Poke in the eye for rich clubs

Carlton pokie king Bruce Mathieson when asked about the Bulldogs' proposed plan: "I don't know anything about it - but it doesn't seem right to me." Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON would be the biggest loser under a radical "pokies tax" scheme proposed by the cash-strapped Western Bulldogs.

The plan would see the spoils of bumper gaming revenues shared by all AFL clubs.

The proposal comes after the AFL this week proposed a fan tax to charge supporters more to attend blockbuster matches.

In a submission to the league released by the Dogs yesterday, the club said: "The growth in scale of, and dependency on, poker-machine revenue in AFL clubs, and the growing revenue differentials between larger and smaller Victorian franchises in this area, have been to the detriment of the competition.

"The Western Bulldogs believe that a system in which club poker machine profits over a certain proportion of gross club revenue were contributed to a common pool for equitable distribution, would be a preferable model for a 'luxury tax' and might have the additional benefit of reducing the incentive of clubs to increase their own dependence, and their fans' exposure, to poker machine use."

The Bulldogs control just 45 poker machines compared with Carlton's arsenal of 360 gaming machines.

Rivers of gold are flowing into Visy Park thanks to the five pokies venues gifted to the club by pokies king and Blues powerbroker Bruce Mathieson.

The club's annual report reveals revenues from gaming topped $4.5 million last year and will soar again this year because of changes to legislation.

Asked about the Bulldogs' plan yesterday, Mr Mathieson said: "I don't know anything about it - but it doesn't seem right to me."

"But I'll leave it up to the club. They actually own the licences," Mathieson said.

Nine out of 10 Victorian AFL clubs control gaming machines.

North Melbourne, which has adopted a no-gambling policy under president James Brayshaw, is the only club without them.

Hawthorn's single pokies venue - Vegas at Waverley Gardens - is one of Victoria's most profitable.

Punters lost $11.69 million there last year.

Another Bulldogs proposal involves the centralisation of some funds derived from the sale of club memberships.

But the Dogs said they were opposed to a luxury tax on football department spending.

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New Dees ready for judgement

Chris Dawes leads out the Demons ahead of their NAB Cup against North Melbourne. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Chris Dawes marks the ball ahead of Luke Delaney. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

CHRIS Dawes has urged Melbourne supporters to judge his team as a collective and not as a bunch of new players cobbled together this off-season.

The Demons squad for matches against North Melbourne and Richmond last night contained five draftees, five recycled players and Jesse Hogan, the club's GWS mini-draft pick unable to play senior footy until next season.

Dawes said it was OK to get excited about the club's new talent throughout the NAB Cup, but how those players come together as a team for the season proper is all that really counts.

"There's probably slightly more new players than a regular intake each year,'' Dawes said.

"But let's also not forget that the majority of the team is who was there 12 months ago.

"At this time of year you focus on what's new, the changes, but once the season gets underway it'll be forgotten about pretty quickly that there are new faces and we'll just be judged on our performances rather than how long we've been at the club.''

Speaking at the club's family day at Luna Park this morning, Dawes said the form of father-son selection Jack Viney and top draft pick Jimmy Toumpas was encouraging.

"I didn't see much of the Richmond match because I only played the North game and was inside recovering, but it sounds like Jimmy Toumpas kicked a goal and was lively,'' he said.

North Melbourne finish the NAB Cup triple-header against Melbourne and Richmond undefeated while the Tigers prove too good for the Demons.

"He's a really classy ball user and a good decision maker. It sounds like he went OK and will be a good player.

"Viney, has that burst speed out of packs and is a pretty tough player too. There's a lot to get excited about and it was a good hit out for those two young boys.

"As well as preparing for Round 1 you hope that individuals can find some form and I was impressed with a number of our new players - older guys like (Shannon) Byrnes and (David) Rodan as well as young Jesse Hogan, Dean Kemp who I thought impressed as well."

Dawes, playing his first game for the Dees since making the off-season switch from Collingwood, said he was happy with his form.

Dees v Roos v Tigers: How it happened

But the forward conceded a calf niggle was still causing him some grief.

"The calf is OK. I probably would have played a little bit more game time ideally, but it was just one of those things, it was starting to tighten up.

"Had it been a normal season game I would have kept playing, but it was NAB (game) one, there was no need to push it at all.''

Melbourne plays Port Adelaide in Renmark next Sunday, a trip Dawes doesn't expect to make.

"I'm not even sure how many players we'll take there,'' he said.

"But I think the plan will probably be that I'll rest up next week and play the final two NAB Cup games.''

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Crows overrun Dockers in trial match

HOLDING ON: Fremantle's Clancee Pearce looks to outmark Adelaide's Sam Kerridge. Picture: Simon Cross Source: PerthNow

COMMITMENT: Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins crashes into the post as he tries to mark. Picture: Simon Cross Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE aren't concerned by game-ending injuries to Stephen Hill and Michael Walters in their five-point loss to Adelaide in today's trial match.

Hill copped an arm injury and Walters hurt an ankle but neither ailments were serious, Dockers coach Ross Lyon said.

The Crows, fielding five more players, over-ran the Dockers to win 13.11 (89) to 13.6 (84) at a heat-baked AAMI Stadium.

Adelaide used 30 players and their numerical advantage proved decisive in the result, particularly as Fremantle lost Walters and Hill during the game.

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Walters limped from the ground in the second quarter and Hill, who had off-season shoulder surgery, favoured his left arm when departing in the third term.

But Lyon was unfazed.

"(Walters) just had a niggle in an ankle and then he got a cork on his calf so we just tapped him out, the same as Hill," Lyon said.

"Hill had a bit of a numb arm for a minute and was just a bit vulnerable, he's pretty important to us so we tapped him out.

"He had a bit of a dead arm but he had full strength, which is a really good sign."

The Dockers booted the initial six goals and led by 35 points at halftime.

But they wilted in the 34 degree temperature as Adelaide's pre-arranged advantage in player numbers took effect - though it took the Crows until the 21st minute of the final quarter to take the lead.

Fremantle veteran Kepler Bradley had a set shot from 35 metres out with 15 seconds remaining to tie the final scores, but missed.

Lyon said he was missing eight of his top 22 but prime movers David Mundy and Nat Fyfe were influential in their first outings this pre-season.

Mundy gathered 17 disposals over four quarters while Fyfe collected 19 touches in three terms.

The dynamic duo helped Michael Barlow (27 possessions) and Tendai Mzungu (20 disposals, two goals) form a dominant midfield for the Dockers.

Adelaide's Brodie Martin kicked three goals, Josh Jenkins and Lewis Johnston both booted two and defenders Matthew Jaensch and Richard Tambling were among the Crows' best with 18 possessions each.

ADELAIDE 1.3 4.4 9.10 13.11 (89)
FREMANTLE 6.2 10.3 11.4 13.6 (84)

Goals: Adelaide - B Martin 3; L Johnston, J Jenkins, T McIntyre 2; R Henderson, T Lynch, I Callinan, S McKernan.
Fremantle - H Crozier, T Mzungu 2; M Walters, N Suban, D Mundy, Z Clarke, L Spurr, T Sheridan, L Neale, N Fyfe, C Pearce.
Best: Adelaide - M Jaensch, R Tambling, B Crouch, B Martin, S McKernan, C Ellis-Yolmen.
Fremantle - M Barlow, J Crichton, T Mzungu, D Mundy, Z Clarke, H Crozier, N Fyfe.
Umpires: L Hanssen, S Hay, C Bowen, C DeBoy.
 

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Majak taking small steps

North Melbourne ruckman Majak Daw provided the first highlight of the match with a strong mark backing into a pack. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Quick and getting quicker. Not simply exciting North Melbourne big man Majak Daw's development, but the demands as he reaches higher in his ultra-public football career.

Daw described his impressive NAB Cup form on Friday night as another small step, a sentiment echoed by coach Brad Scott and his crew keeping watch over the Sudanese-born talent.

"I came off the bench a few times and ( said to) some of the strength and conditioning coaches, it was really quick out there. It took me a while to adjust and find my feet,'' Daw said.

"Speaking to the guys after the game, they said it's only NAB Cup and, once the season comes, it gets even faster. I was really nervous early on and Brad came to me and said 'just let your instincts take over and back yourself' and that's what I did.

"It's up to me now. I know what it's like. I guess, all the learning experiences I've gained in the pre-season, hopefully, I can play a few more NAB Cup games just to see where I'm at with my footy. I'm not going to get ahead of myself.

"One of my biggest goals was to get through the pre-season and I've done that. And then getting an opportunity in the NAB Cup. I just want to build on that each week. It would be nice to play round 1, but I've still got a long way to go.''

Daw, now on the Kangaroos' list after three years as a rookie, is being groomed to take a turn as a key forward target as well as assisting No.1 ruckman Todd Goldstein.

"It's a lot more structured. If I'm up there, I've got Drewy (Drew Petrie) and Taz (Robbie Tarrant), they take pretty big marks and I've got to learn how to work with those guys. If that means blocking for one of those guys to get the ball, then I'm happy to play my role,'' he said.

"I knew I was more prepared this time around. My body wasn't strong enough to run out a game, but it's pleasing I can have an impact on the game and I expect more of myself. I've set a standard.''

The 21-year-old exudes a confidence that's not cockiness.

He scoffed at comparisons with Buddy Franklin and Nic Naitanui, but embraced the intrigue with his African heritage.

"Those guys (Franklin and Naitanui) are bona fide AFL players, so to compare me with those guys when I haven't played my first game yet ... I can't really control what happens on YouTube and all that sort of speculation. But I'm not going to get caught up in all that stuff,'' he said.

Roos ruck coach and mentor Alex Ishchenko reflected the club's determination to keep their boy on track.

"He was pretty happy with the way I went. He said it's only a small stepping stone and that I still have a long way to go. And I know that in myself,'' Daw said.

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Scotland convicted over pub bashing

Carlton veteran Heath Scotland has been convicted over a pub bashing. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON will take no further action against Heath Scotland following his conviction over a wild pub brawl that saw him hit a patron in the face, leaving him unconscious.

The NSW Director of Public Prosecutions today successfully appealed the sentence handed to Scotland, 32, who escaped conviction after pleading guilty last October to his role in the pub melee.

"Heath accepts the decision that was made in court today," Carlton football manager Andrew McKay said in a statement released this afternoon.

"The club has already imposed its own sanctions which will not change and we all look forward to putting this matter behind us."

The reigning best and fairest winner was placed on a two-year good behaviour bond for his king-hit, despite facing a maximum penalty of two years' jail.

But District Court Judge Paul Lakatos said the Magistrate presiding over the original hearing had ruled on an incorrect basis.

