Dempster out for a month

St Kilda defender Sean Dempster will miss 3-4 weeks after breaking his hand. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

ALL-Australian defender Sean Dempster is set to miss 3-4 weeks after breaking his hand last night.

He sustained the injury early in the match but played on through the pain as the Saints suffered their second-straight loss of the season.

Dempster finished with 16 disposals including eight rebound-50s. He also clunked six marks.

The 29-year-old played 22 games last year en route to his maiden All-Australian selection.

St Kilda coach Scott Watters lauded Dempster's efforts after the 17-point loss to Richmond at the MCG.

"I don't want to get too caught up in the specifics other than he broke a bone in his wrist," Watters said.

"He was cleared, obviously. We wouldn't put a player out there if he wasn't cleared from our doc. But it was an effort that I admire and I thought there were a number of those from our players even though we lost."

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Goal umpire stretchered off

Goal umpire Courtenay Lai was stretchered off the field after Bulldogs hardnut Liam Picken accidently fell across his leg

Goal umpire Courtney Lai lies on the ground after injuring his knee after he was struck by Liam Picken. Photo: Scott Barbour/Getty Images Source: HWT Image Library

A GOAL umpire has been stretchered off the field in the Western Bulldogs-Fremantle clash at Etihad Stadium today with a horrific knee injury.

Officials from both clubs carried goal umpire Courtney Lai from the field after Dogs hardnut Liam Picken fell across his leg, causing it to buckle awkwardly.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

And in a bizarre twist, it has been reported Lai is a qualified doctor and diagnosed his own injury as a possible ACL tear.

Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

Picken laid a heavy bump on Michael Walters as the Docker booted a major from the goalsquare early in the third quarter.

VIDEO: See the injury happen in the video player above

After colliding with Walters, Picken fell across the goal line and collected the umpire.

Lai immediately grimaced in pain and called for assistance.

Field umpire "Razor" Ray Chamberlain patted Lai on the head before he was carried from the field, while the crowd clapped as Lai was lifted onto the stretcher.

Fox Footy reported Lai was taken to Epworth Hospital for treatment by renowned orthopedic surgeon David Young, who also works for the Dogs.
 

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Dogs rue sloppy start

Goal umpire Courtenay Lai was stretchered off the field after Bulldogs hardnut Liam Picken accidently fell across his leg

Ryan Griffen was tagged by Ryan Crowley. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

THE first 25 minutes at Etihad Stadium were always going to tell the story.

Ultimately it was 1500 seconds which summed up the whole game.

Last week the Western Bulldogs were able to do as they pleased against the Brisbane Lions. Brendan McCartney's men were ranked No.1 in the comp for effective kicks, marks and uncontested marks.

Goal umpire stretchered off

It took all of a minute for the Dogs to establish that they would not have things so easy against Fremantle.

The Dockers cleared from the middle and although they didn't score from their first foray forward, it took the Bulldogs an eternity to find an avenue out of defensive 50m.

Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

They were not afforded the time and space they got against the Brisbane Lions last week, as Robert Murphy learnt in the early stages.

He got free 30m from goal but was forced in to a quick snap for the big sticks and as such missed a wide open Daniel Giansiracusa.

Live HQ: Western Bulldogs v Fremantle

His shot was marked on the goal line.

A short time later the Dockers sent a nothing ball inside 50m, but the harrying pressure of Matthew Pavlich and Michael Walters forced a couple of fumbles from Jordan Roughead and Adam Cooney, leading to a shot on goal from the Freo skipper.

Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

The Bulldogs won nine of the first 12 clearances, but the effectiveness was just not there. The Dockers relentless pressure on the ball carrier was too much.

Last week the Dogs chalked up a kicking efficiency tally of 71 per cent.

By the 20-minute mark yesterday they were going at 48 per cent efficiency by foot, the Dockers were at 75 per cent.

Last week the Bulldogs kicked the first six goals. Yesterday they conceded the first five.

Game over.

But this, as the rest of the game would suggest, was not so much a reality check for the Bulldogs as it was a demonstration in just how good Fremantle are and will be for the rest of the season.

Coach McCartney should have walked from Docklands last night happy in the effort his side put in.

From quarter time the Dogs matched the Dockers on the scoreboard and probably shaded their opponents in endeavour.

Tom Liberatore (28 possessions) will be a gun and is already a clearance king.

Cooney might not be able to run out a full game in the midfield, but his dash off half back is going to be a lethal weapon for the Dogs this year.

Adam Cooney during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: HWT Image Library

Will Minson battled manfully against Fremantle ruckman Jonathon Griffin and Nick Lower took yet another scalp in the form of David Mundy.

Fremantle is going to be a force this year.

Ross Lyon has stamped his authority all over this team _ it is intense around the contest, suffocates its opponents in to submission and is nigh on impossible to score against.

Griffin is a more than able substitute for the injured Aaron Sandilands, the outside speed of Danyle Pearce and Stephen Hill is hard to combat while Michael Walters adds another exciting dynamic to a forward line already possessing lethal finishers in Pavlich and Chris Mayne.

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Sluggish Swans bury Suns

The Suns' Gary Ablett and Sydney's Jarrad McVeigh. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: HWT Image Library

JARRAD McVeigh led from the front as Sydney overcame an uncharacteristic slow start at the SCG to post a 41-point win over Gold Coast.

The Swans unfurled their 2012 premiership flag under overcast skies and heavy rain, which soon turned torrential in the opening quarter.

Live HQ: Sydney v Gold Coast

It made for an incredibly turgid tussle and Swans coach John Longmire was quite rightly breathing fire in the coaches' box as the Suns proved more willing and grabbed a one-point lead at quarter-time.

AFL - Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns at the SCG. The Swans run out after unfurling the 2012 premiership flag to the fans. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: HWT Image Library

Only five games in the past three seasons had the Swans trailed at the SCG after the first quarter, and never against opposition as lowly as the Suns.

With traditional saviour Adam Goodes below his best, McVeigh proved the steadying influence as the showers cleared in the second term.

In the space of seven minutes, the co-captain kicked two goals and hit the post with another shot to lay the platform for the Swans' 17.12 (114) to 11.7 (73) victory.

McVeigh, who celebrates his 28th birthday on Sunday, finished with 27 possessions, seven clearances, eight inside-50s and four goals in a best afield display.

AFL - Sydney Swans v Gold Coast Suns at the SCG. The Swans run out after unfurling the 2012 premiership flag to the fans. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: HWT Image Library

The Swans started their premiership defence with an unconvincing 30-point win over Greater Western Sydney last week, and Gold Coast provided similar stubborn resistance at the SCG.

The visitors only trailed by only 22 points at three-quarter time and impressively the Suns did it with Gary Ablett reduced to mere-mortal status.

Ablett still tallied 24 disposals but Kieren Jack and Nick Smith combined well to curb his influence on the contest.

The Swans took control of the game in a one-sided final term, with Ryan O'Keefe booting two goals and Mike Pyke, Andrejs Everitt and Luke Parker all slotting their second goal.

A crowd of 20,372 turned up for the final celebration of the Swans' grand final success over Hawthorn, despite it being Sydney's wettest start to April in 14 years.

The premiership flag was unfurled by Susie Colless, wife of Swans chairman Richard, with the likes of AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou watching on in a poncho.

Key defender Ted Richards was chaired off the ground after playing his 150th game for the Swans.

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Biggest footy grudge matches

Glenn Archer clashes with former teammate Wayne Carey. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

THINK Malthouse v Buckley is big? Check out our top 10 footy grudge matches.

The build-up all week has been huge, and it's no secret why. Master v apprentice. Coach v assistant. Coach grumpy at being forced to step down from one club who now works for that club's arch enemy coaching against the guy who replaced him.

Nathan Buckley will coach against his former coach and mentor Mick Malthouse for the first time on Sunday, and the pair haven't exactly been best mates since Eddie McGuire somehow got Mick to agree to hand the job to Bucks at the end of 2011.

Where does this weekend rank in the great footy rivalries? Check out our selection below and you be the judge.

WAYNE CAREY v NORTH MELBOURNE, 2003

A premiership captain playing for a new team against his flag teammates would be big at any time. Throw in the fact he had to quit the club after he was busted having an affair with his vice-captain's wife and you have a powder keg waiting to go off. Kangaroos hard man Glenn Archer won a tete-a-tete with his former skipper in the second quarter, feigning a punch that made Carey flinch. But the Duck had the last laugh, kicking four goals in a rare Crows away win.

ROSS LYON v ST KILDA, 2012

St Kilda was stunned when the man who almost took the club to an elusive second premiership walked out to join the Dockers at the end of 2011, defending himself against claims of treason by declaring he had never used the word "loyalty" to his St Kilda charges. Saints fans got the chance to let Lyon know how they felt when Freo played the Saints at Etihad Stadium in Round 4 last season. The night didn't end well for them when the Dockers stormed home for a 13-point win. "It was an emotionally tough night in some ways. I take no joy beating the St Kilda football club other than getting the four (premiership) points,'' Lyon said. "I'd moved on. I think I said it was a sideshow.''

Ross Lyon walks past angry St Kilda fans. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

PETER MOORE v COLLINGWOOD, 1983

Moore says some Collingwood fans - including Eddie McGuire - still haven't forgiven him for taking an offer worth a reported $300,000 for five years to quit the Pies and join Melbourne in December 1982 - a deal that made him the highest-paid player in the VFL. By chance, his first game for the Demons was against Collingwood at the MCG in Round 1, 1983. The Magpies' banner read "No Moore trouble at Collingwood"; other fans were less subtle - a sign in the stands screamed "Moore filth". "As a player, I never really understood how passionate the fans were and how strongly they felt about the club and the players," he said later. "It was something I only fully understood later." Moore played below his best that day and the Magpies won, but he went on to win a second Brownlow in 1984.

KEVIN SHEEDY v NORTH MELBOURNE MARSHMALLOW WAR, 1998

Kevin Sheedy, then Bombers coach, responded to criticism from the Roos about Essendon's game plan by labelling North executives Greg Miller and Mark Dawson as marshmallows. Miller was the white one and Dawson the pink one, apparently. When the teams faced each other soon after, the Kangaroos came from behind to win by 22 points and fans pelted Sheedy with marshmallows after the match.

