'Hold your heads high': Hird

Essendon coach James Hird is urging his troubled team to play with pride. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON coach James Hird has urged his players to hold their heads high, declaring the club will fight to uncover the truth as investigations continue into its "irregular" medical practices.

While the club has conceded there are issues of concern in its sports science division, a bullish Hird said he welcomed the findings.

"I just want the truth. (Essendon chairman) David Evans wants the truth. That's what we are after," he said."

"I believe once that comes out we will be able to get on and play football. Our footy club is going to fight.

"It's going to fight to prove where it's at, and we are not going to walk around with heads bowed, we are walking around proud of our footy club."

Hird's optimistic approach signifies his belief that Essendon's players will be cleared and the club exonerated.

But given the review will examine the club's chain of command and the alarming practices of its sports science division, it will inevitably lead to tough questions for Essendon.

Hird says he is ready for whatever the review finds, aware that given the buck stops with the senior coach he will be central to the investigation.

"My focus is on coaching the football club," he said.

"If we have to be distracted during the week (by the review) we will be, and we will, through this review process,get the truth for our supporters.

"Our supporters deserve that. My job is to coach this team as best I can, and I will be involved in the review when I need to be, but my job is to get this team playing great footy."

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Clarko fumes at new cap rule

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson new assistant coach Brett Ratten last night. Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has slammed the 80-interchange cap rule after the Hawks and Western Bulldogs last night struggled to adapt to the controversial restriction.

Clarkson and Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney were both left bewildered after becoming the guinea pigs for the rule in a game the Dogs won by one point at Etihad Stadium.

Clarkson said the AFL was taking an "enormous risk" by restricting rotations to 80.

"Take it back to old reserves and just play 18 men on the ground if that's what you want to do," Clarkson said.

"It's a pretty dramatic change to go to 80.

"Goodness knows, no one knows, what's going to happen to the game so hopefully common sense will prevail.

"If they want to introduce a cap hopefully they do it at a sensible rate like 120 and then we can see what a minor cap does to the game rather than take it to 80.

"I reckon it's an enormous risk to take with what's a pretty good game at the moment.

"Just at a hunch we're going to say, 'Oh let's put it at 80 and see what happens.

"I hope it's good, but what happens if it's no good?'

As it was neither side used its quota of interchanges, with the Bulldogs using 71 and the Hawks 72.

"You're not coaching, all you're doing is counting how many times players are coming off the ground," Clarkson said.

"You want to coach the players not count numbers.

"I could get a school kid to do that but the coaches have to do it. It's an enormous constraint in terms of the game."

McCartney, delighted his team had shown resilience to hold off a charging Hawthorn and win its first game of the year, said the rule was too extreme.

"I came to the game with a bit of me thinking there will be incredible fatigue and the game will be a shambles. We probably spent too much time ... you spend a stupid amount of time counting them," McCartney said.

"Experimenting with the game is a good thing as long as it's not too extreme and goes too far the other way."

Clarkson said the Hawks were "a bit rusty and a bit scratchy" in defeat, but said there was sufficient time to get his side up and running for Round 1.

"It's not about wins or losses, it's about game time ... but we were really poor around the footy tonight and we gave the Dogs too much easy supply from that area of the ground," he said.

Luke Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne, Grant Birchall, Liam Shiels, Michael Osborne, Xavier Ellis and new recruit Brian Lake all missed last night.

Clarkson said injuries to Luke Breust and David Hale were only minor, while promising Western Bulldogs draftee Jake Stringer has had scans on a rolled ankle that forced him off the ground.

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LIVE: Bombers vs Tigers

Jobe Watson has his first NAB Cup hitout against Richmond. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Geelong star Paul Chapman will be looking to impress against Adelaide today. Picture: Reg Ryan Source: Geelong Advertiser

LIVE NOW- Essendon and Richmond take to the field in Wangaratta as we continue a huge day of NAB Cup action. Follow it here!

6.38pm AEDT - Bombers 45, Tigers 43

Essendon finally nailed the first goal of the third quarter after eight wasteful minutes.

Alwyn Davey missed a shot on goal and Michael Hurley put a set shot out on the full before a clean run down the field landed the pill in Paddy Ryder's hands, and he finished it off to extend Essendon's lead to eight points.

6.12pm AEDT - HALF TIME - Bombers 43, Tigers 42

A rocking finish to the second quarter has handed Essendon a one-point half-time lead over Richmond.

The Tigers held sway - and their slender quarter-time advantage - for most of the second term, but two Bomber goals and a super goal in less than three minutes turned the tide.

Michael Hurley nailed his first to close the gap to 14 points.

Then Brent Stanton ignored better options but was rewarded when he slotted one from 40m out, and the Bombers rocketed into the lead for the first time when Leroy Jetta streaked through the middle and bombed a super goal.

Leroy Jetta watches his super goal sail through late in the second quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

5.58pm AEDT - Bombers 21, Tigers 35

The Tigers are sticking fat and holding onto their first-quarter advantage against the Bombers.

Bombers forward Stewart Crameri opened the scoring in the second quarter when he roved his own ball and snapped truly from the right forward pocket.

But Richmond replied with a goal to Shane Tuck at the nine-minute mark to reestablish their lead.

5.38pm AEDT
Bombers 14, Richmond 25
Kangaroos 73, Suns 34

There's the quarter-time siren in Wangaratta and the traffic mostly went Richmond's way in the opening term.

The two teams traded goals but it was an early Matt White super goal and a flurry of late behinds that gave the Tigers the edge.

One of those misses cam from the boot of Orren Stephenson, who is a surprise possession leader for the yellow and black, with seven, while Brendon has been the Bombers' best, setting up a goal for Nick Kommer while racking up 10 touches.

In the other match currently under way, North Melbourne lead Gold Coast by 39 points at half-time, with Aaron Black, Daniel Currie and Lindsay Thomas all snaring two goals in the first half.

5.20pm AEDT - Bombers 12, Tigers 15

Richmond bounded out of the blocks with a super goal to Matt White and a curling banana kick from the boundary from Robin Nahas, but the Bombers have answered with goals of their own each time.

The match review panel might have a look at the incident that led to Essendon's first goal.

Ricky Pettard got a little testy in an exchange with Nick Kommer, taking a swing and catching the mature-aged Bombers recruit somewhere between his shoulder and chin.

Kommer accepted the freekick and duly slotted the goal, and Paddy Ryder nailed the Bombers' second after about 10 minutes, running into an open goal after Brendon Goddard brought the ball to ground.

5.10pm AEDT

Now we turn our attention to Wangaratta, where the Bombers will take on a slightly undermanned Tigers outfit.

5.05pm AEDT
FULL TIME
Geelong 2.16.12 (126)
Adelaide 1.8.6 (63)

And so ends an impressive outing for Geelong and an equally worrying display from Adelaide just a couple of weeks out from the season proper.

The Crows were woeful going forward in the absence of Kurt Tippett, and there's already been plenty of talk around the traps this afternoon that they'll be the big sliders of the 2013 season.

Geelong were far too good from the outset, kicking seven goals in the first quarter (including two super goals), but the best part may have been their continued ability to unearth and develop young players, despite having an elite list for the best part of a decade.

Jordan Murdoch was solid, Shane Kersten bagged three goals and most of the youngsters who took the field got their hands on the ball nearly 10 times to put themselves forward as Round 1 smokeys.

4.55pm AEDT
Geelong 119, Adelaide 57
North Melbourne 47, Gold Coast 8

Embarrassing stuff in this final term from the Crows.

An attempt to rebound from their defensive 50 ends in Shane Kersten smothering the ball, gathering it and running into an open goal to boot his third.

That followed two consecutive Taylor Walker shots that hit the post at the other end.

4.40pm AEDT - Geelong 113, Adelaide 46

Both sides snag an early one in the final quarter, with Shane Kersten the beneficiary of some Jimmy Bartel magic and Patrick Dangerfield bagging his third for the Crows a short time later.

Bartel dragged in a huge pack mark among about eight players just outside 50 and dished off a quick handball, with the resultant kick finding Kersten all alone and running into goal.

Meanwhile, it's all North Melbourne up in Townsville. They lead 26-6 against Gold Coast off the back of two first-quarter goals to Aaron Black.

Jimmy Bartel is in dominant form down at the Cattery. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

THREE-QUARTER TIME
Geelong 2.13.11 (107)
Adelaide 0.6.4 (40)

IT'S been a dirty, dirty day for Adelaide, who have enough of their stars in the side to suggest they should be doing a lot better than this.

Patrick Dangerfield has played virtually a lone hand with his 25 disposals and two goals, while Jimmy Bartel (22 disposals, two goals) and Harry Taylor have been exemplary for the home side.

Crows coach Brenton Sanderson probably said it best during an interview at three-quarter time: "We've really chopped it up going forward".

4.27pm AEDT - Geelong 107, Adelaide 40

GRAHAM Johncock finally got one back for the Crows after almost 15 minutes of play in the third term, when Taylor Walker found space over the back of Geelong's zone and spotted Johncock further downfield.

