LIVE: Demons v Power

Melbourne midfielder Jack Viney bursts forward against Port Adelaide. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

3.45pm: Demons 54 - Power 133

MELBOURNE was completely outplayed with Port Adelaide running away with the Round 1 clash at the MCG.

Port punished the hapless Dees who lacked the intensity required to play senior football.

The Power won by 79 points 19.19 (133) to 8.6 (54) in front of a small but vocal crowd.

The Demons looked a mess going forward, while other than the Jacks - Viney and Grimes - no body stood tall against the odds.

Viney starred with 22 disposals and a goal for 113 SuperCoach points in his AFL debut.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Meanwhile, Viney's best mate, Port Adelaide No.7 pick Olli Wines, finished with 24 possessions and a goal of his own.

The 13-goal hammering was made worse when Demons spearhead Mitch Clark left the field during the third quarter with an ankle injury.

Clark looked to be in trouble writhing in pain and clutching at his left leg.

But a short time after hobbling into the rooms he emerged on the boundary line unassisted with heavy strapping on his leg.

3.26pm: Demons 52 - Power 116

MELBOURNE has substituted Mitch Clark out of the match against Port Adelaide after the spearhead rolled his ankle during the third quarter.

Clark emerged from the rooms with heavy strapping on the ankle.

He was subbed out shortly after with Demons coach Mark Neeld not prepared to take any risks with his star commodity.

Melbourne looks to have lifted its intensity in the final term after a deplorable third quarter where the Demons failed to kick a goal.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Jordie McKenzie slotted the Dees first goal of the final quarter.

Viney continues to impress registering 104 SuperCoach points. Kane Cornes (138) is the stand out for Port Adelaide.

Mitch Clarke gets helped off the ground. Picture: Harman Stephen Source: Herald Sun

3.10pm: Demons 45 - Power 108

IT'S turned into a clinic at the G.

Melbourne is on the brink of being completely blown out of the water by Port Adelaide at the MCG.

And it only gets worse with spearhead Mitch Clark in the rooms with a serious leg injury.

Clark hobbled off the ground during the third quarter after hyper-extending his left leg.

The former Brisbane forward missed most of last year with stress fractures in his foot.

Angus Monfries kicked his third goal in the term against a lazy Melbourne outfit not willing to chase anymore.

Jack Viney remains the only shining light on a miserable day for the Dees.

2.57pm: Demons 45 - Power 82

PORT Adelaide has broken the shackles leading by 37 points early in third quarter.

Angus Monfries kicked his second goal after taking strong mark at the top of the goal square.

Melbourne showed signs of life early in the term but was let down with poor disposal.

Jack Viney leads the Demons with 17 disposals for 91 SuperCoach points while Mitch Clark has been hardly sighted after kicking two goals in as many minutes in the first quarter.

Kane Cornes is the pick of the Port players whit Jay Schulz and Hamish Hartlett dangerous every time they go near the pill.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Mitch Clark of the Demons celebrates after kicking a goal during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

2.27pm: Demons 44 - Power 73

THE case for goal line video technology is mounting with contentious marks being paid to Port Adelaide sharpshooter Jay Schulz and Melbourne utility Cameron Pederson.

Schulz was awarded a mark on the goal line despite an inconclusive review.

Moments later, Pederson clunked a strong mark next to the goal post which looked at real speed to have crossed the line.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

The Power dominated the first half setting up a 29-point buffer at the main break.

Paul Stewart booted three goals while Kane Cornes leads the Power with 14 disposals.

Meanwhile, debutant Jack Viney is the pick of the Demons with 15 touches -- 12 contested -- and a goal to his name.

The tough as teak midfielder also has four clearances to his name.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Jay Schulz of the Power takes a mark during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Herald Sun

2.04pm: Demons 31 - Power 58

MELBOURNE continues to find a way of keeping up with Port Adelaide at the MCG today.

The Power have made all the early running but until now have been unable to shake the pesky - at times outclassed - Demons.

Goals to Shannon Byrnes and Jeremy Howe, his second, cut the margin to 27 points midway through the second term.

Port Adelaide has kicked three goals in the term, its last in somewhat controversial circumstances with Jay Schulz awarded a mark on the goal line.

Schulz, who launched over the pack, looked to clunk the ball over the line. The umpires paid the mark despite a video review showing Schulz, his Demon's stepladder and the football clearly over the line.

Regardless, it was a goal, and great mark, either way. Play on!

1.49pm: Demons 19 - Power 45

ALL Port Adelaide and Melbourne's Jack Viney in the first quarter with the Power running rings around the hapless Demons.

The boom father-son prospect leads the Demons with nine disposals.

But the Power look superior to their rivals with Hamish Hartlett on track for a best on ground performance.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

The classy midfielder has 10 disposals and two goals early in the second quarter.

Mitch Clark made a welcome return to senior footy kicking two goals in as many minutes during the first quarter.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Hamish Hartlett of the Power passes the ball during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

1.34pm: Demons 13 - Power 27

MELBOURNE spearhead Mitch Clark has made a welcome return to senior footy kicking two goals in a hurry to claw the Demons back within striking distance.

Port Adelaide made all the early running at the MCG with midfielders Hamish Hartlett, Brad Ebert, Kane Cornes and young gun Olli Wines dominating the stoppages.

Clark's timely goals helped the Demons get back in the match before Power sharpshooter Jay Schulz's courageous mark in the goal square.

It took Melbourne about four minutes of play to register its first kick, a free kick to co-captain Jack Grimes at half-back.

PRE-GAME

Melbourne lines up as selected in today's match against Port Adelaide at the MCG.

The Demons will unveil prized recruits Jack Viney and No.4 pick Jimmy Toumpas in the Easter Sunday clash.

Port Adelaide also boasts a couple of new faces including No.7 pick Olli Wines and mature-aged recruit Kane Mitchell who will start as the substitute.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Demon Sam Blease will also start on the pine wearing the green substitute's vest.

Melbourne will join Port Adelaide in wearing black armbands today in memory of Power midfielder John McCarthy.

The former Collingwood and Sorrento utility fell to his death while on holidays in Las Vegas with Power teammates last year.

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

LIVE: Roos v Pies

Collingwood onballer Dayne Beams is out. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: The Advertiser

PRE-GAME: COLLINGWOOD'S short-term injury crisis has taken another turn for the worse with star Dayne Beams a late withdrawal from today's clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

The Pies replaced Beams with youngster Josh Thomas, will 26-year-old VFL recruit Sam Dwyer will have to wait a little longer for his AFL debut after being named the substitute.

The Roos enter unchanged with Liam Anthony set to start in the green vest.

North Melbourne touched up the Pies the last time they met late last year and enter the Round 1 clash full of confidence.

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Score review system sparks confusion

The AFL's contentious score review system has again come under fire with two incidents in today's Melbourne-Port Adelaide clash at the MCG

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Jay Schulz of the Power takes a mark during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 31: Jay Schulz of the Power takes a mark during the round one AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and Port Adelaide Power at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

THE AFL's contentious score review system created confusion at the MCG today when Jay Schulz was surprisingly paid a mark he seemed to take over the goal line.

The Power forward launched over a pack and cleanly reeled in a screamer on his chest, before the umpires called for a review and deemed the mark should stand.

VIDEO: See the incidents in the video player above

The ball was headed for a Port goal regardless, but later in the same quarter Melbourne mirrored the situation when recruit Cam Pedersen took a mark awkwardly close to the goal line.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, video, stats and more

The umpires then checked whether he completed it in play and if the ball hit the post, before awarding Pedersen a shot at goal, which he converted.

It followed a bizarre ruling in the Dogs-Lions clash yesterday, when Jack Redden appeared to dribble through a goal from the square only to have a behind given.

The umpires went upstairs for several minutes before ruling the ball was touched.

The league brought in the system just before the start of last season and it has suffered teething problems, with very few decisions able to be overturned due to a lack of conclusive vision.
 

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

LIVE: Dogs v Lions

Adam Cooney finds space against the Bombers. He's a certain starter today. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

4.38pm - Dogs 127 - 59 Lions

THE Western Bulldogs put Brisbane away by 68 points in a commanding display at Etihad Stadium.

Ryan Griffen was the star with 27 disposals in the rout which began with the Dogs kicking the first six goals of the match.

Bulldogs young gun Luke Dahlhaus (corky) was helped off the ground late in the final quarter after copping a knock to the back.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats, commentary and more

Meanwhile, mature-aged recruit Brett Goodes looked at ease in his AFL debut dominating across half-back.

Brisbane had no answers for the Dogs four-quarter onslaught with Pearce Hanley's report and an injury to Matt McGuire adding salt to the Lions' wounds.

4.03pm - Dogs 111 - 56 Lions

BULLDOGS Ryan Griffen and Shaun Higgins snapped a three-goal Brisbane run to hammer the Lions into submission at Etihad Stadium.

The Lions looked to add a bit of respectability on the scoreboard early in the final term but any inroads were quickly erased when Griffen and Higgins snapped back-to-back majors.

It's the Bulldogs first home-and-away win since Round 12 last year when the prevailed against Port Adelaide 95-57.

3.40pm - Dogs 105 - 42 Lions

IT'S a slaughter. The Western Bulldogs are charging towards the top of the AFL table with a commanding 11-goal lead nearing three-quarter time.

The Dogs outscored the hapless Lions six goals to one in a blitz under the roof at Etihad Stadium.