TONY LIBERATORE v RICHMOND, 2001

Danny Frawley set the stage by saying after a bitter loss in 2001: "Richmond Football Club are a really proud club and it will be payback time at some stage." Spud was filthy at the Dogs and Tony Liberatore, who had forced Tigers skipper Matthew Knights from the field with blood streaming from his forehead. Frawley was fined $1000 for the comment and Libba was rubbed out for five weeks after Richmond players broke the players' "code of silence" at the tribunal to dob him in. When the teams met again there was some pushing and shoving before the bounce before Richmond exacted revenge by snatching a close win after Nathan Brown - soon to join the Tigers - was denied a free kick for a high tackle in the dying minutes.

Tony Liberatore, Wayne Campbell and Matthew Knights do battle early in the first quarter. Picture: Kelly Barnes Source: Herald Sun

CAMPBELL BROWN v ESSENDON, 2010

There was already plenty of heat in this rivalry from the 1980s and the infamous "line in the sand" game in 2004. It sparked again in the final round of 2009 when Matthew Lloyd knocked out Brad Sewell. A fuming Alastair Clarkson had to be restrained on the boundary line and in a post-match interview Hawks hard man Campbell Brown described Lloyd as "one of the biggest snipers in the game" and said "his time is coming". The AFL chastised Channel 10 for using footage of those incidents to promote the next meeting of the two clubs, on a Friday night in May and Brown never got a chance to face Lloyd on the field - the Bombers full-forward had retired at the end of the season. The match itself was a fizzer, with the Bombers winning by 43 points.

CARLTON v BRUISE-FREE MELBOURNE, 2011

Brett Ratten claimed Mitch Robinson was talking about areas the Blues needed to improve on when he said after an easy win in May, 2011: "They didn't want a bruise game." That didn't fool anyone, least of all the Demons who said it was a sign of disrespect, coach Dean Bailey adding the club had "long memories", setting the stage for a rematch later in the season. The build-up for that game was slightly overshadowed by events of the previous weekend - when the Dees lost to Geelong by 186 points and Bailey got the chop. Stand-in coach Todd Viney did slightly better against the Blues - Carlton won by 76.

CHRIS JUDD v WEST COAST, 2008

The Eagles banner before the match read "we could rub it in, but we're better than that". The crowd then proceeded to boo the new Carlton captain every time he went near the ball in his first match in Perth after switching from the Eagles. Judd admitted he had to stop himself from grabbing water bottles from West Coast trainers but he managed OK, picking up 24 touches and helping his new club to a big win.

MARK YEATES v DERMOTT BRERETON, 1989

Yeates' hit on the Hawthorn hard man remains one of the most enduring memories of the brutal 1989 Grand Final, but the origins of the incident are less well known. Yeates revealed recently to the Geelong Advertiser that Brereton had "fixed me up nicely" when the two clubs met in Round 6 that season. "What goes around, comes around," he said. Brereton went into more detail: "Did he have the motivation? Yes. I grabbed him savagely in the nurries earlier in the year and (as) I was being chaired off and carted off by the trainers I told him he wouldn't need them anymore, and he had a very beautiful-looking wife." Shame Channel 7 didn't know about that for its pre-game promos.

Dermott Brereton after being crunched Mark Yeates at the opening bounce. Source: Herald Sun

GARY ABLETT v GEELONG, 2011

Cats fans were devastated when Ablett left to join the Suns and couldn't wait to play against him the next year. In the lead-up to the first Geelong v Gold game, Ablett wrote in his newspaper column: "Don't know if I will be targeted, but I predict they will play a few tricks." As it turned out, there were no fireworks - not even a misfiring cracker. The Cats didn't bother to tag Ablett and cruised to an easy win. After the game they joked with their former teammate. He even got a hug from James Kelly. Where was the hate? Disgusting, really.

Gary Ablett with former Geelong teammates after the game. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

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Panic Room: Hodge will play

Will Minson joins the boys to discuss their picks ahead of round 2.

TAB's Adam Hamilton previews the upcoming round 2Collingwood vs Carlton game.

Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge is set to return from injury on Sunday. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

LUKE Hodge will take his place in Hawks' line-up but a Magpie is in serious doubt. For the best late whispers step inside the Panic Room.

WHISPERS

HE IS one of Mick Malthouse's favourites but the new Carlton boss isn't expecting Ben Johnson to up against him on Sunday.

The Blues were surprised to see Johnson on the Pies' extended interchange after he suffered a corked quad in the season opener.

He was subbed off before halftime and has done minimal training this week.

Another surprise at the selection table was the naming of Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge, but he will definitely be on the plane to Perth tomorrow.

While Hodge figured after his low-key VFL hitout last weekend he would need more match practice, the word has it his training has gone up a level this week to the point where the coaching stafff couldn't say no.

He is likely to be a candidate for the substitute vest at some stage but 80 per cent fit Hodge is seen as a better option than a kid in the crucial clash at Subiaco.

Speaking of the west, David Mundy will hopefully have enjoyed the trip over to Melbourne because it's not going to be as hospitable tomorrow with the Dogs new version of Tony Liberatore - Nick Lower - believed to have his sights set on the Dockers key midfielder.

And don't be surprised if Sam Fisher doesn't quite get up for tonight's clash at the MCG, with Tiger officials certainly surprised his foot problem and match conditioning was at a level ready to play.

Ben Johnson at Collingwood training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

SUPERCOACH ALERT

He was on everyone's radar over the pre-season but when his name was missing in Round 1 many of us - including me - panicked and didn't select Dean Terlich. The mature-aged recruit from the Demons was all the rage over the summer and the reason for everyone's excitement was the simple fact he is 23 and ready to dominate straight away. At $109,500, Terlich is rock solid gold. Make him your first trade for the year and then in a month's time watch his price triple.

Footballer Dean Terlich of Norwood Football Club team poses for The Sunday Mail before training at the Norwood oval. Picture: Regi Varghese Source: adelaidenow

MONEY MATTERS

It's more than likely that you've only just stopped counting all the winnings from last week. It was a bonanza (correctly picking Gold Coast, the Cats and GWS at the line) so naturally we step it up this week and really go for the jugular with a four-way multi. The theory centres around a few very ordinary losers from last week actually showing some steel - not enough to win, but enough to keep their losing margin under 39.5 points.

Our suggestion for Round 2 is:
Richmond U/39.5 $2.20
Essendon U/39.5 $2.60
Adelaide U/39.5 $2.35
Hawthorn U/39.5 $2.60
= $34.95

Hawthorn's Lance Franklin bumps Geelong's Joel Selwood at the MCG Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ON NOTICE

Nathan Buckley

This is it, Bucks. This is the one. We don't care if you don't win another game (well, not really but you know what we mean). There is no way of dancing around the fact that you have to beat Mick Malthouse in your first head-to-head battle. Mick has been playing mind games with you for years and imagine what he'll spin if he gets an undermanned Carlton up to beat you on Sunday. Treat this week like a Grand Final because you're heading for a world of pain if you don't pull it off.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley appears more willing to shake things up in his second year in charge. Source: Getty Images

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The John McCarthy we knew and loved

Port Adelaide footballer John McCarthy at AAMI Stadium. Source: adelaidenow

SIX months after Port Adelaide footballer John McCarthy died in Las Vegas, his parents give an in-depth interview about the son who filled their lives with joy.

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IT was some time in the blur of days following the death of her son John that Cath McCarthy was asked a question which still brings tears to her eyes.

"If someone told you that you could have a child who is going to fill your life with joy and love but in 22 years you're going to suffer the worst pain you can imagine - and you have a choice, you don't have to take this child and (can) stop yourself that pain - what would you do Mum?" posed Cath's eldest son Matthew.

Her reply was swift. "I'd say give me every minute, every hour, every day of pure joy. Any time you have is a gift. A true gift," Cath said.

It's been six months since John McCarthy, the footballer who began his career at Collingwood before moving to Port Adelaide, fell to his death on an end of season trip in Las Vegas.

You sense the pain is still very raw for both Cath and husband Shane as they sit at the living room table of their Portsea home, near Sorrento on Victoria's Mornington Peninsula.

Shane and Catherine McCarthy, parents of former Collingwood and Port Adelaide player John, with their dogs Olle, Poppy and Jules at their home in Portsea, Victoria. Picture: Calum Robertson

The intensely private family has politely declined interview requests since the day John died, but on the eve of Port Adelaide's memorial game against Greater Western Sydney - being held at AAMI Stadium today - allowed SA Weekend to visit their home.

Shane and Cath don't want to speak publicly about the circumstances surrounding John's death but wanted to thank everyone who has supported them.

Family touched by the Power of love

From the seven local lawyers who stepped in to run Shane's practice for more than a month, to the family and friends who ensured Cath didn't cook a meal until the New Year, the response has been humbling.

"They came in, saw clients, did legal work and actually kept the business going," Shane said. "And it was a shock when we had to start to cook again because food would be dropped off, wine ... it was unbelievable."

The family has been sent more than 2000 letters from people offering their condolences.

Port players honour John McCarthy ahead of tribute match.

Cath, who plans to respond to every one, wears a pendant with an image of John around her neck given to her by a woman she doesn't know who also lost a child.

The McCarthys were overwhelmed by the turnout to John's funeral in Sorrento and the 2000-strong crowd which watched a relay of proceedings at Alberton.

They say the support of both Collingwood and Port Adelaide has been enormous, as has the efforts of the entire Sorrento community. "We will never forget," Cath said.

Club honours McCarthy's memory

Shane and Cath were in their mid-20s when they decided to settle in Portsea and raise a family.

Cath had lived there until the age of seven and her father suggested she return given Shane, a lawyer, would have the only practice for miles.

Port Adelaide will leave John McCarthy's locker empty for the entire 2013 AFL football season - and retire his number 35 guernsey for a year.

The pair built a house within walking distance from the beach and after initially struggling to have children, suddenly produced four in five years.

Matthew, the eldest, was followed by three girls, Frances, Elizabeth and Jane.

McCarthy's partner seeks solace in music

With their hands full, the couple waited four more years before deciding to add one more to their burgeoning clan.

Jane had been a very gentle and quiet baby but the newborn, who they named John, was a bundle of energy.

Shane likened him to a blowfly - he'd buzz around for hours and then suddenly stop and fall asleep.

Port Adelaidefootballer John McCarthy with his partner musician Dani Smarrelli.

As he grew, the family quickly noticed that John was a naturally gifted child.

He taught himself to ride a full-sized bike before his third birthday and at age four was lobbing golf balls into the neighbour's yard.

Gallery: John McCarthy's funeral

Football, basketball and tennis all came easily to John and he surprised his parents by making the state finals in snow skiing despite never having skied before joining his primary school team.

At age 12 John developed Sever's disease, a serious heel condition that left him wheelchair-bound for a few days.

