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AFL Central - September 2009

Western Sydney to play in TAC Cup

September 30th 2009 15:20
THE proposed western Sydney AFL side will make its first competitive appearance in next year's TAC Cup.

The 18th league team, which is due to enter the AFL in 2012, will follow in the footsteps of the the Gold Coast Football Club which played in the competition this year.

But it is unclear whether Team GWS will play in the VFL in its second year like the Gold Coast will do next season before becoming the 17th team in 2011.

AFL development manager David Matthews said playing in the under 18s competition had been 'beneficial' for the GCFC.

"To enter and develop a team of talented youngsters has been beneficial for the Gold Coast Football Club in terms of fast-tracking talent and developing a base culture from which to build upon," Matthews said.


"We think that such a pathway will also play a vital role in the Team GWS campaign."

The team will be coached next year by former Fitzroy coach and current Team GWS high performance manager Alan McConnell.

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Blues put Fevola up for trade

September 30th 2009 06:40
CARLTON has announced that spearhead Brendan Fevola will be on the market when trade week begins on Monday.

The Blues have lost patience with Fevola following his drunken antics at the Brownlow Medal count last week - the latest in a series of off-field misdemeanours for the 28-year-old.

Fevola admitted it was his own fault that he now finds himself in this position but said he was looking forward to the future.

"I acknowledge that this is largely of my own doing, I remain remorseful for the events of the past 10 days and once again apologise to those people I have let down - especially family and friends," Fevola said.


"But I cannot turn back the clock. Instead I will welcome the opportunity to join a new club and look forward to pursuing the dream of an AFL premiership."

Fevola made his AFL debut in 1999 and has kicked 575 goals in 187 games.

He has also won two Coleman Medals - the most recent of which came this season after booting 86 goals.

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


Davey signs new deal with Demons

September 30th 2009 05:06
MELBOURNE star Aaron Davey has ended speculation about his future by signing a new four-year deal which will see him remain with the Demons until at least the end of 2013.

There had been reports that the 26-year-old wanted to leave the club to play alongside his younger brother Alwyn at Essendon.

Davey enjoyed a career-best season in 2009, playing all 22 matches and averaging 23 possessions per game.

Melbourne list manager Tim Harrington said Davey was an important part of the club's future.

"We are very pleased that Aaron has committed to the Melbourne Football Club," Harrington said.

"He is a player who is held in high regard and is a big part of the club's future success."

"Aside from his obvious playing talents, Aaron's leadership qualities are first class."

"His work, particularly with our young group of indigenous players, has been outstanding and has gone a long way to contributing to the success of players such as Liam Jurrah."

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


Lloyd, O'Loughlin take up roles with AFL

September 29th 2009 10:54
FORMER Essendon skipper Matthew Lloyd and Sydney games record holder Michael O'Loughlin have taken up development roles with the AFL.

Lloyd, who announced his retirement last week, has joined the AFL-AIS Academy as an assistant coach.

O'Loughlin - who called it quits at the end of the season - will develop the league's indigenous program and help with the high development and talent programs.

The pair are in Canberra for an AFL-AIS Academy camp.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Knights signs contract extension

September 29th 2009 10:00
ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights has signed a two-year contract extension with the Bombers.

The new deal means Knights will lead the club until at least the end of the 2012 season.

The former Richmond captain replaced Kevin Sheedy at the helm in 2008 and led the Dons to their first finals appearance since 2004 this season.

Knights said he was 'very excited' about the club's future.

“I am very excited about the direction this football club is heading,” Knights said.

“We have unearthed a number of talented young players this season but there is still a lot of hard work to be done – we are under no illusion about that.

“I want to thank the club for the opportunity to keep working with the playing group to try and achieve premiership success.”


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


Hinkley joins Gold Coast

September 29th 2009 06:02
GEELONG assistant coach Ken Hinkley has joined the coaching panel of the Gold Coast Football Club.

Hinkley, who will join the GCFC in late October, has been an assistant with the Cats since 2004 and played an integral role in Geelong's premiership successes in 2007 and 2009.

Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna said securing the services of Hinkley was a coup for the club.

“To have that sort of experience join your coaching panel it’s exciting and I think he is excited about the quality of the young list of players he will be working with,” McKenna said.

“It also says a lot about the person – being involved in the AFL system right now at the highest level - to step back and jump on in the early days when it’s a bit tough and you’ve got to roll up the sleeves. I’m looking forward to working very closely with him.”

Hinkley said the multitude of young players he would be working with was a deciding factor in his decision move on from Geelong.

“In the current system a club gets about 2-3 young players a year to work with so it’s a coach's dream to be able to work with such a large group and hopefully help them develop into a great AFL team and club,” Hinkley said.

“The Gold Coast Football Club is an opportunity which doesn’t come along very often and to help build a competitive team and a culture of success is something I can’t wait to get involved in.”

Hinkley played 132 games for Fitzroy and Geelong, won a best-and-fairest at the Cats, finished third in the Brownlow Medal in 1992 and earned All-Australian honours on two occasions.

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Judd wins second John Nicholls Medal

September 28th 2009 13:42
CARLTON skipper Chris Judd has won his second consecutive John Nicholls Medal at the Crown Palladium on Monday night.

The win comes just a week after Judd finished second in the Brownlow Medal count to Geelong star Gary Ablett.

Judd polled 558 votes to claim the best-and-fairest award ahead of fellow midfielders Marc Murphy (451) and Bryce Gibbs (415).

Coleman Medallist Brendan Fevola, who elected not to attend the count pending further action against him by the club for his drunken antics at the Brownlow Medal, finished fourth with 390 votes.

Judd played all 23 games in 2009, racking up over 600 disposals on top of a season-high 102 tackles and 137 inside 50s.

Murphy, who was in the 40-man preliminary squad for this year's All-Australian team, played all 23 games for the season, collected a career-high 588 disposals and was the club's third-highest goalkicker with 31 for the year.

Gibbs also played all 23 games for Carlton in 2009 and led the Blues for kicks (321) and total disposals (615).

Meanwhile, Aaron Joseph capped off an impressive debut season by being named the Blues' best first-year player and finishing in the top ten for the John Nicholls Medal.

The 20-year-old tagger, who was taken with the number two pick in last year rookie draft, was elevated to the senior list ahead of round one and played all 23 games.

In other awards, David Ellard was named the Best Clubman, the Spirit of Carlton Encouragement Award went to Jordan Russell and Dennis Armfield won the Women of Carlton Player Ambassador of the Year Award for his on field achievements, community work and the manner in which he represented the club on and off the field this season.

John Nicholls Medal Top 10:
1. Chris Judd - 558
2. Marc Murphy - 451
3. Bryce Gibbs - 415
4. Brendan Fevola - 390
5. Matthew Kreuzer - 311
6. Jordan Russell - 281
7. Paul Bower - 279
8. Kade Simpson 254
9. Bret Thornton - 225
10. Aaron Joseph - 201

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


Burton, Rioli claim awards

September 28th 2009 12:27
ADELAIDE veteran Brett Burton and Hawthorn young gun Cyril Rioli have claimed the mark of the year and goal of the year awards respectively.

Burton will receive his first Alex Jesaulenko medal for his spectacular mark against Carlton at Etihad Stadium in round 22.

Rioli, who was nominated twice throughout the season, will receive the Phil Manassa medal for his goal against Essendon at the MCG in round seven.

The classy Hawks forward is the fourth Indigenous player to win the award since 2004 following Daniel Wells (2004), Eddie Betts (2006) and Leon Davis (2008).

Burton said it was the best mark he has ever taken.

"When I was up there, I thought, 'whoa!' It did feel good," Burton said.

"It was a real buzz and this award is something I will be very proud of, having returned from a knee reconstruction."

Rioli said it was an honour to win the goal of the year award.

"I am very honoured to win the 2009 AFL Goal of the Year award and I would like to thank the All-Australian selectors for voting for me", Rioli said.

"I would also like to thank my teammate Chance Bateman for giving me the handball to have the opportunity to kick the goal," he said

"I feel privileged to follow in the footsteps of the other indigenous players who have won this award - Leon Davis, Eddie Betts and Daniel Wells."

"I love playing footy and it's a real buzz to play in front of our passionate Hawthorn members and supporters."

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Fev to miss Blues' B&F count

September 28th 2009 05:56
CARLTON spearhead Brendan Fevola will not be attending the Blues' best-and-fairest count on Monday night.

The Coleman Medallist, who was fined $10,000 by the club and withdrew from Friday's grand final parade and a pre-grand final motorcade following his drunken antics at the Brownlow Medal count last week, informed Carlton of his decision this morning.

The Blues released a statement to say that they had accepted Fevola's decision 'to ensure there is no distraction from the John Nicholls Medal function.'

Carlton was expected to meet with Fevola on Monday morning to discuss his future but has elected to postpone the meeting until later in the week.





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


No charges laid from GF

September 28th 2009 03:47
THE match review panel has laid no charges from Saturday's Grand Final.

Geelong duo Steve Johnson and Cameron Mooney were looked at over clashes involving Saints' ruckman Steven King and defender Sam Gilbert but the impact in both incidents was deemed to be below that required to constitute a reportable offence.

St Kilda's Michael Gardiner was also looked at but cleared over a second quarter clash involving Cats ruckman Brad Ottens.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson praised both sides for the manner in which they played the game.

“Geelong and St Kilda played an outstanding grand final filled with hard, contested football and both clubs approached the game in wonderful spirit,” Anderson said.

“We congratulate them on the manner in which they approached the most important game of our season and how they represented our sport on the national stage."

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Milburn to play on

September 27th 2009 07:07
GEELONG two-time premiership defender Darren Milburn will play on with the Cats next season.

There had been speculation that Milburn would hang up the boots after playing a key role in Geelong's epic win over St Kilda in Saturday's grand final at the MCG.

But the club announced at Sunday's supporters' day at Kardinia Park that the 32-year-old had agreed to a one-year contract.

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


Hudghton calls it quits

September 27th 2009 06:03
ST KILDA veteran defender Max Hudghton has called it quits after 13 seasons of AFL football.

Hudghton, who was left out of the team for Saturday's heartbreaking 12-point Grand Final loss to Geelong, managed just seven appearances this season to finish with 234 games to his name.

The 33-year-old confirmed his retirement at the club's post-grand final family day function at Etihad Stadium.

"I think it's fitting that I announce my retirement today," Hudghton told thousands of supporters.

"I haven't formally even spoken to the boys, but I thought it was a great opportunity to get up here and thank all of the fans for the fantastic support that you've given me over many, many years."

Hudghton was a member of St Kilda's 1997 losing grand final team and was unable to force his way into the side for the this year's finals series with coach Ross Lyon preferring Zac Dawson at full-back.

But Hudghton said he leaves the game with no regrets.

"At the end of the day, I've had an amazing journey with you guys," he said.

"Football and the St Kilda Football Club have just been unbelievable and the club is always bigger than the individual."

"It is an amazing result from where I've come from and I can walk away really proud that I've been at St Kilda Football Club all my career."

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


Cats claim premiership

September 26th 2009 08:25
GEELONG has claimed its second premiership in three years with a 12-point win over St Kilda in a classic grand final at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Cats trailed by seven points at the last change but kicked three unanswered goals in a pulsating final stanza including one after the siren to prevail 12.8 (80) to 9.14 (68).

The Saints will be left to rue the many opportunities they wasted to secure their first flag since 1966.

Paul Chapman won the Norm Smith Medal as best on ground for his 26-possession three-goal performance while Joel Corey (29 disposals), Gary Ablett (25) and Joel Selwood (24) were also instrumental in the win.

Harry Taylor and Matthew Scarlett were superb in defence, keeping St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke to one goal apiece.

For the Saints, Jason Gram generated plenty of run with a game-high 30 touches while Lenny Hayes (24) and Leigh Montagna (23) were prominent.

Steven Baker won his duel with classy Cats forward Steve Johnson, restricting him to just nine possessions.

Geelong started brightly, handling the pressure of the occasion better than their opponents as they booted the first two goals of the match through Max Rooke and Cameron Mooney.

The Saints were tentative early but controlled general play in the second half of the opening stanza.

They won more of the football at the stoppages and hit back with three of the last four majors to go into the first change with a two-point lead.

Hayes was particularly influential with 12 disposals and one goal in the first quarter.

Sean Dempster kicked the first goal of the second term before St Kilda wasted several gettable opportunities - Stephen Milne the chief offender.

The Cats made the Saints pay for their poor kicking for goal, slamming on four unanswered goals in 11 minutes to establish a 12-point break.

Included in that burst was a controversial goal from Tom Hawkins who intercepted a Zac Dawson kick from fullback and kicked his first of the day.

Replays showed that the football grazed the inside of the post.

It appeared as if Geelong would go into the main break in front but the Saints responded with three majors in the space of two minutes.

An opportunistic snap from Clinton Jones was followed by a grubber goal from Koschitzke which veteran Cats defender Darren Milburn disputed - claiming he'd touched it - which he clearly had not.

Milburn's abuse of the goal umpire resulted in a free kick to Adam Schneider who slotted one home from directly in front to put his side six points ahead at half-time.

Goals were hard to come by in a tight and tough third term with both teams managing only two majors.

Scores were level for a 10-minute period before Montagna converted from deep in the pocket at the 30-minute mark to help give the Saints a seven-point buffer at three-quarter time.

The Cats got the crucial first goal of the final stanza through Hawkins after just two minutes but they had to wait until the 23-minute mark to hit the front with Chapman snapping truly.

Geelong then held firm in the dying stages to confirm themselves as one of the all-time great teams.

ST KILDA: 3.2, 7.7, 9.11, 9.14 (68)
GEELONG: 3.0, 7.1, 9.4, 12.8 (80)
GOALS: St Kilda: Schneider 2, Riewoldt, Hayes, Dempster, Goddard, Koschitzke, Jones, Montagna
Geelong: Chapman 3, Mooney 2, Hawkins 2, Rooke 2, Selwood, Byrnes, Ablett
BEST: St Kilda: Gram, Hayes, Ball, Montagna, Baker, Goddard
Geelong: Chapman, Ablett, Corey, Selwood, Taylor, Scarlett, Milburn, Rooke, Bartel
INJURIES: St Kilda: Nil
Geelong: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Rosebury, S.Ryan, McBurney
CROWD: TBC at the MCG

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


Dons 'extremely disappointed' in Hurley

September 25th 2009 06:59
ESSENDON managing director Peter Jackson says the club is 'extremely disappointed' in first-year player Michael Hurley who allegedly assaulted a taxi driver.

Hurley was taken to Fitzroy police station and questioned over an alleged altercation that occurred in the early hours of Friday morning.

The promising 19-year-old key position player has not been charged as yet but Victoria Police are still investigating the incident.

"We are extremely disappointed that Michael was out so late and that he put himself in a situation where an incident occurred," Jackson said.

"He started drinking at the Grand Final Footy Show after-party and by night's end he had clearly had too much to drink."

"As a club we work with our players to help them make good choices - and the vast majority do - so it is disappointing and unacceptable that this situation has occurred."

"We also run a number of community programs where our players work with young people to educate them about the dangers associated with binge drinking."

"We are treating the matter very seriously and will take appropriate action once the details are clear."

"The club will continue speaking with Michael and he will assist police anyway he can."


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


Fevola won't take part in GF motorcade

September 25th 2009 05:30
CARLTON spearhead Brendan Fevola won't take part in the pre-match AFL Grand Final motorcade at the MCG on Saturday following his drunken antics at Monday night's Brownlow Medal Count.

Fevola was fined $10,000 by the Blues for his 'unacceptable behaviour' and axed from the grand final edition of Channel Nine's The Footy Show.

The 28-year-old will meet with the Carlton board in the next 48 hours and could be hit with further sanctions.

As the reigning Coleman medallist, Fevola would normally have been involved in the pre-match festivities on grand final day but he has stood aside as he believes the issues from the week may detract from the event.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Grand Final Preview: St Kilda v Geelong

September 25th 2009 04:47
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Saturday 26 September, 2.30pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 202, St Kilda 80, Geelong 122

LAST TIME: Last meeting: St Kilda 14.7 (91) bt Geelong 13.7 (85) at Etihad Stadium, Round 14, 2009

IN FINALS: St Kilda 0, Geelong 3

RECENT HISTORY: Geelong has won three of its past four matches against St Kilda.

FORM: As expected the two most dominant sides throughout the season will meet on the last Saturday in September. Both teams won their first 13 games of the year before St Kilda won the much-anticipated round 14 clash by six points. The Cats finished the home-and-away season with an 18-4 win-loss record and went on to account for the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood to book their third straight grand final appearance while the Saints won a club-record 19 straight games before suffering losses to Essendon and North Melbourne in round 20 and 21. They bounced back with a win over Melbourne to become just the fourth side in history to at least 20 games in a season. Ross Lyon’s men then downed Collingwood by 28 points in the first qualifying final before a hard-fought victory over the Bulldogs saw them progress to their first grand final since 1997.

MEDICAL ROOM: Both teams reported no injuries out of their respective preliminary final victories. While St Kilda has made the one unforced change, Geelong will go into the grand final with an unchanged line-up with small forward Mathew Stokes who missed the win over the Magpies with groin soreness failing to earn a recall.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Clinton Jones vs. Gary Ablett

Ablett played a key role in his side’s crushing 73-point win over the Magpies in the second preliminary final at the MCG last Saturday night, racking up a game-high 34 possessions and booting two goals.

The 2009 Brownlow medallist is damaging with his ability to break the lines, kick goals and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Shutting down Ablett’s creative run will be a major key for St Kilda if they are going to contain a Cats outfit that is capable of scoring heavily.

Jones has been a revelation this season, consistently quelling the influence of some of the competition’s premier midfielders.

The 25-year-old will be given the job on Ablett in what will be a pivotal duel in determining the outcome of the grand final.

When these two sides last met Jones laid nine tackles - he will need to apply the same level of pressure on Ablett on Saturday otherwise the Cats star will lift his side to victory.

Harry Taylor vs. Nick Riewoldt

Riewoldt has starred for St Kilda during the finals, booting nine of his side’s 21 goals.

If the Cats are able to keep the Saints skipper quiet they should secure their second premiership in three years.

Taylor is the man that will be given the unenviable task of trying to contain Riewoldt.

Western Bulldogs defender Dale Morris was able to keep Riewoldt quiet in the first half last weekend because he opted to stand a few metres in front of him, protecting the space in which the St Kilda champion leads into - Taylor will need to do the same.

The Cats defender will also need his midfield to get on top at the stoppages and suffocate the Saints midfield with their pressure skills when they don’t have the football.

Sam Gilbert vs. Steve Johnson

Johnson made an impressive return from hip surgery, moving freely as he racked up 20 touches and kicked one goal.

The classy Cats forward has a history of performing well on the biggest stage in AFL football, having won the Norm Smith medal in 2007.

The 26-year-old didn’t play in the round 14 clash and could well prove to be the difference between the two sides if the Saints don’t put the clamps on him.

Gilbert has been one of the most-improved players in the competition this season and will most likely be given first crack at Johnson as he is tall enough to match him in the air and also mobile enough to go with him when the football hits the deck.

The Saints will need Gilbert to be switched on defensively for the full four quarters and not give Johnson any time or space in which to work in as he can turn a game on its head with a quick burst of brilliance.

Cameron Ling vs. Nick Dal Santo

Dal Santo was among his side’s best in the win over the Dogs with 31 disposals and four inside 50’s.

The Cats will be keen to limit Dal Santo’s influence in the middle as he is able to consistently set up scoring opportunities for his teammates with his clean use of the football.

Ling is regarded as the best midfield stopper in the AFL and looms as the obvious candidate to tag Dal Santo in what shapes as being yet another pivotal duel.

Not only is Ling capable of shutting down some of the league’s best midfielders he is also able to hurt them going the other way - the Geelong tagger has averaged 23 possessions per game this season.

It is vital for the Saints that Dal Santo works hard going both ways.

VERDICT: St Kilda is just one win away from ending a 43-year premiership drought while Geelong is seeking to confirm themselves as one of the all-time great teams with a second flag in three years. The Saints have relied heavily on Riewoldt to kick them to a winning score during the finals series while the Cats had nine individual goal kickers in the wins over the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood. In what promises to be an epic contest, Geelong’s even spread of goal kickers should prove to be the difference. Cats by 17 points.

ST KILDA v GEELONG
ST KILDA
B: Jason Blake, Zac Dawson, Steven Baker
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Fisher, Sam Gilbert
C: Farren Ray, Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Andrew McQualter, Justin Koschitzke, Clint Jones
F: Stephen Milne, Nick Riewoldt, Jason Gram
Foll: Steven King, Leigh Montagna, Adam Schneider
I/C: Luke Ball, Raphael Clarke, Sean Dempster, Michael Gardiner
Emg: David Armitage, Jarryn Geary, James Gwilt

In: Dempster
Out: Robert Eddy

GEELONG
B: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright
HB: Tom Harley, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
C: Joel Corey, Cameron Ling, James Kelly
HF: Jimmy Bartel, Cameron Mooney, Steve Johnson
F: Travis Varcoe, Tom Hawkins, Paul Chapman
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett
I/C: Brad Ottens, Shannon Byrnes, Max Rooke, David Wojcinski
Emg: Shane Mumford, Simon Hogan, Mathew Stokes

No change
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Hurley in police custody

September 25th 2009 02:18
ESSENDON youngster Michael Hurley has been placed in police custody after an altercation with a taxi driver on Friday morning.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said on Melboune radio station 3AW that the league had been informed by the Bombers that Hurley had been taken into police custody for allegedly kicking and punching a taxi driver in Richmond.

"Essendon has been proactive in informing us that Michael Hurley has been involved in an incident early this morning. He is being held by police which relates to an assault, but that's all the details we have at the moment," Demetriou sad.

"I think alcohol was involved and I think it was the early hours of this morning."

Hurley, who was taken with pick five in last year's national draft, played 10 games this year and is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in the AFL.

The 19-year-old key position player kicked four goals in the round 22 win over Hawthorn and was also impressive in defence during debut season.

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


Demons re-sign duo

September 25th 2009 00:56
MELBOURNE duo Colin Sylvia and Austin Wonaeamirri have signed two-year deals which will see them remain with the club until at least the end of the 2011 season.

The news comes in the wake of the Demons reaching an in-principle agreement with Carlton to trade rugged midfielder Brock McLean for pick 11 in this year's national draft.

Sylvia played 17 matches in the best season of his career, which included a 37-possession and four goal performance against Hawthorn in round nine.

The 23-year-old was taken with pick three in the 2003 national draft and has played 87 games for Melbourne

Wonaeamirri was restricted to just one game in 2009 due to hamstring and knee injuries after an impressive debut season which saw him boot 24 goals in 18 appearances.

Demons list manager Tim Harrington said the pair were an 'integral part' of the club's future.

"It's great that Colin and Austin have both committed to the Melbourne Football Club. We have a promising group of young players, and they are an integral part of our future," Harrington said.

"Colin stepped up considerably in 2009 and showed us what he is capable of on a more consistent basis. Austin struggled with injuries but, after a full pre-season, we are confident that he can make a strong impact in 2010."

Sylvia and Wonaeamirri join recent signings Cale Morton, Jack Grimes, Stefan Martin and Addam Maric and skipper James McDonald.

