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TEAMS: Chapman pulls out

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 05 Mei 2013 | 23.03

Sam Edmund, Jay Clark and Ben Dixon join Brad Johnson to discuss their 'DIY Fix-Ups' ahead of Round 6.

Andrew Krakouer gets the nod for the Pies. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON has dumped forward Sam Rowe for Sunday's match against Melbourne at the MCG.

Rowe makes way for Jarrad Waite, who has finally overcome a nagging calf strain.

David Ellard is the other inclusion for Mick Malthouse's Blues looking to fill the gaping hole left in defence following Bryce Gibbs' hamstring tightness.

JUST a cool six changes for a Melbourne team looking to maintain its momentum from last week's last quarter demolition of Greater Western Sydney.

Aaron Davey and mature-aged recruit Cameron Pedersen are among the outs which include injured ruckman Mark Jamar (groin) and Jack Watts (hamstring).

Boom father-son prospect Jack Viney returns after being rested last week along with forward Lynden Dunn and debutant, WAFL prospect Dean Kent.


WEST COAST has named a star-studded squad including Nic Naitanui and Sharrod Wellingham for Sunday's match against the Western Bulldogs.

WESTERN Bulldogs defender Dylan Addison has been rewarded with senior selection after a strong performance for VFL-affiliate Williamstown.

GEELONG forward Paul Chapman has pulled out of Geelong's team to face Richmond with hamstring soreness.

The Cats made the change today, replacing Chapman with speedster Jordan Murdoch.

Last night, Collingwood forward Andrew Krakouer was among four Magpie inclusions for tonight's match against St Kilda.

Krakouer, 30, hasn't played at the top level since last year's preliminary final loss to Sydney.

The mercurial forward won his spot back into the Magpies best 22 after a solid month playing in the VFL.

Darren Jolly is set to return after missing two weeks with a rib injury along with debutant ruckman Jarrod Witts.

Scroll down for all the Round 6 teams and see full line-ups in LiveHQ

ST KILDA has given Stephen Milne a VFL reprieving naming the small forward who missed last week's Anzac Day match on suspension.

Saints coach Scott Watters said Milne would have to earn his spot back in the team after being rubbed out for gouging.

Milne is joined by utility Arryn Siposs in the Saints best 22 missing small forward Trent Dennis-Lane.

Mature-aged recruit Tom Lee has been sidelined with an achilles.

SuperCoach formguide and live chat

ESSENDON has dropped a bombshell with in-form young gun Dyson Heppell (groin) to miss Saturday's match against Greater Western Sydney.

Veteran forward Jason Winderlich has been rested while defender Jake Carlisle (ankle) is also out.

Jake Melksham, Tayte Pears and mature-aged recruit Nick Kommer will line up against the injury-ravaged Giants missing co-captain Phil Davis (back), Setanta O'hAilpin (calf) and Lachie Whitfield (soreness).

GEELONG welcomes back Tom Hawkins and Paul Chapman for Saturday night's match against Richmond.

Jarrad Rivers (knee) and Josh Caddy (omitted) come out of the side looking for their sixth consecutive win.

Join the live chat below from 4.30pm EST to see the final Sunday line-ups

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Collingwood v St Kilda

Collingwood

B: N.Brown, B.Reid, B.Macaffer
HB: M.Clarke, H.Shaw, H.O'Brien
C: S.Sidebottom, D.Swan, D.Thomas
HF: J.Elliott, T.Cloke, Q.Lynch
F: B.Kennedy, T.Goldsack, S.Dwyer
Foll: D.Jolly, S.Pendlebury, J.Blair
Int: A.Krakouer, J.Witts, J.Thomas, P.Seedsman
Emg: A.Fasolo, J.Russell, M.Williams

In: A.Krakouer, D.Jolly, J.Thomas, J.Witts, B.Kennedy
Out: A.Toovey (Knee), B.Hudson (Leg soreness), J.Russell (Omitted), A.Fasolo (Omitted), B.Sinclair (Omitted)
New: B.Kennedy, J.Witts

St Kilda

B: N.Wright, S.Fisher, S.Gilbert
HB: S.Dempster, D.Roberton, J.Geary
C: N.Dal Santo, L.Hayes, B.Murdoch
H: D.Armitage, R.Stanley, L.Montagna
F: J.Saunders, N.Riewoldt, J.Koschitzke
Foll: B.McEvoy, C.Jones    4, J.Steven
Int: S.Ross, A.Saad, S.Milne, A.Siposs
Emg: T.Hickey, J.Newnes, J.Webster

In: S.Milne, A.Siposs
Out: T.Dennis-Lane (Omitted), T.Lee (Achilles)

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
Scott Pendlebury has dominated against the Saints since 2011, averaging 126 points a game – ranked No.1 at the club. Ben McEvoy has led St Kilda's charge with an average of 127 a game.

Essendon v GWS Giants

Essendon

B: M.Hibberd, T.Pears, C.Dempsey
HB: K.Hardingham, C.Hooker, B.Goddard
C: M.Baguley, J.Watson, D.Zaharakis
HF: J.Merrett, S.Crameri, J.Melksham
F: A.Davey, S.Gumbleton, B.Stanton
Foll: T.Bellchambers, B.Howlett, N.Kommer
Int: H.Hocking, L.Jetta, D.Hille, D.Myers               
Emg: E.Kavanagh, N.O'Brien, N.Lovett-Murray

In: L.Jetta , T.Pears , J.Melksham , N.Kommer
Out: J.Winderlich (Rested) , T.Colyer (Omitted) , D.Heppell (Groin) , J.Carlisle (Ankle)

GWS

B: A.Kennedy, T.Mohr, J.Bruce
HB: A.Corr, S.Gilham, T.Greene
HF: R.Palmer, J.Cameron, A.Tomlinson
F: D.Smith, S.Frost, T.Adams
Foll: J.Giles, A.Treloar, D.Shiel
Int: C.Hampton, S.Coniglio, S.Reid, Z.Williams               
Emg: T.Bugg, S.Edwards, T.Downie

In: S.Gilham, C.Hampton, J.Bruce, T.Adams, J.Townsend, S.Frost, A.Corr
Out: B.Thornton (Omitted), S.O'hAilpin (Calf), P.Davis (Back), T.Bugg (Omitted), L.Whitfield (Soreness) , L.Plowman (Omitted), N.Haynes (Omitted)
New: A.Corr

SUPERCOACH NOTES
David Zaharakis' ANZAC Day heroics earned him a $20,800 price rise after his 140 points against Collingwood. Despite scoring 113 points against Gold Coast, Callan Ward's price still fell, albeit by only $300.

Jay Clark and Mick Warner argue over what to do with their defence ahead of Round 6.

North Melbourne v Port Adelaide

North Melbourne

B: S.McMahon, S.Thompson, M.Firrito
HB: A.Mullett, N.Grima, J.Macmillan
C: D.Wells, S.Atley, S.Wright
HF: A.Black, M.Daw, T.Hine
F: L.Thomas, D.Petrie, L.Adams
Foll: T.Goldstein, A.Swallow, J.Ziebell
Int: R.Bastinac, B.Cunnington, S.Gibson, W.Sierakowski
Emg: D.Currie, L.Anthony, L.Hansen

In: W.Sierakowski
Out: L.Anthony (Omitted)
New: W.Sierakowski

Port Adelaide

B: C.Heath, A.Carlile, L.Stevenson
HB: C.O'Shea, T.Jonas, D.Cassisi
C: Bra.Ebert, T.Boak, H.Hartlett
HF: C.Wingard, J.Westhoff, P.Stewart
F: J.Neade, J.Schulz, R.Gray
Foll: M.Lobbe, O.Wines, K.Cornes
Int: B.Renouf, M.Broadbent, A.Monfries, K.Mitchell
Emg: S.Colquhoun, J.Butcher, A.Moore

In: K.Mitchell
Out: J.Trengove (Foot)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Daniel Wells ranks No.1 at North Melbourne for points scored since Round 3, averaging 123 a game. Hamish Hartlett has been Port Adelaide's most prolific scorer in this period, averaging 134 points a game.

Adelaide Crows v Hawthorn

Adelaide

B: B.Rutten, D.Talia, A.Otten
HB: L.Brown, B.Reilly, D.Mackay
C: S.Kerridge, S.Thompson, B.Smith
HF: R.Douglas, S.McKernan, J.Lyons
F: J.Porplyzia, T.Lynch, J.Jenkins
Foll: S.Jacobs, P.Dangerfield, R.Sloane
Int: M.Jaensch, M.Wright, B.Vince, R.Henderson
Emg: R.Tambling, L.Johnston, J.Petrenko

In: J.Porplyzia, S.McKernan, J.Lyons
Out: J.Petrenko (Omitted), T.Walker (Knee), R.Laird (Thigh)

Hawthorn

B: J.Gibson, B.Lake, L.Hodge
HB: G.Birchall, B.Stratton, B.Guerra
C: I.Smith, S.Mitchell, B.Hill
HF: S.Burgoyne, L.Franklin, P.Puopolo
F: L.Breust, J.Roughead, J.Gunston
Foll: M.Bailey, J.Lewis, B.Sewell
Int: L.Shiels, D.Hale, J.Simpkin, M.Osborne
Emg: T.Duryea, K.Cheney, M.Spanghe

In: B.Sewell , J.Simpkin
Out: C.Rioli (Hamstring) , S.Savage (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Rory Sloane's average of 112 points a game at AAMI Stadium this season ranks him No.1 at the club. Sam Mitchell has been Hawthorn's best scorer at the venue since 2011, averaging 115 points a game.