He was forced to scale back his sporting endeavours, but Cath wanted to keep John busy, so despite the hit to Shane's wallet, the pair bought him a sailboat.

Fans set up a makeshift memorial for Port Adelaide footballer John McCarthy at Alberton Oval.

It was on the water that John showed he had the character to match his undoubted sporting talent.

During a race from Sorrento to Portsea and back, Cath spotted John trailing the field badly.

His boat was in far worse condition than all the other kids, and was taking on water.

Hinkley: Port focused before emotional game

An official ventured out to offer John a tow, but the courageous youngster refused and despite having to madly bail water made it back to shore where he received a standing ovation.

John's warm nature made him popular with girls but he never developed the type of attitude that plagues most during their teenage years.

Shane and Catherine McCarthy, parents of former Collingwood and Port Adelaide player John, with their dog Poppy at Shelley Beach near their home at Portsea, Victoria. Picture: Calum Robertson

He would always greet his family with a hug and a kiss and was never afraid to tell you how he felt.

"He never worried about image," Cath said. "He knew what he wanted and what he felt and he made you feel it."

Like his grandfather, father and brother before him, John played for the Sorrento Football Club.

He was never the most dominant player - you won't find his name on the club's list of best and fairest winners - but the talent was there.

Despite advances from TAC Cup side Dandenong, the versatile midfielder spent most of his time playing for his high school, Peninsula.

Alongside future Western Bulldogs player Jarrad Grant, John led the school to some of its greatest successes, including its first ever win against Assumption College. Knowing his father attended Assumption made the win even sweeter.

Port Adelaide footballer John McCarthy in full flight.

AFL scouts were soon visiting the McCarthy home and Collingwood swooped with the 31st pick in the 2007 Draft.

Season-ending suspensions to Alan Didak and Heath Shaw saw John make his debut against St Kilda in 2008.

He played two finals, a win against the Crows in Adelaide and a defeat against the Saints, but injuries limited his appearances to just 12 games over the next three seasons.

So John opted to leave the Magpies and despite training with Richmond, was scooped up by the Power in the 2012 Preseason Draft.

Cath had cried when a West Coast recruiter visited her home back in 2007 but at 22 John was better prepared for a move interstate and left with the family's blessing.

It made it easier that girlfriend Dani Smarrelli, who John had met at a music gig a couple of years earlier, agreed to join him. Dani was different to any other girl John had met - intelligent, musically gifted and from outside the AFL bubble.

At Port Adelaide John finally escaped the injury problems that had plagued his career and played 21 of the Power's 22 games.

Off-field life was good too. He and Dani enjoyed living near Grange Beach and had adopted a new puppy, Jax.

"He loved the life," Cath said. "He was happy there."

Inspired by Dani, John had begun to compose his own music and was planning to make use of his degree in business marketing by starting an online clothing business with fashion designer sister Frances.

"He was a great saver, he was unbelievably ambitious and he had great plans," Shane said. "It's just so hard to comprehend that he's gone."

Outside the McCarthy's home is a wooden platform known as Johnny's Deck.

It features one deck light for each of his 22 years and a newly-assembled wooden table.

The table was the idea of Elizabeth's fiance Jason.

Just a couple of days after John died, Jason picked up a load of timber and gathered all of John's cousins and close mates together and put them to work.

In two and a half hours they had a neatly-crafted centrepiece for the deck.

At nights the family would build a fire and anyone who stopped by would join them outside for a beer.

Each day Shane and Cath took walks together along nearby Shelley Beach.

"A friend told us to go for a walk together along the beach and cry your eyes out and scream and yell and then come back and be brave for your children," Cath said.

They also bought a new puppy - a jack russell they named Poppy.

Cath says she still senses John at different moments in the day.

She'll find herself in a bunker while playing golf and see his cheeky grin, or catch him laughing at her when she's grimacing on a massage table.

"For as long as I live I'll never say I have four children, because I have five," she said. "I'll have five until the day I die."

If there is a positive to come out of the tragedy, it's that a light has been shone on an incredible young man and his wonderful family.

If we can all take something from how John and the McCarthy's live their lives we'll be better off for it.

You hear how John approached every situation with a smile on his face and it makes you want to do the same.

When you sense how important it is to Shane that he kissed his son the last time he saw him, you'll remember to do it with your kids.

Or when Jane tells you she knows what to look for in a husband because of the example her brother set, it makes you want to be that person to your sister.

All of us will inevitably face testing circumstances in our lives but it's how we live before they happen that prepares us to get through them. It's why Cath would willingly trade 22 years of joy for a lifetime of grief.

IN GOOD COMPANY
John McCarthy is buried on a small rise in the middle of the Sorrento Cemetery.

Tucked away in scrubland on the edge of the Mornington Peninsula coastline, the graveyard is filled with notable figures.

Barry 'Hooker' Harrison, who tagged Ron Barassi out of the 1958 Grand Final, is just a few metres from McCarthy's grave.

A bit further along you'll find Harry Caspar, the Carlton full back Essendon fans blame for John Coleman's suspension at the end of the 1951 season which cost them the premiership.

There's also Percy Cerutty, the athletics trainer who coached Herb Elliott to the 1500m gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics, and Prime Minister Harold Holt's wife Dame Zara Bate.

Local sexton John Aschhoff knew McCarthy from the age of three and openly wept at his funeral.

 Like most people in Sorrento, he has a favourite J-Mac story.

"He was playing in an under-16 game for Sorrento and him and another lad both marked the ball in the goalsquare at exactly the same time," Aschhoff said.

"The umpire said they could decide for themselves who took the kick - so Johnny being Johnny decided to settle it by playing rock, paper, scissors."

Aschhoff doesn't remember who won the "rock off" and kicked the goal. It doesn't matter to him.

He has planted a tree next to McCarthy's grave, which he says is visited regularly by football fans.

McCarthy's mother Cath has recently cleared away the grave in preparation for the erection of a sandstone monument in the next few weeks.

Given McCarthy played for two clubs with Magpie origins, Aschhoff has begun sticking any stray feathers he finds around the cemetery into the grave.

"It seems to have caught on," he said. "There's about 50 now."

There's still a few other items too, including a Collingwood teddy bear left by a 13-year-old girl who supported Carlton but wanted to pay her respects. Cath has pinned a Port Adelaide badge over its heart.

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Round 2 teams: Pies cut kids

Will Minson joins the boys to discuss their picks ahead of round 2.

Even when he's a passenger on a road trip, Shane Crawford is still thinking about SuperCoach - and why Buddy needs to lift. WARNING: Poor quality vision, filmed with a potato.

Magpie Heath Shaw will return after suffering gastro last week. Source: Getty Images

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

JACK Frost and Josh Thomas, late call-ups for Collingwood's Round 1 win, are both out of the team to face Carlton on Sunday.

The Pies today trimmed their squad for the MCG blockbuster, with Frost and Thomas making way for Heath Shaw and Paul Seedsman.

Thomas was a late inclusion for injured midfielder Dayne Beams in Round 1, while Frost only learned he was playing minutes before the match after Shaw fell ill.

The Blues have made four changes, bringing in defender Jeremy Laidler at the expense of Nick Duigan. Eddie Betts (broken jaw) and Shaun Hampson (appendix) are also out, along with Aaron Joseph.

Hawthorn made just one change for its trip to Perth to play West Coast, with Luke Hodge replacing Shane Savage.

The Eagles lost Mark LeCras (broken arm) and Eric MacKenzie (hamstring) and dropped Ashley Smith and Scott Lycett.

Into the team are Sam Butler, Mitch Brown, Callum Sinclair and Bradd Dalziell.

North Melbourne regains Scott McMahon from suspension, replacing Sam Wright. Majak Daw is an emergency again.

The Cats have named Joel Corey and regain James Kelly, who was suspended for Round 1. Steeplechaser Mark Blicavs has retained his place in the team.

See every Round 2 side in full at Live HQ now

Last night, Melbourne coach Mark Neeld has axed two of his controversial mature-age recruits in the fallout from last week's embarrassing 79-point loss to Port Adelaide.

David Rodan and Cam Pedersen were axed among four changes, with Luke Tapscott and Lynden Dunn (hamstring) also out of the side to face Essendon on Saturday night.

Veteran Aaron Davey, co-captain Jack Trengove, defender Tom McDonald and debutant Dean Terlich are set to face the Dons at the MCG on Saturday night.

Replay the Friday teams chat below:

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Live HQ: Every Round 2 side now

ST KILDA v RICHMOND, MCG, FRIDAY NIGHT at 7.50pm

ST KILDA
B: J.Blake S.Fisher D.Roberton
HB: J.Geary R.Stanley S.Gilbert
C: A.Schneider L.Hayes N.Dal Santo
HF: A.Siposs N.Riewoldt A.Saad
F: S.Milne B.Maister L.Montagna
R: B.McEvoyD.Armitage J.Steven
I/C: T.Milera J.Newnes C.Jones S.Dempster
EMG: N.Wright T.LeeT.Simpkin

In: L.Montagna , A.Schneider , S.Dempster , S.Fisher
Out: F.Ray (Hip) , J.Gwilt (Knee) , T.Dennis-Lane (Omitted) , T.Hickey (Foot)

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
JARRYN Geary's score of 144 points last week against Gold Coast was the biggest haul of any defender in the competition and 14 more than the next best tally. He finished with 28 disposals and a disposal efficiency of 82% while also generating five rebound 50s.

RICHMOND
B: S.Morris A.Rance T.Chaplin
HB: J.Batchelor C.Newman B.Houli
C: S.Grigg T.Cotchin R.Conca
HF: B.Deledio S.Edwards D.Jackson
F: L.McGuane J.Riewoldt T.Vickery
R: I.Maric D.Martin S.Tuck
I/C: B.Ellis J.King R.Petterd D.Grimes
EMG: B.Griffiths N.Vlastuin C.Knights

In: R.Petterd, D.Grimes
Out: R.Nahas (Omitted), B.Griffiths (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
BRETT Deledio proved last week against Carlton that you don't have to find a lot of the ball to score well. Managing only 17 disposals, he hit the target 88% of the time and pumped the ball inside 50 six times by foot, with three of these resulting in a goal for the Tigers. He also booted three goals of his own and finished with 116 points.

