Crow call a 'disgrace': Kennett

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the Adelaide Crows should not be taking part in next week's AFL draft. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett last night launched a blistering attack on the AFL for allowing Adelaide to take part in next week's national draft.

"This is absolutely unacceptable what the AFL are doing. It's a disgrace," Kennett told the Herald Sun.

"It's absolutely akin to Racing Victoria allowing Damien Oliver to race, knowing that he had serious charges levelled against him.

"I just cannot accept it. It staggers belief."

In a massive win for the embattled Crows, lawyers for the club yesterday forced the AFL to delay its hearings into claims they cheated on the salary cap with illegal payments to forward Kurt Tippett.

It means the Crows can keep all their picks in Thursday's draft on the Gold Coast - effectively delaying punishment for another 12 months.

An enraged Kennett, who contacted the Herald Sun, called on the AFL to delay Thursday's draft, rather than allow the Crows and Melbourne - under separate investigation for tanking - to take part.

"If they (the AFL) are saying that natural justice has got to be done, well then in that case, I would cancel the draft until the issue is resolved," Kennett said.

"By allowing this draft to continue and these two clubs to participate ... it just makes a mockery of the whole competition. It defies logic.

"I mean you've got a (Family) Court judge on the (AFL) Commission (Linda Dessau) and other people who are very bright individuals. How in God's name can they say that they are administering this code correctly when they allow a decision like this to take place?"

A new hearing date for the Crows is yet to be set but will not come in time to prevent Adelaide from replenishing its list with new young talent.

The Crows have picks 20, 54 and 64.

Melbourne learned last week that it had dodged a draft bullet because an AFL investigation into claims the club deliberately lost games in 2009 was not complete.

The AFL Commission was scheduled to convene on Monday and Tuesday to determine its penalties for the Crows over allegations of draft tampering and salary cap cheating.

Adelaide yesterday revealed the club, chief executive Steven Trigg, football boss Phil Harper and former football operations manager John Reid would be represented separately.

"The AFL has today advised the club and Mr Harper, as well as Mr Trigg, Mr Reid and Adelaide Crows-listed player Kurt Tippett, that the Commission will provide the requested extra time, and that the hearing will not proceed on Monday as previously scheduled, to ensure that natural justice is provided," the league said in statement.

"The 2012 NAB AFL Draft will proceed as scheduled next week."

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McGuire: AFL is five years too late

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire says the AFL's call on Chris Judd's deal with Carlton sponsor Visy is five years too late. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL's decision to include Chris Judd's third-party deal within Carlton's salary cap for 2013 has come five years too late, according to Collingwood president Eddie McGuire.

And rather than mourning the AFL's decision to pull the plug on the deal, as revealed in the Herald Sun, the Blues should be popping champagne corks that they were to get away with it for so long.

"The fact that it has been changed is like the AFL saying they mucked up the rule in the first place, or for however long Chris Judd has been there," McGuire said yesterday.

"He has been basically paid out of the salary cap all of that time.

"According to the AFL's position now, Carlton has had a free kick of more than $1.2 million on the salary cap over the past five years compared to other clubs."

Judd's Visy deal is understood to be between $200,000 and $250,000 a season.

One of the leading critics of the controversial deal, and of other AFL inequities, McGuire said he was pleased the AFL had changed itsmind.

"Adrian Anderson (AFL football operations manager). Andrew Demetriou (AFL chief executive officer) and Ken Wood (AFL salary cap watchdog) sat down and realised this was something that was wrong," he said. "And they ditched it."

McGuire said he didn't care if the Blues were angry that he led the charge in opposition to the deal.

Blues chief executive Greg Swan yesterday joked he had to check the AFL letter to "see if it was signed by Eddie or Adrian."

But McGuire said he said he wanted a fair and level playing field for all clubs, not just for Collingwood.

"I have said from the word go that I don't care how much anyone pays Chris Judd, as long as every club has the opportunity to do the same thing," he said.

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Top pick in for ride of his life

Last year's top draft pick, Jonathon Patton, at home with mother Belinda and sister Lauren. Picture: Craig Borrow. Source: The Daily Telegraph

LACHIE Whitfield is the favourite to go No.1, but whoever is lucky enough to be first picked at Thursday night's AFL draft is in for the ride of his life.

It's a nerve-racking but awesome night.

This time last year it was me who had the honour of being named No.1 and it was an experience I'll never forget.

When your name is called it's a special moment.

You just feel honoured to be in the same company as names like Brett Deledio, Luke Hodge, Tom Scully and Matt Kreuzer to name a few. There have been a lot of great players who have been picked at No.1 and its very humbling to be alongside them.

My mum and sister were there and my older brother Chris was listening on the internet in California - where he plays division one basketball at Riverside.

My only regret is I didn't get more time to spend with my family to enjoy the moment.

After you're named you get carried off for interviews and photographs and they keep going for a couple of hours.

My advice to whoever goes No.1 is to make a good first impression on all the people you meet.

It will put you in good stead especially among your future teammates and club personnel.