Namely he said it was wrong that Scotland was considered to be of "good character" despite a 2005 incident that saw him assault a woman at Crown casino.

"I consider that material says something about the character, or lack of good character, of (Mr Scotland)," he said.

"The offence is one of such seriousness a (non-conviction) is not appropriate.

"This is not the first time he comes before the courts on assault matters," he said.

In 2005, Scotland, then aged 25, faced Melbourne Magistrates' Court charged with assault and recklessly causing injury over an altercation at Next Blue in the Crown casino complex.

The court heard Scotland and a woman argued before he started flicking his drink on her clothes and in her face.

The woman pushed Scotland away and he allegedly hit her with an open hand to the right side of the face.

The court heard security ejected Scotland but he later returned and had to be thrown out again after getting into another argument with the woman.

Scotland was placed on a court diversion program, at the conclusion of which no conviction or guilty plea is recorded.

Judge Latakos said a similar system did not apply in NSW.

But because of the program, NSW police were not able to submit evidence of prior criminal history because Victorian records show there is none for Scotland.

But Judge Latakos today allowed prosecutors to submit Victoria Police LEAP records detailing the incident.

He said despite the non-conviction the assault had to be considered in relation to today's appeal.

He said it was inappropriate for Scotland to be dealt with as a "clean skin".

Last year, Scotland's lawyer argued that a conviction would jeopardise the club's reigning best and fairest winner's dream of becoming a firefighter after his football career ends.

It was the second time Scotland had used the firefighter defence after using it during hearings for the 2005 hearings.

But in a letter tendered to the court today MFB Nick Easy said even if Scotland avoided a conviction he would be ineligible to join the brigade for at last 10 years.

Scotland was today convicted and placed on a 12 month good behaviour bond.

He was previously fined $3000 and suspended for two games by Carlton.

Three other men - including Scotland's brother Brett - were convicted and fined over the Mulwala incident.

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Hawks play Hodge safe

Hawthorn is taking no risks with captain Luke Hodge. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN is prepared for captain Luke Hodge to miss the start of the AFL regular season if that helps him avoid last year's injury dramas.

The star utility was plagued by calf and knee injuries and only managed 10 games last season.

His start to the pre-season was delayed by knee surgery.

Coach Alastair Clarkson said Hodge was progressing well in his training, while the player himself hopes to be ready for the round one blockbuster against arch rivals Geelong.

"He's travelling okay and he's stepped up his training over the last two or three weeks,'' Clarkson said.

"He'll do even more so in the next two to three weeks as well.

"We're not going to rush him - round one isn't necessarily the focus for some of the older players on your list.''
Hodge is among several players who will miss Saturday's round-one pre-season cup fixture on the Gold Coast against the Suns and Brisbane.

Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis, Brad Sewell and Shaun Burgoyne are also not in the team.

But the lineup features Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli, who missed the Indigenous All Stars game against Richmond earlier this month because of injury.
`
"We want to take a healthy group into our round-one game against Geelong,'' Clarkson said.

"If our more experienced players are part of that, great - if they're not, then we're not too concerned about it.''
Franklin's AFL future will be a topic for the rest of the season after he decided to postpone his contract talks with the club.

Clarkson is confident the issue will not affect the Hawks.

"I continue to treat `Bud' with the same attitude that I do with the rest of the players - that's what is critical in terms of the way we manage him,'' Clarkson said.

Former Western Bulldogs fullback Brian Lake will also make his Hawthorn debut on Saturday.
Clarkson said the immediate goal was making sure the key defender is fit and ready for round one, ahead of making sure he adapts properly to how Hawthorn's defence works.

"It doesn't necessarily mean he has to be up and going and full conducive to the way we play by round one,'' Clarkson said.

"It might take him until round 12 or longer - I'm not too sure.

"I'm sure if we get his body right, then he'll be a really good contributor for us - hopefully for a good two or three years.''

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Danger, Sloane open campaigns

Adelaide Crows in pre-season training, from left, Nathan Van Berlo, Rory Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE is calling back some - but not all - of its big guns for Saturday's home trial against Fremantle.

After resting nine first-choice players from the NAB Cup openers, the Crows will put into action captain Nathan van Berlo, fellow midfielders Rory Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield and unleash key forward Taylor Walker.

Midfielder Bernie Vince also has been cleared from the injury list after shoulder surgery in the summer.

But lead ruckman Sam Jacobs, club champion Scott Thompson, forward Jason Porplyzia and experienced defenders Brent Reilly and Ben Rutten will be held back as Adelaide protects its senior players for the long premiership campaign.

Walker's return to action will give Adelaide the first chance to develop an attack that this season has to deal with the defection of Kurt Tippett to Sydney.

The trial begins at 11.30. Adelaide will work 26 players with flexibility considering the 37C heat forecast at West Lakes.

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LIVE: Kangaroos v Demons

Melbourne's father-son selection Jack Viney with his dad Todd at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

FOLLOW all the action from tonight's NAB Cup matches featuring North Melbourne, Richmond and Melbourne from Etihad Stadium.

NORTH Melbourne will be out to continue an impressive week for the club when it takes on Melbourne in game one of tonight's triangular series.

The Kangaroos, fresh off re-signing Shaun Atley today, boast a strong list for the clash against a Demons outfit littered with exciting young guns and experienced recruits from rival clubs.

SCHEDULE
North Melbourne v Melbourne 6.45pm AEDT
Melbourne v Richmond 7.50pm AEDT
Richmond v North Melbourne 8.55pm AEDT

Atley's commitment follows the news of coach Brad Scott, Jack Ziebell and Daniel Wells all inking contract extensions to remain at Arden Street.

But all eyes will be on Demons father-son recruit Jack Viney and No.4 pick Jimmy Toumpas who step out for the first time in the blue and red.

Melbourne also features a forward line bolstered with the addition of Chris Dawes and Shannon Byrnes.

Tweet your thoughts on tonight's matches to @gilbertgardiner or @superfooty

It will also be the first time former Kangaroos utility Cameron Pedersen lines up against his old side after forming part of a deal which saw Jordan Gysberts traded to North Melbourne.

Gysberts is one of a number of new faces on Kangaroos list which includes rebounding defender Ben Jacobs and developing ruckmen Daniel Currie and Majak Daw.

Veteran Brent Harvey is expected to play the majority of game time in both matches while no risks will be taken with Daniel Wells and Jack Ziebell.

Harvey is not eligible to play in the regular season until Round 7 after being suspended in the Kangaroos heavy elimination final loss against West Coast.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

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Hawks to rest key midfielders

Hawthorn star Lance Franklin will open his NAB Cup campaign on Saturday. Picture: Mark Dadswell Source: Herald Sun

The Demons parted with pick No.3 for new 17-year-old priority selection, Jesse Hogan, who is not eligible to play AFL until 2014. Picture: Blair Hamish Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN will open its NAB Cup campaign without midfielders Sam Mitchell, Brad Sewell, Shaun Burgoyne and enforcer Jordan Lewis.

But the Hawks have left nothing to chance naming an imposing forward contingent including superstar Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Jack Gunston, Luke Breust, Shane Savage and Paul Puopolo.

Recruit Brian Lake will also step out for the first time in brown and gold when the Hawks take on Brisbane and Gold Coast on Saturday at Metricon Stadium.

Youngsters Derick Wanganeen, Taylor Duryea, Angus Litherland, Sam Grimley and Luke Lowden will be given a chance to impress Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson during the triangular series.

Marc Murphy (above), Andrew Carrazzo and Kade Simpson are officially in contention to replace Chris Judd as leader at Carlton, but it has effectively become a two-horse race between Carrazzo and Murphy. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON has named cancer survivor Sam Rowe on its extended list for Sunday's NAB Cup matches against Sydney and Greater Western Sydney.

Rowe sat out the 2012 campaign after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. The key forward underwent chemotherapy on the way to beating the grade one (the lowest grade) cancer.

SCROLL DOWN FOR EXTENDED NAB CUP SQUADS

The Blues boast a strong line up including captaincy hopefuls Andrew Carrazzo, Marc Murphy, Kade Simpson and Nick Duigan, who will lead the team against Sydney on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Murphy will captain the side against Greater Western Sydney.

Carlton stars Chris Judd and Matthew Kreuzer have been rested.

Gary Ablett says Jaeger O'Meara, right, could be the next captain of the Gold Coast Suns. Picture: Glenn Hampson Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GOLD Coast captain Gary Ablett looks set to open his NAB Cup campaign against Hawthorn and Brisbane on Saturday.

Recruits Tom Murphy and Greg Broughton will also be making their debuts for the Suns alongside elite youngsters Jaeger O'Meara, Jesse Lonergan and Jack Martin.

BRISBANE will unleash highly-rated youngster Sam Docherty in a Lions' outfit missing co-captain Jonathan Brown.

A rebounding defender with a booming right foot, Docherty is expected to push for senior selection in 2013.

Lions recruits Brent Moloney and Stef Martin have also been named in the extended 33-man squad.

Jarrad McVeigh and Jude Bolton with the 2012 AFL premiership cup Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

SYDNEY has named four draftees in a line up which includes two sets of brothers and a string of premiership stars.

Swans first round selection Dean Towers (overall pick No.22) and powerful mid-sized forward Tim Membrey are expected to make their debuts.

The Bloods squad includes brothers, Kieren and Brandon Jack, and, Ted and Xavier Richards.

Sydney is expected to play a number of premiership players including co-captain Jarrad McVeigh, Dan Hannebery, Ryan O'Keefe and Jude Bolton.

Rated father-son prospect Tom Mitchell will also be given a chance to impress after a mixed 2012 campaign in the reserves.

Mitchell, who collected 42 disposals, six marks and a goal in 70 minutes, battled a niggling knee injury last year.

The Demons have parted with pick No.3 for new recruit Jesse Hogan, a 17-year-old not eligible to play AFL until 2014. Picture: Blair Hamish Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has sought advice from two rival AFL clubs on how best to develop exciting key forward Jesse Hogan this season.

The Demons spoke with Gold Coast and Adelaide about their 17-year-old midfielders Jaeger O'Meara and Brad Crouch playing with the Suns reserves and SANFL club West Adelaide last season.

Hogan, ineligible for the AFL this season after being picked up in the 2012 GWS mini-draft, will be given senior experience against North Melbourne and Richmond in the NAB Cup first round at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.

Coach Mark Neeld said Demons officials gleaned information from the Suns and the Crows on how O'Meara and Crouch progressed while playing in local leagues.

"So, there are some good examples around if you do the right thing and don't put too many expectations on them, it will be a great year for learning for Jesse," Neeld said.

"At times this year, he's going to get frustrated that we know he can't play league footy. But we know it's a good lead-in."