SYDNEY v GOLD COAST, SATURDAY, 1.45pm at the SCG

SYDNEY
B: R.Shaw H.Grundy N.Smith
HB: L.Roberts-Thomson T.Richards M.Mattner
C: J.McVeigh K.JackL.Jetta
HF: J.Bolton S.ReidR.O'Keefe
F: M.Pyke A.Goodes D.Hannebery
R: S.MumfordJ.Kennedy L.Parker
I/C: C.Bird A.Everitt N.Malceski B.McGlynn
EMG: M.Morton D.Rampe J.White

In: C.Bird , A.Everitt
Out: T.Armstrong (Omitted) , D.Rampe (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
JOSH Kennedy dominated against the Suns in Round 18 last season, racking up 33 disposals, of which 21 were won in a contested manner. He also generated nine clearances (three from centre bounces) and booted one goal on his way to 127 points – ranked fifth for the game.

GOLD COAST
B: J.Wilkinson M.Warnock T.Murphy
HB: D.Prestia R.Thompson J.Hutchins
C: M.Rischitelli G.Ablett J.Harbrow
HF: H.Bennell C.Dixon A.Hall
F: L.Russell S.Day S.May
R: Z.Smith K.Hunt D.Swallow
I/C: B.Matera J.O'Meara J.Brennan M.Shaw
EMG: D.Gorringe J.Allen K.Horsley

In: J.Hutchins
Out: G.Broughton (Calf)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
It took JAEGER O'Meara some time to adjust to the tempo of football at the elite level in his debut last week. Managing only five disposals in the opening three quarters, he lifted his output in the final term, collecting seven disposals and 32 points. He finished with a respectable 72 points.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v FREMANTLE at ETIHAD STADIUM from 2.10pm

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: T.Young D.Morris L.Picken
HB: A.Cooney J.Roughead B.Goodes
C: M.Wallis N.Lower K.Stevens
HF: T.Dickson L.Jones D.Giansiracusa
F: R.Murphy A.Cordy S.Higgins
R: W.Minson R.Griffen T.Liberatore
I/C: D.Cross L.Dahlhaus C.Smith J.Johannisen
EMG: E.Wood J.Macrae L.Markovic

NO CHANGE

SUPERCOACH NOTES
TOM Liberatore stepped up last week in the absence of Matthew Boyd, finishing with 130 points – the second-best of any Bulldogs player. He finished with a team-high 28 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 clearances and nine tackles.

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FREMANTLE
B: K.Bradley Z.Dawson M.Johnson
HB: P.Duffield L.McPharlin L.Spurr
C: T.Mzungu M.Barlow C.Pearce
HF: R.Crowley M.Pavlich N.Fyfe
F: H.Crozier C.Mayne M.Walters
R: J.Griffin D.Mundy S.Hill
I/C: D.Pearce N.Suban M.De Boer C.Sutcliffe
EMG: T.Sheridan J.Hannath L.Neale

In: H.Crozier
Out: H.Ballantyne (Suspension)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
DANYLE Pearce starred on his Fremantle debut in Round 1 finishing with 23 disposals, two goals and 130 points. Known for his ability to win the ball in space, it was his inside work that shone against the Eagles, winning an equal career-high 15 contested possessions.

BRISBANE LIONS v ADELAIDE at the GABBA from 4.40pm

BRISBANE LIONS
B: M.Golby D.Merrett R.Lester
HB: J.Adcock J.Patfull E.Yeo
C: D.Zorko T.Rockliff P.Hanley
HF: J.Polkinghorne J.Brown J.Green
F: A.McGrath S.Martin R.Bewick
R: M.Leuenberger D.Rich B.Moloney
I/C: C.Beams P.Karnezis A.Raines J.Redden
EMG: S.Mayes N.McKeever J.Crisp

In: A.Raines , M.Leuenberger , R.Lester
Out: M.Maguire (Calf) , A.Cornelius (Omitted) , B.Longer (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
MATTHEW Leuenberger played a full match in the NEAFL last week, finishing with 19 disposals, four clearances, five inside 50s and 128 points. With a clash against Sam Jacobs on the cards, the Lions will be keen get him back into the side.

ADELAIDE
L.Brown B.Rutten A.Otten
M.Jaensch D.Talia B.Reilly
N.van Berlo S.Thompson D.Mackay
B.Crouch T.Walker B.Vince
R.Douglas J.Jenkins J.Porplyzia
S.Jacobs P.Dangerfield R.Sloane
M.Wright J.Petrenko I.Callinan R.Henderson
G.Johncock T.Lynch S.McKernan

In: I.Callinan , B.Crouch
Out: G.Johncock (Omitted) , B.Martin (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
PATRICK Dangerfield had his colours lowered in the season opener against Essendon, managing only 63 points. He was given very little space and when he did have the ball his kicking was woeful, recording a team-low kicking efficiency of 30%. He'll have his work cut out against the Lions as well with Andrew Raines his likely opponent if he's named.

ESSENDON v MELBOURNE at the MCG from 7.40pm

ESSENDON
B: M.Baguley J.Carlisle D.Fletcher
HB: B.Goddard C.Hooker B.Stanton
C: D.Heppell J.Watson A.Davey
HF: S.Crameri M.Hurley D.Zaharakis
F: N.Kommer P.Ryder J.Melksham
R: T.Bellchambers H.Hocking C.Dempsey
I/C: J.Merrett D.Myers M.Hibberd B.Howlett
EMG: W.Hams D.Hille E.Kavanagh

NO CHANGE

SUPERCOACH NOTES
There were no signs of a Brownlow Medal hangover from JOBE Watson against Adelaide. The skipper led the Bombers to a morale boosting win, racking up a game-high 34 disposals on his way to 121 points. He also generated seven clearances and seven inside 50s, while chipping in to score one goal.

MELBOURNE
B: T.Gillies J.Frawley D.Terlich
HB: J.Watts T.McDonald C.Garland
C: J.Grimes J.Viney M.Jones
HF: S.Blease J.Sellar J.Howe
F: C.Sylvia M.Clark S.Byrnes
R: M.Jamar J.McKenzieN.Jones
I/C: J.Toumpas J.Trengove D.Nicholson A.Davey
EMG: D.Rodan C.Pederson J.Spencer

In: A.Davey , D.Terlich , J.Trengove , T.McDonald
Out: D.Rodan (Omitted) , L.Dunn (Hamstring) , L.Tapscott (Omitted) , C.Pederson (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
JACK Watts was outstanding against Essendon in Round 10 last season, finishing with 24 disposals, seven marks (three intercepts), seven rebound 50s and 110 points. His ability to read the play shone, recording 13 intercept possessions – four more than any other player on the ground.

PORT ADELAIDE v GWS GIANTS, SATURDAY at 7.40pm at AAMI STADIUM

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

In: Carlile
Out: Moore (omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
If HAMISH Hartlett remains injury free this year, then he looms as a boom recruit for any coach. He started strongly against the Demons, finishing with 29 disposals, four clearances, five inside 50s, two goals and 123 points. With the added bonus of dual position eligibility, he has to be considered.

GWS GIANTS
B: A Kennedy T Mohr P Davis
HB: T Bugg S Gilham C Hampton
C: T Scully C Ward W Hoskin-Elliott
HF: S Coniglio J Cameron D Shiel
F: L Sumner J Patton D Smith
R: J Giles A Treloar T Greene
I/C: D Brogan R Palmer L Plowman L Whitfield
EMG: S Frost S Darley S Reid

In: Rhys Palmer
Out: Taylor Adams (hip)

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
Opposition sides are likely to target TOBY Greene after his outstanding debut season. Sydney used Ryan O'Keefe on him effectively last week, restricting him to 11 disposals, one mark, one tackle and 45 points. He can expect to have Kane Cornes by his side this round.

GEELONG v NORTH MELBOURNE, SUNDAY, ETIHAD STADIUM at 1.10pm

GEELONG
B: M.Brown T.LonerganC.Enright
HB: T.Hunt A.Mackie T.Varcoe
C: A.Christensen J.Bartel J.Kelly
HF: M.Duncan S.Motlop B.Smedts
F: J.Podsiadly T.Hawkins H.Taylor
R: T.West J.Selwood P.Chapman
I/C: J.Corey J.Caddy M.Stokes, M.Blicavs
EMG: G.Horlin-Smith, Thurlow, Stringer

In: J.Corey , J.Kelly , M.Brown
Out: J.Rivers (Knee) , J.Murdoch (Hand), G.Horlin-Smith

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
If it wasn't for JIMMY Bartel's strong finish to Monday's match against Hawthorn, then his score would have been unacceptable. He collected 10 of his 22 disposals for the match in the final term, with 43 of his 88 points scored in that quarter as well.

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: S.McMahon S.Thompson M.Firrito
HB: J.Macmillan N.Grima S.Atley
C: A.Mullett R.Bastinac S.Gibson
HF: K.Harper R.Tarrant D.Wells
F: L.Thomas D.Petrie L.Hansen
R: T.Goldstein A.Swallow J.Ziebell
I/C: L.Anthony B.Jacobs B.Cunnington, L.Adams
EMG: L.Greenwood, T.Hine, M.Daw
In: S.McMahon 
Out: S.Wright (Knee)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
ANDREW Swallow is clearly one of the safest premium midfielders going around, playing in 89 consecutive matches – the second-longest streak of any player in the AFL. He dominated in the season opener against Collingwood, finishing with 34 disposals, nine tackles, seven clearances and a team-high 137 points.

COLLINGWOOD v CARLTON, SUNDAY, MCG FROM 3.20pm

COLLINGWOOD
B: N.Brown N.Maxwell B.Reid
HB: A.Toovey H.Shaw H.O'Brien
C: S.Sidebottom D.Swan P.Seedsman
HF: J.Elliott T.Cloke Q.Lynch
F: B.Sinclair T.Goldsack S.Dwyer
R: D.Jolly S.Pendlebury J.Blair
I/C: M.Clarke B.Johnson B.Macaffer J.Thomas
EMG: J.Frost, J.Thomas, B.Kennedy

In: H.Shaw, P.Seedsman
Out: J.Thomas, J.Frost

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
SCOTT Pendlebury will be looking to redeem himself against Carlton this week in what will be his 150th AFL match. He was nullified by Andrew Carrazzo in Round 3 last season, recording only 10 disposals form the 63 minutes they were matched up.

CARLTON
B: C.Yarran M.Jamison L.Henderson
HB: Z.Tuohy D.Armfield B.Gibbs
C: K.Simpson A.Carrazzo M.Robinson
HF: C.Judd A.Walker J.Garlett
F: T.Bell L.Casboult S.Rowe
R: M.Kreuzer M.Murphy B.McLean
I/C: J.Bootsma M.Davies J.Laidler K.Lucas
EMG: D.Buckley, S.White, N.Duigan

In: S.Rowe, J.Laidler, M.Davies, T.Bell
Out: E.Betts (Jaw), A.Joseph (Omitted), S.Hampson (appendix), N.Duigan

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
CHRIS Judd has excelled against the Magpies since 2010, averaging 114 points per game – ranked No.1 at the club. Averaging 30 disposals, 15 contested possessions, seven clearances and six inside 50s per match, he dominated in the two meetings last season, racking up 35 and 32 disposals respectively.