The veteran ran into an open goal, but that moment of respite was short-lived as the Crows answered with goals to Mark Blicavs, Jordan Murdoch and Jimmy Bartel.

Nine disposals for the quarter now for Bartel to go with his two goals.

4.05pm AEDT - Geelong 86, Adelaide 34

GEELONG have picked up in the third quarter where they left off at half-time.

Jimmy Bartel keeps the rout rolling with his first major of the match and the Cats' lead is pushed beyond 50 points.

3:30pm AEDT- Geelong 74 leading Adelaide 12

THE Cats have gone on with it in the second term.

James Kelly, Mitch Duncan and Shane Kersten have all added goals in the second term, while the Crows have added two through Patrick Dangerfield and Nathan Van Berlo.

Sam Jacobs in action against Geelong. Source: Getty Images

3:10pm AEDT - Geelong 54 leading Adelaide 12 at QUARTER-TIME

THAT's quarter-time at Simonds Stadium - and what a term it has been for the Cats.

Geelong are treating this seriously and it shows.

They lead by 42 points at the first change.

This could be a long day for the Crows if Geelong keep up this intensity.

Andrew Mackie is tackles against the Crows today. Source: Getty Images

3pm AEDT- Geelong 41 lead Adelaide 6

IT seems someone has forgot to tell Geelong it is the NAB Cup, because they are up and about.

They have come out blazing and have opened up a big lead over the Crows.

Paul Chapman, Jordan Murdoch and Andrew Mackie all with goals since the last update.

Patrick Dangerfield has kicked Adelaide's sole major.

2:47pm AEDT - Geelong 16 leads Adelaide 0

WELCOME back to football, Travis Varcoe.

The forward proved his injury issues are behind him with a supergoal from outside 50.

It was followed up by Mitch Duncan, who kicked truly from a set shot.

Great start by the Cats.

The Cats run onto the field for today's NAB Cup clash. Source: Getty Images

PRE-GAME

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of today's NAB Cup action, which starts with Geelong taking on Adelaide at Simonds Stadium.

Then at 3:30pm AEDT, the Gold Coast Suns will take on North Melbourne up in hot and humid Townsville.

At 5:10pm AEDT, Essendon take on Richmond in Wangaratta.

Follow all the action right here!

GEELONG: Mitch Brown, Billie Smedts, Jimmy Bartel, Andrew Mackie, Travis Varcoe, Harry Taylor, James Kelly, Joel Corey, Taylor Hunt, Steven Johnson, Jordan Murdoch, Mitch Duncan, Josh Caddy, Jared Rivers, Cam Guthrie, James Podsiadly, Steven Motlop, George Horlin-Smith, Josh Walker, Paul Chapman, Cam Eardley, Shane Kersten, Jackson Thurlow, Jesse Stringer, Corey Enright, Joel Hamling, Mark Blicavs.

ADELAIDE CROWS: Brad Crouch, Brent Reilly, Josh Jenkins, Scott Thompson, Nathan Van Berlo, Lewis Johnson, Rory Sloane, Matthew Jaensch, Matthew Wright, Taylor Walker, David Mackay, Luke Brown, Bernie Vince, Graham Johncock, Andy Otten, Sam Jacobs, Ben Rutten, Richard Douglas, Tom Lynch, Sam Kerridge, Patrick Dangerfield, Shaun McKernan, Brodie Martin, Ian Callinan, Jason Porplyzia, Aidan Riley, Ricky Henderson.
 

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Young Cats smash Crows

Jimmy Bartel was in superb touch against Adelaide. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

OLD hands Harry Taylor and Jimmy Bartel piloted an experimental Geelong line-up to a commanding 63-point victory over disappointing Adelaide in their NAB Cup clash at Simonds Stadium.

Taylor was impassable in defence for the Cats, completely blanketing Crows spearhead Taylor Walker while amassing a game-high  31 possessions.

Bartel, standing in as captain for the rested Joel Selwood, was also impressive as the Cats won 2.16.12 (126) to 1.8.6 (63).

But just as pleasing for coach Chris Scott was the performance of some of Geelong's lesser lights, who took their chance with the likes of Selwood, Steve Johnson, Tom Hawkins, Joel Corey and Tom Lonergan on the sidelines.

Billie Smedts and George Horlin-Smith showed good signs, while rookie-listed former steeplechaser Mark Blicavs was competitive in the ruck and kicked a goal.

Also pleasing for the Cats was the performance of Travis Varcoe, who was dominant early in the game running off half-back.

Varcoe was limited to just one game in 2012 because of a serious foot injury.

In contrast there was little to get enthused about for Crows coach Brenton Sanderson, less than three weeks out from the Crows' season opener against Essendon.

Adelaide went with a near full-strength lineup on Saturday, with midfielder Rory Sloane and last year's Rising Star winner Daniel Talia among their few notable absentees.

Powerhouse Patrick Dangerfield was a rare shining light with three goals.

The home side had the match well in hand when they led by by 42 points at quarter-time having begun the match kicking with the aid of a strong breeze.

Geelong took no risks with star utility Paul Chapman, substituting him out of the game at quarter-time after he landed heavily in a marking contest.

The Cats return to Simonds Stadium next Saturday for a pre season Cup clash against North Melbourne while the Crows host Carlton at AAMI Stadium on Friday night.

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Hird 'just wants the truth'

Essendon coach James Hird gives orders at training. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON coach James Hird has welcomed the Bombers' internal review and says he hopes it will uncover the truth about "irregular practices" at the club.

Essendon trained at Wangaratta today ahead of its NAB Cup clash against Richmond tomorrow, in which captain Jobe Watson will make his return from a knee injury, but Hird was again questioned on the multiple reviews into the Bombers' supplement program.

This week the club commissioned former Telstra boss Ziggy Switkowski to conduct an internal probe into how the club found itself under investigation by the AFL and Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

"I'll be involved in the review process when I need to be, but my job is to keep the team playing great footy," Hird said.

"I'm not anxious. I just want the truth. (Bombers chairman) David Evans wants the truth and that's what we're after.

"I believe once that comes out we'll be able to get on with the job of playing football."

AFL PLAYERS TOLD TO DOB IN DODGY DOCTORS

But Hird wouldn't put a timeframe on the review, saying "it will take the time it needs to take".

Hird said Watson was totally over a knee injury and was keen to build his match fitness after being given the all-clear by club medicos.

SEE ALL THIS WEEKEND'S NAB CUP SQUADS HERE

Forward David Zaharakis could be play in Round 1 after just one NAB Cup hitout after several weeks on the sidelines with a quad injury.

The Bombers play Gold Coast next week before taking on Adelaide in the first match of the home-and-away season on March 22.

PICTURES: BOMBERS TRAIN IN WANGARATTA

Boom colt Joe Daniher will play this weekend, but at VFL level in Geelong on Saturday morning.

Hird said the Bombers had only three players on their injury list - Zaharakis, Jason Winderlich and Scott Gumbleton - and all were a chance to play in Round 1.

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Players told to dob in dodgy docs

Essendon chairman David Evans announces a full external review of the club's governance and processes.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou. Picture: Glenn Daniels Source: Herald Sun

AFL Players Association chief Matt Finnis speaks to the media. Picture: Glenn Daniels Source: Herald Sun

TWO AFL players have used the new whistleblower policy to report irregular practices at their clubs to the league.

The AFL has revealed two players have already taken advantage of the league's new whistleblower policy to report irregular practices at their clubs to the league.

The policy was introduced following the Australian Crime Commission's report into the possible use of drugs and match fixing in Australian sport and guarantees confidentiality for anyone coming forward with information.

AFLPA boss Matt Finnis today encouraged more players to come forward if they have important information.

"Gone are the days where you rely upon drug test results to tackle performance enhancing drugs," Finnis told SEN.

"If those players do have information concerns or issues ... they are duty-bound to share that.

"So if players are taking advantage of that, then I think that's a positive thing."

Finnis said suggestions players might be asked to keep a register of friends and associates to assist with AFL investigations were news to him.

"We've never had any conversation with the AFL about players having to declare lists of friends or anything like that."

Finnis is in Canberra today to make a presentation at a Senate inquiry into issues surrounding integrity in sport and the powers of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

James Hird 'just wants the truth'

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou confirmed last night that the two unnamed players were the first to come forward under the new whistleblower rules.

''Since the ACC findings a couple of players have already come forward,'' Demetriou told Fairfax media. ''They both said: 'I wanted to come forward before but I didn't'.''

While he wouldn't reveal what clubs the players were from, or detail what information they revealed, Demetriou said it proved that players were prepared to break their silence for fear of being labelled "dobbers".

''It's not the 1960s or the 1970s. We're talking about potential funding cuts, millions of dollars in lost sponsorship, brand damage and potential litigation against board members - that's to use the analogy of what's happening at Essendon at the moment," he said.

AFL "hypocritical" on drugs

''If that situation is not a wake-up call, I'm not sure what is, and to their credit the clubs seem to understand that. All the rule changes we announced are in train.

