Goal review system to stay for now

Calls for dramatic changes to the way the AFL reviews goals is set to reach new heights after controversial decisions in Round 5.

The goal review system has come under fire. Picture: Michael Klein

AFL footy operations boss Mark Evans is in favour of the controversial goal review system remaining while the league assesses better technology.

But adding further confusion to the contentious issue today, asked if he could guarantee the system would remain for the rest of the season, Evans answered no.

Evans admitted the system wasn't perfect but stressed only 1 per cent of scores were reviewed.

"There are two options for this year really, you can either run the system that we have got or that you can get rid of it and go back to the goal umpires call,'' Evans said.

"At the moment the system provides the opportunity for us to review something that was a very clear error. The issue for us that we're monitoring and we'll need to watch across the rest of the season is there appears to be far more inconclusive episodes this year than there was last year.

"No (I can't guarantee the system will stay for the rest of the season). I'd say we'll keep watching where we're going at the moment.

"If it's going to reduce the error rate by the absolute shockers, removing those, then I think it stays while we assess other options.''

He said the league was considering new goal-line technology, including new camera angles and the plausibility of a microchipped football, but it was yet to find a suitable product for the code.

He didn't think an answer to the problem was two goal umpires.

"My personal view is that microchipping the ball will lead us down the path towards a better solution,'' Evans said.

"But there are other systems that are camera based systems, some that triangulate where the position of the ball is and others that sue a magnetic force.

"We'll look at all of those but at the moment, the clear message is there's no system out there at the moment that covers the complexities of  our game.''

He said he was unsure when a new system could be in place or how much it would cost.
 

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Knee puts Walker out for season

Injured Crows forward Taylor Walker watches from the bench in the match against Carlton. Picture: Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images

ADELAIDE'S worst fears with Taylor Walker are now confirmed with scans revealing a rupture to the key forward's anterior cruciate ligament to his right knee.

He will miss the rest of the AFL premiership season as he begins a 12-month rehabilitation of the knee.

Walker's injury - so soon after becoming the kingpin of Adelaide's attack after the defection of Kurt Tippett to Sydney - is a major blow to the Crows' hopes of reaching consecutive final series.

Adelaide fell to a 2-3 count at the weekend when Walker was injured in the first term of the 32-point loss to Carlton at the MCG.

Walker will have a traditional knee reconstruction later this week or early next week.

Crows football opeartions chief Phil Harper issued a club statement saying: "The whole club feels devastated for Taylor, but we know how professional he has become in his treatment of injuries.

"He will be given the best possible treatment and rehabilitation program to help him get his knee prepared for the rigours of AFL football."

Earlier today, defender Ben Rutten said he expects the Crows to find enough options to restock a forward zone that was already dealing with the defection of key forward Tippett.

"It is something we are going to have to do ... we have guys (in the SANFL where) Shaun McKernan kicked five goals, Lewis Johnston is in some reasonable form," said Rutten who plays his 200th AFL game on Saturday when Adelaide hosts premiership favourite Hawthorn.

"It is not going to be one guy who is going to replace (Walker). We need more contributors scoring goals. That is the way we are going to have to approach it for however long Tex is out.

"It is disappointing for him and we are going to have to cover it. We saw with Carlton at the weekend the way they can score heavily without having a dominant key forward.

"We rely on big guys in the forward line to compete, so we are going to have to rejig it and find ways to score goals."

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Crows join race for Buddy

Lance Franklin has put contract talks with Hawthorn on hold until the end of the season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ADELAIDE is joining the queue for Hawthorn free-agent key forward Lance Franklin as the Crows deal with the double loss of Kurt Tippett and Taylor Walker.

Crows football operations chief Phil Harper today put Adelaide in the field for Franklin who will be the Crows' enemy at AAMI Stadium on Saturday evening and would-be big signing in October.

Adelaide is dealing with the loss of Walker for the rest of the season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

This follows Tippett defecting to the Swans in the off-season. Adelaide is now without the attacking tandem on which it wanted to build its third AFL premiership.

And with the Crows locked out of the first two rounds of November's national draft - in its penalties for the Tippett saga - Adelaide is now compelled to be a big player in the free agency market for a key forward.

"There is free agency ... and of course Buddy Franklin would be nice," said Harper.

"Whether he wants to come to Adelaide or not, I know there are a few people putting their hands up and maybe will do that as well."

Harper concedes Adelaide may not be able to meet the $1 million-plus salary Franklin commands in the free market.

"I wouldn't think we could outbid (the rest of Franklin's suitors)," said Harper.

"There is a salary cap and you have to stay within it, but if he is interested we would certainly put something there."
 

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Bradley blow for depleted Dockers

DOWN AND OUT: Fremantle's Kepler Bradley grimaces in pain after suffering a knee injury. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE will have to enact plan 'C' in their AFL forward line after Kepler Bradley suffered a suspected season-ending knee injury.

Fremantle started the season light-on for tall targets in attack, but are now scraping the bottom of the barrel after Bradley damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Friday night's one-point win over Richmond.

Bradley was set to play a crucial role for the Dockers over the next two months weeks while skipper Matthew Pavlich recovers from surgery to his plantaris tendon.

But with no Pavlich, Bradley or ruckman Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) to throw up forward, the Dockers will rely heavily on one-game players Tanner Smith and Jack Hannath over the coming weeks.

Ruckman/forward Zac Clarke, who has been plagued by leg injuries this season, is also a chance to bolster the forward line for Saturday night's away clash with Gold Coast.

While Fremantle's spearheads keep getting struck down by injury, their small forwards continue to thrive, with Hayden Ballantyne the hero against Richmond.

Ballantyne booted four goals - including the match-winner with just 84 seconds remaining - to lift the Dockers to their third win of the year, while fellow goalsneak Michael Walters and medium-sized forward Chris Mayne also played crucial roles in the 12.9 (81) to 12.8 (80) triumph.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon said he felt for 27-year-old Bradley, who is a cult hero among Fremantle fans and booted three goals in a lion-hearted effort against Hawthorn last week.

"It's really sad for any player, but when it's one of your own it makes it worse," Lyon said.

"We'll support Kepler and rehabilitate him.

"But, you know, one door shuts another one opens.

"Tanner Smith and Jack Hannath will continue. So we'll find a way. That's what we're paid to do."

Hannath was quiet in his AFL debut, tallying just four possessions and 11 hit-outs.

But the 21-year-old took a solid pack mark with just 30 seconds remaining to help keep Richmond at bay.

Fremantle midfielder Nat Fyfe is facing a nervous wait after kicking out at Richmond midfielder Daniel Jackson.

Fyfe was lying on his back and trying to get Jackson off him when he kicked out his leg, but the star Docker may escape suspension given the contact was merely a minor glancing blow.
 

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A review was needed, say AFL

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has blasted the umpires for not calling for a goal review in a decision that could have cost the Tigers victory against Fremantle.

Fremantle post a thrilling one-point victory over Richmond in their AFL clash at Patersons Stadium.

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon addresses the media after his side's thrilling one-point win over Richmond.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick shows his anger after losing the match by one point to the Dockers. Picture: Paul Kane. Source: Getty Images

THE AFL has conceded a score review should have been called in the dying minutes of last night's Fremantle and Richmond clash at Patersons Stadium.

Tiger Matt White snapped a shot at goal with about four minutes remaining that would have put his side four points in front.

The ball bounced in to the leg of the goal umpire standing against the post as it appeared set to cross the goal line.

Play on was called, before the Dockers took the ball over the line for a rushed behind.

A furious Damien Hardwick labelled the call a "joke" after the game and insisted a score review should have been called for because, from his vantage point, he felt the ball had crossed the line for a call.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane admitted today the goal umpire made an error.

"(The) AFL view is that a review should have been called by goal umpire last night,'' Keane said.

The AFL will also ask the umpiring department to review line positioning of goal umpires.

Both Hardwick and Fremantle coach Ross Lyon believed the ball had gone through for a goal before bouncing off the umpire's leg and back into play

Freo break Richmond hearts

White ended up kicking a goal a minute later to give Richmond the lead, but Dockers goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne snapped the winner with 84 seconds left to secure the 12.9 (81) to 12.8 (80) triumph.

"We've got this fantastic thing called a review system haven't we? Fair dinkum,'' Hardwick said. "Use it, or don't bother.

"At the end of the day there's a field umpire, a goal umpire, and four or five blokes sitting up in a box upstairs. Someone make a decision.

"Seriously, in a tight game - joke.''

Lyon said he understood Hardwick's frustrations all too well.

In the 2009 grand final when Lyon was coach of St Kilda, Geelong forward Tom Hawkins was awarded a goal despite his shot shaving the post.

The Cats ended up winning the match by 12 points.

"I've seen the other side of the coin,'' Lyon said. "At the end of the day, we're all humans. We all make mistakes.

"Damien is entitled to voice an opinion but I'll leave it to the papers and the AFL to sort it out.''

Hardwick was confident captain Trent Cotchin would be fit for Saturday night's clash with Geelong at the MCG.
Cotchin hyper-extended his knee late in the second quarter, but managed to play out the match and finished with 26 possessions and seven clearances.

Tigers debutant Nick Vlastuin put in a gutsy effort in defence, while former Crow Chris Knights played his best game for Richmond with three goals from 20 possessions.

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LIVE: Saturday arvo footy

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett is ready for the Giants. Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

FOLLOW our live coverage of the clash in Canberra between the GWS Giants and the Gold Coast Suns right here.

Carlton v Adelaide
NO CHANGES
SUBSTITUTES: Eddie Betts (Carlton) and Rory Laird (Adelaide)

THREE QUARTER-TIME

GWS Giants 12.6 (78) Gold Coast Suns 13.18 (96)

THE Suns have failed to put away the Giants, who just keep coming.

Two goals late in the term has the Giants in touch at the final change.

Charlie Dixon has five goals for the Suns.

Charlie Dixon fires off a handball to Jared Brennan. Source: Getty Images

HALF-TIME

GWS Giants 7.4 (46) Gold Coast Suns 10.11 (71)

THE Suns lead by 25 at half-time, but it could be by a lot more.

They led by as much as 38 during the term before the Giants kicked three quick ones.

Charlie Dixon kicked a steadier right on half-time, his fourth, to help regain the ascendency.

Gary Ablett leads the match for SuperCoach points on 82.

Get all the stats and SuperCoach scores by clicking here.

Jarrod Harbrow of the Suns gets a kick away under pressure from Dylan Shiel. Source: Getty Images

QUARTER-TIME

GWS Giants 3.3 21 Gold Coast Suns 3.3 (21)

Scores are level at quarter-time in Canberra.

Big Charlie Dixon kicked the first goal of the match, but the Giants were soon on the board through Rhys Palmer and Jeremy Cameron.

Jarrod Harbrow (10 disposals) and Gary Ablett (9 disposals) are leading the way for the Suns.

For the Giants, Dylan Shiel (10 disposals) and Devon Smith (9 disposals) are winning the ball.

Get all the stats and SuperCoach scores by clicking here.

Gary Ablett and Tom Scully go head to head. Picture: Smith Kym Source: The Daily Telegraph

PRE-GAME:

There are no changes to either side.

