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AFL Central - October 2008

Ireland claims series

October 31st 2008 12:03
IRELAND has regained the Cormac McAnallen Cup with a thrilling four-point win in the second and deciding Test at the MCG on Friday night.

The Irish broke the game open in the second term before withstanding a last-quarter fightback from the Australians to prevail 4.8.9 (57) to 3.8.11 (53)

Australia started brightly and led by 15 points to six late in the first term after two early 'overs' from North Melbourne's Daniel Wells.

But Ireland captain Sean Cavanagh got his side back into the contest with two late overs to cut the margin to three points at quarter-time.


The Irish then took control in the second term, outscoring Australia by 24 points to six with
Kevin Donaghy and Enda McGinley chiming in with valuable six pointers.

When Paddy Bradley scored another three pointer early in the third term the lead was out to 18 points and the result appeared to be beyond doubt.

A goal to Carlton's Marc Murphy got the Australians back to within striking distance but the first of Benny Coulter's two goals gave the vistors a 17-point lead heading into the final change.

Australia came to life in the final term and closed to within four points when Shaun Burgoyne drilled a a low shot to the left of Irish goalkeeper David Gallagher and into the net.

But the Irish had all the answers with Coulter scoring his second goal a minute later to seal Ireland's first series victory on Australian soil since 2001.

AUSTRALIA: 0.4.3, 0.5.6, 1.6.9, 3.8.11 (53)
IRELAND: 0.3.3, 2.6.6, 3.8.8, 4.8.9 (57)

GOALS: Australia: Murphy, S Burgoyne, Petrie
Ireland: Coulter 2, Donaghy, McGinley,
OVERS: Australia: Petrie 2, Wells 2, Osborne, S Burgoyne, Brown, Brennan
Ireland: Cavanagh 4, Coulter, Finlay, Bradley, Donaghy

BEST: Australia: Crowley, Harvey, Simpson, Wells, Petrie, Murphy
Ireland: Canty, Cavanagh, O'Donnell, Coulter, Donaghy, Begley
INJURIES: Australia: Nil
Ireland: Nil
UMPIRES: S McBurney (Australia), P McEnaney (Ireland)
REPORTS: Nil

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Dees delist Johnson

October 31st 2008 06:34
MELBOURNE defender Chris Johnson has been delisted by the Demons at his request after contract negotiations fell down between the player's management and the club.

The 22-year-old is expected to join Carlton via the pre-season draft.

Johnson arrived at Melbourne as a father/son pick from East Fremantle in 2003 and played 31 games for the club.

Exciting small forward Austin Wonaeamirri has been elevated to the club's senior playing list after a successful debut season which saw him earn a nomination for the AFL Rising Star award

Meanwhile, Collingwood have delisted 18-year-old Toby Thoolen.

Thoolen, who was selected from the Bendigo Pioneers with the 47th overall pick in the 2007 draft, joins Sam Iles, Chris Egan and Brodie Holland as the Magpies' delisted players in 2008.

Sharrod Wellingham and Brent Macaffer will be elevated to the senior list.

Hawthorn has released Hugh Sandilands, Alex Grima and Matt Suckling from it's rookie list while Cameron Stokes will be retained as a nominated rookie which allows the small forward to be eligible for senior selection next season.

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Ibbotson extends contract

October 31st 2008 03:50
FREMANTLE midfielder Garrick Ibbotson has agreed to a contract extension that will see him remain at the Dockers until at least the the end of 2010.

Ibbotson, who was selected with the No. 26 pick in the 2005 national draft, made his AFL debut in 2007 against Richmond in round 11.

The promising 20-year-old played19 matches in 2008 and earned a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination in round nine for his performance in the club's narrow loss to Carlton.

Ibbotson eventually finished in the top five for the Rising Star award behind the winner, his team-mate Rhys Palmer.



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Saints delist Fiora

October 31st 2008 03:45
ST KILDA has finalised its playing list ahead of next month's national draft by delisting Aarin Fiora on Friday.

Fiora, who was selected by Richmond with the No.3 draft pick in the1999 national draft, joined St Kilda at the end of 2004 after playing 78 games in five seasons with the Tigers.

The 27-year-old played all 22 home-and-away games in 2007 but fell out of favour this season, managing only 10 appearances.

The Saints also announced that Xavier Clarke and James Gwilt had been re-signed for another year.

Clarke played eight games in an injury interrupted 2008 season while Gwilt managed 13 appearances, St Kilda's three finals.

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Six-week NAB Cup

October 30th 2008 08:48
The AFL pre-season competition will be played over a six week period next year.

The NAB Cup will be begin on February 7 and conclude on March 14

AFL media manager Patrick Keane said on Thursday there were two reasons why the league had decided to spread next year's tournament out over a longer period.

"We stretched it out deliberately for two reasons," he said.

"Firstly to try and avoid day games in round one and to increase the number of prime time broadcast slots for people watching."

The NAB Cup will start with Collingwood playing West Coast at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town, South Africa on February 7.

The remaining three games in the first week of round one will be played at night with the Western Bulldogs playing Essendon in Darwin on Friday night, Brisbane hosting St Kilda at Carrara on Saturday night and Fremantle playing Richmond at Subiaco Oval on Sunday night.

The last four first round games will then be played over the weekend February 20-22.

Carlton and Melbourne will play the first game in Melbourne at Telstra Dome on the Friday night followed by Geelong hosting Adelaide at Docklands on the Saturday night while Hawthorn and Melbourne will play in Tasmania on Saturday afternoon and Sydney will host Port Adelaide in Canberra on Sunday afternoon.

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Members in control of Roos

October 29th 2008 21:44
NORTH MELBOURNE is now fully member owned after shareholders and members voted last night in favour of the Board's proposal to dissolve the private ownership.

Kangaroos chairman James Brayshaw said it was a historic night for the club.

"This is a seminal moment in the North Melbourne Football Club's history," he said.

"I think it was absolutely necessary that we returned the club to the members. In 2008, and well into the future it is clear that the best structure of a football club is to be owned by its members."

Brayshaw also paid tribute to the shareholders that have kept the club afloat for years.

"The shareholders have been guardians of the security of the club for a long period of time; they put money into the club to make sure we were here today. Their contribution has been massive and their behaviour over the past six or seven months has been absolutely magnanimous, so we thank them," he said.

The 16 major shareholders have been nominated as club patrons: Bob Ansett, Rayden Crawley, Albert Mantello, Mark Dawson, Greg Miller, Ken Montgomery, Stephen Head, Robert Smith, Alan Johnson and Francis Trainor.

Peter Johnstone, Andrew Carter, John Magowan, Peter De Rauch, Kerry Good, Dennis Morgan were also nominated for life membership at the club.

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Brown named sole captain

October 27th 2008 03:43
NEW Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss has ditched Simon Black and Luke Power as co-captains and appointed Jonathan Brown as sole skipper.

Voss, who made the announcement on the first day of pre-season training, admitted the decision wasn't an easy one.

"You go about the rigorous process of trying to sort through our group and to be honest there were three outstanding gentlemen," Voss said.

"It's sort of like trying to say which one of your kids you love the most, that's hard to pick."

Voss also said that Brown possessed all the qualities that a captain needed.

"(It's) not just on-field ability, but who's going to be the face of our football club … there's certain duties and responsibilities that come with that above and beyond just being able to play on the weekend."

"I've been fortunate enough that I've played with all three of them and I think that there are a lot of qualities that Browny is universally admired for."

"Under this model of sole captaincy, you have to pick one and that one is Jonathan Brown."

Brown, who will take the reins of the club immediately, was honoured to be named sole captain,

"It's a great honour, I don't know how to put words to it but I'm thrilled to be the captain, I've obviously been co-captain for the last few years and that's been a great honour," he said.

"I recognise the importance of it and the responsibility that I am now the sole guy, but … you've still got those guys (Power and Black) to lean on as sounding boards to help you out."

Brown also said he would let his on-field deeds do all the talking.

"My philosophy has been the same the whole way through since I became one of the co-captains," he said.

"Your actions are always going to be the thing that makes you a good captain or make up the best percentage of that anyway."

"I think we place too much importance on words and getting up and all this raa-raaing in front of the playing group, I don't see any need for that."

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Ireland wins thriller

October 24th 2008 13:27
IRELAND has held off a fast-finishing Australian side to win the first International Rules Test by one point at Subiaco Oval on Friday night.

The Irish led by as much as 17 points late in the third quarter and looked set to record an easy victory.

But the Australians lifted and kicked five overs in the final quarter to close to within a point before the Irish held firm to record a thrilling victory.

The Irish looked sharper from the start of the match and skipped out to a 14-point lead early in the second quarter before the Australians fought back to level the score at half time.

Ireland broke the game open in the third term, booting two six pointers to open up a handy 13 point advantage heading into the final change.

Marc Murphy sparked Australia's late charge, booting two of his four overs in the final term to set up a pulsating finish.

The two-Test series concludes next Friday at the MCG.

