AFL season likely to grow

Andrew Demetriou is looking at several ways to extend the season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL will consider breaking a long-standing tradition and extending the season as soon as next year in a bold bid to attack the "free hits" it gives rival codes which start earlier.

Chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the league had looked at a number of options which would allow it to bring Round 1 forward, including starting the season overseas.

Live HQ: Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions

He also said clubs could play more than 22 games in an extended season with extra byes and had canvassed the possible changes with club captains.

"(We could) start the season up north earlier, use Etihad Stadium earlier – because it's not a cricket ground – use Subiaco earlier, (and) I can't rule out the possibility of playing overseas," he told SEN.

"It could possibly include a variation of the length of the season."

The mooted dramatic change would almost certainly spell an end to the NAB Cup in its current form, with Demetriou confirming the pre-season competition could be massively downgraded next year.

"Whether you need four hit-outs or two against other teams and maybe they play an intra-club, I think that's got some merit," he said.

The NRL, Super 15s and A-League are all in full swing by the first week of March, dominating media attention in the two northern states.

The MCG is currently off-limits to the AFL until the end of the Sheffield Shield cricket season.

Demetriou revealed the first game in South Australia next year would be a Showdown at the refurbished 50,000-seat Adelaide Oval but said it would not open the season.

A Saturday twilight opener is preferred by local officials to ensure a smooth opener.

- with Michelangelo Rucci

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Corey to miss Hawks clash

Geelong veteran Joel Corey will sit out Monday's clash against Hawthorn. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG veteran Joel Corey will sit out the Cats' Easter Monday blockbuster against Hawthorn after an interrupted pre-season.

As revealed in the Panic Room yesterday, Corey is expected to be eased back into the Cats' best 22 following minor setbacks in his preparation.

Meanwhile, Hawthorn is set to unleash young gun Jed Anderson in Monday's clash at the MCG.

The Northern Territory local has been named on the interchange bench alongside Shave Savage, Liam Shiels and defender Ryan Schoenmakers.

Former Olympics aspirant Mark Blicavs will lead the Cats' short-handed rucks division with Trent West starting on the pine.

HAWTHORN

B: J.Gibson, B.Lake, B.Guerra
HB: G.Birchall, B.Stratton, S.Burgoyne
C: I.Smith, S.Mitchell, B.Hill
HF: C.Rioli, L.Franklin, L.Breust
F: J.Gunston, J.Roughead, P.Puopolo
Foll: D.Hale, B.Sewell, J.Lewis
Int: J.Anderson, S.Savage, L.Shiels, R.Schoenmakers
Emerg: M.Bailey, K.Cheney, J.Simpkin

GEELONG

B: J.Rivers, T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: T.Hunt, H.Taylor, T.Varcoe
C: A.Mackie, P.Chapman, M.Stokes
HF: J.Murdoch, S.Motlop, B.Smedts
F: J.Podsiadly, T.Hawkins, M.Duncan
Foll: M.Blicavs, J.Selwood, J.Bartel
Int: T.West, J.Caddy, A.Christensen, G.Horlin-Smith
Emerg: J.Corey, J.Walker, J.Stringer

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LIVE: Giants v Swans

Swans co-captain Kieren Jack celebrates a goal in the second quarter. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

Swans defender Ted Richards looks to dish off the ball upfield against GWS Giants. Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

All eyes will be on Lachie Whitfield as the top draft pick makes his debut against Sydney. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

6.22pm: Swans 61 - Giants 42

LIAM Sumner has given the Giants a sniff with his first goal early in the third quarter against Sydney at ANZ Stadium.

But the Josh Kennedy-led Swans hold a 19 point buffer despite the plucky Giants best efforts.

Kennedy has 19 disposals including 17 contested and a goal.

5.55pm: Swans 61 - Giants 34

SYDNEY is starting to assert its authority over a plucky GWS Giants outfit at ANZ Stadium.

The reigning premiers jumped to a 27-point lead after being headed midway through the term.

Kieren Jack and Mike Pyke have done most of the damage with two goals apiece while Josh Kennedy leads allcomers with 17 disposals.

The Giants controlled the first 10-15 minutes of the second quarter but faded as the Swans drove home five unanswered goals to close out the first half.

Live HQ: Click for live SuperCoach scores and stats

Swans co-captain Jarrad McVeigh (13 disposals) got busy in the second quarter kicking a goal after being well held.

Giants captain Phil Davis left the field late in the second quarter with what appeared to be a hip/back injury.

Meanwhile, Tom Scully was reported in the first quarter for tripping Swans defender Rhyce Shaw.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Phil Davis of the Giants lies on the ground after injuring his hip during the round one AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

5.38pm: Swans 35 - Giants 34

JUDE Bolton has steadied the ship for Sydney after GWS Giants surged to the lead with a five-goal burst in the second quarter.

The Giants burst out of the blocks after the break with Jonathon Patton (two goals) and Jeremy Cameron (one goal) doing most of the damage.

But Sydney responded through Bolton who marked strongly 40m out on a slight angle.

Live HQ: Click for live SuperCoach scores and stats

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Dylan Shiel of the Giants breaks the tackle of Mike Pyke of the Swans during the round one AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

5.27pm: Swans 29 - Giants 16

The Giants are mounting a fight back with goals to Toby Greene and Jeremy Cameron cutting the margin to 13 points.

The Swans dominated the first quarter but the Giants exploded after the break at ANZ Stadium with back-to-back majors within a couple of minutes of play.

Greene's goal was the best of the game so far, threading a drop punt between the big sticks from deep in the right forward pocket.

Swans magnet Josh Kennedy has nine disposals and a goal to his name while Giants young gun Adam Treloar leads allcomers with 12 possessions.

Sydney star Adam Goodes leads to the ball. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

5.07pm: Swans 23 - Giants 1

UNLIKE Brisbane, Sydney is experiencing no premiership hangover putting paid to GWS Giants in the first quarter at ANZ Stadium.

Mike Pyke opened the scoring with a goal before back-to-back majors made it 22-1 scoreline nearing quarter time.

Josh Kennedy kicked the Swans second swooping on the pack and snapping his first goal for 2013.

Live HQ: Click for live SuperCoach scores and stats

Shane Mumford added to the Giants woes converting a set shot from about 40m on a slight angle.

The ruckman has been solid up forward taking four marks.

Earlier today, NAB Cup champions Brisbane was hammered by 68 points by the Western Bulldogs.

Adam Treloar has been the pick of the Giants early with Callan Ward and Stephen Coniglio busy in the clinches.

Top draft pick Lachie Whitfield is yet to touch the ball.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Dylan Shiel of the Giants breaks the tackle of Mike Pyke of the Swans during the round one AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

4.45pm: Swans 6 - Giants 0

RUCKMAN Mike Pyke has given the Swans the ideal start kicking a goal within 30 seconds of the opening bounce at ANZ Stadium.

The Canadian won soft a hands in the back free kick running with the flight of the ball and made no mistake from the set shot.

The Swans will be out to get their premiership defence off on the right foot after having their colours lowered by the Giants during the NAB Cup.

Giants top draft pick Lachie Whitfield started on the ground.

Adam Treloar has the job on Swans ball magnet Josh Kennedy.

Live HQ: Click for live SuperCoach scores and stats

Meanwhile, Taylor Adams (Giants) and Tony Armstrong (Swans) are the substitutes.

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Dogs maul Lions by 68 points

Western Bulldogs first gamer Nick Lower, Koby Stevens, Brett Goodes and Tom Young after the Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane Lions match at the Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. March 30, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Matt Maguire iced up at 3 quarter time of the Western Bulldogs vs Brisbane Lions at the Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. March 30, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

SOMETIMES a long wait can be well rewarded.

If scriptwriters were searching for a theme for the Western Bulldogs' 68-point mauling of NAB Cup champions the Brisbane Lions in an extraordinarily one-sided Round 1 clash at Etihad Stadium, it wouldn't have been hard to locate it.

Just ask the Bulldogs' players - and their long-suffering fans - who have waited and waited to finally win a match for premiership points again.

Before today, the last time it had happened was way back in Round 12 last season and what followed was a miserable streak of 11 losses that had doomsayers fearing what 2013 might hold in store for Brendan McCartney's team.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Yet what the Bulldogs served up at their first offering for this year offered hope for the present, as much as the future, and it showed some vindication of the path on which McCartney is offering up for his young side.