The substitute for the Suns will be defender Jack Hutchins, while Tom Bugg will wear the green vest for the Giants.

The Suns, who are 1-4, head into the clash as favourites.

But the Giants' first win came against their fellow expansion club in Canberra this time last year.

So they will rate their chances today.

Don't miss any of the action by following the game at Live HQ by clicking here.

The match gets underway at 1:45pm AEST, followed by Carlton and Adelaide at 4:40pm AEST.

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Clark to miss Lions rematch

Shane Crawford is in Hawaii but he's still thinking about SuperCoach - and Travis Cloke.

Melbourne forward Mitch Clark after hurting his foot last week. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE forward Mitch Clark will miss at least the match against his old club Brisbane on Sunday, but the Demons say he has avoided serious injury.

Clark was rested for most of the final quarter of the Demons' big win against GWS last weekend - his troublesome right foot packed in ice.

There were fears he may have reinjured a bone in his foot - an injury which cost him half a season in 2012.

But coach Mark Neeld said scans this week showed only a minor problem, and no recurrence of the bone issue.

"The majority of it is really good news," Neeld said today.

"He's got a mid-foot sprain and he's rolled the ankle - all in that one area.

"He's not going to play this week. It will be a week-by-week thing."

Clark won't be risked in the Gabba clash on Sunday, with the Lions also hampered with the loss of key midfielder Daniel Rich for two months with a broken shoulder blade.

The Demons eased some of the pressure on themselves with a club record 12-goal final quarter to put away GWS last weekend and post their first victory of a tumultuous season.

But Neeld played down any outside pressure to back up the GWS performance with victory against another struggling club in the Lions.

He said it was more about improving weaknesses and building on strengths for a club in a rebuilding phase.

"When you're restarting a footy club and rebuilding a list, it's not done that way," Neeld said.

See all the Round 5 teams as they drop from 6pm at SuperFooty

"It's about 'this is what we did well', and we work to continue those strengths.

"And 'these are the areas we continue to need to improve', so we'll go and do that.

"Clubs in our position, you don't say: 'We won this week and it's really important to back it up this week'.

"We see things a whole different way."

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Leuey a big trade target

Charlie Dixon of the Suns takes on Matthew Leuenberger of the Lions. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE Lions ruckman Matthew Leuenberger is on course to become one of the AFL's most wanted players at season's end.

The athletic big man is out of contract at the end of the year and is looming large for new club Greater Western Sydney.

While the Giants' remain genuinely interested in Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin, Leuenberger, 24, has emerged as an ideal back-up recruiting target.

GWS has made no secret of its desire to add an established blue-chip ruckman, and potentially some key defensive reinforcement, to help bolster its glittering young midfield.

Live HQ: Essendon v Collingwood

The club's list management chiefs, Graeme Allan and Stephen Silvagni, have been lauded for the Giants' start-up recruiting, but are yet to finalise their key trade options for October's exchange period.

Should Franklin, 26, accept a big-money bid from the Giants, Leuenberger could also come into the Hawks' contingency plans as a mobile ruck-key forward.

The Lions remain confident Leuenberger, a No. 4 draft pick, will remain in Queensland, having recovered a debilitating achilles injury.

But it is likely the Perth-raised big man will wait to finalise his contract later in the season, after only three games last year.

If the 204cm ruckman's recovery continues without setback, Leuenberger's value is expected to soar.

The Lions' direction will also be a factor for the 72-gamer, with coach Michael Voss again under pressure after a sloppy start to the season.

West Coast's Mitch Brown is also expected to lob on the Giants' radar.

Brown, a versatile key position player, has put off contract negotiations with the Eagles until the end of the season, after failing to secure a trade to St Kilda last year. The Saints are expected to continue to pursue Brown.

Gold Coast's Daniel Gorringe could also be on the move next season.

Gorringe, who is third in line in the Suns' ruck stocks behind Zac Smith and Charlie Dixon, has been trialled as a centre half back this year.

Out of contract at the end of the year, it is believed Gorringe, from South Australia, is being keenly pursued by Adelaide and Port Adelaide.

North Melbourne's Daniel Currie's deal also expires at the end of the season.
 

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Lyon aims to tame Tiger midfield

TAB's Adam Hamilton and Nick Quinn bring you the latest news and information for this week's AFL action.

The Dockers will try to put the brakes on Brett Deledio. Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon says his team can't afford another mental lapse if it is to tame Richmond's talented midfield tomorrow night at Patersons Stadium.

The Dockers (2-2) are yet to put together a consistent four-quarter effort this season, with a horrible third term against Essendon in Round 3 and a similarly bad opening stanza against Hawthorn last week costing them dearly.

Lyon is well aware of the threat Richmond's midfield poses, with the likes of Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio, Shane Tuck and Shaun Grigg able to tear the game wide open, with the help of ruckman Ivan Maric.

Fremantle has its own midfield matchwinners in the form of David Mundy, Nat Fyfe, Michael Barlow and Stephen Hill, but Lyon said consistency would be the key to victory.

"Richmond have got real speed. That midfield they've invested in over five or six years now is really strong," Lyon said.

"So we understand what we're up against is very impressive. And there's a reason everyone's talking about Richmond, because their best is very good.

"We think we're quite a good team, but we've been a bit inconsistent, which concerns us. But we get a real opportunity to fix that."

Lyon said the club's annual Len Hall tribute match was a good chance to honour Anzac Day.

But given sport wasn't a life-and-death scenario, Lyon said it would be disrespectful to compare footballers to soldiers.

"The Australian and New Zealand forces over a long period of time have been sent to battle by their governments to protect the country and represent the free world," Lyon said.

"But for our players, I don't ask them to play like the Anzacs and live like the Anzacs because that, to me, would almost be disrespectful.

"What we ask is an effort that honours that day.

"(Anzac Day) is a lot about mateship and the view on mates and trust, and where it originated from under real pressure."

Fremantle utility Matt de Boer, whose grandfather served in World War II, echoed Lyon's thoughts.

"It's silly to try to compare us to the bravery and the actions the Anzacs did for us to ensure that we live today the way we do," de Boer said.

"But we'll go out there and do our best job to honour them in our special way."

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Scott irate over Brayshaw 'vendetta'

Behind-the-scenes footage of Majak Daw receiving his North Melbourne jumper in the rooms before his AFL debut.

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott claims a journalist has a vendetta against club chairman James Brayshaw. Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott says the club may consider legal action over a journalist's alleged "personal vendetta" against club chairman James Brayshaw.

Scott was furious today over claims that Kangaroos medical services director Steve Saunders had been overruling the club's doctor since 2011.

Brayshaw had earlier criticised the AFL's insistence that club doctors have the final say on medical matters, as the doctors are part-time employees and other sports science and fitness staff are now full-time.

Scott described the comments, by Caroline Wilson on Footy Classified, as a "lie" and "potentially libellous" and said North Melbourne would be seeing an explanation.

"One thing that we are concerned about is that there are false accusations that any one of our staff would overrule a doctor. That is simply a lie," Scott said today.

"It's very dangerous territory when you start making those accusations without any evidence to back it up. I can categorically say that's not true.

"And, unfortunately, when Caroline Wilson speaks these days about North Melbourne most people think that it's just pursuing a personal vendetta that she's had against James Brayshaw for a long time."

Scott said North Melbourne would ask Wilson for an explanation before pursuing legal action.

"I think professional credibility and reputation is everything and when that's brought into question I think you've got a right to defend yourself," he said.

"So I think we'll be seeking explanation of those comments."

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Suns coach remembers blue weekend

Giants Tom Scully and Adam Treloar celebrate their victory in Canberra last year. Picture: Kym Smith Source: The Daily Telegraph

GOLD Coast coach Guy McKenna wants his wounded Suns to show their pride and avoid another Canberra ambush against Greater Western Sydney this weekend.

The Giants claimed their first win as an AFL club against the Suns in the inaugural meeting of the expansion franchises at Manuka Oval in May last year, kicking four goals in as many minutes in the final term to snatch a 13.16 (94) to 9.13 (67) triumph.

McKenna admits that loss still hurts both him and his players and it's a scenario he's desperate to avoid as he calls on his charges to prove their worth following last weekend's disappointing defeat to Port Adelaide.

"Last year we found it was like their grand final," McKenna said on Wednesday.

"Canberra, their home away from home, they talked that up ... if you look at their season it gives them the best opportunity of winning and we were stung last year.

"I'm sure Kevin (Sheedy, GWS coach) will be reminding GWS about their last quarter against Melbourne as well and cranking them up.

"Clearly it's going to be a big game for them, they're going to build that up and so they should.

"We've got to be ready to stand our ground and take the fight back to them."

McKenna admits he's not been able to be as tough on his team as he would have liked in the wake of the 38-point loss to the Power where the visitors booted nine goals to one in the second quarter.

Injuries to Matthew Warnock (fractured arm), Joel Wilkinson (ankle) and Harley Bennell (hamstring) mean several Suns will keep their spots in the team to take on the Giants when McKenna clearly would have loved to send out a stern message.

"The guillotine (is) being sharpened, it's going to cut this week but it's probably not going to cut as deep as you'd love to do in a traditional club," McKenna said.

"We're going to have three blokes jump straight in and what you'd love to do is drop three blokes that deserve to dropped based on that effort on Saturday night.

"We can be tough but it's a thinly-veiled idea of being tough where you're really just replacing injured blokes."

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Waters, Glass set to play

Eagle Beau Waters and captain Darren Glass are set to be named. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

WEST Coast captain Darren Glass and vice-captain Beau Waters are set to be named for the Eagles' crucial match against Port Adelaide on Saturday night.

Glass injured his shoulder in the Round 4 loss to Carlton, while Waters has missed the past two matches with a calf problem.

Eagles coach John Worsfold was confident Glass would be available despite struggling to lift his right arm against the Blues.

"I spoke to Glassy on Monday about not playing him if he wasn't going to be right, and not carrying an injury for an extended period,'' Worsfold said.

"But he's feeling 100 per cent. He's still got to train today and do everything to show that he's 100 per cent, but the way he's talking is that he's 100 per cent.

"He's saying he's got strength and full movement, everything.''

Midfielder Matt Rosa is likely to spend another week at East Perth before returning in the home game against the Western Bulldogs in Round 6.

Collingwood recruit Sharrod Wellingham will also play for the Royals tomorrow in his first game since injuring his ankle nearly 10 weeks ago.

Worsfold rejected criticism of his coaching from commentators including Robert Walls and Matthew Lloyd following the loss to the Blues.

"I would think those people making those statements didn't see what was going on in the game, the way it was,'' Worsfold said.

West Coast has a 1-3 record after four rounds and is desperate for a win over the unbeaten Power to keep its top-four and premiership hopes alive.

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No stopping speedy Blues: Brennan

Carlton duo Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett celebrate a goal against West Coast.

Blues forward Chris Yarran outruns Eagles defender Adam Selwood. Source: Getty Images

WEST Coast defender Jacob Brennan rates Carlton's Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett as the fastest forward duo running around in the AFL.

