YOU want the best for your children, so you'd better avoid these eight actions 'that will guarantee your child will suffer from depression, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, a sense of entitlement and chronic emotional problems throughout his or her life.'
Eddie Betts and James Podsiadly are like two new coaches, says Adelaide's acting co-captains. Picture: Sam Wundke Source: News Limited
ACTING Adelaide co-captains Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane have described the recruitment of free agents Eddie Betts and James Podsiadly as having two additional coaches as the club sets up a tilt at the 2014 finals.
Dangerfield, who will share the skipper's duties with Rory Sloane until Nathan van Berlo returns from season-threatening Achilles surgery, said the high-profile forwards had been invaluable over summer.
Both of them have impressive runs on the board: Podsiadly was the leading goalkicker at Geelong in 2011 while Betts was Carlton's most prolific in both 2010 and 2012.
What had impressed Dangerfield more than the pair's talents was how quickly they had been able to acclimatise and become important voices at training.
There is little surprise Podsiadly fits that description: he worked as a fitness coach at Geelong before being whistled up as a late recruit from the club's VFL ranks.
But Betts, a lively little forward with a quick smile and a funny line, has been similarly influential and proved to be somebody with vast insights he is keen to share with his new teammates..
"I think Rory would be the same,'' Dangerfield said.
"We can't speak highly enough of how they've integrated themselves from a different system into ours.
"It's been outstanding.
"Eddie's been brilliant and Pods, it's like he's been here for 10 years.''
Sloane and Dangerfield will bring different qualities to the captaincy as van Berlo recovers: Sloane will act as the motivator while Dangerfield is the one who leads with his match-changing ways.
But the assistance of van Berlo, Podsiadly and Betts will be pivotal to their stand-in captaincy.
Ask Sloane about the impact of Betts, who grew up as a Crows supporter in Port Lincoln, and Sloane could not be clearer.
"They've both bought into to where we want to go,'' Sloane said.
"Straight away, they're both having input with the younger guys.
``Eddie's doing an amazing job working with some young guys already.
``And Pods is spending heaps of time working with guys like `Shaunie Mac' (Shaun McKernan), Josh Jenkins, and Taylor (Walker).
``Having those guys come in, bit more senior players, also provide a bit of coaching for our younger guys coming through.''
Dangerfield and Sloane's assessment of Betts and Podsiadly come as Taylor Walker, the club's most important forward, cast his support behind the stand-in captains after joining the leadership group.
Walker spent most of last year on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, but remained a constant presence around the club in what was a difficult year for the Crows.
From the outside, he is seen as a character who shoots from the hip. Social media doesn't disprove that notion. But those inside the club speak of a different side to Walker, one who is as dedicated to his recovery as he is to his teammates.
"We want to get back to playing consistent and competitive footy, and finals footy is where we should be," Walker said.
"Over the past few years, 'Sloaney' and 'Danger' have showed what they can do both on and off the field.
"We've got a great group of leaders but also great people around those leaders, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what those boys can do."
Kyle Hartigan is an obvious replacement for Ben Rutten at full-back when the veteran defender retires. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Limited
UPGRADED rookie Kyle Hartigan has credited Ben "Truck'' Rutten for much of the sharp rise in form that earned him a spot on the senior list and will continue to seek his counsel.
Hartigan has been earmarked as the ideal replacement for Rutten when the veteran full-back retires but today dismissed suggestions he was ready to fight him for the spot.
Instead, Hartigan said he would seek to learn as much as possible from Rutten.
"Truck's still going really well; he's had a really good pre-season,'' Hartigan said. "It's going to be healthy that we've got a good bunch of back guys fighting for spots and pushing each other along.
"I just need to focus on learning as much as I can from Truck. Not that I need to wrestle it (the spot) away from him or anything like that. I just need to play good footy and what will happen, will happen.
"Truck's been around for a long time and he's got a wealth of experience. If I can learn as much as he knows while he's still here, then that will be really good for me.''
Heath Shaw models his No.23 jumper. Source: News Limited
EXPECT to see the No.23 all over Sydney this year.
With Lance Franklin carrying the number at the Swans, it's fair to assume that kids and adults alike will be keen to have 23 on their backs when the season starts.
It's also the jersey to watch across town at the GWS Giants.
Former Collingwood star Heath Shaw will wear the No.23 jersey at the Giants to honour his father and former Magpies captain Ray Shaw.
This will be the first season in 40 years that a Shaw hasn't been involved at Collingwood and it's fitting that Heath, who wore No. 9 at the Magpies, takes the number his dad wore with such distinction.
NEW JUMPER NUMBERS AT YOUR CLUB
"Dad wore (No.23) for his career at Collingwood so I thought it would be pretty fitting to wear that number here and I'm looking forward to it," Shaw said.
"Fresh start, fresh number, fresh state and I'm really looking forward to all these changes coming together for the new year.
"New spot in the locker room, too, which is good. Everything's new."
GWS recruit Heath Shaw Source: News Limited
While Shaw's trade to GWS was unexpected, even to him, it's now in the past as he looks excitedly to a new season. He sees it as a way to relaunch his career in Sydney.
"I was pretty shattered at the start, but it's like being dumped by your ex-girlfriend. You're not going to be going and knocking on her door when you've been dumped. I had a few clubs interested and I chose GWS," he said.
"It helps when your old club doesn't want you any more, though. But coming up here to a new club and new facilities and moving interstate it's been really refreshing for me."
TOP SUPERCOACH PICK AT EVERY CLUB
Shaw has been training with GWS for eight weeks and is enjoying every minute of it. With his promotion to the leadership group, he is confident he can help bring the experience to help the team improve.
"I know I'm a lot older than a lot of these guys and I've got a lot of things I want to tell them," he said.
"I think this group is growing each week and you can see the improvement from when we first started training to now and, personally, I can improve as well by coming up here."
Shaw is embracing his new home at Sydney Olympic Park, having recently moved out of his brother's house (Sydney Swans defender Rhyce Shaw) and into a place with two teammates.
ack Hombsch has bulke up. Picture: Simon Cross Source: News Limited
JACK Hombsch has added the muscle needed to become a genuine AFL key defender and put his hand up to replace injured Power teammate Jackson Trengove.
Hombsch played most of last season at 88kgs - too light to wrestle with the true power forwards of the AFL.
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ROHAN READY TO RUN RIVALS RAGGED
GOODES NAMED AUSTRALIAN OF THE YEAR
While he was still a viable option as a third tall defender - particularly because of his offensive capabilities - the Power appears to have decided they'd prefer him to be capable of backing up key bigs Alipate Carlile and Trengove when required.
That planning paid off this week when Trengove badly jarred his knee at training.
Now past the 90kg mark after end of season hip surgery left him chained to the weight room, Hombsch is capable of slotting in at centre half back when trials begin next month.
"One of the benefits of having the hip surgery was I wasn't able to run for eight weeks so I could spend a lot of time in the gym and I'm feeling stronger than last year," Hombsch said.
"Definitely being stronger in the legs and through the body it helps in those one on one contests."
Jack Hombsch. Source: News Limited
The former GWS recruit is also preparing for a slight shift in focus on the field - ensuring he is 100 per cent focused on shutting down his man.
"If you try and be something you're not you can fall into a trap and not play as good footy - you've got to play to your strengths," Hombsch said.
"But if Jacko's not playing someone has to take the bigger forward so you may have to shift your focus a little bit defensively."
Hombsch played six games last season - including the stirring round 14 victory against Collingwood alongside Trengove and Carlile.
But more often than not coach Ken Hinkley was reluctant to play all three together, forcing Hombsch to watch Port's finals campaign from the sidelines.
"I was emergency both times so I went over with the team," he said. "It was an amazing feeling to see the boys win that first final after everything we'd gone through from the years before.
"At the same time you're a little bit disappointed that you're not playing."
Hombsch, who moved out of his parent's home this summer and is now living with teammate Brendon Ah Chee and delisted rookie Danny Butcher in Brompton, is working hard to avoid a repeat this year.
"I just want to play consistently and cement a spot in the team," he said. "Last year it took me halfway through the year to get in the team. I want to be there for round one."
