Razor Ray returns to fray

Umpire Ray Chamberlain will don the whistle for Saturday's NAB Cup clash between Richmond and Essendon. Picture: Andrew Tauber Source: Herald Sun

THE umpire fans love to abuse - Ray "Razor" Chamberlain - returns to action on Saturday after missing last season with a knee injury.

The AFL's most recognised flamboyant umpire, Chamberlain said he is excited about officiating at the Richmond v Essendon clash at Wangaratta.

And while some might suggest he doesn't mind his cult following, he said he's learnt more about himself and where umpiring sits in his life in the past 18 months.

Chamberlain said his time out had been a revelation as he realised he had put umpiring before everything else and been oblivious to other things in his life.

After umpiring 110 consecutive games, Chamberlain said his career was going along nicely.

"Sleep, eat, read, rehab, prepare for games, review games ... and all that would come ahead of games and I was oblivious to other things in my life which suffered," he said.

"What 18 months away does - apart from a lot of time on the iTunes because you're training on your own - (is) it gives you a lot of time to think and put your energies into other stuff.

"You realise I'm not Ray Chamberlain the AFL umpire, but I'm Ray Chamberlain the dad, I'm Ray Chamberlain the finance company, I'm Ray Chamberlain the son ... all those things."

The rest has also made him realise how much he loves umpiring and admits he'd lost sight of that because he was getting a bit cranky.

Chamberlain carried a patella tendon injury in the second half of the 2011 season and hoped rest would heal it, but scar tissue forced him to have surgery.

Keen to enjoy a lower profile, he said: "I have no control over whoever this Razor dude is. I didn't create it and I just want to get back umpiring with my mates."

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Get SuperCoach anytime, anywhere

Shane Crawford tries out the new SuperCoach phone app. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

NOW you can access your SuperCoach team 24 hours a day with the new apps for iPhones and Android.

Make trades on the run, follow your team's progress over the weekend and - most importantly - make changes to your team before every match.

WHAT'S NEW IN 2013:

- New look - We've rebuilt the interface from the ground up with an all-new look and feel for easier and quicker use.

- Easy management - All-new "field view" makes it even easier to make trades, substitutions, captain and emergency selections.

- Rolling Lockout - Full support for the all-new rolling lockout system - you can make squad changes right through the round of footy wherever you are, up until each of your players' actual AFL game begins.

- Easy Stats - SuperCoach GOLD gets you access to projected scores, breakevens and projected prices for players.

Each app costs just $2.99 for the whole season.

Click HERE to get the SuperCoach iPhone app

Click HERE to get the SuperCoach Android app

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Crows leave out Tambling

Crow Richard Tambling in action. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

RICHARD Tambling's stop-start campaign to make the final year of his contract count at Adelaide has stopped again.

The former Richmond midfielder is a surprise absentee from the Crows' 27-man squad for the NAB Cup clash with Geelong at Geelong on Saturday.

Tambling, a top-three disposal-earner in Adelaide's five-point win against Fremantle on Saturday, has reported back soreness and will not be pushed this weekend.

Adelaide list manager David Noble said: "Richard's back was sore early in the week. It's not a major issue, but we felt it best to rest him this week."

Adelaide has opted to persist with the trial of young defender Luke Brown for the vacancy created by Michael Doughty's retirement at the end of last season.

Adelaide is hopeful Tambling will resume in its last NAB Cup qualifier, against Carlton at AAMI Stadium, next Friday.

Adelaide's big search for a new ruck combination - in the wake of Kurt Tippett's defection to Sydney - has put another former Tiger out of the Crows squad with Angus Graham not in the 27 named by coach Brenton Sanderson today.

Lead ruckman Sam Jacobs returns for his first pre-season game of the summer. Adelaide has Josh Jenkins and Shaun McKernan on audition at Geelong on Saturday to be Jacob's ruck partner.

Adelaide, as expected, has put Jacobs, club champion Scott Thompson and experienced defenders Ben Rutten and Brent Reilly on a team sheet for the first time this pre-season.

All four should play in Adelaide's pen-ultimate game of the NAB Cup series that is set to end for the Crows against Carlton at AAMI Stadium next Friday.
 

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Eagles to play it safe with Waters

SIDELINED: Eagle Beau Waters is set to remain on ice for another week. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

WEST Coast will welcome back a trio of big names for this weekend's NAB Cup clash with Collingwood, but vice-captain Beau Waters is unlikely to be included.

Waters had been considered a chance to return to action on Sunday after hip surgery had restricted his off-season workload.

But John Worsfold this morning said the defender was unlikely to be risked for the Magpies clash, saying he was "very confident" Waters would instead line up against Port Adelaide in Alice Springs on March 9.

Forward Mark Nicoski will also sit out Sunday's game, but Josh Kennedy, Dean Cox and Matt Rosa will all take to the field against the Magpies.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Goalsneak Murray Newman is set to train with the main group today but will not participate in the NAB Cup after a summer plagued by fitness and off-field issues.

Worsfold said he was confident Swan Districts could provide adequate support for the 19-year-old despite the WAFL denying the Eagles' request of a move to East Perth.

"He's still got some things he has to address in terms of being back in full-time training with the whole group, so he's still working through those," Worsfold said.

"We asked for him to move to East Perth, so we felt that was in his best interests, but we respect the WAFL's decision.

"I'm very confident that Swan Districts will support Murray in the way we need him supported."

Worsfold said he was not concerned by the AFL's latest rule change - a cap on interchanges to 80 per game - that will take effect for the first time this weekend.

The rule will be in place for the remainder of the pre-season competition but will be absent from the season proper.

"It's a good experiment and a good time to do it in the NAB Cup," he said.

"The AFL will get some data out of this over all the games (across) the next two or three weekends, and that will be used in making their decision about where it heads next year.

"I don't necessarily think that (it will slow the game down too much). I'm more than happy to have a look at it and see what we learn from it.

"Mind you, I was involved in the game when we did less than 80 rotations per game, so I sort of know what the game will look like already. It didn't worry me back then."

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson
 

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Hawks call up big guns

Sam Mitchell returns to the Hawthorn line-up this weekend. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN captain Sam Mitchell and gun midfielders Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell will play their first matches of the pre-season matches against the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.

The star trio were left in Melbourne as the Hawks flew to the Gold Coast for their opening NAB Cup round-robin matches last weekend.

The night didn't go well, with Hawthorn suffering losses to Brisbane and the Gold Coast and copping injuries to Cyril Rioli (ankle), Brian Lake (calf) and Paul Puopolo (knee).

All three will miss Friday night's clash, with Puopolo in doubt for the start of the home-and-away season.

Others missing from the Hawthorn squad include skipper Luke Hodge, Liam Shiels, Shaun Burgoyne and Grant Birchall.

Youngsters Jed Anderson, Derick Wanganeen and Sam Grimley have all been named, along with recruits Jonathan Simpkin and Matt Spangher.

Lance Franklin will play after being kept goalless in Queensland.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have named former West Coast midfielder Koby Stevens for his first game in red, blue and white.

Fans will get another look at first-round draft pick Jackson Macrae and mature-age recruit Brett Goodes, while Jordan Roughead returns after missing the Dogs' opening NAB Cup clashes with a virus.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

SQUADS

Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs, Etihad Stadium Friday 7.40pm (FOX FOOTY live)

Hawthorn

2 Jarryd Roughead
3 Jordan Lewis
4 Matt Suckling
5 Sam Mitchell
6 Josh Gibson
10 Bradley Hill
12 Brad Sewell
13 Kyle Cheney
16 Isaac Smith
18 Brent Guerra
19 Jack Gunston
20 David Hale
21 Shane Savage
22 Luke Breust
23 Lance Franklin
24 Ben Stratton
25 Ryan Schoenmakers
27 Matt Spangher
29 William Langford (R) - Emergency
32 Jonathan Simpkin
35 Sam Grimley
37 Jed Anderson
38 Mitchell Hallahan - Emergency
41 Taylor Duryea
43 Amos Frank (R)
46 Derick Wanganeen (R)
47 Jonathon Ceglar (R) - Emergency

Western Bulldogs

2 Robert Murphy
3 Mitch Wallis
4 Daniel Cross
5 Matthew Boyd
6 Luke Dahlhaus
10 Easton Wood
11 Jackson Macrae
13 Daniel Giansiracusa
14 Clay Smith
15 Jason Tutt
16 Ryan Griffen
19 Liam Jones
21 Tom Liberatore
22 Dylan Addison
23 Jordan Roughead
25 Koby Stevens
27 Will Minson
29 Tory Dickson
31 Tom Young
33 Nick Lower
37 Lukas Markovic
38 Dale Morris
39 Jason Johannisen
42 Liam Picken
44 Brett Goodes
45 Tom Campbell
49 Ayce Cordy

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Morabito closes in on return

COMEBACK TRAIL: Fremantle's Anthony Morabito (left) could resume training within weeks. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon says midfielder Anthony Morabito could return to full training within a month.

Lyon revealed the "little snippet" at Fremantle's season launch at Burswood this morning, also stating that skipper Matthew Pavlich would not take part in this week's NAB Cup Round 2 clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium so as not to miss the birth of his and wife Lauren's first child.

Morabito is recovering from his latest of three knee reconstructions, having undergone LARS treatment five weeks ago in attempt to return to competition for the first time since his debut 23-game season in 2010.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Lyon told the attendees at the launch that the 21-year-old could return to full-time training in four weeks, but was reluctant to speak in-depth on Morabito's recovery, instead saying the player would talk when he was ready.

"I don't know whether it's (Morabito's recovery) ahead (of schedule), I don't think it's behind, I think it's just about right," Lyon said.