Yarran and Garlett exposed the Eagles for pace in Saturday night's 24-point win in Perth, with veteran Eagle Adam Selwood copping the brunt of the onslaught.

On two occasions Selwood tried to chase down Yarran, only for the 22-year-old Blue to burn off his rival with three running bounces before kicking a goal.

Yarran, who finished with four goals, has played predominantly in defence over the past few years, but is currently being used in attack to cover for the absence of fellow speedster Eddie Betts (broken jaw).

Brennan said there was no stopping Yarran and Garlett once they found space.

"They're the quickest by far that I've played against, for sure," Brennan said.

"Early body-work is the key to try to prevent them from getting those easy runs.

"Once they're up and going, they're pretty hard to run down.

"I felt for Adam, but I was on the receiving end a couple of times myself just trying to chase them down. It's a tough gig."

Meanwhile, Eagles forward Ashton Hams has again denied he's a ducker, saying his knack of earning frees for high contact is more to do with his short stature rather than any tactical aspect.

Hams, who stands at just 174cm, was booed by Melbourne supporters in round three after getting a controversial free kick for high contact.

"I'm spewing. I used to support Melbourne and now they're booing me, so I wasn't real happy about that," he said with a smile.

"But that's football. I find it quite funny. I love getting a bit of crap and giving a bit back. It's good fun.

"I don't go out there to try to get head highs or anything like that. It just helps being small."

West Coast (1-3) take on the unbeaten Power in Adelaide on Saturday night.

Eagles captain Darren Glass is still in some doubt with a shoulder injury.
 

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Dawson forever in Lyon's debt

Fremantle defender Zac Dawson will play his 100th AFL match this weekend. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

IF it wasn't for Ross Lyon, Zac Dawson wouldn't be playing his 100th AFL game on Friday night.

Lyon, then St Kilda coach, threw Dawson an AFL lifeline via the rookie list in late 2008 when the maligned defender was delisted by Hawthorn, having managed just 18 games in four years with the Hawks.

Dawson found a second coming at the Saints under Lyon, playing 63 games in three seasons, including a key defensive role in St Kilda's three grand finals in 2009 and 2010 (twice).

So it was no surprise when Lyon defected to Fremantle in late 2011 that Dawson was keen to join him at the Dockers.

"Obviously he kind of got me off the scrap heap at St Kilda," Dawson said.

"I could say I could've done it without him, but I probably couldn't have because he's obviously seen something in me.

"We have a pretty good relationship and that's something you've got to try and hold on to when you get into this caper.

"So it's probably a lot to do with him."

Now in his 10th AFL season, Dawson said there was a time when he didn't think he would reach 100 games as he battled to win over both coaches and fans.

"My first five years at the Hawks was probably pretty slow and I didn't make too much progress, but the last five years has been a real bit of a whirlwind journey, playing in a few grand finals and obviously not getting over the line," he said.

"It's been a really great experience and coming over here the last couple of years it's been really exciting and I've settled in really well.

"Obviously you don't really think about the 100 games too much but once it's all done and dusted you'll look back and be proud of it."

Veteran defender Luke McPharlin (concussion) is set to return for Dawson's milestone match against Richmond at Patersons Stadium.

The Tigers (3-1) suffered their first loss of the season to Collingwood on Sunday and will be looking to bounce back against a Fremantle side desperate to avoid a third straight defeat.

"They're playing a pretty exciting brand of footy this year," Dawson said of the Tigers.

"We'll be looking at them all week, trying to find a way to beat them.

"It's going to be an exciting game on Friday night and we'll be ready."
 

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Sheedy looks for Ablett answer

Shane Crawford is in Hawaii but he's still thinking about SuperCoach - and Travis Cloke.

Gold Coast Suns skipper Gary Ablett is at the peak of his powers. Source: News Limited

IF GREATER Western Sydney is to become the last team to break its 2013 duck on Saturday, it will need to find a way to limit the influence of Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett.

The Giants did a pretty good job of achieving the near-impossible task in the corresponding fixture in Canberra last year as they notched their maiden AFL victory.

"We kept him reasonably down last year, and he still got 20-odd possessions," Giants coach Kevin Sheedy told reporters in Canberra today.

The four-time premiership coach with Essendon said he would ask one of his young players to tag Ablett on Saturday.

"That is the best way to learn."

The Hall of Fame coach said last year's debut win was a bit of a "surprise" for the new club.

"We were that unprepared, we didn't really know the (team) song," Sheedy said.

The two newest AFL clubs arrive at Round 5 with the Suns one win from four and the Giants propping up the ladder with an 0-4 record.

They went three quarters of the way to claiming a rare win last weekend, leading fellow struggler Melbourne by 19 points at the final interval at the MCG, only for the Demons to slam on a record 12 goals in the last quarter as GWS stopped to a walk.

"They really kicked butt in the last 20 minutes," said Sheedy, adding his young team was the equivalent of a second-year apprentice in learning a five-year trade.

"To bring in 18 and 19-year-old boys and expect them to be marathon runners and perform at the elite level is a very difficult task, not only for the coaches but also for the young players."

Sheedy said his side would eventually find a way to run out games.

He launched the Building Australia Tribute game between the Giants and the Western Bulldogs in Canberra to be played this July in front of Parliament House on Tuesday.

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Menzel expects worst on knee

Young Geelong star Steven Motlop sees the lighter side of the ASADA probe in to banned drugs while a guest on panel TV show Before The Game

Daniel Menzel arrives at Lake Imaging, St Johns of God. Picture: Leanne Churchill Source: Geelong Advertiser

DANIEL Menzel has arrived for scans on his knee, resigned to his fate.

A shattered Menzel admitted he expected confirmation of bad news after injuring his LARS-reconstructed knee in the VFL on Saturday.

Results will be known this afternoon. It would be his fourth reconstruction.

Menzel said he could not believe his luck.

He will find the results of his scans about 1pm.

"Just 'Not again', I guess," he said this morning of his initial reactions.

"Shattered that I've possibly done the same thing again.

"And when you put in so much work and so much effort, it's hard to believe it could happen again.

"We'll have the scans to see how we go, but there's not a lot of hope there, so we'll wait and see."

Menzel snapped his right anterior cruciate ligament in the 2011 qualifying final. He did the same thing to his left leg in his VFL comeback match last year.

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If you don't mind, umpire

The spotlight returned to the AFL's sliding rule when Sydney goal sneak Ben McGlynn became the latest pinged for making the football, not the man, his sole objective

Collingwood star Dane Swan is tackled by Richmond's Brett Deledio. Source: Getty Images

WE PICK the five biggest umpiring eyebrow-raisers of the weekend.

Umpiring is a tough job - getting tougher every year with more rule tweaks and interpretation changes - and most of the time the men in white/green/red do a great job. Sometimes, however, we need to examine some issues closer to get a clear explanation and help everyone's understanding of the game.

Each week we'll nominate five decisions that demand a second look. Then we'll take on board your views and any nominations we've missed, and try to get a verdict from AFL House.

Have your say on these decisions and let us know any we missed by leaving a comment below or sending a note on Twitter or Facebook

SLIDING INTO MORE CONTROVERSY

Sydney goalsneak Ben McGlynn has again put the AFL's contentious sliding rule under the spotlight.

McGlynn was penalised on Friday night despite replays showing quite clearly that Geelong onballer Mathew Stokes initiated contact between the pair, falling on the Swan's back during the third quarter of last Friday's match at the SCG.

Under the new rule players are banned from making contact below the knees.

The umpire rubbed salt into McGlynn's wounds by paying a 50m penalty, the second against the former Hawk for the night.

The problem with adding a new rule that stipulates a free kick for both players in the same incident was evident again at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, when the umpire went the other way, awarding Brent Stanton a free kick for high contact after his head hit St Kilda's Tom Simpkin's shins. Simpkin was moving quicker than Stanton so we'll give the tick to the umpire, but it shows how hard the new rule is to interpret.

Watch the incident in the video player above

VIDEO BURNS BYRNES

Shannon Byrnes made a meal of a shot at goal against GWS early in the final term at the MCG yesterday, but he appeared to eventually get boot to ball after falling over and almost running into goal umpire Chelsea Roffey.

Roffey was about to signal a goal before being called up by the field umpire, who thought the ball hit the post as Byrnes fumbled on the goal-line.

Despite Roffey sticking with her belief it was a goal - and that stance being supported by the replay, which might have shown the ball brushing her legs but not the padding - the umpire upstairs sided with the field ump and a behind was paid.

Fortunately Melbourne kicked 12 goals in the next 30 minutes so it didn't have an impact on the result.

Shannon Byrnes gets a handball away. Source: Getty Images

THANKS A LOT, MITCH

Demon Matt Jones was lining up for his first goal in AFL footy when the umpire took the ball off him after an infringement by Mitch Clark in the goalsquare.

An elbow in the ribs caused the turnover, which was quickly magnified when the ball was rushed down the other end and Setanta O'hAilpin marked and snapped truly.

Contact appeared minimal - and taking away a shot at goal an extremely harsh penalty - but the ump's microphone appeared to catch Clark being told he had been warned.

Neville Jetta faces nervous wait for ruling on bump on Lachie Whitfield.

DOG'S DOUBLE DUDDING

Dale Morris had reason to feel like he copped a rough deal yesterday, after he was on the wrong end of two controversial calls within 20 minutes.

First Taylor Walker planted two hands in his back and shoved him out of a marking contest in the third term - although he couldn't make the most of it with his shanked kick from 35m barely clearing the man on the mark and bouncing before it reached the goalsquare.

He wasn't as lucky the next time around, when Tex goaled after winning a free kick for holding despite replays showing the big Crow initiated the wrestle between the pair - although SEN commentator Andy Maher's description of the call as "anti-football umpiring" may have been taking things a bit far.

Strangely there were no howls of outrage from the AAMI Stadium crowd.

Taylor Walker snaps at goal. Picture: Simon Cross Source: The Advertiser

SWAN GETS AWAY WITH ONE

Not much went right for the Tigers - mostly of their own doing - at the MCG on Saturday while everything Dane Swan touched turned to gold.

Richmond was trying to mount a comeback early in the final term when Swan waltzed through centre half-forward and was mugged from behind by Brett Deledio. Swan swung his boot at the ball and missed then stopped, seemingly prepared to stand the mark for a holding-the-ball free, but the umpire waved play-on.

Damien Hardwick wasn't impressed and even amateur lip-readers would know he screamed "(something) umpire" in the box.

The ledger was probably square at the end of the day after Jake King was brought down from behind early in the match and just let go of the footy, but wasn't penalised.

Collingwood star Dane Swan is tackled by Richmond's Brett Deledio. Source: Getty Images

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Roos back to Daw to play

North Melbourne say Majak Daw should be right to play next week after suffering a head knock in the Kangaroos' game with Brisbane Lions.

Kangaroos medicos call for help after Majak Daw concussed in an accidental head clash. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Majak Daw leaps over the pack to take a spectacular mark. Source: Getty Images

MAJAK Daw is up and about.

It's exactly what North Melbourne fans want to hear.

And his teammates are pretty excited too.

Defender Scott Thompson said this afternoon he can't wait to see Daw play again.

And he might not have to wait that long given Daw's seemingly trouble-free recovery from concussion today.