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


Grand Final Teams

September 24th 2009 07:37
2009 TOYOTA AFL GRAND FINAL

Saturday September 26
St Kilda v Geelong, 2.30pm AEST

ST KILDA v GEELONG
ST KILDA
B: Jason Blake, Zac Dawson, Steven Baker
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Fisher, Sam Gilbert
C: Farren Ray, Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Andrew McQualter, Justin Koschitzke, Clint Jones
F: Stephen Milne, Nick Riewoldt, Jason Gram
Foll: Steven King, Leigh Montagna, Adam Schneider
I/C: Luke Ball, Raphael Clarke, Sean Dempster, Michael Gardiner
Emg: David Armitage, Jarryn Geary, James Gwilt

In: Dempster
Out: Robert Eddy

GEELONG
B: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright
HB: Tom Harley, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
C: Joel Corey, Cameron Ling, James Kelly
HF: Jimmy Bartel, Cameron Mooney, Steve Johnson
F: Travis Varcoe, Tom Hawkins, Paul Chapman
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett
I/C: Brad Ottens, Shannon Byrnes, Max Rooke, David Wojcinski
Emg: Shane Mumford, Simon Hogan, Mathew Stokes

No change


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Clarke leaves Magpies

September 24th 2009 07:35
IRISHMAN Martin Clarke has elected not to seek a newplaying contract with Collingwood and will return home after three seasons with the Magpies.

Clarke joined the Pies at the end of 2006 from County Down on a two-year international rookie contract..

The 21-year-old made his AFL debut in round 12, 2007 against Sydney after being temporarily elevated to the senior list due to a long-term injury, and earned a permanent spot on the senior list for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

The last of Clarke's 46 games was against the Swans in round 12 this year and he was named as an emergency for the preliminary final against Geelong.

Clarke said homesickness and a 'burning' desire to be a teacher were behind his decision to leave the Magpies.

"My decision to return home was not an easy one. But I simply miss my home and the people close to me too much. I also have a burning desire to be a teacher and I want to start that stage of my life as soon as possible," Clarke said in a statement on the club's website.

"I am also looking forward to playing Gaelic football again. I strongly believe my best moments of my sporting life are ahead of me and at this stage and I want to show them on the GAA stage."

Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh thanked Clarke for his contribution and commitment to the club.

"He’s an outstanding talent who is very highly regarded by his peers and everyone at the club, and he will be missed," Walsh said.

"I'm sure Marty will be successful in his future endeavours, and on behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to wish him the very best back in Ireland."

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Hall on verge of joining Bulldogs

September 24th 2009 03:57
FORMER Sydney forward Barry Hall is on the verge of joining the Western Bulldogs after being offered a two-year contract.

Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said the club was 'hopeful' a suitable deal would be reached with the Swans during trade week, which begins on October 5.

"There remain a number of issues the parties involved need to work through, however the Western Bulldogs remain hopeful an agreement can be reached," Fantasia said.

The news comes a day after Bulldogs forward Scott Welsh announced his retirement from AFL football.

Welsh was recruited from Adelaide at the end of 2007 and kicked 63 goals in 40 matches with the Dogs.

The 30-year-old was a member of North Melbourne's 1999 premiership side before joining the Crows where he played 129 games.

He finishes with 205 games and 363 goals to his name.

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Blues fine Fevola

September 23rd 2009 23:18
CARLTON spearhead Brendan Fevola has been hit with a $10,000 fine by the Blues for his drunken antics at Monday night's Brownlow Medal count.

While taping the Street Talk segment for Channel Nine's The Footy Show, Fevola reportedly simulated sex for the cameras, swore while interviewing players and guests, lurched between players and their partners and even knocked a full bottle of beer out of the hand of Western Bulldog Adam Cooney.

Blues chief executive Greg Swann said Fevola's behaviour was 'totally unacceptable'.

"While Brendan is officially on holidays he was representing the Carlton Football Club and the AFL at Monday night's function and much of his behaviour, particularly at the post Brownlow function, was totally unacceptable," Swann said.

"It is very disappointing for Brendan, for Carlton and indeed for the AFL that such an important night for our game has been tarnished by his actions."

"On Monday he did not show the respect that such an occasion warrants and as such we have fined him $10,000."

Fevola, who admitted he had no recollection of what happened on Monday night, has been axed from the Grand Final Footy show and his future on the program remains in doubt.

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McLean set to join Blues

September 23rd 2009 22:34
MELBOURNE midfielder Brock McLean is set to join Carlton.

McLean, who was touted as a future captain of the Demons, met with club officials on Monday morning to confirm his decision to leave the club after 94 games in six seasons.

An in-principle agreement is in place with the Blues for its first pick in the national draft (11th overall).

Melbourne list mananger Tim Harrington admitted the club is disappointed to lose McLean but said they are now in a 'very strong position' to continue re-building their list.

"It is very disappointing to lose a player of Brock's calibre, once Brock made this decision it was important that we secured a commensurate trade. This has been achieved," Harrington said.

"We are now in a very strong position at the National Draft with four selections inside the top 18, all before any other Clubs' second selections have occurred. In the context of the last uncompromised draft for a number of years, this represents an outstanding opportunity to further build and develop our young playing list."

McLean said in a statement that the decision to leave Melbourne wasn't an easy one.

"I have come to the decision that the best thing for my football career is to move on from Melbourne," McLean said.

"While it has been an extremely tough decision as I have given the club my all, I am confident it is the right one for both parties."

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AFL won't take action against Fev

September 23rd 2009 06:49
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou says the AFL won't take any action against Carlton star Brendan Fevola for his drunken antics at the Brownlow Medal count on Monday night.

Fevola failed to complete his duties as Street Talk host for Channel Nine's The Footy Show and had many onlookers bemused by his state.

The Coleman medallist has been axed from the Grand Final Footy Show and his future on the program is in doubt.

Demetriou said Fevola had let himself down and that it was up to Carlton as to whether or not they wanted to punish the 28-year-old.

"I don't think it is our role to take it out of Carlton's hands, I mean he's an employee of the Carlton Football Club," Demetriou said.

"The clubs have told us pretty clearly that they want to deal with their players as employees and their leadership groups want to deal (with players).

"So I guess if there's an issue then Brendan will have to face his peers in their leadership group and also with his club.

"Knowing (Blues chief executive officer) Greg Swann and (club president) Stephen Kernahan, they'd be right across this."

Demetriou also said he believes that Fevola's behaviour hadn't hurt the image of the competition.

"I don't think he is damaging the reputation of the entire league … if our reputation and brand have been damaged by one stupid incident on Monday night I don't think that says too much about our brand, I think our brand stands for much more than that," he said.

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AFL, Etihad sign new deal

September 23rd 2009 04:01
THE AFL and the management of Etihad Stadium have signed a new deal which will signifcantly boost the coffers of Victorian tenant clubs.

As a result of the agreement, tenant clubs will share in an additional $5.5 million a year.

The deal ends an ongoing legal battle between the league and Etihad Stadium over pourage rights, the stadium naming rights and the agreements the stadium has with other sports bodies.

Etihad Stadium will retain all pourage and supply rights and the AFL’s consent to stadium naming rights arrangements while current competitive terms clauses have been eliminated.

The venue will also host an additional 130 matches between 2010 and 2025.

The new agreement also gives Etihad Stadium greater flexibility to stage non-football events, such as the AC/DC concerts in February 2010.

The deal comes in the wake of a similar agreement with the MCG where home clubs will also receive a guaranteed $100,000 per game.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the money generated by these deals ensured the future of all Victorian-based clubs.

"By resolving the issues with the MCG and Etihad Stadium it provides a significant windfall for our clubs,'' Demetriou said.

"When you consider it's $100,000 per game, that's $1.1 million that will be going to them ... that's net income.''

Etihad Stadium chief executive Ian Collins said the new deal benefited all parties.

"I think the clubs playing out of here will benefit by it, we'll be contributing 5.5 million per annum over and above what the clubs already earn out of the stadium. They'll pass through to each of the teams which play here. I think that's terrific," Collins said.

"The win for us is that we get more product. An extra 130 games over the 15 years of the deal, plus more flexibility in our agreement with the AFL in terms of staging other major events."

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Lloyd calls it quits

September 23rd 2009 01:09
ESSENDON skipper Matthew Lloyd has announced his retirement from AFL football.

Lloyd played 270 matches and kicked 926 goals to be the Bombers' leading goal-kicker and the seventh highest in the history of the game.

The 32-year-old won three Coleman medals, was a member of the all-conquering 2000 Essendon premiership side and was a five-time All Australian.

The champion full-forward's last game was the controversial round 22 win over Hawthorn after which he received a four-game suspension for a heavy hit on Hawks midfielder Brad Sewell.

Lloyd said the time was right to retire.

“I have always been of the belief that I would rather go a year too early than a year too late and I’ve decided that now is the right time," Lloyd said.

“For me it is a celebration of the career that I have been able to have at this wonderful club over 15 seasons - it is not something that I am commiserating."

"I’ve probably had 99 percent of people saying to play on but everything kept coming back to me feeling like this was my time from a physical and mental point of view.

There had been media speculation that Lloyd was unhappy with coach Matthew Knights' vision of his future role.

But Lloyd dismissed suggestions that he didn't want to move into a role further away from the goal square to allow the club's young key forwards to develop and said no 'harsh words' had been exchanged between him and Knights.

"I feel that no individual is bigger than the club and what needs to be done," he said.

"At no stage did we ever have any harsh words about the role I was going to be playing."

Lloyd also said that he was proud to have finished his career as a one-club player.

“I always just wanted to play for the Essendon Football Club and have been proud of being a one-club player," said Lloyd.

“This club has given me more than I have given it. I will never forget the times I have had here and how much I love this club.

“I will be forever indebted to the Essendon Football Club and all that it has given me. I walk taller and I am a proud man just because I can say I am a part of the Essendon Football Club.

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


GF umpires named

September 22nd 2009 04:28
STEPHEN McBurney, Brett Rosebury and Shaun Ryan have been named as the field umpires for this season's Grand Final between St Kilda and Geelong at the MCG on Saturday.

McBurney will be officiating his fourth grand final while for Rosebury it will be his first. Ryan is the sole survivor from last year's premiership decider and will be umpiring his second grand final.

Rosebury was also announced as the All-Australian umpire for the second consecutive year.

AFL Umpiring director Jeff Gieschen said the league has complete faith in the trio.

"We're really confident that the three guys we've appointed are ready to umpire well, are in great form and will do the job that we require," Gieschen said

Ray Chamberlain is the emergency field umpire.

Boundary umpire Darren Wilson will officiate his 12th straight grand final and will be joined by Adam Coote, Mark Foster and Mark Thomson while David Dixon and Mark Canning will be the goal umpires.

Meanwhile, the league's football operations manager Adrian Anderson warned the Saints and the Cats that double penalties apply for any player who is charged by the match review panel.
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Laidley joins Port

September 22nd 2009 01:40
FORMER North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley has joined Port Adelaide as an assistant to senior coach Mark Williams.

Laidley, who signed a two-year contract with the Power, will focus on strategy and innovation with the club and have a match-day coaching role with the midfield alongside Matthew Primus.

The 42-year-old coached the Kangaroos in 148 matches from 2003 until his departure after the round 12 loss to Adelaide.

He guided the Roos to the finals in three of his final four completed seasons in charge.

Before winning the top job at North, Laidley was an assistant coach at Collingwood.

Laidley played 151 games for West Coast and North Melbourne and was a member of the Kangaroos' 1996 premiership side.

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Ablett claims Brownlow

September 21st 2009 15:02
GEELONG star Gary Ablett has claimed his first Brownlow medal at the Crown Palladium on Monday night.

Ablett, who had been the beaten favourite in the past two Brownlows, sealed victory in round 20 when he was awarded three votes for his 44-possession performance against Sydney.

The 25-year-old finished with 30 votes to win ahead of Carlton skipper and 2004 winner Chris Judd (22) and St Kilda's Lenny Hayes (20).

Ablett polled votes in 13 matches, including eight best on ground performances.

He is the first player to win the award after playing just 19 of the 22 games since Tony Liberatore in 1990.

And he now has the opportunity to join teammate James Bartel in winning a Brownlow Medal and a premiership in the same season as Bartel did in 2007.

Unlike his famous father Gary Ablett snr, Ablett now has the game's highest individual and team honours.

When asked how his father would be feeling after his Brownlow win, Ablett said: "He would be stoked for me."

"And it's going to be fantastic to go home and I can say I have done something he hasn’t done."

The Norm Smith Medal for best afield in a grand final is now the only major award that Ablett hasn't won.

But Ablett said completing the Brownlow-Norm Smith double in the one week wasn't his focus.

"I am not thinking about (winning) the Norm Smith," Ablett said.

"It's just fantastic we have got another shot at the premiership and the guys are very excited about having another crack at it and we think we have got the team to do it."

Ablett also said the win wouldn't be a distraction heading into Saturday's premiership decider against St Kilda.

"I am sure I will forget about it after tonight and just get back into training and do what I normally do and prepare for the game on Saturday," he said.

"And it won't be too hard (to put his Brownlow win to the back of his mind) because we have got another chance to win a premiership."

Ablett, who won a record third straight AFL Players' Association MVP Award earlier this month, is heavily favoured to add a third successive AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year Award to his impressive CV on Tuesday.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Rocca announces retirement

September 21st 2009 07:34
COLLINGWOOD forward Anthony Rocca has announced his retirement from AFL football after 242 games.

Rocca informed coach Mick Malthouse and teammates on Monday that he would hang up the boots.

The 32-year-old was restricted to just four games during 2009 due to ankle and Achilles injuries.

His last match was the Magpies' qualifying final loss to St Kilda three weeks ago.

Taken by Sydney in the 1994 national draft, Rocca spent two years at the Swans before being traded to Collingwood.

Rocca, who kicked 415 goals during his career, booted 404 goals in 220 games for Pies and led the club's goalkicking on four occasions.

He sits eighth on the all-time Collingwood goalkicking list and only 16 players have played more games for the Magpies.

Rocca said he was very proud of what he was able to achieve during his 14 seasons at the elite level and that he was lucky to have played alongside so many great players.

"Beginning in Sydney and playing alongside men the calibre of Paul Kelly, Tony Lockett, Paul Roos and Michael O’Loughlin was a huge privilege," Rocca said.

"Then to move to Collingwood and be alongside the likes of Nathan Buckley, Scott Burns, Gavin Brown, Graham Wright and particularly my brother Saverio, I am very fortunate."

Rocca also said the 2002 grand final in which he booted four of his side's nine goals in the nine-point loss to Brisbane was a bittersweet memory.

"Playing in the 2002 grand final was a highlight, but also one of the lowlights, but I'll always remember that opportunity," he said.

Malthouse said Rocca was an important member of the club.

"I think we'll always be mindful of the fact that, in the 2002 grand final, he produced a herculean effort, and he almost got us over the line," Malthouse said.

"Unfortunately for us the following year he wasn't there in the grand final, and it was probably pretty reflective of the score line, and in many respects tells us how important he was to the football club."

Rocca added that he was interested in following in the footsteps of his older brother Saverio who is a punter for the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL.

"Looking to life after footy, I want to take some time off, first of all take a holiday and go and visit my brother in the US," he said.

"I'm keen to try and get into the punting scene in the NFL, and I'll try my best to get a job in that arena, but if not I wouldn't mind doing some sort of part-time coaching role in the AFL. I'd love to stay at Collingwood because I love the place, it would be good to work behind the scenes."

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


No charges laid by MRP

September 21st 2009 05:25
THE AFL match review panel has laid no charges from last weekend's preliminary finals.

An incident involving Western Bulldogs defender Ryan Hargrave and St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt during the third quarter of the Saints' thrilling seven-point win was assessed.

But no further action was taken with the panel ruling that Hargrave used an open hand to push Riewoldt off him and that the action was not considered a striking motion.

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Cats into third straight grand final

September 19th 2009 14:37
GEELONG is into its third straight grand final after thumping Collingwood to the tune of 73 points in the second preliminary final at the MCG on Saturday night.

The Cats dominated after half-time, piling on 10 goals to one to record a convincing 17.18 (120) to 6.11 (47) victory.

Mark Thompson’s men will now face St Kilda in next weekend’s premiership decider.

Paul Chapman was best afield with 26 possessions and five goals while Brownlow medal favourite Gary Ablett (34, two goals) and Joel Corey (34) were influential in the middle.

James Bartel (32) also won plenty of the football while Cameron Ling restricted Dane Swan to just 17 touches.

Matthew Scarlett and Harry Taylor were superb in defence, keeping John Anthony and Travis Cloke goalless.

Corey Enright provided plenty of drive off half-back while classy forward Steve Johnson got through his first match since hip surgery late last month unscathed.

For the Magpies, Shane O’Bree (26) and Alan Didak (25) tried hard all night but they had little support with several of the Pies’ key players well down on their usual output.

Collingwood jumped out of the blocks in the opening stanza, booting the first two goals of the contest through Ben Johnson and Harry O’Brien to establish an early 14-point lead at the six-minute mark.

However their joy was short-lived as Geelong took control.

The Cats dominated the clearances (16-6) and slammed on three unanswered goals to go into quarter-time with a 10-point lead.

They should have been further ahead at the first change but they let themselves down with their poor kicking for goal.

Geelong kicked four of the first five goals of the second term, including two from Tom Hawkins to open up a 24-point buffer deep in time on.

It appeared as if the Cats would go into the main break with a commanding lead but late majors from Tarkyn Lockyer and Didak ensured the Magpies remained within striking distance with Geelong holding an 11-point advantage.

The Pies could have easily been in front at half-time but they failed to make the most of their chances - they managed six behinds.

Geelong came out firing in the third term, booting three goals in the first nine minutes through Johnson, Cameron Mooney and Corey.

When Shannon Byrnes added his second of the night at the 17-minute mark the margin had blown out to 40 points.

Brent Macaffer kicked Collingwood’s only major for the quarter in the shadows of three-quarter time before Geelong steamrolled the Pies with six unanswered goals in the final stanza.

GEELONG: 3.6, 7.7, 11.13, 17.18 (120)
COLLINGWOOD: 2.2, 5.8, 6.9, 6.11 (47)
GOALS: Geelong: Chapman 5, Hawkins 2, Byrnes 2, Ablett 2, Varcoe 2, Johnson, Mooney, Corey, Ottens
Collingwood: Didak, Lockyer, Johnson, O'Brien, Brown, Macaffer
BEST: Geelong: Chapman, Ablett, Corey, Ling, Bartel, Hawkins, Taylor, Scarlett, Enright, Milburn
Collingwood: O'Bree, Brown, Didak, Shaw
INJURIES: Geelong: Nil
Collingwood: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Scott Pendlebury (leg soreness) replaced in Collingwood's selected side by Dayne Beams
UMPIRES: Rosebury, S.Ryan, McLaren
CROWD: 87,258 at the MCG




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


Riewoldt declares himself fit for GF

September 19th 2009 05:44
ST KILDA skipper Nick Riewoldt has declared himself a certain starter in next week's Grand Final despite jarring his knee during the second quarter of the Saints' thrilling seven-point win over the Western Bulldogs in the first preliminary final at the MCG on Friday night.

Riewoldt endured similar scares against North Melbourne in round 21 and Collingwood a fortnight ago.

Speaking at the club's recovery session at St Kilda beach on Saturday morning, Riewoldt said he would play in the Saints' first grand final since 1997.

"I just had a bit of an episode throughout the game where it jarred up a little bit and was a bit sore for a while," Riewoldt said.

"But barring fatigue I ran out the game really well and we'll be really diligent this week in the recovery."

"I'll be fine next week."

St Kilda will face winner of Saturday night's second preliminary final between Geelong and Collingwood in this season's premiership decider.
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Port re-sign five

September 19th 2009 00:42
PORT ADELAIDE has re-signed five players, including former skipper Warren Tredrea and speedy wingman Danyle Pearce.

Defender Michael Pettigrew, hard-nut Tom Logan and young ruckman Matthew Lobbe were the other players to put pen to paper.

Tredrea, who signed a one-year deal, needs to play just two matches to become the first Power player to reach the 250-game milestone.

Port football operations mananger Peter Rohde said Tredrea still has plenty to offer.

"Warren is an absolute champion of our club," Rohde said.

"With his body free of injury for the first time in a few years, Warren showed everyone he still has the ability to turn a game."

Tredrea said he was looking forward to preparing for next season.

"I'm very excited to be going around for another year, which will be my fourteenth here at Port Adelaide," Tredrea said.

"From a personal point of view I was satisfied with my form and fitness this year and I can't wait to start pre-season and build towards 2010."

"I'm also looking forward to helping with the development our young players, who really are the core of our playing group now."

Pearce was out of contract and the subject of trade speculation in the media but will remain with the Power for at least another three seasons.

The 2006 NAB Rising Star winner said recommitting to the club was a pretty easy decision in the end.

"My family and I feel that remaining here at a great club like Port Adelaide will enable me to get the best out of myself and take my game to another level," Pearce said.

"We're in a rebuilding phase at the moment and I'm excited to be apart of that as this new group strives to get the club back to playing consistent finals football."

"When I first came to the club I said I wanted to be a one-club player at Port Adelaide and if I can keep playing consistent football, one day I'll be able to look back at the end of my career and be proud that I achieved that."

Rohde said Port was delighted to have re-signed Pearce.

"Danyle is a very damaging player who is well respected by every other team, given that he is heavily tagged every week. He’s played 93 games and we think he’s entering a period of his career where he’ll become a dominant player,” Rohde said.

"Danyle has faced his share of criticism this year but internally we rated his season very highly. He's a player that leads our inside 50s and score assists and he has the ability to carry the ball and dispose it very well."

Pettigrew has played 90 games since debuting in 2004 while Logan has played 54 games, 51 of those with the Power since being recruited from Brisbane in 2006.

Lobbe, who was taken with pick 16 in the 2007 national draft, is yet to debut but is viewed as a long-term ruck option.

Meanwhile, assistant coach Jason Cripps will stay at Alberton after signing a two-year contract.

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Preliminary Final Preview: Geelong v Collingwood

September 18th 2009 17:06
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Saturday 19 September, 7.30pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 215 - Geelong 90, Collingwood 124, Drawn 1

LAST TIME: Geelong 18.14 (122) def Collingwood 13.17 (95), at the MCG, Round 3, 2009

IN FINALS: Played: 20, Geelong 10, Collingwood 10

RECENT HISTORY: Geelong has won three of its past four matches against Collingwood.

FORM: Geelong’s form in the latter half of the season was far from convincing - all four of their losses for the year came in the last 10 weeks of the home-and-away season and three of their wins during that period were by less than a goal. But the Cats clicked into top gear in the first week of the finals, accounting for the Western Bulldogs by 14 points to earn the week off. The Magpies bounced back from back-to-back losses to the Western Bulldogs in round 22 then St Kilda in a qualifying final with a thrilling five-point win over Adelaide at the MCG last Saturday night.

