Dawes, Byrnes join Demon leaders

Former Magpie Chris Dawes joins Melbourne pre-season training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE recruits Chris Dawes and Shannon Byrnes have walked straight into the Demons' leadership group for 2013.

The Dees announced today they would have a nine-player leadership group this season, with youngsters Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove to continue as co-captains.

The other addition to last year's leadership team is 22-year-old midfielder Jordie McKenzie.

The full group is: Grimes (co-captain), Trengove (co-captain), Nathan Jones (vice-captain), Shannon Byrnes, Mitch Clark, Chris Dawes, James Frawley, Colin Garland and McKenzie.

Clint Bartram (retired) and ruckman Mark Jamar are the two members of the 2012 leadership group that are not part of this year's group.

Summer Barometer: Click here for Demons' training latest

Coach Mark Neeld said the changes reflected strong competition among the playing group for leadership positions.

Players were chosen based on input from coaches, players and senior staff assessing players on 10 leadership categories including character and competitiveness.

"Jordie McKenzie continues his great story, coming from the rookie list to where he is now. Jordie's work ethic, competiveness and attention to detail have earned him this position," Neeld said.

"We are also pleased at the impact of Shannon Byrnes and Chris Dawes since their arrival. Their leadership and experience was one of the reasons we pursued them during the free agency and trade periods.

"Both Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove experienced a challenging year in 2012, but in their first year as captains, we were very happy with their development and have full confidence that this will continue in 2013."

Neeld said Jamar was disappointed to miss out on this year's leadership group but "handled it like a professional".

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Power borrows from US playbook

Port Adelaide Power recruit Jack Hombsch is a possible replacement for departed Troy Chaplin. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide will take an NFL-style approach to protecting its goal this season, with new defensive coach Matthew Nicks' portfolio expanded to include opposition ball movement.

In a move away from the traditional model of a defence coach purely focusing on the performance of the back six, Nicks has been charged with directing what the entire team does when the opposition players have possession.

To achieve this Nicks has been given greater access to the forward and midfield groups over summer to ensure all are aware of their roles when Port is trying to get the ball back.

"It's about team defence ... we've gone really big on that this year," Nicks said.

"It's heading more that way into the mould of the NFL. What do we do when we have the football? And what are we doing when we don't have the football?

"The change in our coaching structure has helped in allowing us to work with our forwards and mids.

"It's been a fantastic eye-opener for the group."

We've lost a fair bit of experience ... but I think the guys we've brought in have really stepped up

Port's backline is headed for a transition year after the departures of Troy Chaplin, Danyle Pearce and Jacob Surjan. The trio had a combined 415 games of AFL experience and most of the Power's replacement options are pretty green.

Injury-plagued youngster Jasper Pittard is being given every opportunity to take over Pearce's rebounding role, with recruits Lewis Stevenson and Campbell Heath the competition.

Jack Hombsch is the front-runner to replace Chaplin and join Alipate Carlile and Jackson Trengove in a trio of talls.

"It's quite a different looking backline," Nicks said.

"We've lost a fair bit of experience ... but I think the guys we've brought in have really stepped up."

And the coaching staff have not yet decided whether Domenic Cassisi will spend more time in the midfield or defence this season, while the shutdown role filled chiefly by Tom Logan late last season appears up for grabs.

Nicks, who has replaced Brad Gotch, said new coach Ken Hinkley had stressed the importance of defence since his arrival.

"Ken definitely comes from that mould, in terms of defending being very important, and we've put a real focus on it this off season," Nicks said.

"The opportunity to take the back six was definitely a priority for me and I feel a lot more comfortable working with guys in that area than what I probably would up forward.

"That's purely because of where I come from - the Sydney background. We really valued it up there.

"Back from 2000 to 2005 we didn't have the talent a lot of sides did and we knew if we were going to win games we had to be able to defend."

The six teams that conceded the fewest number of points during the minor round went furthest in the finals, including premier Sydney, which had the stingiest backline.

Port conceded 97 points per game last year, a marked improvement on the previous season (121 points per game) but still well above the league average (92 points per game).

POWER'S AVERAGE SCORE AGAINST

2007: 92 points (ranked 10th)

2008: 100 points (11th)

2009: 102 points (13th)

2010: 97 points (11th)

2011: 121 points (16th)

2012: 97 points (14th)

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Karmichael set to hunt AFL's best

Ready to shine: Gold Coast Suns defender Karmichael Hunt at pre-season training. Picture: Tim Marsden. Source: The Courier-Mail

KARMICHAEL Hunt will be unleashed on the competition's best clearance players as he enters his third season in the AFL with the challenge to kill or be killed.

Suns coach Guy McKenna has a two-year plan to transform Hunt from a bodyguard to an elite ball-winning AFL midfielder that will begin with the 26-year-old assuming the mantle of chief tagger a tactic the Suns have only occasionally employed over their two season in the AFL.

It is a make or break season for the code-hopper who must discover a way to continue to earn a game in a midfield that includes superstar Gary Ablett and three of the brightest young players in the game Harley Bennell, David Swallow and Jaeger O'Meara.

Hunt's transition from NRL superstar to bona fide AFL player has been a success to date but in 2013 the bar has been lifted.

He has impressed with his ability to win clearances and the bullocking work he does around stoppages but his possession average of a little over 14 a game is no longer enough.

Hunt's biggest possession count was 22 against Fremantle in Rd 6 while twice, against the Kangaroos and Lions, he gathered 21 touches.

Until he can regularly deliver those numbers, he must start delivering some big name scalps.

In a tough opening month Hunt could take on Saint veteran Lenny Hayes, Sydney ball magnet Josh Kennedy and Brisbane's evergreen Brownlow medallist Simon Black.

Hold his own against that esteemed trio and by the time Rd 4 arrives, Port Adelaide might tag him.

"Playing on them and squeezing the life out of them and then learning to work off them, the good taggers end up doing that," McKenna said.