The 22-year-old was knocked out after clashing heads with teammate Ben Cunnington and was substituted in the first term.

But he was showing no ill-effects today when he joined teammates for a recovery session at the pool and then an indoor skills session at Arden St.

"He's joking around and all the boys are getting around him," Thompson said.

"He looks good and I think the club will give him every chance to play again this week."

Maybe it was the fact he went off with concussion, maybe it was all the pre-match hype, but whatever the case the legend of Daw's first 20 minutes in the AFL seems to be growing by the hour.

"It was a fairytale start, I think," Thompson said.

"A great grab and a great goal with his first kick in AFL. It's exciting for his future.

"He's a great athlete and I can't wait to see him play more footy."

And when Daw does play again, Thompson said his teammates would have no hesitation in bombing it long to him such was the brief moment of marking prowess he showed in the forward line against the Lions.

"His athletic ability is impressive," Thompson said.

"One on one he's a hard player to play against, so we've got full confidence in him that he can do his role and take those big marks."

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Majak Daw of the Kangaroos gets carried off the ground after a heavy knock during the round four AFL match between the North Melbourne Kangaroos and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on April 21, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

The cruel reality is that Daw probably won't remember his first AFL game.

But like a grandfather taking his grandkids through past glories, Daw's teammates will paint him a vivid picture.

And unlike the old man, there will be no need for exaggeration.

Daw will hear how he started deep in the forward line opposed to Irishman Niall McKeever in something of a multicultural match-up.

And that despite McKeever's attempts to rough him up, within 60 seconds he had set Etihad Stadium alight.

The North boys will tell him that he waited for Daniel Wells to bomb the ball to the Lockett end where he soared from behind - and then above - McKeever to take one of the purest one-grab marks you'll ever see.

Daw will be reminded that despite all the adrenalin in the world pumping through his veins, he went back with the poise of a 200-game veteran to slot the game's first goal from 45m.

Then he will be told that every single Kangaroos player on the ground went to embrace him on the 50m line in scenes of jubilation.

All this within the first 60 seconds of the match against the Brisbane Lions.

With straight faces, Daw's teammates will tell him his one act of brilliance caused Lions coach Michael Voss to change the match-up and send Joel Patfull to his side.

Daw may recall outmarking Daniel Merrett - for that doesn't come easily - a few minutes later in the pocket. He composed himself but sent his shot across the face.

North Melbourne players celebrate Majak Daw's first ever AFL goal. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

At the 11-minute mark he wreaked havoc by leaping third-man up at a ball-up to create an opportunity for Lindsay Thomas.

Daw might shake his head when informed that he was cheered off the ground for his first breather after 13 minutes and that, upon his return, the Roos cheersquad rose as one to welcome him back inside 50m.

It was the stuff of dreams, they will say.

But then, they'll get to the reason why Daw can't hold on to the precious memories of a debut more than three years in the making.

The Sudanese giant swooped on a loose ball at centre half-forward and was slung in a tackle by Merrett that caused him to clash heads with teammate Ben Cunnington.

Flat on his back, arms splayed, he was out cold.

The players will tell him they could feel the excitement being sucked out the ground, for this was a thrilling 20-minute taste of the big time that was over all too soon.

Daw was officially subbed out of the game by quarter-time, but you'll struggle to find a sexier two kicks, one handball, two contested marks, one hit-out and 1.1 return on a footy stat sheet.

Indeed, Majak does happen.

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Giants 'obliged' to look at Buddy

Greater Western Sydney boss Dave Matthews says the Giants are obliged to look at Hawthorn star Lance Franklin. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

GREATER Western Sydney has flagged plans to secure a key forward, not ruling out a move to lure Lance Franklin to the Harbour City.

Giants chief executive Dave Matthews said while the club had not made any decisions it would be "obliged" to look at Franklin.

The Hawk superstar has put off contract talks until the end of the season.

"Clearly when a player like Lance Franklin comes up you're obliged to have a look at it," Matthews told Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show.

"We haven't made any set decision, we haven't put any offer on the table.

"We're certainly contemplating what the options might be."

The Giants are well placed in the forward line with young guns Jeremy Cameron, Kristian Jaksch and injured former top draft pick Jonathan Patton.

"I think every club in the competition would want Buddy Franklin.

"He's the best forward in the competition. He certainly sells a lot of merchandise and memberships for Hawthorn."

Last month Giants coach Kevin Sheedy urged the club to make a play for Franklin.

Greater Western Sydney could be in a position to offer Franklin $1.3-1.5m a year following NRL recruit Israel Folau's defection to rugby union.

Matthews said the Giants had used the past 18 months to identify gaps in the ranks following lucrative draft concessions and trades.

"Are the (gaps) in key defence? Is there a ruckman we need? Do we go for a key forward? All those things are being contemplated at the moment.

"Just because we haven't really secured a big name player so far… it doesn't mean we haven't been looking closely at it."

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Schoenmakers to undergo surgery

Ryan Schoenmakers writhes in pain after twisting his knee at Aurora Stadium. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

Hawk Ryan Schoenmakers walks the boundary on crutches after the injury. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN has confirmed Ryan Schoenmakers will require a knee reconstruction and miss the rest of the season.

The defender went down early in yesterday's win over Fremantle at Aurora Stadium in Launceston.

Scans this morning revealed Schoenmakers had snapped his anterior cruciate ligament and strained the medial ligament in his right knee.

Hawthorn football operations manager James Fantasia said Schoenmakers remained upbeat despite the devastating news.

"While Ryan is naturally disappointed by the injury, we're certain he will approach his rehabilitation with the same professionalism, positivity and dedication he has displayed as a young player," Fantasia said.

Schoenmakers will consult with a specialist in coming days.

It's the Hawk's third serious knee injury behind Brendan Whitecross and Matthew Suckling, who went down at the same venue during the NAB Cup.

Schoenmaker's injury paves the way for Hawthorn recruit Brian Lake to make his debut after joining the club as a free agent last year.

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AFL must guarantee integrity

Melbourne president Don McLardy says the league must guarantee the integrity of people involved in the game. Source: Getty Images

MELBOURNE president Don McLardy has urged the AFL to guarantee that only people with integrity and the highest of values are attracted to positions of power in football clubs.

The Demons, which were investigated for tanking earlier this year, are now the centre of another probe after claims that some of their players took supplements under the direction of club doctor Dan Bates and controversial sports scientist Stephen Dank.

Speaking at today's president's lunch before the Greater Western Sydney game at the MCG, McLardy told guests that drugs in sport is a blight on the great game of Aussie Rules.

He said the club was committed to supporting the AFL in anything it had to do to ensure the integrity of the competition.

McLardy said that while the game was tough and uncompromising, it must be based on the highest integrity and people must be in key positions who have the right values.

"The AFL is currently assessing ways to reduce the pressure on players," he said.

"The AFL should add to that how do we ensure we continue to attract those with the highest values to leadership positions in our game, many of which are voluntary.

"Too much unwanted attention from those in the so called cheap seats, or worse still some of the journalists and commentators in the boxes behind the cheap seats, and we will end up with the wrong type of people in positions of influence.'

He said it could lead to another major problem.

McLardy, told guests that included AFL commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick and deputy Victorian premier Peter Ryan, that the Demons had already made comments about an investigation into supplements given to some players.

"We have already made pretty clear statements about our position," McLardy said

McLardy spoke about the importance of sport in the life of Australian families family.

He said a family friend, former Richmond and Collingwood footballer Craig Stewart, had to trust the integrity of the people Greater Western Sydney and hope they would a positive influence on his son James who was drafted last year.

He said working with a legend like Kevin Sheedy would be a good start.

McLardy said he was concerned with the treatment handed out in recent weeks to another legend, Essendon coach James Hird.

And he spoke about Melbourne coach Mark Neeld who he said apparently had his job on the line today.

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Longmire: Reid's form a worry

Sydney's Sam Reid misses a mark in front of Geelong's Tom Lonergan. Picture: Hillyard Philip

SYDNEY coach John Longmire says struggling forward Sam Reid's poor form is a major concern after the Swans crashed to their first loss of the season.

Reid took just two marks and kicked one goal in Sydney's 21-point loss to Geelong last night at the SCG, continuing his string of indifferent performances early in the season.

"He has got his hands to the ball a lot, he's just droppping them," Longmire said.

"Some of the times he should be marking the ball they're just slipping through his fingers."

"We are doing a lot of work with him at training ... trying to make sure when he gets his hands to them they actually stick.

"We'll continue to do that and hopefully that gets him better. There's no easy way out of it."
 

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Cats sweat on Menzel knee scare

Geelong forward Daniel Menzel injured in today's VFL match against Box Hill. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

LUCKLESS Geelong forward Daniel Menzel's return has hit a snag with the young gun off the ground icing his left reconstructed knee.

The 21-year-old made his VFL comeback last week from LARS surgery in December, his third knee reconstruction.

Menzel went down during the second quarter clutching his knee after a tackle from Kyle Cheney.

He made his own way off the ground.

Menzel will sit out the second half as a precaution.

The Cats will be sweating on scans as early as today to reveal the full extent of the injury.

Menzel had worked his way into the match against Box Hill kicking the goal to put the Cats in front during a hotly contested first half.

He was reported during the second quarter for charging Box Hill skipper, former North Melbourne defender, Daniel Pratt.

Menzel snapped his right anterior cruciate ligament in the 2011 qualifying final. He did the same thing to his left leg in his VFL comeback match last year.

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Crows defend Johncock omission

Adelaide Crows veteran Graham Johncock at training. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE has defended the dumping of crowd favourite Graham Johncock as the club seeks to restructure the misfiring forward line with more marking power.

Johncock has been replaced in the side by Tom Lynch, a former Saint who stands at 190cm and gives the midfield a tall alternative target to Taylor Walker.

The decision -- which received a hostile response from supporters -- was as much about finding a player who is in form as it was finding a better balance in attack.

"It's a slight structural change,'' Bickley. ``He plays differently than perhaps Graham, who's a bit of a smaller, crumbing-type forward.

"Lynchy has got an enormous engine and he works really hard in terms of his work rate up around the ground.

"He's a marking forward so (it's) just a slight structural change but one we think is appropriate for this week.

"We're about picking a side that's capable of winning and certainly there have been some guys who aren't in great form.

"Some of them have paid the penalty and others have been lucky (not to be dropped). But at the same time, if things aren't working, you're always looking at ways of doing it better.

"The guys who have come in, one thing they all have in common is that they've been in good form in the SANFL.

"The reality is that it's more about their form and the way they go about their business. They've got really good training form and really goo playing form.''

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Hardwick welcomes big stage

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick calls the shots at training. Source: Getty Images

DAMIEN Hardwick has backed away from claims tomorrow's clash with Collingwood is the most important game in his time at Punt Rd.

But the Tigers coach acknowledged the match will give him a great guide to see where his side is at and will be a massive challenge for his group.

After three wins to open the season, the Tigers would go to 4-0 if they beat the Magpies - a feat they haven't achieved since 1995.

"The thing is all the games are worth the same amount of points,'' Hardwick said.