MEDICAL ROOM: Geelong welcomes back classy forward Steve Johnson and rugged utility Max Rooke back from hip and quad injuries respectively but Mathew Stokes (groin soreness) will miss. Matthew Egan (foot), Josh Hunt (knee), Ranga Ediriwickrama (hamstring), Mitch Brown (leg) and Scott Simpson (leg) are out for the season. For the Magpies, midfielder Scott Pendlebury returns from a fractured fibula sustained in the loss the Saints but veteran Anthony Rocca (ankle) remains on the sidelines. Dayne Beams and number one ruckman Josh Fraser who missed the win over the Crows with calf and knee injuries respectively have been named as emergencies. Untried youngster Tristan Francis is the only other player on the club’s injury list.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Cameron Ling vs. Dane Swan

Swan was among his side’s best last weekend with 28 disposals.

The Brownlow medal fancy has averaged a league-best 31 touches per game this season and is third for total inside 50’s and fifth for total goal-scoring assists.

Geelong will be keen to shut-down the drive Swan provides through the middle of the ground as it will help starve them starve the Magpies' forwards of quality supply.

Ling is regarded as the best midfield stopper in the AFL and will be given the job of tagging Swan in what shapes as being a pivotal duel in determining the outcome of this match.

Not only will Ling make Swan earn every possession he will also try and hurt him going the other way - the Cats tagger has averaged just under 23 possessions per game in 2009 and is a reliable kick for goal.

Collingwood will need Swan to work hard going both ways.

Ben Johnson vs. Gary Ablett

Ablett was instrumental in the Cats’ win over Collinwood in round three with a game-high 37 possessions and one goal.

Shutting down Ablett’s creative run will be a key for the Magpies if they are going to contain a Geelong outfit that is capable of scoring heavily.

Johnson has been given some big run with roles this season and will most likely be given the unenviable task of trying to quell the influence of Ablett.

It is vital for the Magpies that Johnson is proactive and pushes forward and kicks goals as it will force Ablett be accountable which in turn will help limit his impact on the contest as a damaging midfielder.

If Johnson is reactive the Brownlow medal favourite will be able to dictate terms and dominate.

Matthew Scarlett vs. John Anthony

Anthony may have been the hero last weekend, booting a goal with just 20 seconds left on the clock to seal a memorable win for Collingwoodbut it was his only major for the night.

The Magpies will need Anthony to be a bigger contributor on Saturday night if they are going to have any hope of kicking a big enough score to get into their first grand final since 2003.

However, his task won’t be an easy one as he will be matched up by the All-Australian full-back in Scarlett.

The Pies will need to be smart with their use of the football going forward and not just bomb it haphazardly inside 50 otherwise they will be punished on the rebound by the likes of Scarlett who racked up 30 possessions in the win over the Bulldogs.

Harry O’Brien vs. Steve Johnson

Johnson hasn’t played since round 20 but he still looms as a danger man for Collingwood because he is such a classy player who is capable of turning a game on its head with a quick burst of brilliance.

O’Brien has the ability to match Johnson in the air and at ground level so you would expect him to be given first crack at the Geelong star.

In the Magpies’ crushing 86-point win over in round nine last year they suffocated Geelong’s run with their relentless pressure - they applied a staggering 85 tackles for the game.

They will need to play with the same level of intensity on Saturday night otherwise the likes of Johnson will get enough quality supply from the midfield to have an impact.

VERDICT: Collingwood knows what it takes to defeat Geelong but there is a major question mark over whether or not they have enough left in the tank to carry out such a high-intensity game plan after spending plenty of petrol tickets in the come-from-behind win over Adelaide. We expect the Magpies to be competitive early before the classier and fresher Cats run away with the contest after half-time. Cats by 38 points.

GEELONG v COLLINGWOOD
GEELONG
B: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright
HB: Tom Harley, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
C: Joel Corey, Cameron Ling, James Kelly
HF: Jimmy Bartel, Cameron Mooney, Steve Johnson
F: Travis Varcoe, Tom Hawkins, Paul Chapman
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett
I/C: Brad Ottens, Shannon Byrnes, Max Rooke, David Wojcinski
Emg: Shane Mumford, Simon Hogan, Ryan Gamble

In: Johnson, Rooke
Out: Mathew Stokes (groin soreness), Simon Hogan

COLLINGWOOD
B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Leigh Brown
HB: Heath Shaw, Nick Maxwell, Tarkyn Lockyer
C: Scott Pendlebury, Shane O’Bree, Brad Dick
HF: Alan Toovey, Travis Cloke, Ben Johnson
F: Alan Didak, John Anthony, Dale Thomas
Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Leon Davis
I/C: Brent Macaffer, Tyson Goldsack, Steele Sidebottom, Sharrod Wellingham
Emg: Dayne Beams, Martin Clarke, Josh Fraser

In: Pendlebury
Out: Paul Medhurst


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Saints through to grand final

September 18th 2009 14:30
ST KILDA is through to its first grand final since 1997 after recording a hard-fought seven-point win over the Western Bulldogs in the first preliminary final at the MCG on Friday night.

The Saints' 9.6 (60) to 7.11 (53) victory means they are just one win away from ending a premiership drought dating back to 1966.

Ross Lyon’s men will now play the winner of Saturday night's second preliminary final between Geelong and Collingwood in next week's grand final.

It was a heartbreaking end to the season for the Bulldogs who have now lost six straight preliminary finals.

St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt was instrumental in the win with 18 possessions, 11 marks and four second half goals while Lenny Hayes (34) and Nick Dal Santo (30) were influential in the middle.

Sam Fisher provided plenty of drive off half-back with 30 disposals while Steven Baker kept Jason Akermanis quiet.

For the Dogs, Ryan Griffen (28) and Matthew Boyd (26) were prolific while Jarrod Harbrow and Brian Lake were impressive in defence.

The Bulldogs stamped their authority on the contest in the opening stanza, winning more of the football and moving it quickly through the middle of the ground.

But despite dominating general play the Dogs went into quarter-time with just a 15-point lead after booting a wasteful 2.5.

St Kilda finally got their first goal of the match at the five-minute mark of the second term through Dal Santo before a major from Andrew McQualter reduced the deficit to less than one straight kick.

Two quick fire goals from Mitch Hahn gave the Bulldogs some breathing space before Hayes snapped truly.

The Saints were lucky to be within seven points at the main break considering the Dogs had racked up 38 more possessions, 30 more marks and 12 more inside 50’s.

Riewoldt got his side off to a dream start in the second half, converting before the football had even been bounced after Lake conceded a soft off-the-ball free kick.

When Fisher kicked a goal at the 10-minute mark the Saints had the lead for the first time in the match.

Another goal from Riewoldt saw the Saints open up an 11-point advantage and it appeared as if they would run away with the contest.

But the Bulldogs refused to be blown away and responded with majors from skipper Brad Johnson and Daniel Giansiracusa to regain the lead.

However, their joy was short-lived as Stephen Milne booted his only goal of the night in the dying seconds of the third quarter to give the Saints a five-point lead at three-quarter time.

The Dogs got through crucial first goal of the final stanza through Johnson at the five-minute mark and controlled play for the next ten minutes but they were unable to find a goal to establish a handy break.

Riewoldt made the Bulldogs pay for their inability to translate their dominance onto the scoreboard with his third major after a towering grab at the 18-minute mark.

Giansiracusa had a chance to put the Bulldogs back in front but his shot sailed wide.

It proved to be a costly miss as Riewoldt soccered one home with just over a minute left on the clock to seal a memorable win.

ST KILDA: 0.2, 3.6, 7.6, 9.6 (60)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 2.5 4.7, 6.7, 7.11 (53)
GOALS: St Kilda: Riewoldt 4, Hayes, Fisher, McQualter, Dal Santo, Milne
Bulldogs: Hahn 2, Johnson 2, Higgins, Giansiracusa, Picken
BEST: St Kilda: Riewoldt, Hayes, Dal Santo, Fisher, Baker, Jones
Bulldogs: Griffen, Harbrow, Boyd, Lake, Picken, Johnson
INJURIES: St Kilda: Nil
Bulldogs: Nil
UMPIRES: McBurney, Chamberlain, McInerney
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 78,245 at MCG

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Pendlebury set to play

September 18th 2009 02:55
COLLINGWOOD midfielder Scott Pendlebury looks set to play in Saturday night's preliminary final against Geelong at the MCG after getting through Friday morning's training session at Gosch's Paddock unscathed.

Pendelbury was named in the Magpies' side just 12 days after breaking his right leg in the qualifying final loss to St Kilda.

The classy 21-year-old moved freely during the 45-minute session which consisted of jogging, kicking and end to end running.

Emergencies Dayne Beams, Marty Clarke and Josh Fraser trained with the main group.

Beams and Clarke trained well but Fraser's chances of earning a late call-up appear to be slim.

The Pies' number one ruckman struggled to put pressure on his right knee which was heavily strapped.
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Preliminary Final Preview: St Kilda v Western Bulldogs

September 17th 2009 16:15
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Friday 18 September, 7.45pm

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 146: St Kilda 73, Bulldogs 70, Drawn 3

LAST TIME: St Kilda 16.10 (106) d Bulldogs 9.7 (61) at Etihad Stadium, Round 17, 2009

IN FINALS: St Kilda 0, Bulldogs 2

RECENT HISTORY: St Kilda has won six of its past 10 matches against the Western Bulldogs.

FORM: St Kilda bounced back from back-to-back losses to Essendon and North Melbourne with a solid win over Melbourne in round 22 to become just the fourth club in history to win at least 20 games in a season. The Saints then earned a week off with a 28-point victory over Collingwood in the first qualifying final. The Western Bulldogs responded to a disappointing 14-point loss to Geelong in the second qualifying final with a 51-point demolition of Brisbane in a cut-throat semi-final at the MCG last Saturday night.

MEDICAL ROOM: For the Saints, untried youngster Paul Cahill (ankle) and Xavier Clarke (knee) won’t play again this season while Jarryd Allen was forced into early retirement because of an ongoing hip injury. The Bulldogs have no injury concerns and like St Kilda will go into this clash with an unchanged line-up.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Clinton Jones vs. Adam Cooney

Cooney was among his side’s best in the win over the Lions with 32 possessions and one goal.

Last year’s Brownlow medallist is damaging with his ability to break the lines, kick goals and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Shutting down his run and carry will be a key for St Kilda if they are going to contain a Bulldogs side that has the most potent attack in the AFL.

The last time these two sides met in round 17 Jones kept Cooney to 23 largely ineffectual possessions.

Expect Jones to be given the task of tagging the Bulldogs star once again in what shapes as being a pivotal duel in determining the outcome of this match.

In that round 17 clash the Saints tagger laid a game-high seven tackles.

If Cooney is going to have any chance of having a meaningful impact he will need his teammates to block for him at the stoppages as Jones will apply relentless pressure all night.

Dale Morris vs. Nick Riewoldt

Riewoldt added yet another honour to his impressive CV during the week - he was named captain of the All-Australian team for the first time.

The Saints skipper admitted he was proud of the achievement but his focus is on leading the club to their first premiership since 1966.

If the Bulldogs are going to have any hope of overcoming St Kilda they will need to contain Riewoldt who has booted 73 goals this season.

Morris is usually given the job on Riewoldt and you wouldn’t expect it to be any different this time around.

It is vital for the Dogs that they suffocate St Kilda’s classy on-ball division with their tackling pressure otherwise Riewoldt who is virtually unstoppable on the lead will feast on plenty of quality supply and kick a bag.

Sam Fisher vs. Brad Johnson

Johnson was held goalless the last time these two sides met and will be keen to put in a big performance to help lift his side into their first grand final since 1961.

Fisher has the ability to match the Bulldogs skipper in the air and is also mobile enough to go with him when the football hits the deck so you would expect him to be given first crack at the 348-game veteran.

When these two teams last met the Dogs had just the four running bounces.

They will need to back themselves and break the lines otherwise the likes of Johnson will struggle to receive enough of the football to have an influence on the outcome of the contest.

Liam Picken vs. Nick Dal Santo

Dal Santo was instrumental in the Saints’ 45-point win over the Western Bulldogs in round 17 with a game-high 39 possessions and five inside 50’s.

The 25-year-old is an integral part of the St Kilda midfield with his ability to continually set up scoring opportunities for his teammates with his clean use of the football.

Picken did a superb blanketing job on Brisbane’s Justin Sherman last weekend and looms as the obvious candidate to tag Dal Santo.

The Bulldogs will need Picken to be switched on defensively for the full four quarters and apply relentless pressure otherwise Dal Santo will cut them to shreds with his sublime skills.

VERDICT: The Western Bulldogs have lost their last five preliminary finals and unfortunately for long-suffering Bulldogs supporters we expect it to be a sixth straight loss on Friday night. The Bulldogs lack of a genuine key forward means they need to continually deliver the football inside 50 with precision to have any hope of kicking a winning score but their midfield won’t be given any time or space by a St Kilda outfit that has consistently strangled the life out of sides this season. Saints by 23 points.

ST KILDA v WESTERN BULLDOGS
ST KILDA
B: Jason Blake, Zac Dawson, Steven Baker
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Fisher, Sam Gilbert
C: Farren Ray, Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Andrew McQualter, Justin Koschitzke, Clint Jones
F: Stephen Milne, Nick Riewoldt, Jason Gram
Foll: Steven King, Leigh Montagna, Adam Schneider
I/C: Luke Ball, Raphael Clarke, Robert Eddy, Michael Gardiner
Emg: Sean Dempster, Jack Steven, David Armitage

No change

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Scott Welsh
HB: Ryan Hargrave, Dale Morris, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Callan Ward, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Brad Johnson, Mitch Hahn, Robert Murphy
F: Jason Akermanis, Will Minson, Shaun Higgins
Foll: Ben Hudson, Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen
I/C: Tim Callan, Nathan Eagleton, Daniel Giansiracusa, Liam Picken
Emg: Josh Hill, Wayde Skipper, Tom Williams

No change


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Hawks appoint new chief executive

September 17th 2009 09:30
HAWTHORN has appointed former Geelong chief operating officer Stuart Fox as its new chief executive.

Fox replaces Ian Robson who left the Hawks in July to take over the chief executive role being vacated by Peter Jackson at Essendon.

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett said Fox was the ideal man for the job.

"Mr Fox has served Geelong loyally for almost a decade, and that sense of loyalty, together with his personal values, make him an ideal leader to take Hawthorn to the next level of its development," Kennett said.

"Importantly his commercial experience will serve Hawthorn well, as we complete our 'five2fifty' business plan in 2012, and Stuart will oversee its successor business plan for the period 2012-2020 which will be completed by the end of 2011, when it will be presented to members."

Geelong chief executive Brian Cook wished Fox all the best for the future and said he had made an enormous contribution to the club.

"Stuart has been an integral part of what the club has been able to achieve over the past decade and he will be missed," Cook said.

"We have long seen Stuart as a CEO in-waiting and everyone at the club is thrilled that he has this opportunity."

"Stuart played a major role in leading both stages of the $60 million redevelopments of Skilled Stadium and he has overseen our commercial operations during a time when the club's revenues and profits have grown enormously."

"I am sure that he will bring energy and innovation to Hawthorn and continue to be successful in the role."

Fox will begin his role with the Hawks on November 10.
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AFL Teams: Finals Week Three

September 17th 2009 07:57
2009 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

FINALS WEEK THREE (All times local)

Friday September 18
PF1: St Kilda v Western Bulldogsa at the MCG, 7.45pm

Saturday September 19
PF2: Geelong v Collingwood at the MCG, 7.30pm

ST KILDA v WESTERN BULLDOGS
ST KILDA
B: Jason Blake, Zac Dawson, Steven Baker
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Fisher, Sam Gilbert
C: Farren Ray, Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Andrew McQualter, Justin Koschitzke, Clint Jones
F: Stephen Milne, Nick Riewoldt, Jason Gram
Foll: Steven King, Leigh Montagna, Adam Schneider
I/C: Luke Ball, Raphael Clarke, Robert Eddy, Michael Gardiner
Emg: Sean Dempster, Jack Steven, David Armitage

No change

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Scott Welsh
HB: Ryan Hargrave, Dale Morris, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Callan Ward, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Brad Johnson, Mitch Hahn, Robert Murphy
F: Jason Akermanis, Will Minson, Shaun Higgins
Foll: Ben Hudson, Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen
I/C: Tim Callan, Nathan Eagleton, Daniel Giansiracusa, Liam Picken
Emg: Josh Hill, Wayde Skipper, Tom Williams

No change

GEELONG v COLLINGWOOD
GEELONG
B: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright
HB: Tom Harley, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
C: Joel Corey, Cameron Ling, James Kelly
HF: Jimmy Bartel, Cameron Mooney, Steve Johnson
F: Travis Varcoe, Tom Hawkins, Paul Chapman
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett
I/C: Brad Ottens, Shannon Byrnes, Max Rooke, David Wojcinski
Emg: Shane Mumford, Simon Hogan, Ryan Gamble

In: Johnson, Rooke
Out: Mathew Stokes (groin soreness), Simon Hogan

COLLINGWOOD
B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Leigh Brown
HB: Heath Shaw, Nick Maxwell, Tarkyn Lockyer
C: Scott Pendlebury, Shane O’Bree, Brad Dick
HF: Alan Toovey, Travis Cloke, Ben Johnson
F: Alan Didak, John Anthony, Dale Thomas
Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Leon Davis
I/C: Brent Macaffer, Tyson Goldsack, Steele Sidebottom, Sharrod Wellingham
Emg: Dayne Beams, Martin Clarke, Josh Fraser

In: Pendlebury
Out: Paul Medhurst
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Cats-Pies prelim to be broadcast live

September 17th 2009 07:56
CHANNEL 10 announced on Thursday that it had been granted permission by the AFL to broadcast Saturday night's preliminary final between Geelong and Collingwood at the MCG live into Melbourne.

Coverage will start from 7pm.

Ten's general manager of sport David White said the network was 'very pleased' with the result.

"This is a win for all AFL fans whether they are watching at the ground or at home," White said.

Meanwhile, Channel 7 appears unlikely to show a live telecast of Friday's night's clash between St Kilda and the Western Bulldogs.
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Lade, Leppitsch join Tigers coaching panel

September 17th 2009 05:01
NEW Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has wasted no time in assembling his coaching staff with the Tigers confirming on Thursday that former Port Adelaide ruckman Brendon Lade and Brisbane Lions triple premiership defender Justin Leppitsch have joined the club as assistant coaches.

Lade, who played in Port's 2004 premiership side alongside Hardwick, retired at the end of this season after 234 games.

The two-time All-Australian and best-and-fairest winner will be Richmond's ruck/midfield coach.

Hardwick said Lade has a lot to offer the club.

"We're very pleased to have someone of Brendon's experience and standing in the game join Richmond as an assistant coach," Hardwick said.

"He brings with him many of the important attributes we're looking for (and) he has a strong character and excellent leadership skills."

Lade said he was looking forward to helping Richmond rise back up the ladder.

"Hopefully in the next few years I can assist the Tigers in getting back to being a really good team in the AFL," Lade said.

"One of the attractions of coming to Richmond is that there's going to be a whole new game plan for the team and hopefully everyone in the coaching group can be on the same page and heading in the right direction."

Leppitsch, who played 227 games for Brisbane from 1993-06, has been an assistant coach at the Lions for the past three seasons and will be Richmond's defensive coach.

The 33-year-old said he was thrilled to be to be moving to one of the bigger clubs in the competition.

"I'm excited about the challenge, to join a group that is on the right path, and I'm really keen to work with a new group of coaches and players," Leppitsch said.

"I've never been involved in one of the bigger AFL clubs before, and I'm looking forward to learning about the history and tradition Richmond is famous for."
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Deledio wins second straight Jack Dyer Medal

September 17th 2009 01:47
RICHMOND midfielder Brett Deledio has stormed home to win his second straight Jack Dyer Medal on Wednesday night.

The 22-year-old is the second youngest winner of back-to-back best-and-fairest awards at the Tigers since Kevin Bartlett in 1967-68.

Deledio polled 190 votes to win the award ahead of Daniel Jackson (175) and skipper Chris Newman (162).

The much-improved Richard Tambling (152) and high-profile recruit Ben Cousins (145) rounded out the top five.

Richmond vice-captain Nathan Foley finished a creditable sixth in voting despite missing the last eight games of the season due to a severe calf injury.

Jackson, who won the most improved player award earlier in the night, held the lead in Jack Dyer Medal voting from round 12 to round 20 before being overtaken by Deledio in the penultimate round.

Heading into the last match of the season against West Coast at Subiaico, only two votes separated the pair but Deledio polled 14 votes to Jackson's one to claim his second best-and-fairest award.

Deledio racked up a team-best 533 disposals in 2009 at an average of 24.2 per game and was number one at the club for inside 50's (99).

He had 20 disposals or more 19 times throughout the season, including a career-best 36 possessions against Hawthorn at the MCG in round 21.

The Tigers young gun also booted 20 goals to finish fourth on the club's goalkicking list.

In other awards, lively small forward Robin Nahas was named the best first-year player, Luke McGuane won the Francis Bourke Award and Mitch Morton received the Michael Roach Award for leading goalkicker.

Meanwhile, Cousins will remain at the club after signing a new one-year deal.

The former West Coast skipper made 15 appearances in his first season with Richmond and averaged 23.9 disposals per game.

Top 10 vote-getters in the Jack Dyer Medal:
1: Brett Deledio 190
2: Daniel Jackson 175
3: Chris Newman 162
4: Richard Tambling 152
5: Ben Cousins 145
6: Nathan Foley 128
7: Shane Tuck 124
8: Jack Riewoldt 121
9: Dean Polo 118
10: Mitch Morton 115

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Rawlings, McRae leave Tigers

September 16th 2009 00:24
RICHMOND assistant coaches Jade Rawlings and Craig McRae have left the Tigers to join Brisbane.

Rawlings was caretaker coach in the second half of the 2009 season after Terry Wallace stood down.

He applied for the top job which was given to two-time premiership defender Damien Hardwick.

Before replacing Wallace in round 12, Rawlings coached Richmond's VFL affiliate Coburg Tigers for one-and-a-half seasons.

McRae, who was the the club's development coach, took over from Rawlings as Coburg coach mid-year.

The pair who were with Richmond for three seasons will now be assistant coaches at the Lions - the club which McRae played in three straight premierships with.

The news comes in the wake of the departure of Richmond assistants Brian Royal and David King and forward scout Gordon Casey.

Former Tigers skipper and midfield coach Wayne Campbell is the only member of this year's coaching panel that will stay on under Hardwick.

Meanwhile, Richmond midfielder Shane Tuck has agreed to be traded to another club.
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Port not giving up on retaining Burgoyne

September 15th 2009 07:01
PORT ADELAIDE hasn't given up hope of retaining star midfielder Shaun Burgoyne.

Burgoyne informed the club on Monday of his desire to be traded to a Melbourne-based club but Power football operations manager Peter Rohde said recent history between other players and clubs shows the issue is 'far from decided'.

“This time last year (Sydney Swan) Ryan O’Keefe was going to move and the year before (Carlton’s) Bret Thornton was going to move. O’Keefe won the Swan’s best and fairest this year, so we consider it far from decided," Rohde said.

Rohde also said Port hadn't ruled out playing hardball as they did in 2003 when Nick Stevens wanted to be traded to Collingwood. Stevens was forced into the pre-season draft after the Power felt it hadn't been offered adequate compensation.