One advantage the 2012 No.1 will have is he'll have plenty of Giants mates there to enjoy the night with.

GWS have the first three selections along with picks 12 and 14.

My only regret is I didn't get more time to spend with my family to enjoy the moment

Last year we had 11 of the first 14 and it makes a difference when you know these guys will be your teammates.

Another good thing for this year's No.1 is he'll have two teammates who have been through the experience - Tom Scully was selected No.1 in 2009.

It definitely helps knowing there are other people who have been in the same situation

It was difficult for Tom when he was drafted No.1 because Melbourne were really relying on him to be a future star so there was a tremendous amount of expectation.

If our next No.1 ever needs advice about how to handle it or any help in any way I'm more than happy to provide assistance. He can come to me or Tom Scully any time.

It's quite a thing to have three No.1 picks at one club.

Carlton have three with Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs and Matthew Kreuzer and they have all turned out to be outstanding footballers.

The other thing I would say to the No.1 is enjoy the night. It goes fast.

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Knights predicts pain for Crows

Chris Knights says the Kurt Tippett saga will impact Adelaide significantly. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

FORMER Crow and new Tiger Chris Knights has admitted Adelaide's salary cap saga could impact significantly on its 2013 season, despite the club being allowed to take part in this year's national draft.

Knights spent eight seasons with Adelaide before signing as a free agent with Richmond last month.

The 26-year-old says even though he has left the club, he still feels for the Crows and his former teammates as they face future AFL sanctions over allegations of illegal payments to Kurt Tippett and further scrutiny on other third-party deals.

"I do (feel for them)," Knights said after taking part in his first time-trial with the Tigers at Princes Park.

"They are (a great club).

"Kurt Tippett is a really good guy, he's a great teammate. He's in a really unfortunate situation at the moment and the same with the football club.

"But, as it goes, they're not going to miss out on draft picks this year, so in that respect they're all right but you want to go into every pre-season with not too many things going wrong.

"The (Adelaide) boys will start back soon and they'll just be focusing on training hard and doing what they need to do.

"But you don't really want these things happening on the side. It's big news for the AFL and hopefully there's a resolution."

Adelaide successfully sought more time to prepare for the AFL hearing into the Tippett issue, which has now been put back beyond Thursday's draft.

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Ex-Docker to train with Saints

Docker Dylan Roberton tackles Hawk Liam Shiels. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

DELISTED Docker Dylan Roberton will train with St Kilda in the hope of securing an AFL lifeline.

Roberton was one of three Fremantle players delisted yesterday after playing 37 matches for the club, including 10 this year.

The 191cm defender was originally recruited from Frankston and requested a trade to a Victorian club after the season, but a deal could not be done during the trade period.

The other two players cut by the Dockers before yesterday's list lodgement deadline, Nick Lower and Jesse Chrichton, will both continue to train with the club in the hope of being redrafted in the pre-season or rookie drafts.

In the latest AFL permission to train list, released today, Richmond has the most ex-AFL players at training, including two potential back-up ruckmen Cameron Wood and Orren Stephenson.

St Kilda also has five Sandringham players training with the main group in the hope of a draft promotion.

Axed Essendon midfielder Brent Prismall is training with the Bombers, but assistant coach Mark Thompson this morning gave him little hope of being re-drafted by the club.

Phantom draft - we predict the top 30 picks

PERMISSION TO TRAIN LIST

Adelaide: Nick Joyce (Adelaide Crows)

Brisbane Lions: Nil

Carlton: Andrew Collins (Carlton)

Collingwood: Nil.

Essendon: Tom Fields (Labrador), Nick Kommer (East Perth).

Fremantle: Jesse Crichton (Fremantle). Nick Lower (Fremantle).

Geelong: Nil.

Gold Coast: Derrell Acrey (USA Combine), Quin Porter (USA Combine).

GWS Giants: Nil.

Hawthorn: Nil.

Melbourne: Nil.

North Melbourne: Cameron Richardson (North Melbourne), Ben Speight (North Melbourne).

Port Adelaide: Nil.

Richmond: Addam Maric (Richmond), Orren Stephenson (Geelong Cats), Josh Toy (Gold Coast Suns), Cameron Wood (Collingwood).

St Kilda: Adam Cockie (Sandringham), Jackson Coleman (Sandringham), Chris Michaelides (Sandringham), Dylan Roberton (Fremantle), Michael Sikora (Sandringham), Anthony Soriano (Sandringham).

Sydney: Nil.

West Coast: Nil.

Western Bulldogs: Nil.
 

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Roos post record profit

North Melbourne fans enjoy Jack Ziebell's last-quarter goal. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has credited fan donations for helping the Roos post a record operating profit of more than $1 million.

The Roos today announced an operating profit of $1,193,080 for the 2011-12 financial year.

Interim chief executive Cam Vale said the club reduced its debt by $1 million with the help of its Box On campaign, while increasing revenue growth by $5 million.

"This is truly an outstanding result for the club and could have only been achieved with the remarkable support of our members and fans," Vale said.

"A record profit and reduction of debt in tough economic times is a remarkable outcome and highlights revenue growth across the board and controlled football expenditure."

