Kepadatan Key

REPLAY: Saturday's NAB Cup action

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 09 Maret 2013 | 18.19

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Hawk Derick Wanganeen pounces on Tiger Brandon Ellis during the first quarter at Aurora Stadium. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

FOLLOW today's NAB Cup action with games featuring powerhouses Hawthorn, Richmond, Geelong and Collingwood.

8.58pm - Lions win through to NAB Cup GF
Magpies 0.7.12 (54)
Lions 0.12.16 (88)
--
FULL TIME
Dockers 0.23.8 (146)
Bulldogs 0.5.7 (37)
--
Q4
Swans 0.9.12 (66)
Suns 0.3.6 (24)

BRISBANE will take on Carlton in next week's NAB Cup Grand Final.

The Lions smashed Collingwood by 34 points at Etihad Stadium tonight.

Rohan Bewick was the difference with four goals while Aaron Cornelius added three of his own.

The Magpies had no answers for the Lions' midfield brigade which provided perfect delivery for key forwards Cornelius, Bewick, Jonathan Brown and Stefan Martin.

Steele Sidebottom led the Magpies with 27 disposals while Dayne Beams finished with 23 possessions.

Meanwhile, Fremantle hammered the Western Bulldogs by 109 points at Mandurah.

Michael Walters finished with four goals while Nat Fyfe collected 30 disposals in the demolition.

8.46pm - Lions kick clear of Pies
Magpies 0.7.10 (52)
Lions 0.11.15 (81)
--
Q4
Dockers 0.21.7 (133)
Bulldogs 0.5.7 (37)
--
Q3
Swans 0.9.11 (65)
Suns 0.3.6 (24)

BRISBANE forward Rohan Bewick has put the game beyond doubt booting two last quarter goals to set up the Lions' five-goal buffer.

Bewick has four goals in a dominant display by the Lions at Etihad Stadium.

Brisbane will play Carlton in the NAB Cup grand final next week.

Meanwhile, Fremantle star Nat Fyfe sent a scare through the Dockers camp when he came off during the third quarter with an apparent shoulder injury.

But it was a false alarm with the classy midfielder returning a short time later.

8.27pm - Lions ramp up the pressure on Pies
Magpies 0.6.10 (46)
Lions 0.9.12 (66)
--
Q3
Dockers 0.17.6 (108)
Bulldogs 0.4.5 (29)
--
Q3
Swans 0.7.9 (51)
Suns 0.1.1 (7)

BRISBANE is about 20 minutes away from joining Carlton in the NAB Cup Grand Final.

The Lions lead Collingwood by 20 points with a quarter to play at Etihad Stadium.

Tom Rockliff has been important in the second half racking up the possessions (20) while chiming in with five clearances and four inside 50s.

Daniel Rich, Josh Green and Rohan Bewick (two goals) have all been dangerous with ball in hand.

Collingwood stars Dayne Beams and Steele Sidebottom are among the Magpies best with a raft of disposals and clearances to their names.

Meanwhile, Fremantle continues its rout of the Western Bulldogs leading by 79 points at three-quarter time.

Chris Mayne, Matt de Boer and Michael Waters lead the Dockers with three goals apiece.

8.07pm - Lions kick clear of Pies
Magpies 0.4.9 (33)
Lions 0.7.9 (51)
--
Q3
Dockers 0.14.4 (88)
Bulldogs 0.3.5 (23)
--
HALF TIME
Swans 0.7.8 (50)
Suns 0.1.1 (7)

BRISBANE is making light work of Collingwood early in the third quarter at Etihad Stadium.

The Lions are leading by 16 points after goals to Stefan Martin, Daniel Rich and Rohan Bewick in a dominant seven minutes of play.

The winner goes on to play in the NAB Cup Grand Final against Carlton.

Meanwhile, Fremantle continues its demolition of an under-manned Western Bulldogs outfit in Mandurah while Sydney is smashing Gold Coast at Blacktown.

In other news, Hawthorn is sweating on scans on Matthew Suckling's right keen after the key defender went down today.