"He's right on track and, what is it, it's probably a bit longer than three weeks, Round 1, AFL he'll be introduced into full training.

"We're really keen for Anthony to talk to that when he feels comfortable.

"We enjoy that everyone respecting what he's been through and where he's heading, but we're keen to continue to update all our fans and members along the way.

"That was just a little snippet of where he's at and, at the appropriate time, he'll do a presser himself, I would imagine."

Lyon played a similar card with Pavlich's impending absence, saying it was up to the Fremantle captain to discuss his private matters, but said the game had evolved for the better in players prioritising their personal lives.

"I don't want to talk for Matthew, I don't think that's my position," he said.

"I think we all know Lauren's pregnant, it's close to the date and I don't think it's for me to talk about their private life.

"But him flying interstate would certainly put that at risk, so he won't play.

"If they need to be there, then they should be there.

"We're really respectful of the families and wives and the support that needs to be given there.

"The game's evolved a lot; fathers never used to go to the births and how tragic did that use to be, so we've all moved a little bit forward from those days, fortunately."

Nat Fyfe and David Mundy are expected to line up against Carlton and Lyon said they would retain their spots for the remainder of the pre-season competition as "they need to catch up on some minutes".

Michael Barlow will not face the Blues, while Stephen Hill will also miss after picking up an arm injury in the practice match loss to Adelaide last Saturday. However, his omission was labelled as precautionary.

Lyon said the Dockers' other injury concern from the Crows game, Michael Walters (ankle), will fly east.

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Daw battles knee swelling

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

EXCITING North Melbourne big man Majak Daw has knee problems and is in doubt for the NAB Cup second round.

Daw developed swelling in both knees after the Kangaroos' wins against Melbourne and Richmond at Etihad Stadium last Friday night.

Coach Brad Scott said the ruckman-forward would need to improve rapidly over the next day or so to be guaranteed a place in the 24-player squad to face the Gold Coast in Townsville on Saturday afternoon.

"We're hopefully Majak will be up and right to play, but he did have some swelling Sunday and Saturday morning,'' Scott said.

"That was disappointing given that we managed his loads through the pre-season and thought he would get through. And we managed his load in the games, so at this stage at best he's 50-50.

"He will be selected in the side, but if that swelling doesn't reduce significantly over the next 24 hours, then he probably won't play. We'll look to get him right for the following week.''

Scott said Daw's running goal, when he pushed aside Tiger defender Steven Morris, was an indication of how much more development is required as well an illustration of the Sudanese-born Roo's immense athleticism.

"Right at this stage, Maj is in the early stages of his development. Despite what people say, he has a lot of work to do and he knows that clearly,'' Scott said.

"We're trying to simplify the game for him at the moment. I said before the game that he would do a few things that would make people stand up and take notice. But he's still really working hard on the fundamentals of the game.

"He didn't see Brad McKenzie on the inside. It's very easy in hindsight to say he should've passed it off, he simply didn't see him. And they're the fundamentals that I'm talking about.

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

"It takes players a long time to develop the awareness around them. Maj at the moment, the simplest way for him to play is to play to his strengths.

"He'll evolve and develop that awareness as time goes on. He wants to be a respected member of this team and that means giving it to a player in a better position when it presents itself.

"When he saw the vision he said, 'Yeah, I should've given it to Brad, but I just didn't see him', so that's what we're working on with him to try to evolve his development.

"It's the joy of coaching, that's why we coach because the satisfaction you get from working hard with a player. And to (ruck coach) Alex Ishchenko's credit and all our development staff's credit, they take great satisfaction in watching Maj improve.''

Scott said the Kangaroos will be playing to win against the Suns and had already factored in the expected north Queensland heat in the preparations.

Nathan Grima and Leigh Adams are not likely to be risked for the long trip, but both are still on track to be ready for Round 1 of the home-and-away season.

"It's probably unlikely Leigh Adams will be right to play. He's probably the only regular member of our team who wasn't in the squad last week,'' he said.

"Nathan is close. He wanted to play last week, but he's a really important part of our back six, but we won't risk him if he's not 100 per cent. He prefer to get more training sessions into him.

"It will be more a process of leaving players out than bringing new ones in.

The Roos today unveiled the new surface at their training ground at Aegis Park.
 

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Scott: Stop messing with our game

Brad Scott wants the AFL to stop tinkering with the rules. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott fears the game will become "unrecognisable" if the AFL continues to tinker with rules.

Scott is opposed to the 80 interchange rotations cap to be trialled in this weekend's NAB Cup second round.

"I'm concerned a little bit that the premise is incorrect in the first place. I'm not sure that we should be trying to tire players out to try and reduce congestion," Scott said.

"You go back and look at the evolution of the game. In the early 2000s you had flooding, 2010 you had the opposite with players pushing to the other end of the ground. So the coaches evolve and alter their tactics based on what's presented to them.

"If we cap rotations and fatigue players and make it difficult for them to get around the ground, we'll just adapt, we'll just change the game again.

"If our players are really tired and we're getting scored against and we're opening up, we're likely to just put 16 players behind the ball to stop us being scored against.

Majak Daw battles knee swelling

"So, I'm very wary when it comes to tinkering with the game to try and change the evolution of the game. If we make rule changes every times there's an evolution in the game, we'll just end up chasing our tail.

"My great fear is that the game becomes unrecognisable in the not too distant future. I would prefer to just let things go as they are and let the game evolve naturally.

"I feel for the AFL because they do the best they can to trial things in the NAB Cup. But the reality is we're playing shortened games and, when you cap interchanges at 20 (each quarter), the quarters go for seven or eight minutes less than the regular season and you find most interchanges happen late in the quarter.

"So are we going to get accurate set of data? I doubt it, but I don't know what the alternative is."

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Cats won't change kamikaze Joel

Joel Selwood is a "ticking time bomb" for head trauma according to Greg Williams. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

Tom Hawkins marks strongly in front of Josh Hunt at Geelong training. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

GEELONG won't ask Joel Selwood to change the way he plays despite warnings of head trauma from repeated concussions.

Brownlow medallist Greg Williams described Selwood as a walking time bomb because of his fearless head-first attack on the ball.

Williams has revealed he is suffering from a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated knocks during his career with Geelong, Sydney and Carlton.

"He gets knocked out a couple of times a year and gets stunned that many times that the club has to protect him because he can't protect himself," Williams said.

"He is a champion player and courageous, but he is too courageous for his own good.

"If he keeps getting concussed, it's a huge issue for him in life and they have do to something about it."

But Geelong assistant coach Dale Amos said today the Cats wouldn't ask Selwood to change the way he plays.

"You can't change the way Joel plays. That's the way he is," Amos said at Geelong training today.

"The way they adjudicate the game, in terms of contact to players, is as good as it's ever been. It's much safer than it ever was.

"So we trust that the game will enable guys to play the way they are, because we all admire Joel.

"He's the captain of our footy club for a reason. He leads by example, and I think everybody admires the way he plays."

While Williams said players in his era would be considered "wimps" if they didn't keep playing after a head knock, Amos said times had changed.

"What was once seen to be brave and macho is quite different now," Amos said.

"Everybody in the industry is much more educated, and the players are no different.

"They report how they're feeling, and their consultations with the medical staff or the physios are quite extensive, so I think players are quite in-tune with how they feel."

AFL's concussion headache

And he said clubs couldn't take "short cuts" with concussed players.

"You just can't cheat the system anymore with those sorts of things," Amos said.

Meanwhile, the Cats will welcome back premiership stars Paul Chapman and Andrew Mackie for its NAB Cup clash against Adelaide on Saturday.

Amos said the pair were "fit and ready to play" after being rested for Geelong's trip to Perth for Round 1 of the pre-season competition.

He said Chapman was raring to go and was pushing for more midfield time.

"He's had a good injury free pre-season and in terms of his preparation it couldn't have gone any better. He's looking forward to playing, as most the senior guys are this time of year, and he's ready to go," Amos said.

Amos said Mathew Stokes (ankle) and Josh Hunt (quad) were making steady progress from injury but would not play against the Crows.

Injured ruckman Hamish McIntosh is also close to a return to training after under-going knee surgery.

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Lions top NAB Cup ladder

Nick Riewoldt in the rain during St Kilda's intra-club practice match in Wangaratta last year. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: HWT Image Library

THE Lions are surprise pre-season ladder-leaders, Richmond is ninth and the Dogs have a hand on the NAB Cup wooden spoon.

Brisbane bolted out of the blocks with wins against Hawthorn and Gold Coast to record the best percentage of the four teams to hold an unbeaten record after the first round of NAB Cup matches.

Mick Malthouse made a successful start to his coaching career to have Carlton sitting second, just ahead of his former club Collingwood, while North Melbourne rounds out the top four after snatching victory late against Richmond on Friday night.

Those four teams seem the only realistic hopes of making the final of the pre-season competition, which will be played between the two top teams after three rounds of round-robin matches.

See the full NAB Cup fixture below

The competition reverts to full-length games for the next two weeks as clubs head to the far corners of the country.

Brisbane will try to keep its unbeaten record intact against GWS in Wagga, Gold Coast will take on North Melbourne in the first AFL match in Townsville while Essendon will return to Wangaratta to face Richmond.

The Bombers were set to play in Wangaratta last year but the match was called off in bizarre circumstances.

After chartering planes to transport players to the town - 240km from Melbourne - on the day of the game, the Bombers were forced to return to Melbourne when the aircraft couldn't land due to bad weather.

The match was abandoned and the Saints were later awarded the points - and gave angry locals something to watch by staging a hastily-arranged practice match.