“We’d have to wait and see what happens… but there’s no doubt the Port Adelaide Football Club is keen to stand by its principles," he said.

Meanwhile, Port assistant coach Matthew Primus has signed a new two-year deal with the club.

The Power is also confident Jason Cripps will also stay while former North Melbourne coach Dean Laidley is expected to make a decision soon on whether he will join the coaching panel at Alberton.
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Thompson confident Cats duo will play

September 15th 2009 06:10
GEELONG coach Mark Thompson is confident classy forward Steve Johnson and rugged utility Max Rooke will be right to play in Saturday night's preliminary final against Collingwood at the MCG.

Johnson, who hasn't played since the round 20 win over Sydney, underwent arthroscopic hip surgery in Hobart less than two weeks ago in a bid to be fit for the finals.

The 26-year-old pulled up well from a 40-minute training session last Friday in which he kicked, ran powerfully and changed direction with speed.

Thompson said if Johnson was able to do the same again at Wednesday's training session he would return to the side.

"He's not right until he gets through tomorrow's session, but we're confident from what we've seen so far that he will be right," Thompson said.

Thompson also held the same view on Rooke who was a late withdrawal from the qualifying final win over the Western Bulldogs with a quad strain.

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Williams in selection mix

September 15th 2009 05:41
WESTERN BULLDOGS key defender Tom Williams is in the selection mix for Friday night's preliminary final against St Kilda at the MCG according to coach Rodney Eade.

Williams hasn't played with the Bulldogs since round 20 due to a foot injury but got through his comeback game in the VFL last weekend unscathed.

"He pulled up well so he is a good chance (to come in this week)," Eade said.

"He is in the mix and we would be prepared to play him so we will have to work out the balance of the side, which will decide today or tomorrow."

Eade admitted Williams' chances of returning to the side had been strengthened by the fact that the Saints boast two powerful key forwards in skipper Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke.

"That certainly helps him no doubt when they have got two quality forwards like that," he said.

"It will certainly be a big ask for Brian (Lake) and Dale (Morris) so I suppose in that situation Tommy could help by giving them a bit of a chop out."

Eade also said small defender Dylan Addison was the only other player likely to be considered for promotion.

"Dylan Addison is probably the only other one (under consideration). Obviously, Josh Hill is a chance, but he didn't perform that well (in the VFL) at the weekend. I think young players have to learn, too, that things are picked on form," he said.

In further news, midfielder Ryan Griffen who suffered a corked thigh in the win over Brisbane proved his fitness at training on Tuesday and will play against St Kilda while ruckman Will Minson will also take his place in the side despite missing training due to a bruised toe.



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All-Australian team named

September 14th 2009 13:32
THE All-Australian team has been named at a gala function in Melbourne on Monday night.

Fifteen of the 22 players came from the four preliminary finalists in St Kilda, Geelong, the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood.

The Saints and the Cats had five representatives apiece while the Bulldogs and the Magpies had two and three players selected respectively.

St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt was named captain of the All-Australian side while Carlton captain Chris Judd was named vice-captain.

There were nine first timers in this year's team in Western Bulldogs defender Brian Lake, Geelong forward Paul Chapman, Collingwood trio Nick Maxwell, Dane Swan and Leon Davis, Saints wingman Leigh Montagna, Geelong midfielder Joel Selwood, Bulldogs on-baller Matthew Boyd and St Kilda utility Brendon Goddard.

Seven players from last year's side retained their places - Brownlow medal fancies Gary Ablett and Judd, Blues spearhead Brendan Fevola, Fremantle ruckman Aaron Sandilands, Riewoldt and Geelong defenders Corey Enright and Matthew Scarlett.

Along with Scarlett, Adelaide skipper Simon Goodwin now has five All-Australian guernseys.

This year's All-Australian team:

B: Corey Enright (Geelong), Matthew Scarlett (Geelong), Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs)
HB: Simon Goodwin (Adelaide), Craig Bolton (Sydney), Nick Maxwell (Collingwood)
C: Leigh Montagna (St Kilda), Lenny Hayes (St Kilda), Joel Selwood (Geelong)
HF: Paul Chapman (Geelong), Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda), Dane Swan (Collingwood)
F: Leon Davis (Collingwood) Brendan Fevola (Carlton), Jonathan Brown (Brisbane)
Rucks: Aaron Sandilands (Fremantle), Chris Judd (Carlton), Gary Ablett (Geelong)
Interchange: Matthew Boyd (Western Bulldogs), Nick Dal Santo (St Kilda), Brendon Goddard (St Kilda), Adam Goodes (Sydney)

Representation by club:

St Kilda 5
Geelong 5
Collingwood 3
Bulldogs 2
Sydney 2
Carlton 2
Adelaide 1
Fremantle 1
Brisbane 1

The players from the 40-man preliminary squad that weren't selected were:

James Bartel (Geelong), Mitch Clark (Brisbane Lions), Alan Didak (Collingwood), Dustin Fletcher (Essendon), Lance Franklin (Hawthorn), Sam Gilbert (St Kilda), Ryan Hargrave (Western Bulldogs), Johnson (Geelong), Mark LeCras (West Coast), Andrew Mackie (Geelong), Hamish McIntosh (North Melbourne), Stephen Milne (St Kilda), Marc Murphy (Carlton), Scott Pendlebury (Collingwood), Jason Porplyzia (Adelaide), Simon Prestigiacomo (Collingwood), Brad Sewell (Hawthorn) and Bernie Vince (Adelaide).
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Burgoyne requests trade

September 14th 2009 11:36
PORT ADELAIDE star Shaun Burgoyne has requested to be traded to an unspecified Melbourne-based club.

The Power was informed of the out-of-contract midfielder's desire to move to Victoria on Monday morning.

Port football operations manager Peter Rohde said the club wouldn't let go of Burgoyne easily.

"Our position is that Shaun is a required player and that he will only be traded if a favourable trade for the Port Adelaide Football Club is forthcoming," Rohde said.

Burgoyne, who made his AFL debut in 2002, has played 157 games for Port Adelaide and was a member of the Power's 2004 premiership side.

The 26-year-old finished second in the club's best-and-fairest count in 2006 and also earned All-Australian honours in the same year.
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Tribunal gets night off

September 14th 2009 07:32
THE AFL Tribunal will not sit on Tuesday night after the match review panel laid no charges from last weekend's semi-finals.

Brisbane's Jed Adcock was looked at but cleared over an incident involving Western Bulldogs veteran Jason Akermanis during the second quarter of the Lions' 51-point loss at the MCG last Friday night.

It was the view of the panel that Adcock could not have seen the ball spill free before he took Akermanis to ground in a tackle.

Adelaide's Michael Doughty was also given the all-clear over a tackle on Collingwood star Alan Didak during the first term of the Crows' heartbreaking five-point loss at the home of football last Saturday night.
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Magpies win thriller

September 12th 2009 13:42
COLLINGWOOD has booked a preliminary final showdown with Geelong with a thrilling five-point win over Adelaide at the MCG on Saturday night.

A goal from John Anthony with just 20 seconds remaining sealed a memorable 12.11 (83) to 11.12 (78) victory for the Magpies.

It was a bitterly disappointing end to the season for the Crows who led by as much as 32 points in the second quarter.

Heath Shaw provided plenty of drive from defence with a team-high 29 possessions while Dane Swan (28) was also instrumental in the win.

Promising youngster Steele Sidebottom was superb with 25 touches, seven marks, 10 tackles and six inside 50’s while skipper Nick Maxwell and Harry O’Brien kept Trent Hentschel and Jason Porplyzia quiet.

For Adelaide, Bernie Vince, Simon Goodwin and David Mackay all racked up 30-plus possessions while Kurt Tippett booted four goals - three of which came in the last term.

Both sides traded early goals before Adelaide took control of the contest.

The Crows won more of football and ran in waves as they slammed on six unanswered goals to go into quarter-time with a commanding 29-point lead.

Highlighting Adelaide’s willingness to run was the fact that they had 90 handballs in the opening stanza - the second most ever by a side in a quarter of football.

The Magpies stemmed the flow in the second term but only managed two goals of their own as Adelaide went into the main break with a 26-point advantage.

Collingwood turned the game on its head in the third quarter.

They dominated possession and were cleaner with their use of the football as they piled on six goals without reply.

Ben Johnson and Brad Dick chipped in with two apiece to help the Pies open up a 10-point lead at three-quarter time.

Adelaide came out firing in the final stanza, booting the first three goals including two from Tippett to establish a seven-point break.

The Magpies responded through Brent Macaffer and Leigh Brown to regain the lead but when Tippett squeezed home his fourth it appeared as if the Crows would prevail.

But there was one last twist with Adelaide full-back Ben Rutten conceding a free kick for holding Anthony’s arm at a marking contest.

Anthony held his nerve to put the Pies into their second preliminary final in three years.

COLLINGWOOD: 1.4, 3.5, 9.7, 12.11 (83)
ADELAIDE: 6.3, 7.7, 7.9, 11.12 (78)
GOALS: Collingwood: Dick 2, Johnson 2, Swan, Cloke, Lockyer, Wellingham, O'Brien, Brown, Macaffer, Anthony
Adelaide: Tippett 4, Thompson 2, Dangerfield 2, Hentschel, Burton, Knights
BEST: Collingwood: Shaw, Swan, Sidebottom, Maxwell, O’Brien, O'Bree
Adelaide: Goodwin, Vince, Johncock, Mackay, Edwards, Symes
INJURIES: Collingwood: Nil
Adelaide: Knights (hamstring)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Chamberlain, McInerney
CROWD: 62,184 at the MCG

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Glass wins second club champion award

September 12th 2009 04:30
WEST COAST skipper Darren Glass has joined elite company after winning his second club champion award on Friday night.

Glass polled 340 votes to win the award ahead of the much-improved Shannon Hurn (329), classy small forward Mark LeCras (328), utility Quinten Lynch (296) and midfielder Matt Priddis (288).

The 28-year-old defender who also won the top honour in 2007 becomes the Eagles' fifth multiple club champion, joining four-time winners Ben Cousins (2001, 2002, 2003, 2005) and Glen Jakovich (1993, 1994, 1995, 2000) and dual winners Chris Judd (2004, 2006) and Guy McKenna (19889, 1999).

In other awards, Beau Waters won the Chris Mainwairing Medal for best clubman while impressive young midfielder Chris Masten was named rookie of the year.

Meanwhile, Tyson Stenglein suprised the crowd at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre by announcing his retirement.

Stenglein, who joined West Coast at the end of 2004 after 106 games with Adelaide, played 102 matches for the Eagles and was an integral part of the club's 2006 premiership side.

The 29-year-old still had a year left on his contract but believed the time was right to call it quits.

"I weighed up a lot of options and I decided that that (retirement) is the best option for me and the footy club going forward," Stenglein said.

"I was once told by a wise man, 'The best time to start thinking about retirement is before the boss does'."

Stenglein joins fellow premiership players David Wirrpanda, Adam Hunter and Chad Fletcher in retirement.

The top ten votegetters
1. Darren Glass 340 votes
2. Shannon Hurn 329 votes
3. Mark LeCras 328 votes
4. Quinten Lynch 296 votes
5. Matt Priddis 288 votes
6. Adam Selwood 288 votes
7. Andrew Embley 274 votes
8. Matt Rosa 261 votes
9. David Wirrpanda 221 votes
10. Josh Kennedy 215 votes

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Semi-Final Preview: Collingwood v Adelaide

September 11th 2009 16:41
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Saturday 12 September, 7.30pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 31, Collingwood 20, Adelaide 11

LAST TIME: Collingwood 13.11 (89) def Adelaide 9.14 (68), at AAMI Stadium, Round 19, 2009

IN FINALS: Collingwood 2, Adelaide 0

RECENT HISTORY: The Magpies have won three of their past four matches against Adelaide.

FORM: The Pies had won 12 of their 13 matches heading into the round 22 clash against the Western Bulldogs which they lost before suffering a 28-point loss at the hands of minor premiers St Kilda in the first qualifying final at the MCG last Sunday. Adelaide is in red-hot form - they won their last three matches of the home-and-away season to secure a home final before thumping a hapless Essendon side to the tune of 96 points in an elimination final. The Crows have booted a staggering 53 goals in their past two games against Carlton and the Bombers.

MEDICAL ROOM: Collingwood will be without promising young midfielder Dayne Beams (calf), number one ruckman Josh Fraser (knee), classy on-baller Scott Pendlebury (cracked fibula) and veteran forward Anthony Rocca (ankle) while Nathan Brown (thigh) and untried youngster Tristan Francis (groin) remain on the sidelines. For Adelaide, tagger Robert Shirley returns from a hamstring injury but All-Australian centre-half back Nathan Bock (foot) and Nathan van Berlo (back) will miss once again. James Moss (hip), Brad Moran (knee), Jonathon Griffin (calf) and Aaron Kite (hamstring) are highly unlikely to be considered for selection if the Crows progress further into September while Chris Schmidt (shoulder), Shaun McKernan (fractured forearm), Will Young (hip) and Brodie Martin (knee) are out for the season.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Michael Doughty vs. Dane Swan

Swan may have racked up 24 possessions against St Kilda but he didn’t have his usual impact on the contest.

When Swan is up and firing he is able to consistently set up scoring opportunities for his teammates with his clean use of the football.

Shutting down the drive he provides through the middle of the ground will be a key for the Crows if they are going to contain the Magpies’ multi-pronged attack.

Doughty has quelled the influence of the likes of Carlton skipper Chris Judd and Essendon’s Jobe Watson in recent weeks and looms as the obvious candidate to tag Swan.

Not only will Doughty make Swan earn every possession but he will also try and hurt him going the other way - the Crows veteran has averaged just under 22 disposals per game this season.

It is vital for the Magpies that Swan works hard going both ways.

Harry O’Brien vs. Jason Porplyzia

Porplyzia has been instrumental in Adelaide's success this season, booting a team-best 57 goals.

O’Brien has the ability to match Porplyzia in the air and also at ground level so you would expect him to be given first crack at the classy Crows forward.

The last time these two sides met in round 19 Adelaide had 16 more inside 50's but finished the match with four fewer goals - they were too shallow with their entries into the forward line.

The Crows midfield will need to be smarter with their delivery of the football to give Porplyzia the best chance of having an impact otherwise Adelaide will be punished on the rebound by the likes of Heath Shaw and skipper Nick Maxwell.

Ben Johnson vs. Bernie Vince

Vince continued his run of form with 28 disposals, 11 clearances and seven inside 50’s against Essendon.

The 23-year-old looms as a danger man for Collingwood given that he has averaged 33 possessions in his past two matches against the Magpies.

Vince is damaging with his ability to win the football at close quarters and deliver it cleanly into the forward line - he is second at Adelaide for clearances and fourth for inside 50’s.

The Pies will need to limit his influence if they are going to starve the Crows’ potent forward line of quality supply.

Johnson has been given the job on some of the competition’s elite midfielders this season and will run with Vince.

The Collingwood veteran will need to apply plenty of defensive pressure otherwise Vince will hurt the Magpies with his clean skills.

Ben Rutten vs. John Anthony

Anthony has been Collingwood’s most productive forward this season with 49 goals but he was well below his best against the Saints, managing just three possessions and one goal.

Collingwood will need Anthony to fire if they are going to have any hope of kicking a big enough score to keep their season alive.

However, Anthony’s task won’t be an easy one as he will most likely be matched up by one of the best one-on-one defenders in the AFL in Rutten.

In the clash against the Saints last weekend the Magpies managed a meagre 34 entries inside 50.

The Pies midfield will need to lift their work rate at the stoppages otherwise Anthony will struggle to receive enough supply to have an influence on the outcome of the contest.

VERDICT: Collingwood simply didn’t win enough of the football against St Kilda and they will need to play with a greater level of intensity if they are going to overcome an Adelaide side that is firing on all cylinders. While the Magpies are down on form and are without several key players, they have a history of performing well when their backs are to the wall. Magpies by eight points.

COLLINGWOOD v ADELAIDE
COLLINGWOOD
B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Leigh Brown
HB: Heath Shaw, Nick Maxwell, Tarkyn Lockyer
C: Alan Didak, Shane O’Bree, Brad Dick
HF: Alan Toovey, Travis Cloke, Ben Johnson
F: Paul Medhurst, John Anthony, Dale Thomas
Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Leon Davis
I/C: Brent Macaffer, Tyson Goldsack, Steele Sidebottom, Sharrod Wellingham
Emg: John McCarthy, Martin Clarke, Chris Dawes

In: Dick, Goldsack, Macaffer, Wellingham, Wood
Out: Dayne Beams (calf), Josh Fraser (knee), Scott Pendlebury (cracked fibula), Anthony Rocca (ankle), John McCarthy

ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Brent Reilly, Scott Stevens, Michael Doughty
C: Andrew McLeod, Scott Thompson, David Mackay
HF: Chris Knights, Trent Hentschel, Bernie Vince
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Brett Burton
Foll: Ivan Maric, Tyson Edwards, Simon Goodwin
I/C: Robert Shirley, Brad Symes, James Sellar, Patrick Dangerfield
Emg: Phil Davis, Rory Sloane, Richard Douglas

In: Shirley
Out: Richard Douglas


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O'Keefe claims first Bob Skilton Medal

September 11th 2009 15:07
SYDNEY midfielder Ryan O’Keefe has claimed his first Bob Skilton Medal.

O’Keefe polled 528 points to win the best-and-fairest award ahead of first-year Swan Rhyce Shaw (453) and co-captain Brett Kirk (421).

The win comes almost a year after the 28-year-old had pushed for a move back home to Victoria.

The 2005 premiership player had been linked to Hawthorn but Sydney and the Hawks were unable to agree to terms during trade week and O’Keefe ended up signing a four-year deal with the Swans.

O’Keefe, who has spent the majority of his career as a forward, moved into the midfield in 2009 and enjoyed a stellar season, averaging just under 24 possessions per game.

The top ten for the Bob Skilton Medal:
Ryan O'Keefe – 528 points
Rhyce Shaw – 453 points
Brett Kirk – 421 points
Darren Jolly – 415 points
Adam Goodes – 394 points
Jarrad McVeigh – 366 points
Kieren Jack – 346 points
Martin Mattner – 330 points
Heath Grundy – 318 points
Jude Bolton – 306 points
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Dockers re-sign youngsters

September 11th 2009 14:24
FREMANTLE has re-signed promising youngsters Stephen Hill and Greg Broughton.

Hill will remain with the Dockers until at least the end of the 2012 season after signing a one-year contract extension while Broughton has agreed to terms on a two-year deal which will tie him with the club until 2011.

Taken with the third pick in last year national draft, Hill played all 22 games and earned a NAB Rising Star nomination for his performance against West Coast in round six.

Broughton, a triple premiership player with Subiaco in the WAFL, was selected in the 2008 rookie draft and was elevated to the senior list in March.

The 22-year-old made 15 appearances and finished third in the AFL Players’ Association Best First Year Player award.

Fremantle's player management manager Brad Lloyd said the duo were an important part of the club’s future.

"They both impressed with the way they went about their football in their debut seasons," Lloyd said.

"We see Stephen and Greg as being long-term players for the club."
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Dogs crush Lions

September 11th 2009 13:42
THE Western Bulldogs are through to their second straight preliminary final after recording a convincing 51-point win over Brisbane at the MCG on Friday night.

The Bulldogs led at every change and eventually prevailed 16.11 (107) to 8.8 (56).

It was the Dogs’ first win over the Lions in a final.

Rodney Eade’s men will now face minor premiers St Kilda for the right to play in the grand final.

Nathan Eagleton was best afield with 30 possessions and three goals while Matthew Boyd was influential in the middle with a game-high 36 disposals.

Adam Cooney (32) was also damaging while Daniel Giansiracusa returned to form with 33 touches.

Daniel Cross did a superb blanketing job on Simon Black, restricting the Brisbane star to just 14 possessions while Liam Picken quelled the influence of Justin Sherman.

The Bulldogs had nine individual goal kickers for the match - Mitch Hahn the most effective with four majors.

For the Lions, skipper Jonathon Brown led from the front with 19 possessions, 12 marks and three goals while Luke Power (31) tried hard all night.

A strong swirling breeze made life difficult for both teams but it was the Western Bulldogs that adapted to the conditions better and made the most of their chances.

Brisbane had the same number of scoring shots as the Bulldogs in the opening stanza but found themselves trailing by more than three goals at quarter-time after booting six straight behinds.

The Bulldogs dominated at the stoppages and moved the football well as they slammed on four majors to go into the first change with a 20-point lead.

The Lions lifted their rating in the second term and kicked three of the first four goals of the quarter, including two from Brown to get back into the contest.

But the first half ended a poor note for Brisbane with a sloppy error in defence by Daniel Merrett resulting in a goal to Ryan Griffen.

The Lions were lucky to be within 17 points at the main break considering the Bulldogs had won the clearances 24-6 and had 10 more entries inside 50.

Eagleton and Hahn did the damage in the third term, booting four of their side’s five goals for the quarter to help blow the margin out to 37 points at three-quarter time.

Brisbane staged a miracle comeback to win their elimination final against Carlton last weekend but any hopes they had off pulling off a come-from-behind victory for the second consecutive were snuffed out by the Dogs who kicked the first two majors of the final stanza.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 4.2, 6.6, 11.8, 16.11 (107)
BRISBANE LIONS: 0.6, 3.7, 5.7, 8.8 (56)
GOALS: Bulldogs: Hahn 4, Eagleton 3, Higgins 2, Ward 2, Griffen, Cooney, Akermanis, Gilbee, Minson
Brisbane: Brown 3, Bradshaw 3, McGrath, Redden
BEST: Bulldogs: Eagleton, Boyd, Cooney, Giansiracusa, Cross, Higgins, Griffen, Picken, Morris, Gilbee, Hahn
Brisbane: Brown, Power, Brennan, Drummond, Notting
INJURIES: Bulldogs: Griffen (calf)
Brisbane: Nil
UMPIRES: Stevic, Meredith, Ryan
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 47,030 at MCG



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Semi-Final Preview: Western Bulldogs v Brisbane

September 10th 2009 14:59
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Friday 11 September, 7.45pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 39, Western Bulldogs 23, Brisbane 16

LAST TIME: Western Bulldogs 15.12 (102) d Brisbane 12.12 (84) at the Gabba, Round 20, 2009

IN FINALS: Western Bulldogs 0, Brisbane 2

RECENT HISTORY: The Bulldogs have won six of their past seven matches against Brisbane.

FORM: The Bulldogs won 10 of their last 13 home-and-away matches before going down to Geelong by 14 points in the second qualifying final at the MCG last weekend. Brisbane finished the season with victories over Port Adelaide and Sydney to secure a home final before recording a stunning win over Carlton in the second elimination final. The Lions trailed by 30 points early in the final term but they lifted their rating and slammed on the last six goals of the contest to record a memorable seven-point victory.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Western Bulldogs have only one player on their injury list - Sam Reid (groin) while key defender Tom Williams will make his return from a fractured foot via the VFL. For the Lions, creative defender Josh Drummond and vice-captain Jed Adcock return from quad and knee injuries respectively but Scott Harding (foot) will miss. Joel MacDonald (back) is also unavailable while Bart McCulloch (quad), Pat Garner (knee), Jamie Charman (ankle), Albert Proud (foot) and Joel Tippett (back) won’t play again this season.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Brian Lake vs. Jonathan Brown

Brown was instrumental in his side’s come-from-behind win over the Blues with 15 possessions, 10 marks and four goals - two of which came in the final quarter.