''The whistleblower service will protect individuals who come forward, guarantee confidentiality and offer reduced sanctions to those who put their hands up and, in some cases, no sanctions."

Former Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett tees off on AFL boss Andrew Demetriou.

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Safety first with Stevie J

Steve Johnson kicks the first goal. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG has taken a cautious approach by withdrawing premiership pair Steve Johnson and Joel Corey from tomorrow's NAB Cup clash against Adelaide at Simonds Stadium.

Cats football manager Neil Balme said the duo had pulled up sore from training today.

"They both tried to train today and they were a bit sore, so we decided not to play them,'' Balme said.

"I think it's only about tomorrow ... it's certainly nothing serious.''

Johnson will miss Round 1 of the home-and-away season after being suspended for striking Hayden Ballantyne in the first round of the NAB Cup.

Johnson and Corey have been replaced in the Cats' squad by Brad Hartman and former basketballer Ryan Bathie, but Balme said they would be the likely emergencies.

Premiership players Paul Chapman, Andrew Mackie and James Kelly will have their first pre-season hitouts against the Crows.

Meanwhile, Balme said earlier ruckman Nathan Vardy was expected to make a return before Round 1.

"As we know he had quite a serious hip issue which is pretty good, he's got a very slight groin issue that we are being very conservative with.'' Balme said on SEN.

"He'll play almost certainly within the next week or two.

"He's in pretty good shape and he'll be fine.''
 

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LIVE: Hawks v Bulldogs

Lance Franklin, sporting his new moustache, will take on the Western Bulldogs tonight. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

LIVE AT 7:40pm AEDT- Follow our live coverage of tonight's NAB Cup clash between Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

PRE-GAME

HELLO and welcome to tonight's live coverage of the NAB Cup clash between Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

Hawthorn midfield guns Sam Mitchell, Brad Sewell and Jordan Lewis will play their first game of year.

Still missing for the Hawks will be captain Luke Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne, Grant Birchall, Liam Shiels, Michael Osborne, Xavier Ellis and new recruit Brian Lake.

While the Bulldogs will have former Eagle Koby Stevens play his first match for the red, white and blue.

Follow all the action right here!

Full squads are below.

Hawthorn

2 Jarryd Roughead
3 Jordan Lewis
4 Matt Suckling

5 Sam Mitchell
6 Josh Gibson
10 Bradley Hill
12 Brad Sewell
13 Kyle Cheney
16 Isaac Smith
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
29 William Langford (R) - Emergency
32 Jonathan Simpkin
35 Sam Grimley
37 Jed Anderson
38 Mitchell Hallahan - Emergency
41 Taylor Duryea
43 Amos Frank (R)
46 Derick Wanganeen (R)
47 Jonathon Ceglar (R) - Emergency

Western Bulldogs

2 Robert Murphy
3 Mitch Wallis
4 Daniel Cross
5 Matthew Boyd
6 Luke Dahlhaus
9 Jake Stringer
10 Easton Wood
11 Jackson Macrae
13 Daniel Giansiracusa
14 Clay Smith
15 Jason Tutt
16 Ryan Griffen
19 Liam Jones
21 Tom Liberatore
23 Jordan Roughead
25 Koby Stevens
27 Will Minson
29 Tory Dickson
31 Tom Young
33 Nick Lower
37 Lukas Markovic
38 Dale Morris
39 Jason Johannisen
42 Liam Picken
44 Brett Goodes
45 Tom Campbell
49 Ayce Cordy

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Saints hold back veterans

Lenny Hayes joins teammates for pre-season training. Picture: Chris Eastman Source: Herald Sun

KEY St Kilda stars Nick Riewoldt and Lenny Hayes will miss the Saints' pre-season clash against Sydney on Sunday.

The pair also skipped round one of the pre-season competition, meaning it's likely they will start the season proper with just two matches under their belt.

St Kilda coach Scott Watters says the two veterans will be available for the final two rounds of the pre-season, and is upbeat they will be match fit in time for Round 1.

"Nick's going extremely well ... generally those players are tracking well and on course for where we want them to be," Watters said.

"They'll potentially play (rounds) three and four (of the pre-season)."

Watters said St Kilda was more focused on its premiership-season team the deeper the club moved into the warm-up competition.

"I think it would be fair to say that most clubs in NAB (Cup rounds) one and two still have a strong development focus," Watters said.

"They still want to expose younger players and some players who are potentially on the fringe trying to challenge for selection.

"But as you move through the NAB campaign by the time you get to three and four you're getting a lot closer to the side you want on the park for Round 1."

He said St Kilda would still leave the bulk of their experienced players out of the line-up for this Sunday.

"We'll still have a number of younger players out there this weekend.

"We're able to bring back in Sean Dempster, Sam Fisher and Rhys Stanley - they will come in for modified game time.

"But there are probably eight or nine players that we would consider for our best side who won't play this week."

Watters welcomed the news Saints midfielder Jack Steven has signed a two-year contract extension, ensuring he will remain with the club until at least the end of 2015.

"Jack is a key component of our midfield this year ... (he) is ready for greater responsibility and challenges," Watters said of the 22-year-old.

And he stood by the Saints' decision to sack defender Jason Gram last year due to a series of off-field indiscretions.

Gram told the Herald Sun exclusively today he did not deserve to be fired and plans to try to return to the AFL.

But it won't be back at St Kilda, with Watters saying he would not be "a good fit" in the side now.

Watters said he would prefer that Gram was still playing for the club, but his actions made it impossible for them to continue to support him.

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Hodge recovery on track

Alastair Clarkson says Luke Hodge's recovery is progressing well. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Lance Franklin shows off some new facial hair at Hawthorn training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has denied reports his captain Luke Hodge has had a setback in his recovery from off-season knee surgery.

Hodge joined teammates in training at a wet and windy Waverley Park this morning and appeared to move freely.

Clarkson said he expected Hodge to be playing footy come Round 1 of the season and although he did not rule out that that may be in the VFL, he remained confident in the captain's short-term prospects.

"We've got to make a judgement at that point in time, but as long as he doesn't have any setbacks between now and then (he'll be playing)," Clarkson said.

"He's training today and we've still got four weeks until we play. My experience with footy is that four weeks is a good time once you start full training to get yourself ready to play footy, we've just got to make a judgement on when he starts playing matches and whether he's conditioned well enough to play Round 1.

"He's the captain of our footy club, it's going to be pretty tempting to select him, but we'll make that call at the time depending on how his last four weeks have been at that time."

Clarkson said the club would use the old adage of "it's a marathon, not a sprint" when assessing the merit of picking Hodge for the Round 1 encounter with Geelong or holding him back.

"Particularly with the demands on players," he said.

"It was interesting reading an article coming out of Collingwood saying they'd consider resting players a bit more, I think that's been happening across the whole competition the last two or three years.
Even the newer clubs have been doing that with some of their younger players.

"That's what's happening with the NAB Cup too especially when you're only allowed 22-24 players to play."

Hodge told the Herald Sun this month that he was fully confident in his ability to play the opening rounds of the season.

Hawks call up big guns for NAB Cup

Clarkson said Hodge's temptation would be to play.

"I don't think any player doesn't want to play because they're all competitors and they want to play footy. But I think it's just something we've got to get used to as a competition and the players have to get used to that as well."

Clarkson praised the AFL's decision to go easy on its trial of capped rotations throughout the NAB Cup.

There will still be a cap of 80 rotations for games (with a maximum of 20 per quarter) in the next two weeks, but instead of the traditional one substitute-three interchange bench teams will be able to utilise three substitutes as well as three interchange players.

"We've got Xavier Ellis and Liam Shiels for instance who we want to play next week who we would have felt compelled to play them at 80 per cent game time," he said.

"But now we've got the flexibility to be able to play them for 40 or 50 per cent game time and that's probably ideal in their first games."

Ellis has been suffering from calf tightness, while Shiels had a late start to his pre-season campaign.

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Razor Ray returns to fray

Umpire Ray Chamberlain will don the whistle for Saturday's NAB Cup clash between Richmond and Essendon. Picture: Andrew Tauber Source: Herald Sun

THE umpire fans love to abuse - Ray "Razor" Chamberlain - returns to action on Saturday after missing last season with a knee injury.

The AFL's most recognised flamboyant umpire, Chamberlain said he is excited about officiating at the Richmond v Essendon clash at Wangaratta.

And while some might suggest he doesn't mind his cult following, he said he's learnt more about himself and where umpiring sits in his life in the past 18 months.

Chamberlain said his time out had been a revelation as he realised he had put umpiring before everything else and been oblivious to other things in his life.

After umpiring 110 consecutive games, Chamberlain said his career was going along nicely.

"Sleep, eat, read, rehab, prepare for games, review games ... and all that would come ahead of games and I was oblivious to other things in my life which suffered," he said.

"What 18 months away does - apart from a lot of time on the iTunes because you're training on your own - (is) it gives you a lot of time to think and put your energies into other stuff.