IT doesn't nearly have the zest of a doping scandal - or a cast of quite so colourful characters - but short of a fistful of infraction notices to Essendon players, equalisation is set to be THE issue this season.
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Adelaide captain Nathan van Berlo (right) with the Crows' 2014 leadership group, from left, Richard Douglas, Scott Thompson, Rory Sloane, Sam Jacobs, Patrick Dangerfield and Taylor Walker. Picture: Stephen Laffer. Source: News Limited
ADELAIDE captain Nathan van Berlo has sought the counsel of North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow as he comes to grips with his ruptured Achilles tendon and begins his fight to play again this season.
MORE: Dangerfield, Sloane to co-captain Crows
Swallow suffered the same injury in July last year and will be a regular sounding board for van Berlo, who has been announced captain for 2014 despite the injury while vice-captains Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane will take his place until he returns.
Van Berlo spoke about the training accident that led to his season-threatening injury for the first time at West Lakes on Friday afternoon and said it had all been a bit of a blur.
He had been angry, frustrated and disappointed in the wake of his injury but has since resolved to move on with his recovery and continue his off-field duties as captain. He is also expected to work closely with the coaching staff and players during his time off.
"I had a good chat with Andrew last week and he was really good to pass on some wise words from his experience," van Berlo said.
"I told him I'd keep in touch just to pick his brain when I need to, to see how I'm travelling."
Collingwood president Eddie McGuire cautions against hysteria in the matter of a racial slur directed at Swans champ Adam Goodes, allegedly from a teenage Pies fan.
AFL star and Australian of the Year finalist Adam Goodes. Source: News Limited
AFL player and Aboriginal leader Adam Goodes has been named Australian of the Year for 2014.
Goodes was honoured for his leadership and advocacy in the fight against racism both on the sporting field and within society more broadly.
An indigenous Andyamathanha man, Goodes is a champion AFL player with the Sydney Swans.
He holds an elite place in AFL history, with two Brownlow Medals and two premierships.
``Thank you Australia for this award. This is a huge honour,'' Goodes told the crowd at the ceremony in Canberra.
Goodes said growing up as an indigenous Australian he had seen his fair share of racism.
``I believe racism is a community issue which we all need to address and that's why racism stops with me,'' he said.
Last year, the focus shifted momentarily from Goodes' outstanding playing ability to a racial slur on the field.
In a Swans match against Collingwood last May, a teenage girl called Goodes an ``ape'' from the grandstand.
Goodes said he turned the incident into an educational tool to teach indigenous Australians and minority groups to say no to racism.
The 34-year-old is a four-time All-Australian, member of the Indigenous Team of the Century, and has represented Australia in the International Rules Series.
He is actively involved with several indigenous sport and community programs, and has spent time working with troubled youngsters, including in youth detention centres.
RELATED: Hey, true-blue Aussies - let's take an Australia Day stand
Together with his cousin and former teammate Michael O'Loughlin, he established the GO Foundation which seeks to empower the next generation of indigenous role models.
Goodes made it clear he would have racism in his sights over the coming year.
``My hope is that we as a nation can break down the silos between races, break down those stereotypes of minority populations,'' he said.
``I hope we can be proud of our heritage, regardless of the colour of our skin and be proud to be Australian.
``The ultimate reward is when all Australians see each other as equals, and treat each other as equals.''
Goodes' mother Lisa, a member of the Stolen Generation, was among those in the crowd for the announcement.
Goodes receives his award from Prime Minister Tony Abbott. Source: AAP Source: Supplied
Australian of the Year 2014 - Adam Goodes (NSW)
- Joined Sydney Swans in 1997
- Dual Brownlow medallist
- Two AFL premiership victories
- Mentor to indigenous kids, establishing Go Foundation with his cousin and former teammate Michael O'Loughlin
Jacqueline Freney from New South Wales at a morning tea hosted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: News Limited
Jacqueline Freney is no stranger to a podium but usually it's right beside a swimming pool.
On Saturday it wasn't another gold medal for the the Paralympic swimmer but instead a national honour, as the 21-year-old was named Young Australian of the Year for 2014.
``This is a significant day not only for me but for also for the Paralympic movement as it reflects the unique role Paralympians play in society,'' the Brisbane-born athlete said as she accepted her award.
Cerebral palsy has not stopped Freney achieving sporting success, and at the London 2012 Games she won eight gold medals - the greatest haul by any athlete in the Australian team.
In fact, she won a gold medal for every event in which she competed and set two world records.
The performance earned her the crown as Australia's 2012 Paralympian of the Year.
``Please understand that I'm just a country girl who was born with extra life challenges,'' Freney told the Canberra crowd.
``I'm an example of how a child with special needs can develop and achieve with support, guidance, encouragement and opportunity.
``I ask that all Australians respect each other's diversity and acknowledge their ability to contribute to this great country.''
Freney's efforts have continued out of the pool, working with Swimming Australia as a motivational speaker to inspire other athletes with disabilities.
Freney's current focus is training for the 2016 Rio Paralympics.
Young Australian of the Year 2014 - Jacqueline Freney (NSW)
- Aged 21
- Paralympic gold medal winning swimmer
- Most successful Australian of the London 2012 Paralympic Games
* * *
Senior Australian of the Year Fred Chaney AO, at a morning tea hosted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: News Limited
Former federal politician Fred Chaney's contribution to Australian society remains resolute, as does his championing of indigenous rights since his departure from parliament in 1993.
The one-time Liberal senator and lower house MP for Western Australia, 72, has been named Senior Australian of the Year in recognition of his commitment to reconciliation and human rights.
Stepping up to accept his award in Canberra on Saturday, Mr Chaney voiced his hope that Australia will soon achieve constitutional recognition for indigenous people.
``I have one learning I've taken from the past 50 years and that is for the prime minister to meet his ambition, for all of us to meet our ambitions to close the gap and to do the right thing by Aboriginal people,'' Mr Chaney said after stepping forward to accept his award on Saturday.
``We have to work in partnership with Aboriginal people ... and if we do that then the political firepower that's being directed, the bureaucratic firepower and the community firepower will enable the Aboriginal people of Australia to have their rightful place in this country.''
Mr Chaney served as minister for Aboriginal affairs in the Fraser government but his commitment to indigenous rights began earlier.
He was an early advocate for Aboriginal voting rights in the 1960s and he later helped establish the Aboriginal Legal Service of WA.
Earlier on Saturday he recalled the ``brilliant campaign'' leading up to the 1967 referendum which allowed indigenous people to be counted in the census and for parliament to make laws concerning them.
He hopes a similarly strong momentum will build ahead of a planned referendum on recognising Aboriginal people in the constitution.
``In all his leadership roles, Mr Chaney inspires others to work collaboratively, respectfully and ambitiously to overcome the barriers that inhibit people's full economic and social participation in Australian society,'' a statement from the National Australia Day Council said.
Mr Chaney has served in a senior role with the National Native Title Tribunal and other advocacy groups, including the Graham (Polly) Farmer Foundation, which supports young indigenous people to reach their full potential.
The father of three, who trained as a lawyer, was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) in 1997 for his service to parliament and the Aboriginal community.
Senior Australian of the Year 2014 - Fred Chaney (WA)
- Federal Minister for Aboriginal Affairs in Fraser Government
- Early advocate for Aboriginal voting rights
- Founding co-chair of Reconciliation Australia
* * *
Local Hero, Tim Conolan, at the morning tea hosted by Prime Minister Tony Abbott at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: News Limited
Tim Conolan has been a hero for millions of sick children over the past 15 years and now the title is official.
The Victorian founder and boss of children's charity TLC For Kids has been named Australia's Local Hero for 2014 by the National Australia Day Council.
``To say that I'm overwhelmed is a complete understatement,'' the 44-year-old said as he accepted the honour in Canberra.
He says he set up TLC for Kids because of a lack of services for sick children.
``I believe that any sick child, regardless of their illness, has a right to support,'' he said.
And all sick children should have the opportunity to smile, he said.
