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AFL Central - June 2008

Polak out of intensive care

June 30th 2008 23:52
RICHMOND utility Graham Polak is believed to be suffering post-traumatic amnesia after waking from a medically induced coma in hospital yesterday.

Polak has shown some positive signs as he begins his long recovery after being hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night.

The 24-year-old woke from the coma yesterday and walked with help from his intensive care unit bed to have a shower.

He responded well to tests from doctors and answered "yes" when asked if he knew he was in hospital, but was unable to eat, and slept for most of the day.

Polak's brother, Troy, said the early signs of recovery were encouraging.


"From when I first got here on Sunday morning to now, it's been a vast improvement," Troy Polak said.

"He is opening his eyes and he's acknowledged his girlfriend, Alyce."

Polak was on Monday night moved out of intensive care and into a ward, a spokesman from The Alfred hospital, John Heselev, said.

The former Fremantle Docker was transferred out of the intensive care unit about 6.15pm (AEST) and is now in a satisfactory condition, he said.

It was initially feared that his injury could cause swelling to the brain but brain scans cleared him of any swelling.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Coughlan set to return

June 30th 2008 23:26
INJURY prone Richmond midfielder Mark Coughlan looks set to make his return to football this weekend.

Richmond coach Terry Wallace said Coughlan was a strong chance of playing for the Tigers' VFL affiliate Coburg.

"I think he'll play this week," Wallace said.

"If he gets through training this week, he should be OK to go against Box Hill on Sunday."

Coughlan, a victim of two knee reconstructions, has not played at AFL level since round 12, 2006.

But it his hamstrings that have prevented him from playing AFL football this season. The 26-year-old tore a hamstring at training in mid-May.


It came after another hamstring injury during the NAB Cup that delayed his start to the season.

Coughlan later travelled to Germany for intensive treatment, enduring 102 injections over 12 days in a visit to the clinic of Dr Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfarth.

The 2003 best-and-fairest winner had hoped to play by June but Wallace said the club opted to take a more conservative approach.

"He might have been able to play a couple of weeks ago," Wallace said.

"We thought it was better off getting four weeks of training into him rather than throwing him back out into it."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Young Hawk hit with three-match ban

June 30th 2008 07:11
HAWTHORN ruckman Brent Renouf has been hit with a three-match ban for striking West Coast tagger Adam Selwood during Friday night's match at the MCG.

The panel viewed the incident as reckless conduct, high impact and high contact equating to 325 points or a three-match ban, should Renouf elect to challenge the case at the AFL tribunal on Tuesday night.

But if the promising 20-year-old accepts the charge he will face only 243.75 points or a two-match suspension.

Renouf was also cleared over a second incident in which he made contact to the Eagles' Brad Ebert. The panel ruled that Renouf had tried to tackle Ebert as he accidentally struck him with an open hand.

In other tribunal news, West Coast full-back Darren Glass and team-mate Adam Hunter can both accept $1200 fines for engaging in a melee as can Hawthorn trio Trent Croad, Mark Williams and Lance Franklin.

Carlton forward Brendan Fevola was charged with a third offence of wrestling and faces a $3000 fine while the wrestling reports laid against Richmond's Jake King and Carlton's Bret Thornton at the MCG on Saturday were thrown out after it was ruled there was "no serious grappling for any length of time to constitute a wrestle".

The panel also took no action against Port Adelaide forward Daniel Motlop, who clashed with Dylan Addison and Daniel Cross during the last quarter of Saturday night's loss to the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium in Darwin while teammate Danyle Pearce was also cleared over a clash with Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson.




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


AFL defends new law

June 30th 2008 06:59
AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson has defended the new interchange rules on Monday.

Anderson dismissed suggestions that the new punishment - a free kick and a 50-metre penalty from the centre circle - was execessive.

Previously, a team had its entire score docked if it was found to have had an extra player on the field but as only the captain had the right to call a head count the rule was deemed outdated.

St Kilda and the Brisbane Lions were penalised during the weekend when they breached the new interchange rules.

Anderson said the new penalty was better than what had previously been in place.

"You compare what the situation has been. You could have the score go back to zero," Anderson said.

"That is a draconian penalty by comparison with 50 metres from the centre of the ground or 50 metres from where the ball is."

"I think you saw on Sunday's game that it's not a guaranteed goal as well. You can miss."

Anderson however had little to say on whether or not there would be any moves to expand the interchange bench.

Fremantle had just one fit player remaining on the bench at the end of its four-point loss to Essendon on at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

Anderson said it was the responsibility of the laws committee to decide.

"It's no point me hypothesising what might happen," Anderson said.

"It's the role of the laws committee to look at submissions from clubs."



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Club deeply affected by tragedy, says March

June 30th 2008 06:48
RICHMOND president Gary March says the entire club has been deeply affected by the serious accident suffered by utility Graham Polak.

Polak was struck by a tram while running to get into a taxi with Hughes and McMahon at about 11.30pm on Saturday night in the inner Melbourne suburb of Armadale.

The Richmond players and staff began counselling on Monday afternoon as it was revealed that Polak was on the improve.

The 24-year-old regained consciousness at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital on Monday morning and is showing improved signs but it won't be known for a while as to whether or not he will make a full recovery.

March said Polak was highly respected within the club and that the accident, which occurred on the same day as the club officially celebrated its AFL centenary and just hours after the round 14 loss to Carlton at the MCG had affected everyone.

"Obviously when something like this happens and one of your own family goes down in such a horrific accident, it really does affect the entire club," he said on Monday.

"Graham is a much-loved player around the club, he has got great character and he is a really good guy."

"(But) hopefully we can get through this as a club and it will make us stronger."

"Hopefully we can see Graham back to full health in the near future."

March said the club was particularly concerned about the mental state of fellow players Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon who were with Polak on the night of the incident.

"They (the players) are obviously visibly shaken by the incident," he said.

"We are particularly concerned for Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon who were at the scene - their health and their mental stage - and we are going to monitor that."

March said Hughes' family has come across from Adelaide to comfort him following the accident.

"For a young boy like Cleve - he is only 20 years of age - to see that, it is a life-changing experience."

"Cleve is in a reasonable frame of mind but quite traumatised having been on the scene."

March said the the club would not conduct an investigation as to how Polak came to be struck by the tram, saying they were happy to leave that matter to the authorities.
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Polak showing positive signs: Hickey

June 30th 2008 05:32
RICHMOND club doctor Greg Hickey says utility Graham Polak is showing some 'pretty positive signs' as he begins his long recovery after being hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night.

Polak regained consciousness at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital on Monday morning and was able to obey several commands.

But Dr Hickey said it would be a while before it was known whether the former Fremantle Docker would make a full recovery.

"He certainly has shown some signs of improvement over the past 24 hours," Dr Hickey said.

"His current situation is he is in the intensive care unit but it is hoped he might be moved to a ward within the next 24 hours - possibly as soon as today."

Dr Hickey said the fact that Polak had been able to open his eyes and squeeze the hands of family members when asked to do so was a positive sign.

"The fact that he has responded to questions I think is a really good sign," he said.

"It means for a start he can hear the instruction, he can understand it enough to act on it and he can make the appropriate response such as squeezing (a family member's hand)."

"That means there are a few pathways that are intact and I was encouraged to see that."

Despite regaining consciousness and being able to obey commands, Dr Hickey said Polak still wasn't cleared of permanent brain damage.

"It is uncertain whether he will make a full recovery but we are hopeful he will (but) it is going to be a bit of a long haul I think."

"But that (being able to follow instructions) is something that wasn't there 24 hours ago or even 12 hours ago and while things are improving, you've got to think optimistically that hopefully in 24 hours he has made similar progress again."

"There is obviously a long way to go for him but he is improving all the time - it's just a matter of waiting and being patient."




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Malthouse to coach Australia

June 30th 2008 04:46
COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse will coach Australia in the upcoming International Rules match against Ireland.

Australia will play two matches against Ireland, at Subiaco Oval on either October 24 or 25 and at the MCG on October 31.

Malthouse said it was a great honour and that he would be doing everything in his powers to ensure an Australian victory.

“I’m totally indebted and humbled to coach Australia,” Malthouse said.

“I’ll be picking our best side and will be going in to win.”

The future of the series was in doubt after ugly scenes marred the 2006 tests in Ireland, but Malthouse stressed that the two matches would be played in the right spirit.

“We want a pleasant taste to this game. I’m a great believer in sportsmanship. The relationship [with Ireland] has got to be first class,” Malthouse said.

Penalties will be strengthened for the International Rules match with any player suspended in an International Rules match missing games during the AFL season.


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Finals the focus for Crows: Rutten

June 30th 2008 04:41
ADELAIDE is focused on qualifying for the finals rather than securing a place in the top four, according to key defender Ben Rutten.

The Crows, who face Geelong in a must-win clash at AAMI Stadium on Friday night have lost their past two matches to Hawthorn and Brisbane to slip to fifth place on the AFL ladder, six points behind fourth-placed Sydney.

Rutten said the club's sole focus throughout the season was to ensure that they made the finals.

"Our expectations and goals from the start of the year were always to make the finals and that's what all clubs are doing," Rutten said.

"There's a fair bit of competition on around where we are on the ladder with teams. Obviously top four gives you the best chance in progressing through the finals but at the moment we are just concentrating as we go and firstly making sure we make the finals."

Rutten said taking on the reigning premiers would be a huge challenge and great learning experience for the club's younger players.

"I think they are pretty even across the whole board. They've got some real experienced players on every line and a lot of premiership players now have got that experience during finals and in the real pressure," he said.

"Especially for some of our younger guys to come up against those bigger bodies and experienced players will be a really good experience."

"They've got a pretty good mix and an even spread of players so that'll test our flexibility down back."

The 25-year-old said it was important that the Crows adopted an attacking mentality on Friday night.

"We've trained for it during the preseason and had some good results during the early stages of the year. I think it's as much a mindset than just ability to play with speed," he said.

"Training won't differ too much but there will be a bit more of an emphasis I suppose on that quicker movement and getting some run."

"The last couple of weeks have been pretty hard, tough tests for us but I suppose this is a tough as it gets at the moment."

"I think we are ready for it as a group and we look forward to it."

Rutten said Brad Symes and Kris Massie had recovered from injuries and would be a chance of returning to the side.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


Polak a chance to make full recovery

June 30th 2008 02:29
DOCTORS say Richmond utility Graham Polak has a chance of making a full recovery after being hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night.

The 24-year-old is no longer in a coma, but is in intensive care in a serious but stable condition at the Alfred Hospital.

Polak was crossing the intersection of Orrong and Dandenong roads at Armadale at about 11.30pm on Saturday when he was hit.

The director of the Alfred Hospital's Trauma Centre Mark Fitzgerald said Polak appeared to have no brain swelling at this stage.

"He's continuing to improve, he's obeying commands this morning, we're reasonably happy with his progress," he said.

"He was put on a ventilator at the scene and taken to the trauma centre to do serial brain scans to make sure he didn't have any brain swelling. And I took him off the ventilator mid-afternoon yesterday and he's continued to improve since then."

"Without going into any great detail, he's had quite a severe blow to the head (and) he was deeply unconscious at the scene. He's got some areas of brain injury on his scan, but he's a young person, he's very fit.

Fitzgerald said it will take weeks for Polak to recover, but that there is a chance he will make a full recovery.

"He is a young person. He is very fit and we expect him to recover over the next few weeks," he said.

"It will take some time. It will take some time before we can be absolutely positive of his complete outcome but he is doing very well."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Matthews concerned by MCG form

June 30th 2008 01:38
BRISBANE LIONS coach Leigh Matthews is becoming increasingly concerned at his side's poor form at the MCG.

The Lions' one-point loss to bottom-placed Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday means the club has now been beaten at the home of football in two of the past three weeks and in five of its past six matches since losing the 2004 grand final to Port Adelaide.

Matthews admitted his side has struggled to adapt to the vastly different playing conditions at the MCG.

"For instance the MCG (surface) is quite shifty so it is a bit different to the Gabba," Matthews said.

"Our guys always have trouble with their footing (at the MCG), they can't stand up so they miss tackles but that is the conditions you play in and you have got to be able to adapt."

"But the last two times we have come south we haven't been able to adapt."

"It's always easier in the comfort of your home environment."

Matthews said his side underestimated Melbourne and that the lack of hype leading into the match probably affected his team's preparation.

"I said to the team before the (Melbourne) game that you knew it was one of those games where the spotlight on the team (to perform) was pretty mild because we were playing a team that was struggling to win."

"The question then was would the culture of the group be strong enough when you haven't got that external competitive stimulus and basically we weren't."

The Lions are now a game-and-a-half adrift of the top four (and possibly more by the end of the split round) and just a game inside the top eight, but Matthews said he wouldn't be making any drastic changes.

"Nothing needs to happen, basically we are just coming off a poor performance," he said.

"We have 13 days until we play again and we are 8-6 and playing Essendon at Telstra Dome on Saturday week."

"We don't have those expectations (of a top-four finish), we will finish as high up as we can and try to win enough games to play finals but if we win them all we will probably finish top four."




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Brisbane Lions
   


Dockers brave, says Harvey

June 30th 2008 01:01
FREMANTLE coach Mark Harvey has applauded a brave performance from his side in its heartbreaking four-point loss to Essendon at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

Harvey said the Dockers showed their true character in the last quarter against the Bombers as rallied from a 24-point deficit to only lose by four points.

Harvey said the performance was even more impressive considering the the fact that his side was reduced to only 19 fit men after losing Ryan Crowley (possible punctured lung) in the third quarter along with hard-running defender Roger Hayden (hamstring) and Ryley Dunn (hamstring) earlier in the match.

"We had to sustain the three quarters with the limited rotations," he said.

"And then to see them outscore the opposition in the last quarter, I thought that typified (our character) and I told 'em that's what they should typify for the rest of the season."

Harvey said the club's sixth narrow defeat this season hurt and that it was important for his side not to accept honourable losses.

"No, it's got to hurt the fact we're continually losing those games by small margins, we can never accept that. That's the first thing I explained to them before I went on to talk about other things in the game."

Harvey said the team's performance put added pressure on veterans Heath Black and Jeff Farmer to regain their places in the side.

Black, who was available for selection after completing a two-match ban for rough conduct was not considered to face the Bombers because he missed a training session.

Black and Farmer, who was handed a one-match ban after failing to show up at a compulsory recovery session in Melbourne following the club's eight-point loss to St Kilda in round 13 both played for South Fremantle in the WAFL on the weekend.

Farmer kicked five goals in South Fremantle's clash against East Perth, but Harvey couldn't guarantee that the former Demon would be in the side to face Geelong at Skilled Stadium in round 15.

"At some stage those blokes have really got to wake up to themselves," Harvey said.

"If you want to be undisciplined at this footy club then you're going to pay your penalty."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


Too early to talk finals: Knights

June 30th 2008 00:40
ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights says his club is not thinking about finals despite the Bombers winning their third straight match against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

In a classic contest, the Bombers rallied from a 20 point deficit midway through the second term to take a four-goal lead in the final stanza.

But the Dockers refused to give in with two majors from skipper Matthew Pavlich and a goal from Chris Tarrant deep in time-on getting Fremantle to within four points. In a tense final minute the Dockers had several half chances to secure the four points but the Bombers held firm to record their fifth win of the season.

Essendon now sit in 12th after a shocking start to the season, two games behind eighth-placed St Kilda.

But Knights said he is focused on the club's development so they can enjoy sustained success.

"(It's) great to have a win and great to string three wins together consecutively and a real credit to our players," said Knights.

"(But) even after today, we're probably two games and percentage (out of the eight), so we're a long way out."

"(So) we must work harder now to get better and execute the game style we want to play, keep going and developing players not only on the field but off the field, so that when we do get good, we stay good."




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


White must fight for spot: Bailey

June 30th 2008 00:06
MELBOURNE ruckman Jeff White will have to fight his way back into the senior side after being dropped for the first time since debuting with the club in 1998, according to coach Dean Bailey.

White did not play in Melbourne's thrilling one-point win over the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Sunday, with the Demons opting to play Mark Jamar and Paul Johnson in the ruck.

Bailey said the fact that White had to fight to earn his position back in the side was a positive for the club.

"Yep, fight for the position is good. You need that internal pressure so that when players get games it's because they've earned it, rather than just go back and play a game and then come back in, but his form will determine how well he plays," Bailey said.

"Obviously today we've won and we'll examine the game of Jamar closely over the next couple of days and I'm not sure how Jeff went [for Sandringham], but he's a professional Jeff White and he ticks lots of boxes and he prepares as well as anyone I've seen.

"So I'd have been surprised if he didn't play well today."
Bailey said the decision to leave out White also put the microscope on Jamar, whose form has been below what is expected from the club.

"To be fair to Jeff and Mark Jamar, their form hasn't been what you'd say is good, it's been just bubbling along between just average or below average," Bailey said.

"It got to a stage where we decided as a match committee that maybe it's time for Mark Jamar to actually have … the pressure of everything to be put on his shoulders and let's see what we've got … it was good for 'Russian' to take responsibility on.

"Jeff's been a great player and he's still [got] eight weeks to go, so there is no reason why his form can't be at a level where he'll force his way back into the team and 'Russian' knew that there was a lot of pressure on today to perform.

"When you look at the tape, he was probably good, but we want our ruckmen to be competitive all of the time."

Bailey said it was important for Melbourne's younger brigade to step up in the absence of experienced players such as White, the injured Russell Robertson and the now retired David Neitz.

"Without those players there 'Robbo', David and Jeff – great experience and great players – and now they look around the room and they go: 'Well, it's up to us now'," Bailey said.

"We've got to put our best foot forward because we're now being examined like those guys have been and always will be."






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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Polak improves slightly overnight

June 29th 2008 23:52
THE condition of Richmond utility Graham Polak, who was hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night, has improved slightly overnight.

But a hospital spokeswoman said the 24-year-old remained in an induced coma after suffering head injuries.

The spokeswoman said his condition was serious but stable.

Polak was crossing the intersection of Orrong and Dandenong roads at Armadale at about 11.30pm on Saturday when he was hit.


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Bombers hold off Dockers

June 29th 2008 10:12
ESSENDON has stretched its winning streak to three with a hard-fought four-point win over Fremantle in a classic contest at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

The 14.11 (95) to 13.13 (91) win came on the back of a burst either side of half time, when the Bombers kicked seven goals to one.

The win was soured somewhat for Essendon with veteran Dustin Fletcher leaving the field just before half-time with a suspected broken hand.

Jobe Watson and Mark McVeigh were prolific in the middle for the Bombers, racking up 36 possessions each while Jay Nash booted three goals. David Hille was also influential with 17 disposals and two second quarter goals.

For Fremantle, ruckman Aaron Sandilands battled hard all day and finished the match with 25 possessions and a staggering 45 hit-outs while skipper Matthew Pavlich kicked six majors.

Both sides wasted gettable opportunities in front of goal in a scrappy opening term. Fremantle had seven scoring shots for the quarter but found themselves trailing Essendon by three points at the first change.

Fremantle looked to have blown the game wide open, booting five goals to one in the first 17 minutes of the second term to skip out to a 20-point lead.

Pavlich was particularly damaging, booting three goals in a stunning nine-minute burst.

But with Riley Dunn (hamstring) and Roger Hayden (hamstring) on the bench, the Dockers failed to maintain the same level of intensity and they were made to pay as Essendon kicked the last three goals of the term to close to within one-point at the main break.

Scores were level when Pavlich missed a set shot at the 21-minute mark of the third quarter before Essendon midfielder Leroy Jetta turned the game on its head.

In two minutes, Jetta's clever handpasses allowed Scott Lucas and Sam Lonergan to kick majors to give the Bombers a handy 18-point lead heading into the final change.

The Dockers got off to a dream start in the final term with Pavlich kicking truly after just 45 seconds but majors from Andrew Lovett and Kyle Reimiers extended Essendon's lead to four goals.

Fremantle hit back with another two majors from Pavlich to close to within a kick but Lucas' second major at the 17-minute mark appeared to put the result beyond doubt.

But the Dockers refused to give in and when Tarrant kicked his second the deficit was just four points with just over a minute left to play.

Fremantle had several half chances to secure the four points in the dying stages but the Bombers held firm to record their fifth win of the season.

FREMANTLE: 2.5, 7.6, 8.9, 13.13 (91)
ESSENDON: 3.2, 7.5, 11.9, 14.11 (95)
GOALS: Fremantle: Pavlich 6, Mayne 2, Tarrant 2, Hinkley, Solomon, Carr
Essendon: Hille 2, Stanton 2, Ramanauskas 2, Lucas 2, McVeigh, Lloyd, McPhee, Lonergan, Reimers, Lovett
BEST: Fremantle: Pavlich, Sandilands, Bell, Grover, Palmer, Mayne, Solomon, Carr
Essendon: Watson, McVeigh, Hille, Jetta, McPhee
INJURIES: Fremantle: Roger Hayden (hamstring), Riley Dunn (hamstring), Ryan Crowley (punctured lung)
Essendon: Dustin Fletcher (broken hand)
UMPIRES: McBurney, Stewart, Nicholls
REPORTS:
CHANGES: Fremantle: McPharlin (ribs) replaced by Head
Essendon: Neagle replaced by Peverill
CROWD: 34,239 at Subiaco Oval




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Dees down Lions in thriller

June 29th 2008 06:21
MELBOURNE has dealt a massive blow to Brisbane's top four aspirations with a thrilling one-point win at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Demons led at every change but were forced to withstand several challenges from the Lions, eventually prevailing 14.9 (93) to 13.14 (92).

The win draws Melbourne level with 15th placed West Coast, however they remain on the bottom on percentage.

Brad Miller starred for Melbourne with 16 possessions, eight marks and four goals while Colin Sylvia also chimed in with four majors. Brad Green, Paul Wheatley, Chris Johnson and Matthew Whelan were all busy contributors, racking up 30-plus possessions.

For Brisbane, Luke Power continued his rich vein of form with 32 disposals while Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw booted five and four goals respectively.