NAB CUP LADDER

1. Brisbane Lions 2-0 254.3%
2. Carlton 2-0 142.9%
3. Collingwood 2-0 134.5%
4. North Melbourne 2-0 107.5%
5. Port Adelaide 1-1  158.6%
6. Essendon 1-1 148.0%
7. GWS 1-1 135.5%
8. West Coast 1-1 133.8%
---
9. Richmond 1-1 117.5%
10. Fremantle 1-1 91.4%
11. Adelaide 1-1 87.0%
12. Geelong 1-1 83.2%
13. St Kilda 1-1 73.0%
14. Gold Coast 1-1 62.8%
15. Melbourne 0-2 75.0%
16. Hawthorn 0-2 64.5%
17. Sydney 0-2 53.1%
18. Western Bulldogs 0-2 52.2%

NAB CUP FIXTURE (all times local)

Round 2

Friday, March 1
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn (Etihad Stadium,7.40pm) FOX FOOTY

Saturday, March 2
Geelong v Adelaide (Simonds Stadium, 2.40pm) FOX FOOTY
Gold Coast v North Melbourne (Townsville, 3.30pm)
Essendon v Richmond (Wangaratta, 5.10pm) FOX FOOTY
GWS v Brisbane Lions (Wagga, 7pm)
Carlton v Fremantle (Etihad Stadium, 7.40pm) FOX FOOTY

Sunday, March 3
Port Adelaide v Melbourne (Renmark, 4pm)
St Kilda v Sydney (Etihad Stadium, 5.10pm) FOX FOOTY
West Coast v Collingwood (Patersons Stadium, 4.40pm) FOX FOOTY

Round 3

Friday, March 8
GWS v Essendon (Manuka Oval, 6.10pm) FOX FOOTY
Adelaide v Carlton (AAMI Stadium, 8.10pm) FOX FOOTY

Saturday, March 9
Hawthorn v Richmond (Aurora Stadium, 1.10pm) FOX FOOTY
Melbourne v St Kilda (Casey Fields, 2.30pm)
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs (Northam), 3.30pm
Geelong v North Melbourne (Simonds Stadium, 3.40pm) FOX FOOTY
Collingwood v Brisbane Lions (Etihad Stadium, 6.40pm) FOX FOOTY
West Coast v Port Adelaide (Alice Springs, 7pm)
Sydney v Gold Coast (Blacktown ISP, 7pm)

Grand Final

Friday March 15 or Saturday March 16
(Venue TBC) 7.40pm FOX FOOTY/Channel 7

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Panel clears Buddy hit

Lance Franklin runs the ball during the round one NAB Cup match against Gold Coast. Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN'S gun goalkicker Lance Franklin has no case to answer from an incident In the NAB Cup match against Gold Coast.

The AFL match review panel cleared Franklin of contact to Suns youngster Matt Shaw, deciding the Hawks ace had his hand open and it wasn't a striking action.

Carlton forward Levi Casboult is also in the clear after his heavy collision with GWS Giants Matt Buntine was deemed to be accidental.

The MRP decided Casboult had made a realistic attempt to win the ball.

Reports this morning suggested Buntine was still in hospital and may have suffered a punctured lung.

Gold Coast rookie Andrew Boston won't face a front-on bump charge after it was decided he had no alternative way to contest the ball when he collided with Brisbane Lion Claye Beams.

 

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SuperCoach: Rev up and win

Sign up for SuperCoach today for a chance to win the best seats in the house for the Australian Grand Prix. Source: Supplied

Scuderia Toro Rosso-Ferrari driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia powers past the crowd during qualifying for Formula One's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Source: AFP

TIME is running out to win an adrenalin-charged Melbourne Grand Prix package just by signing up to play SuperCoach.

Every SuperCoach player (aged 18 and over) who signs up to play before March 1 will go into the draw for a weekend of fun and thrills valued at more than $4000.

The F1 Adrenalin package includes:

TICKETS for the Winner and three friends to the 2013 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Premium Zone at Turn 15 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the event valued at $249 each.

A V8 Hot Lap valued at $1000.

HELICOPTER ride over the GP circuit.

ACCESS for the winner and friends to the VIP viewing platform at the Nitro Circus live closing performance on Sunday March 17.

PLUS accommodation for two at Crown Plaza in Melbourne from Thursday March 14-Sunday March 17 valued at $2200.

To have a shot at the fantastic prize all you have to do is register your team in Australia's biggest and best fantasy sports game before Friday.

And you'll also have a shot at the SuperCoach grand prize of $50,000 plus $1000 every week to the highest-scoring team.

Don't miss out!

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Jacobs commits to Crows' cause

Sam Jacobs awaits the ball during an Adelaide Crows training session. Source: The Advertiser

CROWS lead ruckman Sam Jacobs has confirmed he is committed to a long-term contract extension at Adelaide.

Jacobs, 25 in April, will sign a three-year extension keeping him at West Lakes until the end of 2016.

The former Carlton player pre-empted official announcements from Adelaide by taking to Twitter today.

He Tweeted team-mate Patrick Dangerfield saying: "Great to join your ranks in hanging round for a long time.''

Dangerfield last year signed a three-year contract extension.

But Jacobs suggests there is a significant difference in his deal when compared to the big-grossing Dangerfield: "Not $$$ though.''

Jacobs has been held back in the Adelaide pre-season as the Crows manage their senior players.

He is expected to appear for the first time on Saturday when Adelaide plays Geelong in the NAB Cup at SKilled Stadium.

Jacobs was added to the Crows' leadership group this season.

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Lions and Suns shine against Hawks

Gold Coast Suns midfielder Harley Bennell in the NAB Cup opener against Hawthorn. Picture: Chris Hyde. Source: Getty Images

QUEENSLAND'S two AFL sides bundled Hawthorn out of NAB Cup contention at Metricon Stadium last night.

The Lions join Collingwood and North Melbourne as the only three club to have won both games in the round robin format.

You can't read too much from two 20-minute matches, but both the Suns and Lions showed signs there is a chance they can build on the momentum they built at the end of last season.

The Suns smashed the Hawks in the clearances and contested possessions in the opening game which they won 4.6 (30) to 4.5 (29) with an after the siren point from Luke Russell.

But they remain highly dependent on skipper Gary Ablett and looked like a different side in his absence from the second game.

Brisbane motored through their hosts 2.6.3 (57) to 4.6.24 in the final game giving Michael Voss the perfect start to his 2013 campaign.

The encouraging sign for Suns coach Guy mcKenna is his side has clearly taken another step in its physical development.

They no longer look like boys playing against men and were able to match both Brisbane and the Hawks physically. They weren't outmuscled by the Lions they were just outplayed.

Their two new faces look ready to step into the AFL in round one.

Jesse Lonergan adapted to senior footy with ease and Jaeger O'Meara also showed he was in the Suns' best side.

Like most footy fans Ablett is excited at the prospect of O'Meara's entry into the AFL this season.

He demonstrated his undoubted class in the 2012 NAB Cup and he showed last night he is more than ready for the physical demands of senior footy.

"He did really well, he played the role we asked of him and we're really pleased," Ablett said.

"He didn't kick any goals tonight but he cracked in which is what we wanted and he made his presence felt, the goals will come there is no doubt about that."

Brisbane's decision to recruit Brent Moloney apears to have paid immediate dividends.

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LIVE: GWS Giants v Blues

It is Mick Malthouse's first game as coach of Carlton. Can he start off on a winning note? Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

IT is Mick Malthouse's first match as coach of the Blues. Follow all the live action from tonight's NAB Cup matches featuring Carlton, Sydney and GWS Giants at Blacktown here.

4:15pm AEDT-

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of today's NAB Cup clash from Blacktown.

It is Mick Malthouse's first game as Carlton coach and he will be looking for an instant response from his new players, who will all be looking to make an impression.

First up will be the Giants and the Blues at 4:40pm.

No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield will be making his debut for the Giants and he will be one to watch.

Follow the coverage with us right here!

SCHEDULE

Giants v Blues 4.40pm AEDT
Swans v Blues 5.45pm AEDT
Giants v Swans 6.50pm AEDT

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New Dees ready for judgement

Chris Dawes leads out the Demons ahead of their NAB Cup against North Melbourne. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Chris Dawes marks the ball ahead of Luke Delaney. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

CHRIS Dawes has urged Melbourne supporters to judge his team as a collective and not as a bunch of new players cobbled together this off-season.

The Demons squad for matches against North Melbourne and Richmond last night contained five draftees, five recycled players and Jesse Hogan, the club's GWS mini-draft pick unable to play senior footy until next season.

Dawes said it was OK to get excited about the club's new talent throughout the NAB Cup, but how those players come together as a team for the season proper is all that really counts.

"There's probably slightly more new players than a regular intake each year,'' Dawes said.

"But let's also not forget that the majority of the team is who was there 12 months ago.

"At this time of year you focus on what's new, the changes, but once the season gets underway it'll be forgotten about pretty quickly that there are new faces and we'll just be judged on our performances rather than how long we've been at the club.''

Speaking at the club's family day at Luna Park this morning, Dawes said the form of father-son selection Jack Viney and top draft pick Jimmy Toumpas was encouraging.

"I didn't see much of the Richmond match because I only played the North game and was inside recovering, but it sounds like Jimmy Toumpas kicked a goal and was lively,'' he said.

North Melbourne finish the NAB Cup triple-header against Melbourne and Richmond undefeated while the Tigers prove too good for the Demons.

"He's a really classy ball user and a good decision maker. It sounds like he went OK and will be a good player.