Given the wait the Western Bulldogs had experienced, you could understand why they looked so elated at the final siren, given they were missing their captain Matthew Boyd, and were coming up against the form side of the pre-season competition.

But the simple equation was that the Bulldogs wanted it more. And the Lions were desperately disappointing.

There were stories of reward for effort and redemption for reward everywhere you looked for the Bulldogs, and you could understand why some of the players in the winning side celebrated long and hard on the final siren.
 
Just ask Brett Goodes who finally made his AFL debut at the ripe age of 29, and performed so well that it's almost an indictment on the competition that he was forced to wait so long.

He might do something that his brother Adam couldn't do - win a Brownlow Medal vote in his first game. Adam had to wait until his third season to poll votes off the umpires.

Goodes was outstanding off the half-back line - something which allowed acting captain Robert Murphy the chance to play forward - and he used the ball like a wily veteran that he is in age terms, but not in terms of AFL games played.

Just ask Dale Morris, who played his first game in Bulldogs colours in a home-and-away match in 595 days after a career-threatening broken leg, and who importantly got through the match with confidence in his game and in his leg.

He attacked the ball hard when he went anywhere near it, and led the backline, offering up confidence and support to key defender Jordan Roughead, who outpointed Jonathan Brown.

Just ask Nick Lower, who this time last year was struggling to adapt to life under Ross Lyon at Fremantle.

Lower completely shut-out Michael Tuck medallist Daniel Rich, restricting him to an almost inexplicable eight possessions.

He was a worthy inclusion to the Bulldogs' midfield that overwhelmed a much-hyped Lions engine room that looked as flat as the look on coach Michael Voss' face.

Lower worked well with ruckman Will Minson, who played one of his best games for the club, and the likes of Ryan Griffen, Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis.

Just ask Koby Stevens and Tom Young, who were bit players for their respective clubs West Coast and
Collingwood last season, but who slotted nicely into McCartney's team to suggest they might play nice roles this season.

And maybe ask Adam Cooney, who started the week in hospital due to an infection to his troublesome right knee, but finished it singing the Bulldogs' theme song for the first time since Round 12 last year.

Brisbane was nothing like the team that won the NAB Cup only a few weeks ago.

They were denied the ball early by the ferocious Bulldogs and nothing seemed to go right for them.

The Dogs now face Fremantle next Saturday, while Brisbane finally returns to the Gabba to meet Adelaide on the same day.

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10 things we learnt last night

Richmond buck poor opening round trend to beat Carlton.

Ty Vickery on a lead. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Trent Cotchin clears out of the middle. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

DON'T write off Chris Judd, Mick rethinks game plan, Cotchin takes charge and the MCG's magnetic goalposts. Here are 10 things we learnt from Richmond v Carlton.

1. JUDD STILL GOING STRONG

Anyone who thought the former Carlton skipper was a spent force should fast-forward the replay to the 20-minute mark of the third quarter. With the Blues looking for a spark, Judd put on a three-minute master class, kicking two goals and almost snagging a third with a snap that sailed wide. He finished the night with 27 disposals and 14 score involvements, the most on the ground.

2. MAGNETIC POSTS

The goalposts at the Punt Rd end couldn't stay out of the action all night. Three Tigers - Jack Riewoldt, Shane Tuck and Shane Edwards - slammed the footy into the woodwork in the first quarter, then Dennis Armfield did the same after the Blues switched ends. Chris Yarran also hit the post - at the same end - in the fourth quarter and some would argue his running goal in the second brushed the padding as it skidded through. A video review was inconclusive and the goal stood.

LiveHQ: Full match stats, SuperCoach points and more

3. MEET THE REAL BRYCE GIBBS

The 2006 No.1 draft pick has been tagged as an outside player with neat skills, but last night he showed what he could do when thrown into the guts. Gibbs was the top-ranked player on the ground with a huge 150 SuperCoach points from 34 disposals including 16 contested possessions - the equal most in the match with Trent Cotchin. What did Brett Ratten leave him down back for so long?

4. CAPTAIN COTCH

Cotchin showed why the Tigers handed him the captaincy before his 23rd birthday with a match-saving final quarter. Twice Cotchin came from nowhere to intercept what appeared certain Carlton goals and in the dying minutes, with the Tiger lead disappearing and most players out on their feet, he took the responsibility of the behind kick-ins. Richmond needed a bit of luck to get home but the leadership that was lacking in the closes losses last year was there for all to see.

Trent Cotchin clears out of the middle. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

5. MICK BINS GAME PLAN ... BUT FOR HOW LONG?

There has been plenty of discussion over the summer about how the Blues would adapt to Mick Malthouse's long kicking, stick to the boundary game plan. On the evidence last night, the answer was not well. Carlton appeared stagnant and without Travis Cloke to bomb the ball to in attack, the Tigers - notably Jake Batchelor, doing a good Joel Bowden impression in the No.11 jumper - cut off repeated forward forays with easy marks. After halftime Mick released the shackles and let the Blues play the run-and-gun style favoured under Ratten - and they almost pinched an unlikely win. Not that Mick was all that pleased. "By working one way you do rob yourself of some defensive play and we took that gamble so I'm not too sure where I actually sit with that. It got us back in the game, but I'm not 100 per cent sure you can keep having shootouts with sides," he said post-match.

Carlton coach Michael Malthouse talks to his players. Source: Getty Images

6. GREAT GAME, JACK

The reigning Coleman medallist finished with 0.4 for the night but don't be surprised if he earns votes in the Tigers' best-and-fairest award. Damien Hardwick was delighted with Riewoldt's team-first attitude, dragging opponent Michael Jamison - and often one or two other defenders - up the ground and creating space for unlikely heroes Ty Vickery and Luke McGuane. "I think it's one of the best games he's played for 12 months," Hardwick said of Riewoldt. Vickery showed his importance to the Tigers with nine marks and three goals, while McGuane chimed in with two and laid the game-saving tackle on Josh Bootsma in the final 30 seconds - just reward for a player who has been on the end of plenty of beltings in his 93 matches over eight seasons.

Blues say KO'd Robbo will play next week

7. KARATE KID

We're not sure what's in Vickery's DVD collection at home, but after last night we're betting Bruce Lee makes an appearance. Vickery channelled the martial arts legend when he protected himself while waiting for a looping handball on the wing in the first term. With Brock McLean closing rapidly, the Tiger big man extended his leg to basically fly-kick McLean in the face. But there was no free kick and Richmond swept the ball forward.

Picture gallery: All the action from the MCG

8. TEFLON JACKSON

Daniel Jackson has been run down more than once in his AFL career and Tiger fans had a sense of deja vu as Jackson waltzed into the goalsquare early in the third term only for Marc Murphy to latch onto him. But instead of pulling Jackson down, Murphy somehow slid right off allowing Jackson to drill the goal, seemingly oblivious to what had just happened. Won't be one for the "how to tackle" DVD.

Jack Riewoldt flies for a mark. Source: Getty Images

Daniel Jackson breaks a Marc Murphy tackle to kick a goal in the third quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

9. 50-50 CALL

The Blues were mounting a charge in the third quarter before they shot themselves in the foot, giving away goals with consecutive 50m penalties. Michael Jamison was a bit stiff to be penalised for crossing into the protected area as he walked past Luke McGuane after the Tiger marked 45m out. The second 50m was more clear-cut after a filthy Nick Duigan noted his displeasure with a push in the back free kick to Jake King at the top of the goalsquare. Richmond kicked three goals from 50s, with Bachar Houli nailing a long shot in the second term after a late spoil by Shaun Hampson at centre half-back.

10. RIP HOODOO

Richmond's win snapped a nine-match losing streak against Carlton, the longest sequence since the Tigers lost their first 24 clashes to the Blues from 1908-1917. The two teams have played at the MCG in Round 1 every season since 2007 and before last night Richmond had won only one of those matches (2008), losing the other five by an average of 44 points. The next hoodoo on the Tigers' agenda is trying to play finals for the first time in 12 years. Their last September appearance was a preliminary final loss to Brisbane at the Gabba 4207 days ago.
 