Brown kicked the first goal of the match within the first minute of play but the rest of the term belonged to Melbourne. Their pressure around the ground and attack on the football was a highlight as they slammed on five of the next six goals, with Miller booting three for the term to give the Demons a 19-point lead heading into quarter-time.

Sylvia kicked the first of the second term to extend Melbourne's advantage beyond four goals but Brisbane hit back late in the term with three goals in three minutes to reduce the deficit to three points at the main break.

The Demons had led by 20 points midway through the third term but late goals to Rhan Hooper and Bradshaw ensured the Lions remained within striking distance, trailing by just eight points heading into the final change.

Brown and Bradshaw cut loose in the final term, booting five goals between them to give Brisbane an 11-point lead with just over two minutes remaining.

But the Demons refused to give in with Cameron Bruce snapping truly from 40m before Miller took a towering mark and converted from directly in front at the 33-minute mark to secure Melbourne's second win of the season.

MELBOURNE: 5.4, 6.6, 9.8. 14.9 (93)
BRISBANE LIONS: 2.3, 5.9, 7.12, 13.14 (92)
GOALS: Melbourne: Sylvia 4, Miller 4, Wonaeamirri 2, Bruce 2, Bate, Green
Brisbane: Brown 5, Bradshaw 4 Hooper 2, Patfull, Rischitelli
BEST: Melbourne: Miller, C Johnson, Sylvia, Green, Wheatley, Jones, Garland
Brisbane: Power, Brown, Rischitelli, Black, Hooper, McGrath
INJURIES: Melbourne: Nil
Brisbane: Nil
UMPIRES: Head, Armstrong, Jeffery
REPORTS:
CHANGES: Brisbane: Johnstone (hamstring) replaced by Polkinghorne
CROWD: 23,278 at MCG


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Polak in coma

June 29th 2008 01:39
THE condition of Richmond utility Graham Polak has improved after he was hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night but he remains in an induced coma.

Polak was crossing the intersection of Orrong and Dandenong roads at Armadale at 11.30pm on Saturday when he was hit.

He was with a group of people including teammates Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon.

Club doctor Greg Hickey said the 24-year-old had suffered a brain injury and was put in an induced coma at The Alfred hospital on Saturday night.

Hickey said Polak's immediate playing future was in doubt, but in some good news for the former Fremantle Docker scans on Sunday morning showed no extra swelling.

"He has got bruising on the brain," Dr Hickey said.

"Initially it was of great concern. Fortunately, through the night he has improved."




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Polak critical in hospital

June 28th 2008 23:32
RICHMOND utility Graham Polak is in a critical but stable condition after being hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night.

Polak was crossing the road at the Orrong and Dandenong roads intersection in Armadale around 11.30pm.

The former Fremantle Docker was treated by paramedics and taken to The Alfred hospital. He is believed to be suffering head injuries.

Police have confirmed the man involved in the incident was the 24-year-old key position player.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Show Ben respect: Nixon

June 28th 2008 22:36
BEN COUSINS' manager Ricky Nixon has taken aim at the AFL clubs that have already ruled out recruiting the former West Coast captain, saying they should show more respect.

Nixon was particularly critical of Adelaide football manager John Reid, claiming his sharp dismissal of the 2005 Brownlow medallist showed a lack of feeling.

Reid was one of a number of club representatives who this week ruled themselves out of taking Cousins should he be granted permission to resume playing after a 12-month ban for bringing the game into disrepute.

When asked if the Crows were considering drafting Cousins, Reid said dismissively: "We're just not interested."

Nixon said Reid out of touch with modern football.

"I'd say, 'Grow up' to the clubs that have come out and said they don't want Ben," Nixon said yesterday.

"People like John Reid, from Adelaide . . . fair dinkum, to come out and make negative comments like he has made is just infuriating. This bloke is so old hat that it is not funny.

"He should get out of the game because he is yesterday's man who makes the most bumbling comments that I've ever heard in my life. 'John is a parent, so perhaps he should put himself in the shoes of Ben Cousins's parents.

"Obviously, if it were his son or daughter, he wouldn't appreciate the comments that are being made."

Nixon said several AFL clubs had approached him to get a feel for where the former Eagle is at in his recovery from drug addiction but he firmly believes that Cousins will not not play in the VFL or the WAFL this year.

"He is going to come over to Port Melbourne and train a bit and he is going to train over in Western Australia, but the chances of him playing are highly unlikely," Nixon said.

"I don't want him to play (this year). I don't see any reason why he needs to.

"I do understand the AFL, and everybody else, wants to see him fit and healthy and training, but I don't think anyone needs to see him run out on the ground and actually play a game.

"I think we all know that he can play. We just need to see that he is fit and healthy, that is the priority."

Nixon said the risk of injury, being tagged and copping too much public scrutiny were all concerns if Cousins returned to the field this year.

"There are other ramifications to consider if he happens to play," he said.

"The fact that he is going to be heavily tagged and create a pressure situation is perhaps not conducive to getting back into AFL, to be honest.

"At the end of the day, if he is declared fit later in the year and if he is able to nominate for the draft, I don't think the few AFL clubs that I have spoken to haven't been too worried about him playing, that's for sure.

"People need to understand there is about a five-step process. Step one is training, and he could do that for five or six weeks, then step two might be to play one or two games, three might be to nominate for the draft, four is to get selected in the draft, and step five might be running out on the MCG for the first round next year.

"Everyone wants to know about step five, but they have to understand that we are only at step one now."




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Dogs demolish Port

June 28th 2008 13:19
THE Western Bulldogs have stretched their winning streak to five with a 54-point demolition of a depleted Port Adelaide side at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday night.

The Bulldogs' 20.15 (135) to 11.15 (81) win gives them top spot halfway through the split round, although reigning premiers Geelong can regain top spot if they beat Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Friday night.

The win was soured somewhat for the Bulldogs with Ryan Griffen and forward Scott Welsh dislocating their fingers in the final term.

Daniel Cross and Adam Cooney were busy for the Bulldogs with 34 and 33 possessions respectively. Jason Akermanis was influential with 19 disposals and four goals while
Griffen was dynamic in the middle with 20 possessions and two majors.

Griffen was particularly damaging in the first half as he helped himself to 13 touches, nine marks, three inside 50s and a brilliant running goal from 50 metres.

Brian Lake was strong in defence, keeping skipper Warren Tredrea to two goals while Dale Morris did a superb blanketing job on Daniel Motlop, keeping the dangerous Port forward goalless for just the second time this season.

Kane Cornes tried hard all night for Port, racking up a game-high 41 possessions, but his efforts proved fruitless as his teammates failed to provide any support.

Port trailed by just eight points at quarter-time but were blown away in the second term as the Bulldogs superior foot skills came to the fore.

The Bulldogs piled on six goals in a stunning 15-minute burst to take a match-winning 45-point lead into the main break.

Port stemmed the flow of goals in the second half, booting seven goals to the Bulldogs nine but the damage had already been done.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.4, 11.9, 16.12, 20.15 (135)
PORT ADELAIDE: 2.2, 4.6, 9.10, 11.15 (81)
GOALS: Western Bulldogs: Akermanis 4, Johnson 3, Welsh 3, Griffen 2, Hill 2, Ray, Eagleton, Hahn, Giansiracusa, Gilbee, Boyd.
Port Adelaide: Westhoff 2, Gray 2,Tredrea 2, Rodan, Thomson, Pettigrew, Brogan, Lonie.
BEST: Western Bulldogs: Griffen, Akermanis, Johnson, Cooney, Cross, Eagleton, Hargrave.
Port Adelaide: K Cornes, Lonie, Gray, Cassisi, Rodan, Pearce.
INJURIES: Western Bulldogs: Griffen (dislocated finger), Welsh (dislocated finger).
Port Adelaide: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Ryan, Schmitt, Ellis.
Crowd: TBC at TIO Stadium, Darwin




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Saints down North

June 28th 2008 12:55
ST KILDA has moved into the top eight with a gutsy 15-point win over the Kangaroos at Carrara Stadium on Saturday night.

The Saints trailed at every change before running over the top of the Roos in the final term, piling on six goals to one to record a 12.12 (84) to 9.15 (69) victory.

The match was marked by an interchange controversy that could have influenced the result.

The Kangaroos were gifted a goal at the 14-minute mark of the final stanza when the Saints were penalised for having 19 players on the field.

Luke Ball ran onto the field of play before Andrew McQualter, the player he was replacing, had run through the interchange gates.

The play had been deep in St Kilda's forward line when the infringement occurred but, under the league's new rule North was awarded a shot at goal 50 metres from the centre.

The free kick allowed Daniel Harris to goal and put North in front only minutes after the Saints led for the first time since early in the opening term.

But the Saints continued to press on to record their seventh win of the season.

The result sees the Saints jump into eighth spot on the ladder, edging Carlton on percentage while the Kangaroos are two points outside the eight in 10th spot.

Stephen Milne was lively with four majors while Justin Koschitzke was also influential with 19 possessions and two goals.

Ball (26 possessions) and Leigh Montagna (25 disposals) were busy in the middle while skipper Nick Riewoldt overcame a sluggish first half to finish the match with 24 possessions, 14 marks and one goal.

For the Kangaroos, Brent Harvey (29 possessions and one goal) and skipper Adam Simpson (32 disposals) tried hard all night, while small forward Matt Campbell chimed in with three goals.

The Kangaroos ran harder than the Saints in the opening stanza and they were rewarded for their willingness to move the football quickly as they piled on four unanswered goals in a stunning six-minute burst to take a handy 25-point lead into quarter-time.

The Kangaroos looked on course for a comfortable win when Campbell kicked his second to extend his side's lead beyond five goals.

Milne finally kicked the Saints first goal of the match at the nine-minute mark of the second term. Their confidence lifted from that moment and they kicked the next three to close to within 16 points at the main break.

Both sides traded goals in a see-sawing third term with a fantastic running goal from Daniel Wells ensuring the Kangaroos maintained a 16-point lead heading into the final change.

The Saints kicked the first three goals of the final term, including two in two minutes from Koschitzke to hit the front.

Back-to-back 50m penalties for an interchange breach threatened to stall St Kilda's momentum, but they banged on the last three goals of the match to record a season-defining win.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 4.4, 6.7, 8.11, 9.15 (69)
ST KILDA: 0.3, 4.3, 6.7, 12.12 (84)
GOALS: North Melbourne: Campbell 3, Hale, Harding, Harris, Harvey, Petrie, Wells
St Kilda: Milne 4, Koschitzke 2, Armitage, Eddy, S. Fisher, King, Montagna, Riewoldt
BEST: North Melbourne: Harvey, Petrie, Simpson, Campbell, Gibson
St Kilda: Riewoldt, Milne, Ball, Koschitzke, Dal Santo, Fisher
INJURIES: North Melbourne: Nil
St Kilda: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: James, Sully, McInerney
CROWD: 9,128 at Gold Coast Stadium



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Blues overrun Tigers

June 28th 2008 07:21
CARLTON has spoiled Richmond's centenary celebrations and kept its finals hopes alive with a hard-fought 30-point win at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues trailed at every change but lifted in the final term, slamming on seven goals to two record a 17.16 (118) to 12.16 (88) victory.

The win sees Carlton jump at least temporarily into the top eight while Richmond has failed to take advantage of last week's win over Port Adelaide and could find itself two games outside the eight come the end of the weekend.

The loss was made worse for Richmond with star forward Matthew Richardson leaving the field early in the final term with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Nick Stevens stepped up in the absence of injured Carlton skipper Chris Judd with 26 possessions, 10 marks and one goal, while Bryce Gibbs was also prolific in the middle with 20 disposals and three majors.

Andrew Carrazzo (29 possessions) worked hard all day while Brendon Fevola chimed in with four majors, including two in the final stanza.

For Richmond, Brett Deledio was lively in the middle 30 possessions, 11 marks and one goal. Joel Bowden (32 possessions and 11 marks) was busy in defence while Mitch Morton and Cleve Hughes booted three goals each.

Nathan Brown had a day he would rather forget, managing six behinds from his six scoring shots.

The opening term was a scrappy affair with just nine behinds registered in a forgettable 15 minutes.

Brad Fisher finally opened the scoring for Carlton before Morton hit back four minutes later.

A goal to Deledio after the siren put the Tigers up by eight points at the first change.

Richmond kicked the first two goals of the second term to open up an 18-point lead but the Blues hit back with the next three through Jake Edwards, Fevola and Shaun Grigg to hit the front.

But three goals from Hughes in the second term ensured the Tigers kept their noses in front, taking a 12-point lead into the main break.

Carlton came out firing in the second half, slamming on three goals in eight minutes to regain the lead.

Richmond responded through Richardson before two goals from Morton from strong contested marks put the Tigers in front by a point heading into the final change.

The Tigers failed to fire a shot in the final stanza as the Blues took control and cruised to their seventh win of the season.

RICHMOND: 2.7, 7.9, 10.13, 12.16 (88)
CARLTON: 1.5, 5.9, 10.12, 17.16 (118)
GOALS: Richmond: Hughes 3, Morton 3, Polak, Simmonds, Deledio, Richardson, Johnson, Riewoldt
Carlton: Fevola 4, Gibbs 3, Fisher 2, Betts 2, Grigg, Edwards, Stevens, Wiggins, Cloke, Murphy
BEST: Richmond: Bowden, Deledio, Cotchin, Newman
Carlton: Stevens, Fisher, Waite, Gibbs, Scotland, Murphy
INJURIES: Richmond: Richardson (hamstring)
Carlton: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Will Thursfield (hamstring) replaced by Jake King in Richmond's selected side
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Kamolins, Wenn
CROWD: 73,503 at the MCG



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Kerr stung by ray

June 28th 2008 03:27
WEST COAST's sorry season has continued with star midfielder Daniel Kerr stung by a stingray at the club's recovery session at Melbourne's St Kilda sea baths this morning

Kerr is believed to have been stung on the ankle but has recovered and is travelling with the team back from Melbourne following their 57-point loss to Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night.

The 25-year-old said he required a local anaesthetic to help deal with what he described as the worst pain of his life.

"I trod on something squishy and then 'bang'," Kerr said after some of the pain had subsided.

"I thought I'd been bitten by a crab, then I saw the blood and then the pain ... I've had popped shoulders and recos (reconstructions), but that was the worst pain I've ever felt in my life."

In some good news, Kerr will have the advantage of a week off as the Eagles have a bye next weekend as part of the split round.



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Worsfold pleased despite loss

June 28th 2008 01:48
WEST COAST coach John Worsfold said he was 'really pleased' with his side's work rate during its 57-point loss to Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night.

Worsfold, who had said during the week all he wanted to see from the playing group was an honest effort, declared himself happy with the effort shown by his side.

"I was really pleased with their work rate tonight, really pleased. It was pretty much at the level I would expect from them where they're at," he said.

"You don't like to have big losses but you're talking about their work rate and that was up tonight."

"Looking at Hawthorn up and going with their current side in and with our current side in I would have thought there was a fair margin between the two sides."

"Exactly what that margin is that's up for people to decide."

Worsfold said the difference between the two sides was Hawthorn's ability to capitalise on the Eagles' skill errors.

"I think in the last quarter we probably made four or five really bad turnovers at half-back that were either turnover kicks straight inside 50 for goals," he said.

"I think you could probably account for three or four goals in that last quarter that were just again a few kids (making mistakes)."

Worsfold said his side was more switched on against the Hawks than they were in the humiliating 135-point loss to Geelong at Subiaco Oval last weekend.

"I thought we played with a bit more composure, a bit more attack, took a few more risks, looked like the players were out there ready to go whereas last week they looked a bit stunned."

The Eagles had the game's two highest possession-winners in Matt Priddis (45) and Daniel Kerr (40) and only 24 less than Hawthorn overall but had 12 fewer scoring shots than the Hawks.

"Possessions with midfielders, you really want to see the score on the board," Worsfold said.

"As much as we had some high possession winners we've got to spread that out a little bit more and convert that into more scoring opportunities."

Worsfold also said the Eagles, who are currently languishing in 15th place on the AFL ladder with a 2-12 win-loss record would continue to invest in youth over the remaining eight rounds.



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Voss' coaching future up in the air

June 28th 2008 01:34
MICHAEL Voss would not be precluded from coaching the Gold Coast franchise when they enter the AFL in 2011 even if he decided to pursue other coaching opportunities in the meantime, according to AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou.

The three-time Brisbane premiership captain has been approached by West Coast coach John Worsfold to join the Eagles in a senior assistant role.

But Demetriou said Voss may be put at a disadvantage if he seeks experience as an assistant before taking a senior job.

"I think the coach who coaches the next couple of years would be in the driver's seat to coach when they (Gold Coast) enter the AFL system," Demetriou said.

"Having said that, it gives that coach and the board of GC17 a chance to look at each other and it may just be, as I said before, it may be that the coach of GC17 might be in popular demand from other clubs, or it might just be that some other unbelievably good coach is out of contract and is interested in coaching the Gold Coast.

"It would be a nice headache to have, but I do think that someone who starts with the club would be in the driver's seat and I think it would be exciting for that person."

Former Lions boss and member of the GC17 bid team Graeme Downie said last week the development coach was likely to be given first crack at the senior position.

"The way we would like to approach it is to appoint a development coach who would stay on as our senior coach," Downie said.

"It is possible that we could end up with a lower-profile coach without AFL aspirations for the next two years before stepping back into the market."

Demetriou said a decision on who will coach the new Gold Coast side, which will play in the under-18 TAC Cup competition next year before moving up a level to the VFL in 2010, then debut in the AFL the following year, will be made within a month.



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Demons must eradicate lapses

June 28th 2008 00:24
MELBOURNE must maintain the same level of intensity for four quarters if they are going to upset Brisbane at the MCG on Sunday afternoon, according to utility Brad Green.

The bottom-placed Demons have been competitive in their past two matches against Richmond and Sydney, but a slight drop off in intensity has proven to be costly.

Against the Tigers it was an eight-goal blitz in the second term, while against the Swans at Manuka Oval last Sunday it was a seven-goal opening quarter.

"There's been good aspects of our game and poor aspects," Green said.

"We're sort of playing two-and-a-half, three quarters of footy, but 20 minutes, half an hour is killing us in games where we've conceded quite a few goals.

"That's probably where we're at at the moment with a young side and not too much experience, it's hard to play four quarters of footy.

"But once we start playing four quarters we're certainly very competitive and we've been competitive in games, but just for not long enough."

Green admitted the Demons will be in for a tough day at the office given the quality of Brisbane's forward line and midfield.

"No doubt when any team's got Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw in their side they pose a great threat," Green said.

"There's not only those guys, they've got an experienced midfield group in Simon Black, Luke Power, Tim Notting, these type of guys that have been round for years that are still going through there.

"Then they've got a settled backline, we're coming up against a decent side that's in great form and are playing great footy.

"So it's certainly going to be a tough match this week and we're going to have to play at our best for four quarters to be up there."





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Cousins to train in WA

June 27th 2008 23:32
FORMER West Coast captain Ben Cousins is still a long way from making a football comeback with Port Melbourne.

Cousins, suspended by the league for 12 months at the end of the 2007 season for bringing the game into disrepute after a much-publicised battle with drug addiction, announced on Thursday he planned to register with the VFL club.

But his management team, Flying Start, yesterday issued a statement saying Cousins would stay in Western Australia until later this year and would resume football training with Perth and East Fremantle.

"Ben Cousins has yet to decide if he will play football this year, but he will register with VFL club Port Melbourne to keep his options open in the hope of a return to the AFL in 2009," the statement said.

"As Ben will not be relocating to Melbourne until later this year, he will commence training in Western Australia with WAFL clubs Perth and East Fremantle in the next few weeks.

"While Ben is already aligned with East Fremantle, he requested the opportunity to also train with Perth due to a long-term family involvement.

"East Fremantle continues to be very supportive of Ben and they have agreed to his request to train at both clubs."

The VFL has not yet received Cousins' registration form, but has been notified by Port Melbourne and expects it by Monday's 5pm deadline.

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Break comes at ideal time for Hawks

June 27th 2008 23:23
THE break has come at an ideal time for Hawthorn with three key midfielders nursing leg injuries and several key players set to return from injury in round 15.

Jordan Lewis left the field in the second term with what appeared to be a hip injury and did not return while Luke Hodge and Shane Crawford were also hampered by leg injuries during Hawthorn's 57-point win over West Coast at the MCG on Frida night.

Crawford did not return after hurting his knee during the third term, while Hodge received a kick in the calf early in the game but the injury responded positively to massaging, allowing the midfielder to come back in the final quarter.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said Hodge was a strong chance to face Sydney at the MCG on Sunday fortnight while Crawford and Lewis would have their injuries closely monitored by the club's medical staff.

"Lewis has got a bit of a thigh. He's had a really bad corky, just scar tissue he keeps rattling a little bit. He'll certainly enjoy the break over the next week or two," Clarkson said.

"I'm not sure whether he'll miss games, he'll be assessed during the course of the week and Crawf's had a grumbly knee and Hodgey had a kick to the calf at the end of the second quarter which was causing him a bit of grief."

Clarkson said the week off would freshen his side before they make their run towards the finals.

"We've got a lot of tired boys and I'm sure there are lot of other clubs in the competition too that are looking forward to this break, then recharge the batteries and get into the last eight rounds of the home and away season," he said.

Clarkson said hard-running midfielder Chance Bateman, Brad Sewell and ruckman Simon Taylor would all return in round 15.


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Hawks too good for Eagles

June 27th 2008 12:59
HAWTHORN has consolidated its place in the top three with an unconvincing 57-point win over West Coast at the MCG on Friday night.

The Hawks were challenged by the Eagles in the second and third terms before running away with the contest in the final quarter to record a 18.18 (126) to 9.15 (69) victory.

Both sides were guilty of making simple errors in a match that failed to reach any great heights.

Jarryd Roughead and Lance Franklin were dominant up forward for the Hawks, booting six and five goals respectively while Luke Hodge was damaging in the middle with 23 disposals and three majors.