"Viney, has that burst speed out of packs and is a pretty tough player too. There's a lot to get excited about and it was a good hit out for those two young boys.

"As well as preparing for Round 1 you hope that individuals can find some form and I was impressed with a number of our new players - older guys like (Shannon) Byrnes and (David) Rodan as well as young Jesse Hogan, Dean Kemp who I thought impressed as well."

Dawes, playing his first game for the Dees since making the off-season switch from Collingwood, said he was happy with his form.

Dees v Roos v Tigers: How it happened

But the forward conceded a calf niggle was still causing him some grief.

"The calf is OK. I probably would have played a little bit more game time ideally, but it was just one of those things, it was starting to tighten up.

"Had it been a normal season game I would have kept playing, but it was NAB (game) one, there was no need to push it at all.''

Melbourne plays Port Adelaide in Renmark next Sunday, a trip Dawes doesn't expect to make.

"I'm not even sure how many players we'll take there,'' he said.

"But I think the plan will probably be that I'll rest up next week and play the final two NAB Cup games.''

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Crows overrun Dockers in trial match

HOLDING ON: Fremantle's Clancee Pearce looks to outmark Adelaide's Sam Kerridge. Picture: Simon Cross Source: PerthNow

COMMITMENT: Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins crashes into the post as he tries to mark. Picture: Simon Cross Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE aren't concerned by game-ending injuries to Stephen Hill and Michael Walters in their five-point loss to Adelaide in today's trial match.

Hill copped an arm injury and Walters hurt an ankle but neither ailments were serious, Dockers coach Ross Lyon said.

The Crows, fielding five more players, over-ran the Dockers to win 13.11 (89) to 13.6 (84) at a heat-baked AAMI Stadium.

Adelaide used 30 players and their numerical advantage proved decisive in the result, particularly as Fremantle lost Walters and Hill during the game.

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Walters limped from the ground in the second quarter and Hill, who had off-season shoulder surgery, favoured his left arm when departing in the third term.

But Lyon was unfazed.

"(Walters) just had a niggle in an ankle and then he got a cork on his calf so we just tapped him out, the same as Hill," Lyon said.

"Hill had a bit of a numb arm for a minute and was just a bit vulnerable, he's pretty important to us so we tapped him out.

"He had a bit of a dead arm but he had full strength, which is a really good sign."

The Dockers booted the initial six goals and led by 35 points at halftime.

But they wilted in the 34 degree temperature as Adelaide's pre-arranged advantage in player numbers took effect - though it took the Crows until the 21st minute of the final quarter to take the lead.

Fremantle veteran Kepler Bradley had a set shot from 35 metres out with 15 seconds remaining to tie the final scores, but missed.

Lyon said he was missing eight of his top 22 but prime movers David Mundy and Nat Fyfe were influential in their first outings this pre-season.

Mundy gathered 17 disposals over four quarters while Fyfe collected 19 touches in three terms.

The dynamic duo helped Michael Barlow (27 possessions) and Tendai Mzungu (20 disposals, two goals) form a dominant midfield for the Dockers.

Adelaide's Brodie Martin kicked three goals, Josh Jenkins and Lewis Johnston both booted two and defenders Matthew Jaensch and Richard Tambling were among the Crows' best with 18 possessions each.

ADELAIDE 1.3 4.4 9.10 13.11 (89)
FREMANTLE 6.2 10.3 11.4 13.6 (84)

Goals: Adelaide - B Martin 3; L Johnston, J Jenkins, T McIntyre 2; R Henderson, T Lynch, I Callinan, S McKernan.
Fremantle - H Crozier, T Mzungu 2; M Walters, N Suban, D Mundy, Z Clarke, L Spurr, T Sheridan, L Neale, N Fyfe, C Pearce.
Best: Adelaide - M Jaensch, R Tambling, B Crouch, B Martin, S McKernan, C Ellis-Yolmen.
Fremantle - M Barlow, J Crichton, T Mzungu, D Mundy, Z Clarke, H Crozier, N Fyfe.
Umpires: L Hanssen, S Hay, C Bowen, C DeBoy.
 

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LIVE: Suns v Hawks

Jaeger O'Meara is looking forward to his debut season. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

FOLLOW all the action from tonight's NAB Cup matches featuring Gold Coast, Hawthorn and Brisbane at Metricon Stadium.

HAWTHORN will be looking to open its NAB Cup campaign in style against Gold Coast in game of the triangular series starting at 6.40pm.

The Hawks boast a strong side despite missing key midfielders Sam Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne, Brad Sewell and skipper Luke Hodge.

Tweet your thoughts about tonight's games to @gilbertgardiner or @superfooty

Spearhead Lance Franklin is expected to play his role in tonight's matches alongside forwards Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust, Jack Gunston and goalsneaks Paul Puopolo and Shane Savage.

Gold Coast too will have plenty to prove with skipper Gary Ablett set to open his campaign tonight.

The Suns are missing key back Nathan Bock, on the comeback trail from a broken leg last year, Brandon Matera, Danny Stanley and Trent McKenzie.

But all eyes will be on Jaeger O'Meara ready to make his presence felt after spending 12 months in the Gold Coast system.

O'Meara was drafted as a 17-year-old access selection and spent last year in the reserves developing body and skills for the rigours of senior football.

Hawthorn defender Brian Lake will also step out for the first time in brown and gold after 197 games with the Western Bulldogs.

SCHEDULE

Suns v Hawks 6.40pm
Lions v Hawks 7.45pm
Suns v Lions  8.50pm

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

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Atley re-signs with North Melbourne

Shaun Atley is staying a Roo. Source: Herald Sun

THE good news keeps coming at North Melbourne with Shaun Atley re-signing until the end of 2015.

The 20-year-old was contracted to the end of this season, but the Kangaroos were quick to tie the defender to the club by signing him to a two-year contract extension.

It comes after yesterday's announcement that North had re-signed coach Brad Scott, co-vice-captain Jack Ziebell and star midfielder Daniel Wells until the end of 2016.

"We hope to always be improving and things are definitely going in the direction for us, it's really exciting with what we are trying to build," Atley told the AFL website.

"I think the fact the majority of the boys are around the 22-26 age bracket and are starting to play some good footy means we'll end up where we want to be and that's playing in the finals regularly and hopefully winning a premiership in the not too distant future."

Atley said he was thrilled with the re-appointment of Scott.

"Brad knows exactly where we want to go as a club and what we need to do to get there," Atley said.

"We're all doing what we can to try and get to a premiership as soon as possible and what he's done so far has been amazing.

"With Brad as coach, the younger guys and all the guys want to sign up."

Atley played all 23 games for North Melbourne last year.
 

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Former Collingwood captain dies

Former Collingwood captain and coach Neil Mann has passed away. Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD has lost one of its favourite sons - champion big man Neil Mann.

The player and one-time coach of the Magpies died early today, aged 88, after battling ill health in recent years.

Few men have given as much as Mann gave to Collingwood over many decades.

Universally liked and loved by Magpies fans and respected by opposition players and supporters, Mann was a man with big hands and a big heart.

In one famous photograph taken for the Herald, Mann held 24 eggs in one hand.

Former Collingwood captain and coach Neil Mann in 2002 with a photo of an article featuring him that featured in the Herald. Picture: Peter Ward Source: Herald Sun

His 12 seasons with Collingwood as a player yielded 179 games from 1945-1956, and he was the ruckman in the 1953 Magpies premiership side.

He won the Copeland Trophy in 1954, took over as captain after Lou Richards' retirement and finished second (1954) and third (1953) in the Brownlow Medal.

Mann was also coach of the club from 1972 to 1974 after serving as reserves coach for 14 years.

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Scotland convicted over pub bashing

Carlton veteran Heath Scotland has been convicted over a pub bashing. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON will take no further action against Heath Scotland following his conviction over a wild pub brawl that saw him king-hit a patron in the face, leaving him unconscious.

The NSW Director of Public Prosecutions today successfully appealed the sentence handed to Scotland, 32, who escaped conviction after pleading guilty last October to his role in the pub melee.

"Heath accepts the decision that was made in court today," Carlton football manager Andrew McKay said in a statement released this afternoon.

"The club has already imposed its own sanctions which will not change and we all look forward to putting this matter behind us."

The reigning best and fairest winner was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond for his king-hit, despite facing a maximum penalty of two years' jail.

But District Court Judge Paul Lakatos said the Magistrate presiding over the original hearing had ruled on an incorrect basis.

Namely he said it was wrong that Scotland was considered to be of "good character" despite a 2005 incident that saw him assault a woman at Crown Casino.

"I consider that material says something about the character, or lack of good character, of (Mr Scotland)," he said.

"The offence is one of such seriousness a (non-conviction) is not appropriate.

"This is not the first time he comes before the courts on assault matters," he said.

In 2005, Scotland, then aged 25, faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court charged with assault and recklessly causing injury over an altercation at Next Blue in the Crown casino complex.

The court heard Scotland and Sarah Bos argued before he started flicking his drink on her clothes and in her face.

Ms Bos pushed Scotland away and he allegedly hit her with an open hand to the right side of the face.

The court heard security ejected Scotland but he later returned and had to be thrown out again after getting into another argument with Ms Bos.

Scotland was placed on a court diversion program, at the conclusion of which no conviction or guilty plea is recorded.

Judge Latakos said a similar system did not apply in NSW.

But because of the program, NSW police were not able to submit evidence of prior criminal history because Victorian records show there is none for Scotland.

But Judge Latakos today allowed prosecutors to submit Victoria Police LEAP records detailing the incident.

He said despite the non-conviction the assault had to be considered in relation to today's appeal.