AUSTRALIA: 0.0.1 (1), 0.5.1 (19), 0.7.7, (28), 0.12.8 44
IRELAND: 0.1.6 (9), 1.2.7 (19), 3.5.8 (41), 3.5.9 (45)
GOALS: Australia: nil
Ireland: Glynn, Cavanagh, McDonnell
OVERS: Australia: Murphy 4, Campbell 2, Thompson 2, Harvey, Montagna, Osborne, Rodan,
Ireland: Cavanagh 2, Bradley, Donaghy, Lyng, Glynn
BEST: Australia: Harvey, Campbell, Thompson
Ireland: Cavanagh, Donaghy, Gallagher, Glynn
INJURIES: Australia:
Ireland: John Miskella (hip)
UMPIRES: Stephen McBurney (Australia), Pat McEnaney (Ireland)
REPORTS: nil
CROWD: 35,153 at Subiaco Oval

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AFL reveals 2009 draw

October 24th 2008 04:16
2009 AFL Fixture

ROUND 1
THURSDAY, MARCH 26
Richmond v Carlton MCG (N)

FRIDAY, MARCH 27
Hawthorn v Geelong MCG (N)

SATURDAY, MARCH 28
Collingwood v Adelaide MCG
Brisbane Lions v West Coast G (N)
St Kilda v Sydney TD (N)

SUNDAY, MARCH 29
Melbourne v North Melbourne MCG
Port Adelaide v Essendon AS
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs S (N)

ROUND 2
FRIDAY, APRIL 3
Adelaide v St Kilda AS (N)

SATURDAY, APRIL 4
Geelong v Richmond SS
Collingwood v Melbourne MCG
Carlton v Brisbane Lions TD (N)
Sydney v Hawthorn ANZ (N)

SUNDAY, APRIL 5
Essendon v Fremantle TD
Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne MCG
West Coast v Port Adelaide S (T)

ROUND 3
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
Geelong v Collingwood MCG (N)

SATURDAY, APRIL 11
St Kilda v West Coast TD
Brisbane Lions v Sydney G (N)
Carlton v Essendon MCG (N)

SUNDAY, APRIL 12
Port Adelaide v Melbourne AS
North Melbourne v Hawthorn TD
Fremantle v Adelaide S (T)

MONDAY, APRIL 13
Western Bulldogs v Richmond TD

ROUND 4
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
Brisbane Lions v Collingwood G (N)

SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Sydney v Carlton SCG
Hawthorn v Port Adelaide MCG
St Kilda v Fremantle TD (N)
Adelaide v Geelong AS (N)

SUNDAY, APRIL 19
North Melbourne v Essendon TD
Richmond v Melbourne MCG
West Coast v Western Bulldogs S (T)

ROUND 5
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
Port Adelaide v St Kilda AS (N)

SATURDAY, APRIL 25
Essendon v Collingwood MCG
Hawthorn v West Coast AU (T)
North Melbourne v Richmond TD (N)
Fremantle v Sydney S (N)

SUNDAY, APRIL 26
Geelong v Brisbane Lions SS
Western Bulldogs v Carlton TD
Melbourne v Adelaide MCG (T)

ROUND 6
FRIDAY, MAY 1
North Melbourne v Collingwood TD (N)

SATURDAY, MAY 2
Hawthorn v Carlton MCG
West Coast v Fremantle S
Brisbane Lions v Essendon G (N)
Port Adelaide v Adelaide AS (N)

SUNDAY, MAY 3
Sydney v Richmond SCG
Melbourne v Geelong MCG
Western Bulldogs v St Kilda TD (T)

ROUND 7
FRIDAY, MAY 8
Essendon v Hawthorn TD (N)

SATURDAY, MAY 9
Geelong v Sydney SS
Richmond v Brisbane Lions MCG
North Melbourne v Port Adelaide TD (N)
Carlton v Fremantle C (N)

SUNDAY, MAY 10
Adelaide v Western Bulldogs AS
West Coast v Melbourne S (T)

MONDAY, MAY 11
Collingwood v St Kilda TD (N)

ROUND 8
FRIDAY, MAY 15
Fremantle v Hawthorn S (N)

SATURDAY, MAY 16
Melbourne v Western Bulldogs MCG
Geelong v North Melbourne SS
Brisbane Lions v Adelaide G (N)
Sydney v West Coast ANZ (N)

SUNDAY, MAY 17
Port Adelaide v Richmond AS
Collingwood v Carlton MCG
St Kilda v Essendon TD (T)

ROUND 9
FRIDAY, MAY 22
Geelong v Western Bulldogs TD (N)

SATURDAY, MAY 23
North Melbourne v Fremantle TD
Adelaide v Carlton AS
West Coast v Collingwood S (N)
Richmond v Essendon MCG (N)

SUNDAY, MAY 24
Sydney v Port Adelaide SCG
St Kilda v Brisbane Lions TD
Hawthorn v Melbourne MCG (T)

ROUND 10
FRIDAY, MAY 29
Carlton v West Coast TD (N)

SATURDAY, MAY 30
Western Bulldogs v Sydney MO
North Melbourne v Brisbane Lions TD
St Kilda v Melbourne C (N)
Fremantle v Richmond S (N)

SUNDAY, MAY 31
Adelaide v Hawthorn AS
Essendon v Geelong TD
Collingwood v Port Adelaide MCG (T)

ROUND 11
FRIDAY, JUNE 5
Richmond v Western Bulldogs TD (N)

SATURDAY, JUNE 6
North Melbourne v St Kilda TD
Brisbane Lions v Carlton G (N)
Port Adelaide v Fremantle AS (N)

SUNDAY, JUNE 7
Essendon v Adelaide TD
Hawthorn v Sydney MCG
West Coast v Geelong S (T)

MONDAY, JUNE 8
Melbourne v Collingwood MCG

SPLIT ROUND 12
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
Carlton v St Kilda TD (N)

SATURDAY, JUNE 13
Western Bulldogs v Port Adelaide D (N)
Richmond v West Coast TD (N)

SUNDAY, JUNE 14
Hawthorn v Brisbane Lions AU
Adelaide v North Melbourne AS (T)

FRIDAY, JUNE 19
Essendon v Melbourne TD (N)

SATURDAY, JUNE 20
Sydney v Collingwood ANZ (N)

SUNDAY, JUNE 21
Fremantle v Geelong S (T)

ROUND 13
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Essendon v Carlton MCG (N)

SATURDAY, JUNE 27
Collingwood v Fremantle MCG
Adelaide v Sydney AS
Brisbane Lions v Melbourne G
West Coast v Hawthorn S (N)

SUNDAY, JUNE 28
Geelong v Port Adelaide SS
North Melbourne v Western Bulldogs MCG
St Kilda v Richmond TD (T)

ROUND 14
FRIDAY, JULY 3
Collingwood v Essendon MCG (N)

SATURDAY, JULY 4
Melbourne v West Coast MCG
Port Adelaide v Brisbane Lions AS
Richmond v Adelaide C (N)
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn TD (N)

SUNDAY, JULY 5
Sydney v North Melbourne SCG
St Kilda v Geelong TD
Fremantle v Carlton S (T)

ROUND 15
FRIDAY, JULY 10
Western Bulldogs v Collingwood TD (N)

SATURDAY, JULY 11
Sydney v Essendon SCG
Carlton v Richmond MCG
Brisbane Lions v Geelong G (N)
Adelaide v Fremantle AS (N)

SUNDAY, JULY 12
Hawthorn v North Melbourne AU
Melbourne v Port Adelaide MCG
West Coast v St Kilda S (T)

ROUND 16
FRIDAY, JULY 17
Essendon v Western Bulldogs TD (N)

SATURDAY, JULY 18
Carlton v Sydney TD
Geelong v Melbourne SS
Collingwood v Hawthorn MCG (N)
Fremantle v Brisbane Lions S (N)

SUNDAY, JULY 19
Port Adelaide v West Coast AS
Richmond v North Melbourne MCG
St Kilda v Adelaide TD (T)

ROUND 17
FRIDAY, JULY 24
Carlton v Collingwood MCG (N)

SATURDAY, JULY 25
Geelong v Hawthorn MCG
Fremantle v West Coast S (T)
Brisbane Lions v North Melbourne G (N)
St Kilda v Western Bulldogs TD (N)

SUNDAY, JULY 26
Melbourne v Sydney MO
Essendon v Richmond MCG
Adelaide v Port Adelaide AS (T)

ROUND 18
FRIDAY, JULY 31
North Melbourne v Carlton TD (N)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1
Western Bulldogs v Fremantle TD
Geelong v Adelaide SS
Sydney v St Kilda SCG (N)
Collingwood v Brisbane Lions MCG (N)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2
Melbourne v Richmond MCG
Port Adelaide v Hawthorn AS
West Coast v Essendon S (T)

ROUND 19
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Carlton v Geelong MCG (N)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 8
Western Bulldogs v West Coast TD
Hawthorn v St Kilda AU
Essendon v Brisbane Lions MCG (N)
Adelaide v Collingwood AS (N)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9
North Melbourne v Melbourne TD
Richmond v Sydney MCG
Fremantle v Port Adelaide S (T)

ROUND 20
FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Hawthorn v Adelaide MCG (N)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15
Richmond v Collingwood MCG
West Coast v North Melbourne S (T)
Brisbane Lions v Western Bulldogs G (N)
Sydney v Geelong ANZ (N)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16
Melbourne v Fremantle MCG
Port Adelaide v Carlton AS
Essendon v St Kilda TD (T)

ROUND 21
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
Western Bulldogs v Geelong TD (N)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22
Carlton v Melbourne TD
Adelaide v West Coast AS
Brisbane Lions v Port Adelaide G (N)
Richmond v Hawthorn MCG (N)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 23
St Kilda v North Melbourne TD
Collingwood v Sydney MCG
Fremantle v Essendon S (T)

ROUND 22
FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
West Coast v Richmond S (N)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
Geelong v Fremantle SS
Hawthorn v Essendon MCG
Carlton v Adelaide TD (T)
Sydney v Brisbane Lions SCG (N)
Port Adelaide v North Melbourne AS (N)

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30
Melbourne v St Kilda MCG
Collingwood v Western Bulldogs TD (T)

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Hayden re-signs

October 23rd 2008 01:36
FREMANTLE defender Roger Hayden has signed a contract extension which will see him remain at the club until at least the end of 2010.