"You realise I'm not Ray Chamberlain the AFL umpire, but I'm Ray Chamberlain the dad, I'm Ray Chamberlain the finance company, I'm Ray Chamberlain the son ... all those things."

The rest has also made him realise how much he loves umpiring and admits he'd lost sight of that because he was getting a bit cranky.

Chamberlain carried a patella tendon injury in the second half of the 2011 season and hoped rest would heal it, but scar tissue forced him to have surgery.

Keen to enjoy a lower profile, he said: "I have no control over whoever this Razor dude is. I didn't create it and I just want to get back umpiring with my mates."

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Watson back, Cotchin rested

Jobe Watson will lead the Bombers against Richmond in Wangaratta. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

JOBE Watson, Paul Chapman and Dean Cox will make their pre-season debuts this weekend but a host of big names have been rested.

Watson will make his first appearance for the pre-season when Essendon tackles Richmond at Wangaratta on Saturday.

He will be joined by Michael Hibberd and Jake Melksham, who has recovered from a broken hand.

But gun father-son recruit Joe Daniher is not in the Bombers' squad, despite hauling in 12 marks in an intra-club game last week.

Richmond has rested some of its biggest names with Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio and Ivan Maric among those to miss the NAB Cup match. Former Crow Chris Knights, midfielder Reece Conca and defender Steven Morris will also miss the trip, but Jake King will play after having five bouts of off-season surgery.

Scroll down to see every NAB Cup squad

Collingwood has adopted a similar rest policy for its trip to Perth to face West Coast on Sunday, with Darren Jolly, Dayne Beams and Brent Macaffer among seven Magpies who played in the NAB Cup first round who are staying in Melbourne.

But the Pies will unveil No.19 draft pick Ben Kennedy.

It's a different story for the Eagles, who have recalled Dean Cox (finger) and Josh Kennedy (ankle) for their first hitouts of the pre-season.

"Josh was ready to go in the last game but just had a very minor tweak of his ankle, and we didn't want to stress him by playing on it," coach John Worsfold said.

"He's raring to go.

"'Coxy' is back, but he hasn't really missed any training anyway, so he's right to go."

North Melbourne is resting Majak Daw and Drew Petrie for its trip to Townsville to play Gold Coast, while Brisbane will face GWS in Wagga without a long list of first-choice players including Daniel Rich, Daniel Merrett and best-and-fairest winner Joel Patfull. But the Lions have named ruckman Matthew Leuenberger in his return from an Achilles injury.

Tom Scully will miss with a minor knee injury.

Geelong has named premiership heroes Paul Chapman, Andrew Mackie and James Kelly, while Scott Thompson, Brent Reilly and Jason Porplyzia return for opponents Adelaide.

Yesterday Hawthorn named its squad for tomorrow night's clash against the Western Bulldogs, including Brad Sewell, Sam Mitchell and Jordan Lewis for their first NAB Cup appearances.

The Dogs today made a change to their squad, replacing the injured Dylan Addison with No.5 draft pick Jake Stringer.

Hawthorn will be without Cyril Rioli (ankle), Brian Lake (calf) and Paul Puopolo (knee).

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SQUADS

Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs, Etihad Stadium Friday 7.40pm (FOX FOOTY live)

Hawthorn

2 Jarryd Roughead
3 Jordan Lewis
4 Matt Suckling
5 Sam Mitchell
6 Josh Gibson
10 Bradley Hill
12 Brad Sewell
13 Kyle Cheney
16 Isaac Smith
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
29 William Langford (R) - Emergency
32 Jonathan Simpkin
35 Sam Grimley
37 Jed Anderson
38 Mitchell Hallahan - Emergency
41 Taylor Duryea
43 Amos Frank (R)
46 Derick Wanganeen (R)
47 Jonathon Ceglar (R) - Emergency

Western Bulldogs

2 Robert Murphy
3 Mitch Wallis
4 Daniel Cross
5 Matthew Boyd
6 Luke Dahlhaus
9 Jake Stringer
10 Easton Wood
11 Jackson Macrae
13 Daniel Giansiracusa
14 Clay Smith
15 Jason Tutt
16 Ryan Griffen
19 Liam Jones
21 Tom Liberatore
23 Jordan Roughead
25 Koby Stevens
27 Will Minson
29 Tory Dickson
31 Tom Young
33 Nick Lower
37 Lukas Markovic
38 Dale Morris
39 Jason Johannisen
42 Liam Picken
44 Brett Goodes
45 Tom Campbell
49 Ayce Cordy

GEELONG v ADELAIDE, SKilled Stadium Saturday 2.40pm

Geelong

1. Mitch Brown
2. Billie Smedts
3. Jimmy Bartel
4. Andrew Mackie
5. Travis Varcoe
7. Harry Taylor
9. James Kelly
11. Joel Corey
19. Taylor Hunt
20. Steve Johnson
21. Jordan Murdoch
22. Mitch Duncan
23. Josh Caddy
25. Jared Rivers
29. Cameron Guthrie
31. James Podsiadly
32. Steven Motlop
33. George Horlin-Smith
34. Josh Walker
35.Paul Chapman
37. Cam Eardley
39. Shane Kersten
40. Jackson Thurlow
41. Jesse Stringer
44. Corey Enright
45. Joel Hamling
46. Mark Blicavs

Adelaide

2. Brad Crouch
3. Brent Reilly
4. Josh Jenkins
5. Scott Thompson
7. Nathan van Berlo
8. Lewis Johnston
9. Rory Sloane
10. Matthew Jaensch
11. Matthew Wright
14. David Mackay
16. Luke Brown
17. Bernie Vince
18. Graham Johncock
22. Andy Otten
24. Sam Jacobs
25 Ben Rutten
26. Richard Douglas
27. Tom Lynch
29. Sam Kerridge
32.Patrick Dangerfield
35. Shaun McKernan
36. Brodie Martin
37. Ian Callinan
40. Jason Porplyzia
43. Aidan Riley
45. Ricky Henderson

Crows leave out Tambling

GOLD COAST v NORTH MELBOURNE, Townsville Saturday 3.30pm

Gold Coast

1 Jaeger O'Meara
2 Zac Smith
3 Jared Brennan
4 Maverick Weller
5 Jarrod Harbrow
7 Karmichael Hunt
8 Luke Russell
9 Gary Ablett
11 Harley Bennell
12 Sam Day
14 Matthew Warnock
15 Daniel Gorringe
16 Rory Thompson
17 Steven May
21 Jeremy Taylor
24 David Swallow
28 Jack Martin
29 Tom Murphy
30 Campbell Brown
31 Jackson Allen
32 Brandon Matera
33 Aaron Hall
34 Jack Hutchins
36 Greg Broughton
37 Jesse Lonergan
38 Joel Wilkinson
42 Kyal Horsley

North Melbourne

1. Daniel Currie
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
16. Scott Thompson
18. Shaun Atley
19. Sam Wright
22. Todd Goldstein
23. Kieran Harper
24. Levi Greenwood
25. Robbie Tarrant
28. Will Sierakowski
29. Brent Harvey
35. Aaron Black
41. Aaron Mullett
42. Scott McMahon
43. Sam Gibson

ESSENDON v RICHMOND, Wangaratta, Saturday 5.10pm

Essendon

1. Michael Hibberd
2. Tom Bellchambers
4. Jobe Watson
5. Brent Stanton
7. Leroy Jetta
9. Brendon Goddard
12. Stewart Crameri
15. Courtenay Dempsey
16. Tayte Pears
17. Jake Melksham
18. Michael Hurley
19. David Hille
20. Jackson Merrett
21. Dyson Heppell
22. Jake Carlisle
23. David Myers
26. Cale Hooker
28. Elliott Kavanagh
29. Alwyn Davey
30. Patrick Ryder
31. Dustin Fletcher
34. Kyle Hardingham
38. Nick Kommer
39. Heath Hocking
40. Ben Howlett
46. Mark Baguley
47. Cory Dell'Olio

Richmond

1. Chris Newman
4. Dustin Martin
5. Brandon Ellis
6. Shaun Grigg
7. Matt Dea
8. Jack Riewoldt
10. Shane Edwards
11. Jake Batchelor
12. David Astbury
13. Ricky Petterd
14. Bachar Houli
16. Luke McGuane
18. Alex Rance
21. Shane Tuck
23. Daniel Jackson
24. Ben Griffiths
26. Robin Nahas
27. Aaron Edwards
28. Jake King
29. Ty Vickery
31. Nick Vlastuin
35. Matt White
36. Matt McDonough
37. Orren Stephenson
44. Matthew Arnot
45. Brett O'Hanlon
49. Steven Verrier

BRISBANE v GWS, Wagga Saturday 7pm

Brisbane Lions

1.Sam Docherty
3. Brent Moloney
5. Billy Longer
6. Josh Green
7. Jed Adcock
8. Rohan Bewick
11. Pearce Hanley
12. Stefan Martin
15. Dayne Zorko
17. Claye Beams
18. Todd Banfield
22. Marco Paparone
23. Matthew Leuenberger
26. Elliot Yeo
28. Patrick Karnezis
30. Jack Redden
31. James Polkinghorne
35. Ryan Lester
36. Matt Maguire
38. Tom Rockliff
41. Mitch Golby
42. Justin Clarke
44. Aaron Cornelius
46. Sam Michael