Brisbane will need a similar performance from their skipper if they are going to have any hope of kicking a big enough score to overcome a Western Bulldogs side that has the most productive attack in the AFL.

However, Brown’s task won’t be an easy one as he will be matched up by one of the best defenders in the competition in Lake.

The last time these two sides met in round 20 the Lions finished the match with more handballs than kicks - 189 to 175.

They will need to be more direct with their use of the football to give Brown the best chance of having an impact on the contest.

Michael Rischitelli vs. Adam Cooney

Cooney was among his side’s best in the clash between these two sides last month with 25 disposals and four inside 50’s.

Last year’s Brownlow medallist is damaging with his ability to break the lines, kick goals and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Shutting down Cooney's run and carry will be a key for Brisbane if they are going to starve the Bulldogs’ dangerous mid-sized forwards of quality supply.

Rischitelli spent some time on Chris Judd and Marc Murphy last Saturday night and will most likely be given the job on Cooney.

The Lions will need Rischitelli to apply relentless pressure all night otherwise the classy Bulldogs midfielder will hurt them with his blistering pace and clean use of the football.

Joel Patfull vs. Brad Johnson

Johnson led from the front in the Western Bulldogs' win over the Lions last month with 23 possessions, 10 marks and two goals.

The Bulldogs skipper wasn’t at his best last weekend and will be keen to put in a big performance to help lift his side to a second straight preliminary final.

Patfull has the ability to match Johnson in the air and also go with him when the football hits the deck so you would expect him to be given first crack at the 33-year-old.

If Patfull is going to have any chance of winning his duel with Johnson he will need his teammates to suffocate the Bulldogs’ run with their pressure skills otherwise the 347-game veteran will feast on plenty of quality supply from his on-ball division.

Liam Picken vs. Simon Black

Black starred in the middle against Carlton, racking up a team-high 29 touches.

The 2002 Brownlow medallist is an integral part of the Brisbane midfield with his ability to win the football at the stoppages and use it cleanly by hand or foot.

The Dogs will be keen to limit his impact in the middle as it will help them contain Daniel Bradshaw and Brown who kicked nine of their side’s 16 goals last Saturday night.

Picken has quelled the influence of some of the AFL’s premier midfielders in 2009 and looms as the obvious candidate to tag Black.

The Bulldogs will need Picken to be switched on defensively for the full four quarters and not give Black any time or space at the stoppages otherwise he will continually set up his runners and also deliver the football lace out to the Lions’ two star forwards.

VERDICT: Only two teams in the past nine years have gone out in straight sets and we don’t expect the Western Bulldogs to join that list. The Bulldogs are one of the quickest and most skilled sides in the competition and they boast seven players that will play on Friday night that have kicked 20 or more goals this season while Brisbane has just the three. Bulldogs by 22 points.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v BRISBANE LIONS
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave
HB: Liam Picken, Dale Morris, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Shaun Higgins, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Brad Johnson, Mitch Hahn, Robert Murphy
F: Jason Akermanis, Will Minson, Scott Welsh
Foll: Ben Hudson, Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen
I/C: Tim Callan, Nathan Eagleton, Daniel Giansiracusa, Callan Ward
Emg: Dylan Addison, Andrejs Everitt, Josh Hill
In: Callan
Out: Josh Hill

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, James Hawksley
HB: Joel Patfull, Josh Drummond, Jed Adcock
C: Jared Brennan, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, James Polkinghorne
F: Sam Sheldon, Daniel Bradshaw, Tim Notting
Foll: Mitch Clark, Luke Power, Justin Sherman
I/C: Rhan Hooper, Matt Austin, Travis Johnstone, Jack Redden
Emg: Bradd Dalziell, Joel Macdonald, Cheynee Stiller

In: Drummond, Adcock, Notting
Out: Jason Roe, Cheynee Stiller, Scott Harding (foot)
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Hodge signs new deal with Hawks

September 10th 2009 10:57
HAWTHORN vice-captain Luke Hodge has signed a new three-year deal which will see him remain with the Hawks until at least the end of the 2012 season.

Hodge said he wouldn't miss playing alongside some of the competition's brightest stars for anything.

"It's good to be committed to the club for the next three years, it's an exciting time and I wouldn't miss it for anything," Hodge said.

"Seeing blokes like Cyril Rioli, Buddy Franklin ... I just love playing with them kind of guys."

Hodge also said the club was keen to bounce back from a disappointing season which saw them become the first reigning premier since Adelaide in 1999 to miss the finals.

"We're a young group, 2009 didn't go the way we wanted it to but the boys are real keen to get back to the training and next year's going to be a lot better," he said.

"We've definitely still got the skill, we've definitely still got the hunger for next year ... the boys are already starting to train now so it's going to be a good year for us next year."

The 25-year-old, who was taken with the number one pick in the 2001 national draft, has played 151 games for Hawthorn.
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Judd loses appeal

September 10th 2009 10:36
CARLTON skipper Chris Judd will miss the first three matches of the 2010 season after failing to have his ban for misconduct overturned at the Appeals Board on Thursday night.

Judd was found guilty of making unreasonable and unnecessary contact to the face of Brisbane's Michael Rischitelli during the second quarter of the Blues' seven-point loss in last Saturday night's elimination final at the Gabba.

The Blues appealed the suspension handed to Judd by the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night on the grounds that the decision was so unreasonable that no tribunal acting reasonably could have come to that decision having considered the evidence before it.

Judd's counsel, David Grace QC also argued that the classification of the offence and the sanction imposed were manifestly excessive.

But after deliberating for seven minutes the appeals board consisting of Michael Green, Brian Collis QC and chairman Peter O'Callaghan QC dismissed Judd's appeal.

"We can't impeach that finding (of the tribunal) nor can we say it was not open to the jury to find as they did," O'Callaghan said.

"We are not satisfied there are exceptional or compelling circumstances, so in those circumstances the appeal is dismissed."


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AFL Teams: Finals Week Two

September 10th 2009 07:40
2009 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

FINALS WEEK TWO (All times local)

Friday September 11
SF2: Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions at the MCG, 7.45pm

Saturday September 12
SF1: Collingwood v Adelaide at the MCG, 7.30pm

WESTERN BULLDOGS v BRISBANE LIONS
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave
HB: Liam Picken, Dale Morris, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Shaun Higgins, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Brad Johnson, Mitch Hahn, Robert Murphy
F: Jason Akermanis, Will Minson, Scott Welsh
Foll: Ben Hudson, Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen
I/C: Tim Callan, Nathan Eagleton, Daniel Giansiracusa, Callan Ward
Emg: Dylan Addison, Andrejs Everitt, Josh Hill
In: Callan
Out: Josh Hill

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, James Hawksley
HB: Joel Patfull, Josh Drummond, Jed Adcock
C: Jared Brennan, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, James Polkinghorne
F: Sam Sheldon, Daniel Bradshaw, Tim Notting
Foll: Mitch Clark, Luke Power, Justin Sherman
I/C: Rhan Hooper, Matt Austin, Travis Johnstone, Jack Redden
Emg: Bradd Dalziell, Joel Macdonald, Cheynee Stiller

In: Drummond, Adcock, Notting
Out: Jason Roe, Cheynee Stiller, Scott Harding (foot)

COLLINGWOOD v ADELAIDE
COLLINGWOOD
B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Leigh Brown
HB: Heath Shaw, Nick Maxwell, Tarkyn Lockyer
C: Alan Didak, Shane O’Bree, Brad Dick
HF: Alan Toovey, Travis Cloke, Ben Johnson
F: Paul Medhurst, John Anthony, Dale Thomas
Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Leon Davis
I/C: Brent Macaffer, Tyson Goldsack, Steele Sidebottom, Sharrod Wellingham
Emg: John McCarthy, Martin Clarke, Chris Dawes

In: Dick, Goldsack, Macaffer, Wellingham, Wood
Out: Dayne Beams (calf), Josh Fraser (knee), Scott Pendlebury (cracked fibula), Anthony Rocca (ankle), John McCarthy

ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Brent Reilly, Scott Stevens, Michael Doughty
C: Andrew McLeod, Scott Thompson, David Mackay
HF: Chris Knights, Trent Hentschel, Bernie Vince
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Brett Burton
Foll: Ivan Maric, Tyson Edwards, Simon Goodwin
I/C: Robert Shirley, Brad Symes, James Sellar, Patrick Dangerfield
Emg: Phil Davis, Rory Sloane, Richard Douglas

In: Shirley
Out: Richard Douglas

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Hasleby re-signs with Dockers

September 10th 2009 04:48
FREMANTLE midfielder Paul Hasleby has ended a protracted round of negotiations by signing a new one-year deal with the Dockers.

Hasleby wanted a two-year contract but the club stood firm in offering just a 12-month extension.

The 188-game veteran said he was looking forward to next season.

"I'll be starting pre-season training in early November and I'm excited about playing my 11th season with Fremantle," Hasleby said.

"Along with all the senior players, I've really enjoyed working with our young playing group."

"There is a lot to like about the future of the Fremantle Football Club and I'm very keen to be a part of that."

Hasleby was one of the few shining lights for Fremantle this year, playing all 22 games and racking up a team-best 533 possessions after missing all of the 2008 season with a serious knee injury.
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Van Berlo ruled out

September 9th 2009 07:15
ADELAIDE midfielder Nathan van Berlo has been ruled out of Saturday night's cut-throat semi-final against Collingwood at the MCG.

Van Berlo, who aggravated a back injury in the Crows' 72-point win over Carlton in round 22, pulled out of the team's main training session on Wednesday after experiencing tightness in his lower back.

In some good news for Adelaide, All-Australian centre-half back Nathan Bock who has been sidelined for the past five weeks with a fractured heel completed the two-hour session.

Crows assistant coach Todd Viney said the club and Bock were more optimistic about his chances of playing than they were ahead of the elimination final against Essendon.

"Nathan thinks he's pulled up a lot better today and got through the whole training and probably looked better than he did last week. He didn't look like he had the same sort of limp as he did last week," Viney said.

"The match committee has got some decisions to make. We’ll see how Nathan pulls up tomorrow, but [we’ll have to decide] whether we play him or if he goes to Woodville-West Torrens and plays a game, or we don’t do that and we give him another full week of training."

Meanwhile, tagger Robert Shirley (hamstring) also got through training unscathed and is available for selection.
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Blues to appeal Judd ban

September 9th 2009 03:23
CARLTON has announced that it will appeal the three-match ban handed to skipper Chris Judd by the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

Judd was found guilty of misconduct in that he made unreasonable and unnecessary contact to the face of Brisbane's Michael Rischitelli during the second quarter of the Blues' seven-point loss in last Saturday night's elimination final at the Gabba.

The Blues are appealing on the basis that the decision was so unreasonable that no tribunal acting reasonably could have come to that decision having regard to the evidence before it.

Carlton also believes that the classification of the offence and the suspension were manifestly excessive.

The Appeals Board will hear the case at 5.30pm on Thursday.

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Surjan signs contract extension with Power

September 9th 2009 03:15
PORT ADELAIDE defender Jacob Surjan has signed a contract extension with the Power but the length of the new deal has not been disclosed.

Surjan, who was taken with pick 10 in the 2004 national draft, has played 87 matches for Port.

The 24-year-old said he was excited about the club's future.

"I'm very happy to be staying at Port Adelaide," Surjan said.

"I'm always working on areas of my game, and with the recent retirements of experienced players, I'm looking forward to taking the next step in my development and becoming a leader here at the club."

"I look at our playing group and see a great, up-and-coming list that is determined to succeed. With such an exciting young list I'm very confident that the club is heading in the right direction."

"The decision to stay here at Port Adelaide was a pretty easy one in the end."

Power football operations manager Peter Rohde said Surjan was a consistent performer this season and that he has the potential to be a leader.

"He has set a great example this season through his intensity and defensive work. While he still has improvements to make, we believe he's got leadership potential and with 87 games under his belt we think he's about to enter the best stage of his career," Rohde said.

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Bombers duo get charges downgraded

September 8th 2009 12:07
ESSENDON duo Mark McVeigh and Nathan-Lovett Murray have had their charges downgraded at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

McVeigh will only miss the opening round of next season after his defence team successfully argued that his strike to Adelaide midfielder Bernie Vince during the Bombers' 96-point loss in last Friday night's elimination final was to the body and not the head.

The Bombers veteran was risking a three-match suspension if he was unsuccessful.

Lovett-Murray, who was also facing three weeks on the sidelines, will miss the first two matches of the 2010 season after having his rough conduct charge against Vince downgraded from reckless to intentional.

While Lovett-Murray copped the same ban he would have received if he had entered an early guilty plea, he will have fewer demerit points hanging over his head.
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Judd out for three games

September 8th 2009 09:23
CARLTON captain Chris Judd will miss the first three games of the 2010 season after failing to beat a misconduct charge at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

Judd would have only be sidelined for two matches if he had entered an early guilty plea for making unreasonable and unnecessary contact to the face of Brisbane's Michael Rischitelli during the second quarter of the second elimination final at the Gabba last Saturday night.

But the Blues elected to fight the charge on the grounds that Judd's actions were below the minimum level of low impact needed to justify a reportable offence.

However, the three-man jury of former players Richard Loveridge, Emmett Dunne and Wayne Henwood disagreed.

Judd is still eligible for the 2009 and 2010 Brownlow medals.

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Injury-prone Hawk hangs up boots

September 8th 2009 09:06
HAWTHORN forward Tim Boyle has announced his retirement from AFL football.

The injury-prone 25-year-old managed just 31 games and booted 39 goals in seven seasons at the Hawks.

Boyle was taken with pick 51 in the 2002 national draft but had to wait until 2005 to make his debut after suffering a broken leg during the Hawks' 2004 pre-season campaign.

The 25-year-old showed what he was capable of in 2007 - he played 20 games including the club's two finals matches and was Hawthorn's third highest goal kicker.

A nagging hip injury restricted Boyle to just six matches last season and in May this year he suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson said Boyle had given his all during his time at the club.

"It's been tough for him to get out there and be a regular contributor to our side," Clarkson said.

"However when he was fit, particularly in season 2007, he showed he was a very important member of our team."

"He has prepared himself well for life after footy and we wish him well as he begins the next chapter of his life."



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Judd to contest charge

September 8th 2009 02:42
CARLTON skipper Chris Judd will face the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night after electing to contest his misconduct charge.

Judd was charged with making unreasonable and unecessary contact to the face of Brisbane's Michael Rischitelli during the second quarter of the Blues' seven-point loss in the elimination final at the Gabba last Saturday night.

The star midfielder, who was offered a two-match suspension for the incident, risks missing the first three matches next season if he is found guilty.

The 2004 Brownlow medallist will still be eligible for the 2009 and 2010 Brownlow medals irrespective of the outcome at the tribunal.

Meanwhile, Essendon duo Mark McVeigh and Nathan Lovett-Murray will also contest two-match bans.

McVeigh was booked for striking Adelaide's Bernie Vince during the Bombers' crushing 96-point loss in last Friday night's elimination final and is facing three weeks on the sidelines should he be found guilty.

Lovett-Murray was charged with engaging in rough conduct against Vince and is also risking a three-match suspension.

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


Crocker stays with Kangaroos

September 8th 2009 02:07
DARREN Crocker will remain at North Melbourne as a senior assistant under new coach Brad Scott after signing a two-year deal.

Crocker was caretaker coach of the Kangaroos for the last 10 games of the season following Dean Laidley's resignation and made the three-man shortlist for the top job which was given to Scott last month.

The 42-year-old who has been an assistant at the Roos since 2005 said he was thrilled to be staying with the club.

"It's an exciting time for the club," Crocker said.

"A new, young, vibrant coach and an enthusiastic developing list will create an incredible environment at Arden Street for 2010 and beyond."

"After throwing some things around I decided I wanted to be a part of something special and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to stay at North."

"The new facility is nearing completion and it will give our club a huge boost going into next season."

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Ablett wins AFL MVP award

September 7th 2009 15:00
GEELONG star Gary Ablett has won the AFL Players' Association Most Valuable Player Award for a record third straight year.

The Cats midfielder polled 688 votes to beat Collingwood's Dane Swan (584) and Carlton skipper Chris Judd (546).

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt (343) and Geelong young gun Joel Selwood (285) rounded out the top five.

Ablett said it was a tremendous honour to win the award.

"The respect that the player's have for this award is enormous and as the only player voted awards it is one of the highest honours you can ever receive in this game," Ablett said.

Meanwhile, Brisbane's Jonathan Brown won the best captain award while Joel Selwood was named the AFLPA's Most Courageous Player.

The other major gong of the night - the Best First Year Player Award - went to powerfully built Lions midfielder and 2009 NAB Rising Star winner Daniel Rich.

Previous winners of the Leigh Matthews Trophy for the AFL Players' Association's Most Valuable Player.

1982 - Leigh Matthews (Hawthorn)
1983 - Terry Daniher (Essendon)
1984 - Russell Greene (Hawthorn)
1985 - Greg Williams (Geelong)
1986 - Paul Roos (Fitzroy)
1987 - Tony Lockett (St Kilda)
1988 - Gerard Healy (Sydney)
1989 - Tim Watson (Essendon)
1990 - Darren Millane (Collingwood)
1991 - Jim Stynes (Melbourne)
1992 - Jason Dunstall (Hawthorn)
1993 - Gary Ablett Snr (Geelong)
1994 - Greg Williams (Carlton)
1995 - Wayne Carey (North Melbourne)
1996 - Corey McKernan (North Melbourne)
1997 - Robert Harvey (St Kilda)
1998 - Wayne Carey (North Melbourne)
1999 - Shane Crawford (Hawthorn)
2000 - Anthony Koutoufides (Carlton)
2001 - Andrew McLeod (Adelaide)
2002 - Luke Darcy (Western Bulldogs)
2002 - Michael Voss (Brisbane)
2003 - Michael Voss (Brisbane)
2004 - Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)
2005 - Ben Cousins (West Coast)
2006 - Chris Judd (West Coast)
2007 - Gary Ablett Jnr (Geelong)
2008 - Gary Ablett Jnr (Geelong)
2009 - Gary Ablett Jnr (Geelong).


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Notting calls it quits

September 7th 2009 14:08
BRISBANE two-time premiership player Tim Notting has announced that he will retire from AFL football at the end of the club's finals campaign.

Notting is available for selection for Friday night's semi-final clash against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG but is unlikely to be picked.

The 30-year-old who has played 11 matches this season to take his career tally to 207 said he felt the time was right to call it quits.

"I've been thinking about retiring for a while now," Notting said.

"I eventually came to the realisation that I probably didn't have the drive to complete another pre-season."

"I'm incredibly proud to have been a part of this Football Club for the past 13 years and I'm really going to miss being part of it all."

Lions coach Michael Voss said Notting had made an invaluable contribution to the club.

"There are only a small percentage of people who can sustain such longevity in this tough business and it's a credit to 'Possum' that he's been an important part of our Club for well over a decade and 200 plus games," Voss said.

"I have enjoyed the unique pleasure of playing alongside him as well as coaching him and have always admired his ability to maximise his natural talents as a player."

"He's been able to adapt himself to different roles over the years and can be very proud of his achievements and should be congratulated for a wonderful career."

"Tim has also been a popular clubman throughout his time at the Lions and has assisted greatly in helping develop our younger crop of players in recent seasons. He will certainly be missed by the entire playing group."

Notting was a part of Brisbane's 2001 and 2002 premiership sides and is a member of the club's Team of the Decade.

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Judd facing two-match suspension

September 7th 2009 06:34
CARLTON skipper Chris Judd is facing a two-match suspension after being charged by the match review panel with making unreasonable and unecessry contact to the face of Brisbane's Michael Rischitelli.

The panel viewed the incident which occurred during the second quarter of the Blues' elimination final loss to the Lions at the Gabba last Saturday night as intentional conduct, low impact and high contact, which equates to 325 demerit points and a three-match ban but Judd will only be sidelined for two matches if he enters an early guilty plea.

The star midfielder, who is equal fifth favourite for this year’s Brownlow Medal can still win the game's highest individual honour because the report came from a final rather than a home-and-away game. He also remains elligible for next year's Brownlow Medal.

Essendon duo Nathan Lovett-Murray and Mark McVeigh also look set to miss the first two games of the 2010 home-and-away season after being hit with two-match bans.

Lovett-Murray was charged with engaging in rough conduct against Adelaide midfielder Bernie Vince. His previous poor record means his suspension can't be reduced with an early plea.

McVeigh was charged with striking Vince and like his teammate can't reduce his ban by pleading guilty.

Meanwhile, Crows forward Chris Knights was looked at over a clash involving Essendon's Courtenay Dempsey but no further action was taken with the panel ruling that the impact was below that required to constitute a reportable offence.

Geelong young gun Joel Selwood was cleared over two separate clashes with the Western Bulldogs' Lindsay Gilbee.

It was the view of the panel that Selwood had tried to tackle Gilbee rather than strike him.

The panel had no problem with Collingwood captain Nick Maxwell's bump on St Kilda’s Andrew McQualter and also gave the all-clear to Saints utility Brendon Goddard's shirtfront on the Magpies' Dale Thomas.

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


Lions trio a chance to return

September 7th 2009 04:59
BRISBANE could be bolstered by the return of Josh Drummond, Jed Adcock and Joel Macdonald for Friday night's cut-throat semi-final against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG.

Lions coach Michael Voss was optimistic that Drummond who was a late withdrawal from the side that defeated Carlton with a quad injury would be right to play against the Bulldogs.

"At this stage I'm very hopeful he might be alright - much more hopeful than I was last week," Voss said.

Adcock has missed the past eight weeks with a knee injury but is in the selection mix despite being unable to get any game time under his belt last weekend due to the fact that the club's reserves side is not a part of the QAFL finals.

"He's a good chance, trained last week, will train today - so he's another one that will be a very good chance to play," Voss said.

Voss also said he was confident that Macdonald who was also a late withdrawal from the elimination final against the Blues with an ongoing back complaint would be passed fit.

In further news, Simon Black, Daniel Bradshaw and Daniel Merrett who were under injury clouds heading into last weekend's match got through the game unscathed and are certain starters for the clash against the Dogs while skipper Jonathan Brown will also play despite suffering damage to his eye socket in a nasty collision with Carlton's Heath Scotland.

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Injury blow for Pies

September 7th 2009 02:39
COLLINGWOOD has suffered a massive blow ahead of Saturday night's knockout semi-final against Adelaide at the MCG with scans confirming that star midfielder Scott Pendlebury has a fractured fibula.

Pendelbury suffered the injury early in the first quarter of the Magpies' 28-point loss to St Kilda in Sunday's first qualifying final.

The 21-year-old has undergone surgery to repair a cracked bone in his leg and is an outside chance to play again this season but only if the Pies make the grand final.

Meanwhile, veteran forward Anthony Rocca is in doubt for the clash against the Crows after re-injuring his ankle against the Saints.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Week Two Finals Schedule

September 6th 2009 14:34
Friday September 11
Second Semi Final, Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions at MCG, 7.45pm (EST)

Winner to play St Kilda in first preliminary final at the MCG, loser eliminated.