For West Coast, Dean Cox was prominent with 22 disposals, 27 hit-outs and one goal. Matt Priddis and Daniel Kerr were prolific in the middle with 45 and 40 possessions respectively, while Ashley Hansen chimed in with four majors.

The break has come at an ideal time for Hawthorn with several midfielders nursing injuries. Jordan Lewis left the field in the second term with what appeared to be a hip injury and did not return while Hodge and Shane Crawford were also hampered by leg injuries during the game

Hawthorn piled on four unanswered goals in the opening term but were helped by some poor decision making from West Coast defender Beau Wilkes who gifted two goals to the Hawks.

He chose to spoil when well positioned to mark, the crumb resulting in a Hawthorn goal, then conceded another major when under little pressure he pinpointed Michael Osborne.

The Hawks led by 28 points at quarter time but should have been further in front had they made the most of their opportunities in front of goal - they booted a wayward 4.8 for the term.

The Eagles kicked three of the first four goals of the second term to close to within 14 points but three goals each from Franklin and Roughead ensured the Hawks remained in control, taking a commanding 36-point lead into half-time.

West Coast came out firing after the main break, booting the first three goals of the third term to reduce the deficit to 19 points.

But Franklin's fourth steadied the Hawks, who took a 28-point lead into the final change before they steamrolled the Eagles with seven goals to two in the final stanza.

HAWTHORN: 4.8, 10.8, 11.15, 18.18 (126)
WEST COAST: 0.4, 4.8, 7.11, 9.15 (69)
GOALS: Hawthorn: Roughead 6, Franklin 5, Hodge 3, Birchall, Crawford, Osborne, Williams
West Coast: Hansen 4, McKinley 2, Cox, Hunter, Staker
BEST: Hawthorn: Roughead, Croad, Crawford, Osborne, Franklin, Hodge
West Coast: Kerr, Hansen, Cox, Priddis
INJURIES: Hawthorn: TBC
West Coast: TBC
REPORTS: Renouf (Hawthorn) by umpire Donlon for striking Selwood (West Coast)
CHANGES: Dew (Hawthorn) replaced in selected side by Clarke
UMPIRES: Donlon, Farmer, Ryan
CROWD: 29,138 at the MCG



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Round fourteen teams

June 27th 2008 07:59
ROUND 14 (split round)

Friday, June 27
Hawthorn v West Coast at the MCG, 7.40pm AEST

Saturday, June 28
Richmond v Carlton at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
North Melbourne v St Kilda at Gold Coast Stadium, 7.10pm AEST
Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide at TIO Stadium, 7.10pm ACST

Sunday, June 29
Melbourne v Brisbane Lions at the MCG, 1.10pm AEST
Fremantle v Essendon at Subiaco, 2.40pm AWST

Friday, July 4*
Adelaide v Geelong at AAMI Stadium, 7.40pm ACST

Saturday, July 5*
Sydney Swans v Collingwood at ANZ Stadium, 7.10pm AEST

* Teams for the second week of the split round will be announced on Thursday, July 3

HAWTHORN v WEST COAST
HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Campbell Brown
HB: Grant Birchall, Trent Croad, Rick Ladson
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Clinton Young
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Shane Crawford
F: Mark Williams, Jarryd Roughead, Michael Osborne
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Xavier Ellis
I/C: Thomas Murphy, Stuart Dew, Jarryd Morton, Brent Renouf
EMG: Tim Clarke, Travis Tuck, Brendan Whitecross

In: Crawford, Croad
Out: Travis Tuck, Tim Boyle

WEST COAST
B: Jaymie Graham, Darren Glass, Mark Nicoski
HB: Andrew Embley, Beau Wilkes, Adam Selwood
C: Brad Ebert, Daniel Kerr, Tim Houlihan
HF: Steven Armstrong, Ashley Hansen, Ben McKinley
F: Mark LeCras, Adam Hunter, Quinten Lynch
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Jamie McNamara
I/C: Ryan Davis, Will Schofield, Brent Staker, Tyson Stenglein
EMG: Michael Braun, Eric Mackenzie, James Thomson

In: Armstrong, Davis, Graham, McNamara, Staker
Out: David Wirrpanda (back), Sam Butler (groin), Brett Jones (knee), Michael Braun, Chad Fletcher

RICHMOND v CARLTON
RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Will Thursfield, Joel Bowden
HB: Kelvin Moore, Graham Polak, Jordan McMahon
C: Matthew Richardson, Shane Tuck, Matt White
HF: Richard Tambling, Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin
F: Mitch Morton, Cleve Hughes, Nathan Brown
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Brett Deledio, Nathan Foley
I/C: Dean Polo, Adam Pattison, Chris Hyde, Kane Johnson
EMG: Jake King, Daniel Connors, Jay Schulz

In: Johnson, Thursfield
Out: Luke McGuane (hamstring), Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls

CARLTON
B: Shaun Grigg, Michael Jamison, Setanta O’hAilpin
HB: Andrew Carrazzo, Bret Thornton, Jordan Russell
C: Kade Simpson, Nick Stevens, Heath Scotland
HF: Marc Murphy, Jarrad Waite, Brad Fisher
F: Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Simon Wiggins
Foll: Cameron Cloke, Steven Browne, Bryce Gibbs
I/C: Joe Anderson, Adam Bentick, Jake Edwards, Matthew Kreuzer
EMG: Mark Austin, Darren Pfeiffer, Jason Saddington

In: Edwards, Anderson
Out: Chris Judd (concussion), Dennis Armfield (broken finger)

NORTH MELBOURNE v ST KILDA
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Michael Firrito, Shannon Watt, Daniel Pratt
HB: Brady Rawlings, Josh Gibson, Gavin Urquhart
C: Corey Jones, Adam Simpson, Matt Riggio
HF: Lindsay Thomas, Lachlan Hansen, Leigh Harding
F: David Hale, Nathan Thompson, Brent Harvey
Foll: Drew Petrie, Daniel Wells, Daniel Harris
I/C: Sam Power, Shannon Grant, Matt Campbell, Alan Obst
EMG: Blake Grima, Levi Greenwood, Scott McMahon

In: Power
Out: Ed Lower

ST KILDA
B: Sean Dempster, Max Hudghton, Jason Gram
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Gilbert, Sam Fisher
C: Andrew McQualter, Nick Dal Santo, Robert Eddy
HF: Robert Harvey, Nick Riewoldt, Charlie Gardiner
F: Clint Jones, Justin Koschitzke, David Armitage
Foll: Steven King, Luke Ball, Leigh Montagna
I/C: James Gwilt, Jason Blake, Stephen Milne, Jarryd Allen
EMG: Jarryn Geary, Aaron Fiora, Ben McEvoy

In: Dal Santo, Milne, Koschitzke
Out: Lenny Hayes (hamstring), Ben McEvoy, Jarryn Geary

WESTERN BULLDOGS v PORT ADELAIDE
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dale Morris, Brian Lake, Dylan Addison
HB: Ryan Hargrave, Andrejs Everitt, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Daniel Cross, Matthew Boyd, Nathan Eagleton
HF: Brad Johnson, Mitch Hahn, Robert Murphy
F: Scott Welsh, Will Minson, Jason Akermanis
Foll: Ben Hudson, Ryan Griffen, Adam Cooney
I/C: Josh Hill, Daniel Giansiracusa, Farren Ray, Stephen Tiller
EMG: Jarrod Harbrow, Callan Ward, Cameron Wight

In: Tiller, Hill
Out: Tom Williams (shoulder), Callan Ward

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Nick Lower
HB: Tom Logan, Troy Chaplin, Nathan Lonie
C: Domenic Cassisi, Adam Thomson, Kane Cornes
HF: David Rodan, Warren Tredrea, Brett Ebert
F: Justin Westhoff, Daniel Motlop, Robert Gray
Foll: Dean Brogan, Shaun Burgoyne, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Greg Bentley, Fabian Deluca, Paul Stewart, Damon White
EMG: Marlon Motlop, Jacob Surjan, Adam Cockshell

In: Bentley, Deluca, Lonie, Stewart, Thomson, J. Westhoff, White
Out: Travis Boak (groin), Peter Burgoyne (hamstring), Chad Cornes (calf), Steven Salopek (achilles), Matt Thomas (suspended), Brendon Lade, Michael Wilson

MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS
MELBOURNE
B: Matthew Whelan, Colin Garland, Matthew Warnock
HB: Brad Green, Paul Wheatley, Cameron Bruce
C: Colin Sylvia, Brock McLean, Lynden Dunn
HF: Chris Johnson, Matthew Bate, Aaron Davey
F: Stefan Martin, Brad Miller, Austin Wonaeamirri
Foll: Paul Johnson, Clint Bartram, Nathan Jones
I/C: Jace Bode, Simon Buckley, Mark Jamar, Shane Valenti
EMG: Nathan Carroll, Cale Morton, Jeff White

In: Buckley, Martin, Valenti
Out: James McDonald (groin), James Frawley, Jeff White

New: Stefan Martin (Sandringham)

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Josh Drummond, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Joel Macdonald, Mitch Clark, Justin Sherman
C: Anthony Corrie, Simon Black, Tim Notting
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Ashley McGrath
F: Robert Copeland, Daniel Bradshaw, Jared Brennan
Foll: Jamie Charman, Luke Power, Jed Adcock
I/C: Tom Collier, Rhan Hooper, Travis Johnstone, Troy Selwood
EMG: James Polkinghorne, Cheynee Stiller, Scott Clouston

In: Bradshaw, Sherman, Johnstone
Out: Henderson, Polkinghorne, Stiller

FREMANTLE v ESSENDON
FREMANTLE
B: Scott Thornton, Antoni Grover, Steven Dodd
HB: David Mundy, Luke McPharlin, Roger Hayden
C: Garrick Ibbotson, Peter Bell, Brett Peake
HF: Rhys Palmer, Chris Tarrant, Dean Solomon
F: Mark Johnson, Matthew Pavlich, Chris Mayne
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, Josh Carr
I/C: Byron Schammer, Robert Warnock, Ryley Dunn, Clayton Hinkley
EMG: Andrew Browne, Ryan Murphy, Josh Head

In: Hinkley, Dodd, Thornton,
Out: Michael Johnson (ankle), Jeff Farmer, Ryan Murphy

ESSENDON
B: Jay Nash, Dustin Fletcher, Nathan Lovett-Murray
HB: David Myers, Patrick Ryder, Kyle Reimers
C: Andrew Lovett, Jobe Watson, Andrew Welsh
HF: Angus Monfries, Matthew Lloyd, Adam McPhee
F: Scott Lucas, Jason Laycock, Jay Neagle
Foll: David Hille, Mark McVeigh, Sam Lonergan
I/C: Adam Ramanauskas, Leroy Jetta, Brent Stanton, Ricky Dyson
EMG: Damien Peverill, Mal Michael, Jarrod Atkinson

In: Dyson
Out: Henry Slattery (cheekbone)




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Cripps backs Wilson to bounce back

June 27th 2008 07:56
PORT ADELAIDE veteran Michael Wilson will find it 'difficult' but not impossible to force his way back into the side, according to assistant coach Jason Cripps.

The 31-year-old returned from an Achilles injury in round nine but has failed to have an impact this season.

But Cripps said he was confident that Wilson, who comes out of contract at the end of the season, would find some form in the SANFL and regain his place in the side.

"He's coming back from a significant injury and at his age it's going to be probably difficult for him," Cripps said.

"But the type of person he is and the character he is and because he's so professional and how hard he works on his game, I wouldn't be surprised if he came back into some good form and forced his way back into the side and if that happens I'm sure he'll be here next year."

Port is hoping that ruckman Brendon Lade, who was also drpped for this weekend's game against the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium would find some touch in the SANFL and put pressure on fellow ruckman Fabian Deluca to retain his place in the side.

"He just hasn't been quite able to influence games like he has previously so we just want to give him a bit of break and go back and find some form," he said.

"We need to create that environment where there are still five or six guys underneath that are pushing for selection."

Cripps said that promising young forward Justin Westhoff, who has earnt a recall after being dropped for the match against Richmond would spend more time deeper in attack in a bid to recapture the form he showed in 2007.

"His role had changed but coming back into the side we'd like to think we can play him closer to goal and hopefully get some more goals on the board and get him feeling good about himself," he said.

"He's certainly put a lot of pressure on himself this year and obviously the expectation was he'd come out and kick 40 or 50 goals."

Cripps also dismissed suggestions there was no pressure on the 12th placed Power to perform on Saturday night.

The likes of Damon White, Nathan Lonie, Greg Bentley and Adam Thomson will all be keen to prove their worth to the side ahead of next season.

"Some of those guys know their careers are on the line and they certainly want to prove that they are worthy of having a career with the Port Adelaide footy club," he said





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McLeod aiming to return against Magpies

June 27th 2008 07:28
ADELAIDE veteran Andrew McLeod is aiming to return for the round 15 clash against Collingwood at the MCG after undergoing minor knee surgery.

McLeod had an arthroscopy to clean out his troublesome right knee on Monday and was expected to miss up to four weeks of football, but Adelaide coach Neil Craig said the dual Norm Smith medallist would aim to only miss the match against Geelong at AAMI Stadium next Friday night.

"His knee hasn't blown up, so probably the best scenario would be for Andrew to play against Collingwood," Craig said.

"They (surgeons) did a few more things in there than we thought, but from a long-term perspective and given the timing, it was probably the best thing to happen; to clean the knee out and to enable him to come back hopefully pain free."

Meanwhile, Adelaide forward Trent Hentschel remains an outside chance to play at AFL level this season.

Hentschel, who seriously injured his knee in 2006 looked set to make a comeback before suffering an ankle injury in the SANFL.

"It looks like Trent's ankle isn't as bad as first thought ... he's not going to play this week, but hopefully he'll be available in the next week or two," Craig said.

"Even if its a two or three week injury, he was that close to playing AFL footy (that it doesn't end his season).

"It's a setback for him obviously, but certainly his season in the AFL is very much alive - from a selection point of view, he's very much in my thinking."




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AFL check-up pending for Cousins

June 27th 2008 07:09
FORMER West Coast captain Ben Cousins will need to be medically assessed by the AFL's medical officers before being allowed to return to football, according to AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou.

Cousins, who was suspended by the league for 12 months at the end of the 2007 season for bringing the game into disrepute after a with drug addiction, has announced that he wants to train with VFL club Port Melbourne.

The 2005 Brownlow medallist hasn't yet committed to playing in the VFL but said he was 'pretty confident' he could get back to his best form despite spending the past 12 months on the sidelines.

But Demetriou said on Friday that Cousins, who is still undergoing rehabilitation, would need to be given the all-clear by the league's medical officers should he elect to play again.

Demetriou said Cousins shouldn't be put under pressure to make a decision about his footballing future.

"He's going through a very lengthy process of rehabilitation, it’s not easy," he said.

"I think he's making a real go of it and he should be commended for that."

"I don't think anyone should force him or put a time limit on him making up his mind."




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Judd to miss

June 27th 2008 06:25
CARLTON has suffered a major blow ahead of Saturday's crucial clash against Richmond at the MCG with skipper Chris Judd ruled out due to concussion caused by his heavy collision with Essendon skipper Matthew Lloyd in last Sunday's match against the Bombers.

Blues coach Brett Ratten said the club doctor had monitored Judd throughout the week and while the 2004 Brownlow medallist was on the improve, he had not recovered sufficiently to play on Saturday.

"Medical tests conducted during last week's game, following the heavy collision in the first quarter, indicated Chris was fit to continue during the match and the medical team regularly monitored him throughout the game," he said.

"Unfortunately his symptoms deteriorated after the game. The medical team have confirmed that Chris playing out the game against Essendon has had no bearing on his availability for selection this week," Ratten added.

Darren Pfeiffer will replace Judd in the Carlton squad for tomorrow's game.



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AFL reveals Coast draft concessions

June 27th 2008 06:02
THE new Gold Coast team will be given access to 20 Queensland teenagers over the next three years.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the decision, which was approved by the AFL Commission is one of the first steps in building the new franchise.

"Today was an historic meeting because today one of the first steps in the building of the Gold Coast team were passed by the AFL Commission," Demetriou said.

"The commission determined that the Gold Coast team will now have access to pre-sign 20 Queensland players of draft eligible age over the next three years, 2009, 2010 and 2011."

Demetriou said players signed under that system would be offered contracts of up to $70,000 per year in return for opting out of the draft.

The other 16 clubs will be entitled to list an additional two rookies per season for each of the next two years to compensate for losing out because of draft concessions to the new club over that period.

Demetriou said it was yet to be determined exactly what concessions the Gold Coast team would be given in the 2009 draft but a decision is expected to be made in July or August.

The Gold Coast club will field a side in the TAC Cup under-18 competition next year, before playing in the VFL in 2010 as a pathway to entering the AFL in 2011.




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Changes won't unbalance Power: Burgoyne

June 27th 2008 04:28
PORT ADELAIDE midfielder Shaun Burgoyne says the seven changes made to the side will not make a major difference to the team's balance ahead of Saturday night's clash against the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium in Darwin.

The Power were forced to make five changes due to injury and suspension and dropped veterans Michael Wilson and Brendon Lade from the team that lost to Richmond by four points at AAMI Stadium last weekend.

Port will be without hard-running defender Peter Burgoyne (hamstring), Steven Salopek (achilles), utility Chad Cornes (calf), Travis Boak (groin) and Matt Thomas (suspended), but Burgoyne believes the inclusions are capable of stepping up and filling the void.

"It's something you don't really do most weeks but five of those were injuries and forced changes," Burgoyne said.

"You would think it will affect the balance a bit but the players from the SANFL have been playing pretty well for a number of weeks.

"We're pretty confident those players can come in and have an impact on the game and not just make up the numbers."

Greg Bentley, Fabian Deluca, Nathan Lonie, Paul Stewart, Adam Thomson, Justin Westhoff and Damon White have been named as their replacements.


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Judd still in doubt

June 27th 2008 01:47
CARLTON skipper Chris Judd still remains in serious doubt for Saturday's crucial clash against Richmond at the MCG.

Judd, who was heavily concussed in a collision with Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd at the MCG last Sunday, was restricted to stationary handball and short kicking drills in a brief 15-minute session at Princes Park on Friday.

Blues assistant coach Gavin Crosisca said Judd would be given until the last minute to prove his fitness.

"He wasn't overly flash on Tuesday or Wednesday," Crosisca said.

"We did a little bit of indoor stuff and the lights got to him a little bit."

"They will do the concussion test and so forth but he should be ok."

"He is the sort of player you would give up until 10 minutes before the game to see if he is right."

Crosisca denied reports that the 24-year-old was nursing a cracked cheekbone as a result of his clash with Lloyd.

"There is no bone damage I would think, it's just a bit of a brain wobble," Crosisca said.

"Its not like Chris Judd's an outside player, he is going to be bullocking in straight away so he needs to be confident within himself."





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James quits Port

June 27th 2008 01:29
PORT ADELAIDE's season has gone from bad to worse with chief exeuctive John James resigning.

James, who has been at the helm for the past four years will quit his post to take up a position working in finance in New York City.






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Eagles approach Voss

June 27th 2008 01:20
WEST COAST has approached three-time Brisbane premiership captain Michael Voss to be an assistant coach for the next two years.

The move comes after Eagles directors recently voted to strengthen support for senior coach John Worsfold.

If Voss declines their offer, they will approach recently retired captains Nathan Buckley, then Mark Ricciuto for roles.

The Eagles don't expect Voss to be a long-term assistant coach as he remains the hot favourite to be the senior coach of the Gold Coast in 2011, which is the year they officially join the AFL.

A senior West Coast source said the nation-wide search for the best football staff is "all about helping Worsfold to continue to grow as a long-term coach".

Current assistants Darren Harris and Tony Micale are under pressure to hold their positions, as is match committee chairman Tim Gepp.

General manager of football operations Steve Woodhouse will shift to a list-management role, concentrating more on player contracts.


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Rivers' season over

June 27th 2008 00:48
MELBOURNE's woes have continued with defender Jared Rivers to miss the rest of the season with strained stomach muscles.

Rivers was struck down by strained stomach muscles in the Queen's Birthday clash with Collingwood almost three weeks ago.

Melbourne listed Rivers as a four-to-six-week absentee this week, but Demons coach Dean Bailey yesterday admitted his season was over.

"Unless there is a magical cure for him, I don't think he will be back playing football this year," Bailey said.

"It is really disappointing for Jared because he has got some great leadership qualities in him."

The 23-year-old could be back walking or jogging within a month, but will not be risked.

Rivers, who will now help out with defensive coaching, has also been added to the leadership group. He will be joined by Brad Green, Aaron Davey and Brent Moloney.

Midfielder Brock McLean, who was removed from the group after off-field indiscretions earlier in the year, has been welcomed back.

Veteran Adem Yze is no longer in the leadership group, along with the injured Russell Robertson.

Bailey said Yze was still an important leader within the club even though he was no longer in the leadership group.

"Yze was one of the guys who unfortunately when it came to the review, he missed out on maintaining his position," Bailey said.

"But his leadership is still there within the club."


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Cousins unsure about return

June 27th 2008 00:30
FORMER West Coast capatain Ben Cousins plans to register with VFL side Port Melbourne by next Monday.

Cousins said he will train with the side but doubts he will play football before the end of the year.

"I want to do a bit more football-specific training, see how the body feels ... I don't want to come back and slip up again," he said.

"I want to be 100 per cent certain that one, I can do it and two, that's what I want to do.

"I intend to hopefully register with Port Melbourne in the hope of coming over to Melbourne at some stage later in the year and training.

"I don't intend to play at this stage, but certainly to keep the options open."

Speaking to Channel Nine's The Footy Show on Thursday night, the 2005 Brownlow medallist, who has been battling a highly publicised substance abuse problem, said he was 'pretty confident' he could get back to his best form despite spending the past 12 months on the sidelines, but said he has not yet decided if he wanted to return to the AFL.

"Training and preparing for footy is the easy part, so if I ever made the decision to come back and play footy, the footy part, I wouldn't be worrying about at all," he said.

"It's not preparing for footy, it's not being fit enough, it's not wondering if I'm going to get a kick, but it's everything that comes with it. It's having to take into account everything that comes with addiction."

