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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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Fevola to get bonus to be good

June 19th 2008 23:43
CARLTON will offer in-form spearhead Brendon Fevola a $100,000 good behaviour bonus as part of a new three-year contract.

Fevola's new contract will be worth about $1.75 million, including performance incentives as well as the financial reward for ongoing acceptable behaviour.

The Blues were keen to add a clause that they could instantly dismiss Fevola over a further alcohol-related misdemeanour after an off-field incident this year.

The 27-year-old, who has had his fair share of off-field incidents, was allowed to play against Richmond in the opening round of the season despite urinating on a restaurant window in the early hours of the morning prior to the launch of the season.

But after taking legal advice, Carlton will re-sign Fevola on the normal standard-player contract, with a bonus payment, understood to be up to $100,000, at the end of the deal for consistent good behaviour.

However, the Blues still say that Fevola remains on his final strike, and any off-field trouble can still lead to dismissal.

In the collective bargaining agreement between the AFL and the players' association, Carlton believe they still have the power to sack Fevola under the default and termination clauses.

Under article 17 (d) the Blues could terminate him if he "engages in serious or wilful misconduct", which was amended in the new agreement for the start of 2007.

The players' union believes this clause relates to more serious off-field conduct, including a criminal offence.

AFLPA operations general manager Matt Finnis said that particular termination clause was designed for more severe offences.

"In our eyes that relates to more than an anti-social misdemeanour," Finnis said.

"It's subject to argument, but we're comfortable with where that debate would go should the occasion to challenge arise."

The Blues are understood to have taken legal advice that they would have a strong case for dismissal over conduct unbecoming or bringing the club into disrepute should Fevola re-offend over an alcohol-related off-field incident.





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Ellis cleared over bets

June 19th 2008 08:21
THE AFL has cleared Hawthorn midfielder Xavier Ellis after an investigation into the placing of bets on AFL matches on his account.

Ellis and Hawthorn general manager of football operations Mark Evans informed the league earlier this week that a relative had used his account to make bets.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said an investigation by Browne and Co had confirmed that Ellis hadn't placed any bets.

"The investigation confirmed no breach of the AFL Regulations. The investigation found that no bets were made by Xavier Ellis and he had no knowledge of the bets made by his relative."


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Round thirteen teams

June 19th 2008 07:12
ROUND THIRTEEN

Friday June 20
St Kilda v Fremantle at Telstra Dome, 7.40pm AEST

Saturday June 21
Hawthorn v North Melbourne at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
Port Adelaide v Richmond at AAMI Stadium, 2.40pm ACST
Brisbane Lions v Adelaide at the Gabba, 7.10pm AEST
West Coast v Geelong at Subiaco Oval, 5.40pm AWST

Sunday June 22
Melbourne v Sydney Swans at Manuka Oval, 1.10pm AEST
Carlton v Essendon at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome, 4.40pm AEST


ST KILDA v FREMANTLE
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
HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Campbell Brown
HB: Grant Birchall, Thomas Murphy, Rick Ladson
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Clinton Young
HF: Michael Osborne, Lance Franklin, Tim Clarke
F: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Michael Osborne
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)



PORT ADELAIDE v RICHMOND
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: Tom Logan, Brendon Lade, 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
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, Justin Sherman
F: Rhan Hooper, Mitch Clark, Travis Johnstone
Foll: Jamie Charman, Luke Power, Jed Adcock
I/C: Tom Collier, Ashley McGrath, Robert Copeland, James Polkinghorne
EMG: Albert Proud, Lachlan Henderson, Scott Harding


In: Rischitelli, Copeland, Collier
Out: Jason Roe (hamstring), Cheynee Stiller, 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
WEST COAST
B: Nicoski, Glass, A.Selwood
HB: Embley, Wilkes, Jones
C: Braun, Kerr, Houlihan
HF: Butler, Hansen, LeCras
F: Wirrpanda, Hunter, Lynch
FOLL: Cox, Priddis, Fletcher
I/C: Ebert, McKinley, Schofield, Stenglein
EMG: Armstrong, Graham, Davis
IN: Braun, Kerr, Hansen, Fletcher, McKinley
OUT: Masten, Davis, Seaby, McNamara, 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: Brad Ottens, Travis Varcoe, Joel Selwood, Josh Hunt
EMG: tbc

No changes.


MELBOURNE v SYDNEY SWANS
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 (from): James Frawley, Mark Jamar, Chris Johnson, Cale Morton, Shane Valenti, Matthew Whelan, Adem Yze

In: Whelan, Valenti, Jamar
Out: -


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 (from): Craig Bird, Luke Brennan, Nic Fosdike, Kieren Jack, Ben Mathews, Jarred Moore, Henry Playfair

In: Brennan, Fosdike, Mathews
Out: -

CARLTON v ESSENDON
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 (from): Mark Austin, Adam Bentick, Steven Browne, Shaun Grigg, Shaun Hampson, Darren Pfeiffer, Simon Wiggins

In: Austin, Browne, Pfeiffer
Out:


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 (from): Adam Ramanauskas, Sam Lonergan, Leroy Jetta, Jason Laycock, Jarrod Atkinson, Tayte Pears, Ricky Dyson

In: Lovett, Pears, Dyson
Out: –


COLLINGWOOD v WESTERN BULLDOGS
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 (from): Danny Stanley, Alan Toovey, Tyson Goldsack, Nathan Brown, Sharrod Wellingham, Anthony Rocca, Ryan Cook

In: Ryan Cook, Tyson Goldsack, Anthony Rocca, Danny Stanley, Alan Toovey, Cameron Wood
Out: Travis Cloke (susp), Leon Davis (ankle), Josh Fraser (knee)

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Morris, Lake, Everitt
HB: Hargrave, Williams, Gilbee
C: Boyd, Cross, Eagleton
HF: Murphy, Hahn, Johnson
F: Akermanis, Minson, Welsh
FOLL: Hudson, Griffen, Cooney
I/C from: Addison, Giansiracusa, Ray, Ward, Hill, Harbrow, Street
IN: Harbrow, Hill, Street
OUT: -





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Injury blow for Mapies

June 19th 2008 05:17
COLLINGWOOD has been dealt a major blow with ruckman Josh Fraser and Leon Davis set to miss Sunday's crucial clash against the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome.

Both Davis, who has been nursing an ankle for the past two weeks, and Fraser, troubled by a knee injury sustained while playing for Victoria in the Hall of Fame Tribute match, are in serious doubt, according to assistant coach Guy McKenna.

"They are a concern given that both boys probably won't come up this week, both boys at this stage would miss," McKenna said.


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Bailey flags changes

June 19th 2008 04:38
MELBOURNE coach Dean Bailey has indicated that at least a couple of changes will be made when the team is selected to take on Sydney in Canberra on Sunday afternoon.

The Demons have won just one match this season, and Bailey said it was important for players in the VFL to be rewarded for their good form.

"We need to ensure that the players who are in good form at Sandringham are being rewarded,” Bailey said.

Bailey also said that players still needed to perform and “play at a level that was acceptable to their teammates and the club.”

The Swans have won their past five matches, but Bailey said his side was capable of beating them if they follow the blueprint set by the Bulldogs in round seven and move the football quickly and apply plenty of pressure.

"They are in excellent form. They play very strong contested footy, and we've been trying to focus in on that for most of the year,” he said.

“We are going to come up against a very good contested-possession team in Canberra.

"It's going to be a real good challenge for our guys to play against one of the best clubs.

"We've spent a lot of time watching the tape, watching the last three or four Sydney games, but you can argue that the Bulldogs game against them was very good.

"They moved the ball particularly well, the Dogs, and they showed that being competitive, but also being ferocious in the tackle and at the contest is also desirable, and if you play at that level for long enough, you can beat Sydney."




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Dockers are confident, says Harvey

June 19th 2008 03:50
FREMANTLE has arrived in Melbourne confident it can all but end St Kilda's finals hopes at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

The Saints have lost their past two games to the Western Bulldogs and Sydney and are a game behind eighth-placed Carlton .

The Dockers snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 53-point win over the Kangaroos at Subiaco Oval last Saturday, and coach Mark Harvey said confidence had been restored within the group and that they were looking forward to putting a serious dent in St Kilda's finals aspirations.

"They have set themselves to play finals St Kilda and hopefully we can dismantle that," Harvey said, as the Dockers trained at Princes Park on Thursday morning.

"It just makes a lot of difference to the group when you talk about confidence," he said.

"Sometimes that can follow on into your game and therefore your players are running with a bit more freedom and a bit more than they would if they were still going through that down patch."

Harvey said the Dockers believe the ruck is its best chance to exploit the under pressure Saints.

With Michael Gardiner sidelined with a hamstring injury and Justin Koschitzke doubtful, debutant Ben McEvoy is likely to help teammate Steven King in the ruck.

Harvey suggested that McEvoy will come in for plenty of attention.

"He will certainly know he is playing his first game," Harvey said.

"That ruck strength is something we haven't had because we haven't had Warnock and Sandilands together a lot and it will be interesting to see how that pairing evolves over the last eight to 10 weeks."






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


Power crisis may force game shift

June 19th 2008 01:07
WEST COAST'S clash against against Geelong at Subiaco Oval Oval could be played in the afternoon as a result of the West Australian power crisis.

An explosion and fire on June 3 on the Varanus Island gas plant caused the power crisis, which could take three months to restore.

The West Australian Government has been in regular discussion with the AFL about the matter this week.

The AFL is likely to agree to start the match in the afternoon if formally asked to do so by the Government.

AFL media relations manager Patrick Keane said last night the West Coast-Geelong match was still scheduled to start at 7.40pm Perth time.

"We have spoken to the Government about the complexities (of switching the start time), and they haven't asked us to do anything at this point," Keane said.

Geelong was made aware last night of the possibility of a time switch on Saturday and won't be affected if the match is re-scheduled, according to football boss Neil Balme.

"We haven't been told anything, but if we play earlier that's not a real problem for us and we understand we need to do the right thing by the West Australian people," Balme said.

"We plan to get in a training session on Friday and if we play earlier on Saturday the only people really affected, I guess, will be our supporters."

Channel 10, which is due to televise Saturday night's West Coast-Geelong clash will not radically alter its schedule if the game was brought forward. The network will broadcast the Saturday afternoon Hawthorn-Kangaroos match and then show the West Coast game following Before The Game as planned.



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


Hawthorn player owns up to gambling breach

June 19th 2008 00:55
THE AFL has launched an investigation into a potentially explosive gambling matter after being alerted by a Hawthorn player and club official.

The player, accompanied by Hawthorn's general manager of football operations, Mark Evans, met AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson yesterday.

The player requested the meeting where he notified Anderson that bets on football games had been made on an account in his name, claiming the bet had been made by a relative.

It is not known whether the bets involved Hawthorn games.

Anderson last night refused to comment on the matter

"I'm not willing to go into any detail," he said.

The Hawks last night threw their support behind the player.

"Hawthorn can confirm that a player came to us about a series of bets made on a betting card in his name by a relative," Evans said.

"We believe the player's story."


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Season could run to 24 rounds

June 19th 2008 00:15
THE AFL season could be extended to 24 rounds with the league considering several options as it prepares to incorporate two new teams into the competition.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said potential fixtures are being modelled as the league considers the options surrounding the inclusion of new teams from the Gold Coast and western Sydney.

"For 2012, we have a couple of scenarios with the fixture, which are 22 and 24 rounds, with nine games a round," Demetriou said.

"That (24 weeks) delivers 40 extra games.

"We haven't done the work yet on the finals, but we couldn't possibly rule out the finals may change with 18 teams, and we will analyse various options (regarding) finals because that will be a worthwhile exercise."

Demetriou said that Monday night football was also a chance to return to the fixture.

"We have prepared fixtures that would accommodate a second Friday night game, one with a Saturday 5pm twilight game - which would create a 'super Saturday' - and one that has a Monday night game," Demetriou said.

"So, Monday is possible. One of the concerns we have with a Monday night game is six-day breaks, but the fixture would allow it while still ensuring six-day breaks.

"It is possible in the next broadcasting agreement, but we don't have a view on it yet."


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Networks to push for night grand final

June 19th 2008 00:04
THE AFL is expecting the Seven and Ten networks to push for a 5pm "twilight" grand final before their football broadcasting contract expires in 2011, according to chief executive Andrew Demetriou.

"I think they would be looking at a five o'clock start to finish at 7.30," Demetriou said.

"I know that between now and the end of the broadcast agreement, we will be asked about it (a twilight grand final) again.

"If and when that occurs ... we will consider it then.

"I reckon if they are going to trial (a twilight final), they will want to trial it two years out because in the last year of the agreement, the agreement (for 2012 onwards) will be done."

Network Ten's general manager of sport, David White, said he was keen on a twilight match, perhaps starting at 5.40pm and was confident that a night AFL grand final would eventually become a reality.

"I have spoken to Andrew about it in the past and I will be speaking to him about it in the future," he said.

"I've got little doubt at some point in the future there will be a twilight Grand Final. Not sure how far into the future."




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Lappin comeback again in doubt

June 18th 2008 09:37
BRISBANE midfielder Nigel Lappin's return to football looks set to be delayed with the 31-year-old suffering a setback at training on Wednesday.

Lappin was expected to complete the full session but will be assessed by staff on Thursday after failing to finish. There was speculation Lappin had suffered an ankle injury.

The Lions co-captain, who has been sidelined for eight weeks with an achilles injury was expected to return through the reserves rather than play against Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday night.





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Premiership players no certainty to play: Worsfold

June 18th 2008 06:30
FIVE premiership players could be available for West Coast's clash against Geelong at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night but they won't be guaranteed of selection, according to Eagles coach John Worsfold.

Midfielders Daniel Kerr (calf), Michael Braun (knee) and Chad Fletcher (back) all missed the round 12 loss to Essendon but appear to be fit and ready to play, while defender Beau Waters has served a two-match suspension and injury-prone centre half-forward Ashley Hansen got through his WAFL hit-out unscathed.

But Worsfold said the side wouldn't be selected based on past glories, with the club focused on building a team that can win a flag in the future.

"That title (premiership player) was related to the 2006 West Coast squad," he said.

"The 2008 squad is moving forward very strongly and building a team that will be capable of winning a premiership.

"[Selection involves] rewarding form in the WAFL and also understanding what senior players can give us coming straight back from injury."



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Worsfold rejects tanking claims

June 18th 2008 04:51
WEST COAST coach John Worsfold has angrily denied claims that his club is tanking.

The Eagles, who played in two finals in 2007, have won just two games this season following the departure of star midfielders Chris Judd and Ben Cousins, but Worsfold said the club was doing everything within its power to win games of football.

"It certainly shouldn't be directed at our football club because we are here to win games, that's our only aim ever," Worsfold said.

"I don't really care why it was sparked because it's false.

"It just doesn't happen to our club so it's really no issue to me.

"(I'm) not interested where it's come from, why it's around. It has absolutely nothing to do with our football club.

"If it happens at other clubs I wouldn't know and I don't think they are going to come and tell me if they are doing it.

"I can't control what people talk about."



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Dogs may experiment against Pies

June 18th 2008 04:08
WESTERN BULLDOGS defenders Brian Lake and Tom Williams are a chance to play in attack against Collingwood at Telstra Dome on Sunday, according to coach Rodney Eade.

Eade said the absence of key Magpie forwards Anthony Rocca and Travis Cloke through injury and suspension respectively gave his side a chance to experiment.

"We'll have to weigh that up at this stage," Eade said at Whitten Oval on Wednesday.

"Both Tom and Brian can play forward, and Tom can play on a small as well, so I think we've just got to wait and see who lines up."

Despite the loss of Rocca and Cloke, Eade said the Magpies shouldn't be underestimated given the number of quality small forwards they have.

"Obviously Cloke and Rocca are quality players, but I think a lot of their goals have come from their small forwards," he said.

"[Paul] Medhurst, [Dale] Thomas, [Alan] Didak, [Leon] Davis and [Scott] Pendlebury are all good quality players.

"I think they'll be smarting from last week, and they proved against Geelong what they can do, so it will be a big game for us and a big crowd and we're looking forward to it."



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


Brown escapes punishment

June 18th 2008 02:54
BRISBANE forward Jonathan Brown will not be fined by the AFL for criticising a rough conduct charge against Hawthorn's Lance Franklin.

Brown, who submitted a written explanation to the AFL, stood up for Franklin earlier this week, describing the bump as "like a fly hitting a human".

Franklin accepted a reprimand after pleading guilty to rough conduct for his high bump on Adelaide's Michael Doughty.




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McEvoy to debut

June 17th 2008 23:56
ST KILDA ruckman Ben McEvoy will make his AFL debut against Fremantle at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

Saints coach Ross Lyon said the 18-year-old would replace Michael Gardiner, who sustained a hamstring injury in the 35-point loss to Sydney on Saturday night.

“McEvoy is going to play,” Lyon told the Herald Sun.

“We’ll play a few kids. There will be a couple of changes.”

McEvoy was selected with the No. 9 pick in last year's National Draft and has earned his opportunity after several impessive performances for St Kilda's VFL affiliate the Casey Scorpions.

The Saints have some injury concerns ahead of Friday night's crucial clash with Sean Dempster (ankle) and Justin Koschitzke (knee) in doubt.

Lyon said a decision on Dempster and Koschitzke wouldn't be made until later in the week.

"The injuries are not dramatic but we’ll have to wait and see," he said.


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Gold Coast proposes radical draft plan

June 17th 2008 23:48
THE Gold Coast consortium has asked the AFL for 20 of the first 24 draft picks in the draft the year before it enters the competition.

At a meeting with the AFL's subcommittee of club and league officials last Friday, former Brisbane Lions chairman Graeme Downie, Southport Sharks chairman Alan McKenzie and AFL Queensland chief executive Richard Griffiths proposed that the new club be given picks 1-5 and 10-24 in the 2010 national draft, with the bottom four teams receiving picks 6,7, 8 and 9 in the normal reverse order.

If the AFL approved the proposal, the bottom team would have pick 6, the 15th team pick 7, the 14th team pick 8 and the 13th team pick 9.

The team that finished 12th on the ladder would not participate in the draft until pick 25.

The AFL had previoulsy proposed that the Gold Coast be given picks 1-5, 14, 15, 24 and 41, plus access to the best 17-year-olds in 2009, and exclusive rights to the best young talent in the Northern Territory and Queensland.

The Gold Coast consortium also suggested that it should be compulsory to trade 10 of those 20 early draft picks for players from other clubs.

Downie said last night he believed it was a better system than forcing clubs to give up players.

"This way it's done on a voluntary basis, the market determines what … trade choice we give up for a player etcetera."


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Demons want to strengthen presence in Canberra

June 17th 2008 23:33
MELBOURNE is hoping to host two matches in Canberra next year in a bid to reduce the club's crippling debt.

The Demons will receive more than $600,000 if the AFL grants their fixture request.

Melbourne plays one "home" game in Canberra this year - Sunday's clash against Sydney at Manuka Oval, and chief executive Paul McNamee said the club had let the AFL know of their intentions to play another game in the nation's capital.

"We are looking at requesting another game," McNamee said.

"We have tentatively let them (the AFL) know that's the direction we're going."

McNamee said the Demons, who are burdened by a $4.5 million debt needed to do everything in their power to improve their off-field position.

"People know we're in debt and they know we're losing money so it's responsible to do that," McNamee said.

"Canberra's our preference to build a little hub there.

"We think we'd fit well with our brother capital.

"It fits in well with our strategy, having another beach head in a place where other clubs really aren't there.

"We're waiting for the AFL's view."

Melbourne will receive $310,000 from its clash against Sydney on Sunday - regardless of gate-takings.

The Demons would replicate that for every home-and-away game they played at Manuka Oval next year.

McNamee said the club would only play another game in Canberra if the AFL allowed members a replacement game at the MCG.

Melbourne will also request more Friday night games and less Sunday fixtures next season.

Melbourne has only one Friday night match this year - against Geelong at the MCG in round 19.

"The schedule is not even," McNamee said.

"Friday nights is something we need to address. It flows through to the commercial value of what you are offering in the market place."

McNamee said too many supporters were involved in community sport on Sunday, which affected attendances.

"We've got too many Sunday games. We want more balance, with more Saturday games as well," McNamee said.

"When you look at it compared to the other big Melbourne clubs, we're definitely getting the short straw."




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


Presti set to return

June 17th 2008 07:06
COLLINGWOOD full-back Simon Prestigiacomo is set to play his first game of the season after an ongoing foot problem.

The Magpies fullback is likely to play a half against Williamstown and could then play a full VFL game the following weekend against the Box Hill Hawks.

Prestigiacomo could return to the senior side on the second weekend of the split round 14, against Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

Collingwood football chief Geoff Walsh said Prestigiacomo would be a welcome return to a Magpies backline that was tormented last weekend by Carlton spearhead Brendon Fevola, who booted a career-best eight goals.

"We're very happy with that, and looking forward to having him out there," Walsh said.

"It's been a lot longer than we hoped it would be, but it'll be nice to have him out there again."

Walsh refused to speculate on exactly when Prestigiacomo would return , but said the 30-year-old would benefit from a couple of VFL games.

"It will depend on how quickly it comes to hand, but at least with the VFL side not having the bye it will give him some continuity," he said.


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Tigers need to address fadeouts, says Wallace

June 17th 2008 06:17
RICHMOND needs to overcome its third term drop offs if it is to challenge for a top eight berth, according to coach Terry Wallace.

The Tigers booted eight goals in the second quarter of Sunday's win against Melbourne, but only booted two in the third term compared to Melbourne's five.

Speaking at a press conference at Punt Road today, Wallace said the "drop-off" in the third quarter has happened more than once and needed to be addressed.

"It's happened now on more than a few occasions. Our last win prior to that, (over) Essendon, we dropped off in the third quarter and we certainly dropped off against Adelaide the week before in the third quarter," Wallace said.

"Over a five or six week period it's become somewhat of an issue, so that's something that we'll deal with internally.

"We'll trick up a few things and try to change a few things just to see whether it makes a difference, but at the end of the day, it's mental. It's just something that you need to get on top of."

The win over the Demons sees Richmond sitting in 11th spot, just a game and a half behind eight-placed Carlton, and Wallace said the next four matches were "pretty important" for the club.




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


Franklin accepts reprimand

June 17th 2008 02:16
HAWTHORN forward Lance Franklin will play against North Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday afternoon after accepting a reprimand for rough contact.

Franklin, who was charged for his high hit on Adelaide's Michael Doughty at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night, risked a one match suspension for a failed challenge at the AFL Tribunal.

The Hawks forward is however now out of the running for this year's Brownlow medal because the initial charge drew more than 100 points.

In other tribunal news, Fremantle's Ryan Crowley and North Melbourne defender Daniel Pratt have accepted fines for wrestling one another at Subiaco Oval on Saturday afternoon.

North Melbourne skipper Adam Simpson has accepted a reprimand for striking Crowley in the same match, while Richmond midfielder Shane Tuck has accepted a $1950 fine for making contact with an umpire.


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


Cloke accepts one-match ban

June 17th 2008 01:05
COLLINGWOOD forward Travis Cloke will miss Sunday's clash against the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome after accepting a one-match ban for striking Carlton defender Michael Jamison.

Last week Cloke escaped with a reprimand but 93.75 carry over points for his headbutt on Melbourne's Matthew Warnock.

His new charge carried another 125 points meaning a total of 218.75 points or a two-match ban. Because he entered an early guilty plea, the tally fell to 164.06 points and a one-match suspension.

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Cotchin wins nomination

June 17th 2008 00:29
RICHMOND young gun Trent Cotchin has been rewarded for his impressive start to his AFL career with the round 12 nomination for the NAB Rising Star Award.

Cotchin, who has averaged 16.6 disposals in five games this season, was prolific in the Tigers' round 11 loss to Adelaide with 25 disposals but was slighlty pipped by Carlton youngster and former Northern Knighs teammate Matthew Kreuzer and had to wait until this week to be nominated.

The classy 18-year-old arrived at the club fresh off crutches after breaking his ankle in the TAC Cup finals and was unable to participate in pre-season training when he developed achilles complications soon after.

"It was pretty frustrating, as you can imagine, because all you want to do is prove yourself to the other guys," he said.

"It was tough over the months I was injured, but now that I'm out there, there's nothing better."

Cotchin said he was looking forward to getting a pre-season under his belt as it will help him run out games better.

"It's been pretty tough to run out games without a pre-season, and I'm really looking forward to that next year. If all goes well, it will be interesting to see how much further I can run," he said.

"It will be so much different. Second halves can be hard right now; the legs get a bit heavy and I think your mind can start thinking about that rather than the actual game."



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Door still open for Ablett return

June 16th 2008 23:16
GEELONG has left the door open for forward Nathan Ablett to return to the club but says his future would need to be settled shortly after the end of the season.

Ablett, who effectively retired from AFL football last November remains on the senior list and is contracted until October 31.

The 22-year-old Ablett is believed to be travelling in Australia and is not playing football at any level, but football operations manager Neil Balme said this wasn't an issue.

"Whether he wants to play footy or not is the only significant issue in this," Balme said yesterday.

"That's his decision and once he makes it — he hasn't made it to now — but if he changes his mind on that, I'm sure he'd come and talk to us.

"From our point of view, it was, 'Do you want to play this year or not?' Well, he didn't want to play. That's fair enough, we need to respect that.

"He's still a very young man and there's still a lot of footy years left in him if he wanted to do that. Obviously, we don't close the door on it. But it's absolutely up to him.

"It's Nathan's decision essentially, but obviously there would be an element of what the other players wanted to happen as well. But I've got no doubt that if he were keen to play, they'd be keen for him to play."

Balme said the club would need to know of Ablett's intentions by October 31.

"That's when his contract runs out and we've got to re-do lists. You know, that's a significant time. But it depends on what he wants to do, and what he lets us know he wants to do, and then we can sit down and work it out with him."




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


Franklin offered reprimand

June 16th 2008 08:05
HAWTHORN superstar Lance Franklin is free to play against the Kangaroos at the MCG on Saturday afternoon if he accepts a reprimand for his rough conduct charge on Adelaide's Michael Doughty during Saturday night's thrilling four-point win at AAMI Stadium.

The match review panel assessed Franklin's high bump on Doughty as negligent conduct, low impact and high contact - equating to a base tally of 125 points or a one-game ban.

However, if Franklin accepts the charge he will escape with 93.75 points and a reprimand because of the 25 percent points discount for an early guilty plea.He will risk a one-match suspension if he decides to challenge the decision at the AFL tribunal.

But even if Franklin accepts the charge and receives a reprimand, he is still out of Brownlow Medal contention because the original charge drew more than 100 points.

In other tribunal news, Collingwood forward Travis Cloke is facing a one or two-match ban depending on whether he challenges his charge of striking Carlton defender Michael Jamison.

Last week Cloke escaped with a reprimand but 93.75 carry over points for his headbutt on Melbourne's Matthew Warnock.

The new charge carries another 125 points meaning a total of 218.75 points or a two-match ban. If Cloke enters an early guilty plea the tally will fall to 164.06 points and a one-match suspension.

Geelong forward Steve Johnson had his report for headbutting Port Adelaide's Troy Chaplin thrown out because the level of contact was deemed to be below that required to constitute a reportable offence.

Kangaroos skipper Adam Simpson can accept a reprimand and 70.31 points on his record after being charged with striking Fremantle's Ryan Crowley while Crowley and North Melbourne defender Daniel Pratt have been fined for wresting each other.

Richmond's Shane Tuck was also fined for making negligent contact with an umpire while Melbourne's Brock McLean was cleared of pushing Tuck into the umpire in that particular incident.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


No Good Friday game in '09: Demetriou

June 16th 2008 07:10
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has ruled out playing matches on Good Friday next season.

Demetriou said the AFL had looked closely at the broadcasting arrangements for the Easter weekend and was of the view that a match on Easter Thursday night worked extremely well for the competition before games on Easter Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

The decision means the AFL remains the only major football code that does not play on that day with the National Rugby League and the Super 14 rugby union competition both regularly staging matches on Good Friday


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Lappin could return this weekend

June 16th 2008 06:56
BRISBANE remains hopeful that veteran midfielder Nigel Lappin will make a long-awaited return from injury this weekend.

Lappin has not played for seven weeks due to an Achilles tendon injury but he's listed for a fitness test at training and looks set to play for the Lions reserves.

Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews said full-forward Daniel Bradshaw was unlikely to return from a hamstring injury for Saturday's nights clasg against Adelaide at the Gabba.

But Matthews expects midfielder Michael Rischitelli, who was a late withdrawal from last weekend's match against the Western Bulldogs with a hip problem to return while fellow midfielder Scott Harding (knee) is also in line for a recall.





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


Key Crows in doubt

June 16th 2008 03:18
ADELAIDE midfielder Brent Reilly and defender Nathan Bassett remain in doubt for Saturday night's clash against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.

Bassett will play his 200th AFL game if he overcomes a neck sprain suffered during Adelaide's four-point loss to Hawthorn last Saturday night, while Reilly was a late withdrawal with a groin injury.