``I believe that we are living in the best country in the world and with enough support and everyone getting behind us we can all make a difference. So let's make 2014 the year of the smile,'' he said.
He said the real heroes were the sick children, their families and the hospital staff that help them everyday.
Started in 1998, Mr Conolan's charity offers practical and emotional support to ill youngsters and their families at hundreds of hospitals across the country.
One of TLC's programs includes supplying therapeutic toys and items used by health-care professionals to guide children through frightening and painful procedures.
As a young man Mr Conolan was asked to address a cancer support group as a motivational speaker, where he was inspired to help some of the seriously-ill children he met.
Since then the entrepreneur has made it his mission to ensure all children in hospital have the support they need.
Australia's Local Hero 2014 - Tim Conolan (VIC)
- Set up charity TLC for kids in 1998
- Has helped more than four million sick children and their families
- Former DJ
* * *
THE FULL LIST OF AUSTRALIANS OF THE YEAR
2014 - Adam Goodes
2013 - Ita Buttrose
2012 - Geoffrey Rush
2011 - Simon McKeon
2010 - Prof Patrick McGorry
2009 - Prof Mick Dodson
2008 - Lee Kernaghan
2007 - Prof Tim Flannery
2006 - Prof Ian Frazer
2005 - Dr Fiona Wood
2004 - Steve Waugh
2003 - Prof Fiona Stanley
2002 - Pat Rafter
2001 - Lt Gen Peter Cosgrove
2000 - Sir Gustav Nossal
1999 - Mark Taylor
1998 - Cathy Freeman
1997 - Prof Peter Doherty
1996 - Dr John Yu
1995 - Arthur Boyd
1994 - Ian Kiernan
1992 - Mandawuy Yunupingu
1991 - Archbishop Peter Hollingworth
1990 - Dr Fred Hollows
1989 - Allan Border
1988 - Kay Cottee
1987 - John Farnham
1986 - Dick Smith
1985 - Paul Hogan
1984 - Lowitja O'Donoghue
1983 - Robert de Castella
1982 - Sir Edward Williams
1981 - Sir John Crawford
1980 - Manning Clark
1979 - Harry Butler, Senator Neville Bonner
1978 - Alan Bond, Galarrwuy Yunupingu
1977 - Sir Murray Tyrrell, Dame Raigh Roe
1976 - Sir Edward 'Weary' Dunlop
1975 - Major General Alan Stretton
1975 - Sir John Cornforth
1974 - Sir Bernard Heinze
1973 - Patrick White
1972 - Shane Gould
1971 - Evonne Goolagong
1970 - Cardinal Sir Norman Gilroy
1969 - Richard Gardiner Casey
1968 - Lionel Rose
1967 - The Seekers
1966 - Sir Jack Brabham
1965 - Sir Robert Helpmann
1964 - Dawn Fraser
1963 - Sir John Eccles
1962 - Alexander 'Jock' Sturrock
1961 - Dame Joan Sutherland
1960 - Sir Macfarlane Burnet
Source: National Australia Day Council. No award given in 1993
###
Adelaide captain Nathan van Berlo (right) with the Crows' 2014 leadership group, from left, Richard Douglas, Scott Thompson, Rory Sloane, Sam Jacobs, Patrick Dangerfield and Taylor Walker. Picture: Stephen Laffer. Source: News Limited
ADELAIDE captain Nathan van Berlo has sought the counsel of North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow as he comes to grips with his ruptured Achilles tendon and begins his fight to play again this season.
MORE: Dangerfield, Sloane to co-captain Crows
Swallow suffered the same injury in July last year and will be a regular sounding board for van Berlo, who has been announced captain for 2014 despite the injury while vice-captains Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane will take his place until he returns.
Van Berlo spoke about the training accident that led to his season-threatening injury for the first time at West Lakes on Friday afternoon and said it had all been a bit of a blur.
He had been angry, frustrated and disappointed in the wake of his injury but has since resolved to move on with his recovery and continue his off-field duties as captain. He is also expected to work closely with the coaching staff and players during his time off.
"I had a good chat with Andrew last week and he was really good to pass on some wise words from his experience," van Berlo said.
"I told him I'd keep in touch just to pick his brain when I need to, to see how I'm travelling."
Heath Shaw models his No.23 jumper. Source: News Limited
EXPECT to see the No.23 all over Sydney this year.
With Lance Franklin carrying the number at the Swans, it's fair to assume that kids and adults alike will be keen to have 23 on their backs when the season starts.
It's also the jersey to watch across town at the GWS Giants.
Former Collingwood star Heath Shaw will wear the No.23 jersey at the Giants to honour his father and former Magpies captain Ray Shaw.
This will be the first season in 40 years that a Shaw hasn't been involved at Collingwood and it's fitting that Heath, who wore No. 9 at the Magpies, takes the number his dad wore with such distinction.
NEW JUMPER NUMBERS AT YOUR CLUB
"Dad wore (No.23) for his career at Collingwood so I thought it would be pretty fitting to wear that number here and I'm looking forward to it," Shaw said.
"Fresh start, fresh number, fresh state and I'm really looking forward to all these changes coming together for the new year.
"New spot in the locker room, too, which is good. Everything's new."
GWS recruit Heath Shaw Source: News Limited
While Shaw's trade to GWS was unexpected, even to him, it's now in the past as he looks excitedly to a new season. He sees it as a way to relaunch his career in Sydney.
"I was pretty shattered at the start, but it's like being dumped by your ex-girlfriend. You're not going to be going and knocking on her door when you've been dumped. I had a few clubs interested and I chose GWS," he said.
"It helps when your old club doesn't want you any more, though. But coming up here to a new club and new facilities and moving interstate it's been really refreshing for me."
TOP SUPERCOACH PICK AT EVERY CLUB
Shaw has been training with GWS for eight weeks and is enjoying every minute of it. With his promotion to the leadership group, he is confident he can help bring the experience to help the team improve.
"I know I'm a lot older than a lot of these guys and I've got a lot of things I want to tell them," he said.
"I think this group is growing each week and you can see the improvement from when we first started training to now and, personally, I can improve as well by coming up here."
Shaw is embracing his new home at Sydney Olympic Park, having recently moved out of his brother's house (Sydney Swans defender Rhyce Shaw) and into a place with two teammates.
The Adelaide squad, with Eddie Betts with James Podsiadly centred, are in good shape. Picture: Sam Wundke Source: News Limited
ADELAIDE has rated its pre-season as one of its best in recent years with all but two of its veterans and high-profile recruits expected to be ready for Round 1
There is still the elephant in the room - the ruptured achilles tendon that put captain Nathan van Berlo on the long-term injury list - but aside from that the Crows could not be more pleased with how they're tracking on the eve of annual trial matches.
Their first NAB Challenge practice match is against Port Adelaide at Richmond Oval on February 16.
Brent Reilly, who had a shoulder reconstruction in July, is close to full training, asked only to avoid heavy tackles. Scott Thompson, the 2011 and 2012 Malcolm Blight Medallist, is effectively training at full pace but like several of the senior players, is allowed to gradually build up to taking part of every drill.
SUPERCOACH IS BIGGER AND BETTER IN 2014
Those senior player also include ex-Blue Eddie Betts and ex-Cat James Podsiadly, both of whom add significant depth to the club's forward line.
The situation is a far cry from some of the pre-seasons wracked by injury and bad luck under Neil Craig, and puts the club in a better position than last year, when it was numbed by the Kurt Tippett scandal and would lose key forward Taylor Walker against Carlton in round five at the MCG.
Brent Reilly gets a kick away at training. Photo: Sam Wundke Source: News Limited
Walker, the second senior player who is unlikely to play in round one, has met every target as he recovers from his knee reconstruction and the club has been impressed with his dedication.
Walker is a character, one who lights up the club rooms with his jokes and also fires from the hip on social media, but he has impressed the coaching panel with his business-like approach to his recovery.
He is now kicking and catching in old-fashioned lane-work, working tirelessly in the gym and is on the brink of beginning agility work that includes twisting and turning.
WHO'S READY TO BREAK OUT IN 2014?
The latest medical advice is that he will return no later than at the generally proscribed 12-month mark from knee reconstruction, but appears likely to play earlier.