"(But) because we are playing Collingwood, it is certainly going to be an exciting game, there is obviously going to be a big crowd and we are going to be playing Saturday afternoon footy.

Punters say Tigers are favourites

"There is no doubt Collingwood is a side (that) over the past 3 to 4 years have been a very impressive unit. Our guys are starting to see the work-rate and the talent that is required to get to that level.

"It is going to be a great test for our guys - our midfield forwards and backs are going to learn something.

"We think we have certainly got the ability to beat Collingwood.''
 

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Pav buts brakes on Lake debut

Jay Clark and Scott Gullan say Matthew Leuenberger is the hot SuperCoach buy for Round 4 and offer a left-field captain choice

Former Bulldog Brian Lake trains with the Hawks. Source: Getty Images

PRIZED recruit Brian Lake's debut with his new club Hawthorn has been delayed by the injury to Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich.

The former Bulldogs defender was on the radar of Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson to make his first appearance for the club in Launceston tomorrow.

But Clarkson said the Achilles injury to Pavlich, who has been ruled out for up to six weeks, meant Lake didn't fit into their structure.

Lake has played the last two games with Hawthorn's VFL affiliate Box Hill.

"With Pavlich going out of their side and them not replacing him with a tall type of forward, they're probably going to go with a different type of structure so it's a little bit to do with the structure of the side," said Clarkson.

"He's played two games and another game at VFL level won't hurt him.

"We recruited him for a specific reason so he's going to come into our side pretty soon."

The Hawks, who are coming off a 55-point win over Collingwood, have veteran midfielder Michael Osborne as a handy replacement for their injured Rising Star nominee Jed Anderson.

The 19-year-old won the nomination for his performance against the Magpies before scans early in the week revealed a hamstring injury that's set to sideline him for a few weeks.

Clarkson said while he felt for Anderson, it was good to have the experienced Osborne back on deck.

"Ossie's spent nearly 12 months out of the game now," he said.

"He's had a really good rehab and trained really well over the summer, just needed to get some match fitness in the first couple of games of the season.

"He's done that and he's ready to come into our side, so that's great."

Sam Edmund, Jay Clark and Ben Dixon join Brad Johnson to discuss their picks ahead of round 4.

The match pits the game's best attacking team against Fremantle, who are renowned for their unrelenting defensive pressure and who will be desperate to atone for their late fade-out against Essendon.

"It will be a great contest, both sides are playing good footy," Clarkson said.

"They've got a really disciplined group of players and we'd like to think we're in a similar vein as well."

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AFL to grill Dees over Dank link

Melbourne is the second AFL club embroiled in the performance-enhancing drugs controversy after text messages between sports scientist Stephen Dank and club doctor Dan Bates emerged

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says Melbourne would have broken league rules if it is found to have had an association with Stephen Dank.

The AFL and anti-doping agency ASADA will today grill Melbourne club doctor Dan Bates over text messages he is alleged to have exchanged with Dank. They were due to meet at 10.30am this morning.

"They will be in breach of a rule," Demetriou said on 3AW this morning. "But can I just wait until after we've had a briefing this morning.

"We (AFL) asked the specific question that the media had asked: 'Was Stephan Dank approached or did Stephan Dank approach Melbourne, or was there a discussion around employment at the Melbourne Football Club'.

"And we got the same answer the public got. The people in authority didn't give us the answers."

Demetriou refused to reveal whether the club officials that responded to the AFL's original inquiries remain at the club and also said that "there may be more" to story.

Demetriou also said claims on the ABC's 7.30 Report that it had text messages between Bates and former Essendon sports scientist Dank were inconsistent with what Melbourne had told the AFL.

"They had maintained a position ... that they've never employed Stephen Dank,'' Demetriou told ABC radio.

"If there is an association with Mr Dank, that is inconsistent with what we have been told.''

Demons' full statement: we are clean

Timeline: Melbourne's two years from hell

Sports scientist Stephen Dank.

The ABC's revelations are certain to lead to the ASADA and the AFL widening the probe into supplement use to include the Demons.

Demetriou said Melbourne had some questions to answer if the ABC report was true.

"As of this morning we will be calling in the doctor, the Melbourne Football Club doctor, together with any other relevant officials based on things we'd been told previously,'' Mr Demetriou said.

"There appears to be some inconsistencies.

"If there was an association, regardless of whether there has been an employment agreement, I think that would have been relevant to our briefings.''

Demetriou did not want to speculate on the ramifications for the club, but did say that Melbourne would have broken league rules if it was shown to have mislead the AFL about a relationship with Dank.

"This issue of ethics and trust in our code ... is something that you can't play ping-pong with,'' Mr Demetriou said.

"If anybody hasn't got the message that they must be absolutely truthful ... then there will be consequences.''

Texts trip up Demons

In a lengthy statement on Friday morning, Melbourne said there was no evidence any of its supplements breached the WADA drug code, and that Dank never directly treated players nor worked directly for the club.

But it admitted Bates and Dank had been in communication prior to the launch of ASADA's investigation into Essendon, though Bates always had the final say in any treatment for Demons players.

"At no time was Dank able to directly treat players,'' Melbourne said in its statement.

Demetriou backs silent James Hird

"Dank and Dr Bates communicated via email, phone and text, regarding supplements (prior to the ASADA investigation).

"Our processes require Dr Bates to consider the appropriateness of any treatment and make a determination as to its suitability at all times, to ensure that the welfare of our players is always maintained.''

Neeld: We're level with GWS

The AFL, which last week said Essendon was the only club involved in the wider Australian sport anti-doping investigation, issued the Demons with a ``please explain'' over their involvement with Dank on Thursday night.

"The AFL was not previously aware of the claims broadcast ... by the ABC and these will form part of ongoing investigations by ASADA and the AFL,'' the AFL said in a statement.

"The AFL is urgently seeking a further explanation from Melbourne Football Club about the veracity of the claims and how they can be reconciled with previous statements from the club.''

The ABC alleges the text messages between Dank and Bates continued until the day Essendon fronted a media conference to reveal they had concerns over their supplements program and Dank's work at that club.

AFL Round 4 teams: Watts back for Dees

SOME OF THE ALLEGED TEXT MESSAGES

Dank to Bates: "Meeting with Neil Craig next Tuesday or Wednesday. Spoke to Dave today."

Bates to Dank: "Great."

Dank to Bates: "When we will start Jack Trengove on the AOD?"

Bates to Dank: "Tomorrow"

Bates to Dank: "Where can I get him to pick it up from?"

Dank to Bates: "The pharmacy. Tell him to ring me and he can meet me there."

Bates to Dank: "...Lynden Dunn would like an injection on Thursday if possible (good about Dunny asking, as he is doing it because the other guys have said they feel good). Dan."

Dank to Bates: "Great. I will book him in."

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Jackson to fill Dees' CEO void

Former Bombers administrator Peter Jackson, on the right, back in 2009. Stephen Harman. Source: News Limited

MELBOURNE has announced former Essendon administrator Peter Jackson as its interim chief executive after the club sacked Cameron Schwab last week.

Jackson has been appointed for the six months effective May 1.

The former Essendon chief executive was working with Football Victoria after a long stint with Essendon, where he was highly rated for his fiscal management and detailed understanding of every aspect of the club's inner workings.

The Demons issued a statement today admitting the board had not met its goals in the past four years.

"This is unacceptable and must be addressed.

"The board has appointed Peter as an interim CEO to critically assess all aspects of our club, and he has the experience to do that. Peter will oversee the day to day operations of the club through to the end of season 2013, and he will participate in the process to select a full-time CEO."

Glass half full for Dees

Jackson was the man who eventually told 27-year coach Kevin Sheedy he would be moving on from Windy Hill.

But despite that bold move he is still highly rated by long-time coach Sheedy.

He also had to defend himself against accusations he had single-handedly extended the contract of Matthew Knights, which the club had to pay out when they sacked him.

The Demons had to pay out Schwab with a six-month settlement after sacking him as a blood-letting measure last week in the wake of another embarrassing loss to Essendon.

Melbourne CEO Cameron Schwab faces the media with club president Don McClardy after resigning his position at the Demons. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

He will be in the role for a number of months while the club searches for a permanent chief executive.

It is not known if he will be considered for the full-time role if he excels in the position.

Melbourne has also announced the appointment of Geoff Freeman to the club's board.

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Laird makes big jump from Crows rookie

Rory Laird has been elevated off Adelaide's rookie list. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

CROWS coach Brenton Sanderson has promoted rookie Rory Laird ahead of an expected cull at team selection.

And Sanderson has fired at the critics handing him advice on how to pick his 22 for Sunday's clash against the Western Bulldogs.

"We'll structure up the way we want to, not the way you want," Sanderson said. "We're very clear on how we want to play."

Don't leave it all to Dangerfield

Who gets to be in the Adelaide 22 after the nine-point loss to Port Adelaide in Showdown XXXIV will reflect how much patience Sanderson has lost with his players.

"We've only had three or four players who have had three solid games," he said. "There has been too much variance of output."

Adelaide will have to replace captain Nathan van Berlo who has bone bruising of his left knee. He is likely to have his spot taken by Sam Kerridge, an emergency in the team picked to play the Power last week.

Sanderson pre-empted a stern reaction at selection tonight saying: "We need some players who an play on edge for 120 minutes,'' said Sanderson. "We need consistency of performance.

"I'd rather play players we can trust to give us that intensity and that passion for a full game and not just fits and spurts.

"There has to be change. We've had two very poor games (against Essendon and Port) and one very good game (against Brisbane). The good sides don't just turn up every now and again; they turn up every week.

"We have to get consistency of performance every time we play. We're looking for players who can give us that week in, week out not just every now and then.''

Sanderson today took issue with the critics, including former captain and Brownlow Medallist Mark Ricciuto, who have declared the Crows may miss the finals.

"Some people have written us off already, which is fine," he said. "Don't be offended if we don't listen to you when you write us off. If anything it fuels our determination to perform better.

"We're not throwing the towel in yet. We're not giving in yet.

"It's not panic stations yet. We're one win, two losses. But we can't let it go too deep into the season before we start to make some adjustments to how we play.''
 

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Kangaroos' Majak moment

Majak Daw in action during the Kangaroos' NAB Cup win against Richmond. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

MAJAK Daw will become the first Sudanese footballer to play at AFL level when he makes his long-awaited debut on Sunday.

The 22-year-old was told the good news about his inclusion by coach Brad Scott following training today, after forward Robbie Tarrant failed to get through the session.

Daw spent three years on North Melbourne's rookie list before being elevated onto the senior list this season.

He has long been in contention for a spot within the senior team, but Scott wanted to make sure he was ready to play at a competitive level.

Daw, one of nine children, arrived in Australia in 2003 after living in Egypt for three years, having already fled Sudan during the civil war.

In an early interview, Daw said he wanted to be a trail-blazer for other Sudanese players.

"For someone of my background, I'd love to think that I could one day be a role model to the Sudanese community,'' Daw said.

"Some of the kids are probably in the same situation as I was a few years ago, just coming to a new country and not really knowing what to expect.

"Hopefully, seeing me play (in the AFL), it might mean something to them and make them want to play the game as well.''