"Eventually, the best way to stop them is to beat them to the ball but that tends to happen over years.

"'It is the evolution."

While McKenna's plan is ultimately all about increasing Hunt's possession count, he will not be judged on his touches during the early days of the new role when his primary focus will be in negating.

"We will look at what his opponent does," he said. "Lenny Hayes averages 27 or 28 possessions and gets seven or eight clearances.

"If we can reduce that by a chunk and make sure the touches he gets are under extreme physical pressure and `K' is responsible we'll be thrilled."

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KB wants trainers' on-field time cut

Former Richmond champion Kevin Bartlett wants to see AFL trainers spend less time on the field. Picture: Derrick Den Hollander. Source: Herald Sun

KEVIN Bartlett has backed plans to slash the time AFL trainers can spend on the ground during games.

The AFL laws of the game committee and players are at odds over a plan to allow trainers to run drinks on to the field only after goals.

It is understood the league also wants to reduce the number of trainers per team from five to four.

The recommendation was made to help ease congestion on the field and limit instances of interference from water-carriers.

Some players contacted by the Herald Sun have labelled the push "crazy" and "dangerous" because of the risk of dehydration in hot conditions.

Bartlett, a member of the laws committee, said players would have adequate access to water under the new proposal.

The AFL legend said any resistance to the plan was "ridiculous", considering there was an average 26.6 goals scored a game last year, plus continual interchange rotations.

"That's 26 times a game at least where they can access water," Bartlett told the Herald Sun.

"If we look at that over four quarters, that's six times a quarter.

"I don't know whether anyone's going to dehydrate in between quarters, are they? If there was to be (up to) 50 interchanges a quarter as well, any player suggesting he could get dehydrated or collapse is being ridiculous."

AFL game analysis manager Joel Bowden presented the plan to the AFL Players Association in December.

For the second consecutive year, it was rejected.

The AFLPA said there were three key reasons for voting against the proposal.

Among their concerns was the potential for long periods between goals and the hot conditions experienced early and late in the season, especially in Perth and Queensland.

West Coast hosted North Melbourne in 28C in last year's elimination final.

"We do not see how this will contribute significantly to reducing congestion," the AFLPA said.

"There are ramifications from a health and safety/performance perspective due to the importance of hydration in our game."

The AFL has introduced rules such as the substitute system to help ease on-field congestion.

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Yarran puts faith in Mick's plan

Carlton defender Chris Yarran is happy with life under new coach Mick Malthouse. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON speedster Chris Yarran has lifted the lid on the Blues' recipe for success under new coach Mick Malthouse.

Yarran hinted a return of Malthouse's boundary at all costs game plan which led Collingwood to premiership glory in 2010.

"Mick is all about everything on the boundary line," Yarran told SEN radio this morning.

"We'll take his game style and hopefully it can take us to the finals."

Click here for Carlton's Summer Barometer

Yarran, grounded by toe injuries last year, revealed his plans of moving further up the ground adding to the Blues' engine room.

"I feel totally fitter this year than what I was last year... hopefully I can try and crack into that midfield next year and help Juddy (Chris Judd) and Simmo (Kade Simpson) out," Yarran said.

The rebounding defender said the Blues had endured a tough, but controlled, pre-season with Malthouse at the helm.

Picture gallery: Blues train in the bay

"Last year Ratts (Brett Ratten) was all about, I think personally, just whacking each other (at training) and guys were getting into little (injury) niggles here and there but Mick's come in now and (brought) really good attitude to look after each other at training but train hard - not tentative - but to get the most out of ourselves."

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Watson talks up trim Hurley

Michael Hurley (right) wrestles with Cale Hooker at Essendon pre-season training. Picture: Town Jay Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON captain Jobe Watson predicts that a slimmed-down Michael Hurley could be the key to the Bombers in defence and attack in 2013.

Injuries restricted the 193cm key-position player to only 16 games last year but he has recovered well from wrist surgery and epitomises the new slim-line Bombers, as does Watson, who's set for another big campaign after winning the Brownlow Medal in 2012.

The 27-year-old Watson, who is listed as 190cm and 94kg, is also looking leaner following an endurance-based training load.

It's a far cry from the soft-tissue injury dramas the 11th-placed Bombers endured last year after placing a big emphasis on building body strength.

"A few guys have been conscious about getting a bit lighter as the game is moving a little bit more into an endurance style," Watson said today.

"The most pleasing thing has been the numbers we have training at the moment.

"There's maybe one or two guys who aren't able to complete it and they're only a few weeks away.

Pre-season pic gallery: Bombers fit and firing

"Just to be able to get the work into such a large majority of the group has probably been the biggest difference from 12 months ago.

"It just means they're not coming in under-done and trying to catch up and when you're trying to catch up it means you're pushing harder and that can lead to some injuries that we did have 12 months ago.

"The way 'Hurls' has come back and the way he looks, Michael Hibberd is another guy who came to Colorado (training camp) and it was really beneficial for him."

Summer Barometer: Bombers' training and injury latest

Watson said Hurley was able to do running drills with the the club before Christmas and then had a plaster cast removed from his wrist following surgery.

"He has certainly noticed the difference being lighter. It's noticeable out there on the track," Watson said.

"He'll probably start as a forward. He can play anywhere."

Watson said he felt energised by a November training camp hiking through the snow in Colorado and returned to post a personal-best time in a 2km time-trial.

The Bombers open their NAB Cup campaign with matches against the Western Bulldogs and Collingwood at Etihad Stadium on February 15.

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Dawes, Byrnes join Demon leaders

Former Magpie Chris Dawes joins Melbourne pre-season training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE recruits Chris Dawes and Shannon Byrnes have walked straight into the Demons' leadership group for 2013.

The Dees announced today they would have a nine-player leadership group this season, with youngsters Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove to continue as co-captains.

The other addition to last year's leadership team is 22-year-old midfielder Jordie McKenzie.

