Banged-up Danger still hurting

Last updated: May 28, 2014

ADELAIDE is adamant "banged-up" midfielder Patrick Dangerfield will front for Sunday's crunch game against Gold Coast, despite being on a reduced training load today.

50 Cent has a terrible throwing arm

NOTORIOUS rapper 50 Cent was invited to throw the first pitch at a baseball match. Let's just say his tough guy image was taken down a peg.

What has Pammy done to her hair now?

PAMELA Anderson recently went the chop to sport short cropped hair. But now the iconic buxom blonde has undergone another amazing transformation.

Banged-up Danger still hurting

ADELAIDE is adamant "banged-up" midfielder Patrick Dangerfield will front for Sunday's crunch game against Gold Coast, despite being on a reduced training load today.

From 'fat girl' to beauty queen

CRUELLY taunted over her weight, Keli Kryfko underwent an incredible body transformation to go from 'fat girl' to the winner of a major US beauty pageant.

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AFL Team of the Week with Jai Bednall

Shane Crawford says forget Collingwood and Geelong, the SuperCoach stars of 2012 are at Essendon, Hawthorn and Richmond

Mick Malthouse at his press conference after Carlton's win. Picture: Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

IN his press conference following Carlton's win against Adelaide on Sunday, Mick Malthouse appeared to suggest the media's tendency to base best players on statistics often saw them overlook role players.

"It's difficult to say who are the better players," Malthouse said.

"Well I suppose if you look at numbers — if they're the better players, well they're the better players.

"But you can look at other areas that may not have great numbers, but also contributed.

"You blokes will write down who your first five best are and they'll go by stats. In my case we'll just look at the side the way the jobs were.

"You won't know all the particular jobs so therefore we don't expect you to ..."

Malthouse then referenced Dennis Armfield's second half job on Patrick Dangerfield and — after being asked for his thoughts on Andrejs Everitt's performance on Rory Sloane — also praised his role.

But when the AFL Coaches Association votes (which are supposed to be chosen by both head coaches although there's reason to believe this task is often handballed on to someone else in the football department) were published this week, neither Armfield, Everitt — or Sam Rowe who kept one of the AFL's most inform forwards Josh Jenkins goal-less — got a sniff.

The votes instead went to Kade Simpson — who had the most disposals in the game — and fellow midfielders Chris Yarran, Bryce Gibbs and small forward Troy Menzel.

So either Malthouse isn't doing his own votes or perhaps it's not the worst idea to use the stats sheet as part of your overall assessment of the game and who played well.

For what it's worth Rowe did make our AFL Team of the Week for round 10, as did Simpson and Yarran.

Jai Bednall's team of the week. Source: The Advertiser

DEFENCE

Darren Glass (West Coast)

Collingwood key forwards Travis Cloke and Jesse White combined for just 12 disposals on Saturday and Glass was a big reason why.

Darren Glass smashes the ball away. Source: Getty Images

Alex Rance (Richmond)

The Tigers won by 113 points against the Giants despite only taking the ball inside 50m on 11 more occasions. Rance played his part in restricting GWS to five goals.

Nick Maxwell (Collingwood)

We're not exactly sure what counts as a one percenter but Maxwell had 11 of them against the Eagles, more than anyone outside of Alan Toovey (12).

Heritier Lumumba (Collingwood)

If Lumumba stays healthy he'll reach the 200 game milestone in round 23 against Hawthorn. He's in great nick at the moment.

Sam Rowe (Carlton)

Rowe regularly outpositioned Jenkins and is progressing well after a move to defence.

James Kelly (Geelong)

Was outstanding early to help put the game out of North Melbourne's reach.

MIDFIELD

Jared Polec (Port Adelaide)

Polec was so good in traffic on Saturday night and was probably best on at three quarter time.

Jared Polec looks to get the pass off. Picture: Simon Cross. Source: News Corp Australia

Jimmy Bartel (Geelong)

Bartel knew someone had to pick up the slack with Steve Johnson out and he delivered with 32 disposals and two goals.

Chris Yarran (Carlton)

Would be in the top three in Carlton's best and fairest right now along with Simpson and Gibbs.

ATTACK

Chad Wingard (Port Adelaide)

The Hawks had to put their hands up on several occasions in the first half and simply say 'too good' to Wingard. On a night when so many fumbled, he was always clean.

Tom Lynch (Gold Coast)

Lynch was paying $3 to score 19 total points or more against the Bulldogs. He finished with 4.1 to earn back to back Team of the Week honours.

Dustin Martin (Richmond)

Lost amid all the drama at Tigerland in the past few weeks has been the purple match Martin is enjoying.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick with Dustin Martin after huge victory over the GWS. Source: News Corp Australia

Eddie Betts (Adelaide)

Was the best forward on the ground on Sunday, kicking four goals to give the Crows a chance.

Jack Riewoldt (Richmond)

Seriously, how entertaining is this man? An 11 goal haul was the perfect response to a bizarre week. We need more like him.