Melbourne has AFL permission to play Hogan in the NAB Cup. And, with Mitch Clark out, it's valuable experience for the 18-year-old before he spends the season with Casey Scorpions.

West Australian teenager Dean Kent will join young midfielders Jack Viney and Jimmy Toumpas to press their claims against the Roos and Tigers.

Kent, a hard-at-the-ball left-footer from Clackline, about 80km northeast of Perth, earned his NAB Cup chance with strong work in the first intraclub match at Cranbourne last Friday.

Kangaroos veteran Brent Harvey is loving North Melbourne's match training sessions with Geelong. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne new boy Jordan Gysberts didn't have to wait long to run into old teammates - the traded Demon will play the opening game against his former club.

Veteran Roo Brent Harvey, suspended for the first six rounds, will play both games, while Daniel Wells (achilles) and Jack Ziebell (knee) are being eased back.

Ziebell underwent a minor knee operation last month and was in doubt to make an appearance in the early rounds of the preseason competition.

The Kangaroos have also named former Port Adelaide defender Ben Jacobs in a near full-strength squad which includes developing ruckman Majak Daw.

Mature-aged recruit Daniel Currie is the only untried Kangaroo to make the cut with 2012 National Draft picks Taylor Garner (15), Mason Wood (41) and Mitchell Wilkins (47) missing out.

Hard-nosed midfielder Leigh Adams remains the only senior Kangaroo on the sidelines.

Young guns Kieran Harper, Shaun Atley and Ben Cunnington will also be out to impress ahead of the home and away season.

RICHMOND star Trent Cotchin will step out as captain for the first time when the Tigers take on Melbourne in game two of Friday night's NAB Cup matches.

Cotchin replaced stalwart Chris Newman as skipper during the off-season.

The Tigers' squad includes ball magnets Brett Deledio, Shane Tuck and spearhead Jack Riewoldt.

Young gun Dustin Martin has also been named along with rebounding defenders Brandon Ellis and Bachar Houli.

The Tigers look set to unveil No.9 pick Nick Vlastuin, speedster Steven Verrier and mature-aged recruits Aaron Edwards (North Melbourne), Chris Knights (Adelaide), Ricky Petterd (Melbourne).

FRIDAY at Etihad Stadium
North Melbourne v Melbourne 6.45pm AEDT
Melbourne v Richmond 7.50pm AEDT
Richmond v North Melbourne 8.55pm AEDT
SATURDAY at Metricon Stadium
Gold Coast v Hawthorn 5.40pm AEDT
Brisbane Lions v Hawthorn 7.45pm AEDT
Gold Coast v Brisbane Lions 8.50pm AEDT


SUNDAY at Skoda Stadium
Greater Western Sydney v Carlton 4.40pm AEDT
Sydney Swans v Carlton 5.45pm AEDT
Greater Western Sydney v Sydney Swans 6.50pm AEDT



TEAMS

CARLTON

1. Andrew Walker, 3.Marc Murphy, 4. Bryce Gibbs, 6. Kade Simpson, 7. Dylan Buckley, 9. Kane Lucas, 10. Matthew Watson, 11. Robert Warnock, 12. Mitch Robinson, 13. Chris Yarran, 14. Brock McLean, 15. Jeremy Laidler, 16. Andrew Collins, 17. Sam Rowe, 19. Eddie Betts, 20. Rhys O'Keeffe, 21. Josh Bootsma, 22. Shaun Hampson, 23. Lachie Henderson, 24. Patrick McCarthy, 27. Dennis Armfield, 28. Tom Bell, 31. Marcus Davies, 34. Nick Duigan, 35. Ed Curnow, 38. Jeff Garlett, 40. Michael Jamison, 41. Levi Casboult, 42. Zach Tuohy, 43. Simon White, 44. Andrew Carrazzo, 45. Aaron Joseph, 46. David Ellard



GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY  

1. Phil Davis, 2. Curtly Hampton, 4. Toby Greene, 5. Dylan Shiel, 6. Lachie Whitfield, 7. Rhys Palmer, 9. Tom Scully, 10. Devon Smith, 11. Taylor Adams, 12. Jonathon Patton, 13. Sam Darley, 14. Tomas Bugg, 15. Tim Golds, 16. Nathan Wilson, 17. Adam Treloar, 18. Jeremy Cameron, 20. Adam Tomlinson, 21. Matt Buntine, 22. Shaun Edwards, 23. Sam Reid, 25. Anthony Miles, 26. Jonathan Giles, 28. Liam Sumner, 30. Lachie Plowman, 31. Jacob Townsend, 32. Gerald Ugle, 35. Aidan Corr, 37. Setanta O'hAilpin, 38. Stephen Gilham, 39. Tim Mohr, 40. Adam Kennedy, 42. Mark Whiley, 43. Kurt Aylett, 48. Sam Frost



SYDNEY SWANS

1. Tim Membrey, 3. Jarrad McVeigh, 4. Daniel Hannebery, 5. Ryan O'Keefe, 6. Tom Mitchell, 7. Harry Cunningham, 9. Nick Malceski, 11. Jed Lamb, 12. Josh Kennedy, 13. Andrejs Everitt, 14. Craig Bird, 15. Kieren Jack, 17. Tommy Walsh, 18. Jesse White, 19. Tony Armstrong, 20. Sam Reid, 22. Dean Towers, 23. Jordan Lockyer, 24. Jude Bolton, 25. Ted Richards, 26. Luke Parker, 28. Matthew Dick, 30. Lewis Roberts-Thomson, 31. Harry Marsh, 32. Lewis Jetta, 33. Brandon Jack, 34. Alex Johnson, 35. Sam Naismith, 36. Alex Brown, 38. Mike Pyke, 39. Heath Grundy, 42. Xavier Richards, 43. Dane Rampe, 44. Jake Lloyd, 46. Shane Biggs

BRISBANE LIONS

1.Sam Docherty, 2. Ryan Harwood, 3. Brent Moloney, 5. Billy Longer, 6. Josh Green, 8. Rohan Bewick, 9. Ashley McGrath, 10. Daniel Rich, 12. Stefan Martin, 13. Callum Bartlett, 15. Dayne Zorko, 17. Claye Beams, 18. Todd Banfield, 19. Jordan Lisle, 21. Daniel Merrett, 22. Marco Paparone, 24. Joel Patfull, 25. Richard Newell, 26. Elliot Yeo, 28. Patrick Karnezis, 29. Andrew Raines, 30. Jack Redden, 31. James Polkinghorne, 35. Ryan Lester, 36. Matt Maguire, 37. Patrick Wearden, 38. Tom Rockliff, 40. Niall McKeever, 41. Mitch Golby, 42. Justin Clarke, 44. Aaron Cornelius, 46. Sam Michael, 48. Stephen Wrigley

GOLD COAST

1. Jaeger O'Meara, 2. Zac Smith, 3. Jared Brennan, 4. Maverick Weller, 5. Jarrod Harbrow, 6. Alex Sexton, 7. Karmichael Hunt, 8. Luke Russell, 9. Gary Ablett, 11. Harley Bennell, 12. Sam Day, 13. Jacob Gillbee, 14. Matthew Warnock, 15. Daniel Gorringe, 16. Rory Thompson, 17. Steven May, 19. Tom Lynch, 21. Jeremy Taylor, 23. Charlie Dixon, 24. David Swallow,  26. Matt Shaw, 29. Tom Murphy, 30. Campbell Brown, 31. Jackson Allen, 33. Aaron Hall, 34. Jack Hutchins, 35. Michael Rischitelli, 36. Greg Broughton, 37. Jesse Lonergan, 38. Joel Wilkinson, 40. Andrew Boston, 42. Kyal Horsley


HAWTHORN

2. Jarryd Roughead, 4. Matthew Suckling, 6. Josh Gibson, 10. Bradley Hill, 13. Kyle Cheney, 14. Grant Birchall, 16. Isaac Smith, 17. Brian Lake, 18. Brent Guerra, 19. Jack Gunston, 20. David Hale, 21. Shane Savage, 22. Luke Breust, 23. Lance Franklin, 24. Ben Stratton, 25. Ryan Schoenmakers, 27. Matt Spangher, 28. Paul Puopolo, 29. Will Langford, 30. Luke Lowden, 31. Angus Litherland, 32. Jonathan Simpkin, 33. Cyril Rioli, 34. Jordan Kelly, 35. Sam Grimley, 37. Jed Anderson, 38. Mitch Hallahan, 39. Max Bailey, 40. Tim O'Brien, 41. Taylor Duryea, 42. Kaiden Brand, 43. Amos Frank, 46. Derick Wanganeen, 47. Jonathon Ceglar

NORTH MELBOURNE

1. Daniel Currie, 2. Brad McKenzie, 3. Ryan Bastinac, 4. Liam Anthony, 5. Ben Jacobs, 6. Lachlan Hansen, 7. Jack Ziebell, 8. Daniel Wells, 9. Andrew Swallow, 10. Ben Cunnington, 11. Michael Firrito, 12. Lindsay Thomas, 14. Jordan Gysberts, 15. Luke Delaney, 16. Scott Thompson, 17. Nathan Grima, 18. Shaun Atley, 19. Sam Wright, 20. Drew Petrie, 22. Todd Goldstein, 23. Kieran Harper, 24. Levi Greenwood, 25. Robbie Tarrant, 28. Will Sierakowski, 29. Brent Harvey, 30. Tom Curran, 31. Cameron Delaney, 34. Jamie Macmillan, 35. Aaron Black, 38. Majak Daw, 41. Aaron Mullett, 42. Scott McMahon, 43. Sam Gibson, 46. Ben Speight

MELBOURNE

1. Jesse Hogan, 2. Nathan Jones, 4. Jack Watts, 5. Jimmy Toumpas, 6. Chris Dawes, 7. Jack Viney, 8. James Frawley, 10. Shannon Byrnes, 12. Colin Sylvia, 13. Jordie McKenzie, 14. Lynden Dunn, 15. David Rodan, 17. Sam Blease, 19. James Strauss, 20. Colin Garland, 21. Cameron Pedersen, 22. James Magner, 25. Tom McDonald, 26. Daniel Nicholson, 27. Tom Gillies, 28. Joel Macdonald, 30. James Sellar, 31. Jack Grimes, 32. Michael Evans, 34. Dean Kent, 36 Aaron Davey, 38. Jeremy Howe, 39. Neville Jetta, 40. Mark Jamar, 42. Jake Spencer, 45. Matt Jones, 46. Dean Terlich, 47. Tom Couch, 48. Jack Fitzpatrick

RICHMOND

1. Chris Newman, 3. Brett Deledio, 4. Dustin Martin, 5. Brandon Ellis, 6. Shaun Grigg, 7. Matt Dea, 8. Jack Riewoldt, 9. Trent Cotchin, 10. Shane Edwards, 11. Jake Batchelor, 12. David Astbury, 13. Ricky Petterd, 14. Bachar Houli, 15. Chris Knights, 16. Luke McGuane, 18. Alex Rance, 20. Ivan Maric, 21. Shane Tuck, 23. Daniel Jackson, 24. Ben Griffiths, 26. Robin Nahas, 27. Aaron Edwards, 29. Ty Vickery, 30. Reece Conca, 31. Nick Vlastuin, 35. Matt White, 36. Matt McDonough, 37. Orren Stephenson, 38. Steven Morris, 39. Tom Derickx, 43. Todd Elton, 44. Matthew Arnot, 45. Brett O'Hanlon, 49. Steven Verrier

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Scott, Wells ink new deals

North Melbourne looks set to extend coach Brad Scott's stay. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has re-signed coach Brad Scott and star midfielder Daniel Wells through to the end of 2016.

