Auld tackles drug issue front on

Gold Coast Suns CEO Travis Auld was part of a special AFL committee at this week's drug summit. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

TRAVIS Auld strode into Wednesday's summit determined to get a spot on the frontline of the AFL's war on drugs.

Ever since he arrived on the Gold Coast as the CEO of the AFL's 17th side, Auld had heard the horror stories warning him of the dangers lurking in the shadowy corners of Surfer's Paradise.

The club's location on the outskirts of Sin City, coupled with the fact the side was predominantly filled with teenaged draftees, was supposed to mean the Suns faced unique cultural risks.

That myth was one of many shattered during the summit when one expert presented data that showed Queensland fell well behind Western Australia, Victoria and New South Wales in the availability of drugs and recorded drug related crimes.

But just because his players weren't likely to slip over on a bag of pills every time they ventured out at night, does not mean the risks aren't there.

"I don't have heightened concerns about our players, but I am a realist," Auld said. "I know what goes on in society and I am aware they are exposed to the same temptations as other 18 to 29-year-olds."

Auld was in the room during last year's draft on the Gold Coast when Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert called for a summit with an impassioned plea that something had to be done about the "serious issue" of drugs.

If the most powerful club in football felt powerless against the threat of drugs, what hope did the newbies have?

Auld got his wish when he was appointed alongside big guns Pert, Ian Robson (Essendon), the AFLPA and drug experts on the special AFL committee that was formed to tackle the issue and propose changes to the league's existing Illicit Drugs Policy.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

And he supports proposals to reveal to clubs the identity of players who record positive strikes and is all for tightening the regulations around the self reporting loophole to eradicate the risk of abuse by players.

"Clubs are a lot more sophisticated than they were when this policy was introduced and are best placed in terms of understanding players, the pressures they face and the needs they may have," Auld said.

Auld is also determined to explore an idea that by reducing the commitments clubs place on their players, and shortening their pre-seasons, they may ease the desperation with which some players attack their rare nights out.

Another myth is that footballers were drawn to party drugs because they do not affect skinfolds like alcohol consumption does and there is less of a hangover effect.

The data presented revealed that in 97 per cent of positive tests under the AFL's illicit drug policy the players had been drinking heavily.

The AFL, the clubs and the AFL Players Association did their best to present a united front after the nine-hour talkfest, but there remains one key battleground -- when and how much information clubs receive about their players' drug use.

The players demand confidentiality and the AFL's medicos remain firmly behind them because they do not trust football managers and coaches.

Footy managers could wash their hands of a problem by trading out players with a strike beside their name, while coaches could take the information with them if they switched clubs.
 

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Buddy suspends contract talks

HAWTHORN superstar Lance Franklin has told the club he will not discuss a new contract until the end of the season, sparking fears he may leave.

Franklin is a restricted free agent at the end of the year, meaning he can entertain offers from rival clubs.

The Hawks said yesterday they made a "very good offer" to Franklin -- understood to have been between $900,000 and $1 million a season for up to four years -- and were stunned when told this week all negotiations were off until the end of September.

The offer also included a healthy slice of the club's marketing allowance.

"Buddy has made it pretty clear he'd prefer to leave the discussions to the end of the 2013 season," Hawthorn's head of football Mark Evans said.

Franklin's manager Liam Pickering said last night: "Buddy has 12 months to go on his contract and he wants to concentrate on playing.

"He said he didn't want the distraction of a contract and he has advised me talks are off until the end of the season.

"He doesn't want to entertain discussions and, whilst Hawthorn aren't happy, that's how it is, unfortunately."

Will Buddy be the next Gary Ablett?

Hawthorn is unable to pay Franklin market value as skipper Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell are on massive contracts, and Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Grant Birchall, Brian Lake, Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell are on sizeable deals.

Fremantle has been linked to Franklin, though the Dockers have not spoken to Pickering. Last year the Dockers offered Collingwood's Travis Cloke about $1.1 million for five years, but failed to land him. 

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

The expectation is Franklin, who is from Western Australia, would be offered more than Cloke.

The Hawks yesterday confirmed six months of discussions had hit a brick wall this week.

Evans admitted Franklin's decision had rocked the club and already there were fears the constant talk about Franklin's future would become a major distraction, as it did at Collingwood with Cloke.

"It is not an ideal situation because we'd prefer to close off the distraction for Buddy, for the club, for supporters, for Pickers, and have a free run at our 2013 campaign," Evans said.

"We've been having a number of discussions over the past 5 1/2 months, and we've put together what we think is a very good offer, and Pickers is on record as saying it is respectable.

"Obviously, we had a few things to sort out.

"We know our offer is a strong offer, but at the moment it's not that the offer hasn't been accepted or rejected, it's only the discussions have been put off until the end of the season."

Lance Franklin tells Hawthorn he will not discuss a new deal until the end of the year, sparking fears at the Hawks that he may walk.

The Hawks accept Franklin can explore free agency.

"He's a free agent at the end of 2013 and he's got every right to proceed with contract discussions as he wants to," Evans said.

Despite Franklin's decision to cease discussions, the Hawks said they would endeavour to keep contact.

"We need to make sure we have regular contact with Pickers and Buddy and, should the situation change, our door is open," Evans said.

Pickering also manages Gary Ablett, who left Geelong for Gold Coast after announcing at the start of 2010 that contract talks were on hold until the end of the year.

Greater Western Sydney's Tom Scully said the same, then left Melbourne.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Carrazzo firms as new Blues leader

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse with captaincy contenders Andrew Carrazzo, Kade Simpson and Marc Murphy at D.O.C Delicatessen in Lygon St. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

THE three contenders for Carlton's captaincy will get a chance to lead the team during the NAB Cup before coach Mick Malthouse makes his decision next month.

The Blues face a tough call on who will succeed Chris Judd, with Andrew Carrazzo in front of Marc Murphy and Kade Simpson.

The decision is seen as critical at a club that according to both former coach Brett Ratten and Malthouse has a host of natural introverts.

The trio will be given their auditions after the Blues' round-robin NAB Cup opener against Greater Western Sydney and Sydney on February 24.

Carlton president Stephen Kernahan said yesterday it was exciting to have so many contenders for the position, while conceding Murphy and Carrazzo were likely to fight out the job.

He said once Malthouse made his decision, it would be ratified by the club board.

"Mick came to us and said, 'That's the way I would like to do it, with the three of them in the NAB Cup'," Kernahan said.

"He will make a call to us and the board will ratify it. Murphy and Carrazzo are probably the favourites, but it's exciting for all three of them.

"Carrazzo is the experienced leader and Murph is the up-and-comer. Juddy will be a hard act to follow and could have done it for as long as he wanted, but we have some really strong senior leadership." 

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Carrazzo would be a departure from Judd -- the Brownlow medallist led by example and expected his teammates to follow -- and Kernahan praised the tagger's communication skills.

"'Carrots' is a real professional," Kernahan said.

"He has great support from his family (Carrazzo is the father of one-year-old triplets) and it will be interesting to see which one Mick picks. They are all great candidates."

The Blues take on Fremantle and then Adelaide in full-length games before a potential NAB Cup grand final or regional cup game in which the third contender would lead the side.

Carlton's first season under Malthouse will hit its stride from Wednesday's first practice match, with another intra-club game on February 15.

At this stage only Andrew McInnes (knee reconstruction) has been ruled out for Round 1, a far cry from Ratten's final season in which plenty of players entered the season after serious surgeries.

Ratten, sacked for Malthouse last year, said last year the club had psychologically tested its players and felt that many of them went into their shells too often.

Malthouse is known to share that view, which was also voiced towards the end of last season by club legend and former coach Robert Walls.

"One of the problems with Carlton's leadership group, if you want to extend that to your senior eight players who played last night, the majority of them are introverts," Walls said last year.

"(Chris) Judd is not a vocal player, but he does it (lead) by example."

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Does Buddy delay equal disaster?

Kurt Tippett put off contract talks with the Crows last season. It didn't end well - unless you're a Sydney fan. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN fans are fearing the worst after Lance Franklin put contract talks on hold. History says they have plenty to worry about.

Franklin says he doesn't want contract talks to distract him from his footy this season.

If history tells us one thing, it's that his decision to suspend negotations won't stop speculation about Buddy's future.

Does it mean he's already decided to walk? There are plenty of recent examples that indicate the answer might be yes. But there is some hope for Hawthorn supporters.

Here are some other players who have put off contract talks in recent years - in their own words.

TOM SCULLY

"I'd love to end my career and say I was a one club player, and anticipate that will be the case."