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Robbo right for Round 2

Mitch Robinson comes off the MCG after getting knocked out. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: HWT Image Library

CARLTON hard nut Mitch Robinson is almost certain to play next week, despite being knocked out in the Round 1 loss to Richmond.

Robinson was smashed in a marking contest by Tigers forward Tyrone Vickery in the second quarter and lay motionless on the MCG turf for several seconds.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, video, stats and more

But Blues football manager Andrew McKay said the club was confident the midfielder would recover in time to face Collingwood next Sunday.

Richmond v Carlton, MCG, Mitch Robinson comes off the mcg, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: HWT Image Library

McKay said that Robinson, despite being rendered unconscious, passed a concussion test on the interchange bench not long after.
"He's got to be able to pass the test during the week, but I don't see a problem because he actually pulled up really well even though he was knocked out,'' McKay said.

"He's alright, he's not too bad. The doctors were a bit concerned because he was knocked out. Just the fact he was out of it the doctors ruled him out.

"There was a period of time where he was unconscious and as soon as the docs were aware of that they weren't keen to put him back on.''

Jeremy Laidler will come under consideration next week after being surprisingly overlooked for the Blues' season-opener.

10 things we learnt from Tigers v Blues

McKay confirmed the defender wasn't injured, but may be suffering from a lack of match practice.

"He played the early NAB Cup games with a bit of indifferent form and he's one of the 25 vying for 22 positions next week,'' he said.

"We're in a fortunate position at the moment where most of the guys are fit and raring to go and 'Laids' is a quality player and I'm sure he'll be back in the team at some stage.''

But it's the philosophy rather than the personnel which is causing the club some early headaches.

Tigers say Tyrone time is coming

Malthouse admitted on Thursday night that he was wrestling with finding the right balance between his defensive principles and Carlton's attacking instincts.

"I learned a lot, they'll probably learn a lot. Just the methodology, the things you can do that work and things that don't work and you've got to start to get the balance right,'' Malthouse said.

"By working one way you do rob yourself of some defensive play and we took that gamble so I'm not too sure where I actually sit with that. It got us back in the game, but I'm not 100 per cent sure you can keep having shootouts with sides.''

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The Panic Room: Cooney cured

Matt Windley and Glenn McFarlane name the rookies and left-field picks to give you the SuperCoach edge.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Adam Cooney of the Bulldogs boxes during a Western Bulldogs AFL training session at Whitten Oval on March 26, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

DOGS fans don't fear, Adam Cooney has made a stunning comeback.

Word out of the Kennel is that Cooney absolutely brained them at Thursday's main training session, just days after coming out of hospital because of an infected knee.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, video, stats and more

He was zipping around like he hadn't missed a beat which had been the case throughout the pre-season until the mishap following the final practice match.

At today's open session at Etihad Stadium, Cooney did some cross-training and boxing but don't be alarmed as that's what he does the day before a game given the history with his troublesome knee.

And don't think he will be eased into proceedings tomorrow, watch for him to start either wing or in the middle and play 70-80 per cent game time.

Down Geelong way there are two premiership heroes very much under the microscope - Trent West and Joel Corey.

Cats ruckman Trent West has undergone knee surgery. Picture: Alison Wynd Source: Geelong Advertiser

West had minor knee surgery last month and hasn't played in the pre-season. While he's increased his training loads over the past couple of weeks it would be a very un-Geelong like risk to throw him straight into Round 1 despite the depletion of the club's ruck stocks.

Steeplechaser Mark Blicavs has already been named and expect fellow rookie Josh Walker to be his back-up.

Corey has had a number of minor setbacks over the summer and didn't play in the final practice match. Word has it he's not quite right and will be eased into the season.

SUPERCOACH ALERT:

There are dilemmas everywhere but Collingwood have thrown a couple of curve balls at us by naming upgraded rookies Jack Frost and Sam Dwyer on interchange. Both appeal given we're all desperately seeking cheap defenders (Frost) and forwards (Dwyer - also mid) at the luxury price of $96,200. Frost appeals as the one more likely to get over the three-game mark although don't expect big scores as he's an old-fashioned see-ball hit-ball defender.

Young Collingwood defender Jack Frost at training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Dwyer's problem is he's a half-forward flanker who is clearly only treading water until Dale Thomas, Andrew Krakouer and Alex Fasolo return from injury which could be as soon as next week.

MONEY MATTERS:

All week we agonised over whether to go for the big upset with the Gold Coast. If ever St Kilda are ripe for the picking it's tomorrow with a shot defence, no Leigh Montagna and playing in the humid conditions at Metricon Stadium.

In the end, one conversation changed my mind when I was reminded that the Saints have torched the Suns by 90-plus on both occasions and Nick Riewoldt loves playing against them. So the tip didn't go the Suns way but the line bet of +22.5 ($1.82) is gold.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt catches his breath. Source: Getty Images

Throw in GWS at +50.5 ($1.90) - because the Swans historically take a while to get up and running - and Geelong ($2.25) to win on Monday and we end up with odds of $7.78.

Hawk Jarryd Roughead joins the panel to provide inside SuperCoach info on the Hawks.

ON NOTICE:

North Melbourne.

The Roos keep saying they want to play with the big boys and be considered a legitimate top eight team. Well, Sunday is a perfect opportunity to do that given they are taking in a full-strength team - minus veteran Brent Harvey only - against an injury-hit Collingwood outfit who they beat by five goals at Etihad when they met in Round 21 last year.

North Melbourne skipper Andrew Swallow is a proven SuperCoach star. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

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Teams: Demons leave out Davey

Matt Windley and Glenn McFarlane name the rookies and left-field picks to give you the SuperCoach edge.

SuperFooty delivers the best live match news to your phone

Aaron Davey shows the strain of pre-season training. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Jack Viney tries to evade James Frawley at Melbourne training. Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has left veteran Aaron Davey out of the team to face Port Adelaide on Sunday.

Melbourne cut its bench this afternoon, with Davey named as an emergency alongside mature-age South Australian recruit Dean Terlich.

Davey, 29, has played 158 games.

The Melbourne bench for its clash against Port Adelaide on Sunday is Sam Blease, Luke Tapscott, former Kangaroo Cam Pederson and 25-year-old Matt Jones, who will play his first AFL match after being recruited from VFL side Box Hill.

Port Adelaide named top draft pick Oliver Wines on the bench, setting up a head-to-head match-up with his best mate, Demon Jack Viney.

Last year's Sandover medallist Kane Mitchell is also on the bench.

It was a good day at the selection table for mature-age recruits, with Collingwood selecting 26-year-old Sam Dwyer on its bench for Sunday's clash against North Melbourne.

Dwyer was recruited from VFL side Port Melbourne in last year's rookie draft and was promoted to the senior list yesterday.

Former Carlton defender Jordan Russell is also on the bench, alongside Marty Clark and Ben Johnson.

Paul Seedsman, Josh Thomas and elevated rookie Jack Frost are emergencies.

The Kangaroos decided not to play Majak Daw, leaving Todd Goldstein as the Roos' only ruckman.

The final benches for Monday's Geelong v Hawthorn game will be named tomorrow.

Scroll down for Round 1 teams

SuperCoach Round 1 formguide: Captain picks, lockout info and more!

Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions, Etihad Stadium, Saturday 1.40pm

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dale Morris, Jordan Roughead, Liam Picken
HB: Jason Johannisen, Tom Young, Brett Goodes
C: Adam Cooney, Nick Lower, Koby Stevens
HF: Tory Dickson, Liam Jones, Daniel Giansiracusa
F: Rob Murphy, Ayce Cordy, Luke Dahlhaus
Foll: Will Minson, Ryan Griffen, Tom Liberatore
I/C: Mitch Wallis, Daniel Cross, Shaun Higgins, Clay Smith
Emg: Jason Tutt, Lukas Markovic, Tom Campbell

NEW: Tom Young (Collingwood), Brett Goodes, Nick Lower (Fremantle), Koby Stevens (West Coast)

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Elliot Yeo, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Jed Adcock, Matt Maguire, Pearce Hanley
C: Patrick Karnezis, Tom Rockliff, Mitch Golby
HF Dayne Zorko, Stefan Martin, Josh Green
F: Rohan Bewick, Jonathan Brown, Ashley McGrath
Foll: Billy Longer, Daniel Rich, Brent Moloney
I/C: Claye Beams, Jack Redden, James Polkinghorne, Aaron Cornelius
Emg: Sam Docherty, Andrew Raines, Ryan Lester

NEW: Brent moloney (Melbourne)

GWS v SYDNEY, ANZ Stadium Saturday 4.40pm

Panic Room: Cooney good to go, Cats in trouble

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
B: Adam Kennedy, Tim Mohr, Stephen Gilham
HB: Tomas Bugg, Phil Davis, Curtly Hampton
C: Will Hoskin-Elliott, Callan Ward, Lachie Whitfield
HF: Stephen Coniglio, Jeremy Cameron, Tom Scully
F: Liam Sumner, Jonathon Patton, Devon Smith
Foll: Jonathan Giles, Adam Treloar, Toby Greene
I/C: Taylor Adams, Dean Brogan, Lachie Plowman, Dylan Shiel
Emg: Sam Frost, Rhys Palmer, Nathan Wilson

NEW: Lachie Whitfield, Lachie Plowman

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Rhyce Shaw, Heath Grundy, Nick Smith
HB: Martin Mattner, Ted Richards, Nick Malceski
C: Ben McGlynn, Daniel Hannebery, Lewis Jetta
HF: Kieren Jack, Sam Reid, Ryan O'Keefe
F: Mike Pyke, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
Foll: Shane Mumford, Josh Kennedy, Jarrad McVeigh
I/C: Tony Armstrong, Luke Parker, Dane Rampe, Lewis Roberts-Thomson
Emg: Andrejs Everitt, Jed Lamb, Jesse White

NEW: Dane Rampe

Hawk Jarryd Roughead joins the panel to provide inside SuperCoach info on the Hawks.

GOLD COAST v ST KILDA, Metricon Stadium, Saturday 6.45pm

GOLD COAST
B: Joel Wilkinson, Matthew Warnock, Tom Murphy
HB: Dion Prestia, Rory Thompson, Greg Broughton
C: Matt Shaw, Gary Ablett, Jarrod Harbrow
HF: Harley Bennell, Charlie Dixon, Brandon Matera
F: Luke Russell, Sam Day, Steven May
Foll: Zac Smith, Karmichael Hunt, David Swallow
I/C: Aaron Hall, Jaeger O'Meara, Jared Brennan, Michael Rischitelli
Emg: Maverick Weller, Jack Hutchins, Kyal Horsley

NEW: Jaeger O'Meara, Greg Broughton (Fremantle)

ST KILDA
B: Jason Blake, James Gwilt, Dylan Roberton
HB: Jarryn Geary, Tom Simpkin, Sam Gilbert
C: Jack Newnes, Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Aaron Siposs, Nick Riewoldt, Terry Milera
F: Stephen Milne, Beau Maister, Rhys Stanley
Foll: Ben McEvoy, David Armitage, Jack Steven
I/C: Ahmed Saad, Tom Hickey, Clinton Jones, Farren Ray
Emg: Nathan Wright, Trent Dennis-Lane, Tom Lee

NEW: Dylan Roberton (Fremantle), Tom Hickey (Gold Coast)

Melbourne v Port Adelaide, MCG Sunday 1.10pm

MELBOURNE
B: Lynden Dunn, Tom Gillies, Daniel Nicholson
HB: Jack Watts, James Frawley, Colin Garland
C: Jack Viney, Jack Grimes, Jimmy Toumpas
HF: Jeremy Howe, James Sellar, Colin Sylvia
F: Shannon Byrnes, Mitch Clark, David Rodan
Foll: Mark Jamar, Jordie McKenzie, Nathan Jones
I/C: Sam Blease, Cam Pederson, Luke Tapscott, Matt Jones
Emerg: Aaron Davey, Dean Terlich, Jake Spencer

NEW: Tom Gillies (Geelong), Jack Viney, Jimmy Toumpas, Shannon Byrnes (Geelong), David Rodan (Port Adelaide), Cam Pederson (North Melbourne)

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Tom Jonas, Jackson Trengove, Campbell Heath
HB: Jasper Pittard, Cameron O'Shea, Lewis Stevenson
C: Matthew Broadbent, Brad Ebert, Kane Cornes
HF: Justin Westhoff, Paul Stewart, Angus Monfries
F: Chad Wingard, Jay Schulz, Jake Neade
F: Jarrad Redden, Hamish Hartlett, Travis Boak
I/C: Matthew Lobbe, Oliver Wines, Andrew Moore, Kane Mitchell
Emerg: Aaron Young, Daniel Stewart, Jack Hombsch

NEW: Campbell Heath (Sydney), Lewis Stevenson (West Coast), Angus Monfries (Essendon), Jake Neade, Oliver Wines, Kane Mitchell, Jack Hombsh (GWS)

North Melbourne v Collingwood, Etihad Stadium Sunday 4.40pm

COLLINGWOOD
B: Nathan Brown, Nick Maxwell, Ben Reid
HB: Alan Toovey, Heath Shaw, Harry O'Brien
C: Steele Sidebottom, Dane Swan, Jarryd Blair
HF: Jamie Elliott, Travis Cloke, Quinten Lynch
F: Ben Sinclair, Tyson Goldsack, Brent Macaffer
Foll: Darren Jolly, Scott Pendlebury, Dayne Beams
I/C: Martin Clarke, Sam Dwyer, Ben Johnson, Jordan Russell
Emerg: Jack Frost, Paul Seedsman, Josh Thomas

NEW: Quinten Lynch (West Coast), Sam Dwyer (Port Melbourne), Jordan Russell (Carlton)

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Shaun Atley, Scott Thompson, Michael Firrito
HB: Jamie Macmillan, Nathan Grima, Ben Jacobs
C: Aaron Mullett, Ryan Bastinac, Kieran Harper
HF: Ben Cunnington, Robbie Tarrant, Daniel Wells
F: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Lachlan Hansen
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Jack Ziebell
I/C: Liam Anthony, Leigh Adams, Sam Wright, Sam Gibson
Emerg: Taylor Hine, Will Sierakowski, Majak Daw

NEW: Ben Jacobs (Port Adelaide)

Hawthorn v Geelong, MCG Monday 3.20pm

HAWTHORN
B: Josh Gibson, Brian Lake, Brent Guerra
HB: Grant Birchall, Ben Stratton, Shaun Burgoyne
C: Isaac Smith, Sam Mitchell, Bradley Hill
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Luke Breust
F: Jack Gunston, Jarryd Roughead, Paul Puopolo
Foll: David Hale, Brad Sewell, Jordan Lewis
I/C (from): Jed Anderson, Shane Savage, Luke Shiels, Max Bailey, Ryan Schoenmakers, Kyle Cheney, Jonathan Simpkin

NEW: Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs), Jed Anderson, Jonathan Simpkin (Geelong)

GEELONG
B: Jared Rivers, Tom Lonergan, Corey Enright
HB: Taylor Hunt, Harry Taylor, Travis Varcoe
C: Andrew Mackie, Paul Chapman, Joel Corey
HF: Jordan Murdoch, Shannon Motlop, Billie Smedts
F: James Podsiadly, Tom Hawkins, Mitch Duncan
Foll: Mark Blicavs, Joel Selwood, Jimmy Bartel
I/C (from): Trent West, Josh Caddy, Mathew Stokes, Allen Christensen, George Horlin-Smith, Josh Walker, Jake Stringer

NEW: Jared Rivers (Melbourne), Mark Blicavs, Josh Caddy (Gold Coast) 

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Please Explain: Moneyball mayhem

Mark Neeld has overseen a massive turnover of the Demons list. But has it improved? Source: Getty Images

IN the first installment of a weekly series, Glenn McFarlane writes an open letter to a target who needs to be asked the hard questions in footy.

DEAR MELBOURNE,

We know you are only three days out from the start of your 2013 campaign, but we couldn't let the season start without issuing you with our first Please Explain for the year.

Leaving aside the teenagers you were able to pick up via the father-son rule (Jack Viney), the national draft (Jimmy Toumpas) and the trade period (Dom Barry and Jesse Hogan), we've got some serious concerns about your comings and goings since the end of 2012.

You've lost Brent Moloney (Brisbane) and Jared Rivers (Geelong) to free agency; let go Stefan Martin (Brisbane), Jordan Gysberts (North Melbourne) and Cale Morton (West Coast) in trades, and delisted Ricky Petterd, who was snapped up by Richmond.