As exclusively revealed by the Sunday Herald Sun, the Kangaroos reached an agreement with Scott on a new deal late last year after he led the club to its first finals series since 2008.

Wells' contract extension all but ensures the 28-year-old 2002 No.2 pick will finish his career at Arden St.

Scott commended Wells and co-vice captain Jack Ziebell for inking contract extensions.

"To have players of the calibre of Daniel and Jack re-sign sends a great message to our supporters," Scott said.

"It's a vote of confidence that our players want to say here."

Kangaroos chief executive Carl Dilena said the club regarded Scott as the "best" young coach in football.

"His commitment to be part of the future of the club is exciting, and we are confident he is the man to take North Melbourne to its fifth premiership," Dilena told the club's website.

Scott took control of the Roos in 2010. He has won 35 of his 67 games as coach of the club, with a 52 per cent winning record.

After finishing ninth in his first two seasons as coach, last season the club won 14 games, including 10 of their last 13.

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Judd to miss NAB Cup opener

Carlton forward Andrew Walker runs laps with Chris Judd, Andrew Collins and Dennis Armfield. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON veteran Chris Judd has been ruled out for the Blues' NAB Cup mission north to face Sydney and the GWS Giants.

The dual Brownlow medallist is one of a number of senior players expected to miss games during the pre-season competition as new coach Mick Malthouse primes his troops for Round 1.

The Blues take on reigning premiers Sydney and the AFL's newest franchise, Greater Western Sydney, on Sunday at Skoda Stadium in Blacktown.

Sheedy expects fired up Malthouse

"You need to have your players in good form by Round 1, so the NAB Cup is very important. We're looking for winning form," Malthouse said today.

"Chris Judd won't play this week."

Malthouse said the Blues would implement a defensive game-plan honing in on the player's strengths.

"We've got certain strengths and we want them to come to the fore, so they'll be heavily promoted."

Meanwhile, Blues forward Andrew Walker expects plenty of improvement out of supremely talented teammate Bryce Gibbs.

The pair were partnered together during the pre-season to learn from each other's skill sets.

The high-flying forward is looking to improve on his delivery by foot while Gibbs is hoping to work on his endurance.

"He's (Gibbs) bulked right up but he is running better than I have ever seen him," Walker told SEN radio this morning.

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Gibbs ($509,800 def/mid) mixed his form during the Blues' ill-fated 2012 campaign which came to a crushing end at the hands of Gold Coast in the penultimate round of the home and away season.

"I think he may be 2-3kgs heavier than what he was last year but his running power has changed so much over the past 3-4 months."

Walker said training under Malthouse had helped him get his body right for the season.

"I've got a huge benefit out of Mick coming this year… I actually feel my body is 100 per cent and I'm ready for the first game.

"One of his (Malthouse) strengths is he sees things from a player's perspective, he understands that you can't be flogged 100 per cent of the time.

"He recognises that and if the time comes where he can see we need a rest or we need a freshen up – mentally – he's willing to give us some time.

"The boys might have been a little flat or blokes just starting to get sore and he just takes the initiative to maybe give the boys 24-hours off to recover so we come in feeling fresh mentally and physically two days later."

Walker endorsed Nick Duigan as a knockout chance of winning the Blues' captaincy race ahead of frontrunners Marc Murphy, Andrew Carrazzo and Kade Simpson.

"Everyone looks up to him, he speaks very well and trains the house down so he's a great leader."

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Pies remain hopeful on Thomas

Collingwood is holding out hope on Dale Thomas being ready for Round 1. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD still hope star utility Dale Thomas can play in Round 1, but only if there are no setbacks.

There is ongoing speculation about Thomas, who is returning from an ankle injury and is yet to resume full training.

Coach Nathan Buckley said he had not ruled out Thomas from the round-one match on March 31 against North Melbourne.

"But at the same time, we're not going to push a bloke to play round one when it's going to put undue risk on him to re-injure and then you lose him for another month,'' Buckley said.

"We'll make the decision based on how well he trains between now and when he comes back and when we pull the trigger on him.''

Thomas, Luke Ball, Alex Fasolo, Tyson Goldsack, Alan Toovey and Lachlan Keeffe have all had off-season injury issues.

Toovey and Fasolo could return to the side for next week's second-round NAB Cup match against West Coast in WA.

Ball, whose season last year was ruined by a knee reconstruction, is slightly ahead of Thomas in his training.

"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 in a couple of weeks,'' Buckley said.

"If Daisy full-trains in a week's time, we're still a month out from round one.

"If he was able to achieve that, he'd be around the mark for round-one start.''

One player who has had no issues with pre-season training is Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan.

The Magpies banned Swan for two games late last season for breaking a club alcohol ban ahead of the finals.

He still finished third in the club best and fairest voting and remains one of the game's top midfielders.

The Magpies have been rapt not only with Swan's pre-season form, but also his attitude.

"He's invested, he's showing a real care for his team-mates and the environment that he's operating in,'' Buckley said.

"That can ebb and flow in individuals, as it can in teams.

"But we feel like we're in good shape at the moment.''

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No tanks, says defiant Demetriou

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou is sticking to his guns . Source: Herald Sun

'You're right! It says Range Rover, not tank' - David McArthur cartoon Source: Herald Sun

A DEFIANT Andrew Demetriou last night declared tanking had never taken place in the AFL.

The AFL boss told the Herald Sun teams had never set out to deliberately lose games and secure draft picks.

"I have no evidence to support the view that tanking exists," Demetriou said.

"If you are asking me the question that has been asked before: 'Do I think players purposely go out to lose games?'

"I've said in my heart of hearts I don't believe that ever to be the case."

Asked if coaches could orchestrate tanking, Demetriou said: "Well, we've got no evidence to support otherwise...and we have got very, very good investigators."

Melbourne was yesterday fined $500,000 - the third largest financial sanction in AFL history - but found not guilty of tanking after a seven-month investigation.

Instead, former football boss Chris Connolly and former coach Dean Bailey were slapped with lengthy suspensions for "acting in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the AFL".

The resolution to the tanking saga was seen as a major victory for Melbourne, who had threatened Supreme Court action if heavily punished.

Demetriou was a surprise no show at yesterday's announcement, leaving his deputy Gillon McLachlan to explain the penalties.

"The Melbourne Football Club did not set out to deliberately lose matches in any game in 2009," McLachlan said.

"All I can say is on the evidence that I was presented...there is no allegation that is able to be sustained that Dean Bailey didn't coach on his merits or the players didn't play to their up most ability."

Connolly was suspended for 12 months, while Bailey, now an assistant at Adelaide, was banned from coaching for the first 16 rounds of the season.

McLachlan said there was no evidence to suggest the Melbourne board, led in 2009 by the late Jim Stynes, or chief executive Cameron Schwab had given directives for the team to lose.

He said the club was fined for being the employers of Connolly and Bailey.

At the centre of the investigation were comments made by Connolly at a football department meeting in mid 2009, where he warned officials about the importance of losing matches to improve the club's draft position.

"Connolly has accepted he went into a football department meeting and he made a terrible and stupid decision in the context of an AFL rule that has now changed (priority draft picks) and in the context of pressure and expectation of success," McLachlan said.

"He made a comment regarding the performance of the team, a desire to secure a priority pick, and I know he now regrets that comment.

"I think he has accepted - and the evidence accepts it - that the people in that room took him seriously and acted in a way that they thought he meant.

"The AFL concluded Bailey acted upon Connolly's warning by making decisions about selection, player management and match-day positioning because of the pressure applied by Connolly."

But McLachlan said Bailey had always set out to win on match day.

"What I am saying is that he (Bailey) made decisions in response to the pressure of that meeting - that he had to appease Chris Connolly - and may have had an impact that goes to success, but he made no conscious decision on match day to lose games," McLachlan said.

"He made decisions in response to that which meant that he was resting players and playing players out of position in the context of pressure not to win."

Connolly, who no longer works in the Melbourne football department, has been guaranteed future employment at the club once his suspension is served.

Melbourne president Don McLardy said yesterday: "The findings...state clearly there was no directive from the club board or executive management to deliberately lose matches, and the Melbourne Football Club never set out to deliberately lose matches in any game during the 2009 season."

An Adelaide spokesman said last night: "We are extremely disappointed at the significant suspension which Dean has incurred following the AFL's investigation.

"The Adelaide Football Club will continue to provide its full support to Dean during this time and is totally committed to retaining him as a valued employee of the Football Club."

McLachlan said the tanking investigation involved interviews with 58 players, former players, coaches and club officials.

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Adcock to lead Lions with Brown

Stepping up: Jed Adcock, seen here in action last year, will lead the Lions with long-time skipper Jonathan Brown. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

BRISBANE defender Jed Adcock has been appointed Lions co-captain.

The 27-year-old will serve alongside long-time skipper Jonathan Brown in the Brisbane leadership group with young guns Daniel Rich and Tom Rockliff appointed as vice-captains.

Adcock has 141 career games to his name after making his senior debut in 2004.

He has regularly filled in as acting captain when Brown has been injured in recent years and his greater on-field experience gave him the edge over his captaincy rivals.

Adcock is the eighth player in the history of the Brisbane Lions to be appointed captain or co-captain.

"It's a huge honour. Massive,'' Adcock said.

"This club had a great tradition so to be recognised as a co-captain is a huge honour. Very proud.''

Senior coach Michael Voss said the new leadership structure was a good fit for the club.

"Jed has demonstrated outstanding leadership over his time at the Lions, and most specifically in his past four seasons as a vice-captain,'' Voss said.