- Scully, March 2011

"To ensure there are no distractions and that Tom can direct all his energies to the 2011 season, we recommended to him last August that we put contract talks on hold until the end of this season and advised the club accordingly."
- statement from Velocity Sports

"I'm absolutely delighted to be in Sydney here today .... No doubt money was a factor, but I saw an opportunity to be part of a brand new football club."
- Scully, September 2011 after signing a six-year deal with GWS

Melbourne training at AAMI park. Tom Scully faces the media before training. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

GARY ABLETT

"I just spoke to (Geelong CEO) Brian Cook today and we're going to put negotiations on hold until the end of the season to try and take some heat out of the whole situation. It gives him a chance to concentrate on playing, it takes a bit of heat off the club as well ... so they can get on with the job of playing and winning football matches."
- Ablett's manager Liam Pickering, June 2010

"This is all about the challenge of joining a new team and a new and unique opportunity to be part of something special in football."
- Ablett in September 1010 after signing with Gold Coast

Gary Ablett with Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna after announcing his move to the Suns. Picture: David Caird Source: Herald Sun

BRENDON GODDARD

"As I've said all along, we've been in constant talks with the footy club and they are the discussions we're having at the minute and I think it's pretty clear what my intentions are. I've said all along I'm happy where I am."
- July 2012

"I know Brendan wants to stay at (the) St Kilda football club. He's very committed to wanting to be here, there's no doubt about that."
- St Kilda coach Scott Watters, August 2012 after the Saints tabled a "very strong" contract offer

"It (was) something that a lot of thought went into. I was actually on the golf course (at the time)You can do a lot of thinking and there was a process where we did our due diligence. That decision wasn't made until late in the piece, (it was) after the season when it was probably crunch time to make the decision."
- Goddard in November 2012, a month after joining Essendon as a free agent.

KURT TIPPETT

"He wants to focus solely on performing on-field to the best of his ability before considering his future later in the year, and to ensure that the matter does not became a distraction to him or anyone at the club in the lead-up to and during the finals."
- Adelaide football manager Phil Harper, August 2012

"Boys, this morning, I have told the club that I won't be renewing my contract for 2013 ... Have absolutely loved playing alongside you all. You are all friends for life! I'll be in touch. Love KT."
- Tippett's text message to teammates after walking out in October 2012

NATHAN BOCK

"I don't see any reason to leave, but I'll leave that to my managers to sort out."
- June 2010, after putting off talks until after the mid-season break

"There are different reasons, not all financial (but) it is a significant offer that was too hard to refuse. It sets me up for after footy."
- August 2010, after becoming the first out-of-contract player to sign with Gold Coast

Gold Coast signings Nathan Bock and Nathan Krakouer. Picture: Adam Head Source: The Courier-Mail

CAMPBELL BROWN

"My three or four other contracts that I have signed have been done towards the end of the year, and I would expect nothing to change."
- May, 2010

"It was a tough decision, but when I was making the decision I thought it would be best for my football."
- September, 2010 after joining Gold Coast

But the contract sagas don't always end badly ...

TRAVIS CLOKE

"We've had enough of all the talking, we're going to play football."
- Collingwood president Eddie McGuire in July 2012 after talks with Cloke's management broke down.

"We always wanted him to stay there, but there was going to be an issue if he did not get the fifth year. It did get close towards the end there."
- manager Ralph Carr after Cloke signed a five-year deal to stay with the Pies

Travis Cloke celebrates his goal in the third quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

MATTHEW PAVLICH

"I'm really happy with where it (negotiations) is placed. We're happy with how it's progressing and so is the club. We'll get to a point some time later in the year."
- May 2010

"I'm really happy with the process and the outcome, I hope the Freo faithful are happy as well."
- Pavlich in September 2010 after signing a four-year deal with the Dockers

TRAVIS BOAK

"We have never put pressure on Travis for a decision. We've said we would like to know sooner rather than later and understood the difficulty of Travis' decision because of his family."
- Port Adelaide football manager Peter Rohde in July 2012 after contract talks stalled

"I'm so relieved to have got the deal done after what has at times been a challenging year for me personally and for the club."
- Boak after signing a two-year deal with Port in September 2012

Port Adelaide star Travis Boak meets young fan James Nussio after signing a new contract with the Power. Picture: Dean Martin Source: Herald Sun

... and some we won't know for about seven months.

LANCE FRANKLIN

"He said he didn't want the distraction of a contract and he has advised me talks are off until the end of the season. He doesn't want to entertain discussions and, whilst Hawthorn aren't happy, that's how it is, unfortunately."
- Franklin's manager Liam Pickering, February 2013

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

SuperCoach is back!

Shane Crawford channels his inner Liam Neeson when he discovers Gary Ablett is 'taken' and tries to organise a swap with one of his mates

Shane Crawford can't wait to get stuck into the new SuperCoach season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

YOU can pick on my height.

You can pot the Hawks, make jokes about my teeth and bag my mother in law. Even my wife is fair game.

But if you beat me in SuperCoach, that's personal.

There's nothing like coming to work on Monday ready to brag about a SuperCoach win, or sending a text message when a mate's captain withdraws the night before our big match-up.

Goodbye tennis, goodbye cricket. SuperCoach is back and I'm so excited to be short-listing my squad for 2013.

Who will be this year's Dayne Zorko? Maybe Jack Viney from Melbourne, son of former champion Todd Viney and tough as nails.

Scroll down to see all the exciting new features of SuperCoach 2013 and Join the live chat with SuperCoach expert Al Paton from noon

Picking the next big thing is one of the keys to the game, and there will be plenty of time to change my mind before the season starts on March 22.

What I'm most excited about is the new option of being part of a SuperCoach draft.

You only have to register once and can play both games for free. How good is that?

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SQUAD NOW

I already have my eyes on chief football writer Mark Robinson's every move and can't wait until the Herald Sun experts sit down for an internal draft (I'm picking first because I'm organising the session. Gary Ablett, you're mine.)

In either game, research is the key to picking a successful team. Watch all the NAB Cup games and follow SuperFooty every day for all the latest. Jump on Twitter and Facebook for breaking news and tips and to pick the brains of all the other SuperCoaches out there (I'm at @SCrawf9).

What will Brendon Goddard's role be at the Bombers? Will Brian Lake make an instant impact at the Hawks?

Does Mick Malthouse have the key to unlocking the potential of the Blues, and Jarrad Waite?

COMING UP: To get your SuperCoach team right for 2013 stick with SuperFooty next week and all the way to Round 1 for club-by-club SuperCoach previews, SuperCoach DRAFT player guides, SuperCoach analysis of every NAB Cup and practice match, exclusive videos plus lots more!

Will a slow pre-season for Adam Goodes interrupt his year or will his brother Brett Goodes be a must for all sides as a cheap and classy defender at the Western Bulldogs?

Will Giants forward Jonathon Patton take the competition by storm after his first full AFL pre-season?

All I can say is get involved. It's the best fun you'll have off the footy field.

And make sure you prepare like all the AFL players do to start the year. Because I can assure you I've had the best SuperCoach pre-season ever. So if you have me in your sights this year, you better be ready. In 2013, it's personal.

Join the live chat with SuperCoach expert Al Paton from noon:

Using a mobile device? Click here for a better viewing experience

WHAT'S NEW

New rules - 30 trades, rolling lockout means you won't be caught out by late team changes, smaller squads for bye rounds and a new team structure to better reflect the way the game is played

Relaunch leagues - Send league invites to your opponents from last year with the click of a button. You can even choose who to include and who to leave out.

Take on more mates - In addition to your five private leagues, you can challenge friends on Facebook and Twitter and create or join up to three unlimited size private groups

Intelligent auto-pick - Selecting a competitive squad is even easier. Choose your favourite players and let us fill in the rest.

Plus a refreshed look and feel and lots more - register or login now to explore the 2013 competition!

Join the debate on Facebook at facebook.com/supercoach

SUPERCOACH DRAFT

Take SuperCoach to a new level with a unique private league draft in which each player can only be selected once - if you pick Gary Ablett, none of your mates can have him.

Bargain with friends to complete trade deals between league opponents and make unlimited trades from the free agent pool.

Completely customisable - choose how your league works to suit you

Play alongside your SuperCoach CLASSIC team on the same login

Both games are completely FREE

Herald Sun super coach , Shane Crawford Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

FOUR EASY STEPS

1. Go to www.heraldsun.com.au/supercoach. The login page has more info on how to play and the exciting new 2013 features

2. Click register and fill in your details. Pick a team name and design your own unique guernsey

3. Join or create a private league to play against your friends and family

4. Start picking your squad of 30 AFL players who will score points for you every week

SUPERCOACH GOLD

SuperCoach GOLD helps you to better select and manage your team and make educated coaching decisions through the season. The collection of powerful tools and content provides projections for player scores and value, break-evens, analysis of player stats, player performance indicators, past stats and much more. Sign up now for a free trial.