And it only got worse for the Lions when veteran defender Matt McGuire was subbed off with a lower leg injury.

McGuire, plagued by leg problems in recent years, hobbled off the ground during the third quarter.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats, commentary and more

He was substituted out of the hammering shortly after with Claye Beams taking his place on the field.

Tom Liberatore, Brett Goodes and stand-in captain Robert Murphy have been the pick of the Dogs.

Tom Rockliff has played a lone-hand for the Lions with 25 disposals.

The Lions were cruelled a goal late in the term when the third umpire deemed Jack Redden's dribbler in the goalsquare touched by a Bulldogs defender.

The goal umpire signalled a goal but it was overturned upstairs despite sketchy footage.

Bulldogs mature-aged recruit Brett Goodes clears from defence against Brisbane at the Etihad Stadium. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

3.22pm Dogs 85 - 36

THE Bulldogs have exploded in the third term kicking three goals to set up a 49-point lead over Brisbane.

Stand-in captain Robert Murphy sparked the surge threading a goal from deep in the forward pocket.

Daniel Giansiracusa made matters worse for the Lions converting a set shot from the goal square after being felled late in a marking contest by Pearce Hanley.

Hanley was reported for the late charge driving his knee into the back of the Dogs veteran.

Liam Jones capped off the dominant 10-minute burst kicking truly from 39m out on a slight angle to crush the Lions.

Lions recruit Stefan Martin cut the margin to 49 points with his first goal in maroon and yellow strips.

2.50pm Dogs 65 - 28 Lions

YOUNG Ayce Cordy has given the Dogs a 37-point buffer at half-time outmarking Lions defender Daniel Merrett in the shadows of the main break.

Cordy (two goals) clunked the strong contested mark at the top of the goal square to set up the buffer with the shell-shocked Lions reeling under the roof at Etihad Stadium.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats, commentary and more

Daniel Rich (four disposals, one goal) has been completely shut down by Dogs tagger Nick Lower while veterans Tory Dickson (two goals), Daniel Giansiracusa (two goals) and boom recruit Brett Goodes run amok forward of centre.

Goodes leads the Dogs with 13 disposals.

Tom Rockliff is the pick of the Lions with 19 disposals including four inside 50s.

2.32pm Dogs 47 - 21 Lions

HIGGINS, Murphy, Giansiracusa... goal! The veteran Dogs combine and moments latter Higgins adds the icing with one of his own.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats, commentary and more

They lead the Lions by a whopping 38 points nearing halftime at Etihad Stadium.

Tom Rockliff aside, the Lions are yet to fire a shot.

2.15pm Dogs 37 - 6 Lions

DANIEL Rich had to wait until the final minute for his first disposal - and it was a behind.

A quarter of total domination has the Western Bulldogs five goals up on NAB Cup premier Brisbane Lions.

SUPERCOACH STARS:

Luke Dahlhaus (42)
Tory Dickson (42)
Daniel Giansiracusa (39)
Ryan Griffen (38)
Adam Cooney (32)

FULL LIST AT LIVE HQ

It started inside the first minute, when Tory Dickson marked and goaled, and peaked when Adam Cooney wound back the clock to load up a magnificent set-shot from the pocket.

That was the Dogs sixth as they continued to smash a flat Lions outfit in the midfield. The Dogs manufactured just five more forward entries but were deadly efficient in attack.

2.08pm Dogs 37 - 5 Lions
THE Dogs kicked five goals from their first seven entries to fully punish the Lions with their midfield dominance. Have the Lions come to play?

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats, commentary and more

The tackling pressure has been ferocious, and when Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney drilled the Dogs' sixth they led by 33 points.

Nick Lower has kept Daniel Rich to zero disposals late in the first quarter.

1.55pm Dogs 24 - 4 Lions

GOALS to Tory Dickson, Ayce Cordy, Luke Dahlhaus and Danial Giansiracusa have the Bulldogs firing early in their battle with the Lions.

Dickson ignited the Dogs when he took a clever mark before being awarded a 50m penalty, while the other three majors were all snagged on the run.

Daniel Rich has suffered a quiet start, with shutdown king Nick Lower tagging the high draft pick.

The efficient Dogs jagged four goals from their first six forward 50m entries.

PRE-GAME: BROWNLOW Medallist Adam Cooney will line up for the Western Bulldogs today with first-round draft pick Clay Smith set to start as the substitute at Etihad Stadium.

Cooney was hospitalised last week with a knee infection but trained strongly this week, with the Dogs and Brisbane Lions making no late changes.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats, commentary and more

Ball magnet Claye Beams will start in Brisbane's green vest, with the NAB Cup premiers the heavily-backed favourites.

Today marks All-Australian defender Dale Morris's first game in 595 days after snapping his leg in 2011.

Dogs coach Brendan McCartney said both clubs play a similar brand of football and his side had full respect for the Lions.

"It'll be who can do it the longest and the hardest," he said.

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Punt Rd back on the AFL map

Punt Rd oval could be brought back to life as a boutique stadium. Picture: Blair Hamish

THE AFL has started some "interesting" work on the possibility of bringing Punt Rd Oval back as a boutique ground for games featuring low-drawing interstate clubs.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said Punt Rd and Visy Park were the two options the league was looking at, and had already done a feasibility study on Carlton's base.

"There's some work we've already commenced on Punt Rd which looks really, really interesting," Demetriou said on SEN today.

Demetriou said Punt Rd held a key advantage over Visy Park with its public transport access, with the ground situated adjacent to Richmond train station and next to the MCG.

"We have a situation where we've probably got 8-12 games (per year) where we think we're going to struggle to get 18, 20, 22,000 people," he said.

"But in a boutique stadium, where you might be playing Western Bulldogs versus Greater Western Sydney Giants or Richmond versus Gold Coast Suns, it makes sense to consider a boutique stadium that would have a great atmosphere with that crowd."

The AFL will acquire Etihad Stadium in 2025, but the league has been in talks about buying the stadium early to help clubs who get a poor return from playing at the venue, including Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and St Kilda.

Demetriou has previously said the number of games the AFL was contracted to play at Etihad Stadium would drop next year.
 

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Corey to miss Hawks clash

Geelong veteran Joel Corey will sit out Monday's clash against Hawthorn. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG veteran Joel Corey will sit out the Cats' Easter Monday blockbuster against Hawthorn after an interrupted pre-season.

As revealed in the Panic Room last Friday, Corey is expected to be eased back into the Cats' best 22 following minor setbacks in his preparation.

Meanwhile, Hawthorn is set to unleash young gun Jed Anderson in Monday's clash at the MCG.

The Northern Territory local has been named on the interchange bench alongside Shave Savage, Liam Shiels and defender Ryan Schoenmakers.

Former Olympics aspirant Mark Blicavs will lead the Cats' short-handed rucks division with Trent West starting on the pine.

HAWTHORN

B: J.Gibson, B.Lake, B.Guerra
HB: G.Birchall, B.Stratton, S.Burgoyne
C: I.Smith, S.Mitchell, B.Hill
HF: C.Rioli, L.Franklin, L.Breust
F: J.Gunston, J.Roughead, P.Puopolo
Foll: D.Hale, B.Sewell, J.Lewis
Int: J.Anderson, S.Savage, L.Shiels, R.Schoenmakers
Emerg: M.Bailey, K.Cheney, J.Simpkin

GEELONG

B: J.Rivers, T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: T.Hunt, H.Taylor, T.Varcoe
C: A.Mackie, P.Chapman, M.Stokes
HF: J.Murdoch, S.Motlop, B.Smedts
F: J.Podsiadly, T.Hawkins, M.Duncan
Foll: M.Blicavs, J.Selwood, J.Bartel
Int: T.West, J.Caddy, A.Christensen, G.Horlin-Smith
Emerg: J.Corey, J.Walker, J.Stringer

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Charged Jurrah locked up for Easter

Liam Jurrah pictured during a break in his court proceedings in Alice Springs earlier this month. Picture: Justin Brierty Source: adelaidenow

TROUBLED footballer Liam Jurrah will spend the Easter weekend in custody after being charged with four counts of assault in Alice Springs.

The charges come after the footballer's arrest in Alice Springs when three women were allegedly assaulted at a 24-hour store in the early hours of Thursday morning.

Jurrah, 24, and another man, 32, were arrested.

Without naming Jurrah, Senior Sergeant Darrell Kerr from Alice Springs confirmed that two men arrested over the incident at the store had been charged on Thursday night.

He said a bail application was heard before a magistrate in an over-the-phone hearing today and was refused.

"Police opposed bail due to the seriousness of the charges," said Snr Sgt Kerr.

The news means Jurrah will be locked up over Easter until the court resumes sitting on Tuesday.

Last week he walked free from the Alice Springs Supreme Court after being acquitted of attacking his cousin with a machete.

Twice this week he has failed to appear in court in South Australia, where he faces separate charges of aggravated assault and drink driving.

Jurrah made his AFL debut in 2009 and played 36 games for Melbourne.

The club delisted him at the end of last season but he has since signed on to play for the Alice Springs South Kangaroos Football Club.

His grandmother, Cecily Granites, said she did not understand why Jurrah had ended up in custody.

"He went over to the 24-hour shop on Gap Road and bought something to eat, like a sandwich," she said.

"There was a group of (people that) saw Liam going in and when he came out there was a couple of people standing there and they started talking to him in a really angry way."

