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AFL Central - July 2008

Round eighteen teams

July 31st 2008 07:18
ROUND EIGHTEEN

Friday, August 1
Collingwood v Hawthorn at the MCG, 7.40pm AEST

Saturday, August 2
Essendon v Melbourne at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
Adelaide v Carlton at AAMI Stadium, 2.40pm ACST
Geelong v Richmond at Telstra Dome, 7.10pm AEST
North Melbourne v Brisbane Lions at Gold Coast Stadium, 7.10pm AEST

Sunday, August 3
Western Bulldogs v Sydney Swans at Manuka Oval, 1.10pm AEST
St Kilda v Port Adelaide at Telstra Dome, 2.10pm AEST
Fremantle v West Coast Eagles at Subiaco Oval, 2.40pm AWST

COLLINGWOOD v HAWTHORN
COLLINGWOOD

B: Heath Shaw, Nathan Brown, Tyson Goldsack
HB: Martin Clarke, Nick Maxwell, Harry O’Brien
C: Tarkyn Lockyer, Scott Burns, Alan Toovey
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke, Leon Davis
F: Alan Didak, Paul Medhurst, Shane O’Bree
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
I/C: Ryan Lonie, Sharrod Wellingham, Chris Bryan, John Anthony
EMG: Danny Stanley, John McCarthy, Sam Iles
In: Fraser, Goldsack, Lonie, Toovey
Out: Ben Johnson, Cameron Wood, Rhyce Shaw (back), Shane Wakelin (rested)

HAWTHORN
B: Campbell Brown, Stephen Gilham, Brent Guerra
HB:Thomas Murphy, Trent Croad, Grant Birchall
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Rick Ladson
HF: Shane Crawford, Lance Franklin, Chance Bateman
F: Mark Williams, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell
I/C: Stuart Dew, Xavier Ellis, Harry Taylor, Cameron Stokes
EMG: Brent Renouf, Travis Tuck, Clinton Young
In: Crawford, Dew
Out: Michael Osborne (corked buttock), Travis Tuck

ESSENDON v MELBOURNE
ESSENDON
B: Jay Nash, Mal Michael, Dustin Fletcher
HB: Adam McPhee, Patrick Ryder, Jarrod Atkinson

C: Ricky Dyson, Jobe Watson, Henry Slattery
HF: Angus Monfries, Matthew Lloyd, Sam Lonergan
F: Jason Laycock, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Leroy Jetta
Foll: David Hille, Andrew Welsh, Brent Stanton
I/C: Kyle Reimers, Andrew Lovett, Damien Peverill, Adam Ramanauskas
EMG: Heath Hocking, Cale Hooker, Rhys Magin

In: Lovett
Out: Scott Lucas (back)

MELBOURNE
B: Matthew Whelan, Colin Garland, Matthew Warnock
HB: Chris Johnson, Daniel Bell, Paul Wheatley
C: Cale Morton, Cameron Bruce, Simon Buckley
HF: Brad Green, Matthew Bate, Aaron Davey
F: Paul Johnson, Colin Sylvia, Addam Maric
Foll: Mark Jamar, Clint Bartram, James McDonald
I/C: Lynden Dunn, Austin Wonaeamirri, Shane Valenti, Stefan Martin
EMG: Nathan Carroll, Nathan Jones, Jeff White
In: Green, Wheatley, Wonaeamirri
Out: Brad Miller (hamstring), Nathan Jones, Michael Newton

ADELAIDE v CARLTON
ADELAIDE
B: Kris Massie, Ben Rutten, Nathan Bassett
HB: Nathan van Berlo, Nathan Bock, Michael Doughty
C: Brad Symes, Simon Goodwin, Chris Knights
HF: Andrew McLeod, Scott Stevens, Richard Douglas
F: Jason Porplyzia, Nick Gill, Bernie Vince
Foll: Ivan Maric, Scott Thompson, Tyson Edwards
I/C: Brad Moran, Robert Shirley, David Mackay, Bryce Campbell
EMG: Kurt Tippett, Andy Otten, Jared Petrenko

In: Massie
Out: Kurt Tippett

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

In: Armfield
Out: Adam Hartlett

GEELONG v RICHMOND
GEELONG
B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Harry Taylor, Darren Milburn, Corey Enright
C: James Kelly, Max Rooke, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Ryan Gamble
F: Joel Selwood, Tom Lonergan, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Brad Ottens, Cameron Ling, Joel Corey
I/C: Josh Hunt, Mark Blake, Brent Prismall, Travis Varcoe
EMG: David Johnson, Shannon Byrnes, Simon Hogan
In: Ling, Milburn
Out: Paul Chapman (hamstring), David Johnson

RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Will Thursfield, Luke McGuane
HB: Kelvin Moore, Joel Bowden, Jordan McMahon
C: Matthew Richardson, Shane Tuck, Matt White
HF: Trent Cotchin, Jay Schulz, Richard Tambling
F: Nathan Brown, Jack Riewoldt, Brett Deledio
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Kane Johnson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Adam Pattison, Shane Edwards, Mitch Morton, Daniel Jackson
EMG: Daniel Connors, Jake King, Danny Meyer
No change

NORTH MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Gavin Urquhart, Josh Gibson, Michael Firrito
HB: Shannon Watt, Drew Petrie, Sam Power
C: Daniel Pratt, Adam Simpson, Brady Rawlings
HF: Corey Jones, Lachlan Hansen, Brent Harvey
F: Matt Campbell, Leigh Brown, Daniel Wells
Foll: David Hale, Lindsay Thomas, Daniel Harris
I/C: Shannon Grant, Blake Grima, Leigh Harding, Scott McMahon
EMG: Jess Sinclair, Todd Goldstein, Eddie Sansbury

In: Brown
Out: Todd Goldstein

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Josh Drummond, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Justin Sherman, Jason Roe, Ashley McGrath
C: Anthony Corrie, Simon Black, Jed Adcock
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Jared Brennan
F: Rhan Hooper, Daniel Bradshaw, Mitch Clark
Foll: Jamie Charman, Luke Power, Travis Johnstone
I/C: Colm Begley, Bradd Dalziell, Scott Clouston, Albert Proud
EMG: Scott Harding, James Hawksley, Tim Notting

In: Colm Begley, Rhan Hooper, Scott Clouston, Albert Proud
Out: Tom Collier, Cheynee Stiller, Tim Notting, Robert Copeland

New: Scott Clouston (Morningside)

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

In: Tiller, Street, Ward, Wight
Out: Dylan Addison (knee)

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Paul Bevan, Leo Barry, Martin Mattner
HB: Craig Bolton , Ted Richards, Tadhg Kennelly
C: Kieren Jack, Jarrad McVeigh, Craig Bird
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Heath Grundy, Luke Ablett
F: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Barry Hall, Jarrad Moore
Foll: Darren Jolly, Brett Kirk, Jude Bolton
I/C (from): Ryan Brabazon, Luke Brennan, Jared Crouch, Peter Everitt, Nick Malceski, Ben Mathews, Patrick Veszpremi

In: Barry, Brabazon, Brennan, Crouch, Malceski, Veszpremi
Out: Adam Goodes (groin), Matthew O’Dwyer, Henry Playfair (hamstring)

New: Ryan Brabazon (Claremont), Patrick Veszpremi (Bundoora)

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

In: Koschitzke, C Gardiner, Birss, Rix, Geary, Gwilt
Out: Michael Gardiner, David Armitage, Max Hudghton (calf)

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Nick Lower
HB: Jacob Surjan, Toby Thurstans, Nathan Lonie
C: Domenic Cassisi, Kane Cornes, Travis Boak
HF: Greg Bentley, Tom Logan, Danyle Pearce
F: Justin Westhoff, Daniel Motlop, Brett Ebert
Foll: Dean Brogan, Shaun Burgoyne, David Rodan
I/C (from): Fabian Deluca, Mitch Farmer, Nick Salter, Paul Stewart, Adam Thomson, Damon White, Ryan Williams

In: Farmer, Salter, Stewart, Thomson, White, Williams
Out: Warren Tredrea (shoulder), Steven Salopek (achilles), Troy Chaplin (ankle)

FREMANTLE v WEST COAST
FREMANTLE
B: Scott Thornton, Antoni Grover, Michael Johnson
HB: David Mundy, Luke McPharlin, Josh Head
C: Garrick Ibbotson, Ryan Crowley, Brett Peake
HF: Jeff Farmer, Chris Tarrant, Chris Mayne
F: Shaun McManus, Matthew Pavlich, Mark Johnson
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Byron Schammer, Josh Carr
I/C (from): Ryan Murphy, Paul Duffield, Rhys Palmer, Steven Dodd, Andrew Browne, Roger Hayden, Kepler Bradley

In: Pavlich, Browne, Hayden, Bradley
Out: Robert Warnock (ankle)

WEST COAST
B: Mark Nicoski, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Adam Selwood, Beau Wilkes, Andrew Embley
C: Michael Braun, Brad Ebert, Tyson Stenglein
HF: David Wirrpanda, Ashley Hansen, Steven Armstrong
F: Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, Brent Staker
Foll: Dean Cox, Chad Fletcher, Jamie McNamara
I/C (from): Ryan Davis, Tim Houlihan, Ben McKinley, Matt Priddis, Mark Seaby, Scott Selwood, Matt Spangher

In: Glass, Houlihan, Davis
Out: Nil



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Clarkson unconcerned about Franklin's goal-kicking

July 31st 2008 06:42
HAWTHORN forward Lance Franklin's supposed kicking woes have been 'over-exaggerated', according to coach Alastair Clarkson.

Franklin has booted 77 goals and 61 behinds this season to lead the Coleman Medal race.

But Clarkson said on Thursday he was unconcerned about Franklin's accuracy in front of goal.

"I'm sick of talking about it to be honest, he makes an enormous contribution in terms of the role he plays for our side," Clarkson said.

"The lad's 21 years of age and he's getting enormous opportunity to have shots on goal. "

"That's the most pleasing thing for us. Over time he'll develop more confidence in his goal kicking."

"It's over-exaggerated. If he is getting nine or 10 shots at goal and he is kicking four or five goals regularly, I reckon there'd be 15 other teams who would want a player like him in their side."

Clarkson said the 21-year-old works hard on his kicking in front of goal.

"He works on it tediously here at training with his forward line coaches and at some point in time that's going to translate into a more consistent performance," he said.

"I think if you watch him before the game he usually goes out and has 20 or 30 shots, too, so it's just the positions he's kicking them from and his confidence levels."

"But he's a young kid and he's only played 70 or so games of AFL footy so he'll get better as time goes by."



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No time-frame on flag: Clarkson

July 31st 2008 06:35
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has responded to comments by Hawks' president Jeff Kennett by saying he will not put a time frame on when the club will win its next flag.

Kennett said on the Hawthorn website on Monday, "we are about making history for the club this year, not just next or the year after."

Clarkson said the club is in a good position at the moment but admitted it is very difficult to win a flag.

"We want to progress as quickly as we possibly can," he said.

"We've put ourselves in a position that we can go deep into finals, and who knows, as we've seen in years gone by with Essendon winning in '93 and Adelaide in the latter half of that decade, if you get momentum in finals anything can happen.

"We set very high standards at the club and the demands are great, but that's the robust environment of this competition.

"We want to go as high as we possibly can and hopefully that's a flag, but we also are realistic to know that it's a really tough gig winning AFL premierships."


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Gehrig off long-term linjury list

July 31st 2008 05:57
ST KILDA forward Fraser Gehrig has been taken off the club's long-term injury list.

Gehrig has resumed full training after succumbing to chronic arthritis in his right hand earlier in the year.

But the 32-year-old admitted that he probably won't play again this season.

"However, I know where I fit in the current scope of the team and it will be really tough to get back," he said.

"My return to football didn’t quite go to plan earlier this year and my body just hasn’t held up the way I would have liked."

"I’ve worked hard to stay on track, remain focused and give the Saints everything that I can."

Gehrig managed just nine goals from five appearances this season after being re-drafted by the Saints at the 2007 national draft.


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Age not a factor: Malthouse

July 31st 2008 05:52
COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse believes there should be no age limit to coaching.

Malthouse finds himself under greater scrutiny with the Magpies having lost four of their past six matches. A loss to third-placed Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night could see Collingwood drop out of the top eight with just four rounds remaining.

The Pies' recent slump has seen Carlton's 1987 premiership coach and now media personality Robert Walls question whether Malthouse and Brisbane Lions coach Leigh Matthews were keeping up with the modern trends of the game.

Malthouse - who turns 55 next month and Matthews - who was 56 in March - are the oldest AFL coaches.

But Malthouse said on Thursday that the age of a person had no bearing on their ability to coach.

"It's probably just that in Australian Rules Football, we tend to have a lot of young coaches and I started when I was 30," he said.

"We tend to let young men coach - they come out of the game (as players), sometimes they are assistants for four or five years and then they become (senior) coaches and it's unique to Australian Rules in many respects."

"You are as only as young as you are prepared to be with your staff and players and how innovative you are yourself, so I don't think there is a time frame."

"Some players for example are finished by 26 or 27 and some will play until they are 35 or 36 and then there are coaches that come in late and finish late and some come in early and finish early so it's not a matter of how old you are."


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Fevola re-signs

July 31st 2008 02:54
CARLTON forward Brendon Fevola has signed a new three-year deal with the Blues which will see him remain at the club until at least the end of 2011.

Fevola said he was glad that his future was finally secured.

"It's a relief to get it done now and not wait until the end of the year," Fevola said.

"To be a one-club player means everything to me and I've always wanted to stay here."

"I was never going to leave Carlton, it's like a family here."

"I've done some silly things but it would be a silly thing to leave this club now."

Negotiations were delayed by the 27-year-old's split with former manager Paul Connors and his switch to new management team, Velocity Sports.

The controversial forward had been linked with a move to the Sydney Swans and at that point Carlton announced that negotiations would not resume until the end of the season so the club could focus on making the finals.

But both parties have since agreed to terms with Fevola saying the prospect of playing finals football was a 'massive lure'.

Fevola also added the new deal did not contain an off-field behavioural clause despite the club putting him on his final chance after he was caught urinating in public outside a Melbourne nightclub on the eve of this season.

The 2006 Coleman medallist has booted goals in 159 games for Carlton since his debut in round 17, 1999.

Fevola has been in scintillating form of late, booting 33 goals in his past six matches to take his season tally to 75 majors, just two behind Hawthorn star Lance Franklin.



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Clarkson apologises to umpire

July 31st 2008 02:43
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has apologised to umpire Justin Schmitt for the comments he made following the Hawks' 11-point loss to Geelong at the MCG last Friday night.

Clarkson made reference to Schmitt in his post-match media conference, saying: "He's a good player for the Cats that No.17, wasn't he? He's a ripper."

Schmitt had the No.17 umpire's shirt on.

Clarkson admitted on Thursday that he should have handled the situation better.

"I should have handled it in the same way I'm going to handle it right now - not say too much about it," Clarkson said.

"The regulations are there and I stepped outside the line. I was out of line. We made an apology ... and I'll cop my whack."



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Dees demolishing debt

July 31st 2008 00:24
MELBOURNE is well on its way to wiping off $5 million in debt, gaining pledges from supporters worth more than $1 million.

Already 140 backers have promised the minimum outlay of $6000 to attend next Tuesday night's "Debt Demolition" dinner, with further donations expected on the night.

The club is now searching for another 10 donors to complete a "150 Foundation Heroes" list.

Melbourne president Jim Stynes said it was a good start but admitted there is still a long way to go.

"This is like the first quarter," Stynes said.

"But this is a great start."

Stynes didn't give away too many details about the night, but ensured it would be memorable for those who will attend.

"It's going to be fairly theatrical," Stynes said.

"An unusual night. A memorable one. They won't forget this one for a long time."

He did reveal that a highlight will be footage of coach Dean Bailey's pre-match address in this year's 150th birthday clash with Collingwood.

The dinner will cost $1,000 a ticket, with guests expected to donate a minimum of $5,000.

The list of "150 Foundation Heroes" will forever hang next to the Demons' recent list of their all-time top 150 players.

The Demons will also hold a lower-priced event next month for people who want to help but can't afford to attend Tuesday's dinner.

"We will cater for those who want to contribute, say, $500-plus," Stynes said.

"After Tuesday night, we need the balance of the members to come forward and help us with the rest."




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Hawks could face heavier penalties

July 31st 2008 00:09
HAWTHORN will face a heavier sanction the next time coach Alastair Clarkson criticises the umpires.

The Hawks were fined $5,000 for Clarkson's attack on umpire Justin Schmitt after last Friday night's 11-point loss to Geelong.

Clarkson said in his post-match press conference that "he was a good player for the Cats that No.17, he's a ripper".

The comment was directed at field umpire Justin Schmitt who wears shirt No.17.

AFL acting football operations manager Jill Lindsay said Clarkson had breached AFL Player Regulations.

"Regulations such as these exist because of the need for the AFL competition to set a positive example on conduct towards umpires," Lindsay said.

If Clarkson crosses the line again Hawthorn could face a $20,000 fine.



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Saints won't take Power lightly

July 30th 2008 23:58
ST KILDA won't be taking Port Adelaide lightly when the two sides meet at Telstra Dome on Sunday, according to vice-captain Lenny Hayes.

The Saints' four match winning streak came to an end last week when they suffered a shock loss to the 15th placed Eagles in Perth and this week they find themselves up against another team already out of finals contention in the 13th placed Power.

Port already has one eye on next year with skipper skipper Warren Tredrea (shoulder), Steven Salopek (achilles) and Chad Cornes (knee/shoulder) all sidelined for the remainder of the season.

But Hayes said last weekend's loss to West Coast showed that sides outside the top eight are still a dangerous prospect.

"There were quite a few results last week that went against the way people thought they would be," Hayes said

"So I suppose last week was (a wake-up call) and it showed that even if you are only five or ten percent off your game you can be beaten by any side."

"Port were excellent against Adelaide a couple of weeks ago and I think there are a few comments coming out of there (Adelaide) that they want to have a say in the shape of the top eight."


St Kilda will regain Justin Koschitzke from suspension while Hayes said the Saints remained hopeful that key defender Max Hudghton will be play despite injuring his calf against the Eagles.

Hayes said Hudghton, who didn't train on Wednesday will be given until Friday to prove his fitness.

"I think we'll give Max up until Friday to see how he is," Hayes said.



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Ablett, Wojcinski ruled out

July 30th 2008 06:50
GEELONG star Gary Ablett Jnr and hard-running defender David Wojcinski have been ruled out of Saturday night's clash against Richmond at Telstra Dome.

Ablett has missed the past two games with an ankle injury while Wojcinski has been sidelined for the same period with an Achilles problem.

The Geelong medical staff decided after training on Wednesday that both players needed one more week on the sidelines.

Cameron Ling is set to play against the Tigers after having recovered from a fractured cheekbone sustained against the Dockers in round 15.



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


Hawks fined

July 30th 2008 06:07
HAWTHORN has been hit with a $5.000 fine following comments made by coach Alistair Clarkson after his side's 11-point loss to Geelong at the MCG last Friday night.

Clarkson said in his post-match press conference that "he was a good player for the Cats that No.17, he's a ripper".

The comment was directed at field umpire Justin Schmitt who wears shirt No.17.

AFL acting football operations manager Jill Lindsay said Clarkson had breached AFL Player Regulations.

"Regulations such as these exist because of the need for the AFL competition to set a positive example on conduct towards umpires," Lindsay said.


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Blues brimming with confidence

July 30th 2008 05:56
CARLTON will go into Saturday's crucial clash against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium full of confidence given their strong interstate record this season, according to coach Brett Ratten.

The Blues have won their two matches interstate - which includes a come-from-behind win over Port Adelaide in round 11.

"We take a fair bit out of our interstate performances full stop, the West Coast game and the Port Adelaide game have given us confidence," Ratten said.

A win for the Blues will bring them level with the seventh-placed Crows on 36 points.

Ratten said their was a new-found belief within the group following the impressive win over the second-placed Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome last weekend.

"I think our ability to believe in ourselves has grown and our fitness has improved … and belief comes from good performances and backing that up," Ratten said.

"The belief factor is there … we got a lot of confidence from last week's game."

"It was nearly a four-quarter performance in a lot of aspects that we tried to do in the game and we nearly hit the mark to achieve 99 percent of them."



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Lucas in doubt

July 30th 2008 05:40
ESSENDON forward Scott Lucas is in some doubt for Saturday's clash against Melbourne at the MCG, according to coach Matthew Knights.

Knights said Lucas was battling a variety of injuries in the Bombers' 48-point win over Collingwood last Saturday.

"Scott had some difficulty in the second half last week with a back spasm and also his ankle and knee have been a little bit of an issue for him over the last five or six weeks," Knights said.

"He hasn't done a lot of training over the last four weeks so he'd have to be really good today (at training) for me to put him out there (against the Demons)."

Knights admitted that Essendon would have to enter the match against the Demons with a 'smaller' attack if Lucas failed to prove his fitness with fellow key forwards Jay Neagle and Scott Gumbleton unavailable due to injury.

"In regards to options, as in big forwards in the VFL, there's not a lot of options to be blunt," Knights said.

"So therefore it might be just we become a little bit smaller in our forward half, we did that for parts of the game against Collingwood last week in any case, we went smaller at times, so the boys are certainly not averse to doing that."

Knights said the club would have no heistation in resting Lucas.

"If he doesn't train well today and moves really freely I think that's probably the best option for him to give him this week (off)," Knights said.

"That way his body will refresh, it'll give himself a week without that body on body competition and he may come up really well for the last part of the season."

Meanwhile, Knights said speedster Andrew Lovett is a chance to earn a recall after serving a club-imposed two-match ban for unprofessionalism.

"He is available but we'll finalise our 22 after today's training session because we've got a couple of boys that are obviously a little bit sore after two or three weeks of hard footy, so we'll make that decision post-session today," he said.




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


Polak out of hospital

July 30th 2008 04:38
RICHMOND utility Graham Polak has been discharged from hospital after being hit by a tram in Melbourne last month.

Polak suffered serious injuries in the incident and was put in an induced coma. He awoke from the coma two days later and was transferred from The Alfred Hospital to the Epworth Rehabilitation Centre on July 4.

Richmond doctor Greg Hickey said the 24-year-old will undergo extensive rehabilitation in the coming weeks.

Tigers coach Terry Wallace said Polak still had a long way to go in his recovery.

"We are thrilled that Graham has been able to show doctors... enough positive signs that he can return home," Wallace said.

"Graham still has a long way to go in his recovery, but this is considered another positive step."



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Glass set to return

July 30th 2008 04:32
WEST COAST skipper Darren Glass looks set to play in Sunday's western derby against Fremantle after overcoming a thight strain.

Glass sustained the injury during the Eagles' loss to Brisbane in round 16 and missed last Saturday's 17-point win over St Kilda.

But after a week on the sidelines Glass said he was moving freely and 'very confident' that he would play.

"(I'm) very confident that I'll play," Glass said.

"I just missed out last week and so (I) still have a few more boxes to tick in terms of training sessions ... but very confident.

"I've been able to run pretty much close to full pace so as long as I get through training today and Friday I'll be right."



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Thompson to be rested

July 30th 2008 04:23
NORTH MELBOURNE will rest key forward Nathan Thompson in a bid to have him fresh for the remainder of the run-in to the finals.

Thompson, who was dropped following the round 15 win over Port Adelaide, had struggled in three matches back from a knee injury, booting just two goals after starting the season with 24 majors in the first nine games

The 30-year-old responded in the best possible fashion, booting six goals in the VFL during roudnd 16.

He did not play at reserves level last week due to a bye and the Roos have opted to rest him from both its AFL and VFL sides this week.

Kangaroos coach Dean Laidley said he was aiming to have the Roos' two-time leading goalkicker back in the side for the round 19 clash against the Western Bulldogs.

"He won't play this week," Laidley said of Thompson.

"He is not injured per se, he has just lost a lot of strength in his legs because backing up week after week - coming off the knee (injury) - he hasn't been able to put the strength work in his legs so he has lost that spark to be able to get off his opponent."

"So for the last three weeks we have just put him through a strengthening program and we would like to think by early next week he is right to go."

"His touch and fitness is good, it's just that strength in his legs we are looking for."

In some good news for the Kangaroos, Laidley said number one ruckman Hamish McIntosh, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since round 12 will resume in the VFL in a fortnight while forward Aaron Edwards, who has been sidelined since round six with a broken leg will play in the VFL next week.

Laidley also said he expected that this weekend's clash against Brisbane would be the club's last on the Gold Coast despite the Roos having a contract to play four more 'home' games there in 2009.

"Yeah it's going to be the end of it, I'd imagine that will be the case," Laidley said.

"We have enjoyed going up there and it's been great but obviously it's a good place for a holiday but Melbourne is a great place to live."

"I just missed out last week and so (I) still have a few more boxes to tick in terms of training sessions ... but very confident.

"I've been able to run pretty much close to full pace so as long as I get through training today and Friday I'll be right."




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Umpire facing the sack

July 30th 2008 00:14
THE goal umpire who failed to credit Sydney with a behind in their loss to Adelaide at the SCG last Saturday night is facing the axe.

The Crows beat the Swans by 23 points, not the 24 officially registered.

A rushed behind by Adelaide full-back Ben Rutten at the 18-minute mark of the third term was not awarded to the Swans becuase goal umpire Tristan Symes did not recieve the official "all-clear" from field umpire Shane McInerney.

Sydney football manager Andrew Ireland said the club had not ruled out a challenge if it affects its final position on the ladder.

"We hope it doesn't end up being significant," Ireland said last night.

"It might be something we'd look at if we need to - as long as the statute of limitations doesn't run out."

Under AFL rules the score could not be changed because the behind was never registered with either a raised finger or the wave of flags.


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GC 17 signs youngsters

July 29th 2008 07:51
THE Gold Coast franchise which is set to enter the AFL in 2011 has made its first signings.

Queensland teenagers Charlie Dixon, Jesse Haberfield and Jack Stanlake have committed to the GC 17 team.

GC 17 chairman John Witheriff said the signings were an important milestone.

"In years to come we will be able to look back and say these guys were the foundations of the building of the Gold Coast Football Club," Witheriff said.

"I’d like to thank Jesse, Charlie and Jack for agreeing to join us on the journey to become the most exciting sporting club in Australia."

The player contracts will become void if the GC 17 team does not meet the criteria set down by the AFL Commission and is not granted the 17th licence in early October. The players will then be eligible for the AFL Draft in November.


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We need three more wins: Wallace

July 29th 2008 06:47
RICHMOND needs to win at least three of its five last games to qualify for only its third finals series since 1982, according to coach Terry Wallace.

The race to earn a finals berth is a tight one with just two and a half wins separating fourth-placed Sydney from 11th-placed Carlton.

The Tigers have won five of their past six matches to storm into finals contention but they face a tough next three weeks with matches against Geelong, Adelaide in Adelaide and Hawthorn before finishing with games against Fremantle and Melbourne at the MCG.

Wallace said it was important for his side to win games against fellow finals contenders.

"I don't know the answer to that but to be honest I think it matters which wins (you get)," he said when asked about the finals equation confronting his team.

"If you are playing a side in similar scenarios to yourself, if you win those type of games - well it's one less they can win so I think that could have an impact but at the very least we would say we would need three victories from this stage onwards if we wanted to play finals footy."

The Tigers meet only one fellow finals contender in the run home - Adelaide in round 19.

But Richmond is not looking beyond Saturday night's clash against reigning premiers and ladder leaders Geelong - the team which beat them by 157 points at Telstra Dome in round six last year.

Wallace said the match will give him a good gauge on how much his side has improved.

"We know we are in the hunt for the eight and every game is critically importantly but we are also in bigger picture mode as well and trying to build a side that can formulate a finals type scenario year in, year out over more than one finals campaign."

"So to be playing against the best - for these young boys who have been able to step up (in recent weeks) is great timing, great timing for us coming off a good run."



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Burns still confident

July 29th 2008 06:36
COLLINGWOOD skipper Scott Burns is confident his side can still have an impact this season.

The Magpies have lost four of their past six and are in danger of dropping out of the top eight if they lose to Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night.

Burns admitted the Pies were currently going through a flat spot but said they are still capable of playing good football.

"When we’re playing at our best and doing everything that Mick (Malthouse) and the coaching staff ask, then we play some pretty good football," he said.

"We're in a bit of a flat spot and … we were a little bit down on the weekend and we want to bounce back from that."

"If it was one area that we couldn’t fix then maybe we would be in a little bit of trouble, but there's been a lot of areas that have just been little bits and pieces that I think we can tweak
and get right."

Burns also said Malthouse's comments after last Saturday 48-point loss to Essendon were taken out of context.

"Everyone's trying to make out that we don't have the cattle, whereas Mick was referring to that one game," Burns said.

Burns conceded that perhaps too much was being read into the Pies' 86-point thrashing of reigning premiers and ladder leaders Geelong in round nine.

"It's hard to get a gauge, but I think any game you play that there's a 15-goal result, one team hasn’t rocked up, hasn’t quite been there," Burns said.

"There was talk about our tackling, but we were down in a lot of areas compared to the preliminary final that we lost (to Geelong in 2007), so we didn’t do things as well as what we did six months earlier, but we won by nearly 15 goals."

Burns also dismissed suggestions that a lack of pace through the middle was one of the reasons why the Pies are currently struggling.

"It's a very boring argument," he said.

"Every time you pick up a paper or hear a radio, a team gets beaten and they've got a lack of leg speed."

"They looked slow today - well, you always look slow when the opposition is getting it."

"It's a combination of a lot of things, a lot of that run has to do with the half-backs too … and the forwards coming up, it's not just the three or four players at the centre bounce."

"If you're not winning the ball in close, you're always trailing."

Burns said number one ruckman Josh Fraser, who has not played for Collingwood since round 12 because of a knee injury sustained in the Hall of Fame Tribute match in May, rucked and jumped well in the VFL on Sunday and trained strongly on Tuesday.

But he said Fraser may struggle to earn a recall this weekend given the five-day turnaround.



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McDonald re-signs

July 29th 2008 05:54
MELBOURNE co-captain James McDonald will play on in 2009 after signing a new one-year deal.

McDonald, who won the Demons' best-and-fairest award in 2006 and 2007 will line up for his 13th season next year.

The 31-year-old said he was looking forward to playing a role in Melbourne's rise back up the ladder.

"I am delighted to have re-signed with Melbourne and am looking forward to continuing my career here at the club," he said on Tuesday.

"We're heading in the right direction and I realise that I have a role to play as an individual in the team and as a player that can assist and help develop the young list that we have."

McDonald was selected by Melbourne in the rookie draft in 1997 and has played 212 matches and kicked 49 goals.

He debuted in 1997 and had a career-best year in 2006, earning All-Australian selection and also representing Australia in the International Rules series.


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Harvey won't change tactics

July 29th 2008 02:45
NORTH MELBOURNE midfielder Brent Harvey says he will continue baiting future opponents.

Harvey stood by the remarks he made to Melbourne's Lynden Dunn in last Sunday's game at the MCG but said he would keep what was said on the field on the field in the future.

"I won't change my game. Whoever I get I'll probably say stuff to but I won't be telling you guys," said Harvey.

Harvey has also been accused by the Demons of playing for free kicks but the 30-year-old said it was no longer a part of his game.

A view shared by his captain Adam Simpson, who said Harvey had only received 12 free kicks in 17 games this season.

"If he's been diving it hasn't been working," Simpson said.

North faces eighth-placed Brisbane at Carrara on Saturday night in what shapes as being a season-defining match.

A win for North will ensure it remains fifth at the end of the round but a loss could see it tumble out of the eight.

"It's going to determine where we're going to end up, so (it's) pretty much our biggest game of the year," Simpson said.

"We know how important it is to win this week. Five games to go, we probably need to win three at least to play finals footy."


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Goodes should not have played: Roos

July 29th 2008 02:26
SYDNEY midfielder Adam Goodes could be sidelined for two to three weeks with a mystery groin ailment.

Swans coach Paul Roos admitted yesterday the dual Brownlow medallist should not have play last weekend.

"I'd spoken to him after the warm-up, and said 'mate, how are you feeling?', and he said 'I'm feeling good'," said Roos.

"All you can do is go on what they're telling you.

"Clearly he shouldn't have played on the weekend, he wasn't able to contribute at all and it impacted significantly on our ability to win a game of footy."

Goodes struggled in his side's narrow win over Carlton two weeks ago and managed just eight possessions in the Swans' 24-point loss to Adelaide at the SCG last Saturday night.



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Key Cats set to return

July 29th 2008 02:10
GEELONG looks set to be bolstered by the return of veteran defender Darren Milburn and tagger Cameron Ling for Saturday night's clash against Richmond at Telstra Dome.

Milburn was a late withdrawal from last Friday night's blockbuster against Hawthorn with illness while Ling has missed the past fortnight with a fractured cheekbone.

Geelong football operations manager Neil Balme said Milburn and Ling were strong chances to play against the Tigers.

"There is almost no doubt about Darren and Lingy," Balme said.

"Lingy trained really well last week, so we would be very surprised if he didn't come up."

Balme also said star midfielder Gary Ablett Jnr and hard-running defender David Wojcinski who have been sidelined for the past fortnight with a sprained ankle and achilles strain respectively were in line for a recall.

"With the other two [Ablett and Wojcinski] we are confident of both of them, but there is no certainty on either of them, it just depends on whether they are sore or not."



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Ebert wins nomination

July 29th 2008 01:54
WEST COAST midfielder Brad Ebert has been rewarded for his impressive performance against St Kilda at Subiaco Oval last Saturday with the round 17 NAB Rising Star nomination.

The 18-year-old collected 25 possessions and booted three goals in the Eagles' 17-point win over the Saints.

Ebert was taken by the Eagles with pick No.13 in the 2007 national draft and has played 13 games so far this season.

West Coast coach John Worsfold said Ebert was highly rated by the club.

"Brad has impressed us all with his attitude and willingness to learn from the day he joined the club," Worsfold said.

"He earned his opportunities through outstanding form in the WAFL and has shown why our recruiting staff rated him so highly last year."

Ebert is the nephew of South Australian football legend Russell Ebert and the cousin of Port Adelaide forward Brett Ebert.

He is West Coast’s second nomination this season following Ben McKinley in round five.


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Dunn accepts reprimand

July 29th 2008 01:46
MELBOURNE midfielder Lynden Dunn has accepted a reprimand for striking North Melbourne's Brent Harvey at the MCG last Sunday.

The 21-year-old will carry over 93.75 points towards his future record, but will be available for selection for the Demons' clash with Essendon at the MCG on Saturday.



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McManus calls it quits

July 29th 2008 01:39
FREMANTLE veteran Shaun McManus will retire after this weekend's western derby against West Coast.

The 228-game veteran, who is the Dockers' last remaining foundation player said it wasn't an easy decision to retire.

"It was a difficult decision to come to in the sense that you always want to play forever," said McManus.

"And, the enjoyment I've had of putting on my jumper and representing the club, the community, the supporters has been amazing and to come to the decision, to give that up is a difficult one."

"This is really surreal. I've seen so many other people do this, had to stand here or sit here and do this today, (I'm) sure it won't sink in for quite a while."

"(But) I think that I've really, really given my heart and soul for this club ... I've let everybody know what type of person I am. I've let them get to know me in all kinds of areas and ...
hopefully, at this club, inside these rooms, people appreciate that and see me as an important part of their life," he said.

McManus said he wanted to finish his career on a high note.

"I wanted to play a few more games just to show that before, when I wasn't traveling too well or moving too well, it was an aberration not the end of my career, or me hobbling off the field," said McManus.

"And, I feel now that I've played a few games and I've showed that I'm running around in good spirits ... that it's a good time to move on."

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said the 32-year-old had made an enormous contribution to the club.

"With Shaun, when you look back at Fremantle and its inception, the place needed someone to stand up and Shaun's done that for 14 years now," Harvey said.

"When they write the history books of Fremantle, Shaun will be chapter one of where it begun and that's how I see Shaun."



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Harris to leave Eagles

July 28th 2008 09:48
WEST COAST assistant coach Darren Harris will not continue with the club beyond this season.

Harris, who was a part of the coaching structure that guided the club to the 2006 premiership spoke to coach John Worsfold today and will explore other opportunities in football and business at the end of the home-and-away season.

"John and I have come to a mutual agreement that I won't be renewing my contract in 2009," Harris said.

"I will continue until the end of the season with a key focus on growing the squad and maintaining the highest professional standards.

"I am currently exploring options in both the business and football world that could see me return to Victoria.

"The West Coast Eagles have provided me with a fantastic learning opportunity and I thank them for allowing me to develop my skills in this environment. My relationships with John, the players and fellow coaches are something I am very proud of and these will remain strong.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute and will only ever speak of the club in the highest regard and know that their future will be a very positive one."

Worsfold said Harris played an important role in West Coast's success during his time at the club

"Darren has made a strong contribution to the club in the last three years and certainly played his part in our success in that time," he said.

"I wish him every success in the future."



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Magpies duo free to play

July 28th 2008 08:02
COLLINGWOOD small forwards Alan Didak and Leon Davis are free to play in Friday night's crucial clash against Hawthorn at the MCG after being cleared by the match review panel on Monday.

The news is a major boost for the Magpies who have lost four of their past six and could drop out of the eight if they lose to the Hawks.

Didak was reported for striking Essendon's Henry Slattery but the panel ruled that the contact made was as a result of a pushing motion rather than a strike and was below the impact required to constitute a report.

Davis had been booked for making forceful contact from front-on against Essendon's Jobe Watson but the panel ruled it was not forceful and was only caused by Davis being pushed from behind by another player.

In other tribunal news, Essendon's Scott Lucas was cleared of striking Collingwood defender Harry O'Brien. The panel ruled that Lucas' strike was below that required to constitute a reportable offence.

Port Adelaide's Nick Lower was also cleared of making forceful front-on contact against Fremantle's Brett Peake. The match review panel deemed that Lower approached the contest bent down and with his right hand down in an effort to gain control of the ball. Although Lower did make high contact with Peake, he had no realistic alternative way to contest the ball.

Melbourne midfielder Lynden Dunn was the only player to be charged by the panel this week.

Dunn, who was reported for twice striking Kangaroos' star Brent Harvey in the space of a minute at the MCG on Sunday, had one charge thrown out but the other one was ruled a level two striking offence.

The incident was assessed as intentional conduct (three points), low impact (one point) and body contact (one point), drawing 125 demerit points and a one-match ban. Dunn has no existing good or bad record and can accept a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record with an early plea.


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Tredrea out for season

July 28th 2008 05:42
PORT ADELAIDE skipper Warren Tredrea will require a full shoulder reconstruction and will miss the remainder of the season.

Tredrea injured his shoulder when he was tackled in the last quarter of Port's 28-point loss to Fremantle at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

Port coach Mark Williams said Tredrea would be offered a contract for next year.

"We talked to Warren about his future and he’s certainly going to be offered a contract for next year,” Williams said.

“This year, I’ve really noticed his passion for tackling and chasing and things that we haven’t really seen for his whole career, so that’s been great.

“His attitude is one of disappointment for the club and where we are, but he’s pretty confident [he can come back]. He’s a determined guy and if he can overcome the knee injuries he’s had, this is pretty run of the mill for him.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Steven Salopek is also likely to miss the remaining five games after suffering a recurrence of his achilles tendon strain on Sunday.



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Hawks right in the hunt: Mitchell

July 28th 2008 04:17
THE race for the 2008 premiership is far from over according to Hawthorn skipper Sam Mitchell.

Mitchell was proud of the Hawks' commitment and effort in their 11-point loss to reigning premiers Geelong at the MCG last Friday night.

The Cats have been backed into $1.60 favouritism in some markets to secure back-to-back premierships after just one loss so far this season but Mitchell said the narrow defeat showed his team was well and truly in the mix to secure this year's flag.

"I think it shows we're in the ballpark," Mitchell said.

"We're not miles off it."

"Geelong were too good for us on the night and we made too many mistakes to be competitive. We need to try and improve those things. We don't just want to mix it with the top side, we want to be able to beat them."


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Eagles re-sign key duo

July 28th 2008 03:54
WEST COAST utility Quinten Lynch and midfielder Matt Rosa have signed new deals with the club.

A club spokesman said it was not "club policy" to reveal the length of the new contracts and even refused to detail when the duo's current contracts expired.

Lynch has been one of West Coast's most consistent performers in 2008, playing every game this season while Rosa has not played since round 10 due to shin-splints, but he remains an important part of the club's future.

Meanwhile, long-serving fitness coach Stuart Cormack has accepted a position with Essendon.

Cormack, who has been with West Coast for eight seasons said he was moving back to Victoria for family reasons.

"I have two kids under the age of two and my wife and I have no immediate family support in WA. I love the footy club and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, but we need to go back to Melbourne," Cormack said.

"If it was purely a professional decision I would never leave. The club has been terrific to me, I have the greatest respect for everyone at the club and would have enjoyed being involved in the process of building the team back towards finals contention



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Miller dumped for football reasons: March

July 28th 2008 02:10
RICHMOND president Gary March said the club’s decision to severe ties with former director of football Greg Miller was football-based and aimed at giving the Tigers the best chance of on-field success in the future.

March said the club had to act now to ensure they were in a good position when it came to making their most important football decisions in October.

“What we wanted to do was not be behind the rest of the field,” March said.

“It’s well documented there’s a number of clubs out there looking for different people … what we didn’t want to do was miss the best available person once we’d made the decision to move forward.”

March also admitted the way the Tigers handled Miller's departure from the club was not ideal.

“In an ideal world, I would have sat down with Greg and we would of discussed it and worked on his departure,” he said.

“I’m disappointed it came out that way and I expressed that disappointment when I met with him yesterday.”



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Miller steps down

July 27th 2008 23:16
GREG Miller has bowed to pressure and stood down as Richmond's director of football.

Miller has been in the position for six years and is the first casualty of the club's review of the football department, which is being conducted by president Gary March and two of his board members.

March said both parties agreed to go their separate ways.

"It was agreed by both parties that Greg would step down immediately from his role as general manager of football operations," March said.

"I would like to thank Greg Miller for his six years of tireless service to the Richmond Football Club.

"He has been integral in the rebuilding of our young list.

"Greg should be proud of his work with the Richmond Football Club and I would like to specifically acknowledge his dedication to our club coterie groups and supporters over the years."

The review has also reportedly cast doubt over the future of Richmond assistant coach Jade Rawlings.

But Richmond coach Terry Wallace said he had been assured by March and new director Tony Free that Rawlings' position was safe.

Wallace was also confident his own position was safe and that he would coach the club in 2009.


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Blues overrun Dogs

July 27th 2008 09:50
CARLTON has kept its slim finals hopes alive with an impressive 28-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome on Sunday.

The Blues trailed by as much as 37 points early in the third term but ran over the top of the Bulldogs in the final stanza to record a gutsy 18.18 (126) to 15.8 (98) victory.

The win sees Carlton move to 11th place on the AFL ladder, just a game and percentage outside the top eight with five rounds remaining.

Blues skipper Chris Judd was influential in the middle with a game-high 32 possessions and one goal. He received good support from Nick Stevens (31 disposals), Heath Scotland, Andrew Carrazzo and Marc Murphy, who all racked up 20-plus possessions.

Brendan Fevola benefited from the quality supply from the midfield, booting six goals - five of which came in the second half while 100-gamer Simon Wiggins and impressive young ruckman Matthew Kreuzer chimed in with four and three goals respectively.

For the Bulldogs, Daniel Cross (27 possessions) worked hard all night while skipper Brad Johnson and Mitch Hahn booted three goals apiece.