Read more about Suckling's injury HERE

7.45pm - Pies, Lions locked in battle
Magpies 0.4.8 (32)
Lions 0.4.7 (31)
--
HALF TIME
Dockers 0.11.3 (69)
Bulldogs 0.2.5 (17)
--
Q2
Swans 0.3.4 (22)
Suns 0.1.1 (7)

COLLINGWOOD maintains its one-point buffer on Brisbane at the main break at Etihad Stadium.

Both sides exchanged blows during a hotly contested second quarter with Dayne Beams and Aaron Cornelius at the forefront.

Beams has 15 disposals and two goals to his name while Cornelius leads the Lions with three goals of his own.

Lions Joel Patfull and Patrick Karnezis worked their way into the contest during the second quarter.

Meanwhile, Jonathan Brown has struggled in his first pre-season match.

7.29pm - Dockers hammering Dogs in Mandurah
Magpies 0.4.6 (30)
Lions 0.3.5 (23)
--
Dockers 0.11.3 (69)
Bulldogs 0.2.5 (17)
--
Swans 0.1.2 (8)
Suns 0.0.1 (1)

FREMANTLE is putting the Western Bulldogs to the sword in its NAB Cup dead rubber at Rushton Park in Mandurah, Western Australia.

The Dockers have booted 11.3 (51) to the Bulldogs 2.5 (17) late in the second quarter.

Chris Mayne has been the chief destroyer with three goals while Matthew Pavlich has two.

Across the country in Sydney, the Swans lead Gold Coast by six points but have lost Alex Johnson to injury.

Johnson was stretchered off the ground.

Meanwhile, Collingwood leads Brisbane by seven points at Etihad Stadium.

Dayne Beams has been everywhere kicking goals and collecting a bunch of possessions through the midfield.

But the Lions have plenty to smile about with Aaron Cornelius providing a strong target inside the arc.

Cornelius already has three goals after slotting five against GWS last week.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

7.10pm - Beams, Cornelius in the thick of the action
Magpies 0.2.4 (16)
Lions 0.2.3 (15)

CORNELIUS has picked up where he left off last week kicking two goals in the first quarter against Collingwood.

But the Lion's efforts were not enough to stave off the Magpies, who lead by one point at quarter-time after Dayne Beams' converted a set shot after the siren.

Quinten Lynch is the other goalkicker on the ground.

Beams starred in the first quarter picking up 10 disposals including three clearances.

Suckling injury a blow for Hawks

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN has been dealt a blow with superboot Matthew Suckling suffering what appears to be a serious knee injury.

ALASTAIR Clarkson's dislike for the NAB Cup grew deeper yesterday when Hawthorn midfielder Matt Suckling left Aurora Stadium on crutches and seems destined for a season-ending knee reconstruction.

The Hawks' coach, who has labelled the AFL's preseason competition as a TV gimmick and nightmare for coaches, resigned himself to the fact that 25-year-old Suckling's year is over.

Statistically Hawthorn's best rebounding defender last season, Suckling spent the NAB Cup making his case for a spot further upfield with the departure of hard-running Hawk Clinton Young to Collingwood.

Suckling's knee gave way while he was evading a tackle from Richmond defender Troy Chaplin at the seven minute mark of the third quarter of their one-point NAB Cup loss to Richmond in Launceston yesterday.

Suckling will know his fate tomorrow after tests in Melbourne.

"It's more than likely going to be an ACL, and that's a great disappointment for us," Clarkson said.

Click for breaking news and match day coverage

"We've had five knee reconstructions in the past 12 months and that's the brutal nature of the game."

The Hawks coach is already dirty on the AFL for announcing its plan the slash interchange rotations from a league average of 130 per game to a cap of 80 next year.

"Once again, it (Suckling's injury) focuses on how important it is for us all to give serious consideration to the demands of this game on our players," Clarkson said.

"It's a very demanding game, in my view the most difficult ball sport to play in the world.

"We need to be especially mindful of the loads on our players."