Ms Granites said she received a phone call about 4am saying Jurrah was in trouble and that he was in police custody.

Superintendent Brent Warren said police attended the incident after 3am and identified three women who allegedly had been assaulted.

"Police subsequently arrested two men, aged 24 and 32, in relation to the alleged incident," he said.

In Adelaide yesterday, Magistrate David McLeod said a warrant for Jurrah's arrest would lie on the file after he failed to appear in Elizabeth Magistrates Court to answer a charge of aggravated assault.

Jurrah's lawyer told the court her client had stayed in Alice Springs for his grandfather's funeral, but Mr McLeod said he wanted corroboration the funeral was taking place.

The hearing proceeded without Jurrah, but prosecutors said the charge against him was likely to be withdrawn because the alleged victim had signed a form saying she did not wish to proceed.

Defence lawyer Joanna Caracoussis told the court Jurrah's grandfather died late last year and the funeral was scheduled for last week but had been postponed.

The funeral had been planned for last Thursday - the day a jury returned its not guilty verdict in Jurrah's case of alleged assault against cousin Basil Jurrah.

The matter was adjourned to May.

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

The Panic Room: Cooney cured

Matt Windley and Glenn McFarlane name the rookies and left-field picks to give you the SuperCoach edge.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Adam Cooney of the Bulldogs boxes during a Western Bulldogs AFL training session at Whitten Oval on March 26, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

DOGS fans don't fear, Adam Cooney has made a stunning comeback.

Word out of the Kennel is that Cooney absolutely brained them at Thursday's main training session, just days after coming out of hospital because of an infected knee.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, video, stats and more

He was zipping around like he hadn't missed a beat which had been the case throughout the pre-season until the mishap following the final practice match.

At today's open session at Etihad Stadium, Cooney did some cross-training and boxing but don't be alarmed as that's what he does the day before a game given the history with his troublesome knee.

And don't think he will be eased into proceedings tomorrow, watch for him to start either wing or in the middle and play 70-80 per cent game time.

Down Geelong way there are two premiership heroes very much under the microscope - Trent West and Joel Corey.

Cats ruckman Trent West has undergone knee surgery. Picture: Alison Wynd Source: Geelong Advertiser

West had minor knee surgery last month and hasn't played in the pre-season. While he's increased his training loads over the past couple of weeks it would be a very un-Geelong like risk to throw him straight into Round 1 despite the depletion of the club's ruck stocks.

Steeplechaser Mark Blicavs has already been named and expect fellow rookie Josh Walker to be his back-up.

Corey has had a number of minor setbacks over the summer and didn't play in the final practice match. Word has it he's not quite right and will be eased into the season.

SUPERCOACH ALERT:

There are dilemmas everywhere but Collingwood have thrown a couple of curve balls at us by naming upgraded rookies Jack Frost and Sam Dwyer on interchange. Both appeal given we're all desperately seeking cheap defenders (Frost) and forwards (Dwyer - also mid) at the luxury price of $96,200. Frost appeals as the one more likely to get over the three-game mark although don't expect big scores as he's an old-fashioned see-ball hit-ball defender.

Young Collingwood defender Jack Frost at training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Dwyer's problem is he's a half-forward flanker who is clearly only treading water until Dale Thomas, Andrew Krakouer and Alex Fasolo return from injury which could be as soon as next week.

MONEY MATTERS:

All week we agonised over whether to go for the big upset with the Gold Coast. If ever St Kilda are ripe for the picking it's tomorrow with a shot defence, no Leigh Montagna and playing in the humid conditions at Metricon Stadium.

In the end, one conversation changed my mind when I was reminded that the Saints have torched the Suns by 90-plus on both occasions and Nick Riewoldt loves playing against them. So the tip didn't go the Suns way but the line bet of +22.5 ($1.82) is gold.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt catches his breath. Source: Getty Images

Throw in GWS at +50.5 ($1.90) - because the Swans historically take a while to get up and running - and Geelong ($2.25) to win on Monday and we end up with odds of $7.78.

Hawk Jarryd Roughead joins the panel to provide inside SuperCoach info on the Hawks.

ON NOTICE:

North Melbourne.

The Roos keep saying they want to play with the big boys and be considered a legitimate top eight team. Well, Sunday is a perfect opportunity to do that given they are taking in a full-strength team - minus veteran Brent Harvey only - against an injury-hit Collingwood outfit who they beat by five goals at Etihad when they met in Round 21 last year.

North Melbourne skipper Andrew Swallow is a proven SuperCoach star. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dons boast clean bill of health

Jason Winderlich is back for the Dons. Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

ESSENDON'S injury curse is officially a thing of the past with the top-of-the-table Dons boasting a clean bill of health on the back of Jason Winderlich's successful VFL return today.

The Dons have joined North Melbourne with empty medical rooms, with Winderlich impressing with three goals in his first appearance this year.

Winderlich missed most of the summer with a groin complaint but lined up as a small forward for a half and was lively in the 75-point practice match thumping of St Kilda's affiliate Sandringham.

The 28-year-old is now expected to build on his match fitness again in the VFL, when the Bombers' reserves side plays Bendigo Gold in Round 1 of the second-tier season next week.

"Obvoiusly I would rather have kept playing than stop at half time but it is a long year and I am aiming to play 16 to 17 games this season," he said.

Father-son sensation Joe Daniher lined up in attack, alongside Scott Gumbleton, and booted one goal in the 14.19 (103) to 3.10 (28) win.

But the Dons opted not to play David Zaharakis, instead boosting the dashing midfielder's match fitness through intensive training.

David Hille won the praise of Dons development coach Hayden Skipworth for his efforts in the ruck.

"He was excellent for us all day and once again all around the ground he was good for us," Skipworth said.

Justin Koschitzke booted one goal for the Zebras after being left out of the Saints side to face Gold Coast tomorrow night.

Small forward Adam Schneider worked hard and is edging towards reclaiming a place in St Kilda's side.

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blowtorch on young Swans

Daniel Hannebery wins Sydney's pre-season 3km time-trial. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

SYDNEY co-captain Jarrad McVeigh has put the acid on Daniel Hannebery, Lewis Jetta and Sam Reid to improve the Swans this year.

It's no secret the Swans possess an ageing list and gun recruit Kurt Tippett will be of no use to the premiers until Round 13 because of suspension.

McVeigh said the Swans had the hunger to aim for back-to-back premierships but admitted the team needed natural improvement in players aged 21-25.

"Absolutely we need Jetts, Reidy and Hanners - those gun kids - to step up,'' McVeigh said.

"They have played well, they've shown they can do it, but we need them to go to another level and push myself, Goodesy (Adam Goodes), those types of guys to go again as well.

"They're definitely the group of kids, along with Alex Johnson who's going to miss the year unfortunately, that we need to keep going again.''

Hannebery, 22, was a standout in last year's finals, amassing possession tallies of 27 and 33 in the qualifying and preliminary finals before almost snatching the Norm Smith Medal with a 29-disposal, four-mark and one-goal performance in the Grand Final win against Hawthorn.

Jack says Swans have no excuses

McVeigh said Hannebery could be ready to take the competition by storm.

"He's been playing really good footy for the past couple of years, but his finals series last year was incredible for a young kid,'' McVeigh said.

"We really rate him. He's really courageous and set the team alight in the Grand Final with a few of those acts.

"He's trained really well over the summer, he's fit so we'll be looking for another big year from him and to get that consistent high-level performance.''

Jetta, 23, had a breakout season last year, but struggled at times for consistency as he learned to deal with taggers.

"It takes time to learn how to deal with those sorts of things, but the best players get tagged every week and you want to be tagged because then you know you're going well,'' McVeigh said.

"He's had to learn different ways of how to get the ball ... hopefully he can put those things into place again this year.''

SuperCoach is free and you could iwn $50,000 - sign up now

Hannebery said today he was looking forward to a big season.

"There's no doubt that I've had interrupted pre-seasons since I've started and so far, touch wood, I've been injury-free and everything's been going really well,'' Hannebery said in Sydney.

"I've been able to do most of the sessions and it's good to get continuity in training.

"I feel good and I'm confident going into the season.''

Hannebery expects a fierce contest against their Sydney rivals on Saturday, even though they finished on opposite ends of the ladder last season.

"You can never take any team lightly and I think GWS have proven in the (pre-season) Cup they've certainly improved and we've definitely done our homework this week,'' he said.

"They've got two big forwards in (Jeremy) Cameron and (Jonathon) Patton down there so our defenders have got their work cut out.

"They're two quality players and their backline's definitely a year more mature and stronger.''

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

LeCras has surgery on arm break

Eagle Mark LeCras comes off the ground with a serious arm injury. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast have confirmed forward Mark LeCras will be out of AFL action for about a month with his broken arm.

LeCras suffered the injury in Saturday night's season-opening loss to Fremantle and has had surgery.

The Eagles have listed him as a four to five-week injury.

They will also lose key defender Eric Mackenzie for two weeks with a hamstring injury.

West Coast said in a statement that Mackenzie's injury was at the lower end of the scale.

Utility Pat McGinnity is close to resuming after recovering from a back injury.

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Get your Good Friday footy fix

Bendigo Football League 2012 premiers Golden Square will face Kangaroo Flat on Good Friday. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin Source: Herald Sun

WHILE Andrew Demetriou holds firm on his stance that no AFL games will be played on Good Friday, there is still footy for fans to watch tomorrow.