"As we know, Brownie won't be around forever, and with Jed as co-captain, it will not only ease the load on Brownie but importantly they will both play a critical role in the continued development of Tom's and Daniel's leadership capabilities over the coming years.

"Jed is not only a leader on-field, he is an excellent representative of this footy club, and its culture and values.

"Tom and Daniel, as the deputies, are extremely capable young men who have shown maturity beyond their years in their short times at the club.''

Jed Adcock and Jonathan Brown will co-captain the Brisbane Lions in 2013. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

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Teams: Roos name Ziebell, Daw

Jack Ziebell at North Melbourne training. Picture: Darren Tindale Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne co-captain Jack Ziebell has been named in the Kangaroos squad for Friday's NAB Cup matches against Melbourne and Richmond.

Ziebell underwent a minor knee operation last month and was in doubt to make an appearance in the early rounds of the preseason competition.

The Kangaroos have also named recruits Ben Jacobs and Jordan Gysberts in a full-strength squad which includes developing ruckman Majak Daw.

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Mature-aged recruit Daniel Currie is the only untried Kangaroo to make the cut with 2012 National Draft picks Taylor Garner (15), Mason Wood (41) and Mitchell Wilkins (47) missing out.

Hard-nosed midfielder Leigh Adams remains the only senior Kangaroo on the sidelines.

Daniel Wells will be looking to continue his solid preseason form while Brent Harvey, suspended for the first six weeks of the regular season, is expected to play the bulk of game time.

Young guns Kieran Harper, Shaun Atley and Ben Cunnington will also be out to impress ahead of the home and away season.

MELBOURNE will unleash young guns Jimmy Toumpas and Jack Viney on Friday night at Etihad Stadium.

The Demons' 34-man squad includes mature-aged recruits Shannon Byrnes, Chris Dawes, David Rodan and Cameron Pedersen.

The NAB Cup triangular-series will be Dawes' first run in Demon strips after being rested for the club's practice match last week.

Meanwhile, mini-draft pick Jesse Hogan, 17, has been given permission to play in the NAB Cup.

The power forward, not eligible to play in the AFL until 2014, will play for Melbourne's VFL-affiliate Casey Scorpions during the regular season.

Usual suspects Jack Watts, Colin Sylvia, Jordie McKenzie, James Magner, Aaron Davey, Jeremy Howe and 2012 best and fairest award winner Nathan Jones are expected to take their spots in the starting line up.

RICHMOND star Trent Cotchin will step out as captain for the first time when the Tigers take on Melbourne in game two of Friday night's NAB Cup matches.

Cotchin replaced stalwart Chris Newman as skipper during the off-season.

The Tigers' squad includes ball magnets Brett Deledio, Shane Tuck and spearhead Jack Riewoldt.

Young gun Dustin Martin has also been named along with rebounding defenders Brandon Ellis and Bachar Houli.

The Tigers look set to unveil No.9 pick Nick Vlastuin, speedster Steven Verrier and mature-aged recruits Aaron Edwards (North Melbourne), Chris Knights (Adelaide), Ricky Petterd (Melbourne).

FIXTURE:

North Melbourne v Melbourne 6.45pm AEDT
Melbourne v Richmond 7.50pm AEDT
Richmond v North Melbourne 8.55pm AEDT

NORTH MELBOURNE

1. Daniel Currie, 2. Brad McKenzie, 3. Ryan Bastinac, 4. Liam Anthony, 5. Ben Jacobs, 6. Lachlan Hansen, 7. Jack Ziebell, 8. Daniel Wells, 9. Andrew Swallow, 10. Ben Cunnington, 11. Michael Firrito, 12. Lindsay Thomas, 14. Jordan Gysberts, 15. Luke Delaney, 16. Scott Thompson, 17. Nathan Grima, 18. Shaun Atley, 19. Sam Wright, 20. Drew Petrie, 22. Todd Goldstein, 23. Kieran Harper, 24. Levi Greenwood, 25. Robbie Tarrant, 28. Will Sierakowski, 29. Brent Harvey, 30. Tom Curran, 31. Cameron Delaney, 34. Jamie Macmillan, 35. Aaron Black, 38. Majak Daw, 41. Aaron Mullett, 42. Scott McMahon, 43. Sam Gibson, 46. Ben Speight

MELBOURNE

1. Jesse Hogan, 2. Nathan Jones, 4. Jack Watts, 5. Jimmy Toumpas, 6. Chris Dawes, 7. Jack Viney, 8. James Frawley, 10. Shannon Byrnes, 12. Colin Sylvia, 13. Jordie McKenzie, 14. Lynden Dunn, 15. David Rodan, 17. Sam Blease, 19. James Strauss, 20. Colin Garland, 21. Cameron Pedersen, 22. James Magner, 25. Tom McDonald, 26. Daniel Nicholson, 27. Tom Gillies, 28. Joel Macdonald, 30. James Sellar, 31. Jack Grimes, 32. Michael Evans, 34. Dean Kent, 36 Aaron Davey, 38. Jeremy Howe, 39. Neville Jetta, 40. Mark Jamar, 42. Jake Spencer, 45. Matt Jones, 46. Dean Terlich, 47. Tom Couch, 48. Jack Fitzpatrick

RICHMOND

1. Chris Newman, 3. Brett Deledio, 4. Dustin Martin, 5. Brandon Ellis, 6. Shaun Grigg, 7. Matt Dea, 8. Jack Riewoldt, 9. Trent Cotchin, 10. Shane Edwards, 11. Jake Batchelor, 12. David Astbury, 13. Ricky Petterd, 14. Bachar Houli, 15. Chris Knights, 16. Luke McGuane, 18. Alex Rance, 20. Ivan Maric, 21. Shane Tuck, 23. Daniel Jackson, 24. Ben Griffiths, 26. Robin Nahas, 27. Aaron Edwards, 29. Ty Vickery, 30. Reece Conca, 31. Nick Vlastuin, 35. Matt White, 36. Matt McDonough, 37. Orren Stephenson, 38. Steven Morris, 39. Tom Derickx, 43. Todd Elton, 44. Matthew Arnot, 45. Brett O'Hanlon, 49. Steven Verrier

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ASADA continues talks at Windy Hill

Essendon chairman David Evans has promised his members answers amid ASADA's investigations into the use of banned substances at the club. Source: Getty Images

THE Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority today met with Essendon players as part of its inquiry into the possible use of banned substances.

Essendon chairman David Evans said it was an important step in the investigation.

"ASADA outlined the process for the investigation to continue, including interviews with players to determine if a prohibited substance had been administered," Evans said in a statement.

"I know our members and the football community want answers, and I ask that the club be allowed time to cooperate with the ongoing investigation."

ASADA met with the players informing them about their rights and entitlements during probe into alleged use of banned supplements during the 2012 home and away season.

The investigation follows the release of a damning Australian Crime Commission report which found wide-spread use of performance enhancing drugs in Australian professional sporting codes.

MEANWHILE, the AFL has bolstered its integrity unit adding a new full-time employee to its ranks this week.

Two part-time employees will also be upgraded to full-time as part of the AFL's clamp down on the use of performance enhancing and illicit substances in the sport.

The integrity unit is set to conduct background checks of all AFL club employees, contractors and consultants in the coming weeks.

AFL medical directors will also begin meetings with club doctors to review practices and audit clubs' use of supplements and other treatments.

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Cover-up claim hits the Lions

Lions coach Michael Voss says there is no chance drug taking could have happened at the club in the years of his captaincy without his knowledge. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Brisbane Lions players with 2002 premiership cup. Picture: Jody Darcy Source: Herald Sun

MICHAEL Voss today admitted he couldn't rule out illicit drug use was happening during his tenure as Lions captain - but he insists the latest drug claims levelled at the club have some glaring inconsistencies.

A day after self-confessed drug dealer Jason McGrath - the cousin of premiership player Ash McGrath - made stunning allegations he supplied illicit drugs to Lions players from 2002-09, new reports emerged that one player sat out games in the same period to hide a drug issue.

But Brisbane coach Voss says only the individual and the club doctor would be privy as to why a player would miss games in that instance.

"I'm learning some things here, apparently. Trying to sort through what is fact and fiction is a little hard at the moment,'' Voss told Triple M this morning.

"There are inconsistencies that players have missed games ... because as officials and (other) players, we don't get notified.

"The doctor does that with the (individual) player and we don't know. That shouldn't be general knowledge and no-one should know except the player and the doctor.''

Voss, who led Brisbane to the 2001-03 flags and until 2006, admitted he couldn't be certain teammates weren't using drugs under his leadership.

"They could have been (doing anything),'' he said.

"I'm not naive enough to sit here and say that it hasn't happened. I couldn't say that with 100 per cent certainty.

"But there has been a whole bunch of things mentioned and I'd really question the validity of those allegations.''

When asked if he'd ever met Jason McGrath, the six-time All Australian said: ``not that I can certainly recall''.

"That's why we say they (the claims) are unsubstantiated. The names that have been thrown around I haven't even seen before,'' Voss said.

"We have after-match functions where there are probably 200 or 250 people. There are a lot of people hovering around and I might have walked past him two or three times but apart from seeing his photos recently I wouldn't know what the guy looks like.

"Speaking to some of my other teammates yesterday they don't know who he is either.

"He's out and about but he's a bit of a phantom to us all at the moment. But he might be familiar to some of our players at that stage of our careers, but he certainly wasn't to a majority of us.''

Voss hoped the drugs in sport saga didn't harm the club's image or sponsorship deals.

The Courier-Mail today revealed explosive allegations that the reason for a Brisbane Lions player's absence from some games last decade was falsified to cover-up an illicit drug issue.

A former Lions staffer told The Courier-Mail a player missed specific matches in this period because of the illicit drugs issue.

It is just one of several allegations to emerge that have prompted the AFL to open an investigation into behaviours at the club between 2002 and 2009.

The AFL confirmed yesterday the league's integrity unit would investigate.

It follows claims by Jason McGrath, the cousin of premiership player Ash McGrath, that he was involved in match-fixing, illegal gambling and was a drug supplier to six Lions players from that period who were regular users of speed, ecstacy and marijuana.

The Courier-Mail revealed these claims yesterday and was then contacted by a former staffer who worked at the Lions for several years.

The ex-staffer said he could confirm many of Jason McGrath's allegations surrounding drug use.

Another former employee also made the revelation that while at the Lions he was told the reason for a player's absence from the side was a fabrication to cover up an issue with illicit drugs.

Last week AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou confirmed players in the AFL have been repeatedly forced to miss matches because of serious breaches of the league's illicit drug policy.

The Lions reacted angrily to the decision by The Courier-Mail to publish Jason McGrath's allegations.