Hayden, who came off the rookie list in 2002, has played 94 games for the Dockers.

The 28-year-old said he was looking forward to being a part of the club's 'exciting' future.

"With all the young blokes coming through and the number of new players joining Fremantle, it's going to be an exciting time to be around the club," he said.

"I've still got a lot to contribute and I'm keen to be a part of Fremantle's future."

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Dome gets a new name

October 23rd 2008 01:28
THE Telstra Diome will be known as a Eithad Stadium from March 2009 after Abu Dhabi-based airline Etihad Airways was announced as the new stadium sponsor for the next five years on Thursday.

Chief Executive of Melbourne Stadiums Limited Ian Collins said the new deal would greatly beneift both parties.

"Since the stadium was established in 2000, our international profile has continued to grow through the staging of many world-class sports and entertainment events, and we believe this association with Etihad Airways will assist in the continued growth of both partners," he said.

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Bombers finalise list

October 22nd 2008 08:32
ESSENDON has finalised its playing list with Tom Hislop not being offered a contract for next season.

The 20-year-old, who was drafted with pick 20 in the 2006 draft, managed only seven matches in his two season with the club.

The delisting of Hislop is the ninth change to Essendon's list following the retirements of Adam Ramanauskas, Jason Johnson and Mal Michael.and the delistings of Damien Peverill, Andrew Lee, Courtney Johns and rookies Dean Dick and Danny Chartres.

Rookie Jarrod Atkinson, who has already played five matches for the club, has been promoted to the senior list.

The Bombers will now enter next month's national draft with picks 5, 23, 55, 71 and 87 (or pick 5 in the pre-season draft).

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Saints axe seven

October 21st 2008 04:34
ST KILDA has made major changes to its playing list ahead of next month's national draft, axing seven players on Tuesday.

The Saints delisted mdfielder Shane Birss, former Geelong forward Charlie Gardiner, Matthew Ferguson and Michael Rix whle rookies Jayden Attard, Glenn Chivers and Luke Van Rheenen were infoirmed that their services were no longer required.

Birss was traded to St Kilda from the Western Bulldogs at the end of the 2006 season in exchange for pick No.59 but could only manage 20 games in two years to take his career total to 71.

Gardiner, who played 51 matches for the Cats, was traded to the Saints in exchanged for a sixth round selection in last year's draft.

The 25-year-old played just 12 games in 2008, including the qualifying loss to his old side.

Ferguson, who was delisted and re-drafted by the Saints in 2006, played just 12 games for the club after making his debut in 2003 while Rix managed 29 games in thiree years.

Attard, who was elevated off the rookie list after fruitless season with the Brisbane Lions, played 20 games in 2007 but siuffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in round 21 lat year which prevented him from playing this season.

Meanwhile, Matthew Drain will be the club's list manager after spending a year as the football manager.

The position of football manager will be filled by former St Kilda development coach Greg Hutchison.

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O'Keefe stays a Swan

October 20th 2008 02:14
SYDNEY forward Ryan O'Keefe will finish his career at the Swans after agreeing to a new four-year deal with the club.

O'Keefe, who originally rejected a new three-year deal to remain with Sydney, was unable to be traded back to his native Victoria after Hawthorn and the Swans were unable to come up with a suitable deal during trade week.

The 27-year-old's only other option then was to go into the pre-season draft in December but he risked being picked up by an interstate club with West Coast, Fremantle and Port Adelaide having picks two, three and four respectively.

With his chances of returning to Victoria slim, O'Keefe opted to remain with the Swans.

The deal is yet to be finalised but Sydney coach Paul Roos said on Monday that O'Keefe had come to an 'in-principle' agreement.

"We're really pleased Ryan has chosen to stay with the club," Roos said.

"We've always rated him as a quality player – an All-Australian – and we're delighted he will be lining up with us again next year."

"I think the last few weeks have been difficult for everyone so we are pleased that today's news provides some closure to the matter."

Roos admitted he was unimpressed that O'Keefe had gone through the media to first flag his desire to return to Melbourne but said the way the 164-game veteran handled things won't be held against him.

"There was no animosity at all between Ryan and the Swans or vice versa," he said.

"He was aware we were disappointed with the way the first part of it was handled but that's water under the bridge."

"That's all forgotten. I am confident he has put it all behind him as we have and he'll go on and play some more good footy with the club."

"But I will catch up with him at some stage this week because obviously he wants to make sure from my point of view there are no problems and there's certainly not."

"And I'll get a better understanding of why (he wanted to leave). I will talk through some of those issues and find out whether there's anything else we need to work on moving forward."




O'Keefe said he was glad that the contract saga is finally over and that he is looking forward to next season.'

"For my part I'm relieved and looking to repay the club and Swans supporters for the faith they have shown in me," O'Keefe said.

"Whilst I did have aspirations to move home to Melbourne, it wasn't to be and I'm more than happy to remain at the Swans, to be with my mates and to live in Sydney."

"I've moved on now and my focus is very much on next season and getting the best out of myself."


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Vic teams to play on the Coast

October 17th 2008 07:03
CARLTON, St Kilda and Richmond will play one home game on the Gold Coast for the next two seasons as the AFL continues to promote the game in the region ahead of the introduction of the new Gold Coast team in 2011.

North Melbourne was scheduled to play three games at Carrara in 2009 before the club's board rejected a permanent move to the Gold Coast late last year which led to the termination of that deal

AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan said the presence of the Blues, Tigers and Saints on the Gold Coast would maintain strong interest in the game up north over the next two years.

"We're thrilled to have three of our traditional AFL Clubs in Carlton, Richmond and St Kilda joining with us to build the game in South East Queensland," he said.

Carlton chief executive Greg Swann said Gold Coast venture is a ‘wonderful opportunity’ for the club to continue to grow.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for us to continue to build the Carlton Football Club," Swann said.

"Carlton has a great supporter base across Australia and this will further strengthen the growth of the club. We believe playing games on the Gold Coast is a great result for the club, our supporters and also for the development and promotion of our great game."

Richmond chief executive Steven Wright said the deal benefited the club and its members.

"The Gold Coast game will provide significant benefits to the club and we will ensure our Victorian members will not miss out," he said.

"In 2009 we will be playing 17 games in Victoria, the same as in 2008 and additionally, members will get access to an additional MCG game in lieu of the Gold Coast game."

That means Richmond members will now enjoy nine home games at the MCG and just two at Telstra Dome.

"This is an excellent outcome for our members and will also provide additional financial security for the club through these difficult economic times," Wright said.







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Nixon criticises Pies

October 17th 2008 06:45
BEN Cousins’ manager Ricky Nixon has launched a scathing attack on Collingwood after it was reported that the Magpies allegedly held discussions with the chief commissioner of Victorian Police Christine Nixon before deciding to abandon their pursuit of the former West Coast captain.

Collingwood’s decision to pull out of the race for the 2005 Brownlow medallist leaves St Kilda and Brisbane as the frontrunners to pick up the 30-year-old.if he is given permission to resume his career by the AFL commission next month after having been deregistered for the 2008 season after his battle drug addiction became public.

Speaking on Melbourne radio station SEN, Nixon said the public scrutiny on Cousins had gotten out of control.

"I mean where is the queue going to end - the Pope will be the next and we will keep going through them all until everyone has given an opinion on Ben Cousins," he said.

"I don't have a problem with (clubs doing) their due diligence (on Cousins' progress) but where does it start and stop."

"At the end of the day we have been very upfront about what Ben has been doing."

"And as I said to the Collingwood Football Club a week ago, if you want to send private investigators to Perth buzzing around asking nobodies about how he (Cousins) is going why don't you just come over to my office and I will tell you exactly how he is going."

Nixon said he was confident that Cousins is not only capable of coping with the physical demands of AFL football despite not having played since the 2007 finals series but that he is also strong enough mentally to deal with the scrutiny that will come with his return.

"If you asked me that eight or ten months ago I would have said no but I would say absolutely, now,” he said.

"He is very fit and I couldn't be happier with how he looks and how he is training."
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Kangaroos axe trio

October 17th 2008 06:22
NORTH MELBOURNE has axed Eddie Sansbury, Blake Grima and Ben Davies as it prepares for next month's national draft.

The delisting of Sansbury, Grima and Davies from the senior list coupled with the retirements of Shannon Grant, Jess Sinclair and Nathan Thompson means the Kangaroos can select up to six players in the draft on November 29.

North Melbourne chief of football Donald McDonald paid tribute to Grima and Sansbury, who were both members of North Ballarat's VFL premiership this season,

"Blake and Eddie in particular have been at the club for a number of years and made a great contribution. Blake has shown great perseverance in coming back from injuries and his attitude to his training and preparation has been first-class," McDonald said.

"Eddie has had a really positive impact off the field. He has been a leader and set a fine example to our young indigenous players and has had a big influence on the development of players like Matty Campbell and Lindsay Thomas. His efforts in this regard have been invaluable."

Sansbury was recruited from Central District (SANFL) and played 40 games but managed just the one match in 2008 while Grima finished with a tally of 15 senior games after making his debut in 2004

Davies managed only two games after arriving from Collingwood at the end of 2007 while NSW rookie James Wilsen has also been delisted.
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Tigers axe Meyer

October 16th 2008 07:54
RICHMOND has axed highly-rated junior Danny Meyer after four disappointing seasons at the club.