The Crows say both will face fitness tests later this week, while Brad Symes and defender Kris Massie are expected to be available for selection after being sidelined with ankle and hamstring injuries respectively.


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


Bailey to miss rest of the season

June 16th 2008 03:04
HAWTHORN ruckman Max Bailey will miss the remainder of the season after he ruptured the graft of his right knee while playing with the Box Hill reserves on Sunday.

Bailey, who hadn't played in 17 months after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in January last year, injured his knee at the 20-minute mark of the first quarter after falling awkwardly in a marking contest.



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


Fevola's management in talks with Blues

June 16th 2008 02:52
CARLTON spearhead Brendon Fevola's management and the Blues will meet today, where it's hoped a new three-year deal can be agreed to.

Velocity Sports officials will sit down with Blues chief executive Greg Swann and football manager Stephen Icke and discuss Fevola's contract.

Swann said the Blues last week offered a three-year contract , which is not worth $2.4 million as reported.

"We have already made an offer and we'll see how it pans out," Swann said.

"We've put an offer and we'll see what they are ask for."

"He's happy with three years."



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


Key players set to return for Hawks

June 16th 2008 02:39
HAWTHORN will be without Chance Bateman for at least the next two weeks after the hard-running midfielder injured his hamstring in Saturday night's thrilling four-point win over Adelaide but could regain veteran Shane Crawford and and Brent Guerra, according to midfielder Tim Clarke.

Clarke said that Guerra and Crawford are in line for a recall afrer overcoming hamstring and knee injuries, while Ben McGlynn will return from suspension.

"Chance has done his hamstring and will probably miss a couple of weeks, but he'll have a scan to determine how long he'll be out," Clarke said.

RuckmanSimon Taylor and key defender Trent Croad will face fitness tests later in the week to see if they have overcome a lacerated knee and bruised hip respectively.


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


Gumbleton likely to miss rest of the season

June 16th 2008 01:22
ESSENDON youngster Scott Gumbleton looks set to miss the remainder of the season after fracturing his collarbone in the second half of the Bendigo Bombers' clash with Geelong on Sunday afternoon.

Scans confirmed the fracture, and the highly-rated 19-year-old is likely to undergo surgery later in the week to have a plate inserted, according to the club's website.

Gumbleton, who was taken with the No. 2 pick in the 2006 National Draft has been plagued by injuries, managing just five senior games last season with a hamstring complaint keeping him on the sidelines.

This year, more trouble with his hamstrings, as well as issues with his knee, had kept him to just one match prior to Sunday.

Gumbleton recently signed a two-year deal with the Bombers which will see him remain at the club until at least the end of 2010.



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Tigers outlast desperate Dees

June 15th 2008 09:51
RICHMOND has kept its slim finals hopes alive with a hard-fought 22-point win over Melbourne at Telstra Dome on Sunday night.

The Tigers broke the game open in the second term before withstanding a second half challenge from the Demons to record a 16.20 (116) to 14.10 (94) victory.

The win sees Richmond move to 11th place on the AFL ladder, just a game and half behind eighth placed Carlton.

Matthew Richardson continued his rich vein of form with 21 possessions, 18 marks and five goals. Brett Deledio generated plenty of run through the middle with 29 possessions, while
Nathan Brown was lively in his 200th game with 21 touches and three goals.

Cameron Bruce was Melbourne's best with 29 disposals and two goals, while Paul Wheatley (29 possessions) and Brock McLean (28 disposals) tried hard all night.

Richmond kicked the opening goal of the match in the first 30 seconds but the majority of the term belonged to the Demons as they kicked the next five goals to skip out to a 21-point lead.

But Richardson ensured the Tigers would only trail by nine points at the first change, kicking two late goals.

The Tigers trailed by 16 points at the seven-minute mark of the second term before turning the game on its head as they slammed on eight unanswered goals - including seven in a stunning 11-minute burst - to take a commanding 38-point lead into the main break.

The Demons got themselves back into the contest with five goals to two in the third term, with livewire Aaron Davey the chief destroyer with two majors and a contender for mark of the year.

Richardson gave his side some breathing space heading into the final change, kicking his fifth after taking a brilliant diving mark to extend Richmond's lead to 19 points.

Goals to Jeff White and Austin Wonaeamirri cut the deficit to eight points in the final term before goals to Brown, Mitch Morton and Shane Tuck secured Richmond's fourth win of the season.

RICHMOND: 3.6, 11.13, 13.15, 16.20 (116)
MELBOURNE: 5.3, 6.5, 11.8, 14.10 (94)
GOALS: Richmond: Richardson 5, Brown 3, Hyde, Polak, White, Cotchin, Moore, Simmonds, Morton, Tuck
Melbourne: Miller 3, Davey 2, Bruce 2, Bartram 2, Garland, Green, White, Wonaeamirri, Bate
BEST: Richmond: Richardson, Deledio, Brown, Tuck, Foley
Melbourne: Wheatley, McLean, Bruce, Jones
INJURIES: Richmond: Nil
Melbourne: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Sully, Nicholls, Ryan
CROWD: 27,348 at Telstra Dome




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


Blues down Pies

June 15th 2008 07:32
CARLTON has moved into the top eight with a 30-point win over Collingwood at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

Inspired by a career-best eight-goal haul from spearhead Brendon Fevola, the Blues prevailed 17.17 (119) to 12.17 (89).

Fevola starred with 22 possessions, 10 marks and 8.6 while Marc Murphy was prolific in the middle with a game-high 31 possessions.

Carlton skipper Chris Judd, who was well held by Rhyce Shaw in the first half, lifted in the final term and finished with 25 disposals, while Bryce Gibbs and Kade Simpson did a superb blanketing job on Heath Shaw, restricting Collingwood's chief playmaker to just six possessions.

Dane Swan was Collingwood's best with 27 possessions and two goals, while Paul Medhurst chimed in with four majors.

Carlton dominated the opening term but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wayward 2.7 to take a nine-point lead into quarter-time.

The lead changed hands three times in the second term before Swan kicked a goal after a free kick from right in front to give the Magpies the lead at the 24-minute mark before Medhurst snapped truly with 90 seconds left to put Collingwood up by 10 points at the main break.

Collingwood looked set to record an easy win as they kicked three of the first four goals of the third term to skip out to a 25-point lead at the 12-minute mark.

But Carlton responded with goals to Jarrad Waite and impressive youngster Dennis Armfield in less than a minute to get back to within 10 points.

A Travis Cloke major gave the Magpies some breathing space but the Blues hit back with the next three to ensure scores were level heading into the final change.

Both sides traded goals early in the final term before a Simon Wiggins major and Fevola's seventh gave Carlton a 14-point lead with less than ten minutes to play.

Medhurst kicked truly from directly in front to give the Pies some hope, but Waite put the result beyond doubt with his second major with less than six minutes left.

Goals to Nick Stevens, Heath Scotland - and Fevola's eighth after the siren capped off another impressive win for the Blues.

COLLINGWOOD: 1.4, 5.8, 9.13, 12.17 (89)
CARLTON: 2.7, 3.10, 9.13, 17.17 (119)
GOALS: Collingwood: Medhurst 4, Swan 2, Burns, T. Cloke, Davis, Lockyer, O'Bree, Thomas
Carlton: Fevola 8, Scotland 2, Waite 2, Armfield, Fisher, Stevens, Thornton, Wiggins
BEST: Collingwood: Swan, Medhurst, R.Shaw, O'Bree, Cloke
Carlton: Fevola, Murphy, Carrazzo, Scotland, Gibbs, Judd
INJURIES: Collingwood: TBC
Carlton: Armfield (thigh)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Farmer, Kennedy, Schmitt
CROWD: 80,310 at the MCG




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


Cats punish Power

June 15th 2008 06:17
GEELONG has moved to top spot on the AFL ladder with a 59-point demolition of Port Adelaide at Skilled Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Cats were never challenged after a physical opening term, slamming on 12 goals to five to cruise to a convincing 15.18 (108) to 7.7 (49) victory.

The loss all but ends Port's finals aspirations, with the Power slumping to a 4-8 win-loss record.

The only bad note for the Cats was the report of Steve Johnson for making contact with his head to the face of Port's Troy Chaplin in the second quarter.

But replays suggested if there was any contact it was very minor.

Port Adelaide forward Daniel Motlop could find himself in trouble for appearing to strike
Geelong defender Harry Taylor off the ball late in the third quarter.

Gary Ablett Jnr, Joel Corey, Joel Selwood and Brent Prismall were all prolific in the middle, racking up 30-plus possessions, while Cameron Ling (27 disposals) did a superb blanketing job Shaun Burgoyne, restricting the Port Adelaide star to just ten possessions.

Up forward, Paul Chapman starred with 22 possessions and four goals, while Steve Johnson was the only other multiple goalkicker with two majors. Geelong had 11 individual goalkickers in an even team performance.

For Port Adelaide, Motlop was one of the few shining lights on a dismal day for the Power with three majors, while Steven Salopek (32 possessions) tried hard all day.

Port led 2.0 to 1.4 at the 11-minute mark of the first term, but the Power failed to fire a shot from thereonin, managing just another two goals before three-quarter time.

Geelong put the result beyond doubt in a dominant third term as they slammed on 6.4 to 1.0 to take a match-winning 62-point lead into the final change.

GEELONG: 3.5, 7.9, 13.14, 15.18 (108)
PORT ADELAIDE: 2.2, 3.6, 4.6, 7.7 (49)
GOALS: Geelong: Chapman 4, Johnson 2, Mackie, Varcoe, Lonergan, Stokes, Ablett, Prismall, Rooke, Ling, Blake
Port Adelaide: Motlop 3, Rodan 2, Tredrea, S Burgoyne
BEST: Geelong: Selwood, Ablett, Mackie, Chapman, Prismall, Ling, Corey, Harley, Taylor, Milburn
Port Adelaide: Motlop, Salopek, Carlile, Rodan, Cassisi
INJURIES: Geelong: Milburn (cut head)
Port Adelaide: Nil
UMPIRES: Stewart, McLaren, Ellis
REPORTS: Johnson (Geelong) reported by field umpire Stewart for making contact with his head to the face of Chaplin in the second quarter
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 21,642 at Skilled Stadium




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


Dogs are a genuine contender, says Matthews

June 15th 2008 01:24
THE Western Bulldogs are a genuine contender for this year's flag following their 63-point demolition of the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Saturday, according to Lions coach Leigh Matthews.

Matthews admitted that the Lions had been "blown away" by the best team Brisbane had played this season.

"They creamed us," he said. "They out-muscled us in close and out-ran us out wide. We were simply overwhelmed."

Matthews said the Bulldogs didn't allow the Lions to play their natural game.

"We came here pretty hopeful," he said. "But never has our midfield been overwhelmed like they were today.

"We didn't handle the pressure or the occasion. We weren't allowed to play or move with any freedom whatsoever. That's a credit to the Bulldogs, they made us look fairly second rate."

Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade rated the win as one of the club's best this season but said it was important for his side to remain focused ahead of a tough run.

"We have beaten four of the top eight this year," he said.

"We're in the middle of a tough period and have some tough ones ahead, too, before the Round 14 break. We can't afford to take our eye off the ball."

The Bulldogs have few injury concerns ahead of Sunday's blockbuster against Collingwood, but Matthews said full-forward Daniel Bradshaw was a doubtful starter against Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday night.


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


Demons in massive debt

June 15th 2008 01:14
NEW Melbourne chairman Jim Stynes has revealed that the club owes $4.5 million.

Stynes and his board went through the club's books on Friday and the former Brownlow medallist said tackling the debt is his number one priority.

"I would say that the debt is a real priority for us," Stynes said.

"It is going to be up around the four and half million (mark). The weight of that - and the interest to be paid on it - is hurting, so we need to look at strategies to reduce it.

"That's why we need supporters to come on board.

"It puts too much of a noose around our neck. We have got to get it down to get some breathing space."

Stynes said one way to assist this in the short term was to continue to attract new members before the June 30 deadline. The club has signed at least 300 new members since the board handover on Thursday.

The Demons have 27,658 members, only 419 short of the club's all-time membership record.

"The way I see it, the first step is to break our record, which is just over 28,000, and then we can head to 30,000 for next year," the chairman said.

"If we sold another 1000 memberships that would mean an extra $100,000. That will make a difference."



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Lyon set to blood youngsters

June 15th 2008 00:01
ST KILDA coach Ross Lyon says he will make significant changes in the coming weeks if his players don't start to deliver.

The Saints have now lost four of their past five following Saturday night's 35-point loss to Sydney at the SCG.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Lyon said he would blood more youngsters in the coming weeks if the current group didn't start to perform.

"I can't accept continually losing and going with the same cattle and we'll judge everyone on the ability they have and what they delivered tonight," Lyon warned.

"So if you don't meet your ability then you're going to be under some pressure and we'll make some changes."

"We need to get a blood transfusion into the group and introduce some enthusiasm and some energy to revitalise a few of the others."

Lyon said the Saints, who sit just half a game outside the top eight, hadn't given up on finals but that his main focus was on instilling a competitive spirit in the side.

"You don't give up on finals."

"But it's about building a team structure and a work ethic and a competitive spirit (so) that in the end the results will take care of themselves."

"That's the focus for me, that's the focus."

Lyon admitted that confidence levels within the group were low but said his side could turn things around if they continued to work hard.

"There's probably three stages of confidence isn't there - supreme, persevering and low," Lyon said.

"You wouldn't have to be Einstein to work out that we're at low confidence but we need to get into the perseverance stage and start persevering and turn it around for our supporters and each other."




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


Demons clash critical: Roos

June 14th 2008 23:48
SYDNEY coach Paul Roos has stressed the importance of maintaining their winning run when they meet bottom-placed Melbourne in Canberra next Sunday.

The Swans extended their winning streak to five with a 35-point win over St Kilda at the SCG on Saturday night to move into fourth place on the AFL ladder.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Roos said it was vital for his side to consolidate their place in the top four with a win ahead of the break.

"If we can get over the line against Melbourne and beat them ... that'll give us six (wins) in a row and then we have a weekend off and the guys can re-group a bit," Roos said.

"So next week's a massive game for us to make sure we can capitalise and we need to play well again next week and we need to try and get another win on the board."

Meanwhile, Roos was happy with Barry Hall's output in his return from a seven-week suspension and a fractured wrist.

Hall booted two goals and pulled in 11 marks in his first match since round four, when he infamously king-hit West Coast utility Brent Staker.

"He looked good, he looked sharp," Roos said.

"(Max) Hudghton's a good player and has probably done pretty well on Hally in the past so it was a pretty good first-up test for him coming back after seven weeks."

"Obviously (he was) a little bit underdone but even you could see tonight (that) he's sharp in terms of his fitness."

"I think in the end he ran out of a bit of gas and even with some of his kicks, his kicks dropped a little bit short because of a lack of match fitness, but he looked very sharp which we'd hoped and obviously he'd be pretty pleased with his first game."




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


McIntosh out for 10 weeks

June 14th 2008 13:32
NORTH MELBOURNE ruckman Hamish McIntosh could miss the remainder of the season after suffering a a serious knee injury against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Saturday afternoon.

McIntosh injured the knee in a ruck contest with Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands in the second quarter. He left the field, was heavily tested by club medicos and had his right knee put in a brace.

Kangaroos coach Dean Laidley said McIntosh injured his posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and was expected to miss at least 10 weeks of football.

The Kangaroos, who have now lost their past three following a 53-point loss to the Dockers are in danger of missing the finals, which means McIntosh will struggle to play again in 2008.

In some good news for the Kangaroos, forward Corey Jones could return against Hawthorn next weekend after being named as an emergency against Fremantle.

Laidley said he was confident that veteran Shannon Grant, who was a late withdrawal for the game against the Dockers, would play against the Hawks.

"He's had trouble travelling this year," Laidley replied when asked why Grant failed to front up against the Dockers.

"His form hasn't been that flash. His back and hamstrings haven't been good on flights, so I thought this flight here probably wasn't best suited for him.

"But I think he'll come back next week."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Hawks win thriller

June 14th 2008 13:20
HAWTHORN has won its first match against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium in 14 years after downing the Crows by four points in a thrilling contest on Saturday night.

The Hawks trailed the Crows for the majority of the night but hit the front late in the final term to record a hard-fought 11.10 (76) to 10.12 (72) win.

The win was soured somewhat for the Hawks with hard-running midfielder Chance Bateman sustaining a hamstring injury and spearhead Lance Franklin getting reported in the second term for a high bump against Michael Doughty

Luke Hodge was Hawthorn's best with 28 possessions and one goal, while Sam Mitchell was also influential in the middle with 25 disposals. Franklin was down on his best but lifted in the final term, collecting nine possessions and booting a valuable goal, while Jarryd
Roughhead chimed in with three majors.

For Adelaide, Nathan Bock had the better of Franklin and collected a game-high 35 possessions, while Jason Porpyzlia was lively with 22 disposals and three goals.Scott Thompson continued his rich vein of form with 33 possessions, while Nathan van Berlo was also busy in the middle with 30 touches.

The Crows dominated the opening five minutes, collecting 21 possessions before Hawthorn could get their hands on the football. They also registered the first five inside 50s but failed to translate their dominance onto the scoreboard, booting a wayward 2.3.

Michael Osborne kicked the Hawks first major at the eight-minute mark before classy youngster Cyril Rioli slotted one home.

The remainder of the term was an arm-wrestle, with the Crows taking a one-point lead into the first change.

Early goals to Tyson Edwards and Luke Jericho extended Adelaide's advantage, but two majors from Mark Williams gave the Hawks the lead for the first time in the match.

Hawthorn's lead was short-lived with Porplyzia kicking the last goal of the second term to give the Crows a two-point lead at the main break.

Porplyzia threatened to break the game open for the Crows, booting two opportunistic goals within 90 seconds to extend Adelaide's lead to 13 points.

But the Hawks refused to give in, with Roughead slotting home two majors from long range to reduce Adelaide's advantage to three points heading into the final change.

Neither side was able to land the knockout blow in a see-sawing final term as both sides traded goals.

Hawthorn eventually broke the sequence when Osborne kicked truly from outside 65m after a brilliant run and then Hodge coolly slotted one home with four minutes to play to secure the four premiership points for the Hawks.

ADELAIDE: 2.4, 5.7, 8.10, 10.12 (72)
HAWTHORN: 2.3, 5.5, 8.7, 11.10 (76)
GOALS: ADELAIDE: Porplyzia 3, Douglas 2, Edwards 2, Jericho 2, Vince
HAWTHORN: Roughead 3, Williams 2, Osborne 2, Rioli, Mitchell, Franklin, Hodge
BEST: ADELAIDE: Bock, Thompson, van Berlo, Goodwin, Porplyzia, Edwards
HAWTHORN: Hodge, Mitchell, Lewis, Osborne Roughead, Ellis, Ladson, Brown
INJURIES: ADELAIDE: Bassett (neck)
HAWTHORN: Bateman (hamstring), Ellis (calf)
REPORTS: Lance Franklin reported for high contact on Michael Doughty in the second quarter.
CHANGES: Croad (hip) replaced in the Hawthorn side by Murphy. Reilly (groin) replaced in the Adelaide side by Otten.
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Wenn, Mollison
CROWD: 44,459 at the AAMI STADIUM



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


Swans make it five straight

June 14th 2008 12:16
SYDNEY has continued its rich vein of form with a 35-point win over St Kilda at the SCG on Saturday night.

The Swans, who have now won their past five, were challenged all night by the Saints but had all the answers as they recorded a 14.18 (102) to 9.13 (67) victory.

Adam Goodes was at his damaging best for the Swans with 23 possessions and two goals. Jarrad McVeigh (28 possessions) and Brett Kirk (26 disposals) were busy contributors in the middle, while Ryan O'Keefe and Michael O'Loughlin chimed in with three majors each.

Barry Hall also made a solid return from suspension and injury, managing two goals and 11 marks.

For St Kilda, late inclusion Charlie Gardiner, who came into the side for Justin Koschitzke, was lively up forward with 15 possessions and three goals, while skipper Nick Riewoldt tried hard all night, managing 20 possessions, but he again failed to make the most of his opportunities in front of goal, booting a wayward 1.3.

The opening term was a scrappy affair with Riewoldt kicking the first goal of the match at the 11-minute mark.

Both sides traded goals from thereonin before Hall kicked truly with less than a minute to play to give the Swans a nine-point lead at quarter-time.

Gardiner kicked the opening goal of the second term to level the scores at the six-minute mark, but the rest of the term belonged to the Swans as they slammed on four unanswered goals to take a handy 26-point lead into the main break.

St Kilda lifted their intensity after half-time and kicked five of the first seven goals of the third term, with former Swan Adam Schneider kicking truly to get the Saints to within 11 points at the 20-minute mark.

But the Swans had all the answers, booting three late goals through Goodes, Craig Bird and
O’Loughlin to take a commanding 31-point advantage into the final change.

Sydney was never seriously threatened in the final term, booting two goals to one to secure their eighth win of the season.

SYDNEY: 3.5 7.9 12.16 14.18 (102)
ST KILDA: 2.2 3.5 8.9 9.13 (67)
GOALS: Sydney: O'Keefe 3, O'Loughlin 3, Hall 2, Goodes 2, McVeigh, Moore, Bird, Jolly
St Kilda: C. Gardiner 3, Riewoldt, Dal Santo, M.Gardiner, Goddard, Schneider, Milne
BEST: Sydney:
St Kilda:
INJURIES: Sydney:Nil
St Kilda: Michael Gardiner failed to return in the fourth term after succumbing to a knee injury.
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Sydney ruckman Peter Everitt (hamstring) replaced by Craig Bird in the 22. Andrew McQualter replaced St Kilda forward Justin Koschitzke (knee) while Charlie Gardner was rushed into the visitors' squad for Matthew Ferguson (undisclosed injury) on game day.
UMPIRES: James, Kamolins, Avon.
CROWD: 25,996 at the SCG



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Dockers thrash Roos

June 14th 2008 09:12
FREMANTLE has snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 53-point win over North Melbourne at Subiaco Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The Dockers led at every change on their way to a comprehensive 18.12 (120) to 9.13 (67) win.

It was North Melbourne's greatest losing margin against the Dockers, eclipsing a 45-point loss from 2003. The Kangaroos have now lost their past three and will drop out of the top eight if St Kilda or Carlton win this weekend.

The loss was made worse for the Kangaroos with ruckman Hamish McIntosh injuring his knee in a ruck contest with Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands in the second quarter. He left the field, was heavily tested by club medicos and had his right knee put in a brace.

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich starred with 17 possessions, eight marks and eight goals, while Jeff Farmer was damaging in his new midfield role with a career-best 27 possessions and two goals.

For the Kangaroos, Brent Harvey (29 possessions) tried hard all day, while Daniel Wells was solid in his return from a knee injury with 23 disposals.

The Dockers stamped their authority on the contest in the opening term, applying immense pressure all over the ground and dominating in the middle as they slammed on five unanswered goals to take a 29-point lead into quarter-time.

It was the first time this season the Kangaroos had been held goalless.

North Melbourne lifted their intensity early in the second term and hit back with two goals in two minutes from small forward Lindsay Thomas to cut the deficit to 18 points.

But the comeback was short-lived as the Dockers kicked four of the next five to take a commanding 38-point advantage into the main break.

Fremantle put the result beyond doubt in a dominant third term, slamming on four unanswered goals to take a match-winning 61-point lead into the final change.

The Kangaroos booted six goals in the final term to add some respectability to the scoreboard but the damage had already been done.

FREMANTLE: 5.3, 9.8, 13.11, 18.12 (120)
NORTH MELBOURNE: 0.4, 3.6, 3.10, 9.13 (67)
GOALS: Fremantle: Pavlich 8, Farmer, Tarrant 2, Mundy, Bell, Palmer, Ibbotson, Mayne,Johnson
North Melbourne: Thomas 2, Campbell, Petrie, Brown, Harding, Power, Harvey, Smith
BEST: Fremantle: Pavlich, Tarrant, McPharlin, Farmer, Solomon, Mayne, Carr
North Melbourne: Harvey, Wells, Thomas, Simpson
INJURIES: Fremantle: Nil
North Melbourne: Hamish McIntosh (knee)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Grant (North) replaced in selected side by Brown
UMPIRES: McBurney, Fila, Meredith
CROWD: 34,105 at Subiaco Oval






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Dogs smash Lions

June 14th 2008 07:20
THE Western Bulldogs have consolidated their place in the top four with a convincing 63-point win over Brisbane at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Bulldogs dominated after quarter-time, slamming on 17 goals to seven to cruise to a comfortable 19.17 (131) to 10.8 (68) win.

Adam Cooney did his Brownlow medal chances no harm with a game-high 37 possessions and two goals, while Matthew Boyd was also busy in the middle with 32 disposals.

Scott Welsh was the chief beneficiary of the Bulldogs dominance in the midfield with five goals, while Brad Johnson and Jason Akermanis chimed in with three majors each.

For Brisbane, Simon Black (29 possessions) and Luke Power (33 disposals) tried hard all day, while Jonathan Brown was the only Lion that looked dangerous up forward, finishing the match with 22 touches, 12 marks and three goals.

The Bulldogs had three scoring shots, eight inside 50s and 33 disposals more than Brisbane in the opening term, but an inability to make the most of their opportunities saw them go into quarter-time trailing by two points.

The Dogs booted the first three goals of the second term through Welsh, Johnson and Dylan Addison to skip out to an 18-point lead early in the third term.

Black booted a much needed goal for the Lions but the Bulldogs had all the answers, with Robert Murphy kicking two goals in less than a minute as the Dogs took a 20-point lead into half-time.

Akermanis kicked his first goal of the game at the three-minute mark of the third term after a quiet first half.

Brown hit back with his third but the Dogs slammed on four of the next six to take a commanding 35-point lead into the final change.

Rhan Hooper gave the Lions a sniff with his second goal just 18 seconds in to the final term, before Anthony Corrie kicked another to get Brisbane back into the contest.

But from thereonin it was all the Bulldogs as they piled on the next seven goals to secure their tenth win of the season.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 2.6, 7.12, 12.15, 19.17 (131)
BRISBANE LIONS: 3.2, 5.4, 8.4, 10.8 (68)
GOALS: Western Bulldogs: Welsh 5, Akermanis 3, Johnson 3, Murphy 2, Cooney 2, Addison, Ray, Ward, Hahn
Brisbane Lions: Brown 3, Hooper 2, Brennan, Black, Drummond, Adcock, Corrie
BEST: Western Bulldogs: Cooney, Boyd, Murphy, Eagleton, Griffin, Akermanis
Brisbane Lions: Power, Brown, Adcock, Stiller, Sherman, Drummond
INJURIES: Western Bulldogs: Griffen (corked thigh)
Brisbane Lions: Johnstone (hamstring)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Donlon, Stevic, McInerney
CROWD: 39,320 at the MCG




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Saints lose Kosi, Ferguson

June 14th 2008 04:51
ST KILDA has suffered a massive blow ahead of their clash against Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night with the withdrawals of Justin Koschitzke and Matthew Ferguson.

Koschitzke, who was selected in the 22 to face the Swans when the Saints named their team on Thursday night, will miss after jarring his knee in last weekend's loss to the Western Bulldogs.

Ferguson meanwhile, who has only played two senior games, has been ruled out with an undisclosed injury.

Koschitzke and Ferguson havce been replaced in the side by Andrew McQualter and Charlie Gardiner.


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Rischitelli out

June 14th 2008 04:04
BRISBANE has suffered a blow ahead of their crucial clash against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG this afternoon with midfielder Michael Rischitelli a late withdrawal.

Rischitelli has been replaced by first-year player James Polkinghorne, who is set to play his second AFL match, while the Bulldogs go into the match as selected.


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We need to deliver, says Bailey

June 14th 2008 02:56
MELBOURNE is still focused on winning games of football, according to coach Dean Bailey.

The bottom-placed Demons face Richmond at Telstra Dome on Sunday and Bailey said the club was focused on remaining competitive and playing four quarters of consistent football.

"We've all got expectations - we believe we will go out on Sunday and expect to be competitive.

"We still think and we still believe that we can win the game. You've still got to have that focus.

"Our members and supporters are going to the game with the same expectations that we have so we're all in it together.

"We've got deliver and we've got to be competitive longer than what we have been," he said.

Despite wanting to be competitive, Bailey said it was also important to give younger players an opportunity to develop.

"Our emphasis will always be to win games but I think we need to persist with some of our young guys. An extra game or two will give them a chance to develop and play at AFL level."



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Injury relegates Thomson

June 14th 2008 02:00
PORT ADELAIDE coach Mark Williams has responded to a newspaper column by former Port player Josh Francou, saying midfielder Adam Thomson has been forced back to the SANFL because of concerns about his osteitis pubis rather than his form.

Francou suggested in his column that Thomson was out of favour and should leave the club, but Williams said the 21-year-old was an important member of the side and needed some rest to recover.

"It's tough for people outside the club to know but Adam has been rested in regards to o.p. and the signs of that," he said.

"We've valued Adam's input into the side much more than any other year to the fact that we didn't drop him, we gave him time off."


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Worsfold remains positive

June 14th 2008 00:00
WEST COAST coach John Worsfold believes his side his heading in the right direction despite suffering another loss on Friday night at Telstra Dome.