The Blues started better, kicking two of the first three goals of the match but majors from Jarrod Harbrow and Daniel Giansiracusa in time-on ensured the Dogs would go into the first change in front, holding a five-point lead.

The Bulldogs broke the game open in a dominant second term, slamming on seven goals to three to take a commanding 26-point lead into the main break.

The contest appeared to be over when the margin blew out to 37 points at the 11-minute mark of the third term.

But the Blues lifted and responded with the last three goals of the third quarter to get themselves back into the match, with the Dogs holding an 11-point advantage heading into the final change.

Carlton smashed the Dogs in the middle in the final stanza, winning the clearance count eight to three as they slammed on six unanswered goals to seal their eighth win of the season.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.3, 10.4, 15.6, 15.8 (98)
CARLTON: 2.4, 5.8, 12.13, 18.18 (126)
GOALS: Western Bulldogs: Hahn 3, Johnson 3, Harbrow 2, Hill 2, Boyd, Giansiracusa, Gilbee, Minson, R. Murphy
Carlton: Fevola 6, Wiggins 4, Kreuzer 3, Betts, Judd, Murphy, Scotland, Stevens
BEST: Western Bulldogs: Cross, Gilbee, Cooney, Hahn, Murphy, Hargrave
Carlton: Judd, Fevola, Stevens, Waite, Wiggins, Scotland
INJURIES: Western Bulldogs: Addison (knee)
Carlton: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Williams (Western Bulldogs) replaced in selected side by Everitt
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Meredith, Avon
CROWD: 37,879 at Telstra Dome



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Roos move to fifth

July 27th 2008 07:09
NORTH MELBOURNE has moved back into the top eight with a 28-point win over Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Roos' 14.14 (98) to 10.10 (70) victory sees them move to fifth place on the AFL ladder, just four premiership points behind fourth-placed Sydney with five rounds remaining.

Brent Harvey did his Brownlow medal chances no harm with 27 possessions and two goals. Lindsay Thomas and Corey Jones were lively up forward, booting five and four goals respectively while skipper Adam Simpson (30 disposals) was also influential.

The Kangaroos broke the game open in a dominant first term. Harvey set the tone with two goals and six touches in the opening stanza while Jones chimed in with three majors to help his side to a commanding 36-point lead at quarter-time.

Melbourne stemmed the flow of goals in the second term but their poor decision making and poor use of the football prevented them from making any serious inroads on the scoreboard, with the Roos holding a 38-point advantage at the main break.

Both sides traded goals in the third term before back-to-back majors from Michael Newton gave the Demons a glimmer of hope heading into the final change, with North holding a 31-point advantage.

When Colin Sylvia kicked truly Melbourne had closed to within 19 points and were in with a sniff.

But the Kangaroos had all the answers with three last-quarter goals from Thomas sealing North's third straight win.

MELBOURNE: 1.3, 3.4, 6.8. 10.10 (70)
NORTH MELBOURNE: 7.3, 9.6, 11.9, 14.14 (98)
GOALS: Melbourne: Miller 3, Newton 2, Davey, Morton, P Johnson, Sylvia, Valenti
North: Thomas 5, Jones 4, Harvey 2, Petrie, Hale, Campbell
BEST: Melbourne: Jones, McDonald, P Johnson, Buckley, Miller,
North: Thomas, Harvey, Simpson, Jones, Gibson, Rawlings, Hale, Pratt
INJURIES: Melbourne: Nil
North: Nil
UMPIRES: McLaren, Fila, Hendrie
REPORTS: Lyndon Dunn (Melbourne) reported by field umpire Scott McLaren for striking Brent Harvey (twice) in the third quarter
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 21,330 at MCG


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Dockers make it two in a row

July 27th 2008 06:26
FREMANTLE has strung together back-to-back wins for the first time this season with a 28-point win over Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Dockers got the early jump and survived several challenges from Port, evenutually prevailing 20.9 (129) to 15.11 (101).

Fremantle shared the load up forward in the absence of injured skipper Matthew Pavlich with a club record 16 individual goalkickers. Rhys Palmer continued his impressive debut season with a team-high 31 possessions and one goal while Ryan Crowley was also influential with 28 disposals and two goals.

For Port, Kane Cornes (39 possessions) tried hard all day while Justin Westhoff and skipper Warren Tredrea booted four goals apiece.

The Dockers did as they pleased against a flat and undiscplined Port side in the first term.

Their willingness to move the football quickly through the middle paid dividends as they slammed on six unanswered goals to take a commanding 36-point lead into quarter-time.

The Power finally got on the scoreboard when Dean Brogan kicked truly just two minutes into the second quarter.

It sparked the Power into action with Tredrea and Westhoff damaging up forward in the second term, booting three and two goals respectively for the quarter to get Port to within 13 points of the Dockers at the main break.

Westhoff was proving to be a handful up forward and kicked the first two goals of the second term and when Domenic Cassisi goaled on the run the Power had hit the front for the first time in the match and seemingly had all the momentum.

But Fremantle responded, taking control of the midfield as they slammed on seven of the next eight goals to take a 27-point lead into the final change.

The Dockers then maintained their advantage in a free-flowing, goal-for-goal fourth term to seal just their fourth win of the season.

PORT: 0.3, 6.5, 11.6, 15.11 (101)
FREMANTLE: 6.3, 8.6, 15.9, 20.9 (129)
GOALS: PORT: Tredrea 4, Westhoff 4, Cassisi 2, Motlop 2, Brogan, Pearce, S.Burgoyne
FREMANTLE: Mark Johnson 3, McPharlin 2, Crowley 2, Carr, Grover, Sandilands, Murphy, McManus, Tarrant,
Peake, Mayne, Mundy, Head, Ibbotson, Palmer, Thornton
BEST: PORT: K.Cornes, Westhoff, Tredrea, Cassisi, Pearce
FREMANTLE: Palmer, Crowley, Schammer, Sandilands, Carr, Mayne, Michael Johnson,
INJURIES: PORT: Tredrea (right shoulder)
FREMANTLE: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Pavlich replaced in the selected side by Palmer.
UMPIRES: Stewart, Chamberlain, Jeffery


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No excuses, says Lyon

July 27th 2008 02:39
ST KILDA coach Ross Lyon was last night offering no excuses for his side's 'bitterly disappointing' loss to West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The Saints held a 26-point lead over the Eagles in the second quarter but eventually lost by 17 points.

"I'm loath to offer excuses because I thought they were in the end the better team on the day," Lyon said.

"I think today highlights how difficult this competition is. You need to be on your game otherwise you're not going to get the result you desire."

"We'll recover, we'll drive ourselves again and we'll fight for where we want to be."

"We've got five really big games (and) the season's still well and truly alive ... it's a bitterly disappointing loss but we've got to analyse it and move on really quickly," he said.

Lyon said his team was outplayed by the Eagles but admitted his side's poor use of the football and the loss of key defender Max Hudghton to a calf injury didn't help their cause.

"We lost Hudghton in the first five minutes, which structurally put us under some pressure and change on what is a big ground," Lyon said,

"I thought we slaughtered the footy (with) a lot of clanger kicks. We won the contested ball, we tackled pretty well, as did they (but we) gave them too much rope and they hung us."

Lyon also said some of West Coast's lesser likes hurt his side.

"I thought some of their good players we controlled in (Matt) Priddis and (Andrew) Embley, and even (Dean) Cox wasn't enormous."

"But they had a few bob up that got away from us, Lynch and a few others. Staker's first half midfield (work) and goals, so they had a couple who got under the guard," he said.


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Malthouse questions Pies' ability

July 27th 2008 00:36
COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse has questioned whether his side is good enough to be a genuine finals contender following the Pies' 48-point loss to Essendon at the MCG on Saturday.

"Frankly, I don't know if we are good enough," Malthouse said.

"We just don't have the cattle playing well enough at either end of the ground and, even more important, in the middle."

The loss all but ended Collingwood's hopes of making the top four and they are now in danger of missing the finals completely if their form doesn't turn around soon.

Malthouse described his team's effort as "terrible".

"Eight goals was a reflection on how they played - and how we played. Essendon was terrific, we were terrible."


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Crawford set to return

July 27th 2008 00:25
SHANE Crawford looks set to return for Hawthorn's clash against Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night.

Hawthorn football operations manager Mark Evans said yesterday Crawford was a strong chance to play against the Pies after impressing on the training track.

"We will need to see how Shane goes this week, but he trained really well last Tuesday," Evans said. "His form on Tuesday suggests he will be every chance to play against Collingwood on Friday."

The 33-year-old has managed only seven matches this season because of suspension and knee tendonitis but Evans said there had been considerable improvement in the knee over the past fortnight.

"The longer it has gone on, it has actually been settling down better and better," Evans said.

Stuart Dew (hamstring), Clinton Young (back) and Ben McGlynn (quad) are also chances to earn a recall.

"Stuart has had a really good patch of training now -- the last three weeks his intensity at training has been game-like. If he goes that way again at the start of next week, he would be a good chance," Evans said.


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


AFL plans to keep top eight

July 27th 2008 00:18
THE AFL is unlikely to expand the finals format when the two new teams enter the competition.

The league confirmed this week it had been presented with several options for a nine or 10-team final series but AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan said it was unlikely the finals series would change.

"We always review things and our procedures after every year," McLachlan said.

"But we're very comfortable with the finals.

"We think it's fair, easy to understand and works well. I doubt it will change."



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We only have ourselves to blame: Matthews

July 27th 2008 00:12
BRISBANE has only itself to blame for their narrow loss to Richmond at Telstra Dome on Saturday night, according to coach Leigh Matthews.

The Lions led by 25 points at the last change and by eight points at the 27-minute mark of the final term but went down by three points when Richmond veteran Joel Bowden kicked truly from about 45 metres out with just 22 seconds remaining.

The loss was the Lions' fourth in a row in Victoria and puts their finals hopes in jeopardy.

With nine wins and eight losses, the Lions now find themselves level with St Kilda, Collingwood and Adelaide and just half a game ahead of the Tigers with five rounds remaining.

Matthews said his team paid the price for not making the most of their opportunities in front of goal.

"They took their shots really well and kicked really accurately," he said of the Tigers.
"We generated a host of shots (34 to 27) but missed too big a percentage and that was the biggest single reason why they won and we didn't."

Matthews said the Lions' output during their dominant third term compared to Richmond's output during the final stanza was the difference between the two sides.

"When Richmond was in control (in the final term) they kicked 8.2 but in the third quarter we kicked 6.6," he said.

"And unless you dominate the game (for four quarters) you can't kick inaccurately and win generally."



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Crows back in the eight

July 26th 2008 13:15
ADELAIDE has moved back into the top eight with a 24-point win over Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night.

The Crows' 11.11 (77) to 6.17 (53) victory ended a five-match losing streak and was their ninth win in their past ten meetings against the Swans.

It was Sydney's third loss in its past four matches and was another lost opportunity to consolidate a position in the top four.

The contest failed to reach any great heights with the first 15 minutes of each quarter goal free while the third term produced just seven behinds.

Chris Knights and Tyson Edwards were busy contributors in the middle for Adelaide with 27
possessions apiece while Jason Porplyzia showed his class with five goals.

For Sydney, Ryan O'Keefe (35 possessions) tried hard all night but failed to have an impact on the scoreboard while Brett Kirk collected 27 disposals.

Barry Hall was well held by Ben Rutten in his comeback game, managing just one goal late in the match.

The Swans kicked the first goal of the match through Darren Jolly but the rest of the term belonged to the Crows.

After missing their first five shots on goal Adelaide slotted three in two minutes to open up a nine-point lead at quarter-time.

Adelaide should have been further in front but failed to make the most of their chances, booting a wayward 3.6 for the term.

The Crows broke the game open in the second term, booting five goals to two with Porplyzia kicking three for the quarter as Adelaide took a handy 23-point lead into the main break.

The Swans trailed by 21 points at three-quarter time after neither side managed to kick a goal in the third term.

Sydney had their chances but failed to capitalise in front of goal, hitting the post six times in the second half, including costly misses from Hall, O'Keefe and Jarrad McVeigh in the final term.

A long goal from Brad Symes opened the scoring at the five-minute mark of the final term before Porplyzia secured the four premiership points for the Crows with his fourth major.

SYDNEY: 2.3, 4.8, 4.12, 6.17 (53)
ADELAIDE: 3.6, 8.7, 8.10, 11.11 (77)
GOALS: SYDNEY: Jolly, Ablett, Bird, O'Dwyer, Hall, Mathews
ADELAIDE: Porplyzia 5, Goodwin 2, Campbell, Gill, McKay, Symes
BEST: SYDNEY: O'Keefe, Kirk, Mattner, Richards, Kennelly
ADELAIDE: Porplyzia, Knights, Rutten, Vince, Edwards, Symes, Maric, Bassett
INJURIES: SYDNEY: Playfair (hamstring)
ADELAIDE: van Berlo (concussion)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Malceski replaced into the selected side by Mathews. Massie replaced in the selected by Moran.
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Armstrong, McInerney





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Tigers win thriller

July 26th 2008 13:07
RICHMOND has kept its slim finals hopes alive with a thrilling three-point win over Brisbane at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

The Tigers trailed by 25 points heading into the final change but lifted in the last term, slamming on eight goals to three to record a gutsy 18.9 (117) to 16.18 (114) win.

Surprise losses suffered earlier in the day by Collingwood and St Kilda means the Tigers are now only half a game outside the top eight

Richmond veteran Joel Bowden was the Tigers' hero yet again - this time in attack - after booting three goals in the final term, including the matchwinner.

It came after he last weekend earned a mixture of praise and criticism for twice rushing behinds to run down the clock in the final seconds of the Tigers' narrow win over Essendon.

Matthew Richardson was also influential with 22 touches, 17 marks and three last-quarter goals while skipper Kane Johnson (31 disposals) worked hard all night. He recieved good support from Richard Tambling, Nathan Foley, Brett Deledio and Shane Tuck, who all racked up 20-plus possessions.

For Brisbane, Travis Johnstone was a busy contributor in the middle with 18 disposals and two goals while Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw booted three goals apiece.

The Lions controlled play in the first term but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wasteful 3.6 to take a 10-point lead into quarter-time.

Brisbane skipped out to a 22-point lead early in the second term and looked on course for a rare win in Melbourne in 2008.

But the Tigers started to get on top at the stoppages and kicked five of the next seven to take a two-point lead into the main break.

Brisbane dominated in the middle in the third term and punished the Tigers for their poor use of the football, slamming on six goals to two to take what appeared to be a match-winning 25-point lead into the final change.

The Tigers came out firing in the final term, slamming on five goals in a stunning 13-minute burst to hit the front.

The Lions responded and appeared to be home when Justin Sherman goaled on the run to extend Brisbane's lead to eight points at the 27-minute mark.

But Richmond refused to give in and hit back through Richardson before Bowden coolly slotted home his third major with just 22 seconds remaining to seal a memorable win.

RICHMOND: 2.2, 8.4, 10.7, 18.9 (117)
BRISBANE LIONS: 3.6, 7.8, 13.14, 16.18 (114)
GOALS: Richmond: Brown 4, Richardson 3, Bowden 3, Riewoldt 2, Deledio, Simmonds, Bowden, Morton, Schulz, White
Brisbane: Brown 3, Bradshaw 3, Johnstone 2, Sherman 2, Brennan, Corrie, Black, Copeland, Drummond, Charman
BEST: Richmond: Tambling, Bowden, Tuck, Johnson, Richardson, Deledio, Foley, Brown
Brisbane: Drummond, Black, Johnstone, Brown, Dalziell, Patfull
INJURIES: Richmond: Nil
Brisbane: Nil
UMPIRES: Stevic, H Ryan, S Ryan
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 31,275 at Telstra Dome







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Eagles upset Saints

July 26th 2008 09:28
WEST COAST has snapped a seven-game losing streak and in the process dealt a blow to St Kilda's top-four hopes with a 17-point win at Subiaco Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The Eagles worked their way back into the contest after a sluggish start before steamrolling the Saints in the final term to record an impressive 15.13 (103) to 12.14 (86) victory.

The Saints now find themselves six premiership points adrift of fourth-placed Sydney who play Adelaide at the SCG tonight. St Kilda is now in danger of dropping outside the top eight if the Crows and North Melbourne win later in the round.

The loss was made worse for St Kilda with key defender Max Hudghton suffering a thigh injury in the first term. He took no further part in the match.

Brent Staker was influential in the middle for West Coast with 22 disposals and three goals, including a team-lifting one from 50m after taking four bounces at the 19-minute mark of the second term.

Promising youngster Brad Ebert was also damaging with 25 possessions and three majors. Quinten Lynch (28 touches) and Michael Braun (27 possessions) were busy contributors while Mark LeCras chimed in with four majors.

For St Kilda, skipper Nick Riewoldt booted five goals in his 150th AFL game while Lenny Hayes (31 possessions) tried hard all day.

Riewoldt was proving to be too much to handle for youngster Matthew Spangher in the first term but he failed to make the most of his opportunities in front of goal, booting a wayward 1.3.

The Eagles made the Saints pay for their wastefulness in front of goal with majors from Staker and Ebert to reduce the deficit to just 14 points at quarter-time.

St Kilda pulled away again early in the second term with majors from Riewoldt and Stephen Milne extending the lead out to 26 points.

But the West Coast midfield lifted and started to win their fair share of the football at the stoppages as they slammed on the last four goals of the term to close to within one-point at the main break.

St Kilda started the third term brightly, booting goals through Luke Ball and David Armitage to skip out to a handy break.

But the Eagles hit back with three of the next four to take a two-point lead into the final change.

West Coast should have been further in front at three-quarter time but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wasteful 3.6.

LeCras kicked the crucial first goal of the final term but the Saints hit back through Riewoldt to level the scores at the eight-minute mark.

It looked as if the contest would go down to the wire but a 65m bomb from Lynch sparked a run of goals that sealed West Coast's third win of the season.

WEST COAST: 2.3, 6.5, 9.11, 15.13 (103)
ST KILDA: 4.5, 6.6, 9.9, 12.14 (86)
GOALS: West Coast: LeCras 4, Ebert 3, Staker 3, McKinley, Seaby,Lynch, S. Selwood, Nicoski
St Kilda: Riewoldt 5, Milne 2, Montagna, Goddard, Ball, Armitage, Gram
BEST: West Coast: Staker, Ebert, Braun, Mackenzie, Lynch, Nicoski, Wilkes
St Kilda: Riewoldt, Hayes, Goddard, Eddy, Milne
INJURIES: West Coast:
St Kilda: Hudghton (thigh),
UMPIRES: Nicholls, Kamolins, Ellis
REPORTS: nil
CHANGES: nil
CROWD: 34,037 at Subiaco Oval



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Bombers smash Pies

July 26th 2008 07:37
ESSENDON has dealt a major blow to Collingwood's top-four aspirations with a 48-point win at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Bombers were in control for most of the day and eventually prevailed 19.14 (128) to 11.14 (80).

The Magpies have now lost their past two to trail fourth-placed Sydney, who play Adelaide at the SCG tonight by six premiership points with just five rounds remaining.

Andrew Welsh was Essendon's best with 29 disposals and four goals while Jobe Watson was also damaging in the middle with a game-high 41 possessions.

Ruckman David Hille was influential in the ruck with 24 touches, ten hit-outs and one goal while skipper Matthew Lloyd chimed in with four majors.

Rising Star nominee Kyle Reimers continued his impressive season with three goals while Ricky Dyson was also a busy contributor with 26 disposals.

For Collingwood, Dane Swan (26 possessions) tried hard all day while Travis Cloke booted three goals first-half goals.

The Bombers dominated the opening term, racking up 58 more possessions than the Magpies and entering inside their forward 50 six more times.

Their attack on the football and willingness to run hard paid handsome dividends as they slammed on the first five goals of the match, with Welsh booting three inside the first ten minutes to help his side to a 28-point lead at the first change.

The Magpies lifted their intensity after quarter-time and got themselves back into the contest with a five-goal-to-two second term to reduce the deficit to just nine points at the main break.

When Alan Didak goaled on the run just 15 seconds into the third quarter it appeared as if the Magpies would run over the top of the Bombers.

But Essendon responded in emphatic fashion, slamming on five goals in a 13-minute burst to skip out to a 33-point lead.

Late goals to John Anthony and Leon Davis gave the Magpies a glimmer of hope heading into the final change, with Essendon holding a 21-point advantage.

Collingwood kicked the the first goal of the final term through Paul Medhurst to close to within 13 points but the Bombers had all the answers with back-to-back majors from Reimers and goals from Adam McPhee and Welsh putting the result beyond doubt.

ESSENDON: 5.7, 7.10, 12.11, 19.14 (128)
COLLINGWOOD: 1.3, 6.7, 9.10, 11.14 (80)
GOALS: Essendon: Welsh 4, Lloyd 4, Reimers 3, Monfries 2, McPhee 2, Stanton, Jetta, Lovett-Murray, Hille
Collingwood: Cloke 3, Didak 2, Davis 2, Anthony 2, Medhurst 2
BEST: Essendon: Hille, Welsh, Watson, Lonergan,
Dyson, Lloyd
Collingwood: Swan, Burns, Cloke, O'Bree, Wellingham
INJURIES: Essendon: Nil
Collingwood: Nil
REPORTS: Scott Lucas (Essendon) reported by field umpire James for striking Harry O'Brien (Collingwood) in the first quarter; Alan Didak (Collingwood) reported by field umpire Head for striking Henry Slattery (Essendon) in the third quarter
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Donlon, James, Head
CROWD: 64,785 at the MCG



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Hawks better for the run: Clarkson

July 26th 2008 01:03
HAWTHORN has gained invaluable experience ahead of this year's finals series, according to coach Alistair Clarkson.

Under Clarkson's reign the Hawks have only twice played in front of crowds in excess of 70,000.

Last night Hawthorn went down to reigning premiers Geelong by 11 points in front of more than 86,000 fans, but Clarkson said the experience of playing in front of a finals-like crowd would benefit his side in the long term.

"You just can't buy that type of opportunity, 85,000 people or thereabouts against a quality opponent like Geelong who have taken all before them in the last 18 months," Clarkson said.

"For us to compete as well as we did, we're disappointed we didn't get across the line but, as I said before the game, win or lose tonight just the exposure our lads got to that type of contest was outstanding for them."

Clarkson admitted his side's lack of polish proved to be costly.

Poor skill errors and decision making resulted in three Geelong goals, including the match-winner after Luke Hodge turned the ball over in the centre square.

"Geelong demonstrated at the crunch of the game that they're a little bit more polished than what we are at the present time," he said.

"We got some important opportunities through the middle of the ground that we just didn't capitalise on, right throughout the course of the game but particularly in the last quarter when the game was there for the taking."

Geelong coach Mark Thompson said his side showed a greater will to win than the Hawks.

"In the end I thought our will to win was better than the opposition's, especially by some of our midfielders," Thompson said.

"What they said to us in the end and to the footy world was they didn't want to lose this game of footy. They probably went over and above the call of duty, some of them, to help this team get over the line."

But Thompson dimissed any suggestions his side would gain any psychological edge as a result of the win.

"I don't think tonight counts that much as we didn't win it convincingly. We never crushed them, it was a really tight affair so they should be pretty proud of their efforts too, Hawthorn," he said.

"They haven't lost any respect tonight."


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Bulldogs to blame for redevelopment crisis, says council

July 26th 2008 00:29
THE City of Maribyrnong says the Western Bulldogs were to blame for the Whitten Oval bungle.

The dispute was over the City of Maribyrnong's alleged refusal to issue a permit for the Victorian University to establish an education and training centre for 140 students and 45 teachers at the redeveloped Whitten Oval.

City of Maribyrnong Mayor Michelle MacDonald said allegations the council had refused to provide a planning permit for the proposal were false.

"For the sake of our community we want this project to occur. However, the Bulldogs organisation has bungled the management of the redevelopment," she said.

MacDonald said the council first learnt of the Victoria University proposal through rumours in early 2007 and that the Bulldogs did not lodge the necessary planning application until last April.

"The Bulldogs were well aware that in line with council's need to follow due process, including community consultation, we would not be able to make a decision on the application until this September," she said.

MacDonald also said the partnership between the two had been "shattered".

"It's council's responsibility to ensure this is done in the right location that doesn't adversely impact on our community."

"Three years ago we entered into an exciting partnership with the Bulldogs and the State Government.

"After this latest stunt by the Bulldogs administration, this partnership has now been shattered."

Bulldogs president David Smorgon said the club was forced to take action via the State Government to ensure the project would be completed otherwise they would have been on the brink of financial ruin.

"When the original town planning permit application was advertised in 2006, there was not one objection from the local community," Smorgon said.

"We are therefore puzzled as to why council would insist on such an extensive and protracted period of public consultation across the whole of the municipality, rather than in the immediate and surrounding area to which the development has effect.

"The only component of the redevelopment that became off-track was the prolonged and unnecessary use of process to delay the various approvals which has resulted in the State Government's intervention."


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Cats won't risk Chapman

July 26th 2008 00:12
GEELONG forward Paul Chapman could miss the next fortnight after injuring his hamstring during the Cats' 11-point win over Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night, according to coach Mark Thompson.

Chapman suffered the injury during the second quarter and played no further part in the match.

Thompson said the Cats will most likely err on the side of caution and not rush Chapman back with the finals just around the corner.

"We were toying with the idea of bringing him back so it's not a big one. It is there and we just didn't want to risk him," Thompson said.

"It's not worth it this time of year so he'll be away in ice for a couple of weeks, maybe one or two weeks, and hopefully have a good run at the finals."

Meanwhile, Thompson said late withdrawal Darren Milburn (virus) was on Friday afternoon still a possibility to face the Hawks despite receiving three litres of fluid via a drip the previous night.

It was not until 3pm on Friday that the Cats finally ruled out the All-Australian defender, who was well enough to watch the game from the stands.


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Cats hold off Hawks

July 25th 2008 13:01
GEELONG has consolidated its place at the top of the AFL ladder with a hard-fought 11-point win over Hawthorn in a classic contest at the MCG on Friday night.

The Cats were challenged all night by the Hawks in a match worthy of a grand final, but eventually prevailed 12.16 (88) to 11.11 (77).

The crowd of 86,179 was the largest to attend a home-and-away game featuring teams other than Collingwood, Essendon and Carlton

The win was soured somewhat for the Cats with classy forward Paul Chapman injuring his hamstring in the second term. He took no further part in the match.

James Bartel was Geelong's best with a game-high 36 possessions and two goals. He received good support from Joel Corey, Corey Enright and impressive youngster Joel Selwood, who racked up 30-plus disposals while Steve Johnson was lively up forward with 26 possessions and three majors.

For Hawthorn, skipper Sam Mitchell was a busy contributor in the middle with a team-high 33 possessions while Lance Franklin was dangerous all night but failed to make the most of his opportunities in front of goal, booting a wasteful 4.5.

The Cats blew the game open in the first term, booting four unanswered goals in a stunning 10-minute burst to take a handy 19-point lead into quarter-time.

Back-to-back goals from Jarryd Roughead and Campbell Brown got the Hawks back into the contest but a major from Bartel gave the Cats some breathing space.

The Hawks hit back through Franklin but some untidy work by Brent Guerra and Xavier Ellis in defence resulted in a goal to Ryan Gamble, which put Geelong 17 points in front at the main break.

Hawthorn applied immense pressure all over the ground in the second half as they booted three goals to one in the third term to reduce the deficit to just four points heading into the final change.

When Mark Williams kicked truly just 35 seconds into the final term the Hawks had hit the front.

Hawthorn could have extended their lead but Rick Ladson failed to capitalise in front of goal.

The Cats made the Hawks pay by kicking the next two through Bartel and Max Rooke to regain the ascendancy.

But the Hawks refused to give in and reduced the deficit to just one straight kick when Franklin kicked his fourth after Cyril Rioli laid a brilliant tackle on Rooke.

Brown could have levelled scores from 20m out but his set shot sprayed wide.

It proved to be a costly miss with Johnson kicking the match-winner after Luke Hodge turned the ball over with a short kick off his non-preferred side.

HAWTHORN: 3.2, 6.5, 9.8, 11.11 (77)
GEELONG: 6.3, 8.10, 9.12, 12.16 (88)
GOALS: Hawthorn: Franklin 4, Brown 2, Roughead 2, Williams 2, Bateman
Geelong: S. Johnson 3, Bartel 2, Chapman 2, Enright, Gamble, Mooney, Rooke, Stokes
BEST: Hawthorn: Mitchell, Ellis, Franklin, Bateman, Croad, Birchall
Geelong: Selwood, Bartel, S.Johnson, Corey, Kelly, Ottens
INJURIES: Hawthorn: TBC
Geelong: Chapman (hamstring)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Milburn (Geelong) replaced in selected side by D.Johnson
UMPIRES: McBurney, Rosebury, Schmitt
CROWD: 86,179 at the MCG



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Milburn out

July 25th 2008 09:32
GEELONG has suffered a blow ahead of tonight's blockbuster clash against Hawthorn at the MCG with veteran defender Darren Milburn a late withdrawal.

Milburn has been replaced by David Johnson, who has not played since round 21 last year while the Hawks will go in as named.


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Round seventeen teams

July 25th 2008 07:27
ROUND SEVENTEEN

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

HAWTHORN v GEELONG
Friday, 7:40pm AEST, MCG
HAWTHORN
B: Ladson, Gilham, Guerra
HB: Brown, Croad, Birchall
C: Lewis, Mitchell, Ellis
HF: Bateman, Franklin, Osborne
F: Rioli, Roughead, Williams
FOLL: Campbell, Hodge, Sewell
I/C: Stokes, Murphy, Taylor, Tuck
EMG: Clarke, Dowler, Morton
IN: Stokes
OUT: Morton

GEELONG
B: Harley, Scarlett, Mackie
HB: Taylor, Milburn, Enright
C: Kelly, Rooke, Bartel
HF: Gamble, Mooney, S.Johnson
F: Stokes, Lonergan, Chapman
FOLL: Ottens, Corey, Selwood
I/C: Blake, Varcoe, Prismall, Hunt
EMG: Hogan, Byrnes, D.Johnson
No Changes

ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD
Saturday, 2:10pm AEST, MCG
ESSENDON
B: Atkinson, Fletcher, Nash
HB: Slattery, Ryder, McPhee
C: Reimers, Watson, Ramanauskas
HF: Monfries, Lloyd, Lucas
F: Jetta, Laycock, Lonergan
FOLL: Hille, Welsh, Stanton
I/C: Peverill, Dyson, Lovett-Murray, Michael
EMG: Hooker, Magin, Williams
IN: Fletcher
OUT: Neagle

COLLINGWOOD
B: H.Shaw, Wakelin, Lockyer
HB: Clarke, Maxwell, O'Brien
C: Johnson, Burns, R.Shaw
HF: Pendlebury, Cloke, Bryan
F: Didak, Brown, Medhurst
FOLL: Wood, Swan, Thomas
I/C: O'Bree, Anthony, Davis, Wellingham
EMG: Stanley, Goldsack, Toovey
IN: Davis
OUT: Goldsack

WEST COAST v ST KILDA
Saturday, 2:10pm WST, Subiaco Oval
WEST COAST
B: Nicoski, Mackenzie, Stenglein
HB: Selwood, Wilkes, Embley
C: Braun, Priddis, Staker
HF: Wirrpanda, Hansen, Armstrong
F: LeCras, Lynch, Seaby
FOLL: Cox, Fletcher, McNamara
I/C: McKinley, S.Selwood, Ebert, Spangher
EMG: Houlihan, McGinnity, Notte
IN: Braun, Armstrong, Seaby, Spangher
OUT: Kennedy (knee), Glass (thigh), Houlihan, Davis

ST KILDA
B: Gram, Hudghton, Dempster
HB: Goddard, Gilbert, S.Fisher
C: McQualter, Dal Santo, Hayes
HF: Harvey, Riewoldt, Eddy
F: Jones, M.Gardiner, Armitage
FOLL: King, Ball, Montagna
I/C: Blake, Milne, Schneider, Fiora
EMG: Geary, Rix, Birss
IN: M.Gardiner
OUT: Koschitzke

RICHMOND v BRISBANE LIONS
Saturday, 7:10pm AEST, Telstra Dome
RICHMOND
B: Newman, Thursfield, Moore
HB: White, McGuane, McMahon
C: Richardson, Tuck, Deledio
HF: Cotchin, Riewoldt, Morton
F: Brown, Schulz, Edwards
FOLL: Simmonds, Johnson, Foley
I/C: Tambling, Jackson, Bowden, Pattison
EMG: Hyde, Meyer, Tivendale
IN: Richardson, Jackson
OUT: Hughes (back), Polo

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Drummond, Merrett, Patfull
HB: Copeland, Roe, McGrath
C: Corrie, Black, Notting
HF: Rischitelli, Brown, Brennan
F: Stiller, Bradshaw, Clark
FOLL: Charman, Power, Johnstone
I/C: Collier, Adcock, Dalziell, Sherman
EMG: Hooper, Harding, Hawksley
IN: Adcock, Sherman
OUT: Hooper, Harding

SYDNEY v ADELAIDE
Saturday, 7:10pm AEST, SCG
SYDNEY
B: Bevan, Roberts-Thomson, Mattner
HB: C.Bolton, Richards, Kennelly
C: Jack, McVeigh, Bird
HF: R.O'Keefe, Goodes, Ablett
F: Playfair, Hall, Moore
FOLL: Jolly, Kirk, J.Bolton
I/C from: Everitt, Malceski, Grundy, O'Dwyer
EMG: Mathews, Smith, Brennan
IN: Hall, Malceski
OUT: O'Loughlin (ankle), Barry (hamstring)

ADELAIDE
B: Massie, Rutten, Bassett
HB: Symes, Bock, Doughty
C: van Berlo, Goodwin, Vince
HF: McLeod, Gill, Douglas
F: Porplyzia, Tippett, Knights
FOLL: Maric, Thompson, Edwards
I/C: Campbell, Stevens, Shirley, Mackay
EMG: Moran, Otten, Petrenko
IN: Gill, Mackay, Porplyzia
OUT: Jericho (hamstring), Moran, Johncock

PORT ADELAIDE v FREMANTLE
Sunday, 12:40pm CST, AAMI Stadium
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Pettigrew, Carlile, Lower
HB: Surjan, Chaplin, Lonie
C: Cassisi, K.Cornes, Boak
HF: Rodan, Tredrea, Salopek
F: J.Westhoff, D.Motlop, Ebert
FOLL: Brogan, S.Burgoyne, Pearce
I/C from: Bentley, Logan, Thurstans, M.Westhoff, Stewart, Deluca, Thomas
IN: Boak, Deluca, Stewart, Thomas, Thurstans, M.Westhoff
OUT: C.Cornes (shoulder/knee), Lade, Thomson

FREMANTLE
B: Thornton, Grover, Mi.Johnson
HB: Head, McPharlin, Mundy
C: Ibbotson, Crowley, Duffield
HF: Farmer, Tarrant, Mayne
F: McManus, Pavlich, Murphy
FOLL: Sandilands, Schammer, Carr
I/C from: Peake, Bradley, Ma.Johnson, Campbell, Palmer, Dodd, Warnock
IN: Murphy, Palmer, Duffield, Bradley, Campbell
OUT: O'Brien,

MELBOURNE v NORTH MELBOURNE
Sunday, 2:10pm AEST, MCG
MELBOURNE
B: Whelan, Garland, Warnock
HB: C.Johnson, Bell, Dunn
C: Morton, Bruce, Buckley
HF: Sylvia, Bate, Davey
F: Newton, Miller, McDonald
FOLL: Jamar, Bartram, Jones
I/C: Martin, Valenti, P.Johnson, Maric
EMG: Carroll, White, Wonaeamirri
IN: Maric, McDonald
OUT: Wheatley (calf), Wonaeamirri

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Watt, Firrito, Pratt
HB: Harding, Gibson, Urquhart
C: Harvey, Harris, Campbell
HF: Hansen, Hale, Jones
F: McMahon, Petrie, Thomas
FOLL: Goldstein, Simpson, Wells
I/C from: Power, Grant, Rawlings, Grima
EMG: Sinclair, Brown, Riggio
IN: Grima
OUT: Ross (ankle)

WESTERN BULLDOGS v CARLTON
Sunday, 4:40pm AEST, Telstra Dome
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Morris, Lake, Hargrave
HB: Addison, Williams, Gilbee
C: Eagleton, Boyd, Cross
HF: Murphy, Hahn, Johnson
F: Akermanis, Minson, Welsh
FOLL: Hudson, Cooney, Griffen
I/C from: Tiller, Harbrow, Giansiracusa, Hill, Ward, Everitt, Ray
IN: Hill, Ward, Williams
OUT: -

CARLTON
B: Carrazzo, Jamison, Thornton
HB: Scotland, Waite, Stevens
C: Russell, Judd, Simpson
HF: Murphy, Hartlett, Wiggins
F: Betts, Fevola, Fisher
FOLL: Cloke, Gibbs, Grigg
I/C from: Kreuzer, Hampson, Browne, Armfield, Austin, Bentick, Walker
IN: Hampson, Browne, Armfield,
OUT: -




43
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Power right to face Tigers

July 25th 2008 07:07
BRISBANE midfielder Luke Power is '99 percent right' to play in Saturday night's clash crucial clash against Richmond at Telstra Dome, according to coach Leigh Matthews.

Power, who has been in doubt throughout the week with a shoulder complaint joined his teammates in a light run at the Junction Oval in St Kilda on Friday afternoon.

"We didn't think he was going to be OK really, but he trained yesterday afternoon, he did a fitness test and he'll run around tonight so I would have thought he's 99 percent now," Matthews said.

Matthews played down the Lions' poor record in Victoria in 2008 - one win from five matches.

"We beat Carlton down here earlier in the year, Melbourne beat us by a point, the Bulldogs have been beating most teams and Essendon, who are in pretty good shape, beat us the other week, so I think you can get a bit carried away with all that," he said.

He also said playing away from home shouldn't have too much of an influence on the outcome.

"The home team is always a little bit advantaged by the home venue but it doesn’t make a monstrous difference between winning and losing."



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Cousins cuts ties with Port

July 25th 2008 06:53
FORMER West Coast captain Ben Cousins' stint with VFL club Port Melbourne has ended before it began.

The 30-year-old has decided to train with East Fremantle and Perth for the remainder of year in a bid to ressurect his AFL career next season.

The 2005 Brownlow medallist was sacked by the Eagles late last season and subsequently suspended for a year by the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute following a series of off-field indiscretions.


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Finals not the only focus, says Craig

July 25th 2008 05:23
ADELAIDE coach Neil Craig says he won't sacrifice his game plan in order to play finals football.

The Crows have lost their past five matches and need to win at least four of their last six games to climb back into the eight but Craig said he won't be making any major changes to his team's game style which he believes will help deliver the club's next premiership.

"If you concentrate too much on the end result, finals, finals, finals, which is what everyone talks about and people do the calculations ...

"I understand why they do it, but we as a playing group and a coaching group can't get caught up in that because then you lose your focus and your thought process about what we should be doing to get the result we want," Craig said on Friday.

"There are a lot of people who can focus on the end result for us and give us feedback on how many games there are and what you've got to do to win them.

"We've got 50,000 supporters doing that for us; we've just got to concentrate on our end. We can go two ways. We can persist with the situation we're in at the moment or we can let it consume us and we're going to persist; persist very strongly.

"I think it's important for us to hold our nerve, otherwise we start chopping and changing. Whilst we know where we want to go this year, we've also got to have an eye on long-term and some consistency in what we do."



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Malthouse rules out using Fraser as a forward

July 25th 2008 04:51
COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse has ruled out using number one ruckman Josh Fraser as a forward.

Fraser wasn't selected to play against Essendon at the MCG on Saturday afternoon and will instead line up for the club's VFL side in an effort to regain match fitness.

The 26-year-old, who has been hampered by a knee injury picked up while representing Victoria in the Hall of Fame Tribute match hasn't played for the Pies since round 12.

Malthouse said on Friday that Fraser would be of little value to the Pies solely as a forward.

"He's got to play the role that he's best accustomed to and that is ruck, and if he goes forward they'll be cameos," said Malthouse.

"Josh can play forward, but not as a permanent forward - he needs to be able to ruck and go forward."

"He hasn’t really got the history of being a straight forward."

Malthouse also said that Fraser wouldn't be recalled until he was able to ruck again.

"We have elected not to play him until the medical people believe that he is capable of rucking again."

"He hasn’t gone down in any of our calculations of where he sits - he's the No.1 ruckman in this football club - so we can get rid of all the rumour and innuendo, guesswork and second guessing that he is dropping in the pecking order."

Meanwhile, Malthouse suggested Essendon is better-placed injury-wise than they are letting on.

"My forward scout (saw) 35 players training on their ground, 35 of which 11 are now playing in their Bendigo side tomorrow and 11 and 22 equals 33," he said.

"That's 33 players that they've got to pick from - it's hardly 24, 25."

"I know one thing for sure, the 22 (selected to play Collingwood) are very dangerous."



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Johncock's future in his hands: Craig

July 25th 2008 04:34
THE future of Adelaide defender Graham Johncock is in his own hands, according to coach Neil Craig.

Johncock will miss Saturday night's crucial clash against Sydney at the SCG after being dropped for his 'standards of preparation'.

Craig said the 25-year-old was still a required player but that he needed to meet the standards expected by the club.

"In the end if Graham can't get back to the standards that's required that'll be his call," Craig said.

"We want Graham to finish his career at our footy club at a very high standard."

Craig also said a number of issues contributed to the decision to drop Johncock.

"It's a combination of form and Graham probably losing focus on the things which are really important for our club and for him to play good footy," he said.

"That's tied up with training, that's tied up with recovery, it's tied up with lifestyle away from the footy club."

"Nothing disastrous, but not to a level which is conducive to playing at this level."

"Graham had received a lot of feedback on that so it wasn't just a one-off. What the playing group are now saying to Graham is we need to see a response in those areas, we know you can come up to those standards because we've seen that before."


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Hall's issues not fair game: Craig

July 25th 2008 02:55
ADELAIDE coach Neil Craig has urged his players not to use Barry Hall's highly-publicised personal issues as a tactic to put the Sydney spearhead off his game on Saturday night.

Hall, who has missed the past two matches due to a club-imposed ban, was given the all-clear by Sydney's psychologist Grant Brecht to play against the Crows at the SCG.

Craig said he expected his players to play within the spirit of the game.

“Barry plays really physical and I don’t think that will change. I expect our players to play it physical and go really hard at the footy and when you get two opponents playing physical, there will be some verbal because it’s the nature of the game,” Craig said.

“I certainly don’t expect and wouldn’t want our players to use Barry’s personal situation [as a tactic]. I don’t think we need that tool to get the result we want.”



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Scott rules out Gold Coast move

July 25th 2008 02:31
FREMANTLE assistant coach Chris Scott says he won't be taking a development coaching role with the Gold Coast franchise.

"Yes I have (ruled myself out)," Scott said.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for the right person but in my view I am nine months into my coaching career and to put my name forward for that position would be the wrong thing to do.

"I am very committed to Fremantle and we have a long term plan that I'm keen to stay a part of."

Scott also declared impressive young midfielder Rhys Palmer a certain starter for Sunday's clash against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

Palmer missed last Sunday's 46-point win over Melbourne at Subiaco Oval and it had been flagged by coach Mark Harvey that Palmer could require season-ending knee surgery.

But the 19-year-old will play against the Power after getting through two training sessions this week.

"With the problem he's got it is questionable whether or not he needs surgery," Scott said.

"It's a possibility, but we will just manage him and it makes his first season even more remarkable given that he has done it with this problem. Our medical staff made the call that he's right to go and we will back them in."