Meyer, who was taken with pick 12 in the 2004 national draft, managed just 17 games and never once managed to pick up 20 disposals in a game.

The 22-year-old, along with Travis Casserly, who did not play a single game due to persistent soft tissue injuries, was delisted by the Tigers on Thursday taking to four the number of changes to Richmond's list following the earlier axing of veteran duo Greg Tivendale and Chris Hyde .

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Crawford to play on in '09

October 16th 2008 07:47
HAWTHORN veteran Shane Crawford will play on next season after being offered a new deal by the club.

There had been speculation Crawford would call it quits after the Hawks’ grand final win over Geelong but Hawthorn’s player personnel and strategy general manager Chris Pelchen said the 34-year-old will be playing into his 18th season next year.

"Crawford, who has been offered a one-year extension to his playing contract, will remain as a veteran listed player," Pelchen said.

Meanwhile, the Hawks have dumped a member of its leadership group this season in midfielder Tim Clarke.

In addition to Clarke and former Essendon defender Danny Jacobs, who retired due to injury at the start of the season, Hawks also axed defender Zac Dawson, ruckman Luke McEntee and rover Garry Moss while Cameron Stokes has been promoted to the senior list after playing nine games this season.
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Power cut six

October 16th 2008 07:24
PORT ADELAIDE has made sweeping changes to its playing list ahead of next month’s national draft, axing six players on Thursday.

Ruckman Fabian Deluca, Greg Bentley, Adam Cockshell, Nathan Lonie, Damon White and Ryan Williams were all delisted while Daniel Boyle, Gavin Grose and Ryan Willits won't be retained on the club's rookie list.

Port Adelaide general manager of football operations Peter Rohde said the cuts were made to allow the club to make the most of what is considered to be a deep draft.

“This is one of the hardest times of the football year, but we also understand the opportunity exists to take advantage of what’s considered by many as the deepest draft of recent times,” Rohde said.

“Our national recruiting manager Blair Hartley has been working very hard to identify the best talent and we see this as a real opportunity to inject even more quality youth into an already young and developing squad.”
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Harvey to captain Australia

October 16th 2008 01:30
NORTH MELBOURNE midfielder Brent Harvey has been named to captain Australia in this month’s International Rules series against Ireland.

The Australians will play two Tests against the Irish at Subiaco Oval on Friday October 24 and the MCG on October 31.

Harvey's vice-captains will be Hawthorn defender Campbell Brown and West Coast's Adam Selwood.

Australian coach Mick Malthouse said Harvey, who will this year become the first Australian player to play in five separate International Rules series' since the hybrid game first began in 1984, is the right man to lead the side.

“One of the things you look for in leadership is the proven ability of people to take over a side and have an impact not only on the ground but off the ground," Malthouse said.

"When the chips are down, the player comes to the forefront and Brent Harvey has been that sort of player right through."
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Lappin joins Cats

October 15th 2008 04:23
GEELONG has strengthened its off-field team with the appointment of former Brisbane Lion Nigel Lappin as an assistant coach.

The three-time premiership player will join Ken Hinkley, Brendan McCartney, Brenton Sanderson and Leigh Tudor as an assistant to senior coach Mark Thompson next season.

Geelong football operations manager Neil Balme said the club had pulled off a major coup by signing Lappin.

"We are thrilled to be able to add Nigel to our coaching panel," Balme said.

"Nigel's record speaks for itself and we are looking forward to his knowledge and teaching ability helping the club to continue to be strong."

Lappin, who was a four-time All-Australian from 2001-04, said he was looking forward to joining the Cats.

"The club has gone from strength to strength over the years and I seen playing against them how they have developed," he said.

"I have great respect for the way the club has gone about building its team and am excited to be joining them and working with the players and coaches."
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Cats delist Ablett

October 14th 2008 06:21
GEELONG forward Nathan Ablett’s AFL career is officially over after being delisted by the Cats.

The Cats announced on Tuesday that in addition to the retirement of Ablett and Brent Prismall's trade to Essendon, midfielder Jason Davenport and rookies Liam Bedford and Chris Kangars had also been delisted.

The loss of Ablett, Davenport and Prismall gives the Cats three places to fill on their list while the fourth vacancy will come as a result of defender Matthew Scarlett becoming eligible to be listed as a veteran next season.

Ablett, a member of the Cats’ 2007 grand final win, retired with just 32 games and 46 goals to his name.

Davenport didn’t play a game for the Cats but was a member of Geelong’s 2007 VFL premiership team and won the Cats' VFL best and fairest this year.

Bedford was also a member of the Cats' 2007 VFL premiership team and played one NAB Cup game while Kangars spent just the one season as a rookie.

Meanwhile Brisbane has delisted defender Matthew Moody.

The 2006 NAB Rising Star nominee battled an ongoing groin problem for the past two seasons which restricted him to just nine games, leaving his career total at 34.
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Blues dump five

October 13th 2008 08:10
CARLTON has made sweeping changes to its playing list ahead of next month’s national draft, axing five players.

Former Port Adelaide and St Kilda ruckman Cain Ackland, Clinton Benjamin, Luke Blackwell and Ryan Jackson and untried Irishman Aisake O'hAilpin were all delisted while former Sydney defender Jason Saddington has retired after playing 162 matches – 20 with Carlton whom he joined at the end of the 2005 season.

Saddington’s place on the lost has been filled by impressive young defender Michael Jamison who has been promoted off the rookie list onto the senior list after playing 16 games in 2008.

Meanwhile, former player Matthew Lappin replaces ex Collingwood defender Gavin Crossica as an assistant coach.

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Crows axe trio

October 13th 2008 06:36
ADELAIDE has made the final changes to its playing list ahead of November’s national draft.

The Crows dumped veteran Kris Massie, Bryce Campbell and forward Luke Jericho.

Massie, who was traded to the Crows at the end of 2001, played a total of 131 games - including 88 for Adelaide after having first been drafted by Carlton in 1997.

Campbell was drafted from SANFL club Norwood at pick 78 in the 2006 national draft but managed just eight games over two seasons.

Jericho was selected in the 2002 national draft but struggled to cement a regular place in the side, managing just 33 games.

The Crows have now made six changes to their list following the retirements of Rhett Biglands, Nathan Bassett and Ken McGregor and will have picks 10, 28, 44, 60, 76 and 92 in this year's draft
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Bishop joins Eagles

October 10th 2008 13:00
WEST COAST has appointed its first ever female board member - the Honourable Julie Bishop - the shadow Treasurer and Deputy Leader of the Federal Opposition.

Eagles chairman Mark Barnaba said Ms Bishop will be a valuable addition to the club’s board.

"Julie is an outstanding Australian, an outstanding West Australian and a long-standing passionate supporter of the West Coast Eagles," Barnaba said.

"She will bring much to the board and the club and we are very excited and pleased about her appointment and this appointment again demonstrates that our club is in good shape and that the future prospects are very exciting."
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Bombers will be patient: Knights

October 10th 2008 07:23
ESSENDON is prepared to be patient with the rehabilitation of new signing Brent Prismall, according to coach Matthew Knights.

Prismall, who played just 25 games in four season with the Cats was on the verge of becoming a regular member of the Geelong side before sustaining a serious knee injury in this year’s qualifying final against St Kilda.

Knights said the fact that the 22-year-old will miss the start of next season did not deter the club from giving up their third round pick in November's national draft - pick 39 overall - in exchange for Prismall.

"We will work with Brent closely and be patient with him," Knights said.

"It's about his well-being and if he is ready for round four great, if he is ready in Round 6 great and if he is not ready until Round 12 then so be it."

"It will be all about what is best for Brent Prismall."

Knights was also delighted to have kept speedster Andrew Lovett, who had been linked with a move to Geelong after twice being dropped for disciplinary reasons by the Bombers in 2008.

"We were happy to work with clubs to try and do a deal with Andrew but now the deal hasn't been done it's a good opportunity for Andrew to come back and play really good footy and I'm sure he is going to be keen to do that,” he said.

Knights said the past few weeks will have been a reality check for Lovett.

"He has gone through this experience which is never healthy when you are not sure where your future is at but we have got to support him through that and as a coach I will sit down and work with Andrew."

"I'm not sure if it is the wake-up call that he needs but maybe the last few weeks have been an education for him going through this process."

"Andrew has got a pretty good understanding of what he needs to do but his football talents and his ability to play is unquestioned and what Andrew and I have got to work through is making sure his dedication is in check and if he does that I'm sure he will be a good player for us next year."
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Mixed day for Saints

October 10th 2008 06:15
IT has been a mixed day for St Kilda with the club securing the services of Western Bulldogs midfielder Farren Ray and announcing the re-signing of ruckman Michael Gardiner, small forward Stephen Milne and youngster Robert Eddy.

They also said their final goodbye to veteran Robert Harvey, who will join Carlton in 2009 in a development coaching role.

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said Ray, who played 75 games for the Dogs, will be a valuable addition to the Saints’ midfield.

"He will really add to our midfield run and our flexibility and he can play at half-back to release (Jason) Gram and (Brendon) Goddard (to other roles) and that was the rationale behind the decision and clearly we still can take six picks into the national draft," Lyon said.

Meanwhile the Saints announced that Gardiner, Milne and Eddy had all signed contract extensions keeping them at the club for 2009.

"They each bring something unique to the team and we look forward to seeing what they have to offer from season 2009 and beyond," Lyon said of the trio.

Meanwhile, St Kilda chief executive Archie Fraser said the club were both sad and excited about Harvey’s decision to begin his coaching career at the Blues after an illustrious playing career.