He said it was inappropriate for Scotland to be dealt with as a "clean skin".

Last year, Scotland's lawyer argued that a conviction would jeopardise the club's reigning best and fairest winner's dream of becoming a firefighter after his football career ends.

It was the second time Scotland had used the firefighter defence after using it during hearings for the 2005 hearings.

But in a letter tendered to the court today MFB Nick Easy said even if Scotland avoided a conviction he would be ineligible to join the brigade for at last 10 years.

Scotland was today convicted and placed on a 12 month good behaviour bond.

He was previously fined $3000 and suspended for two games by Carlton.

Three other men - including Scotland's brother Brett - were convicted and fined over the Mulwala incident.

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Scott, Wells ink new deals

North Melbourne looks set to extend coach Brad Scott's stay. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has re-signed coach Brad Scott and star midfielder Daniel Wells through to the end of 2016.

As exclusively revealed by the Sunday Herald Sun, the Kangaroos reached an agreement with Scott on a new deal late last year after he led the club to its first finals series since 2008.

Wells' contract extension all but ensures the 28-year-old 2002 No.2 pick will finish his career at Arden St.

Scott commended Wells and co-vice captain Jack Ziebell for inking contract extensions.

"To have players of the calibre of Daniel and Jack re-sign sends a great message to our supporters," Scott said.

"It's a vote of confidence that our players want to say here."

Kangaroos chief executive Carl Dilena said the club regarded Scott as the "best" young coach in football.

"His commitment to be part of the future of the club is exciting, and we are confident he is the man to take North Melbourne to its fifth premiership," Dilena told the club's website.

Scott took control of the Roos in 2010. He has won 35 of his 67 games as coach of the club, with a 52 per cent winning record.

After finishing ninth in his first two seasons as coach, last season the club won 14 games, including 10 of their last 13.

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Judd to miss NAB Cup opener

Carlton forward Andrew Walker runs laps with Chris Judd, Andrew Collins and Dennis Armfield. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON veteran Chris Judd has been ruled out for the Blues' NAB Cup mission north to face Sydney and the GWS Giants.

The dual Brownlow medallist is one of a number of senior players expected to miss games during the pre-season competition as new coach Mick Malthouse primes his troops for Round 1.

The Blues take on reigning premiers Sydney and the AFL's newest franchise, Greater Western Sydney, on Sunday at Skoda Stadium in Blacktown.

Sheedy expects fired up Malthouse

"You need to have your players in good form by Round 1, so the NAB Cup is very important. We're looking for winning form," Malthouse said today.

"Chris Judd won't play this week."

Malthouse said the Blues would implement a defensive game-plan honing in on the player's strengths.

"We've got certain strengths and we want them to come to the fore, so they'll be heavily promoted."

Meanwhile, Blues forward Andrew Walker expects plenty of improvement out of supremely talented teammate Bryce Gibbs.

The pair were partnered together during the pre-season to learn from each other's skill sets.

The high-flying forward is looking to improve on his delivery by foot while Gibbs is hoping to work on his endurance.

"He's (Gibbs) bulked right up but he is running better than I have ever seen him," Walker told SEN radio this morning.

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Gibbs ($509,800 def/mid) mixed his form during the Blues' ill-fated 2012 campaign which came to a crushing end at the hands of Gold Coast in the penultimate round of the home and away season.

"I think he may be 2-3kgs heavier than what he was last year but his running power has changed so much over the past 3-4 months."

Walker said training under Malthouse had helped him get his body right for the season.

"I've got a huge benefit out of Mick coming this year… I actually feel my body is 100 per cent and I'm ready for the first game.

"One of his (Malthouse) strengths is he sees things from a player's perspective, he understands that you can't be flogged 100 per cent of the time.

"He recognises that and if the time comes where he can see we need a rest or we need a freshen up – mentally – he's willing to give us some time.

"The boys might have been a little flat or blokes just starting to get sore and he just takes the initiative to maybe give the boys 24-hours off to recover so we come in feeling fresh mentally and physically two days later."

Walker endorsed Nick Duigan as a knockout chance of winning the Blues' captaincy race ahead of frontrunners Marc Murphy, Andrew Carrazzo and Kade Simpson.

"Everyone looks up to him, he speaks very well and trains the house down so he's a great leader."

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Sheedy expects fired up Malthouse

GWS coach Kevin Sheedy with No. 1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield, who is set to make his debut this weekend. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

THE reigning premiers and a power club revitalised by an old adversary - Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy couldn't have hoped for a better start to his 29th AFL season in charge.

GWS will test themselves against Carlton, now under the tutelage of Sheedy's old foe Mick Malthouse, and Sydney in Blacktown on Sunday.

The 65-year-old, who has squared off against Malthouse a staggering 46 times, has warned his young charges what to expect when their second season starts.

"I know Mick and he'll be really wired up and ready to go. That's him,'' Sheedy said.

"I explained that to my players - don't think he's going to come up here and not take the first round of the NAB Cup seriously.

"Because if you know Mick Malthouse, he's serious about everything he ever does.

"It's a great opportunity to find out where we are.''

 
Malthouse and Sheedy, counterparts who came to represent Essendon and Collingwood's Anzac Day rivalry, have been swapping barbs for over 20 years.

The VFL/AFL's two most experienced coaches outside Jock McHale will again square off on the weekend, with John Longmire, coach of reigning premiers Sydney, the man in the middle of Sunday's triple-header.

"Two of the most experienced and successful coaches that have ever been part of the game. So I'm very much the new kid on the block, and hopefully I learn a few things this weekend,'' Longmire said.

Sheedy, who took four seasons off between his storied stint at Essendon and new beginning at the Giants, said Malthouse would be a force in 2013 after his one-year break from coaching.

"He's a very good coach. His coaching record will tell you that, he'll be ready after 12 months off,'' Sheedy said of the man who has coached three premiership sides, one less than him.

"That (one year) is a lot shorter than what I had off , and he'll be ready to fire.''

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Adcock to lead Lions with Brown

Stepping up: Jed Adcock, seen here in action last year, will lead the Lions with long-time skipper Jonathan Brown. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

BRISBANE defender Jed Adcock has been appointed Lions co-captain.

The 27-year-old will serve alongside long-time skipper Jonathan Brown in the Brisbane leadership group with young guns Daniel Rich and Tom Rockliff appointed as vice-captains.

Adcock has 141 career games to his name after making his senior debut in 2004.

He has regularly filled in as acting captain when Brown has been injured in recent years and his greater on-field experience gave him the edge over his captaincy rivals.

Adcock is the eighth player in the history of the Brisbane Lions to be appointed captain or co-captain.

"It's a huge honour. Massive,'' Adcock said.

"This club had a great tradition so to be recognised as a co-captain is a huge honour. Very proud.''

Senior coach Michael Voss said the new leadership structure was a good fit for the club.

"Jed has demonstrated outstanding leadership over his time at the Lions, and most specifically in his past four seasons as a vice-captain,'' Voss said.

"As we know, Brownie won't be around forever, and with Jed as co-captain, it will not only ease the load on Brownie but importantly they will both play a critical role in the continued development of Tom's and Daniel's leadership capabilities over the coming years.

"Jed is not only a leader on-field, he is an excellent representative of this footy club, and its culture and values.

"Tom and Daniel, as the deputies, are extremely capable young men who have shown maturity beyond their years in their short times at the club.''

Jed Adcock and Jonathan Brown will co-captain the Brisbane Lions in 2013. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

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Crows focus on footy: McLeod

Adelaide legend Andrew McLeod talks footy with indigenous footballers Dellick Nelson,15, Gerard Watson,15, and Kingsley Nelson,15, from the Pipalyatjara community. Picture: Dean Martin Source: The Advertiser

CROWS legend Andrew McLeod says Adelaide's premiership hopes have not been dented by the off-season scandals which have rocked the club.

McLeod - dual Norm Smith Medallist in the club's only two premiership wins in 1997 and 1998 - believes the players will "get on with their business'' and be a major player in the premiership race for the second consecutive year.

"I don't think it will impact the way they play their footy,'' said McLeod, speaking at the launch of Adelaide's Aboriginal Youth Leadership and Governance Program.

"The club hasn't had the best off-season but hopefully all that has been put to bed now and the players can move on and do what they do well.

"They went within a kick of making the (grand) final last year and I see no reason why they can't be back there again and perhaps go a step further."

The Crows are still reeling from having key assistant coach Dean Bailey banned for the first 16 rounds of the premiership season for his role in the Melbourne tanking scandal.

He is the third key Adelaide official to be suspended by the AFL, following those of chief executive Steven Trigg (six months) and football operations manager Phil Harper (two months) for their roles in the Kurt Tippett salary cap affair.

McLeod is convinced the off-field dramas will not affect the Crows players' performances but refuted suggestions from list manager David Noble that they could actually galvanise the group.

"I don't think they need that sort of motivation,'' McLeod said.

"If you are looking for motivation that way you are obviously not playing the game for the right reasons.

"They are highly motivated people, sure they've probably spoken about things, but you see them out there training and they are just worried about improving from last year and going one step further.

"There's no reason why they can't do that.''

McLeod said Bailey could still have a "valuable role'' to play at the club while he serves his ban "because he's too good a person not to''.

McLeod expressed surprise at the drug allegations which have cast a dark cloud over the competition, describing them as "not nice for the game''.

"But I'm sure from what happens now there will be some things put in place which will see the game go to a new level,'' he said.

The Crows Aboriginal Program aims to assist Year 8 to 12 indigenous children gain leadership and governance skills which will help them to take on leadership roles within their communities and gain employment after school.