The preseason competition, Clarkson said, was the most dangerous time for players.

"Most knee reconstructions happen either in the NAB Cup series or the first five or six rounds of the season," he said.

"We'll get the occasional one after their bodies are hardened and are match-conditioned.

"But this is a real precarious time for the players and unfortunately you're going to lose someone along the way and unfortunately we lost Suckling today.

"That's disappointing, but we'll have to replace him with another bloke and forge on."

Matthew Suckling injured his knee in this contest during today's NAB Cup match against Richmond. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Hawthorn lost its fourth consecutive NAB Cup match yesterday, going down to the Tigers, who won 0.13..7 (85) to 0.13.6 (84).

Clarkson took solace from the loss,

"They (Richmond) looked to be in control of the contest but we hung in there and that was really pleasing," he said.

"We've played a lot of our young players over the series.

"Interestingly, us and Sydney sit on the bottom of the NAB Cup ladder.

"It's all because our preparations are a lot different to a lot of the sides.

"All four sides we played (Gold Coast, Brisbane, Bulldogs and Tigers) didn't play finals last year so they've had longer campaigns than us.

"We'll get our side a lot more stable over the next few weeks leading into the Geelong game in round one."

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jack leads Tiges to victory

Jack Riewoldt kicked three goals in Richmond's NAB Cup victory over Hawthorn. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

A GOAL after the final siren from Richmond star Jack Riewoldt has given the Tigers a heart-stopping one-point AFL pre-season cup win over Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium.

Riewoldt nailed the difficult six-pointer from wide to the left to hand Richmond a 0.13.7(85) to 0.13.6(84) victory after a seesawing final quarter in which the lead changed six times.

The victory gave Richmond a 3-1 record for the pre-season and left grand finalists the Hawks winless after four.

Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead booted three of his five goals in the final term, but it wasn't enough after his side had clawed back from a 19-point halftime deficit.

Riewoldt and Chris Newman finished with three each for the Tigers with Roughead supported by Shaun Burgoyne and Matt Spangher with doubles in front of 8601 in Launceston.

Hawthorn went into the game against the near full-strength Tigers without a number of big guns, including Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli and captain Luke Hodge but Burgoyne and Grant Birchall made their first appearances of the year.

Richmond were all over them early and kicked four of the first five goals to race out to a 19-point lead.

But three goals in quick succession to Shane Savage, Jed Anderson and Burgoyne saw the Hawks finish the first term the stronger and at level pegging.

The Tigers came our growling in the second, booting four of the five goals to go to the long break up 0.8.4 to 0.5.3.

Riewoldt provided the comedy when he spectacularly somersaulted over the boundary fence and into one of the stands at Aurora, emerging unscathed moments later.

Hawthorn clawed their way back, kicking the first three goals of the third - two to Spangher - to narrow the margin to just three.

They hit the lead when Derick Wanganeen goaled but Richmond led by two points when Bachar Houli kicked a major on the stroke of three-quartertime.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cats show class to beat Roos

Majak Daw flies high for the Kangaroos. Picture: Bear Mitch Source: Herald Sun

ALL summer they've been bonding, but Geelong decided to put a halt to its generosity towards North Melbourne yesterday.

Paul Chapman ended the goodwill when he kicked three last-quarter goals to snuff out the Kangaroos' dream of playing in their first pre-season grand final for 13 years.

North have been regulars at Simonds Stadium in recent months for shared training sessions, with the Scott brothers happy to help each other out.

Word has it that mixing with the enemy was not Chapman's cup of tea.

After spending most of the game in the midfield, the 31-year-old Norm Smith medallist went forward and turned the game after North had got out to a seven-point lead after a Lachie Hansen goal.

Jack Ziebell actually got the Roos -- who needed to win to reach the NAB Cup grand final -- back to within a kick with just 90 seconds remaining, but a handball over the top from Cam Guthrie to Chapman in the goalsquare sealed the 12-point victory with 15 seconds remaining.

Roos coach Brad Scott said his players reported the 37C heat in Geelong was more bearable than the conditions the team had faced in Townsville seven days earlier against Gold Coast.