"It is with a heavy heart but excitement and optimism for Robert that he becomes a development coach at Carlton from next season," Fraser said.

"Harvs will always be a favourite son of the Saints and while we did offer Robert a full time position at the club next year, he decided to expand his experiences outside the club after 21 outstanding years at the Saints and we wish him every success in his new role."

Carlton chief executive Greg Swann said Harvey will play an important role in developing the club’s younger players.

"Robert's record speaks for itself, he has outstanding knowledge of the game, is respected by everyone in football and he will play an important role in assisting to fast-track the development of our young players," Swann said.

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Green re-signs

October 10th 2008 04:13
MELBOURNE utility Brad Green has signed a new three-year deal which will see him remain at the club until at least the end of the 2011 season.

Green, who had been linked with Collingwood and Sydney during trade week, said he wanted to take the time to ensure he was making the right decision for his future.

"This was a really important decision for me, and I wanted to take the time to make sure I was making the right choice for my future," he said.

"I am now relieved I have made this decision to stay and look forward to being a Demon for life."

The 27-year-old, who has played 186 games for the Demons since making his debut in 2000, finished third in this year's best-and-fairest count.

Melboune football operations manager Chris Connolly said the club is ‘really happy’ that Green has re-committed to the club and that his leadership we will vital as the Demons attempt to rebuild

"We are really happy that we were able to come to terms with Brad on his new three-year deal," he said.

"It did take us longer than expected, but we respect the fact that this was a big decision for Brad, and we are pleased that he will now become a 10-year player for this team, and most likely a one-club man.

"Not only has Brad been a sensational player for the Demons, but his leadership around the club will be vitally important as we develop and nurture our young group of players."
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AFL trade wrap

October 10th 2008 03:53
PORT ADELAIDE trade Adam Thomson to Richmond for pick 42 in the National Draft.

- Rhyce Shaw and Collingwood's fourth-round selection (pick 61) to Sydney in exchange for the Swans' third-round selection (pick 46)

-Anthony Corrie traded from Brisbane to Collingwood for the Magpies' Round 6 selection (pick 93)

-Farren Ray and Dogs' Round 3 selection (pick 48 overall) to St Kilda for the Saints' Round 2 selection (pick 31)

- Brent Prismall traded to Essendon, with Geelong receiving the Bombers third-round selection (pick 39)

- Robbie Warnock and the Dockers Round 5 selection (pick 69 overall) to Carlton for the Blues Round 2 pick (24 overall) as well as Round 4 pick (56 overall) and Round 5 pick (72 overall)

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Shaw a Swan

October 10th 2008 02:34
COLLINGWOOD midfielder Rhyce Shaw will play for Sydney next season after being traded to the Swans on the final day of the AFL’s annual trade week.

Sydney will receive Shaw and Collingwood's fourth-round selection in the draft (pick 61 overall), while the Magpies were given the Swans third-round selection (pick 46).

Meanwhile, the Pies have picked up Brisbane small forward Anthony Corrie in exchange for pick 93.

Farren Ray will play at St Kilda in 2009 after the Western Bulldogs agreed to trade the disgruntled 22-year-old, who was originally drafted by the Dogs with pick 4 in the 2003 national draft.

The Dogs receive the Saints second-round selection (pick 31 overall) in exchange for Ray and pick number 48.
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Motlop re-signs

October 9th 2008 06:54
PORT ADELAIDE forward Daniel Motlop has signed a new three-year deal which will see him remain at the club until at least the end of the 2011 season.

Motlop, who kicked 57 goals from 21 games in 2008, said it was good to have his future secured before next season.

"Good to get signed up and get settled I guess. You don't want to be playing through the year thinking about contracts and that sort of stuff so it was good to get it out the way," he said.

"They (Port) got me over here and I didn't want to go anywhere else, and they knew that, so it's was good to sign up."

"Obviously my first year wasn't that good and the last two have been a bit better. The next three years I'm going to concentrate on footy and repay the club."

The 26-year-old admitted it was time that he stepped up and became a leader at the club.

"I'll try and get into the leadership group next year and push towards that. I'm one of the oldest there now so I've got to step up with that," he said.

"I suppose lead the way with the young boys and that sort of stuff. At times I give away free kicks and I suppose that's where I've got to do better - if the young boys see me do that then it's a good example."

"When I first came to the club I stuffed up a little bit, didn't set a good example and the last two years I've been pretty good and I suppose now it's time to chill out."
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Thomson joins Tigers

October 9th 2008 05:54
PORT ADELAIDE youngster Adam Thomson has joined Richmond in exchange for the Tigers' third-round pick in November's national draft.

The Tigers gave up pick 42 to secure the 22-year-old, who managed just 28 games in four season with the Power.

Richmond football operations manager Craig Cameron said the club believes there is plenty of upside to Thomson.

"We are impressed with what we have seen of Adam and believe his skills and attributes will be a good fit at Richmond," Cameron said.

"It is worth noting that Adam has averaged 14.7 disposals this year despite only 60 per cent game time.”

Port football operations manager Peter Rohde said the trade was fair to both parties.

"Adam made it clear to us that he intended to take the opportunity to play at another club next year so we consider a third-round pick as fair compensation," he said.

"In what is considered a critical draft for all 16 clubs, and one deep in talent, we are confident we will be able to use the third round selection at the draft to bring another quality young player to the Power."

Port now has selections four, 22, 38, 42 and 54 at the November 29 national draft.

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McIntosh off the table

October 8th 2008 08:39
NORTH MELBOURNE has declared that ruckman Hamish McIntosh is off-limits just two days after offering him as trade bait during the AFL’s annual trade week.

The Roos' change of heart comes after it became apparent that no club would be willing to give up a first round draft pick.

The Kangaroos said McIntosh's name had only been put forward because of the considerable interest all clubs are showing in trying to attract ruckmen during the current trade period.

"Talent manager Cameron Joyce subsequently canvassed the clubs who had shown interest in the players up for trade and it became apparent that there would be
no acceptable offers for Hamish McIntosh," the Roos said in their statement on Wednesday.

"In keeping with the North Melbourne Football Club's strategy and the considerable value it places on Hamish, at no stage would the club have entertained anything other than an exceptional and outstanding offer (a low first round pick) for Hamish."

The Roos also defended their decision to put McIntosh’s name on the trade table despite the fact that the 24-year-old had signed a new deal just one year after he finished fourth in the club's best-and -fairest and narrowly missed All-Australian selection in 2007.

"Irrespective of uninformed media speculation, the North Melbourne Football Club makes no apologies for taking the bold decision to explore all options with the stated aim of improving our playing list," the club said.

"This decision was consistent with a long-term list strategy developed in response to the challenges presented to all existing clubs by the entry of the two new AFL franchises."

McIntosh’s manager Tom Petroro said his client never wanted to leave the Kangaroos.

"From my discussions with Hamish never once did he entertain leaving the Kangaroos, he loves Arden Street and is fully committed to assisting the club throughout the rest of his career to achieve premiership success,” he said.
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Lloyd, Davis claim honours

October 8th 2008 06:57
ESSENDON skipper Matthew Lloyd and Collingwood’s Leon Davis have claimed the 2008 AFL Mark and Goal of the Year Awards.

Lloyd, who took out the Goal of the Year Award last season, received this years’ honour after his pack mark against Melbourne at the MCG in round 18.

Davis’ nomination came in round 22 against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval after he tackled Des Headland, gathered the disputed ball and kicked truly on the run from the boundary line.

He becomes the third indigenous player to receive the award since 2004 following Daniel Wells (2004) and Eddie Betts (2007).

Lloyd will receive the Alex Jesaulenko medal for his winning mark while Davis will accept the Phil Manassa medal.

Each player receives the use of a Toyota TRD Aurion for 12 months while their junior football clubs Avondale Heights and Maddington Football Clubs will receive $5000 each.
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AFL names IR squad

October 8th 2008 02:54
The AFL announced on Wednesday the 25-man Australian squad that will tackle Ireland in this month’s revived International Rules series.

Only six members of the squad – Hawthorn defender Campbell Brown, Dockers midfielder Ryan Crowley, North Melbourne star Brent Harvey, West Coast on-baller Adam Selwood, Carlton’s Kade Simpson and Harvey's team-mate Daniel Wells - have previous international experience.

The series kicks off on Ocrtober 24 at Subiaco Oval and finishes a week later at the MCG.

The hybrid game was shelved because of Irish anger over on-field violence when it was last played two years ago and Australian coach Mick Malthouse said his players are now 'charged with the responsibility' of playing the game within the spirit of the rules.

"The coaches (and) the player group will be very much aware of the fact that (for) this series to continue (it) is (reliant) around the way we conduct ourselves - and also the Irish, let's not forget it takes two to tango," Malthouse said.

Malthouse admitted that the onus is on his players to shy away from an illegal level of physicality but that didn’t stop him from selecting aggressive players.

"We haven't gone out of our way not to pick aggressive players. There are rules in place that state that you can tackle and you can bump when the opportunity arises, that you can still run hard at the football," he said.

"What we don't want to do is get compromised in the mind thinking we've got to tread very lightly when in fact you've still gotta have a massive assault on the ball."

Malthouse said the squad was picked on form.

“We have gone for youth, speed, skill and agility," he said.

"The squad consists of players who have had outstanding seasons with their clubs, 23 of the 25 have finished in the top 10 of their club best and fairest.

"They all deserve the opportunity to play for their country and win for their country."

A crackdown on physicality isn't the only feature of the revamped series with a limit of only four consecutive handpasses allowed by a team before a kick must occur.