The program is managed by McLeod and his wife, Rachael.

"For me to be able to help the Adelaide Football Club nurture and grow these young men and women to become future leaders of their communities and champions of their own people is something pretty close to me,'' McLeod said.

"The Adelaide Football Club was my home for 16 years and for me to be able to step away from football and give something back to the community is pretty special.''

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Teams: Roos name Ziebell, Daw

Jack Ziebell at North Melbourne training. Picture: Darren Tindale Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne co-captain Jack Ziebell has been named in the Kangaroos squad for Friday's NAB Cup matches against Melbourne and Richmond.

Ziebell underwent a minor knee operation last month and was in doubt to make an appearance in the early rounds of the preseason competition.

The Kangaroos have also named recruits Ben Jacobs and Jordan Gysberts in a full-strength squad which includes developing ruckman Majak Daw.

Mature-aged recruit Daniel Currie is the only untried Kangaroo to make the cut with 2012 National Draft picks Taylor Garner (15), Mason Wood (41) and Mitchell Wilkins (47) missing out.

Hard-nosed midfielder Leigh Adams remains the only senior Kangaroo on the sidelines.

Daniel Wells will be looking to continue his solid preseason form while Brent Harvey, suspended for the first six weeks of the regular season, is expected to play the bulk of game time.

Young guns Kieran Harper, Shaun Atley and Ben Cunnington will also be out to impress ahead of the home and away season.

MELBOURNE will unleash young guns Jimmy Toumpas and Jack Viney on Friday night at Etihad Stadium.

The Demons' 34-man squad includes mature-aged recruits Shannon Byrnes, Chris Dawes, David Rodan and Cameron Pedersen.

The NAB Cup triangular-series will be Dawes' first run in Demon strips after being rested for the club's practice match last week.

Meanwhile, mini-draft pick Jesse Hogan, 17, has been given permission to play in the NAB Cup.

The power forward, not eligible to play in the AFL until 2014, will play for Melbourne's VFL-affiliate Casey Scorpions during the regular season.

Usual suspects Jack Watts, Colin Sylvia, Jordie McKenzie, James Magner, Aaron Davey, Jeremy Howe and 2012 best and fairest award winner Nathan Jones are expected to take their spots in the starting line up.

RICHMOND star Trent Cotchin will step out as captain for the first time when the Tigers take on Melbourne in game two of Friday night's NAB Cup matches.

Cotchin replaced stalwart Chris Newman as skipper during the off-season.

The Tigers' squad includes ball magnets Brett Deledio, Shane Tuck and spearhead Jack Riewoldt.

Young gun Dustin Martin has also been named along with rebounding defenders Brandon Ellis and Bachar Houli.

The Tigers look set to unveil No.9 pick Nick Vlastuin, speedster Steven Verrier and mature-aged recruits Aaron Edwards (North Melbourne), Chris Knights (Adelaide), Ricky Petterd (Melbourne).

FIXTURE:

North Melbourne v Melbourne 6.45pm AEDT
Melbourne v Richmond 7.50pm AEDT
Richmond v North Melbourne 8.55pm AEDT

NORTH MELBOURNE

1. Daniel Currie, 2. Brad McKenzie, 3. Ryan Bastinac, 4. Liam Anthony, 5. Ben Jacobs, 6. Lachlan Hansen, 7. Jack Ziebell, 8. Daniel Wells, 9. Andrew Swallow, 10. Ben Cunnington, 11. Michael Firrito, 12. Lindsay Thomas, 14. Jordan Gysberts, 15. Luke Delaney, 16. Scott Thompson, 17. Nathan Grima, 18. Shaun Atley, 19. Sam Wright, 20. Drew Petrie, 22. Todd Goldstein, 23. Kieran Harper, 24. Levi Greenwood, 25. Robbie Tarrant, 28. Will Sierakowski, 29. Brent Harvey, 30. Tom Curran, 31. Cameron Delaney, 34. Jamie Macmillan, 35. Aaron Black, 38. Majak Daw, 41. Aaron Mullett, 42. Scott McMahon, 43. Sam Gibson, 46. Ben Speight

MELBOURNE

1. Jesse Hogan, 2. Nathan Jones, 4. Jack Watts, 5. Jimmy Toumpas, 6. Chris Dawes, 7. Jack Viney, 8. James Frawley, 10. Shannon Byrnes, 12. Colin Sylvia, 13. Jordie McKenzie, 14. Lynden Dunn, 15. David Rodan, 17. Sam Blease, 19. James Strauss, 20. Colin Garland, 21. Cameron Pedersen, 22. James Magner, 25. Tom McDonald, 26. Daniel Nicholson, 27. Tom Gillies, 28. Joel Macdonald, 30. James Sellar, 31. Jack Grimes, 32. Michael Evans, 34. Dean Kent, 36 Aaron Davey, 38. Jeremy Howe, 39. Neville Jetta, 40. Mark Jamar, 42. Jake Spencer, 45. Matt Jones, 46. Dean Terlich, 47. Tom Couch, 48. Jack Fitzpatrick

RICHMOND

1. Chris Newman, 3. Brett Deledio, 4. Dustin Martin, 5. Brandon Ellis, 6. Shaun Grigg, 7. Matt Dea, 8. Jack Riewoldt, 9. Trent Cotchin, 10. Shane Edwards, 11. Jake Batchelor, 12. David Astbury, 13. Ricky Petterd, 14. Bachar Houli, 15. Chris Knights, 16. Luke McGuane, 18. Alex Rance, 20. Ivan Maric, 21. Shane Tuck, 23. Daniel Jackson, 24. Ben Griffiths, 26. Robin Nahas, 27. Aaron Edwards, 29. Ty Vickery, 30. Reece Conca, 31. Nick Vlastuin, 35. Matt White, 36. Matt McDonough, 37. Orren Stephenson, 38. Steven Morris, 39. Tom Derickx, 43. Todd Elton, 44. Matthew Arnot, 45. Brett O'Hanlon, 49. Steven Verrier

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Melbourne cleared, Bailey banned

Dean Bailey (right) and Chris Connolly pictured at the Junction Oval in 2007. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan addresses the media after releasing the findings of an investigation into alleged tanking by Melbourne FC. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has been found not guilty of tanking after a forensic seven-month investigation by the AFL.

But key individuals - then-coach Dean Bailey and then-football manager Chris Connolly - have been found guilty of conduct which was prejudicial to the interests of the AFL, stemming from comments made by Connolly.

The Demons will be fined $500,000 - the third-largest fine in the game's history - for being the employers of Connolly and Bailey, which will be paid by the club in instalments.

"The Melbourne FC, its coach and team did not set out to deliberately lose in any matches during the 2009 premiership season," the AFL says.

However, despite this finding, Bailey has been suspended for the first 16 rounds of the coming season, and Connolly until February 1, 2014.

Bailey can remain employed by Adelaide - where he is an assistant coach - during his suspension, but cannot deal with players in any capacity. Crows chairman Rob Chapman later confirmed the club will stand by Bailey.

Adelaide stands by Bailey

Connolly, who still works for Melbourne in a marketing role, is not allowed to perform any function for or on behalf of the club until his suspension is lifted.

The AFL's deputy CEO Gillon McLachlan announced the results of the investigation in a press conference this afternoon.

McLachlan said Connolly was banned because of comments he made in a football department meeting during the 2009 season.

He said Bailey had admitted to bowing to pressure and making decisions in regards to selection and player management with regard to those comments.

"There is no allegation that is able to be sustained that Dean Bailey didn't coach on his merits or any players didn't play to their utmost abilities,'' McLachlan said.

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan addresses the media after releasing the findings of an investigation into alleged tanking by Melbourne FC. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

"Connolly has accepted he went into a football department meeting and he made a terrible and stupid decision in the context of an AFL rule that has now changed (priority draft picks) and in the context of a pressure and expectation of success.

"He made a comment regarding the performance of the team, a desire to secure a priority pick, and I know he now regrets that comment.''

McLachlan said Melbourne, Connolly and Bailey had accepted their penalties.

He also confirmed Melbourne chief executive Cameron Schwab, who also had that role in 2009, had been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Melbourne FC president Don McLardy speaks to the press after his club was cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to alleged tanking in 2009. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: Herald Sun

McLardy accepts sanction

Later, Melbourne president Don McLardy said the investigation had "a major impact on our club", but that the team could now run out on Friday night in the NAB Cup "clear of any distractions".

"From the moment the investigation commenced, we were determined to defend our club against the allegation that we deliberately lost games. This has been achieved," McLardy said in a statement.

"The findings ... state clearly there was no directive from the club board or executive management to deliberately lose matches, and the Melbourne Football Club never set out to deliberately lose matches in any game during the 2009 season."

He described the $500,000 fine as "significant", but said the club considered it was in its own best interests to accept the sanctions and avoid a potentially lengthy and costly legal battle.

He added that Connolly - "an outstanding football person" - would continue as a Melbourne FC employee after his suspension is lifted, and thanked the club's members and fans for their support.

Melbourne Football Club president Don McLardy speaks to the media after the AFL cleared the club of any wrongdoing in relation to alleged tanking in 2009. Source: Getty Images

Dees keep draft picks

The Demons will not lose any draft picks because the club was found not guilty of the serious charge of conduct prejudical to the draft. In other words, not guilty of deliberately losing matches at the end of the 2009 season.

Rule 17.1 states in part that "conduct prejudicial to the draft means conduct which has the purpose or has or is likely to have the effect of hindering, prejudicing, interfering with or preventing the natural operation of the draft.