GWS

3. Stephen Coniglio
4. Toby Greene
5. Dylan Shiel
6. Lachie Whitfield
8. Callan Ward
10. Devon Smith
11. Taylor Adams
12. Jonathon Patton
16. Nathan Wilson
17. Adam Treloar
18. Jeremy Cameron
20. Adam Tomlinson
22. Shaun Edwards
25. Anthony Miles
26. Jonathan Giles
28. Liam Sumner
31. Jacob Townsend
38. Stephen Gilham
39. Tim Mohr
40. Adam Kennedy
42. Mark Whiley
43. Kurt Aylett
46. Bret Thornton
48. Sam Frost

CARLTON v FREMANTLE, Etihad Stadium Saturday 7.40pm

Carlton

1. Andrew Walker
3. Marc Murphy
4. Bryce Gibbs
6. Kade Simpson
8. Matthew Kreuzer
9. Kane Lucas
11. Robert Warnock
12. Mitch Robinson
13. Chris Yarran
14. Brock McLean
15. Jeremy Laidler
17. Sam Rowe
19. Eddie Betts
23. Lachie Henderson
27. Dennis Armfield
28. Tom Bell
31. Marcus Davies
34. Nick Duigan
38. Jeff Garlett
39. Frazer Dale
40. Michael Jamison
41. Levi Casboult
42. Zach Tuohy
43. Simon White
44. Andrew Carrazzo
45. Aaron Joseph
46. David Ellard

Fremantle

1. Hayden Ballantyne
3. Zac Dawson
4. Jayden Pitt
5. Garrick Ibbotson
6. Danyle Pearce
7. Nathan Fyfe
8. Nick Suban
9. Matt de Boer
10. Michael Walters
11. Tom Sheridan
12. Jonathon Griffin
13. Tendai Mzungu
15. Ryan Crowley
16. David Mundy
17. Hayden Crozier
18. Luke McPharlin
22. Tanner Smith
26. Kepler Bradley
30. Zachary Clarke
33. Cameron Sutcliffe
34. Lee Spurr
37. Michael Johnson
38. Jack Hannath
41. Paul Duffield
44. Jesse Crichton
46. Clancee Pearce

Freo, Eagles name strong line-ups

PORT ADELAIDE v MELBOURNE, Renmark, Saturday 4pm

Port Adelaide

3. Campbell Heath
5. Matthew Broadbent
8. Hamish Hartlett
12. Jackson Trengove (acting captain)
13. Cameron O'Shea
14. Paul Stewart
15. Lewis Stevenson
16. Oliver Wines
17. Tom Clurey
20. Chad Wingard
21. Matt Thomas
22. Mason Shaw
23. Matthew Lobbe
24. Nathan Blee
26. Andrew Moore
30. Sam Colquhoun
31. Darren Pfeiffer
32. Jake Neade
34. Jarrad Redden
37. Kane Mitchell
38. Ben Newton
40. Aaron Young
42. Tom Jonas
43. Daniel Stewart
Emergencies
41. Brendon Ah Chee
45. Danny Butcher
46. Justin Hoskin

Melbourne

1 Jesse Hogan
12 Colin Sylvia
19 James Strauss
20 Colin Garland
21 Cameron Pedersen
22 James Magner
23 Josh Tynan
26 Daniel Nicholson
27 Tom Gillies
28 Joel Macdonald
30 James Sellar
31 Jack Grimes
32 Michael Evans
33 Dom Barry
34 Dean Kent
35 Luke Tapscott
36 Aaron Davey
39 Neville Jetta
41 Troy Davis
42 Jake Spencer
43 Rory Taggert
45 Matt Jones
46 Dean Terlich
47 Tom Couch
48 Jack Fitzpatrick
49 Nathan Stark
50 Mitch Clisby

ST KILDA v SYDNEY, Edithad Stadium Sunday 5.10pm

St Kilda

1 Tom Hickey
2 Arryn Siposs
4 Clint Jones
5 Ben McEvoy
6 Sebastian Ross
8 Trent Dennis-Lane
11 Leigh Montagna
14 Jarryn Geary
15 Tom Ledger
16 Jack Newnes
17 Dylan Roberton
18 Spencer White
19 Sam Gilbert
20 David Armitage
21 Ahmed Saad
22 Farren Ray
24 Sean Dempster
25 Sam Fisher
27 Jason Blake
28 Rhys Stanley
32 Terry Milera
34 Nathan Wright
37 Beau Maister
38 Sam Dunell
39 Cameron Shenton
43 Tom Curren
45 Jackson Ferguson

Sydney

4. Daniel Hannebery
7. Harry Cunningham
11. Jed Lamb
12. Josh Kennedy
13. Andrejs Everitt
15. Kieren Jack
17. Tommy Walsh
18. Jesse White
19. Tony Armstrong
20. Sam Reid
21. Ben McGlynn
22. Dean Towers
24. Jude Bolton
25. Ted Richards
26. Luke Parker
30. Lewis Roberts-Thomson
32. Lewis Jetta
33. Brandon Jack
34. Alex Johnson
38. Mike Pyke
39. Heath Grundy
42. Xavier Richards
43. Dane Rampe
44. Jake Lloyd
46. Shane Biggs

WEST COAST v COLLINGWOOD, Patersons Stadium Sunday, 7.40pm

West Coast

1. Mitchell Brown
2. Mark LeCras
3. Andrew Gaff
5. Brad Sheppard
7. Chris Masten
10. Scott Selwood
11. Matt Priddis
13. Luke Shuey
15. Jamie Cripps
16. Eric Mackenzie
17. Josh Kennedy
20. Dean Cox
23. Darren Glass
24.Matt Rosa
25. Shannon Hurn
26. Sam Butler
27. Jack Darling
28. Ashley Smith
29. Scott Lycett
31. Will Schofield
32. Andrew Embley
33. Josh Hill
35. Patrick McGinnity
37. Adam Selwood
42. Jeremy McGovern
43. Ashton Hams
46. Simon Tunbridge

Collingwood

2. Jordan Russell
5. Nick Maxwell
8. Harry O'Brien
9. Marty Clarke
10. Scott Pendlebury
11. Jarryd Blair
15. Jarrod Witts
19. Jamie Elliott
20. Ben Reid
21. Quinten Lynch
22. Steele Sidebottom
24. Josh Thomas
25. Ben Hudson*
27. Ben Kennedy
28. Ben Sinclair
32. Travis Cloke
34. Alan Toovey
36. Dane Swan
37. Kyle Martin*
38. Peter Yagmoor*
39. Heath Shaw
40. Paul Seedsman
41. Sam Dwyer*
43. Adam Oxley*
45. Jack Frost*
46. Marley Williams
48. Caolan Mooney*

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Waite in doubt for opener

Jarrad Waite is battling a calf injury. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Herald Sun

INJURY-prone Carlton key forward Jarrad Waite could miss the Blues' opening-round blockbuster against Richmond.

The Blues will already be without their reigning best-and-fairest winner Heath Scotland for the opening two rounds because of a club-imposed suspension.

Waite played just 11 games last season because of back problems and has averaged only 12 games a season over the past four years.

He's currently battling a calf complaint which has the Blues doubting he'll be ready for Round 1.

"I'm starting to think not," coach Mick Malthouse said today.

"I'm not convinced he isn't. He's line-ball."

Malthouse said youngster Andrew McInnes (knee) is the only other Blue expected to miss the start of the season through injury.

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Chris Judd, Matthew Kreuzer and Scotland all skipped Carlton's opening-round pre-season games, but all three trained today.

Malthouse was unsure which of them would play in the Blues' Round 2 NAB Cup match on Saturday night against Fremantle, but wasn't too concerned.

"They don't have to do a lot," he said.

"I don't believe you have to play practice matches. It's for young kids.

"They've got nothing to prove."

Malthouse, meanwhile, has pleaded for the AFL to relax the20-interchange per quarter rule to allow coaches "to coach''.

For the next two weeks of the NAB Cup the league will trial a cap on interchange rotations, with clubs limited to 80 moves a game.

"If we are going to have the 80 rule, please let us coach,'' he said.

"So, if I want to use 50 in first quarter and 10 in the last, let me coach the side ... there's too many restrictions on the coaches (having to use) 20, 20, 20. That might not suit us.''

He tentatively welcomed the team composition being 18 players, three interchange and three subs.

The original plan was for 18-3-1 plus the interchange cap.

"Two or three of my players would not have played this weekend had the rule existed from what they said, which was 18, 3 and one,'' he said.

"It's impossible because I've got players who should only play half a game because they haven't played any football, players who should only play a quarter of a game. What can you do?

"Fortunately, they (the AFL) have jumped on and given us another two (players) which is (still) borderline.''