The full group is: Grimes (co-captain), Trengove (co-captain), Nathan Jones (vice-captain), Shannon Byrnes, Mitch Clark, Chris Dawes, James Frawley, Colin Garland and McKenzie.

Clint Bartram (retired) and ruckman Mark Jamar are the two members of the 2012 leadership group that are not part of this year's group.

Summer Barometer: Click here for Demons' training latest

Coach Mark Neeld said the changes reflected strong competition among the playing group for leadership positions.

Players were chosen based on input from coaches, players and senior staff assessing players on 10 leadership categories including character and competitiveness.

"Jordie McKenzie continues his great story, coming from the rookie list to where he is now. Jordie's work ethic, competiveness and attention to detail have earned him this position," Neeld said.

"We are also pleased at the impact of Shannon Byrnes and Chris Dawes since their arrival. Their leadership and experience was one of the reasons we pursued them during the free agency and trade periods.

"Both Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove experienced a challenging year in 2012, but in their first year as captains, we were very happy with their development and have full confidence that this will continue in 2013."

Neeld said Jamar was disappointed to miss out on this year's leadership group but "handled it like a professional".

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Boomer won't sit out NAB Cup

Brent Harvey is suspended until Round 7 of the home-and-away season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

SUSPENDED North Melbourne champion Brent Harvey is looking forward to the NAB Cup before a six-week stint on the sidelines.

Harvey, 34, was rubbed out for separate off-the-ball incidents in the Kangaroos' heavy elimination final loss to West Coast last year.

But the wily midfielder entering his 18th season is keen to make amends, in the NAB Cup and in the coaches box, when the Kangaroos begin their 2013 campaign.

"We're pretty keen to get in there and have a good crack, because the way we finished off the season last year, we still got so much to improve on," the 346-game veteran said.

"I reckon this is a really good launching pad to start improving what we really need to work on and put the new stuff that we've been doing at training into games.

"I'm very keen to play in games one and two, definitely.

"I'm not too sure about the last NAB Cup game, knowing (coach) Brad's (Scott) going to want to get his team right for Round 1 and I understand that.

"It will be good going into it knowing that I need to play a lot of game time, normally being older they sit you on the bench for the second half.

"I reckon this year he'll say, 'Off you go, play as long as you want, as long as you can'."

Click here to see the Roos' Summer Barometer

Harvey is set to help out as the assistant coach during his suspension.

"Obviously, it's not a great thing to be out for the first six weeks but I've got to turn that negative into a positive.

"I really enjoyed (mentoring the younger guys when I injured my elbow) so I'm hoping there's a little role there for me on match days.

Boxer Brad Pitt spars with North Melbourne AFL footballer Majak Daw during a training session at Princes Park. Picture: Andrew Henshaw Source: Herald Sun

"I might be an extra set of eyes on the stoppages or watching the small half forwards like Lindsay Thomas and Kieran Harper... as long as it's something I'll be happy to turn that negative into a positive."

Harvey said the early season form of Harper, rebounding defender Shaun Atley and young ruckman Majak Daw gave him confidence the Roos could improve again in 2013.

"(Harper's) got a great tank now, look at him 12 months ago and he's just getting around, look at him now and he's beating most guys in the time trial," Harvey said.

"I'd like to see him playing half-forward because he'll kick you 30 goals a year.

"Majak's a beast. He's so big and strong.

"He just needs an opportunity."
 

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Pies plug leaky defence

Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan get a little rough at a Collingwood training session at Gosh's Paddock. Picture: Nicole Garmston. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD wants to stop the bleeding in the back half which undermined its premiership ambitions last season.

After revolutionising the game with its famed "press" tactics in 2010-11, the Pies pressure weakened last season, prompting a thorough review of the team's defensive operations over summer.

According to Champion Data, Collingwood was ranked No.1 for time the ball spent inside forward-50m in 2010 and 2011, but slid to 11th last year, when they were beaten by premier Sydney in the preliminary final.

While the early-season return of key backman Lachlan Keeffe from a knee reconstruction will help defend the back-50m, the Pies have also zeroed in on how they protect the ball up the ground.

Coach Nathan Buckley said yesterday the Pies wanted to put the brakes on the opposition's scoring in 2013.

"We had heavy scores against, especially against good opponents, which we've clearly identified in our review," Buckley said.

"We allowed too many scores per percentage of inside 50s and we allowed too many inside 50s, so it's definitely a focus of ours.

"We need to be able to slow the opposition ball movement down a bit better than we did in 2012.

"Good defensive sides are generally good transition sides - sides that can be aggressive on both sides of the ball.

"We are practicing that and we'll get a chance to practice that in real time in the NAB Cup and early in the season."

Nick Maxwell, who is critical to the defensive setup with the aerial support he provides teammates, is again set to lead the Pies this year.

Summer Barometer: Pies' training and injury latest

Buckley said although the leadership process was still incomplete, Maxwell had his vote.

"Personally, I've got no reason why Maxy wouldn't be (captain)," Buckley said.

Dale Thomas has removed the moon boot from his recovering ankle, but won't train with the main squad for another three weeks.

First-choice ruckman Darren Jolly is continuing an impressive pre-season but Buckley lauded the impact new tall recruits Ben Hudson and Quinten Lynch had had some arriving at Lexus Centre.

"Ben Hudson has been fantastic, he brings a bit of mongrel into the way that our big fellas go about it," he said.

"I think already that's starting to rub off on our younger talls and we're looking forward to that continuing."

Lynch lost his place in the Eagles' side last season but is set to play a key role in attack for the Pies, as a ruck-forward replacement for new Demon Chris Dawes.

Buckley said Lynch's work ethic had been so strong he needed to be "held back" over summer.

"He's been great, he's a work horse and he's everything we thought we were recruiting," Buckley said.

"You need to put a leash on him.

"If you said we've got 20 x 400m and we're only going to give you 15 seconds break in between, he would put his foot on the line and put his head down and get ready to run. There's no questions."