North Melbourne ruckman Majak Daw provided the first highlight of the match with a strong mark backing into a pack. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Speaking before training this morning, Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said Daw still had areas of his game that he had to improve.

"He's playing really good footy in the VFL but he's not playing footy that is saying you have no choice but to pick me," Scott said.

"The hype is largely external, he knows exactly where he sits internally. Majak is focussing on the facts, he knows exactly what he has to do to force his way into our side but he hasn't quite done that but he's very very close.

"If something happens to a key position player, he's probably the next one in."

Scott said Daw was one of several players, including Daniel Currie, Aaron Black and former Hawthorn rookie Will Sierakowski, who were playing well enough at VFL level to earn a senior call-up.

"It's an unfortunate position to have four or five players that probably should come into our side, but there's not a role for them at the moment.

"They're certainly holding their end up in pushing for selection and if we have the slightest drop-off they'll come in and take someone's spot.

"We're 0-3 but we've got selection dilemmas so I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing."

Scott said the Roos would have to play at their best to beat Brisbane and its skipper Jonathan Brown, who returned to form with five goals last weekend.

"He's always in form against us," Scott said. "He's just a super player, isn't he?"

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Cats set to regain Kelly

Shane Crawford's left-field ruck plan plus why making Gary Ablett captain is a bad idea this week

Geelong midfielder James Kelly clears out of defence. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

VETERAN Geelong midfielder James Kelly is the man most likely to replace injured speedster Travis Varcoe.

The hard-bodied midfielder missed last week's match against Carlton with a calf injury after copping a knock to his Achilles tendon during his first match of the season against North Melbourne in Round 2.

Varcoe had surgery on his injured shoulder today and coach Chris Scott said the club would not take any risks with their injured star.

"He is really unfortunate he is in this position. He is going to miss three months," Scott said.

"The fortunate part is he is back running after five or six weeks, so he is going to be in pretty good condition when he is available to be involved in contact training and matches.

"Part of that is that he's back running after five or six weeks, so he's going to be in pretty good condition when he is available to be involved in contact training and matches.

"We'd love to have him in the meantime, but unfortunately we won't and that gives an opportunity to one of our young players this week.

"It's bad news for Trav but it's not the end of the world.''

Scott also said young big man Mark Blicavs could be rested against the Swans after playing the first three matches of the season.

George Horlin-Smith and Mitch Brown are also a chance to play against Sydney, Scott said.

Jared Rivers is also an outside to play after recovering well from a knee injury he picked up against Hawthorn in Round 1.

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Goodes demands more consistency

Adam Goodes celebrate the win against North Melbourne with fans at Blunstone Arena Hobart. Picture: Richard Jupe Source: The Mercury

SWANS superstar Adam Goodes says his team won't be able to get away with just one good quarter of football against Geelong on Friday night.

The reigning premiers blew North Melbourne away with an 11 goal third term in their match at Bellerive in Hobart.

It was the highest single quarter score for Sydney since 1995 and the ninth best in the club's history.

"We want to play four consistent quarters and that's what we're looking to do against Geelong because that's the only way we will get the job done on Friday night,'' Goodes said.

"On the weekend we played a good half. A half of footy we wanted to play.

"It was good that once we got things right in the third quarter we were able to kick goals like we did.

"That's not going to happen every week and we don't want it to happen every week were we come out and play just one good quarter of footy.

"It's a great challenge but it's our home deck and we're up for that challenge.''

The match is worthy of billing alongside the much hyped Richmond v Collingwood clash on Saturday at the MCG with the Swans and Cats both undefeated.

The match also pitting the premiers of the last two seasons against each other.

Goodes is steadily returning to top form after an injury interrupted pre-season. Goodes ruptured his posterior cruciate ligament in last year's Grand Final against Hawthorn.

"It feels fine, it's great to jump off and turn and twist,'' Goodes said.

"I've had three games now where I've been pretty much at 100% capacity," Goodes said.

"It's been a slow build up for pre-season but it was nice to get those full games under the belt and fitness wise I'm just as fit as any other of the boys.''

Fortunately for the 322-game veteran the form of the Swans midfield has meant there has been no pressure for him to carry any extra work load.

"Whether I dominate a game or not I'm not too fussed as long as we keep winning and I'm playing my role,'' Goodes said.

"Our midfield are playing such fantastic football as the moment. Our forward line is really gelling well at the moment.

The Swans will need a four quarter effort against Geelong on Friday night but their amazing third quarter effort against North Melbourne was the strongest indication yet the Red and Whites are going to be just as competitive in 2013 as they were last year.

"I just knew we'd finally got things the way we wanted to play and the feeling on the ground was we were getting things right and it was good to put a score on the board,'' Goodes said.

"It wasn't until we kicked about nine that I realised we were about 40 points up. That was the mindset of the players that every centre bounce we'd get back to business about our set ups and what we wanted to do."

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Eagles welcome back Mackenzie

Eric Mackenzie is set to return for West Coast against Carlton. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast defender Eric Mackenzie is set to return for the Eagles against Carlton on Saturday night, but Matt Rosa's comeback will likely be through the WAFL.

Mackenzie has missed the past two matches with a hamstring injury, while Rosa is yet to play this season following a thigh injury in the NAB Cup.

Rosa will likely resume with East Perth, although he will be considered for the green vest role.

Mackenzie will come straight back into the side if he is declared fit after training today.

Mitch Brown is set to be forced out to make way for Mackenzie, while Bradd Dalziell is in line for a recall to replace Andrew Embley.

Embley (foot) and Beau Waters (calf) are the latest additions to the West Coast injury list.

Daniel Kerr pulled up well from his first game of the season against Melbourne.

Coach John Worsfold said the club was trying to determine the causes of its injury crisis.

"It's been pretty tough, but we certainly try not to look at it as though we're unlucky," he said.

"We try to look at it as, 'is there ways we can manage things better?' and we challenge ourselves to look at possible reasons why.

"So we'll deal with that again. We got a couple of players back on the weekend but we lost another two or three, including Brant Colledge through the WAFL.

"But we're focused on what we've got to work with and while we're doing that, we're trying to make sure that we're doing everything as well as possible to avoid some of these injuries."

Worsfold said he was wary of the Blues despite their winless start to the new season.

"They've played three really good sides and their form's been pretty solid without getting across the line," he said.

"So we're treating Carlton on what we know, which is they're playing pretty good footy, they're a good team and it's going to be a real challenge for us again this week."

The match will see Worsfold resume his coaching rivalry with his former premiership coach Mick Malthouse, who will coach Carlton against the Eagles for the first time.

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Pav scrutiny 'unwarranted': Barlow

SLOW START: Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich has kicked 2.6 in the first three games of the season. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE midfielder Michael Barlow has dismissed scrutiny over Matthew Pavlich's form as "unwarranted", saying the Dockers skipper was still proving his worth in the team.

Pavlich failed to hit the scoreboard and had just 10 touches in Friday night's narrow loss to Essendon, marking his lowest disposal count at Patersons Stadium since 2008.

It continued a circumspect opening to the season for the veteran, who has booted just 2.6 in three games on the back of a limited pre-season campaign.

But Barlow said there was no cause for concern with the skipper's form, saying scoreboard impact was not the only measure of his influence.

"I think the media scrutiny on him has been a little bit unwarranted," Barlow said this morning.

"We're right behind him. He's a great attribute for the club as a person, as a player and as a captain. The playing group couldn't be more committed to Matthew as a captain.

"His form - I think we saw last year he had a fantastic second half of the season, and there was some media scrutiny on him in the first half.

"We really value a lot of the things outsiders don't really see, and that's forward pressure and taking out their key back each week and being a main focus for the opposition.

"I think he's still supplying us with plenty of positive attributes at this point in the season."

Barlow said he was unaware that Pavlich had been jeered by some sections of the Patersons Stadium crowd after marking in the final term on Friday night.

"The fans obviously want to see him kicking six or seven goals like we all do," Barlow said.

"But we really value his pressure and his ability to bring the ball to ground.

"Friday night was one of those games where it was never going to be a walk in the park for a key forward. But the number of times he provided a contest and brought the ball to ground for guys like Chris Mayne and Michael Walters and Hayden Ballantyne was really positive for us, and I think that can't be overlooked."

Barlow will play his 50th game against Hawthorn at Launceston's Aurora Stadium on Saturday, marking a milestone of persistence for the 25-year-old.

Barlow was drafted as a mature-aged recruit and had to overcome a broken leg in his first season in 2010 to return to the top level.

"I just focus on one game at a time. I know it's an old cliché, but with my background it's a philosophy I really try and approach," Barlow said.

"I'm just really looking forward to pulling on the jumper for the Fremantle Football Club, because I'm forever indebted to the place.

"They've been fantastic for me, providing the opportunity to be an AFL footballer."

Dockers defender Luke McPharlin will be assessed later in the week after being forced out of the Bombers clash early in the first term following a bump from Paddy Ryder.

Ryder this morning accepted a three-week ban for the hit.

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson
 

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The Barometer: Round 4

Luke Hodge slides in to Harry O'Brien's legs and umpires award the Hawks skipper a free kick, and report O'Brien.

GWS's No. 1 draft pick Jonathon Patton has sustained yet another knee injury.

Two Essendon players face nervous waits from the AFL match review panel after seperate bumps in Friday night's clach against Fremantle

Hawthorn defender Brian Lake is ready to return. Picture: Stephen Harman Source: Herald Sun

WHO'S hurt and who is in line for selection at your club?

ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Nathan van Berlo (knee) test
Sam Shaw (hamstring) 8 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Luke Brown had a Showdown he'd rather forget chasing Port Adelaide young gun Chad Wingard (three goals in the last quarter). His efforts in Round 1 and 2 should hold him in good stead. Graham Johncock could be in strife after failing to fire in his return to the side. The veteran goalsneak kicked 1.2 and two of his five disposals were clangers. Brodie Smith (collarbone) and Nathan van Berlo must prove their fitness during the week.

ON THE CUSP: Ian Callinan did his chances of a recall no harm picking up 19 disposals including five clearances and a goal in the SANFL. Jared Lyons had the ball on a string while Tom Lynch clunked 12 marks to go with 29 disposals.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: A week is a very long time in footy. Just imagine what a year must feel like. Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson could do no wrong 12 months ago. Yesterday, the Crows recorded their second loss in three matches, blowing a six-goal lead against rival Port Adelaide. The Crows lost the midfield battle, trailing a young and hungry Port side in clearances and hitouts. The Crows need Patrick Dangerfield, who went missing in the second half, and Jacobs to lift to get their season back on track. But expect the Crows to bounce back against the Dogs.

BRISBANE

INJURIES
Simon Black (knee) 1 week
Brent Staker (foot) 1 week
Jesse O'Brien (adductor) 5 weeks
Stephen Wrigley (knee) season
Jared Polec (knee) TBA
Matt McGuire (leg) 4 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Jared Polec twisted his knee in a marking contest and could be in trouble. Stefan Martin was subbed off after kicking a goal. If fit, he plays. Elliot Yeo (13 disposals, four clangers, 54 per cent efficiency) and substitute James Polkinghorne (eight touches at 50 per cent) didn't set the world alight.