Tom Hawkins (Geelong)

Hawkins kept pace with the rest of the Coleman Medal favourites with four goals against the Roos.

FIRST RUCK

Sam Jacobs (Adelaide)

If the All-Australian team was named today Jacobs would probably just pip Aaron Sandilands for first ruck. His 23 disposal, 38 hit out effort against Carlton was his best of the year.

Cameron Wood and Sam Jacobs battle it out. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: News Corp Australia

Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood)

Pendlebury is doing his best to revive hopes of a semi-interesting night at the Brownlow. He might not catch Gaz but he should be at least in the ballpark.

Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)

His outside game still isn't at the level of last year but it doesn't matter when you're dominating like Boak is inside the contest.

INTERCHANGE

Dion Prestia (Gold Coast)

Prestia is averaging close to 30 disposals a game this season and more than picked up the load as Gary Ablett took his time to get going against the Dogs.

Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn)

Rose to the challenge at Adelaide Oval, tallying 38 disposals and two goals to finish as arguably the best player on the ground.

Jordan Lewis celebrates a goal. Picture: Simon Cross. Source: News Corp Australia

Kade Simpson (Carlton)

While Mick's comments on the media were slightly off the ball, everything he said about Simpson's courage was spot on.

Matt Priddis (West Coast)

Priddis always finds plenty of the footy but he added two goals against the Pies to complete a fine performance.

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Gray to finally conquer milestone game

Port Adelaide players say they struggled to communicate with each other against Hawthorn because of the awesome atmosphere their crowd created, but know it is something they will have to adjust to.

Robbie Gray training at Adelaide Oval today. Picture: Calum Robertson. Source: News Limited

IT'S taken him eight seasons but Port Adelaide star Robbie Gray will finally reach the 100 game milestone this Saturday.

Gray has endured countless injuries during his time at Port, including a knee reconstruction which cost him most of the 2012 season.

RUCCI: SANDERSON LUCKY TO HAVE A JOB

But he's in career best form this year and will head to Alice Springs to play Melbourne on Saturday confident of celebrating with a win.

"It's a great honour to play 100 games for this great footy club," Gray said.

"It's taken a while to get there I guess but I'm very happy it's here now and I'm very happy to get my name on the locker."

Gray has taken his game to new heights this season after spending most of Port's first summer under Ken Hinkley and Darren Burgess rehabbing his knee.

He said his form was a result of a full preseason and consistent training.

MORE: WHO WOULD WIN A STATE OF ORIGIN MATCH?

"It was a bit tough (the first year). I didn't do a lot of work with the main group and I could see they were getting worked pretty hard," Gray said.

"Once you saw the preseason form the guys had and things coming together it just made you want to get back quicker and become a part of that."

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Where Are They Now: Bruce Lindner

Stewart Loewe tries to pull off a mark in front of Bruce Lindner in 1992. Picture: Mark Brake. Source: Supplied

BRUCE Lindner was a high-marking forward whose nickname, ``The President'', alluded to how good he could be on game day. He played 66 games for Geelong and returned 139 goals before returning to Adelaide and be a member of the original Crows team. He played 19 goals for Adelaide and kicked 27 goals. Lindner was also an important player for West Adelaide at the beginning and the end of his career.

Mark Bickley, Rod Jameson and Bruce Lindner in 1991. Picture: Advertiser Library.

JF: What are you up to these days, Bruce?

BL: I'm involved in the wine industry, with company called ..... and we represent about 30 wineries, both domestic and international. It's a wonderful industry even though it makes me drink too much.

JF: What about football — have you been involved since you finished playing?

BL: I was on the board at West Adelaide for a while but that's a while back. Now I've focused more on life outside of football: golf, fishing, relaxing et cetera.

JF: What do you play off (handicap wise), at golf?

BL: Three at the moment.

JF: That's good golf. Do you still love football, the game?

BL: I still love the game; I've always loved the game. Like many I'm reticent about how it's going in terms of style and that and things that have evolved. But we'll reach an equilibrium at some stage. As far as sport, I still believe it's the most exciting and challenging sport in the world.

Lindner takes a screamer for the Cats. Source: News Limited

JF: Did you find it hard to retire, when you knew your day had come?

BL: I did in the sense of, you know, it had been such a big part of my life for a long time and it had been all I wanted to do from the age of about six or seven. All I had wanted to do was to play football. And I was lucky enough to play, which was more good luck than good management. But when you suddenly don't have it there, there's a void. But I was lucky enough that I was given the opportunity to work with Channel 7 and still be involved. That let you wean off the sport a bit. The other think I missed was competing against somebody each week and competing against a team each week. It was a bit of a loss. It was hard to adjust sometimes. But you find other outlets. Mine were through the media and stuff like golf.

JF: I think we've just about covered this, but what other sports do you like?