Richmond v Geelong

Richmond

B: S.Morris, A.Rance, T.Chaplin
HB: D.Grimes, R.Petterd, B.Houli
C: C.Newman, T.Cotchin, M.White
HF: B.Deledio, S.Edwards, D.Jackson
F: L.McGuane, J.Riewoldt, T.Vickery
Foll: I.Maric, D.Martin, N.Vlastuin
Int: B.Ellis, J.King, S.Grigg C.Knights               
Emg: J.Batchelor, S.Tuck, R.Nahas

In: T.Chaplin, S.Morris, J.King
Out: R.Nahas (Omitted), J.Batchelor (Omitted), B.Helbig (Hamstring)

Geelong

B: A.Mackie, T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: J.Corey, H.Taylor, T.Hunt
C: M.Duncan, J.Bartel, S.Motlop
HF: A.Christensen, S.Johnson, B.Smedts
F: P.Chapman, T.Hawkins, J.Podsiadly
Foll: M.Blicavs, J.Selwood, J.Kelly
Int: C.Guthrie, G.Horlin-Smith, T.West, M.Stokes           
Emg: M.Brown, J.Murdoch, J.Thurlow

In: P.Chapman, T.Hawkins
Out: J.Rivers (Knee), J.Caddy (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Despite receiving plenty of attention last week from Ryan Crowley, Brett Deledio still managed to get reach three figures. Jimmy Bartel was one of three Geelong players to crack the ton against the Bulldogs, finishing with 109 points.

The young coach of Oliver's Army is the No. 6 ranked SuperCoach this season. He reveals the secrets behind his dominance to Brad Johnson

Gold Coast Suns v Fremantle

Gold Coast

B: T.McKenzie, T.Murphy, D.Prestia
HB: D.Stanley, R.Thompson, G.Broughton
C: M.Rischitelli, G.Ablett, J.Harbrow
HF: H.Bennell, TJ.Lynch, A.Hall
F: Z.Smith, S.Day, B.Matera
Foll: C.Dixon,  K.Hunt, D.Swallow
Int: J.Lonergan, J.O'Meara, J.Brennan, M.Shaw
Emg: D.Gorringe, J.Hutchins, T.Sumner

In: H.Bennell, J.Lonergan
Out: S.May (Hamstring), J.Hutchins (Omitted)
New: J.Lonergan

Fremantle

B: L.Spurr, Z.Dawson, M.Johnson
HB: G.Ibbotson, L.McPharlin, C.Pearce
C: T.Mzungu, R.Crowley, N.Suban
HF: M.Barlow, C.Mayne, H.Ballantyne
F: H.Crozier, J.Hannath, M.Walters
Foll: J.Griffin, D.Mundy, M.De Boer
Int: D.Pearce, P.Duffield, C.Sutcliffe, A.Silvagni
Emg: L.Neale,  T.Sheridan,  Ta.Smith

In: P.Duffield, A.Silvagni, C.Sutcliffe, H.Crozier
Out: K.Bradley (Knee), S.Hill (Quad), N.Fyfe (Suspension), L.Neale (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Jared Brennan has averaged 103 points a game at home this season, ranked third at the club. Chris Mayne starred when he last played at Metricon Stadium in Round 6 last season, booting three goals straight on his way to 127 points.

Sydney v Brisbane

Sydney

B: N.Malceski, H.Grundy, N.Smith
HB: M.Mattner, T.Richards, J.McVeigh
C: L.Jetta, R.O'Keefe, B.McGlynn
HF: D.Hannebery, S.Reid, K.Jack
F: A.Goodes, M.Pyke, J.Bolton
Foll: S.Mumford, J.Kennedy, L.Parker
Int: T.Armstrong, C.Bird, J.Lamb, D.Rampe
Emg: M.Morton, J. White, T.Walsh
In: J.Lamb
Out: A.Everitt (Omitted)
New: J.Lamb

Brisbane

B: J.Patfull, D.Merrett, A.McGrath
HB: E.Yeo, J.Clarke, J.Adcock
C: P.Hanley, T.Rockliff, M.Golby
HF: J.Polkinghorne, J.Brown, D.Zorko
F: S.Mayes, M.Leuenberger, A.Cornelius
Foll: B.Longer, B.Moloney, J.Redden
Int: J.Green, R.Bewick, M.Paparone, R.Lester
Emg: J.Lisle, A.Raines, J.Crisp             
In: P.Hanley, R.Lester
Out: S.Docherty (Omitted), A. Raines

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Daniel Hannebery's average of 107 points a game this year is the fourth-most of any midfielder at the club. Brent Moloney's average of 103 points is the second-most of any midfielder at the club behind Tom Rockliff.

Shane Crawford reveals his latest SuperCoach tips ahead of Round 6

Carlton v Melbourne

Carlton

B: C.Yarran, M.Jamison, L.Henderson
HB: Z.Tuohy, D.Armfield, S.White
C: K.Lucas, M.Robinson, K.Simpson
HF: C.Judd, A.Walker, J.Garlett
F: E.Curnow, S.Hampson, J.Waite
Foll: R.Warnock, M.Murphy, B.McLean
Int: H.Scotland, A.Carrazzo, E.Betts, D.Ellard
Emg: S. Rowe, J. Cachia, T.Bell
                                           
In: J.Waite, D.Ellard
Out: B.Gibbs (Hamstring), S. Rowe (Omitted)

Melbourne

B: L.Dunn, J.Frawley, D.Terlich
HB: J.Grimes, T.McDonald, C.Garland
C: J.Trengove, J.Viney, M.Jones
HF: J.Howe, C.Sylvia, D.Kent
F: R.Bail, M.Gawn, S.Byrnes
Foll: J.Spencer, J.McKenzie, N.Jones
Int: J.Strauss, D.Nicholson, M.Evans, L.Tapscott
                                           
In: L.Dunn, J.Strauss, J.Spencer, J.Viney, D.Kent, D.Nicholson
Out: M.Jamar (Groin), D.Rodan (Omitted), J.Watts (Hamstring), A.Davey (Omitted), S. Blease (Omitted), C. Pedersen (Omitted)
New: D.Kent

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Chris Judd has averaged 26 disposals and 127 points a game against Melbourne since 2010. Colin Sylvia has been a solid performer in this period, averaging 21 disposals and 94 points a game.

West Coast Eagles v Western Bulldogs

West Coast

B: M.Brown, D.Glass, S.Hurn
HB: B.Waters, E.Mackenzie, S.Wellingham
C: A.Gaff, M.Priddis, B.Dalziell
HF: J.Hill, J.Darling, C.Masten
F: N.Naitanui, JJ.Kennedy, M.LeCras
Foll: D.Cox, S.Selwood, L.Shuey
Int: J.Brennan, D.Kerr, C.Sinclair, As.Smith
Emg: A.Hams, M.Rosa, W.Schofield
In: S.Wellingham, As.Smith, N.Naitanui
Out: S.Butler (Calf), J.Cripps (Omitted), A. Hams

Western Bulldogs

B: D.Morris, J.Roughead, L.Picken
HB: J.Johannisen, M.Austin, T.Young
C: J.Macrae, M.Boyd, A.Cooney
HF: J.Stringer, D.Addison, K.Stevens
F: L.Dahlhaus, L.Jones, J.Tutt
Foll: W.Minson, N.Lower, T.Liberatore
Int: M.Wallis, D.Cross, C.Smith, C.Howard, L.Markovic
Emg: P.Veszpremi, D.Pearce, L.Markovic

In: D.Addison, C.Howard
Out: B.Goodes (Suspension), P.Veszpremi

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Josh Kennedy booted four goals straight in the first half last week against Port Adelaide, finishing with 124 points for the match. Liam Jones booted four goals of his own against Geelong, finishing with 107 points.

Replay our Thursday night SuperCoach and teams chat below:

 On a mobile device? Click here for a better viewing experience


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dons prepare to be grilled

Essendon players have been given legal training ahead of their ASADA interviews. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ESSENDON players are being given detailed legal briefings ahead of next week's crucial interviews with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

Lawyers for the AFL Players' Association have held several one-on-one sessions with players to prepare them for the ASADA grilling.

Players will attend the interviews in the company of AFLPA legal counsels Brett Murphy and Bernie Shinners and have the option of bringing their own manager or lawyer.

Essendon will not have a representative at the hearing and has not been involved in coaching its players on what to say.

AFL investigators Brett Clothier and Abraham Haddad will sit in on the interviews as part of their joint investigation with ASADA.

Captain Jobe Watson and the club's leadership group will be among the first to answer questions about the controversial supplements regime used at Windy Hill last year.

Coach James Hird and several Essendon assistant coaches and officials have already fronted ASADA to explain their roles.

The man who ran the program, sacked sports scientist Stephen Dank, has not yet agreed to be interviewed.

But his testimony to the Australian Crime Commission will help form part of the questioning.

Essendon's players have been told they can freely answer questions from ASADA.

They are expected rely heavily on consent forms, which they believed listed the substances they took as WADA-approved, to back their claims they have done nothing wrong.

There is no suggestion any Essendon players will give evidence against a teammate, but it is expected every player on the club's list in 2012 will be given the opportunity to provide evidence. A group of players who have since left the club have engaged their own legal team.

Lawyers from both sides were unable to agree to what constituted "reasonable assistance" by players.

AFL players are expected to be more cooperative.

Documents handed to ASADA - and seen by the Herald Sun - reveal a group of Essendon players had weekly injections of the banned drug AOD-9604 last season, plus regular injections of Thymosin.

Variants of Thymosin are banned by ASADA.


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bombers would be flying high

A former Olympic coach says the effects of performance-enhancing drugs would still be helping Essendon, if its players took them last year. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON would still be enjoying the benefits of performance-enhancing drugs if players did take illegal supplements last season, according to a leading athletics expert.

Nic Bideau, who managed Olympian Cathy Freeman and coached Craig Mottram, says he has no doubt there would be residual benefits.

The Bombers - unbeaten this season - have not conceded players took non-World Anti-Doping Agency approved peptides, including the anti-obesity drug AOD-9604.

The AFL-Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation into the Bombers aims to uncover evidence of a regimen of banned drugs at the club under controversial sports scientist Stephen Dank.

Bideau told the Herald Sun any use of illegal drugs would improve muscle strength, which could stay with players.

"If you have a really good training year, it helps you forever or until you start to decline," Bideau said.