``He's training really well,'' football operations manager Phil Harper said. ``The medical guys haven't given us a starting date for him, but it certainly won't be longer than the 12 months.
``He's right on target; in fact, he's probably ahead of target. It will just be when the medical guys give him the all clear.
``But he's champing at the bit. He'd play tomorrow if it was up to him but he's also happy to listen to what the medical guys say.
``Reilly, his range of movement is not 100 per cent yet but it's improving and they're really happy with his progression. `Thommo', his hip surgery has restricted his pre-season but he's up and running now.
INJURY EXPERT TO BOOST 'VB'
``They might not be ready in the middle of February but they'll certainly be ready by late February.
``The van Berlo one was a really unfortunate accident but other than that we've had a pretty injury-free run. They've been really conservative with bringing guys back.
``But most of the older guys, it probably isn't hurtful for them to ease into the pre-season games as well.''
Bupa Challenge riders pack King William Road, hopes rain will ease the bushfire threat near Port Pirie and police prepare for an Australia Day blitz
PATRICK Dangerfield and Rory Sloane will share the on-field captaincy duties at Adelaide while Nathan van Berlo is sidelined with an achilles injury.
But the Crows announced this morning van Berlo will remain captain of the club for a fourth season because he is still the "standout leader" in the playing group.
MORE: Tex has scan on swollen knee
Crows training at Max Basheer Reserve. Patrick Dangerfield under the watchful eye of Brenton Sanderson. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Limited
"We'd reached that decision prior to VB getting injured and even after he was injured, we thought he could still do a fantastic job in leading the club off the field. In the best case scenario, hopefully we get him back mid-season anyway.
"Nathan is the standout leader at the moment and the best person to captain our club."
Adelaide announced a seven-man leadership group of van Berlo, Dangerfield, Sloane, Scott Thompson, Sam Jacobs and new faces Richard Douglas and Taylor Walker.
Jason Porplyzia was the only omission from last year's six man group.
Sloane during a training session at Max Basheer Reserve. Picture: Sam Wundke. Source: News Limited
Dangerfield is the popular pick to replace van Berlo down the track and served as deputy vice captain last season.
But it now looks like a two horse race with best and fairest winner Sloane.
"Patrick and Rory are both developing into outstanding leaders," Sanderson said.
"They've exhibited an enormous amount of great leadership in the two years I've been at the club and they've gone to another level again this summer. We feel they'll do a fantastic job as acting captains, with the assistance of Nathan while he's on the sidelines.
"If there's any silver lining in Nathan's injury, it's that these two 23-year-olds get exposed to on-field captaincy roles, perhaps, a bit earlier than they otherwise would have."
Van Berlo earlier in the year winning the Crows' time trial. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Limited
ADELAIDE captain Nathan van Berlo has sought the counsel of North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow as he comes to grips with his ruptured achilles tendon and begins his fight to play again this season.
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Jackson Trengove, left, will miss a month of training after jarring a knee at training on Monday. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Limited
JACKSON Trengove's knee injury has opened the door for emerging Port Adelaide defender Tom Clurey to present his case for selection during the preseason competition.
Clurey has taken giant strides over summer but faced an uphill battle to force his way into a Port backline which became quite settled last season.
But with Trengove expected to miss at least a month after jarring his knee at training on Monday, Clurey - and fellow defender Jack Hombsch - have an opportunity to show what they can do.
"These guys have been training all preseason on our key forwards - Schulz, Westhoff and Butcher (and) they've been learning," Port defensive coach Matthew Nick said.
"This is an opportunity for them now in the next four weeks ... to show what they've got.
"Hombsch has already shown he's definitely got the ability at the level. Clurey is a young up and coming player but I'm sure if given the opportunity he'd stand up."
Clurey, who turns 21 a week after Port's opening round clash against Carlton, has progressed quietly at Glenelg in the SANFL since being taken with pick 29 in the 2012 AFL Draft.
An elite runner who ran a 15.1 beep test and 10 minute 3km time trial at draft camp, he's now put on the size needed to wrestle with the competition's power forwards.
"I think size-wise there's no issue," Nicks said.
"What we're working on is that aggression.
"Sometimes with these younger kids there's not that aggression there that they need to play in that key position.
"As far as weight goes and strength - he's throwing around some huge weights in the gym. So there's no issue from a strength point of view it's more of a mindset. Has he got that mindset to be aggressive enough on a key forward like a Schulz for example."
Trengove landed awkwardly while attempting to take a mark at training on Monday.
Port initially feared he'd done significant damage but scans revealed only bruising to the knee.
Nicks said Trengove was hopeful of returning for the club's final trial game against St Kilda and should be ready for round one.
"In the wash up it's not as bad as what we initially thought," he said.
"He's very important to us ... if we can get him back ready to go for the season it will be a positive."
WHEN Don Scott famously tore the Hawk off a jumper representing a proposed merger between Hawthorn and Melbourne at the Camberwell Civic Centre after the 1996 season, the Hawks were wracked by debt.
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Adelaide Crows are confident captain Nathan van Berlo will return to the field in 2014 after suffering an Achilles injury at training on Monday.
Nathan van Berlo's replacement will be named by the end of the week. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Limited
ADELAIDE expects to name its leadership by the end of next week - and decide how to deal with the captaincy issue because of Nathan van Berlo's ruptured achilles tendon.
The club wants to have its structure in place before its first practice match but it remains to be decided whether a stand-in captain is named while the club waits for van Berlo recovers or a new one is appointed.
The Crows have moved away from the voting system used under Neil Craig, in which the players effectively chose their own leaders, to a more traditional system where senior coach Brenton Sanderson has the final say after input from senior players, assistant coaches and high-ranking club officials.
It is understood van Berlo, an enormously respected figure around the club, will have a big influence on the discussions.
The leadership situation will develop as the club enjoys a fine pre-season, with the exception of van Berlo's injury.
Scott Thompson and Brent Reilly, both of whom are recovering from injuries, are close to fully fit and moved freely at a training session at Max Basheer Reserve today. Taylor Walker, who is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a knee reconstruction, trained indoors.
James Gwilt is recovering from a knee injury. Source: News Limited
NEW St Kilda coach Alan Richardson is hopeful of a full list for the NAB Challenge despite a dozen players battling injury complaints in recent months.
Richardson is confident the Saints' injury list is rapidly shrinking, as the likes of James Gwilt (knee), Rhys Stanley (hip/shoulder), Dylan Roberton (ankle) and top draft pick Jack Billings (quad) return to training.
The Saints faced a defensive crisis early last season, and many key defenders are still easing back to training, including Tom Simpkin (shin) and Luke Delaney (hip).
Nathan Wright (shin) and Tom Lee (shoulder) are both not yet in full training, while Jack Newnes (shoulder) and Aaron Siposs (shoulder) have overcome their issues.
SAINTS' STARS REUNITE
But Richardson says the Saints have a key group of about 35 players having completed much of the pre-season, with many of those officially on the injury list also having got through a solid chunk.
No. 3 draft pick Billings tweaked his quad in early December on the club's Colorado training camp and will finally return to full training this week.
Young forward Daniel Markworth, who needed an arthroscope in December after a setback for the ACL rupture he had suffered late in 2012, is not far behind him.
The Saints take on the Western Bulldogs on February 19 in their first NAB Challenge game, then Greater Western Sydney on March 1.
Their Round 1 opener under Richardson is against Melbourne on March 22.
St Kilda coach Alan Richardson is optimistic his list is taking shape. Picture by Colleen Petch Source: News Limited
"We are in pretty good shape, we would be mid-30s (training well), and those guys would have been able to get significant load into them in terms of preparation for a game in a few weeks time,'' Richardson said last week.
"There would be others who aren't in the 35 who are in pretty good shape who would add to that group by the time we get to matches. We will certainly be healthy enough. You can tell when you put them in a game simulation, they are cracking in, they are getting ready to play."
ST KILDA'S BEST 22
Captain Nick Riewoldt has completed a strong pre-season despite being held back from some drills and training.