But assistant coach Nathan Buckley said he was confident that Australia will adapt to the new rule.

"Now that there's restrictions on handballs ... we might have to kick the ball a little more often than we have before," Buckley said.

"There's no doubt that's not necessarily our strength with the round ball but we'll have strategies to get around it and make sure that we find a way to be competitive and win the matches."

Australian squad:
Nathan Bock (Adelaide), Matthew Boyd (Western Bulldogs), Jared Brennan (Brisbane Lions), Campbell Brown (Hawthorn), Shaun Burgoyne (Port Adelaide), Matt Campbell (North Melbourne), Ryan Crowley (Fremantle), Michael Firrito (North Melbourne), Nathan Foley (Richmond), Brent Harvey (North Melbourne), Roger Hayden (Fremantle), Leigh Montagna (St Kilda), Daniel Motlop (Port Adelaide), Marc Murphy (Carlton), Michael Osborne (Hawthorn), Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood), Drew Petrie (North Melbourne), David Rodan (Port Adelaide), Max Rooke (Geelong), Brad Sewell (Hawthorn), Kade Simpson (Carlton), Adam Selwood (West Coast), Dale Thomas (Collingwood), Scott Thompson (Adelaide), Daniel Wells (North Melbourne).
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Tigers: Seaby deal unlikely

October 7th 2008 09:29
RICHMOND is unlikely to be able to come up with a suitable deal to secure West Coast ruckman Mark Seaby, according to Tigers football operations manager Craig Cameron.

Cameron admitted that the club is keen on Seaby but said the Tigers are not willing to release one of their early picks to secure the 24-year-old.

"I don't think it's going to get done and we haven't really progressed at all today," Cameron said.

"The Eagles have asked for a first round pick in exchange for him but we are pretty keen on keeping our first and second round picks this year and if they want a first round pick for him
I wouldn't embarrass them by offering our third round pick for him."

Cameron said he expects Seaby, who has played 97 games and was a member of the Eagles' 2006 premiership team, will elect to stay with West Coast where he remains under contract.

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Swans rule out Lovett

October 7th 2008 08:34
SYDNEY has ruled itself out of the race for Essendon speedster Andrew Lovett.

It is believed that the Swans, who informed the Bombers on Tuesday they were no longer interested in securing Lovett, had concerns over the 25-year-old’s attitude.

Meanwhile, the future of Sydney forward Ryan O’Keefe remains in doubt after day two of the AFL's annual trade week.

Hawthorn met with O'Keefe's management on Tuesday but the Hawks are wavering over whether to offer their first round pick in exchange for the 27-year-old.

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McIntosh emerges as trade bait

October 6th 2008 21:40
NORTH MELBOURNE is prepared to let ruckman Hamish McIntosh go if the price is right, according to coach Dean Laidley.

Laidley revealed a number of rival clubs had expressed an interest in McIntosh, who narrowly missed All-Australian selection in 2007 before enduring an injury-plagued 2008 season when a knee injury restricted him to just 14 games.

"Hamish McIntosh's name was mentioned today and even with Hamish we will sit down and if there is real interest there in Hamish we will have a look at it," Laidley said.

"We are open-minded about it and we will do what is best for the footy club."

Midfielder Daniel Harris and forward Corey Jones were also mentioned on day one of trade week but Laidley said no offers had been made for any of his players at this stage.

"A lot of names were bought up today so we will wait and see what unfolds over the rest of the week."

"But I am not wishing there is any offers for any of them."

"We have contracted them all and we want them to stay and Daniel is the only player that has stated that he would like to leave although there has been interest also in Corey and Hamish."

"But if I was a betting man I would say most of them would still be at our footy club at the end of the week."

Meanwhile Western Bulldogs football operations manager James Fantasia said the Bulldogs were looking for a second-round draft pick as compensation for midfielder Farren Ray.

"We think that is being fair and realistic," he said.
But Fantasia said if the club’s demands weren’t met then the Dogs would keep Ray who remains under contract.

"He is a required player although he has indicated he would like to try this week to see if there is another club (for him) but we have re-affirmed to his manager as late as today that would like him to be with us next year and we will still progress that way," Fantasia said.

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Power: No Didak deal

October 6th 2008 21:30
PORT ADELAIDE football operations manager Peter Rohde says acquiring Collingwood bad boy Alan Didak in exchange for its prized number four pick on November’s national draft "won't be happening".

Didak, who was suspended for the rest of the season following the round 18 loss to Hawthorn after his much-publicised role in teammate Heath Shaw's drink-driving offence, is expected to remain with the Magpies.

Rodhe said the offer of pick four is unlikely to convince the Pies to trade the classy forward.

"It won't be happening," Rohde said of Didak moving to Alberton.

"He is contracted (at Collingwood) and all the way through, his management and Collingwood have been adamant that he will be staying there and that is the way it is going to be."

Rohde admitted pick four was still on offer if the right deal came along.

"It's true to say pick four would be available but it's a matter of what you get back for it and certainly it's very unlikely we will be trading it," he said.

Rohde also said it was 'unlikely' that Port would be trading with Fremantle this week to secure the return of Dockers' vice-captain Josh Carr - who left the Power after playing in the club's 2004 premiership team.

"We want to check him out in the flesh before we make any commitment and he is away so it won't be happening (this week)," Rohde said.

Port also expressed a 'mild interest' in Melbourne utility Brad Green but Rodhe said the chances of Green moving to Alberton were slim given the kind of money he is after.

"But with the salary he (Green) is after he is probably not in our ball park and he is at the club that finished 16th so leverage wise it's probably hard to get a deal." Rohde said.

Fremantle, who announced that defender Michael Johnson had extended his contract until the end of 2011 on Monday, are resigned to losing promising young ruckman Robert Warnock - who wants to return home to Victoria.

Carlton has offered pick 24 in exchange but the Dockers want further discussions with the Blues before agreeing to a deal.

Meanwhile, Geelong midfielder Brent Prismall has attracted the interest of several club’s despite suffering a serious knee injury in the qualifying final which is expected to rule him out for the majority of next season.



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Blues rule themselves out

October 6th 2008 21:27
CARLTON ruled itself out of the race for Sydney forward Ryan O’Keefe on day one of the AFL's annual trade week on Monday.

O'Keefe has rejected a new three-year offer from the Swans in favour of a return to his native Victoria.

The Swans are demanding a minimum of a first-round pick in exchange for the 27-year-old.

But Carlton chief executive Greg Swann said there was no way the club could satisfy the Swans’ demands.


"We haven't got the picks," he said.

The Blues have pick six in the national draft but have refused to offer that for O’Keefe.

With the Blues out of the race reigning premiers Hawthorn has emerged as the frontrunner for O’Keefe.

Hawthorn list manager Chris Pelchen said the Hawks’ were interested in securing the services of the classy forward.

"We did raise his name with Sydney today and we will take that a step further now if we can," Pelchen said.

"We will talk to Ryan over the next 24 hours and see what we can ascertain from there."

"We had about six to eight players whose names were raised (by other clubs) today and we are open-minded on all of them.”

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Dogs take Cordy

October 6th 2008 01:23
THE AFL national draft is still nearly two months away but the Western Bulldogs have already secured father/son selection Ayce Cordy.

Cordy is the son of former Bulldog Brian Cordy, who played 124 games for the club between 1981 and 1988 and the uncle of Channel Ten commentator Neil Cordy, who played 235 games for the Dogs and Sydney between 1979-93.

Under the new father/son bidding process, the Bulldogs were forced to use pick 14 to secure the 202cm ruckman/forward after St Kilda was prepared to give up its first round pick - selection 13.

Despite having to use their first pick to secure Cordy, Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade still feels the club have got a bargain.

"We thought from the start he would be a first round pick," Eade said.

"I suppose it was just depending on where we finished on the ladder but we think pick 14 is a cheap buy for Ayce because we think he is a 200-game player for us."

Eade said Cordy , who is seen as a long-term answer for the club's lack of height in attack won’t be rushed into AFL football after missing much of last season following shoulder surgery in June.

"He has had a couple of injuries this year so we will take it slowly," he said.

"He has certainly got enough ability to play seniors next year but if he spends all year at Williamstown (the Dogs' VFL feeder club) that is no big loss for us."

Cordy admitted he needed to add bulk to his lean frame and said he is about a month away from being ready to train again following his shoulder operation.

"As Rocket (Eade) says I need to put a bit of weight on but I already know a lot of the fitness staff down at the club (after having trained with the club during pre-season) so that should help me a little bit," he said.

"It's been three months since the operation but I am feeling good, feeling fit."

"Basically I started the season with the AIS over in South Africa and came back and had three games for my school (Geelong College) but I copped a few knocks and the shoulder didn't feel all that stable and then she popped out."

"It was pretty painful and I had a choice whether to play on and maybe have the shoulder cause me a few problems but I decided to have surgery in June and got that over and done with but I am still on the mend."


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Number five for Pav

October 5th 2008 04:03
FREMANTLE skipper Matthew Pavlich has capped off another stellar season by claiming his fifth best-and-fairest award on Saturday night.

Pavlich polled 30 votes to win by three from ruckman Aaron Sandilands and key defender Luke McPharlin.

NAB Rising Star winner Rhys Palmer finished fourth on 23 votes in his first season of AFL football, two clear of fellow midfielder Ryan Crowley and defender Michael Johnson, who shared fifth position.

Pavlich, who earnt All-Australian honours for the sixth time in 2008 and led the club’s goalkicking with 67 goals, has now won the Doig Medal four years in a row.