ON THE CUSP: Sam Docherty and Marco Paparone put in strong performances for the Lions reserves. Docherty, a rebounding defender with silky skills, was named best afield while key post Paparone bagged three goals. Tried forwards Aaron Cornelius and Jordan Lisle also figured in the goals.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: It wasn't pretty against Gold Coast, but a win's a win. Jonathan Brown was the difference, piling on five goals in the QClash. Brown will again be critical if the Lions are to beat North Melbourne on Sunday. And, his record speaks for itself. Brown has kicked more goals (52) against North than any other team except Carlton (54). Daniel Rich enjoyed more freedom after copping tags while Pearce Hanley is proving a revelation off half-back.

CARLTON

INJURIES
Eddie Betts (jaw) 1 week
Andrew McInnes (knee) 9-10 weeks
Jarrad Waite (calf) test
Matthew Kreuzer (finger) 6-8 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Kreuzer is a huge loss for the 0-3 Blues with scans confirming a fracture in the star ruckman's thumb. Substitute Dylan Buckley struggled to make an impact after kicking a goal with his first kick in league footy within 15 seconds of shedding the sub's vest in the second quarter.

ON THE CUSP: Rob Warnock looks a walk-up start for Kreuzer's spot after dominating the stoppages with 51 hitouts in the Northern Blues' demolition of Bendigo. Warnock also collected 20 disposals and kicked a goal in the 164-point hammering. Jeremy Laidler (three goals) starred as a lead-up forward while Ed Curnow (27 possessions) and David Ellard (20 disposals, three goals) got plenty of the ball. Simon White and Nick Duigan were solid on a quiet afternoon for defenders. Meanwhile, Andrew Collins collected 17 possessions in his first hitout from a six week injury layoff.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: The Blues aren't playing as bad as their 0-3 record suggests. Chris Judd is enjoying his football again, while Andrew Walker has been a revelation off half back. Bryce Gibbs is starting to live up to all the expectation and Chris Yarran poses a threat every time he goes near it. But fadeouts are costing the Blues. On Saturday night the Blues were outscored nine goals to two between the 14-minute mark of the second quarter and 19 minutes into the third. It was a similar story against the Magpies, with the Blues outscored seven goals to three in the last quarter. The next month is critical starting Saturday against West Coast (Patterson's Stadium) followed by winnable games against Adelaide (MCG), Melbourne (MCG) and St Kilda (Etihad).

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES
Dayne Beams (quad) test
Luke Ball (knee) test
Darren Jolly (ribs) 2 weeks
Clinton Young (hamstring) 3 weeks
Brodie Grundy (back) 3-5 weeks
Lachlan Keefe (knee) 4-6 weeks
Michael Hartley (shoulder) 5 weeks
Nick Maxwell (wrist) 6-7 weeks
Tim Broomhead (glandular fever) 8 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: An interesting week for the Pies after they were torn apart in the second half by Hawthorn. Ben Sinclair and was disappointing, Tyson Goldsack was quiet while several of their stars – led by Heath Shaw and Steele Sidebottom – let them down. They're obviously safe, making it hard to predict what changes Nathan Buckley will swing this week. Harry O'Brien will surely be safe after strangely being reported from this controversial incident.

ON THE CUSP: Several Pies are pressing. Paul Seedsman was terrific in the VFL, while Alan Didak played again and kicked a goal. Dayne Beams and Luke Ball aren't far away, while Jarrod Witts impressed but looks a long-shot to overtake Ben Hudson after the veteran's dazzling Pies debut yesterday.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: A Huge fortnight with the Pies to battle the two sashes – first the yellow then the red on Anzac Day – after their trouncing yesterday. In the next two weeks they should regain Beams and Ball with Andrew Krakouer, Ben Kennedy and Alan Didak keeping the pressure on the small forwards.

SUPERCOACH WATCH: Travis Cloke was back to his best kicking five and scoring 133. He's still just $456,000 after his horror 2012 but that's set to rocket upwards with a break-even of just 44 this week.

Collingwood defender Harry O'Brien was reported for this hit on Luke Hodge. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from every Round 3 match

ESSENDON

INJURIES
Michael Hurley (wrist) test

ON THE BLOCK: No block at Bomberland with the Dons retaining top place after another euphoric victory. But there could be forced outs with Paddy Ryder (three weeks) and Nick Kommer (two weeks) offered suspensions from the match review panel over these incidents. Michael Hurley finished the match clutching his wrist in pain and will be monitored this week but should be right, as is Dustin Fletcher who was subbed off with a slight groin strain. The only possible unforced omissions could be youngster Elliott Kavanagh, who was quiet, and Alwyn Davey, who was held goalless, but even they would be stiff.

ON THE CUSP: Everyone. If Hurley doesn't come up, lock in Scott Gumbleton or prodigy Joe Daniher. If Fletcher isn't right, Tayte Pears is ready to go. Should the Dons swing any other changes? Leroy Jetta is at the front of the pack after another 28 touches in the VFL. David Hille is likely to replace Ryder, while Jetta could snare Kommer's place.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: The Dons' injury list remains miniscule, they remain top of the table and, at least from an on-field perspective, things could not be rosier. A blossoming list, a wealth of young stars pressing for selection and another well-rounded team performance under James Hird. Should the Dons can cast aside the Saints on Saturday as most expect, all eyes will immediately turn to Anzac Day. Huge.

SUPERCOACH WATCH: David Zahrakis dropped $33,000 after starting in the green vest in Round 1 and wearing the red one in Round 2. He looks unders at $440,000 but if you want him act quickly as his Round 4 break-even is only 70.

FREMANTLE

INJURIES
Luke McPharlin (concussion) test
Zac Clarke (achilles) 1-2 weeks
Anthony Morabito (knee) indefinite
Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) 6-8 weeks
Jesse Crichton (quad) 2-3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Nick Suban (10 disposals at 50 per cent efficiency) was quiet after a strong start to the season. The Dockers will be hoping Luke McPharlin comes up after being subbed out with concussion Friday night.

ON THE CUSP: Youngster Hayden Crozier was solid in the WAFL with 18 disposals and seven marks. Lachie Neale amassed 27 possessions while Josh Mellington (23 touches, four inside-50s) looks ready to go after snapping his hamstring last year.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: The Dockers would have pencilled in Essendon as a win. Pity they didn't tell an inspired Bombers outfit about their plans. Now the Dockers must be at their "anyone, anywhere, any time" best if they're to upset the Hawks at their Tasmanian fortress. Nat Fyfe's form is a huge positive while Michael Walters is becoming increasingly dangerous around goal and Ross Lyon says he wants to give him a run in the midfield. Big game, but the Hawks should have a bit in hand.

GALLERY: The best 40 pictures from Round 3

GEELONG

INJURIES
James Kelly (calf) test
Jared Rivers (knee) 3 weeks
Travis Varcoe (shoulder) 12-14 weeks
Josh Cowan (Achilles) indefinite
Hamish McIntosh (knee) indefinite
George Burbury (foot) indefinite
Jed Bews (foot) indefinite
Dawson Simpson (back) Indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Travis Varcoe surely comes out and is expected to be booked in for surgery, sidelining the Cats 'star for up to three months. Jordan Murdoch was quiet and could slip out, but other than that it's happy days at the Cats who saluted again.

ON THE CUSP: He won't be rushed and certainly won't play on Friday night, but Daniel Menzel is back. The unlucky goalkicker got through his VFL return – after his third knee reconstruction – yesterday, picking up eight touches and booting a ripping goal from the boundary. Josh Hunt and Cam Guthrie also returned through the VFL, while Jordan Schroder and George Horlin-Smith were the best. But, with a five-day turnaround from the VFL to Round 4, Chris Scott will be wary of making too many changes.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: The Cats' perfect start continued, but they're still not thrilled with how they're playing. Scott and Jimmy Bartel have called for more consistent performances, and the Swans on Friday night looms as a good acid test. It's Geelong's fourth six-day break, but Scott has already shot that down as irrelevant saying there will be no excuses. Expect a couple of changes to keep the side fresh and to cover Varcoe, while James Kelly has already said he expects to return.

SUPERCOACH WATCH: Joel Selwood fell victim to Andrew Carrazzo on Saturday, chalking up just 74. The upside? If you don't have him he should drop to around $600k next week, with a break-even of 131.

Daniel Menzel celebrates a goal during his VFL comeback. Picture: Glenn Ferguson Source: Geelong Advertiser

GOLD COAST

INJURIES
Charlie Dixon (ankle) test
Liam Patrick (hamstring) 1 week
Seb Tape (knee) 1 week
Jesse Lonergan (wrist) 2 weeks
Campbell Brown (suspension) 3 weeks
Nathan Bock (leg) indefinite
Gary Ablett (hand) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: Ablett had scans today after suffering pain and swelling in his right hand, but says he'll be right to face Port Adelaide. Charlie Dixon was subbed off with an ankle scare, with coach Guy McKenna revealing he could miss a week. Jackson Allen was quiet on debut and fudged a moment in the last quarter where he could have touched a Tom Rockliff goal. Luke Russell had just seven touches after starting as the sub, but overall don't expect much change from what was a pretty good effort against the Lions.

ON THE CUSP: If Dixon doesn't come up, Dan Gorringe looks likely to replace him after two goals in the NEAFL. Tom Lynch booted three and is available to provide a target up forward if needed, while superboot Trent McKenzie put in a strong effort in the reserves to stay in the mix.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: The Suns' friendly stretch to start the season continues with duels against Port Adelaide (home), GWS, Freo (home) and the Demons to come. With Lonergan, Brown, Tape and Patrick all set to return in that timeframe at least two more wins must be on Guy McKenna's mind.

SUPERCOACH WATCH: If you baulked on picking Gazza, it could prove the right move despite his phenomenal first-up performance. He's already dropped $22k and has a break-even of 192 this week. That means you could pick him up sub-$700k by Round 5 or 6.

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett finds space against Brisbane. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

GWS

INJURIES
Taylor Adams (hip) TBC
Rhys Palmer (calf) TBC
Matthew Buntine (lung) 3 weeks
Dom Tyson (knee) 5 weeks
Chad Cornes (shoulder) Indefinite
Jon Patton (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: Tragically, Jon Patton will come out and miss the rest of the season after rupturing his ACL in this incident. Lachie Plowman was quiet in defence, while Liam Sumner tracked at just 56 per cent efficiency in the loss to the Saints. Sam Reid started as the sub and remains on the fringe. Devon Smith has been offered a one-match suspension.

ON THE CUSP: Patton's blow could revive the career of forgotten tall Setanta O'hAilpin. The ex-Blue booted five goals in the NEAFL, while livewire Anthony Miles was good – again – and is desperately close to a recall. High draft picks Adam Tomlinson and Kristian Jaksch are also edging towards the senior side.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: Kevin Sheedy doesn't want to talk about Melbourne, but he knows a win against the Dees on Sunday could spell the end for counterpart Mark Neeld. That would be ironic given how publicly dirty Sheeds was at how Melbourne treated him when he applied for the gig Dean Bailey landed. The Giants could swing a few changes for the MCG clash with their reserves performing admirably and a thinning injury list.