WIN BIG

$50,000 to top-ranked coach at the end of the season plus $5000 for your local footy club

$1000 for the highest scoring team each round

$10,000 and a two-hour coaching clinic for Australia's top SuperCoach school

Sign up early to win $5000 F1 Adrenaline package including tickets for the winner and three mates to the 2013 Australian Grand Prix, VIP entertainment seats, V8 hot lap and helicopter fly-over

STAY IN THE GAME

Check superfooty.com.au every day for latest news and expert advice

Like SuperCoach on Facebook to join the debate. Go to facebook.com/supercoach
Follow @superfooty on twitter for breaking developments and inside tips. Go to twitter.com/superfooty

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Herald Sun SuperCoach 2013 Minimal Terms and Conditions
Open to all Australian residents. Enter from 12:01AM AEDST on 01/02/13, ends at 11:59PM AEST on 01/09/13. Limit 1 entry per person. Entrants must access their home page at least every 30 days or may be disqualified. Overall and weekly winners determined by Vapormedia at Suite 107, 425 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008 at 10am (local time) on day after completion of each round (weekly winners) and on 02/09/13 (overall and other winners). Weekly Prizes: $1,000 cash. Overall prizes: Competition Major Prize $50,000 cash + $5,000 for local footy club, Website Prizes: up to $5,000 Website Prize for entrants entering via specific websites as set out in full conditions. School Group Prize (other than NSW and ACT schools): $10,000 cash & footy clinic. Weekly winners e-mailed and published online day after completion of each round and in The Australian on dates set out in full conditions, overall winners and other winners e-mailed and published online on 02/09/13 and in The Australian on 04/09/13. Promoter: The Herald and Weekly Times Pty Limited, 40 City Rd, Southbank VIC 3006. Entry and full conditions: www.heraldsun.com.au/supercoach. NSW Permit No. LTPS/13/00586 and ACT Permit No.TP 13/00230

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Thomas 'a couple of months away'

Collingwood stars Dale Thomas, Heath Shaw, Dane Swan and Ben Johnson talk shop at training yesterday. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Injured Collingwood star Dale Thomas remains in doubt for Round 1. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley says he remains unsure if Dale Thomas will be fit for the start of the home-and-away season.

Thomas is still on a modified training load as he continues his recovery from ankle surgery.

The Magpies face North Melbourne in their season opener on March 31.

"He is still a couple of months away,'' Buckley said.

"He will need to get some solid training in and get up to speed before he is ready to play some games of footy, whether that is late in the NAB (Cup) or early in the home-and-away (season) will depend on the speed of his recovery.

"He has had a modified pre-season and has got a lot of fitness work in, but not on legs. So we will have to judge that as we go.

"But clearly he is an important player for us.''

The off-contract Thomas said last week he had no desire to start talking about a new deal with the Magpies until he recovered from ankle surgery

But Thomas admitted he was wary of letting talks turn into the "circus'' that engulfed teammate Travis Cloke's season last year.

Buckley said the club would deal with Thomas' contract when the time was right.

"We have got about 40 per cent of our list coming out of contract this year and we will deal with those guys appropriately at the right times,'' Buckley said.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Young Demon cleared of injury

Dean Terlich has been hospitalised after a training mishap. Picture: Regi Varghese Source: adelaidenow

MELBOURNE draftee Dean Terlich has been cleared of any injuries after an ugly collision at training today.

Terlich was training with teammates at Moorabbin Oval earlier today when he suffered a knock to the head and neck region.

An ambulance was called to take him to hospital, where he underwent precautionary tests.

A forward-turned-defender, Terlich was drafted by Melbourne with pick 68 in the 2012 National Draft.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lions need Brown's presence

Brisbane coach Michael Voss talked Jonathan Brown into staying on as captain. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE coach Michael Voss says it would have been "a bit wrong'' for Jonathan Brown to completely relinquish leadership duties at the Gabba.

Brown will step down as sole captain in 2013 but will remain as a co-captain after four seasons as the single figurehead.

Voss said the new co-captain will be announced in the near future but it was important that Brown still played a critical leadership role due to the AFL superstar's sheer "presence''.

"One of the first things that Brownie spoke about was stepping down and I thought it just sort of looked a bit wrong to have the big fella coming in behind somebody,'' Voss said.

"He'll always be a leader but to be able to have him out the front with someone beside him just made a bit more sense than stepping down.''

Voss said it was the right time to start "succession planning'' at the Lions.

"It's just a sign of where our group is at and the fact that Brownie has got a lot of confidence in the group that is coming through,'' he said.

Meanwhile, Brisbane today announced a three-year, seven-figure sponsorship deal with storage company, National Storage.

National Storage joins Vero insurance joins the club as a co-major sponsor.

The Lions posted a net operating loss of $2,513,262 for the financial year ending October 31, 2012. It was Brisbane's third-straight seven-figure loss. They lost $2.5 million in 2010 and another $1.8 million in 2011.

The Lions also recorded a $603,207 loss in 2009 and a $2.2 million loss in 2008.

Brisbane CEO Malcolm Holmes said the new deal would help the club turnaround its bottom line.

"It's a great outcome for the club...it's great news. It shows there is a lot of support for our brand,'' Holmes said.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Drug tests on demand

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou and Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert speak after today's AFL drugs summit. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL could approve a bold plan to allow clubs to fund the target-testing of players they believe are abusing drugs.

The league united to tackle illicit drugs at yesterday's summit with that proposal one of several to be considered by a new working party.

Among certain changes to the AFL Illicit Drugs Policy will be the closure of a loophole that allows players to self-report and escape a strike at will, and an increase in off-season hair testing - both recently flagged by the Herald Sun.

The proposal to allow clubs to target-test players they suspect of using drugs will create most debate.

Depressed, on drugs... dumped

AFL clubs are banned from conducting their own testing after then Carlton present Ian Collins controversially drug-tested players Karl Norman and Laurie Angwin in 2004.

Yesterday AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou confirmed clubs might be able to pay the league's drug testers to do that exact task.

Club sources said the AFL might also provide clubs with details of their players' drug use each year.

No names would be revealed, but a club may find out the number of players who had positive strikes, how many strikes they were on, which drugs they had used, and how many had self-reported.

Drink the link to worse behaviours

The historic summit was hailed a success by clubs, the AFL, medical experts and players, but a battle will be fought over the information flow to clubs when players test positive a second time.

Hawthorn led the charge of clubs keen to be alerted after a second strike, but that issue will be thrashed out by the working party with AFL chief executives Stuart Fox (Hawthorn), Gary Pert (Collingwood), Travis Auld (Gold Coast) and Ian Robson (Essendon).

Either the chief executive or welfare officer of a club may eventually find out about a second strike, but clubs would have to commit to extensive privacy provisions. 

Collingwood's Luke Ball and Bulldog Robert Murphy leave today's AFL drugs summit. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

Fox said it was imperative clubs knew earlier than under the current policy.

"Hawthorn has lived through the three-strikes system with Travis Tuck and we are quite passionate about someone at the club knowing after the second strike," he told the Herald Sun.

"Clubs are much better placed and more sophisticated, so they can deal with that knowledge."

The self-reporting loophole will almost certainly see players allowed to confess to drug use - sparing a positive strike - only once a season.

Some chief executives pushed for the practice to be banned if a player was on two strikes, or even have the self-reporting seen as a third strike.

Draft drug probes

The loophole will be changed after it goes to the AFL Commission and is approved by AFL Players' Association delegates.

AFL clubs were not given specific details on the flagged rise in illicit positives - likely to be released late next month - but were told of a 21 per cent rise in drugs across the community.

Pies boss Pert said of the playing age group: "Taking drugs is a part of their lives. We are very concerned. Every CEO is concerned about what happens now, and what happens in the future."

Collingwood takes hard line on drugs

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Goddard would have led Saints

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard in his new colours. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NICK Riewoldt would have handed the St Kilda captaincy to Brendon Goddard if he had not quit the club to join Essendon.

Nick Riewoldt was yesterday appointed St Kilda skipper for the eighth season.

However, he revealed today he had been happy to hand over the captaincy, but the prime candidate left to join the Bombers as a free agent.