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AFL praises Victorian Government

July 25th 2008 01:50
THE AFL has praised the Victorian State Government for intervening in a planning wrangle that threatened to bankrupt the Western Bulldogs.

The dispute was over the City of Maribyrnong's refusal to issue a permit for the Victorian University to establish an education and training centre for 140 students and 45 teachers at the redeveloped Whitten Oval.

The government's decision to override the council and grant the relevant permit freed-up $6-million in funding which allowed the redevelopment to go ahead.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the Bulldogs were on the verge of financial ruin.

"They were on the brink," Demetriou said.

"They've got a $6-million hole which was being put in jeopardy as part of their redevelopment - couldn’t make any headway with local government which was terribly frustrating."

"That jeopardised that project and that would have tipped them over the edge and if not for the intervention of the State Government which we congratulate and commend, we would be talking about some real tragic things at the Western Bulldogs."

"They would have been almost bordering on insolvent."

Meanwhile Demetriou said on 3AW that he was in contact with Channel Seven as late as Thursday in an attempt to have Friday night's Hawthorn-Geelong blockbuster at the MCG televised live.

But he said the network refused to change its programming schedule and that 'Better Homes and Gardens' was locked-in for the 7.30 timeslot.

"In the original agreement that we struck up with Nine and Foxtel that Seven and Ten matched, it was provided in that agreement that all Friday night football would be live, but that was varied at Seven's request because they wanted to show it at 8.30 and have a lead-in program," Demetriou said.

"We thought (a live telecast) would be a good idea this week given that it's a sell-out."

"We've tried, but we haven’t been successful."


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Johncock axed by Crows

July 25th 2008 01:37
ADELAIDE defender Graham Johncock will miss Saturday night's must-win clash against Sydney at the SCG after being stood down by the club due to his lack of professionalism.

The Crows have lost their past five matches to find themselves outside the top eight for the first time since round one.

Adelaide football operations manager John Reid said the 25-year-old had failed meet the expected standards of preparation.

"Graham’s form in the last month hasn’t been very good and he knows that. Coupled with that is the fact that some of his attention to detail in preparation has been a bit below par,” Reid said.

“You’ve got to be in the inner sanctum to understand all that [the reasons behind the decision]. Graham’s form has been miles below his best and his preparation hasn’t been up to scratch and that covers a myriad of things.

“He understands that and I’m pretty proud of the way he’s actually coped with that at the moment.”

“He’s going about rectifying that ASAP because we need him in our side and he’s a very good player.”

Johncock will for SANFL side Port Adelaide Magpies this weekend alongside Port veteran Peter Burgoyne, who was suspended by the Power for one-match for presenting himself in an unfit manner for training.


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Ebert re-signs

July 24th 2008 08:07
PORT ADELAIDE forward Brett Ebert has signed a new three-year deal which will see him remain at the club until at least the end of the 2011 season.

Ebert has played 92 games and kicked 144 goals since debuting in 2004 after being drafted under the father-son rule in 2002.

The 24-year-old was instrumental in getting Port to last year's grand final, booting 56 goals.

Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams said Ebert is a key part of the club's future.

"Brett's improvement over the past couple of seasons is a real credit to him," Williams said.

"To now be at the point where he's earned a long-term contract with our club says a lot for how far he's come, and is a credit to our development program as well."

"We're really looking forward to what he can bring us in the years ahead."

Ebert returned the praise to his senior coach, saying Williams had played a major role in his development as a footballer.

"The way he (Williams) has worked with me has been outstanding, he's a great coach," Ebert said.

"It's great to be able to stay at the same club and stay with the same bunch of guys and the same coaching staff. The club has shown a bit of faith in me, so now it's up to me to repay that on the field."



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Round seventeen teams

July 24th 2008 07:15
ROUND SEVENTEEN

Friday, July 25
Hawthorn v Geelong at the MCG, 7.40pm AEST

Saturday, July 26
Essendon v Collingwood at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
West Coast Eagles v St Kilda at Subiaco Oval, 2.10pm AWST
Richmond v Brisbane Lions at Telstra Dome, 7.10pm AEST
Sydney Swans v Adelaide at the SCG, 7.10pm AEST

Sunday, July 27
Port Adelaide v Fremantle at AAMI Stadium, 12.40pm ACST
Melbourne v North Melbourne at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
Western Bulldogs v Carlton at Telstra Dome, 4.40pm AEST

HAWTHORN v GEELONG
HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Rick Ladson
HB: Campbell Brown, Trent Croad, Grant Birchall
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Xavier Ellis
HF: Chance Bateman, Lance Franklin, Michael Osborne
F: Mark Williams, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell
I/C: Tom Murphy, Travis Tuck, Simon Taylor, Cam Stokes
EMG: Tim Clarke, Beau Dowler, Jarryd Morton

In: Stokes
Out: Jarryd Morton

GEELONG
B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Harry Taylor, Darren Milburn, Corey Enright
C: James Kelly, Max Rooke, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Ryan Gamble
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Lonergan, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Brad Ottens, Joel Corey, Joel Selwood
I/C: Josh Hunt, Mark Blake, Brent Prismall, Travis Varcoe
EMG: David Johnson, Simon Hogan, Shannon Byrnes

No change

ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD
ESSENDON
B: Jarrod Atkinson, Dustin Fletcher, Jay Nash
HB: Adam McPhee, Patrick Ryder, Henry Slattery
C: Kyle Reimers, Jobe Watson, Adam Ramanauskas
HF: Angus Monfries, Matthew Lloyd, Scott Lucas
F: Leroy Jetta, Jason Laycock, Sam Lonergan
Foll: David Hille, Andrew Welsh, Brent Stanton
I/C: Mal Michael, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Damien Peverill, Ricky Dyson
EMG: Cale Hooker, Rhys Magin, John Williams

In: Fletcher
Out: Jay Neagle (ankle)

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, Travis Cloke, Chris Bryan
F: Alan Didak, Nathan Brown, Paul Medhurst
Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
I/C: Shane O’Bree, Sharrod Wellingham, Leon Davis, John Anthony
EMG: Danny Stanley, Tyson Goldsack, Alan Toovey

In: Davis
Out: Tyson Goldsack

WEST COAST v ST KILDA
WEST COAST
B: Mark Nicoski, Eric Mackenzie, Tyson Stenglein
HB: Adam Selwood, Beau Wilkes, Andrew Embley
C: Michael Braun, Matt Priddis, Brent Staker
HF: David Wirrpanda, Ashley Hansen, Steven Armstrong
F: Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, Mark Seaby
Foll: Dean Cox, Chad Fletcher, Jamie McNamara
I/C: Brad Ebert, Ben McKinley, Scott Selwood, Matt Spangher
EMG: Tim Houlihan, Pat McGinnity, Tony Notte

In: Braun, Armstrong, Seaby, Spangher
Out: Kennedy (knee), Glass (thigh), Houlihan, Davis.

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

In: M. Gardiner
Out: Justin Koschitzke (susp)

RICHMOND v BRISBANE LIONS
RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Will Thursfield, Kelvin Moore
HB: Jordan McMahon, Luke McGuane, Matt White
C: Matthew Richardson, Shane Tuck, Brett Deledio
HF: Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Mitch Morton
F: Nathan Brown, Jay Schulz, Shane Edwards
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Kane Johnson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Adam Pattison, Richard Tambling, Daniel Jackson, Joel Bowden
EMG: Chris Hyde, Danny Meyer, Greg Tivendale

In: Richardson, Jackson
Out: Cleve Hughes (back), Dean Polo

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

In: Adcock, Sherman
Out: Rhan Hooper, Scott Harding

SYDNEY SWANS v ADELAIDE
SYDNEY SWANS
B: Paul Bevan, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Martin Mattner
HB: Craig Bolton, Ted Richards, Tadhg Kennelly
C: Kieren Jack, Jarrad McVeigh, Craig Bird
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Adam Goodes, Luke Ablett
F: Henry Playfair, Barry Hall, Jarred Moore
Foll: Darren Jolly, Brett Kirk, Jude Bolton
I/C: Peter Everitt, Heath Grundy, Nick Malceski, Matthew O'Dwyer
EMG: Luke Brennan, Ben Mathews, Nick Smith

In: Hall, Malceski
Out: Leo Barry (hamstring), Michael O'Loughlin (ankle)

ADELAIDE
B: Kris Massie, Ben Rutten, Nathan Bassett
HB: Brad Symes, Nathan Bock, Michael Doughty
C: Nathan van Berlo, Simon Goodwin, Bernie Vince
HF: Andrew McLeod, Nick Gill, Richard Douglas
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Chris Knights
Foll: Ivan Maric, Scott Thompson, Tyson Edwards
I/C: Robert Shirley, David Mackay, Scott Stevens, Bryce Campbell
EMG: Brad Moran, Andy Otten, Jared Petrenko

In: Porplyzia, Gill, Mackay
Out: Luke Jericho (hamstring), Graham Johncock, Brad Moran

PORT ADELAIDE v FREMANTLE
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Nick Lower
HB: Jacob Surjan, Troy Chaplin, Nathan Lonie
C: Domenic Cassisi, Kane Cornes, Travis Boak
HF: David Rodan, Warren Tredrea, Steven Salopek
F: Justin Westhoff, Daniel Motlop, Brett Ebert
Foll: Dean Brogan, Shaun Burgoyne, Danyle Pearce
I/C (from): Greg Bentley, Fabian DeLuca, Matthew Thomas, Tom Logan, Toby Thurstans, Paul Stewart, Matthew Westhoff

In: Boak, Deluca, Stewart, Thomas, Thurstans, M Westhoff
Out: Chad Cornes (shoulder, knee), Brendon Lade, Adam Thomson

FREMANTLE
B: Scott Thornton, Antoni Grover, Michael Johnson
HB: David Mundy, Luke McPharlin, Josh Head
C: Garrick Ibbotson, Ryan Crowley, Paul Duffield
HF: Jeff Farmer, Chris Tarrant, Chris Mayne
F: Shaun McManus, Matthew Pavlich, Ryan Murphy
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Byron Schammer, Josh Carr
I/C (from): Mark Johnson, Adam Campbell, Rhys Palmer, Steven Dodd, Robert Warnock, Brett Peake, Kepler Bradley

In: Murphy, Palmer, Duffield, Bradley, Campbell
Out: Brock O'Brien (hamstring), Andrew Browne (inj)

MELBOURNE v NORTH MELBOURNE
MELBOURNE
B: Matthew Whelan, Colin Garland, Matthew Warnock
HB: Chris Johnson, Daniel Bell, Lynden Dunn
C: Cale Morton, Cameron Bruce, Simon Buckley
HF: Colin Sylvia, Matthew Bate, Aaron Davey
F: Michael Newton, Brad Miller, James McDonald
Foll: Mark Jamar, Clint Bartram, Nathan Jones
I/C (from): Nathan Carroll, Paul Johnson, Addam Maric, Stefan Martin, Shane Valenti, Jeff White, Austin Wonaeamirri

In: Carroll, Maric, McDonald, White
Out: Paul Wheatley (calf)

New: Adam Maric (Greenvale)

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Shannon Watt, Michael Firrito, Daniel Pratt
HB: Gavin Urquhart, Josh Gibson, Leigh Harding
C: Matt Campbell, Daniel Harris, Brent Harvey
HF: Lachlan Hansen, David Hale, Corey Jones
F: Scott McMahon, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas
R: Todd Goldstein, Adam Simpson, Daniel Wells
I/C (from): Brady Rawlings, Sam Power, Shannon Grant, Jess Sinclair, Leigh Brown, Blake Grima, Matt Riggio

In: Sinclair, Grima, Brown, Riggio
Out: Ben Ross (ankle)

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

In: Hill, Ward, Williams
Out: -

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

In: Armfield, Browne, Hampson
Out: -






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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Burgoyne suspended by club

July 24th 2008 07:13
PORT ADELAIDE veteran Peter Burgoyne will miss Sunday's clash against Fremantle at AAMI Stadium after being handed a club-imposed one-match ban.

The leadership group decided to suspend Burgoyne for presenting himself in an unfit manner for training approximately a month ago.

The 30-year-old has missed the past three weeks with a hamstring strain and the club decided that Burgoyne would serve his one-match suspension once fit to play.

Burgoyne will instead play for the Port Adelaide Magpies in the SANFL on Saturday.


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


Dockers appoint new CEO

July 24th 2008 06:26
FREMANTLE has announced Steve Rosich as the successor to outgoing chief executive Cameron Schwab.

Rosich, who joined the Dockers in 2004 is currently the club's general manager of strategy.

Prior to taking on a senior role at Fremantle, Rosich was business operations manager at West Coast.

Fremantle president Rick Hart said after an extensive recruiting process Rosich had emerged as the best person for the job.

"During the recruiting process it became evident that our three internal applicants were clearly the best candidates for the job," Hart said.

"Given the process that we have been through, the board of the Fremantle Football Club has no doubt that Steve Rosich is the right choice."

Schwab will finish his time at the Dockers after the Western Derby against the Eagles in round 18.


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


Demons won't pursue Brown: Bailey

July 24th 2008 04:52
MELBOURNE won't continue with its bid to secure Brisbane Lions star Jonathan Brown, according to coach Dean Bailey.

Speaking at Junction Oval on Thursday afternoon, Bailey said the club was focused on rebuilding via the national draft.

Sacked chief executive Paul McNamee - who was terminated by president Jim Stynes on Tuesday night - had met with the management of the out-of-contract triple premiership forward.

Bailey said he had been involved in preliminary talks about luring Brown back to Victoria but was more interested in securing promising young talent in what is tipped to be a strong draft.

"Paul put forward a commercial proposition in regards to Jonathan Brown. We put forward the football situation and the discussion was still going," Bailey said.

"There was nothing more in it than that to be honest."

"We intend to use our national draft for our first pick and the proceeding picks to try and get the best players we can."

"I think there is enough talent in the draft for our first two picks or three picks to come out of the draft."

"I think that is a clear indication from our recruiting and a clear direction I have said for most of the year."



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


Tigers to lose major sponsor

July 24th 2008 04:10
RICHMOND will be on the search for a new major sponsor with Australian Finance Group announcing that it will sever ties with the club at the end of the season.

Tigers president Gary March said the mortgage broker company, which has sponsored Richmond since 2004 was unable to continue its support due to the changing financial climate.

"We respect the fact that due to the changing nature of global economic markets AFG are unable to continue with their sponsorship of the club," March said.

"AFG has been a terrific partner for the club and we wish them all the best in the future."


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


Cats can be beaten, says Clarkson

July 24th 2008 03:46
REIGNING premiers and ladder leaders Geelong are not indestructible according to Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.

The Cats have now won 34 of their past 36 matches and last weekend demolished the second-placed Western Bulldogs by 61 points without injured duo Gary Ablett Jnr and Cameron Ling.

But Clarkson says his side should not be written off.

"We've done quite well against Geelong, we've won the last three games against them so, it's not like they're indestructible and can't be defeated," he said.

However, all those victories were before the Cats winning streak and Clarkson admitted Friday night's clash would be a big test and give him a good gauge on how much his side has improved.

"We are a bit behind them in terms of the development, age and experience of our group but we respect them enormously as a club and a group of players and it's going to be a real big challenge for us on Friday night," Clarkson said.

Clarkson said the expected 90,000-plus crowd will only benefit his side come finals time.

"Irrespective of whether we win or not it's going to be an enormous experience for our players and our coaching staff," he said.

"It's getting the exposure, trying to play our game and measure ourselves against one of the best sides in the competition."



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


Hawks prepared for Hodge birth

July 24th 2008 03:44
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson says he is prepared for the possible last-minute withdrawal of vice-captain Luke Hodge for Friday night's blockbuster clash against Geelong at the MCG due to the imminent birth of his first child.

Hodge trained with the rest of the Hawks' squad at Waverley Park on Thursday morning but may be a late withdrawal with his partner expected to give birth on Friday.

Clarkson said he was preparing his team to face the reigning premiers with and without Hodge being in the side.

"Like all pregnancies there is a two- to three-week window when Lauren (Hodge's partner) could have the baby," he said.

"If it happens to come tomorrow afternoon or late evening then Hodgey will miss the game and we will just have a contingency in place, with the emergency player waiting in case he (Hodge) gets the phone call."

Clarkson said he had no problem with the star midfielder missing the club's biggest game of the season.

"If it is the right thing for him and Lauren that he is at the birth, that's fine but you can't not prepare for it," he said.



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


No promises for Thompson

July 24th 2008 03:02
NORTH MELBOURNE forward Nathan Thompson is no certainty to earn a recall despite a strong performance in the VFL last weekend, according to coach Dean Laidley.

Thompson booted six goals for Werribee but Laidley said several factors such as form, match-ups and fitness will play a role in determining whether the former Hawk plays against Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.

"We've put him on a program and whether our strength and conditioning people think that's helped him in just the one week we'll sort that out with them," Laidley said.

"Whether he needs another week - the VFL have a bye this week so if he doesn’t play in the seniors he doesn't play - but I'm sure we'll work that out over the next few hours."

Laidley said defender Daniel Pratt, who is still a bit proppy after turning an ankle against the Magpies was a 'definite starter' while running defender Jesse Smith, who has been battling ongoing hamstring and ankle problems was a slim chance of playing again this year.

"Jesse Smith's on a strengthening program for his legs and it will be really interesting to see how he comes up … (but) whether he plays again, we're not too sure, this year," Laidley said.

"It's probably a bit more positive because Jesse wants to play and it's probably positive from a medical point of view, but if I had my way, I wouldn't play him for the rest of the year."

"I just think let's get it right and make sure he plays every game next year and don't take any chances, but I'm not the boss in that area."






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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Power faces race against time

July 23rd 2008 23:15
BRISBANE midfielder Luke Power is facing a race against time to prove his fitness for Saturday night's clash against Ricmond at Telstra Dome.

Power is nursing a shoulder injury and did not take part in traning yesterday.

The Lions remain hopeful that the 28-year-old will complete training tomorrow and prove he is fit to take on fellow-top eight contenders Richmond.

Midfielder Jed Adcock (quad) and defender Joel Macdonald (ankle) also face fitness tests, but key forward Jonathan Brown (shoulder) and star midfielder Simon Black (hip) are expected to play after soldiering on against West Coast last weekend.



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


Porplyzia pushing for selection

July 23rd 2008 23:05
ADELAIDE is considering rushing back small forward Jason Porpyzlia for Saturday night's crucial clash against Sydney at the SCG.

Porplyzia's season appeared over when he dislocated his shoulder in the Crows' 31-point loss to Collingwood at the MCG in round 15.

A medical specialist then suggested he'd be right to play after two to three weeks but just eleven days later the 23-year-old was going through his paces during a training session at AAMI Stadium on Wednesday.

Teammate Kris Massie said the coaching staff was keen to test out Porplyzia's shoulder at trianing.

"'Craigy' (coach Neil Craig) mentioned out there at training, 'if anyone wants to hold back from tackling, don't. Drive him in and really test him out.' So he actually picked out 'Trucker' (Ben Rutten) to have a crack at him," he said.

"We are serious about 'Porps' playing and I know the coaching staff will be considering him for an option up forward."

Adelaide has lost its past five matches to find itself outside the top eight for the first time since round one but Massie said Porplyzia would be striving for selection regardless of whether the team was winning or losing.

"Knowing what's happened early on in his career when unfortunately he got the chop. I think with any player you've got a real big desire and I think Porps just doesn't want to miss playing football whether we were going well or were going average, which we are at the moment," he said.

Massie also said the team was looking forward to atoning for their disappointing performance against Port Adelaide last Sunday.

"We got found out on the weekend and we are not hiding away from that. So to be able to front up against a side where that's their strength, their in and under contested football, then it's a perfect opportunity for us to rectify that and turn it around this week," he said.



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


Palmer's season may be over

July 23rd 2008 22:55
FREMANTLE youngster Rhys Palmer may have played his last game of the season, according to coach Mark Harvey.

Harvey revealed after last Sunday's 46-point win over Melbourne at Subiaco Oval that Palmer had injured the cartilage in his knee and that he could require surgery which would sideline him for the rest of the home-and-away season.

Harvey said the promising 19-year-old would be assessed at training on Thursday and any decision would be made in Palmer's best interests.

But if fit Harvey said Palmer would play against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

"The debate is whether he has an operation or not," Harvey said on Wednesday.

"(We have to weigh up) what's best for Rhys at his age."

"He's got a cartilage problem and it's whether the medical people decide that he needs a cartilage operation at his age or he doesn't."

"If you understand, medically ... there can be a little bit of a tear in a cartilage which can turn into a major tear."

"(But) there's a lot of players that will play under duress and Rhys has been one of those guys (and) there may be an opportunity that he plays this week."

Harvey also said hard-running defender Roger Hayden would need an extra week's rest to recover from a hamstring injury he suffered against Essendon last month, while midfielder Luke Webster would play in a WAFL seconds game in Bunbury this week as continues to recover from the same radical knee surgery that Sydney's Nick Malceski underwent.


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


Hall cleared to return for Swans

July 23rd 2008 22:43
SYDNEY spearhead Barry Hall will play in Saturday night's crucial clash against the Adelaide Crows at the SCG after being cleared by the club's psychologist.

Hall was suspended indefinitely by the club after being charged by the AFL match review panel with attempting to strike Collingwood's Shane Wakelin in round 14.

The Wakelin incident - in which he raised a forearm towards the Collingwood defender - came in just Hall's third match back from a seven-week suspension for king-hitting West Coast utility Brent Staker in round two.

Swans coach Paul Roos said the club's physcologist Grant Brecht believes Hall is in a positive frame of mind.

"He (the club's phycologist) is confident after speaking to Barry again today he'll be able to tick him off on Friday and he'll be right to play on the weekend,'' Roos said.

Hall said he was looking forward to getting back to playing some good football.

"I'm certainly excited I'm not a real good spectator,'' Hall said.

"I suppose from the players' and even the club's point of view from the incidents I've (been involved in), the humiliation from my point of view and what I've put the club through I just want to play some good footy now and try and put that behind us somehow.

"Saturday night is probably the first stepping stone towards that.''




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


Neagle's season over

July 23rd 2008 06:17
ESSENDON forward Jay Neagle will undergo ankle surgery which will sideline him for the remainder of the season.

Neagle fractured his ankle in last Saturday's heartbreaking four-point loss to Richmond at the MCG and will have surgery on Friday.



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


Glass in doubt

July 23rd 2008 04:45
WEST COAST skipper Darren Glass may miss Saturday's clash against St Kilda at Subiaco Oval because of a thigh strain.

Glass picked up the injury early in last Saturday night's 46-point loss to Brisbane at the Gabba.

West Coast coach John Worsfold said scans conducted on Monday revealed a "a very slight strain".

Worsfold also said Glass wouldn't be risked if he wasn't 100 per cent fit,

"He got through the game which is generally the biggest indication that he might be able to get through (this weekend) but we really won't know that until the last minute," Worsfold said.

"We'll have a look how he feels (at training) tonight and we'll either make the call early in that he won't be right or we'll give him that extra time, but that will be decided tomorrow.


"If there's a high risk of him tearing it then we won't play him. Even though if he feels as though he might be able to get through we've got to read the risk and we'll do that."




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


Demons dump McNamee

July 23rd 2008 01:41
PAUL McNamee has been dumped as chief executive of Melbourne after just four months in the job.

McNamee said he was disappointed that the new board, headed by former player Jim Stynes had decided he was not the right man to run the club.

"We had some pretty bold plans and with the new team coming in, they are going in a different direction," McNamee told Melbourne radio station SEN.

"They didn't want me to be a part of that direction so you move on."

"But it's disappointing because I haven't been there that long ... they've got an agenda and they don't see me as part of that agenda."

The departure of McNamee means the Demons - who are already facing a $2 million loss this season and are $5 million in debt - now face another financial pay-out.




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


Fletcher a chance to face Pies

July 23rd 2008 00:42
ESSENDON looks set to be bolstered by the return of veteran defender Dustin Fletcher for Saturday's crucial against Collingwood at the MCG.

A win against the Pies would keep Essendon's slim finals hopes alive while Collingwood needs to win to keep in touch with the top four.

The Bombers remain optimistic about the prospect of Andrew Welsh recovering from conucssion in time for the clash against the Magpies. Midfielder Angus Monfries remains doubtful despite having only minor ligament damage in his foot while young forward Jay Neagle is set for season-ending ankle surgery.

This leaves the Bombers with a list of only 26 fit players, and the option of elevating another rookie, Danny Chartres.

Despite the shortage of players Essendon coach Matthew Knights said the club won't be ending Andrew Lovett's club-imposed suspension a week early.

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


Ablett to miss blockbuster

July 22nd 2008 07:55
GEELONG star Gary Ablett Jnr has been ruled out of Friday night's blockbuster clash against Hawthorn at the MCG.

Ablett injured his ankle against Fremantle a fortnight ago and has been listed by the club as being one to two weeks from resuming.

Hard-running defender David Wojcinski will require a fitness test later in the week to take his place in the side while promising young forward Hawkins will be sidelined for another three weeks as he recovers from foot soreness.


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


Wallace has no problems with review

July 22nd 2008 06:00
THE AFL Laws of the Game Committee is entitled to review the controversial time-wasting tactics used by Tigers defender Joel Bowden against Essendon at the MCG last Saturday, according to coach Terry Wallace.

Bowden twice walked the ball over the line from kick-outs in the final minute of the match which denied the Bombers possession.

"It's probably warranted that it gets spoken about at the Rules (Committee) level and that they have a look at different scenarios," Wallace said.

"I've heard things from giving them the ball 25-metres out from goals and then all of a sudden it becomes a seven-point play - I don't think that stacks up."

"I've heard people saying bounce the ball 25 metres out but … if you did that you would still give up the point because you would have every single player … around that next stoppage where (the ball) is not going to get out under any circumstances."

"My (suggestion) would be don't (restart the clock) until the ball has been touched in play so there's no ability to time-waste at all."

"They're all things that should be discussed, but I don't think it's (the coaches') position to make the rules - we just play to the rules that are in place."


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


Eade confident Dogs can bounce back

July 22nd 2008 05:25
WESTERN BULLDOGS coach Rodney Eade is confident his side will bounce back against Carlton at Telstra Dome on Sunday following their 61-point loss to reigning premiers and ladder leaders Geelong at Skilled Stadium last Saturday.

"It's a very honest group and I thought they were probably more disappointed than anybody else after the game," Eade said.

"They weren't flat but they were certainly down yesterday and disappointed in their own efforts. But we had a good review and the players are pretty positive about going forward and what we can do to rectify it."

Eade said the midfield battle will play a major role in determining the outcome of the match.

"They've got some really key players. But I think we've got to get back on the horse (and back to) what our strengths have been this year - winning the stoppages, winning the midfield and winning contested ball. It's the same every week and that's the focus," Eade said.

Eade also said skipper Brad Johnson's injured left ankle would be assessed later in the week while Mitch Hahn was certain to play despite struggling with a foot tendon injury.

Tom Williams, who hasn't played for a month because of a shoulder problem is likely to return this week while veteran midfielder Scott West is expected to return via the VFL within the next two weeks after overcoming a knee stress fracture that has kept him on the sidelines for 11 weeks.

Eade said the eventual return of West would be a major boost for the Bulldogs.

"If he gets back to three-quarters of his playing abilities I think he'll add something to the side," Eade said of West.

"Apart from being a leader and his experience, he's a pretty tough player. Either way I think any way that he can set an example for his team-mates will be terrific for us."




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


No promises for Pettifer

July 22nd 2008 05:07
THE future of Kayne Pettifer remains in doubt with the out-of-contract Richmond forward set to be sidelined until early next year because of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Pettifer will undergo a knee reconstruction later this week after being injured playing for the Tigers' VFL affiliate Coburg at the weekend.

Speaking at his regular Tuesday media conference, Richmond coach Terry Wallace declined to nominate Pettifer as a required player but said he was confident an arrangement could be made with the 26-year-old.

"We’ve said to Kayne we'll let him know where he stands sooner rather than later and we think that's the only fair thing, but I'm confident we’ll be able to work out something with him."

Wallace also said Pettifer, who has made just six appearances for the Tigers this season has struggled to get his body right to play consistent football at AFL level.

"He basically hasn’t had his body right since day one, and sometimes you just go through those sorts of years," Wallace said.

"He's had back-related hamstrings … and you start not getting on the track on a regular basis and that starts impacting on how you play your footy."

"It all mounts up when you're not getting continuity and that's been his lot this year."

Wallace said Pettifer was a strong chance to be ready for round one next year because scans determined that only the ACL was affected and that there was no residual damage to his knee.

In some good news for Richmond, utility Graham Polak was discharged from hospital and returned home at the weekend for the first time since sustaining serious head injuries after being struck by a tram on the 29th of June.

Wallace dimissed reports that Polak had been running around and kicking a football, but said he was progressing well.

"He's able to now do some mechanical exercises and keep himself a little bit fit just from a well-being point of view, but that's about where it stands," Wallace said.



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


Pettifer's season over

July 22nd 2008 03:00
RICHMOND forward Kayne Pettifer will miss the remainder of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in the VFL on Sunday.

The 26-year-old sustained the injury while playing for Coburg against Williamstown.

Richmond operations manager Paul Armstrong said the injury was a major blow for Pettifer who was starting to find some form.

"It's disappointing for Kayne given he's had a couple of injuries this year already and was just starting to get back to full match fitness," he said.

"Unfortunately it's happened very early on the weekend during the game, and now he'll miss the remainder of the year.

"He had overcome some injury problems earlier in the season and was starting to play some good footy."

Armstrong refused to comment on how the injury will affect Pettifer's long-term future at the club.


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


Kosi accepts one-match ban

July 22nd 2008 01:45
ST KILDA utility Justin Koschitzke will miss his side's clash against West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Saturday afternoon after accepting a one-match ban for striking Hawthorn midfielder Michael Osborne.

Koschitzke's second-quarter clash with Osborne during the Saints' stunning come-from-behind win over the third-placed Hawks at Telstra Dome on Saturday night was ruled as reckless conduct, low impact and high contact.

The charge was worth just 125 points meaning Koschitzke could have escaped with a reprimand by pleading guilty but his points tally rose to 206.25 points because of his past record, which equates to a two-match ban.

But because he entered an early guilty plea the points tally dropped to just 154.69 points

Koschitzke's teammate Aaron Fiora has accepted a reprimand and 40 points towards his future record for striking Osborne during the second quarter while Essendon's Jobe Watson and Sydney's Jarrad McVeigh have accepted $1950 fines for making negligent contact with field umpires.



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


Black on verge of calling it quits

July 22nd 2008 01:31
FREMANTLE veteran Heath Black has confirmed he is on the verge of quitting AFL football.

Black, who is contracted until the end of 2010, is in talks with the club and his manager to work out the best exit strategy.

The 29-year-old dismissed reports that he had already announced his retirement “effective immediately”, but said it was unlikely he would play another game for Fremantle.

“They (effective immediately) are the words I want to clarify, that's not the case,” Black told Southern Cross Broadcasting.

“I'm working through, with the footy club and my manager Paul Connors, the best scenario for me moving forward and we are doing that on a day-to-day basis. That's effectively where it's at.

“I'm contracted for next year and with that in place, obviously you can imagine there's some things we have to work through financially and stuff like that, to work out the best possible scenario for the Fremantle footy club and myself.”

Black, who has a shoulder injury and is also battling a degenerative hip problem, said he would join his teammates at training on Wednesday.





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


Reimers grabs nomination

July 22nd 2008 00:08
ESSENDON youngster Kyle Reimers has been rewarded for his consistent season with the round 16 NAB Rising Star Award nomination.

Reimers booted one goal and collected 18 possessions in the Bombers' heartbreaking four-point loss to Richmond at the MCG last Saturday.

It has been a good month for Reimers who kicked two goals in Essendon’s win over Carlton and gathered 21 possessions in the Bombers' 22-point win over West Coast.

Reimers debuted in 2007 after being taken at pick No.47 in the 2006 National Draft.

He managed three games in his debut season and spent most of the year developing with the Bendigo Bombers. So far this season he has played 13 matches and has averaged 15.4 disposals per game.

Bombers team manager David Calthorpe said Reimers was one of Essendon's most promising youngsters.

“Kyle has really improved this year and he has become an important player in our young, developing side. He is one of a number of young Essendon players who have worked hard to be able to play well at this level,” Calthorpe said.

“For a young player, Kyle is very confident in his ability and continues to take the game on no what the circumstances.

“He is still learning, and needs to develop other aspects, but we are confident he will develop into a good player and that his best years are ahead of him.”

Reimers is Essendon’s second nomination this season following Bachar Houli in round one.



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


Blues hopeful Walker will play this week

July 21st 2008 23:27
CARLTON utility Andrew Walker is a chance to play only his second game of the season against the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome on Sunday.

Walker wrenched his ‘good’ shoulder on Sunday against Sydney and sat out the final term.

It was Walker's first game for the year after revision shoulder reconstruction surgery to his right shoulder in March.

Scans revealed the 22-year-old had only strained his left shoulder.

Walker has been passed fit to train by Carlton's medical staff and will be monitored for soreness.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: No Category
   


Neagle's season may be over

July 21st 2008 22:46
ESSENDON forward Jay Neagle's season could be over after suffering an ankle injury in his side's heartbreaking four-point loss to Richmond at the MCG last Saturday.

Bombers team manager David Calthorpe said Neagle, who has a fracture in his ankle is likely to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

"We will have a full diagnosis tomorrow. We believe he will probably have surgery, which will end his season, but we are still waiting for confirmation," Calthorpe said.

Meanwhile, Angus Monfries (ankle) and Andrew Welsh (concussion) must pass fitness tests to play against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday.


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


Glass to have scans

July 21st 2008 10:53
WEST COAST skipper Darren Glass is in doubt for Saturday's clash against St Kilda at Subiaco Oval, according to assistant coach Peter Sumich.

Sumich said Glass had suffered a corked quadricep during last Saturday night's 46-point loss to the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.

"Darren Glass will have an MRI on his (quadriceps) just to make sure that's all clear," Sumich said.

"At the moment it's a corkie, we think. If the scans come through like they should, he'll be right this week."

Sumich said if Glass failed to prove his fitness then Matthew Spangher or Eric Mackenzie would be given the unenviable task of lining up on in-form St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt.

"Yeah it is (a tough match-up)," Sumich said of Riewoldt.

"Eric Mackenzie maybe. Matt Spangher's played really well in the WAFL the last fortnight and had a real good game on the weekend. So he's got a big tank.

"We'll consider those two kids and we have to go onto the kids if Darren happens not to play."

Sumich also said the Eagles had no intention of resting Dean Cox for the rest of the season despite the star ruckman aggravating a persistent foot injury against the Lions.

"You wouldn't want to say that to Coxy," said Sumich.

"He's raring to go already."

"His foot's okay, he got a bit of a kick on it, I think he was trying to clear one of the footies at a stoppage and (accidentally) kicked Luke Power."

"He's fine, he's pulled up really well and he'll be fine for this week."



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


Fevola contract talks on hold

July 21st 2008 08:22
CARLTON chief executive Greg Swann has revealed that contract negotiations with star forward Brendan Fevola will be postponed until the end of the season.

But Swann said the delay did not mean the Blues were not confident that Fevola would remain with the club next season.

"It is not a matter of being too far away from an agreement," Swann said in a club statement on Monday.

"It is more about the media attention being given to the discussions and we are keen to ensure our focus is on the remaining games of the season."

Swann said by putting contract talks on hold the club and Fevola would be able to focus on keeping their slim finals hopes alive.

"We all believe it is in the best interests of Brendan and also the Carlton team to put further talks on hold until after the season," Swann said.

"We are keen to ensure our focus is on the remaining games of the season to provide the best opportunity for the continued development of our young playing list."



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


Cornes succumbs to injury

July 21st 2008 06:36
PORT ADELAIDE star Chad Cornes' season is over after finally succumbing to knee and shoulder injuries.

Cornes will have an arthroscope on both injuries on Thursday. He will have his arm in a sling for six weeks but should be able to complete a full pre-season.

The 28-year-old will also have a pin removed from a broken finger.

Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams said the club wanted to rest to the two-time All Australian earlier in the season but Cornes was desperate to keep playing.

"He certainly said 'Look I reckon I've got one more game in us'," Williams said.

"For weeks we've been battling whether we are going to pick him or not and he keeps wanting to put up his hand."

"Such is the quality of the guy and the leadership of him, he wants to play and he wants to make a difference."

"But his body didn't allow him to do anything near what he's capable of doing. You can see how many times he's fumbled the ball of late."

"I can't wait for him to get back to what we all know."
.

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


Kosi cops a week

July 21st 2008 06:14
ST KILDA utility Justin Koschitzke has been hit with a one-match ban for striking Hawthorn's Michael Osborne during the Saints' stunning come-from-behind win over the Hawks at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

Koschitzke's second-quarter clash with Osborne was ruled as reckless conduct, low impact and high contact, equating to 125 points.

But Koschitzke's poor record meant the points tally rose to 206.25 points, which means he faces a two-match suspension if he unsuccessfully challenges the charge at the AFL tribunal on Tuesday night.

If the 25-year-old accepts the charge his tally will drop to just 154.69 points and he will only miss this weekend's clash againt West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Saturday.

Koschitzke's teammate Aaron Fiora was booked for striking Osborne but he can escape with a reprimand and just 40 points towards his future record because of his previous good record.

In other tribunal news, Essendon's Jobe Watson and Sydney's Jarrad McVeigh were both fined for making negligent contact with field umpires.


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


AFL rules out making changes

July 21st 2008 04:20
THE AFL has ruled out making any rule changes regarding deliberate rushed behinds in the wake of Richmond veteran Joel Bowden's controversial time-wasting tactics at the MCG on Saturday.

Bowden held on to the ball for the last 30 seconds of the game - deliberately rushing two behinds in the process to ensure Richmond hung on to beat Essendon by four points.

The 30-year-old's tactics meant the Bombers had no chance to get the ball back in their bid to score a winning goal and has caused heated debate in ever since.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said on Monday clubs had until mid-August to submit suggestions for possible rule changes for next year.

Keane also said there has been no 'internal discussions' within the AFL as to whether changes should be made to the rules governing deliberate rushed behinds.

"The current standing is that clubs have the right to raise this topic, or anything else, if they want to," he said.

"We haven't yet assessed the clubs' feedback as that is not yet completed."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Pettifer's season could be over

July 21st 2008 00:34
RICHMOND forward Kayne Pettifer's season could be over after injuring his knee in the VFL yesterday.

The Tigers believe Pettifer has ruptured his ACL after he was tackled early in the first quarter while playing for VFL side Coburg.

Scans today are likely to confirm the end of his season.

Meanwhile, Richmond expects to be bolstered the return of veteran Matthew Richardson for Saturday night's crucial clash against the Brisbane Lions at Telstra Dome.

Richardson, who has missed the last two matches with a combination of hamstring and knee soreness trained strongly late last week.



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


Bulldogs duo in doubt

July 21st 2008 00:26
THE Western Bulldogs could be without skipper Brad Johnson and forward Mitch Hahn for Sunday's crucial clash against Carlton at Telstra Dome.

Hahn (plantar fasciitis) and Johnson (ankle) are both only 50-50 chances of playing against the Blues.

Johnson rolled his ankle early against Geelong at Skilled Stadium on Saturday and had to leave the field. He returned to play out the game but was sore yesterday.

Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said Johnson would be nursed through training this week.

"He'll be very light on his feet early in the week. We just have to see how he goes but he's definitely a chance to play," Fantasia said.



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


Fraser, Davis set to return

July 21st 2008 00:20
COLLINGWOOD looks set to be bolstered by the return of Josh Fraser andl Leon Davis for Saturday's clash against Essendon at the MCG.

Davis was a late withdrawal from the line-up against North Melbourne on Friday night because of ankle soreness while Fraser was given the week off to rest his troublesome knee.

Collingwood football operations boss Geoff Walsh said he expected Davis to prove his fitness.

"Leon's ankle is still troubling him a bit. He's a bit sore but I think he'll be right this week," Walsh said.

Walsh also said that Fraser wouldn't be used in the ruck if he played against the Bombers.

"He's OK in every aspect except the rucking component," Walsh said.




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


Craig won't call on Walker

July 21st 2008 00:14
ADELAIDE coach Neil Craig says he won't be blooding promising youngster Taylor Walker in a bid to fix his side's misfiring forward line.

Walker has kicked 33 goals in 10 games for Norwood in the SANFL but hasn't come into consideration for selection; even with the club's injuries to leading goalkickers Brett Burton and Jason Porplzyia.

Craig said playing the 18-year-old at this stage of his career could hurt his development.

"Me putting Taylor Walker into the forward line next week is not going to fix where we are going. It could put Taylor Walker back in his development, I've got a responsibility not to do that," he said.

Despite missing Burton and Porpylzia Craig said his forward line was still capable of kicking a winning score, citing Adelaide's 3.8 in the second quarter against Port Adelaide on Sunday.

"I still go back to today when we won our fair share of contested ball. We had 11 scoring shots with the same forward line that you would've seen for most of the day," he said.

"If we can get 11 scoring shots every quarter we'll be pretty happy."

Craig also said his side needed to play four quarters of consistent football if they are going to play finals football this season.

"We are going to be very demanding on all the players at our football club to get to the standard required for a full game of football," Craig said.

"We see patches of it, we see halves of it but we are not seeing full games of it which we need to do to stay in the fight for the eight."



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


Palmer's season in doubt

July 21st 2008 00:05
FREMANTLE youngster Rhys Palmer could have played his last game for the season, according to coach Mark Harvey.

Palmer, who is the favourite to win this year's Rising Star award was left out of the side that beat Melbourne by 46 points at Subiaco Oval on Sunday with what was reported as general soreness.

But Harvey revealed that the 19-year-old had suffered a knee injury and could be facing season-ending surgery in order to be right for next season.

"We've got to weigh up what we do with Rhys, the year and where he's at," said Harvey.

"(I'll) put it on the table and I hope you appreciate, he's got a knee problem at the moment so ... we're going to have to make a decision with him."

"It's not ligament, it's cartilage ... (so surgery) could be a possibility, we'll just see how Rhys trains this week."

"(We'll do) just what's right for Rhys at this particular stage," Harvey said.

In some good news for the Dockers, Harvey said experienced midfielder Des Headland was close to making his comeback from a knee injury in the WAFL, while Luke Webster is also close to resuming his career after undergoing the same revolutionary knee surgery as Sydney's Nick Malceski.


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


Dockers down disappointing Dees

July 20th 2008 09:58
FREMANTLE has overcome a sluggish start to smash Melbourne by 46 points at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

The Dockers dominated after quarter-time, piling on 16 goals to five to cruise to a convincing 16.18 (114) to 10.8 (68) victory.

The win sees Fremantle skip a game clear of the bottom-placed Demons and West Coast, who look set to fight it out for the wooden spoon.

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich was damaging with 28 possessions, nine marks and five goals. Byron Schammer was a busy contributor with 27 disposals and one goal while Luke McPharlin chimed in with three majors.

The Dockers struggled to generate any meaningful attacks in the first term, opting to bomb long into the forward line to a teammate that was grossly outnumbered.

Melbourne continually punished Fremantle on the rebound, moving the football quickly through the middle as they piled on five unanswered goals, with impressive youngster Cale Morton booting two for the term as the Demons took a commanding 29-point lead into quarter-time.

The Demons looked on course for a big win when Mark Jamar kicked Melbourne's sixth at the five-minute mark of the second term.

But Fremantle lifted and won the inside 50 count 20-7 in the second term. The Dockers' improved use of the football and willingness to break the lines paid handsome dividends as they slammed on the last five goals of the quarter to level the scores at the main break.