WEST COAST v HAWTHORN, SUNDAY, 4.40pm at PATERSONS STADIUM

WEST COAST
B: A.Selwood D.Glass M.Brown
HB: S.Hurn W.Schofield B.Waters
C: A.Embley M.Priddis A.Gaff
HF: J.Cripps JJ.Kennedy A.Hams
F: C.Masten J.Darling J.Hill
R: D.Cox S.Selwood L.Shuey
I/C: S.Butler B.Sheppard C.Sinclair B.Dalziell
EMG: J.Brennan, As.Smith, B.Wilson

In: S.Butler, M.Brown, B.Dalziell, C.Sinclair
Out: M.LeCras (arm), E.Mackenzie (Hamstring), S.Lycett, As.Smith

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
MARK LeCras' wretched injury run continues after he suffered a fractured arm against Fremantle – an injury that will sideline him up to one month. He impressed in the lead up, finishing with 14 disposals, eight tackles, two goals and 91 points. A straight swap for team mate Josh Kennedy is your best option.

HAWTHORN
B: R.Schoenmakers J.Gibson B.Guerra
HB: G.Birchall B.Stratton S.Burgoyne
C: I.Smith S.Mitchell B.Hill
HF: C.Rioli L.Franklin P.Puopolo
F: J.Gunston J.Roughead L.Breust
R: M.Bailey B.Sewell J.Lewis
I/C: L.Hodge, J.Anderson, D.Hale, L.Shiels
EMG: S.Savage, J.Simpkin, M.Spangher

In: L.Hodge
Out: S.Savage
 

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
SAM Mitchell found plenty of the ball last week against Geelong, winning 24 of his 37 disposals in the defensive half. He was the top ranked player for the match courtesy of his 141 points – 19 more than any other Hawthorn player.

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Dee-fiant Neeld ignores backlash

AFL 360 panelists David King and Mark Maclure slam Melbourne Demons' recruitment for 2013, saying the club will not improve until Mark Neeld is gone.

Demons coach Mark Neeld says vicious critics can boo all they want. Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE coach Mark Neeld says he will ignore widespread criticism and supporter backlash as he continues to rebuild his ailing football club.

Shell-shocked after Sunday's shameful performance against Port Adelaide, Neeld has ignored the media this week and concentrated on replicating the high intensity of training on match day.

Emphasising he had a job to do, he admitted he heard the booing at three-quarter time on Sunday, but it did not faze him.

"I heard it," Neeld said.

"But the coach's main concern during the game is the players.

"It's not great to hear it ... and that's how they dealt with an unacceptable performance.

"My way of dealing with it is to sit down with the players and have heart-to-hearts, review the game, explain how we want to play, go back through training ... that's how I've got to deal with it.

Read Mark Robinson's full interview with Mark Neeld here

"If people chose to boo, that's their choice. That will never get in the road of what we are trying to achieve."

"I will simply state that what we've seen over summer and at training is not what we saw on Sunday," Neeld said.

Neeld was understanding of fans who might turn their backs on Melbourne.

"Unfortunately, if you're not going to turn up and watch us play through this period, that is your decision, no problem, but you will always be welcomed back."

Neeld refused to give guarantees about the performance this week, but did make promises about preparation and professionalism.

He said the game against Essendon on Saturday night was about effort and work ethic, and not the about winning.

"It's about how we go about it," Neeld said.

"We might get beaten by Essendon on the weekend, but it will be the way in which we approach the game which will be important.

"Clubs in rebuilding phase cannot use the number of victories (to judge), it's about the manner in which we go about it and that's what was disappointing about Sunday. We didn't go about it in the right manner.

"We're doing what we can to instil in very young players the correct manner in which to play.

"We can promise that the attitude of our players to train and to prepare is becoming a highly competitive AFL standard.

"And I can inform supporters today's training session was of AFL standard and quick and there was energy there.

And, yes, there were a few terrible kicks, but I saw players make mistakes and have a crack at the next one."

Neeld did not make excuses, but pointed out last Sunday's game was "game one, year two of a rebuild of a rebuild which never got off the ground".

He said training loads had increased, as had the players' appetite to compete at the highest level.

"Last year they were driving to training to survive the day ... now they are driving to training to attack training."

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Cold breakfast for Mick, Bucks

Nathan Buckley and Mick Malthouse shake hands at today's Peter McCallum Cancer Centre breakfast. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MICK MALTHOUSE and Nathan Buckley were civil but did not talk to each other at a charity breakfast at the MCG this morning.

The Carlton and Collingwood coaches joined their respective captains, Marc Murphy and Nick Maxwell, on an on-stage panel in the MCG Dining Room as part of a fund-raiser for the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre.

They briefly shook hands before the panel discussion got under way, but did not have a conversation before or after the breakfast.

After the panel, Malthouse turned on his heel and walked off the stage as Buckley approached him. The two coaches left immediately -- Buckley via the lift, Malthouse down the escalator -- to attend their club's respective training sessions.

During the panel, hosted by former Collingwood full-forward Brian Taylor, Malthouse said the tension between himself and Collingwood was "more media and supporter-driven''.

Buckley 'has empathy' for Malthouse

Malthouse coached the Pies to the 2010 flag then lost the 2011 decider to Geelong, then sat out of coaching for a year before taking over the reigns at Carlton this season.

"I do know some of the players who will be playing for Collingwood,'' Malthouse said, "but it's amazing that 12 months out what's happened is that there's a massive change in personnel t the football club -- and that goes for every football club. So it's not the same football club that I was at.

"But if I focus on that, it's the very thing that I coach against, which is individuality. It's all about and must be about the team. So I've got to make sure that any emotions I have are all directed towards our team playing as well as they can.''

TAB's Adam Hamilton previews the upcoming round 2Collingwood vs Carlton game.

Buckley, who captained the Pies for eight years under Malthouse's coaching before working under him as an assistant coach, downplayed the significance of the Pies coming up against their former mentor.

"The rivalry exists longer than any of us sitting here have been around, and that's a great thing to be a part of,'' Buckley said.

Picture gallery: Pies make a splash at training

"We don't have a lot to go on, Carlton under Mick. But obviously having played under him and coached with him, I've got a fair understanding of the way he sees the game of footy.

"We all know what Mick Malthouse-coached sides look like. Carlton, as Mick has detailed, are a work in progress, and how much of the residual is still there and how much of the new stuff is still to come through, we'll see as the year progresses.

"My recent experience with Carlton last year, and this group of Carlton players, is that they knocked us over twice. So Brett Ratten had a fair understanding of us and had a way to get around our strengths, so we need to get get around Carlton's.''

Maxwell said the players were more interested in the match than personal rivalries.

"We've got expectations on ourselves, where we want to finish this year ...,'' Maxwell said.

"I know everyone wants to build it up and make it sound like it's all about Mick and it's all about Bucks and about our coaches, but it's about who gets the four points.''

Buckley refused to buy into speculation about players returning from injury, other than to say Dayne Beams was "zero'' chance of returning from a quad injury this Sunday.

Dave Hughes and Peter Helliar tell us why they love to hate each other's footy teams.

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Scott grateful for Bucks' apology

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott has revealed his Magpies counterpart Nathan Buckley phoned to apologise for his post-match criticism of the Lindsay Thomas bump.

Scott said today he considered the issue to be "dead" after Buckley called to apologise to both Thomas and himself during the week.

Buckley sparked a war of words after he called Thomas to account over his heavy clash with Magpie defender Ben Reid last Sunday, describing the bump as "pretty average".

Thomas was cleared by the match review panel for the heavy bump, which left Reid concussed.

But Scott today gave credit to Buckley for his apology.

"It's important that we all move on, but I think Nathan has made a retraction of his remarks and he forced me to defend one of my players which I will do 100 per cent of the time," Scott said.

"I think that when you cast aspersions over opposition players it is never a good thing, but when that criticism is wrong it makes it even worse.

"To Nathan's eternal credit, he has called me, he has apologised to me, which I didn't think he had to do, but he apologised to me and to our football club.

"But more importantly he rang Lindsay Thomas and apologised to him. I think that speaks volumes for the type of person he is."

TAB's Adam Hamilton previews the upcoming round 2 Geelong vs North Melbourne game.

Scott said he felt no confusion over the rule regarding accidental head clashes and said there would be no change in his philosophy in training.

"I'm in no doubt as to what the rule is and I think the match review panel adjudicated it as they said they would and the way they did last year," Scott said.

"So I am not confused. But there is no doubt that when you choose to bump, you take a risk."

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Live chat: Round 2 teams

Even when he's a passenger on a road trip, Shane Crawford is still thinking about SuperCoach - and why Buddy needs to lift. WARNING: Poor quality vision, filmed with a potato.

Magpie Heath Shaw will return after suffering gastro last week. Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN will give Luke Hodge a chance of making a shock Round 2 return after naming its underdone captain to face West Coast on Sunday.

But Brian Lake is no chance of making his Hawks debut after being left out of the 25-man squad to travel west.

The former Western Bulldog was a late withdrawal against the Cats on Easter Monday, but the Hawks did name recycled recruits Jon Simpkin and Matt Spangher.

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld has axed two of his controversial mature-age recruits in the fallout from last week's embarrassing 79-point loss to Port Adelaide.

David Rodan and Cam Pedersen were axed among four changes, with Luke Tapscott and Lynden Dunn (hamstring) also out of the side to face Essendon on Saturday night.

Veteran Aaron Davey, co-captain Jack Trengove, defender Tom McDonald and debutant Dean Terlich are set to face the Dons at the MCG on Saturday night.

The Bombers made no changes after their impressive win against Adelaide two weeks ago.

St Kilda is set to roll the dice on defenders Sam Fisher and Sean Dempster when it battles Richmond tomorrow night.

The Saints, who have not lost their opening two matches since 2000, also brought back veterans Leigh Montagna and Adam Schneider.

Scott Watters axed Trent Dennis-Lane and lost boom ruckman Tom Hickey (foot), James Gwilt (knee) and Farren Ray (hip) to injury.

The Tigers' backline will receive strong reinforcement from the reinvented Ricky Petterd and injury-riddled Dylan Grimes for the MCG clash.