In the trade/free agency window, you replaced them with Chris Dawes, Shannon Byrnes, David Rodan, Cam Pedersen and Tom Gillies, all of whom played second-tier football at stages of last season.

We shouldn't be too surprised by the strategy by which you attacked the off-season.

Has Glenn got it right or are the Dees on the right track? Leave a comment below

As far back as last July, coach Mark Neeld forecast that he was a big fan of the film Moneyball and intended to apply it to Demons' plans as he embarked on his second season as coach.

Moneyball was a good movie and an even better book, but we're not sure what happened at the Oakland Athletics baseball team applies to the Melbourne Football Club of 2013.

Brad Pitt in a scene from Columbia Pictures' drama film Moneyball. Source: Supplied

And what has happened over the pre-season has only increased our worries in terms of the shortfall between the Demons' in and out trays for 2013.

In fairness, Moloney and Rivers effectively walked out on the club. But both appear set for big seasons.

Moloney won a best-and-fairest two years ago and was one of the best contested ball winners in the AFL that season.

Last year he was a shadow of his former self, spending plenty of time at Casey Scorpions. We'd love to know why. Was it attitude as much as form?

Demons fans would have been watching with gnawed fingernails his form in the NAB Cup final when he constantly extracted the ball from contests. Eighteen-year-old Viney will be playing that role for the Demons this year.

Rivers is no Matthew Scarlett, but he looms as an important player for the Cats.

Why did he spend so much time forward in the second half of last year? He is an out-and-out backman.

Martin has the height and frame for AFL football, even if his output so far has not been where it should be. At Brisbane, he might achieve his potential.

We're not sure just what sort of output Gysberts, Morton and Petterd might give their respective clubs. But two were first-round draft picks, adding to the talent pool lost over summer.

Brent Moloney fires off a handball against Collingwood. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

What of the players the Demons got in return?

So much of the Moneyball philosophy is all about getting the right players for the right price.

Dawes might prove to be the right player - Neeld knows him well from his Collingwood days - but has he come at the right price?

On his 2010 premiership form, maybe. On what he has achieved over the past two seasons, not a chance.

There are two questions here. Can Dawes regain that form again? And will he justify the four-year, reported $2 million deal?

Dual premiership player Byrnes is about to turn 29. He might be worth the punt as an unrestricted free agent, but the fact remains he played only four games with Geelong last year.

Byrnes excited fans by kicking five goals in an intra-club game in February. But he has only done that once in an AFL match - back in 2009. And he has only six goals from nine games in the last two seasons.

Rodan is also 29. He will bring spirit, character and good teaching to the young Melbourne midfield, but has he got many kilometres left in his battle-scarred knees? He managed 10 matches for Port last year, averaging 14 disposals.

Can Pedersen and Gillies - effectively cast off by their former clubs - make their mark with their new clubs? The Dees hope so.

Neeld rightly wanted to change the culture of the playing list. Heaven knows it needed it. Good on him for having the courage of his convictions.

But on raw numbers the club is clearly further back in terms of talent than it was at the start of last season.

We'll surprise people: New Demons recruit David Rodan runs during a training drill at AAMI Park last month. Picture: Blair Hamish Source: Herald Sun

We will know more on Sunday when you take on Port Adelaide - a team that has heavily invested in the national draft recently.

Champion Data has rated the Demons' draw the easiest in the competition this year. Two games each against GWS and Gold Coast as well as 13 at the MCG.

We hope our concerns prove unfounded and that the Moneyball theory works.

Your fans have been waiting for far too long and deserve a break.

Good luck on Sunday.

Yours Sincerely,

Glenn McFarlane

PS...

1. DANYLE PEARCE
We loved the way you have slotted into Ross Lyon's exciting Dockers' outfit, but what's with the dance-stomp goal celebrations?

Fremantle's Danyle Pearce celebrates a great second quarter goal. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

2. BOB KATTER
Bob, you must be joking about your new policy of AFL players getting tax-breaks because of the joy they bring the fans. What about others who bring us joy? You left out little kids, cute puppies, Father Christmas, the Easter Bunny, and the Tattslotto reps who call you to say "You've won.''

3. THE MCC, AFL and CRICKET AUSTRALIA
C'mon guys, lock yourselves in a room and sort out your differences so we can have the first AFL match of 2014 before a massive MCG crowd.

4. ADELAIDE MIDFIELDERS
Maybe it is time you started lending Patrick Dangerfield a hand in the contests.

Follow Glenn McFarlane on Twitter @MaccaHeraldSun

Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield under extreme pressure. Source: Getty Images

 

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LIVE: AFL Round 1 teams chat

SuperFooty delivers the best live match news to your phone

Jack Viney tries to evade James Frawley at Melbourne training. Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE will unleash father-son draft gun Jack Viney against Port Adelaide on Sunday.

The Dees said today Viney, picked up under the father-son rule in last year's national draft, would play alongside the club's top draft pick Jimmy Toumpas.

Mature-age draftee Matt Jones will also be part of the Demons' team when it is named tonight.

Jones, 25, played suburban football in Melbourne and Queensland before impressing with the Box Hill Hawks in the VFL last season. He was given an AFL lifeline by the Demons with pick 52 in the draft.

SuperCoach Round 1 formguide: Captain picks, lockout info and more!

The Demons will play seven club debutants against the Power, with former Cats Shannon Byrnes and Tom Gillies to join ex-Kangaroo Cam Pederson and former Port Adelaide midfielder David Rodan in the Dees' line-up.

Chris Dawes hasn't recovered from a calf injury in time and won't play.

It appears mature-age South Australian recruit Dean Terlich has also missed the cut.

Please Explain: Demons moneyball mayhem

To see all the Round 1 teams as they are named join the live chat below from 5.30pm.

LIVE HQ: Join Gilbert Gardiner from 5.30pm for AFL Round 1 teams and Nissan SuperCoach chat below:

On a mobile? Click HERE for a better chat experience. 

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10 things you'll see tonight

It doesn't matter how well Daniel Jackson plays tonight. He's still unlikely to win any Richmond fans over. Source: Getty Images

WILL a player drop dead from jumper asphyxiation? Will Chris Judd be a shadow of his former self? We predict tonight's big stories.

1 - Richmond supporters light a membership card bonfire

The eternal optimism that Tigers fans bring to Round 1 every year never ceases to amaze us.

That's despite Richmond losing its last nine games against Carlton, including every season-opener since 2007, so don't be surprised to see fans looking for the nearest flame to torch their plastic.

Carlton's current winning streak against the yellow and black is its longest since they went 24 games without dropping one between 1908 and 1917.

2 - Same Mick, different shirt

The moustached one will be extra prickly tonight, with the Carlton faithful expecting the earth but the coach not necessarily having the greatest list at his disposal.

It might not be the best night for a young journo to chance his arm with a curly one in the press conference.

Then again, maybe Mick will just lose the plot again and talk about bread...

Jake King might be too big for his own good this year. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

3 - Medical emergency due to overly tight jumper

At some point this year a player is going to lose circulation to their brain after going one size too small in the jumper department.

From what we've seen, St Kilda are the biggest "spray-on" offenders, but there's a little man at Punt Rd who might just trump them and pass out if he flexes a bicep a little too vigourously at any point against Carlton.

If Jake "the push-up" King has been doing the kind of reps we know he can in the off-season, there's every chance he might never get out of the jumper he puts on tonight.

4 - SuperCoaches bemoaning their Cotchin/Deledio decision

Can you squeeze both Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio into your squad?

Unlikely, with Deledio no longer a backline option. So who do you pick?

Cotchin will probably have Andrew Carrazzo going Siamese on him for large chunks of the game, which could spell trouble for the Tigers captain.

With the Blues also having to think about Dustin Martin and Reece Conca, not to mention Shane Tuck, Deledio may once again be left to do as he likes.

Better go with Brett.

Ultimate SuperCoach Round 1 formguide

5 - Traffic armageddon

There's rain around today, which means average motorists become mobile road blocks as they slow down by 30km/h, halve that speed again if there are tram tracks and generally freak out for no apparent reason.

With tomorrow's public holiday making tonight effectively a Friday, expect to see traffic gridlock around the 'G from now until about May.