"You've got the dry heat of Melbourne versus the oppressive humidity up in Townsville . . . they didn't feel it was a factor."

Scott admitted the Roos' big-man picture remained clouded. Majak Daw was again doing some exciting things. Daniel Currie, who rucked one-out with regular Todd Goldstein, was dumped to the reserves, where he impressed with 39 hit-outs, albeit against an inexperienced Geelong ruck division.

"Majak is going to keep getting better," he said.

"Again the things that he did well, you guys would have all seen them, but we have a much closer eye on the things that he is still learning and there were quite a few of them today.

"But what a great experience for him so whether he's pushing into our best side or not, it's going to be tough because we choose to rest Robbie Tarrant this week.

"Goldstein was good in the VFL and Currie was good albeit up against a 3000m steeplechaser (Mark Blicavs) who is an unbelievable story, as he looks like a Geelong player already."

The only injury concern for the Roos was skipper Andrew Swallow, who rolled his ankle in the third quarter, but he reappeared in the final term and played out the game.

There were plenty of positives for the Cats, who again rested a handful of stars including Jimmy Bartel, Harry Taylor and Corey Enright.

Last year's first-round draft pick, Jackson Thurlow, looks a likely type while George Horlin-Smith continued his progression and may have played his way into the Round 1 team.

Geelong star Steve Johnson was pivotal in the Cats 12-point win over North Melbourne at Simonds Stadium. Picture: Getty

Paul Chapman attempts to bust a tackle. Picture: Bear Mitch

Jack Ziebell attempts to extract the ball. Picture: Bear Mitch

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Eddie slams Footy Show cash splash

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 08 Maret 2013 | 18.19

McGuire rubbishes suggestions Swan didn't get club support.

COLLINGWOOD president Eddie McGuire has questioned The Footy Show's chequebook journalism in the wake of last night's Dane Swan interview on the Footy Show.

McGuire said he didn't watch the interview but was incensed that Swan's manager Liam Pickering and Channel 9 hadn't contacted him or the club before it was recorded.

McGuire also voiced concern at reports Swan had been paid to give the interview.

"If you're going to start paying $25,000, which is apparently what I'm hearing for an interview," he said

"Just as I'd like to know whether they paid Cloke last year and Leon Davis last year to come in and try to say some things that muddied the water at Collingwood, and even more importantly, whether they paid Mick Malthouse when he did that story that blew the club up in its quest for a premiership.

Swan denies he, or anyone at Collingwood, has drug problem.

"I'd like to know if there's been $100,000 spent on interviews with Collingwood players."

Collingwood yesterday slapped Swan with a fine in a fresh sign of tension between the Magpies and their most decorated current player.

Swan was summoned to a meeting with officials yesterday afternoon where he was told he would be sanctioned for taking part in a pre-recorded interview on Channel 9 that had not been authorised by the club's administration.

Under AFL rules, clubs cannot fine players more than $5000. It is believed Swan's fine is less than the maximum amount.

2013 preview: The Magpies will struggle to make the top four this season, according to Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson.

Short memory: Are Eddie's ethics everywhere?

But McGuire said he expected that ceiling to be lifted as a way of discouraging players from going outside the usual channels for arranging interviews.

"The fines will go up. This five grand fine for players. The AFL are onto this, it's going to go through the roof because people are snubbing it," he said.

"If I could make it 25 grand, I'd make it 25 grand to make the point"

Dane Swan at Collingwood training today. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Injury setbacks for Ball, Didak

The former Footy Show host said Collingwood players would be hit hard if they spoke without club authorisation in the future.

"I'll give you the tip now, it won't ever happen at Collingwood again," McGuire said on Triple M this morning.

"Because every player who does not follow protocol at Collingwood, and I would speak for every club now, is going to get blistered and blistered hard.

Collingwood season preview - Will Pies make the top four?

"Philosophically, I didn't have an issue about him on The Footy Show. I was quite happy with what Swanny said last night.