"I thought if BJ (Goddard) was still at the club it would have been him this year, and I was more than happy for that to occur - and for anyone else to step into the role," Riewoldt said.

Riewoldt hinted at an issue facing the club in trying to find the next generation of leaders.

The Saints have a large group of veterans aged 29 and over and a crop of emerging youngsters, but few experienced players in between.

The issue was acknowledged with the inclusion of Ben McEvoy, James Gwilt, David Armitage, Sean Dempster and Jarryn Geary in the leadership group, with a group of elder statesmen nominated to mentor an "emerging leaders" group.

"The club went for a bit of a change in the leadership group with three younger guys stepping into the group and they just wanted some stability at the top," Riewoldt said.

"It's now our job as the senior guys - myself, Lenny, Milney, Blakey, all those guys - to make sure we promote some of the younger guys so sooner rather than later someone else can step into the role."

Summer Barometer: See how the Saints are shaping up

Asked on SEN if he had tried to talk Goddard out of leaving, Riewoldt said: "Absolutely, definitely.

"He's one of my great mates, was one of the groomsmen at my wedding, and nothing will change there as far as our friendship goes (but) I certainly wanted him to stay a St Kilda player.

"But at the end of the day it's his decision and I respect the decision he's made."

 

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

SBS hands Marngrook a lifeline

Former North Melbourne great Wayne Carey signs on with The Marngrook Footy Show. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis, Source: Herald Sun

WAYNE Carey will join The Marngrook Footy Show as a regular panellist when it returns to television on SBS after being axed by the ABC last year.

The indigenous football show with a cult following will air on Thursdays during the home-and-away season.

Former Brisbane Lions premiership player Chris Johnson, Robbie Burns and Gilbert McAdam return to the program alongside reporters Leila Gurruwiwi and Shelley Ware.

The Marngrook Footy Show started as a radio program in 1997 before moving to National Indigenous Television (NITV) in 2007.

Marngrook's dumping last year sparked a social media frenzy with fans of the show calling for rival networks to revive the program.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL 2013 win predictions

Nathan Buckley is hoping to improve on Collingwood's 16 wins last season. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

AFL writers Jay Clark, Sam Edmund and Sam Landsberger predict how many matches your team will win in 2013.

Eskander's Betstar has released a market that allows punters to bet on whether each club will finish over or under the number of wins predicted by the bookmaker's forecasters.

See the line for each club below plus our expert assessments - and have your say by leaving a comment below or sending a message on Twitter to:

Jay Clark: @clarkyheraldsun
Sam Edmund: @sammyheraldsun
Sam Landsberger: @samlandsberger

Note: Tipsters were limited to selecting nine teams "over" and nine "under".

BEST BETS

CLARK: Gold Coast under 5 wins ($1.90)
EDMUND: Collingwood over 15.5 wins ($1.90)
LANDSBERGER: Brisbane over 9.5 wins ($1.90)

EVERY CLUB RATED

ADELAIDE
Betstar line: 14 wins

Clark: Over ($1.80)
Fairly soft draw will ensure the Crows are bashing down the door of the top-four again. Love the kids such as Rory Sloane and Rising Star winner Daniel Talia. Hard-nut Brad Crouch is a ready-made beauty. Forget Tippett, this is the No.1 contested ball team from last year.

Edmund: Over ($1.80)
The second-year blues will hit and the loss of Tippett will hurt, but they'll get to 14.

Landsberger: Over ($1.80)
They say Tex is the new Buddy. With 12 games at AAMI Stadium and another soft draw they will cruise to 15 wins.

BRISBANE LIONS
Betstar line: 9.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.90)
Tipping they're one of the big improvers this year. Play GWS, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs twice. Key forward presence the biggest query as Jon Brown nears the end.

Edmund: Under ($1.90)
Let's be honest, they fluked a few wins last year. Adelaide? West Coast? Please. Can't and won't happen again. Forward line looks thin to say the least. There's an over-reliance on Brown, who is another year older. If he goes down - again - they will struggle.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
The Lions are a huge finals roughie with an underrated young list. Should easily replicate last year's tally of 10 wins.

New Carlton draftee Troy Menzel with coach Mick Malthouse. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON
Betstar line: 14 wins

Clark: Over ($1.90)
Mick has stumbled upon a pot of gold, as the Blues are ready to go. Expect a version of "the press" to be employed inside 50m and Robert Warnock and Matthew Kreuzer to improve markedly in 2013.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
Maybe because they didn't have a high-performance coach nicknamed "The Weapon" the Blues' 2012 injury nightmare was often overlooked. When they were all on the park early the results were highly encouraging, which is why a mainly injury-free pre-season is cause for optimism. Oh, and that bloke Mick knows a thing or two about the game as well.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
Mick doesn't muck around. Will finish the year like a steam train to give the top four a shake.

COLLINGWOOD
Betstar line: 15.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.90)
Pies are raving about Quinten Lynch's summer form and Luke Ball and Lachy Keeffe return from knee recos. Got to be better in second season under Bucks.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
This is quite simple. Despite a knee injury epidemic that claimed just about everyone bar the water boys, this mob still clawed its way to 16 wins last year. Throw in the Cloke contract saga and Buckley's first year as coach and that winning tally looks even more impressive. Young, Lynch and Russell all joined in a fruitful off-season ... I'll stop now, 15.5 wins is a monty.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
The gloves are off, literally, and the all-star engine room will ensure a fifth-straight top-four finish.

Mover and shaker: Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard has be chosen to join the eight-man leadership group at Windy Hill. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON
Betstar line: 13 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
They've got the biggest name of the trade period in Brendon Goddard, but not convinced Hirdy's boys are top-eight material just yet.

Edmund: Under ($1.90)
Harder to read than a Chinese dictionary. Will this be the year their exhilarating early-season starts are maintained through the season, or will they again fade like your grandmother's carpet? Still think they're a bit light-on to get to 13 wins, despite the addition of Goddard and the undoubted talent of first-year forward Joe Daniher.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
BJ's onboard but finding another three wins looks a stretch. Can still go under and make finals.

FREMANTLE
Betstar line: 14 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
One of the toughest to pick, because the signs in the elimination final win over Geelong were ultra-impressive. But, even with Ross the boss in charge, Dockers will need full seasons from Pavlich, Sandilands and McPharlin to hit the 14-win mark.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
It's very difficult to believe the Dockers, exposed to another summer of Ross Lyon's tactical genius, can't eclipse the 14-win mark. They got their last year despite slumping to 6-7 after Round 14 - about the same time everyone in purple was calling for the coach's head. That's when Lyon's message started sinking in.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
A tough one. Pav's back is a worry, Morabito is out, the defence lost a chunk of depth and it might take one more season to hit full throttle under Ross Lyon.

Tom Hawkins celebrates with his teammates after kicking the winning goal after the siren to continue Hawthorn's run of outs against the Cats. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG
Betstar line: 13.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.85)
Lots to like about their trade period, once again. Josh Caddy is starring over summer and Hamish McIntosh is an upgrade ruck/forward. Can't see them being beaten at home when they finally get on Simonds Stadium from mid-season.

Edmund: Over ($1.85)
The aura may have softened, but this is a side still devastating on its day. The recruitment of Rivers and McIntosh were masterstrokes. If history is any guide they won't drop off the cliff.

Landsberger: Under ($1.95)
Could hit panic stations early and it'll be hard to recover despite the spate of Simonds Stadium matches in the run home.

GOLD COAST
Betstar line: 5 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
Expecting the Paul Roos to Gold Coast talk to fire up midway through the year. Can't dispute the level of talent but haven't seen enough on-field signs to suggest they will flourish in year three. Jaeger O'Meara will provide some joy, though.

Edmund: Under ($1.90)
Missed out on the power forward they so desperately need. Ablett, Bennell and Co can dominate all they like, but when the ball flies straight back over their heads ad nauseam, you don't win too many games. No doubt the kids will improve - they have to - but five wins? Can't see it.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
Is there such a thing as third-year blues? Can't see the Suns doubling their wins tally.

GWS
Betstar line: 5 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
We know they will be a powerhouse but another year at the bottom beckons in 2013.

EDMUND: Unders ($1.90)
No Izzy, no GWS.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
Leon Cameron will take over a two-time wooden-spoon side. But that'll just make the Giants even scarier in the long term.

Hawthorn footballer Brian Lake 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

HAWTHORN
Betstar line: 16.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.85)
Seventeen wins is achievable if they can navigate an exceptionally tough first month. Won 17 last year and added Brian Lake.