Vale said he expected the Roos would be debt-free "within a few more years".

Earlier this week, Hawthorn's 60,000-strong band of members has helped ensure the club has posted a mega profit for 2012, reaping more than $2 million.

The Hawks profited $2,023,720, up about $300,000 on last year's result.

The Grand Finalist recorded a 7.4 per cent increase in members, boosting the number to 60,841.

"Our strong financial result is a credit to the hard work and dedication of management who constantly strive for excellence and innovation, and support their staff to do likewise," new president Andrew Newbold said.

Newbold thanked the 8731 Tasmanian members which signed up this season.

2012 AFL CLUB FINANCIAL RESULTS

Hawthorn: $2,023,720 profit

North Melbourne: $1,193,080 operating profit

Other clubs to follow

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Eagle charged over punch

Eagles forward Murray Newman celebrates a goal. Source: Getty Images

YOUNG West Coast forward Murray Newman has been charged with grievous bodily harm following an alleged incident at a Perth nightclub.

Newman, 18, was allegedly involved in an argument with another man at the Library Nightclub in Northbridge at about 1.30am last Saturday.

Newman allegedly punched the 18-year-old man in the face, which caused serious injury that later required surgery.

The club confirmed Newman had been charged and the AFL has been made aware of the incident.

"The club is bitterly disappointed that Murray put himself in that position and will await the outcome of the legal process before making any further comment," the club said in a statement this afternoon.

Newman played four games in his debut season for the Eagles, booting three goals and averaging almost nine touches per outing.

He will face court on November 30.

Under WA law, GBH is "any bodily injury of such a nature as to endanger, or be likely to endanger life, or cause or be likely to cause permanent injury to health".

It carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in jail.

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Crows dodge draft bullet

Adelaide Crows chief executive officer Steven Trigg speaks to the press. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

Kurt Tippett is also facing charges over his 2009 deal. Picture: Simon Cross Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE will keep all its picks in this year's draft after the AFL agreed to delay its hearing into claims of salary cap cheating.

A new hearing date is yet to be set but the league advised today next Thursday's national draft "will go ahead as normal".

The Crows, expected to be stripped of picks as a penalty for illegal payments to forward Kurt Tippett, have selections 20, 54 and 64 in this year's draft.

The club, Tippett and officials Steven Trigg, John Reid and Phil Harper face a total of 11 charges relating to an alleged secret agreement with Tippett when he signed a new contract in 2009.

The deal allegedly involved third-party payments of up to $300,000, unapproved third-party deals with Crows sponsors including Balfours pies, and a promise to trade Tippett to a club of his choice for a second-round draft pick when the three-year contract expired.

The deal ran out this year and Tippett shocked the club by asking to be traded to Sydney. The Crows stalled on the Swans' offer of a late first-round draft pick and fringe forward Jesse White, plunging the club into crisis.

The latest charges were laid yesterday and the club and Harper requested more time to prepare their defence.

The Crows, football manager Harper, chief executive Trigg and former football operations manager Reid will all be represented separately at the commission hearing.

"The AFL has today advised the Club and Mr Harper, as well as Mr Trigg, Mr Reid and Adelaide Crows-listed player Kurt Tippett, that the Commission will provide the requested extra time, and that the hearing will not proceed on Monday as previously scheduled, to ensure that natural justice is provided," the league said in a statement.

"A new hearing date is yet to be set, but will be advised to all parties, the media and the wider football public as soon as it is determined.

"The 2012 NAB AFL draft will proceed as scheduled next week, Thursday November 22. The AFL has no further comment to make at this time."

New Crows claims 'a disgrace'

Adelaide has been trying to prepare its case in recent days, including finding witnesses who will appear before the commission.

The AFL confirmed witnesses would be allowed provided the commission was notified and they were relevant to the charges.

The club released a statement to key stakeholders yesterday that said in part: "We look forward to the hearing next Monday and then being able to explain directly to you and all our members, sponsors and supporters exactly what happened, why it happened and how it happened."

The statement was co-signed by chairman Rob Chapman and Trigg.

Adelaide is currently sorting through its list of witnesses to key events during the Tippett crisis, which has left the club under threat of being excluded for the draft for up to four years and handed heavy fines.

Phantom draft - we predict the top 30 picks

Law firm Kelly & Co's Peter Campbell said witnesses of fact were a priority.

"You'd think it's people that can either corroborate a version of the facts or dispute it," Campbell said.

"If the AFL has put forward a particular version and they (the Crows) want to bring people across to say that that's not how it happened, and that's why there can't be any penalties or fines on that, that would be the most likely."

Sticking points are expected to be who was present at important meetings, who put the pressure on whom to orchestrate a deal and when key people became privy to the matter.

The hearing will not proceed on Monday as previously scheduled, to ensure that natural justice is provided.

The battle is likely to be over which party can best prove its version of events as the most accurate.

There are expected to be several versions.

"They'll try to construct a whole factual chronology of it," Campbell said. "And I assume they'll bring witnesses up to back that up."