"Swanny's pretty much done the right thing, if you like, and all the rest of it, but the protocol has been absolutely jumped over the top of."

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert refused to comment when contacted yesterday afternoon.

The Magpies confirmed in yesterday's Herald Sun that they only learned of Swan's paid interview with The Footy Show after the deal had been negotiated and the interview had been filmed.

While Pert would not comment yesterday, a day earlier he told this newspaper that the club was "surprised" Swan had taken part in the interview without club permission.

Swan declares: I don't have a drug problem

"Dane's management negotiated and conducted the interview before the club's administration was advised," Pert said on Wednesday.

"While we encourage our players to do media work because our supporters enjoy it, we were surprised with the timing of this interview."

Paid interviews with former coach Mick Malthouse in 2011 and Travis Cloke last year caused serious tensions within the club.

It is understood a number of Swan's teammates expressed frustration at his decision to agree to the interview.

Some believed it was poor timing given the likely subject matter and the fact that the club is only 24 days away from its Round 1 clash with North Melbourne.

The 29-year-old, who has long railed against authority, was suspended by the club for two games last year turning up to training in an unfit state.

Swan, who has won three Copeland Trophies as well as the 2011 Brownlow Medal, has been the subject of much scrutiny in recent years in terms of his off-field behaviour.

In interview aired on Fox Sports last night, Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley conceded Swan has had to change part of his carefree nature to fit in with the club's program.

"Our football program has changed a little bit and our players have to move along with that," Buckley told Fox Sports.

"'Swanny' has come along for the journey, his attitude has been fantastic in what he has given to his teammates, but ultimately the true test is out on the field.

"There has been a lot of focus on 'Swanny' and rightly so when you have that many tatts you are going to get a little bit of attention."

Swan has been rested from tomorrow night's NAB Cup game against Brisbane, along with other stars Scott Pendlebury and Travis Cloke.

- with Glenn McFarlane

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tigers in Tassie to win

Trent Cotchin returns to the team to lead the Tigers in Launceston tomorrow. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

IT MAY not be the 10-goal mauling the Tigers handed Hawthorn when they met last season but Richmond is determined to humble the Hawks again tomorrow.

The Tigers hit the immaculate green carpet at Aurora Stadium today for a relaxed run ahead of their Round 3 NAB Cup showdown with Hawthorn tomorrow at 1.10pm.

Already packing a 2-1 win-loss ratio and sitting sixth on the pre-season table, compared to a winless Hawthorn sitting second-last, Richmond is not just preparing its systems for Round 1.

"We've come here to win," assistant coach Ross Smith said.

"We beat both Grand Final teams last year, but we need to win games and build our confidence going into the season proper."

The Tigers have been boosted by the return of new captain Trent Cotchin and vice-captain Brett Deledio, ruckman Ivan Maric, midfielder Reece Conca and defender Steven Morris.

Richmond's new key defender Troy Chaplin has been tipped to play half a game on his way into the team after injury, and new midfielder Sam Lonergan, picked up from Essendon, will play most of the match in his first game back from injury.

"To have Chappy to bolster our backline is fantastic, and we've got a pretty good midfield as it is but Sam Lonergan adds a little bit of grunt and experience and compliments that," Smith said.

Changed man: Sam Lonergan wants to repay the faith the Tigers have shown in him. Picture: David Smith Source: Herald Sun

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Injuries mount for Giants

GWS star Callan Ward off the ground after head clash. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

GREATER Western Sydney co-captain Callan Ward and boom recruit Jono O'Rourke will take no further part in tonight's NAB Cup match against Essendon.

Ward collided with the Bombers midfield enforcer Heath Hocking in a marking contest early in the first quarter.

The classy midfielder's head then bounced off the turf leaving the former Bulldog worse for wear.

Click for Live HQ rolling coverage of tonight's NAB Cup action

Ward had one disposal to his name.

Hocking was reported following the incident.

He watched the remainder of the first half from the interchange bench.

Meanwhile, No.2 draft pick O'Rourke was subbed out of the match at half-time.