Hayden Crozier will replace goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne when the Dockers face the unchanged Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

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'Nothing but respect for Mick'

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley says he has nothing but respect for former mentor Mick Malthouse. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley has played down suggestions of a rift with Carlton coach Mick Malthouse ahead of Sunday's blockbuster encounter.

"There's plenty of people keen to drum that up and to try to make it an adversarial relationship,'' Buckley said today.

"I've got nothing but respect for Mick.

"I learnt a lot from him, played under him for a number of years as his captain and worked under him as an assistant coach in the plan to eventually become senior coach.

"We've had many frank discussions, not in recent times, (but) we've had many frank discussions about that situation.''

Buckley said he did not think there would be any pre-game acknowledgment between the two coaches before Sunday's clash.

Jon Ralph: Mick's private war against Buckley

"I very rarely go to any of the opposition coaches on game day,'' he said.

"I caught up with Mick at the coaches' AGM last week, I will see him tomorrow morning at the Peter MacCallum breakfast and I am sure, watching the TV shows, I will see plenty of his head between now and Sunday.''

Buckley inadvertently brought some humour to the build-up when asked if the two coaches had had any recent conversations.

"He's the coach of Collingwood,'' he said of Malthouse before correcting himself.  ``He was ... he's the coach of Carlton.''

Dayne Beams (quad) will miss Sunday's clash and could be on the sidelines for a few more weeks, but Buckley remained confident Ben Reid (concussion) and Ben Johnson (thigh) will play.

Picture gallery: Pies make a splash at training

Heath Shaw (illness) is a certain starter.

Buckley refused to rule out Dale Thomas, who missed yesterday's training session, but played 75 per cent of last week's VFL match.

Clinton Young, Alex Fasolo, Paul Seedsman and Andrew Krakouer are also in the mix.

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Tigers try to find room for Vlastuin

Richmond's first-round draft pick Nick Vlastuin is pushing for senior selection. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says top draft pick Nick Vlastuin is AFL match ready, but he's no certainty to debut against St Kilda on Friday night.

Hardwick said Vlastuin's omission from their Round 1 side was because of the Tigers new-found depth.

"The coach is very excited about his prospects as well (as the fans),'' Hardwick said.

"It's a tough one. Funnily enough, he's probably the most ready Round 1 draft pick we've had, but because of the depth of our side, the talent that's available at the moment, he's just missed out.

"He'll force his way in, I've got no doubt. He was very good at the weekend again. Whether he makes his debut this week, three weeks' time, he's going to play at some stage.''

Hardwick said he would have to make some "tough calls'' at match committee.

"No doubt you like to reward winning form,'' Hardwick said of team selection.

"In saying that we've got players like (Dylan) Grimes that are available to play, Ricky Petterd will put up his hand, Chris Knights, Nick Vlastuin, some quality players as well.

"We've got some options.

"It's very important (depth), if you don't play well, you go out.

SuperCoach alert: Top Crow backs Crouch debut

"Whether we make changes this week or not we'll certainly make a few tough calls in match committee this afternoon.

"It's probably something that we haven't had for a period of time. It's certainly good when you go to our Coburg side and you watch them play and you certainly see a lot of players that are capable of playing AFL football.

"We've got ourselves in a good situation.''

SuperCoach early trades: See the pros and cons

Hardwick said he had addressed the last quarter of Richmond's five-point Round 1 win against Carlton, when the Tigers almost let a 36-point three-quarter time lead slip.

"We've just got to make sure we don't take that form into quarter one on Friday night,'' he said.
 

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No date on Nic Nat return

SOFTLY SOFTLY: West Coast is taking no risks with Nic Naitanui. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

NIC Naitanui's comeback is on hold indefinitely in a major blow to West Coast's 2013 premiership aspirations.

Last year's All-Australian ruckman is still struggling with groin soreness and is unable to step up his training load to the level required.

Eagles coach John Worsfold admitted the club didn't know when Naitanui would be able to resume full training.

When he does, the 22-year-old will then require three weeks of solid training before being ready to play a match.

It is understood a cautious West Coast is prepared to be without Naitanui for virtually the first half of the season if it means he can be fit for the remainder and be primed for an impact in the finals.

A frank Worsfold was prepared to be without Naitanui for some time.

"He hasn't been able to step up to anywhere near full training yet," he said.

"If he steps up and has a harder session and gets sore, then his next session can't be harder again.

"So really you don't know. He could just progress through every session and be up and going in a few weeks.

"Or if he keeps getting some soreness as he progresses up, we'll just stay at that level for a little bit longer.

SuperCoach Round 1 dilemma: Trade or hold?

"We want to prepare Nic to be able to come in and play full games. We probably won't go down the option of giving him a half a game in a reserves team somewhere.

"It's likely we'll just train him up until he's really ready to go. So that may hold him back till he is actually playing footy again."

The Eagles are prepared to be conservative with one of the most valuable commodities on their playing list.

"These injuries can linger over the course of full seasons and multiple seasons," Worsfold said.

"We don't want that to happen."

In better news, midfielder Daniel Kerr is likely to make his comeback following knee surgery for East Fremantle in the WAFL on Saturday.

West Coast hosts Hawthorn at Patersons Stadium on Sunday.
 

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Beams to miss two more

Dayne Beams cools off at Collingwood recovery at St Kilda Beach. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

INJURED Collingwood star Dayne Beams won't play against Carlton and is unlikely to return until Round 4.

Beams, last year's Copeland Trophy winner, was a late withdrawal from the Magpies' Round 1 team after hurting himself at training.

The Pies have kept the extent of Beams' injury close to their chest but today revealed he is expected to miss 1-2 more matches.

That rules him out of Collingwood's blockbuster clash against Carlton on Sunday and most likely the match against Hawthorn the following week.

But there is better news on the injury front with Ben Reid (cut mouth) and Ben Johnson (cork thigh) cleared to play after being hurt in Round 1.

And Alex Fasolo (hamstring), Alan Didak (hamstring), Paul Seedsman (hamstring), Clinton Young (calf) and Jackson Ramsay (groin) are all ready to return, most likely via the VFL.

The Barometer: Updated injury list for every club

"With the likes of Dale Thomas and Andrew Krakouer making their way back in the VFL last week and Seedsman, Fasolo, Young and Didak all close, we've definitely got a few more selection options opening up for us," football director Geoff Walsh told the club website.

"Some of those boys still need to find their legs, if you like, but it's encouraging to think that in a week or two we could have a lot of players pushing for a lot of positions in the side."

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The Barometer: Round 2

Collingwood star Dale Thomas collected 25 disposals in the Magpies reserves match against AIS-AFL Academy squad. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

WHO'S hurt and who is in line for selection at your club?

ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Nick Joyce (groin) TBA
Ian Callinan (knee) test
Brodie Smith (collarbone) 3 weeks
Luke Brown (foot) test
Ricky Henderson (concussion) test

ON THE BLOCK: It's been a while since the Crows' Round 1 shocker but a few players will be nervous, including Brodie Martin, Jared Petrenko and Andy Otten. Young defender Luke Brown was on crutches after the match but should be OK after scans cleared him of any serious injury.

ON THE CUSP: Mini draftee Brad Crouch is banging down the door after picking up 31 disposals for Wests in the SANFL. Other state league standouts include Sam Kerridge (21 disposals, nine tackles) and Tom Lynch (30 disposals, 11 marks, 11 clearances). Sam Shaw also played and could push for a spot against the Lions.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Crows need to regroup and what seemed a friendly early draw suddenly looks a lot more precarious with Port Adelaide and the Bulldogs to follow Brisbane. If Adelaide wants to be a top-four side, it will have to be 3-1 after those matches.

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES
Simon Black (knee) Indefinite
Jesse O'Brien (groin) 1 week
Brent Staker (knee) 3 weeks
Stephen Wrigley (knee) TBA
Matt Maguire (leg) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: James Polkinghorne managed just six disposals at a horrible 17 per cent efficiency against the Bulldogs and could be in strife. He had plenty of underperforming mates, with Ash McGrath, Aaron Cornelius and Elliot Yeo all struggling to have any kind of impact. In fact, there weren't many Lions who could say they should walk into the team for Round 2.

ON THE CUSP: Matthew Leuenberger was listed in the best players for the Lions reserves, who opened their NEAFL season with an 87-point hammering of Morningside. Former Hawk Jordan Lisle kicked six goals while young defenders Jordan Burke and Justin Clarke earned the praise of coach Leigh Harding. Jared Polec and Todd Banfield were also good.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Don't expect Michael Voss to make wholesale changes to the team that won the NAB Cup final two weeks ago. Polkinghorne could slip out and Leuenberger should return to give Billy Longer a hand against Sam Jacobs at the Gabba on Saturday.

Matthew Leuenberger (second from right) taps the ball down during a Brisbane Lionsintra-club match at Coorparoo. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

CARLTON

INJURIES
Eddie Betts (broken jaw) TBA
Shaun Hampson (appendix) TBA
Jaryd Cachia (hamstring) TBA
Andrew Collins (ankle) TBA
David Ellard (hamstring) TBA
Andrew McInnes (knee) 14 weeks
Jarrad Waite (calf) 2-3 weeks
Mitch Robinson (concussion) assess

ON THE BLOCK: The Blues suffered a double blow today with the news Betts and Hampson will both miss the huge showdown against Collingwood. Levi Casboult struggled up forward against the Tigers, managing just two kicks while giving away three free kicks and spraying his only shot at goal about 25m to the right. Aaron Joseph started as the sub but travelled at just 57 per cent efficiency when he came on. Mitch Robinson was seeing stars after crashing into Ty Vickery but the Blues say he'll be right for Round 2.

ON THE CUSP: Robbie Warnock seems a certainty to replace Hampson, while Sam Rowe was unlucky to miss a Round 1 start and could push out Casboult. The Northern Blues suffered a heavy loss to Coburg in their final VFL practice match with Matthew Watson among the few AFL-listed players taking part.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Blues almost pinched a win against the Tigers and changes are more likely to involve getting the new game plan worked out than personnel. Mick would love to be able to call on Jarrad Waite but he's still a couple of weeks away.

SuperCoach is free and you could win $1000 every week. It's not too late to join!

