthouse, who has signed to coach Carlton next season, was famously in tears as Collingwood rallied late to beat Hawthorn in the 2011 preliminary final.

But the Magpies were over-run by Geelong in the final quarter of the Grand Final, having led narrowly at halftime.

From Malthouse: A Football Life, published Wednesday by Allen & Unwin. Copyright Christi Malthouse 2012.

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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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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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McIntosh dismisses injury fears

Geelong recruits Jared Rivers and Hamish McIntosh at Simonds Stadium Picture: Glenn Ferguson Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG recruit Hamish McIntosh is "itching at the bit" to prove he can still play football at the top level after a nightmare run with injuries.

McIntosh yesterday agreed to a three-year deal with the Cats, turning his back on North Melbourne after 107 games.

The 28-year-old missed the bulk of last season after injuring his knee in the Kangaroos' Round 7 loss to the Western Bulldogs.

McIntosh worked his way back into match fitness but pulled the plug on his return, choosing instead to have LARS surgery on his right knee.

He played just one game in 2011 because of achilles operations on both tendons.

But McIntosh is confident of he can have an impact at Geelong with a full pre-season under his belt.

"The injuries I've had have been more structural, I haven't really had soft tissue injuries ... once you get those injuries right, you're right to go."

But his signing could spell the end for Geelong mature-aged ruckman Orren Stephenson.

Stephenson was plucked out of the VFL in 2011 to bolster the Cats dwindling ruck stocks after the retirement of Brad Ottens.

McIntosh said he was excited about his move to Simonds Stadium and that he was looking forward to mentoring the Cats young ruck brigade.

"(There's) some really good ruckman here with Trent (West), Dawson (Simpson) and Nathan Vardy's an incredibly athletic guy as well.

Department of Trades

"I will be looking to hopefully help them and coach them; they're incredibly talented players so hopefully we can all work well as a unit."

McIntosh said he made the "difficult" decision to leave North Melbourne halfway through last season.

"I was playing some decent football (at the start) but Todd (Goldstein) and I probably weren't connecting really well... I realised it was probably time to move on."

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Hansen signs two-year deal

Lachlan Hansen has signed a two-year deal with North Melbourne. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne forward Lachie Hansen has ended trade speculation by signing a new two-year contract with the Kangaroos.

Hansen's name had been floated in trade talks and he was linked to Fremantle.

The tall forward was taken with pick three in the 2006 draft and showed signs of delivering on his potential this season.

But his future became clouded as he fell out of contract at the end of the year amid rumoured interest from the Dockers and Greater Western Sydney.

Re-signing the 24-year-old is a boost to the Roos, who have lost Hamish McIntosh to Geelong in the trade period and could still see Cam Pederson, Matt Campbell and Cruize Garlett leave the club.

Department of Trades

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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.

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.

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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.

Join 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."

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

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