The young gun emerged on the interchange bench with heavy strapping on his right thigh.

O'Rourke, who was subbed on during the second term, finished with two disposals.

The latest injury comes as a blow for the emerging midfielder who has track record of hamstring injuries.

O'Rourke spent the bulk of the pre-season on a modified training program.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

LIVE: Crows v Blues

Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker flies for a mark in the Crows NAB Cup match against Carlton. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Brendon Goddard kicked a nice goal from deep in the pocket to extend the Bombers' lead. Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

ADELAIDE takes on Mick Malthouse's Carlton outfit looking to book its spot in the NAB Cup grand final next week.

9.47pm - Crows draw level at half time
Crows 2.7.4 (64)
Blues 2.7.4 (64)

IT'S a supergoal frenzy at AAMI Stadium with Adelaide and Carlton exchanging nine-pointers going into half time.

The Crows reclaimed the lead with back-to-back supergoals to Taylor Walker and Sam Jacobs.

But Marc Murphy hit back for the Blues slotting his own nine-point goal from outside the arc to tie the game up.

Walker has been the star inside 50 for the Crows booting three goals.

While Kane Lucas leads the Blues with three of his own.

Brock McLean orchestrated a Blues revival midway through the second quarter booting a supergoal of his own before snapping a regulation six-pointer moments later.

Crows ball magnet Scott Thompson is leading the way with 17 disposals including five clearances.

Crows spearhead Taylor Walker celebrates his nine-pointer against Carlton. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

9.31pm - Blues rally against Crows
Crows 0.7.2 (44)
Blues 1.5.4 (49)

CARLTON has hit back at Adelaide early in the second quarter with goals to Kane Lucas, his third, and Brock McLean.

Lucas got on the end of the handball at top of the arc before waltzing for his third goal.

McLean then hammered home the revival roosting a 55m drop punt for the first supergoal of the night.

The ball magnet then put the Blues in front snapping truly under pressure from the top of the square.

Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker also has two goals to his name.

Carlton midfielder Mitch Robinson tries to break Brent Reilly's tackle. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

9.12pm - Crows skip away over Blues
Crows 0.6.2 (38)
Blues 0.4.2 (26)

ADELAIDE is threatening to break open its NAB Cup match against Carlton at AAMI Stadium.

The Crows were locked in a tough battle for much of the term before three quick goals to Taylor Walker, Richard Douglas and Josh Jenkins made it an 18-point ball game.

But the Blues responded with Dennis Armfield bursting inside 50 to kick his first and cut the margin to 12 points.

Armfield has been one of the Blues' best with two run down tackles on Crows star Patrick Dangerfield.

Meanwhile, Josh Jenkins put his hand up for the ruck/forward spot left vacant by Crows defector Kurt Tippett.

Jenkins kicked two goals in the first quarter.

A hot Patrick Dangerfield tries to cool down during quarter time Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

9pm - Blues, Crows locked in battle
Crows 0.3.2 (20)
Blues 0.3.2 (20)

A SHOOT out is unfolding as Adelaide and Carlton do battle at AAMI Stadium.

Kane Lucas has been the pick of the Blues early with two goals to his name.

But the Crows have responded each time the Blues threaten to bust the game open with Jared Petrenko, Josh
Jenkins and Patrick Dangerfield kicking first quarter goals.

Scott Thompson has been busy early collecting eight disposals while Jeff Garlett leads the Blues with seven possessions.

Crows Sam Jacobs and Patrick Dangerfield celebrate a first-quarter goal against Carlton. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

8.48pm - Blues, Crows exchange goals
Crows 0.1.2 (8)
Blues 0.1.0 (6)

KANE Lucas has given Carlton an ideal start converting an advantage situation for the Blues opening goal against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

Lucas was the beneficiary of Dennis Armfield's run down tackle on Crows star Patrick Dangerfield.

Dangerfield turned the ball over failing to burn off Armfield at half-forward.

Lucas pounced and punished the Crows.

But Dangerfield responded moments later taking a mark inside 50 and making no mistake from the set shot.