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES
Dayne Beams (quad) TBA
Heath Shaw (ill) available
Ben Reid (concussion) test
Ben Johnson (corked thigh) test
Alex Fasolo (hamstring) test
Jackson Ramsay (groin) 1-2 weeks
Luke Ball (knee) 2-3 weeks
Alan Didak (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Brodie Grundy (back) 4-6 weeks
Michael Hartley (shoulder) 6 weeks
Lachlan Keefe (knee) 6-8 weeks
Tim Broomhead (glandular fever) 8 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Reid should be fine but Johnson is doubtful and the Pies say the severity of the injury Beams suffered at training on Saturday is not yet clear. In the unlikely event the Pies have more players to come in than go out, sub Sam Dwyer and late inclusion Josh Thomas could be the unlucky omissions.

ON THE CUSP: Shaw will return after a bout of gastro. Dale Thomas and Andrew Krakouer played in a practice match against the AIS-AFL Academy last Thursday night and pulled up OK but might need another week. Clinton Young and Alex Fasolo are outside chances to return.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Nathan Buckley joked after Sunday's win against North Melbourne that he must have walked under a ladder over summer. But the Pies are on the board and will have the welcome headache of trying to find room for the likes of Shaw, Thomas and Fasolo either this week or next. Beams is a worry, however.

ESSENDON

INJURIES
Nil.

ON THE BLOCK: Any Bomber would be stiff to get dropped after their stunning win against Adelaide. If you had to pick one, maybe Mark Baguley could be in danger. Patrick Ryder and Stewart Crameri would want to lift their output.

ON THE CUSP: Everyone. The Bombers have a clean bill of health – a far cry from this time last season – following Jason Winderlich's successful return from groin soreness in the VFL on Friday. Winderlich played a half and was lively in the Bombers' big win against Sandringham. He'll need more match fitness before being considered for senior selection. Scott Gumbleton was the dominant forward on the ground, with father-son recruit Joe Daniher kicking one goal. The Bombers opted not to play David Zaharakis, preparing him with intense training instead.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Demons are Essendon's bogey side, winning the past three clashes between the two sides – amazingly, the Bombers haven't beaten Melbourne since 2009. That will count for nothing on Saturday night though, with a trip to Perth in Round 3 to face the Dockers shaping as Essendon's next serious challenge.

Bendigo Bombers v Casey Scorpions. Jason Winderlich Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE

INJURIES
Anthony Morabito (knee) TBC
Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) 8-12 weeks
Zac Clarke (Achilles) test
Matthew Pavlich (hand) test

ON THE BLOCK: Cameron Sutcliffe is the only player who could be dropped on form after the Dockers' impressive Round 1 win. He started in the subs vest and had just two disposals against West Coast. Pavlich is available after a hospital visit to fix split webbing on his left hand.

ON THE CUSP: The Dockers have close to their best 22 available apart from Aaron Sandilands, but they will have to get used to life without the big man. Garrick Ibbotson picked up 20 disposals in the WAFL at the weekend and Hayden Crozier booted three goals for Peel Thunder, while Tom Sheridon, Jesse Crichton and Viv Michie could all come under consideration if Ross Lyon wants to make changes.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: An assignment against the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium doesn't look quite as straightforward as it did a few days ago. But the Dockers won't fear the venue – they played at Etihad twice last season, for two wins (against Melbourne and North Melbourne). Ross Lyon likes a stable 22 so don't expect many changes.

SuperCoach Round 1 studs and duds

GEELONG

INJURIES
Hamish McIntosh (knee) indefinite
Josh Hunt (glandular fever) indefinite
Daniel Menzel (knee) 2 weeks
Dawson Simpson (back) Indefinite
Jed Bews (foot) TBA
George Burbury (foot) TBA
Joel Corey (hip soreness) test
Steve Johnson (knee) 3 weeks
Josh Walker (shoulder) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: How could you fault the Cats? Prized recruit Josh Caddy was substituted out of the match at three-quarter time yesterday with 15 disposals at 47 per cent efficiency. Ruckman Trent West was nursed through the match and should benefit from the outing. Jared Rivers (knee) and Billie Smedts (winded) played out the game despite spending some time off the ground.

ON THE CUSP: James Kelly will be a walk-up start after serving his one-match ban carried over from last year's elimination final. Veteran Joel Corey starred in the VFL last week and must also be considered for the trip west. Mitch Brown was the VFL standout with 34 disposals.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Skipper Joel Selwood was the difference yesterday and there is no reason why he can't repeat the dose against North Melbourne on Sunday. Twin talls Tom Hawkins and James Podsiadly will provide plenty of headaches for the Kangaroos defenders. Paul Chapman slaughtered the Roos in the NAB Cup last month and could just as easily do it again. Add veterans Kelly and Corey to the mix and the Cats should be 2-0 by Sunday afternoon.

GOLD COAST

INJURIES
Tom Lynch (foot) 3-4 weeks
Jesse Lonergan (wrist) 3-4 weeks
Nathan Bock (leg) indefinite
Liam Patrick (hamstring) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to find any candidates after Gold Coast's best win in its short existence. Brandon Matera burned after coming on as the sub after replacing a cramping Karmichael Hunt. Jaeger O'Meara took a while to warm up but looked every bit an AFL player when he was linking up with Gary Ablett out of the middle in the final quarter.

ON THE CUSP: The Suns reserves recorded a 126-point win in Saturday night's curtain-raiser, with former high jumper Josh Hall kicking four goals and Tom Nicholls three. Prodigy Jack Martin – who, like O'Meara last year, was recruited as a 17-year-old and can't play seniors this year – was best afield.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Gold Coast couldn't be in better shape but the reigning premier at the SCG is a bridge too far. After that comes the Q-Clash against Brisbane then Port Adelaide at home and GWS in Canberra – it's not beyond the realms of possibility the Suns could be 3-1 after the first month of the season.

GWS

INJURIES
Matthew Buntine (lung) 5 weeks
Chad Cornes (shoulder) Indefinite
Jonothan O'Rourke (leg) 2 weeks
Dom Tyson (knee) 8 weeks
Nathan Wilson (shoulder) test

ON THE BLOCK: If Kevin Sheedy continues his rotation policy of last season there are several names to choose from, despite the Giants' respectable loss to Sydney. Adam Kennedy and Taylor Adams are most likely to earn a rest against Port.

ON THE CUSP: The Giants' reserves also went down the Swans, but were unlucky to lose after having seven more scoring shots. Draftee Kristian Jaksch kicked four goals and Setanta O'hAilpin kicked two, while Rhys Palmer and Sam Reid were standouts in the midfield.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: GWS travels to AAMI Stadium on Saturday night to play Port Adelaide and will give themselves some sort of chance, hoping some of the kids who starred for the Power in Round 1 have a downer the next weekend. The Giants will get their own crack at Melbourne in Round 4 which shapes as a huge match for both clubs.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES
Brian Lake (calf) test
Michael Osborne (knee) test
Matthew Suckling (knee) season
Brendan Whitecross (knee) 10 weeks
Alex Woodward (knee) season
Xavier Ellis (calf) 4 weeks
Luke Hodge (fitness) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Substitute Jed Anderson did enough his debut to warrant a second crack at the big time. The midfielder showed dash when activated collecting six disposals including two rebound-50s in just over a quarter of play. Liam Shiels struggled after copping a knock to the knee early in the match. Forward Jack Gunston was hardly sighted while Bradley Hill ran out of legs after a blistering start.

ON THE CUSP: Brian Lake was a late withdrawal yesterday and must get through training to play on Sunday. Kyle Cheney and Jonathan Simpkin would have to train the house down to come into calculations. Skipper Luke Hodge emerged unscathed from a VFL practice match last week and is on track to make his return in Round 3-4. Small forward Michael Osborne is expected to make his return via the VFL.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: It doesn't get any easier for Alastair Clarkson's men, who now face the toughest trip in football - the Eagles in Perth. The Hawks haven't won in the west since their 2008 premiership season. Back spearheads Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead to bounce back after their forgettable performances against the Cats yesterday. Keen on watching livewire Brad Hill run amok on the wide expanses of Paterson's Stadium.

Former Bulldog Brian Lake is hoping to win a premiership with Hawhtorn. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Rohan Bail (concussion) 1 week
Chris Dawes (hamstring) test
Mitch Clark (ankle) test

ON THE BLOCK: How much room have we got? Seven Demons failed to reach double-figures in the disposals column on Sunday including James Sellar (six), Luke Tapscott (seven), Tom Gillies (nine), Jimmy Toumpas (nine) and Jack Watts (seven). Is it too early for the coach to make a statement? One positive is Mitch Clark says he'll be right after coming off with a foot injury against Port Adelaide.

ON THE CUSP: Co-captain Jack Trengove will be back after getting another full VFL practice match under his belt. James Magner and Dean Terlich won plenty of the ball against Box Hill while Max Gawn played his first game back from a long-term hamstring injury. Chris Dawes was close last week and the Demons could roll the dice this weekend.

Al PATON'S FORECAST: The Dees have plenty of problems but thankfully injuries aren't one of them. The match committee has to make a call on whether to stick with the team that showed so little in Round 1 and put the acid on those players to turn it around, or swing the axe immediately. Either way, it's hard to see Melbourne toppling Essendon despite a recent good record against the Bombers.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Nil

ON THE BLOCK: Kieran Harper's attack on the ball is second to none but the young speedster must find a way to get more of the footy. Harper laid seven tackles, second only to Andrew Swallow (nine), which should hold him in good stead. Sam Wright enjoyed a solid NAB Cup campaign but faded badly against the Magpies. Liam Anthony was used as the substitute and got plenty of it once given a crack.

ON THE CUSP: Former Gold Coast defender Taylor Hine put his hand up for selection collecting 23 disposals for North's VFL affiliate Werribee last Saturday. Big Majak Daw kicked two goals pinch-hitting in the ruck with mature-aged recruit Daniel Currie. Levi Greenwood and Jordan Gysberts got plenty of it and could come into calculations. Suspended defender Scott McMahon is a certainty to line up against Geelong on Sunday.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: North had a golden opportunity to knock off Collingwood missing up to eight of its best players and yet failed. Too much was left to too few with usual suspects Swallow and Daniel Wells at the forefront of the Kangaroos' fightback. Drew Petrie had his colours lowered but boasts the class to respond. Rookie Aaron Mullett was a revelation picking up 22 disposals across half-back. Hard-nosed midfielders Leigh Adams and Sam Gibson struggled to make an impact while Shaun Atley only showed glimpses of his best. Lindsay Thomas was the star with four goals and will be available after escaping suspension for his bump on Ben Reid.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Alipate Carlile (hamstring) - assess
Brendon Ah Chee (knee) - assess
Brett Ebert (adductor) - 1-2 weeks
Nick Salter (foot) - 3-4 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: There was barely a player who didn't contribute to Port's stunning Round 1 success, with Kane Mitchell unlucky to be handed the subs vest. He should keep his place although Port has just about a full list to choose from for its home clash against GWS.