The Eagles' 22-point loss to Essendon was their 10th from their past 11 games, leaving the club languishing in 14th place on the AFL ladder with a 2-10 win-loss record.

West Coast has been more competitive in the past five weeks, recording narrow losses against North Melbourne and Sydney, and thrashing Adelaide by 50 points.

"Tonight was a little bit off, certainly against Collingwood, well off. But I would say over the last five or six weeks we've been a lot better than any other period this year," Worsfold said.

"We're really pleased with the way we're heading."

Last night the Eagles were missing 11 players from their 2006 premiership side and fielded seven players with less than 10 games of experience, which meant inconsistent performances would be expected, according to Worsfold.

"The thing I've said in the past with young players they can't have a big impact over four quarters and if you've got a lot of them out there it does leave gaping holes at periods in the game," he said.

Worsfold said it was important to find a balance between youth and experience as the Eagles continue to rebuild.

"We've got to look to get the balance of having enough young players in learning the game and having enough senior players to be really competitive and winning games," he said.

"That's the best way to learn, to play in winning teams and having the confidence."

Worsfold said that premiership ruckman Mark Seaby was under pressure to retain his place in the side and may be relegated to the WAFL to find some form.

"Mark needs to give the team more at the moment. When he goes onto the ball he's not winning of the contest," he said.

In some good news for the Eagles, Worsfold said veteran midfielders Chad Fletcher and Michael Braun were a chance to return next Saturday night to face Geelong at Subiaco Oval, as was star midfielder Daniel Kerr, who was a late withdrawal against the Bombers with calf tightness.



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Bombers too good for Eagles

June 13th 2008 13:05
ESSENDON has snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 22-point win over West Coast at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

The Bombers were challenged all night by the Eagles in a scrappy affair but prevailed 16.17 (113) to 13.13 (91).

David Hille starred for the Bombers with 27 possessions, 22 hit-outs and three goals, while skipper Matthew Lloyd was prominent up forward with 21disposals, nine marks and two goals.

Lloyd, who had copped critcism in the media this week for his poor form, capped off an impressive performance with a spectacular mark and goal in the final term.

Scott Lucas and Jay Neagle chimed in with three majors each, while impressive youngster Kyle Reimers and Brent Stanton were also influential in the middle for Essendon with 21 and 27 disposals respectively.

For West Coast, Andrew Embley was busy with 20 disposals, eight marks and 1.3, while David Wirrpanda was lively with four majors. Adam Hunter showed glimpes of his best, kicking three goals, while Mark LeCras (three goals) lifted in the final term.

Essendon controlled the opening stages of the game but failed to make the most of their opportunities, with a Neagle major their only reward from five shots on goal.

In contrast, the Eagles made the most of their opportunities through Wirrpanda, Embley and Brent Staker to skip out to an early lead.

But the Bombers found their range late in the term and hit back with three goals, with a long bomb from Hille just before the siren giving Essendon a five-point lead heading into quarter-time.

Wirrpanda kicked his second goal inside the first five minutes of the second term to put the Eagles back in front, but the Bombers hit back with three of the next four to take an 11-point lead into the main break.

West Coast could have easily been in front at the main break but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting four straight behinds before half-time.

Essendon looked set to record an easy win when they kicked three of the first four goals of the second half to open up a handy advantage.

However, the Eagles lifted and started to win more of the football in the middle, but their inability to hold the ball inside 50 prevented them from edging closer.

A late goal to Hunter, who benefited from a free-kick directly in front gave West Coast a glimmer of hope heading into the final change, with the Bombers holding a 15-point lead.

LeCras kept the Eagles in the contest with three last-quarter goals but the Bombers had all the answers, with majors from Lloyd and Lucas putting the result beyond doubt.

ESSENDON: 4.6, 7.11, 11.14, 16.17 (113)
WEST COAST: 4.1, 6.6, 9.11, 13.13 (91)
GOALS: Essendon: Hille 3, Lucas 3, Neagle 3, Lloyd 2, Laycock, Lovett-Murray, Monfries, Ramanauskas, Reimers
West Coast: Wirrpanda 4, Hunter 3, LeCras 3, Embley, Staker, Wilkes
BEST: Essendon: Hille, Stanton, Lucas, Lloyd, Reimers, McPhee
West Coast: Wirrpanda, Selwood, Hunter, Stenglein
INJURIES: Essendon: Nil
West Coast: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Lovett (Essendon) replaced in selected side by Atkinson; Kerr (West Coast) replaced in selected side by McNamara
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Chamberlain, Jeffery
CROWD: 33,386 at Telstra Dome





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Round twelve teams

June 13th 2008 07:32
ROUND TWELVE

All the teams for round twelve of the 2008 AFL premiership season, with Sunday's updated teams

ESSENDON v WEST COAST
Friday, 7:40pm AEST, Telstra Dome
ESSENDON
B: Welsh, Fletcher, Lovett-Murray
HB: Stanton, Ryder, McVeigh
C: Lovett, McPhee, Reimers
HF: Monfries, Lucas, Myers
F: Watson, Lloyd, Neagle
FOLL: Hille, Slattery, Lonergan
I/C: Ramanauskas, Nash, Jetta, Laycock
EMG: Atkinson, Dyson, Michael
IN: Watson, Laycock, Neagle, Ramanauskas
OUT: Winderlich (back), Houli (groin), Pears (foot), Bellchambers

WEST COAST
B: Nicoski, Glass, Wilkes
HB: Selwood, Hunter, Jones
C: Embley, Kerr, Houlihan
HF: Butler, Staker, Ebert
F: Wirrpanda, Lynch, LeCras
FOLL: Cox, Priddis, Masten
I/C: Davis, Schofield, Seaby, Stenglein
EMG: Armstrong, Graham, McNamara
IN: Ebert, LeCras, Schofield
OUT: Braun (knee), Fletcher (back), Graham
Field umpires: Rosebury, Chamberlain, Jeffery

WESTERN BULLDOGS v BRISBANE LIONS
Saturday, 2:10pm AEST, MCG
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Morris, Lake, Hargrave
HB: Addison, Williams, Gilbee
C: Giansiracusa, Boyd, Cross
HF: Murphy, Hahn, Johnson
F: Akermanis, Minson, Welsh
FOLL: Hudson, Cooney, Griffen
I/C: Ray, Eagleton, Everitt, Ward
EMG: Hill, Harbrow, Street
IN: Murphy
OUT: Tiller

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Drummond, Merrett, Patfull
HB: Brennan, Macdonald, Selwood
C: Corrie, Black, Notting
HF: Rischitelli, Brown, Sherman
F: Hooper, Clark, Johnstone
FOLL: Charman, Power, Adcock
I/C: Leuenberger, Stiller, McGrath, Roe
EMG: Proud, Polkinghorne, Copeland
IN: Drummond, McGrath, Stiller, Roe
OUT: Hawksley, Copeland, Bradshaw (hamstring), Harding (knee)
Field umpires: Donlon, Stevic, McInerney

FREMANTLE v NORTH MELBOURNE
Saturday, 2:10pm AEST, Subiaco Oval
FREMANTLE
B: Dunn, Grover, Michael Johnson
HB: Mundy, McPharlin, Hayden
C: Ibbotson, Bell, Peake
HF: Palmer, Tarrant, Murphy
F: Mayne, Pavlich, M.Johnson
FOLL: Sandilands, Crowley, Carr
I/C: Farmer, Solomon, Schammer, Warnock
EMG: Thornton, Duffield, Bradley
IN: Hayden, Murphy, Dunn, Schammer
OUT: Black, McManus, Thornton, Bradley

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Urquhart, Gibson, S.Thompson
HB: Josh Smith, Firrito, Pratt
C: Grant, Riggio, Rawlings
HF: Harvey, Petrie, Wells
F: Campbell, Hale, Thomas
FOLL: McIntosh, Harris, Simpson
I/C: Power, Davies, Lower, Harding
EMG: Brown, Jones, McMahon
IN: Wells, Josh Smith
OUT: McMahon, Brown
Field umpires: McBurney, Fila, Meredith

SYDNEY v ST KILDA
Saturday, 7:10pm AEST, SCG
SYDNEY
B: Malceski, Barry, Mattner
HB: C.Bolton, Richards, Kennelly
C: Buchanan, Kirk, McVeigh
HF: R.O'Keefe, Hall, Ablett
F: Bevan, O'Loughlin, Playfair
FOLL: Jolly, Goodes, J.Bolton
I/C: Everitt, Jack, Moore, Roberts-Thomson
EMG: Bird, Brennan, Smith
IN: Hall
OUT: Barlow

ST KILDA
B: Blake, Hudghton, Dempster
HB: Goddard, S.Fisher, Gram
C: Dal Santo, Ball, Montagna
HF: Schneider, Riewoldt, Jones
F: Milne, Koschitzke, Gwilt
FOLL: Gardiner, Hayes, Harvey
I/C: Geary, Ferguson, Gilbert, King
EMG: Birss, McQualter, Fiora
IN: Harvey, Gilbert, King
OUT: Birss, L.Fisher, Armitage
Field umpires: James, Kamolins, Avon

ADELAIDE v HAWTHORN
Saturday, 7:10pm CST, AAMI Stadium
ADELAIDE
B: Johncock, Rutten, Bassett
HB: Doughty, Bock, McLeod
C: Reilly, Thompson, Douglas
HF: Vince Stevens, Edwards
F: Porplyzia, Tippett, Jericho
FOLL: Maric, Goodwin, van Berlo
I/C: Griffin, Shirley, Mackay, Knights
EMG: Gill, McGregor, Otten
IN: Griffin
OUT: McGregor

HAWTHORN
B: Brown, Gilham, Birchall
HB: Ladson, Croad, Ellis
C: Young, Mitchell, Bateman
HF: Osborne, Franklin, Clarke
F: Rioli, Roughead, Williams
FOLL: Campbell, Hodge, Lewis
I/C: Renouf, Boyle, Dew, Morton
EMG: Dawson, Murphy, Kennedy
IN: Dew, Renouf
OUT: Taylor (cut knee), Kennedy
NEW: Brent Renouf, Selection No.24 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft, from Southport
Field umpires: Vozzo, Wenn, Mollison

GEELONG v PORT ADELAIDE
Sunday, 1:10pm AEST, Skilled Stadium
GEELONG
B: Harley, Taylor, Mackie
HB: Milburn, Rooke, Enright
C: Prismall, Ling, Bartel
HF: Stokes, Mooney, S.Johnson
F: Kelly, Lonergan, Chapman
FOLL: Blake, Corey, Ablett
I/C: Ottens, Varcoe, Selwood, Hunt
EMG: Wojcinski, Gamble, Tenace
IN: Taylor, Selwood, Hunt
OUT: Scarlett (hamstring), Byrnes (foot), Wojcinski

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Pettigrew, Carlile, Wilson
HB: P.Burgoyne, Chaplin,
Salopek
C: Cassisi, C.Cornes, K.Cornes
HF: Rodan, Tredrea, Boak
F: D.Motlop, Westhoff, Gray
FOLL: Brogan, S,Burgoyne, Pearce
I/C: Logan, Lade, Lower, Surjan
EMG: Krakouer, White, Lonie
IN: S.Burgoyne, Lower, Surjan
OUT: Stewart (neck), Thurstans (knee), Krakouer
Field umpires: Stewart, McLaren, Ellis

COLLINGWOOD v CARLTON
Sunday, 2:10pm AEST, MCG
COLLINGWOOD
B: H.Shaw, Wakelin, Lockyer
HB: Clarke, Brown, O'Brien
C: Johnson, Burns, R.Shaw
HF: Davis, Cloke, O'Bree
F: Didak, Maxwell, Medhurst
FOLL: Fraser, Swan, Thomas
I/C: Wellingham, Bryan, Reid, Pendlebury
EMG: Cook, Cox, Wood
IN: Pendlebury, Reid
OUT: Cook, Cox

CARLTON
B: Jamison, O'hAilpin, Carrazzo
HB: Thornton, Waite, Simpson
C: Stevens, Judd, Scotland
HF: Fisher, Kreuzer, Murphy
F: Betts, Fevola, Hampson
FOLL: Cloke, Gibbs, Bentick
I/C: Grigg, Wiggins, Russell, Armfield
EMG: Austin, Pfeiffer, Browne
IN: Jamison
OUT: Browne
Field umpires: Farmer, Kennedy, Schmitt

RICHMOND v MELBOURNE
Sunday, 4:40pm AEST, Telstra Dome
RICHMOND
B: Newman, McGuane, Polak
HB: McMahon, Moore, Jackson
C: White, Tuck, Richardson
HF: Morton, Riewoldt, Tambling
F: Pattison, Brown, Cotchin
FOLL: Simmonds, Deledio, Foley
I/C from: Polo, Hyde, Oakley-Nicholls, Rance, Schulz, Edwards, Bowden
IN: Polo, Hyde, Oakley-Nicholls, Rance, Riewoldt, Jackson, Morton
OUT: Thursfield (hamstring), King (hamstring), Tivendale, Pettifer
NEW: Alex Rance, Selection No.18 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft, from Swan Districts

MELBOURNE
B: McDonald, Garland, Warnock
HB: Green, Wheatley, Bruce
C: Sylvia, McLean, Dunn
HF: Bode, Frawley, Bartram
F: P.Johnson, Miller, Wonaeamirri
FOLL: White, C.Johnson, Jones
I/C from: Yze, Davey, Jamar, Bate, Carroll, Morton, Whelan
IN: Davey, Frawley, Jamar, C.Johnson, Carroll, Whelan
OUT: Moloney (shoulder), Rivers (groin), Bell
Field umpires: Sully, M.Nicholls, S.Ryan


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AFL considering Monday night football: Demetriou

June 13th 2008 07:22
THE AFL is considering bringing back Monday night football when the league expands in the coming seasons, according to AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou.

A Gold Coast club is due to enter the competition in 2011 and a western Sydney club probably the year after, and Demetriou said the AFL was looking for times to slot in the extra matches.

"When you're trying to find or explore a new timeslot, certainly Monday night football is an option," Demetriou told radio station SEN.

"It's something that we've produced a (mock) fixture for with nine (matches per round) and it works and it also protects the six-day break.

"So we're not averse to it and I daresay our broadcasters aren't either."

Meanwhile, Demetriou expressed concern over the state of the Gabba surface.

Brisbane forward Jonathan Brown labelled the cricket pitch area in the centre as like "concrete" and blamed the surface for a knee injury to Lions small forward Scott Harding during Brisbane's 22-point win over Fremantle last weekend.

Demetriou said the AFL had unsuccessfully tried to persuade the ground's operators to follow the lead of the ground operators at the MCG, who use drop-in pitches.

"We share the views and the concerns of the Brisbane Lions," Demetriou said.

"We've made approaches to the trust that runs the stadium, we've talked about even funding drop-in cricket pitches.

"But we haven't been able to persuade them to do that, they prefer to have their cricket pitches there.

"In the ideal world it's better what we've got at the MCG, you play football in football season and hopefully you can put in drop-in pitches in cricket season."


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We can beat Cats, says Williams

June 13th 2008 06:21
PORT ADELAIDE coach Mark Williams is confident his side can beat reigning premiers Geelong at Skilled Stadium on Sunday, despite the Power currently languishing in 11th place on the AFL ladder with a 4-7 win-loss record.

Williams said his side was capable of beating the Cats if they could string together four quarters of consistent football.

"Our best form will beat them and we really have to believe in that," Williams said.

"We have to see if we can get four quarters of our best form together and, if we can, we’re pretty confident we’ll win."

Williams said he was confident that star Chad Cornes, who has been battling a knee injury and a broken finger would play better than he did last weekend, when he was held to just nine possessions by Carlton youngster Bryce Gibbs.

"Chad was pretty down on what he could deliver last weekend," Williams said.

"But we’ve spoken, we’ve talked to the doctors and we fully believe he’ll be a lot better this week."

Williams said Port had spent more time than usual at training working on winning the contested ball and that Nick Lower could replace Nathan Krakeour in the selected side to add some extra grunt to the team.

"The amount of time that we spend on physical one-on-one and crash-and-bash training maybe isn’t always reflected in a game, but we’d like to think that the more you practise it, the better you get at it," he said.

"When you lose like that [against Carlton], everyone felt better after we trained like we did on Wednesday, which was much more that way [focused on contested ball].

"You always put a focus on something and this week it’s not inside 50m kicks, or kick-outs. It was more about winning the contested ball.

"We’re playing Geelong as well and we’re very mindful of how well they play in that area too. It’s a little bit about last week, but certainly about this week as well."



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Lions to lift for Brown

June 13th 2008 05:53
BRISBANE will use co-captain Jonathan Brown's 150-game milestone as motivation for their crucial clash against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Saturday afternoon, according to classy midfielder Travis Johnstone.

"He's a huge part of our team and club and I think his 150th will probably help the whole team give a little bit extra," Johnstone told the media on Friday.

"He does so much for the team so we would like to reward him with something on such a huge milestone."

Johnstone, who switched to Brisbane from Melbourne at the end of last season, labelled Brown as the best player in the game.

"He's amazing. He's one of, if not the best, I have ever been involved with. Just everything he does and the way he plays and he's so selfless, too."

"He's just so level-headed with so much media on him. I think he's the No.1 player in the AFL."

More pressure will be on Brown to help the Lions kick a winning score after leading goalkicker Daniel Bradshaw was ruled out with a hamstring injury, but Johnstone said that impressive youngster Mitch Clark was capable of stepping up and filling the void.

"Hopefully it doesn't change our forward structure too much," Johnstone said.

"Those two have been pretty good for us. We get the ball into them and we know they are going to make a contest or mark it and kick a goal."

"I think maybe Mitch Clark or someone like that can fill that void. He's been up in the forward line and backline."

"If it is wet, it might be a benefit for us and we'll have a few more small players around."


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Hawks confident of ending hoodoo

June 13th 2008 05:11
HAWTHORN is confident of ending a 14-year hoodoo when they face Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night, according to coach Alastair Clarkson.

Since they last defeated Adelaide in Adelaide in round nine, 1994, the Hawks have lost all eight clashes to the Crows at AAMI Stadium by an average of 45 points

"They're daunting trips, tough away games, but we’ve been playing good footy and we give ourselves a good chance of trying to knock them off this time," said Clarkson.

Clarkson admitted the loss of ruckman Simon Taylor with a cut knee was a major blow for the Hawks, but said he was confident that his replacement, first-gamer Brent Renouf was capable of stepping up and filling the void.

"He knows the role that we require of him," said Clarkson of Renouf.

"He'll get tremendous support from Robbie Campbell and we’re expecting he'll make a contribution for us."



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Dunn ready for season debut

June 13th 2008 04:37
FREMANTLE midfielder Ryley Dunn says he is finally injury-free and keen to have an impact ahead of his first game of the season against the Kangaroos at Subiaco Oval on Saturday afternoon.

Dunn, who was re-drafted as a rookie after being de-listed at the end of last season, has been promoted to the senior list to replace Paul Hasleby, who is on the club's long-term injury list with a knee injury.

The 22-year-old said he was looking forward to making the most of his opportunity.

"I've been working towards this since I got put on the rookie list and it's been my goal for the year," Dunn said.

"I just want to get up and play AFL football and try to put my name up there to play week in, week out."

Dunn, who was taken with pick No. 10 in the 2003 national draft, has been plagued by injuries, managing just five games in four-and-half seasons.

A broken collarbone in his first season - suffered in an off-the-ball incident - followed by a raft of knee and hamstring injuries curtailed his career.

"I've pretty much hurt most areas of my body," Dunn said.

Despite so many setbacks, Dunn said he was always confident he would make it back to AFL level.

"But there are other people worse off than me ... Luke Webster and Andrew Browne have been through hell as well.

"I was always confident I could get my body right ... a couple of those injuries were bad luck. At the moment I'm feeling pretty good and I'm hoping I can play my first full year."





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AFL rejects debt relief

June 13th 2008 02:07
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has ruled out the possibility of the league wiping the debts of struggling Melbourne-based clubs

Several club presidents have expressed the view that the $15 million it would take to lift the likes of Melbourne, North Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs back into the black is nothing compared to the AFL's investment in plans to establish new teams on the Gold Coast and Western Sydney.

But Demetriou said the league is commited to a long-term plan that's already in place and that club's needed to manage themselves.

"After going through the broadcast rights we came up with the Next Generation strategy which was $1.4 billion to allocate across the clubs to … secure the future of the 16 club competition," Demetriou told Fairfax News Radio.

"That was signed-off by the 16 clubs and we provided a dividend on top of that of $6 million over five years for every club and all the clubs signed-off on the Special Annual Distribution packages which were $1.7 million to the Western Bulldogs and so on."

"Clubs were also told that if they wanted an advance on their $6 million, they could do that … and that's still available to North Melbourne, the Western Bulldogs and the Melbourne Football Club."

"It’s not good business practice to start paying debts off for three clubs … we've got other clubs who are working their absolute butts off and … why should they be penalised."

"Clubs have to start to manage themselves. We've got a process … and we shouldn’t change mid-course."







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Stynes becomes new Demons chairman

June 13th 2008 00:23
FORMER Melbourne ruckman Jim Stynes has been installed as the the club's new chairman at a board meeting at the MCG last night.

Stynes, who replaces outgoing chairman Paul Gardner, said he was aware of the challenges that face him.

"We could lose as much as $1.5 million to $2 million this year, [be] relocated to the Gold Coast and in danger of losing our blockbuster against the Magpies on the Queen's Birthday weekend," he said.

"The reality is that all of this is possible if we don't turn things around."

The former Brownlow medallist said he was confident he and his new board could turn
Melbourne's fortunes around, with driving up the club's membership base his key priority.

An emotional Stynes said he took on the job because he wanted to ensure the club was never forced to fold or relocate.

"I would like to watch with my son knowing one day he will watch his beloved Demons run out on to the MCG sitting alongside his own children," Stynes said, while pausing several times to hold back tears.

"You never know, he might be playing for his beloved Demons, every father's dream."

Stynes was one of seven new directors, with three of the incumbent directors staying on to make up a 10-member board.

The new board will have to be ratified by a vote of members at the club's AGM in December.




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Miller steps down

June 13th 2008 00:09
RICHMOND football manager Greg Miller has resigned as a director to focus on on-field matters.

Miller, who will remain as the club's general manager of football operations, has been replaced on the board by former Richmond skipper Tony Free.

Free will be the board member who oversees the club's football department.

A statement from Richmond president Gary March was read out on Channel Nine's The Footy Show last night.

"The board has been searching for some time for a contemporary player who will help the club build its young list," it read.

"Greg has retired from the board and will be able to concentrate on his role as general manager of football operations.

"As (we) continue to expand and grow the football department his experience will be vital."



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Knee surgery sidelines Thompson

June 12th 2008 08:43
NORTH MELBOURNE forward Nathan Thompson will be sidelined indefinitely after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on Wednesday night.

It is the same knee that Thompson injured early last year, causing him to miss the entire 2007 season.

The club said Thompson will be assessed next week to determine the length of his absence.


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Round twelve teams

June 12th 2008 07:00
ROUND TWELVE

Friday, June 13
Essendon v West Coast at Telstra Dome, 7.40pm AEST

Saturday, June 14
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
Fremantle v North Melbourne at Subiaco, 2.10pm AWST
Sydney Swans v St Kilda at the SCG, 7.10pm AEST
Adelaide v Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium, 7.10pm ACST

Sunday, June 15
Geelong v Port Adelaide at Skilled Stadium, 1.10pm AEST
Collingwood v Carlton at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
Richmond v Melbourne at Telstra Dome, 4.40pm AEST

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

In: Laycock, Neagle, Ramanauskas, Watson
Out: Tom Bellchambers, Bachar Houli (groin), Tayte Pears (foot), Jason Winderlich (back)

WEST COAST
B: Beau Wilkes, Darren Glass, Mark Nicoski
HF: Adam Selwood, Adam Hunter, Brett Jones
C: Andrew Embley, Daniel Kerr, Tim Houlihan
HF: Brad Ebert, Brent Staker, Sam Butler
F: David Wirrpanda, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Chris Masten
I/C: Ryan Davis, Will Schofield, Mark Seaby, Tyson Stenglein
EMG: Steven Armstrong, Jaymie Graham, Jamie McNamara

In: Ebert, Schofield, LeCras
Out: Michael Braun (knee), Chad Fletcher (back), Jaymie Graham

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

In: Murphy
Out: Stephen Tiller

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, Justin Sherman
F: Rhan Hooper, Mitch Clark, Travis Johnstone
Foll: Jamie Charman, Luke Power, Jed Adcock
I/C: Matthew Leuenberger, Ashley McGrath, Cheynee Stiller, Jason Roe
EMG: Albert Proud, James Polkinghorne, Robert Copeland

In: Drummond, McGrath, Stiller, Roe
Out: James Hawksley, Robert Copeland, Daniel Bradshaw (hamstring), Scott Harding (knee)

FREMANTLE v NORTH MELBOURNE
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: Scott Thornton, Paul Duffield, Kepler Bradley

In: Hayden, Murphy, Dunn, Schammer
Out: Heath Black (suspended), Shaun McManus, Scott Thornton, Kepler Bradley

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Gavin Urquhart, Josh Gibson, Scott Thompson
HB: Josh Smith, Michael Firrito, Daniel Pratt
C: Shannon Grant, Matt Riggio, Brady Rawlings
HF: Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Daniel Wells
F: Matt Campbell, David Hale, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Daniel Harris, Adam Simpson
I/C: Ed Lower, Sam Power, Ben Davies, Leigh Harding
EMG: Leigh Brown, Corey Jones, Scott McMahon

In: Wells, Smith
Out: Scott McMahon, Leigh Brown

SYDNEY SWANS v ST KILDA
SYDNEY SWANS
B: Nick Malceski, Leo Barry, Martin Mattner
HB: Craig Bolton, Ted Richards, Tadhg Kennelly
C: Jarrad McVeigh, Brett Kirk, Amon Buchanan
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Barry Hall, Luke Ablett
F: Paul Bevan, Michael O’Loughlin, Henry Playfair
Foll: Darren Jolly, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
I/C: Peter Everitt, Kieren Jack, Jarrad Moore, Lewis Roberts-Thomson
EMG: Craig Bird, Luke Brennan, Nick Smith

In: Hall
Out: Ed Barlow

ST KILDA
B: Jason Blake, Max Hudghton, Sean Dempster
HB: Jason Gram, Sam Fisher, Brendon Goddard
C: Nick Dal Santo, Luke Ball, Leigh Montagna
HF: Adam Schneider, Nick Riewoldt, Clint Jones
F: James Gwilt, Justin Koschitzke, Stephen Milne
Foll: Michael Gardiner, Lenny Hayes, Robert Harvey
I/C: Jarryn Geary, Matthew Ferguson, Sam Gilbert, Steven King
EMG: Shane Birss, Andrew McQualter, Aaron Fiora

In: King, Gilbert, Harvey
Out: Shane Birss, Leigh Fisher, David Armitage

ADELAIDE v HAWTHORN
ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Nathan Bassett
HB: Andrew McLeod, Nathan Bock, Michael Doughty
C: Brent Reilly, Scott Thompson, Richard Douglas
HF: Bernie Vince, Scott Stevens, Tyson Edwards
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Luke Jericho
Foll: Ivan Maric, Simon Goodwin, Nathan Van Berlo
I/C: Jonathon Griffin, Robert Shirley, David Mackay, Chris Knights
EMG: Nick Gill, Ken McGregor, Andrew Otten

In: Griffin
Out: Ken McGregor

HAWTHORN
B: Grant Birchall, Stephen Gilham, Campbell Brown
HB: Rick Ladson, Trent Croad, Xavier Ellis
C: Clinton Young, Sam Mitchell, Chance Bateman
HF: Michael Osborne, Lance Franklin, Tim Clarke
F: Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis
I/C: Tim Boyle, Stuart Dew, Jarryd Morton, Brent Renouf
EMG: Zac Dawson, Thomas Murphy, Josh Kennedy

In: Dew, Renouf
Out: Simon Taylor (cut knee), Josh Kennedy

New: Brent Renouf (Southport)

GEELONG v PORT ADELAIDE
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 (from): Brad Ottens, Travis Varcoe, Joel Selwood, Josh Hunt, David Wojcinski, Ryan Gamble, Kane Tenace

In: Tenace, Taylor, Selwood, Gamble, Hunt
Out: Matthew Scarlett (hamstring), Shannon Byrnes (foot)

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: Daniel Motlop, Justin Westhoff, Robert Gray
Foll: Dean Brogan, Shaun Burgoyne, Danyle Pearce
I/C (from): Nathan Krakouer, Brendon Lade, Tom Logan, Nathan Lonie, Nick Lower, Jacob Surjan, Damon White

In: S. Burgoyne, Lower, Lonie, Surjan, White
Out: Paul Stewart (neck), Toby Thurstans (knee)

COLLINGWOOD v CARLTON
COLLINGWOOD
B: Heath Shaw, Shane Wakelin, Tarkyn Lockyer
HB: Martin Clarke, Nathan Brown, Harry O’Brien
C: Ben Johnson, Scott Burns, Rhyce Shaw
HF: Leon Davis, Travis Cloke, Shane O’Bree
F: Alan Didak, Nick Maxwell, Paul Medhurst
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
I/C (from): Chris Bryan, Ryan Cook, Shannon Cox, Scott Pendlebury, Sharrod Wellingham, Ben Reid, Cameron Wood

In: Pendlebury, Reid, Wood
Out: -

CARLTON
B: Michael Jamison, Setanta O’hAilpin, Andrew Carrazzo
HB: Bret Thornton, Jarrad Waite, Kade Simpson
C: Heath Scotland, Chris Judd, Nick Stevens
HF: Brad Fisher, Matthew Kreuzer, Marc Murphy
F: Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Shaun Hampson
Foll: Cameron Cloke, Bryce Gibbs, Adam Bentick
I/C (from): Dennis Armfield, Mark Austin, Steven Browne, Shaun Grigg, Darren Pfeiffer, Jordan Russell, Simon Wiggins

In: Austin, Jamison, Pfeiffer
Out: -

RICHMOND v MELBOURNE
RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Luke McGuane, Graham Polak
HB: Jordan McMahon, Kelvin Moore, Daniel Jackson
C: Matthew Richardson, Shane Tuck, Matt White
HF: Mitch Morton, Jack Riewoldt, Richard Tambling
F: Adam Pattison, Nathan Brown, Trent Cotchin
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Brett Deledio, Nathan Foley
I/C (from): Dean Polo, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Chris Hyde, Joel Bowden, Alex Rance, Jay Schulz,Shane Edwards

In: Riewoldt, Rance, Oakley-Nicholls, Hyde, Jackson, Polo, Morton
Out: Will Thursfield (hamstring), Jake King (hamstring), Greg Tivendale, Kayne Pettifer

New: Alex Rance (Swan Districts)

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, James Frawley, Clint Bartram
F: Paul Johnson, Brad Miller, Austin Wonaeamirri
Foll: Jeff White, Chris Johnson, Nathan Jones
I/C (from): Aaron Davey, Mark Jamar, Matthew Bate, Cale Morton, Matthew Whelan, Adem Yze, Nathan Carroll

In: Davey, Frawley, Jamar, C Johnson, Carroll, Whelan
Out: Jared Rivers (groin), Brent Moloney (shoulder), Daniel Bell



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Kangaroos wary of Dockers: McIntosh

June 12th 2008 04:12
NORTH MELBOURNE won't take Fremantle lightly when the two sides meet at Subiaco Oval on Saturday afternoon, according to ruckman Hamish McIntosh.