Saturday September 12
First Semi Final, Collingwood v Adelaide at the MCG, 7.30pm

Winner to play Geelong in the second preliminary final at the MCG, loser eliminated

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Saints march into prelim

September 6th 2009 09:00
ST KILDA is into a preliminary final after recording a 28-point win over Collingwood in the first qualifying final at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Saints’ 12.8 (80) to 7.10 (52) victory means they will face the winner of the second-semi final between the Western Bulldogs and Brisbane in a fortnight.

Ross Lyon’s men strangled the life out of the Magpies, restricting them to just 34 entries inside 50 and keeping them to their lowest finals score in 25 years.

The loss was made worse for the Pies with star midfielder Scott Pendlebury suffering a leg injury in the first term while veteran forward Anthony Rocca limped off with what appeared to be an ankle complaint late in the match.

While the Saints will have an invaluable week off, Collingwood faces an uphill battle to reach the grand final.

The Magpies will need to defeat a red-hot Adelaide side at the MCG on Saturday night and then account for last year's grand finalists Geelong to feature in the last Saturday in September.

Saints skipper Nick Riewoldt was instrumental in the win with 19 possessions, 10 marks and five goals while Justin Koschitzke and Andrew McQualter chipped in with two majors apiece.

Sam Fisher generated plenty of run from defence with a game-high 42 possessions while Nick Dal Santo, Leigh Montagna and Lenny Hayes were influential in the middle with 30-plus disposals.

Clinton Jones did a superb blanketing job on Alan Didak, restricting the Collingwood star to just 13 touches.

For the Pies, Travis Cloke tried hard all day and finished with 19 possessions and 13 marks while Heath Shaw was busy in defence.

Dale Thomas and Rocca were Collingwood’s only multiple goal kickers with two goals each.

The Saints booted the first goal of the contest through Koschitzke after just two minutes of action but it was the only major they kicked for the quarter as they struggled to cope with Collingwood’s pressure.

The Magpies went into quarter-time with an eight-point advantage thanks to goals from John Anthony and Thomas.

When Rocca converted from directly in front early in the second term the Pies had opened up a 15-point lead.

St Kilda finally clicked into top gear and responded with five of the last six majors of the first half.

Riewoldt was particularly influential, booting three goals to help his side establish a 10-point buffer at half time.

Three unanswered goals to start the second half saw the margin blow out to 29 points and it appeared to be a matter of how far for the Saints.

But Thomas took a courageous mark running with the flight of the football and kicked his second to stop the rot before Rocca snapped truly in the dying stages of the third quarter to keep the Magpies within striking distance heading into three-quarter time with St Kilda holding a 17-point advantage.

Goals from McQualter and Riewoldt gave the Saints a commanding break early in the final stanza before Leon Davis ran into an open goal to reduce the deficit to 22 points.

Collingwood continued to press but they were unable to penetrate St Kilda’s rock-solid defence

ST KILDA: 1.2, 6.4, 9.7, 12.8 (80)
COLLINGWOOD: 2.4, 4.6, 6.8, 7.10 (52)
GOALS: St Kilda: Riewoldt 5, Koschitzke 2, McQualter 2, Schneider, Goddard, Milne
Collingwood: Thomas 2, Rocca 2, Anthony, Medhurst, Davis
BEST: St Kilda: Riewoldt, S Fisher, Hayes, Baker, Jones, Gilbert, Dal Santo, Goddard, Montagna
Collingwood: Cloke, Shaw, O'Brien, Swan, Maxwell, Thomas
INJURIES: St Kilda: Nil
Collingwood: Pendlebury (leg), Rocca (ankle)
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Chamberlain, McInerney
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 84,213 at MCG
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Qualifying Final Preview: St Kilda v Collingwood

September 5th 2009 16:26
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Sunday 6 September, 2.40pm

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 205: St Kilda 55, Collingwood 149, Draws 1

LAST TIME: St Kilda 20.8 (128) d Collingwood 5.10 (40) at Etihad Stadium, Round 7, 2009

IN FINALS: St Kilda 5, Collingwood 3

RECENT HISTORY: The honours have been shared in the past four clashes between these two sides.

FORM: St Kilda snapped a two-game losing streak with a solid 47-point win over bottom side Melbourne at the MCG last Sunday. The victory saw them become just the fourth club to win at least 20 games in a season since the 22-round season was introduced in 1970. They also conceded the least amount of points ever by any side in a 22-game season. Collingwood has lost just two of its past 14 matches - the most recent a 24-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in round 22 which saw them lose third spot on percentage to the Dogs.

MEDICAL ROOM: St Kilda welcomes back ruckman Michael Gardiner from a hamstring injury but defender Matt Maguire (hamstring) remains unavailable. Paul Cahill (ankle) and Xavier Clarke (knee) are out for the season while Jarryd Allen was forced into early retirement due to an ongoing hip injury. For the Magpies, classy midfielder Scott Pendelbury and utility Leigh Brown return from a back injury and illness respectively. Untried youngster Tristan Francis (groin) is the only player on the Pies’ injury list.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Ben Johnson vs. Nick Dal Santo

Dal Santo was infleuntial in his side’s 88-point win over Collingwood in round seven with a game-high 38 possessions and four inside 50’s.

The 25-year-old is damaging with his ability to set up scoring opportunities for his teammates with his clean use of the football.

Limiting his influence will be a key for the Magpies if they are going to contain a powerful St Kilda forward line.

Johnson has been given some big run with roles this season and will be given the job on Dal Santo in what shapes as being a crucial match-up in determining the outcome of this contest.

The Collingwood veteran will need to be switched on defensively for the full four quarters and deny Dal Santo any time or space in which to work in otherwise he will cut the Pies to shreds with his sublime skills.

Harry O’Brien vs. Nick Riewoldt

Riewoldt played a key role in the Saints’ win over the Magpies earlier in the season with 17 disposals, 11 marks and five goals.

If Collingwood is going to have any hope of securing a preliminary final berth they will need to quell the influence of the St Kilda skipper who collected 20 possessions and booted five majors in a semi-final against the Magpies last year.

O’Brien has the athletic capabilities to run with Riewoldt and is also capable of going with him in the air so you would expect him to be given first crack at the Saints star.

If O’Brien is going to have any chance of winning his duel with Riewoldt who is virtually unstoppable on the lead he will need his teammates to suffocate St Kilda’s midfield with their tackling pressure.

Zac Dawson vs. Anthony Rocca

Rocca returns to the side for just his fourth match of 2009 and will be keen to repay the faith shown in him by coach Mick Malthouse.

However, his task won’t be an easy one as he will be matched up by Dawson who kept Rocca to just one goal when these two sides met earlier in the year.

Collingwood doesn’t need Rocca to kick a bag but is important that he creates a contest and doesn’t go to ground otherwise the Magpies will be punished on the rebound.

It is vital for Rocca that he gets his hands on the football early to get his confidence up.

Clinton Jones vs. Dane Swan

Swan has been instrumental in Collingwood’s success this season, averaging just under 32 possessions per game.

The Magpies midfielder is ranked first in the AFL for total kicks and disposals, third for total inside 50’s and fourth for total goal assists.

Shutting down the drive Swan provides through the middle of the ground will be a key for the Saints if they are going to contain the Pies’ multi-pronged attack.

Jones has claimed several big scalps this year and will be keen to add Swan to his list on Sunday.

Swan will need to run hard all day if he is going to have any hope of having an influence on the outcome of the contest as Jones will apply relentless pressure and make him earn every possession.

VERDICT: Although St Kilda were convincing winners in the clash between these two teams earlier in the season, Collingwood actually won the clearances and had the same number of entries inside 50 - they just didn’t have the class up forward to capitalise with John Anthony, Alan Didak, Paul Medhurst and Leon Davis all missing from the side. If the Pies are able to at least break even at the stoppages they are more than capable of kicking a winning score against a Saints’ defence that has shown signs of vulnerability in recent weeks. Magpies by 15 points.

ST KILDA v COLLINGWOOD
ST KILDA
B: Farren Ray, Zac Dawson, Steven Baker
HB: Sam Fisher, Jason Blake, Sam Gilbert
C: Brendon Goddard, Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Andrew McQualter, Justin Koschitzke, Clint Jones
F: Stephen Milne, Nick Riewoldt, Jason Gram
Foll: Steven King, Leigh Montagna, Adam Schneider
I/C: Luke Ball, Raphael Clarke, Robert Eddy, Michael Gardiner
Emg: Sean Dempster, Jarryn Geary, Max Hudghton

In: Gardiner, Ball
Out: Ben McEvoy, Sean Dempster

COLLINGWOOD
B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Leigh Brown
HB: Heath Shaw, Nick Maxwell, Tarkyn Lockyer
C: Alan Didak, Shane O’Bree, Scott Pendlebury
HF: Alan Toovey, Travis Cloke, Ben Johnson
F: Paul Medhurst, John Anthony, Dale Thomas
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Leon Davis
I/C: John McCarthy, Anthony Rocca, Steele Sidebottom, Dayne Beams
Emg: Cameron Wood, Sharrod Wellingham, Brad Dick

In: Leigh Brown, Scott Pendlebury, Anthony Rocca, Steele Sidebottom
Out: Brad Dick, Tyson Goldsack, Sharrod Wellingham, Cameron Wood
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Lions overrun Blues

September 5th 2009 14:16
BRISBANE has booked a semi-final showdown with the Western Bulldogs with a stunning seven-point win over Carlton in the second elimination final at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The Lions trailed by 30 points early in the final term but they lifted their rating and piled on six unanswered goals, including two each from key forwards Daniel Bradshaw and Jonathan Brown to run out 16.15 (111) to 15.14 (104) winners.

It was Brisbane’s 12th win from as many finals matches at the Gabba.

Simon Black starred in the middle with a team-high 29 possessions while Luke Power (24) was also influential.

Up forward, Bradshaw booted five goals while Brown chipped in with four majors.

For the Blues, captain Chris Judd led from the front with a game-high 30 disposals while Andrew Carrazzzo, Marc Murphy and Ryan Houlihan were busy contributors with 25 touches apiece.

Carlton had 11 individual goal kickers for the match - Brendan Fevola the most productive with three goals.

The Blues jumped out of the blocks in the opening stanza, winning more of the football and moving it quickly through the middle of the ground as they slammed on the first three goals of the match to skip out to a 21-point leas at the 10-minute mark.

Back-to-back goals from Brown and Bradshaw kept the Lions in touch before Carlton responded through small forwards Jeff Garlett and Eddie Betts.

Despite their bright start the Blues led by just six points at the first change after Brisbane managed to kick the last two majors of the quarter.

Judd drilled home a goal on the run from outside 50 to give his side a 13-point point advantage in the second term before the contest developed into a see-sawing affair.

Scores were level on three occasions until a Matt Austin set shot in the last 10 seconds of the first half went through for a behind to give the Lions the narrowest of leads at the main break.

Carlton broke the game open with 6.4 in the third term.

Fevola and Nick Stevens were particularly influential with two goals each to help the Blues to a 24-point lead at three-quarter time.

Stevens’ second - a running goal from tight against the boundary line in the left forward pocket was all class - but the most spectacular goal of the match came from Cameron Cloke who kicked a freakish mid-air scissor kick goal.

When Cloke booted his second major of the night two minutes into the final stanza the result appeared to be beyond doubt.

But the Lions lifted themselves off the canvas and hit back with goals from Brown, Rhan Hooper and Daniel Rich before Bradshaw kicked truly from 15m out to put his side in front with just over five minutes left on the clock.

Cloke had a chance to give Carlton back the lead at the 25-minute mark but he failed to convert.

It proved to be a costly miss with Bradshaw snapping a brilliant goal from the boundary to give Brisbane a seven-point buffer before the Lions held firm in the dying stages to record a memorable win.

BRISBANE: 4.4, 8.7, 10.10, 16.15 (111)
CARLTON: 5.4, 8.6, 14.10, 15.14 (104)
GOALS: Brisbane: Bradshaw 5, Brown 4, Sherman 2, Johnstone 2, Hooper, Redden, Rich
Carlton: Fevola 3, Cloke 2, Stevens 2, Judd, Betts, Garlett, Russell, Murphy, Carrazzo, Houlihan, Kreuzer
BEST: Brisbane: Black, Bradshaw, Power, Johnstone, Brown, Sherman, McGrath
Carlton: Judd, Carrazzo, Houlihan, Murphy, Simpson, Scotland, Kreuzer,
INJURIES: Brisbane:
Carlton: Joseph (ankle)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Rhan Hooper and James Hawksley replaced Josh Drummond and Joel Macdonald in Brisbane's selected side.
UMPIRES: McLaren, Wenn, Jeffery
CROWD: 32, 702 at the Gabba

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Cats through to preliminary final

September 5th 2009 08:24
GEELONG has secured a preliminary final berth with a 14-point win over the Western Bulldogs in the second qualifying final at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Cats led at every change and withstood a last-quarter fightback from the Bulldogs to prevail 14.12 (96) to 12.10 (82).

The Dogs had their chances to pull off a come-from-behind win but they failed to capitalise in front of goal, booting a wasteful 4.6 in the final term.

The result means Geelong is now just one win away from its third straight grand final appearance while Rodney Eade’s men will face the winner of Saturday night’s elimination final between Brisbane and Carlton in a cut-throat semi-final.

Matthew Scarlett was best afield with 30 possessions and 14 marks while Corey Enright (35) and Darren Milburn (31) also provided plenty of drive from defence.

Gary Ablett did the damage in the middle with 31 touches while James Bartel booted three goals.

For the Bulldogs, Lindsay Gilbee racked up 35 disposals while Matthew Boyd (29) and Adam Cooney (28) also won plenty of the football.

Jason Akermanis was his side’s most productive forward with three majors - all of which came in the third term.

The Western Bulldogs kicked the first goal of the match through Ben Hudson but the rest of the opening quarter belong to the Cats.

They suffocated the Dogs’ run with their pressure skills, dominated the clearances and were cleaner with their use of the football as they slammed on six goals to open up a 28-point lead at the first change.

When Paul Chapman booted the first major of the second term after just a minute of action it appeared as if Geelong would run away with the contest.

But the Dogs stemmed the flow and managed the only other two goals of the first half.

Shaun Higgins was gifted a goal after one of Geelong's runners gave away a 50m penalty for running across the mark before Josh Hill kicked truly late in the first half to reduce the deficit to 20 points at the main break.

The Bulldogs won their fair share of the contested football and could have easily been closer at half time but they let themselves down with their poor delivery inside 50.

Two goals in the space of a minute from Akermanis saw the Dogs close to within nine points early in the third term.

However, their joy was short-lived as Cameron Ling drilled one home from long range before quick-fire majors from Brad Ottens and Bartel blew the margin out to 28 points.

The Bulldogs hit back through Brad Johnson and Akermanis but the Cats had all the answers and held a commanding 35-point lead at three-quarter time after booting the last three goals of the quarter.

To their credit the the Dogs refused to give in and closed to within 13 points at the 22-minute mark of the final term but in the end their poor kicking for goal cost them dearly.

GEELONG: 6.5, 7.5, 13.9, 14.12 (96)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 2.1, 4.3, 8.4, 12.10 (82)
GOALS: Geelong Bartel 3, Mooney 2, Stokes 2, Chapman 2, Mackie, Taylor, Ling, Ottens, Enright
Western Bulldogs: Akermanis 3, Johnson 2, Higgins 2, Welsh, Hill, Hudson, Griffen, Gilbee
BEST: Geelong: Scarlett, Ablett, Ablett, Milburn, Bartel, Chapman, Mackie
Western Bulldogs: Gilbee, Boyd, Cooney, Akermanis, Higgins
INJURIES: Geelong Nil
Western Bulldogs: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Max Rooke (quad) replaced in Geelong's selected line-up by Simon Hogan
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Kennedy, Meredith
CROWD: 74,007 at the MCG

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Elimination Final Preview: Brisbane v Carlton

September 4th 2009 15:32
VENUE and TIME: The Gabba, Saturday 5 September, 7.30pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 36, Brisbane Lions 14, Carlton 22

LAST TIME: Carlton 16.16 (112) def Brisbane Lions 16.10 (106), Round 11 2009 at The Gabba

IN FINALS: Brisbane 2, Carlton 2

RECENT HISTORY: Carlton has won its past three matches against Brisbane including the past two clashes between these two sides at the Gabba.

FORM: Brisbane bounced back from a less than impressive month of football which saw them yield only one win with victories over Port Adelaide and Sydney in the final two rounds of the home-and-away season to secure a home final. Carlton’s four game winning streak came to and end when they were thumped to the tune of 72 points by a red-hot Adelaide side at Etihad Stadium last Saturday.

MEDICAL ROOM: Brisbane welcomes back bookends Daniel Merrett and Daniel Bradshaw from hamstring and quad injuries respectively while star midfielder Simon Black and creative defender Josh Drummond will play despite suffering injuries in the win over the Swans. Promising young ruckmen Matthew Leuenberger (knee) and Jed Adcock (knee) are highly unlikely to play again this season while Bart McCulloch quad), Pat Garner (knee), Jamie Charman (ankle), Albert Proud (foot) and Joel Tippett (back) are out for the year. For the Blues, Jordon Bannister (hamstring) and Mark Austin (groin) will miss another week while Richard Hadley (broken arm) will only play again in 2009 if Brett Ratten’s men progress deep into September. The season is over for Michael Jamison (groin), Rhys O’Keeffe (osteitis pubis), Luke Stanton (back), Mitch Robinson (foot) and Jarrad Waite (knee).

KEY MATCH-UPS: Cheynee Stiller vs. Chris Judd

Judd may have had 23 possessions against the Crows but he wasn’t his usual damaging self.

The Blues skipper knows what it takes to win finals, having won a flag with West Coast and he will be keen to put in a big performance on Saturday night.

The 2004 Brownlow medallist was instrumental in his side’s win over Brisbane in round 11 with 28 disposals, one goal and seven inside 50’s.

Shutting down the drive Judd provides through the middle of the ground will be a key for the Lions if they are going to have any hope of containing a Carlton side that has the third most potent forward line in the AFL.

Stiller has been a solid performer in a tagging role this season and will most likely be given the unenviable task of trying to quell Judd’s influence.

Brisbane will need Stiller to be switched on defensively all night and apply relentless pressure otherwise Judd will continually break the lines and deliver the football lace out to Brendan Fevola and co.

Brett Thornton vs. Jonathan Brown

Brown looms as the main danger man for Carlton given that he has booted 27 goals in his past five matches against the Blues.

The Brisbane skipper was dangerous against Sydney but he failed to capitalise, booting a wasteful 3.6 - the Lions will need him to make the most of his chances and help them apply early scoreboard pressure.

Thornton is Carlton’s most experienced defender and will most likely be given first crack at Brown in what will be a crucial match up in determining the outcome of this contest.

It is vital for the Blues that they apply immense pressure all over the ground otherwise Brown will feast on plenty of quality supply from the likes of Simon Black, Luke Power and NAB Rising Star winner Daniel Rich.

Aaron Joseph vs. Simon Black

Black was his side’s most influential midfielder in the clash between these two teams earlier in the year with a game-high 33 disposals, one goal and five inside 50’s.

The 2002 Brownlow medallist is damaging with his ability to win the football at the stoppages and use it cleanly by hand and foot.

Limiting his influence in the middle will be a key for the Blues if they are going to prevent Brown and Bradshaw from receiving silver service.

Joseph has been a revelation as a tagger in his debut season and looms as the obvious candidate to tag Black.

The Blues youngster is a traditional midfield stopper in the sense that he isn’t overly concerned with winning his fair share of the football - he has averaged 11 possessions in 22 appearances.

With this in mind, Black will need his teammates to block for him at the stoppages if he is going to have a meaningful impact on the contest.

Daniel Merrett vs. Brendan Fevola

Fevola was the difference between these two sides in the round 11 clash, booting eight goals to lift his side to a thrilling six-point victory.

The Blues spearhead is currently in top form and will need to be contained if the Lions are going to progress further in the finals.

Merrett is Brisbane’s best one-on-one defender and will line-up on Fevola in what will be yet another pivotal duel.

Fevola is at his best when he is leading into space so don’t be surprised if Brisbane uses Drummond as a loose man in defence to clog up the space in which he leads into.

VERDICT: Carlton has the class in the midfield to cause Brisbane a number of headaches but their defence which leaked 27.14 last weekend is a concern. The Lions are undefeated in 11 finals at the Gabba and we expect them to maintain that perfect record with Brown and Bradshaw likely to dominate. Lions by 23 points.

BRISBANE LIONS v CARLTON
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Josh Drummond
HB: Joel Patfull, Jason Roe, Joel Macdonald
C: Jared Brennan, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, James Polkinghorne
F: Sam Sheldon, Daniel Bradshaw, Luke Power
Foll: Mitch Clark, Cheynee Stiller, Justin Sherman
I/C: Scott Harding, Matt Austin, Travis Johnstone, Jack Redden
Emg: Tim Notting, James Hawksley, Rhan Hooper

In: Merrett, Bradshaw
Out: Lachlan Henderson, James Hawksley

CARLTON
B: Dennis Armfield, Paul Bower, Bret Thornton
HB: Jordan Russell, Andrew Walker, Simon Wiggins
C: Heath Scotland, Aaron Joseph, Nick Stevens
HF: Marc Murphy, Cameron Cloke, Kade Simpson
F: Jeff Garlett, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Judd, Bryce Gibbs
I/C: Andrew Carrazzo, Shaun Grigg, Shaun Hampson, Ryan Houlihan
Emg: Steven Browne, Setanta O’hAilpin, Chris Yarran

In: Cloke, Betts, Garlett, Grigg
Out: Steven Browne, Chris Johnson, Setanta O'hAilpin, Chris Yarran

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Qualifying Final Preview: Geelong v Western Bulldogs

September 4th 2009 15:13
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Saturday 5 September, 2.30pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 147, Geelong 90, Western Bulldogs 55, Draws 2

LAST TIME: Western Bulldogs 16.14 (110) d Geelong 14.12 (96) at Etihad Stadium, Round 21, 2009

IN FINALS: Geelong 7, Western Bulldogs 2

RECENT HISTORY: Geelong has won four of its past five matches against the Western Bulldogs.

FORM: Geelong bounced back from a loss to the Bulldogs in round 21 with a solid 40-point victory over Fremantle to become the first club in AFL-VFL history to win 18 games or more in three successive seasons. The Cats haven’t won successive matches since rounds 16 to 18 when they defeated Hawthorn, Adelaide and Melbourne. The Dogs finished the season with wins over top eight sides Brisbane, the Cats and Collingwood to claim third spot on the ladder with a 15-7 win-loss record.

MEDICAL ROOM: Geelong welcomes back Paul Chapman and the much-improved Travis Varcoe from hamstring and shoulder injuries respectively while rugged utility Max Rooke and hard-running defender David Wojinscki will play despite suffering injuries in the win over the Dockers. Classy forward Steve Johnson (hip) could be back as early as next week if the Cats lose to the Bulldogs while David Johnson (corked thigh) remains unavailable. Matthew Egan (foot), Josh Hunt (knee), Mitch Brown (leg) and Ranga Ediriwickrama (hamstring) are out for the season. For the Dogs, midfielder Ryan Griffen returns from a hamstring injury while ruckman Ben Hudson is also back in the side after being a late withdrawal from the clash against the Magpies with back spasms. Key defender Tom Williams (foot) is expected to return via the VFL next week.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Cameron Ling vs. Adam Cooney

The last time these two sides met Cooney racked up a team-high 29 possessions, booted two goals and delivered the football inside 50 four times.