ON THE CUSP: Defender Alipate Carlile is expected to get through training this week and will be available for selection, but Brett Ebert is out after tearing his adductor in the SANFL. Former skipper Dom Cassisi made a successful return from a calf injury but might have to wait to earn a recall, while Robbie Gray and John Butcher also got through the opening round after returning from long-term injuries.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Port should go into the Round 3 Showdown against Adelaide undefeated, and they have Gold Coast the week after that. With no serious injury concerns, new coach Ken Hinkley only has to worry about how to fit all the players he wants into his best 22.

RICHMOND

INJURIES
David Astbury (foot) 1-2 weeks
Nathan Foley (Achilles) 4-6 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Not many. Brandon Ellis was subbed off against Carlton but would be unlucky to get the axe after an impressive pre-season, while Robin Nahas had an impact after taking off the red vest. Troy Chaplin struggled to pick up the pace of the game at times but will be better for the run.

ON THE CUSP: Plenty. Dylan Grimes is the most likely to get a call-up after getting through three quarters for Coburg at the weekend and picking up 11 disposals. If for some reason the Tigers wanted to make wholesale changes, a lot of players put their hands up in the VFL practice match including Nick Vlastuin (22 disposals), Matt Dea (31 disposals), Chris Knights (28 touches) and former Kangaroo Aaron Edwards (five goals and eight marks).

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Could go in unchanged for the clash against St Kilda on Friday night, when the Tigers hope to start a season 2-0 for the first time since 1997. But fringe players will know they have to perform to keep their spots – a situation Richmond hasn't enjoyed for a while.

ST KILDA

INJURIES
Sam Fisher (foot) test
Sean Dempster (hamstring) test
Jackson Ferguson (knee) 4 weeks
Daniel Markworth (knee) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Trent Dennis-Lane didn't touch the footy after coming on late as the sub. The man he replaced, Tom Hickey, was underwhelming in his St Kilda debut (four disposals) but is needed for structure. Sam Gilbert, Jack Newnes and Ahmed Saad are others who will want to improve their output this weekend.

ON THE CUSP: Adam Schneider, come on down. Schneider has now played three VFL practice matches after a carefully managed pre-season and is ready to step straight in. Leigh Montagna returns from suspension and Sam Fisher and potentially Sean Dempster could make for a handy quartet of inclusions, although the latter two are not guaranteed a start yet. Justin Koschitzke kicked a goal for Sandy as the Zebras were thrashed by 12 goals by Essendon's VFL side.

AL PATON'S PREDICTION: Dennis-Lane was a late inclusion for Round 1 and could go straight out again to make way for Schneider. The Saints will be desperate to get Fisher and Dempster back to help counter Richmond's tall forwards Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery and Luke McGuane.

Sam Fisher will need to train well to play the away game against the Suns on Saturday night. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

SYDNEY

INJURIES
Alex Johnson (knee) season
Gary Rohan (leg) Indefinite
Sam Naismith (thumb) 3-4 weeks
Tommy Walsh (hamstring) test

ON THE BLOCK: The Swans got the job done against GWS with minimum fuss. Lewis Jetta was unusually quiet but the only players who would be nervous this week are debutant Dean Rampe, who was subbed off, and his replacement Tony Armstrong. The pair had 13 disposals between them.

ON THE CUSP: Sydney had a bye in the NEAFL so there wasn't much of a chance for those outside the side to push their claims. The emergencies for Round 1 were Andrejs Everitt, Jed Lamb and Jesse White.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Gold Coast coming off a win won't be a pushover but don't expect the Swans to be troubled as they gradually work their way to top gear. Will John Longmire bother tagging Gary Ablett?

WEST COAST

INJURIES
Daniel Kerr (knee) 2 weeks
Mark LeCras (arm) 4 weeks
Eric MacKenzie (hamstring) 2 weeks
Nic Naitanui (groin) 2 weeks
Mark Nicoski (hamstring) 6 weeks
Matthew Rosa (thigh) 5 weeks
Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: A couple of certain outs with Mark LeCras (arm) and Erc MacKenzie (hamstring) facing extended stints on the sidelines. Ashley Smith struggled to make an impact.

ON THE CUSP: Veteran Andrew Embley collected 20 disposals in the WAFL last weekend and should be better for the run after starting Round 1 as the substitute. Defender Sam Butler looks ready for a recall after helping himself to 29 possessions for Perth. Wingman Bradd Dalziell also impressed in the state league. Daniel Kerr is set to make his comeback this weekend for East Fremantle.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Huge game for the Eagles coming up against a Hawthorn outfit fresh off yesterday's painful loss to Geelong. Josh Kennedy needs to fire inside the arc while the likes of Matthew Priddis, Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff must be at the top of their games to counter the Hawks' A-grade midfield. Dean Cox will have the Hawks' measure at the stoppages but wary of the Eagles up forward. Jack Darling must impact the scoreboard for the Eagles to be any chance.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES
Easton Wood (hamstring) test
Tom Williams (foot) 1 week
Matthew Boyd (calf) 2 weeks
Koby Stevens (hamstring) assess

ON THE BLOCK: Koby Stevens was subbed off against the Lions with hamstring tightness but he pulled up fine and will play against Fremantle on Saturday. Stevens' replacement Clay Smith didn't find much of the ball but would be stiff to miss out this week.

ON THE CUSP: Defenders Lukas Markovic and Michael Talia were named in the best for Williamstown in its Easter Sunday loss to Geelong at Torquay, where Jack Redpath kicked two goals. Jake Stringer played and kicked a nice goal but might find it tough to break into a winning line-up. Easton Wood was listed as a "test" last week but didn't come up, and must be close to the mark a week later.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Dogs are on the march, and will give themselves a chance of upsetting the Dockers at Etihad Stadium. Brendan McCartney's philosophy of stacking his midfield with inside ball-winners paid off last week, with the Dogs smashing Brisbane at the coalface. If Ayce Cordy can snaffle some more big grabs in the goalsquare, this team will cause a few headaches during the season.

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I'm sorry, Clarko: Kennett

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has called for coach Alastair Clarkson to be sacked at the season's end following 10th straight loss to Geelong

Keep walking, Clarko. Former Hawk president Jeff Kennett says it is time for a change at Hawthorn. Source: Herald Sun

A CONTRITE Jeff Kennett has apologised to Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.

In a letter received by the Herald Sun, Kennett admitted this afternoon that his frustration prompted him to "wrongly single out Alastair for the seven point loss".

The former Hawthorn president called for Clarkson's sacking at the end of the season after Geelong scored its 10th consecutive victory over the Hawks at the MCG yesterday.

He said he sincerely apologised to Clarkson and his family "for the grief I have caused them".

Kennett's letter said:

I apologise to Alastair Clarkson.

I was out of line yesterday in holding him solely responsible for our club not saluting in the last three years and for our performance yesterday.

It is true that with out list of players and the support the club has given the football department that I felt we have underachieved over that three year period.

Of course that is a subjective view, and on each occasion we were beaten by a better team on the day.

And yes, someone must accept responsibility for those defeats.

But maybe in my support for my club I have come to expect too much!

And on reflection I was wrong to single out Alastair alone.

He, like all at the club, have done their best and Alastair has personal values which I have always gratefully respected.

We are all responsible for the good times and less successful.

Monday's game was a classic in that Hawthorn performed well in the first half and Geelong less so. But after halftime Geelong came out on a mission and turned the game on its head.

Our five goal advantage, which became three goals just before half time, quickly disappeared. We seem to have lost our mojo as Geelong found theirs.

The performance of (Paul) Chapman always has me in awe.

He is consistent in his toughness and drives the ball everytime he gets his hands on it. (Joel) Selwood is a wonderful leader who sets a very high standard of both leadership and effort.

Not to say Hawthorn was without contributors through (Sam) Mitchell, (Brad)  Sewell and ever competitive (Josh) Gibson. But, sadly not as competitive enough across the group as our opponents.

I guess when you have witnessed the club grow since 2005 to the level of membership and good health it enjoys today, you just expect it to keep performing at the highest level.

Hopefully that will continue to be the case and the season has just started, so to make judgments based on one game is inappropriate.

That said, the tribal nature of the game drives our emotions and yesterday, in my frustration, I wrongly singled out Alastair and for what was a team result for which we all must accept responsibility and be challenged to do better, week on week.

I sincerely apologise to Alastair Clarkson and his family for the grief I have caused them.

EARLIER today, Hawks captain Luke Hodge urged Kennett to think before he opens his mouth.

"Jeff done great things for our football club when he was president of the footy club," Hodge said on Tuesday morning.

"Now he is a frustrated person who is very opinionated. Some of the things (he says), I think he should think before he speaks ... a lot of smart people in football disagree with what he had to say.

"You have to take the good with the bad and I don't think you are going to change Jeff."

Speaking on Nova 100 on Tuesday morning, Hodge said Kennett was someone who "loves to get his opinion across because of who he is", but believed the club's most outspoken supporter needed to tone down criticism.

After watching his side lose to Geelong for the 10th consecutive time at the MCG on Sunday - to continue the 'Kennett Curse' -  the man himself said it was time for a change.

Asked if he thought Clarkson should be moved on at end of the season, Kennett said: "Yes."

"I think we need to introduce a freshness at the club that doesn't exist at the moment because so many of the personnel have been there for a number of years," Kennett told 3AW last night.

"They have been listening to the same voice for too long."

HAVE YOUR SAY - IS IT TIME FOR CLARKO TO GO?

Clarkson, who has a 57 per cent winning percentage in his eight years at the helm, has another year remaining on his contract.

But Kennett said last night the club had "underachieved" since winning the 2008 premiership.

"I always believe six to eight years is long enough any coach should stay at any club," he said

"He has brought great service to the club, but he has been in charge of one of the best groups of young men going around in footy now for a number of years now, certainly since 2008.

"There was an excuse in 2009 for our performance because of injury.

"But in 2010, 2011, 2012 we underperformed...someone has to accept responsibility for that."

Kennett said the club should look at appointing an untried assistant coach rather than try to lure a big name.

"I'd be looking for a second-tier coach who has proved himself and hungry for success and trying to prove himself," he said.

"I don't believe you look around for another senior coach - you elevate an assistant coach who has something to prove.

"Alastair has now been there for a long time, the players understand him very well...you have to freshen up the group.

"And we have a very good list still."

Kennett said near enough was not good enough at Hawthorn.

"What are we doing right? We're not winning flags," he said.
 

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