"It is building a base layer upon layer upon layer. It's like pages in a phone book.

"It is foundation you are trying to build. It takes people two or three years to become a fit league footballer, and if you add another layer on, it has to help."

Essendon believes its program of rapid weight gain last year backfired badly and that its impressive start to this season is fuelled by a simple endurance-based program.

The medical and sports science industries are divided on any long-lasting benefits to Essendon.

Former St Kilda doctor Rohan White yesterday said many peptides and supplements were fast-acting and quickly flushed from the system.

The AFL Medical Officers Association associate would not comment on Essendon's players, but said many supplements had only short-term benefits.

"If any club or player used supplements last year it would be a pretty long bow to draw to say they were still helping. Many supplements would be excreted from the system quite quickly and the benefits would be very short-term," White said.

But one AFL sports science expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, said any illegal substance used at any time had to have future benefits.

"If anyone is taking performance-enhancing drugs, the benefits of that are cumulative. You have been able to train at a higher level and the drug might be out of your system, but the training effect is still there," he said.

"It increases muscle bulk and muscle strength and muscle endurance, and you push on from there.

"It would be naive to think it wouldn't have a performance benefit a year on."


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Bombers ignore drug distraction

Essendon coach James Hird says the ongoing doping saga is not distracting to his players ahead of game against GWS.

Jay Clark and Mick Warner argue over what to do with their defence ahead of Round 6.

Essendon coach James Hird leaves the field. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON coach James Hird says he is confident next week's player interviews with ASADA will not prove a distraction to his unbeaten team.

The investigation into the Bombers' 2012 supplements program will step up a gear next week when players are subject to individual interviews by Australia's anti-doping body.

Players have been given legal training ahead of the interviews, with captain Jobe Watson and the leadership group set to be the first to be grilled.

"I am not sure exactly when the players are speaking to ASADA but these guys have been so fucussed, they have been so committed to their football, they are such a tight group of players, that I would be surprised if that does take their eyes of the ball," Hird said this morning.

Hird said he wasn't frustrated by the delay in releasing an internal review into the club's practices last year.

The review, headed by Ziggy Switkowski, was due to be released this week but has been delayed by a legal issue.

"There's a reason why and the administration and the board will deal with that ... the only thing I can concentrate on is coaching our football team to win games of football and that's where my focus is."

Demetriou: Clubs spreading drug rumours

Asked if he needed to keep his players grounded after their 5-0 start to the season, he said:

"I do not think they need any grounding right at the moment, I think the environment they are in, they just enjoy playing the best football they can."

He said defenders Jake Carlisle (ankle) and Dyson Heppell (groin) could have been picked to play GWS tomorrow but the club opted to play it safe.

"Both were close but just probably haven't done enough work on the track and we want to take a fit team in every time we play.

"We decided they weren't quite ready."

He said both would be available next week along with Michael Hurley and Dustin Fletcher. Patrick Ryder will also be available after serving his three-match suspension.

See all the Round 6 teams here


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Hinkley allowed to phone coach's box

Port Adelaide assistant coach Alan Richardson says he is excited to be taking control at Port Adelaide with Ken Hinkley ill.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley will be allowed to be in contact with his assistant coaches, despite not being well enough to travel to his team's game against North Melbourne. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

THE AFL has decided to make a special allowance for virus-stricken Port coach Ken Hinkley to speak to the coach's box during tomorrow's match after a discussion with Port Adelaide this morning.

The rules state that Hinkley cannot be part of the coaching panel when he is not a matchday official, but because of the unusual nature of his fate, an AFL spokesman told The Advertiser they had granted permission for him to be in contact during his team's game against North Melbourne.

Stand-in coach Alan Richardson said this morning that it would be unlikely that there would be either long or multiple phone calls between him and the coach, but that if the boss called, he would take it.

Football operations manager Peter Rohde, who plays an important role in the box, said he would keep his mobile on and indicated he would be the most likely contact link.

But even with the permission Port received this morning, Hinkley will not be allowed to talk to players on the field or on the bench.

Richardson has headed to Tasmania with mixed feelings ahead of tomorrow's match against North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena.

Richardson, the Power's director of coaching, will be the acting senior coach because Ken Hinkley was struck down with a virus this week and has been advised against flying.

It has left Richardson excited about the responsibility - the last time he was a senior coach was for Coburg in the VFL - but also hurting for his boss.

"I can't imagine how hard or frustrating it'll be for Ken, just sitting back. He's just started coaching his own football team and to be sitting on his couch,'' Richardson said.

Richardson found out he would be in the chair after doctors had allowed Hinkley to begin sending text messages but ruled out any traveling.

Part of his texts to Richardson read: "It's over to you Richo. Five in a row, let's make it six."

The rest of it was not fit for print, but essentially told Richardson not to muck up.

Richardson said he had spent little time thinking about what the opportunity meant for him.

"We're heading somewhere as a football club," Richardson said.

"I feel good. The feelings you have are all about what we've done, what we're trying to achieve for the team.

"In terms of my personal feelings, it's pretty similar, really. We've been playing some pretty good footy and now we've got an enormous challenge against a team that is really desperate for a win."


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Brown in clear for Hawks clash

Emerging Adelaide Crows defender Luke Brown has passed a concussion test and is fit to play this weekend. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

YOUNG Crows defender Luke Brown passed a concussion test at West Lakes today to be clear for action against AFL premiership favourite Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

Brown's confirmation allows Adelaide to stay with the 22 players named at selection on Thursday night and keeps Richard Tambling on the emergency list.

The most significant news from selection is the return of key forward-ruckman Shaun McKernan to the line-up for the first time this season as Adelaide copes with the loss of key forward Taylor Walker for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Adelaide assistant coach Scott Camporeale noted his midfield unit would be seeking to supply a new-look attack. 

McKernan is listed as partnering Josh Jenkins in the Crows forward line, replacing the Walker-Tippett tandem that pushed the Crows to within five points of the Hawks in last year's preliminary final.

"Josh Jenkins has been there for the whole year, Tom Lynch has come in for the past fortnight, so we need to generate more goals midfield-wise and hit the scoreboard from there to pick up the slack," Camporeale said.

"Shaun has been in really good in the SANFL. He kicked five (with Glenelg at the weekend) so he deserves an opportunity. He is probably like for like with 'Tex' (Walker). That's probably really the only change."

Off-field, the change in the Adelaide Football Club's front office at West Lakes has begun with Craig Burton, the general manager of marketing and communications, no longer in his position.

It is considered the start of a reshuffle of the Adelaide administration.


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Booze fine for Mumford

Sydney Swans ruckman Shane Mumford will play against the Lions despite being disciplined for a night out in Melbourne.

Ruckman Shane Mumford has been disciplined by the Swans. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

SYDNEY ruckman Shane Mumford has been punished by the AFL club for an alcohol-related indiscretion in Melbourne.

The reigning premiers had a 10-day break after their historic match in Wellington against St Kilda, with players given the weekend off.

Mumford flew to Melbourne and, in the words of coach John Longmire, made a mistake while drinking on Friday night.

The 26-year-old has been fined, but will take his place in the Swans' side on Sunday when they host Brisbane at the SCG.

Longmire did not reveal the exact nature of Mumford's misdemeanour, or his punishment, but acknowledged co-captains Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack were called on to help deal with the matter.

"We had an incident last week and we dealt with it internally a couple of days ago," Longmire said today.

"Going into a long week, Shane went to Melbourne and had a couple of drinks. We dealt with it with our captains and spoke to Shane about it and dealt with it under the players' code of conduct.

"We're not going to go into details of what he was fined.

"It's disappointing from any player. It was disappointing from Shane's point of view and he acknowledged that.

"... All footy clubs have players that make mistakes. We're confident he'll learn from that, improve and work through the mistakes he makes and push on."


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Hawks know what to expect

Jay Clark and Mick Warner argue over what to do with their defence ahead of Round 6.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says the Hawks need to improve their clearance numbers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ALASTAIR Clarkson knows his Hawthorn side will confront a different looking Adelaide forward line at AAMI Stadium tomorrow.

But he expects the Crows game plan to remain the same.

Kurt Tippett is long gone and the Crows are now coming to terms with the fact Taylor Walker will miss the year with a knee injury.

The loss of opposition forwards normally creates an air of unpredictability their line-up.

But Clarkson suggested today counterpart Brenton Sanderson showed his hand at the selection table last night by selecting tall forward Shaun McKernan.

"It would have been a little bit more unpredictable if just (Jason) Porplyzia came in and they went a bit smaller,'' Clarkson said.

"But I'd expect that they'd structure up pretty similarly to what they have in the last little while.


"We've just got to make sure we defend the way we've defended all year, no matter who the opponent is.

"Walker is such a huge presence for them, but McKernan is a big boy. He and the big fella (Josh) Jenkins give them a bit more flexibility in what they do with the ruck, too.

"They can take (Sam) Jacobs forward a little bit more often than they have in the past. So we've just got to be prepared for all those things tomorrow afternoon.''

The Hawks were smashed in the clinches by North Melbourne last week.

They lost out in clearances and contested possessions as well as inside-50s but still managed to eek out a three-point win.

Clarkson said a similar result in those key areas tomorrow would not augur well for his side.

"It says something about our group that we still found a way to win but I'm not too confident that if all the stats are like that this week, that we'll get over the line against the Crows,'' he said.

"So we've got to make sure we're a bit more competitive in that area of the game.''
 


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Panic Room: Essendon warning

Jay Clark and Mick Warner argue over what to do with their defence ahead of Round 6.

If Brendon Goddard is the slightest bit sore tomorrow morning, the Bombers wouldn't hesitate in giving him a rest. Source: Getty Images

SO ONE-sided is tomorrow's Essendon v Greater Western Sydney clash expected to be that even the Giants have "rested" players with a view to next week.

It would have been nice to see No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield run around again - especially for the SuperCoaches out there that plumped for him - but clearly Sheeds has the bigger picture in mind.