BL: I like a number of sports but the more athletic sports have to take a bit of a back seat because my ankles and my knees and my back aren't as good as they used to be. So golf gives me an opportunity (to compete).

Lindner smashes the ball away. Source: Supplied

JF: Loaded question, I guess, but is the game better now or was it better when you played? What was the better era of football?

BL: I guess it's a bit like looking at the Hollywood starlets in the days gone by. They've changed quite considerably. In their day they were the best things going around and I guess football is a bit the same way. The era you grow up in is the one you think was the most gorgeous around. But there's no doubt it's still the most demanding sport.

JF: Do you still keep in touch with former teammates and the old clubs?

BL: I do, and that's probably one of the greatest legacies of playing football: the friend that you make along the way and people that you meet. Like life, you have some close friends and some acquaintances. But I love it when we're all in a room and catch up.

Lindner stretches ahead of a training session. Source: Supplied

JF: We've got a new chief executive about to take his seat at AFL House. What are the most pressing issues for the game?

BL: It's such a professional sport now but there has to be a balance between the AFL and grassroots (football). It's got to be a product that everyone enjoys. And if you put it out of reach for people, the game won't survive.

JF: Who do you like these days, out of the players?

BL: The Sloanes (Adelaide's Rory Sloane) but I also love watching forwards who can dominate in front of goals. Cyril Rioli, players who are able to turn a game. They're the ones people pay their money to go and watch.

JF: There have been a few rule changes since you finished. Good ones and bad ones?

BL: Umpires are human and make mistakes. I would just like them to be more consistent, because sometimes games are umpired completely differently.

JF: Who wins the flag this year?

BL: I think Sydney. If you look at it from the same perspective to why the Crows, in theory, should improve their form with Taylor Walker coming back, even though after a knee you're normally not back to your best until your second year (after returning). If you're able to have

From left to right, Gavin Crosisca, Scott Hodges, Bruce Lindner and Gary Pert go up for the ball. Picture: Advertiser Library Source: Supplied

Kurt Tippett and Tex Walker in your forward line at the moment you'd think the Adelaide Crows would be a top-four side. If you add Kurt Tippett and (Lance) `Buddy' Franklin to a forward line to what is already a pretty good side, I think they'll go certainly top four, probably top two, and then on the day it depends on what happens. But I think Sydney is probably the safest bet to win the Grand Final.

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Are Crows fans jealous of Port Adelaide?

Last updated: May 27, 2014

HERE is a question asked in all seriousness: How many Crows fans wish their club was like Port Adelaide?

#SaidNoFootyFanEver — Round 10

SUPERFOOTY suggests statements that no diehard footy fan would utter following Round 10. LEAVE A COMMENT WITH YOUR SUGGESTION.

Star charges $1000 for a selfie

SOME of the biggest names in music are touring Australia and selling VIP packages – and one is even charging $1000 for a selfie.

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Health scare sidelines Hawthorn coach

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson to sit out indefinitely after health scare. Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has been sidelined indefinitely after being admitted to hospital with Gullain-Barré syndrome.

Clarkson went to hospital last night with acute back pain after several weeks of discomfort.

He was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, an inflammation of the nerves from the spinal cord.

Assistant coach Brendon Bolton will step in for Clarkson, set to spend at least a week in hospital, during his recuperation.

Hawthorn chief Stuart Fox said the club will not take any risks with Clarkson's health.

"We're fortunate that Alastair's condition has been detected early, and we're confident he is in the best possible hands under the care of very experienced specialists," Fox said.

"Our primary concern is for Alastair's health and a timeline for his return to coaching is not a consideration at this stage.

Hawthorn has put no timeline on Clarkson's return.

"The club will provide support for Alastair and his family for as long as it takes him to recover," Fox said.

Alastair Clarkson and Luke Hodge with the 2013 premiership cup. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Limited

WHAT IS GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME?

Guillain-Barrè syndrome is a form of inflammation in which nerves are effectively attacked by the body's own immune defence system, resulting in a spreading paralysis.

The disorder can be mild, moderate or severe, with life support needed in the worst cases. There is no cure.

Most people recover, but it can take anything from six months to two years or more and some can be left with permanent disabilities.

Estimates vary, but around nine out of 10 people who develop the syndrome survive and approximately 75 to 90 per cent recover completely.

The cause is unknown, but the trigger seems to be certain acute viral or bacterial infections.

The illness strikes between two and eight people in every 100,000 irrespective of gender or age, although it is more common in the 30 to 50 years age group.

Symptoms usually start in the feet or legs and progress up the body and can take a few days or weeks to progress. They can include:

- Muscle weakness and paralysis affecting both sides of the body;

- Jerky, uncoordinated movements;

- Numbness;

- Muscle aches, pains or cramps;

- Odd sensations such as vibrations, buzzing or 'crawling' under the skin;

- Blurred vision;

- Dizziness;

- Breathing problems.

Potentially fatal complications of Guillain-Barrè syndrome include pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis and respiratory failure.

