Diberdayakan oleh Blogger.

Popular Posts Today

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


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.
 


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

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:


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.
 


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

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.


23.03 | 0 komentar | Read More

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

Dees give knock rule a tick

Melbourne's Rohan Bail in action against the West Coast Eagles. Picture: Wayen Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL's new concussion rule was lauded by Melbourne after the Demons employed it against West Coast at the MCG on Saturday.

Rohan Bail, who has a history of concussions, played his first game of the season after specialists warned him to avoid physical contact for six weeks following after a series of knocks in the pre-season.

Bail, 24, was concussed in Round 9 last season and sidelined for four games. He required brain scans and consultations with a neurosurgeon.

Bail was taken from the ground late in time-on of the second quarter after a teammate accidentally kneed him in the head. The 20-minute concussion rule enabled Melbourne to substitute Bail with Jimmy Toumpas while the half-forward was tested.

After being cleared of concussion, Bail returned to the ground after the mandatory 20-minute assessment, while Toumpas again took the green vest as the substitute.

Halftime gave Bail extra time to be assessed.

Melbourne football manager Josh Mahoney said the incident showed how well the new rule could work.

"Rohan was able to come off and he passed the testing procedure, and from both the club point of view and a duty point of view, he was able to go back on," Mahoney said.

Bail had no side effects yesterday.


23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sheedy focused solely on win

GWS coach Kevin Sheedy is only thinking about a win for his team against Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday. Source: Getty Images

GREATER Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy doesn't want to get into any discussion whether a Giants' victory at the MCG on Sunday will lead to the dismissal of his Melbourne counterpart Mark Neeld.

All he's worried about is trying to engineer just the third victory in his club's short history.

"I don't want to make any comments on Melbourne this week," Sheedy said last night.

"Enough has been said about Melbourne, and we just have to get ourselves playing better because we haven't had any success this year ourselves."

Neeld and his club will face further fierce scrutiny if the Demons suffer their fourth successive victory following massive defeats in the first three rounds.

Sheedy said the Giants didn't see the Demons as easier than any other clash.

He said they would approach it in the same way as any other game and that meant preparing for a win.

"We are not coming down to Melbourne trying to lose," Sheedy said.

"People don't realise how tough it is to win a game of AFL -- it's unbelievable.

"Go and ask any team and ask them if they would have thought North Melbourne would be minus three."

Sheedy said clubs that had been around for 100 years were finding it hard to win, while his team has been around for "100 seconds".

The veteran coach said the fact he was overlooked for the Melbourne job won't add any extra spice to the clash.

"I don't worry about all that stuff. I'm very fortunate to be in a good position that the AFL has entrusted me with this club.

"At this stage of your life to have a chance to build an AFL club from scratch is just a terrific thing to happen."

Sheedy, who hands over the coaching job at the end of the season to his assistant Leon Cameron, is negotiating with the AFL over a continuing role with the Giants.


23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pies pushed aside as Hawks run hot

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

Collingwood midfielder Dane Swan tries to shrug a tackle from Hawthorn's Shaun Burgoyne. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley says his team was overpowered at the MCG yesterday by a Hawthorn side with a greater will to win.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson praised his players' ability to run out matches, particularly after taxing clashes with Geelong and West Coast at Subiaco in the opening rounds.

A stunning 15-goal-to-six second half set up a 55-point win for the Hawks in front of 72,254 fans, a fair chunk of whom were left delighted with the form of captain Luke Hodge in his second game back from a knee injury.

Buckley refused to use the club's early-season injury woes as an excuse for yesterday's defeat.

"We had 22 who could have won the game," Buckley said.

"We pride ourselves on being harder for longer but we weren't today and if you have too many days like that, then all of a sudden you start questioning are you harder for longer? Have you got the capacity to be able to be able to do it?

"Today, we weren't able to do it. We were beaten in those areas by a side that was able to control the scrimmage and control the inner (contest) and that allowed their runners on the outside to come into the game as it progressed."

The win was Hawthorn's fourth in a row against Collingwood and the fourth consecutive time it had kicked more than 20 goals against the Magpies.

Clarkson was glowing in his praise of the team's aerobic capacity as a whole after compiling an impressive second half for the second week running.

"We're confident in our fitness base," Clarkson said.

"Obviously because we finished on the last day of September last year, we're probably two or three weeks behind some clubs in terms of their preparation.

"But we've got a great fitness team . . . and got an experienced group of players who know how to get their bodies right.

"We've run out games really well in the last two weeks in particular against West Coast over there in 32-degree heat and again today in the rain. That's been really pleasing."

Clarkson said reporting Harry O'Brien for his collision with Hodge in the second quarter was "a bit harsh", while Buckley said the match review panel's finding today would be an interesting test case for the rest of the season.

"It is a grey area," Buckley said. "It could have easily been a free kick to H . . . and yet he's up on report."

Buckley said Ben Reid was "OK" after hyperextending his right knee.


23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More
techieblogger.com Techie Blogger Techie Blogger