Despite languishing in 15th place on the AFL ladder with a 1-11 win-loss record, Fremantle have been competitive in most of their games this season and McIntosh said it would be a tough task for the Kangaroos to secure the four premiership points.

"They're a dangerous side," he said. "I know they've only had the one win but you've got to think of the games, they've been in front four or five games going into three-quarter-time against quality opposition. They only lost to Geelong by a point.

"They may only be 1-11, but they are a much better side than that. Going over there as well, playing them on their home ground is going to be a very tough challenge.

North Melbourne have lost their past two to Brisbane and Geelong, and McIntosh said it was vital for the Kangaroos to come away with a win to consolidate their place in the top eight.

"It's definitely a must-win for us," McIntosh said. "We're sitting eighth now with plenty of teams chasing our tail.

"We've got to get a win on the board."


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Eagles are confident, says Sumich

June 12th 2008 03:58
WEST COAST assistant coach Peter Sumich is confident about his side's chances against Essendon at Telstra Dome on Friday night despite the fact that premiership players Chad Fletcher and Michael Braun did not make the trip to Melbourne.

"We think they’re all winnable, I know a lot of people might think that’s a bit off the mark, but we thought we could beat Collingwood after a great game against Adelaide and we think we can beat Essendon," Sumich said before training at Junction Oval on Thursday.

Sumich said the club believed it was best to give Fletcher and Braun a rest this week, but was confident the duo would be right to play against Geelong at Subiaco Oval in round 13.

"Brauny’s got a sore knee and we had it really penciled in this game, he’s been fighting it for a number of weeks, we rested him and he’ll be back next week.

"Chad Fletcher had a [sore] back early in the year, but it came good and he’s just stiffened up a fair bit now and he was another one we thought [could do without] the plane trip and he’ll be right next week against Geelong.

"Fletcher’s form has been great and Braun’s, I think, over the last two weeks has picked right up, so body-wise if they were 100 percent to go they would be here, but their bodies are just a little bit off."


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Magpies have learnt their lesson: Malthouse

June 12th 2008 02:44
COLLINGWOOD has learnt from their mistakes against Carlton in round four and will be better prepared for Sunday's clash against the Blues at the MCG, according to coach Mick Malthouse.

The Magpies were beaten by 23 points earlier this year, but Malthouse said the players had discussed the reasons behind that loss and believed they were better prepared to take on their long-standing rivals this time.

"There's an awareness of what went wrong last time and it's so important to recognise failure and why it took place, not to wipe it off and dismiss it because you learn nothing," Malthouse said.

Malthouse said the Pies, who have won their last four, were keen to build on their momentum.

"The group is buoyed by the last month but more importantly I think there's an anticipation about this week as opposed to when we come off the Richmond win (in round 3) where there was a general lull in the organisation from the football side of things, we just didn't seem to be sparking.

"Right now I feel we're well in front of that."

Malthouse will become just the fourth person to participate in 750 VFL/AFL games as player and coach. He will also coach his 576th senior game, surpassing Allan Jeans, ranking him third behind Jock McHale and Kevin Sheedy.


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Moloney's season over

June 11th 2008 07:47
MELBOURNE midfielder Brent Moloney is likely to miss the rest of the season with a shoulder injury sustained during Monday's clash against Collingwood at the MCG.

Moloney had scans on his shoulder on Tuesday and it was found that there was significant damage.

The 24-year-old will meet with the specialist later this week to determine whether or not he needs surgery.

Meanwhile, defender Jared Rivers will miss Sunday's clash against Richmond at Telstra Dome after straining his abdominal muscles against the Magpies.


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Grant is safe, says Laidley

June 11th 2008 05:51
NORTH MELBOURNE coach Dean Laidley has thrown his support behind Shannon Grant, saying the veteran was assured of a spot in the side regardless of his form.

Grant has struggled to have an impact in recent weeks, racking up just 13 possessions in losses to Brisbane and Geelong. He has also managed to boot just 14 goals in 11 matches this season.

Laidley admitted the 31-year-old was underpeforming, but said his place in the side would never be in jeopardy.

"Shannon Grant will never play in the VFL while I'm coach, regardless of form," Laidley said.

"Shannon's form has been reasonable but our expectation is probably a little bit higher than he's been giving us.

"He's work with (Lindsay Thomas and Matthew Campbell) with their development which is fantastic but you've still got to make sure you're performing.'

Meanwhile, Laidley said forward Corey Jones, who missed last weekend's loss to Geelong with an ankle injury, may return through the VFL.

"He had that injury last year, he had no pre-season," Laidley said.

"He came in, his form was reasonable but it certainly has dropped off a little bit so we decided to rest him last week because of his foot and ankle.

"He'll train and our medicos will decide whether he's fit to play firsts, then we'll decide whether we'll bring him straight back into the side or whether, (after) our forward line performed particularly well last week, he can go back and play in the VFL."

Laidley said key forward forward Nathan Thompson (knee) was a good chance of playing against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Saturday but declared classy midfielder Daniel Wells (knee) a certain starter.


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Harvey puts Black on notice

June 11th 2008 04:24
FREMANTLE coach Mark Harvey has warned hard-running defender Heath Black that any further on-field indiscretions could result in him being dropped.

Black will miss the next fortnight after accepting a two-match suspension for striking Brisbane's Troy Selwood behind the play last Sunday's 22-point loss.

Harvey said Black, who has already missed five games this season through injury, needed to curtail his aggression.

"I've spoken to him about the way he produces himself ... when he finds himself in that situation and what he does," Harvey said.

"He reacts too strongly and he's got to curtail that, so it won't be tolerated from the selection process anymore.

"It's a little bit of him being able to work out how to stop the reaction, stop getting sucked in."

Harvey said it was also important for older players to realise the game and its players were scrutinised now more than at any other time in the game's history.

"Sometimes these older players are still in the habits of what they would have gotten away with five or six years ago," he said.



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West comeback on hold

June 11th 2008 03:11
WESTERN BULLDOGS midfielder Scott West's return to AFL football is set to be delayed.

West, who has been sidelined since round six with bruising to his knee bone was aiming to return for the round 14 clash against Port Adelaide in Darwin.

But coach Rodney Eade said that West was unlikely to be available in the next fortnight.

"He turned the corner on Monday and he's started running now but he's still two weeks away, minimum," said Eade.

Eade was confident key defender Brian Lake would recover from a knee injury sustained in Sunday's win over St Kilda and play in Saturday's crucial clash against Brisbane at the MCG, while classy forward Robert Murphy also returns from suspension.


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Cloke accepts

June 11th 2008 03:03
COLLINGWOOD key forward Travis Cloke will play against Carlton on Sunday after accepting a reprimand for the misconduct charge of headbutting Melbourne's Matthew Warnock during Monday's clash at the MCG.

The incident, which forced Warnock off the field under the blood rule was assessed as reckless conduct, low impact and high contact by the match review panel.

Cloke risked a one-match ban if he unsuccessfully challenged the level two misconduct charge at the tribunal. The 21-year old will receive 93.75 carry-over points towards his future record.

In other tribunal news, Cloke ($1,200), Collingwood skipper Scott Burns ($2,100) and Melbourne's Lynden Dunn ($1,200) all accepted fines for engaging in a melee during the Queen's Birthday clash at the MCG.

Collingwood forward Paul Medhurst and Melbourne's Clint Bartram were also fined $900 for wrestling each other.


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Cloke free to play

June 10th 2008 22:52
COLLINGWOOD forward Travis Cloke is free to play against Carlton on Sunday if he accepts a reprimand for the misconduct charge of headbutting Melbourne's Matthew Warnock during Monday's clash at the MCG.

The match review panel assessed the incident as reckless conduct with low impact, which equates to 125 demerit points and a one-match penalty.

But the 25 per cent discount for an early guilty admission would drop the points below 100 to avoid suspension and he would be eligible to play against the Blues at the MCG.

The Cloke-Warnock incident happened during a second quarter scuffle that resulted in five players being cited on melee charges.

Collingwood skipper Scott Burns received a $2100 fine for his second melee offence, while Cloke and Melbourne's Lynden Dunn can accept $1200 fines.

Magpies forward Paul Medhurst and Demon Medhurst and Demon Clint Bartram can accept $900 fines for wrestling each other.



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Roos lays down law

June 10th 2008 22:21
SYDNEY star Adam Goodes has been told to modify his game by coach Paul Roos to ensure the Swans won't be missing one of their most influential players for a match or more later in the season.

Goodes yesterday pleaded guilty to a rough-conduct charge against West Coast's Adam Selwood and, but is free to play against St Kilda at the SCG on Saturday night because he has no carry-over points.

But the 28-year-old's early plea means he now has 93.75 carry-over points for 12 months, meaning any similar infringements will sideline him for a minimum of one match.

Roos said Goodes deserved a one-week ban for his head-high bump on Selwood, and that he had spoken to the dual Brownlow medallist about his reckless on-field behaviour.

"I have spoken to him and he knows it is unacceptable," Roos said.

"He needs to modify the way he does those things.
"He needs to bend down and pick up the ball and if he had his time over again, that's what he would do.

"I have spoken to him about that today."

Roos said Goodes also needed to learn to deal with the extra on-field attention.

"He was clearly frustrated from what happened at the first centre bounce (he was felled off the ball by Tyson Stenglein and Adam Selwood) and he mentioned that to me and you could see why," Roos said.

"But he can't let that worry him. It happens to a lot of players.

"It is something he needs to deal with.

"I spoke to him about it last year and he was probably a little bit more frustrated last year."



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Knights defends Lloyd

June 10th 2008 21:40
ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights has thrown his support behind struggling full-forward Matthew Lloyd.

Knights said Lloyd had the full support of the club and was confident the 30-year-old would return to form.

"He's got the full support of the coach, the players, the whole club," Knights said yesterday.

"He'll be fine, he's a very resilient character. We speak on a weekly basis - he'll be fine. He'll come back into some decent form."

Knights said there had been unfair expectations this year on Lloyd, who has booted just eight goals in his past four games.

"You can't expect him to just come out and kick bags of six, seven, eight any more. I don't think it's realistic to have those expectations.

``I certainly haven't got those expectations on Matthew as a player," Knights said.

"I'm looking for him to do the basics very well, to contribute. Set up a few goals, kick a couple himself - to help the younger players.

"I'm not putting pressure on Matthew to kick bags of goals. In the modern game that doesn't happen too often - unless you wear No. 23 in the brown and yellow - so I think the expectations are a little bit high on Matthew.

``If he plays full-forward, he might get three or four; if he's up the ground, it might be only one or two."

Knights said a lack of supply into the forward line was a key factor in Lloyd's recent drop-off in form.

"In the high-profile days there were probably 60 or 70 entries coming inside 50, he was at his top and kicked a lot of goals," Knights said.

"That forward entry is not coming as quick or as plentiful as it was, so you've got to realise Matthew's not getting as many opportunities as he used to."

Meanwhile, Essendon will regain midfielder Jobe Watson but lose Jason Winderlich to a back complaint for Friday night's clash against West Coast at Telstra Dome.





In some good news for the Bombers, promising young forward Scott Gumbleton got through his first game back from a knee injury in Bendigo's win over Box Hill in the VFL on Monday.
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Struggling Tigers fight for careers

June 10th 2008 21:30
SEVERAL senior Richmond players face uncertain futures with coach Terry Wallace set to make changes.

The Tigers had shown signs of improvement this season before suffering convincing losses to Sydney and Adelaide in the past two rounds, and Wallace was convinced the dymanics of the lineup had to again change.

Pressure will be on Greg Tivendale, Joel Bowden and Kayne Pettifer, who were sent back to VFL side Coburg after round three.

Tivendale returned against Adelaide on Saturday, but looks likely to be sent back to Coburg.
Bowden has played the past four matches after returning in round eight against Geelong, while Pettifer returned for the round nine win against Essendon.

Their return to the senior side has coincided with Richmond's drop-off in form, and Wallace said the match committee needed to make some changes.

"After the last couple of performances, the dynamics of the side needs to change," Wallace said.

"Who that is and how much the dynamics change, that will be a match committee decision we will look at fairly thoroughly this week."

Wallace said long-term servants of the club deserved the right to fight for their football careers.

"Clearly, we went down a pathway maybe four or five weeks ago of dropping a few players back to Coburg," Wallace said.

"We had a choice at that stage about whether those players returned to the side or whether they remained playing at Coburg.

"I still believe that blokes that have been around a footy club for a period of time ought to be treated and handled in a way that allows them to fight for their footy careers and footy futures and that's the pathway that we decided to take.

"Some of those guys played some really good football at the next level down so we gave them an opportunity."

Despite having just three wins and a draw to its name, Wallace said his side had been competitive this season but had struggled to take the next step.

"We certainly think we have accounted ourselves well against quite a few of them but we have won just two points against those top eight teams and that was the draw against the Bulldogs," Wallace said.

"But when we have played against sides out of the eight, we have beaten three of them and had a kick after the siren to beat the fourth (St Kilda).

"So we have been able to handle that level but we haven't been able to step up to the next level."



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Scarlett out for two

June 10th 2008 08:44
GEELONG's defence is set to be tested in the coming weeks with star full-back Matthew Scarlett to miss the next two weeks with a slight hamstring tear.

Scarlett injured his hamstring in the Cats' win over North Melbourne last weekend, and joins All-Australian centre-half back Matthew Egan (foot), on the sidelines.

Shannon Byrnes will also miss with a foot injury sustained in the win over the Kangaroos, while West Australian defender Harry Taylor and classy youngster Joel Selwood will come into the side.

Josh Hunt is also in line for a recall after missing two weeks with a shoulder injury.


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Selwood loses appeal

June 10th 2008 08:35
WEST COAST defender Adam Selwood has failed in his bid to have his penalty reduced at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

Selwood was charged with a Level Two striking offence against Sydney’s Amon Buchanan during Saturday night's heartbreaking five-point loss at Subiaco Oval.

The incident was assessed as intentional conduct (three points), low impact (one point) and body contact (one point). This is a total of five activation points, resulting in a Level Two offence, drawing 125 demerit points and a one-match ban.

Because of his five-year good record, Selwood was offered a reprimand and 93.75 points.

Selwood argued that his swing made no contact with Buchanan, but the tribunal saw it differently. Suspension was never at risk and he is available to play against Essendon at Telstra Dome on Friday night.


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Hansen, LeCras set to return

June 10th 2008 06:34
WEST COAST has received a boost ahead of Friday night's clash against Essendon at Telstra Dome with centre-half forward Ashley Hansen and small forward
Mark LeCras both declared fit to play.

LeCras has been sidelined with a groin injury, which was sustained during West Coast's season-opening win over Brisbane, while Hansen struggled through the opening four games of the year before injuring his hamstring.

West Coast coach John Worsfold said LeCras, who made a playing return for West Perth in the WAFL two weeks ago, is close to earning a recall.

“He'll be close,” Worsfold said.

“We'll have a good look at him. He's fit and ready to go.”

“He's going to be a very good player for us for a long period, so I would see him in our best 22,” Worsfold said.

Worsfold was confident Hansen, whose return to the senior side was delayed when he suffered a corked buttock playing in the WAFL reserves, was capable of having an impact if he earnt a recall this week.

“I'm pretty sure when Ash has come back from injury he's performed very well,” Worsfold said.
“He's available to play and we would consider him this week. He can certainly play centre half-forward and that's probably his best position.”

Promsing youngsters Brad Ebert and Will Schofield are also in line to return after recovering from injury, while forward Ben McKinley will play for the Eagles or in the WAFL this weekend after opting against surgery on his injured left shoulder.

Worsfold said McKinley could play through the injury, but if it gets worse the 21-year-old will be forced to undergo surgery.

“It's not a massive injury he's got but it's a niggling one,” Worsfold said.

“The view now is he can cope with that injury and if it gets worse we'll pull him up and give him that two-week-off period (to have the surgery). Otherwise we'd expect he can get through the season.”



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Cloke charged with head-butting

June 10th 2008 06:22
COLLINGWOOD forward Travis Cloke has been charged with head-butting Melbourne defender Matthew Warnock in the Magpies' 21-point win at the MCG yesterday.

The match review panel viewed the incident as reckless conduct, low impact and high contact - equating to 125 points and a one match ban.

But Cloke can escape with a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record if he submits an early guilty plea.

Cloke was also one of three players charged with engaging in a melee during the Queen's Birthday.

Collingwood skipper Scott Burns was charged with a second offence for engaging in a melee and can accept a $2100 fine while Cloke was also charged with a first such offence and can accept a $1200 fine

Melbourne's Lynden Dunn has also been fined $1200 for engaging in a melee while Collingwood's Paul Medhurst and Melbourne's Clint Bartram were fined for wresting each other.



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Koschitzke a chance to play

June 10th 2008 03:06
ST KILDA forward Justin Koschitzke is a strong chance to play against Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night after scans showed he had only jarred the knee he hyperextended against the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome last Sunday.

Koschitzke played out the match with his knee heavily strapped and will be monitored throughout the week.

The news wasn't as good for veteran midfielder Robert Harvey who withdrew from Sunday's game because of a calf problem.

The Saints are hopeful that he will miss just one week, but he is also in doubt for the clash against Fremantle. Ruckman Steven King, who was also a late withdrawal because of back soreness, is expected to play this weekend.

Xavier Clarke re-strained a hamstring playing for Casey in the VFL at the weekend and will miss at least two more matches.


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Selwood to contest, Goodes will play

June 10th 2008 02:33
THE AFL Tribunal will be in operation tonight after West Coast's Adam Selwood chose to contest a striking charge laid against him.

Selwood has been charged with a Level Two striking offence against Sydney’s Amon Buchanan during Saturday night's heartbreaking five-point loss at Subiaco Oval.

The incident was assessed as intentional conduct (three points), low impact (one point) and body contact (one point). This is a total of five activation points, resulting in a Level Two offence, drawing 125 demerit points and a one-match ban.

Selwood has a existing five-year good record, which reduces the penalty by 25 per cent to 93.75 points and a reprimand. He does not risk a suspension by challenging the charge

In other tribunal news, Brisbane's Troy Selwood has accepted a $900 sanction for wrestling Fremantle's Heath Black.

North Melbourne defender Michael Firrito and Geelong small forward Paul Chapman have also accepted $900 fines for wrestling each other.

Sydney star Adam Goodes is free to play against St Kilda at the SCG on Saturday night after accepting a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record for his high bump on Adam Selwood.

However, the Swans star is now out of the running for this year's Brownlow medal because the initial charge drew more than 100 demerit points.

Western Bulldogs ruckman Ben Hudson has accepted a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record for striking St Kilda midfielder Leigh Montagna.


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Kreuzer wins nomination

June 10th 2008 02:14
CARLTON youngster Matthew Kreuzer has been rewarded for his impressive performance against Port Adelaide with the round 11 nomination for the NAB Rising Award.

The Blues trailed by 30 points heading into the final change before Kreuzer turned the game on its head, booting three of his side's seven last-quarter goals as Carlton recorded a stunning 12-point win.

Last year's No.1 draft pick has impressed in his nine games and has shown maturity beyond his years, according to coach Brett Ratten.

“Matthew has continued to impress during his debut season. His ability to play in numerous positions has been of enormous benefit to the team. For a player to have had such an impact on a game so early in his footy career is a rarity,” Ratten said.

“He is a level-headed kid, mature beyond his years, and a real pleasure to coach.”


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Swans may not accept reprimand

June 10th 2008 01:58
SYDNEY hasn't ruled out challenging the reprimand handed to star midfielder Adam Goodes for making light head-high contact with West Coast's Adam Selwood in the first-quarter of Sydney's thrilling five point win over the Eagles at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

The match review panel assessed the incident as negligent conduct, low impact and high contact, which equates to 125 demerit points and a one-match ban. He has no existing good or bad record so an early plea reduces the penalty by 25 per cent to a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record.

If the Swans opt to contest at the AFL tribunal on Tuesday, they could have his 93.75 carry-over points erased and keep him in the running for a third Brownlow medal.

But they would also risk having Goodes rubbed out for the Swans crucial clash against St Kilda at the SCG on Saturday night.


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Cornes in doubt with knee

June 10th 2008 01:24
PORT ADELAIDE star Chad Cornes is in doubt for Sunday's clash against Geelong at Skilled Stadium due to an ongoing knee injury.

Cornes, who recently had surgery on a badly fractured finger, is also enduring a flare-up of a knee cartilage problem.

Williams said the 28-year-old had tried to manage the knee after delaying surgery since 2005, and that he may need to undergo surgery if the injury doesn't improve.

"He's probably had it for three years," Williams said. "It comes and goes and he gets over it and it slips in and out."

"He's got a sore finger and people understand that, but the things you don't know about the players, it's a great credit to them . . .

"It (the knee) could come good this week or it might be that he needs four or five weeks off with surgery.

"(Surgery) is more possible than remote."

Meanwhile, Paul Stewart, who was crunched by Carlton's Jordan Russell during Sunday night's clash at AAMI Stadium, is a chance to play against the Cats after X-rays and CT scans cleared him of serious injury.



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Lake in doubt

June 10th 2008 01:10
WESTERN BULLDOGS full-back Brian Lake is in doubt for Saturday's clash against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG due to a knee injury.

The defender injured his left knee five minutes into Sunday's match against St Kilda at Telstra Dome. Lake was about to scoop the ball off the ground when Saints big man Justin Koschitzke dived across him.

Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said yesterday Lake would be monitored throughout the week.

"He got screened this morning and he's got some bruising there, so we'll monitor that," Fantasia said.

"We suspect he'll play but we don't know. He was pretty sore this morning. With these things they can get worse."

[HTM;3456]<a Really Long Link Really Long Link border="0"></a>
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One will do, says Johnson

June 10th 2008 01:05
WESTERN BULLDOGS veteran Brad Johnson says he had no hesitation agreeing to a one-year contract.

Johnson's three-year deal expires at the end of this season, and the 31-year-old said yesterday he was more than happy to play on under a series of one-year deals.

"I can't comment on what other guys want but I was lucky at 29 to get a three-year deal, so that was fantastic for the club to look after me in that way and now I am more than happy to take one year," he said.

"Hopefully midway through next year we can sit down again and do it again. I am more than happy.

"It's great to see Crossy (Daniel Cross) and Boydy (Matthew Boyd) and Rob Murphy was mentioned as well, these guys are getting signed up and that's the future of the club.

"I am more than happy to hang on their coat tails for the next couple of years."

The 310-game veteran said he still had at least a couple of years of football left in him.

"Without a doubt, I have definitely got a couple of years left in me. I know exactly where I am at. The club has spoken to me about its direction and I will take it one year at a time," he said.

Johnson struggled in the early parts of the season with a series of niggles, but said his body is starting to feel better.

"Over the last couple of weeks my body has been pretty good. It was good to get through a full game and with Murph out, I had to pick up a bit of the work load as well," Johnson said.

"I am getting better every week and I am nearly at 100 per cent, so I will just keep working on it over the next few weeks."





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Black accepts two-match ban

June 10th 2008 00:55
FREMANTLE midfielder Heath Black will miss the next two weeks after accepting a two-match suspension for striking Brisbane's Troy Selwood during Sunday 22-point loss to the Lions at the Gabba.

The Dockers chose not to contest the charge at the AFL Tribunal, which could have seen Black rubbed out for three matches had it been unsuccessful.

The second-quarter incident was assessed as intentional conduct (three points), medium impact (two points) and high contact (two points), drawing 325 demerit points and a three-match sanction.

Black had no existing record and his early plea reduced the penalty by 25 per cent to 243.75 points and a two-match sanction. The 29-year-old also accepted a $900 fine for wrestling Selwood.

In some good news for the embattled Dockers, hard-running defender Roger Hayden will return after missing the past three games with a punctured lung sustained in the round eight loss to the Western Bulldogs.

"Roger Hayden will come back so that's a real positive for us," Harvey told Fairfax radio.

"Steven Dodd will be 50-50. (Marcus) Drum was a late withdrawal (from the loss to Brisbane) so he will be monitored."



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Goodes free to play

June 9th 2008 08:14
SYDNEY star Adam Goodes will be free to play against St Kilda at the SCG on Saturday night if he enters an early guilty plea to a rough conduct charge against West Coast's Adam Selwood.

Goodes was reported for allegedly making high contact with West Coast's Adam Selwood in the first-quarter of Sydney's thrilling five point win over the Eagles at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

The match review panel assessed the incident as negligent conduct, low impact and high contact, which equates to 125 demerit points and a one-match ban. He has no existing good or bad record so an early plea reduces the penalty by 25 per cent to a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record.

However the Swans midfielder is now out of the running for this year's Brownlow medal because the initial charge drew more than 100 demerit points.

West Coast's Adam Selwood can also escape with a reprimand after he was charged with a Level Two striking offence against Sydney's Amon Buchanan

The incident drew 125 points, but due to his existing five-year good record it is reduced by 25 per cent to 93.75 points and a reprimand. An early guilty plea will further reduce it to 70.31 points to his future record.

Western Bulldogs ruckman Ben Hudson can accept a reprimand for striking St Kilda midfielder Leigh Montagna.

Fremantle's Heath Black has been charged with a Level Four striking offence against Brisbane's Troy Selwood.

The incident was assessed as intentional conduct, medium impact and high contact, which results in 325 demerit points and a three-match sanction. An early guilty plea reduces the penalty to 243.75 points and a two-match ban.

Black and Selwood have also been charged with wrestling each other, as were North Melbourne defender Michael Firrito and Geelong's Paul Chapman. All of the wrestling reports will attract $900 fines with early guilty pleas.

A match-day report against Carlton's Jordan Russell was withdrawn, with the panel ruling that Russell had no other option but to contest the ball which led him to make front-on, high contact with Port Adelaide's Paul Stewart.

Stewart was assisted from the ground but was later cleared of concussion.



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Eagles lose McKinley to injury

June 9th 2008 07:40
WEST COAST forward Ben McKinley will miss the next two to three weeks with a shoulder injury.

McKinley, who is expected to undergo surgery sometime this week, sustained the injury in the Eagles' round eight loss to North Melbourne but played through the pain against Adelaide and Collingwood.

West Coast assistant coach Peter Sumich said the club's medical staff believed surgery was the best option for the promising 21-year-old.

"Especially with injuries like that,'' Sumich said.

"If Ben ... is playing with it (and) suddenly we bring him back (without having surgery) and then he gets a real big knock on it and he has a reconstruction on it, you are out for three to six months.

"We don't want that to happen. So as a young player get it fixed, be 100 per cent and come back in a months' time and play.''