The 31-year-old is a strong favourite to again be skipper in his 14th season, with fellow veteran Leigh Montagna the only other option for the Saints.
Both players last year signed contract extensions, with new father Lenny Hayes also in great shape for his 16th season.
Happy with Chappy. Paul Chapman (right) has been impressing on the track since arriving at the Bombers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Limited
NEW Essendon coach Mark Thompson has recast the Bombers forward line, excited by the summer progress of Paul Chapman and determined to play Jake Carlisle in attack.
While the Bombers were last week set back by a 4-5 week ankle injury to key ruckman Tom Bellchambers , he will be the only player not in full training this week.
The departure of Stewart Crameri (Western Bulldogs) and determination of Thompson to play Michael Hurley as a key defender leaves the forward line short of firepower.
But Thompson told a Twitter forum last week that free agency acquisition Chapman was "on fire" in the pre-season, and was impressing the group with his football knowledge.
He earmarked Ryder, Joe Daniher and key defender Carlisle as key forwards, and said he planned to use some midfielders as part-time forwards.
Carlisle, who has trained as a key forward this summer, played some scintillating football as a swingman last year but battled when started as a key forward.
HURLEY AT HOME IN BACKLINE
Yet if Hurley, Cale Hooker, Tayte Pears, and Dustin Fletcher all hold down key defensive spots Carlisle might be surplus to requirements as a backman.
Thompson said second-year forward Daniher had put on a dozen kilograms since arriving at the club, with Crameri's departure giving the young rising star an enormous opportunity.
Brendon Goddard, who suffered a calf injury pre-Christmas, has been running again for five weeks and is back in full training.
The Bombers take on the Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Monday February 17, then Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium in their second NAB Challenge game on February 25.
ESSENDON looks almost certain to embark upon a new season without any action from the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority over doping charges - but still without an iron-clad guarantee that infraction notices won't come.
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Eagles ruck duo Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui hit the training track. Source: News Limited
A SLIMMER Dean Cox has improved his fitness levels as he braces for extended game time ahead of a new AFL premiership campaign.
The veteran West Coast ruckman says the new interchange rotation cap of 120 for each game will force top players to stay on the ground longer. Cox anticipates extended stints up forward, which was a successful ploy in tandem with ruck partner Nic Naitanui two years ago.
And Cox is confident Naitanui will be fully recovered from ongoing groin problems to play a full season after managing just 11 injury-effected appearances last year.
He is also adamant that Naitanui is the Eagles premier ruck force when fully fit and firing.
"Certainly if Nic is up and running and fully fit he is our No. 1 ruckman," Cox said.
"But I have also certainly said throughout my career that whoever is in there on the ball at the time, has got to be known as the No.1."
SORE WELLINGHAM EASES OFF
MY SUPERCOACH TEAM - VERSION 1
Cox and Naitanui bagged 52 goals between them alternating between ruck and forward in a lethal combination that won them All-Australian selection in 2012.
Cox expects to turn back the clock to the last Eagles finals series in tandem with Naitanui, as well as emerging young ruck hopefuls Scott Lycett and Callum Sinclair.
"With the 120 rotations, that's going to have a bearing on some of the player flexibility," Cox said.
"Players will be required to spend more time playing different positions and for myself and Nic or Scotty or Callum that is spending time forward as well.
"I suppose that's back to 2011-12 where we spent chunks of games forward where we weren't rucking in the forward line."
Dean Cox runs laps with new Eagles welfare coach Mark Nicoski. Source: News Limited
Cox conceded he had dropped a few kilograms over his summer.
With an increased workload last season as Naitanui battled injury and fatigue, Cox bagged just 13 goals and suffered his lowest possession average an outing at just under 16 for the first time in a decade.
"Previously we'd be spending 40 per cent of our game in the forward line," he said.
"That was one of the pleasing things of 2012, when we both kicked mid-to-high 20 goals each.
"That's virtually like another key forward for us.
"That's what we need to do and we're resting down there, we're playing as a key forward.
"Last year, my reduced numbers are from the less amount of time there.
"The inaccuracy was something I wasn't too pleased about.
"I suppose some of the shots come from positions that ideally on the ground that I wouldn't like to try to kick goals from but also a bit of fatigue sets into that and that's something I will rectify through this pre-season.
"Nic playing a full season we will be able to generate plenty of attacking moves from around the ground and have an impact no matter where we are."
West Coast vice captain Beau Waters has suffered another injury setback.
Cox expects Naitanui to join full training in the coming weeks and to play some NAB Cup action into next month.
"I think he will certainly be back into full training shortly," Cox said.
"His running loads are great and his body is pulling up really well from all the training programs so far and hopefully it just continues from that as we ramp it up.
"He's such an important part of our footy team to make sure that his work rate is really monitored throughout the year as well and that he can front up pain free. That's the main thing."
Cox tips some distinct changes in playing style as West Coast adapt to new coach Adam Simpson, he stopped short of any bold predictions of making it back into finals after missing out last year.
"We're aiming for a lot of improvement and if we can get our best side on the park and adapt to Simmo's new style as quickly as possible, then we're good enough to win more games than we lose," Cox said.
"Whether that's finals or where you finish and how far into them you go is the same for everyone at the minute the expectation is to certainly improve.
"Any side will also surely say that they have had a really good pre-season as well and expect improvement.
"We're under no illusions it will mean a lot of work, but we will certainly improve."
Former Gold Coast Suns footballer Campbell Brown is in trouble with the law again, arrested while celebrating his big win at yesterday's Magic Millions.
Part owner Campbell Brown (right) celebrates Sweet Idea's win in the Magic Millions. Picture: Adam Head Source: News Limited
GOLD Coast boss Travis Auld insists Campbell Brown's arrest will not jeopardise the large payout he received from the club after being sacked last year.
Brown once again landed in hot water when he was arrested and charged with obstructing police and attempting to enter outside Broadbeach nightclub East in the early hours of Sunday.
Brown, who is due to appear in court on February 4, was celebrating the win of his part-owned horse Sweet Idea in the $1 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas at the Gold Coast.
Brown won $45,000 gambling on the race and was seen drinking pre-mix UDL alcopops from the winning owners' trophy at the Magic Millions sales complex hours after the win.
It's the latest fall from grace for Brown after the hard nut was sacked by the Suns in November when a drunken punch he threw outside a Los Angeles nightclub left teammate Steven May with a broken jaw.
Brown is set to relocate to Melbourne this month to ramp up his media career and was reported saying "I've come up for one last week of debauchery" to a friend at a Magic Millions function last week.
He also hinted he was starting fresh when he said "it's a new year" to the media on Saturday in reference to his differing fortunes over the past few months.
CAMPBELL BROWN'S CAREER RAP SHEET
Despite the axing, it was reported Brown was expected to receive 75 per cent of his wage for the 2014 season.
Auld said the latest incident would not affect his payout but he refused to reveal how much it was.
Auld also said he would not ban the club's players from socialising with Brown despite Trent McKenzie and Brandon Matera being seen celebrating with the former Suns player at the Magic Millions sales complex on Saturday night.
Before his arrest, Brown likened Sweet Idea's victory to winning the Grand Final with Hawthorn in 2008.
"It was like winning a Grand Final and obviously not as much hard work and effort goes into it from my part but just that pure elation for the minute after the race was exactly like it," he said.
"I was hugging people I've never met and it just means so much."
Daniel Motlop at the NTFl tribunal this week. He was given nine weeks. Source: News Limited
FORMER North Melbourne and Port Adelaide forward Daniel Motlop has been sentenced to anger management counselling after copping a nine-match suspension which could end his footy career.
Motlop, playing for Wanderers Eagles in the Northern Territory Football League, was whacked with an eight-match ban for a front-on charge and an additional week for striking in a separate incident.
10 PROVOCATIVE PREDICTIONS FOR THE 2014 AFL SEASON
Daniel Motlop playing in the NTFL. Source: News Limited
The mercurial goalsneak was sent from the field in Sunday's match at Darwin's TIO Stadium, where he kicked four majors playing alongside cousin Marlon Motlop.
The 31-year-old, who booted 208 AFL goals before retiring at the end of 2011, could be automatically deregistered due to his lengthy rap sheet.