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Hinkley keeps a lid on ‘silly talk’ of a Port flag

Power skipper Travis Boak is ready to flick the switch when Port plays reigning premiers Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has labelled predictions of a premiership this season as "silly talk'' because it is so premature as the Power prepares to play Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.

Hinkley, whose team is on top of the ladder with a 7-1 record, said the Power had not yet earned the right to consider itself in the same elite category as Hawthorn and Geelong.

He also hosed down the fact that bookmakers have installed Port as the favourite with odds last night having Port at $1.50 and Hawthorn at $2.50.

"We're trying to become something like along the Hawthorns, the Geelongs, the Sydney's of the world,'' Hinkley said.

"We've got miles to go.

"Whether you're expected to win or not expected to win — we don't set those markers.

"We know we've got to go in there and play at our absolute best no matter who we play, whether we're playing Hawthorn or a side that's not highly-ranked on the ladder.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson denies claims his side is undermanned and have been forced into rushing stars back from injury, claiming he will send out a side this weekend more than capable of defeating Port Adelaide.

"You're two or three per cent off, they're two or three per cent of and she's game on no matter who you're playing or where you're playing.

"Having had that little part of me that likes to have a little punt now and then — not on football — I know that's risky to take any notice of who's favourite and who's not favourite.

"It doesn't work out that way that often. I think it means very little.''

Hinkley doesn't mind the fact that the fans are hoping for a September triumph. But he believed it was far too early to start talking about which team looked like a flag fancy.

"It's round 10 tomorrow (Saturday) night,'' Hinkley said.

"It's silly talk because you've got to play well tomorrow (Saturday) night and that's all we've got to control.

"My comments have been, 'Why not?' (but) at the right time. But we know that it's about round 10 and hard work.

"At the end of the year this will be the same message. I said at the start of last year that we weren't going to set any limits on our group and we're not setting any limits on our group this year either.

"Internally we're okay. There are no problems internally. We know how hard and tough this competition is. Externally, we can't control it.''

Hinkley has warned his players Hawthorn remains as dangerous as ever despite injuries to several star players.

Hinkley pointed to the Hawks' Round 10 inclusions, among them Luke Hodge and Brad Sewell, and stressed few sides had as much depth as the Hawks.

Nothing but the Power's best would take them over the line at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night despite the club being installed as favourites by the bookmakers.

"They're a great side and they'll come out and play really strong footy,'' Hinkley said.

"Look at the players they've brought in.

"It's not too weakened. They've got some injuries but everybody's got injuries. They'll come and compete; that's why they've been on top for such a long time.

"They've got great depth. I think Box Hill is nearly undefeated in the VFL. They're a great side and they've got great depth to call on.

"We've got to play at our absolute best and we've been able to do that consistently so far this year.

"If we're a little bit off our game we're going to find ourselves in horrible trouble against the Hawks. We're going to have to come and play at our defensive best.''

Ruckman Matthew Lobbe, who missed the Power's last match with calf soreness, trained well this morning and has been cleared to return.

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Aldinga comes alive thanks to super Shane

Shane Crawford, right, chats with Aldinga Sharks players. Source: News Corp Australia

THE pub has put on more beer, the bakery has made special Sharks doughnuts and Hawthorn fans have come from Victoria to catch a glimpse of a Hawks champion.

Shane Crawford's footy comeback for the battling Aldinga Sharks has sparked the town ahead of today's game at Aldinga Oval.

SCROLL DOWN TO READ CRAWF'S SPEECH

The Sharks, who have lost their first six games by an average of 167 points, are playing O'Sullivan Beach-Lonsdale in a clash that is expected to draw a huge crowd and national interest.

Aldinga Hotel co-owner Andrew Ricketts said his pub would have four more staff on than usual, as well as extra beer kegs and meals on hand in anticipation of a big day.

"I'm thinking there'll be more people floating around, especially after the footy to drop in and have a beer before they go home," said Mr Ricketts, a former Sharks player.

"I know people coming from Victoria that are Hawthorn supporters and they're going to come watch Shane, and then they've got tickets to the Port-Hawthorn match (tonight).

"We're prepared for whatever we get hit with as far as kegs go, food and whatnot."

The hotel has sponsored the Sharks for 22 years and had its name emblazoned on Aldinga's guernsey this year.

"(The exposure) has been amazing and is certainly putting our name out there," Ricketts said.

Aldinga Beach Holiday Park co-owner Jenny Deppeler said a Hawthorn fan who had travelled from Geelong for the game was among people staying there.

Home Grain Bakery co-owner Cara West said her business was setting up a stall at the game to sell pies and doughnuts decorated in the Sharks' black and gold colours.

The shop is donating $1 from every pie sold at the match to the footy club.

"You can feel the excitement in the air and hear snatches of conversations around the whole town about the game," she said.