Monday's hearing is expected to spill into Tuesday. Cross-examination is expected to be intense, with both Tippett and the Crows hiring high-profile silks to mount their case.

Tippett has retained prominent QC David Galbally, who has vast experience in AFL matters.

The Crows hired David Edwardson QC, who successfully defended Perth barrister Lloyd Rayney in one of the most high-profile cases in Western Australia's history.

The Advertiser  reported Edwardson had also represented hit-run lawyer Eugene McGee, but to clarify, he acted only temporarily for McGee around the time of his arrest.

Jeff Gleeson SC will represent the AFL.

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New Pies keep old numbers

Quinten Lynch joined Collingwood duringf the trade period. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD recruits Quinten Lynch and Jordan Russell will wear the same numbers with the Magpies in 2013 as they did with their previous clubs.

The Magpies have given former West Coast forward Lynch the No.21 jumper vacated by Sharrod Wellingham, who was traded to the Eagles.

And ex-Blue Russell has been handed the opportunity to wear No.2 following the retirement of Chris Tarrant.

Former Hawk Clinton Young will wear No.14 for Collingwood.

Luke Rounds, who wore No.14, has been delisted by the Magpies.

Johnson to play on with Pies

The younger players at Collingwood are due to start pre-season training on November 21 with the rest to resume a week later, according to the AFL website.

Collingwood's players will travel to Utah for a high-altitude training camp on December 4.

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Joyce chopped by Crows

Nick Joyce has been delisted. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

THE crisis engulfing the Adelaide Crows has claimed another victim with Nick Joyce being delisted by the club today because Kurt Tippett is still on the list.

The Crows had to cut Joyce because they need to take part in the national draft, and with Tippett not nominating for the November 22 national draft - he is expected to put his name up for the December 11 pre-season draft - Joyce was the unfortunate choice.

Adelaide has assured Joyce and his management their hand was forced, and would do everything in their power to rectify the situation by picking him up again.

He still has a year to run on his contract.

Crows List Manager David Noble said the club had been painted into a corner because of circumstances it could not control.

"It was not the Club's intention to delist Nick at this time but because Kurt Tippett remains on our primary list, we had to delist another player by today's deadline ahead of next Thursday's national draft,'' Noble said.

"(But) it is our intention to redraft Nick at the earliest opportunity post the AFL Commission's findings.

"The club is working closely with Nick's management and discussing the variety of options, with Nick's welfare being of the highest importance.''

Joyce, 19, was taken by the Crows at pick 46 in the 2011 AFL national draft. The and made his SANFL league debut this year with Woodville-West Torrens.

Joyce is a 185cm left-footer who represented SA with distinction at under-18 level in 2011. He did not play an AFL game in his first year at West Lakes.

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Saints, Dogs could jag Jacobs

Ben Jacobs could be poached by St Kilda or the Western Bulldogs before the Roos get the chance. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ST KILDA and the Western Bulldogs are best-placed to spoil North Melbourne's party and steal homesick Port Adelaide defender Ben Jacobs.

But it shapes as a hefty investment given Jacobs, 20, is tipped to lump a mega price on his head ahead of Thursday's national draft.

The Saints, who have picks 25 and 26, showed a strong interest in Jacobs at the trade table last month.

The Roos, who remain Jacobs' preferred destination, hold picks 15 and 38 but have ruled out using their first selection.

The Dogs could strike with pick 22, and have discussed Jacobs at recruiting meetings this week.

It is also a focus at Whitten Oval to draft a half-back with pristine foot skills, which bodes well for a move on Jacobs.

Essendon also remains a threat and could pip North with pick 35.

But that remains a long shot, with the Bombers salary cap tight after seizing Brendon Goddard.

The Dons are also keen on left-footed midfielder Rory Atkins, who won Calder's best-and-fairest, with that pick.

After offloading nine senior players, headed by Hamish McIntosh, price will not prevent the Roos from nabbing Jacobs.

Jacobs' manager Paul Connors masterminded a similar move in 2009, securing Luke Ball's passage to Collingwood via pick 30 in the national draft.

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Darling of the Pies' eye

Dayle Garlett could be a steal for the Magpies. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

COLLINGWOOD could this year land the draft prospect being labelled with the same "bad boy" tag that saw Jack Darling slide late to West Coast in 2010.

Dayle Garlett, a smooth-moving midfielder from Western Australia, is widely touted by recruiters as one of the most talented prospects in this year's draft.

But some off-field trouble, which saw him axed from the AIS-AFL squad at the start of the year, has scared some clubs off.

The Magpies, led by recruiting chief Derek Hine, have long held interest in Garlett and remain open to pouncing on him with either pick No. 18, 19 or 21.

Pick Me: Exclusive vision and analysis of the hottest draft prospects

St Kilda, with selections No. 25 and 26, has also been linked to the speedy left-footer, whose eating and sleeping patterns have been less consistent than many of his peers in the AFL pathway system.

Garlett's manager, Jason Dover from Stride Sports, said the Swan Districts prodigy could become an "extraordinary" pick-up for a club "with the right resources".