Motlop's younger brother Steven burst onto the AFL scene with a breakout campaign for Geelong last year.
Read the full report at the NT News now
Shaun Hart has been appointed director of coaching at Port Adelaide Football Club. Source: News Limited
PORT Adelaide has appointed three-time premiership player Shaun Hart to its director of coaching role, ending an exhaustive search for Alan Richardson's replacement.
Hart, who played 273 games and won the 2001 Norm Smith Medal at Brisbane, comes to the Power from the Gold Coast Suns where he previously worked alongside Port coach Ken Hinkley
Hinkley said the club was confident it had the right man to replace the highly-rated Richardson, who will coach St Kilda this year.
"Shaun Hart is a class person and will be a huge asset to this football club," Hinkley said.
"He wants to improve people all the time, whether they're a player, a coach or anyone - that's Shaun Hart.
"You can never have enough character in your footy club and we have an exceptional person coming into our club in Shaun."
Hart worked for the Suns for five years, most recently as their reserves and development coach.
He said he was excited to join the Power as its new director of coaching.
"I've seen in the last 12 months just how far the team has progressed,'' he said of Port.
"I'm pleased to be part of the coaching team that's looking to take the group to the next level.
"I do leave Gold Coast with a heavy heart as I've been there for five years and worked with some great people, a great playing group and it's a great city."
Adelaide Crows forward Josh Jenkins has returned strongly after breaking his ankle late last season. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Limited
REBOOTED forward Josh Jenkins has declared himself a certain starter for the Crows' pre-season campaign - returning a wiser package after a forensic examination of his fledgling career.
Jenkins and Adelaide's season ended with a right ankle fracture in the Crows 22-point loss to Fremantle last July at Paterson's Stadium.
However, Jenkins, 24, expects to front for the February 16 NAB Challenge opener against Port Adelaide at Richmond Oval.
"I am going really well, pretty pleased with where I am at, progressed quite quickly before Christmas," he said.
"I am training 100 per cent with the group, doing all competitive work.
"I will be ready for the NAB Challenge."
Jenkins gained appreciation for the simple things in life and resolved to return a superior force after a heart to heart with assistant coach Mark Bickley.
Both Josh Jenkins, left, and midfielder Scott Thompson are training well after coming back from surgery. Picture: Sarah Reed.
"I sit with Bicks on a regular basis and have watched edits of my games three or four times so you pick up things where you can improve," said Jenkins with 35 goals in 28 games.
"You only appreciate the little things like walking and running when it has been taken away."
Adelaide's slide to 11th in 2013 was triggered by power forward Taylor Walker's knee reconstruction and replacement Jenkins' demise.
However, the arrival of former Geelong forward James Podsiadly and Walker's return to the track will provide "healthy" competition and cover.
"We saw last year how things can fall away when we don't have the depth there," said Jenkins. "We will get injuries again probably and guys can come in and we won't lose much in any position."
Blue chip midfielder Scott Thompson is also giving Crows fans cause for optimism - fronting on Wednesday at West Lakes for light kicking and handball drills in his return from off-season hip surgery.
Walker is running 90 per cent straight lines and minimal turn work as the cult-figure's comeback gains momentum.
HAVING defied father time, Kane Cornes is now eyeing history as Port Adelaide's ultimate game breaker - first to the 300 club at Alberton.
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Wanderers star Daniel Motlop at the NTFL tribunal after copping a nine-match suspension. Picture: Helen Orr. Source: News Limited
WANDERERS forward Daniel Motlop is almost certain to be de-registered after copping a nine-match suspension in a marathon three-hour NTFL tribunal hearing at TIO Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Territory football champion's NTFL season - and career - is effectively over after the tribunal found him guilty of two reports in last Sunday's clash against St Marys.
The tribunal also ordered the forward undertake an anger management course at the expense of himself or the Wanderers Football Club.
A distraught Motlop, who told the NT News last month this season would be his last, left the tribunal lost for words.
"There isn't really much to say I got what I got,'' Motlop said.
"What's done is done. I've had a long career and I'm happy with that.''
The 31-year-old was handed eight weeks for a front-on charge on Henry Labastida and an additional one week for striking John Anstess in the third quarter, which resulted in Motlop being sent from the field against St Marys.
Daniel Motlop after receiving a nine-match suspension in the NTFL, which could lead to a lifetime band. Picture: Helen Orr.
Wanderers have indicated they will not appeal the decision. It is believed Motlop has already accumulated more than 10 suspensions across his AFL, SANFL, NTFL and River Murray Football League careers.
Under AFL policy, once a player reaches 16 weeks of suspension they are automatically de-registered for 12 months before given the chance to appeal, which is only granted under "exceptional circumstances''.
AFLNT only have Motlop's NTFL suspensions (five weeks) on record.
The league is waiting for his tribunal records from other state bodies before deciding on de-registration.
But Motlop may avoid automatic de-registration given the policy states a player must be given a written warning if they are approaching the limit, which has not occurred.
Regardless of the outcome, Wanderers club development manager Colin Schwartz said Motlop will bounce back bigger and stronger.
"Wanderers football club are disappointed in the tribunal findings,'' he said.
"I'm sure that Daniel will apply himself very strongly in his next endeavour.''
Gary Ablett will remain a Suns midfielder. Source: News Limited
GARY Ablett is no certainty to get a forward line "holiday'' in 2014, with Suns coach Guy McKenna admitting he'd be crazy to move the game's best player from the vital midfield battle.
Following last season the dual Brownlow Medallist hinted he may follow in his famous father's footsteps and march further upfield to prolong his career.
The move would also be a major vote of confidence for the Gold Coast's fleet of youngsters, now deemed ready to fight their own battles in the AFL.
Yet McKenna is still to be convinced the change would benefit his side, acknowledging the game-breaking credentials of 29-year-old Ablett.
LIVE CHAT: 10 bold AFL predictions for 2014
"If he's saying that (he wants to play forward) that tells me he's more comfortable in the ability of the playing group,'' McKenna said of the Gold Coast's games and goals record-holder.
"But the year Gary has had I'm not so sure I want him to go forward and have a holiday yet.
"He is still a great player and as much as we need to look after him he was so crucial in helping improve key stats for us.
"That's something we may look at but we know how big an influence he can have on matches when he's on the ball.''
BEST 22: Get every club's 2014 line up
McKenna, though, remains confident he has the cattle if and when Ablett heads off to pasture.
After a nine-day trip to Arizona over the festive period, the club returned to pre-season training on Monday with a full complement of talent on board.
During their 8-14 campaign last year, the Suns burned through 42 players as the lighter frames were exposed against hardened footballers.
But with steady improvements across three seasons in the AFL, McKenna expects a greater return from the core band of teenagers first assembled on the Gold Coast.
"We won't do our official testing (on fitness levels) until Friday but with your eye you can see how much fitter and stronger those young boys are,'' McKenna said.
"Guys like Dion Prestia and David Swallow, these blokes have come back and haven't disappointed each year.
"We are still not doing our full pre-season yet so that's the scary thing. Those boys that started as 18 or 19-year-olds are getting bigger and stronger.
"Those younger boys should be able to stand up and compete better. We don't expect to go from using 42 players to 32, but if we can have a bit of luck and get down to about 35 it means we won't be as stretched.''
McKenna says Karmichael Hunt is on track for more playing time in 2014 after persistent niggles restricted the code-hopper to just nine matches last season.
"We don't want him to lose any more weight and he's running the best he's ever run,'' he said.
"He was unlucky with injuries last season but we see him having a big role with us this season.''
The Suns kick off their NAB Cup campaign against Essendon at Metricon Stadium on February 17.
Essendon doctor Bruce Reid leaves AFL House last year. Source: News Limited
ESSENDON doctor Bruce Reid is back at work after a three-month leave period that followed the AFL's dismissal of misconduct charges against him over the supplements saga.
The league dropped charges against Reid in September after he applied to the Supreme Court to have his case heard by a body independent of the AFL Commission.
ESSENDON'S BEST 22
LIVE CHAT: AFL PREDICTIONS - DONS TO MISS FINALS?