Cousins said he had not yet spoken to any clubs about a possible comeback and that if he was to retrun it would most likely be with a Victorian club.

The 29-year-old was given a 12-month suspension by the AFL at the end of the 2007 season for bringing the game into disrepute after a battle with drug addiction.






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Round fourteen teams

June 26th 2008 07:15
ROUND FOURTEEN (split round)

Friday, June 27
Hawthorn v West Coast at the MCG, 7.40pm AEST

Saturday, June 28
Richmond v Carlton at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
North Melbourne v St Kilda at Gold Coast Stadium, 7.10pm AEST
Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide at TIO Stadium, 7.10pm ACST

Sunday, June 29
Melbourne v Brisbane Lions at the MCG, 1.10pm AEST
Fremantle v Essendon at Subiaco, 2.40pm AWST

Friday, July 4*
Adelaide v Geelong at AAMI Stadium, 7.40pm ACST

Saturday, July 5*
Sydney Swans v Collingwood at ANZ Stadium, 7.10pm AEST

* Teams for the second week of the split round will be announced on Thursday, July 3

HAWTHORN v WESTCOAST
HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Campbell Brown
HB: Grant Birchall, Trent Croad, Rick Ladson
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Clinton Young
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Shane Crawford
F: Mark Williams, Jarryd Roughead, Michael Osborne
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Xavier Ellis
I/C: Thomas Murphy, Stuart Dew, Jarryd Morton, Brent Renouf
EMG: Tim Clarke, Travis Tuck, Brendan Whitecross

In: Crawford, Croad
Out: Travis Tuck, Tim Boyle


WEST COAST
B: Jaymie Graham, Darren Glass, Mark Nicoski
HB: Andrew Embley, Beau Wilkes, Adam Selwood
C: Brad Ebert, Daniel Kerr, Tim Houlihan
HF: Steven Armstrong, Ashley Hansen, Ben McKinley
F: Mark LeCras, Adam Hunter, Quinten Lynch
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Jamie McNamara
I/C: Ryan Davis, Will Schofield, Brent Staker, Tyson Stenglein
EMG: Michael Braun, Eric Mackenzie, James Thomson

In: Armstrong, Davis, Graham, McNamara, Staker
Out: David Wirrpanda (back), Sam Butler (groin), Brett Jones (knee), Michael Braun, Chad Fletcher


RICHMOND v CARLTON
RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Will Thursfield, Joel Bowden
HB: Kelvin Moore, Graham Polak, Jordan McMahon
C: Matthew Richardson, Shane Tuck, Matt White
HF: Richard Tambling, Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin
F: Mitch Morton, Cleve Hughes, Nathan Brown
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Brett Deledio, Nathan Foley
I/C: Dean Polo, Adam Pattison, Chris Hyde, Kane Johnson
EMG: Jake King, Daniel Connors, Jay Schulz
In: Johnson, Thursfield
Out: Luke McGuane (hamstring), Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls


CARLTON
B: Shaun Grigg, Michael Jamison, Setanta O’hAilpin
HB: Andrew Carrazzo, Bret Thornton, Jordan Russell
C: Kade Simpson, Nick Stevens, Heath Scotland
HF: Marc Murphy, Jarrad Waite, Brad Fisher
F: Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Simon Wiggins
Foll: Cameron Cloke, Chris Judd, Bryce Gibbs
I/C: Adam Bentick, Steven Browne, Jake Edwards, Matthew Kreuzer
EMG: Joe Anderson, Mark Austin, Jason Saddington

In: Jake Edwards
Out: Dennis Armfield (broken finger)


NORTH MELBOURNE v ST KILDA
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Michael Firrito, Shannon Watt, Daniel Pratt
HB: Brady Rawlings, Josh Gibson, Gavin Urquhart
C: Corey Jones, Adam Simpson, Matt Riggio
HF: Lindsay Thomas, Lachlan Hansen, Leigh Harding
F: David Hale, Nathan Thompson, Brent Harvey
Foll: Drew Petrie, Daniel Wells, Daniel Harris
I/C: Sam Power, Shannon Grant, Matt Campbell, Alan Obst
EMG: Blake Grima, Levi Greenwood, Scott McMahon

In: Power
Out: Ed Lower


ST KILDA
B: Sean Dempster, Max Hudghton, Jason Gram
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Gilbert, Sam Fisher
C: Andrew McQualter, Nick Dal Santo, Robert Eddy
HF: Robert Harvey, Nick Riewoldt, Charlie Gardiner
F: Clint Jones, Justin Koschitzke, David Armitage
Foll: Steven King, Luke Ball, Leigh Montagna
I/C: James Gwilt, Jason Blake, Stephen Milne, Jarryd Allen
EMG: Jarryn Geary, Aaron Fiora, Ben McEvoy

In: Dal Santo, Milne, Koschitzke
Out: Lenny Hayes (hamstring), Ben McEvoy, Jarryn Geary


WESTERN BULLDOGS v PORT ADELAIDE
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dale Morris, BrianLake, Dylan Addison
HB: Ryan Hargrave, Andrejs Everitt, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Daniel Cross, Matthew Boyd, Nathan Eagleton
HF: Brad Johnson, Mitch Hahn, Robert Murphy
F: Scott Welsh, Will Minson, Jason Akermanis
Foll: Ben Hudson, Ryan Griffen, Adam Cooney
I/C: Josh Hill, Daniel Giansiracusa, Farren Ray, Stephen Tiller
EMG: Jarrod Harbrow, Callan Ward, Cameron Wight

In: Tiller, Hill
Out: Tom Williams (shoulder), Callan Ward


PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Nick Lower
HB: Tom Logan, Troy Chaplin, Nathan Lonie
C: Domenic Cassisi, Adam Thomson, Kane Cornes
HF: David Rodan, Warren Tredrea, Brett Ebert
F: Justin Westhoff, Daniel Motlop, Robert Gray
Foll: Dean Brogan, Shaun Burgoyne, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Greg Bentley, Fabian Deluca, Paul Stewart, Damon White
EMG: Marlon Motlop, Jacob Surjan, Adam Cockshell

In: Bentley, Deluca, Lonie, Stewart, Thomson, J. Westhoff, White
Out: Travis Boak (groin), Peter Burgoyne (hamstring), Chad Cornes (calf), Steven Salopek (achilles), Matt Thomas (suspended), Brendon Lade, Michael Wilson


MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS
MELBOURNE
B: Matthew Whelan, Colin Garland, Matthew Warnock
HB: Brad Green, Paul Wheatley, Cameron Bruce
C: Colin Sylvia, Brock McLean, Lynden Dunn
HF: Chris Johnson, Matthew Bate, Aaron Davey
F: Stefan Martin, Brad Miller, Austin Wonaeamirri
Foll: Paul Johnson, Clint Bartram, Nathan Jones
I/C (from): Jace Bode, Simon Buckley, Nathan Carroll, Mark Jamar, Cale Morton, Jeff White, Shane Valenti
In: Buckley, Carroll, Martin, Morton, Valenti
Out: McDonald (groin), James Frawley


BRISBANE LIONS
B: Josh Drummond, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Joel Macdonald, Mitch Clark, Justin Sherman
C: Anthony Corrie, Simon Black, Tim Notting
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Ashley McGrath
F: Robert Copeland, Daniel Bradshaw, Jared Brennan
Foll: Jamie Charman, Luke Power, Jed Adcock
I/C (from): Tom Collier, Scott Clouston, Rhan Hooper, James Polkinghorne, Cheynee Stiller, Travis Johnstone, Troy Selwood

In: Bradshaw, Sherman, Johnstone, Clouston
Out: Lachlan Henderson

New: Scott Clouston (Morningside, rookie list)


FREMANTLE v ESSENDON
FREMANTLE
B: Scott Thornton, Antoni Grover, Steven Dodd
HB: David Mundy, Luke McPharlin, Roger Hayden
C: Garrick Ibbotson, Peter Bell, Brett Peake
HF: Rhys Palmer, Chris Tarrant, Dean Solomon
F: Mark Johnson, Matthew Pavlich, Chris Mayne
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, Josh Carr
I/C (from): Byron Schammer, Robert Warnock, Ryley Dunn, Clayton Hinkley, Andrew Browne, Josh Head, Ryan Murphy

In: Hinkley, Dodd, Head, Thornton, Browne
Out: Michael Johnson (ankle), Jeff Farmer


ESSENDON
B: Jay Nash, Dustin Fletcher, Nathan Lovett-Murray
HB: David Myers, Patrick Ryder, Kyle Reimers
C: Andrew Lovett, Jobe Watson, Andrew Welsh
HF: Angus Monfries, Matthew Lloyd, Adam McPhee
F: Scott Lucas, Jason Laycock, Jay Neagle
Foll: David Hille, Mark McVeigh, Sam Lonergan
I/C (from): Damien Peverill, Adam Ramanauskas, Leroy Jetta, Brent Stanton, Ricky Dyson, Mal Michael, Jarrod Atkinson

In: Peverill, Dyson, Michael, Atkinson
Out: Henry Slattery (cheekbone)




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AFL take no action against Hille

June 26th 2008 06:27
AFL fooball operations manager Adrian Anderson says the league will not take any action against David Hille concerning a spitting allegation that was levelled at the Essendon ruckman after Sunday's clash against Carlton at the MCG.

Anderson said that Essendon had informed him that a fan made a complaint to the Bombers after the match that Hille spat on or at them during the final term.

AFL investigations officer Graeme McDonald conducted a thorough inquiry into the matter before deciding no further action would be taken.

Anderson said in a statement released on Thursday afternoon that McDonald found Hille did spit while in the vicinity of the complainant but that the evidence did not support the allegation that he directly spat at or on anyone.

"Mr McDonald reviewed all available video evidence from the match, interviewed members of both Carlton and Essendon's support staff who were in the vicinity at the time, interviewed David Hille, interviewed the complainant and also interviewed other members of the public who were sitting with the person who made the complaint to the Essendon Football Club," he said.





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Black not considered for clash against Bombers

June 26th 2008 05:31
FREMANTLE defender Heath Black will miss Sunday's clash against Essendon at Subiaco Oval after missing a training session.

The 29-year-old has finished serving a two-match suspension for striking Brisbane Lions tagger Troy Selwood but was not considered for selection.

Black and small forward Jeff Farmer, who was handed a one-match ban after failing to show up at a compulsory recovery session in Melbourne last Saturday following the club's eight-point loss to St Kilda the night before, will play for South Fremantle in the WAFL.

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Winderlich out for season

June 26th 2008 05:10
ESSENDON has suffered a massive blow with midfielder Jason Winderlich ruled out for the remainder of the season with a back injury.

The 23-year-old will undergo surgery on Monday on a prolapsed disc, after which he is expected to be bedridden for a month.

The club said he had been carrying the injury since pre-season, and aggravated it during the round 11 clash against Hawthorn at Telstra Dome.

Team manager David Calthorpe said the loss of Winderlich is a blow for the Bombers as he was just starting to hit top form.

"We are disappointed for him because he was starting to find some really good form and not only through the midfield," Calthorpe said.

"He was a damaging player for us when he went up forward in the Adelaide game too.

"He had shown signs that he was going to finish off the season strong and it would have been an added bonus for us to have him in the side."

Medical staff decided on surgery, which should allow Winderlich to resume pre-season training in early November with the rest of the team.




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Butler to miss

June 26th 2008 05:05
WEST COAST premiership midfielder Sam Butler will miss Friday night's clash against Hawthorn at the MCG after suffering a recurrence of his chronic groin injury.

Until a few weeks ago, Butler's last match at AFL level was the 2006 grand final. West Coast coach John Worsfold said he expected the 22-year-old to be back after the split round.

"It's not a bad groin strain, but whether it's just some scar tissue that he's torn a little bit, we're not really sure, but it's only minor," Worsfold said.

"We expect that with the two week break – this week and the bye week – that he'll be right to go."

Worsfold said fellow premiership midfielder Chad Fletcher has been dropped because his performances had been well below what the club had expected.

"He was left out of the side this week because his last two performances, we felt, were below what's expected of a player of his ilk.

"If he gets back into top form and comes in and plays at the level that we know that he can play, then he might hold his spot in the side.

"That's down the track.

"But it'd be fair to say that we don't believe he did enough to warrant selection in the side this week."

Veteran David Wirrpanda (back) and hard-running defender Brett Jones (ankle) will miss the clash against the Hawks, with Jaymie Graham, Steven Armstrong, and promising youngsters Ryan Davis and Jamie McNamara all travelling to Melbourne.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Cousins not in our plans, says Eade

June 26th 2008 04:16
WESTERN BULLDOGS coach Rodney Eade has dismissed suggestions the club intends to pick up former West Coast captain Ben Cousins in the draft later this year.

Cousins is expected to make a comeback with a VFL team this year in the hope of being drafted by an AFL club for the 2009 season.

Despite the Bulldogs being the bookmakers' favourite to draft the 2005 Brownlow medallist,
Eade said he was more interested in developing the club's impressive batch of youngsters.

"I wouldn't think he'd be in our plans," Eade said.

"We're a reasonably young side and I think our midfield's OK, and the fact that we've got good youth I would think we'd be going down the youth path."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Western Bulldogs
   


No agreement reached: AFLPA

June 26th 2008 04:11
THE AFL Players Association has denied that any agreement has been reached with the AFL over the testing of hair for drug analysis.

A statement released by the AFLPA said they were still in negotiations with the AFL but that no deal had been reached.

The statement came in the wake of a report in The Age newspaper which stated that the AFLPA had agreed to a revolutionary hair-testing procedure which would be trialled in October and November



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Ablett back training

June 26th 2008 04:04
NATHAN Ablett looks more and more likely to return to Geelong with the 22-year-old back training.

Despite Ablett being back at training at Skilled Stadium, Geelong VFL coach Leigh Tudor said the promising forward was not actually training with the club.

“He just comes in and does some stuff and off he goes.

“He was down yesterday with Gary, so yeah he just floats in and out.”

Tudor said Ablett, who effectively quit football in late November despite having played in the Cats' Grand Final win is still thinking about whether or not he wants to return to AFL football.

“He just says he’s just still thinking about it, [about] what he wants to do,” he said.

“That’s up to him. I think [assistant football manager] Steve Hocking and [Geelong player development manager] Ron Watt and Bomber are looking after that.”

Ablett needs to let Geelong officials know of his intentions by October 31– when his contract expires and when the club would need to finalise its senior list for 2009.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Hawks to recall Crawford, Croad

June 26th 2008 02:05
HAWTHORN looks set to be bolstered by the return of key defender Trent Croad and veteran Shane Crawford for Friday night's clash against West Coast at the MCG.

Crawford has been sidelined since round eight with a knee injury while Croad, who has missed the past two matches with a hip complaint, is an important inclusion, according to coach Alastair Clarkson.

"He's pretty important to us because he's a big brute," Clarkson said of Croad on Thursday.

"We've been playing (Stephen) Gilham and (Campbell) Brown on bigger type opponents and Croady just gives you more flexibility.

"He can play on a tall or a small, he's pretty important to our mix."

Tim Clarke (corked quad) is also in line for a recall but hard-running midfielder Chance Bateman (hamstring) and ruckman Simon Taylor (cut knee) will not return until after the break.




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


AFL to trial new drug test

June 26th 2008 01:03
AFL Players have agreed to a revolutionary drug-testing regime as part of the AFL's push to crackdown on out-of-season illicit drug use

Footballers will allow drug-testers to take hair samples in a bid to gauge drug use during their 2008 end-of-season break.

The hair-testing procedure will be trialled in October and November. Medical advice obtained by the AFL said hair retains evidence of the use of cocaine and other drugs for up to two months.

AFLPA boss Brendan Gale said the prodecure had initially been rejected by the players but the association has now backed it following an AFL assurance no players would receive a strike against them under the AFL's three-strikes drugs policy through the trial.

The customary urine and blood-testing for illegal drugs will resume at the start of preseason training.

Should the hair testing reveal high numbers of positive results, the AFL will push to continue holiday testing.

The AFL is also expected to unveil its toughened drug-testing regime early next month, along with the results of its dramatically increased 2007 test results.





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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Key Cats set to return

June 26th 2008 00:46
GEELONG is set to be bolstered by the return of two key players for Friday night's clash against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium in the second week of the split round.

Star full-back Matthew Scarlett, who has missed the last two weeks with a hamstring injury is considered a certainty to take on the Crows, according to Geelong football manager Neil Balme.

"He should be pretty right. It's a good time for our blokes to have a break," he said.

"It's been a pretty taxing season physically, so they will all have their (fitness) programs to do, but they don't have to turn up at Skilled Stadium, which is good for them."

Small forward Mathew Stokes, who was a late withdrawal from the side that demolished West Coast by 135 points last weekend has been carrying a knee injury all year, the legacy of his dramatic fall in last year's grand final, but will be fit to play, while forward Shannon Byrnes (foot) and midfielder David Johnson (hamstring) will come back through the VFL.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Grimes back on primary list

June 26th 2008 00:31
MELBOURNE midfielder Jack Grimes has been placed back on the primary list and will be hoping to play his first game of the year for Sandringham in the VFL this weekend.

Grimes, who was taken with the No.14 pick in last year's national draft was placed on the long-term injury list at the start of the year due to stress-related back problems.

Small forward Austin Wonaeamirri was elevated in place of Grimes, and would normally have to return to the rookie list.

But he will still be able to stay on the primary list due to Russell Robertson's season-ending foot injury.

Wonaeamirri has been a shining light for the bottom-placed Demons this season, booting 19 goals in 11 games and earning a NAB Rising Star nomination.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Farmer's career in the balance

June 26th 2008 00:27
THE AFL future of Fremantle's Jeff Farmer remains in doubt after the small forward missed a club session last week and was stood down for Sunday's clash against Essendon at Subiaco Oval.

Farmer failed to turn up to a compulsory recovery session in Melbourne last Saturday after the club's eight-point loss to St Kilda the night before.

It is unclear why Farmer missed the session, but a club spokesman said Farmer's penalty was a one-match ban.

The latest indiscretion could not come at a worse time for the 31-year-old, who is in the final year of his contract and needs to prove his value to the team in the second half of the season in order to get a new deal.






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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


We need to focus on the basics: Laidley

June 25th 2008 08:01
NORTH MELBOURNE coach Dean Laidley says its vital that his side focuses on the basics rather than the importance of their finals-shaping clash against ninth-placed St Kilda at Carrara Stadium on Saturday night.

The Kangaroos currently occupy eighth place but are just half a game clear of the Saints and Carlton and one game clear of Richmond, who plays the Blues at the MCG on Saturday.

But Laidley said it was important that his side didn't focus too much on how much a win means.

"If we worry about winning or losing and don't worry about doing what we're supposed to do, then we can get our pants pulled down," Laidley said.

"We need to make sure we know, we prepare and understand what we need to do to be able to achieve the win.

"That's the result we're after.

"But if we look directly at the result and forget what we need to do, we can find ourselves probably in a not-too-good situation."


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: Fantasy AFL, Kangaroos
   


Blues not interested in Cousins

June 25th 2008 03:33
CARLTON is not interested in securing the services of Ben Cousins for the 2009 season, according to coach Brett Ratten.

Cousins, who turns 30 next week, looks set to make an AFL comeback next season, but Ratten said the former West Coast captain doesn't fit his club's criteria.

"Ben at 30 years of age doesn't fit the criteria," Ratten said.

"We're sort of going down more of a youth set-up.

"If Ben was around 25 we'd maybe have a look and do our research and sit down and have a chat about it.

"But probably where he is in his football, how much has he got left? Probably not that many years in the game."

Asked about the attraction of having former West Coast skippers Chris Judd and Cousins back in the one midfield again, Ratten said he would prefer to focus on developing the club's impressive batch of youngsters.

"Does that take away from the gametime that Bryce Gibbs might get in the midfield or someone else? That's probably why we didn't go down that path," he said.

"It would be great for the romance to get back with Juddy and play there, but it's about what we can do as a football club and our needs and I don't think Ben fits that."


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Perform or face the axe, says Harvey

June 25th 2008 03:17
FREMANTLE coach Mark Harvey has put his players on notice, saying they will face the axe if they don't perform ahead of Sunday's clash against Essendon at Subiaco Oval.

The Dockers have a bye next week due to the AFL's split round but Harvey said players will lose their place in the side if their mind was already on the break.

"If players are thinking that way then that will cost you a game and I've spoken about that already," Harvey said.

Harvey also threatened to cancel his players' scheduled time off next week and force them into extra training sessions if their preparation or performance against the Bombers is below what is expected.

"If I get any hint or any mindset of that this week in the lead-up to the game and the outcome of the game then I would certainly consider that," Harvey said.

Harvey said defenders Luke McPharlin (bruised ribs) and Michael Johnson (ankle) would be assessed at training on Friday.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


Judd in doubt

June 25th 2008 02:46
CARLTON skipper Chris Judd remains in doubt for Saturday's crucial clash against Richmond at the MCG.

Judd was heavily concussed early in last Sunday's 35-point loss to the Bombers in a collision with his Essendon captain Matthew Lloyd.

Carlton coach Brett Ratten said he expects Judd and fellow midfielder Andrew Carrazzo, who was also concussed against Essendon, to prove their fitness later in the week, but refused to declare them certain starters.

"The likelihood is that they will play but we'll wait until Friday to make that assessment," Ratten said.

"(Judd) hasn’t trained and we haven’t trained as a group but he's done all the touch work, so he feels fine but we'll wait and see."

"I don’t think he felt 100 percent during the game … but it was a big hit - two blokes, Matthew Lloyd, eyes on the footy, close to 100 kilos running into you, and hit him in the right spot."

"It was the biggest hit that he's had in his career - it was a big hit."

Ratten said the club's medical staff assessed Judd on Monday when he was still complaining of headaches, but the 2004 Brownlow medallist managed to complete a light training session with his teammates at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre this morning.

"If I was a betting man I'd say he'll play, but like all our players, if he's not 100 percent or there is some doubt we won’t risk him, especially with a head injury," Ratten said.