The Dockers hit the lead for the first time in the match when Shaun McManus kicked truly from a tight angle.

Fremantle continued to apply immense pressure all over the ground as they booted five more goals for the term to take a match-winning 34-point lead into the final change.

The Dockers extinguished any hopes of a comeback by Melbourne with two goals in the first two minutes of the final term to seal just their third win of the season.

FREMANTLE: 0.2, 5.9, 11.15, 16.18 (114)
MELBOURNE: 5.1, 6.3, 7.5, 10.8 (68)
GOALS: Fremantle: Pavlich 5, McPharlin 3, Ibbotson, Schammer, Carr, McManus, O'Brien, Sandilands, Tarrant, Peake,
Melbourne: Morton 2, Miller 2, Bate 2, Newton 2, Johnson, Jamar,
BEST: Fremantle: Pavlich, Ibbotson, Schammer, Head, O'Brien, Michael Johnson, Mayne
Melbourne: Davey, Wheatley, Valenti, Bruce, Morton
INJURIES: Fremantle: O'Brien (hamstring)
Melbourne: nil
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Hendrie, Avon
REPORTS: nil
CHANGES: nil
CROWD: 31,638 at Subiaco Oval



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


Power upset Crows

July 20th 2008 08:38
PORT ADELAIDE has dealt a major blow to Adelaide's finals chances with a hard-fought 12-point win at AAMI Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Power's 13.14 (92) to 11.14 (80) victory ended a five-match losing streak and consigned the Crows to their fifth straight loss.

Adelaide now finds itself outside the top eight for the first time since round one.

Daniel Motlop and Brett Ebert were the chief destroyers with four goals each while Danyle Pearce was awarded the Showdown Medal for his 24 disposals and three goals.

Steven Salopek, Domenic Cassisi and Shaun Burgoyne were all busy contributors in the middle while Kane Cornes (23 disposals) did a superb blanketing job on Andrew McLeod, restricting the dual Norm Smith medallist to just 11 disposals.

Michael Doughty was Adelaide's best with 29 disposals and two late goals. Chris Knights (28 possessions) tried hard all afternoon while Simon Goodwin booted three majors.

Port Adelaide dominated the opening term, with David Rodan, Salopek and Cassisi particularly damaging at the stoppages.

The Power managed nine scoring shots from their 15 entries inside 50 in the first quarter but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wasteful 4.5 to take an 11-point lead into the first change.

Both sides traded goals early in the second term before Adelaide took control.

The Crows started to win the contested football but like the Power in the first term they failed to make the most of their chances, booting seven straight behinds in a seven-minute period.

Adelaide's hard work was finally rewarded when Bernie Vince took a courageous mark and kicked truly from directly in front to put his side two points in front at the main break.

Neither side was able to break the game open in a 20-minute patch of high-pressure football before Nathan Lonie, who had a goal denied thanks to a controversial umpiring decision earlier in the term, kicked truly from 45 metres.

And when Ebert converted after the siren the Power had a handy 14-point lead heading into the final change.

A defensive error by Graham Johncock allowed Motlop to kick the first goal of the final stanza to extend Port's lead to 20 points.

The Crows got back in the contest with two goals in four minutes but the Power had all the answers with majors from Justin Westhoff, Pearce and Ebert sealing Port's fifth win of the season.

PORT ADELAIDE: 4.5, 6.6, 9.13, 13.14 (92)
ADELAIDE: 3.0, 6.8, 7.11, 11.14 (80)
GOALS: PORT ADELAIDE: Motlop 4, Ebert 4, Pearce 3, Lonie, Westhoff
ADELAIDE: Goodwin 3, Stevens 2, Vince 2, Doughty 2, Tippett, Edwards
BEST: PORT ADELAIDE: Salopek, Pearce, Cassisi, K.Cornes, Chaplin, Lonie, S.Burgoyne
ADELAIDE: Doughty, Knights, Bassett, Symes, Bock, Massie
INJURIES: PORT ADELAIDE: Nil
ADELAIDE: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Farmer, McLaren, Schmitt
CROWD: 31,662 at the AAMI STADIUM


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


Swans scrape home

July 20th 2008 06:36
SYDNEY has all but ended Carlton's finals hopes with a two-point win at Telstra Dome on Sunday afternoon.

The Swans' thrilling 18.13 (121) to 18.11 (119) victory means they now sit a game and a half clear in fourth place with six rounds remaining.

For the Blues, the loss means they slump to 11th place on the AFL ladder with a 7-9 win-loss record.

Ryan O'Keefe was Sydney's best with a game-high 29 possessions, 10 marks and three goals while Jude Bolton (26 disposals) was a busy contributor in the middle. Darren Jolly was effective in the ruck with 14 possessions, nine marks, 25 hit-outs and two goals while Jarrad McVeigh chimed in with a career-best four goals.

Brett Kirk quelled Carlton skipper Chris Judd's influence on the contest in the second half while Luke Ablett kept Nick Stevens quiet, restricting the Blues midfielder to just 11 possessions.

For Carlton, Bryce Gibbs, Heath Scotland, Andrew Carrazzo and Marc Murphy tried hard all day, racking up 20-plus possessions while spearhead Brendon Fevola booted five goals.

Gibbs also did a superb blanketing job Swans star Adam Goodes, restricting the dual Brownlow medallist to just seven disposals.

The Swans kicked the first goal of the match through Jolly but the rest of the term belonged to the Blues as they slammed on five of the next six, including four unanswered goals in a stunning 12-minute burst to take a handy 22-point lead into the first change.

Carlton should have been further in front at quarter-time but they failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wasteful 5.5.

The Blues extended their lead to 28 points at the 25-minute mark of the second term but two late goals to McVeigh kept the Swans within striking distance, with Carlton holding a 16-point advantage at the main break.

The Swans started to get on top in the midfield in the second half and kicked the first three goals of the third term through O’Keefe, McVeigh and Jarred Moore to take the lead at the 10-minute mark.

Carlton hit back with four goals in nine minutes to skip out to a 17-point lead but the Swans responded with three of the last four to close to within five points heading into the final change.

Sydney came out firing in the final stanza, slamming on the first four goals of the term to skip out to what appeared to be a match-winning 19-point lead.

But the Blues refused to give in and kicked the next three, with Betts' third major reducing the deficit to just two points with 20 seconds left on the clock.

It would prove to be as close as Carlton would get, with the Swans holding on in the dying stages.

CARLTON: 5.5, 10.9, 15.9, 18.11 (119)
SYDNEY: 2.1, 8.5, 14.10, 18.13 (121)
GOALS: Carlton: Fevola 5, Betts 3, Judd 2, Walker, Russell, Murphy, Kreuzer, Fisher, Grigg, Hartlett, Waite
Sydney: McVeigh 4, O'Keefe 3, Moore 2, Bevan 2, Jolly 2, Goodes 2, J Bolton, Playfair, Roberts-Thomson,
BEST: Carlton: Gibbs, Scotland, Murphy, Fevola, Walker, Simpson, Carazzo
Sydney: O'Keefe, J Bolton, McVeigh, Jolly, Kirk, Ablett, Bevan
INJURIES: Carlton: Nil
Sydney: Nil
UMPIRES: Stevic, Chamberlain, Kamolins
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Carlton: Nil
Sydney: Malceski (calf) replaced in selected side by Grundy





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


We are not getting carried away, says Lyon

July 20th 2008 02:52
ST KILDA has won four matches in a row but coach Ross Lyon admits there is still plenty of work ahead if his side is going to play finals football this season.

The Saints came from 28 points down at half-time to defeat Hawthorn by five goals at Telstra Dome on Saturday night to move to within half a game of fourth-placed Sydney with six rounds remaining.

St Kilda has winnable games against West Coast, Port Adelaide and Fremantle in the next month and could easily finish the home-and-away season in the top four.

But Lyon said his side was focused on qualifying for the finals and not a top-four finish.

"It was a critical result ... all it means is we stay in the hunt to force our way into the eight if we keep winning, but it was a pleasing effort from the group against quality opposition," he said.

"But there is no respite. We are pleased with the win, but we are not getting too carried away. They are all pretty important … we are in the hunt, but if you stop winning you are in trouble."

"It's a clear objective that we need to keep winning, but in the form we are in we are building confidence and we feel like we are getting the basics right more often."

St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt has played a major role in his side's revival over the past month and put in another dominant performance against the Hawks.

Riewoldt finished the match with 22 disposals, 10 marks and six goals and drew praise from Lyon for his leadership.

"His work rate enables him to always contribute to the team," he said.

"Sometimes that work rate will allow him to kick six and sometimes it will be three but you know it's always going to be there."

"He's a significant leader of this team, as is Lenny Hayes, and from there everybody jumps in behind them."

"Leadership is everyone's responsibility, but really, you appoint a captain for a reason and you appoint a vice-captain for a reason because when you're under pressure like we were in the first half you want them to stand up and lead the way and I thought they did that."


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Bowden was smart: Lucas

July 20th 2008 02:38
ESSENDON forward Scott Lucas says he has no problems with Joel Bowden's controversial time-wasting tactics in Saturday's game at the MCG.

Bowden deliberately rushed two behinds to run down the clock during the final minute of the game after first gaining possession of the ball when the Tigers were leading by six points.

The 30-year-old's decision to concede two behinds meant the Tigers won by four points but it also gave the Bombers no chance to get the ball back in the final minute as they attempted to conjure the goal that could have drawn or even won them the game.

Essendon fans flooded Melbourne talkback radio after the game, accusing Bowden of unsportsmanlike behaviour and called for the rule to be changed.

But Lucas said on Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show that Bowden had done nothing wrong.

"It was frustrating for us but smart play by Joel Bowden," Lucas said.

"We are there to win - there were some (Essendon radio) callers that were a bit disappointed that was the finish to the game but I'm sure all the Richmond supporters went home happy that they won as a result."

Essendon coach Matthew Knights refused to condem Bowden and said the Bombers only had themselves to blame.

"It was pretty good play, full marks to Joel - he did what he had to do to win the game," he said.

"We had our opportunities, even in that last 10 minutes, with set shots on goal...and you've got to take them in this game, it's such a cut-throat league."

Richmond assistant coach Brian Royal also dismissed suggestions that Bowden had acted in an unsporting manner.

"He was ready to do it again and again, too," he said.

"We're about winning four points, and if it's doing what Joel did ... that's smart play."




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


Harding may sue over Gabba pitch

July 20th 2008 01:49
BRISBANE midfielder Scott Harding is considering suing for damages after missing four matches as a result of being slammed on to the Gabba's rock-hard surface in the Lions' win against Fremantle in round 11.

Harding, who blames the cricket pitch for his knee injury has the support of the AFL Players' Association.

"I've talked to the AFLPA and they're right behind me," Harding said.

Lions co-captain Jonathan Brown has described the cricket pitch area as concrete like and says it contributed to his 2005 groin injury.

Ruckman Jamie Charman (knee) has demanded the wicket area be fixed while Simon Black's groin injury has also been linked to the Gabba's playing surface.

"It's one for the future. It can cause injuries and it's a workplace health and safety issue," Harding said.

"Mine's the first injury as a direct result of the surface. Plus there's Blacky's groin and Charmo's knee.

"Obviously it did make the injury a lot worse. It's a hard pitch and if it had been normal grass it wouldn't have been so bad."


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


Ablett clears the air

July 20th 2008 00:27
GEELONG star Gary Ablett Jnr has dimissed reports that his ankle injury is more severe than initially diagnosed.

Ablett has not ruled out playing in Friday night's blockbuster against Hawthorn at the MCG but will most likely play against Melbourne in round 18.

"It's the same as what the club has said all along - I badly rolled my ankle, and there was some bruising to the bone, but it was probably a two or three-week injury," Ablett said yesterday.

"I still haven't ruled out playing this week against Hawthorn, although the fact that it's a shorter week will make it really tough. More realistically, it's going to be the following week (against Melbourne).

"I just have to see how it comes along. Most of the swelling has gone down."

"I'm just using the crutches and the boot to take the pressure off the injury and help it heal quicker, but maybe that's where the rumours have come from."

Geelong coach Mark Thompson said he expected Ablett to be available in the next fortnight.

"If it's not next week, it will be the week after," Thompson said.

Thompson also said young forward Tom Hawkins, who is battling a foot injury would be right to play if the Cats needed him.

"We are looking after the boy (Hawkins) and managing the problem. If we need him running into the finals he will be right to play," he said.


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


Saints overrun Hawks

July 19th 2008 12:47
ST KILDA has stretched its winning streak to four with a stunning 30-point win over Hawthorn at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

The Saints trailed by more than four goals at the main break but lifted in the second half, piling on 12 goals to three to record an impressive 18.11 (119) to 13.11 (89) victory.

The win moves St Kilda into seventh spot on the ladder with a 9-7 win-loss record, while Hawthorn failed to capitalise on the Western Bulldogs' defeat and remains in third spot.

St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt starred with 22 possessions, 10 marks and six goals, while Nick Dal Santo was damaging in the middle with a game-high 32 disposals and two goals.

He received good support from Leigh Montagna (31 possessions) and veteran Robert Harvey (27 disposals) while Jason Blake was influential with 23 possessions, 11 hit-outs and three goals.

Luke Hodge was Hawthorn's best with 23 disposals and two goals while Brad Sewell (24 disposals) tried hard all night. Mark Williams, Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead combined for nine goals, but they all went missing when the match was up for grabs.

Williams was damaging in the first term with three of his side's five goals as the Hawks took a handy 15-point lead into quarter-time.

The Saints overused the ball in the opening half and found themselves unable to pierce Hawthorn's zone defence.

While St Kilda struggled to find an avenue to goal the Hawks looked good going forward as they kicked five goals to three in the second quarter to take a commanding 28-point lead into the main break.

St Kilda came out firing in the third term with Riewoldt kicking two goals in the first five minutes.

Roughead kicked truly to give the Hawks some breathing space but the Saints hit back with six of the next seven, including three in a stunning burst from Blake to take a handy nine-point lead into the final change.

The Saints didn't take their foot off the pedal in the final stanza, booting the first three goals through Dal Santo, Riewoldt and Jason Gram to seal an impressive come-from-behind win.

ST KILDA: 3.1, 6.3, 14.5, 18.11 (119)
HAWTHORN: 5.4, 10.7, 12.8, 13.11 (89)
GOALS: ST KILDA: Riewoldt 6, Blake 3, Dal Santo 2, Schneider 2, Jones, Koschitzke, Milne, Dempster, Gram
HAWTHORN: Franklin 3, Williams 3, Roughead 3, Hodge 2, Osborne 2
BEST: ST KILDA: Dal Santo, Riewoldt, Hudghton, Blake, Montagna, Ball
HAWTHORN: Hodge, Osborne, Ellis, Bateman, Williams, Sewell
INJURIES: ST KILDA: TBC
HAWTHORN: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Young replaced in Hawthorn's selected side by Lewis
UMPIRES: Stewart, Meredith, McInerney
CROWD: 41,886 at the Telstra Dome


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


Lions down Eagles

July 19th 2008 12:20
BRISBANE has consolidated its place in the top eight with a 46-point win over West Coast at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The Lions set up their ninth win of the season with a six-goal-to-two second term, eventually prevailing 17.11 (113) to 9.13 (67).

Bradd Dalziell was impressive on debut for Brisbane with 32 disposals. Luke Power (31 possessions) and Simon Black (27 disposals) were also damaging while Daniel Bradshaw and Jonathan Brown booted four and three goals respectively.

For West Coast, Dean Cox continued his rich vein of form with a game-high 36 disposals, 11 marks and 27 hit-outs. Andrew Embley (34 possessions) was a busy contributor while Ashley Hansen worked hard all night, finishing the match with 23 disposals, 13 marks and two goals.

The Eagles started brightly and kicked the first goal of the match through Quinten Lynch but the Lions ability to find a marking target inside 50 proved to be the difference between the two sides as Brisbane slammed on five of the next seven to take a 13-point lead into the first change.

West Coast closed to within five points in the second term when Lynch kicked his second.

But that only served to spark the Lions into action, who piled on the last five goals of the quarter to take a commanding 35-point lead into the main break.

Brisbane kicked the first three goals of the third term and looked on course for a percentage boosting win, with the margin blowing out to 54 points at the ten-minute mark.

But West Coast refused to give in and hit back with the last three majors of the term, including two to Hansen to reduce the deficit to 33 points heading into the final change.

The Eagles failed to maintain their intensity in the final term as the Lions kicked the first three goals through Ashley McGrath, Anthony Corrie and Bradshaw to put the result beyond doubt.

BRISBANE LIONS: 5.4, 11.5, 14.7, 17.11 (113)
WEST COAST: 3.3, 5.6, 8.10, 9.13 (67)
GOALS:BRISBANE LIONS: Bradshaw 4, Brown 3, Charman 3, Johnstone 2, Corrie 2, Drummond, Clark, McGrath
WEST COAST: Lynch 2, LeCras 2, Hansen 2, McNamara, Wirrpanda, McKinley
BEST: BRISBANE LIONS: Dalziell, Power, Black, Bradshaw, Brown, Drummond
WEST COAST:Cox, Hansen, Embley, Fletcher, A.Selwood, Staker
INJURIES:BRISBANE LIONS: -
WEST COAST: Glass (groin)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: -
UMPIRES: Nicholls, Ellis, Mollison
CROWD: 27,784 at the Gabba




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


Tigers hold off Dons

July 19th 2008 07:57
RICHMOND has kept its slim finals hopes alive and all but ended Essendon's with a thrilling four-point win at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers recovered from a shocking third term to eventually prevail 16.12 (108) to 15.14 (104).

Essendon had their chances in the dying stages to secure the four premiership points but failed to capitalise in front of goal.

Nathan Foley generated plenty of run for Richmond with a game-high 31 disposals while Nathan Brown was also influential with 26 possesions, 11 marks and three valuable goals.

Brett Deledio and Mitch Morton were instrumental in setting up Richmond's four-goal lead at half-time, finishing the match with three and four goals respectively.

Brent Stanton was Essendon's best with 27 possessions, 12 marks and two goals while Scott Lucas booted three majors, including an amazing left-foot volley from deep in the pocket in the third term that will go close to securing goal of the year honours.

Jason Laycock had an afternoon he would rather forget, booting a wasteful 1.4.

Richmond kicked three of the first four goals of the match and led by 18 points before a snap from Jarrod Atkinson gave him his first goal in AFL football and reduced the margin to 12 points at the first change.

Morton and Deledio were damaging in the second term as the Tigers skipped out to a 29-point lead late in the second term.

The Bombers managed successive goals for the first time in the match when Stanton kicked two in a row but the Tigers remained in control, taking a 24-point lead into the main break.

Essendon came out firing in the third term, slamming on six goals unanswered goals to take the lead.

The comeback was made even more impressive by the fact that the Bombers were reduced to just one fit man on the bench by the five-minute mark of the third quarter.

Andrew Welsh left the game concussed late in the first term, Angus Monfries was carried off with an ankle injury 15 minutes into the second and Jay Neagle hobbled off early in the second half.

Cleve Hughes booted Richmond's only goal of the term with his first kick of the afternoon to cut the Bombers' lead to four points heading into the final change.

Essendon skipper Matthew Lloyd and Laycock goaled inside the first 10 minutes of the final term, but Brown stepped up with three goals of his own to ensure the Tigers kept their noses in front.

Laycock and Stanton both had chances to put Essendon back in front with minutes to play but their set shots missed as the Tigers held on for their seventh win of the season.

RICHMOND: 5.2, 11.5, 12.9, 16.12 (108)
ESSENDON: 3.2, 7.5, 13.7, 15.14 (104)
GOALS: Richmond: Morton 4, Deledio 3, Brown 3, Simmonds 2, Johnson, Bowden, Tambling, Hughes
Essendon: Lucas 3, Stanton 2, Jetta 2, Lloyd 2, Hille, Atkinson, Lonergan, Reimers, Slattery, Laycock
BEST: Richmond: Brown, Tuck, Morton, Foley, McMahon, Deledio, Johnson
Essendon: Watson, Stanton, Peverill, Lucas, Reimers, Dyson
INJURIES: Richmond: Nil
Essendon: Welsh (concussion), Monfries (ankle)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Connors replaced in Richmond's selected side by Thursfield; Fletcher replaced in Essendon's selected side by Michael
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Ryan, Head
CROWD: 56,746 at the MCG


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Classy Cats demolish Dogs

July 19th 2008 07:32
GEELONG has consolidated its place at the top of the AFL ladder with a 61-point demolition of the Western Bulldogs at Skilled Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Bulldogs stuck with the reigning premiers for the first half but Geelong's class came to the fore after half-time as they slammed on 13 goals to three to cruise to a convincing 19.17 (131) to 10.10 (70) victory.

Even without Brownlow medal favourite Gary Ablett Jnr and tagger Cameron Ling the Cats managed to win 137 more disposals than the Bulldogs.

James Bartel led the way in the midfield with 31 possessions and two goals while Joel Corey and Joel Selwood were busy contributors with 29 and 27 disposals respectively.

Ryan Gamble benefited from Geelong's dominace in the middle with four goals while Cameron Mooney and Steve Johnson chimed in with three goals each.

Corey Enright did a superb blanketing job on Jason Akermanis, restricting the former Lion to just 11 disposals while Matthew Scarlett and Darren Milburn generated plenty of run from defence, racking up 30-plus disposals.

The Cats had 65 more disposals than the Bulldogs in the first term with Milburn particularly effective across half-back with a staggering 19 disposals while Scarlett was no less effective with 14 touches.

But despite their dominance around the ground Geelong found themselves on level terms with the Dogs at quarter-time after a late goal from Brad Ottens.

The Bulldogs kicked the first two goals of the second term in quick time before Geelong replied through Ryan Gamble, who was a late replacement for David Wojcinski.

Farren Ray kicked truly after two successive 50m penalties against Paul Chapman for absusing umpire Michael Vozzo to give the Bulldogs an 11-point advantage - their biggest lead for the match.

Geelong hit back with two of the next three to level the scores at the main break. The Cats should have been in front at half-time but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wasteful 3.8.

The Cats kicked five goals to two in the third term to establish a handy 15-point lead heading into the final change before steamrolling the Dogs with eight goals in the final stanza.

GEELONG: 3.3, 6.11, 11.12, 19.17 (131)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.3, 7.5, 9.9, 10.10 (70)
GOALS: Geelong: Gamble 4, Mooney 3, Johnson 3, Bartel 2, Stokes 2, Mackie, Taylor, Ottens, Chapman, Lonergan
Western Bulldogs: Giansiracusa 3, Eagelton 2, Johnson, Lake, Welsh, Hahn, Ray
BEST: Geelong: Scarlett,Bartel, Mooney, Milburn, Corey, Mackie, Gamble
Western Bulldogs: Giansiracusa, Cooney, Eagleton, Boyd
INJURIES: Geelong: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: David Wojcinski replaced in Geelong's selected side by Ryan Gamble
UMPIRES: Donlon, Vozzo. S.Ryan





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Fletcher out of big clash

July 19th 2008 04:10
ESSENDON has suffered a major blow ahead of its crucial clash against fellow top-eight contenders Richmond at the MCG on Saturday afternoon with veteran defender Dustin Fletcher a late withdrawal.

Full-back Mal Michael has been brought back into the Bombers' line-up for the first time since round eight at the expense of Fletcher.

Richmond has also made a late change to its selected team with Daniel Connors making way for key defender Will Thursfield.



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Chapman wants to stay a Cat

July 19th 2008 03:14
GEELONG forward Paul Chapman has indicated that he wants to remain with the club

Chapman, who is currently out-of-contract, said he wants to finish his career at the Cats.

"I haven't re-signed but I don't think it is an issue," Chapman said.

"I want to stay a Cat forever."

Chapman is one of the last premiership players to commit to the club but says money is not an issue.

"It's got nothing to do with money or anything like that there's just several little things that have to be worked out, but money definitely hasn't got anything to do with it," he said.

Chapman said he wants to continue to be a part of Geelong's success.

"I've been at this club for nine years and we've gone through that many hard years, being spanked by clubs and being smacked by the media, and it's our time to reap the rewards for all the hard work we've put in," he said.

"I don't want to go, definitely not, because I want to enjoy the good times as much as I had to put up with the bad times."



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Braun not finished just yet

July 19th 2008 03:08
WEST COAST midfielder Michael Braun has not necessarily played his last game for the club.

Braun, who announced last week he will retire at the end of the season was left out of the side that will face Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night.

But West Coast coach John Worsfold said the 223-game veteran was still capable of playing good football.

"His body is getting towards the end of his career I think we are all aware of that," he said.

"He has still got the ability to play some good football but consistently and not back up week after week.

"So we have just got to help him get through that."



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Malthouse sticking by forwards

July 19th 2008 01:17
COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse won't make any majors changes to his forward line despite some of his key players failing to have an impact against North Melbourne at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

Travis Cloke and Paul Medhurst were well held by Michael Firrito and Josh Gibson respectively in the Magpies' 18-point loss to the Kangaroos.

But Malthouse said his forwards have performed well enough so far this season and deserve another opportunity.

"I thought our forwards were quite ordinary but you just don't jump on blokes and throw them straight out," Malthouse said.

"They are decent quality players but today was markedly down to what it has been."

Malthouse admitted that Cloke was outclassed by Firrito but said the 21-year-old could have been helped by some better delivery from the midfield.

"He lowered his colours today, there is no doubt about that," Malthouse said.

"His opponent was outstanding, played to his best, where as Travis got very little support from the delivery and got very little support from other forwards."



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Magpies won't rush Fraser back

July 19th 2008 01:04
COLLINGWOOD won't rush back Josh Fraser despite the Magpies losing to the Kangaroos by 13 points at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

Magpies coach Mick Malthouse said Fraser would have to prove his fitness to the club's medical staff first before earning a recall.

Malthouse also said it was too simplistic to think that Fraser's return would fix a Collingwood forward line that failed to fire against the Kangaroos.

"We have to go through the medical staff before we start thinking about Josh. Josh has been forward before but never been a forward," Malthouse said.

"Until he starts to jump, the doctors allow him to jump, then he won't be mysteriously played because we lost today.

"He's out because of an injury, he's not out because we can't find a spot for him. Until we get full medical clearance, we're not going to play him.

"He's fit to play as a run around (in the VFL)."

Malthouse was critical of the performance of ruck duo Cameron Wood and Chris Bryan who were outclassed by Kangaroos big man Drew Petrie.

"We had two ruckmen rucking against a centre half-forward. And the centre half-forward has probably been best on the ground, second-best on the ground and third-best on the ground, I reckon, Petrie," Malthouse said.

"There's not much you can do about it. The two ruckmen are there with an opportunity to get their hands on it and the game was always going to be tight."

Malthouse said his side's delivery of the football inside 50 did his forwards no favours.

"You just can't kick the ball in the air and expect Travis (Cloke) to mark everything, especially when they're told where Petrie is going to lob every time," he said.

"We couldn't have kicked the ball better to him. I think he took 11 marks and I reckon seven times we picked him out."

Aside from fourth-gamer John Anthony who kicked four goals, Collingwood's forwards failed to have an impact.

"Quite frankly I thought our forwards were quite ordinary. I thought John Anthony made the most of opportunities, but really he's a young bloke coming through and lacks the knowledge to know how to help taller teammates," Malthouse said.

"The other forwards, quite frankly, were beaten badly. Four of our goals came from non-forwards."

Malthouse admitted that the loss could have been a lot worse.

"I thought we fought back pretty well in the first half to actually get ourselves in front," he said.

"Then in the first nine minutes of the third quarter they kicked four goals. Really, three goals (defeat) is a cushion compared to what it could have been."

Meanwhile, small forward Leon Davis, who was a late withdrawal with an ankle injury should be ready to face Essendon at the MCG next Saturday.



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Roos overrun Pies

July 18th 2008 12:58
NORTH MELBOURNE has moved into the top eight with an 18-point win over Collingwood at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

The Roos trailed by 13 points at half time but lifted in the second half, booting 12 goals to seven to record a 17.12 (114) to 14.12 (96) victory.

Drew Petrie starred for the Kangaroos with 20 possessions, 11 marks, 26 hit-outs and two goals while Brent Harvey and Daniel Wells were damaging with 27 possessions apiece.

Michael Firrito kept Collingwood key forward Travis Cloke goalless while Josh Gibson restricted Paul Medhurst to just two goals.

For the Magpies, Scott Pendlebury tried hard all night, finishing the match with 25 disposals and one goal. Dane Swan lifted in the third term and finished with 22 possessions and one goal while promising youngster John Anthony booted four majors.

The Kangaroos had their fair share of opportunities in the first term but their inability to make the most of their chances meant they trailed by 11 points at the first change.

North kicked the first two goals of the second term through Lindsay Thomas and Corey Jones to hit the front.

Anthony kicked his second to give the Magpies back the lead before goals to Shane O'Bree and Sharrod Wellingham saw Collingwood skip out to an 18-point advantage.

The Kangaroos responded with two of the next three to remain within striking distance, with the Magpies holding a 13-point lead at the main break.

Petrie started to get on top of Cameron Wood and Chris Bryan in the ruck in the third term and provided his midfield with first use of the football.

Wells, Harvey, Daniel Harris and Brady Rawlings were all influential in the middle as the Kangaroos slammed on four goals in a stunning nine-minute burst to regain the lead.

Collingwood responded with majors from Nick Maxwell, Medhurst and Swan but goals from Petrie and Wells gave the Kangaroos a 10-point lead heading into the final change.

The Magpies got the crucial first goal of the final term through Anthony but the Kangaroos had all the answers as they piled on four of the next five to put the result beyond doubt.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 1.4, 5.6, 12.8, 17.12 (114)
COLLINGWOOD: 3.3, 7.7, 10.10, 14.12 (96)
GOALS: NORTH MELBOURNE: Jones 3, Petrie 2, Goldstein 2, Grant 2, Hale, McMahon, Firrito, Ross, Pratt, Campbell, Harvey, Thomas
COLLINGWOOD: Anthony 4, Medhurst 2, Wellingham 2, Pendlebury, Didak, Swan, Lockyer, Maxwell, O'Bree
BEST: NORTH MELBOURNE: Petrie, Wells, Harvey, Simpson, Hansen, Campbell
COLLINGWOOD: Pendlebury, Burns, Didak, R.Shaw, Anthony, Swan
INJURIES: NORTH MELBOURNE: TBC
COLLINGWOOD: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Wellingham (Collingwood) replaced in selected side by Davis
UMPIRES: McBurney, James, Jeffery
CROWD: 46,610 at the Telstra Dome


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Ablett injury rumours unfounded: Costa

July 18th 2008 11:03
GEELONG midfielder Gary Ablett Jnr does not have a broken ankle, according to president Frank Costa.

Ablett, who is the favourite for this year's Brownlow medal is listed as being sidelined for one match but there had been rumours that the 24-year-old's ankle was more badly damaged than first thought and that he could miss up to six weeks.

Speaking on Melbourne radio station SEN Costa said such rumours were unfounded.

The rumours have plunged Brownlow medal markets into uncertainty, with TAB Sportsbet suspending betting on the prestigious award.


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Rumours stop Brownlow betting

July 18th 2008 07:45
BETTING on the Brownlow Medal has been suspended amid rumours Geelong star Gary Ablett Jnr is seriously injured.

The Brownlow medal favourite rolled his ankle during the Cats' 74-point win over Fremantle at Skilled Stadium last weekend and was expected to miss just the one week.

But TAB Sportsbet is not taking any bets on the Brownlow Medal with rumours suggesting that Ablett could miss at least four-to-six weeks.


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Round sixteen teams

July 18th 2008 07:16
ROUND SIXTEEN

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

NORTH MELBOURNE v COLLINGWOOD
Friday, 7.40pm AEST, Telstra Dome
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Scott McMahon, Michael Firrito, Josh Gibson
HB: Daniel Pratt, Shannon Watt, Leigh Harding
C: Daniel Wells, Gavin Urquhart, Brent Harvey
HF: Lindsay Thomas, David Hale, Ben Ross
F: Matt Campbell, Drew Petrie, Lachlan Hansen
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Adam Simpson, Daniel Harris
I/C: Brady Rawlings, Sam Power, Shannon Grant, Corey Jones
EMG: Blake Grima, Nathan Thompson, Levi Greenwood
In: Grant, Corey Jones
Out: Nathan Thompson, Blake Grima

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, Travis Cloke, Chris Bryan
F: Alan Didak, Nathan Brown, Paul Medhurst
Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
I/C: Shane O’Bree, Tyson Goldsack, Leon Davis, John Anthony
EMG: Danny Stanley, Sharrod Wellingham, Alan Toovey
No change

GEELONG v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Saturday, 2.10pm AEST, Skilled Stadium
GEELONG
B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Harry Taylor, Darren Milburn, Corey Enright
C: James Kelly, Max Rooke, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, David Wojcinski
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Lonergan, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Brad Ottens, Joel Corey, Joel Selwood
I/C: Josh Hunt, Mark Blake, Brent Prismall, Travis Varcoe
EMG: David Johnson, Ryan Gamble, Shannon Byrnes
In: Kelly, Prismall
Out: Cameron Ling (cheekbone), Gary Ablett (ankle)

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

RICHMOND v ESSENDON
Saturday, 2.10pm AEST, MCG
RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Luke McGuane, Kelvin Moore
HB: Jordan McMahon, Joel Bowden, Matt White
C: Trent Cotchin, Shane Tuck, Richard Tambling
HF: Mitch Morton, Jack Riewoldt, Brett Deledio
F: Nathan Brown, Cleve Hughes, Adam Pattison
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Kane Johnson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Daniel Connors, Shane Edwards, Dean Polo, Jay Schulz,
EMG: Will Thursfield, Daniel Jackson, Alex Rance
No change

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

BRISBANE LIONS v WEST COAST
Saturday, 7.10pm AEST, Gabba
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Josh Drummond, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Robert Copeland, Jason Roe, Ashley McGrath
C: Anthony Corrie, Simon Black, Tim Notting
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Jared Brennan
F: Cheynee Stiller, Daniel Bradshaw, Mitch Clark
Foll: Jamie Charman, Luke Power, Travis Johnstone
I/C: Tom Collier, Bradd Dalziell, Rhan Hooper, Scott Harding
EMG: Albert Proud, Scott Clouston, James Hawksley
In: Roe, Dalziell, Harding
Out: Matthew Leuenberger (knee), Jed Adcock (quad), Troy Selwood

WEST COAST
B: Ryan Davis, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Tyson Stenglein, Beau Wilkes, Andrew Embley
C: Brad Ebert, Chad Fletcher, Tim Houlihan
HF: David Wirrpanda, Ashley Hansen, Adam Selwood
F: Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, Josh Kennedy
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Jamie McNamara
I/C: Ben McKinley, Mark Nicoski, Scott Selwood, Brent Staker
EMG: Steven Armstrong, Michael Braun, Mark Seaby
In: Mackenzie, Fletcher, McNamara, S. Selwood, Staker
Out: Daniel Kerr (susp), Adam Hunter (knee, shoulder), Brett Jones (knee), Steven Armstrong, Michael Braun

ST KILDA v HAWTHORN
Saturday, 7.10pm AEST, Telstra Dome
ST KILDA
B: Sean Dempster, Max Hudghton, Jason Gram
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Gilbert, Sam Fisher
C: Andrew McQualter, Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes
HF: Robert Harvey, Nick Riewoldt, Robert Eddy
F: Clint Jones, Justin Koschitzke, David Armitage
Foll: Steven King, Luke Ball, Leigh Montagna
I/C: Adam Schneider, Jason Blake, Stephen Milne, Aaron Fiora
EMG: Jarryn Geary, Jarryd Allen, Shane Birss
In: Fiora, Schneider
Out: Jarryd Allen, James Gwilt

HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Rick Ladson
HB: Campbell Brown, Trent Croad, Grant Birchall
C: Clinton Young, Sam Mitchell, Jarryd Morton
HF: Chance Bateman, Lance Franklin, Michael Osborne
F: Mark Williams, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell
I/C: Xavier Ellis, Tom Murphy, Travis Tuck, Simon Taylor
EMG: Tim Clarke, Jordan Lewis, Cameron Stokes
In: Bateman
Out: Shane Crawford (knee tendonitis)

CARLTON v SYDNEY SWANS
Sunday, 1.10pm AEST, Telstra Dome
CARLTON
B: Mark Austin, Michael Jamison, Kade Simpson
HB: Andrew Walker, Bret Thornton, Heath Scotland
C: Jordan Russell, Bryce Gibbs, Shaun Grigg
HF: Nick Stevens, Jarrad Waite, Marc Murphy
F: Brad Fisher, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Cameron Cloke, Chris Judd, Adam Bentick
I/C (from): Andrew Carrazzo , Jake Edwards , Shaun Hampson, Adam Hartlett, Matthew Kreuzer , Darren Pfeiffer
In: Austin, Walker, Hampson, Hartlett, Pfeiffer
Out: Joe Anderson, Steven Browne

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Paul Bevan, Leo Barry, Martin Mattner
HB: Craig Bolton, Ted Richards, Tadhg Kennelly
C: Matthew O’Dwyer, Jarrad McVeigh, Craig Bird
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Adam Goodes, Luke Ablett
F: Henry Playfair, Michael O’Loughlin, Jarrad Moore
Foll: Darren Jolly, Brett Kirk, Jude Bolton
I/C (from): Peter Everitt, Heath Grundy, Kieran Jack, Ben Mathews, Nick Malceski, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Nick Smith
In: Grundy, Malceski, Mathews, O’Dwyer
Out: Amon Buchanan (suspended)
New: Matt O'Dwyer (Calder, Rookie List)

PORT ADELAIDE v ADELAIDE
Sunday, 2.40pm ACST, AAMI Stadium
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Nick Lower
HB: Jacob Surjan, Troy Chaplin, Nathan Lonie
C: Domenic Cassisi, Adam Thomson, Kane Cornes
HF: David Rodan, Warren Tredrea, Brett Ebert
F: Justin Westhoff, Daniel Motlop, Chad Cornes
Foll: Dean Brogan, Shaun Burgoyne, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Greg Bentley, Brendon Lade, Tom Logan, Steven Salopek
EMG: Michael Wilson, Paul Stewart, Fabian De Luca
In: Lade, Salopek,
Out: Damon White (hamstring), Fabian De Luca

ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Nathan Bassett
HB: Kris Massie, Nathan Bock, Michael Doughty
C: Brad Symes, Simon Goodwin, Andrew McLeod
HF: Chris Knights, Kurt Tippett, Nathan van Berlo
F: Tyson Edwards, Luke Jericho, Bernie Vince
Foll: Ivan Maric, Scott Thompson, Robert Shirley
I/C: Brad Moran, Richard Douglas, Scott Stevens, Bryce Campbell
EMG: David Mackay, Ken McGregor, Andy Otten
In: Jericho, McLeod, Moran
Out: Brett Burton (knee), Jason Porplyzia (shoulder), Jonathon Griffin

FREMANTLE v MELBOURNE
Sunday, 2.40pm AWST, Subiaco Oval
FREMANTLE
B: Scott Thornton, Luke McPharlin, Antoni Grover
HB: Josh Head, Michael Johnson, Steven Dodd
C: Shaun McManus, Josh Carr, David Mundy
HF: Mark Johnson, Matthew Pavlich, Andrew Browne
F: Chris Mayne, Chris Tarrant, Robert Warnock
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, Garrick Ibbotson
I/C (from): Jeff Farmer, Ryan Murphy, Paul Duffield, Byron Schammer, Kepler Bradley, Brock O’Brien, Brett Peake
In: Duffield, Bradley, McManus, Head, O'Brien, Murphy
Out: Dean Solomon (suspended), Rhys Palmer (general soreness), Clayton Hinkley

MELBOURNE
B: Matthew Whelan, Colin Garland, Matthew Warnock
HB: Chris Johnson, Paul Wheatley, Lynden Dunn
C: Cale Morton, Cameron Bruce, Simon Buckley
HF: Colin Sylvia, Matthew Bate, Aaron Davey
F: Paul Johnson, Brad Miller, Austin Wonaeamirri
Foll: Mark Jamar, Clint Bartram, Nathan Jones
I/C (from): Daniel Bell, Michael Newton, Shane Valenti, Stefan Martin, James McDonald, Jeff White, Adem Yze
In: Davey, McDonald, White, Yze
Out: Brad Green (hamstring)





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Lions hopeful on Lappin surgery

July 18th 2008 06:49
THE Brisbane Lions remain hopeful that surgery to relieve a trapped nerve will give veteran midfielder Nigel Lappin an outside chance of playing again this season.

Lappin, who has been sidelined since round four with an Achilles tendon problem underwent surgery earlier this week.

Brisbane coach Leigh Matthews said the operation at this stage appears to be a success.

"As soon as the incision is healed in a week or so, then he’ll try and run," Matthews said.

"He said it feels a little bit better to walk than it did last weekend, so that's a positive sign."

"It was always about what was causing this Achilles tendon tendonitis - different parts were getting sore."

"Now the medical people, Nigel, we’re all hoping that the nerve entrapment was the problem all along and having that being remedied he can resume his training."

The 32-year-old hasn't taken part in a full training session since the first month of the season and faces a race against time to play again in 2008.



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Hawks plan to attack Saints

July 18th 2008 04:39
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson says he is expecting a more attacking brand of football against St Kilda at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

When the two sides met in round eight last year just seven goals were kicked to three-quarter time before the Hawks booted six goals in the last term to run out 28-point winners in a contest that was dubbed a 'snorefest'.

Clarkson predicted a totally different approach this weekend as both teams look to make the most of their key marking targets up forward.

"I'm not sure how the game's going to unfold tomorrow night but both sides now want to play attacking footy," Clarkson said.

"I reckon St Kilda have played their best footy when they've tried to run and carry the ball in recent weeks. They've got some talented players and it'll be another good test for us I'm sure."

"Every game is a significant challenge. St Kilda has been playing good footy the last three or four weeks. We're going to need to play really well against them to get the points."



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Wallace will coach: Royal

July 18th 2008 03:46
TERRY Wallace will coach Richmond against Essendon at the MCG on Saturday despite suffering a nasty chest infection earlier in the week.

Wallace refused to speak to the media on Friday but Richmond assistant coach Brian Royal confirmed that Wallace will take his place in the coach's box on Saturday.

"Terry's fine to coach, Terry's again spent the night in hospital last night just to continue the medication but he'll definitely coach," Royal said.

Royal revealed there was never any serious doubt over Wallace's availability for the crucial match.

"I don't think it (Wallace missing Saturday's game) ever got that close but the thing that you can't do is never discount these viruses and infections," Royal pointed out.

"And I guess that the precautionary measure of going into hospital and making sure he gets the right medication has probably allowed him to get better a little bit quicker."

Royal said Wallace wasn't putting his health at risk by coaching so soon after being treated in hospital.

"Probably what it is, it's just a really bad cold and the plane flight and, obviously, the interstate trip (to Perth last round when Richmond played West Coast at Subiaco) probably brought it (the infection) on a lot quicker," explained Royal.

"I think he'll be fine ... probably some of the harder things is climbing the 90 stairs to get up to the coach's box at the MCG so there's a lift and we'll put a few things in place which will allow Terry to get down on the ground."

"If it comes to the crunch throughout the course of the game where I've got to speak to the players at the breaks, we can work that out as the game goes on."

Royal said Wallace was able to prepare for the season-defining clash against the Bombers despite being in hospital since Wednesday.

"We have a fairly thorough opposition analysis and we've given him a lot of information so he can still prepare as normal," Royal said.

"I guess it's just been up to the other coaches to make sure the day-to-day runnings of the footy club works like clockwork and again that's our responsibility to make sure we cover off anything that Terry can't from his hospital bed."