The commission had earlier dealt penalties to the club and three other officials - coach James Hird, assistant coach Mark Thompson and football boss Danny Corcoran - for governance failings related to the 2012 supplements program.
A joint statement between Reid and the league that said "Dr Reid will take leave and will return to the club in January 2014" prompted reports that Reid's leave was an informal punishment.
Asked on radio if that was the case, AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said at the time: "You can interpret that any way you want".
In December, Essendon announced Corcoran would not return to the club while Hird remains suspended until late August. Thompson is coaching the side in his absence.
Getting back to business yesterday, Reid told the club's website that star midfielder Brendon Goddard would likely resume full training next week as he recovered from a calf strain.
"He is now running really well at top speed and he is at four and a half weeks (since the injury) so he will be in full training after six weeks," Reid said
"All of the list will be in full training, there is a couple of shoulder reconstruction's from the off-season that we will keep out of full contact.
"The important thing is they are all out on the track, there is no one now that is not back in full training."
"We are very happy with our injury situation at the moment as we were last year at the same time of year."
THE NAB Challenge is just 36 days away and we're into the New Year. Time to shelve the countdowns and look to the future as we make 10 bold predictions about the 2014 AFL season. And yes, there's even some SuperCoach advice at the end.
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THE NAB Challenge is just 36 days away and we're into the New Year. Time to shelve the countdowns and look to the future as we make 10 bold predictions about the 2014 AFL season. And yes, there's even some SuperCoach advice at the end.
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Chad Wingard, Jarman Impey and Campbell Heath lead Port Adelaide in a running drill. Source: News Limited
PORT Adelaide is confident it has made up the head-start given to its rivals after last year's finals appearance forced a delayed start to pre-season.
Coach Ken Hinkley said yesterday's impressive 3km time-trial times were "confirmation" his players were determined not to let their work ethic drop off, and their December training camp to Dubai was a success.
BEST 22s: Port aims higher, Crows bounce back
"It's confirmation that physically we're in good shape and we now give ourselves a chance to really attack January knowing we've got some miles in our legs. The camp to Dubai and all those things have been really positive because we're getting times as good as we were getting last year, and in a lot of cases better," he said.
"That was the importance of Dubai for us, we physically knew we went there to try to catch up a little bit of ground."
But despite the delayed start to summer, Hinkley said his players must still improve on last year's fitness levels.
"We know we're 12 months advanced, so to say we're going to catch up - if we run the same times we ran last year we probably haven't caught up anything," he said.
Port Adelaide resume full training at the University oval. Kane Cornes (centre) showing the way in the time trial. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Limited
"We need to make sure we improve and our times today suggest we've improved in our running ability, so that puts us in a positive for the start of January.
Speaking yesterday as training resumed after the Christmas break, Hinkley:
PRAISED the performance of Jake Neade, who won the first of two waves in yesterday's time trial.
CONFIRMED he would stick with his defence-first mantra in 2014.
"I said last year 'as long as we set up really strong defensively, restrict sides, our brave use of the ball going forward will give us a chance in every game we play in'."
DESCRIBED Brisbane recruit Jared Polec's effort in slicing more than one minute off his previous time around the course as "outstanding".
"I think some people thought we were joking when we said he was crook on the first day (of pre-season) but he actually was crook. He'd had tonselitistonsillitis, so to make up a significant amount of time, that's impressive, but he also did have some health issues that were holding him back.
"He's embraced the training methods we want to enforce at Port Adelaide and really had a crack at them.
"He's fit and that's not a reflection of where he's come from or anything, it's a reflection that he's physically in good shape for the first time in three years and that gives him a chance to complete more sessions, and when you complete more sessions you get better times, it's a simple message."
There was controversy and success in equal measure, both on and off the field in what was an enthralling 2013 AFL season.
Richmond captain Trent Cotchin is primed for another big season. Source: News Limited
HERALD Sun football experts go deep inside each AFL club to predict how each team's best line up could look next year.
RICHMOND
IN:
Shaun Hampson (Carlton), 25, ruckman
Ben Lennon (Northern Knights), 18, midfield/forward
Sam Lloyd (Frankston), 23, forward
Nathan Gordon (Sydney), 23, forward
ADELAIDE'S BEST 22
BRISBANE'S BEST 22
CARLTON'S BEST 22
COLLINGWOOD'S BEST 22
Ben Lennon will hope his razor sharp right boot will be the difference over his fellow AFL hopefuls at this year's National Draft.
OUT:
Tom Derickx (Sydney)
Luke McGuane (Brisbane Lions)
Robin Nahas (North Melbourne)
Shane Tuck (retired)
Matthew White (Port Adelaide)
ESSENDON'S BEST 22
FREMANTLE'S BEST 22
GEELONG'S BEST 22
DID WE GET THE TIGERS' LINE-UP RIGHT? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW
COACHES
Damien Hardwick (senior coach)
Brendon Lade (forward coach)
Ross Smith (defence coach)
Danny Daly and Mark P Williams (midfield coaches)
Mark M Williams (senior development coach)
GOLD COAST'S BEST 22
GWS GIANTS' BEST 22
HAWTHORN'S BEST 22
Jack Riewoldt takes a grab in front of Dale Morris. Source: News Limited
BEST 22:
B: Steven Morris (25, 43 games), Alex Rance (24, 89 games), Dylan Grimes (22, 26 games)
HB: Chris Newman (31, 233 games), Troy Chaplin (27, 162 games), Bachar Houli (25, 91 games)
C: Brett Deledio (26, 195 games), Dustin Martin (22, 86 games), Brandon Ellis (20, 42 games)
HF: Shane Edwards (25, 129 games), Tyrone Vickery (23, 75 games), Reece Conca (21, 52 games)
F: Ben Lennon (18, 0 games), Jack Riewoldt (25, 134 games), Jake King (29, 105 games)
R: Ivan Maric (27, 118 games), Trent Cotchin (23, 108 games), Nick Vlastuin (19, 18 games)
INT: Daniel Jackson (27, 146 games), Nathan Foley (28, 136 games), Shaun Hampson (25, 63 games), Shaun Grigg (25, 109 games)
MELBOURNE'S BEST 22
NORTH MELBOURNE'S BEST 22
PORT ADELAIDE'S BEST 22
HOW THEY'LL PLAY:
Recruiting Carlton big man Shaun Hampson will ensure the Tigers can throw several different forward line looks at the opposition. Instead of resting on the bench Hampson and fellow ruckman Ivan Maric will spend more time close to goal. That will allow Jack Riewoldt to play further up the ground. It will also put more pressure on Tyrone Vickery, whose inconsistency at centre half-forward has been a problem. If he doesn't fire then at least Hampson and Maric can be used as tall targets.
ST KILDA'S BEST 22
SYDNEY SWANS' BEST 22
Brandon Ellis is ready to ramp up his midfield time. Source: News Limited
READY TO FLY:
He made big strides last season but Brandon Ellis is again the player everyone is talking about at Punt Rd. Ellis has been leading the way in running drills and wants to become a permanent fixture in the midfield. After starting his career coming off half-back, the 20-year-old progressed to the wing in his second year but with his pace and prodigious kicking the Tigers want him in the thick of the action alongside captain Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin and Brett Delideo.
WEST COAST'S BEST 22
WESTERN BULLDOGS' BEST 22
There was controversy and success in equal measure, both on and off the field in what was an enthralling 2013 AFL season.
Jobe Watson was regularly in the headlines in 2013. Source: News Limited
AT THE end of each AFL season a panel of selectors sits down to pick their team of the year -the time-honoured All-Australian side.
Players are selected purely on form during the season just gone, rewarding stellar on-field performances and consistency across the 23 home-and-away rounds.
How boring.
Where is the recognition for extraordinary efforts like kicking the winning goal after the siren in your 200th game, taking an awe-inspiring goal with your first touch in the AFL then knocking yourself out in the next play, getting in trouble with the law twice for two unrelated acts of stupidity - or just turning up each week amid the firestorm of the Essendon drugs saga?
Farewell the year with our tribute to the best 22 headline-grabbers of the year just gone, for good or bad.