Edmund: Over ($1.85)
Will be slapped in the face early by the draw from hell, but we're talking about a side that notched 17 wins last year. Add Brian Lake and surely, surely, they can get going and rack up at least 16.5 victories.

Landsberger: Over ($1.85)
It's a tough draw on paper, but so are the Hawks. Not going to drop six matches when just four are at hostile venues.

MELBOURNE
Betstar line: 6.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.90)
The Dees play GWS, Gold Coast and the Bulldogs twice each. Jack Viney and Jimmy Toumpas will make an immediate impression onball and Mitch Clark and Chris Dawes make a potent double act up forward. Surely, Dees.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
Did their bit for the AFL environment over the trade and free agency period, recycling like mad men. Rodan, Byrnes, Dawes and Pederson aren't matchwinners, but they add much-needed depth and experience. Will be fitter, stronger and surely more accomplished at executing Mark Neeld's game plan.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
Viney out of the middle, hands it to Byrnes who goes long, Clark can't mark but Dawes gathers, snaps… goal. It's a new-look Dees this year, with developing a winning culture the No.1 priority.

Melbourne's father-son selection Jack Viney with his dad Todd at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH MELBOURNE
Betstar line: 12 wins

Clark: Over ($1.85)
Won't be a walk in the park as the Roos confront a much tougher draw this year and will miss Boomer for the first six matches. Still, a side on track to contend for top four in 2014 should have 12 wins by Round 20.

Edmund: Under ($1.95)
Any mental demons from that embarrassing elimination final exit at the hands of West Coast will be flushed out by a tough opening to the season in which they face Collingwood, Geelong and Sydney. There's no Boomer for the first six rounds and McIntosh and Edwards were allowed to leave over summer. Not much came back the other way.

Landsberger: Under ($1.95)
How much mental scarring will that embarrassing elimination final showing leave?

PORT ADELAIDE
Betstar line: 5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.85)
Hard to erase memories of being knocked off by GWS and Gold Coast in past two years but surely they will finally take some steps forward this year, under Ken Hinkley. Improvement from a fit Hamish Hartlett and John Butcher is the key.

Edmund: Under ($1.95)
No, no no. Just no.

Landsberger: Over ($1.85)
The regenerated Power will surprise plenty this year. Should scratch and crawl their way to six wins.

RICHMOND
Betstar line: 12 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
The Tigers' fortunes will be one of the stories of the year and it's all going to happen at the back end of the season when the Tigers confront some lower-placed sides. Despite the hype, they will fall just short.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
Put it this way, if the Tigers don't make the eight this year don't worry about a trailer of manure on the doorstep, the ME Bank Centre might be buried under the stuff. Despite their loyalty, patience has just about expired among Tiger fans and fair enough. The recruiting blunders are a thing of the past. Chaplin, Edwards, Knights, Petterd and Lonergan are great additions and Cotchin will thrive on captaincy duties. In the words of Sam Kekovich, you know it makes sense.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
It's Tiger Time. Nuff said.

ST KILDA
Betstar line: 9 wins

Clark: Under ($1.95)
Down year coming up for the Saints, despite the exciting batch of first-to-third year youngsters coming through. Time to regenerate.

Edmund: Under ($1.95)
When you look at the St Kilda list you see a gap between their mature stars and their kids about as wide as the Grand Canyon. And this why the slide will be on in 2013. Goddard is gone and that core group of stars - Riewoldt, Montagna, Dal Santo and Co - won't get any better. Expect a quiet year or two.

Landsberger: Under ($1.95)
They've got 18 leaders but are looking at half that number in wins. Still, on the right track.

St Kilda coach Scott Watters, left, and captain Nick Riewoldt watch a Denver Broncos training session in Englewood, Colorado. Picture: Dustin Bradford. Source: Getty Images

SYDNEY
Betstar line: 15.5 wins

Clark: Under ($1.85)
The Swans played out of their skins last year and credit to them. Even with Kurt Tippett in the fold I can't see them replicating last year's heroics.

Edmund: Under (1.85)
We underestimate them every year, so why stop now? Rivals will have done their homework, Goodes will be a slow starter and Tippett won't play until mid-year and probably cause all manner of distraction along the way. Even the Swans could suffer the good ol' fashioned premiership hangover.

Landsberger: Over ($1.95)
Won 16 last year and then picked up a bloke called Kurt Tippett. Won't lose at home.

2012 Grand Final. Hawthorn v Sydney Swans. MCG. Sydney players on the podium as Bob Skilton looks on. Source: Herald Sun

WEST COAST
Betstar line: 16 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
Two things worry me: Nic Nat's groin and Fremantle's knack of topping them at Subi. Still a threat in finals.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
There's a buzz team every summer and this time it's the Eagles. Why? Aside from the fact they were hard to beat last year, they've added Wellingham, goalkickers LeCras and Nicoski return, while Kennedy can't be that unlucky again.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
Could hinge on the two derbies. The line here is spot on – tough to call.

Welcome to the major league, lads: Jake Stringer and Jackson Macrae after being selected at No.5 and No.6 by the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Betstar line: 4 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
Only play Gold Coast, Port Adelaide and GWS once each. Adam Cooney is up and about but games against Melbourne will determine whether the Dogs cover the line this year.

Edmund: Under ($1.90)
You can surround your club with football royalty, but come Round 12, they'll be asking Scarlett and Mooney to pull the boots on. Lake leaves a hole they can't yet fill and for all the promise shown by the likes of Wallis and Libba, the list looks thin on the ground.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
A horror draw makes life tough, but wins-losses aside, the future is bright at the kennel.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Daniher bashes down door

Joe Daniher leads the way at Essendon pre-season training. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON coach James Hird says father-son gun Joe Daniher is dominating at training and could play much sooner than originally planned.

Daniher, who turns 19 on the eve of the season, starred at under-18 level last season and could have rivalled Lachie Whitfield as the No.1 draft pick had the Bombers not been able to nab him under the father-son rule.

Hird said today he didn't want to rush the 201cm prodigy, but his form on the training track was quickly forcing a change of plans.

Pick Me: Exclusive highlights and analysis of Daniher's TAC Cup season

"It's very hard with a player that age and a big tall player, they often take a long time to get ready for football," Hird said.

"In my mind when we drafted him I was thinking maybe he would play 4-5 games if he's lucky this year, but he keeps making me think he's going to play more.

"You can't see why he won't play a lot of football

"The way he moves on the track and dominates marking contests is quite remarkable for a boy his age - and he is only a boy.

"Certainly we don't want to ruin him but he's making us think about playing him a lot more than we were."

Summer Barometer: See how the Bombers are tracking this pre-season

Hird told SEN Daniher would start his career as a key forward who could pinch-hit in the ruck.

"He might develop into a dominant ruckman where that's his No.1 position but at the moment he's a very good forward, he takes a lot of marks and he's just a competitor - you rarely see that age someone who wants to compete so hard against more experienced players."

The Bombers coach played down a quad injury to forward David Zaharakis, who sent a scare through the camp when he suffered the injury at training.

"Last year he had a very bad tear of the central tendon in his quad which kept him out 12-14 weeks, which is a bad injury and takes a long time to recover. We did some scans yesterday on his leg and it was nowhere near that," Hird said.

"He's got a very slight strain a long way from that in his muscle and he'll be back running by Friday and should play the last two or three games in the NAB Cup."

Hird said the "hiccup" was one of the few injuries in a smooth pre-season - a big change from the past two summers at Windy Hill.

"Last year we had 18 operations which meant players came back very late in the pre-season, the year before was very similar

"This year 90 per cent of the squad has done 90 per cent of the training, which is an outstanding record so far."

James Hird keeps an eye on his players as they begin pre-season training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

And the Bombers coach backed the AFL to do the right thing by players, clubs and the game at today's drugs summit.

"There's a lot of hysteria around what's happening with players at the moment but AFL has always been at the forefront of drugs or racial issues and those people will sort it out," Hird said.

"There's an obligation on the players though to do the right thing and the clubs to look after their players.

"There's no excuse for players to take drugs, but we put them under very stressful situations."

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Saint Nick will lead again

St Kilda players Nick Riewoldt and Sam Dunell joke with Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard during their United States trip. Riewoldt will again captain the Saints. Source: Getty Images

NICK Riewoldt will lead St Kilda for an eighth season this year and will be supported by a mega leadership group under second-year coach Scott Watters.

Riewoldt, 30, said it was an "honour" to again win the top job.

The star forward will be supported by Leigh Montagna, Nick Dal Santo, Ben McEvoy, James Gwilt, David Armitage, Sean Dempster and Jarryn Geary in the leadership group, while the Saints have also unveiled an "emerging leaders" program.