"I guess it's just been up to the other coaches to make sure the day-to-day runnings of the footy club works like clockwork and again that's our responsibility to make sure we cover off anything that Terry can't from his hospital bed."
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Clarkson hopeful of Crawford return

July 18th 2008 03:05
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson is hopeful veteran midfielder Shane Crawford will return for next Friday's blockbuster clash against reigning premiers Geelong at the MCG.

Crawford played two matches after returning from a five-week lay-off due to ongoing knee tendonitis issues but the injury flared up again and he will miss Saturday night's clash against St Kilda at Telstra Dome.

Clarkson said the club would monitor Crawford's progress closely.

"It's a difficult injury to manage, tendonitis in the knee," Clarkson said.

"We'll see how he gets back into training early next week and that will determine whether he plays the Geelong game or has another rest but for this particular game he wasn't quite ready and hopefully he'll be right for next week's game against the Cats."

Clarkson admitted the 1999 Brownlow medallist is growing increasingly frustrated by his inability to get his body right.

"He's frustrated because he's usually so good at being able to manage his body and get himself right but tendonitis, it doesn't spare anyone.

"If it gets you, it gets you pretty hard so it's been frustrating because he just likes to get out there and for the bulk of his 16 years he's been able to get himself out there on more occasions than not."

Clarkson said Crawford, who is on a year to year contract with the Hawks is desperate to make the most of the latter stages of his career.

"He knows he's nearing the end, whether that's in six months time or 18 months time or even two and a half years… but he's such a tremendous trainer that who knows how long he'll play.

"He knows that he's certainly in the twilight of his career and he wants to be out on the park as much as he can be."


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Cook rejects Gold Coast offer

July 18th 2008 02:14
GEELONG chief executive Brian Cook has signed a new three-year deal with the club.

Cook's decision to remain at the Cats is a major blow for the GC17 consortium that was keen on luring Cook north as its inaugral chief executive.

Cook said he felt there was still plenty of work for him to do at Geelong.

"The decision was not easy but I feel that over the past decade we have come a long way to become a good club and the challenge is now to become a great club," Cook said.

"We need to continue to grow our brand, increase our supporter and membership base, continue to develop Skilled Stadium and keep the team at the forefront of the competition."

"The club has come a long way in the past decade, but we still have a way to go to reach the goals that we have set for ourselves. That is a challenge for me and everyone associated with the club."

"I have received a number of attractive offers in recent times and thank those organisations for their interest. In particular I wish the GC 17 consortium all the best in their quest with the new club, and I look forward to them joining the AFL in 2011."

Geelong president Frank Costa said Cook was an integral part of Geelong's success.

"I have often said that Brian is the greatest recruit that we have ever had," Costa said.

"Our board is thrilled that Brian will lead us on the next part of our quest to become a great club. I know I speak for all members and supporters when I say this is a great result for both the club and Brian and we are all looking forward to the next three years."



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Ling trains with Cats

July 18th 2008 01:01
GEELONG tagger Cameron Ling looks set to make a sooner than expected return to AFL football after fracturing his cheekbone in the Cats' 74-point win over Fremantle at Skilled Stadium last Saturday.

Ling underwent surgery earlier this week after copping a late hit from Fremantle's Dean Solomon. Solomon was suspended for eight weeks for the incident.

In evidence to the tribunal in Solomon's case, the Cats said they expected Ling to be out for the next three-to-six weeks.

But Ling, who joined his teammates at training today for the first time since surgery is reportedly aiming to return for next Friday's blockbuster clash against Hawthorn at the MCG.

Ling trained for about 20 minutes before leaving the field early



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Davis flags interest in move west

July 18th 2008 00:14
SYDNEY forward Nick Davis has expressed an interest in playing for West Coast if the Swans decide they no longer require his services.

Davis, who comes out of contract at the end of the year has played just three games for the Swans this season.

The 28-year-old said if the Swans don't offer him a new deal that he would love to play for the club that he supported as a kid.

"The best-case scenario would be that I remain here in Sydney, but if not, I have to look elsewhere and, certainly, playing at West Coast would be a great challenge," Davis said.

"I’d definitely love to play with them. I barracked for the Eagles as a kid, they’re a great club, a very professional club and looking at them as an opponent in recent times, they’ve probably struggled a little bit in the forward line.

"I think I’ve got at least four or five good years left."


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AFL to use four boundary umpires

July 18th 2008 00:03
AFL umpiring manager Jeff Gieschen announced on Thursday that four boundary umpires will officiate in each match of this year's finals series.

Gieschen also revealed that the AFL will use four boundary umpires in rounds 21 and 22 to give the umpires a chance to familiarise themselves with the new system.

The former Richmond coach said the extra umpires would ‘ensure that we can be in the best possible position for all line decisions’.



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Kerr interested in no play, no pay

July 17th 2008 23:52
WEST COAST midfielder Daniel Kerr says he is willing to have a clause placed in his next AFL contract in a bid to improve his on-field behaviour.

Kerr's three match suspension for striking Richmond's Matthew White in the Eagles' 77-point loss to the Tigers last Sunday took his career suspensions to 11 games, including six this season.

Despite his poor record Kerr said he would be prepared to sign a contract that would penalise him financially for any on-field misdemeanours.

“I would be happy to,” Kerr told 6PR.

“I don't intend to get reported. If I do get reported I should be punished for not filling out my full duties as a footballer.

“So I would agree in a future contract if they wanted to put that clause in. I would have no problems.”

Kerr, who is contracted to the Eagles until the end of 2009 has been linked with a move to a Melbourne-based club.

But the 25-year-old once again stated that he has no intentions of leaving West Coast.

“I have explained my position a hundred times; they (reporters) are not tapping my phones (so) how would they know what me and my manager talk about?” Kerr said.

“The reason they keep bringing it up is because people keep on talking about it.

“They are driving me mad because I keep having to talk to Juddy (Carlton player Chris Judd) and tell him I am not coming over.

“I am contracted for another year, my family is here, all my teammates, I won the premiership, (I am with) my best mates - I could not imagine why I would move.”

Kerr however did admit he needed to take the aggression out of his game and be a valuable contributor on the field as the Eagles attempt to rebuild.

“I am going to have to take the 1980s style out of my game and live in the 21st century,” Kerr said.

“I have to take the mindset of taking a step back and it could be detrimental to my football in some ways.

“In '06 when we were flying we could have afforded to have a player or two out but when you are struggling you really can't afford it.”


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Didak re-signs

July 17th 2008 07:36
COLLINGWOOD forward Alan Didak has signed a two-year deal which will see him remain at the Magpies until at least the end of the 2010 season.

The new contract does not impose previous conditions relating to alcohol restrictions and a curfew applied to the 25-year-old since midway through 2007.

"It’s good to know that with a new contract there are no other conditions that I had implemented last year," Didak said.

"It’s good that I’m going to be treated like any other individual in the team, and I’m looking forward to the challenge. I fully understand I have a responsibility to carry myself in a way that is acceptable to the Collingwood Football Club."



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Round sixteen teams

July 17th 2008 06:42
ROUND SIXTEEN

Friday, July 18
North Melbourne v Collingwood at Telstra Dome, 7.40pm AEST

Saturday, July 19
Geelong v Western Bulldogs at Skilled Stadium, 2.10pm AEST
Richmond v Essendon at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
Brisbane Lions v West Coast at the Gabba, 7.10pm AEST
St Kilda v Hawthorn at Telstra Dome, 7.10pm AEST

Sunday, July 20
Carlton v Sydney Swans at Telstra Dome, 1.10pm AEST
Port Adelaide v Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, 2.40pm ACST
Fremantle v Melbourne at Subiaco, 2.40pm AWST

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

In: Grant, Corey Jones
Out: Nathan Thompson, Blake

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, Travis Cloke, Chris Bryan
F: Alan Didak, Nathan Brown, Paul Medhurst
Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
I/C: Shane O’Bree, Tyson Goldsack, Leon Davis, John Anthony
EMG: Danny Stanley, Sharrod Wellingham, Alan Toovey

No change

GEELONG v WESTERN BULLDOGS
GEELONG
B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Harry Taylor, Darren Milburn, Corey Enright
C: James Kelly, Max Rooke, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, David Wojcinski
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Lonergan, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Brad Ottens, Joel Corey, Joel Selwood
I/C: Josh Hunt, Mark Blake, Brent Prismall, Travis Varcoe
EMG: David Johnson, Ryan Gamble, Shannon Byrnes

In: Kelly, Prismall
Out: Ling (cheekbone), Ablett (ankle)

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

In: Griffen, Welsh
Out: Hill, Wight

RICHMOND v ESSENDON
RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Luke McGuane, Kelvin Moore
HB: Jordan McMahon, Joel Bowden, Matt White
C: Trent Cotchin, Shane Tuck, Richard Tambling
HF: Mitch Morton, Jack Riewoldt, Brett Deledio
F: Nathan Brown, Cleve Hughes, Adam Pattison
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Kane Johnson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Daniel Connors, Shane Edwards, Dean Polo, Jay Schulz,
EMG: Will Thursfield, Daniel Jackson, Alex Rance

No change

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

In: Atkinson, Dyson
Out: Andrew Lovett (susp), Mark McVeigh (knee)

BRISBANE LIONS v WEST COAST
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Josh Drummond, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Robert Copeland, Jason Roe, Ashley McGrath
C: Anthony Corrie, Simon Black, Tim Notting
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Jared Brennan
F: Cheynee Stiller, Daniel Bradshaw, Mitch Clark
Foll: Jamie Charman, Luke Power, Travis Johnstone
I/C: Tom Collier, Bradd Dalziell, Rhan Hooper, Scott Harding
EMG: Albert Proud, Scott Clouston, James Hawksley

In: Roe, Bradd Dalziell, Scott Harding
Out: Matthew Leuenberger (knee), Jed Adcock (quad), Troy Selwood

WEST COAST
B: Ryan Davis, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Tyson Stenglein, Beau Wilkes, Andrew Embley
C: Brad Ebert, Chad Fletcher, Tim Houlihan
HF: David Wirrpanda, Ashley Hansen, Adam Selwood
F: Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, Josh Kennedy
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Jamie McNamara
I/C: Ben McKinley, Mark Nicoski, Scott Selwood, Brent Staker
EMG: Steven Armstrong, Michael Braun, Mark Seaby

In: Mackenzie, Fletcher, McNamara, S. Selwood, Staker
Out: Daniel Kerr (susp), Adam Hunter (knee, shoulder), Brett Jones (knee), Steven Armstrong, Michael Braun

ST KILDA v HAWTHORN
ST KILDA
B: Gram, Hudghton, Dempster
HB: Goddard, Gilbert, S.Fisher
C: McQualter, Dal Santo, Hayes
HF: Harvey, Riewoldt, Eddy
F: Jones, Koschitzke, Armitage
FOLL: King, Ball, Montagna
I/C: Blake, Milne, Schneider, Fiora
EMG: Geary, Allen, Birss
IN: Fiora, Schneider
OUT: Allen, Gwilt

HAWTHORN
B: Ladson, Gilham, Guerra
HB: Brown, Croad, Birchall
C: Young, Mitchell, Morton
HF: Bateman, Franklin, Osborne
F: Rioli, Franklin, Williams
FOLL: Campbell, Hodge, Sewell
I/C: Ellis, Murphy, Taylor, Tuck
EMG: Clarke, Lewis, Stokes
IN: Bateman
OUT: Crawford (knee)

CARLTON v SYDNEY SWANS
CARLTON
B: Mark Austin, Michael Jamison, Kade Simpson
HB: Andrew Walker, Bret Thornton, Heath Scotland
C: Jordan Russell, Bryce Gibbs, Shaun Grigg
HF: Nick Stevens, Jarrad Waite, Marc Murphy
F: Brad Fisher, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Cameron Cloke, Chris Judd, Adam Bentick
I/C (from): Andrew Carrazzo , Jake Edwards , Shaun Hampson, Adam Hartlett, Matthew Kreuzer , Darren Pfeiffer

In: Austin, Walker, Hampson, Hartlett, Pfeiffer
Out: Joe Anderson, Steven Browne

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Paul Bevan, Leo Barry, Martin Mattner
HB: Craig Bolton, Ted Richards, Tadhg Kennelly
C: Matthew O’Dwyer, Jarrad McVeigh, Craig Bird
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Adam Goodes, Luke Ablett
F: Henry Playfair, Michael O’Loughlin, Jarrad Moore
Foll: Darren Jolly, Brett Kirk, Jude Bolton
I/C (from): Peter Everitt, Heath Grundy, Kieran Jack, Ben Mathews, Nick Malceski, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Nick Smith

In: Grundy, Malceski, Mathews, O’Dwyer
Out: Amon Buchanan (suspended)

PORT ADELAIDE v ADELAIDE
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Nick Lower
HB: Jacob Surjan, Troy Chaplin, Nathan Lonie
C: Domenic Cassisi, Adam Thomson, Kane Cornes
HF: David Rodan, Warren Tredrea, Brett Ebert
F: Justin Westhoff, Daniel Motlop, Chad Cornes
Foll: Dean Brogan, Shaun Burgoyne, Danyle Pearce
I/C (from): Greg Bentley, Fabian DeLuca, Brendon Lade, Tom Logan, Steven Salopek, Paul Stewart, Michael Wilson

In: Lade, Salopek, Stewart, Wilson
Out: Damon White (hamstring)

ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Nathan Bassett
HB: Kris Massie, Nathan Bock, Michael Doughty
C: Brad Symes, Simon Goodwin, Andrew McLeod
HF: Chris Knights, Kurt Tippett, Nathan van Berlo
F: Tyson Edwards, Luke Jericho, Bernie Vince
Foll: Ivan Maric, Scott Thompson, Robert Shirley
I/C (from): Brad Moran, David Mackay, Ken McGregor, Andrew Otten, Richard Douglas, Scott Stevens, Bryce Campbell

In: Jericho, Mackay, McGregor, McLeod, Moran, Otten
Out: Brett Burton (knee) season, Jason Porplyzia (shoulder), Jonathon Griffin

FREMANTLE v MELBOURNE
FREMANTLE
B: Thornton, McPharlin, Grover
HB: Head, Mi.Johnson, Dodd
C: McManus, Carr, Mundy
HF: Ma.Johnson, Pavlich, Browne
F: Mayne, Tarrant, Warnock
FOLL: Sandilands, Crowley, Ibbotson
I/C from: Peake, O'Brien, Bradley, Farmer, Murphy, Duffield, Schammer
IN: Duffield, Bradley, McManus, Head, O'Brien. Murphy
OUT: Solomon (susp), Hinkley, Palmer (soreness)

MELBOURNE
B: Whelan, Garland, Warnock
HB: C.Johnson, Wheatley, Dunn
C: Morton, Bruce, Buckley
HF: Sylvia, Bate, Davey
F: P.Johnson, Miller, Wonaeamirri
FOLL: Jamar, Bartram, Jones
I/C from: Bell, Martin, Newton, Valenti, McDonald, Yze White
IN: Davey, McDonald, White, Yze
OUT: Green (hamstring)






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Daniher on panel to select GC17 coach

July 17th 2008 05:11
FORMER Melbourne coach Neale Daniher will be a part of four-man panel that will select the Gold Coast's development coach.

Daniher will assist in choosing the coach to guide the proposed Coast club's entry into the TAC Cup in 2009 and the VFL in 2010.

Interviews for the role will start in the coming weeks after former Brisbane Lions captain Michael Voss turned down the post to take up a two-year assistant coaching role with the West Coast Eagles.

Daniher will join GC17 bid team members Graeme Downie and Alan Mackenzie and AFL representative David Matthews on the selection panel.



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Smith's season over

July 17th 2008 04:35
NORTH MELBOURNE coach Dean Laidley has revealed that the season is over for defender Jesse Smith who has has lost all confidence in his legs.

Smith, who has been hampered by a chronic ankle injury and a succession of hamstring strains - the latest sustained in the VFL last weekend - has managed just two to play just two games for the Kangaroos this season.

Laidley said Smith had lost confidence and had not yet come to terms with his wasted season.

"He's struggling, he's struggling with the mental side of it, he really is," Laidley said.

"His ankle's fine, it's got nothing to do with his ankle, his ankle is probably in the best shape it's been since he's done the injury which is a real bonus for us."

"He just hasn’t had the strength in his legs and his lack of conditioning about not training and … coming off a limited pre-season, the strength in his legs and the confidence in his legs is just shot at the moment."

"We've jumped from one problem to the next."

Laidley said Smith would be put on a program based on strength and running in a bid to get him fit for the 2009 season


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Wallace expected to coach against Dons

July 17th 2008 03:28
RICHMOND coach Terry Wallace looks certain to coach the Tigers in their crucial clash against Essendon at MCG on Sunday.

Wallace was hospitalised on Wednesday with respiratory problems but was able to leave hospital briefly on Thursday morning to visit Punt Road where he addressed the players prior to their training session.

The 49-year-old then returned to hospital where he will remain for most of Thursday as a precaution.



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Hunter, Jones succumb to injury

July 17th 2008 03:24
WEST COAST defenders Brett Jones and Adam Hunter have been ruled out for the remainder of the season.

The duo have been booked in for season-ending surgery next week and will not play against Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Jones requires surgery to correct an issue where cartilage at the back of his knee cap is badly worn, causing swelling which has made it difficult for him to run and turn.

While Hunter requires both a shoulder reconstruction and knee surgery. The 27-year-old has been troubled by worn cartilage at the back of the knee, causing pain when kicking over long distances as well as when attempting marks.


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Dog calls it a day

July 17th 2008 00:03
WESTERN BULLDOGS utility Andrew McDougall has quit AFL football.

The former West Coast forward quit the Bulldogs late last week after a meeting with club officials.

Several injuries have plagued the 25-year-old's career, who was taken by the Eagles at pick No. 5 in the 2000 national draft.

McDougall kicked 48 goals in 38 games with West Coast from 2001 to 2006. He was a Rising Star nominee in 2003.

The Dogs secured McDougall in the 2006 trade period in a shuffle of mid-range draft picks.

After playing in last year's NAB Cup series and the first two home-and-away games, McDougall struggled to cement in a regular place in the side.

He managed only five games for the season and could not add to that total this year.

Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia last night said it was an amicable departure.

"In his mind, he's retired," Fantasia said.

"He's been carrying injuries and it's been frustrating for him.

"Basically, he made a decision after speaking with the coaches that it was too hard for him. He had an open relationship with the coaches. There is no animosity at all."



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Polak up and about

July 16th 2008 23:13
GRAHAM Polak has taken another positive step in his long recovery after being hit by a tram in Melbourne last month.

Richmond players have rallied around the utility, with captain Kane Johnson and midfielder Cameron Howat visiting the 24-year-old at Epworth Hospital in Richmond yesterday.

The Tigers chatted and shared a laugh as they strolled to a rehab unit across the road from the hospital.

Richmond club doctor Greg Hickey said Polak was responding well to treatment for post-traumatic amnesia.

"Graham continues to make significant gains. His cognitive function is improving and the outlook remains positive," Dr Hickey said.

It is not known how long Polak will have to stay at the Epworth Rehabilitation Centre.



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Kerr punishment to stay in-house

July 16th 2008 07:17
WEST COAST John Worsfold has refused to reveal what punishment, if any, was given to star midfielder Daniel Kerr following his latest suspension.

Kerr was given a three-match ban for striking Richmond's Matthew White during the third quarter of the Eagles' 77-point loss to Richmond at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

Speaking at his weekly press conference, Worsfold said any decision reached by the leadership group would remain private.

"The leadership group have met with Daniel and had a good discussion about all issues regarding his suspension," Worsfold said.

"[But] I'm not going to comment on what they've decided."

However, Worsfold did admit that Kerr's poor on-field record – he has now been suspended for 11 matches in his 155-game career – was having a negative impact on the club as it attempts to rebuild.

"He needs to avoid being suspended because he's too good a player to be [unavailable] to play," he said.

"The two suspensions he's had this season you would say were avoidable.

"We'll have to talk to him about it. I've spoken to him in the past about different strategies to avoid being suspended.

"On field, obviously we're performing well below the way we would like to perform. Now to come out of that rut we need our best team up and going.

"Having players suspended makes it even tougher for us. So we do feel as though we've been let down in terms of wanting to regain some respect that we've lost over the last month or so."



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Burton's future in doubt

July 16th 2008 07:07
ADELAIDE forward Brett Burton's future is in doubt with coach Neil Craig refusing to guarantee him a new deal.

Burton, who will have an operation on his left knee on Wednesday night, will be sidelined for close to 12 months.

Craig said the club had a 'tough' decision to make with Burton in the final year of his existing deal.

"He's 30 years of age but we all know the way he's playing for us this year and it would indicate that without the injury he'd continue to play," Craig said.

"It's about our list, it's about keeping really high quality players in our club. There's talk that this year's draft, if you are going to be aggressive, this is the one to do it. There's an element of compassion about your playing group and he's one of our senior leaders."

"They are always tough decisions to make when they are long serving players, highly decorated players, and it won't get any easier in the next two or three years with Simon (Goodwin) and Andrew (McLeod), Nathan Bassett, Tyson Edwards," he said.

"So that's why it's really important to take a lot of discussion with everyone, particularly the players."

Craig said he had already begun talks with Burton about his playing future.

Burton's knee and the shoulder dislocation to Jason Porplyzia means the Crows will be without their two leading goalkickers for their must-win clash against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

Ken McGregor and youngster Taylor Walker are the frontrunners to replace Burton and Porpylzia in the forward line but Craig also mentioned Nick Gill, Trent Hentschel and Luke Jericho as possible inclusions.


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Yze wants to keep playing

July 16th 2008 06:54
MELBOURNE veteran Adem Yze has revealed he wants to continue playing football next season.

Yze has played just four matches this season for the Demons, having spent the rest of his time with Sandringham in the VFL.

The 269-game veteran said he would love to finish his career at Melbourne.

"I haven't really thought about what I'm going to do yet next year, other than I'm going to keep playing footy, whether that's here or at another [AFL] club or whether it's in the VFL or somewhere else," Yze said.

"My body is feeling really good, so I'm happy to keep going."

Yze said if the Demons no longer wanted his services that he would look at playing for another club.

"If the Melbourne footy club doesn't want to keep me, then I'm actually hoping there might be a club out there that's looking to top up their list and have a crack at one, so that's exactly why I'm playing as well as I can at Sandy and still trying to push to play seniors here," Yze said.

"I don't feel like it is game over in my body and mind. I'm not just going to play somewhere next year – I feel like I could play for another two or three years, but time will tell what happens there."


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Walker to return for Blues

July 16th 2008 06:21
CARLTON utility Andrew Walker will play his first game of the home-and-away season when the Blues take on Sydney at Telstra Dome on Sunday.

Walker has been sidelined all season following a shoulder injury sustained against the Bulldogs in the final round of practice matches

Carlton coach Brett Ratten said the return of Walker would be a major boost for a Blues side that needs to win on Sunday to keep in touch with the top eight.

"We get Walker back this week which will be a plus," Ratten said.

"His run (is an asset) and he is probably close to Juddy in terms of being the fittest player at the club."

"So it will be great to get him back in the team and that will add to us from a running point of view."

The Blues have lost their past ten matches against the Swans, but Ratten said Sydney's recent losses to Collingwood and Hawthorn had shown that the Swans were beatable.

"Over the last two weeks we have got a blue print of how to do it (beat Sydney)," he said.

"We have seen first hand (from Collingwood and Hawthorn) what you have to do against them and we will have to be on our game around stoppages because they more stoppages than any other team in the competition."



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


McLeod a chance to return

July 16th 2008 05:19
ADELAIDE could be bolstered by the return of star defender Andrew McLeod for Sunday's crucial clash against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

The return of McLeod would be a major boost for the Crows who have lost their past four matches to slump to sixth place on the AFL ladder with an 8-7 win-loss record.

McLeod, who has missed the past two matches after having clean-out surgery on his right knee has returned to full training this week and can prove his fitness at Adelaide's main training sesssion on Thursday.

Adelaide coach Neil Craig said McLeod was a strong chance to play in the Showdown.

"I think he is (a chance to play), I spoke to Andrew this morning, he did a pretty solid session yesterday and pulled up well from it," Craig said.

"It looks like he'll attempt to train flat out for the full session tomorrow, so if he gets through that obviously he'll be a strong consideration."


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


Jones, Hunter unlikely to see out season

July 16th 2008 05:13
WEST COAST defenders Brett Jones and Adam Hunter are unlikely to see out the remainder of the season.

Jones requires knee surgery that will sideline him for at least four months while Hunter will undergo shoulder and knee surgery.

Jones, who has been one of of West Coast's best performers in what has been a horror season has only missed one game in 2008, but coach John Worsfold said the club was considering putting him under the knife as soon as possible.

Worsfold also said Hunter would go in for surgery as soon as his injuries started to seriously affect his performances.

"He's struggling to play like he can play. And that tells us all that he's not at 100 per cent," Worsfold said of Hunter.

"At the point where he can't perform for the remainder of the year, we'll get him fixed.

"That point is approaching. Whether it's this week or in two or three weeks time, I couldn't answer that."



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


West Sydney team to call Blacktown home

July 16th 2008 04:59
THE western Sydney team will call Blacktown city its home when it enters the AFL in 2012.

The AFL announced today that the new franchise would use facilities at the Blacktown Olympic Park as a base for training and administration though it is expected that ANZ Stadium will be the home ground.

Pre-season matches could be played at Blacktown Olympic Park as part of the council’s 2025 vision to turn it into a first-class sporting facility by building a 10,000 seat capacity stadium and hosting both AFL and international sporting matches.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said that a team based in western Sydney was crucial for the growth of the game.

“The Western Sydney strategy is critical to the game,” Demetriou said.

“There is a huge population here (300,000 and growing), it has the fastest growing economy in Australia with the Gold Coast and we think there is a great sense of community out here, which is very common among our code.

“There are great benefits to our code in being out here but also great benefits to the community.”

Demetriou also said the AFL was in a strong position to increase the number of teams in the competition.

“The AFL had a debt six years ago of $50-$60 million and last year we became debt free. We put $82 million aside in the future fund in anticipation of what may or may not happen.

“We have long-term agreements in place so our finances are secure. Our broadcast agreement is signed to 2011; we have just extended our agreement with Toyota as our naming rights sponsor for another three years and we have a players agreement in place until 2011. We see this as a great opportunity.

“Our greatest risk is if we do nothing.”
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Fevola, Ratten 'solid'

July 16th 2008 04:48
CARLTON coach Brett Ratten says his relationship with spearhead Brendan Fevola remains solid despite the pair appearing at loggerheads over Fevola's commitment to the club in separate radio interviews at the weekend.

The 2006 Coleman Medalist has still not re-signed with the club despite being offered a lucrative contract which is reportedly worth $2 million over three years, with reports suggesting the Blues' leading goalkicker for the past five seasons is heading to Sydney.

The saga has dragged on for weeks and was made worse by Fevola's poor performance in the Blues' loss to fellow top-eight contenders St Kilda at the MCG last Friday night.

The following day Ratten said on Melbourne radio if players were interested in chasing more money elsewhere then that was fine but he did not want those players at Carlton.

Ratten didn't mention Fevola's name but the controversial forward responded by ringing a rival Melbourne radio station saying he was committed to staying at Carlton.

Ratten said he had spoken to Fevola and that he was confident that the 27-year-old would re-sign with the Blues.

"We had a brief chat this week about it - Brendan and me," he said

"We didn't speak about that (the pair's respective radio interviews) and it's not like him (Fevola) to call up (a radio station) but I think it's great he got out there on the front foot
and says he want to be at Carlton."

"That is fantastic news for us and I am pretty confident he will sign."

Meanwhile, Fevola was criticised in the media for his over-friendly behaviour with the Saints' players after the game.

But Ratten said he felt Fevola had been harshly criticised.

"I stated this previously whatever Brendan does gets magnified by 500 compared to nearly any other player in the comp whether it's good, bad or indifferent," he said.

"We want (opposition) players to shake hands and embrace (after games) and build that sportsmanship but then when someone does it, we focus on it to say how bad it was."

"Brendan is a unique character - he is an extrovert and a showman and that is why fans come through the door to see him play footy."



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


Wallace admitted to hospital

July 16th 2008 03:18
RICHMOND coach Terry Wallace has been admitted to hospital with a respiratory infection.

A statement released by the club said that Wallace’s hospital stay is “a precautionary measure” and that he should be available to coach the side in Saturday's crucial clash against the Bombers at the MCG.



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


McVeigh to undergo knee surgery

July 16th 2008 02:36
ESSENDON has suffered a major blow with star midfielder Mark McVeigh to undergo knee surgery tomorrow which will sideline him for up to five weeks.

Bombers team manager David Calthorpe said McVeigh has damage to the surface lining of his knee cartilage.

“He will see knee specialist Julian Feller tomorrow to have surgery to repair the damage,” Calthorpe said.

“He will be sidelined for up to five weeks which is obviously a big blow for the club as he is such an important player and has been in good form.

“It is an old injury that has flared up over time this season and, unfortunately, it has reached the stage where we need to rectify it.”



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


Dogs regain two for Cats clash

July 16th 2008 02:20
THE Western Bulldogs will be bolstered by the return of midfielder Ryan Griffen and forward Scott Welsh for Saturday's blockbuster clash against reigning premiers and ladder leaders Geelong at Skilled Stadium.

Griffen missed Sunday's 31-point win over Melbourne at Telstra Dome due to personal reasons while Welsh was a late withdrawal with back soreness.

Mitch Hahn, who snapped his plantar fascia tendon against the Demons will also play against Geelong.

Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said it will be very hard to beat the Cats despite them missing star midfielder Gary Ablett Jnr and tagger Cameron Ling.

“They’re going to have two good replacements, James Kelly will be back and I think Brent Prismall is the other one. They’ve got some talent coming back and they’ve got a lot of depth," Eade said.



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


Surgery may signal end of Burton's career

July 16th 2008 00:23
ADELAIDE forward Brett Burton will have surgery to reconstruct his left knee tonight, which will sideline him for at least 12 months.

However, it could also mean the end of his career should Adelaide decide not to renew his contract.

Burton, who is vice-president of the AFL Players Association believes players in his situation need to be looked after.

"Unfortunately the industry is pretty cutthroat," Burton said.

"Obviously, I am out of contract and they (Adelaide) would probably argue, and would have every right to, that what if I had signed the contract last week and they were without me for next year. How do they get compensated?

"We are in an industry where you don't have workers' compensation as such. I guess it is unfortunate and you take the good with the bad, and just move on.

"If we get injured, we get paid until we play again, so there is compensation there, but in my situation, if my contract is not renewed there is nothing. Hopefully, the club will contract me.

"I guess it is a moral obligation if you injure yourself while working for someone. You would expect to be compensated until you can work again."



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


Bulldogs lose major sponsor

July 16th 2008 00:02
THE Western Bulldogs and major sponsor LeasePlan will part company at the end of this season.

It brings to an end a six-year partnership between the two and leaves the Dogs until the end of the season to come up with a new sponsor to tip more than $1 million a year into the club.

Bulldogs chief executive Campbell Rose was confident the club would be able to find a new major sponsor.

"We are a little disappointed that LeasePlan aren't joining us on the journey but we are very thankful they have taken us this far," Rose said.

"The future is very bright for us on and off the field.

"It's a world of opportunity for us, and it's a world of opportunity for a brand which is a very social responsibility-based brand. We are in a strong position and are now on a search for an equally strong brand to join us on our exciting journey."


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


Solomon's season over

July 15th 2008 08:50
FREMANTLE veteran Dean Solomon's season is over after being hit with a eight-week suspension at the AFL tribunal on Tuesday night.

Solomon was reported for striking Geelong tagger Cameron Ling during the first quarter of the Dockers' 74-point loss to the Cats at Skilled Stadium on Saturday.

Ling, who suffered a depressed fracture of the cheekbone as a result of the incident had surgery on Sunday and is expected to miss up to four matches.

The penalty means Solomon will miss the rest of the season and the first game for premiership points in 2009. He will also carry 82.81 points once he returns.

In some good news for the Dockers, midfielder Ryan Crowley was found not guilty of striking Geelong star Gary Ablett Jnr. The tribunal said it was not convinced he had made more than negligible contact.

Meanwhile, Kangaroos defender Daniel Pratt is free to play against Collingwood at Telstra Dome on Friday night after being found not guilty of making unnecessary contact to the face of Port Adelaide’s Brett Ebert. Pratt successfully argued that the contact was accidental.


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


Green to miss one, maybe two

July 15th 2008 08:06
MELBOURNE utility Brad Green could be sidelined for up to two weeks after injuring his hamstring against the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome on Sunday.

Football operations manager Ross Monaghan said the extent of Green's injury was not fully known until Monday morning.

"Towards the end of the game on the weekend, he got sore in the hamstring and was able to play out the game," Mongahan said.

"But he was a little bit restricted and, on Monday morning, he came in for an injury assessment and he strained it badly enough to miss one week and maybe two."

"If he had have torn it badly, he wouldn't have got through the game so it was just a bit sore."

"But after the game, and once it had cooled down on Monday morning, it was pretty clear it was a bit of problem.

"Now that the medical staff has had a chance to assess it, they went through a normal process and analysed it and decided it would take one week to get over it and quite possibly two."






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


Kerr to front Eagles leadership group

July 15th 2008 06:49
WEST COAST midfielder Daniel Kerr will front the club's leadership group on Wednesday to determine what additional punishment he should receive following his latest suspension.

Kerr was hit with a three-match ban for striking Richmond's Matthew White during the third quarter of the Eagles' 77-point loss to the Tigers at Subiaco Oval on Sunday, taking his total suspensions so far to 11 matches in his 155-game career.

West Coast coach John Worsfold said the leadership group, consisting of captain Darren Glass, Dean Cox, Tyson Stenglein, Ashley Hansen, Matt Priddis and Adam Selwood would sit down with Kerr and determine an appropriate punishment.

"He's let the team down on a couple of occasions now this year, there's no doubt about that and he has to address that with the group and he'll do that on Wednesday," Worsfold told 6PR.

"He'll sit down and address our leadership group and talk to them about what he owes to the team.

"That (the punishment) is up to him to determine with the leadership group.

"Daniel has to tell them what he believes how much he's cost them and what he believes is appropriate in that regard.

"The leadership group will determine whether they are on the same page as him or if he's not treating it with enough seriousness.

"We are all disappointed Daniel's shown his frustrations and that it's cost him a three-week suspension."


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


We will come out 'all guns blazing', says Bailey

July 15th 2008 06:43
MELBOURNE coach Dean Bailey says his side will come out 'all guns blazing' against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

The Demons will head to Perth on Friday knowing a win against the Dockers will lift them off the bottom of the AFL ladder for the first time this season.

Bailey said he was confident his side could record just its third win of the season this weekend.

"I think all games are winnable. We've got to play well to win, that hasn't changed from the start of the year to this week against Fremantle," Bailey said.

"We get to travel, we get to go over to Perth, we are going to go over a little bit earlier so we are going to prepare and go in with all guns blazing to win the game."

The Dockers are currently languishing in 14th-place on the AFL ladder with a 2-13 win-loss record but Bailey said they shouldn't be underestimated.

"We'll have our young guys playing on some pretty good players at Fremantle. Matthew Pavlich is still an elite player ... so that's going to be a great challenge for (Matthew) Warnock, (Colin) Garland and even Stef Martin might get an opportunity to play on Pavlich," Bailey said.

"Underestimate them and you are going to pay the price."

Aaron Davey, who served a club-enforced one-match ban after confessing to drinking while in Darwin for a funeral in the lead-up to the round 14 clash with Brisbane is likely to earn a recall after a solid performance for Sandringham in the VFL.

"He's an important player for us Aaron so if he trains well this week his name will be in the 'in' column on Thursday night," Bailey said.


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


Lovett not under threat: Knights

July 15th 2008 06:12
ANDREW Lovett's future at Essendon is not under threat despite Lovett receiving his second suspension this year for disciplinary reasons, according to coach Matthew Knights.

The 25-year old won't be selected for Essendon's critical matches against Richmond and Collingwood after missing a compulsory training session on Monday morning after being out 'socialising' until late on Sunday evening.

The exciting speedster was also suspended from pre-season training in February after missing a training session.

Lovett's latest indiscretion has come at a bad time for the Bombers who have won their past four matches and are an outside chance of playing finals this season.

"The timing is not great at all," a frustrated Knights admitted on Tuesday.

"We already have about 12 players unavailable for this week's game and a lot of the guys unavailable like Courtenay Dempsey and (long-term injury victims) Alwyn Davey and Jason Winderlich are similar type of players to Andrew."

"But we are not going to jeopardise what is best for the football club by making a short term decision to play Andrew."

Despite the latest indiscretion, Knights said Lovett was still a required player at the club.

"This is certainly not the end of him at this football club and we haven't spoken about last chances," he said.

"It's disappointing for Andrew because we know how he loves to play the game and he has been exemplary since his indiscretion earlier in the year in the way he has been training and presenting himself."

"And he has been playing some really good football."

"But it's all about the vision of this club and the culture of this club and we are not going to put him out to represent this club if he doesn't uphold those standards."




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


Ablett to miss Dogs clash

July 15th 2008 06:02
GEELONG coach Mark Thompson has ruled star midfielder Gary Ablett Jnr out of Saturday's blockbuster against the Western Bulldogs at Skilled Stadium.

Thompson said Ablett, who strained ankle ligaments against Fremantle would be in a 'moon boot' for the rest of the week and would miss along with Cameron Ling, who faces two-to-four weeks on the sidelines with a fractured cheekbone.

Brent Prismall, Ryan Gamble and Shannon Byrnes were nominated by Thompson as potential replacements for Ablett and Ling while James Kelly is a certain starter after being a late withdrawal last week with a calf strain.

Star full-back Matthew Scarlett and Corey Enright, two of the players who were nursing sore spots from the fiery clash against the Dockers, were also declared as definite starters by Thompson.

Thompson said he was looking forward to a hard but fair contest against the second-placed Bulldogs.

"There's so many times now that (the Cats) get in the mood, in the zone to play footy., like they were at the weekend." Thompson said.

"They're just awesome to watch, and that's what people come to watch."

"They don't come to the footy to watch brawling fights, king hits, they don't come to watch defensive footy - they just come to watch entertaining pure football."


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


Worsfold defends Voss decision

July 15th 2008 05:17
WEST COAST coach John Worsfold has defended the appointment of former Brisbane Lions captain Michael Voss midway through the season.

Worsfold said he did not expect the appointment of Voss as an assistant coach for the next two seasons to affect his current coaching staff.

"We're not going to sit back and miss out on ... getting our best football structure in place because we want to sit back and wait until the season's finished," said Worsfold.

"I've got every faith that everyone that works at our footy club is professional enough to concentrate on their job and do that to the best of their ability throughout the remainder of the year."

Former Melbourne coach Neale Daniher is in contention to be appointed football operations manager while former Geelong and North Melbourne player Leigh Colbert has reportedly been approached by the Eagles.

But Worsfold said no further decisions had been made.

"I haven't flagged major changes within the football department but I've flagged that we're going to put the best possible structure in place going forward and that may mean keeping a lot of the same staff," he said.

"But that is going to be assessed over the remainder of this season and those decisions will be made as required to make sure we achieve the absolute best for this footy club going forward."


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


Grant admits to drunken behaviour

July 15th 2008 03:25
NORTH MELBOURNE Shannon Grant has revealed his club-enforced suspension was influenced by a previous incident.

Grant was forced to sit out Saturday night's thrilling two-point win over Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium following an incident at a sponsors' golf day.

It is understood the prior warning came from an altercation at a Lionel Richie concert in December that resulted in Grant being subdued by police with capsicum spray.

The 31-year-old said his latest indiscretion wasn't a major incident.

"I previously had a warning from an incident that happened last year and, as a result of that and being a little bit loud and boisterous at the club supporters and sponsors golf day, the club decided that a suspension was to be put in place," he said.

"I accepted that and pretty much tried to move on from that.

"There was no major incidents. There was no major issues that actually happened from the golf day. It was just a matter of having a previous warning and having a little bit too much to drink on the day.

"The club has a pretty strong players' code of conduct, I'd had a warning from last year and I accepted the club's decision."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Bateman set to return for Hawks

July 15th 2008 03:02
HAWTHORN is likely to be bolstered by the return of hard-running midfielder Chance Bateman for Saturday night's clash against St Kilda at Telstra Dome, according to skipper Sam Mitchell.

Mitchell said Bateman, who has been sidelined since tweaking a hamstring against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium in round 12 would add some much needed run to Hawthorn's midfield.

"There's probably a few guys, I think we really miss Chance and also Benny McGlynn who's still injured," Mitchell said.

"When we get those guys back it really gives us a lot more run and we really need that. You look at premiership sides, they're all very, very good running sides and we probably need that in our game if we're going to be a real contender come finals time."

Meanwhile, former skipper Shane Crawford, who is just two games shy of his 300th AFL game, has been taking painkillers and reportedly using a topical anti-inflammatory gel created for horses to treat his chronic tendon problems.

"He responded really well a couple of weeks ago to his treatment and he seems to be going OK so far this week … but we’re not sure yet," said Mitchell.

"He might miss one here or one there, but the challenge for him is going to be able to string three or four games together which he hasn’t been able to do that regularly over the course of this season."

Mitchell said he was confident Crawford could play a role in Hawthorn's quest for their first premiership since 1991.

"As professional a bloke as he is he does everything he can to get himself right and he's doing that again this week," he said.

"I think he'll get through the rest of this year and have a month off and see if it recovers well over that off-season break."


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


Ablett in doubt

July 15th 2008 02:41
GEELONG star Gary Ablett Jnr remains in serious doubt for Saturday's blockbuster clash against the Western Bulldogs at Skilled Stadium.

Ablett sprained ankle ligaments during the Cats' 74-point win over Fremantle on Saturday.

Geelong football manager Neil Balme said Ablett, who was on crutches on Monday was an unlikely starter.

"If I had to put my house on it, I'd say he probably wouldn't play this weekend but we're not ruling him out at this stage," Balme said.

"If he's able to be up and running by Wednesday, we'll give him until as late as possible to decide whether he'll play."


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


Three to face AFL Tribunal

July 15th 2008 02:29
FREMANTLE duo Dean Solomon and Ryan Crowley and North Mebourne defender Daniel Pratt will face the AFL Tribunal tonight.

Solomon's case for striking Geelong tagger Cameron Ling with an elbow at Skilled Stadium on Saturday was deemed serious enough to be referred directly to the tribunal.

Ling, who suffered a depressed fracture of the cheekbone as a result of the incident had surgery on Sunday and is expected to miss up to four matches.

Crowley is contesting a charge that he struck Geelong's Gary Ablett Jnr in the first quarter on Saturday and faces a one match suspension if he's unsuccessful.

Pratt risks a three-match ban for his challenge to a charge that he made unreasonable or unnecessary contact to the face of Port Adelaide forward Brett Ebert during Saturday night's thrilling two-point win over the Power at AAMI Stadium.

Meanwhile, Sydney's Amon Buchanan will miss the next four matches for his high contact on Hawthorn's Luke Hodge, while West Coast midfielder Daniel Kerr has accepted a three-match sanction for striking Tiger Matthew White during the third quarter of the Eagles' 77-point loss to Richmond at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

Adelaide's Richard Douglas was fined $1,950 fine making contact with umpire Stephen McBurney at the MCG on Saturday, while Melbourne's Colin Sylvia has accepted a reprimand for striking the Bulldogs' Dale Morris.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Bombers suspend Lovett

July 15th 2008 01:14
ESSENDON has suspended Andrew Lovett for the second time this season after the utility missed a compulsory training session on Monday.