Doig Medal Top 10
1. Matthew Pavlich 30
2. Aaron Sandilands 27
3. Luke McPharlin 26
4. Rhys Palmer 23
5. Michael Johnson, Ryan Crowley 21
7. David Mundy 16
8. Byron Schammer 14
9. Roger Hayden 12
10. Garrick Ibbotson 11

Other awards
Beacon Award (best young player): Rhys Palmer
Best Clubman Award: Luke Webster
Harbour Masters Award (most popular player according to a supporter group): Luke McPharlin
Past Players and Officials Award: Andrew Browne
WAFL Recognition Award: Brock O’Brien.
Leading Goal Kicker Award: Matthew Pavlich
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Fisher named Saints' best

October 4th 2008 19:44
ST KILDA defender Sam Fisher has capped off a stellar season by winning the club’s best-and-fairest award for the first time.

Fisher, who was named All-Australian for the first time this season, won the award with 680 votes to finish 37 votes clear of Nick Riewoldt (643), with Lenny Hayes third on 627.

Max Hudghton was fourth on 507 votes while Robert Harvey rounded out the top five with 492 votes in his final year.

Raphael Clarke took out the Most Promising Player award while retiring greats Harvey and Fraser Gehrig were recognised for their services to club.

Hayes won the inaugural Robert Harvey Best Clubman Award for his tireless commitment to the club.

Trevor Barker Award Top 10
1. Sam Fisher 680 votes
2. Nick Riewoldt 643 votes
3. Lenny Hayes 627 votes
4. Max Hudghton 507 votes
5. Robert Harvey 492 votes
6. Leigh Montagna 473 votes
7. Brendan Goddard 469 votes
8. Jason Gram 467 votes
9. Luke Ball 418 votes
10, Jason Blake 402 votes
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Back-to-back for Brown

October 4th 2008 19:31
BRISBANE LIONS co-captain Jonathan Brown has won the club’s best-and-fairest award for the second consecutive season.

Brown polled 53.5 votes to win a tight race for the Merrett-Murray medal ahead of fellow co-captains Simon Black and Luke Power.

Black, who also finished runner-up in the 2008 Brownlow Medal count, finished just 2.5 votes shy of securing his fourth Merrett-Murray Medal, while Power finished in the club's top five for the sixth straight season.

Brown also took home the Best Forward award for the second year in a row.

The 26-year-old played 21 matches this season and led the club marks with 167 and also booted 70 goals.

Lions leading goal-kicker Daniel Bradshaw finished a career-best fourth and utility Jared Brennan earned his first ever top five finish.

In other awards, Black was named Best Midfielder, Joel Patfull Best Defender and Most Improved, Bradd Dalziell was Rookie of the Year and Bradshaw was named the Don Smith Most Professional Player.

Michael Rischitelli took home two awards, the Most Courageous Player and Most Effective Tackler.



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Franklin named top Hawk

October 4th 2008 19:13
HAWTHORN star Lance Franklin has capped off a sensational season by winning his first best-and-fairest award on Saturday night.

Franklin, who kicked 113 goals to win the Coleman medal, polled in 24 of 25 matches to win the Peter Crimmins Medal with 216 votes, with captain Sam Mitchell on 177 and Norm Smith Medal winner Luke Hodge on 175.

Jarryd Roughead finished fourth on 172 votes and also picked up the most consistent award while Michael Osborne rounded out the top five.

Classy small forward Cyril Rioli was named best first year while defender Thomas Murphy won the most improved award.

Chance Bateman won the best clubman award while Hodge was named the best player in the finals.

Peter Crimmins Medal top 10:
1. Lance Franklin 216
2. Sam Mitchell 177
3. Luke Hodge 175
4. Jarryd Roughead 172
5. Michael Osborne 154
6. Cyril Rioli 151
7. Chance Bateman 149
8. Brad Sewell 148
8. Grant Birchall 148
10. Campbell Brown 136
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Kerr re-signs

October 4th 2008 08:31
WEST COAST midfielder Daniel Kerr has ended speculation about his playing future by signing a contract extension.

Kerr was contracted until the end of the 2009 season but had been linked with a move to a Melbourne-based club.

The Eagles have a policy of not divulging any contractual terms, so it is unclear how long Kerr has re-signed for.

In more good news for West Coast, recently retired Collingwood captain Scott Burns will join the club as an assistant coach.

It comes on the back of former Melbourne coach Neale Daniher being secured as the club's general manager football operations and the appointment of former Geelong and Port Adelaide assistant coach Phillip Walsh in the role of strategy and innovations assistant coach

Burns, who will be in Perth at the end of the month, said he is looking forward to embarking on his coaching career.

"I am really excited about moving into the next phase of my football life, working with John Worsfold, Neale Daniher, Phil Walsh and the rest of the football department," Burns said.

"The West Coast list is very young and I see a lot of promise in the group."

"It is a great opportunity for me to work at a very professional club which seems determined to push hard towards improving. There is a lot of upside in their squad."
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Roos staying with Swans

October 4th 2008 05:06
SYDNEY coach Paul Roos has signed a two-year contract extension which will see him remain at the club until at least the end of the 2011 season.

Roos, the club's longest serving coach, made the announcement at the Swans' best-and-fairest dinner on Friday night.

He replaced Rodney Eade halfway through the 2002 season and guided the club to their first premiership in 72 years when they beat West Coast in 2005.

They also lost another grand final to the Eagles the following year.
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Bock named top Crow

October 4th 2008 04:57
ADELAIDE defender Nathan Bock has capped off a stellar season by winning the club’s best-and-fairest award on Friday night.

Bock polled 162 votes to become the first “next generation” Crow to win the Malcolm Blight medal.

Since 2000 the top honour has been shared between Simon Goodwin, Andrew McLeod, Ben Hart and Mark Ricciuto.

The 25-year-old led the count all the way from round three, polled votes in 22 of the 23 games, only missing out in the club’s round-nine loss to West Coast at Subiaco Oval.

2008 club champion top ten
162 – Nathan Bock
151 – Simon Goodwin
147 – Scott Thompson
137 – Tyson Edwards
135 – Michael Doughty
130 – Nathan van Berlo
118 – Robert Shirley
116 – Scott Stevens
115 – Jason Porplyzia
114 – Andrew McLeod

Other 2008 award winners

Best team man - Michael Doughty

Most valuable player - Nathan Bock

Coaches’ award - Richard Douglas

Mark Bickley Award - David Mackay

Emerging talent award - Kurt Tippett

Leading goalkicker award - Brett Burton
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Swan named Pies' best

October 4th 2008 00:36
COLLINGWOOD midfielder Dane Swan has capped off an impressive season by winning his first best-and-fairest award on Friday night.

The 24-year-old won the Copeland Trophy after he polled 53 votes for the season.

All-Australian forward pocket Paul Medhurst finished second with 47 votes, winning the RT Rush Trophy in the process.

Scott Pendlebury (46 votes), Leon Davis (44) and Harry O'Brien (43) rounded out the top five.

2008 Copeland Trophy Top 10
1st – Dane Swan, 53 votes (EW Copeland Trophy)
2nd – Paul Medhurst, 47 (RT Rush Trophy)
3rd – Scott Pendlebury, 46 (JJ Joyce Trophy)
4th – Leon Davis, 44 (JF McHale Trophy)
5th – Heritier O’Brien, 43 (Jack Regan Trophy)
6th – Travis Cloke, 42
7th – Alan Didak, 38
8th – Dale Thomas, 38
9th – Shane O’Bree, 38
10th – Tarkyn Lockyer, 38

Joseph Wren Award (best VFL player)
Justin Crow & Brent Macaffer

Darren Millane Award (best clubman)
Shane O’Bree

Harry Collier Award (best first year player)
Nathan Brown

Gordon Coventry Award (goal kicking)
Paul Medhurst - 50 Goals

Gavin Brown Award (besire indicators)
Nick Maxwell

Bob Rose Award (best player in finals)
Dane Swan

Phonse Kyne Award (services to the club)
Brad Dick

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McVeigh claims Bob Skilton Medal

October 4th 2008 00:27
SYDNEY midfielder Jarrad McVeih has capped off a career-best season by claiming his first best-and-fairest award on Friday night.

McVeigh won with a total of 578 votes, ahead of the consistent Brett Kirk (568) and former
Adelaide Crow Martin Mattner (532).

For Kirk it was a remarkable sixth straight top two finish in the Swans' best and fairest award after he also finished runner-up in 2003, 2004 and 2006 as well as winning in 2005
and 2007.

McVeigh trailed Kirk by four votes going into the club's last match of the season - the semi-final loss to the Bulldogs - but McVeigh polled 25 votes in that match compared to just 11 for Kirk to claim the Bob Skilton Medal.

The 23-year-old played all 24 games this season and averaged just under 20 disposals and five marks per game as well as booting 32 goals.

The younger brother of Essendon star Mark polled votes in 20 of the 24 games he played this season while he polled the maximum 50 votes possible for any one match for his stellar performance in round 18 when he booted six goals in a losing side against the Western Bulldogs in Canberra.