You'd suggest taking public transport would be a better bet, but with the temperature straying outside of the 22C-24C window at which Melbourne's system can run without going into meltdown, you might be better to dust off your bike.

6 - Action Jackson to be a hated man

Daniel Jackson is the man Richmond fans love to hate.

It's hard to understand why a bloke who sees himself as a bit of an intellectual doesn't endear himself to the rabid crew behind the Tigers' goals, but for some reason he (and let's not forget Tyrone Vickery) cops most of the wrath from the stands.

Maybe it's the red hair.

Maybe it's his disposal efficiency that usually hovers somewhere around mid-60 per cent.

Maybe it's his two suspensions last year, one of which was for striking Chris Knights, who is now his teammate.

Either way, Jackson (pictured, top) could have 35 disposals and kick five goals and he'd still find manure in his locker on Monday morning.

Carlton fans will be hoping Levi Casboult will be the missing link up forward tonight. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

7 - Excuses about Carlton's game plan

We've heard Malthouse making a rod for his own back all pre-season, talking about needing more time to implement Carlton's new style.

But will Blues fans buy what the boss is selling?

Geelong revamped their game plan in 2011 under new coach Chris Scott and won a premiership.

Yes, their list was superior to Carlton's, but the shift to a kicking game from the Cats' handball-heavy style was the cornerstone of their third flag in five years.

Other coaches to turn their team around in quick time ... try Sydney's premiership-winning second year under John Longmire?

Cometh the man. Cometh the mullet. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

8 - More of Maric's mullet

Surely that thing is alive.

The Richmond big man had a breakout season in 2012, while carrying the ruck duties almost solo for the entire year.

But was he alone?

The marsupial growing on the hulking Tiger's head must surely be ready to spring forth and don a jumper of its own.

Expect the running bouffant battle between Maric and Taylor Walker to continue deep into September.

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9 - Nothing to look forward to

Anyone else noticed there's been a surprising lack of the usual bleating about a footy-free Good Friday?

Thankfully the NRL and the A-League have scant respect for the sanctity of religious holidays.

Tomorrow night we'll settle in with fish 'n' chips and turn our attention to the white ball to see the Storm take on the Broncos up north, and the round ball as Newcastle take on Western Sydney.

Probably the only time all year that the AFL will lose the cross-code battle - though Channel 7 will be doing some solid work with the Good Friday Appeal - but it's still an annual sporting downer.

This could be the year that former Blues captain Chris Judd finally crashes back to earth. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

10 - A shadow of the former Judd?

Just three quarters of pre-season action, diminishing pace and a battery of quick opponents set to come at him.

Tonight could be the beginning of a tough year for former Blues captain Chris Judd, and SuperCoach boffins agree.

Just 3.6 per cent of SuperCoaches have Judd in their team this year - a  far cry from years gone by when he'd be a walk-up start in most squads and an almost guaranteed 100+ points each week.

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Blowtorch on young Swans

Daniel Hannebery wins Sydney's pre-season 3km time-trial. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

SYDNEY co-captain Jarrad McVeigh has put the acid on Daniel Hannebery, Lewis Jetta and Sam Reid to improve the Swans this year.

It's no secret the Swans possess an ageing list and gun recruit Kurt Tippett will be of no use to the premiers until Round 13 because of suspension.

McVeigh said the Swans had the hunger to aim for back-to-back premierships but admitted the team needed natural improvement in players aged 21-25.

"Absolutely we need Jetts, Reidy and Hanners - those gun kids - to step up,'' McVeigh said.

"They have played well, they've shown they can do it, but we need them to go to another level and push myself, Goodesy (Adam Goodes), those types of guys to go again as well.

"They're definitely the group of kids, along with Alex Johnson who's going to miss the year unfortunately, that we need to keep going again.''

Hannebery, 22, was a standout in last year's finals, amassing possession tallies of 27 and 33 in the qualifying and preliminary finals before almost snatching the Norm Smith Medal with a 29-disposal, four-mark and one-goal performance in the Grand Final win against Hawthorn.

Jack says Swans have no excuses

McVeigh said Hannebery could be ready to take the competition by storm.

"He's been playing really good footy for the past couple of years, but his finals series last year was incredible for a young kid,'' McVeigh said.

"We really rate him. He's really courageous and set the team alight in the Grand Final with a few of those acts.

"He's trained really well over the summer, he's fit so we'll be looking for another big year from him and to get that consistent high-level performance.''

Jetta, 23, had a breakout season last year, but struggled at times for consistency as he learned to deal with taggers.

"It takes time to learn how to deal with those sorts of things, but the best players get tagged every week and you want to be tagged because then you know you're going well,'' McVeigh said.

"He's had to learn different ways of how to get the ball ... hopefully he can put those things into place again this year.''

SuperCoach is free and you could iwn $50,000 - sign up now

Hannebery said today he was looking forward to a big season.

"There's no doubt that I've had interrupted pre-seasons since I've started and so far, touch wood, I've been injury-free and everything's been going really well,'' Hannebery said in Sydney.

"I've been able to do most of the sessions and it's good to get continuity in training.

"I feel good and I'm confident going into the season.''

Hannebery expects a fierce contest against their Sydney rivals on Saturday, even though they finished on opposite ends of the ladder last season.

"You can never take any team lightly and I think GWS have proven in the (pre-season) Cup they've certainly improved and we've definitely done our homework this week,'' he said.

"They've got two big forwards in (Jeremy) Cameron and (Jonathon) Patton down there so our defenders have got their work cut out.

"They're two quality players and their backline's definitely a year more mature and stronger.''

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Steven Baker cops life ban

Former St Kilda hard man Steven Baker. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

FORMER St Kilda hard man Steven Baker has been banned from playing football for life.

Baker was last night found guilty of unduly rough conduct by the Mornington Peninsula Football League after just one practice match with new club Sorrento.

Baker, who played 203 games for the Saints, was called before the MPNFL tribunal after an incident that left Red Hill player Blake Thompson with a broken jaw on March 9.

The former AFL tagger was found not guilty of striking and not guilty of charging, but was found guilty of a rough conduct charge despite a lack of video evidence. The three field umpires also told the hearing they didn't see anything.

Baker is strongly protesting his innocence and is understood to be shattered by the decision. He last night told the tribunal it was the only time in his career that he wished he had been caught on camera.

"I ran to intercept the Red Hill ball carrier, but a couple of seconds before I got there I noticed another Red Hill player (Thompson) was moving to shepherd his ball carrier,'' Baker said in his statement.

"I braced myself and we made contact. We clashed heads and we both went to ground. I did not raise my arm or fist.''

Baker was given a six-week suspension, but because that ban took him beyond a nationwide 16-week career suspension limit he was told he coudn't play football again at any level.

Baker was suspended for a total of 28 weeks in his controversial AFL career, but that total is halved at amateur level - placing him on a career total of 14 weeks when he joined Sorrento.

Baker copped several big suspensions during his time at St Kilda, including a seven-match ban for striking Fremantle forward Jeff Farmer and a nine-match ban on four separate charges after a stoush with Geelong's Steve Johnson in 2010.

Sorrento has already lodged an appeal.

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Who is your Most Important Player?

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Scott Pendlebury is one of the best players in the AFL. But is he the most important player at Collingwood? Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

WHO is the player your club could least afford to lose?

Here is your chance to vote for the most important player on every team's list.

Keep in mind that "most important" and "best" aren't necessarily the same thing.

While you could make a good case that Gold Coast would be in huge trouble if Gary Ablett wasn't in the side, it isn't so clear-cut when it comes to the likes of Scott Pendlebury or Chris Judd.

Those guys are genuine stars, but how crucial are they to their team's fortunes?

The answer comes down to the role they play in the side - and that word you hear so often from coaches: "structure".

When Pendlebury broke his leg in Round 10 last season, the Magpies didn't rush him back - because they didn't want to risk one of their best players, and also because they had plenty more midfielders who could do his job while he was out. The Pies lost just one of the five matches Pendles missed.

Covering Nick Maxwell in defence isn't so easy. He has three career Brownlow votes (compared to Pendlebury's 81), but of the five matches he was missed last season through injury and suspension, Collingwood won two and lost the other three.

So who gets your vote?

Another way to look at it is to consider opposition teams - which player would you like to be missing when they play your side?