8.29pm - Bombers demolish Giants
Giants 0.4.4 (28)
Bombers 1.16.14 (119)

PARTY time at Manuka Stadium with Bombers Cale Hooker, David Myers, Heath Hocking and Patrick Ryder kicking goals to cap off the Dons 91-point win over Greater Western Sydney.

Bombers skipper Jobe Watson was integral in the second of four late goals, winning the ball at half forward before finding Myers running full tilt towards goal.

Ryder added to the Giants pain slotting his third goal late in the final quarter.

But it's been the Watson show with the Brownlow medallist helping himself to 31 disposals at 93 per cent efficiency.

Watson chimed in with seven clearances and seven tackles.

8.01pm - Bombers get busy on Giants
Giants 0.4.3 (27)
Bombers 1.12.8 (89)

ESSENDON turned up the heat on GWS Giants after a slow start to the third quarter.

The Bombers moved to their biggest lead of the match -- 62 points -- in shadows of three-quarter time following Mark Baguley's goal from close range.

Baguley won a free kick outside the arc and then was awarded a 50m penalty when a Giants opponent got too close to the set shot.

Alwyn Davey broke the shackles moments earlier converting from 30m on a slight angle.

Essendon skipper Jobe Watson works through traffic at Manuka Stadium. Picture: Kym Smith Source: Herald Sun

7.40pm - Injuries mount for Giants
Giants 0.4.2 (26)
Bombers 1.9.7 (70)

GWS will be without Callan Ward and No.2 draft pick Jono O'Rourke for the remainder of the match.

O'Rourke, who was subbed off at half-time, emerged on the interchange bench with heavy strapping on his thigh.

Irishman Setanta O'hAilpin opened the scoring in the second half with a goal from the goal square.

7.11pm - Bombers lead by 50 points
Giants 0.3.2 (20)
Bombers 1.9.7 (70)

ESSENDON was lucky to kick a steadying goal after a mini Giants fightback late in the second quarter.

Bombers prospect Elliott Kavanagh was the beneficiary, pouncing on the loose ball in the goal square after Giants star Tom Scully dispossessed Jackson Merrett in a hard tackle.

Merrett played on after marking a centering ball but was run down, dropping the ball to the feet of a hard-running Kavanagh.

Ruckman Tom Bellchambers added salt to the Giants wounds kicking truly to give the Bombers a 50-point buffer at the main break.

Giants youngster Sam Frost sparked the resurgence racing in to kick his second goal of the match.

Rhys Palmer then converted his set shot after winning a free kick to cut the margin to seven goals.

Essendon skipper Jobe Watson is the leading possession winner on the ground with 19 followed by Rising Star Dyson Heppell who has 18 disposals.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: James Hird, coach of the Bombers, addresses his players during the round three of the NAB Cup AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Essendon Bombers at Manuka Oval on March 8, 2013 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

6.53pm - Bombers add to Giants pain
Giants 0.1.1 (7)
Bombers 1.7.6 (57)

ESSENDON continues to pile on the pressure against GWS Giants with Patrick Ryder and Heath Hocking extending the Bombers' lead to 50 points.

Hocking kicked the Dons' first goal of the second quarter snapping from the top of the square.

Enter Ryder who marked Michael Hurley's centering kick for the second in a hurry to put paid to the young Giants.

Giants skipper Phil Davis is under siege in the back half defending the Bombers onslaught. Davis has picked up eight disposals including three marks.

Meanwhile Callan Ward is off the ground after copping a heavy knock in the first quarter.

Ward, one of the Giants most important playmakers, had just one disposal to his name.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 08: Michael Hurley of the Bombers marks during round three of the NAB Cup AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Essendon Bombers at Manuka Oval on March 8, 2013 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

6.29pm - Bombers goal frenzy
Giants 0.1.1 (7)
Bombers 1.4.3 (36)

IT'S getting ugly at Manuka Stadium with Essendon skipping away late in the first quarter.