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Chick sues website over Cousins

Eagles premiership player Daniel Chick is suing for defamation. Source: PerthNow

FORMER West Coast Eagle Daniel Chick has launched legal action over claims made in a series of articles last year.

The 36-year-old, who started his career with Hawthorn, is suing the SportsNewsFirst website, a journalist and the AFL for the publication of a series of articles which mention the former footballer.

In a writ lodged in the WA Supreme Court this week, it says Chick, who is representing himself, is seeking a permanent injunction over the articles, which he claims are defamatory.

Jurrah blew five times legal limit

The writ says three separate stories relating to Ben Cousins, a former teammate at West Coast, being admitted to hospital which mentioned Chick were false. They were published between January and February 2012 on the SportsNewsFirst website, SEN Sports Central and the AFL website.

Chick is also seeking damages, aggravated damages, as well as costs for the publication and republication of the offending articles, claiming that he has suffered hatred, contempt and ridicule as a result.

Three years ago the former footballer was fined $7000 after pleading guilty to importing performance and image enhancing steroids from Thailand.

Chick was caught on arrival at Perth Airport with nine vials and a number of pills concealed in his luggage on October 9, 2010.

PerthNow tried contacting Mr Chick but he did not return calls.

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VIDEO: Young Roo cops it sweet

North Melbourne's new recruit Mason Wood was caught unawares by a cheeky teammate during an interview at training

North Melbourne recruit Mason Wood copped a ball to the side of the head during training. Picture: Cormac Hanrahan.

A NORTH Melbourne player might be reluctant to give interviews for a while after getting whacked full force in the head with a ball.

Mason Wood was doing an interview for his club's website at an indoor training facility when he was caught unawares by a cheeky teammate.

Rookie Ben Speight saw an opportunity to practice his target kicking, and a powerful shot caught Wood square to the side of the head. 

The shocked 19-year-old yelled in pain and dropped to a squat position as he tried to regain his composure.

Eventually he came to his senses, telling his worried interviewer that he was alright, even if his pride might have been bruised.

WATCH THE CLIP IN THE PLAYER ABOVE

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Port won't give up on Jurrah

Liam Jurrah arrives at Port Adelaide training in December. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

TROUBLED football star Liam Jurrah has been charged with drink-driving after the P-plater blew a staggering 0.27 when he arrived at a house where police were in attendance on Monday.

But they are waiting for him to come to them.

Jurrah has been charged with drink-driving after he blew a staggering 0.27 late yesterday when he arrived at a house where police were in attendance.

The former Demon trained with Port before December's rookie draft but was overlooked.

The Power, however, said it was committed to helping Jurrah find a way back to top-level football.

Despite the 24-year-old failing to show for training with the Port Magpies - the AFL club's SANFL cousin - Port said it wasn't giving up on Jurrah.

"After making the decision not to select Liam in last month's pre-season and rookie drafts, the club has been working with the AFL to attempt to provide a pathway for Liam to return to the AFL system," the club said in a statement today.

"During this period, the club has been waiting on a commitment from Liam in relation to training and playing with Port Adelaide (Magpies) in the SANFL and working in the club's community department.

"The club is disappointed with Liam's alleged driving offence but before making a decision on his future the club needs time to assess all the information regarding Liam's situation."

The former Melbourne star, who faces aggravated assault charges that will be decided in the Northern Territory in March, reportedly arrived at Para Hills in Adelaide's north where police were dealing with another matter.

Officers from Golden Grove police reported Jurrah, 24, after they'd stopped him in his Holden Commodore about 8.20pm on Monday.

Jurrah, who is living in Elizabeth, was detained after he appeared affected by alcohol.

He was then breath-tested and returning a reading of .269 - more than five times the legal limit of .05.

He was reported for driving under the influence of alcohol, exceeding the prescribed level of alcohol and breaching a probationary licence.

His driver's licence has been disqualified for 12 months and  he will be summonsed to  appear in the Holden Hill Magistrates Court at a date still to be decided.

Port Adelaide Football Club general manager (SANFL) Brian Leys last night said Jurrah had not trained with the club since being made an offer to join its ranks after Port Power failed to take him.

Mr Leys said he had only heard reports of the drink- driving charge through the media. He added: "The offer is still open ... we'd love him to come down."

Jurrah's grandmother, Cecily Granites, told The Advertiser last night that the drink-driving matter was an issue for Jurrah and his family to sort out among themselves.

"It's between Liam and his family ... no one else's business," she said.

"We're sorting it out as a family. He's OK."

Jurrah has in recent months been known to frequent Adelaide's south parklands to visit family members.

The footballer has also attended the Hutt Street Centre for homeless people on a number of occasions.

A family member said that Jurrah had often taken food to  homeless people during his  visits there.

Most of those living in the parklands with whom Jurrah had contact have been moved on after the bashing murder of  a 41-year-old homeless man in December.

A man, 29, of no fixed address, has been charged with the murder.

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Morabito opts for LARS surgery

Anthony Morabito (left) will have LARS surgery in an attempt to save his AFL career. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

FIRST: How The Sunday Times flagged LARS treatment for Anthony Morabito last weekend. Source: PerthNow

THE father of Anthony Morabito says the young Docker almost gave football away before deciding to undergo LARS surgery.

Fremantle today announced the No.4 draft pick will have surgery next week after tearing his ACL for a third time last week.

Morabito's father Vince said it was a difficult call for his 21-year-old son.

"That was one of decisions he needed to make - whether to give it away or give it another shot," Morabito Sr said.

"Because one of the hardest things for him is that he hasn't fulfilled his dream, so that's the other thing that is driving him as well.

"He was pretty close (to retirement), but he made the decision to play on, we didn't push him into it.

"I just told him whatever he wants to do, the decision was his. He had to be happy with it and not make a decision to please anyone.

"We're pleased everything has fallen into place and we'll support him to the full."