Malthouse also supported the new rule to stop players diving at the legs of players, and has renewed his call to ban players on the ground from taking possession of the ball.
 

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Hawks call up big guns

Sam Mitchell returns to the Hawthorn line-up this weekend. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn captain Sam Mitchell and gun midfielders Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell will play their first matches of the pre-season matches against the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.

The star trio were left in Melbourne as the Hawks flew to the Gold Coast for their opening NAB Cup round-robin matches last weekend.

The night didn't go well, with Hawthorn suffering losses to Brisbane and the Gold Coast and copping injuries to Cyril Rioli (ankle), Brian Lake (calf) and Paul Puopolo (knee).

All three will miss Friday night's clash, with Puopolo in doubt for the start of the home-and-away season.

Others missing from the Hawthorn squad include skipper Luke Hodge, Liam Shiels, Shaun Burgoyne and Grant Birchall.

Youngsters Jed Anderson, Derick Wanganeen and Sam Grimley have all been named, along with recruits Jonathan Simpkin and Matt Spangher.

Lance Franklin will play after being kept goalless in Queensland.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have named former West Coast midfielder Koby Stevens for his first game in red, blue and white.

Fans will get another look at first-round draft pick Jackson Macrae and mature-age recruit Brett Goodes, while Jordan Roughead returns after missing the Dogs' opening NAB Cup clashes with a virus.

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SQUADS

Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs, Etihad Stadium Friday 7.40pm (FOX FOOTY live)

Hawthorn

2 Jarryd Roughead
3 Jordan Lewis
4 Matt Suckling
5 Sam Mitchell
6 Josh Gibson
10 Bradley Hill
12 Brad Sewell
13 Kyle Cheney
16 Isaac Smith
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
29 William Langford (R) - Emergency
32 Jonathan Simpkin
35 Sam Grimley
37 Jed Anderson
38 Mitchell Hallahan - Emergency
41 Taylor Duryea
43 Amos Frank (R)
46 Derick Wanganeen (R)
47 Jonathon Ceglar (R) - Emergency

Western Bulldogs

2 Robert Murphy
3 Mitch Wallis
4 Daniel Cross
5 Matthew Boyd
6 Luke Dahlhaus
10 Easton Wood
11 Jackson Macrae
13 Daniel Giansiracusa
14 Clay Smith
15 Jason Tutt
16 Ryan Griffen
19 Liam Jones
21 Tom Liberatore
22 Dylan Addison
23 Jordan Roughead
25 Koby Stevens
27 Will Minson
29 Tory Dickson
31 Tom Young
33 Nick Lower
37 Lukas Markovic
38 Dale Morris
39 Jason Johannisen
42 Liam Picken
44 Brett Goodes
45 Tom Campbell
49 Ayce Cordy

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Patton extends Giants deal

Jonathon Patton kicks for a goal against Sydney. Source: Getty Images

NO.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton has extended his contract with Greater Western Sydney until the end of 2016.

Patton was one of seven youngsters who recommitted to the Giants on Wednesday.

The tough forward, who had an injury-interrupted year with the Giants in their inaugural season, said he was happy to commit to the club long-term.

"It's a great place to be," he said. "I think we are in the best position we can possibly be in.

"I think success is going to happen sooner rather than later."

Patton, whose contract was due to expire at the end of this year, was joined by Dom Tyson, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Andrew Phillips and Sam Frost in agreeing to contract extensions until the end of 2015.

Tyson was linked to Richmond during last year's trade period.

Curtly Hampton and Aidan Corr have also committed to the club until the end of 2016.

Patton was the No.1 pick in the 2011 AFL draft.

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Bomber 'embarrassed' over scandal

Mark Thompson says he feels embarrassed by the Essendon drugs scandal. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON assistant coach Mark Thompson says he feels embarrassed to walk in public in light of the drug scandal currently engulfing his club.

As the AFL and Australian Sports Anti Doping Authority continue their investigation in to the club's alleged use of performance enhancing drugs last year, Thompson said the matter was the most serious issue he had ever had to deal with in football.

Thompson said the club's image had "copped a hammering", making life difficult for all players and staff.

"It's been very hard to survive and to live," Thompson said.

"Everywhere you go you feel embarrassed, you think that people are thinking you've done these things that everybody has been saying we're doing.

"To be honest we just have to sit back and wait, and we can't defend ourselves because we're just not allowed to and we understand that, we're part of this process where we want to find the truth out and once the truth comes out we'll deal with the consequences.

"In that regard it's been really difficult."

Thompson told Fox Footy that the past few weeks had been a constant challenge, but admitted he had been impressed with the way the players had handled the situation.

"The players have actually been OK," he said on AFL 360.

"They've been training really well and when we get out on to the grass you sort of forget about what you're doing so in that regard it's OK. But it does come up in your mind when you're not out on the grass.

"You've just got to bring people together and discuss things. It changes every day and in all honesty it's a challenge, but it's a challenge we have to get through because we have to play games of footy and we have to win our respect back to our members, sponsors, the game, everybody."

Speaking for the first time since the drug scandal erupted, Thompson admitted to being "part of the process" that saw suspended high performance manager Dean Robinson to the club.

"I was there. I take responsibility for that for sure."

But he dismissed suggestions his influence at the club is greater than it should be.

"I'm there because of my experience and I try to pass on that knowledge, but in the end there's no point me having that knowledge and experience and having a puppet here and a puppet there and I'm pulling the strings. I'm not the coach, I've got no responsibility.

"If I've got the experience, I'll actually train you to do your role, I can't actually do it for you. So as far as that's concerned, it's only advice."

Thompson, the coach of Geelong when it won the 2007 and 2009 premierships, refused to fan any speculation surrounding Robinson's past involvement with the Cats.

"Again, when all the truth comes out, if there is anything that happened at Geelong well it will come out too," he said.

"At least we know with ASADA it's going to be very, very thorough and they will get to the bottom of it."

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Daw battles knee swelling

Majak Daw in action during the Kangaroos' NAB Cup win against Richmond. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

EXCITING North Melbourne big man Majak Daw has knee problems and is in doubt for the NAB Cup second round.

Daw developed swelling in both knees after the Kangaroos' wins against Melbourne and Richmond at Etihad Stadium last Friday night.

Coach Brad Scott said the ruckman-forward would need to improve rapidly over the next day or so to be guaranteed a place in the 24-player squad to face the Gold Coast in Townsville on Saturday afternoon.

"We're hopefully Majak will be up and right to play, but he did have some swelling Sunday and Saturday morning,'' Scott said.

"That was disappointing given that we managed his loads through the pre-season and thought he would get through. And we managed his load in the games, so at this stage at best he's 50-50.

"He will be selected in the side, but if that swelling doesn't reduce significantly over the next 24 hours, then he probably won't play. We'll look to get him right for the following week.''

Scott said Daw's running goal, when he pushed aside Tiger defender Steven Morris, was an indication of how much more development is required as well an illustration of the Sudanese-born Roo's immense athleticism.

"Right at this stage, Maj is in the early stages of his development. Despite what people say, he has a lot of work to do and he knows that clearly,'' Scott said.

"We're trying to simplify the game for him at the moment. I said before the game that he would do a few things that would make people stand up and take notice. But he's still really working hard on the fundamentals of the game.

"He didn't see Brad McKenzie on the inside. It's very easy in hindsight to say he should've passed it off, he simply didn't see him. And they're the fundamentals that I'm talking about.

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

"It takes players a long time to develop the awareness around them. Maj at the moment, the simplest way for him to play is to play to his strengths.

"He'll evolve and develop that awareness as time goes on. He wants to be a respected member of this team and that means giving it to a player in a better position when it presents itself.

"When he saw the vision he said, 'Yeah, I should've given it to Brad, but I just didn't see him', so that's what we're working on with him to try to evolve his development.

"It's the joy of coaching, that's why we coach because the satisfaction you get from working hard with a player. And to (ruck coach) Alex Ishchenko's credit and all our development staff's credit, they take great satisfaction in watching Maj improve.''

Scott said the Kangaroos will be playing to win against the Suns and had already factored in the expected north Queensland heat in the preparations.

Nathan Grima and Leigh Adams are not likely to be risked for the long trip, but both are still on track to be ready for Round 1 of the home-and-away season.

"It's probably unlikely Leigh Adams will be right to play. He's probably the only regular member of our team who wasn't in the squad last week,'' he said.

"Nathan is close. He wanted to play last week, but he's a really important part of our back six, but we won't risk him if he's not 100 per cent. He prefer to get more training sessions into him.

"It will be more a process of leaving players out than bringing new ones in.

The Roos today unveiled the new surface at their training ground at Aegis Park.
 

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Scott: Stop messing with our game

Brad Scott wants the AFL to stop tinkering with the rules. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott fears the game will become "unrecognisable" if the AFL continues to tinker with rules.

Scott is opposed to the 80 interchange rotations cap to be trialled in this weekend's NAB Cup second round.

"I'm concerned a little bit that the premise is incorrect in the first place. I'm not sure that we should be trying to tire players out to try and reduce congestion," Scott said.