Judd's availability will be vital for the Blues in what Ratten described as a season-defining game for his team.

“It could be a defining game for us. It could shape our season. It could give us hope and confidence going forward or it could diminish that hope and confidence. It is a big game for us,” Ratten said.

Ratten said that spearhead Brendan Fevola and Brad Fisher were among several Blues nursing sore spots but that they would come up for Saturday's clash.

Andrew Walker, who has been sidelined since dislocating his shoulder in the club's final pre-season game against the Western Bulldogs, will play in the VFL this weekend along with tagger Jordan Bannister who has not played since round five when he ruptured a hamstring tendon.

Ratten also said he expects midfielder former Brisbane midfielder Richard Hadley, who has been suffering from osteitis pubis, to be available in three to four weeks.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Roos not interested in Cousins: Laidley

June 25th 2008 01:56
NORTH MELBOURNE will not be pursuing the services of former West Coast captain Ben Cousins for next season.

Cousins looks set to play with a VFL club this season with the view of returning to the AFL in 2009.

But North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley said Cousins was not the right fit for his club.

"I've got great respect for Ben and what he's achieved on the field and feel for what he's been going through, but he's probably not the right fit for us at the moment," Laidley said.

"A whole host of reasons - age, the amount of footy he's missed, there's a whole host of reasons why."

Cousins, who has been battling substance abuse problems, is currently serving a 12-month suspension for bringing the game into disrepute.






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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Cousins should be wary of return, says Nixon

June 25th 2008 01:50
FORMER West Coast captain Ben Cousins should be wary of returning to high-level football, according to his manager Ricky Nixon.

Cousins has until Monday to register to play in a state league, which could pave the way for an AFL return next season.

Speaking on SEN, Nixon said he wasn't convinced that returning to football was in Cousins' best interests.

“To come back at this stage is probably just to get on the training track,” Nixon said.

“To play football is a massive step again and to play at a level like AFL level is a decision that will have to be made down the track some time. I’m not convinced that that is the right thing for him and that’s a personal view.”

Cousins was deregistered by the AFL for 12 months, preventing him from playing in the competition, following revelations last year about his drug addiction.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Johnson sidelined for a month

June 25th 2008 01:43
ESSENDON midfielder Jason Johnson's bid to return to the senior side has been dealt a blow after the 30-year-old aggravating his calf injury at training last week.

Johnson was one week away from a VFL return with the Bendigo Bombers but now is at least a month away from earning a recall.

The veteran is in the last season of his 12-year career at the Bombers after being told by coach Matthew Knights that his senior opportunities were limited with Essendon focused on rebuilding.

Johnson's form was so solid he was considered a chance of being elevated to the seniors before the initial injury but now he will have to again rehabilitate his calf before what shapes as a late-season farewell game.

In some good news for the Bombers, promising young forward Scott Gumbleton has been told he is likely to recover from shoulder surgery in time to return for the last few matches this season.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Magpies throw support behind Dees

June 25th 2008 01:32
COLLINGWOOD has thrown its support behind financially struggling Melbourne.

The Magpies, who will this year post a record eighth consecutive operating profit in excess of $1 million, have offered to continue playing Melbourne next season on the Queen's Birthday public holiday.

Melbourne, who are $4.5 million in debt and expect to lose between $1.5 million and $2 million this year, will receive about $400,000 from the round 11 match at the MCG, which attracted just under 60,000.

Major sponsorships aside, Melbourne chief executive Paul McNamee said the Queen's Birthday fixture was the club's biggest source of revenue.

Collingwood has agreed to play the Demons as the away team, pending AFL approval, despite a reluctance by Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse towards the annual goodwill gesture, which allows Melbourne to retain home-team status and gate receipts.

After the Magpies defeated Melbourne by 21 points this month, Malthouse Malthouse hinted he would recommend to his administration that it should consider its future involvement in the fixture.

But Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert said he was satisfied with the arrangement.

"I see no reason why anything would change next year," Pert said.

"I don't believe the game has lost momentum and it deserves to be part of Melbourne's fixture. Melbourne is rebuilding and it's critical they have a marquee day."

Pert and McNamee are yet to receive any official feedback from the league after AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou this month questioned the future of the match due to a gradual fall in attendances.

However, not even the blockbuster Queen's Birthday clash against the Pies will prevent the Demons playing additional games in Canberra next season.

McNamee said the Demons earn about $325,000 from a home game in Canberra, with the club requesting two in 2009, but he warned that the club may need to play three games per year in the nation's capital in the future given their current financial position.

"Regrettably, we may have to play three because of our financial position, but at this stage we're only talking about two for next year," McNamee said.

McNamee's biggest gripe with the AFL was with the Demons' stadium deals in Melbourne, particularly against "interstate" clubs.

He predicted a loss of as much as $75,000 when the Demons host 15th-placed West Coast at the MCG in round 20, based on a forecast attendance of about 16,000.

"I put three scenarios to them: either change the stadium deals, guarantee a break-even point, or move the matches," he said. "It's not acceptable to lose money on a home game and have to write out a cheque to the stadium with crowds of about 20,000."

McNamee also wants a reduction in Sunday games following 15 scheduled Sunday matches this year, up from 11 in 2007.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Gehrig making steady progress

June 25th 2008 01:14
ST KILDA forward Fraser Gehrig is making steady progress in his bid to return to the side after undergoing hand surgery this month.

Gehrig, who ran strongly at training on Tuesday, has recovered from surgery to his right hand and is training with just a protective guard on his middle finger.

The 32-year-old will consult medical staff on how best to manage the arthritis in his hands.

St Kilda can bring back Gehrig at any time as it did not promote a replacement to the senior list when he was told to rest for two months.

St Kilda football operations manager Matthew Drain said the club was unsure as to when Gehrig would return.

"It's not about a timeframe. It's when he and the coaching staff and medical staff feel he's ready to go," Draind said.

"We've been pleased with the progress he has made post-surgery. He's one of the hardest workers and most determined and he's an inspiration to the younger guys."

"He's working closely with the medical staff on ways to better manage his hands. It's too early to say exactly where he's at, but he's making every effort to get back."

Meanwhile. midfielder Lenny Hayes remains in doubt for Saturday night's crucial clash against North Melbourne at Carrara Stadium after injuring his hamstring in the first term against Fremantle at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

Hayes was confined to handball drills, but the Saints hope he can prove his fitness at Thursday's main session.

Justin Koschitzke did nothing more than stationary handpasses before heading back to the locker-rooms, but he is expected to return from a knee injury.

Classy midfielder Nick Dal Santo and small forward Stephen Milne are in line for a recall after being banished to the VFL last weekend, while tagger Steven Baker (knee) ran laps without any discomfort and should be ready to resume after the split round.

Ruckman Michael Gardiner (knee) and Xavier Clarke (hamstring) are also close to being available again.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Cousins set to return

June 25th 2008 00:56
FORMER West Coast captain Ben Cousins will play Australian football at state league this year.

Cousins, who is battling a highly publicised substance abuse problem, is likely to register with a Victorian Football League team before Monday's deadline.

The 29-year-old is expected to fill out the necessary paperwork to play in the VFL, which would include a playing contract.

AFL rules do not allow him to play for VFL clubs Collingwood and Geelong - effectively AFL reserves teams - which means Cousins will play for one of 12 VFL clubs, including Tasmania.

Cousins' manager Ricky Nixon said Carlie Merenda, of Flying Start management group, flew to Perth on Tuesday night to finalise his clients immediate future.

"Carlie will be in Perth over the next four or five days doing a number of things for Ben, a part of which is informing him of the processes that need to be put in place by Monday, if he wants to play footy," Nixon said.

"That's something Ben will have to make a decision on over the weekend, which includes which state, which club, etc etc."

Several AFL clubs have contacted Nixon about Cousins playing for them next year, with at least one club reportedly saying they would draft the 2005 Brownlow medallist if he were mentally and physically fit, and if he made himself available.

AFL Victoria chief executive Peter Schwab said he was not aware of Cousins' intentions of playing at VFL level in 2008.

"I haven't heard," Schwab said.

"But if he makes an application, if he applies the right way, and the forms correctly, I can't see any issue with it."




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Bassett cleared to play

June 24th 2008 08:41
ADELAIDE has recieved a massive boost ahead of their crucial clash clash against reigning premiers and league leaders Geelong at AAMI Stadium in the second half of the split round with defender Nathan Basset cleared of a striking charge at the tribunal on Tuesday night.

Bassett was cited by the match review panel for striking Brisbane midfielder Jed Adcock in Saturday night's clash at the Gabba, with the panel ruling his actions as negligent, low impact and high contact.

The 31-year-old was offered a one-match ban after 80 demerit points were added to the 60 he already had on his record from a round four incident.

But Bassett's case was thrown out after he successfully argued that he braced himself for a collision while trying to avoid contact with Adcock's head.






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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


McLeod to miss a month

June 24th 2008 07:59
ADELAIDE defender Andrew McLeod is set to miss four weeks of football after undergoing minor knee surgery.

It was initially expected that the dual Norm Smith Medallist could be back playing in just two weeks.

McLeod had an arthroscopy to clean out his troublesome right knee on Monday and club doctor Andrew Potter said the 31-year-old could miss the Crows' next two games.

"At this stage we expect Andrew to be ready to play in about a month. He will certainly miss the Geelong game (Friday week) and probably also the Collingwood match (Round 15) but that will depend on when he can get back to full training," Dr Potter said.

The club expects McLeod will start some bike work next week before easing into a running regime over the following fortnight.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


West to miss five more weeks

June 24th 2008 07:46
WESTERN BULLDOGS midfielder Scott West has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from a knee injury and is set to be sidelined for at least another five weeks.

The 33-year-old has not played since round six after sustaining a bone stress injury to his right knee.

The seven-time-best-and-fairest winner was expected to return mid-July following the split round before his latest setback.





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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Western Bulldogs
   


Bailey flags changes

June 24th 2008 07:34
MELBOURNE coach Dean Bailey has indicated that a number of changes will be made for his side's clash against Brisbane at the MCG on Sunday.

Bailey said a number of players would be rewarded for their good form in the VFL.

“We’ll probably look at a couple of changes this week… there’s a couple of blokes back in Sandy (Sandringham) whose form has been good,” he said.

“Guys like (Simon) Buckley, (Shane) Valenti, (Stefan) Martin…there’s four or five guys whose performance on the weekend was good. They’ll all be considered.”

Bailey also said that 21-year-old Stefan Martin could make his AFL debut after several impressive performances.

“Stef’s progression has been good during the year…he’s been thereabouts… if I had to pick a top 30 at the moment, he’d be in there.”

If Martin does make his AFL debut against the Lions, Bailey said he may be given the uneviable task of lining up on superstar forward Jonathan Brown.

“Someone’s got to play on him. It’s been done before. Why wouldn’t he want to take up the challenge,” he said.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Hentschel's comeback delayed

June 24th 2008 06:34
ADELAIDE forward Trent Hentschel's return to AFL football will be delayed by at least three weeks.

Hentschel had been considered in recent weeks for his first AFL match since suffering an horrific knee injury in late 2006.

But after a series of solid games in the SANFL, Hentschel sprained his ankle last weekend and will be sidelined about three weeks.

In some good news for the Crows, ruckman Ivan Maric has been cleared of internal damage to his left knee, which was injured in the Crows' loss to Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The Crows says Maric is a strong chance to face Geelong at AAMI Stadium on July 4.


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Fletcher, Stenglein under pressure

June 24th 2008 06:28
PREMIERSHIP duo Chad Fletcher and Tyson Stenglein aren't guaranteed of places in the side following West Coast's humiliating 135-point loss to Geelong, according to coach John Worsfold.

Fletcher racked up 28 disposals against the Cats but seven of those were clangers and one mis-kick in defence resulted in a goal to Geelong defender Harry Taylor in the first quarter.

Worsfold said Fletcher was no guarantee to fly over to Melbourne to face Hawthorn at the MCG and that the 28-year-old needed to lift his game.

"I can't answer that (whether Fletcher will be selected) at the moment," said Worsfold on Tuesday.

"He's (Fletcher) a hard body in there (but) he certainly didn't use it anywhere near well enough from what you expect of a player of his quality on Saturday night, so we have to take that into account."

Worsfold also admitted that Stenglein, who had his colours lowered by Brownlow medal favourite Gary Ablett Jnr was performing well below his best but was confident that the former Crow could turn it around.

"He's frustrated that he's not playing as well as he can but he's doing everything as he's always done."

"He's fit, he's ready to go, he's just struggling for form, which is similar to quite a few of our players, but we're very confident, we know what Tyson can produce and we hope that he can turn that around soon."

Worsfold said injuries may prevent him making too many changes to the side with defender Beau Waters sidelined for the remainder of the season after dislocating his elbow in the WAFL.

"We don't have a lot of depth, so ... there's some players we can't leave out of the side because we don't have a player of their ilk to be able to come in and replace them, so that's probably where were hamstrung a little bit at the moment," said Worsfold.

In some good news for the Eagles, tagger Adam Selwood's throat injury was not as serious as first thought and he is a chance to play this weekend.

Worsfold also said forward key Josh Kennedy was in line for a recall after recovering from a knee injury, although he would be assessed after training on Tuesday.



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Tigers to welcome back key players

June 24th 2008 06:14
RICHMOND are set to be bolstered by the return of four key players for Saturday's blockbuster clash against Carlton at the MCG.

The match marks the Tigers' official centenary celebrations - marking 100 years since the club joined the VFL in 1908 some 11 years after the competition first came into existence.

Richmond coach Terry Wallace said skipper Kane Johnson, full-back Will Thursfield, small defender Jake King and Daniel Jackson were all set to resume this week following injury.

"We have got some interesting selection situations this week because we have got four blokes coming back from injury but with a week's break the following week," Wallace said.

"So do you play all four of them or do you just play two of them - that will be determined as the week progresses."

The Tigers have won their past two and are within striking distance of the top eight but Wallace said it was important for the club not to get ahead of itself.

"We can't get ahead of ourselves, we have still got plenty to prove," he said.

"But it's been a great build-up (to the centenary game) and the results of the last couple of weeks have put a lot more heat into what was going to be a great celebration of the footy club anyway but certainly now it's a pretty important game for both clubs as well."

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Blues game is line in the sand: Wallace

June 24th 2008 03:35
RCIHMOND's blockbuster clash against Carlton at the MCG on Saturday is a "line in the sand" match, according to coach Terry Wallace.

The Tigers have won their past two over Melbourne and Port Adelaide to move to within striking distance of the top eight, and Wallace said his side was keen to take some momentum into the break.

While Carlton, who had won their past two gave up their spot in the eight after going down to Essendon by 35 points at the MCG on Sunday.

"It's been a great buildup with the results of the last couple of weeks," Wallace said.

"We were under a lot of pressure a couple of weeks ago.

"Obviously it's a line in the sand with a week off.

"It would be great for our club to get to the break with three (wins) in a row."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Worsfold plays down spat with Hardie

June 24th 2008 03:19
WEST COAST coach John Worsfold says he did not mean to the question Brad Hardie's character following an ugly on-air spat between the two.

Speaking on 6PR radio's Sports Talk programme on Monday night, Worsfold lashed out when Hardie criticised West Coast's tactics and team selection in the wake of the club's 135-point loss to Geelong at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

The Eagles coach told Hardie he was building a team that would be capable of premiership success and that it "takes special character to be part of a premiership team, unfortunately you weren't".

Worsfold admitted at his weekly press conference on Tuesday that Hardie was well within his right to question team selection.

"He's got every right to question team selection," Worsfold said.

"He seemed to have the answers. I asked him what the answers were. I was keen to see what he was thinking."

The premiership coach and two-time premiership captain strongly defended his ability to build a premiership side.

"I just found it interesting that Brad Hardie would question my ability to build a team to win a premiership when he doesn't know what's part of that team because he hasn't been in one.

"I think that was what Brad was doing, was questioning my ability saying I was playing players that won't help this club win a premiership when I've shown we can do that."


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Goodes accepts one-match ban

June 24th 2008 02:01
SYDNEY star Adam Goodes will miss his side's clash against Collingwood at ANZ Stadium in the second half of the split round after accepting a one-match ban for engaging in rough conduct against Melbourne's Clint Bartram at Manuka Oval on Sunday.

The match review panel ruled his latest indiscretion as negligent conduct, low impact and high contact resulting in 125 points but because of Goodes' recent reprimand - for making similar head high contact in a bump on West Coast's Adam Selwood - he had 93.75 carry over points meaning he faced 218.75 points or a two-match suspension.

Because the dual Brownlow medallist entered an early guilty plea he escaped with just 164.06 points and a one-match ban.

The suspension means Goodes' run of consecutive matches ends at 204, placing him third on the all time list behind Melbourne duo Jim Stynes and Adem Yze.

In other tribunal news, Fremantle ruckman Robert Warnock has accepted a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record for charging St Kilda midfielder Luke Ball.

St Kilda's Brendon Goddard has accepted a $900 sanction for wrestling Warnock in the first quarter of Friday night's clash at Telstra Dome.

Port Adelaide's Matt Thomas has accepted a one-match ban for engaging in rough conduct against Richmond veteran Joel Bowden, while Adelaide defender Nathan Bassett will face the Tribunal on Tuesday after being charged with striking Brisbane midfielder Jed Adcock.

His clash with Adcock was assessed as negligent conduct, low impact and high contact.

The 31-year-old has nothing to lose by challenging his ban as he was still facing a one-match suspension regardless of whether or not he accepted the charge but he is now risking 140 points instead of 105 points.

His clash with Adcock was assessed as negligent conduct, low impact and high contact.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Sydney Swans
   


Slattery hopes to return in a fortnight

June 24th 2008 01:27
ESSENDON midfielder Henry Slattery is expected to return from a fractured cheekbone within a fortnight.

Slattery arrived at Windy Hill on Tuesday morning with a slightly swollen left cheekbone, the result of a sickening collision with Carlton forward Brendan Fevola in the opening term of the Bombers’ 35-point win at the MCG on Sunday.

The 22-year-old said the injury won't alter his attack on the football when he returns.

“It’s not going to stop you again, I suppose,” Slattery said.

“It’s just one of those freak things that happens and it doesn’t happen all the time … that’s footy, I suppose.”

Slattery confirmed that Fevola had phoned him on Sunday evening to apologise for the accidental clash which sent the courageous midfielder to Epworth Hospital.

“He [Fevola] basically said that he felt a bit sick about what happened,” Slattery said.

“[He said] that he was sorry and just basically that he hopes I get better soon, which is very nice.”

Slattery said he had “pulled up pretty well” and hoped to be back playing within a fortnight.

“I saw the doctors all yesterday and they’ve said that the fracture’s not too bad and it’s in a good spot, so hopefully after two weeks it should be all right.”



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Morton wins nomination

June 24th 2008 01:14
HAWTHORN youngster Jarryd Morton is the latest NAB Rising Star nominee following his impressive performance against the Kangaroos at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

Morton was prolific in the middle with 33 possessions in the Hawks' 27-point loss. The 19-year-old, who was selected at pick 33 in the 2006 National Draft made his AFL debut in round nine this year and has played every game since, averaging 22 disposals per game on the wing.

Thr West Australian youngster is the second Hawk to be nominated this year, with exciting small forward Cyril Rioli earning a nomination in round six.

His nomination caps an impressive weekend for the Mortons, with older brother Mitch booting five goals in Richmond's win over Port Adelaide on Saturday while younger brother Cale made his senior debut with Melbourne in round one and has played 11 matches this season.

Morton spent the majority of 2007 playing for Box Hill in the VFL but was sidelined midway through the season with a quad injury.

"Last year was pretty tough. The injury was right in the middle of the season as well, which made it hard, and Hawthorn at the time had a growing injury list. I wasn't close to playing AFL, but you can't really tell if I'd been fit, if my opportunity would have come earlier than this year."

Determined to bounce back, Morton said watching Hawthorn's win over Adelaide in the first elimination final made him even hungrier to play at senior level.

"Then to see the boys play in the Adelaide game last year in the finals, it made me just think how much I wanted to be out there playing senior footy, and that gave me a bit of fire in the belly to get back."

"I feel a lot more comfortable in Melbourne this year, with my brothers moving over," he said.

"I did get a bit homesick last year, but I live with Mitch now, and hopefully the three of us spend the next period of our lives here."

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said Morton was highly rated by the club.

"Jarryd has come into the side and shown why we rate him so highly," he said.

“He has offered us plenty of run from the wing and flanks and since his first senior game, he has continued to impress us with his aptitude to the pace of the game at the highest level.”




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


Roos sign key five

June 24th 2008 00:54
NORTH MELBOURNE chief executive Eugene Arocca today announced the re-signing of five key players.

Key defender Michael Firrito and ruckman Hamish McIntosh have agreed to three-year deals while Daniel Pratt, Corey Jones and Brady Rawlings have all re-signed for a further two years.

The existing contracts of all five players were due to expire at the end of 2008.

Arocca said the club was keen to re-sign several other key players to new agreements in the coming months ahead of the admission of the 17th AFL team from the Gold Coast in 2011.





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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Key Dogs sign on

June 24th 2008 00:45
THE Western Bulldogs have strengthened their on-field future, signing eight key players to new deals.

Exciting midfielder Ryan Griffen has agreed to a two-year extension, killing off any hope the South Australian clubs had of luring him home next season.

Classy forward Robert Murphy has re-committed to the Dogs until at least the end of 2011.

Midfielders Daniel Cross and Matthew Boyd and defender Dale Morris have also signed for another three years, while skipper Brad Johnson has signed a new one-year arrangement.

Daniel Giansiracusa is yet to officially put pen to paper to complete a new three-year contract but is expected to sign soon, while Rising Star nominee Josh Hill has also been tied up to a new two-year extension.

Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said last night the signings underlined the confidence within the club that they were heading in the right direction.

"It speaks volumes for the football club," Fantasia said.

"We have a group of young men who are aware of the climate and are all really keen to commit to each other."