A total of 14 games will be played in Victoria as nine leagues kick off their seasons.

Most of those will be played in the bush on a day that injects much-needed funds into club coffers.

"That's why the country leagues look to schedule games on Good Friday,'' AFL Victoria country football manager Brett Connell said.

"The clubs go about it fairly respectfully in regards to the religious significance of the day, but it's a boon for them because there's always plenty of people who travel for Easter and a lot of the games on are in those tourist hot spots.''

"It's something to do for people on the Friday and the clubs get a lot of people through the gates.''

Where to get your footy fix around Victoria on Good Friday

COUNTRY

Bendigo: Golden Square v Kangaroo Flat, My Jet Oval, 2.15pm

Goulburn Valley: Shepparton v Shepparton United, Deakin Reserve, 7pm; Euroa v Benalla, Memorial Oval, 7pm

Mornington: Rye v Rosebud, RJ Rowley Reserve, 2.15pm

Murray: Tocumwal v Congupna, Tocumwal Recreation Reserve, 2.10pm; Deniliquin Rams v Finley, Hardinge St Oval, 2.10pm; Moama v Echuca United, Moama Recreation Resreve, 2.10pm; Nathalia v Tongala, Nathalia Recreation Reserve, 2.10pm

Ovens and King: Bonnie Doon v Milawa, Bonnie Doon Recreational Reserve, 2.15pm; Moyhu v Greta, Moyhu Recreational Reserve, 2.15pm

Ovens and Murray: Lavington v Albury, Lavington Oval, 7pm

Warrnambool: Merrivale v Old Collegians, Merrivale Recreational Reserve, 2.20pm

METRO

Essendon District: Strathmore v Keilor, Lebanon Reserve, Strathmore, 2.15pm

Western Region: St Albans v Hoppers Crossing, Kings Park, St Albans, 6.30pm
 

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

O'Meara can't wait for AFL debut

Jaeger O'Meara at Nobby's Beach. Picture: Gosling Richard Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

HYPED Gold Coast teenager Jaeger O'Meara will make his senior debut against St Kilda at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

The young midfielder, who many believe would have been last year's No.1 draft pick if eligible, has waited a year to make his senior debut because of his age.

He has been given the nod for Round 1 and It is also believed former Docker Greg Broughton and ex-Hawk defender Tom Murphy are locked in to make their club debut against the Saints.

"I am definitely excited – I have been here for a year now and got to know the boys and got to develop my game," O'Meara told SuperFooty today.

"I'm really excited to get the opportunity."

Expectations for the Suns will be low again this season, but O'Meara said there was a quiet internal confidence among the group heading into the club's third season.

"The boys had a really good block of footy at the end of last year and we have had a pretty good NAB Cup campaign," he said.

"We had a great win against Melbourne a couple of weekends ago – I'm not sure how much you can take out of that, but we've definitely taken a bit of confidence.

"It should hold us in good stead come the weekend and the rest of the season."

O'Meara said this year would be about earning respect and being harder at the ball in previous years.

"We need to gain more respect in terms of contested footy," he said.

"We went away from that last year at times, so that will be a focus.

"We've improved strength wise and running wise over the pre-season.

"But we still have to play football, be aggressive at the ball and gain more respect in the AFL."
 

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Buddy's not on our radar: Lyon

RULED OUT: Ross Lyon says Lance Franklin is not on Fremantle's radar. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has fired back at claims the Dockers are chasing Lance Franklin, saying the multi-outlet reports were "a beat-up" and he had personally approached Hawthorn to quell the speculation.

Lyon said he approached Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson at a recent meeting to insist there was no truth to rumours the Dockers would approach Franklin, who has put off contract talks until the end of the season.

"This will clear it up and probably puts a really fine point on it; I went to a coaches association sub-committee meeting and Alastair Clarkson was there and we have a professional relationship," Lyon said.

"I sought him out, because this was bubbling around - unlike (Travis) Cloke last year, we were clearly in that - and this is totally different.

"I sought out Alastair and said, 'This is not us. Just to be really clear, just to let you know so you don't have to worry, it is not us'.

"That's on the public record.

"I think that really puts that article (into perspective); lack of rigor, lack of substance and just sensationalism in its true context.

"It should clarify for the whole industry and I can't be more clear than that."

Lyon said Fremantle had two priorities in its list management - retaining its burgeoning talent base and servicing its veterans - and those would be the areas it would focus on.

"That's a clear message to our player group, that they're the priority for us, and a clear message to anyone that wants to write stories that have no basis," he said.

"It eradicates that.

"It's an opinion business and, I mean, when Taylor Walker came through, did anyone know he was going to be a power forward? And (Kurt) Tippett and young (Sam) Reid from the Swans?

"Sometimes, people occur and grab opportunities and you think, 'Gee, where did he come from'.

"I think that just suited the red herring, or the kite being flown or, I'm not sure what it's called in this profession."

Lyon's comments come the morning after the club's 20-year-old Jayden Pitt was announced to have a heart condition that could result in the premature end of his career.

An irregular heartbeat discovered by medical screenings resulted in Pitt's career being immediately suspended for health reasons.

"We're really supportive of Jayden and he's been working behind the scenes with our medical staff (along with) his parents Greg and Jenny," Lyon said.

"It's been the result of a strong welfare program for our players, it's not mandatory screening, although it probably should be.

"A number of clubs do it and it's thrown up this, which is a big risk for Jayden and his career.

"He's had to put his AFL career on hold and, personally, as a senior coach with 45 players on our list, (I have) genuine care for all of them and this is a unique situation that I haven't come across before."

Follow Glen Foreman on Twitter: @glen_foreman
 

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lee a safe SuperCoach pick: Watters

Shane Crawford reveals his bargain ruck strategy and why Brett Deledio is a better SuperCoach pick than Trent Cotchin

Tom Lee (right) joins fellow recruits Tom Hickey (left) and Trent Dennis-Lane at Seaford. Picture: Chris Eastman Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA coach Scott Watters may have solved the problems of many a SuperCoach by pointing us in the direction of a cheap forward.

Tom Lee.

The bane of almost every SuperCoach's existence this pre-season has been the forward line.

More specifically, trying to find a dirt cheap forward that will play.

Brent Macaffer is a lock, while Joe Daniher and Sam Rowe are on the fringes of their respective teams.

Otherwise you're looking at players well over $200,000 to fill your side.

Of the players listed in the Herald Sun last week as the game's most popular selections, Lee appeared at the bottom of the list as the 10th most chosen forward.

He is currently in about one of every five SuperCoach teams, and at the price of $115,900 he might be a nice selection for your bench - even if he doesn't play straight away.

"We think we've got a really good prospect,'' Watters told the Herald Sun.

"He's rounding out his game. We have high expectations of Tom Lee, Tom Hickey and Arryn Siposs - they're not yet complete players but they're working extremely hard.

"Tom's got some great attributes and he's shown us some really good signs. We think this is going to be a really important development year for him, but he's certainly good enough to force his way in to the side.

"So if that gives a little bit of a heads up to our SuperCoach supporters, he'll force his way in, there's no doubt.''
 

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ballantyne accepts one-game ban

SITTING OUT: Docker Hayden Ballantyne won't contest a one-game ban. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE has opted not to challenge Hayden Ballantyne's one-game suspension, meaning the forward will miss the Dockers' Round 2 clash with the Bulldogs.

Ballantyne this morning accepted a one-match suspension for engaging in rough conduct against Scott Selwood during the first quarter of last weekend's derby triumph.

Contact was assessed as reckless, body contact and low impact.

Sandilands out for three months

His previous poor record means he couldn't reduce the penalty to a reprimand even with an early guilty plea.

Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich was yesterday cleared of any wrongdoing after being reported on a rough conduct charge relating to a collision with Will Schofield.

Pavlich dodged a bullet, with 93.75 carry-over points hanging over his head for an incident in Round 19 last season.

But the Fremantle captain didn't escape the derby completely unscathed.

He revealed on Twitter yesterday he had visited hospital after the game to get his "hand and finger fixed and stitched up".

"No breaks & looks good for Rd 2," he said.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from Freo's win

Pavlich was held goalless in the Dockers' impressive win, restricted to just 60 SuperCoach points.

PAVLICH'S HAND. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM

Source: HWT Image Library

But North Melbourne star Drew Petrie said the star forward had little to worry about for his report.
 

"Hopefully the tribunal and match review panel will look favourably on it," he told Channel 7's Game Day.

Petrie said Pavlich bracing himself before colliding with Schofield in a marking contest meant he should have no case to answer.

Meanwhile, WEST COAST'S horror injury list has been compounded by the loss of Mark LeCras and possibly Eric Mackenzie.

GALLERY: Pearce ignites as Dockers whip Eagles

LeCras has had a plate inserted in his arm and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Mackenzie pinged a hamstring, placing him in doubt for the Eagles' crunch Round 2 duel against Hawthorn.

Ruckman Dean Cox said LeCras was in scintillating pre-season form, adding to the tragedy of his injury in his first match since 2011.

"He had an x-ray last night and it did reveal he had a broken arm," Cox said today.

"They'll rush him to surgery as quickly as possibly and hopefully he doesn't miss too many weeks."