The 21-year-old last week reinjured the left knee he had twice had reconstructed in the past two years, suffering a tear in the graft of the ligament during an attempted tackle.

Having previously had two traditional reconstructions, Morabito and the club elected to use the LARS procedure, with the youngster to fly over east for surgery next week.

The Sunday Times last week revealed Morabito had spoken with LARS pioneers Nick Malceski and Luke Webster about the merits of the procedure.

Summer Barometer: Dockers' injury and training latest

The controversial procedure has allowed players including David Rodan and Nick Malceski to return to action within half a season, but Fremantle football operations manager Chris Bond said it was too early to plot a return date for the midfielder.

"Anthony really just needed some time and space to weigh up his surgery options," he said.

"After discussions with people close to him and the football club, Anthony has decided that this surgery will give him the best chance to resume his playing career.

"Obviously with LARS there's a shorter time frame with coming back, but we think he just needs to get back from the surgery and make sure that everything is OK first.

"We'll see how he recovers from that and then we'll have a better idea."

Morabito missed the 2011 season with a left knee reconstruction after a pre-season mishap, then re-injured the knee when he was preparing for a return to the field in mid-2012.

Last week he tore the graft on his repaired left anterior cruciate ligament in a training drill.

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Daisy touch and go for Round 1

Dane Swan tries to find a way past Scott Pendlebury at Collingwood training. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

Coach Nathan Buckley watches Collingwood train at Gosh's paddock. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD midfielder Dale Thomas is unlikely to play a major role in the Pies NAB Cup campaign as he recovers from ankle surgery.

The Pies star has removed the moonboot from his foot but is still limited in his training load.

Coach Nathan Buckley said the matchwinner would need more recovery time before joining in full training with the rest of the Pies squad.

"He's progressing fairly well, he's getting a lot of touch inside," Buckley said.

"He's been able to work specifically on his strength and he's definitely sick of the bike.

"We will get him out on the track in three weeks' time and gauge it from there."

Buckley was unsure if Thomas would be ready for the Pies' Round 1 date with North Melbourne on March 31.

"Round 1 is 10 weeks away, there's a lot of water to go under the bridge."

The Magpies' coach said he expected Nick Maxwell to be reappointed in the coming weeks as captain although he felt veteran onballer Luke Ball and former club champion Scott Pendlebury were also strong contenders for the role.

"Personally I've got no reason why 'Maxie' wouldn't be (captain),'' Buckley said.

"Our players will choose their own leadership group."

Summer Barometer: Pies' injury & training latest

And Buckley backed the club's decision to ask young defender Marley Williams to work with the Salvation Army for the next 10 weeks as punishment for an assault charge in WA.

"He'll start this evening. The guys send a van out, it's basically a soup van,'' Buckley said.

"It goes around and they spend time with the homeless throughout Melbourne city.

Picture gallery: Pies up for fight at pre-season training

"A lot of of our players have gone and done work there off their own bat from time to time.

"We just feel it's a good opportunity for Marley to see a different side of things and we'll be supporting him with our leaders attending each week as he goes through that community service which we think is appropriate.''

Williams joined the Magpies last year as a rookie and played six senior games and has been promoted to the senior list.

"Marley has got a solid character. He's not perfect,'' Buckley said.

"He's made a mistake. He's been very remorseful about it.''

- with AAP
 

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AFL Barometer: Summer edition

Hawthorn midfielder Alex Woodward is set to miss most of this season after hurting his knee at training. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

EVERY TEAM: GET the latest news from the pre-season training track and medical room in our summer special.

AFL teams are back from their Christmas breaks and the countdown is on to Round 1 - that's just 66 days away (but who's counting?).

The clubs tell us everyone is having their best pre-season ever, but if you want to really know what's going on at your team it's all here - updated every day of the pre-season.

Get the inside word on which players are setting the pace, and who's lagging behind. Find out who's on a modified program - and what exactly is a modified program, anyway?

SuperFooty's 18 club Barometer pages are live now, including pre-season gold such as:

THE Olympic star helping Carlton players improve their endurance.

THE Tiger recovering from five pre-season surgeries.

THE Cat who ran a personal-best time-trial at age 31.

THE young Giant training "like a man possessed".

Click on your team flag at the top of the page to get up to date on:

- who's flying on the training track

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Plus all the latest news from your club from SuperFooty's team of expert reporters around the nation.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jurrah charged with drink-driving

Liam Jurrah, the former Melbourne Demons star, has been charged with drink-driving. Source: Herald Sun

TROUBLED football star Liam Jurrah has been charged with drink driving after the P-plater allegedly blew a staggering 0.27 - more than five times the legal limit - when he arrived at a house where police were in attendance on Monday.

The former Melbourne star, who faces aggravated assault charges to be heard in March, reportedly arrived at a Para Hills address, in Adelaide's north, where police were dealing with another matter.

It is understood police suspected Jurrah, 24, was under the influence of alcohol. He was breath-tested and subsequently charged with drink-driving.

His licence was automatically disqualified.

Jurrah, who played 36 games for the Demons, had trained in the pre-season with Port Adelaide Power but was not selected in the AFL rookie draft.

He was considering an offer from Port Adelaide Magpies to play a season in the SANFL as a pathway back to the AFL.

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Lake on first and final warning

Hawthorn recruit Brian Lake has apologised after he was booked by police for being drunk in a public place on Saturday night. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN has warned prized recruit Brian Lake he cannot afford a repeat of the drunken arrest which landed him in a police cell on Saturday night.

An embarrassed Lake conceded he had to win back respect from his new teammates after fronting the leadership group and coaching staff to explain the late-night incident involving his wife in Sorrento.

The Hawks decided against imposing a ban or suspension, instead ordering the defender to front the club's efforts to help bushfire victims in Tasmania as punishment.

It has been an awful start to the new year for the premiership favourites, with second-year midfielder Alex Woodward requiring a second reconstruction on his right knee.