"There's not many guys that have come along at senior WAFL level at his age and had the impact that Dayle Garlett has had," Dover said.

"Steve Coniglio maybe. Daniel Wells - that type of footballer. He's almost unmatched at that age.

"He's a special talent coming off a low base, because he hasn't had many of the advantages of the AFL (pathway) system.

"He's probably had the worst possible preparation to become an AFL footballer, yet he's playing at the highest level."

Garlett, 18, starred at the national championships, averaging 19 possessions, 3.4 clearances and two goals a game and earning All-Australian honours.

"He's super-focused on it (AFL), he is literally counting down the days to the draft," Dover said.

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Skinner pulls pin on Dogs career

Western Bulldogs livewire Zephaniah Skinner has retired. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

ZEPHANIAH Skinner has quit the Western Bulldogs.

The talented indigenous forward will return home to his home in remote Western Australia.

Skinner, 23, played for the Dogs in their exhibition match in London last week but has been battling homesickness.

The Dogs will pick an extra player in the draft to replace Skinner.

Pick Me: The Dogs could land the next Trent Cotchin

He played eight games since joining the Dogs with pick 88 in the 2010 national draft.

List Manager, Jason McCartney said Skinner notified his teammates earlier today of his intent to return home to Noonkanbah in WA and effectively retire from AFL football.

Skinner Source: Northern Territory News

"Zephi, this morning, told his teammates that he will be retiring from AFL football and returning home to be with his family and community, where he feels a strong sense of responsibility," McCartney said.

"We really didn't want to lose Zephi, as he is a well-liked person here, but respect his decision to return home to his family.

"We thank him for all his efforts and wish him every success in the future.''
 

See every retirement and delisting at Department of Trades

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Cook says no to Roos job

North Melbourne failed in its bold bit to poach Geelong chief executive Brian Cook. Picture: Blair Hamish Source: Herald Sun

HIGHLY regarded Geelong chief executive Brian Cook has knocked back a $1 million offer to join North Melbourne.

The long-serving Cats boss told the Kangaroos today he wouldn't accept the lucrative offer to join the club as CEO.

The Roos described the decision as "disappointing".

It leaves the club without a CEO 162 days after the departure of Eugene Arocca.

"We wish Brian well in his future endeavours," North Melbourne said in a statement.

"The club will continue to search for a replacement CEO ahead of the 2013 season."

Cook, who turns 57 today, returned to work from holiday this morning.

"After receiving an attractive offer and giving it due consideration I am pleased to remain with the club," Cook said.

"I look forward to continuing to take on the exciting challenges facing the club with the full support of the board, staff and players."

Cats president Colin Carter said the board was "very pleased" with Cook's decision.

"We know that our very good people will receive attractive offers to move elsewhere and so we are particularly pleased that Brian has decided to continue his career with us.

"We look forward very much to working with him as we build towards more success in the future."

North chairman James Brayshaw will update members on the chief executive search at the club's best-and-fairest award tonight.

Captain Andrew Swallow is expected to win his third Syd Barker Medal.

Cat says finals are forgotten

Meanwhile, the Cats are confident veteran midfielders Jimmy Bartel and James Kelly will join pre-season training before Christmas.

Bartel, the 2007 Brownlow Medal winner, started his off-season wearing a moonboot after suffering a broken foot late in the season, and Kelly had surgery on his hips.

Cats captain Joel Selwood said yesterday he expected his midfield teammates to be back in the thick of it within a few weeks.

"Jimmy had a small fracture in his foot towards the end of last year and obviously hasn't done a lot over the break," Selwood said.

"He'll be back. Before Christmas I'm sure you'll see him out there.

"James had his hips done at the end of the year, but we hope to get him back before Christmas also.

"(Travis) Varcoe's up and running behind closed doors and also (Daniel) Menzel's up and running."

Varcoe's season was ruined by a persistent foot injury, while fellow forward Menzel had a second knee reconstruction in June.

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Barlow winged but in top shape

Despite a thumb injury, Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow says he is in the best physical shape of his life. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE midfielder Michael Barlow says he's in the best pre-season shape of his career - despite being unable to mark a ball.

Barlow and teammates with less than four years experience returned to the training track this morning, but an off-season thumb operation will keep the 24-year-old from resuming full ball-work for the next two weeks.

The midfielder suffered ligament damage to his right thumb towards the end of last season.

Despite the minor setback, Barlow said he was thrilled to be fit entering the pre-season following a grinding recovery from his broken leg sustained in 2010.

"Personally, I'm in the best position I have been in my time at the footy club," Barlow said.

"I've been pretty unrestricted over the break running-wise and able to get a pretty good fitness base.

"So I'm pretty excited personally, and collectively we had a lot out there today - a few second and third-year boys really pushing their claim from day one."

Joining Barlow on the track this morning was Michael Walters, who chose to resume training a week before he was required to.

Walters was banished to the WAFL at the start of last season due to fitness issues, but returned to play a key role in Fremantle's late-season revival.

But Dylan Roberton was a noteable absentee after his request for a trade home to Victoria was unable to be accommodated.