"These claims from a 'self-confessed drug dealer' are completely unsubstantiated and do not deserve publicity," the Lions said in a statement.

"We have no reason to believe the word of a 'self-confessed drug dealer', but if anyone, including The Courier-Mail, has any evidence with regards to this, or any other matter, it should be referred to either the AFL integrity unit or the Queensland Police.''

AFL corporate affairs manager James Tonkin said the league had opened a probe into events at the club between 2002-09.

"We don't comment on unsubstantated claims, but the matter has been referred to the integrity unit,'' Tonkin said.

The AFL confirmed the League's integrity officer Brett Clothier will also investigate a 2003 game involving the Lions with regards to match-fixing claims.

The Lions received an irate phone call from the AFL in 2003 following the game.

The AFL's Integrity Unit was not established until 2008.

Lions chief executive Malcolm Holmes declined to return calls from The Courier-Mail  yesterday requesting further comment.

The Courier-Mail has alerted the AFL to the latest allegations, but have protected the identity of our sources.

It can be revealed that one person has made himself available for a confidential interview with the AFL's integrity unit and another is considering his position.

Other sources declined.

Last week, The Courier-Mail contacted several former players and staff in an attempt to interview about Jason McGrath's claims.

None of the sources had proof of any drug-taking, but each claimed they were aware of drug use by some or all of the players from the 2002-09 period mentioned by Jason McGrath.

Former Lions chairman Graeme Downie said he was unconcerned about the allegations.

"I never heard questions about any matches and I never heard any rumours of drugs during my time,'' Downie said.

Voss last night told Channel 7 there was no chance drug taking could have happened at the club in the years of his captaincy without his knowledge.

Voss captained Brisbane in each of their three premiership years in 2001-03 and until his retirement in 2006.

"You would know, when you are amongst the players, you would know,'' Voss said.

"If there is evidence to suggest that we would encourage you to go to the AFL integrity office or Queensland police.''

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Melbourne cleared, officials banned

Dean Bailey (right) and Chris Connolly pictured at the Junction Oval in 2007. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan addresses the media after releasing the findings of an investigation into alleged tanking by Melbourne FC. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has been found not guilty of tanking after a forensic seven-month investigation by the AFL.

But key individuals - then-coach Dean Bailey and then-football manager Chris Connolly - have been found guilty of conduct which was prejudicial to the interests of the AFL, stemming from comments made by Connolly.

The Demons will be fined $500,000 - the third-largest fine in the game's history - for being the employers of Connolly and Bailey, which will be paid by the club in instalments.

"The Melbourne FC, its coach and team did not set out to deliberately lose in any matches during the 2009 premiership season," the AFL says.

However, despite this finding, Bailey has been suspended for the first 16 rounds of the coming season, and Connolly until February 1, 2014.

Bailey can remain employed by Adelaide - where he is an assistant coach - during his suspension, but cannot deal with players in any capacity. Crows chairman Rob Chapman later confirmed the club will stand by Bailey.

Adelaide stands by Bailey

Connolly, who still works for Melbourne in a marketing role, is not allowed to perform any function for or on behalf of the club until his suspension is lifted.

The AFL's deputy CEO Gillon McLachlan announced the results of the investigation in a press conference this afternoon.

McLachlan said Connolly was banned because of comments he made in a football department meeting during the 2009 season.

He said Bailey had admitted to bowing to pressure and making decisions in regards to selection and player management with regard to those comments.

"There is no allegation that is able to be sustained that Dean Bailey didn't coach on his merits or any players didn't play to their utmost abilities,'' McLachlan said.

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan addresses the media after releasing the findings of an investigation into alleged tanking by Melbourne FC. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan addresses the media. Picture: Jay Town

"Connolly has accepted he went into a football department meeting and he made a terrible and stupid decision in the context of an AFL rule that has now changed (priority draft picks) and in the context of a pressure and expectation of success.

"He made a comment regarding the performance of the team, a desire to secure a priority pick, and I know he now regrets that comment.''

McLachlan said Melbourne, Connolly and Bailey had accepted their penalties.

He also confirmed Melbourne chief executive Cameron Schwab, who also had that role in 2009, had been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Melbourne FC president Don McLardy speaks to the press after his club was cleared of any wrongdoing in relation to alleged tanking in 2009. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: Herald Sun

Melbourne FC president Don McLardy speaks to the media after the AFL reported the findings of its tanking investigation. Picture: Rob Leeson

McLardy accepts sanction

Later, Melbourne FC president Don McLardy said the investigation had "a major impact on our club", but that the team could now run out on Friday night in the NAB Cup "clear of any distractions".

"From the moment the investigation commenced, we were determined to defend our club against the allegation that we deliberately lost games. This has been achieved," McLardy said in a statement.

"The findings ... state clearly there was no directive from the club board or executive management to deliberately lose matches, and the Melbourne Football Club never set out to deliberately lose matches in any game during the 2009 season."

He described the $500,000 fine as "significant", but said the club considered it was in its own best interests to accept the sanctions and avoid a potentially lengthy and costly legal battle.

He added that Connolly - "an outstanding football person" - would continue as a Melbourne FC employee after his suspension is lifted, and thanked the club's members and fans for their support.

Melbourne Football Club president Don McLardy speaks to the media after the AFL cleared the club of any wrongdoing in relation to alleged tanking in 2009. Source: Getty Images

Melbourne FC president Don McLardy speaks to the media after the AFL reported the findings of its tanking investigation. Picture: Getty

Dees keep draft picks

The Demons will not lose any draft picks because the club was found not guilty of the serious charge of conduct prejudical to the draft. In other words, not guilty of deliberately losing matches at the end of the 2009 season.

Rule 17.1 states in part that "conduct prejudicial to the draft means conduct which has the purpose or has or is likely to have the effect of hindering, prejudicing, interfering with or preventing the natural operation of the draft.

AFL Regulations 19 (A5) says: "A person, being a player, a coach or an assistant coach, must at all times perform on their merits and must not induce, or encourage, any player, coach or assistant coach not to perform on their merits in any match – or in relation to any aspect of the match, for any reason whatsoever". 

More than 50 past and present club staff were interviewed by the AFL and club documents and computers were examined before the league's integrity unit submitted an 800-page report.

In the end, AFL investigators found no evidence to that the club tanked.

It's accepted that clubs can experiment with player positioning on the field.

It's understood a contentious move in the Melbourne-Richmond game in Round 18 of 2009, where Melbourne ruckman Paul Johnson found himself on Richmond's small forward Nathan Brown, has been determined as a brief match-up and not, as has been suggested, a deliberate coaching move.

It is the first time the AFL has penalised a club or officials over this sort of scenario.

Full text of the AFL's statement

The AFL summarised its findings as follows:

- There had not been a directive from the Melbourne FC board or executive management that the team should deliberately lose matches in any game during the 2009 premiership season.

- The Melbourne FC, its coach and team did not set out to deliberately lose in any matches during the 2009 premiership season.

- Melbourne FC then-general manager of football operations Chris Connolly during the 2009 premiership season had acted in a manner concerning pre-game planning, comprising comments to a football department meeting, which was prejudicial to the interests of the AFL.

- Melbourne FC then-senior coach Dean Bailey, having regard to Mr Connolly's comments, during the 2009 premiership season had acted in a manner which was prejudicial to the interests of the AFL.

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Sandilands out for two months

TALL TIMBER: The remainder of Fremantle's ruck unit will have to step up after Aaron Sandilands (centre) was ruled out for two months. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE has suffered a fresh injury setback ahead of the start of the AFL season, with ruckman Aaron Sandilands ruled out for two months with a hamstring injury.

The 30-year-old suffered a partial tear to his hamstring tendon during last weekend's NAB Cup opener against Geelong.

While Sandilands will not require surgery, the club expects him to be sidelined for up to eight weeks, ruling him out of the Dockers' Round 1 derby clash with West Coast.

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The Eagles are also expected to be without one of their first-choice ruckmen for the Round 1 clash, with Nic Naitanui facing a race against time to recover from a groin injury.

"It's certainly unfortunate that Aaron will be out for an extended period of time, but we have great confidence in our structures and players to be able to fill the role," Fremantle football operations manager Chris Bond said.

Sandilands played 14 of a possible 24 games last season after struggling to overcome a toe injury.

His absence for the opening few rounds of the season is expected to provide opportunities for ruck duo Zac Clarke and Jon Griffin, while Kepler Bradley could also be called upon to pinch-hit at stoppages.

Bookmakers reacted quickly to the news that Sandilands would miss the opening weeks of the season, with TAB.com.au pushing Fremantle's price out further in head-to-head derby betting.

A Dockers win in Round 1 now pays $2.30 with the betting agency - out from $2.25 - with West Coast firming into $1.60.

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson

 

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Crows to stand by Bailey

Adelaide Crows assistant coach Dean Bailey. Picture: Andrea Laube Source: The Advertiser

THE Crows have already begun discussing potential roles for coach Dean Bailey after he received a 16 week suspension for his role in the Melbourne tanking affair.

Adelaide list manager David Noble confirmed Bailey was not allowed to have any involvement with players or the team's preparations on matchdays, but would be shuffled into other positions.

This could include list management, recruiting, opposition analysis and even marketing and sales.

Bailey will remain on full pay.

"Dean Bailey will remain an integral part of our football club as we continue to support him through this difficult period,'' Noble said.

"We have no choice to accept the sanction and we will work to ensure we are not disadvantaged within our football program.''

Noble denied the sanctions would make it more difficult for the Crows to build on last year's success.

"Every club gets presented with different challenges,'' he said.

"Does it make it harder if you lose someone with a knee reconstruction? Dean's got some enormous experience that he's added to our playing group in the 12 months he's been here. But when the chips are down our coaches and our players are very much a group that's got strong character and are prepared to get in and cover what's required...

"We think we've got some staff that will cover the area no problem at all.''

Noble said the players would miss interacting with the former Demons head coach.

"The players will miss him like crazy, there's no doubt...'' he said.

"He's keeping his head up and I'd have to say his main focus was to protect us as a footy club.''

Crows chairman Rob Chapman says Bailey will retain a behind-the-scenes role at the club despite him being banned by the AFL from having any match-day or one-on-one coaching involvement with any Adelaide player until after round 16.

Bailey today became one of the fall guys for the Melbourne tanking scandal in 2009.

The former Demons coach was found guilty of "engaging in conduct prejudicial to the AFL'' with some of his pre-game planning."

Melbourne cleared, Bailey banned

"We are extremely disappointed at the significant suspension which Dean has incurred following the AFL's investigation,'' Chapman said.

"But the Adelaide Football Club will continue to provide its full support to Dean during this time and is totally committed to retaining him as a valued employee of the club.''