To that end it is no surprise that the Bombers have taken a similar approach at the selection table.

Jason Winderlich is simply "sore'' after playing a few matches in a row and even though Dyson Heppell is listed as being out because of a "groin'' we would suggest that if this game were against a top side the shaggy-haired one would be in the team.

And while Elliott Kavanagh, Nathan Lovett-Murray and Nick O'Brien are currently sitting on the emergencies list, we'd say they are more of a chance of playing than one or two of their more senior teammates who may happen to wake a bit sore after a restless night's sleep.


Meanwhile, Eagle-cum Swan-cum Hawk Matt Spangher flew to Adelaide with teammates today and is not without a chance of playing.

If the Crows swing a change, especially with the talls in the forward half of the ground, then don't be surprised to see Spangher make his Hawthorn debut.

The Cats are the kings of the late change but after Panic Room predicted a big out last weekend - cue Tom Hawkins' withdrawal - they have beaten us to the punch by announcing this afternoon Paul Chapman is out with hamstring soreness.

Another move isn't entirely out of the question, with the Geelong defence looking a little under-sized against Richmond trio Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery and Luke McGuane. Mitch Brown is listed as an emergency.

Sam Edmund, Jay Clark and Ben Dixon join Brad Johnson to discuss their 'DIY Fix-Ups' ahead of Round 6.

SUPERCOACH ALERT

You thought last week's midfield carnage was bad enough? This week the SuperCoach Gods have gone Armageddon on all defences across the land.

Heppell, Bryce Gibbs, Brett Goodes, Sam Docherty, Rory Laird and Jasper Pittard are all out.

Unfortunately the best solution for a lot of SuperCoaches this week will be to just sit it out and hope for the best.

But if you're keen to cover that last doughnut, consider flicking Pittard for St Kilda's Josh Saunders against Collingwood tonight.

Saunders debuted last week and scored 29 after being subbed on late in the game, and earned huge wraps from coach Scott Watters this week.

Job security seems OK and he's a dual position too.

Oh, and if you're considering making a Bomber - Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard or David Zaharakis - captain against the Giants, make sure you're using the captain's loophole with either Dane Swan or Scott Pendlebury tonight.

The young coach of Oliver's Army is the No. 6 ranked SuperCoach this season. He reveals the secrets behind his dominance to Brad Johnson

MONEY MATTERS

Panic Room is a huge wrap for Gold Coast this week.

Scott Gullan may be enjoying time at Warrnambool this week - and good on him - but even through the clouds (in his head, not on the coast) he can see the Suns.

And so can his stand-in this week.

Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands and Kepler Bradley aren't playing which means the Dockers are bereft of any - recognised - key forwards.

Nat Fyfe being suspended robs Freo of some midfield grunt, while the loss of Stephen Hill takes away some outside run.

The Dockers are vulnerable tomorrow night, Gold Coast is starting to show some really good form at home and if it's a hot and humid night at Metricon - which it is forecast to be - then look out.

Not sold? Why not take Guy McKenna's men at the line (15.5) into Port Adelaide at the line (20.5) against North Melbourne.

The Kangaroos are probably genuine favourites, but surely the Power's form gets them to within three kicks in Hobart tomorrow?

That'll get you a $3.42 return.

ON NOTICE

West Coast is starting to stagger.

The Eagles are not yet on the ropes, but with a 1-4 record John Worsfold's men would want to start making a move.

Key players come back this weekend, including Nic Naitanui and Matt Rosa, but the inclusion with the most to prove is former Magpie Sharrod Wellingham.

We all had a laugh when we heard that Wellingham had injured his ankle while jumping on the trampoline just before Round 1, but given the Eagles woes since he desperately needs to make it up to the Eagles faithful - and fast - otherwise they will quickly jump off him.

BACK IN ACTION: Sharrod Wellingham impressed in an outing for East Perth. Picture: Duncan Watkinson Source: PerthNow


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL must guarantee integrity

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 21 April 2013 | 23.03

Melbourne president Don McLardy says the league must guarantee the integrity of people involved in the game. Source: Getty Images

MELBOURNE president Don McLardy has urged the AFL to guarantee that only people with integrity and the highest of values are attracted to positions of power in football clubs.

The Demons, which were investigated for tanking earlier this year, are now the centre of another probe after claims that some of their players took supplements under the direction of club doctor Dan Bates and controversial sports scientist Stephen Dank.

Speaking at today's president's lunch before the Greater Western Sydney game at the MCG, McLardy told guests that drugs in sport is a blight on the great game of Aussie Rules.

He said the club was committed to supporting the AFL in anything it had to do to ensure the integrity of the competition.

McLardy said that while the game was tough and uncompromising, it must be based on the highest integrity and people must be in key positions who have the right values.


"The AFL is currently assessing ways to reduce the pressure on players," he said.

"The AFL should add to that how do we ensure we continue to attract those with the highest values to leadership positions in our game, many of which are voluntary.

"Too much unwanted attention from those in the so called cheap seats, or worse still some of the journalists and commentators in the boxes behind the cheap seats, and we will end up with the wrong type of people in positions of influence.'

He said it could lead to another major problem.

McLardy, told guests that included AFL commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick and deputy Victorian premier Peter Ryan, that the Demons had already made comments about an investigation into supplements given to some players.

"We have already made pretty clear statements about our position," McLardy said

McLardy spoke about the importance of sport in the life of Australian families family.

He said a family friend, former Richmond and Collingwood footballer Craig Stewart, had to trust the integrity of the people Greater Western Sydney and hope they would a positive influence on his son James who was drafted last year.

He said working with a legend like Kevin Sheedy would be a good start.

McLardy said he was concerned with the treatment handed out in recent weeks to another legend, Essendon coach James Hird.


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dees rally to hammer Giants

Demon Michael Evans celebrates kicking one of his three last quarter goals against GWS. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

IT took a club-record scoring spree for Melbourne players to deflect the crushing focus on coach Mark Neeld, for the time being anyway.

The last quarter smashing of Greater Western Sydney at the MCG was, remarkably, the first time one of the league's foundation clubs had kicked 12 goals in a quarter.

But, rather than dwell on stats, Demons fans would ponder why it had to come to that against the young, eager, but inexperienced Giants.

Neeld won't have endured a more harrowing couple of hours in his coaching career as he plotted feverishly to set up the structures that would eventually deliver the long overdue first win of the season for the Demons.

Jeered off the field after his address at three-quarter time, he could at least sit back and enjoy the last 10 minutes after substitute Aaron Davey slotted his second goal within four minutes to make the game safe.


Staring at a 19-point last-quarter deficit and poised to be the butt of embarrassing jokes all week, the Demons dug deep.

Still, it took until the 12-minute mark to grab back the lead for the first time since midway through the second quarter after a set shot from co-captain Jack Trengove.

And when spring-heeled forward Jeremy Howe steered through a goal from the junction of the boundary line and the 50m arc, there was no stopping the red and blue surge that overwhelmed the brave Giants.

Melbourne players celebrate the much-needed win over GWS. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun


Led by ruckman Mark Jamar and nut-hard onballer Nathan Jones, the Demons seized control in the midfield and enabled the run and overlap that led to them kicking an astonishing 12.2 in the last term.

"Honestly, I can't remember the message (at three-quarter time). We just knew we had to have a crack, put our head over (the ball), still keep running hard and still keep doing all the things you would do, even when you're in front," Jamar said.

"As the scoreboard suggested, we were very much in the game. We were up and about. I don't think we cleared the first one (centre bounce), but we stuck at it and eventually it went our way.

"All the planning you do during the week, that's when you can execute it. You just don't turn up on game day and hope it goes well. We would've been up in clearances in the last quarter and credit to the guys."

The question was whether Melbourne had the correct strategy from the start to take on the Giants' young legs in a shootout. Or whether they would have been better suited to use their experience and stronger bodies to lock down, particularly when GWS capitalised on fast breaks in the third term.

Melbourne's Jeremy Howe soars high above the pack. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun


Maybe the Demons weren't capable of such a disciplined defensive plan. And in the end they backed themselves to win the battle of minds and bodies.

So, did the prospect of defeat ever cross Jamar's mind?

"Nah, I know the belief was there for the whole four quarters. We had a few goals kicked against us, but we fought through it. Credit to the boys for sticking at it," he said.

Neeld made a crucial move by throwing Davey into the fray with his speed and evasive skills late in the third quarter. Davey and Michael Evans ran amok inside the forward 50 to contribute five goals of the deadly dozen in the lopsided final term.

Mark Neeld can rest easy knowing his job is safe for at least another week Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun


Melbourne was wasteful early, stricken by skill errors from players over-anxious to hit the scoreboard. At least the commitment was there, the desire to work hard when they didn't have the ball.

It was a nervous Sunday afternoon for long-suffering supporters who had watched their boys dominate in general play but fail to build a sizeable lead.

But eventually Melbourne's desperation helped bury the Giants, as emphasised by the Demons laying 83 tackles compared to their average of 48 in the first three rounds of the season.
 


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Daw KO'd on debut

Kangaroos medicos call for help after Majak Daw concussed in an accidental head clash. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Majak Daw leaps over the pack to take a spectacular mark. Source: Getty Images

THE cruel reality is that Majak Daw probably won't remember his first AFL game.

But like a grandfather taking his grandkids through past glories, Daw's teammates will paint him a vivid picture.

And unlike the old man, there will be no need for exaggeration.

Daw will hear how he started deep in the forward line opposed to Irishman Niall McKeever in something of a multicultural match-up.

And that despite McKeever's attempts to rough him up, within 60 seconds he had set Etihad Stadium alight.

The North boys will tell him that he waited for Daniel Wells to bomb the ball to the Lockett end where he soared from behind - and then above - McKeever to take one of the purest one-grab marks you'll ever see.

Daw will be reminded that despite all the adrenalin in the world pumping through his veins, he went back with the poise of a 200-game veteran to slot the game's first goal from 45m.