Have your say on every club by clicking the team logo on the interactive above.

Read our quick profiles of the four candidates for each team selected by SuperFooty writers and click on the green button to cast your vote - then see how your vote compares to all the other SuperFooty readers.

We may have got some wrong. If we have, feel free to leave a comment in the box below.

So tell us, who is each club's Most Important Player?

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O'Meara can't wait for AFL debut

Jaeger O'Meara at Nobby's Beach. Picture: Gosling Richard Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

HYPED Gold Coast teenager Jaeger O'Meara will make his senior debut against St Kilda at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

The young midfielder, who many believe would have been last year's No.1 draft pick if eligible, has waited a year to make his senior debut because of his age.

He has been given the nod for Round 1 and It is also believed former Docker Greg Broughton and ex-Hawk defender Tom Murphy are locked in to make their club debut against the Saints.

"I am definitely excited – I have been here for a year now and got to know the boys and got to develop my game," O'Meara told SuperFooty today.

"I'm really excited to get the opportunity."

Expectations for the Suns will be low again this season, but O'Meara said there was a quiet internal confidence among the group heading into the club's third season.

"The boys had a really good block of footy at the end of last year and we have had a pretty good NAB Cup campaign," he said.

"We had a great win against Melbourne a couple of weekends ago – I'm not sure how much you can take out of that, but we've definitely taken a bit of confidence.

"It should hold us in good stead come the weekend and the rest of the season."

O'Meara said this year would be about earning respect and being harder at the ball in previous years.

"We need to gain more respect in terms of contested footy," he said.

"We went away from that last year at times, so that will be a focus.

"We've improved strength wise and running wise over the pre-season.

"But we still have to play football, be aggressive at the ball and gain more respect in the AFL."
 

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Buddy's not on our radar: Lyon

RULED OUT: Ross Lyon says Lance Franklin is not on Fremantle's radar. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has fired back at claims the Dockers are chasing Lance Franklin, labelling claims as"a beat-up" and saying he had personally approached Hawthorn to quell the speculation.

Lyon said he approached Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson at a recent meeting to insist there was no truth to rumours the Dockers would approach Franklin, who has put off contract talks until the end of the season.

"This will clear it up and probably puts a really fine point on it; I went to a coaches association sub-committee meeting and Alastair Clarkson was there and we have a professional relationship," Lyon said.

"I sought him out, because this was bubbling around - unlike (Travis) Cloke last year, we were clearly in that - and this is totally different.

"I sought out Alastair and said, 'This is not us. Just to be really clear, just to let you know so you don't have to worry, it is not us'.

"That's on the public record.

"I think that really puts that article (into perspective); lack of rigor, lack of substance and just sensationalism in its true context.

"It should clarify for the whole industry and I can't be more clear than that."

Lyon said Fremantle had two priorities in its list management - retaining its burgeoning talent base and servicing its veterans - and those would be the areas it would focus on.

"That's a clear message to our player group, that they're the priority for us, and a clear message to anyone that wants to write stories that have no basis," he said.

"It eradicates that.

"It's an opinion business and, I mean, when Taylor Walker came through, did anyone know he was going to be a power forward? And (Kurt) Tippett and young (Sam) Reid from the Swans?

"Sometimes, people occur and grab opportunities and you think, 'Gee, where did he come from'.

"I think that just suited the red herring, or the kite being flown or, I'm not sure what it's called in this profession."

Lyon's comments come the morning after the club's 20-year-old Jayden Pitt was announced to have a heart condition that could result in the premature end of his career.

An irregular heartbeat discovered by medical screenings resulted in Pitt's career being immediately suspended for health reasons.

"We're really supportive of Jayden and he's been working behind the scenes with our medical staff (along with) his parents Greg and Jenny," Lyon said.

"It's been the result of a strong welfare program for our players, it's not mandatory screening, although it probably should be.

"A number of clubs do it and it's thrown up this, which is a big risk for Jayden and his career.

"He's had to put his AFL career on hold and, personally, as a senior coach with 45 players on our list, (I have) genuine care for all of them and this is a unique situation that I haven't come across before."

Follow Glen Foreman on Twitter: @glen_foreman
 

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Jack Frost set for fairytale debut

Young Collingwood defender Jack Frost is set to make his AFL debut against North Melbourne on Sunday. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COACH Nathan Buckley insists Collingwood has the depth to cover a raft of injuries it has to contend with for Sunday's season-opener against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

And it may be key defender Jack Frost, who was only elevated off the club's injury list last week, who is thrown in to the action to help curb the Kangaroos' abundance of key forwards.

Dale Thomas (ankle), Alan Didak (hamstring), Alex Fasolo (hamstring), Luke Ball (knee), Lachie Keeffe (knee) and Andrew Krakouer have all been ruled out of Sunday's game.

But Buckley is nonplussed and said players without a "solid pre-season training block'' would not be rushed back in to the side for the sake of it.

He insisted ruckman Darren Jolly is fit to play, said defender Ben Reid is "up and about'' after missing the last practice match and said Tyson Goldsack was available for selection after three games with the VFL team following off-season ankle surgery.

"As I've banged on about all pre-season, I feel like we've got some great depth. We've got competition for spots,'' Buckley said.

"We've got some injuries that we'd rather do without, but the fact is we have the depth to cover it and that's part of why you go through a pre-season, to prepare the depth of your list for the year.

"Different players are going to be called upon at different times and we'll take the field with our fittest team in Round 1, there's no doubt about that.''

The Barometer: Selection latest at every club

Buckley said 21-year-old Frost, recruited from VFL side Williamstown last year, was under serious consideration this week.

"One of the most positive aspects of our pre-season was the emergence of a couple of our rookie-listed players,'' Buckley said.

"Jack Frost has been elevated on to the senior list and has proven his ability to shut down tall (forwards) with the absence of Nathan Brown and Ben Reid at times.

"He adds to our depth there and it becomes important, shutting down North's talls, they generally play that three tall forwards set up more often than not and they're very agile and fit players as well, so that's something we're definitely looking at.''

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Judd doesn't miss captaincy

Chris Judd expects to play 80 per cent of the Blues' Round 1 clash against Richmond. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CHRIS Judd says he has been reinvigorated after relinquishing the Carlton captaincy.

Judd described himself as now "one of the soldiers" following Marc Murphy's elevation to the role at their AFL club.

He says there are parts of the leadership role he will not miss.

"It's just a nice thing to do later on in your career where you can really just focus on playing footy and not be distracted by some of the administrative duties that go with being in a leadership position," Judd said.

"It's not that I won't have a say at the club or won't be fully engaged, but I certainly feel like I'm enjoying the purity of just worrying about playing footy."

Judd admitted he had to make a choice and decided concentrating solely on playing was his preference.

"It's one of those things, you can't be half pregnant and you can't be half a captain," Judd said.

"There's a lot of parts of being captain that I loved and really enjoyed and probably some other parts that I grew tired of.

"You can't pick and choose with a job like that, so the time was right to hand it over and Murph has already done a terrific job."

Cancer survivor Sam Rowe pushes for Round 1 spot

Judd said he would mentor some of the younger players but made it clear he would not try to influence the leadership.

"Murph's the boss, him and the rest of the leaders are making the rules and I'm one of the soldiers, and that's sort of refreshing as well," he said.

Judd has been troubled by hamstring issues and said he "didn't have a great pre-season" but said he was now almost back to full fitness.

The Barometer: Updated injury list at every club

The Blues open their AFL campaign against Richmond this week and Judd said he expected to play up to 80 per cent of the game.

"Not having that (NAB Cup) rotation cap, it will be easier just to play in six-minute bursts," he said.

He said he planned to play on next season but there would be no more lengthy contracts at Carlton in his future.

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Hardwick welcomes Tiger pressure

Richmond coach Damian Hardwick at Richmond training today. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says the Tigers have embraced the increased expectation surrounding the club this season.

The Tigers have not played finals since 2001 and Hardwick said the heat was on.

" The best place to be is when expectations are high," Hardwick said.

"That's where you get your best results. We've put the pressure on our guys this year to march their way up the ladder, as probably have 17 other clubs.

"We certainly look forward to rising to the challenge...I think there's some 14 sides that are going to be challenging for the final eight position and we're going to one of those and we certainly look forward to taking it on and seeing where we end up."