SUPERCOACH WATCH: For the 37,000 SuperCoach with Patton, it's time to sell. Look at Tiger Ricky Petterd, who will shoot up in value next week. At least Patton made you $10,000 before going bust.

GWS forward Jonathon Patton screams in pain after twisting his knee during the second quarter. Picture: Kym Smith Source: The Daily Telegraph

HAWTHORN

INJURIES
Brad Sewell (hamstring) test
Derek Wanganeen (hamstring) 1 week
Xavier Ellis (calf) 2 weeks
Brendan Whitecross (knee) 6 weeks
Matthew Suckling (knee) indefinite
Alex Woodward (knee) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: After two barnstorming wins, they're a happy – and settled – team at Hawthorn. Expect little change for the Fremantle clash, with perhaps only a kid such as Taylor Duryea squeezed out this week

ON THE CUSP: Brian Lake. Yep, the two-time All-Australian is surely heading Matthew Pavlich's way after an impressive VFL outing against the Bombers. Expect Brad Sewell to miss again, with the Hawks tipped to take a cautious approach to their hard nut.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: Don't be surprised if the Hawks play all three talls – Lake, Ryan Schoenmakers and Josh Gibson – against the Dockers in a mix that could work this year. Lake to Pavlich, Schoenmakers to Bradley and Gibson to Mayne as well as playing loose could work nicely. The challenges continue with the Dockers, Roos and Crows away to come, but given their scintillating form expect the flag favourites to start all three at a short price.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Jordie McKenzie (calf) TBC
Jack Fitzpatrick (concussion) test
Lynden Dunn (hamstring tightness) test
Nathan Stark (knee) test
Joel Macdonald (hamstring) 1 weeks
Chris Dawes (hamstring) 2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Plenty of players put themselves on the block in the second half against the Eagles. Mark Jamar's horrible season continues with the big fella failing to take a mark and finding one kick. Aaron Davey was subbed out with five kicks, Cam Pedersen again battled while Jimmy Toumpas – who will be a super midfielder – doesn't look up to AFL standard just yet.

ON THE CUSP: Boy, wouldn't the Demons love to blood Jesse Hogan this week? They've got a ripper in the teenage power forward from out west. He monstered North Ballarat in the VFL with four goals and a clutch of marks, but can't debut until next season. Max Gawn was terrific again, ramping up the heat on Jamar, while James Strauss tried hard. As for Jack Watts? He didn't play anywhere, with the Dees bizarrely taking their three emergencies to the MCG on Saturday.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: Swing the axe again or stick fat with a side that looked very capable for a half with increased intensity? A huge week looms for the Dees ahead of a simply must-win clash against GWS at the home of footy. It's not often finals are played in April, but this looks exactly that for Melbourne coach Mark Neeld.

SUPERCOACH WATCH: Looking to make some cash in the backline? Dean Terlich ($109k) is on the bubble this week, and looks to be good for about 60 points a week.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Liam Anthony (knee) test

ON THE BLOCK: Taylor Hine was OK in his debut for the Kangaroos while Kieran Harper was again subbed out. Harper laid seven tackles, second only to skipper Andrew Swallow (11), which could hold him in good stead.

ON THE CUSP: Liam Anthony has recovered well from knee soreness and will be thereabouts at selection. Ben Jacobs responded well to his omission last week putting in a strong performance for VFL-affiliate North Ballarat. Ayden Kennedy was named best for Werribee. Kangaroos Brad Scott revealed last night on Fox Footy's On the Couch that Majak Daw was close to making his long-awaited debut. Scott said it was only a matter of fitting in all the talls in the Kangaroos forward line.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: North was competitive outside of the third quarter when Sydney piled on 11 goals. But blowing leads has been the order of the season for the Kangaroos so far. Scott will be looking for a vastly improved performance against Brisbane on Sunday at Etihad Stadium. Watch for Drew Petrie to bounce back after being towelled up by All-Australian defender Ted Richards.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Brett Ebert (adductor) 5 weeks
Nick Salter (foot) test
Paul Stewart (knee) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: Sad to see him go, but rookie Kane Mitchell will be off on SANFL duties barring a major injury setback at Alberton. With Nick Salter recovered from a foot injury, Mitchell is headed back to the rookie list. Port is waiting on scans of the knee injury forward Paul Stewart sustained during the Showdown.

ON THE CUSP: Sam Colquhoun did his chances of an AFL debut no harm picking up 22 disposals in the SANFL. Cameron Hitchcock jagged four goals while former skipper Dom Cassisi collected 21 touches including four inside-50s.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Port showed plenty of guts and determination yesterday wearing down cross-town rival Adelaide in the Showdown. Port's youngsters (Wines, Neade and Stevenson) look comfortable on the big stage. Add Justin Westhoff's remarkable turnaround (nine goals in two weeks), Travis Boak's maturity as captain and Hamish Hartlett's class and all is well at Alberton. Former Gold Coast assistant Ken Hinkley's intimate knowledge of Metricon and the way the Suns go about it could be critical come Saturday night.

RICHMOND

INJURIES
Nathan Foley (Achilles) test

ON THE BLOCK: Hear that? It's tumbleweeds blowing through the "on the block" section. The Tigers are up and about and every player is pulling his weight. The one exception might be Brandon Ellis, who only took the sub's vest off halfway through the last quarter against the Dogs. After starting as the sub two weeks in a row, he might be given a run in the VFL. Jake Batchelor was a late withdrawal yesterday but only for team balance.

ON THE CUSP: Coburg suffered a 100-point defeat in the VFL with Robin Nahas the standout with 27 disposals. Nick Vlastuin was at Etihad Stadium as an emergency for the senior team and didn't play. David Astbury returned but suffered another leg scare, although early indications are he'll be OK to line up for Coburg again this week. Nathan Foley is set to return from a long-term Achilles problem next week.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: After knocking off a couple of other mid-range sides and demolishing the Bulldogs, but the next three weeks will tell us if Richmond has really arrived: Collingwood (MCG), Fremantle (Patersons Stadium), Geelong (MCG). The last time Richmond defeated Collingwood the goalkickers included Graham Polak, Kayne Pettifer and Greg Tivendale. Can't wait to see Cotchin, Deledio and Martin go head-to-head with Pendlebury, Swan and Thomas. Get there early.

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin nabbed by Bulldog Luke Dahlhaus. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

ST KILDA

INJURIES
Daniel Markworth (ACL) season
Sean Dempster (hand) 3 weeks
James Gwilt (knee) 2-4 weeks
Jackson Ferguson (knee) 3 weeks
Adam Schneider (hamstring) 3-5 weeks
Jack Newnes (broken jaw) 1-2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Don't expect many moves at selection this week after the Saints did what they'll do to bottom teams this year. New boys Tom Lee and Nathan Wright did enough for another run, with Wright particularly impressive against the Giants. There will be one forced change with Jack Newnes out with a broken jaw, suffered in a run-in with GWS big man Dean Brogan in the second quarter. Arryn Siposs could come back in after he was left out at the last minute on Saturday.

ON THE CUSP: Tom Hickey dominated the ruck for Sandringham, while Seb Ross found plenty of the ball through the middle and Trent Dennis-Lane kicked three goals in a 32-point loss to Geelong. Justin Koschitzke kicked a goal and was named in the best.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Huge game coming up against Essendon – and Brendon Goddard – at Etihad Stadium on Saturday. The Bombers have injury and suspension worries and could suffer a let-down after a physically and emotionally draining win in Perth. With Sydney and Collingwood to follow, St Kilda needs to win this to stay in touch with the eight.

SYDNEY

INJURIES
Alex Johnson (knee) season
Gary Rohan (leg) indefinite
Rhyce Shaw (abdominal strain) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: Substitute Craig Bird (six disposals) didn't get much of a run and could be at risk.

ON THE CUSP: Mitch Morton put paid to NEAFL minnow Tuggeranong booting 11 goals in the Swans reserves' 194-point demolition job. Irishman Tommy Walsh slotted seven of his own.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: The Swans look to be building nicely ahead of Friday night's blockbuster against Geelong. Josh Kennedy, Ryan O'Keefe, Kieren Jack and Dan Hannebery haven't missed a beat while Jude Bolton (four goals) must have the Swans hierarchy thinking about 2014. The Swans' ruck division (Mike Pyke and Shane Mumford) had too much firepower for Todd Goldstein and should stretch the undermanned Cats at the stoppages. Looms as a snapshot of what we might see come September.

WEST COAST

INJURIES
Nic Naitanui (groin) indefinite
Mark Nicoski (hamstring) 4 weeks
Matthew Rosa (thigh) 2 weeks
Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) 2-3 weeks
Brad Sheppard (shoulder) TBA
Scott Lycett (ankle) test
Beau Waters (calf) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: Substitute Jamie Cripps could only must six disposals at 50 per cent efficiency. Late inclusion Jacob Brennan (eight disposals) is no certainty to keep his spot.

ON THE CUSP: Beau Waters must overcome a calf strain sustained last week during the pre-match warm-up. Bradd Dalziel answered his critics collecting 32 disposals in the WAFL after being dropped. Patrick McGinnity worked hard on the comeback trail from a back injury while Fraser McInnes booted two goals.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: How good is the Eagles forward line? Josh Kennedy is making every shot count after missing the bulk of last season. Jack Darling is showing no signs of slowing down while Mark LeCras is as clever as ever close to goal. Add the firepower Dean Cox brings to the table and this team will be thereabouts come September. A huge opportunity to go back-to-back on Saturday night while banishing the Blues to a debilitating 0-4 start.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES
Tom Williams (foot) available
Ayce Cordy (soreness) test
Dylan Addison (hamstring) test
Matthew Boyd (calf) test
Nathan Hrovat (calf) 1 week
Lin Jong (leg) TBC
Tory Dickson (ankle) 8 weeks
Easton Wood (hamstring) 6 weeks
Shaun Higgins (foot) season

ON THE BLOCK: Mass changes loom for the Dogs unfortunately. Wood's hamstring looked a shocker, meaning he could be sidelined for quite some time. And Tory Dickson's ankle appears just as bad. Put a line through him for a chunk of the season as well. And luckless forward Shaun Higgins has been ruled out for the rest of the year with a foot injury. Tom Campbell was quiet after coming in as a late change for Cordy.

ON THE CUSP: This is where it gets exciting. Picks 5 and 6 – Jake Stringer and Jackson Macrae – are both heavily in the mix to debut this week, while skipper Matthew Boyd should return from his calf tear. Stringer could get the nod to replace Dickson as a forward. He booted four consecutive goals to ignite Williamstown on Saturday, finishing with five, and has a body ready for AFL. Macrae's trademark sidestep was eye-catching again, while Tom Williams returned in the VFL from a foot injury.  Want to see more of Macrae's dazzling tricks bag? Take a look here.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: An encouraging start to the season unravelled against the Tigers, conceding 62 forward entries including 20 in the first term. If the kids get picked it'll add some excitement, while with a delicately young side still the odd disappointment can't be avoided.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Brendan McCartney the coach of the Bulldogs talks to his players during the round three AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on April 14, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source:

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