Shane Crawford in his Aldinga Sharks jumper. Picture: Alex Coppel. Source: News Corp Australia

CRAWF IS READY TO UNITE THE CHARGES

SHANE CRAWFORD will deliver this speech to his Aldinga Sharks teammates before they do battle on Saturday.

THE day has finally arrived where I've got to stand up and be counted as an Aldinga Shark and we put some bite back into this club.

I want you to know that I'll do my very best but I've been out of the game for quite some time, so you might need to just lower your expectations early and let me see if I've still got something left in my body.

Dermott Brereton dared the Hawks to draw a line in the sand to try and stop the rot a few years ago.

We're certainly not going to get into any fights, but we need to draw our own line in the sand and say enough is enough.

We need to show the locals, the supporters and most importantly, ourselves as players that we can turn this around.

There's always a bit of light at the end of the tunnel no matter how dim it is.

When you're struggling, you can try and turn it around by buying better recruits, or you can dig deep, come together and unite as one.

That's what Port Adelaide has done, you can see the way they've gone about it the last few years.

After meeting my teammates at training on Thursday, I know you're the men to do the job.

It's what makes footy great - people coming together from all walks of life who just love the game.

I'll probably get most of your names wrong on the field, but I'll be more than happy to make a meal of the words when we finally get to sing that club song.

And I really hope the Sunday morning recovery session doesn't involve going down to the nudist beach - we're close as teammates, but we don't need to be that close.

FACT FILE

■ A grade starts 2.30pm, Saturday (May 24) at Aldinga Oval, Port Rd, Aldinga

■ Gates open 11am

■ Walk-in only, no car parking around ground

■ Cost is $5 for adults, children under 18 and Aldinga Sharks members free

■ Off-site parking available from 10am at corner Main South Rd and Port Rd, Aldinga, for $5 (follow traffic controllers' directions)

■ Footy Show personality Sam Newman to sing national anthem before the game

■ No BYO alcohol, security checks at entrance

■ Bring a deck chair

■ Food and drinks available

■ Free jumping castle, face painting, crafts

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Live footy: Jack the Giant slayer

Last updated: May 24, 2014

JACK Riewoldt has responded to a week of drama with 11 goals to three-quarter time goals as Richmond goes on a scoring spree against GWS.

From man of God to state's most wanted

EXCLUSIVE: He is the most wanted man in SA - and one of the most dangerous — but once upon a time Rodney Ian Clavell's entire life was about God and the law.

Inside Kimye's insane pre-wedding dinner

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The battle for Black Point

THE seaside idyll of Black Point is threatened on all sides by two mega-projects, but the area's residents won't give in without a fight.

Muslim man refuses to stand in court

A MUSLIM man who threatened to "slit the throat" of an intelligence officer has refused to stand for a judge in court.

Secret to The Beatles tour revealed

THEY were the biggest band in the world, so how did the biggest band there ever was end up in our corner of the globe nearly 50 years ago?

Live footy: Jack the Giant slayer

JACK Riewoldt has responded to a week of drama with seven first-half goals as Richmond goes on a scoring spree against GWS? Join the live chat.

What losing your home is like

LATE one night, four friends were soundly asleep. Moments later, they were trapped, desperately trying to escape a raging fire sweeping through the house.

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Replay Josh Jenkins’ footy chat

JOSH Jenkins got back in the hot seat and answered all your questions. See what he had to say.

Jenkins was the star in Adelaide's 21-point win over Collingwood last Thursday night at Adelaide Oval.

He kicked four goals in front of more than 50,000 fans, but was part of a huge controversy after one of his goals was allowed despite being kicked after the three-quarter time siren.

Replay his blog below now.

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‘Confidence the Tigers’ biggest issue’

Trent Cotchin (centre) and his Tigers teammates leave the MCG. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

FOX Footy host Gerard Healy believes Richmond need to rediscover their confidence and quick ball movement.

The Tigers have been struggling this season and Healy says a drop in intensity and spirit is behind their woes.

RE-LIVE THE LIVE CHAT WITH GERARD HEALY BELOW

While Healy believed Jack Riewoldt broke team rules by coming out publicly, he said the Tigers needed to fix their gameplan ahead of their clash with GWS.

"There's only one way to get out of the crisis. Train hard, play hard and take a few risks," he said.

"Despite Jack Riewoldt breaking the team code, it still confirms their ball movement has robbed them of their initiative. They need to take some risks, run and carry.

"On Damien Hardwick - everybody wants to know about a flag - let's get a few wins on the board first."

Healy also had some major doubts about Geelong.

The Brownlow Medallist said the Cats have been struggling for several weeks and are coming off a trip to Perth to face North Melbourne on Friday night.

"The Kangaroos come in with reasonable form and the Cats are in a bit of a hole," he said.

"Having lost Stevie J and on the back of a trip to Perth, Geelong will have to play really well."

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Hardwick threatens to axe Jack

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick has refused to guarantee Jack Riewoldt a spot in the side to play Greater Western Sydney in Saturday's crunch game, saying the forward "let down" the Richmond family with his critical comments about the team's game plan.