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Pies hold off Demons

June 9th 2008 07:35
COLLINGWOOD has won its first Queen's Birthday clash since 2003, downing Melbourne by 21 points at the MCG on Monday.

The Magpies were challenged all day by a spirited Melbourne side all day, but eventually prevailed 17.14 (116) to 13.17 (95).

The win lifts Collingwood back into sixth spot with a 7-4 win-loss record, while Melbourne remain anchored at the bottom of the AFL ladder with just one win from 11 matches.

Scott Burns starred for the Magpies with a career-high 36 possessions and 12 marks, while Alan Didak was lively with 22 disposals, seven marks and two goals.

For Melbourne, Brock McLean (36 possessions) tried hard all day, while veteran Adem Yze was prominent up forward with 25 possessions, six marks and two goals. Livewire Austin Wonaeamirri and Colin Sylvia also chimed in with three majors each.

The Magpies kicked the first two goals of the game before the Demons were ignited by Wonaeamirri, who kicked three goals and set up Yze for another as Melbourne took a five-point lead into quarter-time.

The second term was an arm-wrestle, with the Magpies kicking five goals to three to take a seven-point lead into the main break

Collingwood broke the game open in the third term, booting seven goals to three, with a Tarkyn Lockyer major the highlight.

Lockyer roved the ball in the goal square, was brought to ground in a tackle, but managed to kick the ball over his head while lying on his back under pressure from two opponents to put the Pies up by 31 points.

A Brad Green goal after the siren gave the Demons a glimmer of hope heading into the final change, with Collingwood holding a 23-point lead.

The Demons battled hard in the final stanza and closed to within 19-points at the 17-minute mark when Sylvia kicked his second of the term.

But the Magpies had all the answers with Dale Thomas putting the result beyond doubt with a brilliant running goal at the 24-minute mark.

MELBOURNE: 4.1, 7.4, 11.9, 13.17 (95)
COLLINGWOOD: 3.2, 8.5, 15.8, 17.14 (116)
GOALS: Melbourne: Wonaeamirri 3, Sylvia 3, Yze 2, Green 2, Bartram, McLean, Dunn
Collingwood: Lockyer 2, H Shaw 2, Didak 2, Davis 2, Medhurst, O'Brien, Cox, Brown, Wellingham, Fraser, Johnson, Swan, Thomas
BEST: Melbourne: Jones, McLean, Garland, Warnock, Yze, Wonaeamirri, Bruce, Green
Collingwood: Burns, Lockyer, H Shaw, Clarke, Didak, Johnson, O'Brien, R Shaw, Wellingham
INJURIES: Melbourne: Moloney
(wrist), Rivers (hamstring)
Collingwood: Nil
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Farmer, Meredith
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Melbourne: Nil
Collingwood: Rocca (ankle) replaced in selected side by Cox. Pendlebury replaced in selected side by Cook.
CROWD: 59,548 at MCG




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Rocca, Pendlebury to miss

June 9th 2008 04:14
COLLINGWOOD has suffered a major blow ahead of their Queen's Birthday clash against Melbourne at the MCG today with key forward Anthony Rocca and impressive young midfielder Scott Pendlebury both ruled out with injury.

They have been replaced by Shannon Cox and Ryan Cook. Mystery surrounds the withdrawal of Pendlebury, while Rocca, who had been named to return for his eighth game of the season after missing last Saturday's win over West Coast, has succumbed to his on-going ankle problems.



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Gardner to retire

June 9th 2008 01:12
MELBOURNE chairman Paul Gardner will step down on Thursday night at the club's next board meeting after five years in the role.

Gardner will announce his retirement in his address at this afternoon's chairman's lunch before the Melbourne-Collingwood game at the MCG today.

Former Melbourne great Jimmy Stynes is tipped to take over from Gardner. The new chairman will be elected by the revamped board, and as many as eight of the current directors are understood to be intending to stay.

Gardner dismissed suggestions he had been forced to retire by Stynes, who has the support of former players Garry Lyon, Greg Healy, Anthony Ingerson and current board member Andrew Leoncelli.

"I know there's a feeling of an irresistible force meeting an immovable object," he said.

"(But) the board was always going to have to find a new chairman. I told them last year 2008 would be my last year.

"The new chairman may or may not be Jimmy.

"The position's not mine to give. That's not how it works.

Gardner said the Queen's Birthday weekend was the appropriate time to leave for several reasons.

"It was always going to be some time in 2008. I decided that last year and told the board accordingly, and told the AFL and other stakeholders," he said.

"I was keen to stay on for a period and find a new CEO and make sure he was bedded down. I think the last thing we needed with a new coach and a new CEO was further disruption.

"It seemed to be that Queen's Birthday was the appropriate time for a number of reasons. First, we celebrated our 150th birthday on that weekend.

"I think it was (CEO) Paul McNamee who said, 'We celebrate the past then we look forward to the future'. Our biggest game of the year is against Collingwood (today).

"And, if I wasn't going to be part of the future past '08, then it was unfair for me to work in developing a long-term strategic plan and then leaving it to others.

The Demons currently have a debt of $4 million and will lose an estimated $1.5 million this year, but Gardner was optimistic about the club's future.

"There'll always be a club in Melbourne called Melbourne. No doubt," he said.

"The AFL has made it clear there'll always be a club called Melbourne. Absolutely."


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Lyon has faith in Saints

June 9th 2008 00:58
ST KILDA can still play finals football this season despite losing by 27 points to the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome on Sunday, accrding to coach Ross Lyon.

The Saints have now slipped to 10th place on the AFL ladder, but Lyon believes his side can still have an impact in the second half of the season if they learn to play consistent football.

"We are 5-6 and the obvious question you ask is, 'Are your finals over?' Well, clearly it makes it more and more difficult, but we need to get to work on things," he said.

"We need to be competitive for four quarters and at the moment we are inconsistent in that.

"If we can build our consistency, clearly we are going to be in a lot of games of footy. At the minute it's frustrating for myself, and the group, the inconsistency in our football.

"We are not giving away the season, we are 5-6.

"Deep down I still feel if we can get it right. Let's not worry about the ladder at this point even though we are all clearly aware of it."

The Saints dominated the opening term on Sunday but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wayward 3.6, with skipper Nick Riewoldt the chief offender.

St Kilda then fell in a heap after quarter-time, managing just two goals in the second and third quarters as the Bullldogs piled on nine majors to put the result beyond doubt.

"We really need to work on our finishing in front of goal because we could have had a bit more scoreboard pressure on and then who knows?" Lyon said.

"It's hard to talk about the emotion of it but the facts are there that he (Riewoldt) is missing some opportunities.

Lyon said that Riewoldt was disappointed with his performance and was working hard to improve his kicking in front of goal.

"What I do know about Nick is he will work really hard to improve it. He got better as the game went on but there is no one more disappointed than Nick."

Lyon said the main difference between the two sides on Sunday was the fact that his team "slaughtered" the ball while the Bulldogs were typically slick.

The Saints tinkered with their midfield setup in the final quarter, introducing Jason Gram, Brendon Goddard and Adam Schneider

The final term saw the Saints turn a 41-point deficit at three-quarter time into a 27-point loss, and Lyon admitted his side needed to inject some pace into the middle.

"We do need to build through there. We need to recruit speed."

The Saints were without Robert Harvey (calf) and Steven King (back tightness), who were late withdrawals against the Bulldogs. Both are expected to play against Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night, while Steven Baker is also a chance to return.

Injury prone ruckman Justin Koschitzke will have scans on his left knee after hyper-extending it in the second quarter but Lyon was confident there was no serious damage.


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Finals just a dream, says Williams

June 9th 2008 00:35
PORT ADELAIDE coach Mark Williams has said his side has fallen into a bad routine of losing games with three minutes to go and that his players were kidding themselves if they think they can play finals this year.

Williams' comments come following Port's final term capitulation against Carlton at AAMI Stadium on Sunday night. The Power led by 30 points at the final change, but didn't fire a shot in the final stanza as the Blues piled on seven unanswered goals to record a gutsy 12-point win.

Port have now slipped to 11th spot on the AFL ladder with a 4-7 win-loss record.

"We really disappointed everyone today and I thought we probably played all over Carlton for a fair time on the night without getting any return, but to their credit they kept coming," Williams said.

"We're getting into a bit of a routine of three minutes to go we're in front and losing those games.

"We challenged ourselves about mental toughness tonight without any doubt and we certainly can't stand up for being able to say we are (mentally tough), it's a disappointing thing at our club but we'll continue to push and we'll get better.

"We're going to be kidding ourselves if we think we'll be playing finals."

Williams said players were guilty of making poor decisions when the game was on the line.

"Some of our decisions under pressure were just shocking and nothing like we'd like to think our players would do.

"They'll need to look at it and reassess what they do in those situations - when you get into those you pass or fail, that's it.

"If Robbie Gray kicked that goal and not hit the post we'd have probably won, so it's as close as that.

"We certainly don't win last quarters."

When asked if his team were chokers, soft, mentally weak or fragile under pressure, Williams said: "Certainly tonight you could put a tick next to all of them.

"Over the years we've been winning lots of close games, this year we haven't."

But Williams was confident his side would bounce back, with key players set to return next week.

"They're a group that is pretty resilient, things haven't gone particularly to plan, hopefully Brett Ebert and Shaun Burgoyne will be back next week, to be missing our best clearance player and one or two goalkicker is a huge challenge at any time.

"When they come back, you get on the plane again and play someone else, it's really important for us."

Williams also said the club would re-assess what to do with injured star Chad Cornes (broken finger), who had just nine posssessions against the Blues.

"Chad (Cornes) had one of his worst games ever, and, to be fair, Chad's injured so we're playing Chad injured and we'll have to reassess whether we do."


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Blues win thriller

June 8th 2008 10:16
CARLTON has kept its slim finals hopes alive with a thrilling 12-point win over Port Adelaide at a wet AAMI Stadium on Sunday night.

The Blues trailed all night but lifted in the final term, piling on seven unanswered goals to record a gutsy 10.15 (75) to 8.15 (63) win.

The loss has all but ended Port's finals aspirations, condemning them to a 4-7 win-loss record, while the Blues leapfrog the Power into 10th spot on the AFL ladder with their fifth win of the season.

Marc Murphy and skipper Chris Judd were instrumental in Carlton's revival with 33 and 32 possessions respectively, while Bryce Gibbs did a superb blanketing job on Chad Cornes, restricting the Port star to nine touches.

Nick Stevens, who had been well held by Kane Cornes in the first three quarters, lifted in the final term, racking up ten telling possessions to finish the match with 19 disposals.

For Port, Kane Cornes (30 possessions) worked hard all night, while skipper Warren Tredrea was prominent up forward with 17 possessions and 11 marks, but he failed to make the most of his opportunities in front of goal, booting a wayward 1.4.

Port Adelaide jumped out of the blocks, booting the first three goals of the opening term through David Rodan, Daniel Motlop and Travis Boak, before Gibbs kicked Carlton's only major as the Power took a 13-point lead into quarter-time.

The second term was a repeat of the first with Port booting the first three goals to race out to a 25-point lead, before Carlton youngster Dennis Armfield slotted one home with only two minutes remaining in the first half.

The Power kicked the first two goals of the second term and looked set for an easy win, with Tredrea kicking truly at the 17-minute mark to extend Port's lead to 38 points.

Brendan Fevola, who was soundly beaten by defender Alipate Carlile in the first half, kicked his first goal shortly after to give the Blues a glimmer of hope heading into the final change, with Port holding a 30-point advantage.

Carlton coach Brett Ratten's decision to put Matthew Kreuzer in the forward line turned the game on its head, with last year's No.1 draft pick sparking the comeback with three critical goals in the final term to get the Blues back to within a point.

Port Adelaide youngster Robert Gray missed a crucial shot on goal that would have given the Power some breathing space.

A frenzied five minutes followed before Kade Simpson put the Blues in front for the first time in the match at the 32-minute mark, before Fevola capped off an impressive win with his second after the siren.

PORT ADELAIDE: 3.5, 6.8, 8.12, 8.15 (63)
CARLTON: 1.4, 2.9, 3.12, 10.15 (75)
GOALS: Port Adelaide: Rodan 2, Boak 2, Motlop, Salopek, J.Westhoff, Tredrea
Carlton: Kreuzer 3, Fevola 2, Gibbs, Armfield, Waite, Betts, Simpson
GOALS: Port Adelaide: Rodan 2, Boak 2, Motlop, Salopek, J.Westhoff, Tredrea
Carlton: Kreuzer 3, Fevola 2, Gibbs, Armfield, Waite, Betts, Simpson
BEST: Port Adelaide: K.Cornes, Salopek, Carlile, P.Burgoyne, Tredrea.
Carlton: Murphy, Judd, Gibbs, Kreuzer, Stevens, Bentick, Carrazzo.
INJURIES: Port Adelaide: Stewart (head)
Carlton:
REPORTS:
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Stevic, Keating
Crowd: TBC at AAMI Stadium





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


Dogs down Saints

June 8th 2008 07:21
THE Western Bulldogs have consolidated their place in the top four with a 27-point win over a disapponting St Kilda side at Telstra Dome on Sunday afternoon.

The Dogs led by 16 points at half-time and were never seriously challenged from thereonin as they cruised to an 15.16 (106) to 11.13 (79) victory.

The win puts the Bulldogs a game and a half clear of fourth-placed Adelaide and two full games ahead of fifth-placed Sydney Swans.

The loss was made worse for the Saints with Justin Koschitzke leaving the field after hyper extending his knee just before half-time. He returned in the third term but appeared to be troubled by the injury.

Jason Akermanis starred for the Bulldogs with 24 possesions and 6.4, while Daniel Giansiracusa was equally damaging up forward with 24 disposals and four goals. Matthew Boyd was also influential in the middle with a game-high 34 touches.

Dale Morris had the the better of St Kilda forward Nick Riewoldt, restricting the Saints skipper to just eight marks and two goals.

For the Saints, Jason Gram generated plenty of run from defence with 28 possessions and two goals. Nick Dal Santo tried hard all day and finished with 27 touches and one goal, but he had little support in the middle.

St Kilda dominated the opening term but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wayward 3.6 to take a 12-point advantage into quarter-time.

Akermanis sparked the Bulldogs into action in the second term. The former Brisbane Lions midfielder had 11 kicks and kicked three of his side's five goals for the term as the Dogs took a 16-point lead into the main break.

The Bulldogs put the result beyond doubt in the third term, slamming on four goals to one to take a match-winning 41-point lead into the final change.

St Kilda booted six goals in the final term to add some respectability to the scoreboard but the damage had already been done.

ST KILDA: 3.6, 4.7, 5.8, 11.13 (79)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 2.0, 7.5, 11.13, 15.16 (106)
GOALS: St Kilda: Gram 2, Jones 2, Riewoldt 2, Birss, Blake, Dal Santo, Hayes, Milne
Western Bulldogs: Akermanis 6, Giansiracusa 4, Griffen, Ray, Ward, Welsh, Williams
BEST: St Kilda: Gram, Jones, Gardiner, Goddard
Western Bulldogs: Akermanis, Lake, Giansiracusa, Hargrave, Morris, Boyd
INJURIES: St Kilda: TBC
Western Bulldogs: TBC
REPORTS: TBC
CHANGES: King (St Kilda) and Harvey (St Kilda) replaced in selected side by L.Fisher and Gwilt
UMPIRES: McLaren, Schmitt, Chamberlain
CROWD: 38,914 at Telstra Dome



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Lions make it four in a row

June 8th 2008 06:27
BRISBANE has consolidated its place in the top eight with a scrappy 22-point win over Fremantle at the Gabba on Sunday afternoon.

The Lions, who have now won four straight, slammed on seven straight goals in a 30-minute period between the second and third term to set up a 14.12 (96) to 10.14 (74) victory.

The win could prove costly for Brisbane with in-form forward Daniel Bradshaw going down with a suspected left hamstring injury in the third term.

Travis Johnstone starred in the middle with 26 possessions and three goals. He received good support from Joel MacDonald and Simon Black, who racked up 30 and 28 disposals respectively, while Jonathan Brown was lively early and finished with 22 possessions, 15 marks and three goals.

For Fremantle, Rhys Palmer continued his impressive debut season with 30 disposals and one goal, while Michael Johnson provided plenty of run out of defence with 30 possessions and 15 marks.

Up forward, skipper Matthew Pavlich tried hard all day, finishing the match with 18 possessions, nine marks and three goals.

Brisbane started promisingly, booting the first two goals through Johnstone and Brown within the first 11 minutes, but Jeff Farmer got one back for the Dockers when he kicked truly from deep in the pocket at the 16-minute mark.

Farmer's second, a clever snap on an acute angle just 10 seconds out from quarter-time gave the Dockers a five-point advantage heading into the first change.

The lead changed hands three times in the first eight minutes of what started as a scrappy second term, before a classy snap by Black gave the Lions an 11-point lead at the 15-minute mark.

Two goals from Brown in less than two minutes and a Michael Rischitelli major just 90 seconds from half-time extended Brisbane's lead to 28 points at the main break.

Brisbane looked set to record a convincing win when Johnstone and Scott Harding kicked the first two goals of the second half, increasing Brisbane's lead to a match-high 39 points at the nine-minute mark.

But Fremantle lifted, with Pavlich booting two goals in the space of three minutes before Palmer chimed in with a valuable major after the siren to get the Dockers back into the contest, with Brisbane holding a 25-point advantage heading into the final change.

Justin Sherman kicked an important goal early in the final term and despite majors from Aaron Sandilands and Pavlich, the Lions never looked like giving up the four premiership points, with goals from Jamie Charman and Anthony Corrie putting the result beyond doubt.

BRISBANE LIONS: 2.1, 8.5, 11.10, 14.12 (96)
FREMANTLE: 2.3, 3.7, 7.9, 10.14 (74)
GOALS: Brisbane Lions: Brown 3, Johnstone 3, Notting, Black, Rischitelli, Harding, Leuenberger, Sherman, Charman, Corrie
Fremantle: Pavlich 3, Farmer 2, J.Carr, Tarrant, Palmer, Sandilands, Mayne
BEST: Brisbane Lions: Brown, Johnstone, Black, Rischitelli, Macdonald, Notting, Brennan
Fremantle: Palmer, Pavlich, McPharlin, Mi. Johnson, Tarrant, Sandilands
INJURIES: Brisbane Lions: Harding (knee), Bradshaw (hamstring)
Fremantle: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Josh Drummond (Brisbane Lions) was replaced in the selected side by Matthew Leuenberger, Marcus Drum (Fremantle) was replaced in the selected side by Scott Thornton.
UMPIRES: Stewart, Ellis, Jeffery
Crowd: TBC at the Gabba






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


Eagles heading in the right direction: Worsfold

June 8th 2008 03:33
WEST COAST can take many positives out of its heartbreaking five-point loss to Sydney at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night, according to coach John Worsfold.

The Eagles led by as much as 37 points but fell away in the second half as Sydney kicked ten goals to three after half-time to record a gutsy come-from-behind win.

"We've got some young players who obviously struggled to maintain their impact and we expect that and that's what's great about the games they're playing now and what they're learning," Worsfold said.

"Chris Masten didn't have a great night but what a great way to learn playing on some great players. A lot of positives to come out of it.

"(Ryan) Davis and (Tim) Houlihan and the young guys, I thought they were great.

"I'm sure they're tired and sore, but they're moving forward rapidly.
"If we had have won that game by a point and held on in the last minute we would have learned the same lessons.

"Tim Houlihan doesn't learn different lessons because when the siren goes we are in front or behind."

Despite winning just two of 11 games so far this season, Worsfold was confident his side is heading in the right direction.

"I think our performance tonight - Sydney would think we are a force in the competition," he said.

"Other teams will be very nervous playing us this year but we will also have some hiccups along the way because that's the nature of where we're at, at the moment."




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


Hall ready to play

June 8th 2008 02:54
SYDNEY forward Barry Hall is a certain starter for next Saturday's clash against St Kilda at the SCG, according to coach Paul Roos.

The 31-year-old has served his seven-match ban for a king-hit on West Coast utility Brent Staker in round four and Roos said Hall had also recovered from a broken wrist suffered in the same match.

"We'll definitely play him. He's in really good physical condition," Roos said.

"He trained absolutely magnificently last week ... he's ready to go, definitely.

"We'll bring him back in and probably play him at full-forward, a bit at centre half-forward."


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


Cousins could return in '09: Demetriou

June 7th 2008 23:53
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has not ruled out the possibility of former West Coast star Ben Cousins returning to the AFL next season.

Cousins, who last year admitted he was battling a drug problem, returned to Perth this week after a surfing trip in the north-west of Western Australia and is reportedly in good spirits, according to Demetriou.

"I know he's going particularly well, from what I've heard (and) I know he feels very good about the space that he's in at the moment," Demetriou told radio station Triple M yesterday.

"I do think he has the desire (to play) and if he wants to do that, there's a process in place with the commission, which includes our doctors and medicos and his medico, so we'll see what happens at the end of the year."



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Swans win thriller

June 7th 2008 13:06
SYDNEY remains within striking distance of the top four following a thrilling five-point win over West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

The Swans trailed by over six goals but lifted in the second half, slamming on 10 goals to three after half-time to record a gutsy 12.11 (83) to 11.12 (78) win.

The victory keeps Sydney within two points of the top four with winnable games against St Kilda (home) and Melbourne (away) to come in the next fortnight.

Adam Goodes, who was reported in the first term for a head-high bump on Adam Selwood was instrumental in the Swans' revival with 21 possessions. Nick Malceski was damaging with a game-high 28 touches and two goals, while Brett Kirk was also influential with 21 disposals and two third-term goals.

For West Coast, Daniel Kerr was all class with 23 disposals and two goals, while Brent Staker was lively up forward with 19 possessions, six marks and two majors.

The Eagles dominated the opening term, winning the clearances 14-4 and the inside 50 count 19-9. West Coast's dominance in the middle and immense pressure all over the ground paid dividends as they slammed on six unanswered goals to take a commanding 33-point lead into quarter-time.

The Swans managed to stem the flow of goals in the second term, but were helped by some poor kicking in front of goal, with West Coast missing three set shots.

Sydney started to lift their work-rate and kicked two goals for the term, but majors from Mark Seaby and Adam Hunter, who kicked truly after taking a spectacular mark ensured the Eagles remained in control, taking a 35-point lead into half-time.

The Eagles' lead was out to 37 points early in the third term, but from thereonin the Swans dominated as they continually rebounded the football out of defence.

Sydney kicked four unanswered goals for the term, with Kirk's second just before the siren ensuring a thrilling finish, with West Coast holding a 14-point advantage heading into the final change.

Both sides traded goals early in the final quarter before consecutive goals to Paul Bevan closed the gap to seven points midway through the term.

Quinten Lynch's goal at the 18-minute mark gave the Eagles some breathing space but goals to Amon Buchanan and Malceski closed the margin to a single point, before Hunter laid a head-high tackle on Jude Bolton deep in Sydney's forward line, with Bolton kicking truly to give the Swans the four premiership points.

WEST COAST: 6.1, 8.7, 8.11, 11.12 (78)
SYDNEY: 0.4, 2.7, 6.9, 12.11 (83)
GOALS: West Coast: Wirrpanda, Kerr, Staker 2, Nicoski, Selwood, Hunter, Lynch, Seaby
Sydney: Malceski, McVeigh, Kirk, Bevan, Bolton 2, O'Loughlin, Buchanan
BEST: West Coast: Kerr, Davis, Lynch, Glass, Butler, Priddis
Sydney: Malceski, Goodes, McVeigh, Bolton, Kirk, Jack
INJURIES: West Coast: Nil
Sydney: Nil
REPORTS: Adam Goodes (Sydney) for engaging in rough conduct against Adam Selwood (West Coast) in the first quarter.
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Donlon, Kennedy, Head
CROWD: 38,802 at Subiaco



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


Franklin stars as Hawks thump Bombers

June 7th 2008 12:28
NINE goals from forward Lance Franklin has inspired Hawthorn to a convincing 51-point win over Essendon at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

The Bombers kept in touch to trail by just seven points at half-time before the Hawks slammed on 10 goals to four after the break to record a comfortable 19.16 (130) to 12.7(79) victory.

The win was soured somewhat for the Hawks with hard-running midfielder Chance Bateman leaving the ground in the final term with what appeared to be a badly corked thigh.

Franklin, who was allegedly involved in a nightclub incident last weekend, starred with 18 possessions, ten marks and 9.5.

Luke Hodge was impressive on return from a hamstring injury with 21 disposals and three goals, while Jordan Lewis racked up a game-high 28 possessions.

For the Bombers, 250-gamer Scott Lucas was lively early with three goals, while Nathan Lovett-Murray and Brent Stanton had 27 and 26 possessions respectively.

Essendon started brightly, running hard and breaking up the Hawks' zone defence, but failed to capitalise on 15 minutes of dominance as Hawthorn took a six-point lead into quarter-time.

The margin was quickly stretched after the break with early goals to Hodge and Franklin, but Essendon hit back with majors to Lucas and Jason Winderlich.

The Hawks responded through Frankin and Hodge before majors to Lucas, and Adam McPhee after the siren ensured the Bombers were well and truly in the contest, with
Hawthorn holding a seven-point advantage at the main break.

Angus Monfries goaled in the opening minute of the second half to get Essendon to within a point, but from thereonin the Hawks dominated as they slammed on six of the next seven goals, with a Michael Osborne major the highlight.

Osborne shook off two opponents before dribbling one through on his left boot from deep in the forward pocket.

The Hawks were never threatened in the final term, with all interest focused on whether Franklin could reach double figures.

ESSENDON: 3.3, 8.4, 10.7, 12.7 (79)
HAWTHORN: 4.3, 9.5, 15.11, 19.16 (130)
GOALS: Essendon: Lucas 3, Lloyd 2, Winderlich 2, Lonergan, McPhee, Monfries, Pears, Reimers
Hawthorn: Franklin 9, Hodge 3, Roughead 3, Clarke, Boyle, Osborne, Young
BEST: Essendon: Stanton, McVeigh, Lovett-Murray, Fletcher
Hawthorn: Franklin, Hodge, Lewis, Bateman, Osborne, Ellis
INJURIES: Essendon: Nash (concussion)
Hawthorn: Taylor (gashed knee), Campbell (shoulder)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: J Laycock (Essendon) replaced in selected side by T Bellchambers
UMPIRES: McBurney, Avon, Mollison
CROWD: 46,377 at Telstra Dome
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


Rocca returns for Pies

June 7th 2008 07:40
COLLINGWOOD has been bolstered by the return of key forward Anthony Rocca for the traditional Queen's Birthday clash against Melbourne at the MCG on Monday.

Rocca, who was a late withdrawal in last weekend's 100-point win over West Coast due to an ankle complaint, replaces Shannon Cox.

The Demons have made three changes with Jace Bode, Cale Morton and Jared Rivers all returning.

Defender James Frawley and Simon Buckley have both been omitted, while forward Russell Robertson is out for for the rest of the season with an achilles injury.


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Crows overrun Tigers

June 7th 2008 07:33
ADELAIDE has overcome a sluggish start to thump Richmond by 50 points at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Crows trailed by 14 points at half-time but came to life in the second half, slamming on 15 goals to five to cruise to a convincing 22.14 (146) to 14.12 (96) win.

Scott Thompson starred for the Crows with 23 disposals and six goals, while Luke Jericho chimed in with a career-best five majors. Bernie Vince was a busy contributor in the middle with a team-high 30 possessions and three goals, while Robert Shirley did a superb blanketing job on Nathan Foley, restricting the Richmond midfielder to 13 disposals.

For the Tigers, Nathan Brown, Brett Deledio and Chris Newman all racked up 30-plus possessions, while Matthew Richardson was lively early and finished with 17 disposals, 11 marks and three goals.

The Crows scored the first two goals of the match, but Richmond then slammed on six unanswered goals in a 15-minute burst to race out to a 24-point lead.

Adelaide coach Neil Craig responded by putting players behind the ball, and it paid instant dividends as the Crows booted three late goals to trail by five points at the first change.

Richmond jumped out of the blocks after quarter-time, booting the first two goals of the second term in the opening three minutes.

But the rest of the term was an arm wrestle, with Adelaide kicking two of the next three goals to trail by 14 points at the main break.

Adelaide turned the game on its head in the third term as they won the contested football and continually pumped the football inside 50.

The Crows won the clearances for the term 14-3, the contested ball 29-18 and the inside 50s 18-7, while Richmond butchered the football, winning the clanger count 15-4.

The Tigers were made to pay for their poor disposal as Adelaide slammed on eight goals for the term, with Jericho booting four in a stunning 17-minute burst as the Crows took a match-winning 26-point lead into the final change.

The final term was procession as the Crows piled on seven goals to three to strengthen their grip on fourth spot.