The remainder of Fremantle's playing group - including speedy recruit Danyle Pearce - will resume training within the next fortnight.

"He's a really quick and skilful player, and an experienced player," Barlow said.

"I think the recruiting team has gone out and identified some places we need to improve, and that might be the speed on the outside. So that's something that Danyle can definitely bring to the group."

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson

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Balfours linked to Tippett scandal

SOUTH Australian bakery Balfours is reportedly at the centre of the Adelaide Crows salary-cap scandal, with the club having allegedly diverted a portion of the bakery's sponsorship money to Kurt Tippett.

In return, Tippett starred in advertisements for Balfours. The problem with that arrangement is that clubs are not meant to be involved in third-party deals.

It is alleged chief executive Steven Trigg was instrumental in setting up the deal, which included Tippett featuring in a series of "Tippett's Tips" on commercial television for Balfours.

The club's involvement in any third-party agreement is against the AFL Player Rules and, if proven, adds more clarity to the accusations levelled at the Crows.

The club, Trigg, former football operations manager John Reid and the out-of-contract Tippett have been ordered by the AFL to front the Commission at a special hearing in Melbourne at 1pm on Monday.

Kurt Tippett poses for a Balfours promotion. Picture: Campbell Brodie.

Each faces two charges of engaging in conduct prejudicial to the draft and salary cap breaches.

It comes after a horror day for the club, with three new charges being issued to the club, Trigg and Crows football manager Phil Harper.

It was Harper's first charge, with the club now facing a total of 11 breaches. 

Tippett has maintained his innocence, and threatened to sue the Crows if he is deregistered.

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Dons cut Dyson, Prismall

Ricky Dyson has been delisted by Essendon. Picture: Baker Lincoln Source: The Sunday Times

ESSENDON has delisted midfielders Ricky Dyson and Brent Prismall.

With no guarantees on their future, the pair stayed at home as a group of 10 Bombers - the leadership group and key midfielders - welcomed superstar recruit Brendon Goddard to the fold in the US.

Early this afternoon Dyson tweeted: "Thankyou to all my team mates, the @Essendon_FC, it's staff and all its loyal supporters over the past 9 years. Memories I'll never forget."

Pick Me: The next Bombers superstar

Soon after the Bombers confirmed both midfielders had not been offered contracts for next season.

"We would like to sincerely thank both Brent and Ricky for their contribution to the Essendon Football Club," Essendon football manager Danny Corcoran said.

"Ricky has played 114 games for our club and has been a much respected and valued teammate for a long period of time.

"Brent has had a number of frustrating injury setbacks since arriving at Essendon and playing 36 games (61 career total) but through his dedication to training and persistence he has always remained positive and committed to the club.

"It is a difficult time of year but we wish them both every success in the future."

The Bombers also cut youngster Ariel Steinberg despite the fact he has a contract for next season. Essendon has promised to recruit him in the rookie draft.

Essendon has now made 11 list changes in the lead-up to next week's draft.

The next deadline for club list lodgements is Thursday.

Today at 2pm the second free agency deadline expired with only two players having been snapped up.

Former Geelong rookie Jonathan Simpkin was signed by Hawthorn on a two-year deal and Melbourne signed axed Cat Tom Gillies just before the deadline.

Under the second period of free agency every delisted player automatically became an unrestricted free agent, giving them unprecedented freedom to find a new home.

But while the first free agency period prompted a handful of stars to change clubs, the anticipated rush to snap up bargain rookies for nothing has not eventuated.

A long list of players has been overlooked including Carlton's Bret Thornton, Essendon's Sam Lonergan and Kyle Reimers, Gold Coast's Josh Toy, Melbourne's Matthew Bate and Ricky Petterd and Western Bulldog Justin Sherman.

Clubs seem more likely to assess their lists and early picks in the national draft before taking delisted players with a late national draft pick or in the December pre-season or rookie drafts.

Who has been cut at your club

The Western Bulldogs loom as Prismall's best chance of a another tilt.

The Dogs also have an interested in discarded Demon Matthew Bate, meaning it could be a head to head battle between the pair for the final spot on the Dogs' list.

The final decision by the Dogs would not be made until next month's pre-season draft.
 

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Demons sign dumped Cat

Richmond's Robin Nahas is tackled by Cat Tom Gillies at Simonds Stadium last April. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has added to its import army by signing delisted Geelong defender Tom Gillies.

Gillies, 22, was signed to a one-year deal as a delisted free agent before today's 2pm deadline.

All players cut from club lists automatically became delisted free agents and could be recruited by other teams.

The 192cm defender has been training with the Demons.

"As a big bodied, tall defender, Tom fills a need within our playing group," Melbourne list manager Tim Harrington told the club's website.

"Having been part of the AFL system for four years and entering his fifth, we believe Tom has a lot to offer the Melbourne Football Club."

Gillies played 13 games for the Cats but couldn't crack a regular senior berth and his prospects dived when Geelong snapped up Jared Rivers from Melbourne to cover for retired full-back Matthew Scarlett.