Fantasia said the club would be paying close to 100 per cent of the cap to ensure the emerging group remained together.

Johnson, Giansiracusa, Murphy, Boyd, Cross and Morris are part of the Dogs' seven-player leadership group with veteran midfielder Scott West the only leadership group player yet to be put in the "definite" class for 2009.

West wants to go on next season and is expected to return from an ongoing knee injury within a fortnight.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Western Bulldogs
   


Williams rejects tanking talk

June 24th 2008 00:30
PORT ADELAIDE coach Mark Williams says his side will not "tank" their next nine matches to secure a quality draft pick.

Despite stating that finals were off the agenda for the 12th-placed Power, Williams said he would still focus on winning games of football.

"People who know me, know I go to win," Williams said.

"Anyone who gets a game is out there to win. We're picking (teams) with a view of winning."

"The idea Port Adelaide would do anything other than try to win is not even thought of."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Goodes facing suspension

June 23rd 2008 08:03
SYDNEY star Adam Goodes faces a one-match ban after being cited by the match review panel for engaging in rough conduct.

Goodes made head-high contact with Melbourne midfileder Clint Bartram in the second term of the Swans' 40-point win at Manuka Oval on Sunday.

The match review panel ruled his latest indiscretion as negligent conduct, low impact and high contact resulting in 125 points

The dual Brownlow medallist has 93.75 carryover points after taking an early plea on for making head-high contact with West Coast midfielder Adam Selwood in round 11.

The carryover points increase the original penalty of 125 points to 218.75, which means a two-game ban if he goes to the tribunal on Tuesday night and loses.

An early plea would reduce the penalty to 164.06 points - a one-match ban and 64.06 carryover points.

The suspension means Goodes' run of consecutive matches ends at 204, placing him third on the all time list behind Melbourne duo Jim Stynes and Adem Yze.

In other tribunal news, Adelaide defender Nathan Bassett is facing a one-match ban after being booked for striking Brisbane's Jed Adcock at the Gabba on Saturday night. His starting penalty is only 80 points but 60 points in the last 12 months increases it to 140 and even if he takes the early plea, the total is 105.

Port's Matt Thomas was also offered a one-match ban for engaging in rough conduct against Richmond defender Joel Bowden.

He has a one-game suspension within the last three years, increasing the original 125-point penalty by 10 per cent to 137.5. Even if Thomas accepts the penalty, which means a 25 per cent reduction, his total is still 103.13.

Fremantle ruckman Robert Warnock can escape with a reprimand for his charging offence against St Kilda's Luke Ball. The panel assessed Warnock's actions as reckless, it also ruled it to be low impact and body contact meaning he can escape with 93.75 points by pleading guilty but he faces a one-match ban if he challenges the charge.

St Kilda defender Brendon Goddard has been fined $900 by the panel for wrestling Warnock.

Meanwhile, Geelong star Steve Johnson was cleared of any wrongdoing despite the Eagles Selwood being taken to hospital after Johnson made contact with his throat

Selwood is expected to miss two to three weeks but the panel said video evidence from the match proved inconclusive.

AFL investigators interviewed both players who agreed that Johnson made contact with Selwood to the throat but only in a pushing motion as he attempted to break clear and lead into space to receive the ball.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Sydney Swans
   


Knee surgery for McLeod

June 23rd 2008 06:25
ADELAIDE veteran Andrew McLeod will miss at least two weeks after it was decided he would undergo surgery on his right knee.

The dual Norm Smith medallist has managed nagging knee injuries since 1998 but has experienced soreness in the joint over the past couple of weeks.

Crows head doctor Andrew Potter said it was in McLeod's best interests that he underwent surgery now.

“Andrew has had ongoing issues with his right knee and we think it is the appropriate time to have the arthroscopy and a clean-out,” Dr Potter said.

“At this stage we would expect him to be back in full training in two to three weeks.”



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


Adelaide veterans battling injuries

June 23rd 2008 05:42
THE break has come at an ideal time for Adelaide with skipper Simon Goodwin and fellow veteran Andrew McLeod battling injuries.

Goodwin is having to manage back problems while McLeod is fighting the latest flare-up of a longtime knee complaint that may yet require surgery.

Adelaide football operations manager John Reid said both were dealing with significant wear and tear.

"Simon's got a little bit of a problem with his back, nothing that's match threatening and the break is a good time for him to manage that and give it a bit of a spell - I'd put it in the wear and tear basket rather than a chronic type injury," Reid said.

"Andrew as we know has really managed that (his knee) extremely well and the club's managed that extremely well over the years, it hasn't caused us a lot of grief.

"The last two or three weeks he's had a bit of a problem with it again, so we're just re-assessing what we're doing, how we manage and how we go about it.

"He didn't train last week, and if you asked Macca he'd be saying it's a nice time to have a break."

McLeod will visit a specialist this week for a check-up to determine whether or not surgery is required. Surgery would most likely result in the dual Norm Smith medallist missing several weeks.

"It's just a matter of re-assessing the management, we'll get him back to the specialist, double check, see how it's all going, we've got time to do that during the week," Reid said.

"We don't regard it as major but you never know what the specialist will come back with."


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


Rocca to miss eight weeks

June 23rd 2008 05:14
COLLINGWOOD forward Anthony Rocca will miss the next eight weeks with an ankle injury.

After missing several weeks with soreness, Rocca was a late inclusion for the Magpies' 10-point loss to the Western Bulldogs a Telstra Dome on Sunday night but he broke down in the third quarter

Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh said Rocca would have surgery on Tuesday to have a pin inserted in his troublesome right ankle.

Walsh revealed a new crack had been found in the ankle he had surgery on late last year and said that the injury wasn't career threatening.

"The surgeon's advised this morning that given the time-frame he'll be out, he'll come good," Walsh said.

"It'll heal perfectly. It's not career-threatening."

Meanwhile, promising young Collingwood forward Ben Reid is also expected to be sidelined for the next eight weeks after breaking a bone in his foot against the Bulldogs.




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Slattery cleared of serious damage

June 23rd 2008 04:31
ESSENDON has received some good news with midfielder Henry Slattery's cheekbone injury not as bad as first thought.

Slattery was injured in a sickening collision with Carlton forward Brendan Fevola during the first quarter of the the Bombers' 35-point win at the MCG yesterday, bravely backing into the flight of the ball and wearing Fevola's accidental knee to his head as a result.

It is believed Slattery has a minor crack to his cheekbone rather than the severe fracture that had been initially feared, although he does have concussion.

Essendon midfielder Andrew Welsh said Slattery's courageous act inspired the Bombers.

"It was a super courageous effort, and it really set us up for the day," Welsh said.

"He was at the club last night and he's in good spirits."






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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Top-three finish the goal, says Eade

June 23rd 2008 01:29
THE Western Bulldogs may have moved into second spot on the AFL ladder following their hard-fought 10-point win over Collingwood on Sunday night but coach Rodney Eade admits it may not matter come the end of the home-and-away season where they finish in the top three.

That is because of the gap that league leaders Geelong, the Bulldogs and Hawthorn have opened up on the rest of the competition.

Currently fourth placed Sydney are six points adrift of the Hawks and then Adelaide and the Brisbane Lions a further six points back in fifth and sixth place respectively with just nine rounds remaining.

"It's interesting with the Melbourne teams in it - if you finish first, second or third there is no real big difference," Eade said, given any first week final between those teams would be played at the MCG anyway.

"If we finish second and play a Melbourne team third, it's the same as third playing second."
"(But) it's a real advantage if you play an interstate side (in a final in Melbourne)."

Eade said the club was now focused on staying in the top three and ahead of interstate teams such as Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane - thus ensuring the Bulldogs don't have to travel in the first week of the finals.

"I said at the start of the year we needed to win enough games to make the top eight and I think we've got that now," Eade said of the Dogs' 11 wins and a draw after 13 rounds - the most number of premiership points the club has ever achieved by this stage of the season.

"I think you will probably need 14-and-a-half wins for top four (but) as a club we have got to aim high and that's what good teams do."

Eade said he was pleased with how his side responded in front of a pro-Collingwood crowd at Telstra Dome after trailing by 23 points at the 18-minute mark of the third term.

"Collingwood are a tough side and to be able to hang in there and be able to forge ahead like we did I think was a fair credit to the resolve to the group," he said.

"We have played a few of those (big) games with pressure like that now and we have coped pretty well."

"Different opponents do different things and go with different match-ups and there are different types of pressure and that is what we have got to cope with but we have coped with it reasonably well."




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Western Bulldogs
   


Crawford set to return

June 23rd 2008 00:16
HAWTHORN could regain as many as five players for Friday night's match against West Coast at the MCG, including former skipper Shane Crawford.

Crawford has not played since round eight due to a suspension and knee tendonitis but will play this weekend if he gets through training, according to Hawthorn general manager of football operations Mark Evans.

"He was close to playing on the weekend and with a reasonable training week, he'll play," Evans said.

The Hawks could also be bolstered by the return of hard-running midfielder Chance Bateman, who missed Hawthorn's clash against the Kangaroos at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said his side sorely missed the presence of Bateman in the middle in the Hawks' 27-point loss to North.

"We've got four or five of our best runners out of the side at the moment, and we just couldn't get that overlap run that has been such a feature of our play for the last 18 months to two years," Clarkson said.

"With Bateman and (Tim) Clarke out of the side, it really hurts us in that regard."
Evans said that Bateman was a chance to return as his hamstring problem was not a tear or a strain.

Hawthorn have already declared Clarke, who was a late withdrawal against North Melbourne with soreness in his quadriceps available, while key defender Trent Croad will return from a hip injury.

Midfielder Ben McGlynn, who has completed a four-match suspsenion and returned in the VFL on the weekend is in line for a recall, but ruckman Simon Taylor (lacerated knee) is unlikely to be considered until the round 15 match against Sydney at the MCG.

Brad Sewell, who had surgery on his right shoulder this month after rupturing ligaments, is also set to return in round 15.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


Port will switch focus to the future

June 22nd 2008 23:03
PORT ADELAIDE coach Mark Williams has conceded his side has no hope of playing in the finals following their heartbreaking four-point loss to Richmond at AAMI Stadium.

Last season's beaten grand finalist now sit 2½ games out of the top eight heading into the split round.

"As for making the finals, I officially call that off," he said.

"It's a very empty feeling, but that's the truth and that's where we sit.

"We as a club are all completely disappointed and shattered by the results."

Williams said the loss to Richmond was the final straw and it was time to make some tough decisions about some of the club's senior players.

"We will certainly start taking a long-term view on selection, which may or may not mean that older players don't play," he said.

"Right now is a little bit emotional and close to the result to come to that, but we must make sure we know exactly our list at the end of the year, and exactly who we keep and who we don't.

"We're pretty firm and focused on the fact we are going to give people opportunities to develop."

Port is expected to send some injured senior players in for surgery, and Williams said the club would now focus on developing younger players.

"What you do is you continually look at picking the absolute best side to make the finals; now we're picking the absolute best side for us in two or three years' time," Williams said.

"So that's the balance and we're not walking away from that."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Ratten doesn't want to hear finals

June 22nd 2008 22:26
CARLTON coach Brett Ratten has publicly killed off any more talk about playing in finals following his side's loss to Essendon at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

After an upset victory over Collingwood last week, Carlton moved into the top eight and was expected to consolidate its spot by accounting for an Essendon side that had just won three matches for the season.

But the Bombers attacked from the opening bounce and made sure that Carlton's stint in the top eight was short-lived with a 35-point win that pushed the Blues back to 10th place on the AFL ladder.

Ratten did not rule the Blues out of playing in September for the first time since 2001, but said the club was focused on the remaining nine rounds.

"That's it for us," he said.

"It was great that we got to have a look, but as soon as we got our head above the horizon it got kicked off.

"We thought maybe being in the eight was a challenge (for) the group, to stay in the eight, but now I think it's just about us winning games, putting games into players, understanding our roles."

Ratten said his players had not got ahead of themselves after the previous weekend's win over Collingwood, but admitted that his side wasn't switched on against the Bombers.

"This game is such a brutal game; if you're not on your game and you're off by 2% (from) every player, that's a dramatic drop.

"We know where we're at and if we're not switched on … we can feel a bit of pain from the opposition and that happened today."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: Fantasy AFL, Carlton Blues
   


Malthouse wants more on the bench

June 22nd 2008 21:58
COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse has called on the AFL to allow more interchange players after his side was reduced to 20 fit men in the third term of their 10-point loss to the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome on Sunday night.

Wiith Ben Reid and fellow forward Anthony Rocca on the bench with foot and ankle injuries respectively, the Bulldogs took control kicking four goals in a nine-minute burst before setting up a match-winning lead early in the final term.

The Magpies made a late charge in the final term with Dane Swan's goal at the 20-minute mark getting Collingwood to within six points at the 20-minute mark.

But the Bulldogs held firm in the dying stages to prevail 15.9 (99) to 13.11 (89).

Malthouse said the injuries prevented his side from getting back into the match.

"No doubt today we just didn't have the flexibility in the end to hold on and get back in the game at the right time or put more pressure on, but that's the luck of the draw under today's rules," Malthouse said.

Malthouse said it was time for the AFL to seriously consider Richmond coach Terry Wallace's suggestion earlier in the season that players that suffer serious injuries during a game be replaced by a fit player from outside the selected 22 to ensure a level playing field.

"I'm of the opinion that when members pay their money, they want to see the team to be able to play - win, lose or draw - but at least play with an even playing-field if you can possibly get that," he said.

"It's very difficult to win with 20 players, it's very, very difficult because it throws your whole lot out."

"There is almost a case for the bench being enlarged to cater for injured players but you would have to convince the powers that be that a player has a legitimate injury and can't come back on."

"But when members pay their money and see their team win, lose or draw, they at least want to see them play on an even playing field (in terms of the number of fit players each side has on the bench)."


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Rocca suffers another serious injury

June 22nd 2008 21:40
THE future of Collingwood forward Antony Rocca remains in serious doubt after after he suffered what could be yet another serious Achilles injury during Sunday night's 10-point loss to the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome.

The 31-year-old missed nearly all of the 2005 season with a serious Achilles injury and has battled ongoing ankle problems throughout this season with Sunday's game - when he came in as a late replacement for Shane Wakelin - being just his third game in the past two months.

The Pies also lost promising young forward Ben Reid to a suspected broken foot in the first term.

Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse didn't how serious Rocca's injury was in his post-match press conference but both Reid and Rocca will miss the Magpies next match against Sydney at ANZ Stadium on July 5.

"It's roughly where the screw went into his ankle after the last operation, that is where he is sore," Malthouse said of Rocca's latest injury.

"I am not about to start making predictions (as to how long the pair will be sidelined) but neither are what you would call available next week."

If Rocca has re-injured his Achilles that will rule him out for the rest of the season and given his age there are no guarantees that he would be able to play again in 2009.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Selwood out of hospital

June 22nd 2008 10:00
WEST COAST midfielder Adam Selwood is out of hospital but will have further medical assessment on Monday on his throat injury.

Selwood was kept in hospital overnight for observation after suffering a bruised larynx in an incident with Geelong forward Steve Johnson during the Eagles 135-point loss to the Cats at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

An Eagles spokesman said Selwood "probably won't" play against Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Bulldogs down gallant Pies

June 22nd 2008 09:55
THE Western Bulldogs have moved to second place on the AFL ladder with a thrilling ten-point win over Collingwood at Telstra Dome on Sunday night.

The Bulldogs struggled for most of the first half but lifted after the main break, slamming on 14 goals to seven to record a 15.9 (99) to 13.11 (89) victory.

The win means the Bulldogs now sit just half a game behind Geelong and half a game clear of Hawthorn in third, while Collingwood has dropped to seventh place with a 7-6 win-loss record.

The loss was made worse for the Magpies with young forward Ben Reid injuring his ankle in the first term and veteran Anthony Rocca suffering a recurrence of his ongoing ankle problem in the third quarter.

Daniel Cross and Lindsay Gilbee were damaging in the middle for the Bulldogs with 29 disposals each, while Adam Cooney was also influential in the middle with 27 quality possessions.

Up forward, Robert Murphy and Mitch Hahn booted three goals apiece.

For Collingwood, Heath Shaw returned to form with 31 possessions and 11 marks. Scott Pendlebury was prominent in the middle with 28 disposals and one goal, while skipper Scott Burns led by example with 23 touches and two goals.

The opening stanza was hard-fought with the Bulldogs booting two goals to one to take a five-point lead into the first change.

Collingwood stifled the Bulldogs running game in the second term and should have been further in front at the main break, but their poor kicking in front of goal allowed the Bulldogs to remain within striking distance.

The Magpies booted a wayward 5.5 in the second quarter to take a 10-point lead into the main break.

Collingwood kicked the first three goals of the third term to skip out to what appeared to be a match-winning 23-point lead at the 18-minute mark.

It was not long after Rocca left the field that the Bulldogs made their charge, slamming on four goals in a nine-minute burst to take a two-point lead into the final change.

The Dogs looked home after Murphy and skipper Brad Johnson combined for the first three goals of the last quarter to stretch the margin to 19 points.

But Tarkyn Lockyer hit back for the Pies before Dane Swan ran into an open goal to close the margin to six points at the 20-minute mark.

The closing stages were played at the intensity of a final with the Bulldogs holding on for their 11th win of the season.

COLLINGWOOD: 1.3, 6.8, 11.9, 13.11 (89)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 2.2, 5.4, 12.5, 15.9 (99)
GOALS: Collingwood: Medhurst 2, Burns 2, Wood 2, Swan 2, Pendlebury, R Shaw, Rocca, Bryan. Lockyer
Bulldogs: Hahn 3, Murphy 3, Welsh 2, Johnson 2, Gilbee, Eagleton, Griffen, Akermanis, Minson
BEST: Collingwood: H Shaw, Johnson, R Shaw, Lockyer, Swan, Wood
Bulldogs: Cooney, Cross, Griffen, Gilbee, Morris, Hahn, Boyd
INJURIES: Collingwood: Rocca (ankle), Reid (ankle)
Bulldogs: Nil
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Stevic, Wenn
REPORTS:
CHANGES: Collingwood: Wakelin replaced in selected side by Rocca
CROWD: 44,885 at Telstra Dome




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Western Bulldogs
   


Bombers hold off Blues

June 22nd 2008 07:33
ESSENDON has dealt a blow to Carlton's finals aspirations with a 35-point win at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Bombers led for three quarters but had to lift in the final term to record a 20.16 (136) to 15.11 (101) victory.

Carlton has now slumped to 10th place on the AFL ladder with a 6-7 win-loss record.

The win was soured somewhat for Essendon with Henry Slattery taken to hospital after copping a heavy knock from Brendon Fevola after backing courageously into a marking contest in the first term.

Fevola was Carlton's best with seven majors while Nick Stevens was prolific in the middle with a game-high 30 posssesions and two goals. Andrew Carrazzo was also damaging with 27 disposals and two majors.

For Essendon, midfielder Angus Monfries starred with 25 disposals and four goals, skipper Matthew Lloyd chimed in with four majors while David Hille was influential in the ruck, finishing the match with 22 disposals and 36 hit-outs.

Andrew Welsh quelled the influence of Carlton skipper Chris Judd, restricting the superstar midfielder to a season-low 12 possessions while Andrew Lovett lifted when the match was up for grabs, booting three valuable goals in the final stanza.

The Bombers jumped out of the blocks in the opening term, slamming on the first four goals of the match to skip out to an early 25-point lead.

Eddie Betts kicked the Blues first major at the 20-minute mark but Essendon hit back with the next three to take a commanding 39-point lead into the first change.

Carlton lifted its intensity in the second term, they were harder at the football and started to win the clearances after being smashed 13-3 at the stoppages in the opening stanza.

Fevola benefited from the greater supply in the second term, booting three majors to cut the deficit to 23 points at the main break.

The Blues trailed by 36 points late in the third term but two late goals to Stevens and Marc Murphy ensured Carlton were still in the contest, with the Bombers holding a 25-point lead heading into the final change.

Carlton came out firing in the final term, slamming on four unanswered goals to take a two-point lead at the 12-minute mark.

But the Bombers steadied and hit back with six goals in time-on, including four in the final six minutes of the match to record their second victory over Carlton this year and just their fourth win of the season.

CARLTON: 1.2, 5.4, 9.6, 15.11 (101)
ESSENDON: 7.5, 8.9, 12.13, 20.16 (136)
GOALS: CARLTON: Fevola 7, Carrazzo 2, Stevens 2, Murphy, Betts, Simpson, Fisher
ESSENDON: Monfries 4, Lloyd 4, Lovett 3, Neagle 2, Reimers 2, McVeigh, McPhee, Jetta, Laycock, Lucas
BEST: CARLTON: Fevola, Stevens, Simpson, Murphy, Fisher, Carazzo
ESSENDON: Hille, Stanton, Monfries, Lloyd, Watson, Reimers
INJURIES: CARLTON: TBC
ESSENDON: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: McLaren, Chamberlain, Armstrong
CROWD: 59,177 at the MCG




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Solid Swans down Dees

June 22nd 2008 06:26
SYDNEY has consolidated its place in the top four with a solid 40-point win over Melbourne at Manuka Oval on Sunday afternoon.

The Swans, who have now won their past six withstood a third term fightback from the Demons to record a 17.12 (114) to 11.8 (74) win.

The victory may come at a cost for the Swans with star midfielder Adam Goodes likely to come under scrutiny for a head-high bump on Melbourne midfielder Clint Bartram in the second quarter.

Goodes escaped suspension for a bump on West Coast tagger Adam Selwood in round 11 but has 93.75 points hanging over his head from the incident. Bartram was shaken by the hit but played out the match.

Barry Hall starred up forward for Sydney with 16 possessions, 11 marks and 5.5, while Brett Kirk was prolific in the middle with a game-high 27 possessions. Kirk also did a superb blanketing job on Brock McLean, restricting the Melbourne midfielder to 13 disposals.

For Melbourne, Matthew Bate was lively up forward with 14 possessions and four goals, while Austin Wonaeamirri chimed in with three majors. Brad Green also tried hard all day and finished with 24 disposals.