Riewoldt regrets Richmond's changes

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Henderson on comeback trail

Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins says the Crows must use Thursday's impressive win over Collingwood to gather some momentum in the coming weeks.

Ricky Henderson is preparing to return to Adelaide's line-up later this season. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Limited

PLAYMAKING defender Ricky Henderson could prove to be an ace in Adelaide's pack as it prepares to charge at a finals spot in the second half of the season.

Henderson has upped the ante in his rehabilitation from the broken leg he sustained at pre-season training in February and could resume playing in "three-to-four'' weeks.

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"He's nearly back to full training now and we're trying to put him through a mini pre-season to get him back up to full speed,'' Crows football operations manager Phil Harper said.

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"The injury has healed really well, it was a clean break, and we hope to get him back in three-to-four weeks.

Brent Reilly seeks to regain his place in Adelaide's senior side. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Limited

"He's got a bit more running and speed work to do but he should join the full group within two weeks.''

Henderson, 25, fractured his tibia near the ankle when he was tackled at training in February.

The Crows have missed his run and rebound from defence, with the high-leaping Henderson averaging 24 disposals in his last seven games last season

Teammate David Mackay, who at times in the opening nine rounds has been used to fill Henderson's role in the back half, described his impending availability as a "real bonus".

David McKay. is looking forward to having Henderson back in the team. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

"Hendo is up and about. He's a few weeks away from getting back and it's going to be a real bonus for us," Mackay said.

"He's a quality player and is really important in the way we structure up. He's going to give us that real speed and extra defender, who can take the game on and give us a bit of run and carry.

"It'll be really exciting to get Rick back."

With No. 1 forward Taylor Walker back from 12 months out following a knee reconstruction and Henderson making good progress in his comeback, the Crows are starting to get close to their best team together.

Forward Tom Lynch (broken jaw), captain Nathan van Berlo (Achilles) and last year's Rising Star runner-up Brad Crouch are the other first-choice players currently out of the side.

Tom Lynch is recovering from his broken jaw. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Limited

Midfielder Crouch revisited a specialist last week about his slow recovery from a broken leg but the club is confident he will resume playing within three weeks.

Lynch is about a month away from playing again while van Berlo remains on track to return later in the season.

Mackay said the dropping of veteran Brent Reilly for what would have been his 200th game against Collingwood sent a clear message to the players that the club has good depth and that questionable form would not be tolerated.

"The boys were pretty shattered for "Radar','' Mackay said.

"It's a tough part of the industry and if you have the performance we had against Melbourne things like that will inevitably happen.

"Radar is a quality person and it won't be long before we see him back but it was a message to everyone that you need to be playing well, you need to be in form or something will give.''

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Port close to deal on match in China

Port Adelaide is close to securing a deal to play a pre-season game in the Chinese city of Macau. Source: AP

PORT Adelaide is closer to playing a pre-season game in China next year — and opening new sponsorship deals in the lucrative Chinese market.

The Power is considering two venues on the casino-driven Chinese island of Macau for a pre-season game that will put Port ahead of two AFL rivals — in particular Greater Western Sydney — in finding a new source of corporate money outside the increasingly crowded Australian market.

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"We're thinking outside the square — and we need to such so that we can differentiate ourselves," Port president David Koch said from China yesterday.

"We've worked our 'central corridor' strategy in Central Australia from Adelaide to Darwin and now there is Melbourne and Essendon there as well. We have to find somewhere with clean air — and China offers that."

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Port's board — with every director paying for their travel — met in Hong Kong during last week's bye to work through a strategy session.

The Power business lunch in Hong Kong — that returned a profit — not only opened connections to some of China's business leaders but reaffirmed Port's interest in taking a pre-season game to South-East Asia.

"This is a very good market for us," Koch told The Advertiser.

Travis Boak could be leading Port Adelaide out in a pre-season game in China. Source: Getty Images

"Just in Hong Kong there is the second-largest ex-pat group of Australians; second to London."

Port is now waiting for AFL approval for a venue in Macau. The first stadium proposed for the pre-season game is not meeting league requirements.

"But there is another — half an hour away from Macau's centre — that meets the AFL's minimum standards and can host 10,000 people," Koch said.

"As a club we are very interested in playing a pre-season game in Macau next year. The sponsors of the game are very keen. Now we have to wait on the AFL to weigh up which venue is best for the game.

"On the sponsorship this game offers, we're ready to go."

Port's new China theme advances Koch's intent to broaden the Power from its traditional "5015 postcode" to be a national and now international brand. Port's new joint major sponsor, Energy Australia, has its headquarters in Hong Kong.

The other major sponsor is French car manufacturer, Renault.

View of Macau at dusk. Picture: Edmon Leong Source: Supplied

The rebirth of the Power's corporate strength is coupled with Port having record membership of 53,007 — and closing within 500 on hometown rival Adelaide's count that has always lead in the SA market.