That will see wise heads Lenny Hayes, Stephen Milne, Justin Koschitzke, Sam Fisher, Adam Schneider and Jason Blake supporting the primary leadership group and mentoring the younger crop of Saints.

With youngsters including Jack Newnes, Tom Curren, Jack Steven and Seb Ross in an "emerging leadership group", up to 18 St Kilda players hold some sort of leadership role.

Summer Barometer: See how the Saints are shaping up

But Fisher, 30, has relinquished his leadership position.

The veteran has been subjected to reports of poor behaviour this off-season, but the Saints have remained stern in their defence of the rebounding defender.

The Saints said Fisher and Schneider elected to leave the main leadership group.

Fisher said he wanted to focus on his on-field form in a bid to return to his best after an injury-plagued 2012.

"I have enjoyed being part of the leadership group for the last seven years but I missed eight games through injury last season," he said.

"Over the summer, my commitment to the club was questioned in some quarters outside the club. While I don't agree with it, I think the best thing for me is to concentrate on ensuring I deliver my best form," Fisher said.

"It's an exciting period for the club and with the support of our strong leadership group, I'm looking forward to leading the team, into a successful season," Riewoldt said.

The Saints will play an intra-club match at Seaford next Saturday before their NAB Cup campaign kicks off in Adelaide on February 17.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mundy cleared of serious injury

Fremantle midfielder David Mundy left the training track today after rolling his ankle and did not reappear. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE midfielder David Mundy has been cleared of serious injury after limping from the training track this morning.

Mundy rolled his right ankle during a training a drill and immediately left the track to ice the injury. He did not reappear.

The 27-year-old was sent for scans, but later cleared of serious damage.

"Good news, a scan has cleared David Mundy of any damage to his ankle after a scare at training this morning," the Dockers posted on Twitter late this afternoon.

Mundy suffered a serious injury to the same ankle in 2011, ruined the second half of that season and restricting him during the last pre-season, which subsequently affected his form for most of 2012.

However, the 2010 Doig Medal winner rediscovered his best form late last season and had enjoyed a strong summer on the track before today's injury scare.

Fremantle takes on West Coast and Geelong in the opening round of the NAB Cup at Patersons Stadium in 17 days.
 

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL won't budge on three strikes

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou and Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert speak after today's AFL drugs summit. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL will close a self-reporting loophole but has backed its three-strikes policy after today's drugs summit.

AFL bosses, club CEOs, the AFL Players Association, police and medical experts met today for nine hours to review the league's controversial illegal drugs policy.

The summit was prompted by Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert speaking out at a CEOs conference late last year over his concerns about the rising use of illegal drugs by players.

A working party will be formed to review the drugs policy each year, starting when the results of drug tests in 2012 are released.

Those numbers are not yet known but Demetriou has warned there will be a "spike" in positive tests.

The working party's first recommendation will be to close the loophole that allows players to avoid a strike against their name by dobbing themselves in.

Although one club is believed to have had 10 incidents of six players self-reporting last year, Demetriou said exploitation of the loophole wasn't rampant.

However, he conceded it had the potential to be exploited.

"Everybody acknowledged today, including the players, that if there is an area of self-notification that can be closed then we will (do that)," Demetriou said.

"The general concensus is we can tighten up, that has got potential to be exploited.

"I'm pretty certain what I heard today about the self-notification that it's something we can improve pretty quickly."

Mark Robinson: AFL must tackle drug issue head-on

But Demetriou said there was overall support for the three-strikes policy - under which positive drug tests are not made public until a player tests positive for a third time.

"We have got external experts reinforcing to us, including Victoria Police and Federal Police, what an outstanding illicit drugs policy we have," Demetriou said.

"It's not without its flaws.

"We have opened ourselves up to other improvements."

Collingwood's Luke Ball and Bulldog Robert Murphy leave today's AFL drugs summit. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

The working party will consist of three club representatives - Pert, Essendon CEO Ian Robson and Gold Coast president Travis Auld, plus a club doctor, the AFLPA and external experts

Demetriou said other key findings included a commitment to provide clubs with more information.

Eddie McGuire: Clubs kept in dark on drugs

Pert suggested today he would push for clubs to be better informed to help players with drug issues - under the current policy only the club doctor is informed after a second positive test. But AFLPA boss Matt Finnis was adamant players would not budge on the issue of confidentiality.

"The players remain committed to the policy because they feel ownership of the policy. And the players remain committed to the policy and the key pillars of the policy that we believe are integral to its success and that is the welfare of the players and confidentiality," Finnis said.

"We believe the policy successful in helping players who make bad decisions alter their behaviour."

Pert said clubs were now much better informed about the drug culture that affected their players.

"We don't know the exact numbers (of how many players are using drugs) but every CEO is concerned about what's happening now and what potentially can happen in the future," he said.

"We had presentations today about young people in that 18-21 year age bracket, taking illicit drugs is just a big part of their lives and obviously our players fall into that demographic and a lot of their friends outside the club lead that sort of lifestyle."

Jon Ralph: How players dodge drug strikes

After the summit the AFL medical officers association released a statement supporting the three-strikes policy.

"The use of illicit drugs is primarily a health and social issue and is best managed through a medical model based on counselling, education and treatment of the underlying mental health and addiction problems," executive officer Dr Hugh Seward said.

"The current code provides an appropriate balance between this medical model and a the more punitive approach after a third offence.

"Illicit drug use is a major social issue amongst young members of our society and AFL footballers encounter these problems on a regular basis.

"The AFL Players Association accept that the players will submit to this testing, which is rare in the sporting world (as distinct from the performance enhancing drug code that all sports are subject to through WADA). In doing this they acknowledge that AFL footballers are leaders amongst their peer groups and can set an example against illicit drug use."

Dr Seward said doctors also supported strong moves to better manage alcohol use by players.

Crash course: The AFL's illicit drugs policy

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Choco an instant hit at Tigerland

Mark Williams has become an instant hit at Punt Rd. Picture: Anthony Reginato Source: HWT Image Library

THE next generation of Tigers is already reaping the rewards of Mark Williams' arrival as Richmond begins to ignite its focus on development.

Williams joined as a development coach last September after turning his back on Greater Western Sydney and has taken charge of the first, second and third-year baby Tigers.

The signing came shortly after Richmond's decision to cut ties with VFL partner Coburg, with the AFL Tigers set to field a stand-alone reserves side from 2014 in a huge boost to player development.

Richmond defender Steve Morris said Williams immediately proved himself to be "a great teacher of young people.''

Summer Barometer: See how the Tigers are shaping up this pre-season

"It's not just about on the field with Choco (Williams), he gets you to tick as many possible boxes off the field and in your knowledge as well,'' he said of the premiership coach.

Defender Steven Morris at Richmond pre-season training. Picture: Richard Serong. Source: Herald Sun

"The more boxes you tick the more likely you are to be a successful player, and he's not after players who are going to play a couple of seasons, he's after the development of 100 and 200 game players for the footy club.''

While Tim Clarke will coach Coburg this season, Williams has taken a more lateral approach, even showing the interstate draftees how to perfect hook turns in the city.

He has taken rising star Dustin Martin under his wing, along with Matt Arnot, Reece Conca, Brett O'Hanlon and the rapidly improving Brandon Ellis this summer.

Richmond's Dustin Martin at pre-season training. Picture: Stuart Walmsley. Source: Herald Sun

Morris said the influx of older heads had the Tigers in good shape ahead of what fans are hoping will be the breakthrough season they have been searching for since their last finals appearance in 2001.

Tigers rehearsing for tight finishes

"We've got some experience in (Troy) Chaplin and (Chris) Knights and Sammy Lonergan and (Ricky) Petterd, and Choco's been a really good influence on our younger players and their development.

"The future of our footy club is looking extremely bright and we're preparing as best we can throughout this pre-season to take that success into the early part of the season.

"If that leads to finals success, well that's the ultimate goal and what we're after.''

And in a huge boost Morris said injury-plagued defender Dylan Grimes was recovering well from pre-Christmas hamstring surgery, with the club confident he can still feature in Round 1.

"The funny thing is his hamstring strength is the best at the footy club,'' Morris said.

"With Dylan you can never question his attitude and I'm sure he'll come back bigger and stronger than ever this year.''

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Carlton a 'drug-free zone'

Jarrad Waite is confident no Carlton players are taking illegal drugs. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON forward Jarrad Waite is adamant the club is drug-free and says he would welcome daily testing to prove it.

Waite backed the AFL's three-strike drug policy but expected the league and AFLPA to closely scrutinise the self-reporting loophole at tomorrow's drugs summit.