The Swans jumped out of the blocks in the opening term, kicking three goals inside the first six minutes.

Sydney looked on course for a convincing win after Hall kicked his second and third majors for the quarter within two minutes of one another to blow the margin out to 29 points at the 12-minute mark.

But Melbourne steadied and kicked two of the next three through Cameron Bruce and Bate to trail by 30 points at the first change.

The Demons looked sharper in the second term but failed to make any inroads on the scoreboard with both sides booting three goals for the term as Sydney took a commanding 32-point lead into the main break.

Brad Miller, Paul Johnson and Wonaeamirri booted the first three goals of the second half to get Melbourne back into the contest before Bate slotted home his fourth to reduce the deficit to 11 points at the 18-minute mark.

Michael O'Loughlin arrested some momentum from the Demons by booting his second to give the Swans a 17-point advantage heading into the final change.

Sydney took control in the final term, winning the contested ball as they slammed on five goals to one to secure the four points.

The Demons face Brisbane at the MCG on Sunday afternoon while the Swans host Collingwood at ANZ Stadium in the second week of the split round.

MELBOURNE: 2.2, 5.3, 10.5, 11.8 (74)
SYDNEY: 7.2, 10.5, 12.10, 17.12 (114)
GOALS: Melbourne: Bate 4, Wonaeamirri 3, Bruce, P. Johnson, McLean, Miller
Sydney: Hall 5, Buchanan, Mattner, O'Loughlin 2, Goodes, Jolly, Malceski, O'Keefe, Playfair, Roberts-Thomson
BEST: Melbourne: Green, McDonald, Dunn, Bate, Davey, C. Johnson.
Sydney: Hall, Kirk, Mattner, Richards, C. Bolton.
INJURIES: Melbourne: Sydney: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Sully, Grun, Head
CROWD: TBC at Manuka Oval




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Sydney Swans
   


We are slow: Craig

June 22nd 2008 01:22
ADELAIDE coach Neil Craig has admitted that his side is slow following the Crows' 13-point loss to Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The Crows had 67 more possessions than the Lions but had eight less scoring shots in the 11.17 (83) to 10.10 (70) loss.

"We're a slow footy club at the moment, moving the ball," he said.

"I think we need to look at the training we do.

"Our quicker movement of the ball, getting off the mark, and want to play on a bit more, rather than just go back and chip.

"That's my responsibility to address that. I think it's the way we've trained and we need to change some of our training.

"There were too many times where we could have got around and played on and not been too perfect going into the forward line, just dropped it in there and put some pressure back on the Brisbane Lions.

"But we wouldn't do it."

The Crows, who have now lost their past two matches face a tough four week run that includes matches against Geelong on July 4, Collingwood at the MCG, a Showdown with Port, and Sydney at the SCG.

Craig said his side would need to take their game to another level to match the elite sides in the competition.

"It's well-documented our draw, we are coming up against some class sides," Craig said.

"It was not disastrous at all (last night's loss) but it's where we are and there is a pretty clear picture of where we've got to go.

"We are not far off it but it is going to require a pretty big effort to get there as it does when you have to jump to another level.
"Geelong will be another good test for us."

"We are starting to come back to the bunch - we've got a fight on our hands."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


Mind your own business Jeff, says Laidley

June 22nd 2008 00:32
NORTH MELBOURNE coach Dean Laidley has hit back at Jeff Kennett after the Hawthorn president slammed the club's decision to play key forward Nathan Thompson.

Thompson took to the field nine days after having keyhole surgery on his left knee.

The 30-year-old got through the match unscathed but before the game Kennett criticised the selection as a potential health risk.

"Something concerns me and it's got nothing to do with the outcome of today's game - Nathan Thompson's named to play today only a week since he's had surgery on his knee.
You can't be serious," Kennett on Triple M.

"And I've said to our guys, whatever you do, for goodness sake, always err on the side of caution.

"Don't push them. Give them another week off, give them two weeks off. So Crawf's out for another week and Croady is too.

"When I heard that Nathan, whom I respect very much, and as you know I work very closely with him, he's an ambassador for Beyond Blue, so I think highly of him.

"When I think that he's had keyhole surgery and now he's playing again a week later it just sends shudders down my back."

North Melbourne chairman James Brayshaw said he had full faith in the club's medical staff.

"They're among the best in the competition, so when they say he's ready to go, then he's ready to go," Brayshaw said.

Laidley said Thompson had trained well enough on Thursday to convince the club he was 100 per cent fit.

"(Kennett) probably should mind his own business," Laidley said.

"Thommo was very good. Last Sunday he wanted to play and we changed his training days to give him that opportunity.

"He went and saw the surgeon early on Monday morning and got the tick."

Thompson said he wouldn't have played if he didn't feel that his knee wasn't ready and that he pulled up well after the Kangaroos' 27-point win over the Hawks.

"I've got full faith in our doctors and I wouldn't play even if it was 99 per cent," he said.

"I made sure I put the hard work in and made sure I was right to play.

"The surgeon, David Young, was able to use the smallest arthroscope he could and really small tools, so he barely touched anything.

"He actually said the night after he did it that I'd be back for the Hawthorn game.

"I think the coaches weren't as confident and the doctors were a bit iffy, but once they saw me train on Thursday they thought, 'why not'."

Laidley said the next match against St Kilda on the Gold Coast will be season defining with both sides jostling for a place in the eight.

"When you attack the opposition and the ball like that there's not too many games you're going to be out of it," he said.

"We're playing St Kilda and probably whoever loses it's probably the end of their year."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Eagles lose Selwood

June 21st 2008 23:17
WEST COAST's woes have continued with midfielder Adam Selwood set to be sidleined for several weeks after being hospitalised with a throat injury during the the club's record loss to Geelong at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

On the back of the 135-point demolition - the Eagles' greatest ever home defeat - Eagles coach John Worsfold confirmed in his post-match press conference that Selwood was sent to hospital at half-time following an off-the-ball incident with Geelong forward Steve Johnson during the first quarter, but he could not say how severe the injury was.

In further bad news for the Eagles, defender Beau Waters will miss the remainder of the of the season after dislocating his elbow while playing for Claremont in the WAFL.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Fevola rejects deal

June 21st 2008 23:11
CARLTON spearhead Brendon Fevola has rejected a three-year deal believed to be worth $2 million.

The Carlton offer also reportedly included a $200,000 bonus if Fevola met certain behaviour criteria, but that clause was immediately rejected by his manager, Mark Kleiman, during negotiations.

It is understood another AFL club has been in contact with Fevola's management to discuss a potential trade should talks break down with the Blues.

Fevola yesterday refused to discuss the matter.

"I'm leaving all the negotiations to my manager," he said.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Classy Cats blow Eagles away

June 21st 2008 13:03
GEELONG has handed West Coast its biggest ever defeat at Subiaco Oval, thumping the Eagles by 135 points on Saturday night.

The Cats were a class above the Eagles as they cruised to a convincing 28.14 (182) to 5.17 (47) win.

The 135-point margin was the second-biggest loss in the club's history, shaded only by the 142-point loss to Essendon back in 1989.

Gary Ablett Jnr did his Brownlow medal chances no harm with a game-high 37 possessions and two goals.

Paul Chapman and Cameron Mooney kicked five goals each while James Kelly was damaging with 26 disposals and four majors.

Mark LeCras played a lone hand up forward for West Coast with three goals, while ruckman Dean Cox, who is clearly struggling with a foot injury battled hard all night, finishing the match with 25 touches, 19 hit-outs and a goal.

West Coast was competitive at the stoppages in the opening term but their inability to hit targets proved to be costly as the Cats slammed on seven goals to one to take a commanding 34-point lead into quarter-time.

The Eagles lifted their intensity briefly in the second term but their inability to find a target inside forward 50 prevented them from having an impact on the scoreboard with LeCras second major their only reward.

West Coast entered inside their 50 just four fewer times than Geelong in the first half but found themselves trailing by 63 points at the main break with their poor disposal contributing to their downfall.

Ten of Geelong's 13 first-half goals came from West Coast turnovers.

The Cats didn't take their foot off the pedal in the second half, slamming on seven goals in the opening 15 minutes to blow the margin out to 106 points.

Adam Hunter kicked West Coast's first goal in over a quarter at the 19-minute mark but the Cats responded with the next three to take a 116-point advantage into the final change.

Geelong booted five goals to two in the final term to finish with the highest score by any team this season

WEST COAST: 1.5, 2.9, 3.14, 5.7 (47)
GEELONG: 7.3, 13.6, 23.10, 28.14 (182)
GOALS: West Coast: LeCras 3, Hunter, Cox
Geelong: Mooney, Chapman 5, Kelly 3, Johnson, Rooke, Lonergan, Varcoe, Ablett 2, Taylor, Mackie, Prismall, Bartel
BEST: West Coast: LeCras, Embley, Cox, Schofield
Geelong: Ablett, Chapman, Mooney, Harley, Wojcinski,
INJURIES: West Coast: Adam Selwood (throat)
Geelong: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: David Wojcinski replaced Matthew Stokes in the Geelong selected side
UMPIRES: Donlon, Rosebury, Kamolins
CROWD: 38,414 at Subiaco Oval





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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Lions grind out win

June 21st 2008 12:41
BRISBANE has consolidated its place in the top eight with a hard-fought 13-point win over Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The Lions trailed heading into the final change but overran the Crows in the final term, booting four goals to two to prevail 11.17 (83) to 10.10 (70).

Luke Power starred for the Lions with a game-high 40 possessions, while Jared Brennan was equally damaging after being moved into the middle after half-time, finishing the match with 31 disposals, 12 marks and a goal.

Promising young forward Mitch Clark stepped up in the absence of the injured Daniel Bradshaw, booting three goals.

For Adelaide, Michael Doughty generated plenty of run off half-back and through the middle with 38 possessions, while Bernie Vince and Chris Knights tried hard all night, racking up 26 and 28 disposals respectively.

The opening term was a scrappy affair with neither side able to capitalise on opportunities in front of goal.

Anthony Corrie finally kicked the first goal of the match at the 13-minute after kicking truly from 40m out.

A major to Jonathan Brown and Corrie's second saw the Lions skip out to a 17-point lead with three minutes remaining in the opening stanza.

Adelaide hit back through Vince at the 24-minute mark before Jason Porplyzia snapped truly after a dubious umpiring decision to ensure the Crows trailed by just four points at the first change.Porplyzia was paid a diving mark on the boundary but replays showed he spilled the ball.

The Crows stamped their authority on the contest in the second term, slamming on four goals to one to take a handy 12-point lead into the main break.

Brisbane had its chances to get on top in the third quarter but failed to make the most of their opportunities early, booting six straight behinds.

Robert Copeland ended the run when he kicked truly following a Crows turnover in the middle, before Clark slotted one home to get the Lions to within two points heading into the final change.

Brisbane broke the game open in the final term, piling on the first three goals of the term to skip out to a 16-point lead.

Adelaide hit back with goals through Porpylzia and Scott Stevens but the Lions held on to record a much needed win.

BRISBANE: 3.3, 4.7, 7.14, 11.17 (83)
ADELAIDE: 2.5, 6.7, 8.10, 10.10 (70)
GOALS: Brisbane: Clark 3, Corrie 2, Brown 2, Copeland 2, Brennan, Notting
Adelaide: Porplyzia 2, Vince, Burton, Gill, Douglas, Maric, Bock, Jericho, Stevens
BEST: Brisbane: Power, Brennan, Patfull, McGrath, Rischitelli, Drummond
Adelaide: Doughty, Edwards, Knights, Johncock, Porplyzia
INJURIES: Brisbane: Adcock (ankle)
Adelaide: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: James, Meredith, Ryan
CROWD: T/C at the Gabba

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Brisbane Lions
   


Tigers hold off Port

June 21st 2008 08:24
RICHMOND has ended Port Adelaide's finals aspirations with a thrilling four-point win in a high-scoring affair at AAMI Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers led at every change before withstanding a last-quarter surge from the Power to record a 20.7 (127) to 19.9 (123) victory.

The victory marked the first time Richmond has won consecutive games since August 2006.

Joel Bowden starred in defence for Richmond with a game-high 39 possessions and a season-best 23 marks, while Mitch Morton and Cleve Hughes were damaging up forward, booting five and six goals respectively.

Daniel Motlop was Port's best with six majors while Domenic Cassisi and Travis Boak tried hard all day, racking up 23 and 22 possessions respectively.

In a free-flowing and high-scoring first term, Richmond twice fell 12 points behind but took a 17-point lead into the first change after slamming on four goals in a stunning five-minute burst.

Richmond's 9.1 (55) quarter-time score was the highest first-term score of the season.

Port hit back in the second term with majors to Troy Chaplin, Motlop and Tredrea to regain the lead at the nine-minute mark.

After managing nine goals in the first term, Richmond had to wait until the 18-minute mark of the second term for the next goal with Jack Riewoldt kicking truly.

Goals to Jordan McMahon and Morton shortly after allowed the Tigers to open up a mini break before Motlop's fourth major late in the term got the Power to within three points at half-time.

Richmond broke the game open in the third term, booting seven goals to three to take what appeared to be a match-winning 28-point lead into the final change.

But the Power lifted in the final term and when Tom Logan snapped truly at the 26-minute mark the deficit had been cut to four points.

Port got the final centre clearance but a Shaun Burgoyne kick into the forward line was cut off by Bowden, who iced the game for the Tigers.

PORT ADELAIDE: 6.2, 11.6, 14.8, 19.9 (123)
RICHMOND: 9.1, 12.3, 19.6, 20.7 (127)
GOALS: PORT: Motlop 6, Tredrea 2, Ebert 2, Logan 2, Rodan, Lade, K.Cornes, Chaplin, S.Burgoyne, Gray, Boak
RICHMOND: Hughes 6, Morton 5, Richardson 3, Brown 2, Cotchin, Hyde, Riewoldt, McMahon
BEST: PORT: Cassisi, Motlop, Boak, K.Cornes, Tredrea, Pearce
RICHMOND: Tuck, Foley, McMahon, Hughes, Morton, Richardson, Newman, Bowden
INJURIES: PORT: P.Burgoyne (hamstring), Salopek (achilles)
RICHMOND: McGuane (hamstring)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: TBC
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Schmitt, Fila
CROWD: 20,923 at the AAMI STADIUM




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Roos upset Hawks

June 21st 2008 07:17
THE Kangaroos have snapped a three-game losing streak with a 27-point win over Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Roos led at every change and survived several challenges from the Hawks to record a 15.13 (103) to 10.16 (76) win.

Daniel Harris and Brent Harvey were prolific in the middle for the Kangaroos, racking up 30-plus possessions, while Lindsay Thomas and Shannon Grant were lively up forward, booting four and three goals respectively.

Hawthorn skipper Sam Mitchell was his side's best with a game-high 38 possessions and one goal, while impressive youngster Jarryd Morton was also busy with 33 possessions.

Luke Hodge collected 20 touches and booted three goals for the Hawks, but key forwards Jarryd Roughead and Lance Franklin failed to have an impact, combining for a wasteful 2.8.

North Melbourne kicked the first two goals of the match through Matt Campbell and Grant before Hawthorn settled.

Mitchell kicked his side’s first goal of the quarter at the 18-minute mark before Hodge kicked the next truly to bring the Hawks back to within a point at the first change.

The Kangaroos continued to dominate the contested ball and were harder at the football in the second term as they booted five goals to three to take a 12-point advantage into the main break.

North looked like running away with the game, kicking the first four goals of the third term to race out to a 30-point lead at the nine minute mark.

But the Hawks lifted and booted the next two goals through Roughead and Hodge to close to within 16 points heading into the final change.

Any hopes of a comeback were quashed by Thomas, who booted three goals in the final term to secure North's sixth win of the season.

The Hawks had their chances in the final stanza but failed to capitalise in front of goal, with Tim Boyle, Roughead and Franklin all missing gettable opportunities.

HAWTHORN: 2.3, 5.8, 7.12, 10.16 (76)
NORTH MELBOURNE: 2.4, 7.8, 10.10, 15.13 (103)
GOALS: Hawthorn: Hodge 3, Roughead 2, Williams 2, Franklin, Mitchell, Boyle
North Melbourne: Thomas 4, Grant 3, Campbell 2, Jones 2, Thompson, Harvey, Harris, Wells
BEST: Hawthorn: Mitchell, Hodge, Morton, Williams, Guerra, Campbell, Birchall
North Melbourne: Harris, Petrie, Harvey, Simpson, Wells, Grant, Thomas
INJURIES: Hawthorn: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Travis Tuck replaced Tim Clarke (quad strain) in the Hawthorn selected side
UMPIRES: M.Nicholls, Ellis, McInerney
CROWD: 42,508 at the MCG



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Johnson may wait for milestone

June 21st 2008 01:31
FORMER Essendon star Mark Johnson may be forced to wait to play his 200th AFL game with Fremantle coach Mark Harvey refusing to guarantee that he would be selected to play against his old club at Subiaco Oval next weekend.

The Dockers are languishing in 14th place on the AFL ladder with a 2-11 win-loss record, and Harvey said there was no room for sentiment at the selection table.

Johnson had 11 touches and six tackles in Fremantle's eight-point loss to St Kilda at Telstra Dome on Friday night but Harvey said he was no certainty to play next weekend.

"You don't guarantee anything when you don't regularly win," he said.

"It's not about supporting Mark Johnson, it's about trying to evolve your team. That's how I see it. Yeah, sure it's good to see players play milestone games but in the end they've got to earn it, not at the expense of the team."

Harvey said the Dockers again faltered under pressure when the game was on the line and had failed to counter St Kilda's flooding tactics.

"They wanted to play tempo football and then flood. We couldn't pierce that," he said.

Harvey said some of the senior players needed to show more leadership in such situations.

"I was happy with the way our younger players played," he said.

"Sometimes we've got to show more poise and some senior guys in those circumstances can show better direction and create better options for when we go inside our forward 50."

"It's just giving direction at the right time. Sometimes when you've got a team-mate and you haven't got the ball you need to tell your team-mate who has got the ball what's a better option."


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


Lyon hails spirited Saints

June 21st 2008 00:42
ST KILDA played with more 'vibrancy' and spirit during their eight-point win over Fremantle at Telstra Dome on Friday night, according to coach Ross Lyon.

Lyon said the injection of three young debutants - Ben McEvoy, Robert Eddy and Jarryd Allen - had reinvigorated his side.

The Saints had 53 tackles to Fremantle's 48 and won the contested possession count 103 to 98.

"I thought it showed all night, the spirit, and we competed really well," Lyon said.

"And we out-tackled the opposition. They (along with contested possessions) were the aims going in and we achieved them so we were really pleased."

Lyon refused to get carried away by the scrappy win, which came against a side which came into the match with a 2-10 win-loss record.

"You can only beat what's put in front of you," he said.

Lyon was also pleased how defenders Brendon Goddard and Jason Gram performed after being switched into the midfield.

"(We're) trying to reinvigorate the midfield and add run," Lyon said.

Gram finished with 18 possessions and two goals, while Goddard racked up 26 disposals and booted two goals in what Lyon described as his best game since returning from a knee reconstruction.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Deadline for Laidley

June 21st 2008 00:25
NORTH MELBOURNE coach Dean Laidley will find out midway through 2009 if his time at the club is to be extended with a mutual clause in his contract demanding that a decision be made around round 11 next year.

The June deadline gives Laidley an opportunity to look for a senior position elsewhere if he and the Kangaroos decide to go their separate ways.

Laidley, who took the Kangaroos to a preliminary final last year admitted the next 21 or so games would decide if he continues in his job.

"It's in my contract that we'll know midway through next year, so it's not the end of next year, it's a lot closer than that and it's a mutual thing," he said.

"And the relationship since James (Brayshaw) has come in, we'll sit down like we do every week and see how it's going and for me, that's how it is."

Laidley said he wanted to remain as coach of North Melbourne.

"Of course I want to do it," he said - especially as the club is embarking on a redevelopment of its list and, on a bigger scale, a redevelopment of the football club.

"I'm contracted until the end of next year, but you know what, it might take a bit longer to get back to where we were last year and you know what, so what. If it's not me it will be whoever the next person is.

"This period now is not about Dean Laidley and his career and his future, it is about the footy club and going forward - because we know what we're setting up off the field, 34,000 members, and we need to make sure that's right.

"I certainly won't be the one to put myself in front of the footy club in regards to this because . . . we are setting ourselves to be here forever and have sustained success on and off the field."

A decision on Laidley's future won't be made on wins and losses, but on how well he develops the list so that the Kangaroos can enjoy sustained success.

"It's about re-setting the platform to the point we got to last year and that was a preliminary final," he said.

"But we are here to win Grand Finals.

"I look at it now and there's a lot of talent there that will play in our next premiership.

"When's that going to be? I don't know, I just think we need to look at having sustained success and giving ourselves the opportunity to do that."


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Hayes should play: Lyon

June 21st 2008 00:15
ST KILDA vice-captain Lenny Hayes is a good chance to overcome a hamstring injury in time for next weekend's clash against North Melbourne on the Gold Coast, according to coach Ross Lyon.

Hayes, who had 16 possessions at the time, left towards the end of the first quarter of St Kilda's eight-point win over Fremantle on Friday night with a right hamstring injury.

The 28-year-old suffered a back spasm which referred pain down towards his hamstring, but Lyon said he was confident Hayes would be right for the clash against the Kangaroos.

"We're pretty confident that he'll get up," said Lyon.

"He's a good chance. They do pretty good things. There's no guarantee but there's a pretty good chance (he'll play)."

The Dockers have their own injury concerns ahead of their clash against Essendon at Subiaco Oval next Sunday with key defender Luke McPharlin suffering a suspected broken rib and Michael Johnson a sprained ankle.

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said the loss of McPharlin would be a major blow.

"It would suggest it's cracked," Harvey said.

"Luke's an important fabric of the team. He holds the backline together."

Johnson hurt his ankle in the first quarter but returned after receiving a painkiller. Harvey said he expected the defender to be fit for next week.