RICHMOND: 6.2, 9.7, 11.9, 14.12 (96)
ADELAIDE: 5.3, 7.5, 15.11, 22.14 (146)
GOALS: Richmond: Richardson 3, Simmonds 2, Bowden 2, Cotchin, Pattison, Foley, Polak, Pettifer, Edwards, Deledio
Adelaide: Thompson 6, Jericho 5, Porplyzia 3, Vince 3, Edwards 2, Tippett, Douglas, Knights
BEST: Richmond: Brown, Deledio, Richardson, Newman, Cotchin
Adelaide: Thompson, Vince, Edwards, Porplyzia, Jericho, Johncock
INJURIES: Richmond: Nil
Adelaide: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Fila, James, K.Nicholls
CROWD: 32,767 at the MCG








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


Williams hits back at Blues

June 7th 2008 03:33
PORT ADELAIDE coach Mark Williams has added some extra spice to his side's clash against Carlton at AAMI Stadium tomorrow, claiming the Blues have hoarded first-round draft picks and have it easy because of their chairman Dick Pratt's money.

Williams' comments come following statements made by Carlton spearhead Brendon Fevola, who suggested Chad Cornes didn't put his head over the ball, and claims by coach Brett Ratten that his team plays "inside" the packs while Port plays "outside".

"They (Carlton) have three of the top 10 players playing for them, and with their draft picks over the past five or so years … well, they have just hoarded first-round draft picks and they have an outstanding list," Williams said.

"We are certainly not going to under-estimate them.

"With their resources, Dick Pratt, all the money he's got, and the resources and the things that they can do from behind the scenes, whether it's plane flights or whether it's pinching people like Swanny off Collingwood and getting his understanding of the game from Collingwood … Carlton will stop at nothing to try to achieve."

Williams said he was unsure whether the comments made by Fevola and Ratten could be used to Port's advantage, but said it was important for his side to show the same level of intensity and attack on the football that they showed against Sydney a fortnight ago.

"It sounds good, and when the results go that way, people tend to draw that as a significant factor," Williams said.

"It's all about coming to play. For our players we thought we were brilliantly prepared for playing Sydney two weeks ago and we need to deliver that sort of attack on the ball, that tackle, and hardness, and we will get the right result, and if we don't, Carlton will win.

"Brett has probably tagged us pretty well. Maybe we try to do that too often, so it will be interesting to see how the players react … it's really on our players now. That's a tag you can wear or disapprove of.

"I know that Carlton is going to be hard to beat and we are looking forward to the contest."




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Coast 'challenge' appeals, says Cook

June 7th 2008 02:33
GEELONG chief executive Brian Cook revealed last night that he would be suited to the chief executive's role of the new Gold Coast team, which will join the league in 2011.

"I think, to be very honest, there is one big challenge left for me," Cook said on Triple M.

"People have linked me with the Gold Coast. I think the challenges of the Gold Coast really suit my skills and experience, but that's not to say I'm going to be asked to apply. Nothing has happened.

"There's no doubt it's an exciting challenge for someone and I'm flattered by the continual highlighting of me.

Cook, who is contracted to Cats until the end of this season, said his sole focus at this stage is to make sure that Geelong is successful this year and into the future.

"But I've never applied for jobs while I've been at Geelong and I really have to think about 2008 and do everything to make sure the club is successful and put everything together for 2009 and 2010."



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Davis set to play

June 7th 2008 02:26
COLLINGWOOD small forward Leon Davis looks set to play his 150th game against Melbourne in the traditional Queen's Birthday clash at the MCG on Monday.

Davis, who is believed to have worn a moonboot this week to protect an injured foot, did not train on Wednesday but Collingwood media manager Nick Hulett said that he trained strongly on Friday and was right to play.

"He's in better shape this week than last. He's said he's right to go," Hulett said.

Davis has been named on the half-forward line and is expected to train with the rest of the team tomorrow.



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Cats hold off resilient Roos

June 6th 2008 13:19
SEVEN goals from forward Cameron Mooney has inspired Geelong to a 13-point win over the Kangaroos in a high-scoring affair at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

The Cats were challenged all night by the resilient Kangaroos, but had all the answers as they held on for a 19.13 (127) to 17.12 (114) win.

The win was soured somewhat for the Cats with star full-back Matthew Scarlett injuring his hamstring in the second quarter and sitting out the remainder of the game on the bench.

Gary Ablett Jnr starred in the middle for Geelong with a game-high 39 possessions and two goals. He received good support from Cameron Ling (25 possessions) and Brownlow medallist James Bartel (23 possessions), while Steve Johnson was at his mercurial best with 25 disposals and three goals.

Brent Harvey was the Kangaroos best with 28 possessions and two goals, while David Hale stepped up in the absence of injured forwards Nathan Thompson (knee) and Corey Jones (ankle), booting four majors.

Drew Petrie was lively with 20 possessions and nine marks, but failed to make the most of his opportunities in front of goal, booting a wayward 2.4.

The Cats midfield stamped their authority on the contest early with Ablett and Bartel collecting 14 and 10 possessions respectively in the opening term as Geelong slammed on seven goals to three to take a 22-point lead into quarter-time.

The Kangaroos lifted their intensity after quarter-time, with Brady Rawlings moving onto Ablett and slightly quelling his influence as the Roos booted seven goals in the second term to close to within eight points at the main break.

The third term was a see-sawing affair before a classy snap from Ablett with just 30 seconds remaining gave the Cats a 12-point lead heading into the final change.

Geelong looked set to cruise home when Johnson kicked the first of the final term.

But the Kangaroos refused to give in with two goals from Hale ensuring the match went down to the wire, before Mooney put the result beyond doubt with his seventh major just minutes before the final siren.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 3.2, 10.4, 15.7, 17.12 (114)
GEELONG: 7.0, 11.6, 17.7, 19.13 (127)
GOALS: North Melbourne: Hale 4, Campbell 3, Harvey 2, Petrie 2, Thomas 2, Harding, Harris, Brown, Lower
Geelong: Mooney 7, S Johnson 3, Ablett 2, Lonergan 2, Varcoe 2, Byrnes, Ottens, Enright
BEST: North Melbourne: Harvey, Simpson, Hale, Harris, Petrie
Geelong: Ablett, Mooney, Johnson, Bartel, Prismall, Ling
INJURIES: North Melbourne: Pratt (shoulder)
Geelong: Scarlett (hamstring)
REPORTS: -
CHANGES: J Selwood (Geelong - virus) replaced in selected side by B Prismall
UMPIRES: Wenn, Ryan, McInerney
CROWD: 38,373 at Telstra Dome




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


Round eleven teams

June 6th 2008 07:34
ROUND 11

All the teams for round eleven of the 2008 AFL premiership season, with Sunday's updated teams.

NORTH MELBOURNE v GEELONG
Friday, 7.40pm AEST, Telstra Dome
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Daniel Pratt, Josh Gibson, Scott Thompson
HB: Gavin Urquhart, Michael Firrito, Ben Davies
C: Matt Riggio, Adam Simpson, Brady Rawlings
HF: Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Scott McMahon
F: Matt Campbell, David Hale, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Daniel Harris, Ed Lower
I/C: Sam Power, Shannon Grant, Leigh Brown, Leigh Harding
EMG: Ben Ross, Shannon Watt, Josh Smith
In: Davies, Thompson, Brown
Out: Nathan Thompson (knee), Corey Jones (ankle), Shannon Watt
New: Ben Davies (Williamstown/Collingwood)

GEELONG
B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Darren Milburn, Max Rooke, Corey Enright
C: Joel Selwood, 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: Brad Ottens, Travis Varcoe, Shannon Byrnes, David Wojcinski
EMG: Brent Prismall, Harry Taylor, Tom Hawkins
In: Mooney, Chapman
Out: Harry Taylor, Tom Hawkins

RICHMOND v ADELAIDE
Saturday, 2.10pm AEST, MCG
RICHMOND
B: Jake King, Will Thursfield, Chris Newman
HB: Jordan McMahon, Graham Polak, Kelvin Moore
C: Matthew Richardson, Shane Tuck, Matt White
HF: Kayne Pettifer, Joel Bowden, Richard Tambling
F: Shane Edwards, Jay Schulz, Nathan Brown
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Brett Deledio, Nathan Foley
I/C: Trent Cotchin, Greg Tivendale, Adam Pattison, Luke McGuane
EMG: Mitch Morton, Jack Riewoldt, Daniel Connors
In: Graham Polak, Luke McGuane, Greg Tivendale
Out: Kane Johnson (knee), Jack Riewoldt, Chris Hyde

ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Nathan Bassett
HB: Nathan Van Berlo, Nathan Bock, Michael Doughty
C: Andrew McLeod, Tyson Edwards, Chris Knights
HF: Brent Reilly, Scott Stevens, Richard Douglas
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Bernie Vince
Foll: Ivan Maric, Simon Goodwin, Scott Thompson
I/C: Robert Shirley, David Mackay, Ken McGregor, Luke Jericho
EMG: Nick Gill, Andrew Otten, Bryce Campbell
In: Jericho, McGregor
Out: Brett Burton (susp), Jonathon Griffin (hip)

ESSENDON v HAWTHORN
Saturday, 7.10pm AEST, Telstra Dome
ESSENDON
B: Henry Slattery, Dustin Fletcher, Nathan Lovett-Murray
HB: Jay Nash, Patrick Ryder, Kyle Reimers
C: Andrew Lovett, David Myers, Brent Stanton
HF: Sam Lonergan, Scott Lucas, Bachar Houli
F: Jason Winderlich, Matthew Lloyd, Andrew Welsh
Foll: David Hill, Adam McPhee, Mark McVeigh
I/C: Jason Laycock, Tayte Pears, Leroy Jetta, Angus Monfries
EMG: Mal Michael, Tom Bellchambers, Adam Ramanauskas

In: Laycock
Out: Tom Hislop (shoulder)

HAWTHORN
B: Campbell Brown, Stephen Gilham, Rick Ladson
HB: Clinton Young, Trent Croad, Grant Birchall
C: Chance Bateman, Sam Mitchell, Xavier Ellis
HF: Michael Osborne, Lance Franklin, Tim Clarke
F: Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis
I/C: Tim Boyle, Josh Kennedy, Jarryd Morton, Simon Taylor
EMG: Tom Murphy, Brent Renouf, Brendan Whitecross

In: Boyle, Hodge
Out: Thomas Murphy, Brad Sewell (shoulder)

WEST COAST EAGLES v SYDNEY SWANS
Saturday, 5.40pm AWST, Subiaco Oval
WEST COAST EAGLES
B: Beau Wilkes, Darren Glass, Brett Jones
HF: Tyson Stenglein, Adam Hunter, Andrew Embley
C: Michael Braun, Daniel Kerr, Adam Selwood
HF: Sam Butler, Brent Staker, Chad Fletcher
F: David Wirrpanda, Quinten Lynch, Jaymie Graham
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Chris Masten
I/C: Ryan Davis, Tim Houlihan, Mark Nicoski, Mark Seaby
EMG: Steven Armstrong, Ben McKinley, Mark LeCras
In: Hunter, Butler, Graham, Masten, Seaby, Davis, Nicoski
Out: Brad Ebert (ankle), Will Schofield (thigh), Josh Kennedy (knee), Matt Rosa (ankle), Beau Waters (susp), Steven Armstrong, Ben McKinley

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Nick Malceski, Leo Barry, Martin Mattner
HB: Craig Bolton, Ted Richards, Kieren Jack
C: Jarrad McVeigh, Brett Kirk, Amon Buchanan
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Jarrad Moore
F: Paul Bevan, Michael O’Loughlin, Peter Everitt
Foll: Darren Jolly, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
I/C: Luke Ablett, Ed Barlow, Tadhg Kennelly, Henry Playfair
EMG: Craig Bird, Luke Brennan, Nick Smith
In: Barlow
Out: Craig Bird

BRISBANE LIONS v FREMANTLE
Sunday, 1.10pm 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, Justin Sherman
F: Rhan Hooper, Daniel Bradshaw, Travis Johnstone
Foll: Jamie Charman, Luke Power, Jed Adcock
I/C: Scott Harding, Mitch Clark, James Hawksley, Robert Copeland
EMG: Matthew Leuenberger, James Polkinghorne, Cheynee Stiller
In: Copeland, Hawksley
Out: Jason Roe (hamstring), Ashley McGrath (hamstring)

FREMANTLE
B: Dean Solomon, Antoni Grover, Michael Johnson
HB: David Mundy, Luke McPharlin, Marcus Drum
C: Garrick Ibbotson, Peter Bell, Brett Peake
HF: Rhys Palmer, Chris Tarrant, Kepler Bradley
F: Jeff Farmer, Matthew Pavlich, Chris Mayne
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, Josh Carr
I/C (from): Mark Johnson, Scott Thornton, Heath Black, Byron Schammer, Josh Head, Shaun McManus, Robert Warnock
In: Ma. Johnson, Bell, Head, Warnock
Out: Paul Duffield

ST KILDA v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Sunday, 2.10pm AEST, Telstra Dome
ST KILDA
B: Jason Blake, Max Hudghton, Sean Dempster
HB: Jason Gram, Sam Fisher, Brendon Goddard
C: Nick Dal Santo, Luke Ball, Leigh Montagna
HF: Adam Schneider, Nick Riewoldt, Clint Jones
F: Shane Birss, Justin Koschitzke, Stephen Milne
Foll: Steven King, Lenny Hayes, Robert Harvey
IC (from): Michael Gardiner, Jarryn Geary, Matthew Ferguson, David Armitage, Leigh Fisher, James Gwilt, Aaron Fiora
In: L. Fisher, Gwilt, Fiora
Out: -

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dale Morris, Brian Lake, Dylan Addison
HB: Ryan Hargrave, Tom Williams, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Callan Ward, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Brad Johnson, Mitch Hahn, Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Scott Welsh, Will Minson, Jason Akermanis
Foll: Ben Hudson, Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen
I/C (from): Nathan Eagleton, Andrejs Everitt, Jarrod Harbrow, Josh Hill, Farren Ray, Peter Street, Stephen Tiller
In: Everitt, Harbrow, Hill, Street, Ward
Out: Tim Callan (hamstring), Robert Murphy (susp)

PORT ADELAIDE v CARLTON
Sunday, 4.10pm CST, AAMI Stadium
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Troy Chaplin
HB: Peter Burgoyne, Toby Thurstans, Michael Wilson
C: Domenic Cassisi, Chad Cornes, Kane Cornes
HF: David Rodan, Warren Tredrea, Travis Boak
F: Daniel Motlop, Justin Westhoff, Robert Gray
Foll: Dean Brogan, Steven Salopek, Danyle Pearce
I/C (from): Brendon Lade, Jacob Surjan, Paul Stewart, Greg Bentley, Damon White, Nathan Krakouer, Tom Logan
In: Bentley, Cassisi, White
Out: -

CARLTON
B: Bret Thornton, Setanta O’hAilpin, Steven Browne
HB: Heath Scotland, Jarrad Waite, Dennis Armfield
C: Nick Stevens, Chris Judd, Marc Murphy
HF: Kade Simpson, Brad Fisher, Jordan Russell
F: Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Cameron Cloke
Foll: Shaun Hampson, Andrew Carrazzo, Adam BenticK
I/C (from): Mark Austin, Jake Edwards, Bryce Gibbs, Shaun Grigg, Matthew Kreuzer, Darren Pfeiffer, Simon Wiggins
In: Austin, Edwards, Pfeiffer, Waite
Out: Paul Bower (shoulder)

MELBOURNE v COLLINGWOOD
Monday, 2.10pm AEST, MCG
MELBOURNE
B: James McDonald, Colin Garland, Daniel Bell
HB: Brad Green, Matthew Warnock, Paul Wheatley
C: Cale Morton, Brock McLean, Cameron Bruce
HF: Matthew Bate, Brad Miller, Lynden Dunn
F: Paul Johnson, Colin Sylvia, Austin Wonaeamirri
Foll: Jeff White, Brent Moloney, Nathan Jones
I/C (from): Clint Bartram, Jace Bode, Nathan Carroll, Mark Jamar, Chris Johnson, Jared Rivers, Adem Yze
In: Bode, Carroll, Jamar, C. Johnson, Morton, Rivers
Out: Russell Robertosn (achilles), Daniel Bell, Simon Buckley

COLLINGWOOD
B: Heath Shaw, Shane Wakelin, Tarkyn Lockyer
HB: Martin Clarke, Nathan Brown, Harry O’Brien
C: Scott Pendlebury, Scott Burns, Rhyce Shaw
HF: Leon Davis, Shane O’Bree, Travis Cloke
F: Alan Didak, Anthony Rocca, Paul Medhurst
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
I/C (from): Nick Maxwell, Shannon Cox, Ben Reid, Sharrod Wellingham, Ben Johnson, Ryan Cook, Chris Bryan
In: Cook, Reid, Rocca
Out: -



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Sewell to have surgery

June 6th 2008 07:10
HAWTHORN midfielder Brad Sewell will miss up to six weeks after the club announced today that he will require minor shoulder surgery.

The Hawks released a statement late Friday afternoon saying the 24-year-old saying had consulted a specialist who confirmed he had ruptured the ligaments in the AC joint of his right shoulder.

General manager of football operations Mark Evans said the club believed surgery was the best option for Sewell, who injured the shoulder during Hawthorn’s first loss of the season in Tasmania on Saturday against the Western Bulldogs

“Once the specialist indicated Brad was likely to miss three to four weeks, the sensible option was for a surgical repair to deliver a stronger shoulder joint over a five to six week period,” Evans said in the statement.



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Malceski a doubtful starter, says Eagles

June 6th 2008 04:34
WEST COAST's coaching staff believe Nick Malceski is in doubt for Saturday night's clash at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night, according to assistant coach Peter Sumich.

Malceski underwent innovative surgery on his knee using a synthetic fibre after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in a pre-season match against Hawthorn on February 17.

Had Malceski undergone conventional surgery he would have been sidelined for 12 months, but the hard-running defender made a remarkable return to senior football just three months later.

The 23-year-old has played in Sydney's last three games, which included a 16-possession, one-goal performance against Richmond at the SCG last weekend.

But Sumich said he was unsure whether Malceski would would play on Saturday night after struggling at training on Thursday.

"We watched training yesterday and I think Malceski didn't complete training and seemed to hobble a little bit with his knee, so it will be interesting selection tomorrow night whether he's playing or not," he said.

"You might find (Craig) Bird in, or Bird might still come in for one of the talls, even (Henry) Playfair or (Lewis)Roberts-Thomson."

A Sydney spokesman said Malceski had not re-injured his knee and was a certain starter.



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Demons could lose blockbuster

June 6th 2008 01:54
MELBOURNE is in danger of losing the blockbuster Queen's Birthday match if it draws a crowd of less than 60,000, according to AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou.

The Demons have traditionally played Collingwood in the only AFL match on Queen's Birthday, but Demetriou said that unless there were more than 60,000 people at the match on Monday, the AFL would look at taking the event away from the Demons and the Magpies.

"(The AFL) will always have a Queen's Birthday game, but there's nothing written in stone that says it's a Melbourne-Collingwood fixture forever and a day," Demetriou said on 3AW this morning.

"If I were the Melbourne supporters, I'd get out and support their team against Collingwood. This is a game that we've always pencilled in each year as a permanent fixture but unless there is 60-65,000 people (this Monday), we would seriously consider giving it to other clubs who are desperate to have an event. That game should command a 65-70,000 crowd."

Demetriou said that the Demons have financially benefitted from the current Queen's Birthday arrangement with the Magpies and encouraged Melbourne fans to go and support their club.

"It's only really from the kindness of the Collingwood Football Club, which I support Eddie on, that they've allowed Melbourne to keep this a as home game where (the Demons) keep the gate. It could easily be Collingwood-Melbourne, but it's been Melbourne-Collingwood.

"So the Melbourne supporters need to get behind their club because there are six or seven other clubs that would be desperate to have that game as a home game."

Demetriou said that if the AFL changed the competing teams on Queen's Birthday, Collingwood would not necessarily be one of the teams, as it already plays the Anzac Day match against Essendon.


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Fevola offered three

June 6th 2008 00:56
CARLTON forward Brendan Fevola has revealed on Channel Nine's The Footy Show that the club has offered him a new three-year deal.

Fevola's management company Velocity Sports received the offer from Carlton representatives but he was yet to make a decision on his future, saying his sole focus at this stage was playing good football.

"I'll leave that up to the manager, I'm not going to really worry about it, I'll just worry about playing footy and hopefully the rest takes care of itself," Fevola said.

The 27-year-old said there had been no discussion on inserting a behavioural clause, but he would not accept one being included.

"No I wouldn't, because it's already in the AFL players standard contract," he said.

There had been speculation the Blues would look to insert such a clause, after the club warned Fevola earlier this year that he faced the sack for any further off-field indiscretions.

The warning came after he was caught urinating outside a nightclub in the week preceding the club's round one match against Richmond.



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Gold Coast team to join TAC Cup

June 6th 2008 00:48
THE AFL has confirmed that a team from the Gold Coast will participate in the TAC cup next season.

The league plans to have the Gold Coast team progress to the VFL competition by 2010 before becoming the 17th AFL team in 2011.

AFL game developmenent manager David Matthews said the inclusion of the Gold Coast in the TAC Cup would aide the development of the young players that will join the new franchise.

"It is our view that the fast-tracking of the young talent who will join the Gold Coast list is best served by playing in the TAC Cup competition in 2009, with a mix of matches in Victoria and home games on the Gold Coast," Matthews said.

"Over the last decade, the TAC Cup has provided nearly half of all players chosen in the NAB AFL Draft and this step in 2009 will allow Queensland players to develop quickly through an AIS Academy style program."

AFL Victoria chief executive Peter Schwab said the addition of the Gold Coast into the TAC Cup would benefit all teams in the competition.

"There will be a number of benefits for the TAC Cup competition with the addition of a Gold Coast team," Schwab said.

"The players in the competition will be able to gain an understanding of the preparation and commitments required to be involved in travelling interstate to play at an elite level and still perform at your best."

"They will be able to test themselves against different talent from around the country and will be able to play in conditions they don't normally get to experience during a Victorian winter."



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Five Pies re-sign

June 6th 2008 00:42
COLLINGWOOD has further strengthened its future with the re-signing of five key players.

Midfielder Dane Swan has extended his current contract until the end of 2010, while impressive young defenders Nathan Brown and Harry O'Brien have signed three year deals which will see them remain at the club until the end of the 2011 season.

Defender Tyson Goldsack and 19-year-old forward Ben Reid have committed to the club until the end of 2010 with two-year deals.

Collingwood chief of football Geoff Walsh said the club was delighted to re-sign five quality young players who will underpin the club's future.

“It's great to have those five boys re-commit to the club, and for us to make a commitment to them, because they're all players of considerable talent and promise," Walsh told collingwoodfc.com.au

“All are at the beginning of their careers, bar Dane, who has made some great inroads in the last two or three years in particular, to become one of our premier midfielders.''

"Nathan, Ben and Tyson have all, at different times, made a mark in senior footy in their first 18 months, so that augers well for us as a club, as we know we’ve got some young talent at our disposal."

"Harry’s probably 12-18 months ahead of those three boys, in terms of making a spot in the seniors his own."

"It does give us some confidence that we’ve got some good young players underpinning our future."




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Round eleven teams

June 5th 2008 07:27
ROUND 11

Friday, June 6
North Melbourne v Geelong at Telstra Dome, 7.40pm AEST

Saturday, June 7
Richmond v Adelaide at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
Essendon v Hawthorn at Telstra Dome, 7.10pm AEST
West Coast Eagles v Sydney Swans at Subiaco, 5.40pm AWST

Sunday, June 8
Brisbane Lions v Fremantle at the Gabba, 1.10pm AEST
St Kilda v Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome, 2.10pm AEST
Port Adelaide v Carlton at AAMI Stadium, 4.10pm CST

Monday, June 9
Melbourne v Collingwood at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST

NORTH MELBOURNE v GEELONG
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Daniel Pratt, Josh Gibson, Scott Thompson
HB: Gavin Urquhart, Michael Firrito, Ben Davies
C: Matt Riggio, Adam Simpson, Brady Rawlings
HF: Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Scott McMahon
F: Matt Campbell, David Hale, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Daniel Harris, Ed Lower
I/C: Sam Power, Shannon Grant, Leigh Brown, Leigh Harding
EMG: Ben Ross, Shannon Watt, Josh Smith


In: Davies, Thompson, Brown
Out: Nathan Thompson (knee), Corey Jones (ankle), Shannon Watt
New: Ben Davies (Williamstown/Collingwood)

GEELONG
B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Darren Milburn, Max Rooke, Corey Enright
C: Joel Selwood, 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: Brad Ottens, Travis Varcoe, Shannon Byrnes, David Wojcinski
EMG: Brent Prismall, Harry Taylor, Tom Hawkins


In: Mooney, Chapman
Out: Harry Taylor, Tom Hawkins


RICHMOND v ADELAIDE
RICHMOND
B: Jake King, Will Thursfield, Chris Newman
HB: Jordan McMahon, Graham Polak, Kelvin Moore
C: Matthew Richardson, Shane Tuck, Matt White
HF: Kayne Pettifer, Joel Bowden, Richard Tambling
F: Shane Edwards, Jay Schulz, Nathan Brown
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Brett Deledio, Nathan Foley
I/C: Trent Cotchin, Greg Tivendale, Adam Pattison, Luke McGuane
EMG: Mitch Morton, Jack Riewoldt, Daniel Connors


In: Graham Polak, Luke McGuane, Greg Tivendale
Out: Kane Johnson (knee), Jack Riewoldt, Chris Hyde

ESSENDON v HAWTHORN
ESSENDON
B: Henry Slattery, Dustin Fletcher, Nathan Lovett-Murray
HB: Jay Nash, Patrick Ryder, Kyle Reimers
C: Andrew Lovett, David Myers, Brent Stanton
HF: Sam Lonergan, Scott Lucas, Bachar Houli
F: Jason Winderlich, Matthew Lloyd, Andrew Welsh
Foll: David Hill, Adam McPhee, Mark McVeigh
I/C: Jason Laycock, Tayte Pears, Leroy Jetta, Angus Monfries
EMG: Mal Michael, Tom Bellchambers, Adam Ramanauskas

In: Laycock
Out: Tom Hislop (shoulder)


HAWTHORN
B: Campbell Brown, Stephen Gilham, Rick Ladson
HB: Clinton Young, Trent Croad, Grant Birchall
C: Chance Bateman, Sam Mitchell, Xavier Ellis
HF: Michael Osborne, Lance Franklin, Tim Clarke
F: Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Jordan Lewis
I/C: Tim Boyle, Josh Kennedy, Jarryd Morton, Simon Taylor
EMG: Tom Murphy, Brent Renouf, Brendan Whitecross

In: Boyle, Hodge
Out: Thomas Murphy, Brad Sewell (shoulder)

WEST COAST EAGLES v SYDNEY SWANS
WEST COAST EAGLES
B: Beau Wilkes, Darren Glass, Brett Jones
HF: Tyson Stenglein, Adam Hunter, Andrew Embley
C: Michael Braun, Daniel Kerr, Adam Selwood
HF: Sam Butler, Brent Staker, Chad Fletcher
F: David Wirrpanda, Quinten Lynch, Jaymie Graham
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Chris Masten
I/C: Ryan Davis, Tim Houlihan, Mark Nicoski, Mark Seaby
EMG: Steven Armstrong, Ben McKinley, Mark LeCras


In: Hunter, Butler, Graham, Masten, Seaby, Davis, Nicoski
Out: Brad Ebert (ankle), Will Schofield (thigh), Josh Kennedy (knee), Matt Rosa (ankle), Beau Waters (susp), Steven Armstrong, Ben McKinley


SYDNEY SWANS
B: Nick Malceski, Leo Barry, Martin Mattner
HB: Craig Bolton, Ted Richards, Kieren Jack
C: Jarrad McVeigh, Brett Kirk, Amon Buchanan
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Jarrad Moore
F: Paul Bevan, Michael O’Loughlin, Peter Everitt
Foll: Darren Jolly, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
I/C: Luke Ablett, Ed Barlow, Tadhg Kennelly, Henry Playfair
EMG: Craig Bird, Luke Brennan, Nick Smith


In: Barlow
Out: Craig Bird


BRISBANE LIONS v FREMANTLE
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, Justin Sherman
F: Rhan Hooper, Daniel Bradshaw, Travis Johnstone
Foll: Jamie Charman, Luke Power, Jed Adcock
I/C: Scott Harding, James Polkinghorne, Mitch Clark, James Hawksley, Robert Copeland, Cheynee Stiller, Matthew Leuenberger


In: Polkinghorne, Copeland, Stiller, Leuenberger, Hawksley
Out: Jason Roe (hamstring), Ashley McGrath (hamstring)


FREMANTLE
B: Dean Solomon, Antoni Grover, Michael Johnson
HB: David Mundy, Luke McPharlin, Marcus Drum
C: Garrick Ibbotson, Peter Bell, Brett Peake
HF: Rhys Palmer, Chris Tarrant, Kepler Bradley
F: Jeff Farmer, Matthew Pavlich, Chris Mayne
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, Josh Carr
I/C (from): Mark Johnson, Scott Thornton, Heath Black, Byron Schammer, Josh Head, Shaun McManus, Robert Warnock


In: Ma. Johnson, Bell, Head, Warnock
Out: Paul Duffield


ST KILDA v WESTERN BULLDOGS
ST KILDA
B: Jason Blake, Max Hudghton, Sean Dempster
HB: Jason Gram, Sam Fisher, Brendon Goddard
C: Nick Dal Santo, Luke Ball, Leigh Montagna
HF: Adam Schneider, Nick Riewoldt, Clint Jones
F: Shane Birss, Justin Koschitzke, Stephen Milne
Foll: Steven King, Lenny Hayes, Robert Harvey
IC (from): Michael Gardiner, Jarryn Geary, Matthew Ferguson, David Armitage, Leigh Fisher, James Gwilt, Aaron Fiora


In: L. Fisher, Gwilt, Fiora
Out: -

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dale Morris, Brian Lake, Dylan Addison
HB: Ryan Hargrave, Tom Williams, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Callan Ward, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Brad Johnson, Mitch Hahn, Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Scott Welsh, Will Minson, Jason Akermanis
Foll: Ben Hudson, Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen
I/C (from): Nathan Eagleton, Andrejs Everitt, Jarrod Harbrow, Josh Hill, Farren Ray, Peter Street, Stephen Tiller


In: Everitt, Harbrow, Hill, Street, Ward
Out: Tim Callan (hamstring), Robert Murphy (susp)


PORT ADELAIDE v CARLTON
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Troy Chaplin
HB: Peter Burgoyne, Toby Thurstans, Michael Wilson
C: Domenic Cassisi, Chad Cornes, Kane Cornes
HF: David Rodan, Warren Tredrea, Travis Boak
F: Daniel Motlop, Justin Westhoff, Robert Gray
Foll: Dean Brogan, Steven Salopek, Danyle Pearce
I/C (from): Brendon Lade, Jacob Surjan, Paul Stewart, Greg Bentley, Damon White, Nathan Krakouer, Tom Logan


In: Bentley, Cassisi, White
Out: -


CARLTON
B: Bret Thornton, Setanta O’hAilpin, Steven Browne
HB: Heath Scotland, Jarrad Waite, Dennis Armfield
C: Nick Stevens, Chris Judd, Marc Murphy
HF: Kade Simpson, Brad Fisher, Jordan Russell
F: Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Cameron Cloke
Foll: Shaun Hampson, Andrew Carrazzo, Adam BenticK
I/C (from): Mark Austin, Jake Edwards, Bryce Gibbs, Shaun Grigg, Matthew Kreuzer, Darren Pfeiffer, Simon Wiggins


In: Austin, Edwards, Pfeiffer, Waite
Out: Paul Bower (shoulder)


MELBOURNE v COLLINGWOOD
MELBOURNE
B: James McDonald, Colin Garland, James Frawley
HB: Brad Green, Matthew Warnock, Paul Wheatley
C: Cale Morton, Brock McLean, Cameron Bruce
HF: Matthew Bate, Brad Miller, Lynden Dunn
F: Paul Johnson, Colin Sylvia, Austin Wonaeamirri
Foll: Jeff White, Brent Moloney, Nathan Jones
I/C (from): Clint Bartram, Jace Bode, Nathan Carroll, Mark Jamar, Chris Johnson, Jared Rivers, Adem Yze


In: Bode, Carroll, Jamar, C. Johnson, Morton, Rivers
Out: Russell Robertosn (achilles), Daniel Bell, Simon Buckley

COLLINGWOOD
B: Heath Shaw, Shane Wakelin, Tarkyn Lockyer
HB: Martin Clarke, Nathan Brown, Harry O’Brien
C: Scott Pendlebury, Scott Burns, Rhyce Shaw
HF: Leon Davis, Shane O’Bree, Travis Cloke
F: Alan Didak, Anthony Rocca, Paul Medhurst
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
I/C (from): Nick Maxwell, Shannon Cox, Ben Reid, Sharrod Wellingham, Ben Johnson, Ryan Cook, Chris Bryan

In: Cook, Reid, Rocca
Out: -


Keep pressing control F5 to view the teams as they arrive.