The Herald Sun today revealed four Collingwood players allegedly dodged strikes by volunteering drug-use to club doctors.

Waite insisted Visy Park was a drug-free zone and said any player "stupid" enough to take drugs was jeopardising their football career.

"I don't see any of it. I wouldn't mind if I got tested every day of the week, because I don't do it," Waite said on a day out with Lygon St locals.

"If they want to do more tests, that's good because I've got full confidence, especially at Carlton, that we don't have a drug culture here.

"I would be very surprised if professional athletes were putting their careers at risk by doing drugs and doing stupid things like that.

"Personally, if I got tested every day, it would annoy me, but it wouldn't bother me because I don't do drugs."

There is a strong push to reduce the AFL's strikes policy from three to two but Waite said the AFL's current illicit drugs policy was a world-leader.

"I think our system is very good. The players chose to have this system in place, and it's the best drugs system in the world," he said.

"There is a lot of sports out there that don't get drug tested in the off-season.

"As a playing group we decided as a whole to be tested in the off-season to prove to the people that we are not a drug cultured sport.

"But at the end of the day we are happy with the way it's been. If it changes we are fully supporting the AFL and the PA (players' association)."

Players accept more off-season drug tests

Waite said the self-reporting loophole would likely undergo close review.

"If there is any little loopholes, I'm sure having the summit tomorrow, if they think it is a big enough issue it will be changed," he said.

"It is up to the AFLPA and the AFL to see if they want to make any changes to the system and I'm sure tomorrow there will be an outcome about that."

Waite said any player using drugs was taking a big risk.

Summer Barometer: Get the Blues' training and injury latest

"If you want to risk your AFL career go ahead do it every weekend, but it's not something I would ever do and I would be very upset if our players were out there every weekend getting on the drugs because alcohol is bad enough.

"But mixing drugs your senses are a bit all over the joint. You wouldn't risk it."

Carlton players and coaching staff mixed with locals and local businesses on a walk down Lygon St today.
 

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Robbo out to win back respect

Carlton forward Mitch Robinson has been caught on footage in a scuffle at the Big Day Out in Flemington.

Mitch Robinson shown in a scuffle at the Big Day Out. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON hard nut Mitch Robinson is working to win back the respect of his teammates after an ugly incident at Big Day Out.

Robinson was ordered to donate $1000 to charity and serve two months community service after he was captured on video in a fight with another man at the music festival.

Blues forward Jarrad Waite said today Robinson had acknowledged he has made a mistake.

"He knows that he has done the wrong thing by the club and he knows that he has lost a little bit of respect," Waite said.

"But the good thing about Robbo is that he is a really good trainer and we know that he will come out with a positive attitude.

"He is so critical to the team but we've moved on now and so has he."

Waite said the incident was a let-down.

"From a club perspective it's very disappointing that he has put himself in that situation," Waite said.

"But like I said, we've moved on now and so has he.

"He's just looking forward to giving back a little bit today to the members and trying to get that respect. Not just from the players but the community as well."
 

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Zaharakis suffers quad strain

David Zaharakis picks up a loose ball at Essendon training. Picture: Andy Drewitt Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON star David Zaharakis' flawless pre-season has been derailed by another quad injury.

The influential midfielder strained the muscle while kicking at training this week, putting his NAB Cup participation in jeopardy.

The quad injury is to the same leg that caused Zaharakis to miss nine matches last season. But the Bombers today stressed the "minor nick'' was far less serious and to a different part of the muscle.

Essendon's acting football manager Danny Corcoran said scans this morning meant Zaharakis may only miss 2-3 weeks.

"He was going beautifully, but we're not seeing it as a major thing. It's a minor one to a different area. Everyone says that's rubbish, but I'm telling you that's what it is,'' Corcoran said.

"He's pain free, but we'll still take the necessary precautions.''

Summer Barometer: See how the Bombers are shaping up for 2013

Corcoran said the club and Zaharakis had been buoyed by the medical report.

"Everyone thinks the worst, but when the scans came back he was very relieved and very happy,'' he said.

"We expect him to start his running program as soon as he's pain-free and he's pain-free. They'll probably err on the side of caution and he might start next week.''

Bombers coach James Hird only today addressed a crowd at Federation Square to declare Essendon had buried its injury nightmare and was in supreme physical condition.

"I think we'll all get them (injuries),'' Corcoran said.

"But it's how we cope with them, how we deal with them and how we treat them.''

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Young Sun on drink-drive charge

There is more off season strife for the AFL after the Suns' Jacob Gillbee is charged with drink driving and Carlton's Mitch Robinson is investigated for an incident at the Big Day Out.

Jacob Gilbee was charged with drink-driving. Picture: David Clark Source: HWT Image Library

SUNS forward Jacob Gillbee has been charged with drink driving on the Gold Coast.

The 20-year-old, who will soon enter his third AFL season, recorded a blood alcohol reading of .137 after failing a random breath test at Broadbeach last night.

It is believed Gillbee was the sole occupant in the car.

SuperFooty understands Gillbee notified the club immediately and fully co-operated with Gold Coast Police.

Summer Barometer: Get the lowdown on the Suns' pre-season here

"We have spoken with Jacob this morning and he is very embarrassed by the situation he finds himself in," Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft told SuperFooty.

Alex Sexton (left) has been signed to the Gold Coast Suns through zone drafting and with Jacob Gilbee Picture: David Clark Source: HWT Image Library

"He is well aware he has let himself and the club down by making this unacceptable individual choice."

The Tasmanian product has played three games with the Suns and debuted in 2011.

Gillbee was previously one of four players detained in Thailand following an incident during an end-of-season trip, although on that occasion Gillbee was a witness and not directly involved in the incident.
 

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blues reprimand Robinson

Carlton forward Mitch Robinson has been caught on footage in a scuffle at the Big Day Out in Flemington.

Mitch Robinson shown in a scuffle at the Big Day Out. Source: Herald Sun

Mitch Robinson held back from someone else in the crowd at the Big Day Out. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON will force Mitch Robinson to perform community work following an ugly incident at Big Day Out.

Video footage taken by a bystander shows Robinson land a left-hand blow to the other man before he is struck hard to the side of the head as he appears to bend over to pick up an item on the ground.

They then wrestle each other to the ground as others come in to remonstrate and also separate them, including a woman.

Carlton football operations boss Andrew McKay said Robinson should not have put himself in a position to be involved in such an incident.

"This type of behaviour, no matter what the circumstance, is not acceptable or in line with Club policy," McKay said in a statement released today.

"Mitch is extremely remorseful and has accepted the Club's sanction."

Robinson will complete two months of community service with the Salvation Army, working with the homeless and under-privileged in Melbourne's CBD.

He will also make a $1,000 donation to the Salvation Army.

Robinson left the Australia Day music festival off his own accord after the fracas, which ignited when the Blues midfielder tried to prevent his friend's "anti-social behaviour".

Both men have torn singlets when the footage begins, indicating the vision starts well after the fight began, but gets out of control after Robinson is struck while he is not paying attention.

The cowardly blow ignites the fight as a jeer can be heard from the crowd as two other men jump in to the fray as Robinson tries to escape a headlock.

One onlooker can be heard shouting ''That'll be six weeks Robinson'' after he throws the left hook.

Although witnesses who contacted the Herald Sun say they do not know why the fight erupted, they say up to eight men were involved in the melee before it was brought to an end.

One witness said Robinson was ''fuming'' after being ''targeted'' by a group looking for trouble.

''He was fuming, very angry, and was not going to walk away,'' the man said.

''It took his mates to get him to stop.''

But other witnesses were not positive Robinson and the other men were strangers.

The incident occurred after American band The Killers had finished their performance about 8pm.

Dayle, who said the fight started behind him near the Cruiser tent, said Robinson had ''plenty of opportunity to walk away''.

He said it appeared it may have been a fight between Robinson and someone else in his group.

''By the looks of it you would have thought it's been something in their internal group,'' he said.

''They were all pretty big and going at it. I didn't realise it was him (Robinson). He looked like he had plenty of opportunity to walk away from it.''

Carlton Football Club confirmed on Saturday night it was investigating the fight after pictures emerged of the 23-year-old on Twitter being held back by others in the crowd.

No report has been lodged with police and it is not believed anyone was injured.

Robinson, recruited from Tasmania, has played 67 games with the Blues.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kennett urges strike action

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL must change its drugs policy. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL must change its illicit drugs policy to avoid a tragedy.

Labelling the system "grossly unfair", the beyondblue chairman said the three-strikes policy was flawed and clubs should be informed earlier.