Richmond has lost its past nine games against Carlton and hasn't defeated the Blues in Round 1 since 2008.

Hardwick said the Tigers are a different side to the one that was trounced by Carlton by 44 points in Round 1 last season.

"All we're worried about is our pre-season form and how that's transgressed over the summer," Hardwick said.

Tame Tigers: A brief history of Round 1 heartbreak

"We've been reasonably happy with the way we've played. We had a really tough tussle, which is exactly the way you want to go into Round 1, versus the Bulldogs in NAB four and came out on top.

"We're certainly looking forward to a great contest.

"Our list has improved again, they've got further experience, we think we're better prepared so look, overall we think it's going to be a good result for us going into Round 1."

Hardwick said first-round draft pick Nick Vlastuin and former Port Adelaide defender Troy Chaplin were a chance to debut for the Tigers on Thursday night.

Pic gallery: Tigers tune up for Carlton clash

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Stevie J out indefinitely

Geelong star Steve Johnson will miss the start of the season. Source: Getty Images

GEELONG has not put a timeframe on Steve Johnson's return after minor knee surgery today.

The Cats said they made the call to have a knee arthroscopy now in the long-term interests of Johnson, who was already set to miss Monday's Round 1 clash against Hawthorn due to suspension.

Football manager Neil Balme said Johnson's knee had "caused him aggravation" over the past week.

"There was a possibility that Steve could manage the issue through the season, but we all felt it was a better course of action to have the procedure now so that Steve will be at 100 per cent when he returns," Balme said.

"We think that by having the knee cleaned up he will be fully fit when he starts to play rather than the possibility that the knee will slowly deteriorate over time forcing the surgery later in the year."

The Cats enter Round 1 with several big names on the injury list, most of them ruckmen.

The club announced today it had promoted young talls Mark Blicavs and Josh Walker from the rookie list.

Meanwhile, Geelong's Round 1 opponent Hawthorn today placed knee victims Matt Suckling and Alex Woodward on the long-term injury list. No replacements have been named at this stage.

The Barometer: Updated injury list for every club

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Young Crow in the clear

Luke Brown is in the clear. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

YOUNG Crows defender Luke Brown is clear of any bone damage to his left foot that was crunched twice in Friday night's opener against Essendon.

X-rays have revealed no break for the two-game defender who is certain to be available for Adelaide's second-round clash with Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday, April 6.

And Crows switch-hitter Ricky Henderson has passed the concussion test after taking a heavy knock to the head in the last term of the 35-point loss to the Bombers at AAMI Stadium.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats, video and more

Adelaide has been left with a long list of issues to correct from the stinging defeat, none more pressing than the Crows' poor tackling. Essendon out-tackled the Crows 73-47.

Defender Brent Reilly admits: "We weren't good at it last year either. We worked hard on it in the pre-season - and we're still not up to scratch. We need to get better at it.''

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Jack's back and could top Nic Nat

Jack Watts will be more consistent than Nic Nat, David Schwarz says. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE great David Schwarz says Jack Watts will flourish off half-back this season, justifying the club's decision to select him ahead of Nic Naitanui in the 2008 national draft.

Entering his fifth AFL campaign, Watts has shown promise of developing into the team's most damaging defensive playmaker, racking up 25 touches against Gold Coast in its final pre-season game on Saturday.

LiveHQ: Relive Fremantle's derby victory

The club's decision to prefer him to Naitanui in 2008 has drawn much criticism, as Watts struggled to make a regular impact, particularly up forward early in his career.

North Melbourne informally discussed a move to trade for the 21-year-old in October last year. But Schwarz said the move to turn the 196cm Brighton Grammar product into a line-breaking backman will pay off for the Demons.

"They're completely different players and I think when they finish their careers Nic Naitanui will have a highlight reel longer than your arm," Schwarz said.

Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui will start his pre-season campaign late. Picture: Justin Benson-cooper. Source: PerthNow

"But Jack Watts will be a more consistent player."

Schwarz, who played 173 games for Melbourne, said Watts would develop into a "Brendon Goddard type".

"(He was) A little bit slow (developing) for his first couple of years," he said.

"But no doubt he (Watts) reads the game well. He has a great set of hands, he kicks the ball (well), makes good decisions.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats, video and more

"He'll be the go-to player and he will control a lot (of play) off half-back.

"Sides will probably work that out pretty quickly, but I reckon he's good enough to find space."

West Coast ruckman Naitanui won All-Australian selection last year and is widely regarded as one of the most athletic and exciting talents to play AFL.

Naitanui's marketing appeal is also huge and he helps draws sponsors as one of the faces of the Eagles.

While the spring-heeled big man faces a delayed start to the season after groin surgery last year, Watts has sparkled over summer.

Schwarz said Watts was clearer about his role in the team under second-year coach Mark Neeld.

"I think he (Watts) is calm. I think he knows what his role is now," Schwarz said. "When he first came in he was back, he was forward, he was all over the shop.

"I reckon he's got real direction and I think he's one of those players (if) you give him direction he will follow."
 

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Hospital, report for Pavlich

Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich was reported for charging Eagle Will Schofield in Derby No.37. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

MATTHEW Pavlich's sour start to 2013 took another turn for the worse last night when he was hospitalised with a finger injury.

The Fremantle captain, who was reported for charging through Eagle Will Schofield, revealed on Twitter he had his "hand and finger fixed and stitched up".

"No breaks & looks good for Rd 2," he said.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from Freo's win

Pavlich was held goalless in the Dockers' impressive win, restricted to just 60 SuperCoach points.

PAVLICH'S HAND. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM

Source: HWT Image Library

But North Melbourne star Drew Petrie said the star forward had little to worry about for his report.
 

"Hopefully the tribunal and match review panel will look favourably on it," he told Channel 7's Game Day.

Petrie said Pavlich bracing himself before colliding with Schofield in a marking contest meant he should have no case to answer.

Worryingly for Pavlich, he has 93.75 carryover points after accepting a reprimand for striking Mitch Brown in last year's derby.

The Dockers could also be without goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne when they travel to take on the Western Bulldogs in Round 2.

Ballantyne ended the match with a shin/calf injury and is also set to be scrutinised for an off-the-ball incident involving Scott Selwood.

Selwood crumpled to the ground and was left nursing a sore head after receiving a solid bump from Ballantyne well off the play.

Meanwhile, WEST COAST'S horror injury list has been compounded by the loss of Mark LeCras and possibly Eric Mackenzie.

GALLERY: Pearce ignites as Dockers whip Eagles

LeCras will undergo surgery this week to have a plate inserted into his arm and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Mackenzie pinged a hamstring, placing him in doubt for the Eagles' crunch Round 2 duel with Hawthorn.

Ruckman Dean Cox said LeCras was in scintillating pre-season form, adding to the tragedy of his injury in his first match since 2011.

"He had an x-ray last night and it did reveal he had a broken arm," Cox said today.

"They'll rush him to surgery as quickly as possibly and hopefully he doesn't miss too many weeks."

ADELAIDE also has injury concerns with Luke Brown substituted out of Friday night's loss to Essendon with a foot complaint.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from the Dons' win

Brown tweeted yesterday: "Thanks to everyone for the supportive messages. Good signs so far now to rest up and recovery."

ESSENDON star David Zaharakis will suit up in the VFL next week as he looks to build on match fitness after his limited pre-season.

Zaharakis, who was the substitute against the Crows, told Channel 7 he was set to line up for Essendon's reserves in a practice match against Sandringham.
 
- with AAP

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The Tackle is back!

Mark Robinson's hard-hitting column The Tackle is back. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HWT Image Library

Footy's hardest hitting column is back.

Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson returns with his first edition of his award-winning column The Tackle for 2013 tomorrow morning.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, video, stats, commentary and more

No target is too big for Robbo and he already has a new rule in his sights - and it isn't the sliding free kick that gifted Alwyn Davey a goal on Friday night.

Robbo will list his biggest likes and dislikes from the opening weekend of the 2013 AFL season.

And you can have your say on what's making you angry and happy in the footy world - connect via Twitter by following @Robbo_heraldsun and using #thetackle hashtag.

And join Robbo from 11.30am tomorrow - and every Monday - for a live chat.

Get hit by The Tackle tomorrow on SuperFooty.

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