AFL Regulations 19 (A5) says: "A person, being a player, a coach or an assistant coach, must at all times perform on their merits and must not induce, or encourage, any player, coach or assistant coach not to perform on their merits in any match – or in relation to any aspect of the match, for any reason whatsoever". 

More than 50 past and present club staff were interviewed by the AFL and club documents and computers were examined before the league's integrity unit submitted an 800-page report.

In the end, AFL investigators found no evidence to that the club tanked.

It's accepted that clubs can experiment with player positioning on the field.

It's understood a contentious move in the Melbourne-Richmond game in Round 18 of 2009, where Melbourne ruckman Paul Johnson found himself on Richmond's small forward Nathan Brown, has been determined as a brief match-up and not, as has been suggested, a deliberate coaching move.

It is the first time the AFL has penalised a club or officials over this sort of scenario.

Full text of the AFL's statement

The AFL summarised its findings as follows:

- There had not been a directive from the Melbourne FC board or executive management that the team should deliberately lose matches in any game during the 2009 premiership season.

- The Melbourne FC, its coach and team did not set out to deliberately lose in any matches during the 2009 premiership season.

- Melbourne FC then-general manager of football operations Chris Connolly during the 2009 premiership season had acted in a manner concerning pre-game planning, comprising comments to a football department meeting, which was prejudicial to the interests of the AFL.

- Melbourne FC then-senior coach Dean Bailey, having regard to Mr Connolly's comments, during the 2009 premiership season had acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the interests of the AFL.

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Crows to stand by Bailey

Adelaide Crows assistant coach Dean Bailey. Picture: Andrea Laube Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE has vowed to stand by suspended assistant coach Dean Bailey.

Crows chairman Rob Chapman says Bailey will retain a behind-the-scenes role at the club despite him being banned by the AFL from having any match-day or one-on-one coaching involvement with any Adelaide player until after round 16.

Bailey today became one of the fall guys for the Melbourne tanking scandal in 2009.

The former Demons coach was found guilty of "engaging in conduct prejudicial to the AFL'' with some of his pre-game planning."

Melbourne cleared, Bailey banned

"We are extremely disappointed at the significant suspension which Dean has incurred following the AFL's investigation,'' Chapman said.

"But the Adelaide Football Club will continue to provide its full support to Dean during this time and is totally committed to retaining him as a valued employee of the club.''

Chapman said the Crows would look for other people to fill the role Bailey - highly-regarded for his coaching strategy - played on matchdays.

"We are really disappointed with the penalty Dean has copped but we have other people we can use,'' Chapman said.

League Acting General Manager of Football Operations Gillon McLachlan said Bailey had accepted his sanctions.

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Bailey's former football lieutenant at Melbourne, Chris Connolly, has been banned for 12 months. He is not allowed to have any involvement with a football club until February 1, 2014.

Melbourne was also fined $500,000 for bring found guilty of deliberately manipulating results in 2009 when it finished bottom and was rewarded with the first two picks at the national draft, where it swooped on midfielders Tom Scully and Jack Trengove.
 

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Sandilands out for two months

TALL TIMBER: The remainder of Fremantle's ruck unit will have to step up after Aaron Sandilands (centre) was ruled out for two months. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE has suffered a fresh injury setback ahead of the start of the AFL season, with ruckman Aaron Sandilands ruled out for two months with a hamstring injury.

The 30-year-old suffered a partial tear to his hamstring tendon during last weekend's NAB Cup opener against Geelong.

While Sandilands will not require surgery, the club expects him to be sidelined for up to eight weeks, ruling him out of the Dockers' Round 1 derby clash with West Coast.

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The Eagles are also expected to be without one of their first-choice ruckmen for the Round 1 clash, with Nic Naitanui facing a race against time to recover from a groin injury.

"It's certainly unfortunate that Aaron will be out for an extended period of time, but we have great confidence in our structures and players to be able to fill the role," Fremantle football operations manager Chris Bond said.

Sandilands played 14 of a possible 24 games last season after struggling to overcome a toe injury.

His absence for the opening few rounds of the season is expected to provide opportunities for ruck duo Zac Clarke and Jon Griffin, while Kepler Bradley could also be called upon to pinch-hit at stoppages.

Bookmakers reacted quickly to the news that Sandilands would miss the opening weeks of the season, with TAB.com.au pushing Fremantle's price out further in head-to-head derby betting.

A Dockers win in Round 1 now pays $2.30 with the betting agency - out from $2.25 - with West Coast firming into $1.60.

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson

 

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Stokes to miss at least a week

West Coast, Fremantle and Geelong all grab wins in NAB Cup triple-header, overcoming hot conditions in Perth.

Matthew Stokes walks off the ground after rolling his ankle. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

GEELONG is hopeful Mathew Stokes' rolled ankle will only keep him out of action for one or two weeks, despite him currently hobbling around in a moon boot.

Stokes turned his ankle in a tackle in the Cats' two-point win over West Coast and was on crutches post-game.

But Geelong football manager Neil Balme said he didn't expect the small forward to be out longer than a fortnight.

"It's hard to put a time on it but maybe a week or two, I think," Balme said on SEN.

"We're not all that worried about it."

"While the docs were concerned about it, he's got a moon boot and all that to take the weight off it but it's not all that bad, they reckon."

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Break confirmed for young Crow

A devastated Brodie Smith with his left arm in a sling after injuring his left shoulder Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE's worst fears with hard-working midfielder-defender Brodie Smith have been confirmed with a break to his left collarbone.

But Smith, 21, may not need surgery to correct the break suffered in the opening five minutes of Sunday's NAB Cup clash with Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, where he landed heavily on his shoulder on the outer wing.

Smith will miss as many as eight weeks of competitive football, effectively putting him out of the first month of the AFL premiership season.

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"It's disappointing. Brodie is such an important young player for us and had a fantastic year in 2012," coach Brenton Sanderson said.

After the match, Sanderson said Smith's injury would "test our depth".

Smith, who has played 36 AFL games since his AFL debut in 2011, was on track to be one of Adelaide's critical players for setting up opportunities to a new-look attack.

Meanwhile Angus Monfries' Port Adelaide debut was soured by a hamstring injury.

Power coach Ken Hinkley said Monfries had suffered a grade one hamstring strain which would sideline him from Port Adelaide's round two NAB Cup clash against Melbourne in Renmark on Sunday, March 3.

But Hinkley said Monfries was to be rested from the clash anyway.

"It's of no major concern for Gus or us," Hinkley said.

Monfries hurt his hamstring late in the loss to Adelaide in which he impressed with 11 disposals and one goal.

In the earlier win over St Kilda, the former Essendon forward had four touches.

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Monitor cap in heat: Buckley

Collingwood cach Nathan Buckley believes the AFL may have to alter its planned cap on rotations if extreme weather conditions continue. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley expects the AFL to scale back its planned trial of a cap on interchange rotations if there is a continuation of the hot weather in which the pre-season competition opened.

St Kilda, Adelaide and Port Adelaide players struggled through their triple-header in temperatures as high as 38 degrees at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

But they were at least able to have six interchange players and make team changes for each of their two mini-matches per side.

In the later rounds, teams will play full-length games, with three interchange players, one substitute and a limit of 20 rotations per quarter, a trial geared towards potentially introducing such a cap in the 2014 season proper.

Buckley, whose Magpies are due to play their first match under the cap against West Coast in Perth on March 3, said while he understood the AFL's desire to trial the cap, introducing it during one of the hottest periods of the year could be problematic.

"We obviously care for the welfare of our players," the Magpies coach told reporters in the Victorian town of Healesville, where the club are holding their community camp.

"It's probably something the AFLPA (players' association) will look pretty strongly at over the next couple of days in particular.

"I can understand the AFL's want to gather information about the cap on rotations and try to make it as realistic as possible with a three and one interchange bench.

"But if we're playing in 35-degree-plus conditions, whether it's Collingwood or any other team, I think there's a duty of care to the playing group to make sure that we shuffle things a little bit to make sure players aren't under undue duress at this stage of the season in particular.

"I'm sure the AFL and (players' association) will come to an arrangement there and I'd be surprised if we didn't see some movement to support the welfare of players."

Buckley said if the AFL did press ahead with the cap in hot weather, the information gathered would barely translate to the regular season anyway.

"If you're taking statistics from a 37, or what was it in Adelaide on the weekend, 38-degree day, with a three-and-one bench and cap of 80 rotations, that's not going to happen very often in June or through the middle of home and away," he said.

"You're not working off a level playing field."

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Dank's plea to stay in the game

Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank. Picture: James Croucher Source: The Daily Telegraph

STEPHEN Dank has been cast as the chief scientific villain in the biggest doping investigation in the history of Australian sport.

But Dank says he has never used performance-enhancing substances in the NRL, including the illegal peptide GHRP-6, and hopes to work in rugby league again.

With the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority under increasing pressure to deliver a scalp in the doping probe, sports-science guru Dank yesterday spoke for the first time about his precise involvement with NRL clubs.

In a candid interview with News Limited, Dank:

Denied issuing the banned substance Warfarin to Cronulla players;

Said he was not aware of illegal peptides being used in the NRL;

Revealed his supplementation regime at Manly played only a minor role in their 2008 premiership win;

Claimed a lack of knowledge of sports science had fuelled baseless suspicions about doping in the NRL.

Dank's involvement with AFL club Essendon remains under ASADA investigation, but the besieged sports scientist insists he never presided over an NRL doping regime and is keen to return to the sport.

"I have done nothing illegal with any club in the NRL," said Dank, who met with his legal team last night to explore defamation proceedings.

"Not one player under my care has ever tested positive to performance-enhancing drugs.