The 25-year-old apologised to the playing group for breaking team rules and missing the session after he had been out socialising the previous night.

Essendon coach Matthew Knights said Lovett had failed to meet the club's standards.

"We expect all our players to meet club standards and missing this training session is not acceptable," said Essendon coach Matthew Knights.

"Andrew is extremely important to this club and the leadership group wants him to make the most of his football career.

"We believe this two-game suspension is the right course of action."

Lovett, who will miss crucial matches against Richmond and Collingwood was also suspended in late February for all of Essendon's pre-season campaign after missing another training session.


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


Lions lose Leuenberger

July 15th 2008 00:52
BRISBANE ruckman Matthew Leuenberger has played his last game for the season and will undergo knee surgery this week.

The promising 20-year-old injured his right knee in the Lions' 37-point loss to Essendon at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

Initial assessments reported the damage as minor but the 203cm-tall ruckman needs an operation to repair the lateral meniscus, which will sideline him for three months.



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


Kerr accepts

July 15th 2008 00:36
WEST COAST midfielder Daniel Kerr has accepted a three-match ban from the match review panel for striking.

Kerr was charged with a level three striking offence for his off-the-ball hit on Richmond's Matthew White durng the third quarter of the Eagles' 77-point loss to the Tigers at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

The panel ruled the strike as intentional conduct (three points), low impact (one point) and high contact (two points). This is a total of six activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level Three offence, which equates to 225 demerit points and a two-match sanction.

Kerr had an existing bad record of seven matches suspended within the last three years, increasing the penalty by 50 per cent to 337.50 points and a three-match ban.

The 25-year-old had 76.34 points carried over from within the last 12 months, increasing the penalty to 413.84 points and a four-match sanction. The early plea reduced the penalty by 25 per cent to 310.38 points and a three-match sanction.


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


Riewoldt wins nomination

July 14th 2008 23:55
RICHMOND forward Jack Riewoldt has been rewarded for his impressive performance against West Coast with the round 15 NAB Rising Star nomination.

Riewoldt booted a career-best five goals in the Tigers' 77-point win over the Eagles at Subiaco on Sunday, including three of his side's 11 goals in a stunning second term.

The 19-year-old said the delivery from the midfield allowed him to have an impact.

"I was against Adam Hunter for most of the day, but our midfield dominance really helped us out, and it led to me kicking five and Nathan Brown kicking four and Mitch Morton three.

"Our clearance work really helped out the whole side, and it helped us out having more inside 50s than them."

He was selected by Richmond with pick 13 at the 2006 draft after playing strong senior football in the VFL for Tasmania and representing the state at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships.

Riewoldt, who is the cousin of St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt, has played 19 senior games in total – 11 of which have come this year – and said Coburg coach Jade Rawlings had played a major role in his development.

He also said that getting a consistent run at AFL level has helped his form.

"This year, I've had two stints in the seniors where I've played eight games in the first stint, and then I went back to Coburg for a week and then came back in," he said.

"It's a bit more settling to know, coming into the weekend, that I'm going to be playing in the seniors and not being hesitant about it.

"It's good to have that stability."

Richmond coach Terry Wallace said Riewoldt stepped up in the absence of veteran Matthew Richardson.

"Jack, along with our other young forwards continues to rise to the challenges week in week out," Wallace said.

"He is a good influence among the group and he is highly regarded by his peers."



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


Solomon to face tribunal

July 14th 2008 08:52
FREMANTLE veteran Dean Solomon's striking charge has been referred directly to the tribunal by the match review panel.

Solomon hit Geelong's Cameron Ling with an elbow in the first term of the Dockers' 74-point loss to the Cats at Skilled Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Ling, who suffered a depressed fracture of the cheekbone as a result of the incident had surgery on Sunday and is expected to miss up to a month of football.

The match review panel ruled Solomon's hit as intentional, severe impact and high contact – resulting in nine activation points – enough for the case to be referred straight to the tribunal on Tuesday night with no offer of an early plea.

The 28-year-old's existing bad record of three matches suspended in the last three years and 32.81 demerit points carried over from within the last 12 months also counted against him.

Solomon's teammate Ryan Crowley was hit with a one-match suspension for striking Geelong's Brownlow Medal favourite Gary Ablett.

Crowley cannot accept a reprimand because of his previous poor record.

In other tribunal news, West Coast midfielder Daniel Kerr is facing three weeks on the sidelines after being charged with a level three striking offence for his off-the-ball hit on Richmond's Matthew White during the third quarter of the Eagles' 77-point loss to the Tigers at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

The original charge was given just 225 points despite being ruled intentional by the panel, which equated to a two-match ban,

But it was lifted to 413.84 points or a four-match ban because of his past record in which he has been suspended for seven matches in the last three years and has 76.34 carry over points.

If Kerr challenges his striking charge he will face a four-match ban but by pleading guilty he can escape with 310.38 points and a three-match suspension.

Sydney's Amon Buchanan was booked for rough conduct against Hawthorn's Luke Hodge during the Swans' 31-point loss to the Hawks at the MCG on Sunday.

Buchanan's bump to the head of Hodge was ruled by the panel as reckless conduct, high impact and high contact equating to 425 points and a four-match ban, which rose to 550.31 points and a five-match ban.

It will be reduced to 412.73 points and a four-match suspension if he enters an early guilty plea.

North Melbourne defender Daniel Pratt is set to miss two games after he was charged with eye-gouging Port's Brett Ebert.

Pratt is facing a three-match ban if he challenges his case at the tribunal but can accept a two-match ban with an early plea

Melbourne utility Colin Sylvia can escape suspension for a level two striking offence against the Bulldogs' Dale Morris, but he risks suspension if he challenges the charge at the tribunal.

Adelaide's Richard Douglas has been fined $1,950 for making negligent contact with an umpire.

The panel threw out the match day report laid against Carlton utility Jarrad Waite for striking St Kilda's Clinton Jones while Geelong trio Cameron Mooney, James Bartel and David Wojcinski were looked at but all cleared following the heated clash against the Dockers.


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


Porplyzia to delay surgery

July 14th 2008 07:00
ADELAIDE forward Jason Poryplzia has delayed shoulder surgery in the hope he might be able to help the Crows keep their finals hopes alive.

Porplyzia dislocated his shoulder for the third time this season during the Crows' 32-point loss to Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday.

Surgery now would have ended Porplyzia's season at a time when the Crows need all hands on deck.

Adelaide has lost its past four and will be without leading goalkicker Brett Burton for the remainder of the season after the 30-year-old ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the loss to the Magpies.

Crows club doctor Andrew Potter confirmed Porplyzia will spend the next two to three weeks trying to rest and rehabilitate the joint.

It is hoped that he will be available for selection in round 19 when the Crows play Richmond at AAMI Stadium.


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Key Lions in doubt

July 14th 2008 06:47
BRISBANE duo Jonathan Brown and Simon Black are in doubt for Saturday night's crucial clash against West Coast at the Gabba.

It is a must-win match for the Lions who have dropped their past two to Melbourne and Essendon to slump to seventh place on the AFL ladder with an 8-7 win-loss record.

Lions coach Leigh Matthews said Brown and Black, who suffered hip and shoulder injuries respectively in Saturday night's 37-point loss to the Bombers at Telstra Dome were no certainties to play this weekend.

"They would both be questionable (but) we will know as the week goes on," he said on Monday.

"Neither of them is in the situation where you would say they won't play because it's (just) a soreness issue but it's a question of when that soreness goes away."

Matthews said his side was looking forward to playing at home again, with the Lions having won six of eight games at the Gabba this season.

"We were quite good the last time we played here (beating Adelaide in Round 13) and the comfort of your home ground and home crowd are quite beneficial for us going forward," he said.

"We have hit a couple of hurdles the last few weeks but we are still alive, they haven't shot us yet."

Matthews said his side's recent run of poor form could be attributed to a lack of intensity.

"There is no logical reason for it but in terms of the attack on the footy, the opposition has done it a lot better than us in the last couple of weeks but why that is I don't know."

"And our midfield accountability isn't what it needs to be - when we lose the footy, as a group, we are not working hard enough to get it back."

This week Brisbane faces a side that has lost its past six games by an average of 11 goals and is on track to win its first ever wooden spoon.

But Matthews said the Lions won't be taking West Coast lightly.

"We are playing a team in a bad patch but that doesn't guarantee anything," he said.

"It's easy to look at a team struggling and think they haven't got any strengths but Melbourne proved that (wrong) because they didn't have many strengths going into that game but came
out with a few."

"The Eagles have still got the players and the personnel (they had 13 premiership players in the team that lost by 77 points to Richmond on Sunday) and if we expect they will roll over and let us beat them then we will be in for a rude shock."




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We were 'disgraceful', says Cox

July 14th 2008 05:19
WEST COAST produced a 'disgraceful' effort in their 77-point loss to Richmond at Subiaco Oval on Sunday, according to ruckman Dean Cox.

Cox said that he and his teammates had to take responsibility for an effort which he also described as 'disappointing', 'embarrassing' and 'unacceptable'.

The premiership winning ruckman also said the Eagles would need to show more intensity than they did in the second term against Richmond, where the Tigers booted 11 goals to one to open up a match-winning lead.

"I think in the first quarter our impact, our intensity round the footy was fantastic and it showed on the scoreboard," said Cox at recovery on Monday morning.

"(But) you get into that second quarter and just the measures we have dropped dramatically and that showed exactly the same way on the scoreboard," he said.

"You can't go letting sides run around uncontested, with no one on them, you can't let them get their hands on the footy first and that's something, that as a playing group, if you can't do anything else, then just try your best and unfortunately we didn't do that."

"They just hunted the footy, they wanted the football a lot more and that's a very disappointing thing," Cox said.

Cox said the only way the Eagles will turn around their fortunes is if they start playing as a team again.

"You don't want people to go out there in survival mode," said Cox. "(Saying) 'I've got to go and get a kick to play next week'."

"Woosha's (coach John Worsfold) always said it, 'if you block for someone or if you tackle or you run to cover someone else or run to somewhere on the ground to create space for another team-mate, that's what you want', sacrificial running, sacrificial acts that probably don't go rewarded on the stats sheet but as a side that's where we were so good in 2006 and we've probably slipped away from that."

"So the focus is to make sure we do play as a team and do the things that make you successful and make you win games of footy."



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Crows to consider new surgery for Burton

July 14th 2008 03:37
ADELAIDE forward Brett Burton may undergo radical knee surgery in a bid to keep his AFL career alive.

Burton is out for the remainder of the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Saturday's 32-point loss to Collingwood at the MCG.

A knee reconstruction normally sidelines a player for at least nine months but Sydney's Nick Malceski was able to return in just three months thanks to the new form of surgery, which uses a synthetic fibre to help repair the ligament damage.

Adelaide football manager John Reid said the club was considering the surgery for the 30-year-old forward.

"It's a consideration, but that's all I can say at this stage," Reid said.

"First, we've got to get all the details about this new operation.

"Secondly, there's a fair bit of what Brett wants to do."

Meanwhile, fellow forward Jason Porplyzia, who suffered a dislocated shoulder in the first term of Saturday's match will see a specialist on Monday.

The Crows remain unsure as to whether or not Porplyzia can put off surgery until the end of the season.




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Gold Coast reveals club nickname options

July 14th 2008 02:10
THE Gold Coast bid team has revealed a shortlist of five nicknames for the new franchise which will join the AFL in 2011.

Following the first stage of community input, the names under consideration for the prospective club are Ironmen, Marlins, Guards, Rays and Stingrays.

The five-point selection criteria for a nickname included community input, legal analysis, commercial viability, branding success and alignment with the new club's values.

The selection process will continue with the club's name to be announced during the 2008 AFL finals series in early September.



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Hawks to continue nursing Crawford

July 14th 2008 01:59
HAWTHORN veteran Shane Crawford remains a week-to-week proposition because of ongoing knee tendonitis, according to coach Alastair Clarkson.

Crawford has played 298 matches but only seven this season and is scheduled to play his 300th game in the round 17 blockbuster against Geelong at the MCG.

But Clarkson said the Hawks were unsure at present whether the 1999 Brownlow medallist would be available from week to week.

"We will just see how it goes from week to week because tendons are funny things," Clarkson said.

"Sometimes they just need rest but other times you need to keep the (work) load through them and that's why he played (against Sydney)."

"Everyone had written him off after the West Coast game and probably some of the coaching staff as well but the medicos and Crawf was staggered with how quickly he responded to treatment after the West Coast game."

Clarkson said Crawford was still an integral part of the side.

"He is a very, very important player to our structure and we saw that in the West Coast game when he provided some fantastic rebound for us off half-back and that allowed us to free up Rick Ladson and give us more run through the midfield."

Meanwhile, the Hawks are expected to regain key midfielders Chance Bateman and Jordan Lewis from quad injuries for Saturday night's clash against St Kilda at Telstra Dome while Ben McGlynn should resume from his quad injury within the next three weeks.


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Tigers smash Eagles

July 13th 2008 09:58
RICHMOND has kept its finals hopes alive with a 77-point demolition of West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

The Tigers dominated after an even opening term, slamming on 23 goals to eight to cruise to a convincing 24.8 (152) to 11.9 (75) win.

Richmond is now just a game and a half out of the eight with seven rounds remaining.

For the Eagles, the result means they hang onto 15th place on the ladder with a better percentage than bottom-placed Melbourne, albeit by only .47 of a per cent

The loss was made worse for West Coast with star midfielder Daniel Kerr expected to come under scrutiny from the match review panel for a third-quarter hit on Matt White.

Jordan McMahon generated plenty of run through the middle with a game-high 33 possessions while Shane Tuck was a busy contributor with 30 disposals.

Underlining Richmond's dominance was the fact that 11 players had 20 or more possessions.

Jack Riewoldt benefited from the Tigers dominance in the midfield with a career-best five goals while Nathan Brown chimed in with four majors.

For West Coast, ruckman Dean Cox tried hard all day, finishing the match with 23 disposals, 11 marks and a staggering 43 hit-outs while Ben McKinley and David Wirrpanda booted three goals each.

The Eagles opened the scoring after just 60 seconds when Mark LeCras kicked a classy goal after roving a boundary throw-in.

In a scrappy opening term neither side managed to kick a goal for the next 15 minutes before Brown snapped truly.

Back-to-back goals from McKinley and Quentin Lynch gave the Eagles a handy 11-point lead heading into the first change.

Richmond smashed West Coast in the middle in the second term, winning the clearances 16-3 and the disposal count 106-53. Their willingness to run hard and move the football quickly through the middle paid handsome dividends as they slammed on 11 goals to one, including seven unanswered in a 17-minute burst to take a commanding 48-point lead into the main break.

The Eagles failed to lift their intensity after half-time as the Tigers booted six goals to three to take a match-winning 63-point lead into the final change.

West Coast's inability to apply any pressure was summed up midway through the third term when Richmond midfielder Nathan Foley ran 40 metres through the middle to score without getting touched.

With percentage set to play a major part in determining the make-up of the final eight, Richmond didn't take their foot off the pedal in the last term, slamming on six goals to four to end a seven-match losing streak against the Eagles.

WEST COAST: 3.2, 4.4, 7.9, 11.9 (75)
RICHMOND: 1.3, 12.4, 18.6, 24.8 (152)
GOALS: West Coast: McKinley 3, Wirrpanda 3, Le Cras, Lynch, Embley, Hansen, Armstrong
Richmond: Riewoldt 5, Brown 4, Morton 3, Deledio 2, Cotchin 2, Schulz, Tuck, Tambling, Foley, Hughes, Edwards, Johnson, White
BEST: West Coast: McKinley, Embley, Davis, Wirrpanda, Cox
Richmond: Foley, Riewoldt, Cotchin, Morton, Brown, McMahon, White
INJURIES: West Coast: nil
Richmond: nil
UMPIRES: Head, Jeffery, Mollison
REPORTS: nil
CHANGES: West Coast:
Richmond: Jake King replaced in selected side by Shane Edwards
CROWD: 37,085 at Subiaco Oval


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Dogs down Dees

July 13th 2008 07:11
THE Western Bulldogs have recorded an uninspiring 31-point win over Melbourne at Telstra Dome on Sunday afternoon.

The Bulldogs set up their 13th win of the season with a five-goal-to-one third term, eventually prevailing 14.11 (95) to 9.10 (64).

Both sides were guilty of making plenty of errors in a contest that failed to reach any great heights, but the Bulldogs were at least able to capitalise on enough of their chances to score goals at regular intervals

Matthew Boyd was prolific in the middle with a team-high 33 possessions while Jason Akermanis was damaging with 19 disposals and three goals.

Cameron Bruce was Melbourne's best with a game-high 38 disposals and 11 marks.Paul Wheatley was a busy contributor with 33 possessions while Brad Miller tried hard all day, finishing the match with 18 disposals, eight marks and three final-term goals.

The Bulldogs jumped out of the blocks in the opening term, managing the first five scoring shots of the match to skip out to a 20-point lead.

Melbourne's only scoring shot of the first quarter came with 20 seconds to play - a goal to Lynden Dunn, who was fortunate to be paid a free kick for high contact in a marking contest.

The Bulldogs kicked the first two goals of the second term through Will Minson and Jarrod Harbrow.

Melbourne hit back with three of the next four but a late goal to Akermanis ensured the Bulldogs remained in control, taking a handy 20-point lead into the main break.

When Brad Green snapped truly the Demons were within 14 points.

But then the Bulldogs class came to the fore with Daniel Giansiracusa and Akermanis booting two goals each in an 11-minute burst to give the Dogs a match-winning 43-point lead heading into the final change.

Melbourne added some respetability to the scoreboard in the final term, booting four goals to two but the damage had already been done.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.2, 7.4, 12.7, 14.11 (95)
MELBOURNE: 1.0, 4.2, 5.6, 9.10 (64)
GOALS: Western Bulldogs: Akermanis 3, Minson 3, Eagleton 2, Giansiracusa 2, Hahn 2, Cross, Harbrow
Melbourne: Miller 3, Green 2, Buckley, Dunn, C. Johnson, Newton
BEST: Western Bulldogs: Boyd, Gilbee, Cross, Giansiracusa, Hill, Harbrow
Melbourne: Garland, Dunn, Bruce, Wheatley, Buckley, C.Johnson
INJURIES: Western Bulldogs: Nil
Melbourne: Nil
REPORTS: TBC
CHANGES: Welsh (Western Bulldogs) replaced in selected side by Wight
UMPIRES: Farmer, McLaren, Keating
CROWD: 27,446 at Telstra Dome


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Hawks end Sydney hoodoo

July 13th 2008 06:24
HAWTHORN has dealt a blow to Sydney's hopes of a top-four finish with a 31-point win at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Hawks' 15.16 (106) to 10.15 (75) win was their first over the Swans in seven matches.

Sydney has now lost its past two and leads fifth placed Collingwood by just two premiership points with seven rounds remaining.

Lance Franklin was damaging up forward for Hawthorn with 21 possessions, eight marks and 4.7. He recevied good support from Mark Williams and Jarryd Roughead, who booted four and three goals respectively.

For Sydney, dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes was influential with 27 disposals eight marks and a classy goal while skipper Brett Kirk tried hard all day, finishing the match with a game-high 29 possessions.

The Hawks had the first goal of the match when Williams kicked truly after a Kieran Jack turnover in defence.

When Jack and Jarrad McVeigh gave away successive 50m penalties to gift Simon Taylor an easy goal shortly after it looked as if the Hawks were in for an easy afternoon.

But the Swans responded through Goodes who kicked a miracolous goal from an acute angle at the 19-minute mark before Michael O'Loughlin kicked truly after a free-kick

A late goal from Franklin gave the Hawks a six-point lead at quarter-time.

Hawthorn broke the game open in a dominant second term, slamming on six goals to two to take a commanding 33-point lead into the main break.

Sydney fought its way back into the contest in the third term, booting four goals to one to cut the deficit to 16 points heading into the final change.

Roughead got the crucial first goal of the final term and from thereonin the Hawks were never challenged with Franklin, Roughead, Cyril Rioli and Williams adding further majors to secure Hawthorn's first win over Sydney since round 19, 2003.

HAWTHORN: 3.4, 9.9, 10.13, 15.16 (106)
SYDNEY: 2.4, 4.6, 8.9, 10.15 (75)
GOALS: Hawthorn: Williams 4, Franklin 4, Roughead 3, Young, Taylor, Hodge, Rioli
Sydney: O'Keefe 2, Buchanan 2, O'Loughlin 2, McVeigh, Playfair, Goodes, Smith
BEST: Hawthorn: Franklin, Williams, Birchall, Croad, Osborne, Brown, Hodge, Mitchell
Sydney: Kirk, Goodes, Barry, Bolton, McVeigh, Ablett
INJURIES: Hawthorn: Nil
Sydney: Nil
UMPIRES: Rosebury, McInerney, Sully
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Hawthorn: Bateman (quad) replaced in selected side by Tuck.
Sydney: Malceski (calf) replaced in selected side by Smith
CROWD: 49,529 at the MCG



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


Ling could miss four weeks

July 13th 2008 04:48
GEELONG midfielder Cameron Ling could be sidelined for a month after yesterday's crude hit from Fremantle veteran Dean Solomon during the Cats' 74-point win at Skilled Stadium.

Ling had surgery today for a depressed fracture of the cheekbone and the club reported he will be out of action for 3-4 weeks.



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Injuries threaten to derail Lions

July 13th 2008 02:28
BRISBANE's loss to Essendon at Telstra Dome on Saturday night has been made worse with key duo Jonathan Brown and Simon Black picking up niggling injuries.

Lions coach Leigh Matthews the pair as 'hobbly' during the second half of the match against the Bombers, but was unsure of the full extent of Brown's injury and whether or not it will sideline him at all.

"He (Brown) got a knock on his back," Matthews said.

"He got crunched in a big pack in the second quarter. We are not sure what he has done but he was struggling."

"We will wait and find out (what the full extent of the injury is), but he certainly was very sore."

Meanwhile, promising young ruckman Matthew Leuenberger remains in serious doubt for next weekend's clash against West Coast at the Gabba after damaging cartilage in his knee.

Brisbane has now lost their past two to slump to seventh place on the AFL ladder, effectively ruling them out of a top-four finish. They are also in danger of missing the finals completely, with North Melbourne, Carlton and Essendon all chasing a place in the top eight.

But Matthews said his side needed to stop thinking about where they will finish on the ladder and focus on winning some games.

"It's not out of range (a top-four finish), but it's not realistic," Matthews said

"We've lost a couple of games to teams that probably aren't going to play in the final eight, so I don't know why everyone should be too focused on the top four."

"You've got to try to win some games and if you win enough games you'll play top four."

"But it's not really the issue. The issue is to get a bit more out of more of our players next week."


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Burton's season over

July 13th 2008 00:48
ADELAIDE forward Brett Burton will miss the remainder of the season after the club confirmed he tore his left anterior cruciate ligament during Saturday's 32-point loss to Collingwood at the MCG.

Burton, who will see a surgeon on Monday, had his left knee buckle underneath him when he tried to change direction while contesting with Collingwood defender Harry O'Brien early in the third quarter.

Fellow forward Jason Porplyzia dislocated his shoulder during the first term, but Adelaide coach Neil Craig said it was still too early to tell how long he would spend on the sidelines.

"He's had some difficulties with [the shoulder] earlier in the year and it looks like this is the worst it's been, so we'll wait and see and keep our fingers crossed," Craig said.


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Harvey 'unlikely' to play on next year

July 13th 2008 00:14
ST KILDA veteran Robert Harvey has admitted he is likely to retire at the end of this season.

The dual Brownlow medallist last night told Channel Ten's Before the Game that his decorated career was close to coming to an end.

"It's running out of time for me and like I've . . yeah, dare to say this will be my last year," he said.

When asked if the door was open for one more year, Harvey said: "Nah, I wouldn't say it's open. I mean, look, at this stage (it's) very unlikely that I would play on next year."

Harvey said that if St Kilda won a premiership three years ago he would not still be playing.
"No, no, I wouldn't, and conversely, if we were struggling and out of the eight, I wouldn't be playing either, so … it's one of those things.

"If the side is going well, it allows you to keep playing and, you know, strive for that premiership."


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Solomon apologises to Ling

July 13th 2008 00:04
FREMANTLE veteran Dean Solomon last night issued a TV apology to Cameron Ling, who sustained a compressed fracture of the cheekbone after an errant elbow.

Ling copped an elbow to the jaw from Solomon during the first quarter of the Geelong's 74-point win at Skilled Stadium on Saturday afternoon. He was taken to hospital for CT scans on his bruised and swollen face, which later revealed a fractured cheekbone.

A statement from Geelong on Saturday night said he would undergo surgery 'as soon as possible'.

A remorseful Solomon, who was reported for striking Ling apologised for the incident.

"It is probably one of the lowest points in my career," Solomon said from the changerooms.

"It was totally unacceptable and I apologise wholeheartedly to Cameron and the Geelong Football Club. I don't want this to benefit me in any way, I deserve my penalty whatever that will be, but I just want to apologise to Cameron."

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said he hadn't seen the incident but from what he had been told, he regarded it as unacceptable.

"If players want to put themselves in those situations then they'll pay the penalty via the tribunal. It's not something that we want to stand for," Harvey said.

Geelong coach Mark Thompson said he was proud of how his side responded to Fremantle's physical tactics. .

"Our focus had to be on trying to get through the game and get a victory, which we did," Thompson said.

"I don't think we could avoid just not giving a little bit back. It was an extremely difficult position to be in. By the end of the game you looked back and say our boys were really professional. We play football and that's what we intended to do.

"We weren't over-zealous because we don't play that way.

"We try not to talk to the umpires, we try not to talk to the opposition, we don't unsettle players from the other side. We just play footy, so whatever happened today wasn't about Geelong."




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Forget finals footy: Knights

July 12th 2008 23:51
ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights refuses to get too excited about his side's finals chances following the Bombers' 37-point win over Brsibane at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

The victory was Essendon's fourth win in a row and sees it just two games out of the top eight, and with a favourable draw to come the Bombers are an outside chance to play finals football.

The Bombers play their next three matches at the MCG, travel to Perth to face West Coast in round 19, before ending the season with three consecutive matches at the Dome.

But Knights said the Bombers would need 'a lot of things to fall into place' for his side to sneak into the finals.

"I am very cautious when you say you have got a decent draw because some teams can start stringing good form together," Knights said.

"If you look at us for instance, who would have thought a month ago we were going to string four wins together? No one would have."

"But we didn't think at the start of the year we were going to lose those consecutive games in a row either."

Knights admitted his team has come a long way in the past month but said things can change quickly if they suffer a few injuries.

"We are playing better footy, but we have still got 10 or 12 that were out unavailable tonight and we wouldn't want to lose one, two or three key players," Knights said.

"We are right on the edge in regards to depth as it is."


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Roos win thriller

July 12th 2008 13:12
NORTH MELBOURNE remains within striking distance of the top eight after a thrilling two-point win over Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night.

Port skipper Warren Tredrea missed a set shot from an acute angle in the dying stages to allow the Kangaroos to escape with a 10.16 (76) to 10.14 (74) win.

The Kangaroos now trail eighth-placed St Kilda by just two premiership points with seven rounds remaining.

North Melbourne skipper Adam Simpson led from the front with a team-high 29 disposals and one goal. He received good support from Sam Power and Brent Harvey, who racked up 28 possessions apiece while Daniel Pratt was also a busy contributor with 28 touches and one goal.

For Port, Kane Cornes worked hard all night and finished with a game-high 30 disposals while Brett Ebert chimed in with three majors.

The Power started promisingly in an even first term with their slick movement of the football paying dividends as they booted three of the first four goals of the match.

Port should have been further in front but Shaun Burgoyne missed two relatively easy set shots less than 35 metres from goal.

The wasted opportunities in front of goal proved to be costly with a late major to Nathan Thompson giving the Kangaroos a three-point advantage at quarter-time.

North started to get on top in the second term and goals to Scott McMahon and Pratt allowed the Kangaroos to skip out to a handy 17-point lead.

Port struggled to find an avenue to goal in the second quarter but a goal to Justin Westhoff at the 14-minute mark ensured they remained within touch, trailing by just nine points at the main break.

A holding the ball decision against Kangaroos youngster Lachlan Hansen allowed Shaun Burgoyne to kick the first goal of the second half at the eight-minute mark before Nathan Lonie's second major from outside 50m gave Port the lead at the 17-minute mark

The Kangaroos hit back through Daniel Wells but consecutive goals to Ebert ensured the Power remained in control, taking a 10-point lead into the final change.

North kicked the first two goals of the final stanza through Ben Ross and ruckman David Hale to regain the lead midway through the term.

When dangerous small forward Lindsay Thomas snapped truly the Kangaroos had what appeared to be a match-winning lead with five minutes remaining.

But Port refused to give in and hit back through Daniel Motlop, who kicked truly from a free-kick to reduce the deficit to three points.

Tredrea then had a chance to secure the four points for the Power in the final minute but his shot on goal sprayed wide.

PORT ADELAIDE: 4.3, 5.7, 9.11, 10.14 (74)
NORTH MELBOURNE: 4.6, 6.10, 7.13, 10.16 (76)
GOALS: PORT ADELAIDE: Ebert 3, Lonie 2, Bentley, Thomson, Westhoff, S.Burgoyne, Motlop
NORTH MELBOURNE: McMahon 2, Simpson, Petrie, Thompson, Pratt, Wells, Ross, Hale, Thomas
BEST: PORT ADELAIDE: K.Cornes, Pearce, Chaplin, Cassisi, Logan, Brogan, C.Cornes
NORTH MELBOURNE: Simpson, Harvey, Power, Pratt, Harris, Wells, Rawlings, Ross
INJURIES: PORT ADELAIDE: White(hamstring)
ADELAIDE: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: TBC
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Ryan, Nicholls
CROWD: 19,851 at the AAMI STADIUM


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Dons outgun Lions

July 12th 2008 12:33
ESSENDON has kept its slim finals hopes alive with a 37-point win over Brisbane in a high-scoring affair at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

The Bombers jumped out of the blocks and survived several challenges from the Lions, eventually prevailing 24.11 (155) to 18.10 (118).

Essendon has now won its past four and trails eighth-placed St Kilda by eight premiership points while Brisbane has lost its past two to slump to seventh place on the AFL ladder with an 8-7 win-loss record.

Brent Stanton was damaging in the middle for the Bombers with 32 possessions and three goals. Scott Lucas and skipper Matthew Lloyd combined for nine goals while livewire Leroy Jetta chimed in with three valuable majors.

Andrew Welsh also worked hard all night and finished with a team-high 33 disposals and had the better of his duel with Brisbane Lions star Simon Black, who finished the match with just 20 possessions.

For Brisbane, Daniel Bradshaw and Jonathan Brown booted four and five goals respectively, while Jared Brennan was influential with 22 disposals, eight marks and four majors, three of which came in the final term.

The Bombers were rewarded for their attack on the football and slick ball movement in the opening stanza as they slammed on eight goals to four to take a handy 27-point lead into the first change.

Essendon's 8.3 quarter-time score was their best ever first-quarter score against Brisbane.

The Lions slowly started to work their way back into the contest in the second term, with both sides booting four goals for the quarter as the Bombers took a 26-point advantage into the main break.

Brisbane came out firing after half-time, piling on the first five goals of the third term to gain the lead for the first time in the match.

The Lions seemingly had all the momentum but the Bombers hit back with five majors of their own to remain in control, taking a 29-point lead into the final change.

Brisbane closed the gap on several occasions in the final term but the Bombers had all the answers as they cruised to their sixth win of the season.

ESSENDON: 8.3, 12.6, 17.9, 24.11 (155)
BRISBANE LIONS: 4.0, 8.4, 14.8, 18.10 (118)
GOALS: ESSENDON: Lucas 5, Lloyd 4, Jetta 3, Stanton 3, Lonergan 2, McVeigh 2, Watson, Nash, Monfries, Neagle, Laycock
BRISBANE LIONS: Brown 5, Bradshaw 4, Brennan 4, Black 2, Johnstone, Collier, Rischitelli
BEST: ESSENDON: McVeigh, Welsh, Stanton, Lucas, Hille, Nash
BRISBANE LIONS: Johnstone, Brown, Rischitelli, Brennan, Adcock, Bradshaw
INJURIES: ESSENDON: TBC
BRISBANE LIONS: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Stevic, Stewart, Chamberlain
CROWD: 40,053 at the Telstra Dome


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Cats crush disappointing Dockers

July 12th 2008 07:46
GEELONG has consolidated its place at the top of the AFL ladder with an emphatic 74-point win over Fremantle at Skilled Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Cats were challenged in the opening stanza but dominated from thereonin, slamming on 14 goals to four to cruise to a convincing 18.10 (118) to 6.8 (44) win.

Corey Enright was prolific in the middle with a game-high 37 possessions and two goals. He received good support from impressive youngster Joel Selwood (35 disposals), Joel Corey (35 possessions) and James Bartel (32 disposals).

Tom Longergan benefited from Geelong's dominance in the midfield with four goals while ruckman Brad Ottens chimed in with three majors.

The win was soured somewhat for the Cats with star midfielder Gary Ablett Jnr and tagger Cameron Ling suffering injuries in the first half. Both failed to take any further part in the match.

Ablett hobbled from the ground just before half time after standing on the foot of Ryan Crowley and rolling his right ankle, while Ling copped an elbow to the jaw from Fremantle veteran Dean Solomon that is sure to sideline the former Essendon premiership player for several weeks.

It was initially feared that Ling had suffered a broken cheekbone but that was later assessed as bruising and swelling.

Both sides struggled to find an avenue to goal in a scrappy opening term but two late majors to Lonergan and a goal from Enright after the siren gave Geelong a handy 13-point lead at quarter-time.

The Cats extended their advantage in the second term, kicking three unanswered goals to take a commanding 33-point lead into the main break.

Even without Ablett and Ling the Cats continued to dominate as they slammed on the first four goals of the third term to put the result beyond doubt.

Geelong didn't take their foot off the pedal in the final stanza, piling on five goals to one to record their 14th win of the season.

GEELONG: 4.2, 7.7, 13.10, 18.10 (118)
FREMANTLE: 2.1, 2.4, 5.7, 6.8 (44)

GOALS: Geelong: Lonergan 4, Ottens 3, Enright 2, Bartel 2, Chapman 2, Varcoe, Ablett, Mooney, Selwood, Stokes
Fremantle: Tarrant 3, Pavlich, Mayne, Peake
BEST: Geelong: Selwood, Corey, Enright, Bartel, Milburn
Fremantle: Michael Johnson, Palmer, Tarrant, McPharlin
INJURIES: Geelong: Ling (jaw), Ablett (ankle)
Fremantle: Nil
REPORTS: D Solomon (Fremantle) reported for striking C Ling in the first quarter
CHANGES: Kelly replaced in Geelong's selected side by Taylor; Head replaced in Fremantle's selected side by Peake
UMPIRES: Schmitt, Wenn, Armstrong
CROWD: 21,286 at Skilled Stadium





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Pies overrun Crows

July 12th 2008 07:25
COLLINGWOOD has dealt a blow to Adelaide's finals hopes with a 32-point win at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies trailed by as much as 28 points in the second term but lifted late and ran over the top of the Crows in the second half to record a 15.16 (106) to 11.8 (74) victory.

The Crows have now lost their past four and could slump to as low as seventh place on the AFL ladder if Brisbane defeat Essendon at Telstra Dome tonight.

The loss was made worse for Adelaide with forwards Jason Porpylzia and Brett Burton suffering shoulder and knee injuries respectively.

Poryplzia dislocated his shoulder at the 12-minute mark of the first term while Burton appeared to rupture his anterior cruciate ligament in the second half.

Burton's left knee buckled underneath him when he tried to change direction while contesting with Collingwood defender Harry O'Brien early in the third quarter.

Paul Medhurst starred for the Magpies with 19 possessions, ten marks and five goals while Rhyce Shaw generated plenty of run with a team-high 32 disposals and one goal.

Chris Knight's was Adelaide's best with a game-high 37 possessions and one goal. Scott Thompson (36 disposals) tried hard all day while Burton booted four first-half goals.

Despite losing Poryplzia the Crows stamped their authority on the contest in the opening term, booting the first three goals of the match.

Collingwood responded with the next two through Chris Bryan and Rhyce Shaw but an Ivan Maric major ensured the Crows took a nine-point advantage into the first change.

Burton was on fire in the second term, booting three goals as the Crows skipped out to a 28-point lead at the 13-minute mark.

But Collingwood hit back with five of the last six goals of the term to cut the deficit to just three points at half-time.

The Magpies continued their dominance after the main break, slamming on three unanswered goals to take a handy 16-point lead into the final change before steamrolling the Crows with four of the first five goals of the last quarter.

COLLINGWOOD: 2.5, 7.8, 10.11, 15.16 (106)
ADELAIDE: 4.2, 8.5, 8.7, 11.8 (74)
GOALS: Collingwood: Medhurst 5, Anthony 2, R.Shaw, Bryan, Johnson, Cloke, Thomas, Didak, Clark, Wwood
Adelaide: Burton 4, Douglas 2, Maric, van Berlo, Tippett, Stevens, Knights
BEST: Collingwood: R.Shaw, Medhurst, Clark, Cloke, Swan, Didak
Adelaide: Thompson, Edwards, Burton, Knights, Bock
INJURIES: Collingwood: Nil
Adelaide: Porplyzia (dislocated shoulder), Burton (knee/suspected ACL)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Meredith, S.Ryan, McInerney
CROWD: 55, 592 at the MCG



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Fev cost us, says Ratten

July 12th 2008 01:11
CARLTON spearhead Brendon Fevola was responsible for a swing of momentum against his side in its 32-point loss to St Kilda at the MCG on Friday night, according to coach Brett Ratten.

Fevola conceded a 50-metre penalty after responding to the taunts of defender Max Hudghton, who had just won a free kick, by shoving the Saint in the face.

The out-of-contract Blues forward spent eight minutes on the pine for his indiscretion, and the Saints captalised, scoring a goal from the ensuing passage of play then another two in four minutes to turn a four-point deficit into a 14-point lead early in the second term.

"That was probably the start of it wasn't it?" Ratten said.

"We were taking the ball up, had a bit of control in the first two or three minutes of the second quarter, then the free kick, the 50, the kick down, the mark, the goal and I think they scored another goal within two minutes."

"Within about three or four minutes of the play we were two goals down the other way."


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Destiny in our hands: Lyon

July 12th 2008 00:08
ST KILDA's destiny is now in its own hands after downing fellow top-eight contenders Carlton by 32 points at the MCG on Friday night, according to coach Ross Lyon.

The Saints have now won three in a row but Lyon admitted there was still plenty of work to do.

"This does put a four-point gap between them (Carlton), but it is only fleeting, really," Lyon said.

"All it means is we have won and we get an opportunity with seven games to go to control our own destiny. That is really what it means."

St Kilda now sits a game clear in eighth position and equal on points with Collingwood and Adelaide, who play each other at the MCG today, and the Brisbane Lions.

The Saints dominated for most of the night and led by 33 points heading into the final change but the Blues came out firing in the final term, slamming on the first four goals to close to within seven points with ten minutes left on the clock.

Lyon said he was pleased with how his side responded to Carlton's challenge in the final stanza.

"We knew they would come, we knew they would roll the dice and we let them off the chain a little bit," Lyon said.

"They are a good side, so they are going to come at some point and we had spent a lot of bikkies. The concern was it changed so quickly, it happened within 10 minutes. It went from 33 to seven and there was a lot to play.

"It was going to be a test of character for us and we came through the test, which was really important.

"Our last quarter last week was really good on a big ground, and it was a big ground tonight so we are getting more and more confidence in our running.

"We had a lot people go through midfield tonight and that is a good sign for us."

The Saints face the highly-rated Hawthorn next Saturday night at Telstra Dome in a game which Lyon said would give his side a good idea of how much they have improved.

"We have got a really formidable opposition in Hawthorn next week. They are a measuring stick, so we will see where we are at," Lyon said.

"The group really enjoyed being at the MCG tonight in front of a big crowd; it was really pleasing for the players and the club because it was going to be a test of character for us and we came through the test."


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Saints hold off Blues

July 11th 2008 13:04
ST KILDA has consolidated its place in the top eight with a 32-point win over Carlton at the MCG on Friday night.

The Saints led for most of the night but had to withstand a last-quarter fightback from the Blues, eventually prevailing 18.11 (119) to 12.15 (87).

Stephen Milne was lively for the Saints with five goals while skipper Nick Riewoldt was prominent across half-forward with 23 disposals, 12 marks and three majors.

Nick Dal Santo and vice-captain Lenny Hayes led a St Kilda that stifled Carlton's run while Justin Koschitzke lifted when the game was up for grabs, finishing the match with 14 possessions, nine marks and two goals.

For Carlton, skipper Chris Judd lifted in the final term and finished with 30 disposals while Bryce Gibbs and Heath Scotland tried hard all night, racking up 28 possessions apiece.

The Blues had the better of the first term but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wayward 2.8 to take just a four-point lead into the first change.

The Saints broke the game open in a dominant second term, slamming on seven goals to three to take a handy 22-point lead into the main break.

St Kilda kicked the first two goals of the second half through promising youngster David Armitage and Jason Blake to extend their advantage beyond five goals.

Majors from Steven Browne after a 50m penalty and Brad Fisher ensured the Blues remained within striking distance.

But the Saints had all the answers, booting three of the next four to take what appeared to be a match-winning 33-point lead into the final change.

Carlton lifted their intensity in the final stanza and had the first seven inside 50's of the term as they piled on four goals to close to within seven points with more than 10 minutes left on the clock.

Koschitzke steadied the ship for the Saints with a major from an acute angle before goals from Riewoldt, Armitage and Milne sealed St Kilda's eleventh straight win over the Blues.

