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Swans can't stand still

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 13 Januari 2013 | 23.03

Sydney coach John Longmire talks with recruit Kurt Tippett, co-captains Adam Goodes and Jarrad McVeigh and Gary Rohan at Swans training. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

SYDNEY premiership coach John Longmire said his team must improve if it is to be in the mix again this September.

Longmire made it clear the Swans will not bask in the premiership afterglow and said the intense nature of the AFL competition demands the reigning premiers to lift their game.

"You have to be on edge," Longmire said.

"The competition demands if we don't improve on our preparation and performances then we will get passed really quickly. We have to improve. We have to have that mindset.

"Hawthorn, Adelaide won more games than us. You look at Collingwood. You look at teams that didn't make the eight because of injuries, teams like Essendon and Carlton. Freo are on the march ... you can keep rolling off a heap of teams, teams that if things go there way they will be competitive."


The Swans secured a brilliant and breathtaking 10-point Grand Final win over Hawthorn.

In the wake of that gutsy victory the players had again furiously thrown themselves into pre-season training.

"At this point the players seem to be pushing each other and wanting to improve and that is our challenge is to consistently maintain that," Longmire said.

Longmire said there had been no talk of the Swans having the manpower to win the premiership again, rather that it is sheer hard work and consistency that will give them a chance.

"We don't talk about (having the list to win another premiership), what we did last year and what we will do this year is talk about the work we need to do," Longmire said. "It is very simple. It's not about setting any lofty goals.

"We didn't do it last year and we won't do it this year. It's more about understanding that you have to work really hard week in, week out.

"If you don't do that you get beaten.

"We are trying to lay that foundation now to give us a springboard into the season."

Longmire said he has seen some improvement from the younger Swans and draftees.

"I was really pleased with how everyone turned up," Longmire said.

Premiership players Adam Goodes, Ted Richards, Nick Smith and Marty Mattner have all resumed on-field training with the squad following injury-interrupted starts to their pre-seasons.
 


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dogs tip a new-year resurgence

Western Bulldogs star Adam Cooney has enjoyed a strong pre-season. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN Bulldogs intend to rise up the ladder quicker than expected under second-year coach Brendan McCartney.

The Dogs suffered an horrendous injury run sidelining some of their biggest stars last year, resulting in only five wins - their least since 2004.

But the return of four key senior players, including inspirational broken leg victim Dale Morris, has fuelled hope of a resurgence beyond 2013.

Morris is targeting a Round 1 return after a full year out, along with key backman Tom Williams (shoulder), onballer Daniel Cross (shoulder) and reinvigorated midfielder Adam Cooney (knee).

Cooney, 27, is believed to be enjoying his most productive pre-season since his 2008 Brownlow Medal year, while powerhouse No.5 draft pick Jake Stringer is also on track for an early debut after an impressive summer campaign.


The Dogs are rated $13 outsiders with TAB to play finals this season, ahead of only Gold Coast ($26) and Greater Western Sydney ($51).

But Dogs chief executive Simon Garlick said the club had high hopes of a swift resurgence after investing heavily at the draft table.

"We've seen so many examples of these things where it can turn around quicker than what people might have anticipated otherwise," Garlick said.

"We have got some pretty exciting kids, but throw into that some potential recruits in the likes of Cooney, Morris - and we missed Cross for a period of time last year - and Williams as well.

"So considering all that, we think there is a fair bit to be excited about.

"We are not going to think that it will take 'x' amount of years (to regenerate)."

The Dogs will launch their season with four of their first five games at home ground Etihad Stadium, but have a tough draw overall, playing GWS and Gold Coast only once each, despite a bottom-four finish last year.

Morris has continued to improve over the pre-season after scrapping comeback plans last year when a stress fracture developed in his recovering leg.

 The 30-year-old is not expected to play a major role in the NAB Cup but could press for selection soon after.

"Everything's tracking as you would hope it to be and he's doing as much training as the (fitness) guys want him to do at this stage of the year," Garlick said.