"That is what Adelaide Oval has done for us," Koch said. "For our members, Adelaide Oval feels like home — they left AAMI Stadium to come home to Adelaide Oval.

"For all the controversy created by the Adelaide Oval debate, there is no doubt now that this is the best decision ever made for the SA economy. When Fremantle declares it had 30 sponsors come to Adelaide — and they turned the trip into more than a football game by visiting the Barossa — after hardly any would be here for a game at AAMI Stadium, we know tourism in SA will be boosted by AFL games at Adelaide Oval.

"That is music to my ears."

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Danger loves Tex factor

Taylor Walker leaves the ground after Adelaide's win over Collingwood at Adelaide Oval. Picture: Simon Cross Source: News Corp Australia

PATRICK Dangerfield admits he broke into a huge grin when he heard Taylor Walker's name called out over the PA system during warm ups at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.

Dangerfield understands the importance of the key forward to the Crows' hopes of playing finals again this season and was thrilled to see him return after 12 months out with a knee injury.

"When they announced all the player's names before the game, I couldn't help but smile when they said his name. It's just awesome to have him back," Dangerfield said.

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson fronts the media following the Crows' 21-point win over Collingwood on Thursday night.

Josh Jenkins, who thrived in Walker's return to the forward line kicking four goals, also welcomed the elite goalkicker back with open arms.

"It was great to have him back," Jenkins said.

"While he was a bit fumbly and he fatigued pretty quickly in the second half it was awesome to have him out there and you'd expect he's only going to improve from here."

And Walker enjoyed being back just as much.

"Amazing to be back out there with the boys. Some really (positive) signs and a big thanks to the Crows you were unreal," he tweeted.

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More sirens for Adelaide Oval

MORE sirens at Adelaide Oval is the AFL's answer to stopping a repeat of Thursday night's controversy with crowd noise drowning out the siren at three-quarter time of the Crows-Collingwood epic.

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AFL: That’s not the real clock, Eddie

Herald Sun journalist Jon Ralph and the Fox Footy team examine the implication and cause of Adelaide's controversial post-siren kick on Thursday night.

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson insists he didn't hear the three quarter siren as controversy reigns over whether Josh Jenkins kicked a goal beyond the bell.

15/5/14 — AFL Round 9 — Adelaide v Collingwood at Adelaide Oval — Josh Jenkins Pic Simon Cross Source: News Corp Australia

THE AFL has given the green light to Josh Jenkins' controversial three-quarter time goal against Collingwood, but will look to "beef up" the siren at Adelaide Oval, one of the loudest crowd venues in the country.

And the league will examine linking the countdown clock shown on TV broadcasts with the one used by timekeepers in a bid to avoid another "siren gate".

AFL football operations manager Mark Evans said the league would start work on testing better ways to make sure umpires, players and crowds can hear the siren after Thursday night's controversy.

Evans was adamant the goal was kicked before the siren, despite Collingwood president Eddie McGuire labelling the incident as "shambolic".

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"The most important thing is ... the score is correct," Evans said. "The timekeeper is adamant ... he says the ball was kicked just moments before he pressed the siren.

"The (Adelaide Oval) siren is amongst the loudest around the country, so the real challenge is can we beef that up even further without hurting people's ears and can we try and tie the siren mechanism or use the umpires' communication system to make sure we are delivering some sort of sound to the ear of the umpire at the same time as the siren is pressed.

"We do have to make sure that the crowd and the people watching the broadcast get that surety that the siren has gone."

Jenkins was credited with a goal as the crowd drowned out the siren at three-quarter time, which gave the Crows a significant 14-point break.

Josh Jenkins runs into the goalsquare as the clock hits zero at the end of the third quarter. Source: FoxSports

Evans said the AFL will look to increase the number of banks of sirens around Adelaide Oval following a second incident at the ground this season.

A furious McGuire, who communicated his frustration to Evans immediately after an incident, called it a "complete debacle".

"I was talking to Mark Evans last night ... we've got to get this sorted out," McGuire said on Triple M.

"Bucks (Magpies coach Nathan Buckley) says it didn't affect the result, well it does. It does affect the result because they get an extra goal at a very, very pivotal moment in the game, and I'm not one to just let these things go because it annoys me and it will cost someone a Grand Final.

"It makes the AFL look shambolic. If the president of Collingwood can send a message to the AFL operations director and we still can't work it out, what does that tell you?

"This happened in 1980 in a night grand final — we still can't figure it out?"

LISTEN TO EDDIE'S SIREN BLAST IN FULL BELOW (Courtesy Triple M)

Jenkins said after the game he hadn't heard the siren.

"I wanted to get it on the boot as quickly as possible because I knew it was late in the quarter," he said.

"I didn't hear anything but I kicked the goal and I'm not giving it back."

Evans said his dealings with McGuire on Friday night were mostly via text messages, saying: "Eddie was very good on expressing his views."