The onball hard-nut tore the graft in his repaired ACL ligament during an awkward fall at training yesterday.

The devastated 19-year-old laid on the turf for minutes before leaving the ground in tears with trainers.

While Woodward faces another agonising year on the sidelines, an apologetic Lake resumed training yesterday intent on regaining his teammates' trust.

The two-time All-Australian backman admitted his arrest was a setback after an otherwise promising pre-season.

"As a mature player for the Hawthorn Football Club, I should know better about times of leaving places as I did Saturday night," Lake said.

"As you can understand, it's very embarrassing.

"I've worked my butt off for three months to get my body right. To have too many drinks on the weekend, yes I've taken a step back.

"There's no credits in the bank. I'll gain them by training hard."

Hawthorn coaching director Chris Fagan said Lake had been upfront and remorseful about the incident, but could ill-afford a repeat.

"We are very disappointed with what happened, we don't expect our players to be in situations like that," Fagan said.

"We expect this to be a once-off for Brian. There is a little bit of respect he needs to earn back from the rest of the group now which I'm sure he will do."

The Hawks traded picks No.21 and 41 to Western Bulldogs for Lake and pick No.27, hopeful his strong marking and rebounding game would add the missing ingredient to their premiership quest.

After battling serious knee problems in his final years at the Dogs, Lake said he was in top physical condition.

"My knee is feeling is fantastic. The shape I'm in at the moment is probably the best it's been in a very long time," he said.

The club has vowed to support Woodward, who was the 53rd pick in the 2011 national draft.
 

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Martin needs 'life skills'

Dustin Martin after a pre-season running session. Picture: Stuart Walmsley Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND wild child Dustin Martin is still learning how to balance the off-field life of an AFL star with its on-field demands, former skipper Chris Newman says.

Newman says former Port Adelaide premiership coach Mark Williams, who has joined the Tigers in a development role, is helping the 21-year-old learn the "life skills" required to be an AFL footballer.

He did not deny suggestions senior coach Damien Hardwick had to pull Martin into line for his off-field behaviour over the Christmas break.

Asked directly about the reports, Newman said: "I think that with Dustin it's an ongoing thing and he's still trying to develop himself not only as a footballer but as a person.

"Off-field we've got a standard that we we set that everyone has to adhere to.

"Dustin's still trying to get that good balance between having a healthy lifestyle outside of football and also delivering on the field.

"We're lucky enough to have a really good development program here and that's where 'Choco' Williams has come in and really taken these young blokes under his wing.

"He knows what it takes to succeed and win premierships and that's why a lot of young guys are continually in his office, (he's) trying to give them the life skills that's required of an AFL footballer."

Summer Barometer: Tigers' training and injury latest

Martin was a revelation in his debut season but he followed it up with an inconsistent 2013 season that was interrupted by a two-match club suspension for sleeping in and missing training in July. The incident resulted in the sacking of teammate Daniel Connors.

In November Connors revealed the Tigers had banned Martin from socialising with him.

Newman said yesterday there were no issues with Martin on the track this pre-season.

"Dustin has completed every session, he's pretty fit, he ran a pretty good time in the time-trial last week," Newman said.

"He certainly entered the comp with a bang but remember he's still only young and still learning the craft."

And Newman backed the club's decision not to suspend or fine recruit Ricky Petterd, who left the MCG on Boxing Day after clashing with other fans.

"You've got to have a life. He was at the cricket and having a few beers and I really don't think there was much in that story," he said.

The former captain, who handed the reins to Trent Cotchin after four years in the job, said Petterd and the Tigers' other mature-age recruits, including Chris Knights, Sam Lonergan, Aaron Edwards and Orren Stephenson, were not simply recruited as insurance.

"That's a good position we're in, those guys are going to be fighting for spots to wear the Richmond jumper in Round 1."

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Bennell skips court date

Harley Bennell was arrested on New Year's Eve. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GOLD Coast midfielder Harley Bennell did not appear in court today to face charges over a New Year's Eve scuffle, leaving his lawyer to represent him.

Bennell has been charged with disorderly behaviour and failing to obey an order given by a police officer during celebrations in Western Australia.

The 20-year-old was one of several people arrested when fighting broke out in his home town of Mandurah, south of Perth.

Bennell chose not to appear in the Mandurah Magistrates Court on today but was represented by his lawyer, who asked that the matter be adjourned until April 2.

The West Australian was drafted by the Suns in 2010 with the second pick in the national draft.

He played every game of the 2012 season and finished runner-up in the club's best-and-fairest last year, second only to champion Gary Ablett.

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Cotch plays the man

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin is keen on building player relationships at Punt Road. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND skipper Trent Cotchin says he wants to focus on building player relationships under his captaincy at the Tigers.

In his first pre-season as captain since taking the reins from Chris Newman, 22-year-old Cotchin said strong off-field relationships would help deliver results.

"The most important thing in my eyes from a leader's perspective is the way that they train and play and get everything done," Cotchin said. "But I'm also massive on relationships.

"You don't have to be best mates with everyone ... but you have to have something to do with them so you can show a general interest in their life.

"If you can have that relationship going into games and so forth it makes it a lot easier to give someone some constructive feedback - whether it's positive or negative."

Cotchin said the support of the leadership group and Newman had helped him settle into the role.

"I'm quite lucky. You look back to when Newy took over, while there were some senior guys there, the core group really weren't a strong body and didn't have too much to say," he said.

"I've got the backing of not only our leadership group, but the core group are also having opinions on what we're doing in training, what our game plan is looking like.

"It just makes it easier and takes a bit of weight off my shoulders and lets me focus on what I can do and how I can help the team. Everyone else is picking up the slack around me."

Cotchin said the Tigers had shown encouraging training form so far this summer, but he expected a return to the redeveloped Punt Rd Oval to give the group a boost for the final leg of the pre-season.

The players will have their first session on the surface today after six months of work on the ground.