"I don't believe the three-strike rule is appropriate, nor do I think it is fair to the players, or to their families or to their clubs," Kennett said yesterday.

"I hope that if (AFL boss) Andrew (Demetriou) is serious, just as initially they wouldn't move on concussion, they will recognise that if they are serious about drugs, then they have got to involve the clubs earlier than currently occurs.

"Three strikes and you're out - that is grossly unfair and it could lead to a situation where maybe you end up with a death."

Earlier notice wanted on drugs

AFL leaders meet for a historic drugs summit at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Club chiefs are expected to push for earlier notification of a player's positive drugs strike, with some support from clubs for the three-strikes policy to be stripped back to two.

Former Hawthorn midfielder Travis Tuck is the only player to record three strikes under the AFL illicit drugs policy - in 2010.

Kennett said clubs must be alerted earlier so they could support the player back to a "condition of good behaviour".

 "At the moment, a player gets suspended after three strikes without there necessarily being any outside assistance given to him," Kennett said.

"Often it's assistance given by club doctors, but not with the club's knowledge. But often a player needs more than that.

Summit to scrutinise Mad Monday

"You have got to look at who else in the club might be their friends, might be influenced by that player's behaviour, might be supplying that player with drugs. That can't be done by a doctor."

Kennett said a move to two strikes should be the first step.

"There are many who say it should be one strike and you are gone, but I don't think we're going to move to that position overnight," he said.

Demetriou said tackling mental illness would also be considered at the summit, with 50 per cent of players on a second strike dealing with mental health issues.

Kennett welcomed the move.

"It is something that should be tackled head-on," he said. "The biggest mind alterer in our society is alcohol and then there are drugs and then there is depression and often you don't know where people enter the cycle."

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mick in control of NAB Cup

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse will steer his side in the NAB Cup. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MICK Malthouse will look to make an immediate impression on Carlton players by taking charge of all of the Blues' NAB Cup matches.

In the second half of his time as coach of Collingwood, Malthouse allowed his assistant coaches to take charge on match day during the pre-season series.

But Carlton football operations manager Andrew McKay confirmed that Malthouse wanted to ensure his message was clear from the start.

"This is a different situation (as to when he was at Collingwood)," McKay said.

Summer Barometer: See how the Blues are shaping up

"I think his assistants are going to do the internal trial games (this year), and Mick will be doing the NAB Cup.

"He wants to make sure the messages are the way he wants them to be delivered and wants to make sure the players understand that.

Coach Mick Malthouse lays down the law at Carlton training yesterday. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

"The internal games are different. He needs to be looking at both teams in those games, so it makes sense for the assistant coaches to coach in them."

McKay said Malthouse's approach had made an impact on the players ahead of NAB Cup games against Sydney and Greater Western Sydney at Blacktown on February 24. "Mick is a positive person and that has rubbed off on the players," he said.

McKay said the Blues were better placed in terms of fitness compared to last year.
 

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ziebell to miss start of NAB Cup

Jack Ziebell at North Melbourne training. Picture: Darren Tindale Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne vice-captain Jack Ziebell will miss the start of the NAB Cup after undergoing slight knee surgery earlier this month.

Track watchers at Simonds Stadium noticed the midfielder missed the first three match simulations sessions Geelong and North Melbourne have been undertaking.

The Kangaroos confirmed this week Ziebell had some knee soreness when he resumed training and it was decided to take the cautious approach and send him in for a clean-up.

He is almost certain to miss the Kangaroos' first NAB Cup games against Melbourne and Richmond on February 22, but the club hopes he can play a role later in the summer competition.

"Jack is tracking really well, two weeks after having a minor tidy up," North Melbourne head of medical services Steve Saunders said.

"He had some minor knee pain and we decided to be proactive and send him in for a tidy up which would allow him to be set up perfectly for the upcoming season.

"Jack will resume full training soon and we expect him to play, as planned, in the NAB Cup."

Ziebell, who turns 22 next month, played 17 matches last season, but had to sit out four weeks due to suspension after a much-publicised bump on Carlton's Aaron Joseph.

After spending time at high-altitude in Utah, the hard-working Roo returned to good form immediately and was one of the club's best players in its elimination final loss to West Coast.

North Melbourne will not be pushing Daniel Wells (achilles) and Leigh Adams (shoulder) early, with the club eager to have them right for the home-and-away season.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Carlton to probe Big Day Out incident

Carlton forward Mitch Robinson has been caught on footage in a scuffle at the Big Day Out in Flemington.

Mitch Robinson yesterday. Source: Herald Sun

Carlton forward Mitch Robinson is shown in a scuffle at the Big Day Out. Source: Herald Sun

VIDEO: CARLTON Football Club is investigating an incident involving forward Mitch Robinson at the Big Day Out yesterday.

Photos that appear to show him in a scuffle emerged on Twitter last night .

The 23-year-old was not hurt in the incident.

The club has been made aware of an incident involving Mitch Robinson and is conducting an investigation into the matter," Carlton media manager Michelle Trewartha said last night.

The former Tasmanian has played 67 games with the Blues.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Earlier notice wanted on drugs

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert sparked the drugs issue in a speech late last year. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

AFL club chiefs will push for earlier notification of a player's positive drugs strikes when the game's leaders meet at Wednesday's historic drugs summit.

And there could be a few clubs calling for the AFL's controversial three-strikes policy to be stripped back to two.

That is likely to come up against heavy resistance from the AFL Players Association, and perhaps even the AFL.

A compromise could come in the form of when clubs are informed of positive strikes against their players.

Currently, they are informed of a player's drug problems after he has received three drug strikes, but there is growing support amongst the clubs for officials to find out after a second strike.

The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal the move has strong support from some club heavyweights, with a number privately pushing for a hardening of the AFL drug policy.

It is understood the 18 AFL club chief executives will meet for a private dinner on Tuesday night to discuss the agenda for the summit and to have a collective, united approach.

The Herald Sun revealed details of the agenda for the summit, which included aspects of the three-strike policy as well as the potential to scale back and closely monitor organised player trips away out of season and the traditional "Mad Monday" celebrations.

The AFL has consistently defended the three-strikes policy, which it boasts is "world's best practice".

But fears of a spike this year in positive tests for illicit drug use among players and the abuse of a "self-reporting" loophole by a handful of players has prompted a game-wide rethink.

Some clubs feel the three-strikes policy is too lenient, allows players too many chances and needs to be tightened.

Currently, players are named and suspended after a third strike, but some club figures believe reducing that to two strikes would send a far stronger message to players and be a greater
deterrent against drug use.

The mood among some clubs is that meaningful change to the drugs policy is overdue and there is a feeling the AFL may be open to some rule adjustments.

Already, the AFLPA has flagged tentative support to close the "self-reporting" loophole open to players to avoid a drug strike.

Self-reporting occurs when a player admits having used drugs. Under the code, players can avoid registering a positive drug test and a strike against their names by admitting to have taken an illicit substance.

Club chiefs say excuses used include "I have had my drink spiked" and "I've accidentally
had drugs".

Some players have selfreported more than once, raising concerns about deliberate abuse of the policy.

Club bosses are keen to close that avenue at the summit.

The clubs also have growing concerns about player behaviour during their annual holidays.

All will be addressed in a panel forum at Etihad Stadium attended by AFL officials, chief executives, AFL players, the AFLPA, medical experts and law enforcement agencies.
 

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Young Sun in drink-drive charge

Jacob Gillbee was caught drink driving. Picture: Jay Nel-McIntosh Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

EXCLUSIVE: SUNS forward Jacob Gillbee has been charged with drink driving on the Gold Coast.

The 20-year-old, who will soon enter his third AFL season, recorded a blood alcohol reading of .137 after failing a random breath test at Broadbeach last night.

It is believed Gillbee was the sole occupant in the car.

SuperFooty understands Gillbee notified the club immediately and fully co-operated with Gold Coast Police.

Summer Barometer: Get the lowdown on the Suns' pre-season here

"We have spoken with Jacob this morning and he is very embarrassed by the situation he finds himself in," Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft told SuperFooty.

Alex Sexton (left) has been signed to the Gold Coast Suns through zone drafting and with Jacob Gilbee Picture: David Clark Source: HWT Image Library

"He is well aware he has let himself and the club down by making this unacceptable individual choice."

The Tasmanian product has played three games with the Suns and debuted in 2011.

Gillbee was previously one of four players detained in Thailand following an incident during an end-of-season trip, although on that occasion Gillbee was a witness and not directly involved in the incident.
 

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More