"So it's all geared up for him playing in Round 1. There hasn't been a setback or anything like that."s

"He makes a pretty significant difference for us, having him back there. He's a beauty and he plays on talls and smalls."


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bolter in line to lead Blues

Andrew Carrazzo is one of the leading candidates to captain the Blues if Chris Judd steps down. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON midfielder Andrew Carrazzo could cause a boilover in the Carlton captaincy race, with the hard-running midfielder firming as the Blues next on-field leader.

Superstar midfielder Marc Murphy was considered the early favourite to replace Chris Judd, but Carrazzo's standing among his peers has continued to soar this pre-season.

Carrazzo, 29, became a father to triplets late last season and if he can show he can juggle fatherhood with the official leadership duties in the NAB Cup next month the job could be his.

The Blues hope the leadership change will help ease some of the burden on Judd, 29, after five years in the top job.

Forwards coach John Barker said Judd would continue to play a lead role on-field and flagged more time in attack for the champion onballer.

"Juddy is the type of guy who will be a leader no matter whether he is a leader by name or not, because he is just a leader by nature," Barker said.


"What it will do is release some shackles for him and it will allow him to play with a bit more freedom than what he perhaps has over the past couple of years, which is great for him.

"I'd love to have him spend a bit more time in the forward line.

"I've been chipping away at it with him and he's been receiving my advances pretty positively."

The Blues are set to decide on their new captain after the NAB Cup, with Murphy and fellow midfielder Kade Simpson in the running.

Barker said the Blues had excellent options.

"Andrew Carrazzo, Kade Simpson and Marc Murphy are all outstanding candidates for the club," he said. "As we sit, that decision is still up in the air, but I tell you what, she's going to be a tough decision trying to decide who leads the club."

The Blues have put a tumultuous year behind them, with coach Mick Malthouse helping renew confidence after they missed finals in 2012.

Barker said the club did not want to predict where it should finish this season.

"This year is going to be one of the most hotly contested years in football," he said.

"You want to be there at the pointy end of the season, but I don't think there is any point putting out (expected) positions in the top eight.

"Hopefully, we can get there (finals) and we are looking forward to seeing how a fit and healthy list under Mick Malthouse operates this year."


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Buoyant Blues

Carlton forward Eddie Betts will get plenty of help in 2013 from Blues big-man brigade. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Carlton forward Andrew Walker puts his balance to the test during yesterday's conditioning session at St Kilda beach. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON is racing towards the season with a fully-fit big man division as it strives to the ease burden on its speedy small forwards this year.

Avoiding the bold top-four declarations which dogged the club though an injury hit 2012, a "super-positive'' approach from new coach Mick Malthouse has re-energised the Blues, after a dramatic end to last season.

The wide-ranging change has included moves to release Chris Judd and Bryce Gibbs from official leadership positions, to help them play with more freedom in midfield positions next season.

While a more defensive game plan is being integrated, it is the encouraging signs from Carlton's key forward targets - many who were sidelined for large periods last year - which has fuelled confidence at Visy Park.

Big men Jarrad Waite, Matthew Kreuzer, Levi Casboult, Luke Mitchell, Shaun Hampson and Sam Rowe are all expected to be available for early-season selection, providing Blues coaches with a welcome problem they rarely confronted last year.


Forwards coach John Barker said the club was intent on providing more aerial support in the forward-50m next season.

"We've ban far too reliant on Eddie (Betts) and Jeff (Garlett) and 'Walks' (Andrew Walker) to kick goals and reliant on 'Waitey' (Jarrad Waite) to stand up as a tall forward,'' Barker said.

" We could not get consistently healthy talls last year, so having these guys fit and available is going to be critical for us.

"The good thing is all of them who had some small and big issues last year, they are all ready to go.

"Mick philosophically is really keen to make sure we are fit and healthy at this stage of the year and we are.''

Waite, in particular, has been a stand-out over summer after a lingering back problem last year, but Barker said he should not have to be the main focal point.

"He's a pro in everything he does, Waitey, but he's another one we can't keep relying on to be our only tall target,'' he said.

"We need other guys to stand up and give themselves every opportunity with a healthy pre-season.

"It's great to have guys like Sammy Rowe up and about after his illness (cancer). Levi Casboult is training really well.''

Young backman Andrew McInnes is the only player ruled out for a large chunk of the year after undergoing a knee reconstruction.

Prime midfielder Marc Murphy had minor knee surgery pre-Christmas but is expected to be fit for Round 1.

He was on hand as the Blues completed a two-hour conditioning session at St Kilda beach yesterday, including cycling, stand-up paddle-boarding and some ball-work.

Barker lauded the impact Malthouse has had at the Blues, with 664 games coaching experience.

He is 49 short of Jock McHale's 713-game all-time record.

Malthouse's ability to continue coaching was questioned after his departure from Collingwood in 2011 but Barker said the 28-year coaching veteran's transition to Carlton had been seamless.

"To use one of Mick's lines, it's easy to be negative, but Mick is a super-positive coach,'' he said.

"He's obviously very keen to delegate, so Rob Wiley helps run training and training has been very sharp and really upbeat.

"Mick's slotted in very quickly, he's a very personable guy and the atmosphere is very encouraging and positive.

"The boys are working hard and Mick is working through his game plan week-by-week and the boys are slowly chipping away and getting their teeth into that.''

Malthouse, 59, used a boundary-line centric game style to guide the Pies to the 2010 flag, but Barker said the Blues aimed to be versatile with their ball-movement this year.

"The thing Mick continually talks to the boys about is playing the game in front of you,'' he said.

"Sometimes it will mean taking the boundary and sometimes that will mean changing angles and taking the corridor.

"He has by no means ruled out quick, direct play - that's fairly clear.''


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

LARS looms as Morabito lifeline

COMEBACK: Anthony Morabito is set to turn to LARS surgery to continue his AFL career. Picture: FOX SPORTS Source: Supplied

ANTHONY Morabito will attempt an AFL comeback from his third serious knee injury and has already spoken to LARS surgery pioneers Nick Malceski and Luke Webster about the merits of the controversial procedure.

While medical opinion will ultimately inform Morabito's surgery decision, the 21-year-old could make a stunning return to football in the middle of this season if he was to successfully have surgery using a synthetic ligament.

Morabito, who has laid low with family and friends since Wednesday's training incident, is understood to have no thoughts of retirement and is eagerly examining the range of treatment options available to him.

He will meet with his manager Colin Young and Fremantle staff on Thursday or Friday to discuss his future.

Sydney Grand Final hero Malceski became the first AFL player to have LARS surgery in 2008 and despite needing a repeat procedure in 2011 is a big supporter of it.


Former Docker Webster opted for LARS surgery when he tore his left anterior cruciate ligament for the third time in 2008.

It is the same situation Morabito is now in, although he is five years younger.

Webster has advised Morabito to strongly consider undergoing LARS surgery and believes the rapid recovery time could give him a huge injection of confidence.

The former East Perth and State captain returned to the WAFL just 91 days after his LARS operation, his fourth knee reconstruction overall.

"When they explain to you the way it all works and how potentially you could come back quicker, it does feel a bit surreal and a bit of a miracle," Webster said.

"But once you get up and going, you can actually understand the process behind it.

"I said to him you've just got to think about whether you want to get back and play this year, or you can miss another 10-12 months and still be right and ready to go."

Webster did not add to his 33 AFL games following his LARS surgery, but said the knee cartilage issues he suffered had nothing to do with his ACL or the LARS surgery.

"I played the next two years at WAFL level and I played almost every game in '09 and played every game in 2010," he said. "I know it's a lesser standard, but it still held up playing senior footy."

LARS surgery is viewed with suspicion in some quarters, partly because little is known about its long-term effects.

Five years after his operation, Webster said he was active and pain free.


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AFL hopeful sparks dreary ODI

The catch came from a Brad Haddin mega hit. Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

IT has taken the freak athleticism of a promising AFL hopeful to provide the highlight in tonight's dull ODI between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Adelaide Oval.

Peter Spurling, an AIS-AFL Academy member, took a one-handed catch in the crowd off a towering Brad Haddin six, sparking a mega cheer and high-fives aplenty in the stands.

The catch was made even more remarkable given Spurling was holding an iced coffee in one hand and what looked to be two burgers in the other.

He tucked the drink under his arm while on the walkway under the second tier,  threw his other mit high in the air and stuck the catch.

AFL talent expert Kevin Sheehan confirmed on Twitter it was Spurling who gloved it.

"Watching cricket and saw great one hander crowd catch by AIS AFL Academy young star Peter Spurling !! It was signature AFL !," he tweeted.


"Spurling is one of our best talls working with Brad Ottens in our L 1s which travel to NZ next Friday; a name to watch !"

Spurling, from Glenelg in Adelaide, is in the 2012-13 AIS-AFL Academy intake.

An AFL club talent expert confirmed tonight the 198cm 16-year-old was already looming large on the draft radar.


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Cupido breaks goalkicking record

Former Bomber Damian Cupido has broken a 27-year-old goalkicking record in the Northern Territory. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Essendon and Brisbane goalsneak Damian Cupido, playing for Southern Districts in the Northern Territory, has broken a three-decade old record for the fastest 100 goals in a season.

The 30-year-old sharpshooter slotted six in Southern's 44-point win over Darwin today to take his tally to 102 goals in 13 games, beating Dennis Dunn's mark set 27 years ago.

Cupido exploded onto the Northern Territory Football League with four 11-goal bags in five weeks between October 14 and November 10.

The South African-born small forward booted 10 goals on two occasions while kicking his lowest haul, four goals, three times.

Cupido played 53 games kicking 66 goals in an AFL career spanning six years.

He continued his career in the SANFL before returning to Victoria and playing in the Ovens and Murray Football League.

In 2009, Cupido broke his silence about a $1000-a-week gambling addiction that controlled his life.


23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jack spreads wings

Hawthorn forward Jack Gunston is keen on working further up the ground after cutting his teeth inside the arc. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

JACK Gunston's past two off-seasons have been memorable for entirely different reasons.Last year's was stressful.

His move from Adelaide was up in the air and by the time a trade to Hawthorn had been organised he had to rearrange his life for the move back to Melbourne before impressing on the training track.

This year he had fun.

He turned 21 in early October, a milestone that coincided with his first trip to the US and Mexico.

"It was for 2 1/2 weeks and it was my first time in the States. It was good to get away from everything," Gunston said.

"We went to Cancun in Mexico, soaked up a bit of sun, then pretty much explored New York, did all the touristy things, did a bit of shopping and then Los Angeles was a bit more sightseeing.

"I didn't get a chance (to see sporting events). I left before all the basketball started and I missed out by a day in New York to see the Jets in the NFL, so I was a bit flat about that. A few of the boys got to go but I didn't rock up until a day later so I was stiff. There's always next year, I suppose."


When Gunston returned home, he was one of the lucky punters who backed Melbourne Cup winner Green Moon.

"I don't know why more people didn't get on it," Gunston said.

"He ran well two starts before so I thought I'd have a flutter on it. And paying 20s in the end, it was good. I think the TAB would have done very well that day, but it was a good win for me."

The Beaumaris local speaks like a true racing man.

"I don't mind it," he said. "It's a good little hobby, nothing serious, but I like a flutter here and there.

"My old man owns a few horses and had a Melbourne Cup runner last year, Glass Harmonium. He's got a little bit of that with a few mates.

"It's a nice little interest for him. I love it, too. I sort of feel like I own it without paying the money, really. It's good."

Now Gunston has taken up skateboarding.

"I'm starting to get into it, just with my housemate. I've never done it before.

"A few of the boys got longboards and we thought we'd just join in the party and learn to skate ourselves and then maybe hit the streets of Southbank or St Kilda on a nice sunny day."

One thing he didn't do was keep abreast of the goings-on at his former club, Adelaide, regarding Kurt Tippett.

 "Being over here it's a bit hard to understand it fully," he said.

As controversial an off-season as it was for the Crows, it was quiet for Gunston, particularly compared with 2011.

"Even after the trade period I was trying to settle in to Melbourne and find a place to stay. I was only able to get away to Noosa for about a week and other than that I was just training.

"I had a few extra weeks off because Adelaide didn't make the finals and the Hawks made the prelim, but mentally it was pretty tough.

"This time it was good to be nice and settled."


THE break came after a time that would have been the toughest period in his career.

More specifically, the toughest few hours.

The Hawks had squandered numerous opportunities in September's Grand Final and could only watch as Sydney players held aloft a premiership cup so many pundits had all but guaranteed would be finding its way to Waverley Park.

Gunston was one player guilty of failing to hit the mark when it mattered.

Usually a dead-eye in front of goal, the forward lined up 15 or so metres out for what should have been a routine shot, albeit from a tight angle, for a player who had kicked 39.21 to that point in the season.

With five minutes to play a goal would have brought the Hawks to within a point of the Swans. Instead, Gunston's shot clipped the inside of the right post.

"I always pride myself on my goal kicking, but this one just swung late and hit the inside of the post, unfortunately," he said.

"There was still five minutes to go so we still had a chance to come through. Hopefully next time I can put it through the big sticks.

"You need everything going well on the big day and if you don't perform then you'll end up falling short like we did."

Gunston said he had not spoken to anyone at Hawthorn about his miss.

"A lot of people that day missed a fair few set shots, we kicked a lot of points. We had a lot of missed opportunities that pretty much started right from the first minute of the game."


WHEREAS last year an air of gloom seemed to have descended over Waverley Park in the months after the agonising preliminary final loss to Collingwood, this time around Gunston said the Hawks - players and coaches - had dusted themselves off quickly and switched focus to next season.

"You don't want to dwell on the past too much," he said. "If you take it in to next season it's just going to play on your mind constantly.

"It's just best to move on and just look forward to the season coming up and hopefully a situation where we've put ourselves in that position again."

Gunston especially is looking forward to his second season in the brown and gold, after his first exceeded even his own expectations.

"I've absolutely loved it here. It couldn't have worked out any better.

"I probably had a slow start to the year, just trying to work out the Hawthorn game plan and how they play their footy. It was good to starting kicking a few and get back in to the side midway through the year and I gradually built up that chemistry with the other forwards up there."

He said he had fitted in well with Lance "Buddy" Franklin, Jarryd Roughead and David Hale in the Hawthorn forward line.

"It definitely makes you feel better as a player.

"I've been picking their brains and learning from how they go about it. I think the thing about those guys is they're very unselfish so they're more than happy to bring you in to the game and get you some touches. I think as a tall forward group we combine really well."

And he admitted at times it was a bonus to be regarded as the least damaging forward in the set-up.

"That's the positive of having so many dangerous forwards ... sometimes you can get the third or fourth defender and sometimes we might get a mismatch as well. On certain times it worked out well and then there were other times where I think teams were on to us."


THIS summer Gunston will complete only his third full pre-season campaign.

 "I'm trying to put on a few kilos, which has started well," he said. "I still need to put on a couple more and then really work on my fitness base to be able to become that real running third tall.

"I need to be able to play tall and small as well. One day I'd like to be able to get out on to the wings or the midfield as well. I'll just keep working on that.

"My marking is something I'm always working on as well as my all-around skills, so hopefully there's still a lot of development to go, even though I'm only 21."

Gunston hopes to stay injury free. He wishes the same for his horse, but unfortunately that's not what's been happening. Hopefully, that's not a bad omen for him.

"It's always injured. It's called Tower of Lonhro. We're just sort of waiting for it to get it's hammies right.

"I'll stick with that one and won't really expand for a few years."


23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cotch plays the man

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin is keen on building player relationships at Punt Road. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND skipper Trent Cotchin says he wants to focus on building player relationships under his captaincy at the Tigers.

In his first pre-season as captain since taking the reins from Chris Newman, 22-year-old Cotchin said strong off-field relationships would help deliver results.

"The most important thing in my eyes from a leader's perspective is the way that they train and play and get everything done," Cotchin said. "But I'm also massive on relationships.

"You don't have to be best mates with everyone ... but you have to have something to do with them so you can show a general interest in their life.

"If you can have that relationship going into games and so forth it makes it a lot easier to give someone some constructive feedback - whether it's positive or negative."


Cotchin said the support of the leadership group and Newman had helped him settle into the role.

"I'm quite lucky. You look back to when Newy took over, while there were some senior guys there, the core group really weren't a strong body and didn't have too much to say," he said.

"I've got the backing of not only our leadership group, but the core group are also having opinions on what we're doing in training, what our game plan is looking like.

"It just makes it easier and takes a bit of weight off my shoulders and lets me focus on what I can do and how I can help the team. Everyone else is picking up the slack around me."

Cotchin said the Tigers had shown encouraging training form so far this summer, but he expected a return to the redeveloped Punt Rd Oval to give the group a boost for the final leg of the pre-season.

The players will have their first session on the surface today after six months of work on the ground.

The Tigers had to train at venues around Melbourne including Victoria Park, Craigieburn and Monash University during the $1.9 million redevelopment, which the club's Fighting Tiger Fund helped finance.

The Punt Rd ground has been reconfigured into an Etihad Stadium-sized oval without cricket wickets.

"It will be great to be back at our home ground," Cotchin said. "It's probably come at the perfect time. It is something fresh for us to get us up and about for the last part of the pre-season and then games start in about a month's time.

"We are all just looking forward to firstly getting out here and making use of what our club and our fans have given us the opportunity to do and into the real stuff.

"To have that little bit more area and covering that much more ground is only going to make it that much more beneficial for us going into games."


23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lake, wife in drunken verbal stoush

Former Bulldog Brian Lake must face Hawthorn's leaders after a heavy night of drinking. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Lake with his wife, Shannon. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis, Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN star recruit Brian Lake and his wife were locked up by police after a drunken verbal stoush following the Portsea Polo.

The two-time All Australian AFL player and wife Shannon were each slapped with a $563 penalty notice for being drunk in a public place.

The couple were placed in a police divvy van and spent four hours in the cells before being released.

The pair, who married in 2010, were at the official Portsea Polo after-party at Morgans in Sorrento when they started to argue outside the venue about 10pm on Saturday.

But witnesses said tensions boiled over when others attempted to intervene and then police stepped in.

The onlookers said the altercation was not physical but the couple's argument escalated when others became involved.

In a statement Hawthorn said: "The club considers Lake's conduct to be unprofessional and he will be required to address the leadership group."


The weekend incident caps off a turbulent off-season for the AFL.

A group of Melbourne players was involved in an ugly spat with fans during the Boxing Day Test.

A decision into the Melbourne tanking allegations is due this month and Adelaide was hit with massive fines over salary cap breaches and draft tampering that lead to its former star Kurt Tippett being banned from playing for his new club, Sydney, until Round 12.

Hawthorn's leadership team, which includes Lance "Buddy" Franklin, Jarryd Roughead, Josh Gibson and Luke Hodge, will determine whether sanctions will be placed on Lake, who is yet to play a game for the Hawks.

Lake, 30, crossed to Hawthorn from the Western Bulldogs in a surprise trade deal.

Lake and his wife were among many socialites at the Portsea Polo.

Lake played 197 matches with the Bulldogs.

His manager Marty Pask did not return calls yesterday. Victoria Police said the couple would not face any further action.


23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More
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