ADELAIDE also has injury concerns with Luke Brown substituted out of Friday night's loss to Essendon with a foot complaint.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from the Dons' win

Brown tweeted yesterday: "Thanks to everyone for the supportive messages. Good signs so far now to rest up and recovery."

ESSENDON star David Zaharakis will suit up in the VFL next week as he looks to build on match fitness after his limited pre-season.

Zaharakis, who was the substitute against the Crows, told Channel 7 he was set to line up for Essendon's reserves in a practice match against Sandringham.
 
- with AAP

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blicavs, Walker earn promotion

Mark Blicavs in Geelong colours. Picture: Stephen Harman Source: Supplied

GEELONG is free to unleash rookies Mark Blicavs and Josh Walker at Hawthorn on Easter Monday after promoting the pair to its senior list.

As revealed by the Herald Sun yesterday, both are expected to carry ruck duties in Round 1.

The Cats have three players on their long-term injury list, creating space to promote three rookies.

But while Walker debuted last year, Blicavs spent most the season training in the hope of representing Australia at the London Olympics.

"The coaches are happy with my progress," Blicavs said.

"Learning the structures has taken the most time, but I'm getting there, so far so good."

The three Cats suffering long-term injuries are Josh Cowan, Dawson Simpson and Lincoln McCarthy.

Meanwhile, Port Adelaide midfielder Kane Mitchell is eligible to make his AFL debut against Melbourne on Sunday after winning an upgrade to the senior list.

The former WAFL star, 23, replaces Nick Salter, who is on the long-term injury list.

"Clearly Kane has got the reward for the way he's gone about things since he arrived here in pre-season," Port coach Hinkley said of the Sandover Medallist.

"He's worked incredibly hard to try and improve himself and us as a club and it is a great reward for his effort."

Mitchell joined the Power in the off-season after winning two WAFL premierships with Claremont.

Kane Mitchell fires off a handball. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

The midfielder has been impressive in the pre-season with his endurance and pacy work.

Mitchell said he was "very excited" when senior coach Ken Hinkley told him of his elevation to the senior list.

"Ken was very measured and explained that it's come from hard work and it's hard work that'll get you where you want to go," said Mitchell.

"It's another step in my football journey and the direction where I want to go and it's something I needed to do to be able to play AFL.

"It's a huge honour to be promoted onto Port Adelaide's senior list. There are no guarantees that I'll get a game but I'll just continue working hard and playing my role on the training track."

- with Michelangelo Rucci

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hardwick welcomes Tiger pressure

Richmond coach Damian Hardwick at Richmond training today. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says the Tigers have embraced the increased expectation surrounding the club this season.

The Tigers have not played finals since 2001 and Hardwick said the heat was on.

" The best place to be is when expectations are high," Hardwick said.

"That's where you get your best results. We've put the pressure on our guys this year to march their way up the ladder, as probably have 17 other clubs.

"We certainly look forward to rising to the challenge...I think there's some 14 sides that are going to be challenging for the final eight position and we're going to one of those and we certainly look forward to taking it on and seeing where we end up."

Richmond has lost its past nine games against Carlton and hasn't defeated the Blues in Round 1 since 2008.

Hardwick said the Tigers are a different side to the one that was trounced by Carlton by 44 points in Round 1 last season.

"All we're worried about is our pre-season form and how that's transgressed over the summer," Hardwick said.

Tame Tigers: A brief history of Round 1 heartbreak

"We've been reasonably happy with the way we've played. We had a really tough tussle, which is exactly the way you want to go into Round 1, versus the Bulldogs in NAB four and came out on top.

"We're certainly looking forward to a great contest.

"Our list has improved again, they've got further experience, we think we're better prepared so look, overall we think it's going to be a good result for us going into Round 1."

Hardwick said first-round draft pick Nick Vlastuin and former Port Adelaide defender Troy Chaplin were a chance to debut for the Tigers on Thursday night.

Pic gallery: Tigers tune up for Carlton clash

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Players forced to change instincts

Adelaide's Brent Reilly crashes into the legs of Alwyn Davey, giving away a free kick. Picture: Simon Cross Source: Herald Sun

PLAYERS who instinctively "see ball, get ball" will be hardest hit by the AFL's new low forceful contact rule, according to Hawthorn star Shaun Burgoyne.

Burgoyne says players have no option but to get out on the track and practice so they could adapt to the new rule by staying on their feet and making sure they don't make contact with an opponent if they do go to ground.

"It's something we have got to get used to because it's here to stay because you don't want to see players getting their legs broken," he said at Waverley Park today.

"It's a matter of getting on the training track and practicing it until it sinks in."

Burgoyne supported the crackdown on players sliding into contests - or opponents - feet or knees-first.

But he said extending the rule to penalise any players who make forceful contact below the knees - even when diving after the ball - would be tough to adjust to for players who had been taught to play that way all their lives.

The Hawks defender said he hoped the rule wouldn't  take desperate acts where players put their own safety at risk by diving for the ball head-first into a pack out of the game.

"It's going to have an impact especially on those players who play on instinct, who have been taught that way their entire career to get the ball and dive on it,'' Burgoyne said.

"It's just a matter of getting out on the track and training the new technique of keeping your feet - or making sure if you do go to ground, that you don't make contact."

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lions midfield must step up: Voss

FOLLOWING in Michael Voss' footsteps may be daunting for a Brisbane Lions midfielder.

But Lions captain-turned-coach Voss says there are "no excuses" for his midfield group any more and has demanded they have career-best AFL seasons in 2013.

Voss has finally stamped his brand of football on the Lions ahead of his fifth season at the helm, as evidenced in their NAB Cup triumph.

Now it seems the three-time premiership winner wants the Lions to start producing his brand of success.

Not usually one to name names, Voss pinpointed Patrick Karnezis, Josh Green, Mitch Golby, Claye Beams, Elliot Yeo and Billy Longer as members of his young group who had to step up.

"We need players to come in and have career-best seasons," he said ahead of Saturday's season opener against Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

"Not so much someone like Jonathan Brown but from our midfield group.

"There are no more excuses for them.

"It is an area that we need to improve in our game. It is something that hasn't been a strength of ours for the last two years.

"We have had NAB Cup success but now you have to do it under some serious heat."

Voss was flattered that the current Lions model had earned comparisons with his own uncompromising playing style.

"I will take that as a compliment," he said.

"If that's the way it has been spoken about then good.

"Every year we talk about the intensity in which we want to play.

"For us to be able to be competitive there has to be an element of brutality about it."

But Voss said he would not have an accurate gauge on his side's progress until round five despite their pre-season success.

"The NAB Cup has no correlation with the season and it would be dangerous to think otherwise," he said.

"We understand the importance of the first month of the season.

"We have come into the season in a healthy state but it guarantees us nothing."

Voss said ruckman Matthew Leuenberger (achilles) was a "50-50" chance of playing this weekend while Brownlow Medallist Simon Black (knee) might miss up to the first four rounds, as expected.

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Roughy to roll out SuperCoach gold

Sam Edmund, Jay Clark and Ben Dixon join Brad Johnson to discuss the best players to pick for your SuperCoach team

HE'S a premiership player, he was a No. 2 draft pick and his name is Jarryd Roughead, but most importantly he's a dual-position SuperCoach star.

And he's on The SuperCoach show to help your team prepare before the crux of Round 1 rolls around.

SuperCoach: Round 1 Studs and Duds

Roughead, who can be picked as a ruckman or a forward, will feature alongside Herald Sun SuperCoach experts Jay Clark and Sam Edmund and host Brad Johnson this Thursday night.

Want to ask Roughy a question? Email supercoachtips@heraldsun.com.au and he'll answer your questions on the show.

The $554,800 ruck-forward is the special guest and is set to give insight into which Hawks to pick and who to avoid in SuperCoach this season.

Roughead is owned by about 52,000 teams.

The SuperCoach show will air on Fox Footy at 6pm this Thursday.

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hospital, report for Pavlich

Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich was reported for charging Eagle Will Schofield in Derby No.37. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

MATTHEW Pavlich's sour start to 2013 took another turn for the worse last night when he was hospitalised with a finger injury.

The Fremantle captain, who was reported for charging through Eagle Will Schofield, revealed on Twitter he had his "hand and finger fixed and stitched up".

"No breaks & looks good for Rd 2," he said.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from Freo's win

Pavlich was held goalless in the Dockers' impressive win, restricted to just 60 SuperCoach points.

PAVLICH'S HAND. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM

Source: HWT Image Library

But North Melbourne star Drew Petrie said the star forward had little to worry about for his report.
 

"Hopefully the tribunal and match review panel will look favourably on it," he told Channel 7's Game Day.

Petrie said Pavlich bracing himself before colliding with Schofield in a marking contest meant he should have no case to answer.

Worryingly for Pavlich, he has 93.75 carryover points after accepting a reprimand for striking Mitch Brown in last year's derby.

The Dockers could also be without goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne when they travel to take on the Western Bulldogs in Round 2.

Ballantyne ended the match with a shin/calf injury and is also set to be scrutinised for an off-the-ball incident involving Scott Selwood.

Selwood crumpled to the ground and was left nursing a sore head after receiving a solid bump from Ballantyne well off the play.

Meanwhile, WEST COAST'S horror injury list has been compounded by the loss of Mark LeCras and possibly Eric Mackenzie.

GALLERY: Pearce ignites as Dockers whip Eagles

LeCras will undergo surgery this week to have a plate inserted into his arm and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Mackenzie pinged a hamstring, placing him in doubt for the Eagles' crunch Round 2 duel with Hawthorn.