"You go back and look at the evolution of the game. In the early 2000s you had flooding, 2010 you had the opposite with players pushing to the other end of the ground. So the coaches evolve and alter their tactics based on what's presented to them.

"If we cap rotations and fatigue players and make it difficult for them to get around the ground, we'll just adapt, we'll just change the game again.

"If our players are really tired and we're getting scored against and we're opening up, we're likely to just put 16 players behind the ball to stop us being scored against.

Majak Daw battles knee swelling

"So, I'm very wary when it comes to tinkering with the game to try and change the evolution of the game. If we make rule changes every times there's an evolution in the game, we'll just end up chasing our tail.

"My great fear is that the game becomes unrecognisable in the not too distant future. I would prefer to just let things go as they are and let the game evolve naturally.

"I feel for the AFL because they do the best they can to trial things in the NAB Cup. But the reality is we're playing shortened games and, when you cap interchanges at 20 (each quarter), the quarters go for seven or eight minutes less than the regular season and you find most interchanges happen late in the quarter.

"So are we going to get accurate set of data? I doubt it, but I don't know what the alternative is."

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Cats won't change kamikaze Joel

Carlton legend Greg Williams has warned Geelong captain Joel Selwood against the dangers of multiple concussions.

Joel Selwood is a "ticking time bomb" for head trauma according to Greg Williams. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

Tom Hawkins marks strongly in front of Josh Hunt at Geelong training. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

GEELONG won't ask Joel Selwood to change the way he plays despite warnings of head trauma from repeated concussions.

Brownlow medallist Greg Williams described Selwood as a walking time bomb because of his fearless head-first attack on the ball.

Williams has revealed he is suffering from a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated knocks during his career with Geelong, Sydney and Carlton.

"He gets knocked out a couple of times a year and gets stunned that many times that the club has to protect him because he can't protect himself," Williams said.

"He is a champion player and courageous, but he is too courageous for his own good.

"If he keeps getting concussed, it's a huge issue for him in life and they have do to something about it."

But Geelong assistant coach Dale Amos said today the Cats wouldn't ask Selwood to change the way he plays.

"You can't change the way Joel plays. That's the way he is," Amos said at Geelong training today.

"The way they adjudicate the game, in terms of contact to players, is as good as it's ever been. It's much safer than it ever was.

"So we trust that the game will enable guys to play the way they are, because we all admire Joel.

"He's the captain of our footy club for a reason. He leads by example, and I think everybody admires the way he plays."

While Williams said players in his era would be considered "wimps" if they didn't keep playing after a head knock, Amos said times had changed.

"What was once seen to be brave and macho is quite different now," Amos said.

"Everybody in the industry is much more educated, and the players are no different.

"They report how they're feeling, and their consultations with the medical staff or the physios are quite extensive, so I think players are quite in-tune with how they feel."

AFL's concussion headache

And he said clubs couldn't take "short cuts" with concussed players.

"You just can't cheat the system anymore with those sorts of things," Amos said.

Meanwhile, the Cats will welcome back premiership stars Paul Chapman and Andrew Mackie for its NAB Cup clash against Adelaide on Saturday.

Amos said the pair were "fit and ready to play" after being rested for Geelong's trip to Perth for Round 1 of the pre-season competition.

He said Chapman was raring to go and was pushing for more midfield time.

"He's had a good injury free pre-season and in terms of his preparation it couldn't have gone any better. He's looking forward to playing, as most the senior guys are this time of year, and he's ready to go," Amos said.

Amos said Mathew Stokes (ankle) and Josh Hunt (quad) were making steady progress from injury but would not play against the Crows.

Injured ruckman Hamish McIntosh is also close to a return to training after under-going knee surgery.

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Lions top NAB Cup ladder

Nick Riewoldt in the rain during St Kilda's intra-club practice match in Wangaratta last year. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: HWT Image Library

THE Lions are surprise pre-season ladder-leaders, Richmond is ninth and the Dogs have a hand on the NAB Cup wooden spoon.

Brisbane bolted out of the blocks with wins against Hawthorn and Gold Coast to record the best percentage of the four teams to hold an unbeaten record after the first round of NAB Cup matches.

Mick Malthouse made a successful start to his coaching career to have Carlton sitting second, just ahead of his former club Collingwood, while North Melbourne rounds out the top four after snatching victory late against Richmond on Friday night.

Those four teams seem the only realistic hopes of making the final of the pre-season competition, which will be played between the two top teams after three rounds of round-robin matches.

See the full NAB Cup fixture below

The competition reverts to full-length games for the next two weeks as clubs head to the far corners of the country.

Brisbane will try to keep its unbeaten record intact against GWS in Wagga, Gold Coast will take on North Melbourne in the first AFL match in Townsville while Essendon will return to Wangaratta to face Richmond.

The Bombers were set to play in Wangaratta last year but the match was called off in bizarre circumstances.

After chartering planes to transport players to the town - 240km from Melbourne - on the day of the game, the Bombers were forced to return to Melbourne when the aircraft couldn't land due to bad weather.

The match was abandoned and the Saints were later awarded the points - and gave angry locals something to watch by staging a hastily-arranged practice match.

NAB CUP LADDER

1. Brisbane Lions 2-0 254.3%
2. Carlton 2-0 142.9%
3. Collingwood 2-0 134.5%
4. North Melbourne 2-0 107.5%
5. Port Adelaide 1-1  158.6%
6. Essendon 1-1 148.0%
7. GWS 1-1 135.5%
8. West Coast 1-1 133.8%
---
9. Richmond 1-1 117.5%
10. Fremantle 1-1 91.4%
11. Adelaide 1-1 87.0%
12. Geelong 1-1 83.2%
13. St Kilda 1-1 73.0%
14. Gold Coast 1-1 62.8%
15. Melbourne 0-2 75.0%
16. Hawthorn 0-2 64.5%
17. Sydney 0-2 53.1%
18. Western Bulldogs 0-2 52.2%

NAB CUP FIXTURE (all times local)

Round 2

Friday, March 1
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn (Etihad Stadium,7.40pm) FOX FOOTY

Saturday, March 2
Geelong v Adelaide (Simonds Stadium, 2.40pm) FOX FOOTY
Gold Coast v North Melbourne (Townsville, 3.30pm)
Essendon v Richmond (Wangaratta, 5.10pm) FOX FOOTY
GWS v Brisbane Lions (Wagga, 7pm)
Carlton v Fremantle (Etihad Stadium, 7.40pm) FOX FOOTY

Sunday, March 3
Port Adelaide v Melbourne (Renmark, 4pm)
St Kilda v Sydney (Etihad Stadium, 5.10pm) FOX FOOTY
West Coast v Collingwood (Patersons Stadium, 4.40pm) FOX FOOTY

Round 3

Friday, March 8
GWS v Essendon (Manuka Oval, 6.10pm) FOX FOOTY
Adelaide v Carlton (AAMI Stadium, 8.10pm) FOX FOOTY

Saturday, March 9
Hawthorn v Richmond (Aurora Stadium, 1.10pm) FOX FOOTY
Melbourne v St Kilda (Casey Fields, 2.30pm)
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs (Northam), 3.30pm
Geelong v North Melbourne (Simonds Stadium, 3.40pm) FOX FOOTY
Collingwood v Brisbane Lions (Etihad Stadium, 6.40pm) FOX FOOTY
West Coast v Port Adelaide (Alice Springs, 7pm)
Sydney v Gold Coast (Blacktown ISP, 7pm)

Grand Final

Friday March 15 or Saturday March 16
(Venue TBC) 7.40pm FOX FOOTY/Channel 7

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Panel clears Buddy hit

Lance Franklin runs the ball during the round one NAB Cup match against Gold Coast. Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN'S gun goalkicker Lance Franklin has no case to answer from an incident In the NAB Cup match against Gold Coast.

The AFL match review panel cleared Franklin of contact to Suns youngster Matt Shaw, deciding the Hawks ace had his hand open and it wasn't a striking action.

Carlton forward Levi Casboult is also in the clear after his heavy collision with GWS Giants Matt Buntine was deemed to be accidental.

The MRP decided Casboult had made a realistic attempt to win the ball.

Reports this morning suggested Buntine was still in hospital and may have suffered a punctured lung.

Gold Coast rookie Andrew Boston won't face a front-on bump charge after it was decided he had no alternative way to contest the ball when he collided with Brisbane Lion Claye Beams.

 

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Roos re-sign one more

North Melbourne defender Jamie Macmillan has committed to the club for another two years. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has continued to shore up its list, re-signing defender Jamie Macmillan on a two-year deal that will keep him at the Kangaroos until the end of 2015 season.

Veteran forward Daniel Wells and young star Jack Ziebell recently won contract extensions through to the end of 2016 while Shaun Atley signed until 2015.

Coach Brad Scott was given a vote of confidence by the AFL club last week when the Roos announced he'd signed a new deal tying him to the Kangaroos until the end of 2016.