Bob Skilton Medal voting
1. Jarrad McVeigh (578 points)
2. Brett Kirk (568 points)
3. Martin Mattner (532 points)
4. Jude Bolton (514 points)
5. Ryan O’Keefe (447 points)
6. Paul Bevan (419 points)
6. Tadhg Kennelly (419 points)
8. Darren Jolly (411 points)
9. Craig Bolton (384 points)
10. Jarred Moore (382 points)

Other award winners
Paul Kelly Players’ Player Award - Brett Kirk
Sydney Swans Rising Star Award - Kieren Jack and Craig Bird (tie)

Dennis Carroll Trophy for most improved - Jarred Moore

Barry Round Trophy for best clubman - Tadhg Kennelly

Paul Roos Award for best player in the finals - Barry Hall
John Yates Award for significant contribution to the promotion and development of the Sydney Swans and AFL in NSW - Colin Keeble
Life Members - Tadhg Kennelly, Barry Hall, Ryan O’Keefe, Phil Mullen, Stephen Brassel

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Number four for Harvey

October 4th 2008 00:15
NORTH MELBOURNE midfielder Brent Harvey became just the fourth player in the club’s history to win four best-and-fairest awards on Friday night.

Harvey capped off another stellar season by joining 1965 Brownlow Medalist Noel Teasdale, 1977 premiership captain David Dench and 1996 and 1999 premiership captain Wayne Carey as the only players to have won four Syd Barker Medals.

The 30-year-old had a career-best season in 2008, averaging just under 25 possessions per game as well as booting 25 goals.

Harvey polled 759 votes to beat utility Drew Petrie, who finished second on 731 votes, while 2004 and 2006 best-and-fairest winner Brady Rawlings finished third on 671 votes.

Retirees Shannon Grant, Nathan Thompson and Jess Sinclair were honoured by the 700 strong crowd while Brady Rawlings and long-time administrators Tim Harrington and Max Stone were given life membership.

In other awards Petrie was named the Roos' best clubman while 20-year-old Queenslander Gavin Urquhart was named the club's rookie of the year.

Final voting:
1. Brent Harvey - 759
2. Drew Petrie - 731
3. Brad Rawlings - 671
4. David Hale - 670
5. Michael Firrito - 647
6. Daniel Wells - 641
7. Daniel Harris - 621
8. Adam Simpson - 617
9. Leigh Harding - 615
10. Daniel Pratt - 607

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Cox named top Eagle

October 4th 2008 00:05
WEST COAST ruckman Dean Cox has capped off a stellar season by winning his first best-and-fairest award on Friday night.

Cox managed to play every game in 2008 despite suffering a fractured right foot in round three.

The 27-year-old averaged just over 22 possessions per game - he also had a total of 570 hit-outs for the season as well as taking 126 marks, laying 34 tackles and booting nine goals.

Cox won in a canter from utility Quinten Lynch who finished second some 90 votes adrift on 360 while Adam Selwood finished in third spot for the second successive season.

Final voting:
1 Dean Cox - 450
2 Quinten Lynch - 360
3 Adam Selwood - 315
4 Andrew Embley - 281
5 Darren Glass - 269
6 Matt Priddis - 266
7 Mark Nicoski - 258
8 David Wirrpanda 238
9 Tyson Stenglein 229
10 Ben McKinley 225

Other awards:
Chris Mainwaring Medal (Best Clubman) – Jaymie Graham
Leading Goalkicker – Ben McKinley (42 goals)
Rookie of the Year – Ben McKinley
Life Members – Dean Cox, Darren Glass, Andrew Embley, Daniel Kerr, Phil Scott

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Burgoyne re-signs

October 2nd 2008 21:45
PORT ADELAIDE veteran Peter Burgoyne has signed a new one-year deal with the club.

Burgoyne's new contract is performance based with a clause in it that will allow him to play on for a second year if he plays a certain amount of matches in 2009.

Port Adelaide's general manager of football operations Peter Rhode said the 30-year-old is capable of playing for at least a couple more seasons.

"Peter Burgoyne has been one of the club's greatest AFL contributors and we are very pleased he will be with us next year," Rohde said.

"He is a very important part of our side and even though this is a one-year deal we see no reason why he can't play for as many as three more years."

"His form in the last two matches, when he had consecutive best-on-grounds, certainly showed us the improvement he has made."

"A fit and firing Peter Burgoyne in 2009 will take us a long way towards making a steep improvement on last season."

Burgoyne said he believed his body was still capable of coping with the riggours of AFL football and that he is looking forward to helping the club move back up the ladder.

"I still feel that my body will allow me to play two or three years of good football so it was just up to myself and the club to come together and work out a deal that was fair and we've been able achieve that which is great,” he said.

"With our young group going forward, I feel like my experience can be a valuable asset. I really believe our team is going places and we'll be back playing finals in 2009 so I'm really looking forward to it."
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Bruce wins first best and fairest

October 2nd 2008 21:37
MELBOURNE midfielder Cameron Bruce has capped off a consistent season by winning his first best-and-fairest award.

Bruce won his first Keith 'Bluey' Truscott trophy on Thursday night with 75 votes.

Brock McLean (60) clinched the Sid Anderson Memorial Trophy as runner-up,with Brad Green (57), Matthew Warnock (47) and veteran midfielder James McDonald (46) rounding out the top five.

Bruce, who was the only Demon to play all 22 games in 2008, averaged a team-high 24 possessions.

In other awards, Cale Morton won the Harold Ball Memorial Trophy for best first year player.

Green won the leadership award, Adem Yze took out the Troy Broadbridge Memorial Trophy for being the highest vote getter in the Sandringham Best and Fairest while Warnoick won the coach's award.

Meanwhile, former chairman Joe Blair and long-time volunteer Dudley Phillips joined former players Barry Bourke, Greg Healy, Todd Viney and Sean Wight as this year's inductees into the club's hall of fame.

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Corey named Cats' best

October 2nd 2008 21:28
GEELONG midfielder Joel Corey has taken out his second best-and-fairest award with the club.

Corey claimed the 'Carji' Greeves Medal on Thursday night with 591 votes, well ahead of Gary Ablett Jnr (538) with James Bartel (522) third.

Midfielders dominated the count with Cameron Ling finishing fourth with 443 votes while impressive youngster Joel Selwood (439) finished fifth.

Cameron Mooney (423), Corey Enright (417), Andrew Mackie (386), Steve Johnson (384) and Tom Harley (334) completed the top 10.

In other awards, defender Harry Taylor was named best first year player,Steve Johnson (leading goal kicker), Tom Harley (best clubman), Ling (coach's award), Jason Davenport (VFL best & fairest), Tom Harley, David Wojcinski and James Kelly (community champions).
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Tigers re-sign

October 2nd 2008 07:21
RICHMOND has strengthened its on-field future with the re-signing of 10 players.

Shane Edwards, Jack Riewoldt, Jay Schulz, Andrew Collins, Daniel Connors, Angus Graham, Jake King, Kelvin Moore, Matthew White and Chris Newman have all signed contract extensions with the Tigers.

Newman said there are exciting times ahead for the club.

"We have an exciting playing group that combines youth and experience and we are all really looking forward to next year," Newman said.

"We finished the season very strongly by winning eight of our last 11 games and we now have to build on those promising signs and consolidate our hard work."
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Gehrig quits again

October 2nd 2008 07:00
ST KILDA full-forward Fraser Gehrig has announced his second retirement from AFL football in as many years.

Gehrig, who played 255 games and kicked 540 goals in 13 years with the Saints and West Coast, originally called it quits at the end of last season.

But just weeks after playing his final match against Richmond in round 22 last year, Gehrig registered for the national draft in the hope of extending his career into a 14th season.

St Kilda selected the 32-year-old with pick No. 57 in the 2007 national draft but he struggled to have an impact this season.

Gehrig was restricted to just five matches in 2008 thanks to a debilitating arthritic condition in his hand.

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon paid tribute to Gehrig and said he will be sorely missed.

"Fraser's dedication to the St Kilda Football Club is unquestionable. He is one of the greatest forwards to ever pull on a red, white and black guernsey and his contribution to the Saints will not be forgotten."

"Unfortunately his 2008 campaign was shortened due to injury, but he maintained a strong training and fitness regime which gave the rest of the team a significant boost. Fraser is a shining role model on and off the field and will be missed."
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Hille best of the Bombers

October 1st 2008 21:33
ESSENDON ruckman David Hille has capped off a career-best year by winning the club’s best-and-fairest award at Crown Palladium on Wednesday night.

Hille claimed his first Crichton Medal with 256 votes, well-clear of skipper Matthew Lloyd (216) with midfielder Brent Stanton (188) third.

The 27-year-old polled in 14 of his 20 games this season before a hand injury brought his season to a premature end.

2008 Crichton Medal voting:
David Hille - 256
Matthew Lloyd - 216
Brent Stanton - 188
Jobe Watson - 178
Mark McVeigh - 144
Angus Monfries - 140
Patrick Ryder - 138
Andrew Welsh - 134
Dustin Fletcher - 133
Henry Slattery - 133
Sam Lonergan - 121
Nathan Lovett-Murray - 117
Kyle Reimers - 104
Andrew Lovett - 98
Adam McPhee - 96
Damien Peverill - 67
Bachar Houli - 60
Jason Winderlich - 41
Jay Nash - 39
Ricky Dyson - 38
Adam Ramanauskas - 36
Alwyn Davey - 34
Jason Johnson - 31
David Myers - 31
Courtenay Dempsey - 29
Mal Michael - 24
Leroy Jetta - 22
Tom Hislop - 19
Scott Lucas - 18
Tom Bellchambers - 13
Heath Hocking - 11
Rhys Magin - 4
Jay Neagle - 3

Other award winners:
Bill Hutchison Award - Nathan Lovett-Murray
Lindsay Griffith's Rising Star Award - Kyle Reimers
Most Courageous - Henry Slattery
Striving for Excellence - Angus Monfries
Most Improved - Sam Lonergan
Leading Goalkicker - Matthew Lloyd

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