'Hold your heads high': Hird

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Clarko fumes at new cap rule

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"You want to coach the players not count numbers.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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LIVE: Bombers vs Tigers

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

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

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

6.38pm AEDT - Bombers 45, Tigers 43

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5.58pm AEDT - Bombers 21, Tigers 35

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5.20pm AEDT - Bombers 12, Tigers 15

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

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

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

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

5.10pm AEDT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Embarrassing stuff in this final term from the Crows.

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

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

4.40pm AEDT - Geelong 113, Adelaide 46

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4.27pm AEDT - Geelong 107, Adelaide 40

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

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

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

4.05pm AEDT - Geelong 86, Adelaide 34

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

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

3:30pm AEDT- Geelong 74 leading Adelaide 12

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

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

Sam Jacobs in action against Geelong. Source: Getty Images

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

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

Geelong are treating this seriously and it shows.

They lead by 42 points at the first change.

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

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

3pm AEDT- Geelong 41 lead Adelaide 6

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

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

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

Patrick Dangerfield has kicked Adelaide's sole major.

2:47pm AEDT - Geelong 16 leads Adelaide 0

WELCOME back to football, Travis Varcoe.

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

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

Great start by the Cats.

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

PRE-GAME

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

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

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

Follow all the action right here!

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

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

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Young Cats smash Crows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hird 'just wants the truth'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AFL PLAYERS TOLD TO DOB IN DODGY DOCTORS

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

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

SEE ALL THIS WEEKEND'S NAB CUP SQUADS HERE

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

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

PICTURES: BOMBERS TRAIN IN WANGARATTA

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

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

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Players told to dob in dodgy docs

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

James Hird 'just wants the truth'

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

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

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

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

AFL "hypocritical" on drugs

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

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

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

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Safety first with Stevie J

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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LIVE: Hawks v Bulldogs

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

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

PRE-GAME

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

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

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

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

Follow all the action right here!

Full squads are below.

Hawthorn

2 Jarryd Roughead
3 Jordan Lewis
4 Matt Suckling

5 Sam Mitchell
6 Josh Gibson
10 Bradley Hill
12 Brad Sewell
13 Kyle Cheney
16 Isaac Smith
18 Brent Guerra
19 Jack Gunston
20 David Hale
21 Shane Savage
22 Luke Breust
23 Lance Franklin
24 Ben Stratton
25 Ryan Schoenmakers
27 Matt Spangher
29 William Langford (R) - Emergency
32 Jonathan Simpkin
35 Sam Grimley
37 Jed Anderson
38 Mitchell Hallahan - Emergency
41 Taylor Duryea
43 Amos Frank (R)
46 Derick Wanganeen (R)
47 Jonathon Ceglar (R) - Emergency

Western Bulldogs

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

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Saints hold back veterans

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Hodge recovery on track

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hawks call up big guns for NAB Cup

Clarkson said Hodge's temptation would be to play.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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