Last year’s Brownlow medallist is damaging with his ability to break the lines, kick goals and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Limiting Cooney’s in the middle will be a key for Geelong if they are going to contain the Bullodgs’ dangerous mid-sized forwards.

Ling is regarded as the best tagger in the AFL and will be given the job on Cooney in what will be a pivotal duel in determining the outcome of this match.

Expect Ling, who is good overhead and a reliable kick for goal, to push forward at every available opportunity and take Cooney out of his comfort zone.

Brian Lake vs. Cameron Mooney

Mooney was Geelong’s most productive forward when these two teams met just a fortnight ago with four goals.

The Cats will need a similar performance from him on Saturday if they are going to overcome a Dogs side that has the most potent attack in the competition.

However, Mooney’s task won’t be an easy one as he will be matched up by one of the best defenders in the AFL in Lake.

It is vital for Geelong that they are clean with their delivery of the football into the forward line rather than just bombing it haphazardly inside 50 otherwise Lake who is ranked third in the AFL for marks per game with an average of 8.7 will be able to continually set up his side’s attacking forays forward from the defensive half.

Andrew Mackie vs. Brad Johnson

Johnson was instrumental in his side’s win over the Magpies with 22 disposals, seven marks and four goals.

When Johnson fires the Bulldogs invariably go on to win so shutting him down will be a key for Geelong.

Mackie has the ability to match the Dogs skipper in the air and also at ground level so you would expect him to be given first crack at the 346-game veteran.

If Mackie is going to have any hope of winning his duel with Johnson he will need his teammates to suffocate the Western Bulldogs’ running game with relentless tackling pressure.

Liam Picken vs. Gary Ablett

Ablett was his side’s best in the round 21 clash with a game-high 40 possessions and five inside 50’s.

The Bulldogs will be keen to shut-down Ablett’s creative run as it will help them contain a Geelong side that is capable of scoring in a hurry.

Picken has been impressive in a tagging role this season and looms as the obvious candidate to run with the classy Cats midfielder.

The Dogs will need Picken to apply plenty of body pressure at the stoppages and also ensure that Ablett doesn’t get any time or space in which to work in otherwise he will hurt them with his ability to break the lines and use the football cleanly.

VERDICT: The Western Bulldogs will head into this qualifying final with plenty of confidence given that they defeated Geelong just a fortnight ago. The Cats know what it takes to win games of football in September but they are well short of their devastating best while the Bulldogs are fit and firing on all cylinders. Bulldogs by 15 points.

GEELONG v WESTERN BULLDOGS
GEELONG
B: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright
HB: Tom Harley, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
C: Joel Corey, Cameron Ling, James Kelly
HF: Jimmy Bartel, Cameron Mooney, Travis Varcoe
F: Mathew Stokes, Tom Hawkins, Paul Chapman
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett
I/C: Brad Ottens, Shannon Byrnes, Max Rooke, David Wojcinski
Emg: Simon Hogan, Ryan Gamble, Shane Mumford

In: Chapman, Varcoe
Out: Ryan Gamble, Simon Hogan

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave
HB: Liam Picken, Dale Morris, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Callan Ward, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Brad Johnson, Mitch Hahn, Robert Murphy
F: Jason Akermanis, Will Minson, Shaun Higgins
Foll: Ben Hudson, Ryan Griffen, Adam Cooney
I/C: Nathan Eagleton, Daniel Giansiracusa, Josh Hill, Scott Welsh
Emg: Dylan Addison, Adrejs Everitt, Sam Reid

In: Griffen, Hudson
Out: Andrejs Everitt, Sam Reid
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Crows demolish Bombers

September 4th 2009 13:55
ADELAIDE has ended Essendon’s season with a 96-point demolition in Friday night’s elimination final at AAMI Stadium.

The Crows took control of the contest in the second term before storming to a comprehensive 26.10 (166) to 10.10 (70) victory.

It was Adelaide's most emphatic finals win and Essendon's worst September defeat.

The Crows will now play the loser of Sunday’s qualifying final between St Kilda and Collingwood in a cut-throat semi-final next Saturday night.

The crowd of 50,393 was the best attendance for a final at AAMI Stadium and the second-biggest ever turn-out for a game at the venue.

Adelaide had 13 individual goal kickers for the match - Jason Porplyzia the most effective with five while Kurt Tippett chipped in with four majors.

Andrew McLeod generated plenty of run with a game-high 31 possessions while Bernie Vince was also influential with 28 disposals, ten clearances and seven inside 50's.

Michael Doughty did a superb blanketing job on Jobe Watson, restricting the Essendon star to just 14 touches while Ivan Maric was dominant in the ruck with 28 hit outs.

For the Bombers, Adam McPhee booted a career-best four goals while Brent Stanton (24) and Nathan-Lovett Murray (24) tried hard all night.

Scores were level on four occasions during a competitive first term before Richard Douglas drilled one home from long range to give the Crows a six-point lead at quarter-time.

Adelaide dominated at the stoppages and kicked the first three goals of the second term through Tyson Edwards, Patrick Dangerfield and Porplyzia to blow the margin out to 24 points at the six-minute mark.

It appeared to be a matter of how far for Neil Craig’s men but the Dons lifted their rating mid-way through the term and had six scoring shots but they only managed majors through McPhee and Stanton.

They were made to pay for their wastefulness in front of goal as the Crows slammed on the last four goals of the first half to go into the main break with a commanding 39-point lead.

Both sides traded goals for the first eight minutes of the second half before another four-goal burst helped the Crows establish a match-winning break at three-quarter time.

McPhee was the only shining light for the Bombers, booting all three of his side’s goals as the Bombers went into the final change trailing by 61 points.

The Crows didn’t take their foot of the pedal in the final stanza, piling on eight majors to cap off a dominant performance.

ADELAIDE: 4.3, 12.4, 18.9, 26.10 (166)
ESSENDON: 3.3,5.7, 8.8, 10.10 (70)
GOALS: ADELAIDE: Tippett 4, Porplyzia 4, Knights 3, Burton 3, Dangerfield 2, Douglas 2, Vince, Edwards, Maric, Mackay, Hentschel, Thompson, Sellar
ESSENDON: McPhee 4, Skipworth 2, Monfries, Quinn, Stanton, Lovett
BEST: ADELAIDE: Vince, McLeod, Doughty, Porplyzia, Tippett, Goodwin, Maric, Stevens
ESSENDON: McPhee, Stanton, Lovett-Murray, Welsh, Dyson
INJURIES: ADELAIDE: Sellar (knock to head)
ESSENDON: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Essendon's Tom Bellchambers replaced in the selected side by Michael Quinn.
UMPIRES: McBurney, Stevic, Ryan
CROWD: 50,393 at the AAMI STADIUM



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AFL Teams: Finals Week One

September 4th 2009 07:34
2009 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

FINALS WEEK ONE (All times local)

Friday September 4
EF1: Adelaide v Essendon at AAMI Stadium, 7.45pm

Saturday September 5
QF2: Geelong v Western Bulldogs at the MCG, 2.30pm
EF2: Brisbane Lions v Carlton at the Gabba, 7.30pm

Sunday September 6
QF1: St Kilda v Collingwood at the MCG, 2.40pm

ADELAIDE v ESSENDON
ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Brad Symes, Scott Stevens, Michael Doughty
C: Bernie Vince, Simon Goodwin, David Mackay
HF: Patrick Dangerfield, Trent Hentschel, Andrew McLeod
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Chris Knights
Foll: Ivan Maric, Tyson Edwards, Scott Thompson
I/C: Brent Reilly, Brett Burton, Richard Douglas, James Sellar
Emg: Phil Davis, Rory Sloane, Tony Armstrong

In: Douglas
Out: Nathan van Berlo (back)

ESSENDON
B: Nathan Lovett-Murray, Tayte Pears, Jarrod Atkinson
HB: Henry Slattery, Dustin Fletcher, Adam McPhee
C: Andrew Lovett, Ricky Dyson, Mark McVeigh
HF: Jason Winderlich, Michael Hurley, Angus Monfries
F: Cale Hooker, Jay Neagle, Andrew Welsh
Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson
I/C: Hayden Skipworth, Courtenay Dempsey, Brent Prismall, Heath Hocking
Emg: Darcy Daniher, Michael Quinn, Leroy Jetta

In: Dempsey, Skipworth, Bellchambers
Out: Matthew Lloyd (susp), Patrick Ryder (susp), Sam Lonergan (susp)

GEELONG v WESTERN BULLDOGS
GEELONG
B: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright
HB: Tom Harley, Harry Taylor, Andrew Mackie
C: Joel Corey, Cameron Ling, James Kelly
HF: Jimmy Bartel, Cameron Mooney, Travis Varcoe
F: Mathew Stokes, Tom Hawkins, Paul Chapman
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett
I/C: Brad Ottens, Shannon Byrnes, Max Rooke, David Wojcinski
Emg: Simon Hogan, Ryan Gamble, Shane Mumford

In: Chapman, Varcoe
Out: Ryan Gamble, Simon Hogan

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave
HB: Liam Picken, Dale Morris, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Callan Ward, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Brad Johnson, Mitch Hahn, Robert Murphy
F: Jason Akermanis, Will Minson, Shaun Higgins
Foll: Ben Hudson, Ryan Griffen, Adam Cooney
I/C: Nathan Eagleton, Daniel Giansiracusa, Josh Hill, Scott Welsh
Emg: Dylan Addison, Adrejs Everitt, Sam Reid

In: Griffen, Hudson
Out: Andrejs Everitt, Sam Reid

BRISBANE LIONS v CARLTON
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Josh Drummond
HB: Joel Patfull, Jason Roe, Joel Macdonald
C: Jared Brennan, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, James Polkinghorne
F: Sam Sheldon, Daniel Bradshaw, Luke Power
Foll: Mitch Clark, Cheynee Stiller, Justin Sherman
I/C: Scott Harding, Matt Austin, Travis Johnstone, Jack Redden
Emg: Tim Notting, James Hawksley, Rhan Hooper

In: Merrett, Bradshaw
Out: Lachlan Henderson, James Hawksley

CARLTON
B: Dennis Armfield, Paul Bower, Bret Thornton
HB: Jordan Russell, Andrew Walker, Simon Wiggins
C: Heath Scotland, Aaron Joseph, Nick Stevens
HF: Marc Murphy, Cameron Cloke, Kade Simpson
F: Jeff Garlett, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Judd, Bryce Gibbs
I/C: Andrew Carrazzo, Shaun Grigg, Shaun Hampson, Ryan Houlihan
Emg: Steven Browne, Setanta O’hAilpin, Chris Yarran

In: Cloke, Betts, Garlett, Grigg
Out: Steven Browne, Chris Johnson, Setanta O'hAilpin, Chris Yarran

ST KILDA v COLLINGWOOD
ST KILDA
B: Farren Ray, Zac Dawson, Steven Baker
HB: Sam Fisher, Jason Blake, Sam Gilbert
C: Brendon Goddard, Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Andrew McQualter, Justin Koschitzke, Clint Jones
F: Stephen Milne, Nick Riewoldt, Jason Gram
Foll: Steven King, Leigh Montagna, Adam Schneider
I/C: Luke Ball, Raphael Clarke, Robert Eddy, Michael Gardiner
Emg: Sean Dempster, Jarryn Geary, Max Hudghton

In: Gardiner, Ball
Out: Ben McEvoy, Sean Dempster

COLLINGWOOD
B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Leigh Brown
HB: Heath Shaw, Nick Maxwell, Tarkyn Lockyer
C: Alan Didak, Shane O’Bree, Scott Pendlebury
HF: Alan Toovey, Travis Cloke, Ben Johnson
F: Paul Medhurst, John Anthony, Dale Thomas
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Leon Davis
I/C: John McCarthy, Anthony Rocca, Steele Sidebottom, Dayne Beams
Emg: Cameron Wood, Sharrod Wellingham, Brad Dick

In: Leigh Brown, Scott Pendlebury, Anthony Rocca, Steele Sidebottom
Out: Brad Dick, Tyson Goldsack, Sharrod Wellingham, Cameron Wood
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Dockers de-list six

September 4th 2009 01:25
FREMANTLE has wasted little time culling its playing list, de-listing six players.

Injury-plagued midfielder Andrew Browne has retired while foward Adam Campbell, Daniel Gilmore, Josh Head and rookies Brent Connelly and Luke Pratt were de-listed.

Browne spent eight years at the Dockers but a poor run with injuries and inconsistency meant he only managed 29 games.

Gilmore played 43 games in six seasons with the club but only made three appearances in 2009.

Campbell joined Fremantle in 2003 but didn't make his debut until 2006 and he went on to play 13 AFL matches, including three this season.

Head, who was a mature-age recruit taken in the 2008 pre-season draft, played the first four games of this year and returned to the side for a further two in round 10 and 11 to take his career tally to nine.

Pratt, a defender from Swan Districts, was one of 11 Dockers players to debut this season but he was omitted after his only match against Carlton in round seven, while Victorian ruckman Connelly spent two years on the club's rookie list but didn't play a senior game.

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Thurstans calls it quits

September 4th 2009 00:51
PORT ADELAIDE premiership defender Toby Thurstans has announced his retirement from AFL football.

Thurstans said he felt that he could no longer cope with the rigours of the modern game.

"I simply don't think I have enough left in me to get through another season," Thurstans said.

"The mental and physical rigours of an AFL season demand so much, and I am not the sort of person who is going to go on unless I think I can contribute 100 percent."

The 29-year-old, who played 110 games for Port, was drafted in 1998 but had to wait until 2003 to make his debut.

He played all 25 matches in the club's premiership year in 2004 and kicked three goals in the grand final win over Brisbane.

Power coach Mark Williams said Thurstans had shown enormous persistence during his career.

"Toby retires with an AFL premiership medal after waiting four years to play his first game," Williams said.

"And he didn't just play in that Grand Final – he played really well."

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Clubs to benefit from new stadium deal

September 4th 2009 00:37
THE AFL has entered a new ten-year stadium deal with the MCG which will see Victorian-based clubs guaranteed at least $100,000 from every home game played at the home of football.

Clubs and the AFL will also receive incentive-based payments when crowd numbers reach certain levels.

They will receive $1.50 per attendee for each attendee between 2.1 million and 2.5 million per annum, $2.00 per attendee between 2.5 million and 3.0 million per annum and $3.00 per attendee over 3.0 million per annum.

The agreement also means the AFL grand final will remain at the MCG until at least the end of 2037 while 10 of the 12 biggest attended matches will be played at the ground.

The Victorian Goverment will spend $30 million on refurbishing the Great Southern Stand and $6 million to a redevelopment of the Yarra Park area surrounding the MCG.

Mangement of Yarra Park will be transferred from the Melbourne City Council to the MCG Trust.

AFL chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said the deal benefited all parties.

"This revised arrangement is good for the MCG, good for the AFL clubs using the ground and improvements to the Great Southern Stand will be good for AFL supporters," Fitzpatrick said.

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Clarkson given suspended fine

September 3rd 2009 23:43
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has been given a suspended $5000 fine for his on-field outburst at the end of last Saturday's fiery clash against Essendon at the MCG.

Clarkson, who had to be restrained after Bombers skipper Matthew Lloyd knocked out Hawks midfielder Brad Sewell with a heavy shirtfront that saw the spearhead handed a four-match ban and left Sewell with a fractured cheekbone and eye socket, was found to be in breach of AFL Player Rule 29.1 in that he acted in a threatening or aggressive manner towards another player.

The league's football operations manager Adrian Anderson said the AFL had received a written report from ground security and he had written to Clarkson and the Hawthorn Football Club, seeking an explanation for what occurred.

"The AFL is concerned about the potential for such situations to escalate on the ground and also the need for AFL coaches to set a positive example for coaches at all levels," Anderson said.

Clarkson expressed regret for his actions.

"I apologise for my actions after Saturday's match and any embarrassment caused to the AFL," he said.

"I believe senior coaches should model appropriate behaviour and I fully intend to set a positive example for coaches and others involved across all levels of football."

Clarkson will have the fine hanging over his head until the end of the 2011 season.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


Elimination Final Preview: Adelaide v Essendon

September 3rd 2009 15:45
VENUE and TIME: AAMI Stadium, Friday 4 September, 8.15pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 27, Adelaide 12, Essendon 15

LAST TIME: Adelaide 21.4 (130) d Essendon 18.6 (114), Round 11, 2009 at Etihad Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: Adelaide has won five of its past seven matches against Essendon.

IN FINALS: Adelaide 0, Essendon 1

FORM: Adelaide finished the home-and-away season with wins over Hawthorn, West Coast and Carlton. The Crows’ 72-point demolition of the Blues at Etihad Stadium last Saturday earned them a home final. Essendon bounced back from a shocking loss to Fremantle in round 21 with a hard-fought 17-point win over Hawthorn in a fiery clash at the MCG to claim their first finals berth since 2004.

MEDICAL ROOM: Adelaide midfielder David Mackay will play against the Bombers despite suffering an ankle injury against the Blues but Nathan van Berlo (back) will miss. Key defender Nathan Bock will miss his fifth match in a row with a heel injury while Robert Shirley (hamstring) is at least a week away from resuming. Ruckmen Jon Griffin (calf) and Brad Moran (knee) remain unavailable while Shaun McKernan (fractured forearm), Chris Schmidt (shoulder) and Brodie Martin (knee) won’t play again this season. For the Dons, Mark McVeigh will take his place in the side despite injuring his hand in the win over the Hawks while Courtenay Dempsey returns from a hamstring injury. Kyle Reimers (knee) and David Zaharakis (thigh) remain unavailable while speedster Alwyn Davey (shoulder) won’t play again in 2009 unless Essendon progresses to a preliminary final. Michael Still (shin), Scott Gumbleton (back), John Williams (shoulder) Bachar Houli (fibula fracture), David Hille (knee) and Jason Laycock (foot) are out for the year.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Michael Doughty vs. Jobe Watson

Watson has been instrumental in Essendon’s success this season, averaging 25 possessions per game.

The 24-year-old is damaging with his ability to win the football at close quarters and use it cleanly by hand to find his teammates in space.

Adelaide will be keen to quell his influence in the middle as it will go a long way towards shutting down the Bombers’ running game.

Doughty did a good job on Carlton skipper Chris Judd last weekend and will be given first crack at Watson.

It is vital for Adelaide that Doughty not only applies plenty of defensive pressure but is also proactive as it will force Watson to worry about his direct opponent which in turn will help limit his impact on the contest as a creative midfielder.

Andrew Welsh vs. Scott Thompson

The last time these two sides met in round 11 Thompson was among his side’s best with 33 disposals and six inside 50’s.

Thompson is an integral part of the Crows’ midfield with his ability to win the contested football and deliver it inside 50.

Keeping Thompson will be a key for the Bombers if they are going to have any hope of starving Adelaide’s multi-pronged attack of quality supply.

Welsh has been given some big run with roles during his 144-game career and looms as the obvious candidate to match up on Thompson.

The Bombers will need Welsh who has averaged 20 possessions per game this year to try and test out the defensive side of Thompson’s game otherwise the former Demon will dictate terms and dominate.

Ben Rutten vs. Michael Hurley

Hurley showed he is a star of the future with four goals against Hawthorn last Saturday.

The promising 19-year-old has booted seven goals in his past two matches and will need to fire once again.

However, his task won’t be an easy one as he will most likely be matched up by one of the best one-on-one defenders in the competition in Rutten.

Essendon will need to break the lines and deliver the football quickly and cleanly inside 50 to give Hurley the best chance of having an influence on the outcome of the match otherwise the Crows will continually punish the Dons on the rebound.

Tayte Pears vs. Kurt Tippett

When these two sides met earlier in the year Tippett starred, booting a career-best seven goals to lift his side to a 16-point win in a high-scoring affair.

Tippett is Adelaide’s second leading goal kicker this season with 47 majors and he will need to be contained if Essendon is going to have any hope of recording an upset win.

Pears has been a solid performer down back in 2009 and will line-up on Tippett who is strong overhead and good at ground level for a big man.

The young Essendon defender will need his teammates to suffocate the Crows’ midfield with their pressure skills otherwise Tippett will get enough quality supply to kick a bag.

VERDICT: Essendon has a poor record at AAMI Stadium, having won just four of 14 matches against Adelaide and it is hard to see them recording a rare win over the Crows at the venue on Friday night given that they will be without skipper Matthew Lloyd, ruckman Patrick Ryder and Sam Lonergan due to suspension. Adelaide has tasted success in just two of their seven finals games during coach Neil Craig’s reign and they will be keen to avoid being knocked out of September action in the first week for the third year in a row. The Crows have a solid back six and too many quality players in the middle and up forward for the Bombers to contain and should romp to an easy victory. Crows by 55 points.

ADELAIDE v ESSENDON
ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Brad Symes, Scott Stevens, Michael Doughty
C: Bernie Vince, Simon Goodwin, David Mackay
HF: Patrick Dangerfield, Trent Hentschel, Andrew McLeod
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Chris Knights
Foll: Ivan Maric, Tyson Edwards, Scott Thompson
I/C: Brent Reilly, Brett Burton, Richard Douglas, James Sellar
Emg: Phil Davis, Rory Sloane, Tony Armstrong

In: Douglas
Out: Nathan van Berlo (back)

ESSENDON
B: Nathan Lovett-Murray, Tayte Pears, Jarrod Atkinson
HB: Henry Slattery, Dustin Fletcher, Adam McPhee
C: Andrew Lovett, Ricky Dyson, Mark McVeigh
HF: Jason Winderlich, Michael Hurley, Angus Monfries
F: Cale Hooker, Jay Neagle, Andrew Welsh
Foll: Tom Bellchambers, Brent Stanton, Jobe Watson
I/C: Hayden Skipworth, Courtenay Dempsey, Brent Prismall, Heath Hocking
Emg: Darcy Daniher, Michael Quinn, Leroy Jetta

In: Dempsey, Skipworth, Bellchambers
Out: Matthew Lloyd (susp), Patrick Ryder (susp), Sam Lonergan (susp)

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Bock, van Berlo ruled out of Bombers clash

September 3rd 2009 04:39
ADELAIDE defender Nathan Bock and midfielder Nathan van Berlo will miss Friday night's elimination final against Essendon at AAMI Stadium.

Bock has been sidelined since being diagnosed with a microfracture in his heel after the round 18 loss to Geelong.

The 26-year-old rated himself a good chance of returning to the senior side after pulling up well from the club's main training session on Tuesday night but has since ruled himself out.

Crows coach Neil Craig said Bock's injury had improved but not to the point where he could he play without worrying about it.

“There’s still some pain there and Nathan said he’s not in a shape to perform,” Craig said.

Craig also said the All-Australian centre-half back would be considered for selection next week if the Crows progress to the semi-finals.

Meanwhile, van Berlo has failed to overcome a back injury sustained in the win over Carlton last weekend.