Ruckman Dean Cox said LeCras was in scintillating pre-season form, adding to the tragedy of his injury in his first match since 2011.

"He had an x-ray last night and it did reveal he had a broken arm," Cox said today.

"They'll rush him to surgery as quickly as possibly and hopefully he doesn't miss too many weeks."

ADELAIDE also has injury concerns with Luke Brown substituted out of Friday night's loss to Essendon with a foot complaint.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from the Dons' win

Brown tweeted yesterday: "Thanks to everyone for the supportive messages. Good signs so far now to rest up and recovery."

ESSENDON star David Zaharakis will suit up in the VFL next week as he looks to build on match fitness after his limited pre-season.

Zaharakis, who was the substitute against the Crows, told Channel 7 he was set to line up for Essendon's reserves in a practice match against Sandringham.
 
- with AAP

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Young Crow in the clear

Luke Brown is in the clear. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

YOUNG Crows defender Luke Brown is clear of any bone damage to his left foot that was crunched twice in Friday night's opener against Essendon.

X-rays have revealed no break for the two-game defender who is certain to be available for Adelaide's second-round clash with Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday, April 6.

And Crows switch-hitter Ricky Henderson has passed the concussion test after taking a heavy knock to the head in the last term of the 35-point loss to the Bombers at AAMI Stadium.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats, video and more

Adelaide has been left with a long list of issues to correct from the stinging defeat, none more pressing than the Crows' poor tackling. Essendon out-tackled the Crows 73-47.

Defender Brent Reilly admits: "We weren't good at it last year either. We worked hard on it in the pre-season - and we're still not up to scratch. We need to get better at it.''

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Round 1: Studs and duds

Jobe Watson was again a SuperCoach stud. Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images Source: HWT Image Library

SUPERCOACH STUDS AND DUDS: JOBE picks up where he left off, Danyle Pearce turns in a blinder and what to do with Mark LeCras?

ADELAIDE 11.16 (82) lost to ESSENDON 18.9 (117)

Crows stud: Not many. Sam Jacobs and Matthew Wright cracked the ton - both scoring 102.  Taylor Walker's last-quarter goals boosted his score to a respectable 91, but there was little joy elsewhere for the home side.

LIVE HQ: Your one-stop shop for every SuperCoach score this round

Crows duds: Patrick Dangerfield finished with 63 points, about half of which were scored in the first term. After that Heath Hocking was sent to the explosive star and didn't give him an inch. Ouch, particularly for those who made Danger captain.

One to watch: Luke Brown was substituted out with a foot injury. The popular rookie-priced defender accumulated 44 points before that, but won't require a trade after being cleared of bone damage. With Michael Doughty retired, this young lad could be set for a promising season.

AFL round 1 - Adelaide Crows v Essendon Bombers at AAMI Stadium - LUke Brown Taken off at the end of the game Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

Dons stud: Captain Jobe did it again. He racked up 121 points and, given his supreme consistency, looks a mega captaincy contender, particularly if you don't have little Gazza. Ben Howlett played out of this world with four goals and 164 points, but can't see too many having him. Brent Stanton and Courtenay Dempsey also cracked the ton, while the lively Nick Kommer looks a bargain. A handy 70 points on debut. Cash cow goes: "Mooooooooo".

Essendon's Nick Kommer runs through the middle of AAMI Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Dons dud: Paddy Ryder finished with only 54 points, and that almost seemed generous given he had just two kicks. Brendon Goddard finished on 86, but showed damaging signs from limited involvements. If he gets a heap of it expect booming scores.

Vested interest: He'll build on his match fitness with a VFL hit out next week, and that surely means no more substitute action for David Zaharakis. The goalkicking midfielder scored 28 points from one quarter on Friday night and that means he's set for a big price drop. Keep an eye on Zaha in about a month or so.

FREMANTLE 16.12 (108) defeated WEST COAST 11.14 (80)

Dockers stud: New boy Danyle Pearce was the SuperCoach standout. A bumper 130 points from the $460k steal, who is even dual-position (defender/midfield). Ross told us Pearce had "bought in" - and it showed. Seven Dockers cracked triple figures in a monster display, with Michael Barlow (144) and David Mundy (126) leading the charge.

Danyle Pearce celebrates kicking his first goal in Dockers' strips. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

Dockers dud: Skip Matty Pavlich finished with no goals, just 60 points, a report and a night in hospital. Ouch. Won't see that too many times again.

LIVE HQ: Your one-stop shop for every SuperCoach score this round

True to form: Jon Griffin's excellent pre-season held true. The ruckman scored 116 from four kicks and could be a handy point of difference with the big fella Sandilands out for a while.

Eagles stud: Has to be Josh Kennedy. Worked hard all night, kicked a couple and cracked the ton. Not bad for a player under $300k. Gee, he'd be handy in navy blue, wouldn't he? The ever-reliable Beau Waters top scored with 117, while Dean Cox scraped his way to 99.

Eagles dud: "Dud" a harsh term but none of West Coast's star-studded midfield hit three figures. Masten (87), Scott Selwood (81), Gaff (66) and Shuey (56) were all quiet, while Priddis's efficiency of just 39 per cent also kept him under 100.

Fire the Frenchman: It's a tragedy, but Mark LeCras has to go. If you had him, give yourself a pat on the back as his first half looked splendid. LeCras was on track to smash past 100 before a collision with Tendai Mzungu broke his arm, which requires surgery. And that means 4-6 weeks. Look for LeCras' teammate, Josh Kennedy, who is about $70k cheaper.

Eagle Mark LeCras comes off the ground with a serious arm injury. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

 

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Players 'guinea pigs' for new rule

Adelaide's Brent Reilly crashes into the legs of Alwyn Davey, giving away a free kick. Picture: Simon Cross Source: Herald Sun

Essendon put woes behind them by winning season opener.

ADELAIDE coach Brenton Sanderson says it is impossible to change players' instincts to try to win the ball even if it means giving away a free kick.

But both Essendon coach James Hird and his Adelaide counterpart Brenton Sanderson say it will take players time to adjust to a law change which is changing a fabric of the game.

The rule penalising players who slide into an opponent's legs was prevalent as Essendon won the season-opener in Adelaide on Friday night by 35 points.

Sanderson says his Crows players battled to adjust to being "guinea pigs" for the new rule.

Adelaide defender Brent Reilly conceded a goal from the law change: despite collecting the ball, he was penalised for cannoning into the legs of Essendon's Alwyn Davey.

Sanderson said Reilly wouldn't have given away a free kick for doing the same thing last year.

"It's a tricky one because it looked like Radar (Reilly) was going for the ball," he said.

"The interpretation of the new rule is that is now a free kick but we get penalised with a goal against.

LiveHQ - relive all the action plus full SuperCoach points

"We will have to have a look at that and show the players.

"I guess everyone now across the competition gets a first look at the guinea pigs - Essendon and the Crows will be the benchmark now for what that rule is.

"And it will be scrutinised pretty heavily throughout the media this week."

Sanderson said it was impossible to change the instinct of players to dive to win possession of ground balls.

"You can't change instinct, you have to teach better method," he said.

But Bombers coach James Hird said the new rule was well handled by players and umpires.

Watson inspires Bomber victory

"We spent a bit of time since our last NAB Cup game against GWS practising some things, not to get a free kick, but to avoid a free kick - the way we tackle, the way we go for the ball and that has certainly helped us," Hird said.

"It will take a while for players to get used to it and also for umpires to get used to it.

"I thought it was handled very well by the players and the umpires but that is probably a biased point of view because we won."

Picture gallery: Dons drop bomb on Crows

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tackle count alarms Sando

Essendon put woes behind them by winning season opener.

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson looks for answers. Source: Getty Images

ADELAIDE coach Brenton Sanderson says the numbers are as ugly as the result.

The Crows took a beating from Essendon in key areas in their 35-point loss last night.

None concerned Sanderson more than tackling.

After spending a summer with improving Adelaide's tackling as his main priority, Sanderson's players laid just 47 tackles to Essendon's 73.

"The glaring stat for us is the tackles," Sanderson said.

"We couldn't stick tackles, they brushed us away and then they got some easy goals."

Sanderson's next concern was centre clearances, where his much-vaunted midfield was hammered by the Bombers who racked up 18 centre clearances to Adelaide's nine.

"We'll have to work out what exactly went wrong but it probably started in the centre bounce, the numbers there are ugly. They just killed us in centre bounce clearances," Sanderson said.

"We had our A-grade boys in there and unfortunately they got beat."

LiveHQ - relive all the action plus full SuperCoach points

Then there were uncontested possessions, with Essendon recording a whopping 49 more than the Crows. And also skill errors, with Adelaide recording 49 clangers for the game.

"If it was a tennis game, you would call them unforced errors," Sanderson said.

"There was times we could only blame ourselves ... we shot ourselves in the foot a lot with unforced errors."

Picture gallery: Dons drop bomb on Crows

Sanderson was also worried that Adelaide lacked dash and daring.

"It looked like we were quite stagnant at times, we didn't want to take risks, we didn't want to take the game on," he said.

"We play our best footy when we're dynamic and we take the game on and we accelerate out of contests. That wasn't there."

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

10 things we learnt last night

Essendon put woes behind them by winning season opener.