"I know this has the potential to cause people some angst at the time but I couldn't be more appreciate of the way Nathan Buckley conducted himself last night.

Evans explained: "Our actual clock, the real clock, measures down to the hundredth of a second. The display that people see only shows to the whole second, so as it ticks under one second, there is still .99 of a second to go.

"We can look at whether the broadcast (clock) can take the read into hundredths of a second, but at the moment it would appear that the siren has gone .99 of a second late."

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley has refused to blame the Adelaide Oval's quiet siren for his side's loss to the Crowd on Thursday night, despite Josh Jackson appearing to kick a goal after it had sounded for three quarter time.

McGuire said he had become aware of problems with the broadcast time clock and the siren on Anzac Day when Essendon forward Jason Winderlich appeared to take a mark after the quarter-time siren.

"I was told it's not when it (the clock) gets to zero, it's when it gets to zero minus one, that's one thing I was told.

"So we've got a situation at the moment where, to be perfectly honest, no one call tell me when the end of the quarter is.

"If we're going to do score reviews of blokes having a shot from the boundary line on the other side of the ground using a camera from 150m away and say that's fine, you can't tell me that we can't work out at the end of a quarter that the siren has gone?"

The incident sent Twitter into meltdown.

Crows star Patrick Dangerfield added: "We had no idea what was going on. They're an amazing crowd. The city's done a great job. We are so lucky to play here."

Josh Jenkins kicked a controversial goal at the end of the third quarter to help the Crows defeat Collingwood, with some arguing the siren had already sounded before he put boot to ball. It seems the referees were unable to hear the siren over the crowd.

In 2006, Fremantle was leading by one point when the final siren sounded at York Park, Launceston. However the umpires did not hear it, meaning play continued for another 20 seconds.

As Dockers players pleaded for the game to be stopped, St Kilda scored a behind to tie the match before the umpires called full-time.

However the AFL commission overturned the draw and gave the full four points to Fremantle, determining that the match should have stopped when the first siren sounded.

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Hinkley asks Port to squeeze Dockers

Power midfielder Ollie Wines gets plenty of work in at training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Limited

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley wants his players to take the initiative and put the squeeze on Fremantle today to avoid a repeat of last year's thrashing at Subiaco.

Hinkley said the pressure the Dockers placed on his team in a 74 point defeat in round 22 last year was "as good as we've ever seen". But after a summer spent teaching his players to handle the heat, Hinkley wants to flip the script.

"We need to be able to put pressure on them," Hinkley said. "Not worry so much about the pressure they're going to put on us."

Ross Lyon's side hasn't been at its suffocating best since the early rounds of the season, recording just two wins from its past five games.

The Dockers have also travelled to Adelaide without injured key defenders Luke McPharlin and Zac Dawson, presenting Port's forward line with an ideal opportunity to take over the game if the midfield can provide enough supply.

"First and foremost against Fremantle one of the biggest challenges you have is getting it in there enough," Hinkley said.

"We need to make sure we provide enough of those entries for our forwards to go to work, because our forwards will present a significant risk to them I'm sure."

The Dockers are able to bully most sides at the stoppages because of the dominance of ruckman Aaron Sandilands and the big bodies of Michael Barlow, Nat Fyfe and David Mundy.

But Hinkley believes his midfield is well placed to meet the challenge.

"I'm really comfortable with the size of Boak, Wines, Ebert, Hartlett, Polec," he said.

"Freo have some great midfielders but we've got some great size to go against them we think."

The Power coach also stressed the importance of preparing to limit Fremantle's scoring.

Power players put through their paces at training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Limited

With so much focus on how Port's second ranked attack will match up against the league's best defence, Hinkley hasn't forgotten the threat players like Matthew Pavlich, Hayden Ballantyne and Chris Mayne will pose.

"We spend the best part of our week working on defence," Hinkley said.

"They've been the best defensive team in the competition for a long time now and we just need to make sure we're working to get somewhere near that."

Hinkley sprang a mild surprise at selection this week by handing another opportunity to promoted rookie Kane Mitchell.

The West Australian was facing an uphill battle to get back in the side after having his position filled by Jared Polec and Matt White this season.

But Hinkley says Mitchell's form in the SANFL — where he's shown an improved ability to win the inside ball — was impossible to ignore.

"He's been rewarded for his performance," Hinkley said.

"Like we've done with Sam Gray, Ben Newton, Paul Stewart — blokes have been rewarded for consistency of form.

"We have to honour that and make sure they know if they keep delivering those results they'll get a game."

Mitchell should help Port in its endeavour to win the uncontested ball, which has proved decisive against Fremantle this season.

The Dockers have averaged 70 fewer uncontested possessions in their losses this season, but were far better in this area in a win against West Coast last week.

"I listened to Ross talk after the game last week and he made a point of saying they controlled the ball better," Hinkley said.

"That might have been a slight tinkering of their game style, I don't know, but I can only assume they're going to play similar this week."

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