Then he will be told that every single Kangaroos player on the ground went to embrace him on the 50m line in scenes of jubilation.

All this within the first 60 seconds of the match against the Brisbane Lions.

With straight faces, Daw's teammates will tell him his one act of brilliance caused Lions coach Michael Voss to change the match-up and send Joel Patfull to his side.

Daw may recall outmarking Daniel Merrett - for that doesn't come easily - a few minutes later in the pocket. He composed himself but sent his shot across the face.

North Melbourne players celebrate Majak Daw's first ever AFL goal. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun


At the 11-minute mark he wreaked havoc by leaping third-man up at a ball-up to create an opportunity for Lindsay Thomas.

Daw might shake his head when informed that he was cheered off the ground for his first breather after 13 minutes and that, upon his return, the Roos cheersquad rose as one to welcome him back inside 50m.

It was the stuff of dreams, they will say.

But then, they'll get to the reason why Daw can't hold on to the precious memories of a debut more than three years in the making.

The Sudanese giant swooped on a loose ball at centre half-forward and was slung in a tackle by Merrett that caused him to clash heads with teammate Ben Cunnington.

Flat on his back, arms splayed, he was out cold.

The players will tell him they could feel the excitement being sucked out the ground, for this was a thrilling 20-minute taste of the big time that was over all too soon.

Daw was officially subbed out of the game by quarter-time, but you'll struggle to find a sexier two kicks, one handball, two contested marks, one hit-out and 1.1 return on a footy stat sheet.

Indeed, Majak does happen.
 


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Danger for Dogs as Crows strike

Crows star Patrick Dangerfield bursts away on his way to booting four goals against the Dogs. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

COMETH the hour, cometh the man. Patrick Dangerfield ignited the Crows' form turnaround and his teammates followed.

With struggling Adelaide in desperate need of a win in a match inaugural captain Chris McDermott dubbed a mini-final, the Crows' best player stood tall.

Clearly battling a knee injury and the affects of some bone-crunching hits in the opening three rounds, explosive midfielder Dangerfield - playing primarily as a forward - turned it on at the start to give Brenton Sanderson's outfit the ascendancy.

Dangerfield produced some of his renowned magic to kick the Crows' first three goals in the wet and all but one of their goals in the first half.In the second half, his teammates followed his lead and raised their games.

Rory Laird and Sam Kerridge in the rooms after Adelaide's win. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: adelaidenow

With the club already walking the finals tightrope with a 1-2 record and needing to quickly get their season back on track, midfielders Richard Douglas, Scott Thompson and Rory Sloane took over from where Dangerfield left off.

They won so much of the ball the toothless Bulldogs ventured in their attacking 50-metre zone only 40 times and kicked a paltry four goals.

Dangerfield matched that total by himself, kicking his fourth goal in the final term to cap off a gamebreaking display.

LIVE HQ- Get all the game stats and SuperCoach scores here!

He's played more brilliant games but - just like he did against Brisbane in round two - he won the game off his own boot when it was up for grabs.

His four goals and 21 disposals came despite the close checking of Dogs' master taggers Nick Lower and Liam Picken.

Rory Laird handballs to Richard Douglas Picture: Reed Sarah Source: The Advertiser

"It was a fairly hard slog early, especially given the conditions, and Patty really turned it on for us,'' veteran defender Ben Rutten said.

"His goals were really important and set us on our way.''

Thompson (29 disposals), Sloane (28) and Douglas (25) won the midfield battle, despite Dogs Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney (30 possessions), Tom Liberatore (33) and veteran Matthew Boyd (28) winning their share of the ball.

Down back, the Rutten-led defence restricted the Bulldogs to just 4.4 (28) - their lowest score against the Crows.

With Rutten blanketing Ayce Cordy and former AFL Rising Star runner-up Andy Otten rediscovering his best form, Adelaide kept the Dogs scoreless for 58 minutes from late in the first quarter to late in the third.

Taylor Walker gets brought down by Dale Morris Picture: Reed Sarah Source: The Advertiser

The win was only Adelaide's second against the Bulldogs in the past six clashes between the clubs.

And it is the first time since 2007 the Crows have won two in a row against them.

In other positive signs for Adelaide, defensive debutant Rory Laird did not look out of place on the big stage while second-gamer Sam Kerridge was given a shutdown role on Dogs playmaker Ryan Griffin and kept him to a modest 15 disposals before he was forced from the field in the final term with a shoulder injury.

Kerridge's breakout game was capped off with his first AFL goal after the final siren.

On a day Sanderson threw his side around, he surprised by starting small forward Jason Porplyzia as the sub.

Luke Brown gets tackled by Koby Stevens Picture: Reed Sarah Source: Herald Sun

The elusive Porplyzia had been their most influential forward in their past eight games against the Bulldogs, kicking 13 goals.

The wet conditions should have suited him but Sanderson opted to play the taller Tom Lynch as his extra forward, with Dangerfield the player he tried to isolate.

It took Dangerfield only 58 seconds to start the ball rolling for the Crows.

He broke clear of Lower to swoop on a loose ball and run into an open goal.

With heavy rain turning the contest into a slog, Dangerfield's class again stood out as he capitalised on Adelaide's inside-50 dominance to boot the home side's second major.

The Dogs were held goalless for the first 25 minutes but they then bagged two goals in a minute - courtesy of classy finishes from Boyd and Cooney.

Coach Brendan McCartney turned to Picken to stop Dangerfield's influence but it was to no avail.

The 23-year-old quickly turned him inside out to kick his and the Crows' third goal - the 100th of his already-stellar career.It took the Dogs until time-on in the final term to register their third goal. By that time, the bird had flown.


23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hungry Roos destroy Lions

First gamers Majak Daw and Taylor Hine sing the song after beating the Brisbane Lions. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

FOR 13 minutes this game was alive. That was when Majak Daw was on the field.

It's not often the build-up and hype matches the actual event but it certainly did for the much-anticipated Daw debut.

He took a hanger in North's first forward thrust, kicked the goal and then was mobbed by every one of his teammates.

That alone was worth the price of admission.

Unfortunately the rest probably wasn't.

Thoughts of a Daw bag and an ESPN SportsCentre-type highlight reel were dashed when at the 18-minute mark - he'd just come back onto the ground after a few minutes on the bench - the head of teammate Ben Cunnington knocked him out.

The Sudanese wonder had been swung around in a tackle into his mate and the result was him being carried off by two trainers, taken into the rooms and then subbed out of the game.

Majak Daw celebrates his first AFL goal. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Talk about sucking the air out of an event.

While everyone had been watching Daw, the Roos had done what we'd expected for a 0-3 team who have much grander visions than that.

They'd bounced out of the gates and if they'd kicked straight would have been 62 up and not 32 at quarter-time.

LIVE HQ- Get all the game stats and SuperCoach scores here!

Former Lions skipper Jonathan Brown summed up his team's efforts given he didn't touch the ball in the opening 30 minutes.

Although, to be fair, Brisbane's second inside 50m for the quarter came 17 minutes in.

Lachlan Hansen celebrates a goal against the Lions. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Adding to his misery Brown's opponent Scott Thompson was the leading possession winner on the ground at half-time with 17 which included a thumping 55m goal.

It was another North defender who set the tone for the second half with Shaun Atley's pace creating the opening two goals inside eight minutes which ended any hopes of Brisbane making a game of it.By the 16-minute mark the lead was out past 10 goals after Jack Ziebell again imposed himself on the contest with his third big contested mark of the evening.

He was one of numerous North midfielders who started to feed on the Lions carcass although no-one was enjoying it as much as Lindsay Thomas.

The Roos goalsneak seems to have taken a leaf out of the Hayden Ballantyne school of getting under the nose of opponents.

Several times he was caught in the middle of scraps or lying on the deck courtesy of an undiscplined act by a Brisbane player.

Lindsay Thomas celebrates a goal in the third quarter with Sam Wright. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

It's certainly working given the men in green yesterday gave him six free-kicks with his four goals taking him to the top of the goal-kicking table, tied with Collingwood's Travis Cloke on 16.

Drew Petrie chimed in with four goals but the load was spread with 12 goalkickers.

One of the best came from young defender Aaron Mullett who took four bounces before drilling the shot from 30m early in the final term.

Brisbane's performance isn't a good advertisement for the NAB Cup.

A month ago they danced around Etihad Stadium with vigour and purpose winning the pre-season competition over Carlton by 40 points.

Lions coach Michael Voss address the players after a poor first quarter Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

Since then the Blues took until their fourth outing to win a game while the Lions fell over the line against Gold Coast and have lost their two visits to the scene of the great triumph by a combined total of 131 points.

They were never in this game and while some kids such as Dayne Zorko, Sam Mayes, Mitch Golby and debutant Marco Paparone (three goals) showed flashes the senior core struggled badly.

Brent Moloney struggled for impact while another ex-Demon Stefan Martin was ordinary. Daniel Merrett had a horror at full-back, Andrew Raines struggled to contain Daniel Wells and Daniel Rich, who was the best player on the ground in the NAB Cup GF, had minimal impact.


23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dees win Neeld a reprieve

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld at the MCG against GWS Giants. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

WHAT must it feel like to have 30 minutes of football to save your coaching career?

Imagine the pressure on the players when they can feel their club imploding.

For two agonising hours the pressure built on Mark Neeld and his Melbourne players, all well aware of the possible consequences of a loss yesterday to a Greater Western Sydney side that kept coming.

When Neville Jetta's late hit on young Giant Lachie Whitfield resulted in the downfield free kick that saw the Demons trail by 19 points at three-quarter time, Neeld's coaching career was on life support.

How could he survive a trio of losses by a combined 315 points, and now a capitulation to Greater Western Sydney?

Yet less than an hour later, there was Neeld calmly sitting in the bowels of the MCG explaining how he inspired the Demons to a 41-point win.

Finally...how sweet it is. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

The message from Neeld was about how much spirit his team had shown in recent weeks, and how it needed to be channelled when all seemed lost.