The two clubs have swapped several players this post-season, with former Cat Shannon Byrnes now a Demon.

Melbourne dumped a host of underperforming youngsters and has brought in experienced players from other clubs including Chris Dawes, David Rodan and Cam Pederson.
 

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Tigers consider Wood lifeline

Heath Shaw and Cameron Wood at Collingwood training. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

AXED Collingwood ruckman Cameron Wood could be an emergency back-up for Ivan Maric at Richmond next season.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick has spoken to Wood, delisted by Collingwood after five years at the Magpies.

The Australian reports the 25-year-old will be invited to train with Richmond before the December 11 pre-season and rookie drafts.

He is set to be joined by Orren Stephenson, who was delisted after one season at Geelong.

Either could be picked up as a rookie as back-up in case No.1 ruckman Ivan Maric is injured.

The Tigers are light on in the ruck department, with only Ty Vickery and Tom Derickx to call on after delisting Andrew Browne and trading Angus Graham to Adelaide.

Vickery is preferred as a marking forward and Derickx has played just two senior AFL matches.

See who has been cut at your club

Wood, who started his career at Brisbane where he played 16 games in three seasons after being taken in the first round of the 2004 national draft, played another 48 matches for the Magpies, including six this year.

The AFL has also given permission for delisted Gold Coast defender Josh Toy to train with the Tigers.

Richmond has already signalled its interest in former Melbourne forward Ricky Petterd.
 

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Sherman signs at Williamstown

Justin Sherman has left the Dogs but will remain at Williamstown. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

DELISTED Western Bulldog Justin Sherman will retain links to his second AFL club if he is overlooked at next month's pre-season draft after signing at VFL affiliate Williamstown.

The Dogs announced immediately after the trade period Sherman would leave the club despite having a year to run on the contract he signed after leaving the Brisbane Lions at the end of 2010.

The line-breaker played 11 games with the Seagulls this year, including a best-afield three-goal effort to drag Williamstown across the line against arch rival Port Melbourne in the wet.

Pick Me: The Dogs could land the next Trent Cotchin

But Sherman could muster just 10 AFL games at the Dogs under new coach Brendan McCartney this year, the lowest since in his eight years on league lists.

Sherman, 25, did not nominate for next Thursday's draft, meaning his last hope of winning a third AFL lifeline would be in the December pre-season draft.

If he is overlooked he will spend the next two seasons at Williamstown.

The Seagulls and the Dogs will end their alignment at the end of next season, with both clubs set to field stand-alone VFL sides in 2014.

"I'm obviously still hopeful to get another chance at AFL level, but if that doesn't occur I'm excited about playing at Williamstown," Sherman said.

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Power may re-draft Jacobs

Ben Jacobs will for the draft, where the Power will have the option to re-draft him. Picture: Simon Cross. Source: adelaidenow

PORT Adelaide will consider re-drafting Ben Jacobs, despite the defender quitting the AFL club and nominating for this month's national draft.

Victoria-born Jacobs on Friday told Port he will nominate for the November 22 draft, hoping to be picked up by a Melbourne club.

But Port say they could re-draft the 20-year-old.

Port and North Melbourne failed to strike a deal for Jacobs during last month's AFL trade period.

The Kangaroos offered draft pick 38, which the Power refused.

"We were not prepared to let Ben go for a pick that was below his value," Port's football general manager Peter Rohde said on Friday.

"Had North Melbourne been willing to negotiate over their first round No.15 pick, we would have been able to come to an arrangement, but they were adamant that wasn't on the table.

"Port Adelaide wanted to do the right thing by Ben but we make no apology for protecting the club's interest and not allowing it to be cornered."

Port used pick 16 at the 2010 draft to recruit Jacobs.

Rohde said he tried to convince Jacobs to stay at Port, where he played 26 AFL games.

"Everyone can see by the opportunities Ben was given here that we rate him highly," Rohde said.

"It certainly wasn't a case of Ben being unhappy at Port Adelaide but in the end it was more about a calling to be back in Victoria with his family and friends, and where he sees his future."

Rohde said Port would consider selecting Jacobs again at the draft later this month.

"We might lose Ben and if we do we hope it works out very well for him, but it won't always work that way for a player and we have stood firm as a club to make our position clear to everyone," he said.

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Crows missed a shot at Clark

Melbourne ruckman Mitch Clark talks with coach Mark Neeld. Picture: Quinn Rooney. Source: Getty Images

ADELAIDE could have had Mitch Clark in a straight swap deal for Kurt Tippett last year if the Crows had put the right offer to him.

The former Brisbane forward, below, shocked the AFL by signing with Melbourne, after strongly indicating he would only consider offers from his home state of WA.

Clark's manager Colin Young yesterday revealed the 198cm spearhead would have been open to a move to the Crows, which in hindsight may have been Adelaide's best replacement option for wantaway forward Tippett.

"Adelaide never came up, never ever came up," Young said.

"Mitch would have gone. There's no problems with Adelaide, they're a great club. You wouldn't mind any player going there ...