The Tigers had to train at venues around Melbourne including Victoria Park, Craigieburn and Monash University during the $1.9 million redevelopment, which the club's Fighting Tiger Fund helped finance.

The Punt Rd ground has been reconfigured into an Etihad Stadium-sized oval without cricket wickets.

"It will be great to be back at our home ground," Cotchin said. "It's probably come at the perfect time. It is something fresh for us to get us up and about for the last part of the pre-season and then games start in about a month's time.

"We are all just looking forward to firstly getting out here and making use of what our club and our fans have given us the opportunity to do and into the real stuff.

"To have that little bit more area and covering that much more ground is only going to make it that much more beneficial for us going into games."

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hawk youngster fears knee blow

Alex Woodward. Picture: Dadswell Mark Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN youngster Alex Woodward has left training with a knee injury, raising fears he needs a second full reconstruction.

The hard-nut onballer was on the comeback from tearing an ACL ligament last March. 

The second-year midfielder was participating in match simulation training this morning when he hurt his knee again.

WHO IS ALEX WOODWARD?
 
A visibly upset Woodward needed help from trainers to leave the track.

He has been sent to hospital for scans.

Woodward was selected with pick 53 in the 2011 national draft.
 

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sorry Lake needs to win respect

Former Bulldog Brian Lake says he needs to win the respect of the Hawks. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Lake with his wife, Shannon. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis, Source: Herald Sun

Hawthorn footballer Brian Lake (right) at training today after he was booked by police for being drunk in a public place over the weekend. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

UPDATE: BRIAN Lake says he wants to get the respect of the Hawthorn playing group back after a drunken night out led to a $563 fine and four hours in the police slammer.

Speaking today, the star recruit said he was embarrassed and apologetic for the incident following the Portsea Polo on Saturday night.

But the 30-year-old has escaped a fine or club-imposed suspension.

"I've worked my butt off to get my body right. To have too many drinks on the weekend, I've taken a step back," Lake said today.

"From here I want to move on and gain respect. It was a very embarrassing incident.

"I'm here to apologise to everyone involved at the football club, my family and the fans."

Head of coaching and development Chris Fagan said Lake had no more chances if he mucked up again.

"We are very disappointed about what happened. We expect this will be a once off."

When asked if Lake could afford the incident to only be a one off he replied: ``Absolutely, there is no doubt about that.''

The Hawthorn leadership today put the onus on Lake to come up with ways to help victims of the Tasmania bushfires as a sanction.

Lake and his wife Shannon were locked up by police after a drunken verbal stoush in Sorrento.

The two-time All Australian AFL player and wife Shannon were each slapped with a $563 penalty notice for being drunk in a public place.

The couple were placed in a police divvy van and spent four hours in the cells before being released.

Young Hawk fears second knee reco

The pair, who married in 2010, were at the official Portsea Polo after-party at Morgans in Sorrento when they started to argue outside the venue about 10pm on Saturday.

But witnesses said tensions boiled over when others attempted to intervene and then police stepped in.

The onlookers said the altercation was not physical but the couple's argument escalated when others became involved.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson announces Brian Lake has been traded to Hawthorn from the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

In a statement last night, Hawthorn said: "The club considers Lake's conduct to be unprofessional and he will be required to address the leadership group."

The weekend incident caps off a turbulent off-season for the AFL.

A group of Melbourne players was involved in an ugly spat with fans during the Boxing Day Test.

A decision into the Melbourne tanking allegations is due this month and Adelaide was hit with massive fines over salary cap breaches and draft tampering that lead to its former star Kurt Tippett being banned from playing for his new club, Sydney, until Round 12.

Hawthorn's leadership team, which includes Lance "Buddy" Franklin, Jarryd Roughead, Josh Gibson and Luke Hodge, will determine whether sanctions will be placed on Lake, who is yet to play a game for the Hawks.

Lake, 30, crossed to Hawthorn from the Western Bulldogs in a surprise trade deal.

Lake and his wife were among many socialites at the Portsea Polo.

Lake played 197 matches with the Bulldogs.

His manager Marty Pask did not return calls yesterday. Victoria Police said the couple would not face any further action.

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Cats mourn Flanagan's death

Geelong great Fred Flanagan has died. Picture: Zoe Harrison Source: HWT Image Library

GEELONG is mourning the death of two-time premeirship captain Fred Flanagan.

The 88-year-old died this morning and was regarded as one of the Cats' greatest ever players.

Flanagan was a member of Geelong's team of the century and led the club to back-to-back flags in 1951-2.

He was runner-up in the 1950 Brownlow Medal and finished with 163 games and 21 matches for Victoria.

"Fred was a great man and a great Geelong man," Geelong chief executive Brian Cook said today.

"He loved the club and the people that made up the club. I never heard anyone say a bad word about Fred and he loved footy as much at the end as he did throughout his life.

"Fred's record as a player speaks for itself, but it is the man himself that was special. We will all miss Fred's friendship and we offer our deepest condolences to Pauline and to their family."

 

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Buoyant Blues

Carlton forward Eddie Betts will get plenty of help in 2013 from Blues big-man brigade. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Carlton forward Andrew Walker puts his balance to the test during yesterday's conditioning session at St Kilda beach. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON is racing towards the season with a fully-fit big man division as it strives to the ease burden on its speedy small forwards this year.

Avoiding the bold top-four declarations which dogged the club though an injury hit 2012, a "super-positive'' approach from new coach Mick Malthouse has re-energised the Blues, after a dramatic end to last season.

The wide-ranging change has included moves to release Chris Judd and Bryce Gibbs from official leadership positions, to help them play with more freedom in midfield positions next season.

While a more defensive game plan is being integrated, it is the encouraging signs from Carlton's key forward targets - many who were sidelined for large periods last year - which has fuelled confidence at Visy Park.

Big men Jarrad Waite, Matthew Kreuzer, Levi Casboult, Luke Mitchell, Shaun Hampson and Sam Rowe are all expected to be available for early-season selection, providing Blues coaches with a welcome problem they rarely confronted last year.