Macmillan said the Kangaroos were confident of the direction they were headed in.

"We're all pretty close and its hard to explain, but I think we all have a good feeling about where were going and we have absolute confidence in Brad," Macmillan told the Roos website.

The 20-year-old played every game last year and is aiming to become more flexible and diverse in 2013.

Macmillan said he planned on playing a bigger role in the team and had a clear sense of his aims.

"Last year was about laying some groundwork and learning the basics of the game, and that's given me some confidence," he said.

"I'm the kind of guy who never really feels settled, but from day one of pre-season I've had some really clear goals about what I wanted to do and how I wanted to improve."

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Diesel wants concussion breaks

Greg Williams says he doesn't remember much from Carlton's 1995 premiership. Source: Herald Sun

BROWNLOW medallist Greg Williams, who has a degenerative brain disease, says the AFL should force players who suffer multiple concussions to take compulsory two-month breaks.

The former Carlton star has been battling chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a condition commonly associated with athletes involved in contact sports.

His comments come as the AFL prepares to host a major conference on concussion at Etihad Stadium next month before Round 1.

Williams says he has forgotten large portions of his career, which included 250 games with Geelong, the Sydney Swans and Carlton from 1984-1997.

He was one of six former AFL players and an ex-NRL player who had been taking part in a testing program at Deakin University.

All had shown signs of brain disease.

Williams called on the AFL to do more to protect players, saying several concussions were still not being diagnosed properly and some at-risk players should not be competing every week.

"I'm not an expert but I just think players who are great players like (Geelong's Joel) Selwood and (Sydney's Kurt) Tippett and these guys are getting knocked out two or three times a year and they're nearly playing the week after,'' Williams told SEN.

"There are different levels of concussion and if you're a certain level and you get knocked out there's got to be a one-month, two-month lay-off.

"They've got to get treatment and they've got to make sure that they're right before they come back.''

Williams said he'd been fully concussed about four times in his career but warned that continual head knocks could lead to minor concussion.

Greg Williams cops a heavy bump from Essendon's Michael Prior in 1997. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

He said the league needed to make changes to the issue of concussion across the board, including in suburban and country leagues.

"They're not getting diagnosed and they're not getting treated properly and there are going to have to be changes and I'm sure there will be in the years ahead,'' Williams said.

Officials from all AFL clubs will attend the March 20-21 conference which is being held to provide the league with the most up-to-date information available on head injuries.

The Concussion in Sport conference will include representatives from a range of sports and be run in conjunction with rugby league and rugby union, but will be open to any sporting group who needs to deal with concussion.

I know I started '84 at Geelong ... But the specifics, like the Grand Final after the game in the rooms, I remember nothing about that.

It will be held one week after the release of new guidelines on the management of concussion in sport which follow the 2012 Zurich International Consensus Conference on Concussion.

AFL Medical Officers Association Officer Dr Hugh Seward, who attended the Zurich Conference, said some new initiatives relating to the match-day management of concussion would be released at the conference.

"We are adding a few more strategic aspects to the decision-making particularly with regard to how (doctors) should approach video analysis (for evaluation purposes),'' Seward said.

'I cant remember Grand Final'

Williams says he cannot remember the highlight of his career, the 1995 Blues premiership, despite winning the Norm Smith Medal and kicking five goals.

"Obviously I know that I won the premiership in 1995 and things like that, but I don't remember a lot about the game, no I don't," he has told Channel 7's Sunday Night program.

"I know I started '84 at Geelong, '86 I can remember, all those main dates, and the Grand Final loss in '93 and won the Brownlow in '94.

"But the specifics as you say, like the Grand Final after the game in the rooms, I remember nothing about that."

Williams said that in his playing days there were no club rules regarding concussion. If you were knocked out and you recovered you were sent back on.

"If you didn't you were a wimp - it was just tradition, you got up and kept going,'' he said.

Carlton champion Greg Williams gets attention from a trainer. Source: Herald Sun

His wife Mary has noticed the changes in her husband of 26 years - his forgetfulness and his temper, which she says is getting worse.

"He'll snap at me for no reason, and you think, what's going on here?'' she said.

She said the worst part would be if she had to care for him as he got older and he didn't recognise her.

The revelations come as Melbourne pulled young midfielder Rohan Bail from contact drills for six weeks after he suffered two concussions during the pre-season.

Bail missed four weeks last season after suffering a head knock in Round 9.

Williams is one of six former AFL players and one NRL player who have had CTE testing by Deakin University's Alan Pearce.

All seven have shown symptoms of permanent brain disease.

Researchers are investigating the link between head knocks and CTE, dementia and depression.

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Shocking trip north for Hawks

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

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

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

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

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

Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

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

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

Clarkson was not stressed by anything he saw last night.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The contest with Brisbane was a horribly scrappy affair.

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

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Integrity name of the game

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou vows to maintain the integrity of the sport. Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL has vowed to restore the trust it concedes some football fans have lost in the code, insisting it will rid the game of "rogue elements".

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou insisted the competition would not tolerate anyone who puts the integrity of the game at risk.

In an exclusive interview with Sunday Herald Sun columnist Shane Crawford, Demetriou rejected calls for his sacking from former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett.

"All of us want to have our supporters and our key partners believe in the game and live up to its values, and I think in the main that we do," Demetriou said.

"But it is sometimes the acts of individuals that taint great people at clubs, boards and players. The actions of a particular player at a particular club could taint the whole playing group, so what we have to do is live up to the values that we set ourselves."

Asked if he could understand why some supporters might be questioning the game after a tumultuous off-season, Demetriou said: "I certainly can, because in this organisation we pride ourselves on very, very strong core values, on being transparent, being honest, acting with integrity, acting with the right ethics.

"That's what the public expects. It is something that should apply in any organisation, any club, any business.

"We have drawn a line in the sand. We are going to put a stop to rogue elements at clubs and the insidious nature of some individuals who are trying to spoil it for the rest of the code. It is only a handful of people but it can cause significant damage.

"The public are entitled to be questioning the values of the code because they are wondering, given what has happened with the Melbourne, Adelaide and Essendon (investigations). I have said the issues of values, principles and ethics in the code are absolute non-negotiables."

Demetriou said clubs had been provided with a "road map" of warning signs - "things like ex-players, anti-ageing clinics, gyms and tattoo parlours".

He would not be drawn into criticism by Kennett, who suggested on Footy Classified that the AFL was being run on a culture of fear and intimidation.

 Kennett also said the AFL Commission had to start considering a time frame for change at the top of the AFL.

But Demetriou was adamant that he still had the fire in the belly to help restore the faith that some people might have lost in AFL football.

"I'm not distracted ... I'm not tired," Demetriou said of the criticism being levelled at him. "I am very excited about the season ahead.

"(And) I am very excited about the new people we are about to appoint and bring in to reinvograte the executive."

In his interview with the Sunday Herald Sun, Demetriou also said the AFL would ban the use of intravenous injections other than painkillers and would ensure the club doctor would be the sole person responsible for player treatment.

"There will be a ban on IV at clubs - not just on game day," he said. "We are implementing some very, very serious measures to restore treatments of players under one person and that is the club doctor."

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Jacobs commits to Crows' cause

Sam Jacobs awaits the ball during an Adelaide Crows training session. Source: The Advertiser

CROWS lead ruckman Sam Jacobs has confirmed he is committed to a long-term contract extension at Adelaide.

Jacobs, 25 in April, will sign a three-year extension keeping him at West Lakes until the end of 2016.

The former Carlton player pre-empted official announcements from Adelaide by taking to Twitter today.

He Tweeted team-mate Patrick Dangerfield saying: "Great to join your ranks in hanging round for a long time.''

Dangerfield last year signed a three-year contract extension.

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

Jacobs has been held back in the Adelaide pre-season as the Crows manage their senior players.

He is expected to appear for the first time on Saturday when Adelaide plays Geelong in the NAB Cup at SKilled Stadium.

Jacobs was added to the Crows' leadership group this season.

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LIVE: Swans v Blues

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

IT is Mick Malthouse's first match as coach of the Blues. Follow all the live action from tonight's NAB Cup matches featuring Carlton, Sydney and GWS Giants at Blacktown here.

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

THE Swans are finally on the board.

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

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

There will be no great comeback, however.

Carlton all over them.

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

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

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

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

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

Premiership hangover, anyone?

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

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

IT is all Carlton here.

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

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

Sydney have barely touched the footy here.

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

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

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

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

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

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

They are nice and warmed up now, the Blues.

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

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

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

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

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

Carlton will now back up against reigning premier Sydney.

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

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

THE Blues are back.

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

Can the Giants hang on?

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

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

WELCOME to GWS, Stephen Gilham.

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

Only the NAB Cup but a few concerns for Carlton.

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

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

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

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

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

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

No one putting their hand up for the Blues.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Both teams still finding their feet in the early going.

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

4:15pm AEDT-

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

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

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

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

Follow the coverage with us right here!

SCHEDULE

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

FOLLOW NICK SMART ON TWITTER: @NickSmart85

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