CARLTON: 2.8, 5.9, 8.12, 12.15 (87)
ST KILDA: 2.4, 9.7, 14.9, 18.11 (119)
GOALS: Carlton: Betts 3, Fevola 3, Fisher 2, Browne, Cloke, Gibbs, Waite
St Kilda: Milne 5, Riewoldt 3, Armitage 2, Koschitzke 2, Blake, Gram, Harvey, Hayes, Jones, McQualter
BEST: Carlton: Judd, Gibbs, Scotland, Thornton, Betts
St Kilda: Riewoldt, Hayes, Koschitzke, Milne, Gram, Hudghton
INJURIES: Carlton: Nil
St Kilda: Nil
REPORTS: Waite (Carlton) by umpire Vozzo in the third quarter for striking Armitage
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Donlon, Vozzo, James
CROWD: 55,658 at the MCG



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Round fifteen teams

July 11th 2008 08:05
ROUND FIFTEEN

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

CARLTON v ST KILDA
Friday, 7:40pm AEST, MCG
CARLTON
B: Andrew Carrazzo, Michael Jamison, Bret Thornton
HB: Bryce Gibbs, Jarrad Waite, Steven Browne
C: Kade Simpson, Nick Stevens, Heath Scotland
HF: Marc Murphy, Brad Fisher, Simon Wiggins
F: Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Matthew Kreuzer
Foll: Cameron Cloke, Adam Bentick, Chris Judd
I/C: Joe Anderson, Jake Edwards, Shaun Grigg, Jordan Russell
EMG: Setanta O’hAilpin, Darren Pfeiffer, Andrew Walker
In: Judd
Out: O'hAilpin

ST KILDA
B: Sean Dempster, Max Hudghton, Jason Gram
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Gilbert, Sam Fisher
C: Andrew McQualter, Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes
HF: Robert Harvey, Nick Riewoldt, Robert Eddy
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: Charlie Gardiner, Aaron Fiora, Adam Schneider
In: Hayes
Out: Charlie Gardiner

COLLINGWOOD v ADELAIDE
Saturday, 2.10pm AEST, MCG
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, Travis Cloke, Chris Bryan
F: Alan Didak, Nathan Brown, Paul Medhurst
Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
I/C: Shane O’Bree, Tyson Goldsack, Leon Davis, John Anthony
EMG: Danny Stanley, Sharrod Wellingham, Alan Toovey
No change

ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Nathan Bassett
HB: Kris Massie, Nathan Bock, Brad Symes
C: Michael Doughty, Robert Shirley, Nathan van Berlo
HF: Chris Knights, Brett Burton, Tyson Edwards
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Richard Douglas
Foll: Ivan Maric, Simon Goodwin, Scott Thompson
I/C: Jonathon Griffin, Bernie Vince, Scott Stevens, Bryce Campbell
EMG: Nick Gill, Andrew Otten, Luke Jericho
In: Griffin, Campbell
Out: Brent Reilly (knee), Nick Gill

GEELONG v FREMANTLE
Saturday, 2.10pm AEST, Skilled Stadium
GEELONG
B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Darren Milburn, Max Rooke, Corey Enright
C: James Kelly, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, David Wojcinski
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Lonergan, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Brad Ottens, Joel Corey, Gary Ablett
I/C: Josh Hunt, Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Travis Varcoe
EMG: Brent Prismall, Harry Taylor, David Johnson
No change

FREMANTLE
B: Scott Thornton, Antoni Grover, Michael Johnson
HB: David Mundy, Luke McPharlin, Steven Dodd
C: Garrick Ibbotson, Ryan Crowley, Andrew Browne
HF: Jeff Farmer, Chris Tarrant, Chris Mayne
F: Mark Johnson, Matthew Pavlich, Robert Warnock
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Byron Schammer, Josh Carr
I/C: Josh Head, Dean Solomon, Rhys Palmer, Clayton Hinkley
EMG: Brett Peake, Brock O’Brien, Kepler Bradley
In: McPharlin, Johnson, Farmer, Browne
Out: Peter Bell (retired), Roger Hayden (hamstring), Ryley Dunn (hamstring), Brett Peake

ESSENDON v BRISBANE LIONS
Saturday, 7.10pm AEST, Telstra Dome
ESSENDON
B: Adam Ramanauskas, Dustin Fletcher, Nathan Lovett-Murray
HB: Henry Slattery, Patrick Ryder, Jay Nash
C: Kyle Reimers, Jobe Watson, Leroy Jetta
HF: Sam Lonergan, Scott Lucas, Andrew Lovett
F: Matthew Lloyd, Jay Neagle, Adam McPhee
Foll: David Hille, Mark McVeigh, Brent Stanton
I/C: Damien Peverill, Angus Monfries, Jason Laycock, Andrew Welsh
EMG: Jarrod Atkinson, Ricky Dyson, Heath Hocking
In: Slattery, Neagle
Out: Ricky Dyson, David Myers (foot)

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

PORT ADELAIDE v NORTH MELBOURNE
Saturday, 7.10pm ACST, AAMI Stadium
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Nick Lower
HB: Jacob Surjan, Troy Chaplin, Nathan Lonie
C: Domenic Cassisi, Adam Thomson, Kane Cornes
HF: David Rodan, Warren Tredrea, Brett Ebert
F: Justin Westhoff, Daniel Motlop, Chad Cornes
Foll: Dean Brogan, Shaun Burgoyne, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Greg Bentley, Fabian Deluca, Tom Logan, Damon White
EMG: Paul Stewart, Mitch Farmer, Adam Cockshell
In: Chad Cornes, Surjan
Out: Robbie Gray (ankle), Paul Stewart

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Josh Gibson, Michael Firrito, Gavin Urquhart
HB: Leigh Harding, Lachlan Hansen, Daniel Pratt
C: Brent Harvey, Adam Simpson, Daniel Harris
HF: Matt Campbell, David Hale, Daniel Wells
F: Lindsay Thomas, Nathan Thompson, Drew Petrie
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Brady Rawlings, Ben Ross
I/C: Sam Power, Blake Grima, Shannon Watt, Scott McMahon
EMG: Ed Lower, Corey Jones, Alan Obst
In: Ross, Grima, Goldstein, McMahon
Out: Shannon Grant, Corey Jones, Matt Riggio, Alan Obst
New: Todd Goldstein (Oakleigh)

HAWTHORN v SYDNEY SWANS
Sunday, 1.10pm AEST, MCG
HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Campbell Brown
HB: Grant Birchall, Trent Croad, Rick Ladson
C: Clinton Young, Sam Mitchell, Jarryd Morton
HF: Michael Osborne, Jarryd Roughead, Shane Crawford
F: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Mark Williams
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell
I/C: Chance Bateman, Xavier Ellis Josh Kennedy, Simon Taylor
EMG: Tim Boyle, Tim Clarke, Travis Tuck
In: Bateman, Sewell, Taylor
Out: Jordan Lewis (quad), Brent Renouf (suspended), Clarke

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

WESTERN BULLDOGS v MELBOURNE
Sunday, 2.10pm AEST, Telstra Dome
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dale Morris, BrianLake, Dylan Addison
HB: Ryan Hargrave, Andrejs Everitt, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Daniel Cross, Matthew Boyd, Farren Ray
HF: Brad Johnson, Mitch Hahn, Robert Murphy
F: Scott Welsh, Will Minson, Jason Akermanis
Foll: Ben Hudson, Daniel Giansiracusa, Adam Cooney
I/C: Nathan Eagleton, Jarrod Harbrow, Josh Hill, Stephen Tiller
EMG: Peter Street, Callan Ward, Cameron Wight
In: Harbrow,
Out: Griffen (family reasons)

MELBOURNE
B: Matthew Whelan, Colin Garland, Matthew Warnock
HB: Brad Green, Paul Wheatley, Cameron Bruce
C: Colin Sylvia, Cale Morton, Lynden Dunn
HF: Chris Johnson, Matthew Bate, Simon Buckley
F: Paul Johnson, Brad Miller, Austin Wonaeamirri
Foll: Markj Jamar, Clint Bartram, Nathan Jones
I/C: Daniel Bell, JStefan Martin, Michael Newton, Shane Valenti
EMG: Jeff White, Jace Bode, Nathan Carroll,
In: Bell, Morton, Newton
Out: Brock McLean (ankle), Jace Bode, Aaron Davey

WEST COAST v RICHMOND
Sunday, 2.40pm AWST, Subiaco Oval
WEST COAST
B: Mark Nicoski, Darren Glass, Ryan Davis
HB: Brett Jones, Beau Wilkes, Andrew Embley
C: Michael Braun, Daniel Kerr, Quinten Lynch
HF: David Wirrpanda, Ashley Hansen, Brad Ebert
F: Mark LeCras, Adam Hunter, Josh Kennedy
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Steven Armstrong
I/C: Tim Houlihan, Ben McKinley, Adam Selwood, Tyson Stenglein
EMG: Eric Mackenzie, Jamie McNamara, Will Schofield
In: Braun, B. Jones, Kennedy, Wirrpanda
Out: Jaymie Graham, Jamie McNamara, Will Schofield, Brent Staker

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



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Masten's season over

July 11th 2008 07:34
PROMISING West Coast midfielder Chris Masten has played his last game for the season and will undergo groin surgery on Monday.

West Coast doctor Rod Moore said the club believed it was in Masten's best interests to have the surgery now.

"After a mid-season surgical review it was decided that Chris needed a groin operation," Dr Moore said.

"It was a choice between a period of rest or surgery and it was decided it would be in Chris' best long-term interests to have the surgery now."


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Fraser to return through VFL

July 11th 2008 06:52
COLLINGWOOD ruckman Josh Fraser will play for the club's VFL side this weekend as the Magpies try to have him ready for the run home to the finals.

Collingwood assistant coach Blake Caracella said Fraser, who has missed the last two games with a knee injury sustained in the Hall of Fame Tribute match in May needed to regain match fitness.

“He's playing in the VFL, he's probably missed three or four weeks now, so he needs to go back and get some condition and fitness,'' he said.

Cameron Wood and Chris Bryan have performed well in the ruck for the Magpies, but Caracella said Fraser was still an integral part of the side.

“He played for Victoria (this year) and played quite well, that's probably the last game he's played fully fit.

“So we're looking forward to (him) getting back and playing well this week.''


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AFL still have options after Voss

July 11th 2008 03:52
THE AFL has several other candidates to consider after former Brisbane Lions star Michael Voss turned down an offer to coach the new Gold Coast team, according to chief executive Andrew Demetriou.

The three-time premiership captain has joined West Coast as an assistant coach for the next two years after rejecting an offer to coach the Gold Coast - a three-year deal which included only one year as an AFL club

Demetriou said there were several highly qualified people that were interested in the position.

"There are various options. There are people who are interested in doing a two-year development type role," he said.

"There are people who I can tell you are experienced coaches at the moment, whether they're assistants of senior coaches, who are very interested in that job."

"So I can promise you this much, there's no shortage of people who want that job. No shortage whatsoever."

Demetriou said the AFL couldn't offer Voss a long-term deal.

"We weren't prepared to offer a five-year deal to an untried coach," he said.

"It would have been irresponsible in this day and age to do that and that's what we said to Michael."

"And I think for his career development, doing two years at the Eagles is a good thing for him."


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Lappin aims for last crack at finals

July 11th 2008 01:29
BRISBANE LIONS midfielder Nigel Lappin has admitted he may only have a couple of months of football left.

The three-time premiership player has not played since the Lions' defeat of Port Adelaide in round four after struggling with Achilles tendonitis all year, with scans last week revealing a trapped nerve inside the calf muscle was further hindering his recovery.

Lappin admitted that he had contemplated retirement but said he still had a strong desire to play a part in Brisbane's run to the finals.

"I may only have a couple of months left in footy, so I just really want to try and enjoy it and get the most out of it given my situation."

Lappin could be a chance to resume playing next week and would be given up to three games to find match fitness in the reserves, which means he wouldn't play for the Lions until round 19.

"When it first happened I thought I was going to have a week off, and it's now been 10 games, 11 weeks that I've missed, and little bits of training have only stirred it up, so with each stir-up comes more frustration," Lappin said.

"It's the missing of large chunks of games that's really frustrating because you go back to square one — you've got to condition yourself to play again, you've got to get match fit, whereas if you're missing two or three weeks it can often freshen you up."


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


I let the club down, says Grant

July 11th 2008 00:48
NORTH MELBOURNE veteran Shannon Grant has admitted he let his club and coach down with poor off-field behaviour.

Grant will miss Saturday night's clash against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium after being handed a one-match ban by the club for poor behaviour at a recent club golf day.

"It's a bit embarrassing more than anything, I let the club down, my teammates down and the coach as well, especially considering the way he came out and backed me in a couple of weeks ago," Grant told the Nine Network.

Kangaroos president James Brayshaw said he was glad the 31-year-old had shown remorse for his actions.

"It's not a good situation, I think Shannon's handled it really well," Brayshaw said.

"I think the situation is he knows why he's been suspended, he's disappointed with his actions.

"The most important thing is (coach Dean Laidley) very publicly defended him and he's let him down, he owed him an apology and I'm glad he made it."

Laidley responded to questioning about Grant's poor form last month by saying the 293-game veteran would never be dropped to the VFL while he was coach.

Grant has previously stated he is unsure as to whether or not he will play in in 2009.


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We're not chasing Brown: Swann

July 11th 2008 00:35
CARLTON has denied reports it is chasing out-of-contract Brisbane Lions star Jonathan Brown.

A media report from Melbourne said that negotiations between Carlton and Brendon Fevola's management had come to a stalemate, and that the Blues would instead turn their attention to Brown.

But Carlton chief executive Greg Swann said the Blues had no intentions of chasing the three-time premiership forward.

"Forget whether Brendan stays or goes, we're not chasing Jonathan Brown and that's that," Swann said.

"We haven't spoken to his manager, to the Lions or anyone else, nor do we intend to."

Fevola's new management and the Blues have been in discussions for the past month about a new deal and negotiations will continue within the week with Swann confident a new contract will be signed by Fevola.

"The deal will get done," Swann said confidently.


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Roos did not meet Fevola

July 11th 2008 00:27
SYDNEY coach Paul Roos has denied reports he met Brendon Fevola last Saturday in an attempt to convince the Carlton spearhead to join the Swans.

Fevola and his wife Alex were in Sydney on business and the Blues forward had planned to have breakfast with dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes on the day the Swans played Collingwood at ANZ Stadium but the arrangement fell through.

However, in his column for the Geelong Advertiser, former Geelong and Essendon ruckman John Barnes claimed Goodes picked up Fevola from a Sydney hotel and delivered him to Roos for a secret breakfast meeting.

Barnes also suggested the Fevola rumours contributed to Barry Hall's troubled state of mind, which resulted in him being stood down indefinitely by the Swans after taking a vicious swing at Collingwood defender Shane Wakelin.

Roos said the rumours linking Fevola to the Swans were frustrating.

"The speculation about Fevola and the Swans I can't control that, but when people write lies about you in the paper, that's when I get frustrated," said Roos.

"It was (my son) Dylan's 14th birthday, and I can assure you that I wasn't going to spend time with Brendan Fevola in lieu of spending time with my son and opening presents.

"It's just a complete lie and it's really disappointing that people just write those things with absolutely no information or background.

"We don't operate like that as a footy club."



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Voss joins the Eagles

July 10th 2008 07:39
WEST COAST has appointed three-time Brisbane Lions premiership captain Michael Voss as its new assistant coach for the next two years.

Voss, who will begin working with the club when pre-season training kicks off in November said he was looking forward to working at the Eagles.

"I have made a decision to pursue a coaching career and after two years out of AFL football I'm really excited about the prospect of joining the Eagles,” Voss said.

"They are a club I've always admired and (head coach) John Worsfold is a person of the highest integrity. I look forward to working under him and learning the workings of another AFL club from the inside.”

Voss rejected an offer from the AFL to be the foundation coach of the new Gold Coast club when it entered the league in 2011.

The 1996 Brownlow medallist said the length of the contract offered by the AFL - a three-year deal which included only one year as an AFL club - played a major role in him not accepting the position.

"If I was going to accept the Gold Coast job I wanted to know I was going to be able to have a really good crack at it," he said.

"I asked for an extended period but it wasn't to be. I understand and accept that.

"I want to thank the AFL and members of their GC17 bid team for their interest and wish the Gold Coast all the best. There's no doubt it is a fantastic initiative and I'm sure it will be successful."




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Round fifteen teams

July 10th 2008 07:14
ROUND FIFTEEN

Friday, July 11
Carlton v St Kilda at the MCG, 7.40pm AEST

Saturday, July 12
Collingwood v Adelaide at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
Geelong v Fremantle at Skilled Stadium, 2.10pm AEST
Essendon v Brisbane Lions at Telstra Dome, 7.10pm AEST
Port Adelaide v North Melbourne at AAMI Stadium, 7.10pm ACST

Sunday, July 13
Hawthorn v Sydney Swans at the MCG, 1.10pm AEST
Western Bulldogs v Melbourne at Telstra Dome, 2.10pm AEST
West Coast Eagles v Richmond at Subiaco Oval, 2.40pm AWST


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

In: Judd
Out: O'hAilpin


ST KILDA
B: Sean Dempster, Max Hudghton, Jason Gram
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Gilbert, Sam Fisher
C: Andrew McQualter, Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes
HF: Robert Harvey, Nick Riewoldt, Robert Eddy
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: Charlie Gardiner, Aaron Fiora, Adam Schneider

In: Hayes
Out: Charlie Gardiner


COLLINGWOOD v ADELAIDE
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, Travis Cloke, Chris Bryan
F: Alan Didak, Nathan Brown, Paul Medhurst
Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
I/C: Shane O’Bree, Tyson Goldsack, Leon Davis, John Anthony
EMG: Danny Stanley, Sharrod Wellingham, Alan Toovey

No change

ADELAIDE
B: Johncock, Rutten, Bassett
HB: Massie, Bock, Symes
C: van Berlo, Shirley, Doughty
HF: Knights, Burton, Edwards
F: Porplyzia, Tippett, Douglas
FOLL: Maric, Goodwin, Thompson
I/C: Campbell, Stevens, Griffin, Vince
EMG: Gill, Otten, Jericho
IN: Griffin, Campbell
OUT: Reilly (knee), Gill

GEELONG v FREMANTLE
GEELONG
B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Darren Milburn, Max Rooke, Corey Enright
C: James Kelly, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, David Wojcinski
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Lonergan, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Brad Ottens, Joel Corey, Gary Ablett
I/C: Josh Hunt, Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Travis Varcoe
EMG: Brent Prismall, Harry Taylor, David Johnson

No change


FREMANTLE
B: Scott Thornton, Antoni Grover, Michael Johnson
HB: David Mundy, Luke McPharlin, Steven Dodd
C: Garrick Ibbotson, Ryan Crowley, Andrew Browne
HF: Jeff Farmer, Chris Tarrant, Chris Mayne
F: Mark Johnson, Matthew Pavlich, Robert Warnock
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Byron Schammer, Josh Carr
I/C: Josh Head, Dean Solomon, Rhys Palmer, Clayton Hinkley
EMG: Brett Peake, Brock O’Brien, Kepler Bradley


In: McPharlin, Johnson, Farmer, Browne
Out: Peter Bell (retired), Roger Hayden (hamstring), Ryley Dunn (hamstring), Brett Peake


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

In: Slattery, Neagle
Out: Ricky Dyson, David Myers (foot)

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

In: Johnstone, Stiller, Leuenberger
Out: James Polkinghorne, Justin Sherman, Joel Macdonald (ankle)


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

In: Chad Cornes, Surjan
Out: Robbie Gray (ankle), Paul Stewart

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

In: Ross, Grima, Goldstein, McMahon
Out: Shannon Grant, Corey Jones, Matt Riggio, Alan Obst

New: Todd Goldstein (Oakleigh)


HAWTHORN v SYDNEY SWANS
HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Campbell Brown
HB: Grant Birchall, Trent Croad, Rick Ladson
C: Clinton Young, Sam Mitchell, Jarryd Morton
HF: Michael Osborne, Jarryd Roughead, Shane Crawford
F: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Mark Williams
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell
I/C (from): Chance Bateman, Tim Clarke, Xavier Ellis Josh Kennedy, Thomas Murphy, Simon Taylor, Travis Tuck

In: Bateman, Kennedy, Sewell, Taylor, Tuck
Out: Jordan Lewis (quad), Brent Renouf (suspended)

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

In: Goodes, Grundy, Schmidt, Smith
Out: Barry Hall (suspended)


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

In: Harbrow, Street, Wight, Ward
Out: Griffen (family reasons)

MELBOURNE
B: Matthew Whelan, Colin Garland, Matthew Warnock
HB: Brad Green, Paul Wheatley, Cameron Bruce
C: Colin Sylvia, Cale Morton, Lynden Dunn
HF: Chris Johnson, Matthew Bate, Simon Buckley
F: Paul Johnson, Brad Miller, Austin Wonaeamirri
Foll: Markj Jamar, Clint Bartram, Nathan Jones
I/C (from): Daniel Bell, Jace Bode, Nathan Carroll, Stefan Martin, Michael Newton, Shane Valenti, Jeff White

In: Bell, Carroll, Morton, Newton, White
Out: Brock McLean (ankle), Aaron Davey


WEST COAST v RICHMOND
WEST COAST
B: Nicoski, Glass, Davis
HB: Embley, Wilkes, B.Jones
C: Braun, Kerr, Lynch
HF: Wirrpanda, Hansen, Ebert
F: LeCras, Hunter, Kennedy
FOLL: Cox, Priddis, Armstrong
I/C from: Houlihan, Mackenzie, McKinley, McNamara, Schofield, Selwood, Stenglein
IN: Braun, B.Jones, Kennedy, Mackenzie, Wirrpanda
OUT: Graham, Staker

RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Jay Schulz
HB: Matt White, Luke McGuane, Jordan McMahon
C: Joel Bowden, Shane Tuck, Mitch Morton
HF: Brett Deledio, Jack Riewoldt, Richard Tambling
F: Nathan Brown, Cleve Hughes, Trent Cotchin
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Kane Johnson, Nathan Foley
I/C (from): Shane Edwards, Jake King, Daniel Connors, Andrew Collins, Dean Polo, Adam Pattison, Greg Tivendale

In: Edwards, Connors, Collins, McGuane, Schulz, Tivendale
Out: Matthew Richardson (hamstring), Graham Polak (head injury), Chris Hyde

New: Andrew Collins (Sandhurt)





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Tigers to face Eagles without Richo

July 10th 2008 04:40
RICHMOND will be without veteran Matthew Richardson and key defender Will Thursfield for Sunday's clash against West Coast at Subiaco Oval.

Tigers' assistant coach Brian Royal said the key pair, who are both battling hamstring injuries failed to train at Richmond's final training session at Punt Road on Thursday.

"Matty couldn't get up to train today so we won't be selecting him in the 22," Royal said.

"He has been in fantastic form this year Matty but it allows another younger player to come into the side and we will still structure our side fairly similar."

Royal said Richardson had been battling knee and hamstring problems for weeks.

"I think it's a combination," he said.

"Certainly the knee has caused him trouble since the All Star game (in May) and obviously the hamstring has been put under a bit of stress because of that."

The absence of Richardson, who is currently in career-best form means more responsibility will be heaped on promising youngsters Mitch Morton, Jack Riewoldt and Cleve Hughes.

That trio has kicked 19 goals between them in the past two matches and Royal said they were more than capable of stepping up in the absence of Richardson.

"They have already started carrying some of the load up forward and Matty has played the majority of the past six to eight weeks through the middle of the ground anyway," Royal said.

Royal said Thursfield, who has not played since round 11 because of a nagging hamstring injury should return for next week's clash against Essendon at the MCG.

"Will is still probably a week away recovering from a hamstring injury," Royal said.

"I guess with the younger guys you want to be 100 percent sure and we always err on the side of caution and give them another week and that is what we are doing with Will because with eight weeks to go he can't afford to have a recurrence of the injury."

In some good news for the Tigers, Hughes and hard-running defender Jordan McMahon - the two players that witnessed the shocking tram accident sustained by key defender Graham Polak - have been given the all-clear to play in what is the club's first match since the accident.

But despite the loss of Polak, Richardson and Thursfield - Royal said the Tigers are confident that they can come away with the four premiership points.

"We are going to take a very young side over this week and it's exciting to have a young, quick, exuberant side on the Subiaco ground and our recent record on the road is good having won against Freo earlier this year and Port Adelaide at AAMI (Stadium)."



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Key players set to return for Dogs

July 10th 2008 03:50
THE Western Bulldogs are set to be bolstered by the return of several players in the coming weeks as they try to secure their first top-four finish since 1999.

Promsing youngster Shaun Higgins, who has not played since March, will return for Williamstown in the VFL this week.

Higgins underwent an ankle reconstruction after he dislocated and fractured his ankle, tore several ligaments and damaged bone and cartilage in the Bulldogs' round two win over Melbourne.

Despite an extended period on the sidelines, Eade said Higgins was still in the Bulldogs best 22

“When he’s at his best (he is). He’s had a fairly serious operation. He’s worked hard, and his fitness is pretty good from an outsider's point of view," he said.

"But he’ll certainly need a few games, three or four I would have thought, to get himself back to any sort of match fitness. Then it will be just on form.”

Eade also said several more players will soon be available for selection.

“Over the next couple of weeks we’ll probably get four or five players back,” Eade said.

“Tim Callan will probably be right the week after, Scott West is probably only two or three weeks away…so having those players back will give us further depth… it’s a real positive for us.”

Eade said defender Tom Williams, who has been sidelined with a shoulder injury since round 13 is a chance to return for the blockbuster clash against Geelong.

“He’s a good chance next week – if not, certainly the week after,” Eade said.


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Delay on Coast priority draft picks

July 10th 2008 00:02
THE AFL will delay making on decision on how many draft picks the Gold Coast will receive in 2009 until it can assess the quality of this season's under-16s representative players.

The 16 clubs have told the AFL they want to see how good the performances in this season's under-16s carnival are before agreeing to the proposed draft concessions.

Gold Coast bid member Graeme Downie understood the clubs wanted to make sure this year's group wasn't stocked with future superstars but said the league had to consider giving the Coast even greater concessions if it turned out to be a weak group.

"If it is going to be a really good group, that will probably reduce the numbers they give us access to," he conceded.

"At the end of the day they have to come up with something the other clubs don't think is unreasonable.

"On the other side, if it looks like it is not a great group the AFL will have to balance it up and give us more in 2010."

The AFL has already ruled the Coast can pre-list up to 20 eligible Queenslanders this year.

The deadline for nominating for this year's draft is the end of July, which leaves the Coast little time to start pre-signing local players.

Downie said not having a coach made it difficult to convince teenagers to sit out the draft.

"Yes it may, but whoever coaches them for the next two years may not be the senior coach when the team runs on in 2011 anyway," he said.

"There are a few Queensland kids we need to be talking to immediately. They will need a little convincing.

"We will tell them that if they come with us they will be on AFL lists in 2011."


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Dees' 'debt demolition' begins

July 9th 2008 23:50
MELBOURNE will aim to wipe off more than half of their $5 million debt at a function to to be held next month.

The club's fightback campaign, dubbed "Debt Demolition", will be an MCG function on August 5 where influential supporters will be urged to dig deep at a "150 Foundation Heroes" dinner.

The dinner will cost $1000 a ticket and guests will be expected to at least contribute a further $5000 to become a "150 Foundation Hero".

Past and present Melbourne players will be involved, with organisers also promising a "virtual MCG experience".

Greg Romanes, head of the Demons fundraising arm, the Red and Blue Foundation, said in the call-to-arms letter that the function represented a golden opportunity for supporters to give something back to the club.

"You are no doubt aware that currently the MFC has an unworkable debt level that is close to $5,000,000," Romanes states in the letter.

"As Jim (Stynes) has said, Melbourne Football Club is in a precarious position. This is your chance to give back something to the club that has given us all so much enjoyment over the years and ensure it is here for generations to come - please take advantage of this opportunity.

"Details of how the group (150 Heroes) will be remembered for posterity will be revealed on the night and all funds raised will go directly to debt reduction."

Melbourne announced the "Debt Demolition" campaign today as July 10 is the exact date of the club's 150th birthday.




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Selwood puts Eagles on notice

July 9th 2008 23:31
WEST COAST midfielder Adam Selwood has demanded that he be released from his new contract and traded to a club of his choice if the Eagles are punished by the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute.

Selwood has taken the extraordinary step of having the get-out clause inserted in the three-year contract he signed recently.

The clause demanded the right to be traded to a club of his choice if the club or a teammate was found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute for a material breach of the code of conduct.

Selwood's manager, Alex McDonald, refused to comment on the contract or the get-out clause.


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Grant suspended by Roos

July 9th 2008 23:23
NORTH MELBOURNE veteran Shannon Grant will miss Saturday night's crucial clash against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium after being suspended by the club for unacceptable behaviour at a sponsors' golf day.

Grant was one of several players to attend the North Melbourne Golf Classic at the Sandhurst Club during the split round. But it is understood his behaviour during the event angered club officials.

North Melbourne released a statement saying the 31-year-old had broken team rules.

"The North Melbourne Football Club has suspended Shannon Grant for one match as a result of a breach of the club's player code of conduct," the club said.

"The club will make no further comment on the issue."


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Fletcher to face Lions

July 9th 2008 06:56
ESSENDON has received a massive boost ahead of Saturday night's crucial clash against Brsibane at Telstra Dome with veteran defender Dustin Fletcher declared a certain starter by coach Matthew Knights.

The Bombers had feared that Fletcher had broken his hand during the club's four-point win over Fremantle in round fourteen, but Knights said scans had cleared the 33-year-old of any damage.

"Dustin will play, there are no problems there," Knights said.

"We thought during the Fremantle game that Dustin did break his hand but that wasn't the case - we took x-rays and scans so he is clear."

"He has trained pretty well through last week and it's probably good to have him available with the two big boys up the other end for Brisbane with Bradshaw and Brown because they are great players."

Fletcher's availability is vital for the Bombers who are already missing several defenders.

Already without promising youngster David Myers due to foot problems, the Bombers have now lost Courtney Johns for the remainder of the season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, while veteran Mal Michael - who has not played since round eight - is out with a rib injury sustained while playing for Bendigo last week.

Despite the lack of key defenders, Knights said he was confident his defence will be able to contain with one of the AFL's most potent forward lines.

"One of the strong points over the last four to six weeks is we have had continuity in personnel," Knights said.

"For the first period of the season we were having five or six changes a week but what we have been able to do over the last five or six weeks is keep a pretty consistent line-up and our back six are getting used to playing together - which is great."

The Bombers will also regain midfielder Henry Slattery who suffered a cheekbone injury after backing into the path of Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola in round 13.

With three wins in a row the Bombers have moved to within two games of the top eight but Knights said he was still focused on developing his side.

"People were talking wooden spoons (for Essendon) three or four weeks ago," he said.

"The reality is we are two games and percentage out of the eight but I can't really focus on that because we have got to make sure we are developing our players."

"We are getting a better balance consistently over the last month but we are a long way from the action (and) that (beating a top eight side) would be great for the group."

"But in saying that we don't like discounting winning games whoever we play because it's a tough league and the form lines keep changing."




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Thompson penalised by Crows, court

July 9th 2008 06:24
ADELAIDE midfielder Scott Thompson has received a suspended sentence for injuring a friend in a car crash.

Thompson was ordered to serve a 12-month licence disqualification and sign a $50 good behaviour bond.

The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to one count of causing serious harm by dangerous driving, and one count of leaving an accident scene after causing serious harm.

Magistrate Paul Foley gave Thompson a suspended four-month prison term for the offences.

Adelaide also imposed its own penalties after consulting both the leadership group and behaviour committee.

The former Demon was fined $5,000 by the club and forced to undertake 50 hours of community service.




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We can beat Geelong, says Harvey

July 9th 2008 06:14
FREMANTLE can halt Geelong's winning run at Skilled Stadium on Saturday afternoon, according to coach Mark Harvey.

Aside from Collingwood's 86-point win over Geelong, the Dockers one-point loss to the ladder leaders in round six is the closest any team has come to the reigning premiers.

"They've done a fair bit of carnage on the road," said Harvey referring to the 135 and 68-point thrashings the Cats have dished out to West Coast and Adelaide respectively over the last two rounds.

"But we're here to ruin that."

"I don't (think this is mission impossible), how can you go into a game like that?" he added.

"Obviously Geelong's probably in better form than they were leading into that game (the one-point win)."

"Our side has changed a little bit since we last played them, but (if) we have got an enthusiastic young group who are willing to put enough pressure on them and has the intent about them, then we'll win the game."

Harvey said Fremantle's ruck duo of Aaron Sandilands and Robert Warnock, who combined for 59 hitouts in the four-point loss to Essendon at Subiaco Oval in round 14, would give the Cats something to worry about as well.

However, without the retired Peter Bell at the stoppages, Harvey said his young midfield will have to lift to ensure Geelong doesn't take advantage of Fremantle's dominance in the ruck.

"What it (Bell's absence) does do is make the group really have to lift in the direction and understanding of what's going on in that area (the clearances)," Harvey said.

"I'll (also) be putting more emphasis on the senior players looking after the younger players from here on in."


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Kerr in doubt

July 9th 2008 04:47
WEST COAST midfielder Daniel Kerr remains in doubt for Sunday's clash against Richmond at Subiaco Oval.

Kerr, who is battling a niggling knee injury, is still feeling the effects of a stingray attack suffered on June 28 during the side's recovery session at St Kilda Sea Baths following West Coast's 57-point loss to Hawthorn the night before.

The sting to his ankle not only left him in pain but it has also restricted him at training.

The 25-year-old has also been struck down with a virus this week, and coach John Worsfold said he was unsure if Kerr would be able to play this weekend.

"I'll talk to Daniel this afternoon. There seems to be a lot of doubt about him. He's had a few issues," Worsfold said.

"Obviously the stingray incident has held him back a fair bit and that may have been good for his knee.

"He had a virus the other day so I just want to see how he's feeling overall."



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Key Dockers set to return

July 9th 2008 03:49
FREMANTLE is set to be bolstered by the return of several key players for Saturday's clash against reigning premiers and ladder leaders Geelong at Skilled Stadium.

Defenders Luke McPharlin (bruised ribs) and Michael Johnson (ankle) are expected to return, while coach Mark Harvey declared small forward Jeff Farmer, who was stood down for the round 14 clash against Essendon for disciplinary reasons, a certain starter.

But hard-running defender Roger Hayden (hamstring) and Ryley Dunn (hamstring) won't make the trip to Melbourne.


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


Sheedy inducted into Hall of Fame

July 9th 2008 01:35
FOUR-TIME premiership coach Kevin Sheedy was inducted in Essendon's Hall of Fame on Tuesday night.

Sheedy, who coached Essendon to premierships in 1984, 1985, 1993 and 2000 during his 27-year reign, becomes the club's 17th legend.

An emotional Sheedy said it was an honour to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, especially considering he barracked for the Bombers as a youngster

"In the end you have to say your dreams were pretty much fulfilled to be able to coach the team you barracked for at a young age," Sheedy said.

"I tried my hardest and I had a lot of fun and, in the end, personally, I would love to thank the club for giving me the chance of my life."

Essendon chairman Ray Horsburgh presented Sheedy with the honour and said the former coach had made a massive contribution to the club.

"From Alex McCracken and Bill Cookson through to the likes of Jack Clarke and Dick Reynolds - they have all made an enormous contribution club but it is arguable that none have had a greater impact than Kevin Sheedy," Horsburgh said.

"He is indeed a legend of this club and it is with great pleasure that we induct him into the Hall of Fame."

Sheedy joined Essendon in 1981 and coached the club for 635 games.

"(Sheedy is) second only to (Collingwood's) Jock McHale in terms of games coached in AFL/VFL football," Horsburgh said.

"In 19 of his 27 seasons at the helm Essendon played in the finals.

"In many ways Kevin's contribution to this club off-field has been even more profound and he played an enormous role in nationalising the brand."

"He took this club to places others had not dreamed of and engaged with people on all levels. The support this club has today across this country is a tribute to his energy and foresight.

"On top of this we have the Anzac Day and Dreamtime at the G games - they would not be the games they are today without the creativity and energy of Kevin Sheedy."


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


Gale questions Hall sanction

July 9th 2008 00:42
AFL Players' Asssociation chief executive Brendon Gale has expressed concern about Sydney pyschologist Grant Brecht having sole authority to determine when spearhead Barry Hall can return to the AFL.

The Swans suspended Hall indefinitely on Monday saying he was not mentally fit to play in the AFL at the moment following his one-match suspension for attempting to strike Collingwood defender Shane Wakelin at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

Hall's latest indisrection comes in just his third match back following the completion of a seven-match suspension for striking West Coast utility Brent Staker in a behind-the-play incident in round four.

Gale said it wasn't clear what benchmarks Hall had to reach before he was allowed to return.

"It appears that he'll be re-selected at the arbitrary decision-making of a pyschologist," Gale said.

"By what standard? By what measurement? If he's fit, willing and able to play and available for selection, you'd think Barry Hall on his merits and on form would be selected.

"I'm concerned about the indefinite nature of it."

Gale is hopeful of a discussion with Hall soon while the AFLPA will also speak to the Swans.

He also said the AFLPA would not get an independent assessment of Hall's mental state.

"We'll back the club. They've got a vested interest to make sure Barry's right," Gale said.

"Our understanding is he's got some personal issues."



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


Gabba surface a threat to Black

July 9th 2008 00:26
BRISBANE LIONS star Simon Black has admitted that his career could be cut short because of his non-stop running on the rock hard Gabba wicket square.

The Lions co-captain is confident that with ongoing "maintenance" and physiotherapy, his lingering osteitis pubis problem would not stand in the way of him playing a major role in Brisbane's bid for a first finals appearance since 2004.

However, Black said a decade of running toil on the concrete like pitch square at the Gabba might end his brilliant career earlier than planned.

"It could possibly work out that way," Black said.

"I've been around that pitch for 10 years and it probably does knock your body around.

"I'm not sure if it's the only reason that I've had this groin problem but it may be a contributing factor."

The 29-year-old comes out of contract at the end of this season and is currently pushing for
a three-year deal - via manager Peter Blucher.

The 2002 Brownlow has attracted interest from Victorian club but wants to end his career
in Brisbane.

"I don't want to leave, but I'm in no real rush to finalise a deal. Before the end of the year would be good," he said.

Black's priority at this stage is to ensure the Lions consolidate their place in the top eight with a win against Essendon at Telstra Dome on Saturday night following their shock one-point loss to bottom-placed Melbourne in round 14.

"We haven't played finals for a few years so we need to keep improving and keep getting better," he said.

"That's why games like last week's against Melbourne are so disappointing because we went backwards in that regard.

"We just got shown up by them. They were a bit more desperate on the day.

"I don't know if it was complacency, but what I do know is that their attack on the footy and their attack on us was greater than what ours was."




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


Eagles players on notice

July 8th 2008 07:26
SEVERAL West Coast players will be playing for their future in the final eight weeks of the season, according to coach John Worsfold.

Worsfold said he had spoken to several out-of-form players about their performances in 2008 and suggested the club would make at least five changes to its senior list at the end of the season.

Veteran midfielder Chad Fletcher, who is contracted until 2009 could be under pressure to retain his place on the list, while the likes of Jaymie Graham, Mark Nicoski, Brent Staker, Matt Rosa, Ben McKinley and Mark Seaby could all be used as trade bait.

Worsfold said the club would be forced to make a number of changes to its list.

"You have to have three picks in the draft ... (and) we've got a couple of kids who are putting up their hands to be promoted off the rookie list," Worsfold told 6PR.

"Certainly Ryan Davis and Beau Wilkes have got good cases to say they would like to come off our rookie list and onto our senior list, so if we promote those two it means we have to have five players off the current senior list.

"Michael Braun is one ... there are four other players that we've got to have a look at there.

"They are either players that are out of contract currently or by trading for draft picks as well.

"Those things are on the cards to be looked at over the remaining eight weeks of the season but then also when our season finishes we get the chance to really sit down and consider where we are going moving forward."



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


Coughlan on the road back

July 8th 2008 07:15
INJURY prone Richmond midfielder Mark Coughlan will take a major step forward in his bid to return to AFL level when he plays successive matches for the first time since suffering the first of two major knee injuries in 2006.

Coughlan, who has not played at AFL level since injuring his knee against Hawthorn in Tasmania in round 12, 2006, has been battling on-going hamstring problems this season.

The 2003 best-and-fairest winner played one practice match for Richmond before again suffering hamstring soreness and then after finally returning again for Coburg in the VFL in mid May he played just one game before breaking down again.

But s a visit to respected German soft tissue specialist Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfarth - where he endured over 100 injections over a 12 day period - has paid dividends.

Coughlan, who played for Coburg's reserves last weekend did not pull up sore after his comeback game and will now play at senior level for Coburg this week..

Richmond coach Terry Wallace said he was pleased with Coughlan's progress.

"It's probably the first time I have seen him on the training track actually really seriously kicking through the footy since he did his knee down in Tasmania," he said.

"It's been that long since I have seen him look free and kicking the ball like he wants to kick the footy."

But Wallace said Coughlan would need to show that he can handle the rigours of competitive football for several weeks before being considered for a recall.

"It's a real positive but I want to see five or six weeks of it," he said.

"You just want to see him come sort of continuity of his footy but one thing about Mark is he really hunts the football so if he can get himself right he might come to hand pretty quickly because of the way he plays the game but we just need to get him through a few weeks first and hopefully he can stand up to that."




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


Swans had no choice over Hall: Roos

July 8th 2008 06:43
SYDNEY had no choice but to suspend spearhead Barry Hall indefinitely, according to coach Paul Roos.

The Swans suspended Hall indefinitely on Monday saying he was not mentally fit to play in the AFL at the moment following his one-match suspension for attempting to strike Collingwood defender Shane Wakelin at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

Hall's latest indisrection comes in just his third match back following the completion of a seven-match suspension for striking West Coast utility Brent Staker in a behind-the-play incident in round four.

Roos said the decision to stand down Hall was made in the interests of the club.

"In a way, it wasn't a hard decision. It was the only decision we could make as a football club," Roos said.

Club psychologist Grant Brecht will decide if and when Hall returns to football.


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


Key Hawks set to return

July 8th 2008 06:05
HAWTHORN is set to be bolstered by the return of several key players for Sunday's crucial clash against Sydney at the MCG.

Hard-running midfielder Chance Bateman (corked quad) and ruckman Simon Taylor (gashed knee) are both considered almost certain starters, while veteran Shane Crawford (knee tendonitis), Jordan Lewis (quadriceps) and Brad Sewell, who underwent an appendectomy last week while recovering from shoulder surgery, all trained at Waverley Park on Tuesday and will be assessed later in the week.

The Swans have had the wood over Hawthorn in recent times, winning the past six matches between the two sides but midfielder Tim Clarke said the Hawks would back their game plan to secure the four points.

"We're just going to go out there and play our style of football and just try and focus on what we have to do," he said.

"We've watched what other teams have done when they've played them and we've just got to go out with our own strategies and back ourselves in, play more confident football."

Sydney will welcome back dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes from suspension but will be without spearhead Barry Hall, who was stood down by the Swans indefinitely after receiving a one-match ban for attempting to strike Collingwood defender Shane Wakelin at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

Clarke, however, believes the absence of Hall would make little difference given the evenness of the Swans.

"The hard thing when you play Sydney is that they play so well as a team," Clarke said.

"Someone else is going to come in and take his position. We'll prepare now for Sydney without Barry."

"They have some other forwards that will still be there on Sunday and we have to plan for them. They're still going to play the same way, with or without Barry."

"They're just a super disciplined team. We have to match that discipline on Sunday and then also add our natural flair to the game and hopefully we'll go alright."



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


Gehrig faces race against time

July 8th 2008 05:35
FRASER Gehrig's chances of playing a role in the Saints' run to the finals are slim, according to football operations manager Matthew Drain.

Gehrig, who managed just nine goals in five appearances this season before standing down to rest his arthritic hands, will remain on the club's long-term injury list until the end of round 16.

Drain said on Tuesday it was unlikely that Gehrig would play again in 2008.

"It's possible but not probable," he said.

"It's really going to come down to how he's feeling on a number of fronts and also our needs for Fraser for the rest of the year."

Gehrig, who was redrafted by the Saints after retiring then changing his mind at the end of 2007, has a finger in a splint as a result of recent surgery to his wrist and hand.

Drain said the 32-year-old would need to come back through the VFL to have any chance of playing at AFL level again this season.

"There's a lot of other factors as to where his hands are at - it's not just a matter of feeling fit to play," he said.

"There's going to be a lot of conditioning factors around having not played for so long."

"We're not writing him off, but it’s not probable that he'll play at this point in time."


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


Walker in line for a recall

July 8th 2008 04:03
CARLTON utility Andrew Walker is a chance to return for Friday night's crucial clash against fellow top-eight aspirant St Kilda at the MCG.

Blues coach Brett Ratten said a decision on Walker would be made at a match committee meeting on Tuesday.

Ratten said Walker, who has not played in the seniors this season after injuring his shoulder in a practice match in March against the Western Bulldogs would return either this week or in the following round against Sydney.

Meanwhile, Ratten said skipper Chris Judd is over the concussion which saw him miss the win against Richmond prior to the break.

"He's probably trained the best he's trained this week at the club," Ratten said.

"The break's done him the world of good, I think mentally and physically."