"In the end Melbourne's presentation was too good to refuse (but) the Crows could have matched the offer." At the time Brisbane was strongly pursuing Tippett, but only offering the Crows pick No. 8 in the draft and a later pick.

The Lions didn't offer Clark and the Crows didn't inquire about him because of the perception he was determined to move to Fremantle.

"Mitch Clark was going to Freo," Crows list manager David Noble said.

"All the discussion through that initial period of time with (Brisbane national talent manager Rob Kerr) was that was absolutely where he was going to go."

Whether the Crows would have been better off with Clark, particularly given what they stand to get for Tippett now, is a question all Adelaide supporters will be asking themselves.

Clark kicked 29 goals in 11 games before suffering a season-ending foot injury against GWS in Round 13. Tippett kicked 39 goals in 21 games but was hampered by a string of concussions.

Noble said it was "an interesting debate".

"I think if you went back and had a look at Tippett's year versus Clark's year, who is front?" he said.

"If you go back and have a look at the way Kurt pulled himself together in that last final, it was outstanding."

Noble said Clark wasn't on the club's radar at the time because they were banking on keeping Tippett at the club.

He said it would have been difficult to pull a last-minute trade for Clark because the club hadn't gone down the path of monitoring his form, investigating his character and all the other processes it goes through before pursuing a player.

"At no point did we have Kurt Tippett on the table last year to be traded. He was a required and a contracted player," Noble said.

"Our clear directive from a club perspective - with a new coach coming in - was that we wanted to back ourselves in to keep him."

At the time, Noble was also confident that the continued development of Josh Jenkins, Shaun McKernan and Lewis Johnston would leave the club in a good position to cover Tippett, if he left a year later.

"We still felt we had enough in the group we were going to develop underneath to step into that breach," he said.

In retrospect, Noble appears comfortable with the club's decision to take it's chances with Tippett, despite having lost him without compensation.

"I'm not a big one for looking in the rear vision mirror - we've made the call," he said.

"We played in finals and we were five points short of playing in a Grand Final... quite often it's easier in hindsight.

"Having also coached in the forward line, I know that quite often Kurt would take the number one (defender) so Taylor Walker than has a slight change in his defensive player who might play on him.

"Kurt's reliability in his competitiveness has been something that has helped out our small blokes on the deck as well."

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Suns to continue US adventure

Guy McKenna says the Suns derive great benefit from an annual pre-season trip to Flagstaff. Picture: David Clark

SUNS coach Guy McKenna says training in Arizona is almost certain to become a regular fixture in the Suns' pre-season plans each year.

A big advocate of training at high altitude, McKenna said he could find little reason why the club would deviate from their current pre-season trip to Flagstaff in the near future.

"There is plenty of evidence out there that suggests (Flagstaff) is clearly one of the best venues to go to for a sporting camp," McKenna said.

"It ticks a lot of the boxes and as far as the town itself is concerned there isn't a lot of distractions for the blokes.

"That's what you want and you want the blokes to be focussing on training hard for two weeks."

McKenna said the only reason to change destination would be if the players became stale.

"In five or six years of us coming here, David Swallow or Dion Prestia and those boys who have been here for a while may need a change," he said.

"I'm sure we will accommodate them but I reckon we will always come back to Flagstaff."

Apart from the physical gains of training at high altitude, McKenna said the benefits from travelling overseas were endless.

"I was speaking to a few of the corporates who had been on the camp the previous year as well and they commented on how close the group was this year," McKenna said.

"It's amazing the transformation in 12 months and its really encouraging going into next season.

"The more times we can be isolated and learn to get on with each other and understand each others' mental and physical capabilities, then the better we will be.

"Clearly that is what we have seen."

The Suns return home on Wednesday.

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Power forward Membrey makes an impact

Big wraps: Gippsland Power coach Nick Stevens says Tim Membrey is a more accurate kick for goal than Brendon Fevola. Source: Herald Sun

TIM Membrey's September was over almost before it started.

The power forward decided to pull the boots on for Gippsland Power 20 minutes before its qualifying final after not training because of a groin injury.

A month later and the Traralgon lad was locked in as a first-round draft pick.

Likened as a player to West Coast's Jack Darling, Membrey kicked 8.2 in the preliminary final to drag Gippsland to the grand final, where his fourth goal handed the Power a last-quarter lead.

"It was awesome. One of the best efforts I've seen, from a junior footballer," Power coach Nick Stevens said of his captain's haul.

"He was marking really strongly. He beat everyone that came to him. They had two on one in the end and he was still catching everything.

"He kicked three goals from outside 50m at crunch times and one from about 58m to put us in front."

Stevens said Membrey was a better kick for goal than Brendan Fevola.

"He's such a powerful and penetrating kick for a kid his age and he just doesn't miss many," he said.

Recruiters have told Membrey to work on his endurance as he is too short to hold down a key position.

While Darling was pick No.26, Stevens said Membrey deserved to go in the top 10.

"I rate him as a top-10 pick and think it'd be crazy if he doesn't go top 10," he said.

"He'll end up being a high half-forward and he's ready. I've got no doubt he'll line up (for) Round 1 next year."

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