Chapman said the Crows would look for other people to fill the role Bailey - highly-regarded for his coaching strategy - played on matchdays.

"We are really disappointed with the penalty Dean has copped but we have other people we can use,'' Chapman said.

League Acting General Manager of Football Operations Gillon McLachlan said Bailey had accepted his sanctions.

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Bailey's former football lieutenant at Melbourne, Chris Connolly, has been banned for 12 months. He is not allowed to have any involvement with a football club until February 1, 2014.

Melbourne was also fined $500,000 for bring found guilty of deliberately manipulating results in 2009 when it finished bottom and was rewarded with the first two picks at the national draft, where it swooped on midfielders Tom Scully and Jack Trengove.
 

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Silence on Lions drug den claims

The AFL has yet to comment on whether they will investigate allegations of match-fixing, illegal gambling and drug use levelled at the Brisbane Lions.

No comment: Brisbane Lions chief executive Malcolm Holmes is silent on the drug claims. Picture: Glenn Barnes Source: The Courier-Mail

THE AFL has refused to reveal if it will investigate serious allegations of match-fixing, illegal gambling and drug use levelled at the Brisbane Lions.

Jason McGrath, the cousin of Lions premiership player Ash McGrath, has made a series of threats to expose behaviour at the club between 2002 and 2009, as the fallout continues from Australian sport's doping storm.

Jason McGrath, a confessed drug dealer, was seen in the Lions' dressingrooms and at functions at times during that period.

The newspaper made contact with Jason McGrath after he made a series of Facebook posts claiming he was ready to expose dodgy AFL practices: "If you don't think the drugs and match-fixing is real, I bet on the AFL and was involved in a game being fixed."

He told the newspaper he had been a drug supplier between 2002 and 2009 and named six Lions players from that period who were heavy users of speed, ecstasy and marijuana.

He said members of the Lions' coaching staff knew some players were regular drug users.

Lions chief executive Malcolm Holmes refused to confirm if the club would investigate the claims or pass the allegations on to the AFL.

"The Brisbane Lions do not comment on unsubstantiated allegations, rumour or innuendo," Holmes said.

The AFL has also refused to say whether it will look into Jason McGrath's claims.

The Courier-Mail can confirm the Lions administration at the time had heard suggestions about drug use by two of the players in question.

Jason McGrath claims to have been involved in fixing a match involving the Lions in 2003, another instance of spot fixing, and to have regularly received inside team information from Lions players just before games for the purposes of betting.

Jason McGrath also told of an occasion where he had delivered an ounce of speed to a Mad Monday celebration at the Broadway Hotel, another where a player was hospitalised after a binge on speed, and multiple times where players had smoked pot in his home.

He also said he had supplied cocaine to players on occasion.

Four players named by Jason McGrath are still playing in the AFL.

He also claimed he would provide to the newspaper betting slips and phone records to substantiate his claims about match-fixing, but he has since gone to ground and refused to return phone calls.

He claims to have received threats from a current player after making his Facebook posts.

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Break confirmed for young Crow

A devastated Brodie Smith with his left arm in a sling after injuring his left shoulder Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE's worst fears with hard-working midfielder-defender Brodie Smith have been confirmed with a break to his left collarbone.

But Smith, 21, may not need surgery to correct the break suffered in the opening five minutes of Sunday's NAB Cup clash with Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, where he landed heavily on his shoulder on the outer wing.

Smith will miss as many as eight weeks of competitive football, effectively putting him out of the first month of the AFL premiership season.

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"It's disappointing. Brodie is such an important young player for us and had a fantastic year in 2012," coach Brenton Sanderson said.

After the match, Sanderson said Smith's injury would "test our depth".

Smith, who has played 36 AFL games since his AFL debut in 2011, was on track to be one of Adelaide's critical players for setting up opportunities to a new-look attack.

Meanwhile Angus Monfries' Port Adelaide debut was soured by a hamstring injury.

Power coach Ken Hinkley said Monfries had suffered a grade one hamstring strain which would sideline him from Port Adelaide's round two NAB Cup clash against Melbourne in Renmark on Sunday, March 3.

But Hinkley said Monfries was to be rested from the clash anyway.

"It's of no major concern for Gus or us," Hinkley said.

Monfries hurt his hamstring late in the loss to Adelaide in which he impressed with 11 disposals and one goal.

In the earlier win over St Kilda, the former Essendon forward had four touches.

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Stevie J set to miss blockbuster

Best of mates? The field umpire asks Cats Steve Johnson and Hayden Ballantyne to cool it. Source: Getty Images

Geelong's Steve Johnson crunches Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne during their Round 1 NAB Cup match at Patersons Stadium. Source: Getty Images

GEELONG star Steve Johnson is set to miss the Round 1 blockbuster against Hawthorn after being charged with striking.

Johnson can accept a one-week game suspension for striking Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne in Saturday night's NAB Cup clash at Patersons Stadium.

The Match Review Panel charged Johnson with a Level Two striking offence (125 demerit points, one match) for striking Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne in the second half of the teams' match at Patersons Stadium on Saturday.

He can accept a one-match sanction with an early plea, due to his previous poor record.

Contact between Essendon's Michael Hurley and Western Bulldog Adam Cooney was assessed, but the force used was found to be below that required for a reportable offence.

Johnson appeared to make slight contact to Ballantyne's midriff with a swinging right arm during Geelong's game two loss against the Dockers at Subiaco.

Johnson will have to serve the ban in the home-and-away season under a change to the tribunal system.

Johnson was walking a suspension tightrope, given he had 80 carry-over points after accepting a one-match ban for rough conduct against Sydney's Dan Hannebery in Round 23 last year.

But changes to the tribunal system mean his loading for past offences, which was 40 per cent last year, has been dissolved.

Calculations for a player's poor tribunal record now only take into account the previous two seasons, down from three.

And to qualify for a poor record, a player needs to have been suspended for two or more matches within the previous two years.

Johnson's only suspension since the start of the 2011 season was that incident with Hannebery.

His three-week suspension for his infamous tangle with Steven Baker in 2010 no longer counts against him.

-with Nick Wade from the Geelong Advertiser

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Monitor cap in heat: Buckley

Collingwood cach Nathan Buckley believes the AFL may have to alter its planned cap on rotations if extreme weather conditions continue. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley expects the AFL to scale back its planned trial of a cap on interchange rotations if there is a continuation of the hot weather in which the pre-season competition opened.

St Kilda, Adelaide and Port Adelaide players struggled through their triple-header in temperatures as high as 38 degrees at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

But they were at least able to have six interchange players and make team changes for each of their two mini-matches per side.

In the later rounds, teams will play full-length games, with three interchange players, one substitute and a limit of 20 rotations per quarter, a trial geared towards potentially introducing such a cap in the 2014 season proper.

Buckley, whose Magpies are due to play their first match under the cap against West Coast in Perth on March 3, said while he understood the AFL's desire to trial the cap, introducing it during one of the hottest periods of the year could be problematic.

"We obviously care for the welfare of our players," the Magpies coach told reporters in the Victorian town of Healesville, where the club are holding their community camp.

"It's probably something the AFLPA (players' association) will look pretty strongly at over the next couple of days in particular.

"I can understand the AFL's want to gather information about the cap on rotations and try to make it as realistic as possible with a three and one interchange bench.

"But if we're playing in 35-degree-plus conditions, whether it's Collingwood or any other team, I think there's a duty of care to the playing group to make sure that we shuffle things a little bit to make sure players aren't under undue duress at this stage of the season in particular.

"I'm sure the AFL and (players' association) will come to an arrangement there and I'd be surprised if we didn't see some movement to support the welfare of players."

Buckley said if the AFL did press ahead with the cap in hot weather, the information gathered would barely translate to the regular season anyway.

"If you're taking statistics from a 37, or what was it in Adelaide on the weekend, 38-degree day, with a three-and-one bench and cap of 80 rotations, that's not going to happen very often in June or through the middle of home and away," he said.

"You're not working off a level playing field."

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Cats face wait on key players

West Coast, Fremantle and Geelong all grab wins in NAB Cup triple-header, overcoming hot conditions in Perth.

Mathew Stokes walks off the ground after rolling his ankle. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

GEELONG faces a nervous wait on the fitness and availability of two of its key players for the season proper after its opening round of the NAB Cup at Patersons Stadium last night.

Forward Mathew Stokes was carried off the ground early in the second half of the two-point win over West Coast, while Steve Johnson could be looked at for a possible strike on Hayden Ballantyne in the Cats' Game 2 loss to the Dockers.

Initial fears on both incidents were eased slightly as the night wore on, but Geelong coach Chris Scott said Stokes's injury "doesn't look good".

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Scott also denied there was any lingering ill-feeling from last year's Round 1 match, in which Ballantyne was suspended for striking Paul Chapman behind play, before being floored by Matthew Scarlett.

"I would be amazed (if there was still friction), none that I've seen, there tends to not be too much friction in NAB 1," Scott said.

"I didn't see what happened, I know (Ballantyne) was down for a long time.

"I was more concerned with how quickly he got up and set up the next goal; he didn't look too bad did he?

"(Stokes's injury) doesn't look great at the moment but, with those sort of things, they can blow up and be sore for a few days and then come good really quickly.

Matthew Stokes walks off the ground after rolling his ankle. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

"While it's hard to say, certainly if we had a game next week he wouldn't play."

Stokes was on crutches as he watched from the sidelines in Game 2, but appeared in high spirits by the end of the night.

Johnson was running past Ballantyne in the second game of the triple-header, when he appeared to swing his right-arm into the midriff of the diminutive Docker, who fell to the turf.

Replays suggested contact was minimal but, if Johnson was to attract any suspensions, he would have to serve them in the home-and-away rounds.

Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Fremantle has its own concerns after West Australian Cat Joel Hamling fell on the right ankle of Dockers forward Chris Mayne, who was rolled off the field by trainers and played no further part.

There were plenty of positives for the Cats.

Jackson Thurlow and Jared Rivers performed well in defence on West Coast goalsneak Mark LeCras in the night's opening clash, which the Eagles led by as much as 21 points, before the Cats stormed back to win with seconds left as Jimmy Bartel handballed a set-shot back outside the arc to Joel Selwood for a super goal.

Rivers and Thurlow were rested in the Game 2 loss to Fremantle, as the Dockers posted a strong opening and closing game to outlast the Cats by 18 points.

"Chapman, (Andrew) Mackie and (James) Kelly were the only noteables that were available that we didn't bring with us," Scott said.

"They'll all play next game. We have next week off and then play Adelaide down in Geelong."

Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Travis Varcoe, restricted to just a single game last year through stress fractures in his foot, was used as a solid rebounding option off half-back and could prove valuable in the position through the regular season.

The Cats' forward line set-up was another positive, with James Podsiadly proving potent, playing a role in Geelong's first three goals of the night and ending the Eagles clash with two, while a bulked-up Tom Hawkins was making a pest of himself in the second half of the opener.

Podsiadly was then trialled in the backline in against Fremantle, restricting Alex Silvagni to just two touches and a goal.

Josh Caddy, much hyped for the Cats throughout the pre-season, took little time to impress, slotting a goal against the Eagles with his first kick for Geelong.

Scott was glowing of the performance of Caddy, who was given a second chance against the Dockers and performed better, spending time in the backline while running through the middle to end with five disposals.

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AFL could go troppo

AFLQ CEO Michael Conlan says North Queensland could have an AFL team by 2030. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

NORTH Queensland could be home to a relocated AFL club by 2030.

That is the bold vision of AFL Queensland chief Michael Conlan, who claims a booming population will justify a third club in the state.

The former Fitzroy star said that club would likely be a Melbourne entity, but north Queensland had the venues and passion to make it work.

"North Queensland is a strategic focus for us, from Cairns to Townsville to Mackay and Rockhampton," Conlan said.

"Cairns is already hosting AFL games ... (while) Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville is a very good facility but we would need to work closely with the Queensland Government to build on what is already there to bring it up to what is required for AFL games.

"Queensland's population is about 4.5 million right now but by 2030, it could be around 8.5 to 9 million so we very much want to cement our game in those areas up north."

Conlan was at Fitzroy in the 1980s when the Lions were linked with moves to Brisbane and Sydney.

The Lions eventually merged with the Brisbane Bears after the 1996 season.

He favours a relocation model ahead of a fresh start-up such as the Bears in 1987 or the Suns in 2011.

Melbourne clubs moving interstate is an emotional issue but clubs facing financial extinction may consider it.

"It would be a great opportunity for an AFL club to be positioned as the north Queensland club," Conlan said.

Cairns' Cazaly's Stadium has hosted  AFL pre-season games and in the past two years has staged premiership matches between Richmond and Gold Coast.

The Tigers and Suns again play in Cairns on July 13.Under this year's format, Townsville will host a NAB Cup match between Gold Coast and North Melbourne on March 2.

The city's main cricket/Aussie rules venuue would need an upgrade to be fit for AFL football.

Gold Coast will hold their community camp in Townsville before the NAB Cup match. North Queensland also falls under the Suns' recruitment zone.

"We've been working really hard with the Suns already on how we can continue to grow the game in a very important region for our code," Conlan said.

The AFLQ is also working with the Toowoomba Regional Council to developing a venue suitable for a NAB Cup match.

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Geelong boss happy with recruits

West Coast, Fremantle and Geelong all grab wins in NAB Cup triple-header, overcoming hot conditions in Perth.

Geelong's Josh Caddy tackles Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne during their NAB Cup clash in Perth. Source: Getty Images

Geelong's Jared Rivers in action against West Coast in the NAB Cup. Source: Getty Images

GEELONG coach Chris Scott says he was delighted with what he saw from recruits Josh Caddy and Jared Rivers in the NAB cup triple-header in Perth.

Geelong, Fremantle and West Coast had a win each last night but, for the Cats and Eagles especially, it was noteworthy for the displays by some recruits and encouraging returns from long-term injuries by others.

Geelong came back to beat West Coast in the opening game on the back of a last-minute Joel Selwood nine-point super goal before falling short in another attempted comeback against the Dockers.

Most encouraging for Scott was the form of recruits Caddy and Rivers, as well as the return of Travis Varcoe off half-back after he was limited to just one game in 2012.

Caddy has 24 AFL games to his credit with the Gold Coast Suns and the 20-year-old arrived at Geelong set to be a long-term midfielder.

Rivers is at the other end of his career after 150 games at Melbourne and Scott was equally pleased with both.

"I thought he (Rivers) was impressive. He looks to me like a Geelong defender already. We aren't getting too carried away, but it was overwhelmingly positive - Jared's performance. But to be clear, Jared Rivers is not filling Matthew Scarlett's role,'' Scott said.

"We thought he (Caddy) was pretty solid. He got in good spots, was able to win the ball and looked strong in the contests. The indications are that Josh is going to be the sort of player we thought he would be.''

Geelong's Josh Caddy tackles Fremantle's Hayden Ballantyne during their NAB Cup clash in Perth. Source: Getty Images

Scott also doesn't believe he has any reason to worry over an incident involving Steve Johnson and Fremantle foe Hayden Ballantyne.

"There tends to be not too much friction in NAB one,'' Scott said.

"I didn't really see what happened and I know he was down for a long time, but I was more concerned with how quickly he got up to set up the next goal. He didn't look too bad did he?''

West Coast coach John Worsfold liked what he saw from All-Australian forward Mark LeCras in his first official game in 17 months because of a serious knee injury. He also was impressed with Collingwood recruit Sharrod Wellingham.

"I was rapt. I think he (LeCras) was rapt too. He was just keen to get it all going again. His pre-season has been outstanding so it's just good to know he's up and going again,'' Worsfold said.

"He had a smile on his face after the game so I would say he's pulled up pretty well. That goal he kicked was probably to make sure he's still got it.

"It was a short hit out for Sharrod, but we were really pleased. He showed why we picked him, and we know what role we want him to play and he did it well.''

Fremantle did lose Chris Mayne (ankle) and Aaron Sandilands (glute) to injury during the night, but coach Ross Lyon is confident will both right in a fortnight's time with Matthew Pavlich, Ryan Crowley, David Mundy and Nat Fyfe among those set to face Carlton in the Dockers' next game.

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LIVE: Power v Saints

Sam Kerridge (Crows) and Ollie Wines (Port) will make their debut today.l Picture: Matt Turner Source: The Advertiser

FOLLOW the Round 1 NAB Cup action between Adelaide, Port Adelaide and St Kilda from AAMI Stadium

6:35pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 1.9.2 (59) leading St Kilda 2.2 (14)

MATTHEW Broadbent has the AAMI Stadium crowd on its feet after kicking a supergoal.

He gathered 55 metres out and snapped it around his body.

With no St Kilda player inside 50, the ball bounced and bounced its way through.

6:30pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 8.2 (50) leading St Kilda 2.2 (14)

THIS is all but over at AAMI Stadium with the Power all over St Kilda.

Port Adelaide have started the second half with three quick goals in a very impressive display.

Matt Broadbent, Paul Stewart and Brad Ebert have been the goal-kickers.

6:15pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 5.2 (32) leading St Kilda 1.2 (8) HALF-TIME

THE Power is on at AAMI Stadium.

They lead by 24 points at half-time after a very strong opening against St Kilda.

Goals to Chad Wingard and and then a second to Neade has the Power in control at the break.

The Power are moving the ball quickly and hitting their targets.

It seems new coach Ken Hinkley has already put his stamp on the place.

There's a lot to like about the Power and fans are impressed.

Ollie Wines in action for Port Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

6pm AEDT- Port Adelaide 3.0 (18) lead St Kilda 1.1 (7)

THE perfect start for the Power with a goal in the first 30 seconds.

Jake Neade marked 70 metres out and St Kilda gives away a 50-metre penalty, to bring him almost to the goal squre.

Forward Jay Schulz followed that up a minute later with a mark inside 50 and goal.

Then debutant Ollie Wines, the No.7 draft pick from last year's AFL National Draft, decided to get in on the act.

He snapped truly to extend the lead to three goals.

But the Saints have hit back through Thomas Lee, who snapped truly on his right foot to kick St Kilda's first goal.

5:31pm AEDT - Adelaide 3.6 (24) were defeated by St Kilda 8-2 (50)

ST Kilda way too good for Adelaide in the first clash at AAMI Stadium today.

They started well and never gave the Crows a sniff.

It was a very impressive performance and coach Scott Watters would be very happy with that.

The Saints will take on Port Adelaide in the second fixture today.

Beau Wilkes after kicking a goal against Adelaide. Source: Getty Images

5:22pm AEDT - Adelaide 2.5 (17) trail St Kilda 8.2 (50)

HOW exciting do St Kilda look?

Their vast array of small forwards are making mince meat of Adelaide.

Johncock kicked his second for the home side, but other than that it has been all St Kilda.

Stephen Milne and Milera both with clever goals.

The Saints and Crows in action. Source: Getty Images

5:16pm AEDT- Adelaide 1.5 (11) trail St Kilda 6.2 (38)

BEAU Maister marks and goals to kick the opening goal for St Kilda in the second half.

But it is not all bad news for Adelaide with Graham Johncock getting the Crows on the board after roving off the pack.

It was booted to the hot spot and Johncock did enough to get his hands on it and run into an open goal.

But the Saints replied straight away through Dennis-Lane.

Saints look hard to beat.

5:02pm AEDT- Adelaide 0.3 (3) trail St Kilda 4.1 (25) HALF-TIME

IT has been all St Kilda at AAMI Stadium, who lead Adelaide by 21 points at half-time.

The Saints are full of running and look dangerous up forward.

While the Crows have been slow to get going and have wasted many multiple chances in front of goal.

Can the home side turn it around in the second half?

Arryn Siposs and Josh Jenkins compete for the ball at AAMI Stadium. Source: Getty Images

4:55pm AEDT - Adelaide 0.3 (3) trail St Kilda 3.1 (19)

VERY lively opening for St Kilda, who have kicked the opening three goals of the game.

Trent Dennis-Lane found some space to break away and mark 30 metres out from goal.

He made no mistake to give the Saints a two-goal lead over the Crows, who have been sluggish in the early going.

The home side have wasted a number of chances in front of goal.

The Saints are making them pay with Ahmed Saad snapping his first for the day.

4:47pm AEDT- Adelaide 0.1 (1) trails St Kilda 1-0 (6)

TERRY Milera has booted the first goal of the game for St Kilda.

The small forward, who kicked 19 goals last year, received a free kick for a high tackle and calmly slotted it through.

Richie Douglas nearly had the first goal of the day when he burst clear 60 metres from goal.

He let fly just outside the 50m but it hit the post.

Lively opening at AAMI Stadium.

Daniel Talia gets Terry Milera high at AAMI Stadium. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

4:15pm AEDT-

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of today's Round 1 NAB Cup clash at AAMI Stadium.

At 4:40pm AEDT, Adelaide will take on St Kilda.

At 5:45pm AEDT, Port Adelaide will then take on the Saints.

At then at 6:50pm AEDT, brace yourself for when the Crows and the Power lock horns.

Follow all the action right here!

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