The Blues have lost their past 10 against St Kilda and Ratten said Friday night's clash represented an opportunity for his side to turn things around.

"We speak about it. That's the challenge to the group, can we rectify that and change it?," he said.

In some good news for the Blues, eight of St Kilda's wins during their 10-game winning streak against Carlton have come at Telstra Dome.

"I think we've played them a lot at Telstra Dome and they play very well at Telstra Dome," Ratten said.

"The history says over the last five, six seasons they've had a fantastic record there."

"It's a good one for us to get them at the MCG. Different venue and I think we're in a different state, the way we play. They've had a great record against us and that's a challenge for our players. Can we swing that around?"





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


Hentschel comeback delayed

July 8th 2008 03:35
ADELAIDE forward Trent Hentschel has suffered a setback in his return to AFL football.

Hentschel, who has not played an AFL match since suffering a horrific knee injury in late 2006, was on course to push for selection for this weekend's match against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday afternoon following a stint in the SANFL.

However the 25-year-old reported hamstring tightness to Adelaide medical staff following his game for Woodville-West Torrens on the weekend and subsequent checks showed the strain.

Adelaide fitness manager Stephen Schwerdt said Hentschel would probably be sidelined for a week.

In some good news for the Crows, dual Brownlow medallist Andrew McLeod has recovered well from surgery on his right knee and is expected to resume running later this week.


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


Saints may regain trio for Blues clash

July 8th 2008 02:44
ST KILDA is set to be bolstered by the return of three key players for Friday night's crucial clash against Carlton at the MCG.

Vice-captain Lenny Hayes, ruckman Michael Gardiner and small forward Adam Schneider are all expected to be available after overcoming hamstring injuries.

St Kilda football operations general manager Matthew Drain said all three would be considered but wouldn't be guaranteed a place in the side given the Saints have won their past two matches.

"It really comes down to the selectors as to how they see it, which is going to be pretty tight given we've won the last two and it was a pretty good performance up on the Gold Coast (to beat North Melbourne)," he said.

Midfielder Xavier Clarke is also rated a 50-50 chance to return from a hamstring injury but tagger Steven Baker is likely to play again in the VFL as he attempts to regain match fitness after an extended period on the sidelines with a knee injury.




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


Garland wins nominarion

July 8th 2008 00:56
PROMISING Melbourne defender Colin Garland has been rewarded for his consistent season with the round 14 NAB Rising Star nomination.

The 20-year-old has shown versatility in the backline, playing on some of the league's most dangerous forwards including Lance Franklin, Alan Didak, Nick Riewoldt, Nathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw.

"I guess I've been pretty consistent with my form, but I think I did alright on Bradshaw, although I didn't think it was my best game for the year," he said.

"I just tried not to wrestle with Bradshaw because he's a pretty big bloke, so I just tried to stay behind him and be in the contest the whole time."

"I've been consistently getting better. I played alright on Franklin and on Riewoldt and I did well on Didak, and my Richmond game was pretty good," he said,

"I've had a few solid performances over time, I think.

Garland said his middle-of-the-road size of 191cm, 85kg allowed him to fulfil a number of roles in defence.

"I'm sort of in between heights. I'm not overly as big as some players like Riewoldt and Franklin, but I'm a little bit taller than the small guys.

"It's a good mix because I can reach the tall guys and still do alright on the ground because
I'm quick, so I can keep up with the small Aboriginal types or Didak or [Stephen] Milne or someone like that."

Garland, who played just two senior games last year after being drafted with pick No.46 in the 2006 NAB AFL Draft, said the extra responsibility this year had increased his confidence.

"Because I've been playing on some of the better players in the competition, you have to step up," he said.

"It's good that they've been giving me that type of opportunity because you can earn the respect of the group when you do well."

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey said Garland had been impressive so far this season and would only continue to improve.

"Colin has played a number of roles this season, playing on both talls and smalls in the backline, after initially beginning the year in the forward line," Bailey said.

“Col has shown great improvement over the year and has gained invaluable experience against some of the best forwards in the competition.

“He'll only continue to get better over the course of the year.”


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


Williams would consider Carr return

July 7th 2008 22:34
PORT ADELAIDE will consider recruiting former player Josh Carr if he become available in 2009, according to coach Mark Williams.

Carr, who left the Power after their grand final win over Brisbane in 2004, has yet to sign a new deal with Fremantle and Williams said he would 'entertain the thought' of luring the 28-year-old back to Alberton Oval..

"He was an exceptional player for us, a premiership player, a great leader for us and we'll seriously talk about Josh and if he's ringing me up wanting to come back I'll certainly see what we can do," Williams said.

"I like the way he plays, I like what he was at our club, if that's something from yesterday maybe it is and we'll consider that. But I can honestly say we've never talked about him as a collective group once so that's where it is."

Meanwhile, Port Adelaide star Chad Cornes, who has missed the last two matches with knee and shoulder injuries could be available for his side's clash against North Melbourne at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night.

Williams said there was 'no thought at the moment' of resting the 28-year-old despite the fact that the Power is now out of the finals race.

"Chad is certainly in need of some sort of operation, but exactly what time it (occurs, I'm not sure)," Williams said.

"And also you have to probably look forward to how long it takes in his recuperation and work back from that time and make sure he's ready for pre-season."

"Both his shoulder and his knee need operations, both minor things but they'll both take four or five weeks."

"The reason is if it takes six or eight weeks to get over it and then you've got a few weeks between the season then your pre-season starts there's no real benefit for him, so it's really a little to do with making sure you give him enough time to be ready for pre-season."



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


Ablett trains with club

July 7th 2008 22:23
NATHAN Ablett has taken a major step towards reviving his AFL career, joining the supplementary list group for an indoor session at Skilled Stadium last night.

It was Ablett's first official workout of the season, and came within a week of a leisurely kick-to-kick session at the ground late last week.

The 22-year-old, who put his career on hold early this year, citing a lack of motivation, is tipped to return to football in the VFL within a fortnight.

Geelong football operations manager Neil Balme said last night it would be several weeks before Ablett would be able to play at VFL level.

"Yes, he turned up and he was happy to be there. He's keen to play in the VFL but he won't play till he's fit and that could be three to four weeks.

"We hope he gets back to playing and enjoys himself, and goes forward from there. We'll see if that rekindles his desire."

Balme also said there was: "No hope" of Ablett playing in the AFL this year.



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


Magpies down Swans

July 7th 2008 08:31
COLLINGWOOD has kept its hopes of a top-four finish alive with a 29-point win over Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

The Magpies' 11.13 (79) to 6.14 (50) victory sees them trail the fourth-placed Swans by just six premiership points with eight rounds remaining.

Collingwood's win came without injured duo Josh Fraser and Anthony Rocca while the Swans were missing dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes, who was serving a one-match suspension after 204 consecutive matches.

It was Sydney's first defeat in their past seven matches this season.

Dale Thomas inspired the Magpies with three goals in the first half, including two after spectacular marks while Travis Cloke also chimed in with three majors.

Dane Swan (30 possessions) and small forwards Alan Didak (28) and Paul Medhurst (21) were also instrumental in Collingwood's fifth straight win over Sydney.

Defender Shane Wakelin maintained his recent dominace over Barry Hall, restricting the Swans spearhead to just 10 possessions and one goal.

For Sydney, Brett Kirk (29) and Jude Bolton (21) worked hard all night to get their side back into the contest, but their efforts proved to be fruitless as their forwards failed to make the most of their opportunities.

Collingwood was dominant for the first 15 minutes but their poor disposal around the ground and inability to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal ensured the Swans remained in touch, trailing by just two points at the first change.

The Magpies broke the game open in the second term, slamming on four unanswered goals to take a handy 26-point lead into the main break,

The start of the third term was a scrappy affair as both sides struggled to find an avenue to goal.

Medhurst finally broke the goal-scoring drought at the 13-minute mark with a clever snap on the outside of his boot.

Sydney was struggling to have an impact on the scoreboard and only kicked its second goal when promising youngster Jarred Moore received a 50m penalty after Heath Shaw backchatted the umpire.

The Magpies hit back with the next two through Medhurst and Cloke to take what appeared to be a match-winning 41-point lead into the final change.

But the Swans refused to give in and replied with the first three goals of the final stanza through Hall, Michael O'Loughlin and Henry Playfair to close to within 21 points.

O'Loughlin had the chance to bring the Swans back to within 16 points just two minutes later, but he missed from 20m out on a tight angle.

His miss proved to be costly with Collingwood ruckman Cameron Wood kicking truly after winning a free kick in the goal square before Didak put the result beyond doubt with a brilliant running goal minutes before the final siren.

SYDNEY: 1.3, 1.5, 2.7, 6.14 (50)
COLLINGWOOD: 1.5, 5.7, 8.12, 11.13 (79)
GOALS: Sydney: Bird, Moore, Hall, O'Loughlin, Playfair, O'Keefe
Collingwood: Thomas 3, Cloke 3, Medhurst 2, Wood, Didak, Anthony
BEST: Sydney: Kirk, Jolly, Kennelly, J Bolton, Barry
Collingwood: Swan, Didak, Medhurst, Wakelin, Pendlebury
INJURIES: Sydney: Nil
Collingwood: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Wellingham replaced in Collingwood's selected side by Anthony
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Kennedy, Meredith
CROWD: 59,202 at ANZ Stadium


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


Cats crush Crows

July 4th 2008 13:22
GEELONG has reclaimed top spot on the AFL ladder with a convincing 68-point win over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Friday night.

The Cats outplayed the Crows all over the ground as they cruised to a comprehensive 18.16 (124) to 8.8 (56) win.

Adelaide has now lost its past three and sits in fifth place on the ladder, but a win to Collingwood over Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night would see them drop to sixth.

James Bartel starred for Geelong with a career-best 41 disposals and 13 marks. He received good support from Corey Enright, Joel Corey and Joel Selwood, who all racked up 30-plus possessions, while Tom Lonergan chimed in with four majors.

Underlining Geelong's dominance was the fact that 11 players had 20 or more disposals.

The Cats stamped their authority on the contest from the opening bounce, winning the contested ball and moving the football quickly through the middle as they piled on four unanswered goals to take a 29-point lead into quarter-time.

Geelong should have been further in front at the first change but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wasteful 4.6.

Adelaide was restricted to just one behind for the term - their lowest first quarter score for a decade.

The Crows lifted their intensity in the second term and got their first goal through Jason Porplyzia, who kicked truly from 50m.

But Geelong still remained in control and slammed on five of the next six goals to take a commanding 45-point lead into the main break.

Adelaide had 11 inside 50's to Geelong's one in the opening ten minutes of the third term, but they failed to capitalise on their opportunites.

They were made to pay with goals to Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes and Corey extending Geelong's lead to 50 points heading into the final change.

The Cats snuffed out any hope of an Adelaide revival in the final stanza, banging on the first three goals of the term in the space of four minutes.

Adelaide added some respectability to the scoreboard, kicking four of the last five goals but the damage had already been done.

ADELAIDE: 0.1, 2.5, 4.8, 8.8 (54)
GEELONG: 4.6, 9.8, 12.10, 18.16 (124)
GOALS: ADELAIDE: Douglas 2, Porplyzia, Burton, Massie, Edwards, Maric, Johncock
GEELONG: Lonergan 4, Stokes 3, Johnson 2, Corey 2, Blake, Ling, Mooney, Varcoe, Mooney, Chapman, Mackie
BEST: ADELAIDE: Goodwin, Bock, Edwards, Burton
GEELONG: Bartel, Selwood, Enright, Corey, Johnson, Mackie, Ling, Lonergan
INJURIES: ADELAIDE: Reilly (knee)
GEELONG: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Stevic, Chamberlain


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


Training mishap sets Hurn back

July 4th 2008 08:35
WEST COAST utility Shannon Hurn has suffered a setback in his return from a fibula fracture after receiving a kick to the site of the fracture at training today.

Hurn, who has been sidelined since round six will need to go back into the "moon boot" he wore initially and the club's medical staff will next week re-assess his training load.

The promising 20-year-old was due to resume in the WAFL with Peel Thunder next week, but today's incident will delay his return by at least a fortnight.



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


Sewell in doubt for Swans clash

July 4th 2008 07:39
HAWTHORN midfielder Brad Sewell is in doubt for the round 15 match against Sydney at the MCG after undergoing an appendectomy during the week.

Sewell has missed the past four matches with a shoulder injury but was expected to be back to face the Swans.

But he was admitted to hospital on Wednesday suffering stomach pains and had his appendix removed the same day.

The 24-year-old is recovering well and is expected to resume training next week, but he may struggle to prove his fitness for the crucial game against Sydney.


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


Top four at stake, says Burns

July 4th 2008 07:01
COLLINGWOOD needs to beat Sydney at ANZ Stadium if they are going to remain in the hunt for a top-four finish, according to skipper Scott Burns.

The seventh-placed Magpies (7-6) trail the fourth-placed Swans (9-1-3) by six premiership points, and Burns said that a loss on Saturday night would all but end their hopes of securing a double chance.

"Knowing that we’re probably challenging Sydney (for a top four spot), if Sydney knock us off it makes it pretty hard to catch up, but if we can get the points then that fourth spot may be open to three or four other teams," Burns said at Melbourne airport on Friday.

"This will give us a little bit of an idea, but we're pretty confident within ourselves we know where we're at."

Collingwood has won its past four matches against Sydney, but Burns said their past performances counted for little.

"It's nearly 12 months since we last played them and there's a few different players each since into the team and we're playing them up there at their home ground, so it’s pretty tough."

Sydney will be without suspended star Adam Goodes, who has averaged 29 disposals and nine marks in his past three matches against the Magpies, but Burns said it will still be very tough to beat an even Swans side.

"He's probably been their best player the last three or four times, but it's such an even team that if any side can lose their No.1 onballer and cover them very well then it’s Sydney," Burns said.

"We know it’s going to be very tough with him or without him."

Burns said the break had rejuvenated the playing group and that he was confident the Magpies weren't far away from producing their best form.

"We really want to have a good run in the next nine weeks," he said.

"Another four or five weeks will give us more of an indication where we really are at … whether we can challenge the top teams or not."

"We've probably let ourselves down in 10 minutes of football in quite a few games and I would think that in three to three and-a-half quarters of football against every team we've played against, we've accounted ourselves pretty well."




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Webster begins road back

July 4th 2008 06:05
FREMANTLE utility Luke Webster will play in the WAFL on Saturday in a bid to keep his AFL career alive.

Webster, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee for the third time on April 5 underwent the same radical knee surgery as Sydney's Nick Malceski.

The 26-year-old is in his final year of his contract with the Dockers and knew the surgery was his only option if he was to continue his AFL career.

“The main goal I set myself was to play some sort of footy this year and hopefully play some good footy, get some good form and hopefully the rest will look after itself,” Webster said.

“I have had that taste, 33 games now, and I really want to build on that and I think I have still got a lot to give Fremantle and the AFL.”

Webster, who will play for East Perth against East Fremantle said he was confident his reconstructed knee would hold up to the rigours of competitive football.

“I definitely feel ready to go. This time (the recovery) is a lot shorter obviously and I have not had the wastage in the leg (muscle) when you do it the other way,'' Webster said.

“Obviously there are always going to be those nerves in the back of your head ... but I feel just as confident coming back this weekend as I have with the last couple.”

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said last month Webster would be a chance to break back into the side if he found form in the WAFL.




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We can cover Fraser’s absence: Burns

July 4th 2008 05:52
COLLINGWOOD has the depth to cover the absence of number one ruckman Josh Fraser for Saturday night's clash against Sydney at ANZ Stadium, according to skipper Scott Burns.

Burns said Chris Bryan and Cameron Wood were more than capable of handling the workload in the ruck.

The Magpies veteran also said his side was more concerned about covering the loss of key forward Anthony Rocca, who suffered a season-ending achilles injury in the loss to the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome in round 13.

“Woody (Cameron Wood) and Chris Bryan were really good last week (against the Western Bulldogs) so I think that will cover Josh’s absence a fair bit,” Burns said.

“Anthony’s the one that’s probably a little bit (more) disappointing because he’s got a reasonable record against Sydney and we need him to straighten us up a fair bit.

“We’ll have to work around that one.”




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Swans deny Fevola talks

July 4th 2008 02:32
SYDNEY Swans coach Paul Roos has denied media reports that the club has made an offer to Carlton full-forward Brendon Fevola.

But Roos said the Swans would consider approaching the 27-year-old if he wanted to leave the Blues.

Speaking at a press conference at the SCG on Friday, Roos said a Nine Network report of a $3 million, four-year offer was "ridiculous".

"If he said he wanted to leave, I'm sure there'd be a number of clubs that would entertain having him," Roos said.

"But at this stage it's ridiculous to suggest that we've made an offer.

"We haven't made an offer, I haven't spoken to Brendan, (Swans football manager) Andrew Ireland hasn't spoken to Brendan.

"Our expectations are that he will sign with Carlton.

"Now if that was to change, then we'd sit down and talk as a football club as to whether we believe that Brendan would fit into the club.

"Until that happens, it's sort of almost pointless discussing whether he'll come, whether we want him to come.

"Why it comes up and where it comes from, we're a bit dumbfounded."

The Footy Show reported on Thursday night that the Swans had approached Fevola, but the 2006 All-Australian, who is still in contract talks with the Blues initially denied he had spoken with Sydney but then refused to discuss the matter.

"I'm not going to talk about my contract," he said.


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Thomas wins legal battle

July 4th 2008 01:59
FORMER St Kilda coach Grant Thomas has been awarded $190,000 after a legal dispute over his entitlements.

Thomas was sacked just days after the Saints lost an elimination final against Melbourne in 2006.

He claimed that a $100,000 hush payment promised following his sacking was never received and that he was asked to sign away $90,000 in annual leave entitlements whilst in an important team meeting before the final against the Demons.

Victorian County Court Judge Katherine Bourke ruled Thomas was entitled to both the annual leave and the $100,000 severance payment.



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Polak out of hospital

July 4th 2008 01:45
RICHMOND utility Graham Polak has been discharged from hospital just days since emerging from a coma after being hit by a tram in Melbourne last Saturday night.

Polak, who spent several days in an induced coma after suffering head injuries, was transferred to Epworth Rehabilitation Centre this morning.

A spokesman for the Richmond Football Club said there has been no "real change" in Polak's condition but the move was a positive step in his recovery.

"He is talking a bit more and recognising people a bit more," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the 24-year-old tired easily and visitor numbers were being "scaled back to give him his space".

"The whole playing group has not gone in there at once but a few at a time and members of the senior leadership group have been there a fair bit," he said.

It is not known how long Polak will spend at the Epworth Rehabilitation Centre


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Lucas, Fletcher re-sign

July 4th 2008 01:13
ESSENDON veterans Scott Lucas and Dustin Fletcher have signed new one-year deals which will see them remain at the club until at least the end of 2009.

Media reports suggested that Lucas wanted a long-term deal, but Essendon chief operating officer Travis Auld said both parties were happy with a one-year deal.

"It’s becoming common practice nowadays with AFL clubs that as players come to the latter part of their career they go on one-year deals and they might end up having two or three seasons of one-year deals and Scott understands that," Auld said.

"He had a good talk to the coach and we committed to Scott that midway through next year we will start talking to him (about his next contract)."

"We’re certainly not going to hang him out until late next year before we start discussions and he’s happy and we are happy and there is no reason why he can’t play for at least a couple more years."

Fletcher, who has played 289 games for Essendon recently said he was keen to play one more season before retiring, but Auld said the club did not want to rule out the chance of the defender playing on into 2010

"Dustin likes to think things through, but we can have a pretty open dialogue with him and we will speak to him mid-way through next year and we will have a chat and see how he is feeling,” Auld said.

"He’s been a stalwart of the club and we are not ruling out that he might play on even longer."


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Round fourteen teams

July 3rd 2008 07:39
ROUND FOURTEEN (split round, week two)

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


ADELAIDE v GEELONG
ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Nathan Bassett
HB: Nathan van Berlo, Nathan Bock, Michael Doughty
C: Chris Knights, Scott Thompson, Brent Reilly
HF: Brett Burton, Simon Goodwin, Bernie Vince
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Nick Gill
Foll: Ivan Maric, Tyson Edwards, Robert Shirley
I/C: Kris Massie, Brad Symes, Richard Douglas, Scott Stevens
EMG: Jonathon Griffin, David Mackay, Luke Jericho

In: Massie, Symes
Out: Andrew McLeod (knee), Luke Jericho

GEELONG
B: Harley, Scarlett, Mackie
HB: Milburn, Rooke, Enright
C: Kelly, Ling, Bartel
HF: Wojcisnki, Mooney, S.Johnson
F: Stokes, Lonergan, Chapman
FOLL: Blake, Corey, Ablett
I/C: Ottens, Varcoe, Selwood, Hunt
EMG: Gamble, Taylor, Prismall
IN: Scarlett, Stokes
OUT: Taylor, Prismall


SYDNEY v COLLINGWOOD
SYDNEY
B: Nick Malceski, Leo Barry, Martin Mattner
HB: Craig Bolton, Ted Richards, Tadhg Kennelly
C: Kieren Jack, 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, Peter Everitt, Jarred Moore, Henry Playfair
EMG: Heath Grundy, Ben Mathews, Tim Schmidt
In: Everitt
Out: Goodes (suspended)

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, Travis Cloke, Chris Bryan
F: Alan Didak, Nathan Brown, Paul Medhurst
Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
I/C: Shane O’Bree, Tyson Goldsack, Leon Davis, Sharrod Wellingham EMG: John Anthony, Danny Stanley, Alan Toovey
In: Cloke, Davis, Wakelin
Out: Anthony Rocca (ankle), Ben Reid (foot), Alan Toovey



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Pies play waiting game with Holland

July 3rd 2008 07:21
COLLINGWOOD remains unsure as to when midfielder Brodie Holland will return from an achilles injury.

Holland has managed to play just one game in 2008 following his recovery from the persistent heel complaint that ended his 2007 season in round 13.

The 28-year-old played in Collingwood's round five clash against North Melbourne but has managed only a handful of VFL matches since then.

The former Fremantle Docker has been listed as "one to two weeks" from resuming on the club's injury list, but sports science director David Buttifant admitted it could be more than that.

"We'd like to see him back in a few weeks, but it's one of those things where there's no guarantee," Buttifant said.

"If he's back in two weeks, fantastic, but I think it might be a bit longer than that."



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Demons on the up

July 3rd 2008 06:10
JIM Stynes' rise to the presidency has paid instant dividends for Melbourne with the club hitting an all-time membership reccord.

As of June 30, the club had signed a total of 29,619 members, surpassing the previous record of 28,077 members set in 2007.

The increase in membership has come in the three weeks following the arrival of Stynes and his new board. In the final three weeks before the 30 June cut-off an additional 2,295 members pledged their support to the club.

Stynes said the membership record was something to be proud of.

"We thank all of our 29,619 members, who have pledged their support to the Melbourne Football Club in our 150th anniversary year," he said.

"This caps off an exciting three-week period. It's a milestone achievement to break the record that everyone at the club can be proud of."

Stynes said the increase in members was an indication that the club's supporters were confident that coach Dean Bailey was steering the club in the right direction.

"This is also a clear indication that our members have belief and faith in our on-field future under the guidance of coach Dean Bailey."

Despite such a big increase in membership numbers, Stynes said the club won't rest on its laurels.

"There is no doubt that 29,619 members is a fantastic base to be working with, and we will aim for a bigger and better result in 2009."


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Thompson faces tough decision

July 3rd 2008 04:22
GEELONG coach Mark Thompson is in the uneviable position of having to drop two players from the side that demolished West Coast by 135 points in round 13.

The Cats will welcome back star full-back Matthew Scarlett from a hamstring injury and small forward Mathew Stokes - who was a late withdrawal against the Eagles - for Friday night's clash against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

Both players are certain starters against the Crows, which means that two players must be cut from the team that handed the Eagles their greatest loss at Subiaco Oval.

"Matthew Scarlett picks himself and so does Mathew Stokes so unfortunately we have to work out who goes out of the team," Thompson said.

"We are going to take 24 players over there and we will just work out the team when we get there."

Thompson said Scarlett's two-match absence proved to be a blessing in disguise.

"It was good for the team to play without him and know they can play good football without him," Thompson said.

"And when you miss a couple of games at his age (29), you certainly get your appetite back for football and he should have a good run in now (to the finals)."

"He only had a minor hamstring injury and we could have played him against West Coast but we didn't so he has three weeks off now so he should be fine."



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Bell urged to play on

July 3rd 2008 02:35
FREMANTLE president Rick Hart and coach Mark Harvey want former skipper Peter Bell to play on next season.

Bell was on the verge of retiring at the end of last season but was convinced to play in 2008 on the proviso he could commute from Geraldton to Perth each week.

The 32-year-old, who called an end to that arrangement in May, has missed just one match this season and is averaging almost 22 possessions a game.

Hart said the club would love to have Bell continue on into a 15th season.

“I think he's enjoying his footy very much at the moment and I would think if Peter Bell wants to go on that would be his decision,'' Hart told Perth radio.

“If he decides that he's got another year or whatever in footy then the Fremantle footy club would love to have him.''

Harvey said Bell's current form warranted a contract extension.

“The fact he's come back to Perth - he's really got a lot of freedom about him,'' Harvey told Channel Seven.

“Mentally it looks like he's refreshed.

“I spoke to another club we played a couple of weeks ago and they said how effective Peter Bell was and how they really saw him as a guy that they were really concerned with throughout the course of the game.''

Harvey also didn't rule out recruiting former West Coast captain Ben Cousins if the 2005 Brownlow medallist opted to nominate for this year's draft.

“I really hope Ben does come back and play the game he loves - whether we are a part of it or not remains to be seen,'' Harvey said.

“We will be guided by what happens in the next two or three months with his football.''

Meanwhile, Hart ruled out a major overhaul of the playing list despite the club's 2-12 win-loss record.

“I think we've really got something to build on. It's not as if we're in a devastating situation and got to completely rebuild,'' Hart said.

“We've got the nucleus still there and with the addition of some really good youth players, I think we'll still be around the place.''

Hart said a replacement for outgoing chief executive Cameron Schwab was unlikely to be named by the end of July.



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Judd set for Saints clash

July 3rd 2008 01:05
CARLTON skipper Chris Judd will lead the Blues into battle against St Kilda on Friday week, according to assistant coach Mark Riley.

Judd, who missed last Saturday's win over Richmond with concussion, joined his teammates in Thursday morning's training session at Princes Park.

Riley said the break had done the 2004 Brownlow medallist the world of good.

"We've got another week and a bit to go but he feels good this morning so obviously the three or four-day break has done him well," Riley said.

"He's fine, 100 percent."

Riley said midfielder Andrew Walker had been 'impressive' in his return to action for the Northern Bullants in the VFL last weekend following pre-season shoulder surgery.

But he said the club would not recall the 24-year-old before he was ready.

"The list is getting full again," Riley said.

"We've been selecting from 24-25 players mainly of late, ready to play AFL football and now we're growing that with (Jordan) Bannister back and Walker back so that augurs well for the last eight weeks of the season."



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Clubs ask for extra travelling funds

July 3rd 2008 00:56
SEVERAL Melbourne-based clubs have requested an increase in AFL funding for interstate trips.

The request was made at a meeting yesterday between AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson and all clubs.

Currently, each club travelling interstate is covered by the AFL for travel and accommodation costs for a party of 45, but the growth in coaching numbers means some of the richer clubs now send up to 55 staff.

North Melbourne chief executive Eugene Arocca said the current system made it harder for poorer clubs to compete with the likes of Collingwood, Essendon and Adelaide.

"The numbers should be increased," he said.

"I worked at one club that did not worry about this issue and could pay for extra people to go — Collingwood. North Melbourne is obviously not in that position."

AFL ground operations manager Jill Lindsay said the request would be considered by the
AFL's finance department as part of its planning for next season

"We have taken their request and it will be discussed at executive level as the budgets are cut for next year," she said.

"These days they all have additional medical staff. The AFL funds 45 but the clubs are wanting to take at least 50 or more. Accommodation is going up, airfares are going up."






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Watson re-signs

July 3rd 2008 00:29
ESSENDON midfielder Jobe Watson has signed a new two-year deal which will see him remain the the club until the end of the 2010 season.

Watson has played 64 games for the Bombers since he was taken as a father-son selection with pick 40 in 2002.

Essendon team manager David Calthorpe said the 23-year-old was highly rated within the club and would play a major role in the Bombers quest to win their next premiership.

"We believe he will play a big role in our next premiership tilt," Calthorpe said.

"This year he was added to our leadership group for the first time which shows how highly he is rated at the club.

"He has the respect of the playing group and many of our younger players really look up to him."



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Buckley rules out coaching in '09

July 3rd 2008 00:22
FORMER Collingwood captain Nathan Buckley has ruled out being an assistant coach at an AFL club next season.

Buckley was approached by West Coast to be a possible assistant coach next season as the Eagles try and recover from a horror season.

The 2003 Brownlow medallist said he would be honouring media contracts that extended to next year and that he would not make a decision on a future involvement with a club for another 12 months.

"I'll be better placed about this time next year to consider other options, and obviously whether I want to pursue a coaching career," Buckley said.

Buckley, who has long been perceived as the next senior coach of Collingwood following Mick Malthouse said he would work at another club in an assistant role first if he was to get into coaching in the future.

"As I've said all along, I've got a career plan and if I decide to coach, my starting point will be at a club other than Collingwood," Buckley said.

"I think you need to be at a different environment."


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Scarlett set to return

July 2nd 2008 07:21
GEELONG is set to be bolstered by the return of star full-back Matthew Scarlett for Friday night's clash against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

Scarlett said the hamstring he injured against the Kangaroos in round 11 now felt 100 per cent.

The 29-year-old said he could have played earlier but admitted that the break had done him good.

“My hammy is now fine. I probably could have played a couple of weeks back against West Coast had I really needed to, but now I’ve had an extra break it’s feeling great,” Scarlett said.

“I had my first full session back with the boys earlier this week after being out for what has seemed an eternity.”




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O'Loughlin backs Davis

July 2nd 2008 07:08
SYDNEY forward Nick Davis has a future with the Swans, according to teammate Michael O'Loughlin.

The Swans goalsneak has reportedly told his manager Lance Thompson that he is expecting to be off-loaded at the end of the season.

Davis, who is on a year-by-year contract, has only played three games for the Swans this season.

O'Loughlin said the rest of the players would love to have Davis back in the side but admitted their were a few things the 28-year-old needed to work on before earning a recall.

"There's no-one better to play alongside than Davo," O'Loughlin said.

"Once he gets going he is so exciting. He creates opportunities for other forwards as well as himself.

"I spoke to him and he seems fine. We'd love to have Davo in the side.

"But there are obviously things he needs to address and I think he's doing that. But obviously the team is playing well so it's hard to break back into the side as well."

"What his future holds, I'm not sure. If he does all of those things we ask of him, I'm not sure, but hopefully he'll stay around,"



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More milestones for Malthouse

July 2nd 2008 06:43
COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse will chalk up two more major milestones when the Magpies meet Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

Malthouse, who just two weeks ago became the third longest serving coach in AFL history will become only the fourth man behind Jock McHale (714 games between 1912-49), Phonse Kyne (272 games between 1950-63) and Leigh Matthews (224 games between 1986-95) to coach Collingwood in 200 matches.

He will also become only the third man to coach 200 games at two separate clubs following his 243 games in charge of West Coast between 1990-99.

The others are Jeans, who coached 332 games at St Kilda and 221 games at Hawthorn and Matthews, who coached 224 games at Collingwood and is now up to 229 matches in charge of his current club Brisbane.


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Fraser and Davis likely to play

July 2nd 2008 04:26
COLLINGWOOD ruckman Josh Fraser and small forward Leon Davis are chances to play against Sydney at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night, according to assistant coach Brad Scott.

Scott said Fraser and Davis were a chance to return from knee and ankle injuries respectively after performing strongly at training.

"They trained strongly, so we'll meet later this afternoon to discuss whether they're back in the side," Scott said at the Lexus Centre.

"It was encouraging the way they trained."

Scott also said full-back Simon Prestigiacomo is "very close" to senior selection, despite pulling up sore after his first VFL match two weeks ago.

Meanwhile, key forward Travis Cloke will play against the Swans after serving a one-match ban.



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Fremantle hopeful of Gilmore's return

July 2nd 2008 03:32
FREMANTLE expects utility Daniel Gilmore will make a full recovery from a head knock suffered at training more than a month ago.

The 25-year-old has experienced constant dizzy spells and lethargy since the knock and has not played a match since June 14 when he lined up for South Fremantle in the WAFL.

Gilmore, who is believed to have post-concussion syndrome, visited a specialist on Tuesday and will undergo more neurological tests to determine when he can play again.

"Daniel has made considerable progress and the club's medical team anticipates a full recovery," the club said in a statement.

"The club is hopeful that Daniel will make a return to full training and playing before the end of the season.

"Daniel will continue to do a light exercise program and be regularly assessed so as to determine when he can return to full training."


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Polak still tired and confused: Tigers

July 2nd 2008 01:47
RICHMOND utility Graham Polak has taken another positive step in his long recovery after being hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night.

Polak, who was taken out of intensive care at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital and moved to a general ward on Tuesday, is now eating and is continuing to recognise family members.

But it will still be some time before it is known whether the 24-year-old will make a full recovery after he was placed in an induced coma following the accident.

Richmond released a statement on Wednesday saying 'there has almost been no change to Graham's condition in the last 14-15 hours and doctors say this is not uncommon in these situations'.

"Graham is still very tired and confused and is expected to spend most of today sleeping," the statement said.


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Dees can cover for injured McLean

July 2nd 2008 01:35
MELBOURNE has the depth to cover the loss of rugged onballer Brock McLean, according to midfielder Nathan Jones.

McLean injured his ankle in the Demons' thrilling one-point win over Brisbane at the MCG on Sunday afternoon and will miss the remainder of the season.

Jones admitted that the loss of McLean was a “shattering” blow but said that the Demons have enough depth in the midfield to cover the loss of the 22-year-old, who is seen as a future captain of the club.

“Obviously Jimmy McDonald would come back in and I’d assume he’d play a midfield role and then there’s Brucey [Cameron Bruce] who’s an established midfielder within the competition,” Jones said.

“We’ve got plenty of other options … it’s going to give other blokes the opportunity to come in.”

Jones said younger players such as Shane Valenti and Simon Buckley would also be given greater opportunities to cement their places in the side.


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Dockers set membership record

July 1st 2008 07:31
FREMANTLE has received some rare good news in an otherwise dismal year, posting a record membership tally for the sixth consecutive season.

With the cut-off for signing members this season now over, the Dockers have finished with a staggering 43,366 members - marginally up on last year's figure of 43,343.

The continued rise in membership comes despite the Dockers languishing in 14th place on the AFL ladder with just two wins from 14 games.

Fremantle president Rick Hart said the record membership figures showed the club's loyal fans believed embattled coach Mark Harvey was steering the club in the right direction.

"Mark has made it clear what direction he wants to take the club in and that has already born fruit this season with the emergence of a string of good young players," Hart said.

"I believe players such as NAB Rising Star nominees Rhys Palmer and Garrick Ibbotson plus the likes of Chris Mayne and Robbie Warnock have given our supporters reason to have great faith in Fremantle's future."



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Pressuring Pies the key: Kennelly

July 1st 2008 06:54
SYDNEY needs to apply plenty of pressure if they are going to be any chance of beating Collingwood at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night, according to hard-running defender Tadhg Kennelly.

Collingwood has had the wood over the Swans in recent times, winning the past three matches between the two sides, including a crushing 38-point defeat in last year's elimination final.

"To lose twice to the same side is something you don't like as footballers but to lose three
times against Collingwood, well that's just disappointing," Kennelly said.

"They seem to match up well against us. Obviously they beat us three times last season
which doesn't sit well with a lot of our players."

Kennelly said Sydney's lack of pressure and willingness to win the contested football was a main reason why they were knocked out out in the first week of the finals by the Magpies.

"Our pressure in the [elimination] final last year was missing quite drastically. I didn't play in that game but I remember watching it and our pressure just wasn't there and that's a big focus for us going into this weekend's game, our attacking pressure and putting them under the pump.

"In the past, we've given them too much space in the midfield and given them free run out of the middle and that's put us under a massive, massive amount of pressure."



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Worsfold defends high-handball game plan

July 1st 2008 06:03
WEST COAST's high-handball count against Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night was a necessary tactic to try break down the Hawks' rolling defensive zone, according to coach John Worsfold.

The Eagles recorded a staggering 240 handballs compared to 158 kicks in their 57-point loss to the Hawks.

"We didn't cope with Geelong's defensive zone the previous week and we knew Hawthorn are probably the best team at doing that defensive zone all down the ground, so we went in with a plan to try to attack that," Worsfold told 6PR.

"Put it this way ... the previous week we were accused of not having the ball, I was quite happy to have it a bit more this week.

"It's just that classic one, if we would have kicked it out of the backline any earlier ... we would have turned it over and we might have been blown out of the water like we were against Geelong.

"I thought the tactic to try to run the ball past a big part of that zone was effective in a big part of the game.

"I couldn't have asked the players to do any more of what we asked them, and that was a great sign for us that our young players and our senior players went out with a new style that we wanted to have a go at and they gave it everything."

Midfielder Matt Priddis racked up a match-high 45 possessions, 30 of which were handballs.

Priddis has been critcised for receiving too much easy ball but Worsfold said the 23-year-old was a hard worker and an integral part of West Coast's midfield.

"No one gives you the footy out there, you have to go out and win it," Worsfold said.

"Whether it's 35 or 45 possessions he does an enormous amount of work out there for us and brings other players into the game.

"He may not have looked like Greg Williams out there but we don't expect him to because we know he's not Greg Williams. You can't question his work ethic."


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


Gilmore's season in doubt

July 1st 2008 04:02
FREMANTLE utility Daniel Gilmore may not play again this season as he continues to suffer ongoing complications from a head knock suffered at training last month.

Gilmore, who has experienced constant dizzy spells and lethargy since the knock has not played a match since June 14 when he lined up for South Fremantle in the WAFL.

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said he was unsure if the 25-year-old would play again in 2008.

"He copped a heavy knock at training a couple of weeks ago and he's been having ongoing symptoms at the moment so we are monitoring it at this stage," Harvey told Fairfax radio.

"He hasn't been able to train for the last two weeks so he's in constant conversations with our doctors at the moment and just working through that situation."



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


McLean out for season

July 1st 2008 02:25
MELBOURNE midfielder Brock McLean will miss the remainder of the season with an ankle injury.

McLean injured his ankle in the first term of the Demons' thrilling one-point win over Brisbane at the MCG on Sunday afternoon but the tough midfielder returned to the field in the second half.

But scans last night showed significant damage, sidelining him for the rest of 2008.

It's another blow for the Demons who have already lost David Neitz to retirement, Russell Robertson to a season-ending achilles injury and key defender Jared Rivers, who will also miss the rest of the year with strained stomach muscles.




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


Renouf accepts

July 1st 2008 01:47
HAWTHORN ruckman Brent Renouf will miss crucial matches against Sydney and St Kilda immediately following the mid-season break after accepting a two-match ban for striking West Coast tagger Adam Selwood.

The match review panel ruled his errant elbow to the head of Selwood as reckless conduct, high impact and high contact, which equated to 325 demerit points and a three-match suspension.

But because Renouf entered an early guilty plea the ban was reduced to two matches.

The loss of Renouf is a major blow for the Hawks who are already without No. 2 ruckman Simon Taylor (lacerated knee) and young ruckman Max Bailey, who will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.

However, the Hawks are hopeful that Taylor, who has missed the past three matches will be fit to face the Swans at the MCG.

In other tribunal news, Hawthorn trio Lance Franklin, Trent Croad and Mark Williams accepted $1200 fines for engaging in a melee against the Eagles at the MCG on Friday night as did West Coast pair Darren Glass and Adam Hunter.

Carlton forward Brendan Fevola also accepted a $3000 fine for wrestling after pleading guilty to his third such offence.



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


Goal umpire in the clear

July 1st 2008 01:19
THE AFL has given the tick of approval to a contentious goal umpiring decision during Melbourne's thrilling one-point win over Brisbane at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

A Daniel Bradshaw snap at goal early in the third term appeared to curl in for a behind, but goal umpire Jason Venkataya signalled out of bounds on the full.

AFL umpires director Jeff Gischen said video footage was inconclusive.

"If you look at the vision, it's too hard to tell," Gieschen said yesterday.

"You can only go on the vision you see and when you look at that, you can't tell."

Gieschen said Venkataya and both boundary umpires were interviewed yesterday and that they all believed the kick had drifted wide.

"The vision shows the ball sailing high in the air towards the far behind post and the goal umpire runs and gets to the behind post as the ball is crossing the top of it - and the boundary umpire is running in from the forward pocket to the post," Gieschen said.

"They both got there at virtually the same time and looked at each other and started to indicate out of bounds on the full - both of them were clear.

"We asked the other boundary umpire from the far side, from which Bradshaw actually kicked it, and he thought it was out of bounds, too.

"When you've got those guys in close proximity, you've got to trust they know what they're doing."






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


Minson sorry for sledge

July 1st 2008 00:32
WESTERN BULLDOGS ruckman Will Minson has made a public apology to Port Adelaide midfielder Kane Cornes after it was revealed he had made comments about the player's son and wife during Saturday night's game at TIO Stadium in Darwin.

Cornes' son Eddy Jack, who turns two in September, was born with heart defects and has had a number of operations in the past year.

Sources said Minson made reference to Cornes being selfish for playing and that he should have been at home with his sick son, and that Cornes apparently returned fire with a comment about Minson's deceased father.

Unbeknown to Minson, Cornes didn't arrive in Darwin until the day of the game because his wife Lucy had delivered the couple's second son on Friday.

Speaking on Fox Sports On the Couch program, Minson said he regretted the incident.

"On the weekend I said something which I am deeply sorry for and I apologise wholeheartedly for," Minson said.

"It was an incident which occurred in the heat of battle and I am sorry for what I said."

The 23-year-old attempted to contact Cornes after the game and is believed to have received a blistering phone call from his brother Chad later that night.

"I attempted to contact Kane as soon as I could after the game, but he didn't answer the phone," Minson said.

"I left a message and apologised wholeheartedly for what was said and I believe the club has also made contact with Peter Rohde (Power's football manager) and Kane Cornes and they have also accepted the apology."

Minson refused to reveal what was said in the incident or if he was provoked.

Port released a statement confirming the incident and saying that no further action would be taken.

"We confirm there was an incident on Saturday night during the game involving Kane Cornes and Will Minson," the club said.

"The matter has been resolved between the players. As far as Kane and the club are concerned, the matter is now closed."



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


Cousins moves to revive AFL career

July 1st 2008 00:01
BEN COUSINS has taken a major step towards reviving his AFL career, registering with VFL club Port Melbourne yesterday.

Cousins registered with the club on the last day that the league would accept player registrations for 2008 but the former West Coast captain will not train with the Borough until at least the middle of this month.

In the meantime, Cousins is training with WAFL clubs Perth and East Fremantle.

The 2005 Brownlow medallist was deregistered by the AFL last year for bringing the game into disrepute after a highly publicised battle with substance abuse.

Port does not expect him to play any games this year.

"At this point, we've been told it's just for training," said club general manager Barry Kidd.

"But we'd have to be certified if we didn't play him (if he wanted to play)."

Kidd said Port Melbourne was happy to give Cousins a second chance despite his chequered past.

"There were no football indiscretions," he said.

"We know he's here to train and that's all he's interested in, and we are firm believers in giving blokes a second chance."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


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