"The truth is I would love to work in the NRL again. At the end of the day, I love helping athletes and I have ideas, legal ones, which I think can contribute to rugby league.

"All this (doping allegations) upsets me deeply because it is not true. I am not a doping scientist or a cheat.

"People ask me to test the boundaries and to find an edge.

"I try and maximise athletic performance, but I do it legally. I never cross the line. Simple."

Asked if he had an ongoing involvement with individual NRL players, as flagged in the Australian Crime Commission report, Dank said: "No."

Asked if NRL hierarchy had directly flagged doping concerns with him, Dank said: "Never. No club has raised anything against me with the NRL."

News Limited has obtained the high-performance program issued to NRL clubs detailing Dank's methods. Much of the program relates to the use of hyperbaric chambers, blood-testing, DNA profiling and training technology underpinned by GPS tracking systems.

There is no mention of peptides, the controversial supplement at the centre of the ACC's probe into AFL powerhouse Essendon and illicit drug use in Australian sport.

Dank piqued the interest of ACC investigators over his scientific methods at Manly, Penrith and Cronulla, including the possible use of Warfarin, a blood-thinning agent to promote anaerobic capacity, at the Sharks.

Asked if illegal peptide use exists in the NRL, Dank said: "There are legal peptides in protein shakes used by NRL athletes and footballers around the world.

"But I certainly don't believe there are performance-enhancing drugs in the Australian sporting landscape such as the growth hormones and testosterone stuff being talked about.

"There are peptides in various protein supplements, but many are legal and freely available."

Dank also lifted the lid on his methods at Manly, saying ill-informed critics were confusing the guarding of intellectual property with "something scurrilous".

"Sports scientists like myself aren't proponents of anything illegal," he said.

"It annoys me and hurts me because at the end of the day, Manly were a success story because of their coach, their players and their work ethic.

"We looked at periodisation of players training, how they recovered, the supplement program was only a small cog to be perfectly honest.

"In terms of science, we do barely anything in Australian sport. The way we train, the way we supplement athletes and the way things are done generally borders on mediocrity.

"Rugby league has the greatest untapped potential of any sport in this country and possibly any sport in the world."

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Geelong boss happy with recruits

West Coast, Fremantle and Geelong all grab wins in NAB Cup triple-header, overcoming hot conditions in Perth.

Geelong's Josh Caddy tackles Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne during their NAB Cup clash in Perth. Source: Getty Images

Geelong's Jared Rivers in action against West Coast in the NAB Cup. Source: Getty Images

GEELONG coach Chris Scott says he was delighted with what he saw from recruits Josh Caddy and Jared Rivers in the NAB cup triple-header in Perth.

Geelong, Fremantle and West Coast had a win each last night but, for the Cats and Eagles especially, it was noteworthy for the displays by some recruits and encouraging returns from long-term injuries by others.

Geelong came back to beat West Coast in the opening game on the back of a last-minute Joel Selwood nine-point super goal before falling short in another attempted comeback against the Dockers.

Most encouraging for Scott was the form of recruits Caddy and Rivers, as well as the return of Travis Varcoe off half-back after he was limited to just one game in 2012.

Caddy has 24 AFL games to his credit with the Gold Coast Suns and the 20-year-old arrived at Geelong set to be a long-term midfielder.

Rivers is at the other end of his career after 150 games at Melbourne and Scott was equally pleased with both.

"I thought he (Rivers) was impressive. He looks to me like a Geelong defender already. We aren't getting too carried away, but it was overwhelmingly positive - Jared's performance. But to be clear, Jared Rivers is not filling Matthew Scarlett's role,'' Scott said.

"We thought he (Caddy) was pretty solid. He got in good spots, was able to win the ball and looked strong in the contests. The indications are that Josh is going to be the sort of player we thought he would be.''

Geelong's Josh Caddy tackles Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne during their NAB Cup clash in Perth. Source: Getty Images

Scott also doesn't believe he has any reason to worry over an incident involving Steve Johnson and Fremantle foe Hayden Ballantyne.

"There tends to be not too much friction in NAB one,'' Scott said.

"I didn't really see what happened and I know he was down for a long time, but I was more concerned with how quickly he got up to set up the next goal. He didn't look too bad did he?''

West Coast coach John Worsfold liked what he saw from All-Australian forward Mark LeCras in his first official game in 17 months because of a serious knee injury. He also was impressed with Collingwood recruit Sharrod Wellingham.

"I was rapt. I think he (LeCras) was rapt too. He was just keen to get it all going again. His pre-season has been outstanding so it's just good to know he's up and going again,'' Worsfold said.

"He had a smile on his face after the game so I would say he's pulled up pretty well. That goal he kicked was probably to make sure he's still got it.

"It was a short hit out for Sharrod, but we were really pleased. He showed why we picked him, and we know what role we want him to play and he did it well.''

Fremantle did lose Chris Mayne (ankle) and Aaron Sandilands (glute) to injury during the night, but coach Ross Lyon is confident will both right in a fortnight's time with Matthew Pavlich, Ryan Crowley, David Mundy and Nat Fyfe among those set to face Carlton in the Dockers' next game.

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LIVE: NAB Cup Round 1 at AAMI Stadium

Sam Kerridge (Crows) and Ollie Wines (Port) will make their debut today.l Picture: Matt Turner Source: The Advertiser

FOLLOW the Round 1 NAB Cup action between Adelaide, Port Adelaide and St Kilda from AAMI Stadium

4:15pm AEDT-

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of today's Round 1 NAB Cup clash at AAMI Stadium.

At 4:40pm AEDT, Adelaide will take on St Kilda.

At 5:45pm AEDT, Port Adelaide will then take on the Saints.

At then at 6:50pm AEDT, brace yourself for when the Crows and the Power lock horns.

Follow all the action right here!

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'O'Meara will lead Suns': Ablett

Gary Ablett says Jaeger O'Meara, right, could be the next captain of the Gold Coast Suns. Picture: Glenn Hampson Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GARY Ablett says he expects to retire a Suns premiership player but not captain and has anointed teenager Jaeger O'Meara as his potential replacement.

Ablett also identified David Swallow and Tom Lynch as young players with outstanding leadership credentials who would make worthy skippers.

O'Meara has yet to play an AFL game as he was ineligible because of age restrictions in 2012.

But Ablett said O'Meara displayed maturity beyond his years and the fact he has yet to taste senior action did not mean he could not quickly emerge as his successor.

"He has got a lot of talent, he is a very hard worker and leads by example," he said.

"As soon as he gets the confidence and starts speaking up a bit more he could be the future captain of our football club."

Ablett has always maintained the Suns' first premiership would not come until the senior players recruited in 2010 to build the club were no longer the headline act on the football field.

He also believes that extends to the leadership of the side.

"I think we need it for the side to get better, and a couple of them have already stepped-up in the leadership group," he said.

"I think a lot of guys can step up into the leadership group next year and if they squeeze us older blokes out, they can take those duties and we can concentrate on our footy.

''Ablett is by no means trying to dump the captaincy but says he expects to play out his career under another captain."I'm enjoying it at the moment," he said.

"But when the coach and club think someone else is more suitable I'll happily hand it over.

"I've come here to win premierships and if that means someone else stepping into the captaincy that is fine by me."

Ablett's nomination of Lynch may surprise Suns fans but he is highly regarded by the match committee for his enormous work ethic and competitiveness and is one of the most respected voices in the side.

Ablett said this was the first pre-season where he felt the younger generation were ready to stamp themselves on the competition and take control of the side's destiny.

He said O'Meara, Swallow and Lynch were the drivers behind a new level of confidence and maturity from the side's crop of exciting young talent.

"Sometimes talented kids come to clubs but they don't really understand what it takes to be an AFL footballer," he said.

"From day one they have worked hard and they have listened, that is the main thing."

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Merrett poised to sign again

Daniel Merrett is set to sign a deal that will make him a Lion for life. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE vice-captain Daniel Merrett will be a "Lion for life".

The 28-year-old is poised to sign a contract extension with Brisbane that will see the vice-captain finish his career as a one-club player.

The fullback would have been a free agent at the end of this season but he will sign a new deal before this year's competition starts.

"I've got every intention of being a Lion for life. I'm very close to re-signing," Merrett said.

"I'm a Queensland boy and I want to stay in Queensland and be a one-club player.

"This club has a proud history, I love the club and I love the jumper.

"The club has invested a lot into me and I want to repay that. I'm happy where the club is headed and I want to be a part of it."

Merrett has played 135 senior games since his debut in 2005 and at his best is an All-Australian contender.

The Gold Coast junior spent most of last season in the forward line but will return as a full time defender this year.He is a contender for the vacant co-captaincy post but expects the club to give the nod to a youngster.

"We've got a great group of young guys coming through who can step up to the plate. I don't whether or not I take on a mentoring role and allow these young guys to spread their wings and grow as leaders," Merrett said.

Merrett and Lions captain Jonathan Brown visited flood-affected areas of Grantham and Laidley yesterday as part of Brisbane's two-day community camp in Toowoomba.

Brown visited the Grantham State School two years ago, soon after the town was ravaged by flood waters.He said the community had done an "awesome job" of rebuilding.

"The community spirit is incredible. I know, being from a small country town myself, how strong people are in the country," Brown said.

"These people know how to get up after they've been knocked over. You wouldn't have blamed them for leaving but they have rebuilt and stayed strong."

Merrett said it was a humbling experience to see the community triumph over hardship.

"When you see what these people have gone through, it puts things like a bad week on the training track into perspective," he said.

"It's definitely inspiring to see the smiles on faces no matter how tough times have got. We'll probably get more out of this than the kids will."

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