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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Saints hold off Dockers

June 20th 2008 12:45
ST KILDA has kept its finals hopes alive with a hard-fought eight-point win over Fremantle at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

The Saints held on a lacklustre final term to record a gritty 10.5 (65) to 8.9 (57) win.

It was a must-win game for the Saints, who had lost four of their previous five to slip outside of the top eight.

St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt starred with 25 possessions, 18 marks and three goals, while Robert Harvey and Luke Ball were prolific in the middle, racking up 30-plus possessions.

For Fremantle, skipper Matthew Pavlich played a lone hand up forward, collecting 16 possessions and booting five of his side's eight goals, while Rhys Palmer continued his impressive debut season with 27 disposals.

The Saints started brightly, with Lenny Hayes damaging in the middle with 16 disposals in the opening term as St Kilda took a 15-point lead into quarter-time. Hayes sat out the rest of the match with a hamstring injury.

St Kilda kicked the first two goals of the second term through Jason Gram and Brendon Goddard to skip out to a 29-point lead.

But Fremantle hit back through Pavlich, who booted four of the next five to get his side well and truly back into the contest.

When Josh Carr put through his first goal eight minutes into the third term, the Dockers had kicked five unanswered goals and had the lead for the first time in the game.

Goddard broke a 28-minute goal-scoring drought for the Saints to give his side some breathing space.

Two minutes later, Riewoldt goalled from a free-kick before a shocking ball-handling error from Fremantle defender Michael Johnson resulted in a goal to Gram to put the Saints up by 11 points heading into the final change.

The Dockers closed to within a kick in a final term that failed to reach any great heights, but the Saints had all the answers with Riewoldt snapping truly from 45m to secure the four valuable premiership points.

ST KILDA: 4.3, 6.3, 9.5, 10.5 (65)
FREMANTLE: 2.0, 5.2, 7.6, 8.9 (57)
GOALS: St Kilda: Riewoldt 3, Goddard 2, Gram 2, Hayes, Montagna, Gilbert
Fremantle: Pavlich 5, Crowley, Carr,
Murphy
BEST: St Kilda: Riewoldt, Harvey, Gram, Ball, Goddard, Hayes
Fremantle: Pavlich, Palmer, Solomon, Crowley, Peake
INJURIES: St Kilda: Hayes (hamstring)
Fremantle: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: McBurney, Farmer, Jeffery
CROWD: 22,440 at Telstra Dome



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Round thirteen teams

June 20th 2008 08:14
ROUND THIRTEEN

All the teams for round thirteen of the 2008 AFL premiership season, with Sunday's updated teams

ST KILDA v FREMANTLE
Friday, 7:40pm AEST, Telstra Dome
ST KILDA
B: Sean Dempster, Max Hudghton, Jason Gram
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Gilbert, Sam Fisher
C: Andrew McQualter, Lenny Hayes, Jarryn Geary
HF: Robert Harvey, Nick Riewoldt, Charlie Gardiner
F: Clint Jones, Jarryd Allen, David Armitage
Foll: Steven King, Luke Ball, Leigh Montagna
I/C: James Gwilt, Jason Blake, Ben McEvoy, Robert Eddy
EMG: Nick Dal Santo, Shane Birss, Brad Howard
In: Armitage, Eddy, Allen, McEvoy
Out: Nick Dal Santo, Stephen Milne, Michael Gardiner (hamstring), Adam Schneider (inj)
New: Ben McEvoy (Murray Bushrangers), Jarryd Allen (Calder Cannons), Robert Eddy (Gippsland Power/St Kilda rookie)

FREMANTLE
B: Ryley Dunn, Antoni Grover, Michael Johnson
HB: David Mundy, Luke McPharlin, Roger Hayden
C: Garrick Ibbotson, Peter Bell, Brett Peake
HF: Rhys Palmer, Chris Tarrant, Ryan Murphy
F: Mark Johnson, Matthew Pavlich, Chris Mayne
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, Josh Carr
I/C: Jeff Farmer, Dean Solomon, Robert Warnock, Byron Schammer
EMG: Steven Dodd, Clayton Hinkley, Brock O'Brien
No change

HAWTHORN v NORTH MELBOURNE
Saturday, 2:10pm AEST, MCG
HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Campbell Brown
HB: Grant Birchall, Thomas Murphy, Rick Ladson
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Clinton Young
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Michael Osborne
F: Mark Williams, Jarryd Roughead, Tim Boyle
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Xavier Ellis
I/C: Tim Clarke, Stuart Dew, Jarryd Morton, Brent Renouf
EMG: Josh Kennedy, Travis Tuck, Brendan Whitecross
In: Guerra
Out: Chance Bateman (hamstring)

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Michael Firrito, Shannon Watt, Gavin Urquhart
HB: Josh Gibson, Lachlan Hansen, Daniel Pratt
C: Matt Riggio, Adam Simpson, Daniel Wells
HF: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Corey Jones
F: Brent Harvey, Nathan Thompson, Matt Campbell
Foll: David Hale, Daniel Harris, Brady Rawlings
I/C: Ed Lower, Shannon Grant, Leigh Harding, Alan Obst
EMG: Blake Grima, Josh Smith, Scott McMahon
In: Hansen, Watt, Jones, N. Thompson, Grant, Obst
Out: McIntosh (knee), Power (groin), S. Thompson, Brown, Davies, Josh Smith

PORT ADELAIDE v RICHMOND
Saturday, 2.40pm ACST, AAMI Stadium
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Michael Wilson
HB: Peter Burgoyne, Troy Chaplin, Steven Salopek
C: Domenic Cassisi, Chad Cornes, Kane Cornes
HF: David Rodan, Warren Tredrea, Travis Boak
F: Brett Ebert, Daniel Motlop, Robert Gray
Foll: Dean Brogan, Shaun Burgoyne, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Brendon Lade, Tom Logan, Nick Lower, Matt Thomas
EMG: Nathan Krakouer, Damon White, Nathan Lonie
In: Ebert, Thomas
Out: Jacob Surjan, Justin Westhoff

RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Joel Bowden
HB: Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Graham Polak, Richard Tambling
C: Matthew Richardson, Shane Tuck, Jordan McMahon
HF: Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Matt White
F: Nathan Brown, Cleve Hughes, Adam Pattison
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Brett Deledio, Nathan Foley
I/C: Dean Polo, Mitch Morton, Chris Hyde, Luke McGuane
EMG: Daniel Connors, Jay Schulz, Alex Rance
In: Hughes, Polo
Out: Daniel Jackson (leg), Jay Schulz

BRISBANE LIONS v ADELAIDE
Saturday, 7.10pm AEST, Gabba
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Josh Drummond, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Jared Brennan, Joel Macdonald, Troy Selwood
C: Anthony Corrie, Simon Black, Tim Notting
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Ashley McGrath
F: Rhan Hooper, Mitch Clark, Lachlan Henderson
Foll: Jamie Charman, Luke Power, Jed Adcock
I/C: Tom Collier, Cheynee Stiller, Robert Copeland, James Polkinghorne
EMG: Albert Proud, Scott Harding, James Hawksley
In: Rischitelli, Copeland, Collier, Henderson
Out: Jason Roe (hamstring), Travis Johnstone (hamstring), Justin Sherman (back), Matthew Leuenberger
New: Tom Collier (Tassie Mariners)

ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Nathan Bassett
HB: Andrew McLeod, Nathan Bock, Michael Doughty
C: Nathan van Berlo, Scott Thompson, Chris Knights
HF: Richard Douglas, Nick Gill, Bernie Vince
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Brett Burton
Foll: Ivan Maric, Simon Goodwin, Tyson Edwards
I/C: Robert Shirley, Scott Stevens, Luke Jericho, Brent Reilly
EMG: Brad Symes, Patrick Dangerfield, Trent Hentschel
In: Burton, Gill, Reilly
Out: Jonathon Griffin (hip), David Mackay, Andy Otten

WEST COAST v GEELONG
Saturday, 5.40pm AWST, Subiaco Oval
WEST COAST
B: Adam Selwood, Darren Glass, Mark Nicoski
HB: Andrew Embley, Beau Wilkes, Brett Jones
C: Michael Braun, Daniel Kerr, Tim Houlihan
HF: Mark LeCras, Ashley Hansen, Sam Butler
F: David Wirrpanda, Adam Hunter, Quinten Lynch
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Chad Fletcher
I/C: Brad Ebert, Ben McKinley, Will Schofield, Tyson Stenglein
EMG: Steven Armstrong, Ryan Davis, Jaymie Graham
In: Braun, Kerr, Hansen, Fletcher, McKinley
Out: Chris Masten (hip), Ryan Davis, Mark Seaby, Jamie McNamara, Brent Staker

GEELONG
B: Tom Harley, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
HB: Darren Milburn, Max Rooke, Corey Enright
C: Brent Prismall, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Lonergan, James Kelly
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Corey, Gary Ablett
I/C: Josh Hunt, Brad Ottens, Joel Selwood, Travis Varcoe
EMG: Ryan Gamble, David Wojcinski, Kane Tenace
No change

MELBOURNE v SYDNEY SWANS
Sunday, 1.10pm AEST, Manuka Oval
MELBOURNE
B: James McDonald, Colin Garland, Matthew Warnock
HB: Brad Green, Paul Wheatley, Cameron Bruce
C: Colin Sylvia, Brock McLean, Lynden Dunn
HF: Jace Bode, Matthew Bate, Aaron Davey
F: Paul Johnson, Brad Miller, Austin Wonaeamirri
Foll: Jeff White, Clint Bartram, Nathan Jones
I/C: James Frawley, Mark Jamar, Chris Johnson, Matthew Whelan
EMG: Cale Morton, Shane Valenti, Adem Yze
In: Whelan, Jamar
Out: Morton, Yze

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Nick Malceski, Leo Barry, Martin Mattner
HB: Craig Bolton, Ted Richards, Tadhg Kennelly
C: Adam Goodes, Jarrad McVeigh, Amon Buchanan
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Barry Hall, Luke Ablett
F: Paul Bevan, Michael O’Loughlin, Lewis Roberts-Thomson
Foll: Darren Jolly, Brett Kirk, Jude Bolton
I/C: Craig Bird, Kieren Jack, Jarred Moore, Henry Playfair
EMG: Luke Brennan, Nic Fosdike, Ben Mathews,
No change

CARLTON v ESSENDON
Sunday, 2.10pm AEST, MCG
CARLTON
B: Andrew Carrazzo, Setanta O’hAilpin, Michael Jamison
HB: Bryce Gibbs, Bret Thornton, Dennis Armfield
C: Kade Simpson, Nick Stevens, Heath Scotland
HF: Brad Fisher, Jarrad Waite, Jordan Russell
F: Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Matthew Kreuzer
Foll: Cameron Cloke, Chris Judd, Marc Murphy
I/C: Adam Bentick, Steven Browne, Shaun Grigg, Simon Wiggins
EMG: Mark Austin, Shaun Hampson, Darren Pfeiffer
In: Browne
Out: Shaun Hampson

ESSENDON
B: Henry Slattery, Dustin Fletcher, Nathan Lovett-Murray
HB: Brent Stanton, Patrick Ryder, Mark McVeigh
C: Kyle Reimers, David Myers, Jay Nash
HF: Angus Monfries, Adam McPhee, Andrew Welsh
F: Scott Lucas, Matthew Lloyd, Jay Neagle
Foll: David Hille, Andrew Lovett, Jobe Watson
I/C: Adam Ramanauskas, Sam Lonergan, Leroy Jetta, Jason Laycock
EMG: Jarrod Atkinson, Tayte Pears, Ricky Dyson
In: Lovett
Out: Atkinson

COLLINGWOOD v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Sunday, 4.40pm AEST, Telstra Dome
COLLINGWOOD
B: Heath Shaw, Shane Wakelin, Tarkyn Lockyer
HB: Martin Clarke, Nick Maxwell, Harry O’Brien
C: Ben Johnson, Scott Burns, Rhyce Shaw
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Ben Reid, Shane O’Bree
F: Alan Didak, Chris Bryan, Paul Medhurst
Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
I/C Alan Toovey, Tyson Goldsack, Nathan Brown, Sharrod Wellingham
EMG: Danny Stanley, Anthony Rocca, Ryan Cook
In: Goldsack, Toovey, Wood
Out: Travis Cloke (susp), Leon Davis (ankle), Josh Fraser (knee)

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dale Morris, Brian Lake, Andrejs Everitt
HB: Ryan Hargrave, Tom Williams, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross, Nathan Eagleton
HF: Brad Johnson, Mitch Hahn, Robert Murphy
F: Scott Welsh, Will Minson, Jason Akermanis
Foll: Ben Hudson, Ryan Griffen, Adam Cooney
I/C: Dylan Addison, Daniel Giansiracusa, Farren Ray, Callan Ward
EMG: Peter Street, Jarrod Harbrow, Josh Hill
No change



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AFL won't change draft system, says Demetriou

June 20th 2008 06:26
THE AFL will not be bullied into changing the draft system because of the media beat-up surrounding the issue of tanking, according to AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou.

The issue reared its ugly head again with West Coast coach John Worsfold angrily denying claims his side had ‘tanked’ Friday night’s game against Essendon after withdrawing Daniel Kerr, Michael Braun and Chad Fletcher from the 22.

Demetriou described allegations of tanking as “demeaning” and “bemusing” and warned the media clubs could take legal action against what could be judged as slanderous accusations.

"The sooner we stop talking about it [tanking] and people stop speculating and casting doubts over clubs and moves and who's being left out [the better],” Demetriou said.

“Let's get on with concentrating on football because it's a nonsensical argument and one that people should really start to consider when they talk about it because it won't be long before someone at a club takes action against someone for inferring what's going on,” Demetriou said.

"I don't believe it's [changing the draft system] the appropriate course of action to respond to media nonsense or people criticising the issue when we've had a successful draft for the past 20-odd years.

“This competition is going particularly well. We should remind ourselves of that and the day we start changing rules on inference and nonsense being peddled around is the day we should give it away.”

Demetriou rated the current draft system a success, saying it created a more level playing field for each ofthe 16 clubs.

“The draft is a huge success over a 20-year period. Every club since 1999 has made the preliminary final, so to now be talking about the context of tanking in relation to who gets pick one is a nonsense,” he said.

"Last year and every year we set our clocks and by about round 12 or 13 [the issue of tanking has arisen].

“I could've sworn the last couple of years it's always been about the priority pick, but given now that no club qualifies for the priority pick, Richmond and Carlton, it's now turned to the actual (issue of) who's going to get the first pick.

“I find the whole conversation pathetic. I think it demeans our clubs and I've never subscribed to the theory. There's not much difference between picks one, three or four - in particular in this year's draft.”



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No change to Brownlow: Demetriou

June 20th 2008 06:07
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has ruled out making changes to the eligibility criteria for the Brownlow Medal.

The league has been under pressure to alter its eligibility after stars like Lance Franklin, Daniel Kerr, Robert Murphy, Shaun Burgoyne and Brett Burton were ruled out through mostly minor indiscretions.

Carlton skipper Chris Judd said on Monday he’d like to see the Brownlow awarded to the best player in the competition, but Demetriou said the medal would continue to be a best-and-fairest award.

"We can kill that one, that'll stop a bit of talkback for the next two weeks,” Demetriou said.

“The Brownlow Medal is one of the most time-honoured sporting awards I can think of in the world and, certainly in this country, everyone who knows the Brownlow Medal knows what it stands for.

“Despite the fact some players will be ineligible this year, that's been the case since the inception of the medal, so sorry to disappoint you again, but no changes to the Brownlow Medal.

“We’ll leave it as it is and, whoever wins it this year, I'm sure we'll all be congratulating the most deserving player winning the medal again this year.”

Demetriou also dismissed suggestions the AFL would look at raising the number of demerit points to constitute a reprimand.

Franklin’s head high bump on Adelaide’s Michael Doughty was not considered serious enough to warrant a ban, instead he was offered a reprimand, which ruled him out of Brownlow medal contention because the initial charge drew more than 100 points.

"I think that (points cut off for Brownlow eligibility) was looked at by (AFL general manager, football operations) Adrian Anderson and his team 12 months ago and they were satisfied with where it was,” Demetriou said.




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Selwood and Stokes cleared to play

June 20th 2008 05:56
GEELONG duo Joel Selwood and Mathew Stokes will play against West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Saturdahy night after passing late fitness tests.

While their team-mates boarded a flight for Perth on Friday morning, Selwood and Stokes were back at Skilled Stadium testing sore spots that coach Mark Thompson was reluctant to expand upon.

The pair were cleared to play mid-afternoon and will fly out early on Friday evening.


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Gabba officials hose down pitch fears

June 20th 2008 05:40
GABBA authorities have dismissed concerns over the state of the ground's surface ahead of Saturday night's AFL clash between Brisbane and Adelaide.

The Lions and the Crows have expressed their concerns over the centre-wicket area which Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews and his players have described as "concrete".

Matthews has warned Stadiums Queensland it faces a major lawsuit if it continues to ignore the dangers of the ground.

Adelaide have also indicated club officials would inspect the surface before the match and ask for extra watering if they deem it would ease the risks of injury.

But SQ, which administers the Gabba, said the ground met AFL standards and staff wouldn't alter the way it was prepared.

"The Gabba playing surface meets the standards set by the AFL prior to each game," a spokesperson for SQ said.

"These standards include parameters relating to the hardness of the wicket area.

"Ground staff take measurements to record the hardness of the wicket area in the centre of the field and other areas around the ground to ensure the playing surface meets the standards set by the AFL prior to each game being played.

"In addition, the AFL also inspects the field prior to each game to ensure the field is in a suitable condition to play AFL on."


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Kernahan president until season's end

June 20th 2008 04:10
INTERIM Carlton president Stephen Kernahan says he will remain in his new position until at least the end of the 2008 season.

"At this stage yes; we've got 10 weeks to go [until the end of the] season and really the club is trying to concentrate on beating Essendon on Sunday, to tell you the truth, but obviously this news has come to light pretty quickly, so we addressed the problem this morning.

"Ten weeks to go and we've got a board meeting on Monday night and we'll cover a few issues and all go from here."

Kernahan has taken over from Richard Pratt, who stepped down today to fight charges laid by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Carlton chief executive Greg Swann said the club was expecting Pratt to return to his position.

"At this stage, it is the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, so these things may resolve quickly or they may take some time, but this stage, he's standing aside and we've obviously got a board in place that runs the football club and we'll assess these things as they go, but that's what the decision is at this time.

"It's all happened pretty quickly, so the answer is yes [he will come back], if it happens quickly, yeah, but that's where we see it."


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Lions make two late changes

June 20th 2008 03:49
BRISBANE will be without midfielders Justin Sherman and Travis Johnstone for Saturday night's crucial clash against Adelaide at the Gabba.

Sherman suffered an unforseen back injury overnight, while Johnstone could not recover from a hamstring injury in time.

They have been replaced by Cheynee Stiller and young forward Lachlan Henderson.




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Pratt stands down

June 20th 2008 02:36
CARLTON chief executive Greg Swann has announced that president Richard Pratt has stood down to fight criminal charges laid by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.

Swann said on Friday morning that Pratt's decision was effective immediately, with vice-president and former premiership captain Stephen Kernahan taking over as interim president.

"Richard's decision to stand aside from his position is obviously a disappointing development for Carlton, which acknowledges the outstanding contribution he has made in returning to the club he so genuinely loves to prominence in the AFL competition both on and off the field," Swann said.

The ACCC began proceedings against Pratt by lodging a summons in the Federal Court on Thursday. The summons accuses Pratt of four counts of knowingly giving false or misleading evidence.

It alleges he said he could not recall a conversation he had on May 21, 2001 about a price-fixing arrangement between Visy and rival cardboard manufacturer Amcor's corrugated box businesses.
In a statement, the ACCC said Pratt was one of several Visy executives investigated in 2005 under section 155 of the 1974 Trade Practices Act as part of its investigation into alleged cartel conduct in the corrugated fibreboard packaging industry.

That inquiry resulted in civil proceedings being launched against Visy, which culminated in the company being fined $36 million for colluding with Amcor.

In the criminal proceedings launched on Thursday, Pratt is alleged to have knowingly given false or misleading evidence at the 2005 inquiry.

Pratt has not yet entered a plea in the matter and will be required to appear before the court on July 7.





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Selwood and Stokes in doubt for Cats

June 20th 2008 01:42
GEELONG duo Joel Selwood and and Mathew Stokes remain in doubt for Saturday night's clash against West Coast at Subiaco Oval.

Selwood and Stokes did not join their teammates at Melbourne Airport and are no certainties to make the trip, according to coach Mark Thompson.

"They are going to do a fitness test so they are very close to playing, otherwise we wouldn’t have selected them," Thompson said.

"We have got our fingers crossed that they will be okay."


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Brown not our biggest threat, says Bassett

June 20th 2008 00:09
BRISBANE'S midfield poses a bigger threat than key forward Jonathan Brown at the Gabba on Saturday night, according to Adelaide defender Nathan Bassett.

Bassett said while Brown was one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition, it is Brisbane's midfield that needs to be stopped if Adelaide is going to extend their three-game winning streak against the Lions

"In many ways Brisbane's midfield is our biggest threat," Bassett said.

"The Lions have got quality, 10-year players in their midfield who are as good as anyone in the competition (most notably Simon Black and Luke Power). That's their real strength.

"Brown's a terrific player who's in good form and when he has one of his days he's very difficult to beat. But if we can beat them in the middle, then I think we'll win."

Brown has struggled in his nine matches against Adelaide, averaging just one goal and 10 disposals a game, which is well below his career averages of 15 disposals and two goals a match.

"I think there's two reasons for that," Bassett said.

"One is that we've had a pretty good opponent on him in Ben Rutten. Physically, they match up pretty well.

"Secondly, I think we've also played well against the Lions in the midfield and probably defensively offered 'Truck' a bit of support."

Brown, who has booted 39 goals this season, said facing Adelaide was a tough assignment given their ability to put players behind the ball.

"They block up their defensive area pretty well," he said.

"So it will be a hard day at the office."






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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows