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Shocking trip north for Hawks

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 24 Februari 2013 | 23.03

Hawthorn forward Paul Puopolo writhes in pain after landing awkwardly on his left knee. Picture: David Clark Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson says the Hawks have no concerns from the opening round of the NAB Cup despite a knee injury to Paul Puopolo, Lance Franklin's indifferent outing and the Hawks' twin losses to Brisbane and the Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium last night.

The Hawks suffered a one-point loss to the Suns in the opening match of the night while the Lions roared past last year's grand finalists in the second match to claim a 21-point victory in steamy conditions to end Hawthorn's chances of claiming the pre-season silverware.

Puopolo crashed to the turf late in the loss to the Suns and clutched his knee, sending a scare through the Hawks' camp.

He received urgent medical attention and eventually hobbled off the field.

Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin


Meanwhile, apart from one nice touch to set-up a goal for Sam Grimley in the first game, Franklin had a forgettable start to 2013.
He made high contact with Suns midfielder Matt Shaw midway through the second half and struggled to make a mark on either contest.

The impact with Shaw was relatively minimal but the incident could draw the attention of the AFL match review panel tomorrow given the crackdown on any contact with the head.

Clarkson was not stressed by anything he saw last night.

"I think he (Puopolo) is OK. He's walking around, so he'll be OK," he said.

"We get gametime for our players, that's the most critical thing.

"We were pretty competitive for three quarters and then the heat probably drained a bit out of us the last quarter.

"Brisbane ran over the top of us a bit. They had more legs ... but we'd been out there in pretty stifling conditions for three quarters prior to that.

"We gave exposure to a lot of younger players on our list tonight and they'll really benefit from that."

Clarkson claimed to have missed spotting the Franklin-Shaw incident.

"I didn't see. So I couldn't tell you," he said.

He said the humid conditions were not ideal for Franklin, who finished with five touches and no goals against the Suns.

He was pushed into the midfield against the Lions and had nine touches, two clearances and three inside-50s.

But he could not catch a cold last night, registering two marks across the two games in a generally unhappy night with his hands.

Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin


He dropped a sitter of a mark deep inside Hawthorn's attacking 50 when scores were level late in the match against the Gold Coast.

"He competed hard, he was a bit scratchy with the ball from time to time. In hindsight we should have brought a mosquito fleet up here because it wasn't a game where it was conducive to tall players," Clarkson said.

"It was nearly like wet weather footy. He had a bit of a run up there (midfield). With the ball so slippery we thought if we could get the ball in his hands at least he can kick it a mile when he gets it."

The Suns got off to a bright start but could not turn their dominance into points.

Hawks forward Luke Breust kicked the first goal of the match but rising Gold Coast star Harley Bennell handed the home side a well-deserved lead with two quickfire goals.

Hawthorn took a slender one-point lead into halftime after Ryan Schoenmakers booted a goal late in the first half after outstanding build-up work from Matt Suckling.

Goals to Suns defender Jarrod Harbrow and ruckman Zac Smith brought the home side roaring back into the contest and scores were level deep inside the second half before Luke Russell registered a point after the siren.

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett had 13 possessions while Jaeger O'Meara caught the eye with seven disposals.

The contest with Brisbane was a horribly scrappy affair.

The Hawks led 1.3 (9) to 0.3 (3) but were no match for the Daniel Rich and Brent Moloney-inspired Lions in the second half.


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Replay: Blues win big in Blacktown

It is Mick Malthouse's first game as coach of Carlton. Can he start off on a winning note? Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

IT was Mick Malthouse's first match as coach of the Blues. Replay our live coverage from tonight's NAB Cup matches featuring Carlton, Sydney and GWS Giants at Blacktown here.

7:51pm AEDT - GWS Giants 7.10 (52) defeated Sydney Swans 1.3.1 (28)

IT is only the NAB Cup, but the GWS Giants will take it.

The fledgling AFL club gets its first win over the Sydney Swans at Blacktown, which is a great confidence booster for their impressive array of young kids.

So much to like about how the Giants went about it.

While for the Swans, it wasn't difficult to notice they are well behind in their preparation for Round 1.

That is what happens when you are the reigning premier and start your pre-season one month after other clubs.

But they had a stack of stars out and won't be too fussed with that.

7:34pm AEDT - GWS Giants 4.8 (32) lead Sydney Swans 1.1.1 (16)

WE'RE into the second half and it looks like the Giants are going to get a win over their cross-city rivals.

The young guns of the Giants have been inspired and look hungrier for the win.

Giant Toby Greene is best on ground to date.

But there is still over 10 minutes remaining and both sides look tired.

The Giants can't afford to ease up.

7:15pm AEDT - GWS Giants lead Sydney Swans 2.5 (17) to Sydney Swans 1.0 (6)

GREAT opening from the Giants, who kicked the first two goals of the match.

Mark Whiley and Gerald Ugle were the goalkickers.

Ryan O'Keefe replies to keep the Swans within touch.

6:40pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 3.6 (24) lost to Carlton 1.5.7 (46)

GREAT showing by Carlton, who will come away from Blacktown with the two wins.

They looked quite shaky against the Giants, but the performance against Carlton was outstanding.

Came out hard and never gave the flat Swans a sniff.

Big Shaun Hampson, Brock McLean and Marc Murphy did the damage in the middle.

New Carlton coach Mick Malthouse back in his element. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

6:30PM AEDT - Sydney Swans 2.4 (16) trail Carlton 1.4.7 (40)

THE Swans are finally on the board.

Tommy Walsh booted their first from a set shot not long into the second half.

Then Alex Jackson received a 50 metre penalty and kicked their second.

There will be no great comeback, however.

Carlton all over them.

Swan Sam Reid takes a good mark against Carlton. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

6:15pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 0.2 (2) trail Carlton 1.4.5 (38) at HALF-TIME

BIG man Shaun Hampson joins the Carlton party as he kicks a goal just before half-time.

At half-time, the vistors lead by 36 points as the rain starts to bucket down at Blacktown.

After a shaky performance against the Giants in the opener, the Blues have put their foot to the floor against the reigning premier.

The Swans are missing a bevy of stars, but the players on the park are struggling to get their hands on it.

Premiership hangover, anyone?

Carlton's Shaun Hampson tries to put his boot into it. Source: Getty Images

6:02pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 0.0 (0) trail Carlton 1.3.3 (30)

IT is all Carlton here.

Levi Casboult, who kicked the winner against the Giants, extended the lead to 20 points.

Then Tom Bell kicked a monster nine-point goal from 65 metres out on the run.

Sydney have barely touched the footy here.

Mick Malthouse would be very pleased with this showing to date.

Blues coach Mick Malthouse speaks to players at half-time of the clash against GWS Giants. Source: Getty Images

5:57pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 0.0 (0) trail Carlton 2.1 (13)

CARLTON are on the board nice and early against the Swans.

David Ellard gets on the end of a string of handballs to kick the opener.

It was followed up straight away by Eddie Betts, who exploded through the centre to kick a stunning goal on the run.

They are nice and warmed up now, the Blues.

5:31pm AEDT- GWS Giants 5.2 (32) lost to Carlton 4.10 (34)

HEARTBREAK for the GWS Giants as Carlton win by two points.

Levi Casboult nailed a tough set shot with 30 seconds remaining to take the lead.

The Giants controlled the match, but the Blues were able to gain some momentum late in the match and it was enough to get the win.

Terrific comeback by Carlton as MicK Malthouse gets a win in his first match in control.

Carlton will now back up against reigning premier Sydney.

Lachie Whitfield takes a mark over Carlton's Mitch Robinson. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

5:27pm AEDT - GWS Giants lead 5.2 (32) to 3.9 (27)

THE Blues are back.

Rowe kicked his second and that was followed up by Shaun Hampson, who made no mistake from a set shot after receiving a dubious free kick.

Can the Giants hang on?

Giant Anthony Miles gets away from Carlton's Levi Casboult. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

5:17pm AEDT- GWS Giants leader 5.2 (32) to Carlton 1.9 (15)

WELCOME to GWS, Stephen Gilham.

The Giants have skipped further ahead through the former Hawthorn defender, who made no mistake from a set shot.

Only the NAB Cup but a few concerns for Carlton.

There was no forward structure to speak of at this stage.

Blue Mitch Robinson in action against GWS Giants. Source: Getty Images

5pm AEDT - GWS Giants 4.1 (25) lead Carlton 1.6 (12) at HALF-TIME

The Giants are taking the game on here and it is showing.

Jonathon 'General' Patton looks a million bucks after a summer in the gym. He has kicked three goals and the Blues have no answer for him.

Liam Sumner has also kicked one for the home side and they lead by 13 points at half-time.

No one putting their hand up for the Blues.

Bryce Gibbs, Brock McLean and Chris Yarran are their leading possession winners to half-time.

Phil Davis (centre) and Stephen Gilham (right) of the Giants compete with Levi Casboult (left). Source: Getty Images

4:45pm AEDT - GWS Giants 1.0 (6) trails Carlton 1.3 (9)

A BAD mistake by Matthew Watson has seen the Giants kick the first game of the match.

As the ball bounced towards the GWS goal, Watson overran the ball - allowing big Jonathon Patton to run to it and kick the opener.

Carlton blew a number of early chances before San Rowe kicked the first goal for the Blues.

In first game since recovering from chemotherapy, Rowe slotted it home from a set shot.

Both teams still finding their feet in the early going.

New Carlton coach Mick Malthouse with his arch rival Kevin Sheedy. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

4:15pm AEDT-

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of today's NAB Cup clash from Blacktown.

It is Mick Malthouse's first game as Carlton coach and he will be looking for an instant response from his new players, who will all be looking to make an impression.

First up will be the Giants and the Blues at 4:40pm.

No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield will be making his debut for the Giants and he will be one to watch.

Follow the coverage with us right here!

SCHEDULE

Giants v Blues 4.40pm AEDT
Swans v Blues 5.45pm AEDT
Giants v Swans 6.50pm AEDT

FOLLOW NICK SMART ON TWITTER: @NickSmart85


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL to act on replacement

A replacement is needed for now former AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson. Picture: Mike Keating. Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL will appoint its new general manager of football operations before the start of the home-and-away season after short-listing six candidates.

Chief executive Andrew Demetriou said interviews for the role would begin soon.

For the first time, he also revealed how the role would be different to the one Adrian Anderson held for nine years.

Demetriou said he had been extremely pleased with the quality of the applicants after the AFL advertised for a replacement for Anderson, who resigned from the position last December.

"We received an incredible number of applicants, both external of the industry and from within the industry," Demetriou told Herald Sun columnist Shane Crawford in an exclusive interview.

He said there would be changes to the position, making it a much more football-focused role, with all levels of the talent program returned within its jurisdiction.

But Demetriou confirmed the all-important integrity department would be separated from the football operations role.

"The integrity unit, which includes all of the compliance areas, the salary cap, all of the betting stuff, the surveillance and the investigations, will be moved out into a stand-alone unit, which will operate under the legal part of our business," Demetriou said.

Brett Clothier, now competition regular manager, will head the AFL integrity unit.

Simon Lethlean, general manager of broadcasting, scheduling and legal affairs, is believed to be one of the six in the mix for the football operations role.


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AFL to dissect Jacobs signing

Adelaide Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs has signed for three more years. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE is to send its first contract renewal to AFL House since the Kurt Tippett scandal forced a forensic exam of every player deal at West Lakes.

Lead ruckman Sam Jacobs' contract has been extended by three years to the end of the 2016 season.

Normally, such a deal, particularly from a clean-imaged Adelaide, would have drawn no more than the standard check from AFL investigator Ken Wood, who must sanction every player contract lodged at AFL House.

But the fallout of the Tippett saga, which put every player deal at West Lakes under scrutiny in November and December, ensures the AFL will be reading every clause of Jacobs' contract with closer attention.

This is the inevitable pain of the secret and illegal deals Adelaide had with Tippett.

Crows chairman Rob Chapman on Wednesday met AFL chief Andrew Demetriou to detail how Adelaide will seek to restore its status, and trust with the league, by following West Coast in setting up in-house integrity checks to ensure the Tippett affair is never repeated at West Lakes.

Jacobs, 25 in April, yesterday confirmed his new deal by tweeting team-mate Patrick Dangerfield.

He said: "Great to join your ranks in hanging round for a long time".

Dangerfield last year signed a three-year contract extension.

But Jacobs suggests there is a significant difference in his deal when compared to the big-grossing Dangerfield: "Not $$$ though."

Jacobs is in his third season at Adelaide, after starting his AFL journey as a rookie at Carlton where he played 17 games in two seasons with the Blues.

A South Australian with family ties to the Yorke Peninsula, Jacobs returned to Adelaide to establish himself as a No. 1 ruckman - a role he clearly commands with the Crows.

He has played 43 games with Adelaide and has been added to the leadership group at West Lakes this season.

Jacobs is expected to return to competitive action on Saturday with his first pre-season hit-out in the NAB Cup clash with Geelong at Geelong.

But the big question of who partners Jacobs in the absence of Tippett - who has defected to Sydney - remains unanswered as the auditions continue with Josh Jenkins, Shaun McKernan and Richmond recruit Angus Graham.

And Adelaide may not be hung up on only one answer.

Adelaide assistant coach and former ruckman Matthew Clarke yesterday defined the race saying: "Reality is we are looking for someone to fill (the ruck role) for 30 per cent of the game, maybe more, maybe less.

"The ultimate decision ... is what (does that player) do for the other 70 per cent of the game time? He must play as a forward - and Jenkins and McKernan are natural forwards.

"Angus Graham is fighting for the No. 1 ruck role, and you need that internal competition. But that doesn't mean we would go like West Coast or as Sydney did in the grand final when they played their two ruckmen. We haven't ruled out going that way.

"That flexibility is not a terrible thing. It is a bonus."


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Carlton mixes it up in Blacktown

New Carlton coach Mick Malthouse at Blacktown yesterday. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

THE best and worst of Carlton was on show as veteran coach Mick Malthouse began his Blues tenure with contrasting pre-season wins against Sydney and Greater Western Sydney yesterday.

Malthouse, holding the Blues' reins for the first time under match conditions, was given a quick reminder of how frustrating the coach's box can be in the two-point triumph against GWS in Blacktown.

His side struggled with the yips and hit the front only in the final minute, with Levi Casboult's goal the difference in the 0.4.10 (34) to 0.5.2 (32) victory. Whatever Malthouse's message was after the uninspiring performance, it worked.

He saw things he liked in both wins, but said his charges were yet to master their new game plan.

"The intent was there, but we're getting a bit confused between the two game structures from last year and this year," said Malthouse, the second most-experienced coach in VFL/AFL history.

"We'll certainly need the three NAB Cup games in front of us to iron out a few areas of concern."

Malthouse was blunt when asked what areas needed to change before the Round 1 match against Richmond on March 28.

"There's a whole host of them. Your interview is not going to last that long," he said.

"There's just a lot of things that are different. I'm not saying one is right and one is wrong.

"But this is the way I want to do it, and this is the way it's got to be. We can't have mixed game structures or plans or anything else.

"There's enough there from today to be shown (in a video review session), and it's crystal clear. It's not going to be cured overnight but at least it's there."

Andrew Carrazzo and Eddie Betts, both rested from the opening contest, led the way as the Blues outclassed the Swans in driving rain and strolled to a six-goal advantage at halftime.

The premiers showed more fight in the second stanza, when the showers cleared, but lost a 1.5.7 (46) to 0.3.6 (24).

It was an impressive result for Carlton, given Chris Judd, key forward Jarrad Waite, ruckman Matthew Kreuzer and utility Heath Scotland were all left in Melbourne.

The only injury concern was Giants defender Matt Buntine, who was helped from the field after copping the brunt of Casboult's knee in a marking contest.

He was sent to hospital for scans on suspected rib damage.

"He's sore. How sore I don't know," GWS coach Kevin Sheedy said.

"He won't play for a little while. He'll be out for a month at least."

Blues key forward Sam Rowe kicked two goals against the Giants, and he and Casboult also looked the goods in their side's slaying of the Swans.

Bryce Gibbs, Mitch Robinson and Brock McLean were influential in both games for the Blues. Marc Murphy had only five handballs against GWS, when he captained Carlton, but 11 disposals in the second clash.

GWS unveiled Lachie Whitfield, the No.1 pick from last year's draft, but it was the top of the 2011 draft class, Jonathon Patton, who impressed most in the first match of the triple-header.

Patton, whose maiden season was ruined by injury, moved well and kicked 2.1.

The Giants completed the triple-header with a 0.7.10 (52) to 1.3.1 (28) upset win against Sydney.


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Point proved as Moloney roars

Brent Moloney in action for the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night. Source: Getty Images

BRENT Moloney felt he had a point to prove in his first competitive outing as a Brisbane Lion at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

After heading to the Gabba in the off-season, this was the first time the former Demons midfielder was in the trenches with his new comrades.

He did not want to let them down in the heat of battle.

He did anything but.

Eight clearances, three inside 50s, one nine-point supergoal and 17 disposals across the two wins over Hawthorn and Gold Coast in the NAB Cup opener was exactly the kind of display that Brisbane, and Moloney, were looking for.

Lions legend Simon Black now has a right-hand man when it comes to the in-and-under scraps around stoppages.

He no longer has to shoulder most of the ball-winning load.

Moloney is capable of being in the AFL's elite when it comes to the dirty work.

Moloney, 29, was just happy to be singing Brisbane's club song after a successful debut but his efforts inside would have been most pleasing to the Lions coaching staff.

"`When you come to a new club, you want to impress your teammates and the coaching staff. You want to earn their respect,'' he said.

"The best way you can do that is stick to the team structures and perform your role and I'm glad I was able to do that.

"We've been going at each other for three or four months at training so it was good to face some opposition together and come out on top.

"We got a good, even spread from everyone which is what we need to be successful this year.

"I felt like we ran over the top of them in the end. It is only early days but it feels good to know that we are fit and we've got up a little momentum.''

Moloney was not the only ex-Demon to catch the eye.

Forward/ruck Stefan Martin also produced some nice touches.

He had eight disposals and three clearances against the Suns after having seven touches and one clearance against the Hawks.

"Stef is hard to match-up on because he is quick, agile and such a big unit.

"He was good for us and it's going to be exciting to see what he can do when Brownie (Jonathan Brown) gets back and they can work together,'' Moloney said.

The Suns take on the Kangaroos on Saturday in the first AFL match ever played in Townsville.

Skipper Gary Ablett will again lead the side and midfielder Dion Prestia, solid forward Danny Stanley and goal sneak Brandon Matera are expected to make their first appearances.

The Suns are likely to field a side that will closely resemble the outfit played in the season opener against St Kilda on March 30.

With vice-captain Nathan Bock ruled out of the NAB Cup, and Trent MacKenzie and Seb Tape still in rehabilitation, coach Guy McKenna will have given all his first-choice round 1 players a game after Townsville.
 


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Little brother becomes a Giant

Giant Tim Mohr breaks away from the Swans. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

IT may have only been a pre-season NAB Cup match but the GWS Giants finally got the better of "big brother" the Sydney Swans yesterday.

Swans coach John Longmire was left to lament his side's lack of competitiveness and composure as the AFL's reigning premiers crashed to one-sided losses against Carlton and the Giants yesterday.

Five months after the highs of last year's grand final, the Swans suffered the embarrassment of losing to cross-town rivals GWS for the first time. The Giants beat Longmire's charges by 24 points, while Carlton earlier inflicted a 22-point defeat in yesterday's triple-header at Blacktown.

"Probably the only real positive to come out of it was that we got some game time into some players," Longmire said.

The Giants and Blues are both about a month ahead of Sydney in their pre-season training, given finals football delayed the Swans' return to the track.

GWS celebrate a goal by Jonathon Patton. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

Sydney played both games consecutively in humid and wet conditions, while Longmire fielded inexperienced sides minus key premiership stars, including Adam Goodes and Josh Kennedy. But Longmire said these were not excuses.

"Competitiveness, the contested ball. We thought we were a bit fumbly and we didn't take our chances with clean ball-handling," he said. "We didn't really have the composure that we wanted to."

But he wasn't overly concerned about the AFL season.

"We've still got time," he said. "We've still got five weeks before the start of the season to get ourselves in the right condition and have all of our senior players back. But we still would have liked to be a bit more competitive than what we were today."

GWS coach Kevin Sheedy was thrilled with the win over Sydney, but disappointed his side snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Carlton.

"We were very competitive tonight. We should have won the two games. That was really disappointing," Sheedy said.

"I know both the teams weren't the full squads, but neither was ours. We got a lot more better players we can bring back in."
 


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Hawks upbeat on injury

Hawthorn forward Paul Puopolo writhes in pain after landing awkwardly on his left knee. Picture: David Clark Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN is confident forward Paul Puopolo has escaped serious injury to his knee.

The goalsneak crashed to the ground in the final minute of the Hawks' loss to Gold Coast in their NAB Cup clash on Saturday night.

He was helped from the ground by trainers but - in a positive sign - was able to walk around after the game.

Hawthorn football operations manager Mark Evans said Puopolo would have a scan in the next 24 hours.

"They're pretty confident it's not (an ACL)," he said.

"He hyper-extended the knee but was walking around OK on and off the plane today so we'll have to monitor it."

Even if he is cleared, as expected, Puopolo will sit out the next pre-season game against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

"We're pretty conservative on things at this time of the year," Evans said.

The Hawks will be boosted by the return of veterans Sam Mitchell and Brad Sewell, who didn't make the trip to Queensland, because of university studies.

They were required at Monash University over the weekend as a crucial part of the MBA they've been studying.

The premiership favourite was surprisingly beaten by the Suns and Brisbane Lions in the round-robin games at Metricon Stadium, although it did field an extremely young team with up to a dozen new faces.
 


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Ball to bounce back soon

Collingwood's Luke Ball is on the verge of returning to the field. Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD'S Luke Ball is likely to make his long-awaited return to football next week.

The 3 NAB Cup game against Brisbane, has been touted for Ball's comeback, providing he handles an increased training load.

If he plays against the Lions in the March 9 game at Etihad Stadium, the veteran midfielder will take a big step towards being passed fit for Round 1 of the home-and-away season.

The Magpies have been ultra-conservative in managing Ball, 28, who blew out his knee in Round 3 last year.

He received a clearance from his surgeon regarding his knee in December, but has required extra work to strengthen the hamstring where the graft was taken for the operation.

Ball didn't take part in Collingwood's intra-club practice match on Friday but is expected to step up his competitive work this week.

He has played 51 games for Collingwood since crossing in 2010 from St Kilda, where he played 142 games.

Collingwood is likely to have an interesting selection dilemma for the Round 1 clash with North Melbourne, as Ball and fellow midfielder Dale "Daisy" Thomas could both be available.

Thomas took a significant step in his recovery from an ankle injury late last week when he pulled up well from a lengthy running session.

Coach Nathan Buckley last week rated Ball slightly ahead of Thomas for Round 1.

"Luke could drop into full training at any stage in the next week and Dale is probably a week away from doing warm-up and full training," Buckley said.

"If 'Daisy' fully trains in a week's time, we're still a month out from Round 1.

"If he was able to achieve that, he'd be around the mark for a Round 1 start."

The revamped NAB Cup bench rules - teams will be allowed three interchange players and three substitutes - are a potential advantage for the Magpies, because the substitutes will become full interchange players if the weather is hot.

Previously Ball and Thomas could have been eased back by playing a quarter or a half in the practice match series because of the extended interchange rules.

Forward Alex Fasolo (foot) and Tyson Goldsack (knee) are likely to return for Sunday's Round 2 NAB Cup match against West Coast at Subiaco.
 


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It is time, says Hardwick

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says it is time for the Tigers to feature in September. Source: Getty Images

THE expectation about Richmond breaking its finals hoodoo was raised again yesterday with coach Damien Hardwick telling the club's faithful it was time to feature in September.

Speaking at the club's family day, Hardwick said it was an "exciting time'' to be a Tigers fan.

"We can look forward to the start of our 2013 campaign with renewed vigour,'" he said.

"We certainly think we're a chance to go where we haven't gone for some 12 or 13 years prior, and we look forward to giving you the opportunity to participate in September."'

Richmond's last finals appearance was in 2001; a preliminary final loss to eventual premier Brisbane.

Midfielder Reece Conca said the players were not concerned about the growing expectation.

"There's a good vibe around, so we're sort of feeding off that and it's really good,'' he said.

"We've built a pretty solid team, especially through the midfield, but we've got some solid depth across the field.

"We're all excited and happy to be out there together."

The Tigers defeated Melbourne but lost to North Melbourne in the opening round of the NAB Cup on Friday night.

"The team went really well and we're looking to build from that and bring some good form into the season, and get some wins on the board,'' Conca said.

The Tigers travel to Wangaratta to play Essendon in Round 2 of the NAB Cup on Saturday night.


23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More
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