Then came the avalanche of goals against a tired Giants unit, a 12-goal quarter that broke records at Melbourne and showed the club might have a pulse after all.

Only hindsight will tell us whether this was a stay of execution or a second chance that Neeld will grasp with both hands.

After the club song was roared by the players, Neeld summoned every player, coach and board member for an impromptu rendition behind closed doors.

As Nathan Jones said of Neeld's message, a club on the verge of breaking had instead emerged stronger.

Jack Watts walks off the MCG after big win. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

"Neeldy commended the entire footy club for sticking together. It's been a really tough four weeks and it's a bit of a fine line that it could have gone either way - the club splinters or it sticks together," Jones said.

"And it's been a credit to us that we have bonded over that period. We have been smacked from pillar to post but we believed in each other and today was reward for that."

Even for Melbourne it had been a week of extraordinary controversy - a late entry into the AFL supplements scandal, speculation about Neeld's tenure, a European scuffle for recruiter Jason Taylor, and even rumours of disunity among the club's assistant coaches.

President Don McLardy would have faced decisions of enormous consequence this week if there had been a different result at the MCG.

Instead he emerged from the inner chambers backslapping his fellow board members as he wondered at the sudden possibilities.

"We didn't just fall in. We exploded. We showed something today," McLardy said.

"It showed there is some talent in our team and I think people haven't seen that. The players are good and Mark spoke really well to them after the game.

"It was all the board members, all the assistant coaches (singing the song together). There is talk about the assistant coaches fighting. It is just pathetic.

"But when you have been playing like we have, you open yourself up to all that stuff. They didn't look like they were fighting to me when they were singing the song."

For Jack Trengove, linked to the supplements controversy and pilloried like few other young captains, the victory erased some of the pain of the past 18 months.

"It is what footy is really about. We have been under the pump from left, right and centre, and it's just reward to show that in the last quarter," Trengove said.
 


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Voss blasts lazy Lions

Lions coach Michael Voss address the players after a poor first quarter Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

MICHAEL Voss last night accused his team of laziness after the Brisbane Lions were trampled by North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

The Lions surrendered by 63 points - their third loss in four games - and were overwhelmed by the Roos' speed and spread from the opening bounce.

Voss said his players simply weren't showing an appetite to work hard enough.

"It was just completely unacceptable really. The Kangaroos really dominated every facet from the very start of the game, so that puts you under enormous pressure to try and manufacture something," Voss said.

"Nothing seemed to work for long. We'd have periods where we locked them for six or seven minutes, but then a couple of goals in a row and away they go.

"North Melbourne racked up 60 more disposals, 19 more handball receives and repeatedly swept the ball from to defence to attack with ease, notching up 64 inside 50s.

"The stats are a bit confusing. Our kicking and handballing efficiency isn't too bad, but there's is just off the charts and that means you haven't interrupted their play at all," Voss said.

"They've got out of our forward half about 75 or 80 per cent of the time uninterrupted and that's a lot of hard work and a lot of hard running that can wear you down over time and it did - the scoreboard started to tick over for them.

"The guys are well prepared and fit enough ... sometimes it's got to do with just being able to work hard when the opposition has got it."

The Lions weren't credited with laying a tackle for the first 12 minutes of the game.

Their first score came from their second inside 50m after 18 minutes when Daniel Rich hit the post.

Asked if he could write the result off as one of those games, Voss referred to the Lions' disastrous Round 1 thrashing at the hands of the Western Bulldogs.

"The first one, you always have one. You don't get two. The opposition took it to us and we didn't handle that situation at all."

The Lions conceded five goals to one in the first quarter and another seven goals to two in the third term in a result Voss admitted had caught him off guard.

"I think the last couple of weeks we've been building our form back," he said.

"To come to the game today and not hold a good account of ourselves is hugely disappointing. I mean, in the end we just got a lesson in workrate.

"When I looked at the stats, the clearances were the same but their scores from that area were clearly more damaging than ours and in general play they worked harder than us."

The wound was salted by the loss of Ash McGrath in the first quarter with a corked calf and Pearce Hanley in the third quarter with a corked thigh.

Jack Redden was reported for high contact on Sam Wright.Voss said the introduction of impressive youngsters Marco Paparone (three goals) and Sam Docherty and the continued development of Sam Mayes was the "path we have to continue to take".


23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sanderson seeks steady form

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson was pleased with aspects of his team's crushing win over the Western Bulldogs. Source: Getty Images

ADELAIDE has restored the first building block of coach Brenton Sanderson's game - team defence.

And Sanderson says he needs to see consistency from his team before he can assess where the 2-2 Crows stand in the AFL premiership race.

Adelaide, which had leaked an average 104 points in its first three games, yesterday held the Western Bulldogs to their lowest score against the Crows (4.4) while star midfielder Patrick Dangerfield again proved he is carrying an erratic team.

"At the moment we're still too much up and down," Sanderson said after Adelaide won its first game at AAMI Stadium this season by 52 points.

"We have a good game and then a poor game and then a good game and then a poor game. We need consistency of performance."

But there is no lack of consistency from Dangerfield, who yesterday kicked 4.1 while tormenting the Bulldogs defence around the goalsquare.

"He is so explosive in space," said Sanderson, explaining his decision to reposition Dangerfield.

"You sometimes need two (Dangerfields) - one in the centre bounce winning clearances and one to kick the ball too (in attack). He had the complete game today. He won clearances, he kicked goals. He was certainly our best player today."

Dangerfield dismissed the external concern for the knee injury he has carried since taking a knock to the joint in Brisbane a fortnight ago.

"It's good . . . it is good," Dangerfield said. "I copped a whack on the hard deck at the Gabba, but we have very good medicos and physios at the club, so it is taking care of itself."

As Adelaide prepares to face a buoyant Carlton at the MCG on Saturday, Sanderson made it clear he is judging players harshly at selection.

"The players are aware we are going to play players in form now," he said.

"We need a consistency of performance across our whole team. We can't have the yo-yo good form, bad form. We need players who contribute on a regular basis.

"And if you miss out, you have to go back to the SANFL and play well to get back in our side."

Adelaide reported no injury last night.

However, Sanderson declared key forward Taylor Walker was subbed in the last term - for Jason Porplyzia - after taking a knock to his hip.

Adelaide's ability to command a crowd at AAMI Stadium - albeit in the rain - has obviously been knocked by the club's flat start.

The 24,684 at West Lakes yesterday is the second-lowest crowd at a Crows home game and only the second time in 23 seasons at the ground that Adelaide has failed to draw 25,000.

Match review panel notes sent to Melbourne last night will concern acting Adelaide captain Scott Thompson for his head-high bump of Western Bulldogs rookie Brett Goodes in the third term.


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NZ takes Aussie out of football

IN New Zealand, the people spruiking Australian football never call it that.

They try to separate the country from the game. It's AFL.

Auskick is KiwiKick and almost all the 80 missionaries working under the AFL NZ banner are New Zealanders.

"We just avoid Australians because we don't need the gospel," AFL NZ chief executive Rob Vanstam said. "We need to grow it from New Zealand's point of view."

They're starting with youth - 95 per cent of the 30,000 registered participants are five to 12-year-olds.The game has found a home on free-to-air TV - a new channel is showing six games live a week - and the first AFL match for premiership points will be played in Wellington on Thursday, Anzac Day.

They're giving it a real crack across the ditch.


Pathways for talented teens are also being forged - a South Pacific side plays in the under-16 Australian national championships and the AFL held its second New Zealand combine in Wellington in January.

Melbourne spotted Maia Westrupp, a 187cm New Zealand volleyball representative, at the combine and signed him as an international scholarship holder.

Hawthorn already has New Zealanders Shem Tatupu and Kurt Heatherley on international scholarships.

"The beauty of AFL is the product is so good," Vanstam said. "People play it and they enjoy playing it, that's the strength of it."

But it's a tough ask in a proud rugby union country. As Vanstam puts it: "The All Blacks, they rule".

"I guarantee you that, even though playing AFL, he (Shem Tatupu) would still have in the back of his mind the dream of playing for the All Blacks one day," he said.

"The sport's got nothing to do with it. It's just the fact they want to represent their country."

Vanstam said with 17 players with New Zealand heritage currently in the AFL, a representative team to play an indigenous Australian side could be a future option.

AFL international development manager Tony Woods said there were representative opportunities for youth: "In the last two years we've been touring the level 1 AIS AFL Academy to New Zealand, which gives the guys in New Zealand a chance to play for their country.

"Looking down the track, if there was an opportunity to create a competition which allowed New Zealanders to play open age at the highest level representing their country, then absolutely we'd look at it."

Woods said AFL clubs looking to recruit international players would need to be understanding.

"In the case of Shem, Hawthorn have been very patient, and have encouraged him to remain in New Zealand to finish his schooling," he said.

"They're even encouraging him to continue playing rugby while he's in New Zealand in the down time, when there's no AFL football for him.

"That's reflective of a really progressive way of thinking, which the AFL clubs are going to have to continue to innovate in that way as they start to open up the club to international players."

Before New Zealand has an AFL team of its own, Vanstam said the country had to embrace the game.

"Considering we're just about to get our first game in 140 years, we're not going to push too hard too early," Vanstam said.

"I think the Hawthorn model of playing four or five games in Tassie is something we could target initially."

"New Zealanders first have to embrace the game. I'm not going to do that for them. Firstly, they've got to fill a stadium up and then they've got to fill it up five times and then once they've done that, all these five to 12 year olds are grown older and grown up with the game and then there's an opportunity."
 


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Untold riches excite Saints

New Zealand draft prospect Shem Tatupu with St Kilda ruckman Ben McEvoy. Picture: Sean Garnsworthy/AFL Media Source: Supplied

CHRIS Pelchen and Tony Elshaug stood in the Auckland school ground, astounded by what they saw.

In the past year the St Kilda officials have conducted at least four trips to New Zealand, on a mission to add "multiple" Kiwis to their scholarship program at the end of the year.