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Geelong clash massive for Roos, says Brayshaw

June 5th 2008 05:53
NORTH MELBOURNE chairman James Brayshaw says Friday night's clash against Geelong at Telstra Dome is a massive game as the club continues to build on its recent momentum.

Brayshaw said the the Kangaroos needed to make the most of their limited opportunities on the Friday night stage.

"It's a massive night for us. Friday night football is huge. We like to think we put it on the map," Brayshaw said on Thursday at a sponsor's function in St Kilda.

"We don't get too many cracks at it these days so we want to make a big impact when we do."

The Kangaroos were thumped to the tune of 106 points by Geelong in last year's first qualifying final, and Brayshaw said he expected a more a committed effort from the 22 players who take the field this weekend.

"We were humiliated by Geelong in the finals last year. They were much better than us," Brayshaw said.

"They obviously played much better than us. One-hundred-point (defeats) are not good enough in September."

"Friday night it's a huge stage, there'll be a huge crowd there. Really, we've got to measure up."

Brayshaw, who was praised earlier in the week by AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou earlier in the week for his role in turning the Kangaroos' fortunes around, said the the club was making good progress but still had a lot of work to do to secure their future.

"Andrew was very complimentary during the week. They are the people who run the competition and we need their support," Brayshaw said.

"It was very nice to hear what he said but I don't want anyone to think we don't have a huge amount of work to do."

"We've got 30,000 members. We need that for another four years and then we can really bed down long-term sponsorship support."

"We need to get a much better stadium deal than we've got at the moment."

"We've still got a huge amount to do but it's nice to have them saying nice things."


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Thompson likely to miss

June 5th 2008 04:34
NORTH MELBOURNE key forward Nathan Thompson looks set to miss Friday night's crucial clash against Geelong at Telstra Dome.

Thompson, who pulled up with knee soreness after last weekend’s 31-point loss to Brisbane, was cleared of any structural damage but failed to complete a training session this morning, leaving the field after 10 minutes.

Kangaroos Roos chairman James Brayshaw said Thompson would struggle to play this weekend.

“I think he’s going to battle. I’m not saying he won’t play, but from what I’ve seen of him, he’s got some chronic soreness that may impede his progress,” he said.

“We’ve got another 24 hours … so we’re hoping he’ll come up. But a short week and a very good opponent; we’ll have our fingers crossed."



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Bower expected to miss the rest of the season

June 5th 2008 04:12
CARLTON'S backline has suffered another blow with improved defender Paul Bower expected to miss the remainder of the season with a shoulder injury

Bower injured his shoulder when he was heavily tackled by Geelong's Steve Johnson in last weekend's 56-point loss to the Cats at Telstra Dome.

After having scans earlier this week, Bower will meet a specialist on Thursday to decide on whether to have season-ending shoulder surgery.

The Blues defence has been without first choice fullback Michael Jamieson (shoulder) centre half-back Jarrad Waite (suspension), tall defender Bret Thornton (knee), Andrew Walker (shoulder) and Ryan Houlihan (hip) an Jordan Bannister (hamstring) at various stages throughout the season.

"It is hard to settle a back six when a few go down," coach Brett Ratten said.
"Paul Bower might be out for the whole season. He's got a shoulder, AC joint - it gets determined today whether it's surgery which will probably be the season and if it's not surgery, it won't be the season.

"But we've got Mark Austin in the reserves and he's playing good footy. It's a bit of a shame they (the VFL) didn't play on the weekend so it's bit hard to bring a kid up after a rest but Aussie will play sometime during the year."

While Walker and Houlihan are still a long way off from resuming, the Blues defence will be bolstered by the return of Waite from suspension for the clash against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.



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


Another injury blow for Eagles

June 5th 2008 01:09
WEST COAST's injury woes have continued with scans revealing that midfielder Matt Rosa has sustained a small fracture to his ankle that will put him on the sidelines for the next six to eight weeks.



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


Demon grey on the way out

June 5th 2008 00:01
MELBOURNE's grey clash strip will be consigned to the scrapheap at the end of the season after the club was inundated with calls and emails objecting to the design.

Under AFL rules clash strips could only be reviewed every two years, but Melbourne chief executive Paul McNamee said the club had gained permission from the AFL to do the redesign.

"We do want to listen to our supporters and this is a way of doing that after the brouhaha on the weekend," he said yesterday.

"This obviously didn't sit well with our supporters and we have talked to the AFL to revisit that.

"We want red and blue as far as possible," McNamee said. "They are the colours that we own and they are what is near and dear to us and our supporters.

"We will do everything possible to find a variation that uses more of the red and blue."

But this option is not guaranteed to receive approval from the league as the club has previously proposed a jumper that switched the red and the blue of the home strip, a design that was rejected by the AFL because it clashes with teams such as Sydney, the Western Bulldogs and Essendon.


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


Saints won't rush Baker back

June 4th 2008 23:37
ST KILDA looks set to resist the urge to bring back tagger Steven Baker to take on the competition's form midfield when the Saints face the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome on Sunday.

Baker hasn't played for the Saints since receiving a knock to his knee in the three-point win over Richmond in round seven.

He played for Casey Scorpions a fortnight ago, but sat out again last weekend as the VFL had a bye.

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said he expected Baker to play in the VFL again this weekend given his lack of match fitnness.

"He'll play in the seniors or seconds, but it's more likely the seconds than the seniors," Lyon said yesterday.



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


Butler in line for a recall

June 4th 2008 23:23
WEST COAST could be bolstered by the return of midfielder Sam Butler for Saturday night's clash against Sydney at Subiaco Oval.

Butler has had a horrendous run of groin problems which has seen him not play since the Eagles' 2006 premiership win over the Swans.

The 22-year-old began his comeback in the WAFL reserves before playing several senior matches for Perth. His planned rehabilitation included being rested last weekend.

In some bad news for West Coast, promising centre half-forward Josh Kennedy will be sidelined for at least two weeks with a slight tear in his posterior cruciate ligament. The club is confident he will not require surgery.

Kennedy looks set to be replaced by injury-prone forward Ashley Hansen, while first-year midfielder Chris Masten is expected to earn a recall after being rested last weekend with general soreness.

Small forward Mark LeCras, who has been struggling with osteitis pubis, played for West Perth in his first solid hit-out since round one and is close to earning a recall, while key defender Adam Hunter (knee) and Shannon Hurn (fractured leg) will be sidelined for at least another month.



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


Lucas wants a new deal

June 4th 2008 07:05
ESSENDON forward Scott Lucas has indicated he wants to sign a new contract with the club which will see him finish his career at the Bombers.

Lucas, who returned last week from the knee injury which has sidelined him since round one, is out of contract at the end of this season but keen to sign a new deal.

"I'd certainly like to organise something that will make it beyond doubt that I will be here to the end," Lucas said on Wednesday.

Lucas, who becomes just the 12th Bombers' player to play 250 games this weekend, said he wanted to help the club become a power once again.

"Your motivation gets higher the older you get," he said.

"There is the motivation to prove you can still do what you did in your mid 20's and there is that motivation to see the club return to where you think it should be."

Lucas was confident the club was heading in the right direction, but admitted he may not be around for long enough to win another premiership with the Bombers.

"It depends, if my time is up in four years we are in with a big show but if my time is up in a year or two then we are pushing it because these young guys need games and they need the experience to be competing and learning week in, week out and that takes time."

"But going forward things are looking good for the club and we have got a good balance in terms of age of the list."

Essendon coach Matthew Knights refused to discuss what length of contract the Bombers would offer Lucas but said the centre-half-forward was a part of the club's plans for the future.

"All I can say he has been a wonderful player for the club, we hold him in high regard and sooner rather than later we will come to end solution with that (contract) side of it."

"I wouldn't dare trade Scott Lucas because the fabric of this club is important and Scott has been a big part of the Essendon community for a long time."




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


Swans expecting backlash

June 4th 2008 06:47
SYDNEY defender Craig Bolton says the Swans are expecting a hostile reception when they face West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

The Swans have developed a fierce rivalry with the Eagles, with Swans forward Barry Hall's king-hit on West Coast utility Brent Staker in round four only escalating tensions between the clubs.

But Bolton said he didn't expect there to be any on-field retribution from Eagles players this weekend following the round four incident.

"The ball is in their court but I would not have thought there will be anything too untoward," he said.

The fifth-placed Swans head into the clash as red-hot favourites against the 13th-placed Eagles, but Bolton said Sydney will have to play well to secure the four premiership points.

"We are not going over there under any illusions that it is going to be an easy game," he said.

"West Coast, we have always had tough games against them and playing at Subiaco is a different prospect to playing them anywhere else, they want to bounce back.

"We know it is going to be a tough game. They still have some quality players."


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


Players need to adapt, says Worsfold

June 4th 2008 06:14
PLAYERS must learn to change with the times as the AFL continues its tough stance on head-high contact, according to West Coast coach John Worsfold.

West Coast defender Beau Waters became the third player this week to be suspended for head-high contact when he copped a two-match ban for rough conduct against Collingwood's Shane O'Bree.

Waters had argued his contact with O'Bree was unavoidable but the tribunal said more could have been done to avoid contact with the head.

Classy Western Bulldogs forward Robert Murphy accepted a one-match penalty for rough conduct against Hawthorn's Xavier Ellis, while Adelaide forward Brett Burton took a two-match suspension for front-on contact against Essendon's Henry Slattery.

Worsfold said he was supportive of the AFL's tough crackdown on head-high contact.

"Things change, times change, and we've got to move with the times and I'm prepared to do that," Worsfold said.

"I'm keen to see the AFL, as a game, be the best game it can be and generally I'm very supportive of the rule changes and the way the AFL's gone about it and I can understand their view with this issue.

"So really we all just have to be able to change with the times."

But Worsfold said the AFL had to be careful not to go overboard and stamp out genuine contests.

"If two players go at the footy like that and they collide heads and they both end up bleeding, shall we suspend them both?" he said.



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Harvey to put mid-range players under the microscope

June 4th 2008 06:02
FREMANTLE's mid-range players will need to step up if they want to be at the club next season, with coach Mark Harvey set to start planning for 2009 within the next month.

Harvey will stick with his usual selection process for the next fortnight before turning an eye to 2009 as the club aims to build for the future after a disastrous season which sees them currently languishing in 15th place on the AFL ladder with a 1-9 win-loss record.

"It won't change at the moment but we will review it within the next month. I'm not discussing their future, that will be guided by what contribution they make for the rest of the season," Harvey said.

"We need more out of our middle-tier players. Byron (Schammer) is one example as he's been around for five or six years, but it's not solely on him. We have 10 or 12 guys that are in that age group that we need more from."

Along with Schammer, the likes of Ryan Murphy, Adam Campbell, Paul Duffield, Andrew Browne, Daniel Gilmore and veterans Shaun McManus and Jeff Farmer will be closely scrutinised.

Farmer has only managed 15 goals this season and Harvey said the club needs him to be a more consistent contributor.

"We will be guided by what Jeff does in the second half of the year. He's a fantastic player and brings a unique quality to the game and our team, and he has a big second half of the year ahead of him," he said.

"He has so far had patches where he's shown his brilliance, but hasn’t necessarily shown it for a longer part of the game, which is what we need to get out of him."

Murphy continued his impressive form in the WAFL, booting six goals for South Fremantle on Monday, but he has struggled to show the same sort of form at AFL level this season.

"We played him for a couple of weeks earlier in the year and he is one of those guys that is in between playing really well in the WAFL and putting that performance into AFL," he said.

"It's a lot harder in the AFL environment as a forward and he's finding that. Certainly there will be an opportunity for Ryan if he continues to play how he has been."




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


Chapman likely to return

June 4th 2008 05:29
GEELONG is likely to welcome back small forward Paul Chapman for Friday night's clash against North Melbourne at Telstra Dome.

The Cats were without Chapman (hamstring) and key forward Cameron Mooney (shoulder) in last weekend's 56-point demolition of Carlton, but coach Mark Thompson said Chapman was more likely to return.

"We’re not sure if he [Mooney] is going to play yet, so if he gets up you know we’ve just got to make a decision whether we play three [tall forwards] or just go with two," Thompson said.

"We’re not sure whether Moons is going to get up at this stage."

Meanwhile, the club will wait until Thursday's training session to determine whether or not defender Josh Hunt has recovered from a shoulder injury.


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


No sympathy required: Harvey

June 4th 2008 05:07
FREMANTLE coach Mark Harvey is confident his side can turn its season around and snap a seven-game losing streak with a win against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Sunday.

The Dockers have never won at the Gabba, but Harvey believes his players are capable of creating a new piece of history.

"Yes we can win and I hope you're listening, Leigh," Harvey said, directing his confidence at Lions coach Leigh Matthews.

"We've been creating history for the wrong reasons lately and perhaps this week might be the chance to change that. They were a great side for a couple of those years and they aren’t that far off that with the way they are playing at the moment."

The Dockers last weekend became the first side in AFL/VFL history to lose five consecutive matches after leading at three-quarter time.

Harvey believes fitness or lack of composure at key moments could be the issue but wants nobody feeling sorry for the players.

He also said it was important for the club to remain positive and for the players to not get down on themselves.

"We don’t want to be patronised, we have to work our way out of this situation. I don’t want us to feel sorry for ourselves and I don’t want anyone else feeling sorry for us," he said.

"It (fitness) can be an issue because different guys haven’t done a full pre-season and others have been out for periods of time and come back too early, so we have to look at all of that. The biggest thing we are looking for is better last-minute stamina in the game."

The Dockers could be bolstered by the return of veteran midfielder Peter Bell from back soreness, while Mark Johnson, ruckman Robert Warnock and Ryan Murphy will all be considered for selection.

Harvey said he was happy with Warnock's performance in the WAFL on the weekend and said the club will consider taking him to Brisbane to back up in-form ruckman Aaron Sandilands.

"There will be a discussion about whether or not Robbie plays this week. Brisbane has got two big strong ruckmen and with Aaron (Sandilands) playing so well forward as well, it would be an indicator that Rob is a good chance," he said.

"I was happier with what Robbie did on the weekend for West Perth and he's on the eve of coming into our side."



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


Thompson needs to prove his fitness for crucial clash

June 4th 2008 03:37
NORTH MELBOURNE forward Nathan Thompson will need to prove his fitness at a training session on Thursday if he is going to play against Geelong at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

Thompson, who has kicked 24 goals in 10 matches since returning from a left-knee injury, had scans on the joint after experiencing pain during the 31-point loss to the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The scans cleared him of any structural damage, but Thompson is believed to be struggling with the demands of training and playing.

In some good news for the Kangaroos, classy midfielder Daniel Wells is in line for a recall after injuring his knee in the thrilling three-point win over the Western Bulldogs in round nine.

Fellow midfielder Daniel Harris told the Kangaroos' website that Wells "is very important because he gives us that link-up player and he's also been getting in and getting his own footy.

"He can also finish off with his skills, and that's what we lacked on the weekend."


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Bullodgs in Melbourne 'forever', says Smorgon

June 4th 2008 02:55
THE $25 million redevelopment of Whitten Oval means the Western Bulldogs will stay in Melbourne "forever", according to president David Smorgon.

The club has launched the first stage of the redevelopment, the Elite Learning Centre, which houses a new gymnasium and other player training facilities, which have been in use for several months.

"For decades people wanted to merge or relocate us or fold us," Smorgon said.

"Well, not any more, we're here to stay.

"We're here to stay as we've always stood, representing the western region of Melbourne.

"... This redevelopment once and for all firmly establishes that we will be here forever."

Smorgon said the redevelopment of Whitten Oval was a proud day for the club and all of those involved.

"It's just so important for everyone that's followed the Bulldogs, because it's a dream come true," he said.

"We've labelled it the miracle of the west and we say that very deliberately, because until it started going up there were the sceptics and the Doubting Thomases that never believed this was possible out at the Whitten Oval.

"To see the first stage of a $25 million development gives us all immense pride and delight at what's happened and it's a credit to everyone that's been involved in the past."



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


'Time and form' test for West: Eade

June 4th 2008 02:38
WESTERN BULLDOGS midfielder Scott West may be forced to return from injury through the VFL if his knee complaints keep him on the sidelines for much longer, according to coach Rodney Eade.

The seven-time best-and-fairest winner has been sidelined since round four with knee bone stress, which Eade said is an injury that must be healed by "time and mother nature".

West remains hopeful of returning before the mid-season break, but Eade said the veteran midfielder may struggle to be back playing that soon.

"We think he's two or three weeks away. We know that, we've said it publicly," Eade said.

"With his stature and class you would think he'd come straight back in, but it depends on time and form.

"If anyone is going to break back in, it will be him."

Eade said West still had a lot to offer and was confident the Bulldogs veteran would play on for a 17th season.

"With ... what he's done, and his form over the season, I would have thought he'd be here next year," Eade said.

"That's still a way away and a lot can happen at 32 years of age, but I still think Scott has a lot to offer and as we head towards the finals I've got no doubt he'll add something to us."



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


Waters hit with two-match ban

June 3rd 2008 09:07
WEST COAST defender Beau Waters will miss the next two matches after failing in his bid to have a two-match suspension overturned at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

Waters pleaded not guilty to a charge of engaging in rough conduct against Collingwood's Shane O'Bree during Saturday's match at the MCG.

The incident was assessed as negligent, of medium impact and high by the match review panel.

Waters' poor record meant he could not reduce his penalty with an early plea and he will carry 70 demerit points for the next year

The 22-year-old argued that he had only made accidental, rather than negligent contact, to the head of O'Bree.

The incident occurred as both players stooped down low to contest the ball and Waters told the hearing he had no other option but to bump O'Bree.

"It was the only course of action available to me at the time," Waters said.

"To avoid the contact I would have had to jump out of the way."

"The sole focus was on the ball. I had no intention of getting him in the head."

Waters said he was disappointed with the tribunal's decision.

"Although I did receive a fair hearing, it's unfortunate and I'll serve the two weeks," he said.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Hawks stand by Franklin

June 3rd 2008 07:53
HAWTHORN has thrown their support behind star forward Lance Franklin following allegations he verbally abused and threw a drink over two women at a Melbourne nightclub.

Franklin was escorted from the CQ Bar in central Melbourne on Saturday night, hours after the Hawks had lost their first match of the season to the Western Bulldogs at Aurora Stadium in Launceston.

Hawthorn chief executive Ian Robson said the club considered the matter to be closed after speaking to Franklin and several other players present at the nightclub.

"After becoming aware of these additional allegations overnight I have spoken at length with Lance and a number of the other Hawthorn players and impartial witnesses who were in attendance on the night," said Robson.

"I am satisfied that there is no substance to the allegation relating to the throwing of a drink over patrons at the club and as to the allegation of the language that may have been used, Lance is unable to specifically recall what was said, however, denies it was of a sexual nature.

"In the absence of further information being brought forward the club now sees the matter as closed."

Robson said the club was also aware of video footage purporting to be of another incident involving Hawthorn players in 2006.

"Whilst the incident occurred some time ago the club will investigate this separately and should it be determined the players whose likeness it appears to be, the club will counsel them as to appropriate social behaviour," he said.

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


Coughlan set to return

June 3rd 2008 06:01
INJURY prone Richmond midfielder Mark Coughlan could return to the AFL within the month.

The 26-year-old recently returned to Melbourne after spending a fortnight at a Berlin medical centre receiving needle treatment for a recurring hamstring injury.

Coughlan said he is focused on playing out the rest of the season but admitted that retirement had crossed his mind.

"You have too much time to think, so you do think about (retirement)," he said.

"I can play out the rest of the season reasonably well, and that is what I plan to do."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Newman and Foley to captain Tigers

June 3rd 2008 03:53
CHRIS Newman and Nathan Foley will co-captain Richmond against Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday after skipper Kane Johnson was ruled out.

Johnson is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks with a strained medial ligament sustained during Sunday’s 82-point loss to the Sydney Swans.

Richmond coach Terry Wallace said Johnson's absence gave Newman and Foley a golden opportunity to step up and show their leadership abilities.

“We won’t differentiate between either Newy or Nathan,” Wallace said.

“It is a great opportunity for those guys. Others aspiring to leadership roles [will have] to take up a bit of slack. Kane’s been good in that area of driving the boys forward.”

But Wallace said the fact that Newman and Foley are sharing the captaincy duties this weekend doesn't necessarily mean one of them will take over from Johnson when he retires.

“Who knows where your next captain comes from? We’ve got a leadership group in place and they’re running it well.

“We’ve picked two vice-captains for a reason so those two blokes will lead the side on the weekend.”

Wallace said the club will know more on when Johnson may return within the next week or so.

“We’ll see how he goes. At the moment it’s pretty loose. I think he’ll know more in 10 days just how he’s travelling and whether it’s settled quickly or not. (With) those types of injuries, it is just how they settle,” he said.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Waters to contest two-match ban

June 3rd 2008 01:46
WEST COAST defender Beau Waters will contest a two-match ban after being charged with making head-high conduct against Collingwood's Shane O'Bree.

The incident from Saturday's match at the MCG was assessed as negligent, of medium impact and high by the match review panel. Waters has nothing to lose by challenging his ban which will stay at two matches even if he is unsuccessful at the tribunal on Tuesday night

Waters will be the only player to front the AFL Tribunal after classy Western Bulldogs forward Robert Murphy accepted a one-match suspension for engaging in rough conduct against Hawthorn's Xavier Ellis.

The incident was assessed as negligent conduct, medium impact and high contact equating to 225 points and a two-match ban, but was reduced to one-week with an early guilty plea.

Adelaide forward Brett Burton had already accepted a two-game ban for making forceful front-on contact against Essendon's Henry Slattery.
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Thompson waits on scans

June 3rd 2008 00:59
NORTH MELBOURNE forward Nathan Thompson remains in doubt for Friday night's crucial clash against Geelong at Telstra Dome.

Thompson was hampered by knee soreness during last Saturday night's loss to the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba and will have scans on his reconstructed knee.

"It was a bit of a struggle on the weekend but as far as the actual reconstruction goes, it's good, it's just normal soreness you get through the games," Thompson said following a session at the gym on Tuesday morning.

"I'm actually going in to have scans today to make sure it is what we think which is just a little bit of jarring and hopefully I can still come up for the weekend."

"Most weeks I've been playing with a little bit of soreness there and on the weekend, unfortunately, it didn’t come up that well and I was well-beaten on the night by a good opponent."

Thompson said he was confident there would be no major damage to his knee.

"I'm very optimistic, I don’t think there's any major damage in there at all," he said.

"I'd say I've just landed on it and jarred it a bit and that's just making it hard for me to run at top pace."

Thompson, who was held goalless for the first time this season by the Lions, said he was keen to make amends as the Kangaroos begin a tough run that could determine whether or not they play finals football this season.

"I think you've got to be honest about your own performance and I know it was below par," he said.

"There's no excuses for that; I didn't put up a good showing for the team and I (hope) this weekend I can get back out there and make amends for it."

The Kangaroos face the Cats, Fremantle, Hawthorn, St Kilda, Port Adelaide and Collingwood over the next six weeks.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Robertson may train in six months

June 3rd 2008 00:27
MELBOURNE forward Russell Robertson is expected to begin training again in six months after having surgery to repair his ruptured right Achilles tendon yesterday.

Club doctor Andrew Daff said the surgery was a success but couldn't guarantee that the 29-year-old would recapture his trademark leap and athleticism.

"It's impossible to say," Daff said yesterday.

"We'll be optimistic and look for a full recovery, which means he gets everything back. (But) it may be slow."

Meanwhile, Melbourne utility Matthew Bate (hand) and midfielder Brock McLean (broken nose) are in doubt for Monday's Queen's Birthday clash against Collingwood at the MCG.

Demons football manager Ross Monaghan said X-rays had cleared Bate of a broken hand and that the club was confident both would be fit to play could given the eight-day break.

"At this stage it's just bruised," Monaghan said.

"He got back on the ground and played the game out and afterwards it was certainly sore. But the fact he's got a clear X-ray gives us an indication he should recover pretty well, we're hoping."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Brown wins nomination

June 3rd 2008 00:13
COLLINGWOOD key defender Nathan Brown has been rewarded for his strong showing against some of the best key forward's in the competition with the latest nomination for the NAB Rising Star award.

The promising 19-year-old, who has been opposed to the likes of Matthew Richardson, Lance Franklin and Jonathan Brown, hasn't been out of the side since making his AFL debut in round one.

Brown was again solid in Collingwood's 100-point win over West Coast at the MCG on Saturday, collecting 13 possessions and restricting Eagles forward Josh Kennedy to one goal.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Scarlett a Cat for life

June 3rd 2008 00:00
GEELONG defender Matthew Scarlett has signed a two-year contract extension which will see him remain at the club until the end of 2011.

Scarlett, who turns 29 next week, will be eligible for veteran status next year, when he turns 30.

Under AFL rules only half of his salary will count under the salary cap from next year (and in 2010 and 2011), the same rule already applying to the club's sole listed veteran Darren Milburn.

This will have the benefit of easing Geelong's salary cap squeeze and makes it easier to re-sign others, such as West Australian midfielder Joel Corey, who will be coming out of contract at the end of this season and has agreed to terms on a new three-year deal (2009-2011).

Scarlett has been in brilliant form this season, conceding slighlty more than one goal a game -while averaging nearly 16 possessions per game.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Gehrig to go under the knife

June 2nd 2008 23:45
ST KILDA forward Fraser Gehrig will undergo surgery on his right hand on Wednesday in a final desperate bid to return to AFL football.