Forwards coach John Barker said the club was intent on providing more aerial support in the forward-50m next season.

"We've ban far too reliant on Eddie (Betts) and Jeff (Garlett) and 'Walks' (Andrew Walker) to kick goals and reliant on 'Waitey' (Jarrad Waite) to stand up as a tall forward,'' Barker said.

" We could not get consistently healthy talls last year, so having these guys fit and available is going to be critical for us.

"The good thing is all of them who had some small and big issues last year, they are all ready to go.

"Mick philosophically is really keen to make sure we are fit and healthy at this stage of the year and we are.''

Waite, in particular, has been a stand-out over summer after a lingering back problem last year, but Barker said he should not have to be the main focal point.

"He's a pro in everything he does, Waitey, but he's another one we can't keep relying on to be our only tall target,'' he said.

"We need other guys to stand up and give themselves every opportunity with a healthy pre-season.

"It's great to have guys like Sammy Rowe up and about after his illness (cancer). Levi Casboult is training really well.''

Young backman Andrew McInnes is the only player ruled out for a large chunk of the year after undergoing a knee reconstruction.

Prime midfielder Marc Murphy had minor knee surgery pre-Christmas but is expected to be fit for Round 1.

He was on hand as the Blues completed a two-hour conditioning session at St Kilda beach yesterday, including cycling, stand-up paddle-boarding and some ball-work.

Barker lauded the impact Malthouse has had at the Blues, with 664 games coaching experience.

He is 49 short of Jock McHale's 713-game all-time record.

Malthouse's ability to continue coaching was questioned after his departure from Collingwood in 2011 but Barker said the 28-year coaching veteran's transition to Carlton had been seamless.

"To use one of Mick's lines, it's easy to be negative, but Mick is a super-positive coach,'' he said.

"He's obviously very keen to delegate, so Rob Wiley helps run training and training has been very sharp and really upbeat.

"Mick's slotted in very quickly, he's a very personable guy and the atmosphere is very encouraging and positive.

"The boys are working hard and Mick is working through his game plan week-by-week and the boys are slowly chipping away and getting their teeth into that.''

Malthouse, 59, used a boundary-line centric game style to guide the Pies to the 2010 flag, but Barker said the Blues aimed to be versatile with their ball-movement this year.

"The thing Mick continually talks to the boys about is playing the game in front of you,'' he said.

"Sometimes it will mean taking the boundary and sometimes that will mean changing angles and taking the corridor.

"He has by no means ruled out quick, direct play - that's fairly clear.''

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hawk fined after drunken night out

Former Bulldog Brian Lake must face Hawthorn's leaders after a heavy night of drinking. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN star Brian Lake's drunken antics have landed him in trouble with the police and his club.

The former Western Bulldog was fined $563 for being drunk in a public place outside a pub in Sorrento.

He was leaving the pub with his wife when the pair were arrested at 10.10pm and thrown in the slammer for four hours.

The pair had been at the Portsea Polo during the day.

In a statement the club said: "The club considers Lake's conduct to be unprofessional and he will be required to address the leadership group tomorrow."

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said police arrested a 30-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman, both from Caroline Springs, on the Point Nepean Highway.

Lake, 30, was traded to the Hawks in a bold move to help Alastair Clarkson's side jag another premiership with their current squad.

The 197-game veteran joins an extraordinary list of players traded during the off-season who have found trouble with alcohol before playing a game with their new clubs.

New Tiger Aaron Edwards was locked up after a boozy day just 24 hours after North Melbourne traded him.

Former Demons Ricky Petterd (now at Richmond) and Jared Rivers (Geelong) were also scrutinised after they were pictured drinking heavily on the opening day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

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AFL hopeful sparks dreary ODI

The catch came from a Brad Haddin mega hit. Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images) Source: HWT Image Library

IT has taken the freak athleticism of a promising AFL hopeful to provide the highlight in tonight's dull ODI between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Adelaide Oval.

Peter Spurling, an AIS-AFL Academy member, took a one-handed catch in the crowd off a towering Brad Haddin six, sparking a mega cheer and high-fives aplenty in the stands.

The catch was made even more remarkable given Spurling was holding an iced coffee in one hand and what looked to be two burgers in the other.

He tucked the drink under his arm while on the walkway under the second tier,  threw his other mit high in the air and stuck the catch.

AFL talent expert Kevin Sheehan confirmed on Twitter it was Spurling who gloved it.

"Watching cricket and saw great one hander crowd catch by AIS AFL Academy young star Peter Spurling !! It was signature AFL !," he tweeted.

"Spurling is one of our best talls working with Brad Ottens in our L 1s which travel to NZ next Friday; a name to watch !"

Spurling, from Glenelg in Adelaide, is in the 2012-13 AIS-AFL Academy intake.

An AFL club talent expert confirmed tonight the 198cm 16-year-old was already looming large on the draft radar.

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cupido breaks goalkicking record

Former Bomber Damian Cupido has broken a 27-year-old goalkicking record in the Northern Territory. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Essendon and Brisbane goalsneak Damian Cupido, playing for Southern Districts in the Northern Territory, has broken a three-decade old record for the fastest 100 goals in a season.

The 30-year-old sharpshooter slotted six in Southern's 44-point win over Darwin today to take his tally to 102 goals in 13 games, beating Dennis Dunn's mark set 27 years ago.

Cupido exploded onto the Northern Territory Football League with four 11-goal bags in five weeks between October 14 and November 10.

The South African-born small forward booted 10 goals on two occasions while kicking his lowest haul, four goals, three times.

Cupido played 53 games kicking 66 goals in an AFL career spanning six years.

He continued his career in the SANFL before returning to Victoria and playing in the Ovens and Murray Football League.

In 2009, Cupido broke his silence about a $1000-a-week gambling addiction that controlled his life.

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More