"We would expect, or anticipate, that we would have more than one (New Zealand) player at the end of the year," Saints head of football Pelchen said.

It's a bid that in March included a draft combine, testing about 40 New Zealanders for St Kilda's eyes only.

The Saints haven't only been watching junior Australian Rules trial games.

The scouts are in secondary schools, at lunch times and recesses, watching teens play rugby.

The challenge is picking which of them can make the transition to AFL.


Pelchen, who is probably the AFL's chief flag-bearer for Kiwi-AFL talent, was again excited by what he saw on recent trips.

"Even from a young age they are used to running into each other," Pelchen told the Herald Sun.

"Tony (recruiting manager) and I went we went to a few of the bigger schools in Auckland a month ago, he was astounded in the school yard how these big kids were knocking each other over.

"It wasn't just a case of tackling, it was case of putting your mate on the ground.

"We were shaking our heads, thinking 'I wouldn't be able to get up from that'.

"These are boys who are 15 and 16, young men who are 90 to 95kg."

Pelchen was at Hawthorn when the club scouted two New Zealand players, Kurt Heatherley and Shem Tatupu.

Pelchen, who is convinced the pair will play at the highest level, said the duo were only "the tip of the iceberg" in regards to AFL potential.

"We are talking about two boys in a population in excess of two million people who have only just been exposed to AFL football.

"I don't think we can overstate the importance of the Anzac Day game (against Sydney) because it will give profile to AFL football which will then drive an element of intrigue for those who haven't seen it."

The Saints are building their recruiting network in New Zealand.

"We need to be looking at basketball, soccer and other sports," Pelchen said.

"You are looking for an athletic component but, as much as that, a character and psychological component because these boys, like Kurt and Shem, have got a real competitiveness."

"Then, from there, you work on the player specific skills to AFL football."
 


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Gordon: Ban supplement programs

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 14 April 2013 | 23.03

Peter Gordon had his say on the Essendon drugs scandal. Picture: Stuart Walmsley Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN Bulldogs president Peter Gordon wants unorthodox supplement programs banned regardless of whether Essendon is found guilty of breaching the performance-enhancing drugs code.

And Gordon said he was "uncomfortable" with the idea of coaches taking outlawed drugs in response to allegations Bombers coach James Hird was injected with Hexarelin by former sports scientist Steve Dank.


Live HQ: Follow the Dogs-Richmond clash today

Gordon said he understood Essendon's desire to gain an edge within the rules but called for greater clarity on the issue.

"If one thing stands out as very clear in this whole debate it's the need for greater clarity in relation to these laws," the legal mastermind said today.

"I think people viscerally feel discomfort with relation to all these substances unproven, untested being used on players and I share that concern.

"I was also pretty unnerved about the coaching box being supplied, as Dank alleged on Friday, or as the texts revealed on Friday."

Essendon coach James Hird could be banned by the AFL if found guilty using a banned substance. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow


Asked if coaches should be banned from taking drugs outside the WADA code, Gordon said: "I'm uncomfortable with it.

"The conduct of Essendon Football Club in seeking to exploit an advantage which they did not see as illegal is entirely understandable and natural. We need to understand what the rules are.

"Speaking personally, if the upshot of what went on was not illegal then the rules, I think, need to be changed, because most people think this sort of practice should not be condoned."

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert said it was important for clubs to now employ integrity officers to report to the board.

"I think we're in a good place, we're getting on top of these things, getting them out into the open," Pert told 3AW.

He said without stringent policies in place people would continue to "push the boundaries".

"You can't stop people or rogue operators, they might start with the best intentions (but) they'll keep pushing the boundaries, and over a period of time, you've got a club or the industry in a real issue."

Meanwhile, Gordon backed Dogs coach Brendan McCartney, declaring he believes the former Geelong assistant will prove a long-term coach.

And Gordon gave his strongest indication yet the Western Bulldogs' stand-alone reserves side, which will be launched in the VFL next year, will be called Footscray.

- with Gilbert Gardiner


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Tiges can sniff September

Dustin Martin was huge with a game-high 150 SuperCoach points.

FIRST came dealing with the competition's easybeats.

Now comes handling the hype.

From the moment Brett Deledio streamed to 50 metres and goaled 10 seconds into yesterday's clash against the Western Bulldogs, victory was assured.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

The Tigers banked a third season win after a trio of victories against sides that have just two collective wins from nine games between them.

Brett Deledio celebrates first goal. AFL Round 3: Richmond v Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, Docklands. Picture: Carrafa Tim Source:

Yet it was the manner in which Richmond defeated the Dogs that has the Tiger Army gushing and rivals daring to believe this side is finally the real deal.

The Tigers showboated at times, kicked woefully for goal in the first quarter and endured Jack Riewoldt's endearing mix - brilliance and petulance.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Liam Jones of the Bulldogs is tackled by Alex Rance of the Tigers during the round three AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on April 14, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source:

None of it mattered, because the Tigers' trio of midfield stars and a collective will to smash the Dogs combined for a regulation 67-point win.

Dustin Martin played perhaps his best game in Richmond colours, Trent Cotchin is close to untaggable after seeing off in-form Bulldog Nick Lower, and Brett Deledio (three goals, 27 touches) is headed for another All-Australian nod.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Easton Wood of the Bulldogs comes off the ground after injuring his hamstring during the round three AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on April 14, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source:

The team defence and back six were both impenetrable, the under-rated Shaun Grigg did a number on Tom Liberatore, and the recent inclusions in Ricky Petterd and Troy Chaplin are both looking inspired recruits.

So that hype?

By next Saturday's clash against Collingwood it will be off the richter scale, because on available evidence from three games, Richmond is on track for September.

In 1995, after its most recent 3-0 start, Richmond eventually went 11-1 before winning through to the preliminary final with that barnstorming Matthew Knights-inspired run.

The Tigers might need just nine more wins from 19 games, and still face Melbourne, the Dogs again, nemesis Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney as well as Brisbane (MCG) and St Kilda again.

The intoxicating sniff of finals would be enough to derail plenty, but former captain and finals virgin Chris Newman says winning is enough right now for a side which had won just two-and-a-half games in Rounds 1-3 in the past five years.

"It's just so good to be winning, but we have got a really good test in Collingwood coming up,'' he said.

"We have lost so many games in the past that it's a great feeling to be winning."

Daniel Jackson, labelled Richmond's best player of the season so far by Damien Hardwick post-match, said Richmond was ready to handle that expectation.

"The best thing is our focus is always about the little things - win contested footy and clearances and then play our running game from there. We have got a very level-headed group here - there are no egos and we want to play together and win together.''

His summary of the match was precise - Richmond won the tackle count despite 110 more possessions, and until a more even final term were nine clearances up and had limited the Dogs to a miserly 21 inside-50s at three-quarter time.

At times as they retain possession and chip the ball around some might believe they run wide of the real action, but that disguises the blue-collar heart of this side.

Despite his antics, Riewoldt would finish five goals - three in junk time - while Luke McGuane (three goals, three score assists) continues to grow in stature.

For the first time this year the Dogs barely gave a yelp, demolished in close and simply unable to get the point back against the pin-point disposal of the Tigers.

Liam Jones beat Alex Rance comprehensively, while the only other bright sparks for Brendan McCartney would be Adam Cooney's run and vigor and perhaps Tom Young and Jordan Roughead in defence.

Now Richmond needs a scalp of real quality, and with Collingwood and Fremantle away in coming weeks, what better chance to show they are made of real substance this year.


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sliding rule causes chaos

Luke Hodge slides in to Harry O'Brien's legs and umpires award the Hawks skipper a free kick, and report O'Brien.

Harry O, Brien collides with Luke Hodge, Picture: Ludbey Wayne

THE AFL's sliding rule has sparked a mountain of criticism after Harry O'Brien was today placed on report when the new law states he should have instead been awarded a free kick.

Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge slid towards the ball and collided with O'Brien's leg.

VIDEO: See the incident in the video player above

Under the new rule, O'Brien should have been awarded a free kick due to Hodge making dangerous contact below his knees.


Live HQ: Collingwood v Hawthorn

But the umpire instead gave Hodge the ball, much to the confusion of the players, commentators and spectators.

Collingwood v Hawthorn, MCG, Harry O, Brien colides with Luke Hodge, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source:

The decision sparked immediate backlash on social media.

Bomber Jason Winderlich tweeted the ruling confused him even more, while SuperFooty readers were quick to vent their frustration.

What did you think of the decision? Watch the replay in the video player above and tweet us @SuperFooty, or leave a comment below.
 


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Hodge inspires Hawks' big win

Luke Hodge slides in to Harry O'Brien's legs and umpires award the Hawks skipper a free kick, and report O'Brien.

Luke Hodge was the star for the Hawks. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

LUKE Hodge has the ability to change the ebb and flow of a game.

It is why he is Hawthorn's captain and why he can be employed in any one of several roles, switching to suit during the contest.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

Hodge displayed all those admirable traits at the MCG, leading by example to set up a stunning second-half turnaround against a defenceless Collingwood.

He showed the Hawks how to rein in the Magpies, who had dominated the first quarter and skipped to a 22-point lead midway through the second term.

Collingwood V Hawthorn at the M.C.G., Josh Gibson spoils Quinten Lynch Picture: Salpigtidis George Source:

Aside from his work in the crucial midfield battles, twice he grabbed the ball at stoppages and, in heavy traffic, found a way through for goals that kick-started Hawthorn's free-scoring second half.

He finished with 31 possessions, almost every one of them a telling touch, capping it off with six tackles and two goals. And those basic stats were only half the story.

Seize the midfield was the pre-game battle cry from coach Alastair Clarkson.

And the Hawks, led by Hodge and the prolific Sam Mitchell, answered the call to wrest the game away from a Magpie unit far too dependent on far too few.

Collingwood V Hawthorn at the M.C.G., Jed Anderson celebrates his goal in the second quarter with his team mates Picture: Salpigtidis George Source:

The warning bells started pealing for the Pies when the Hawks lifted their intensity in the 10 minutes before halftime. And they maintained that relentless pressure from the restart.