The 32-year-old will have his arthritic middle finger stabilised. He will also have a arthroscopic clean-up on the top of his hand and wrist.

St Kilda football manager Matthew Drain said Gehrig had to go under the knife if he wanted to play again.

"It needs to be done now for him to have any chance," Drain said.

The surgery will put Gehrig, who must spend a minimum eight weeks on the long-term injury list, in rehab for at least the next six weeks.

The best case scenario would see Gehrig eligible to return in round 16, but the Saints may not want to upset team balance, if they are still in finals contention.

Gehrig, who retired last year, but had a re-think and was re-drafted by the Saints, has struggled to have an impact this season, managing just nine goals in five games.

Speaking for the first time about his situation 10 days ago, Gehrig made it clear he had not given up hope of adding to his 260-game career.

"I've decided to go on the long-term injury list and try to get everything up and running for possibly down the track," Gehrig said.

"I'm not too sure whether they're (my hands) going to get any better or not, but it gives me an opportunity to have a bit of a break."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


The bump will stay, says Demetriou

June 2nd 2008 09:14
THE traditional hip and shoulder isn't in danger of becoming extinct, according to AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou.

Just two weeks after Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams called for an enquiry into the tribunal's handling of head high bumps after the decision to suspend star Port midfielder Shaun Burgoyne for his bump on Hawks' skipper Sam Mitchell, three more players have been cited head high bumps.

Adelaide's Brett Burton, classy Western Bulldogs forward Robert Murphy and West Coast defender Beau Waters all face suspensions after being cited by the match review panel on Monday for making head high contact to opponents.

Following the three-match ban handed down to Burgoyne, Williams said the current rules did not make allowances for accidental bumps to the head - a view shared by Essendon skipper Matthew Lloyd.

Lloyd said on Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show if players were continually cited for head high bumps they would soon be wary of delivering the traditional hip and shoulder bump for fear of being reported if it went wrong.

"I reckon if Robert Murphy gets done for that (his bump on Hawthorn's Xavier Ellis), all players will question whether you bother hip and shouldering because a guy might get lower or you might be hip and shouldering Brent Harvey (the league's smallest player) and he's, you know, so much smaller than you are," Lloyd said.

"Now you just can't hit anybody in the head so it has changed player's thinking - 'Is there any point going for the hip and shoulder'?"

Demetriou hinted on Monday that the Bombers' captain would be fined for his comments.

"It was inappropriate for Matthew Lloyd to make those comments and I'm sure that (football operations manager) Adrian Anderson will be looking at it," he said.

"This matter (Murphy's bump on Ellis) may appear before the tribunal and everyone knows we should wait for that process to take its course and the rules are pretty clear on that."

Demetriou denied that the bump was under threat and said the AFL's position on what constitues a legitmate hip and shoulder was clear.

"I don't think they (bumps) are under scrutiny," he said.

"Everyone knows our position on head high bumps - the head is sacrosanct."

"If you watch our game I think you can see the bump is alive and well but what is important is the head is sacrosanct."
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Trio cited for head-high contact

June 2nd 2008 08:18
ADELAIDE forward Brett Burton and West Coast defender Beau Waters have been issued two-match bans by the AFL match review panel for making high contact to opponents during round 10.

Burton will plead guilty to making forceful front-on contact against Essendon's Henry Slattery last Friday night at AAMI Stadium. It was the view of the panel that Burton's contact was reckless, of low impact and high contact.

The 30-year-old risked being suspended for three games had he contested the charge at the tribunal, as his bad recent record inflated his tally to 300 demerit points.

Waters was charged with engaging in rough conduct against Collingwood's Shane O'Bree during West Coast's 100-point loss at the MCG on Saturday. The panel deemed Waters' action as reckless, of low impact and high contact, but his bad recent record meant the demerit points were increased to 270.

That means he cannot reduce the penalty under the two-game threshold with a guilty plea

Classy Western Bulldogs forward Robert Murphy was charged for engaging in rough conduct against Hawthorn's Xavier Ellis at Aurora Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Murphy's contact was assessed as negligent, medium impact and high, equating to 225 demerit points and a two-match ban.

His good record means he can reduce that to 168.75 points and a one-game ban with an early guilty plea.

In other tribunal news, Essendon's Andrew Welsh was cleared over a clash with Adelaide skipper Simon Goodwin while St Kilda defender Max Hudghton was aslo cleared over a clash with Melbourne's Lynden Dunn due to a lack of video evidence.

Melbourne's Clint Bartram was cleared over contact to St Kilda's Matthew Ferguson while hard-running Port Adelaide defender Peter Burgoyne escaped punishment after making high contact to Fremantle's Rhys Palmer during Sunday's match at Subiaco Oval.

The panel deemed the high contact to Palmer wasn't forceful and not unreasonable in the circumstances given Burgoyne only ran a short distance to make contact, Palmer was involved in the play at the time of the contact and that Burgoyne did not leave the ground when he bumped the impressive 19-year-old.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Roos of no concern: Demetriou

June 2nd 2008 06:48
THE future of the Kangaroos is looking stronger by the day with the club today unveiling plans for its new $15 million headquarters to be built at its traditional Arden Street home.

The plan, which includes long overdue new facilities for the players as well as a 'Learning and Life Centre' to be used by Melbourne's multicultural community, is set to provide the foundation for the Kangaroos to remain a Melbourne-based club in the AFL for the long-term.

The Kangaroos, who have set a new membership record of more than 30,000, not only have the support of the AFL but also the Victorian State Government, which has tipped in nearly $6 million in funding to the $15 million project.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said on Monday that Roos' future in the competition as a Melbourne-based club was no longer of concern to the AFL.

"I don't think they are a concern for us," Demetriou said..

"We are concerned about all our clubs from time to time but this football club (the Kangaroos) from the time it announced it wanted to stay in Melbourne has kicked many, many goals."

"To get 30,000 members is an incredible achievement given we never thought we would see the day the North Melbourne football club would have that level of membership."

Demetriou said the credit for the Roos' revival - after the club knocked back the chance to relocate to the Gold Coast last December - lay with president James Brayshaw and chief executive Eugene Arocca.

"They (the Kangaroos) have done an outstanding job from the moment James Brayshaw came on board and then basically went after a new CEO in Eugene Arocca, who has got great credentials and we have already seen the transformation they have had (on the club)."

North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley said the soon-to-be-built new headquarters would not only make the club stronger off the field but also on the field.

"Obviously those steps that have been taken over the last few months, you can see the amount of work that has gone in to lay the foundations to give us a real strong foothold with our sponsors, supporters and now our local community (in Melbourne)," he said.

"We are playing for keeps and credit should go to James and Eugene for that."

"This (new headquarters) is not for one or two years, this is for the next 100 years."

"And it (the improved facilities) has got to help (on-field performance) at the end of the day."

"It will help us attract new players (from other clubs) but more importantly it helps you develop your own players."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Johnson sidelined with knee injury

June 2nd 2008 05:02
RICHMOND skipper Kane Johnson will miss the next three to four weeks after scans today revealed he had slightly strained his medial ligament.

Johnson hurt the knee during Sunday's 82-point loss to Sydney at the SCG.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Davey a chance to return

June 2nd 2008 04:38
MELBOURNE livewire Aaron Davey is a good chance of playing against Collingwood in the Queens Birthday clash at the MCG on Monday, according to midfielder James McDonald.

Davey did not play against St Kilda at Telstra Dome on Sunday after he pulled up sore in a midweek training session with a hamstring injury.

“He’ll be a good chance I’d say,” McDonald said.

“He didn’t do too much damage so he’ll train today and we’ll see how he goes. I suppose with the extra day as well, that will give him a good chance.”

McDonald said that Davey would be a welcome addition to a Melbourne side that is languishing at the bottom of the AFL ladder.

“He’s a match winner and he’s one of those players who can run the lines and break open a game,” he said.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Tigers 'took a big step backwards': Wallace

June 2nd 2008 01:38
RICHMOND took a sizeable step backwards after being thumped to the tune of 82 points by Sydney at the SCG on Sunday, according to coach Terry Wallace.

"It couldn't be more disappointing," Wallace said after the game. "We came up here really keen to see if we could get our season really alive. We thought we'd taken some real strides forward and then to be clinically taken apart like we were in the first half was unacceptable.

"We're really disappointed as a group in ourselves … we certainly today took a big step backwards."

Richmond captain Kane Johnson injured his left knee early in the third quarter and did not return. Early reports indicate a grade one medial ligament strain, which puts him in doubt for the clash with Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday.

Wallace said it was important for the Tigers to bounce back quickly and not let the rest of the season go to waste.

"You can lose six or seven weeks very quickly and that's what I spoke to the players about, that we just can't afford to lose the six or seven weeks of really good footy in one display," Wallace said.
"That's, I suppose, going to be our task and my task over the next six days — to make sure that some of the things that happened in the first half aren't repeated in six days time."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


We're still in the finals race: Williams

June 2nd 2008 01:18
PORT ADELAIDE coach Mark Williams believes his side is still capable of playing finals football following their 28-point win over Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

Williams said the Power had been hit by illness throughout the week - Domenic Cassisi was a late withdrawal from the selected side after suffering from gastroenteritis, while at least three others players went into the match with question marks hovering over their fitness.

"It was a really gutsy win today," declared Williams. "In our history I've never brought three emergencies over (but) we had real concerns of sickness through our group."

"For the players, to handle those distractions and have a bit of doubt about whether they could get through the game or not ... the mental courage that they showed, certainly at three-quarter time, to keep going (was outstanding)."

"We had a real goal to work towards and that was to, whatever slim (finals) chance we still have, to keep it going and it's only half a season really gone, so we'd like to think we still have a chance of making it and if we play well I think we will," he said.

The Power's fourth win of the season sees them trail eighth-placed North Melbourne by six premiership points, but Williams believes the top eight is not set in stone.

"I know that if we win every game 'til the end of the year, the eight's not set and it's really up to us and we'll take on each game as it comes," he said.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Swans right in the mix

June 2nd 2008 00:38
SYDNEY coach Paul Roos has declared the premiership race wide open following his side's impressive 82-point thrashing of Richmond at the SCG on Sunday.

The Swans, who currently boast the best percentage in the AFL, are just two premiership points outside the top four.

Roos said the depth of his side, which will be bolstered by the return of Barry Hall in a fortnight, is the strongest it has ever been.

"Being up in Sydney is out of sight, out of mind, which is good," Roos said yesterday.

"Probably the balance (of our team) is as good as it's been. Six-and-a-half wins is pretty good without Hally and without Tadhg (Kennelly) for a while and (Nick) Malceski."

The Swans, who were tipped by most pundits to struggle this year, have been reinvigorated by new recruits Marty Mattner and Henry Playfair, while youngsters Kieren Jack, Craig Bird and Jarred Moore have all had an impact.

Richmond coach Terry Wallace was impressed with what he saw and expected Sydney to challenge for a premiership again this year.

"They're the best team we've played at this point in time," he said.

"I think they're an extremely professional unit. They're going to be right in the mix again this year."

Roos said it was important for his side to continue to work hard and improve given the eveness of the competition.

"All the 16 coaches would say it is a very open competition and you just have to keep working hard and improving," he said.

"We played the Bulldogs who we rate pretty highly and they beat us, we got close to them and did OK. We have played Geelong and they are a good team, but the competition is even."


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


We haven't earned back respect: Lyon

June 1st 2008 23:56
ST KILDA has not regained respect despite a 79-point demolition of Melbourne at Telstra Dome on Sunday, according to coach Ross Lyon.

The Saints currently occupy ninth place on the AFL ladder with a 5-5 win-loss record, just a half a game behind eighth-placed North Melbourne.

Lyon said it was important for the Saints to maintain the same level of intensity that they showed on Sunday for the rest of the season if they are going to match the best sides in the competition.

"You don't earn respect in a week, but we're in the hunt and next week we've got to play the Western Bulldogs who have lost one game, they are the form team of the competition and we'll clearly go in as underdogs, and they go in red-hot favourites," Lyon said.

"I was down there yesterday in Launceston and their contest and pressure against Hawthorn was outstanding, so we'll get a wake-up call pretty quick."

Lyon was pleased with his side's intensity and attack on the football on Sunday - the Saints won the tackle count 68-51 - but said he would have been disappointed if his players had not reacted after being labelled as "soft" following last week's 46-point loss to Brisbane.

"It was really a focus. Neil Craig spoke about AFL footy and the intensity and tackling has gone up, and we wanted to jump on board and I thought today we delivered that," Lyon said.

"They have been tackling 60-plus tackles and winning the contested ball so it was real challenge coming here today."

"I'm not sure if it (the win) changes anyone's view (of St Kilda) but I never lost faith in the playing group."

"I would have been disappointed if we didn't respond today and there would have been something drastically wrong if we didn't so it's a start."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Brown wants to remain a Lion

June 1st 2008 23:27
BRISBANE LIONS star Jonathan Brown has confirmed that he wants a long-term deal that will see him end his career with the club.

"I'd like a long-term deal and if that could see me out to the end of my career that would be great, but that's up to the club, isn't it? I think I can go well into my 30s, I've always looked after myself, I know there's a lot of talk about the centre-half-forward position I suppose being brutal on your body," Brown said on 3AW yesterday.

"But I'm still only 26 (and) to get to 30 or early 30s is quite achievable now."

"I don't train as hard as I used to, I certainly don't do as much running as I used to and I certainly try to look after my body a bit better and I probably play a little bit closer to goal as well."

The Lions, who are currently occupying seventh place on the AFL ladder with a 6-4 win-loss record, have the potential to win a premiership over the next few years, according to Brown.

"We genuinely think we've got a side that over the next four or five years could be thereabouts anyway, so that's pretty important," he said.
"But no doubt towards the end of your career, the finances and life after footy a little bit have got to come into consideration and lifestyle too, where you want to live.

"As you get a little bit older and wiser you've obviously got to weigh up those sorts of things. This is the last time I'm going to be in this situation where I suppose I've got a bit of bargaining power
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Brisbane Lions
   


Port stay alive

June 1st 2008 10:23
PORT ADELAIDE has kept its slim finals hopes alive with a 28-point win over Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

For the fifth straight week the Dockers lost after having the lead heading into the final change, with the Power booting six goals to one in the final term to record a 16.7 (103) to 10.15 (75) win.

The Power's fourth win of the season sees them trail eighth-placed North Melbourne by six premiership points.

Daniel Motlop starred for Port with five goals, while skipper Warren Tredrea and Justin Westhoff chimed in with three goals each.

Kane Cornes celebrated his 150th AFL game with a game-high 31 possessions, while David Rodan was influential in his 100th game with 24 disposals and two goals.

For Fremantle, ruckman Aaron Sandilands (24 hit-outs, two goals) starred while promising youngster Rhys Palmer continued his impressive debut season with 28 disposals.

Port Adelaide started brightly, taking advantage of Docker mistakes in defence to boot two of the first three goals through Brendon Lade and Motlop.

The Dockers dominated the remainder of the opening term, with Sandilands not only effective in the ruck but also proving to be a handful up forward, booting two goals as Fremantle took an 18-point lead into quarter-time.

The Power turned the game on its head in the second term, booting six unanswered goals, with Tredrea booting three for the term to put Port 14 points in front at the main break.

Fremantle kicked the first goal of the third quarter through Antoni Grover, but Port hit back with two goals, including a brilliant running goal from Rodan to race out to a 19-point lead.

The rest of the term belonged to Fremantle as they slammed on three unanswered goals to take a two-point lead into the final change.

Motlop kicked an amazing toe-poke goal from the boundary in the second minute of the final term to give Port back the lead.

Garrick Ibbotson replied almost instantly for the Dockers, but Port seemingly had all the answers with majors to Rodan and Robbie Gray giving the Power a 16-point advantage.

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich had a chance to get his side back into the contest, but his set shot from 45m at the 22-minute mark found the woodwork.

It proved to be a costly miss, with Westhoff kicking the sealer to ensure the Dockers became the first side in history to lose five consecutive matches after leading at three quarter-time.

FREMANTLE: 5.1, 5.7, 9.13, 10.15 (75)
PORT ADELAIDE: 2.1, 8.3, 10.5, 16.7 (103)
GOALS: Fremantle: Sandilands 2, Grover, Crowley, McPharlin, Black, Thornton, Pavlich, Farmer, Ibbotson
Port Adelaide: Motlop 5, Tredrea 3, Westhoff, Rodan 2, Salopek, Lade, Pearce, Gray BEST: Fremantle: Sandilands, Black, Crowly, Palmer, Ibbotson
Port Adelaide: Motlop, Chad Cornes, Burgoyne, Rodan, Gray, Westhoff
INJURIES: Fremantle: Nil
Port Adelaide:Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Fremantle: Bell (back strain) replaced in selected side by Schammer. Port Adelaide: Cassisi (Gastro) replaced in selected side by Stewart.
UMPIRES: Margetts, Ryan, Chamberlain
CROWD: 34,236 at Subiaco Oval
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Robertson to miss rest of the season

June 1st 2008 08:12
MELBOURNE forward Russell Robertson will miss the remainder of the season after the club confirmed he had ruptured his achilles tendon.

Robertson went down in the third term of the Demons 79-point loss to St Kilda at Telstra Dome on Sunday afternoon.

He was unable to put any weight on his leg and crawled towards the bench in agony before being helped from the field by trainers.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Saints smash dismal Dees

June 1st 2008 07:41
ST KILDA has kept its finals hopes alive with a 79-point demolition of Melbourne at Telstra Dome on Sunday afternoon.

The Saints, desperate to atone for last weekend's disappointing performance against Brisbane, thrashed the bottom-placed Demons 19.15 (129) to 7.8 (50) in a match that didn't reach any great heights.

The win puts the Saints within half a game of eighth-placed North Melbourne after 10 rounds.

Nick Dal Santo, Luke Ball and Leigh Montagna were prominent in the middle, while Jason Gram and Sam Fisher generated plenty of run off half-back, racking up 27 possessions each.

Former Sydney Swan Adam Schneider starred with five goals, while Stephen Milne also chimed in with three majors. St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt worked tirelessly across half-forward, finishing the match with 21 possessions, 13 marks and one goal.

The loss was made worse for Melbourne, with key forward Russell Robertson going down with a serious Achilles injury.Robertson was unable to put any weight on his leg and had to be helped from the field in the third quarter.

He was taken down the race and initial reports suggested that he would miss the remainder of the season.

For Melbourne, Adem Yze worked hard for three goals in his first match for the season, while James McDonald (25 possessions) tried hard all day.

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon last weekend labelled his side physically and mentally soft after a 46-point loss to the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba, but they proved themselves by winning the clearances and applying immense pressure all over the ground.

The Saints took control with five goals to two in the opening term before slamming on the first four goals of the second quarter to put the result beyond doubt.

Melbourne had to wait until the 27-minute mark for their first and only goal of the second term, with Robertson kicking truly as the Saints took a commanding 44-point lead into the main break.

The Demons struggled to find an avenue to goal all day, taking just five of their 106 marks inside 50. They were restricted to a meagre two behinds in the third term, but were saved from total embarassment by some poor kicking in front of goal by the Saints.

St Kilda booted a wasteful 2.6 to take a 60-point advantage into the final change.

Melbourne managed four goals in the final term, but the Saints booted seven of their own to lift their percentage above 100.

ST KILDA: 5.4, 10.6, 12.12. 19.15 (129)
MELBOURNE: 2.2, 3.4, 3.6, 7.8 (50)
GOALS: St Kilda: Schneider 5, Milne 3, Birss 2, Koschitzke 2, Gram, Riewoldt, Dal Santo, Jones, Ball, Montagna, Dempster
Melbourne: Yze 3, Dunn, Robertson, Sylvia, Bruce
BEST: St Kilda: S Fisher, Ball, Schneider, Gram, Dal Santo, Birss, Montagna, Armitage
Melbourne: Bate, McDonald, Wheatley, Warnock
INJURIES: St Kilda: Nil
Melbourne: Robertson (achilles), Dunn (calf)
UMPIRES: Stewart, Stevic, Head
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 27,854 at Telstra Dome
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Swans outclass toothless Tigers

June 1st 2008 06:27
SYDNEY has continued its rich vein of form with an impressive 82-point win over a disappointing Richmond side at the SCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Swans, who have now won three matches in a row, booted the first 11 goals of the match and were never threatened as they romped home to a convincing 23.12 (139) to 8.9 (57) win.

The win improves Sydney's record to 6-3-1 after 10 rounds, while the Tigers fall to 3-6-1 after an uncompetitive display following a month of promising football

Ryan O'Keefe was busy across half-forward for the Swans with 27 posssessions and one goal, while Amon Buchanan and Jarrad McVeigh chimed in with three goals each.

For Richmond, Brett Deledio tried hard all day and finished with a game-high 32 possessions and two goals, while Chris Newman and Nathan Foley both had 24 disposals.

The Swans were irresistible in the first quarter, with their physical presence at the stoppages proving to be too much for the Tigers as Sydney slammed on six unanswered goals.

Adam Goodes capped off a dominant first term for the Swans with a contender for Goal of the Year. The dual Brownlow medallist ran from the centre square, baulking three opponents before slotting it home from 55m at the 22-minute mark.

Richmond didn't score at all until a flying Shane Edwards shot registered a behind at the 26-minute mark; by that stage, Sydney had kicked 6.3.

The Tigers had had nine more possessions than Sydney in the first term, but trailed by 38 points, with Sydney's trademark tackling and pressure forcing the Tigers into constant errors.

Sydney continued their dominance after quarter-time, slamming on the first five goals of the second term to race out to a 69-point lead at the 16-minute mark.

Richmond youngster Trent Cotchin broke the duck with a classy goal at the 20-minute mark of the second term, but the Swans had the match well and truly in control with goals to McVeigh and O'Keefe giving Sydney a match-winning 73-point lead at the main break.

To their credit, Richmond stuck to their task in the second half, limiting the Swans to three goals in the third term and managing three of their own, before booting four goals in the final term to add some respectability to the scoreboard.

SYDNEY: 6.4, 13.7, 16.11, 21.13 (139)
RICHMOND: 0.2, 1.6, 4.7, 8.9 (57)
GOALS: Sydney: Buchanan 3, McVeigh 3, Goodes 2, O'Loughlin 2, Ablett 2, Playfair 2, Bird 2, Malceski, C.Bolton, Moore, O'Keefe, Bevan,
Richmond: Deledio 2, Cotchin, Bowden, Brown, Moore, Foley, Schulz,
BEST: Sydney: O'Keefe, Goodes, Barry, Mattner, Kirk,
Richmond: Deledio, Richardson, Foley, Pettifer
INJURIES: Sydney:Nil
Richmond: Kane Johnson (knee) suffered in a heavy tackle midway through the third quarter.
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Schmitt, Nicholls, Jeffery.
CROWD: 26,852 at the SCG
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Sydney Swans
   


Eagles were 'diabolical': Lynch

June 1st 2008 02:54
WEST COAST needs to figure out how to play four quarters of consistent football, according to key forward Quinten Lynch.

The Eagles snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 50-point win over Adelaide last weekend and were in the contest against Collingwood in the second term yesterday before falling away dramatically after half-time as the Magpies piled on 15 goals to three to record a 100-point win.

Lynch labelled the performance as "diabolical" and said the Eagles can't afford to drop their level of intensity if they want to be competitive.

"It's a very disappointing day – we'll go back and view our game, the second half was diabolical, really," he said.

"It's something we can't afford to do. We'll have to go back, put out heads down, work hard and make amends for it next week.

"We'll go through the game during the week and work out why we went so far off the boil. I suppose you've just got to have intense pressure at the ball, and I think that dropped off after half time.

"To half-time we were level with them, we were maybe three or four goals behind on the score board, but I still think we had the intensity at the ball, but after half-time we just dropped off considerably.

"You can't afford to do that in the AFL, you get found out very quickly, as happened today."

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


We'll be better for loss: Ratten

June 1st 2008 02:46
CARLTON will learn a lot from its 56-point loss to Geelong at Telstra Dome on Saturday night, according to coach Brett Ratten.

The Cats bounced back from their 86-point thrashing at the hands of Collingwood a week earlier, applying immense pressure all over the ground as they won the tackle count 80-46.

"They smashed us," Ratten said in his post-match press conference. "We overpossessed the ball at times. They hunted us up and that's why they're such a good team."

Carlton were well in the contest at half-time, trailing by just 17 points, but they were blown away in the third quarter as Geelong piled on 6.8 to one behind to put the result beyond doubt.

"They had a lot more shots and missed some easy goals. So we said that was our opportunity to get back in the game now. They had a lot of shots at goal and we've stuck by what we're trying to achieve and had this little window of opportunity to pounce on them in the third quarter and get back in the game but it just went completely the other way," Ratten said.

Ratten said it was important for the player's to learn where they went wrong and move forward.

"You just need to learn from it. We'll sit down and look at the vision … and assess it. You can't hide from that."

"We didn't get smashed at stoppages, we were pretty competitive around there, but the way they restricted us from rebound - they had 20 forward 50 tackles and we had four. So from the tackle count across the board we were off them a little bit but in the front 50 (metres) they restricted us."

Geelong coach Mark Thompson was pleased with his team's intensity this week and said it was important for the playing group to play at the same level week-in-week-out.

"It was (much better), definitely," he said. "That's a big difference in how we approach the game as a club. The real key is to keep doing that next week. I think we played pretty reasonable footy for most of the night."

Meanwhile, Ratten said last year's No. 1 pick in the National Draft, Matthew Kreuzer would be given a rest soon.

The 19-year-old has played eight games this season and struggled against the Cats, managing just six disposals and four hit-outs.

"He won't be too far away. It might be time to give him a rest," Ratten said. "He's done a lot of work for us. I thought he's done some outstanding efforts but AFL's a pretty uncompromising business."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Wounded Lions pay heavy price

June 1st 2008 00:42
THE Brisbane Lions have paid a heavy price for their 31-point win over the Kangaroos at the Gabba last night with co-captain Jonathan Brown nursing a hyper-extended knee and four other players in doubt for next weekend.

Brown has been cleared of any serious damage and should be right to play against Fremantle next Sunday. Ash McGrath, Jason Roe and Josh Drummond all finished the game on the bench with tight hamstrings, while defender Joel Patfull suffered what appeared to be a lower-leg injury.

Matthews is confident of all being fit for selection for the clash against the Dockers, but said the Lions had enough depth to cover those that wouldn't be able to prove their fitness.

With Patfull and Drummond hampered, impressive youngster Mitch Clark spent some time in defence and performed admirably.

”When it happens, the load gets less spread – we had three guys who tightened up in the hamstrings,” Matthews said.

”What that means for the future I don’t know yet. They didn’t seem to do anything really bad but they all suffered. We were down to 19 players in the end.

”Mitch is more than capable of playing tall defence, ruck or key forward. He gives us pretty good flexibility.”


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


I'll be right to play: Brown

June 1st 2008 00:27
BRISBANE forward Jonathan Brown said he will be right to play next weekend despite suffering what appeared to be a serious injury during the Lions' 31-point win over North Melbourne last night.

Brown, who kicked 6.7 in a best-on-ground performance, hobbled off the field midway through the third term after hyper-extending his left knee.

After disappearing briefly up the race to receive treatement from the club doctors, the star forward returned to the field of play minutes later and played the game out.

Brown told Fox Sports that he was a strong chance of lining up against Fremantle at the Gabba next Sunday.

"I hyper-extended my knee pretty heavily two weeks before the season started and just starting to get over it the last week and I just slipped in the wet ground and hyper extended it again and banged it up," Brown said

"I'll have to do my best to get up for next week but I'd say it was a bit of bone bruising and I should be right to go."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Brisbane Lions
   


Lonergan wary of another injury

June 1st 2008 00:20
GEELONG utility Tom Lonergan has admitted that he was keen to avoid contact in his AFL comeback against Carlton at Telstra Dome last night for fears he might suffer another freak injury.

Lonergan made a successful return to AFL football by booting two goals in the Cats' 56-point win over the Blues, having last played late in 2006 when he was crunched by Melbourne's Brad Green and had to have a kidney removed.

The 24-year-old admitted the injury made him think twice about backing into packs, but said it was important for him to trust his instincts.

"You try to rely on your instincts a little bit, but if you're under a long ball where you've got to back back I guess maybe I'd get front and square because I didn't want to go through the same thing again," he said.

"But in saying that, I've got to rely on my instincts and if you go in half-hearted you're probably going to get (hurt) more."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Coughlan returns

June 1st 2008 00:11
RICHMOND midfielder Mark Coughlan returns to Melbourne this morning after spending two weeks in Germany being treated for ongoing hamstring problems.

The 26-year-old, who has not played senior football since round 12, 2006, because of two knee reconstructions, has spent the past fortnight in Munich being treated by soft-tissue specialist Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfarth, who also treated Geelong's Geelong's Max Rooke for a serious hamstring tear last year, enabling the defender to play in the Cats' premiership side.

The German doctor is known for his unorthodox methods, which include injecting patients with substances extracted from the combs of roosters, and extracts of calves' blood.

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


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