Brendon Goddard celebrates after kicking a goal for Essendon. Source: Getty Images

A NEW Bomber cult hero, SuperCoach clangers and Channel 7 goes back to the future. Oh, and has anyone seen the coin for the toss?

1. JOBE WELL DONE

WE already knew it, but Jobe Watson is a freak. The Bombers captain almost single-handedly stopped his side's first-quarter rut and sparked Essendon with a grinding, inspirational midfield onslaught which the Crows were powerless to stop. And Kevin Sheedy wanted to trade this bloke?

2. KURT LEFT A CHASM

HE wore No. 4 and spent the entire night in attack, but Josh Jenkins just doesn't have the prowess of Kurt Tippett. It left the Crows weak in attack and with Taylor Walker shutdown, void of scoring power for about a 40 minute stretch bookending the second quarter.

3. DIVING DONE FOR GOOD

LIKE it or lump it, the contact below the knees rule is here. Brent Reilly found out the hard way last night when he slid into Alwyn Davey, taking out the small forward's legs. The result? An instant free kick and goal for the Dons. The crowd didn't like it - and Crows coach Brenton Sanderson says it goes against the basic instincts of players - but that's the rule.

Adelaide's Brent Reilly crashes into the legs of Alwyn Davey, giving away a free kick. Picture: Simon Cross Source: Herald Sun

4. JAKE OUT OF THE BOX

JAKE Carlisle is one to watch. The key defender won't feature on many highlights reels, but his work on Tex Walker last night was sublime. He had help, but Carlisle's ability to negate space and keep the Crows star out of the action was superb. Walker jagged two last-quarter goals but the honours well and truly went the young Bombers' way.

LiveHQ: Relive all the action plus full SuperCoach scores

5. USE THE FLIPPIN' COIN

WHAT was going on at the coin toss last night? Instead of tossing it, the umpire directed the flipper to hold it in a hand behind her back and let the captains choose which one it was in. Made no sense. If it was an issue with the coin, pick up a can and get your 5c refund and go again. Bizarre way to start the season.

Picture gallery: Dons drop bomb on Crows

6. BJ QUIET BUT DEADLY

BRENDON Goddard might have had just 14 disposals in a quiet debut, but he showed just how devastating he could be for the Bombers. The marquee recruit only needs a handful of kicks to damage the opposition, as he showed with his magnificent booming set-shot goal in the second term. When this bloke racks up 25-touches plus, the Bombers are going to be hard to beat.

Brendon Goddard celebrates after kicking a goal for Essendon. Source: Getty Images

7. SPLIT SCREEN NOSTALGIA

CHANNEL 7 brought back the picture-in-picture action to its broadcast last night, and it was far from a hit with the public. The network was slammed on social media for bringing back a fad that had the sword sliced through it in the 1990s. Let's see if it remains.

8. KOMMER PUTS EXCLAMATION MARK ON WIN

IT SEEMS the Dons have unearthed another state-league gem in Nick Kommer. The long-haired 22-year-old plays with serious tenacity and just makes things happen. He showed steady nerves to kick the sealer, applied great pressure and delivered the ball impressively all night. He joins Michael Hibberd, Mark Baguley and Dylan van Unen as Bomber recruits from second-tier footy. That's a nice haul.

Essendon's Nick Kommer runs through the middle of AAMI Stadium. Source: Getty Images

9. SUPERCOACH SUPER FRUSTRATING

LEAGUE games are still three weeks away and we're four quarters into the season, and I want to tear my hear out. Hands up if you had Ben Howlett or Courtenay Dempsey? Didn't think so. Didn't even have Jobe. Instead loaded up on "premiums" Patrick Dangerfield and Goddard for an underwhelming 63 and 86 SuperCoach points respectively. Both face big price drops. Also had Luke Brown, who got injured. Oh boy. Saving grace was throwing Kommer in at the last-minute. Come on Fyfe and Coxy tonight. PS: keep an eye on David Zaharakis in about a month – his price will plummet after donning the green vest.

Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield under extreme pressure. Source: Getty Images

10. MICHAEL HURLED FORWARD

A LOT of pre-season chatter about which end Michael Hurley would suit up at. He spent the entire match in attack last night and presented well without finding the big sticks. Daniel Talia did a tremendous job on him, but it looks like James Hird's Plan A this year will be to stick Hurley and Stewie Crameri up forward as a one-two punch.
 

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hinkley promises tougher Port

SuperFooty delivers the best live match news to your phone

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

Jay Clark and Sam Edmund argue over Brad Crouch and pick apart each other's SuperCoach sides.

NEW Power coach Ken Hinkley is promising none of his Port Adelaide team will ever be accused of giving up.

Tainted by the image of hoisting white flags last season, Port players have been charged by Hinkley to regain respect in the AFL this season - a campaign that starts for Port on Easter Sunday against Melbourne at the MCG.

"This group will never, ever give up - they will play to the end,'' Hinkley said.

Port has won just 34 of 110 premiership-season games since its disastrous 2007 Grand Final appearance against Geelong.

"This group is sick to death of being average,'' Hinkley said in a stirring speech at the Power's season launch at Adelaide Oval last night.

"It is driven to make sure this club climbs up the ladder again. And it is prepared to do whatever it takes to make sure where actually get somewhere.''

Hinkley also delivered an encouraging vision on Port's game style, promising a playbook long demanded by the fans.

"We will play tough, hard Port Adelaide football,'' he said. "We have to be that team that wins contested ball and is a good defensive team.

"But surely you want to see the team use the ball well. So you will see them play with some direction. They will challenge other sides when we have the ball. They will be brave in the way we use the ball; they will not be frightened about where we are to go. We will make sure we play forwards not backwards - and we will make sure we take the game on and the opposition on.''
 

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Retirements, injuries won't stop us

2013 preview: The Cats can cling to a finals berth with a mix of old heads and young talent, says Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson.

Geelong skipper Joel Selwood says Cat fans shouldn't be scared of what lies ahead. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG captain Joel Selwood admits Matthew Scarlett is irreplaceable, he's not sure how a makeshift ruck set-up will fare and suspended stars Steve Johnson and James Kelly will be missed.

It all points to the Cats, coming off their poorest season in six years, being unusually vulnerable when Hawthorn tries to break an extraordinary nine-match losing streak against Geelong on Easter Monday.

But Selwood doesn't see it that way.

Nor does he accept last year's emphatic elimination final dumping by Fremantle signals the end of the glory era which delivered the Cats three flags in five years.

"I'm not so scared like some other people might be and if you're a supporter I hope you're not either," Selwood said.

"We've gone out and we've got players that we think are going to help us and make us better."

Midfielder Josh Caddy (from Gold Coast), ruckman Hamish McIntosh (North Melbourne) and backman Jared Rivers (Melbourne) are the experienced recruits.

But McIntosh (knee) won't face the Hawks because of injury.

Nor will fellow ruck options Dawson Simpson (back) or Nathan Vardy (groin), while Trent West (knee) is only a slim chance.

Ex-steeplechaser Mark Blicavs, on the Cats' rookie list, has shown great pre-season promise in the ruck.

But Selwood says while the Cats are confident that can translate to a successful premiership season debut, they're not certain.

"We don't know," he said.

"Everything that he's done so far he's surprised us and I think it will continue that way."

Selwood says Rivers can't hope to emulate retired champion Scarlett in defence.

But having coped with losing other key planks of their golden era in recent seasons - such as Gary Ablett, Brad Ottens, Cameron Mooney, Tom Harley, Cameron Ling and Darren Milburn - the Cats expect to adapt again.

"We bring guys in that will give us something different," Selwood said.

"That's what Jared will do.

"We don't expect him to be Matthew Scarlett."

Selwood is confident Geelong can extend its streak against Hawthorn since the 2008 Grand Final loss to 10.

"It's one that you always highlight, the Hawthorn game," he said.

"We're going to miss James Kelly and Steve Johnson in that game and probably go in with under-sized ruckmen.

"Hopefully Westy will be thereabouts, but if not we'll take them on with whoever we've got.

"We've done it in the past and we look forward to doing that."

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Shuey braced for Crowley challenge

CLOSE COMPANY: Luke Shuey can expect another tight tag from Ryan Crowley in tomorrow's derby. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast midfielder Luke Shuey has thrived living in the shadows of Daniel Kerr, but his free ride is set to end this season.

With Kerr still on the sidelines recovering from knee surgery, opposition taggers are set to clamp down hard on Shuey, starting with tomorrow night's western derby against Fremantle.

Even when Kerr returns to action next month, taggers are likely to stick with Shuey more often than not given his destructive capabilities in the midfield.

Kerr has carried the mantle as West Coast's best midfielder ever since Chris Judd and Ben Cousins left the club at the end of 2007.

But there was a changing of the guard last year, with even Kerr admitting that taggers would be wiser to clamp down on Shuey instead of him.

"I wasn't happy with him. I put a big block of blue cheese in his locker that week," Shuey said with a laugh when asked about Kerr's comments.

Fremantle are one side who have already cottoned on to just how dangerous Shuey is, sending master tagger Ryan Crowley to him in the second western derby last year.

Kerr - no longer shackled by a tagger - racked up a game-high 36 possessions in that encounter.

But Fremantle's decision to play Crowley on Shuey proved to be a masterstroke, with the young Eagle restricted to a career-low 11 possessions as the Dockers romped to a 65-point victory.

That match-up is likely to be repeated tomorrow night.