TEST YOUR MEMORY IN OUR 50-QUESTION FOOTY QUIZ
DEFENCE
BRIAN LAKE
His career looked shot when he couldn't get a game at the Bulldogs in 2012. Fast-forward 12 months and he's not just a premiership player but the Norm Smith Medallist. Lake enjoying Hawthorn's Grand Final victory with his kids in the yellow confetti on the MCG was one of the feel-good images of 2013.
BRETT GOODES
Another good news story. The 29-year-old former player welfare manager at the Bulldogs became a staple of the Dogs' defence - and of most of our SuperCoach sides - after being recruited in the pre-season draft.
HERITIER LUMUMBA
The Collingwood star spent a weekend in Port Douglas mid-season after a falling out with coach Nathan Buckley, then revealed on his return he was dealing with a "complicated history" of sexual abuse and depression. The man once known as Harry O ended the year back in the news after reverting to his birth name.
CAMPELL BROWN AND STEVEN MAY
Risky selection to include the two Gold Coast teammates who came to blows outside an LA nightclub in November. But even after the incident ended Brown's AFL career, May insists they are still mates.
NATHAN LOVETT-MURRAY
The Bombers veteran was lucky to avoid serious injury when he was stabbed in a domestic incident in May. At the end of the year Lovett-Murray was in the news again after he admitted himself to a rehab clinic to deal with alcohol-related issues.
Campbell Brown fronts the media after he was sacked by Gold Coast. Source: Getty Images
DID WE GET IT RIGHT? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW
MIDFIELD
DARREN JOLLY
First ruck is the big Magpie who didn't take his delisting well, labelling former coach Nathan Buckley a "coward" on his departure.
GARY ABLETT
The undisputed on-field star of the season, collecting his second Brownlow Medal, fifth MVP award and his third Suns best-and-fairest in as many years. A modern - and possibly all-time - great.
JOBE WATSON (captain)
Couldn't quite match his Brownlow form of 2012 but was still one of the competiton's elite midfielders, all while carrying the burden of the biggest footy story of the year - and possibly of all time - the Essendon supplement scandal. Watson survived boos from fans in Perth, calls for him to give up his Brownlow and his own admission on Fox Footy's On the Couch that he believed he took banned supplement AOD-6904, to finish second in the Bombers' best-and-fairest despite missing three games with a broken collarbone.
ADAM GOODES
Took a stand against racism by pointing out a young Collingwood fan at the MCG, then unwittingly became the centre of an even bigger storm when Magpies president Eddie McGuire suggested Goodes could promote the King Kong musical in a breakfast radio brainfade. Dealt with it all with typical class.
DANE SWAN
Made headlines in March when he gave an unapproved interview on the Footy Show, prompting a club fine and a tirade from Eddie McGuire on the ethics of cheque-book journalism. In the interview Swan admitted he was no angel but denied he had a drug problem. He went on to produce another typically brilliant season on the field.
BRENDON GODDARD
In a well-rounded year he won the B & F in his first year at Essendon, declared a speech by coach James Hird after a stirring win against Fremantle should not have been made public, and shed tears in a post-match interview with Cam Mooney after the Bombers belted his old St Kilda mates at Etihad.
Adam Goodes displays his pride in his Indigenous heritage. Source: News Limited
FORWARDS
LANCE FRANKLIN
Kept Hawthorn fans on edge all year after putting off contract talks, then left GWS at the alter to join Sydney on a crazy nine-year deal. Kicked a few goals along the way, too.
JACK WATTS
Became the poster boy for Melbourne's year from hell after the No. 1 draft pick was dropped early in the season. After he also played the "putting off contract talks" card, he's now looking for a fresh start under new Demons coach Paul Roos.
KURT TIPPETT
Missed the first 11 matches of the year after being suspended over the Crows' salary cap scandal, returning with a bang by kicking his first goal in red and white just 45 seconds into his return game against Port Adelaide. Averaged almost three goals a game for the rest of the year and is set to form a scary - but possibly top-heavy - forward set-up with Franklin in 2014.
DUSTIN MARTIN
Starting on a flank is the 22-year-old tattooed Tiger who took his game to a new level in 2013. Then he shocked Richmond by walking away from a new contract and declaring his intention to pursue offers from other clubs. After two weeks on the open market, he returned to Punt Rd with his black and yellow tail between his legs to re-sign with the Tigers. Also copped a $2000 suspended fine for a jailhouse salute after kicking a goal against Carlton in the elimination final.
STEPHEN MILNE AND AHMED SAAD
Our two forward pockets are both from the Saints after enduring torrid years for very different reasons. Milne copped an indefinite suspension from his club after being charged with four counts of rape over an incident in 2004. His ban ended after two weeks, but his off-field fate will be decided by the courts. Salad also faces an uncertain future after copping an 18-month ban for taking an energy drink before a game that contained a banned substance. ASADA is pushing to have six months added to the suspension, a move that would effectively end Saad's career.
We saw a lot of photos of Jack Watts and Melbourne players like this in 2013. Source: News Limited
INTERCHANGE
DALE THOMAS
Missed most of the year with ankle problems but makes the cut for yet another contract saga. Clearly tired of months of speculation, he said in September: "I could sign (with Collingwood) before any sort of trade week period is up and that settles everything. And then everyone will have egg on their face and a lot of kids will have to get their No. 13 jumpers out of the bin because apparently a lot of them are throwing them out." Within a month rubbish men were picking up those No. 13 tops after Thomas joined old mentor Mick Malthouse at Carlton.
MAJAK DAW
The exciting former Sudanese refugee had already made plenty of headlines before making his AFL debut in April. His first touch was a spectacular one-grab mark which he converted for a goal with his first kick. His debut was over soon after when Daw knocked himself out in an accidental clash of heads. Three weeks later he kicked six goals in a dominant display against the Western Bulldogs.
BILLIE SMEDTS
The young Cat was on the wrong side of the twice in 2013, firstly in April when he and teammate Josh Caddy managed to turn an attempted prank into being arrested at gun-point. Aiming to fake a break-in at the home of youngster Jackson Thurlow, they turned up at the wrong house and the owner called the cops, who chased the balaclava-clad pair down in downtown Geelong. Smedts copped another blast from the men in blue over Christmas for posting a "selfie" on social media that appeared to show him driving while using his mobile phone.
ASH McGRATH
Kicking a goal after the siren to win a game is every kid's dream. Doing it in your 200th match to cap off a comeback from 52 points down - as McGrath did against Geelong in June - is just ridiculous.
Majak Daw's first touch in AFL. Source: News Limited
COACH
JAMES HIRD
It couldn't be anyone else.
ASSISTANT COACHES
MARK NEELD, MICHAEL VOSS, SCOTT WATTERS
The latest members of the sacked coaches club all deserve a gig.
PRESIDENT
EDDIE McGUIRE
Rarely out of the news, as usual. Will regret the King Kong gaffe for a long time.
Dean "the Weapon" Robinson with Essendon coach James Hird before their relationship self-destructed. Source: News Limited
TEAM PHYSIO
DEAN ROBINSON
The "Weapon" was stood down in February but his "black ops" interview with Luke "say that again" Darcy on Channel 7 in July was a ratings bonanza, even if all his claims didn't entirely add up.
COMMENTATOR
GERARD HEALY
The final word for 2013 goes to Fox Footy expert Gerard Healy, who somehow mangled the name of the team from "Gold Coast" live on air before a game against Melbourne in May. The result, which went viral online, was something more suited to an adults-only timeslot. You can watch it again HERE .
Happy new year and bring on 2014!
FREMANTLE ruckman Zac Clarke has injured his right knee while at a rock festival, likely ruling him out of pre-season training for up to two months.
The West Australian club issued a statement on Thursday saying the 23-year-old Clarke damaged his posterior cruciate ligament on Tuesday while at The Falls Music and Arts Festival in Victoria.
The statement didn't specify how Clarke was hurt.
Fremantle general manager of football operations Chris Bond said: "At this stage Zac is not expected to require surgery and will undergo a normal rehabilitation program for the injury."