Hawthorn grabbed the lead for the first time with a Luke Breust goal two minutes after halftime and was never really challenged, despite the constant threat posed by Pies' key forward, Travis Cloke.

Breust was another example of a Hawk's positive response to turn around the contest. He had just four handpasses to his name at halftime before bagging two goals in the Hawks' third-quarter blitz.

And he slotted another early in the last term that effectively sealed the deal.

Collingwood looked menacing early in the contest with Cloke's height and strength worrying opponent Ryan Schoenmakers and opportunist forward Jamie Elliott off the leash.

Elliott picked up where he left off after his five-goal haul against Carlton in Round 2.

He kicked two in the first 10 minutes and another in the second quarter.

But Clarkson quelled the little Magpie by moving Ben Stratton on to him. And Cloke's supply dried up, too, when Josh Gibson trotted to his side after the Pies powerhouse booted his fifth goal late in the third quarter.

With Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan busy in the midfield duels, Collingwood should have led by far more than 11 points at quarter-time.

Collingwood V Hawthorn at the M.C.G., Cyril Rioli out muscles Dane Swan Picture: Salpigtidis George Source:

Poor finishing came back to bite the Magpies when the defence found itself under siege, particularly with Ben Reid, guardian of Lance Franklin, off the ground for most of the second quarter after wrenching his right knee.

The gallant Reid returned to contain Franklin to three goals but nine teammates joined Buddy on the scoresheet in the second half, while Cloke was virtually the lone target for the Pies.

Franklin put the polish on one of the most exhilarating rebounds by the slick Hawks after Cloke hit the post late in the third quarter.

Brent Guerra barrelled a spiral punt from the kick-off that was marked by Stratton near the centre circle.

Collingwood v Hawthorn, MCG, Lance Franklin, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source:

When Stratton fell to the turf after handballing to Franklin, the Hawk forward leapt over him and his 80m shot on the run slid through for a spectacular goal.

It told the tale of the day - the Hawks were far more inventive and organised.s than even the 15 goals to six second half to set up a second consecutive 50-plus percentage-booster.

Collingwood v Hawthorn, MCG, Dane Swan, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source:


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Hinkley's Power surge

Travis Boak all smiles while hugging team mates  after being named best on ground Picture: Sarah Reed

PORT Adelaide stunned bitter hometown rival Adelaide with an inspired second half at AAMI Stadium to prove it was the real deal under new coach Ken Hinkley.

Trailing by 31 points and seemingly out of the game in the third term, Port produced one of the great Showdown comebacks to win by nine points.


Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

The seven-goal turnaround was sparked by midfielders Travis Boak and Hamish Hartlett, key forward Justin Westhoff and second-year small forward Chad Wingard.

Westhoff kicked his four goals in a dynamic second half, while Wingard sealed the deal with three goals in the final term.

AFL - SHOWDOWN 34 - Port Adelaide v Adelaide Crows, AAMI Stadium. Taylor Walker attempts to mark in front of Tom Jonas Picture: Reed Sarah Source:


The Power - who won only eight games in the past two years under Matthew Primus - extended its lead in Showdowns to 18-16 and ended a three-game winning streak to the Crows.

Power had to overcome a five-goal deficit, but they were only in the such a predicament because of shoddy goalkicking.

They had seven consecutive behinds in the second term when they controlled play, while the Crows kicked five goals without a miss.

AFL Round 3 - Port Adelaide v Adelaide at AAMI Stadium - Hamish Hartlett and Oliver Wines Picture: Simon Cross Source:


Port won all the important statistics: 38 more disposals, 15 more contested possessions, six more inside-50s and two more clearances.

New captain Boak led from the front with a standout midfield display and capped his 30 disposals with three goals.

Hartlett was brilliant with 28 possessions and nine inside-50s.

Up forward, the in-form Westhoff helped turn the contest with three goals in the third term, while Wingard played his best AFL game, Kane Cornes performed strongly on Crows gamebreaker Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Jonas was outstanding on Taylor Walker.

AFL - SHOWDOWN 34 - Port Adelaide v Adelaide Crows, AAMI Stadium. Captain Nathan van Berlo and Ben Rutten deep in conversation after the loss Picture: Reed Sarah Source:


The Crows - in early-season trouble with a 1-2 record - relied on far too few players.

Rory Sloane and Dangerfield were their best, while Ben Rutten kept Jay Schulz to one goal.

The win gave Hinkley early bragging rights in his coaching dual with former Geelong teammate and coaching assistant Brenton Sanderson, who suddenly finds himself with a real test on his hands after his fairytale 2012 campaign.

With Hartlett and Boak running riot in the midfield, Port kicked two goals in the opening five minutes - through Matthew Broadbent and Schulz - to gain the initiative.

But it did not take the Crows long to rebound.

Walker pushed off his opponent Jackson Trengove to waltz into an open goal and two goals in 40 seconds to Andy Otten and Rory Sloane gave Adelaide its first lead.

Trengove was having a nightmare with Walker - and in keeping his feet - while Dangerfield was starting to shake off the tag of Cornes to have an influence.

Hinkley reacted to Trengove's struggles and moving Jonas on to Walker in the second quarter.

The move paid immediate dividends with the under-sized but close-checking Jonas curtailing Adelaide's best forward.

Port was the better side in the second term but wasted opportunities in front of the sticks.

The Crows burst out of the blocks in the third term to grab a 31-point lead.

But with Boak and Hartlett continuing to lead by example, Port refused to break, kicking six of the next seven goals to level the scores at the final change.
 


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Menzel finds his feet in VFL

Daniel Menzel celebrates a goal during his VFL comeback. Picture: Glenn Ferguson Source: Geelong Advertiser

GEELONG forward Daniel Menzel made a successful return to senior football yesterday in the VFL, with the Cats recording a 32-point win over Sandringham at Simonds Stadium.

Menzel, 21, made his comeback after a LARS procedure on his left knee in December -- his third knee surgery since 2011.

He played the first three quarters and worked his way into the match, finishing with eight disposals, including a third-quarter goal in the 15.21 (111) to 12.7 (79) win.

"(Menzel) was going pretty well and I think in that third quarter, he started to feel the game and the tackle pressure," Geelong coach Matthew Knights said.

"I said to the players at three-quarter time (that) it's not so much about today, it's the work he's done to get to this point to play and all the rehab, and the challenge he's had, both physically and mentally.

"Next week will be another step forward for him in regards to game time."

Dual premiership player Josh Hunt also returned for the Cats after battling glandular fever and shoulder niggles during the pre-season, racking up 13 touches including six marks and a goal.

While Knights complimented the 31-year-old's game, Hunt said it took a while to find his feet.

"After missing a whole heap of pre-season, (today was) just about getting out there and trying to get into some sort of match form and get some match fitness," Hunt said.

"It was a hard slog for the first half."

Hunt lauded the resilience of Menzel, particularly in his rigorous approach to his rehabilitation.

"(Menzel has) been unbelievable in his rehab, it's a credit to him," Hunt said.


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Kelty defends meeting with Hird

James Hird celebrates with players after Friday's win. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

AFL commissioner Bill Kelty has defended his weekend meeting with embattled Essendon coach James Hird.

Mr Kelty revealed he had told the league that he would remove himself from any involvement in any AFL Commission decision it made on the Essendon drugs scandal and Hird.

Mr Kelty, a Bombers supporter, said he had a conflict of interest because of a business association with Essendon president David Evans and his friendship with Hird, whom he visited at his Toorak home on Saturday night.

ASADA to interview Hird on Tuesday

Mark Robinson: Who's right in this astonishing story?

Asked whether it was appropriate for him to visit Hird, Mr Kelty said: "I have already indicated to the AFL that if the matter comes to the AFL for consideration that I would have a conflict of interest arising out of my chairmanship with David Evans and our close friendship."

Andrew Demetriou says Essendon coach James Hird should consider standing down over drug allegations.

Mr Kelty confirmed he spoke to Hird on Saturday night and "went through the issues with him".

"As I said, I have already indicated that I would stand aside from the AFL for this matter if it comes to Essendon," he said.

"It's only on this issue and I said that from the outset. As soon as it came to light I said that because I'm a very close friend of David Evans."

Mr Kelty said he chaired Mr Evans' stockbroking company's advisory committee. He said while he knew Hird, he would not say if he was a close friend.

Premiership teammates and close friends have urged Hird to continue coaching Essendon, despite pressure from the AFL and his looming ASADA interrogation.

AFL commissioner Bill Kelty leaves James Hird's house on Saturday night.

Hird maintains he will not consider standing down as he deals with allegations that he took the WADA-banned Hexarelin and had detailed knowledge of the club's now notorious supplements program.

After the Bombers' win against Fremantle on Friday night, Hird again expressed confidence about proving his innocence.

He is to be interviewed by Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigators tomorrow.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said on Friday that Hird should consider stepping down, but it was understood yesterday the league would not force him to walk away as coach.

The AFL is involved in the ASADA investigation into Essendon's use of supplements and Demetriou spoke last week of knowledge about the inquiry he had obtained from classified briefings.

Essendon coach James Hird is set to reveal he received two injections from sports scientist Stephen Dank for health reasons.

Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said unorthodox supplement programs should be banned, regardless of whether Essendon was found guilty of breaching the performance-enhancing drugs code.

He was also "uncomfortable" with coaches taking drugs.

- with Sam Landsberger

daryl.timms@news.com.au
 


THE STORY SO FAR

February 12: Former sports scientist Stephen Dank drops new bombshell claims

February 15: Drugs scandal takes huge toll on Essendon chairman

February 17: Essendon drug probe expected to last six months

February 22: Signed forms may save Essendon players

March 20: Essendon could face Senate inquiry

April 11: Hird will fight drug claim

April 12: Hird to admit: I was injected twice

April 13: Hird vows to stay after fighting win

April 14: ASADA to interview Hird on Tuesday


23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More
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