Shuey says he hasn't copped many tags during his 52-game career, but admits he may have to end up getting used to them.

The 22-year-old said if that ends up happening, the likes of Scott Selwood, Matt Priddis and Kerr needed to make the most of their relative freedom.

"We are in the fortunate position where we do have three or four guys who can win a game off their own boot," Shuey said.

"It's going to make it a lot easier this year to play well if we share that load.

"I've been pretty lucky to play with Kerr for my first few years.

"(If you do get tagged), you've really got to sacrifice your own game a little bit and try to play a role for the team.

"But in the same context, you don't want to go too far away from playing your natural game."

Both sides enter the derby missing key players.

West Coast are without ruckman Nic Naitanui (groin), Kerr, Sharrod Wellingham (ankle), Matt Rosa (quad) and Mark Nicoski (hamstring), while Fremantle lost ruckmen Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) and Zac Clarke (foot).

Former St Kilda midfielder Jamie Cripps will make his debut for the Eagles, with the club also opting to include 20-year-old ruckman Scott Lycett to support Dean Cox.

Fremantle turned to Kepler Bradley to back Jon Griffin in the ruck, while 20-year-old Cameron Sutcliffe was included for just his fifth game.
 

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sandi suffers another setback

SIDELINED: Aaron Sandilands has suffered a fresh injury setback on the eve of the season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE has received mixed ruck news this morning, with Aaron Sandilands suffering an injury setback but Zac Clarke still in the frame for Round 1.

The Dockers this morning confirmed Sandilands had aggravated the left hamstring injury he sustained in the first week of the NAB Cup.

The 30-year-old is set to travel to Melbourne to consult a specialist. It is unclear how the setback will affect the original timeframe of four weeks for the ruckman's return.

"Once Aaron has been assessed by the specialist and we have his medical report, we will be in a position to comment further on the preferred course of action," football operations manager Chris Bond said.

Sandilands has played just 27 of a possible 46 games in the past two seasons.

In better news for the Dockers, fellow ruckman Zac Clarke has not yet been ruled out of Saturday's derby clash with West Coast.

Clarke limped off the track at Fremantle Oval yesterday after appearing to suffer an injury to his lower right leg.

Bond said the ruck giant had been cleared of serious injury and would be monitored throughout the week.

"Zac will be assessed throughout the week to determine if he is available to play in Round 1," he said.

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Port can make finals: Westhoff

Port Adelaide forward Justin Westhoff expects sharp improvement at Alberton. Picture: Morne de Klerk. Source: Getty Images

PORT Adelaide utility Justin Westhoff believes he can find another gear under new coach Ken Hinkley and is optimistic the Power can make the finals in 2013.

Westhoff, who was a rising star nominee in his maiden year in 2007, felt Port was finally looking like they could play with the consistency they had talked about in years -- but has not been able to produce.

He was also confident he could continue to improve his own game, which has blended highlights with the forgettable for much of his career.

"Obviously there have been times in my game when I've reached that level, when I've been able to dictate games, but that hasn't been for enough games in a row,'' Westhoff said.

"And that's something I'll try to work on and hopefully I can bring that this year.

"And hopefully we can make finals, for sure.

"I think the last month it's really picked up another notch. We've had a really tough pre-season with Darren (fitness coach Darren Burgess) coming back, which has been a key for the club. It's put everybody in good stead to have a really good season.

"And with Ken, just with his professionalism and passion ... he just wants to get the best out of everybody and just wants to win and I think that's pervaded over everyone at the club.

"He's got the right guys on board and I think that's turned the club in the right direction. I think all the players and all the support staff are feeling that at the moment.''

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL set to speak out on equalisation

THE AFL is set to make an announcement regarding the growing issue of financial inequality among clubs.

The league's commission met with club presidents today to discuss the widening gap between the 'haves' and 'have nots'.

SuperFooty will have the latest when the AFL speaks to the media at 4.30pm today.

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hodge expects Buddy big pay cut

Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge, pictured here alongside the other 17 AFL skippers, expects a pay cut as the Hawks move to keep Lance Franklin. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN captain Luke Hodge expects a pay cut as the AFL club tries to keep Lance Franklin.

While Franklin's decision to defer contract talks until post-season is the big-ticket item, Hodge and former skipper Sam Mitchell are among other premiership stars the Hawks must re-sign.

Hodge, 28, who played just 10 games last year because of injury, said he and 30-year-old Mitchell were at the stage of their careers where ``we don't have quite as much pull as Franky does''.

"As you get older it's proven in the past that you're going to have to go lower so that the younger blokes coming through can get paid probably a little bit more than what they deserve,'' Hodge said.

But the Hawks won't break the bank on Franklin either.

"The club have thrown Buddy the best offer we can give with the blokes that we've got on our list,'' he said.

"It's up for Bud to take his time this year, have a good think about it and see where his future wants to be.''

Hodge was in no hurry to re-sign and said his deal didn't need to be a priority as there was no doubt he'd stay a Hawk.

He was confident he could recapture career-best form this season despite coming off knee surgery and last year's illness and injury troubles.

"If your expectations drop then you probably shouldn't be playing,'' Hodge said.

He said the knee was fully healed but doubt remained over whether he'll face Geelong on Easter Monday.

The Hawks are out to break a nine-match losing streak against the Cats since their 2008 grand final win.

While Hodge would love to be out there, he has learnt the hard way that rushing back is not smart.

"I made the mistake last year of coming back probably a little bit early with my calf and hurt that just before round one,'' he said.

"We deliberately haven't set a date that I'm going to be back.

"We'll just take it as it comes.''

The Hawks also hope Cyril Rioli (ankle) and recruit Brian Lake (calf) can face the Cats.

Lake's return would be particularly useful.

The club recruited him to combat power forwards such as Geelong's Tom Hawkins, who kicked six goals including the winner after the siren in their most recent meeting.

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Riewoldt relies on blood jabs

2013 preview: Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson says the Saints need to find the next group of stars to take the baton from Nick Riewoldt and Co.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt catches his breath. Source: Getty Images

ST KILDA captain Nick Riewoldt continues to be injected with his own blood to help prolong his career.

Riewoldt will rely on a German medical technique to nurse a degenerative left knee injury through the AFL season.

"Yeah, it's something I've got to manage and I think ultimately it will be the thing that probably forces me to retire. But certainly I've got a few years left yet,'' he said today.

"It has been ongoing for a while now. I managed it pretty well last year. I was able to put in a pretty solid year until I got injured (missed the last three rounds) with a totally unrelated injury.''

Riewoldt has the Orthokine therapy at the Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre. The treatment remove proteins from the blood that inhibit inflammation and are injected to the affected joint.

"They take your blood and - am I allowed to say inject? - and I've had some pretty good success from that,'' Riewoldt said.

"If I start to get sore and swollen, it's something I can go to. So, we have that up our sleeve.

"It's a concentrated burst. You have six weeks go of it and that lasts for six months.

"They spin the blood and take out the concentrated anti-inflammatory part of your blood and then inject it back.''

American basketballer Kobe Bryant and baseball ace Alex Rodriguez are among other sportsmen to use the technique.

Riewoldt said the treatment allows him to continue to train during the season and play a match at full capacity.

On the long-term prognosis for the knee, the Saints skipper said: "If I want to go and run marathons, it's probably going to be an issue. But if I want to walk 18 holes at golf, I should be fine.''
 

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hill looking forward to LeCras return

WELCOME BACK: Eagle Mark LeCras will play his first AFL game since 2011 this weekend. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

WEST Coast goalsneak Josh Hill says he feels more comfortable at the Eagles now, and is looking forward to combining with Mark LeCras this year to create a series of highlights.

Hill booted 36 goals in 22 games for the Eagles last year, cementing his spot in the side after fellow small forwards LeCras (knee) and Mark Nicoski (hamstring) suffered season-ending injuries.

With Nicoski still on the long-term injury list, Hill is expected to retain his place in the best 22 this year, and says he can't wait to team with LeCras in what's shaping up as a formidable forward line.

While Hill and LeCras will do the damage at ground level, spearheads Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling are set to dominate in the air, with ruckmen Nic Naitanui and Dean Cox also providing valuable marking power.

LeCras is one of the classiest medium-sized forwards in the game, and has the ability to kick freak goals in open play from the tightest of angles.

The 26-year-old is equally adept at taking strong marks on the lead, and earned All-Australian honours in 2010 for a campaign that yielded him 63 goals.

Hill played 66 games over five seasons for the Western Bulldogs before being traded to West Coast at the end of 2011.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a solid debut season at the Eagles, and said the return of LeCras would give opposition sides an even bigger headache.

"I know he's got his flair that he brings. I'm going to try to bring my side and work on improving," Hill said ahead of Saturday's western derby against Fremantle.

"Like last year, I'm going to start off with my defensive side of my game and look to use that to get involved.

"I feel a lot more comfortable now that I've got a year under my belt at the club.''

When asked who had the more flair out of him and LeCras, Hill replied: "He'll probably say him, but I might say me.

"But when you've got Nic Nat there jumping around on shoulders, it's hard to get a touch.

"When the ball's there, we'll all be fighting for it. We're all pretty excited to see what each of us can bring."

The Eagles are warm favourites to beat the Dockers despite missing Naitanui (groin), Daniel Kerr (knee), Matt Rosa (quad), Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) and Nicoski.
 

12.50 | 0 komentar | Read More