In some good news for the Crows, David Mackay (hamstring) and Scott Stevens both completed training and are expected to play.


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Rich named Rising Star

September 2nd 2009 05:11
BRISBANE young gun Daniel Rich has been named as the winner of the 2009 NAB Rising Star award.

Rich polled the maximum 45 votes to win the gong ahead of Adelaide defender Andy Otten (30 votes), Essendon backman Tayte Pears (28), Collingwood midfielder Dayne Beams (10), Fremantle's Stephen Hill (9), Bulldog Callan Ward (9) and Crow Patrick Dangerfield (4).

The 19-year-old was the first unanimous winner since Melbourne defender Jared Rivers in 2004.

Taken with pick seven in last year's national draft, Rich was nominated for the award in round one after his 21-possession performance in the win over West Coast.

The powerfully-built midfielder played all 22 games and averaged just under 18 disposals.

Rich was a junior representative with Western Australia in 2007 and 2008 and earned All-Australian honours in both years.

He also won back-to-back premierships with Subiaco in the WAFL before being picked up by the Lions.

Rich is the third player in the club's history to win the prestigious award, joining Nathan Buckley (1993) and Chris Scott (1994).

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Demons skipper to play on next season

September 1st 2009 13:32
MELBOURNE skipper James McDonald will play on next season after signing a new one-year deal with the Demons.

The 33-year-old was a consistent performer in 2009, averaging 19 possessions in 18 appearances.

Melbourne list manager Tim Harrington said McDonald's leadership was vital as the club continues to rebuild.

"James' form has dictated that he plays on in 2010. He has shown this year that he still has much to offer at the elite level, and we see his leadership as a huge asset to the Melbourne Football Club. He sets a great example for our young players with his dedication to the team cause," Harrington said.

McDonald, who was taken with pick 51 in the 1996 rookie draft, has played 235 games and won the club's best-and-fairest award in 2006 and 2007.

He also earned All-Australian honours in 2006 and could become just the seventh Demon to reach the 250-game milestone next year.
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Palmer re-signs with Dockers

September 1st 2009 12:39
FREMANTLE midfielder Rhys Palmer is out of the Gold Coast's reach after signing a one-year extension which will see him remain at the Dockers until at least the end of 2011.

The new Gold Coast club can sign 16 uncontracted players - one from each club - at the end of the 2010 season.

The promising 20-year-old, who is currently recovering from knee surgery, won the 2008 NAB Rising Star award and would have been high on their wish list.

Dockers general manager of player development said the club was delighted to have extended Palmer's deal.

"Rhys is the reigning NAB Rising Star and an important part of our long-term future. We are delighted that he has committed to Fremantle through to the end of 2011," Lloyd said.

"Following his surgery earlier in the season, Rhys has been working very diligently on his rehabilitation and we are really looking forward to having him back out on the field next season."

Fremantle also announced that Ryan Crowley, Dean Solomon, Kepler Bradley and youngster Tim Ruffles had signed new contracts.

Crowley, who suffered a season-ending foot injury against West Coast in round six, penned a two-year deal which will tie him to the Dockers until the end of 2011.

Solomon and Bradley agreed to one-year deals, while Ruffles who is expected to be sidelined for the majority of next season after undergoing a knee reconstruction was given a one-year extension on his current two-year contract.





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Deledio signs new deal with Tigers

September 1st 2009 11:36
RICHMOND midfielder Brett Deledio has signed a new three-year deal which will see him remain with the Tigers until at least the end of the 2012 season.

Tigers football operations manager Craig Cameron said Deledio was an integral part of the club's future.

"Brett has developed both as a player and as a leader at Richmond in recent times and we look forward to seeing his potential grow over the coming years," Cameron said.

The 22-year-old was taken with the number one pick in the 2004 national draft and won the Rising Star award in 2005.

Deledio has played 106 games and booted 88 goals.

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Key Cats won't be rushed back

September 1st 2009 11:21
GEELONG coach Mark Thompson says star forwards Steve Johnson and Paul Chapman won't be rushed back into the side before they are ready despite the lure of a week off if they defeat the Western Bulldogs.

Thompson has ruled Johnson (hip) out of Saturday's qualifying final against the Bulldogs at the MCG while Chapman who has missed three of the past four matches due to hamstring problems is in doubt.

"Paul Chapman's obviously a very important player and it would be great to have him play, and we'll make that decision when we do, and we'll make it based on us believing that he can get through the game," Thompson said.

"He is coming along okay and he is a chance to play but we are not saying he is going to play or not going to play at this stage."

"We will see how he pulls up from training tomorrow and that is all we can say at this stage."

Johnson underwent surgery on his hip adductor in Hobart last Friday and could be back as early as next week if the Cats lose to the Dogs.

"He has already knocked on my door asking to play but he probably won't play this week," Thompson said.

"But in all seriousness he is very much a good chance to play next week, which is remarkable I know and you probably won't believe me but that is the truth."

In other injury news, rugged utility Max Rooke (corked thigh), hard-running defender David Wojcinski (ankle) and the much-improved Travis Varcoe (shoulder) will need to pass fitness tests.
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All-Australian preliminary squad named

September 1st 2009 09:32
THE All-Australian preliminary squad has been named following a meeting of the All Australian selection panel on Tuesday.

The squad of 40 was divided into three categories - forwards, defenders, midfielders and ruckmen.

The final side will consist of six of the 12 forwards named in the squad, six of the 12 defenders named and six of the 16 midfielders and ruckmen named in the squad.

The four interchange positions will come from the remaining players not selected in the starting 18 to best fit team balance as if to play a match.

The final team will be announced on Monday September 14.

Squad:

Defenders

Craig Bolton, Sydney Swans: Previously selected 2006. 20 games in 2009. 188 kicks, 101 marks, 140 handballs, averaging 9.4 kicks, 5.1 marks, 7.0 handballs. Zero Goals Zero Behinds. Eight Clearances, 29 Inside 50m, 72 Rebound 50m.

Corey Enright, Geelong: Previously selected 2008. 22 games in 2009. 302 kicks, 123 marks, 244 handballs, averaging 13.7 kicks, 5.6 marks, 11.1 handballs. Three Goals One Behind. 23 Clearances, 63 Inside 50m, 67 Rebound 50m.

Dustin Fletcher, Essendon: Previously selected 2000, 2007. 17 games in 2009. 213 kicks, 82 marks, 92 handballs, averaging 12.5 kicks, 4.8 marks, 5.4 handballs. One Goal One Behind. 12 Clearances, Eight Inside 50m, 75 Rebound 50m.

Sam Gilbert, St Kilda: Never previously selected. 19 games in 2009. 253 kicks, 137 marks, 157 handballs, averaging 13.3 kicks, 7.2 marks, 8.2 handballs. One Goal Zero Behinds. 12 Clearances, 25 Inside 50m, 62 Rebound 50m.

Brendon Goddard, St Kilda: Never previously selected. 21 games in 2009. 320 kicks, 126 marks, 262 handballs, averaging 15.2 kicks, 6.0 marks, 12.5 handballs. 13 Goals Nine Behinds. 58 Clearances, 78 Inside 50m, 58 Rebound 50m.

Simon Goodwin, Adelaide: Previously selected 2000, 2001, 2005, 2006. 19 games in 2009. 198 kicks, 109 marks, 294 handballs, averaging 10.4 kicks, 5.7 marks, 15.5 handballs. Three Goals One Behind. 12 Clearances, 26 Inside 50m, 67 Rebound 50m.

Ryan Hargrave, Western Bulldogs: Never previously selected. 20 games in 2009. 319 kicks, 142 marks, 168 handballs, averaging 16.0 kicks, 7.1 marks, 8.4 handballs. One Goals Two Behinds. 24 Clearances, 40 Inside 50m, 97 Rebound 50m.

Brian Lake, Western Bulldogs: Never previously selected. 22 games in 2009. 258 kicks, 192 marks, 160 handballs, averaging 11.7 kicks, 8.7 marks, 7.3 handballs. Two Goals Five Behinds. Two Clearances, 12 Inside 50m, 79 Rebound 50m.

Andrew Mackie, Geelong : Never previously selected. 21 games in 2009. 243 kicks, 138 marks, 205 handballs, averaging 11.6 kicks, 6.6 marks, 9.8 handballs. Seven Goals Five Behinds. 20 Clearances, 61 Inside 50m, 59 Rebound 50m.

Nick Maxwell, Collingwood: Never previously selected. 20 games in 2009. 178 kicks, 129 marks, 182 handballs, averaging 8.9 kicks, 6.5 marks, 9.1 handballs. Zero Goals Two Behinds. Six Clearances, Eight Inside 50m, 29 Rebound 50m.

Simon Prestigiacomo, Collingwood: Never previously selected. 22 games in 2009. 66 kicks, 57 marks, 112 handballs, averaging 3.0 kicks, 2.6 marks, 5.1 handballs. Zero Goals Two Behinds. Six Clearances, Eight Inside 50m, 29 Rebound 50m.

Matthew Scarlett, Geelong: Previously selected 2003, 2004, 2007, 2008. 19 games in 2009. 204 kicks, 104 marks, 143 handballs, averaging 10.7 kicks, 5.5 marks, 7.5 handballs. Zero Goals One Behind. Three Clearances, 14 Inside 50m, 56 Rebound 50m.

Midfielders - Ruckmen

Gary Ablett, Geelong: Previously selected 2007 2008. 19 games in 2009. 252 kicks, 81 marks, 402 handballs, averaging 13.3 kicks, 4.3 marks, 21.2 handballs. 24 Goals 20 Behinds. 86 Clearances, 67 Inside 50m, 36 Rebound 50m.

James Bartel, Geelong: Previously selected 2007, 2008. 21 games in 2009. 302 kicks, 133 marks, 275 handballs, averaging 14.4 kicks, 6.3 marks, 13.1 handballs. Nine Goals 14 Behinds. 67 Clearances, 75 Inside 50m, 46 Rebound 50m.

Matthew Boyd, Western Bulldogs: Never previously selected. 22 games in 2009. 293 kicks, 106 marks, 338 handballs, averaging 13.3 kicks, 4.8 marks, 15.4 handballs. 15 Goals Five Behinds. 124 Clearances, 86 Inside 50m, 39 Rebound 50m.

Mitchell Clark, Brisbane Lions: Never previously selected. 22 games in 2009. 181 kicks, 133 marks, 184 handballs, 489 hit outs, averaging 8.2 kicks, 6.0 marks, 8.4 handballs, 22.2 hit outs. Seven Goals Seven Behinds. 63 Clearances, 51 Inside 50m, 34 Rebound 50m.

Nick Dal Santo, St Kilda: Previously selected 2005. 21 games in 2009. 333 kicks, 77 marks, 255 handballs, averaging 15.9 kicks, 3.7 marks, 12.1 handballs. 15 Goals Five Behinds. 91 Clearances, 95 Inside 50m, 51 Rebound 50m.

Alan Didak, Collingwood: Previously selected 2006. 17 games in 2009. 326 kicks, 94 marks, 127 handballs, averaging 19.2 kicks, 5.5 marks, 7.5 handballs. 19 Goals 11 Behinds. 54 Clearances, 78 Inside 50m, 27 Rebound 50m.

Lenny Hayes, St Kilda: Previously selected 2003, 2005. 19 games in 2009. 253 kicks, 79 marks, 274 handballs, averaging 13.3 kicks, 4.2 marks, 14.4 handballs. Three Goals Five Behinds. 102 Clearances, 77 Inside 50m, 34 Rebound 50m.

Chris Judd, Carlton: Previously selected 2004. 2006, 2008 (captain). 22 games in 2009. 299 kicks, 52 marks, 280 handballs, averaging 13.6 kicks, 2.4 marks, 12.7 handballs. 11 Goals 18 Behinds. 124 Clearances, 129 Inside 50m, 27 Rebound 50m.

Hamish McIntosh, North Melbourne: Never previously selected. 22 games in 2009. 174 kicks, 112 marks, 188 handballs, 514 hit outs, averaging 7.9 kicks, 5.1 marks, 8.5 handballs, 23.4 hit outs. 13 Goals Three Behinds. 47 Clearances, 47 Inside 50m, 20 Rebound 50m.

Leigh Montagna, St Kilda: Never previously selected. 21 games in 2009. 347 kicks, 109 marks, 247 handballs, averaging 16.5 kicks, 5.2 marks, 11.7 handballs. Seven Goals 17 Behinds. 76 Clearances, 110 Inside 50m, 53 Rebound 50m.

Marc Murphy, Carlton: Never previously selected. 22 games in 2009. 276 kicks, 105 marks, 287 handballs, averaging 12.5 kicks, 4.8 marks, 12.9 handballs. 30 Goals 16 Behinds. 82 Clearances, 98 Inside 50m, 38 Rebound 50m.

Scott Pendlebury, Collingwood: Never previously selected. 20 games in 2009. 270 kicks, 105 marks, 268 handballs, averaging 13.5 kicks, 5.3 marks, 13.4 handballs. Eight Goals Four Behinds. 89 Clearances, 69 Inside 50m, 47 Rebound 50m.

Aaron Sandilands, Fremantle: Previously selected 2008. 20 games in 2009. 143 kicks, 80 marks, 205 handballs, 659 hit outs, averaging 7.2 kicks, 4.0 marks, 10.3 handballs, 32.9 hit outs. 13 Goals Eight Behinds. 103 Clearances, 37 Inside 50m, 13 Rebound 50m.

Joel Selwood, Geelong: Never previously selected. 22 games in 2009. 272 kicks, 95 marks, 344 handballs, averaging 12.4 kicks, 4.3 marks, 15.6 handballs. 10 Goals Nine Behinds. 87 Clearances, 75 Inside 50m, 31 Rebound 50m.

Brad Sewell, Hawthorn: Never previously selected. 19 games in 2009. 209 kicks, 83 marks, 281 handballs, averaging 11.0 kicks, 2.8 marks, 14.8 handballs. Four Goals Three Behinds. 100 Clearances, 94 Inside 50m, 25 Rebound 50m.

Bernie Vince, Adelaide: Never previously selected. 22 games in 2009. 306 kicks, 132 marks, 291 handballs, averaging 13.9 kicks, 6.0 marks, 13.2 handballs. 13 Goals Nine Behinds. 76 Clearances, 75 Inside 50m, 42 Rebound 50m.

Forwards

Jonathan Brown, Brisbane Lions: Previously selected 2007. 22 games in 2009. 255 kicks, 179 marks, 96 handballs, averaging 11.6 kicks, 8.1 marks, 4.4 handballs. 78 Goals 48 Behinds. 19 Clearances, 60 Inside 50m, Two Rebound 50m.

Paul Chapman, Geelong Cats: Never previously selected. 17 games in 2009. 294 kicks, 112 marks, 174 handballs, averaging 17.3 kicks, 6.6 marks, 10.2 handballs. 27 Goals 12 Behinds. 59 Clearances, 94 Inside 50m, 27 Rebound 50m.

Leon Davis, Collingwood: Never previously selected. 20 games in 2009. 326 kicks, 98 marks, 105 handballs, averaging 16.3 kicks, 4.9 marks, 5.3 handballs. 34 Goals 22 Behinds. 42 Clearances, 70 Inside 50m, 39 Rebound 50m.

Brendon Fevola, Carlton: Previously selected 2006, 2008. 22 games in 2009. 243 kicks, 143 marks, 45 handballs, averaging 11.0 kicks, 6.5 marks, 2.0 handballs. 86 Goals 56 Behinds. Seven Clearances, 42 Inside 50m, Three Rebound 50m.

Lance Franklin, Hawthorn: Previously selected 2008. 21 games in 2009. 187 kicks, 109 marks, 129 handballs, averaging 8.9 kicks, 5.2 marks, 6.1 handballs. 67 Goals 46 Behinds. 15 Clearances, 42 Inside 50m, 12 Rebound 50m.

Adam Goodes, Sydney Swans: Previously selected 2003, 2006. 22 games in 2009. 294 kicks, 135 marks,175 handballs, averaging 13.4 kicks, 6.1 marks, 8.0 handballs. 38 Goals 17 Behinds. 72 Clearances, 111 Inside 50m, 32 Rebound 50m.

Steve Johnson, Geelong:Previously selected 2007, 2008. 16 games in 2009. 235 kicks, 93 marks, 104 handballs, averaging 14.7 kicks, 5.8 marks, 6.5 handballs. 39 Goals 35 Behinds. 17 Clearances, 80 Inside 50m, 16 Rebound 50m.

Mark LeCras, West Coast: Never previously selected. 21 games in 2009. 194 kicks, 87 marks, 98 handballs, averaging 9.2 kicks, 4.1 marks, 4.7 handballs. 58 Goals 26 Behinds. 19 Clearances, 44 Inside 50m, Five Rebound 50m.

Stephen Milne, St Kilda: Never previously selected. 20 games in 2009. 194 kicks, 98 marks, 78 handballs, averaging 9.7 kicks, 4.9 marks, 3.9 handballs. 44 Goals 26 Behinds. Three Clearances, 28 Inside 50m, Three Rebound 50m.

Jason Porplyzia, Adelaide: Never previously selected. 22 games in 2009. 186 kicks, 80 marks, 126 handballs, averaging 8.5 kicks, 3.6 marks, 5.7 handballs. 52 Goals 19 Behinds. 27 Clearances, 54 Inside 50m, Four Rebound 50m.

Nick Riewoldt, St Kilda: Previously selected 2004, 2006, 2008. 21 games in 2009. 284 kicks, 204 marks, 79 handballs, averaging 13.5 kicks, 9.7 marks, 3.8 handballs. 68 Goals 44 Behinds. Six Clearances, 81 Inside 50m, Two Rebound 50m.

Dane Swan, Collingwood: Never previously selected. 22 games in 2009. 401 kicks, 149 marks, 299 handballs, averaging 18.2 kicks, 6.8 marks, 13.6 handballs. 17 Goals 22 Behinds. 88 Clearances, 113 Inside 50m, 50 Rebound 50m.






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Wirrpanda calls it a day

September 1st 2009 08:29
WEST COAST premiership player David Wirrpanda has announced his retirement from AFL football.

Wirrpanda said his body was in good enough condition to allow him to play on next season but he wanted to give the club's younger players more game time.

"I still believe I can keep going but I think the right thing to do on behalf of this football club and development is to actually move on," Wirrpanda said.

"With the young blokes like (Scott) Selwood coming through, (Tom) Swift, young (Shannon) Hurn, you've got a lot of younger players cementing their positions, especially in the backline."

"The best thing for them is to get game time, it'll just grow their footy. I thought if I keep playing I'd take that opportunity away from them."

"That's where I spoke to Woosha and I thought to myself, for this club to go further I have to sacrifice my position in order for the younger blokes to get more experience.

The 30-year-old is the third Eagle to call it quits this season, joining fellow premiership players Chad Fletcher and Adam Hunter.

Wirrpanda made his debut in 1996 at the tender age of 16 and finished with 227 games and 131 goals to his name.

He now plans on spending more time with his family and working full-time with the Wirrpanda Foundation which promotes strong role models and healthy life choices to Indigenous children.

Meanwhile, West Coast midfielders Matt Rosa (hip and ankle), Andrew Embley (ankle), Matt Priddis (knee) and Adam Cockie (plate removed from shoulder) will all have post-season surgery.



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Bock unlikely to play against Bombers

September 1st 2009 06:27
ADELAIDE coach Neil Craig has admitted defender Nathan Bock is unlikely to play in Friday night's elimination final against Essendon at AAMI Stadium.

Bock, who hasn't played since being diagnosed with a fractured heel after the round 18 loss to Geelong, will attempt to join his teammates in Tuesday night's main training session.

While the 26-year-old is facing an uphill battle to be right for the clash against the Bombers, Craig remains hopeful the All-Australian defender can return to play a role in the club's finals campaign and said he was confident Bock had the fitness base to return to the side if the season extends beyond this weekend.

"I'm really comfortable with the amount of conditioning he's doing both from a fitness point of view and also from a mentality point of view, the way he's working and the way he's making himself suffer from a physical point of view," Craig said.

"It will be more about the fact that you've missed some footy. We know it's difficult to come back in the minor round competition let alone when the best are playing the best. But hopefully that will be a decision we’re faced with at some stage."

“It can be one of the most difficult decisions to make because there’s a sense of urgency in terms of the result and sometimes that can cloud your thinking."

“I think we’ve all been around long enough to know that to play unfit players when the best are playing the best, you do it at your peril … there may be a situation where you have to do it, but do it at your peril.”

Craig also said he expected midfielders David Mackay (ankle) and Nathan van Berlo (back) to be available for selection despite the fact that they will sit out Tuesday's training session.

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Dogs close to full strength

September 1st 2009 04:37
THE Western Bulldogs will have virtually a full list to select from for Saturday's qualifying final against Geelong at the MCG.

Midfielder Ryan Griffen's hamstring injury which has kept him on the sidelines for the past three weeks is now 100 per cent right while ruckman Ben Hudson is expected to come back into the side after he was a late withdrawal from the clash against Collingwood with hamstring tightness.

The only player unvavilable for selection is key defender Tom Williams who is tipped to make his return via the VFL after undergoing foot surgery a fortnight ago.

Meanwhile, Eade confirmed on-baller Daniel Cross pulled up well after his first match back from an ankle injury suffered in round 19 and said that forward Mitch Hahn wasn't in any doubt despite having scans on his foot yesterday.

"He's just got a sore plantar fascia. He snapped the other one in his foot last year. So it's no big drama, he'll be able to train and that's fine. It was just a precaution to see the extent of it, but it looks like it's OK," Eade said.


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Bombers accept bans

September 1st 2009 03:30
ESSENDON will be without skipper Matthew Lloyd, ruckman Patrick Ryder and Sam Lonergan for Friday night's elimination final against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium after the club elected not to contest the charges given to them following Saturday's fiery clash against Hawthorn.

Lloyd's season is over even if the Bombers make the grand final after he copped a four-match ban for his shirtfront early in the third quarter of the match at the MCG which left Hawk midfielder Brad Sewell with a fractured cheekbone and eye socket.

Ryder and Lonergan will miss the clash against the Crows after accepting one-match bans for striking Hawthorn vice-captain Luke Hodge in separate incidents during the second term.

Hawks midfielder Chance Bateman will be unavailable for selection for round one next year after he accepted a one-match ban for a hit on Lloyd.

Five players each from Hawthorn and Essendon will pay a total of $12,000 in fines from the melee that erupted following Lloyd's heavy bump on Sewell.

In other tribunal news, Port Adelaide's Troy Chaplin will also miss the opening match of the 2010 season after he accepted a one-game suspension for striking North Melbourne's Andrew Swallow while Kangaroos big man Drew Petrie will be sidelined for the first two matches of the home-and-away season next year for striking Power defender Alipate Carlile.

Richmond's Jack Riewoldt, West Coast veteran Andrew Embley and Carlton's Shaun Hampson have accepted $1950 fines for making negligent contact with an umpire while Melbourne on-baller Nathan Jones was fined $2850 for the same offence.

Port Adelaide's Kane Cornes accepted a $900 fine for abusive language towards umpire Michael Avon while Fremantle youngster Matthew De Boer accepted a reprimand and 93.75 demerit points towards his future record for striking Geelong ruckman Mark Blake.

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