The Dons trailled the Giants by seven points early in the term before goals to Jackson Merrett, Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard and Michael Hibberd silenced the home crowd.

Goddard's was the pick of the goals converting a difficult shot from deep in the pocket.

PRE-GAME: GREATER Western Sydney will be looking to continue its solid pre-season form when the Giants take on Essendon tonight.

The fledgling AFL club boasts a 1-2 NAB Cup record including a runaway victory against arch-rivals and reigning premiers Sydney.

Add to our LiveHQ coverage by tweeting your thoughts on tonight's games @superfooty or @gilbertgardiner

The Giants, set to unleash No.2 draft pick Jono O'Rourke against the Bombers, two losses have been by a combined five points at the hands of Carlton and Brisbane last week.

Essendon has named a largely unchanged line up for the tonight's match at Manuka Stadium with Tayte Pears and Nathan Lovett-Murray added to the squad.

See all the teams HERE

Veteran ruckman David Hille was left out.

Check back throughout the evening for breaking news and match updates

Meanwhile, Giants posterboy Tom Scully is back after missing last week's loss to the Lions with a minor knee injury.

CARLTON takes on Adelaide in game two of tonight's pre-season twin bill, with the winner moving into next week's NAB Cup grand final.

A win for the Blues at AAMI Stadium against the Crows would cap off a sterling start to master coach Mick Malthouse's tenure at Visy Park.

Schedule

GWS v Essendon at Manuka Stadium from 6.30pm
Adelaide v Carlton at AAMI Stadium from 8.30pm

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Injury blows for Tigers, Blues

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 06 Maret 2013 | 18.19

David Astbury celebrates a goal for Richmond. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND defender David Astbury is in doubt for the start of the home-and-away season while Round 1 opponent Carlton has lost four players for at least five weeks.

Astbury will miss the final two weeks of the pre-season after sufffering what the Tigers describe as a "minor foot injury".

The young defender was on the brink of completing his first full pre-season since arriving at the club in 2009 and was one of Richmond's best players in its win against Essendon last Saturday, shutting down Bombers forward Michael Hurley.

But after the match Tigers medical staff discovered a "stress reaction" in his left foot.

Astbury is competing with the likes of Dylan Grimes, Ben Griffiths and former free agent Troy Chaplin for a place in the Tigers' defence in Round 1.

"It's very frustrating that I'll miss the opportunity to (push my case for selection), but hopefully I'll still be considered and get an opportunity soon," Astbury told the club's website.

Carlton, meanwhile, will be without tough midfielder David Ellard (hamstring) and rookies Andrew Collins (ankle) and Rhys O'Keeffe (heel) for the next five weeks.

And draftee Nick Graham won't play for two months after arthroscopic surgery to relieve swelling in his knee.

Key forward Jarrad Waite (calf) won't resume full training for two weeks and is in extreme doubt for the March 22 clash against the Tigers.

In better news for Carlton, Chris Judd and Heath Scotland are likely to play their first pre-season matches against Adelaide on Friday night.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Concussions up but injuries down

Geelong doctors treat Joel Selwood after he was knocked out against St Kilda. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE injury rate for AFL footballers dropped last year, with the games missed per club during the 2012 season at its lowest level since 2008.

The league's annual injury survey, released today, reveals that quad and groin strains were at lower levels than 2011, but players were suffering more calf strains and concussions.

But the AFL Medical Officers' Association would not comment on whether a proposed cap on interchanges – set to be introduced next season – would have any definable impact on injuries.

AFL active general manager Gil McLachlan said: "In the interests of player health and welfare, the injury survey helps to identify the most important areas for further AFL-funded research, with the primary goal of ensuring the game is safe and that our players have the best possible treatment and support when returning from any injury.

"The AFL will continue to consider and implement rule changes when necessary to improve player safety, not just at the elite level, but across all levels of our game for both adults and children."

Dr Hugh Seward said the recent rise in games missed for concussion had a lot to do with more conservative medical practices.

"The rise in concussion incidence over the last two years in the AFL corresponds with a worldwide trend amongst many sports to recognise the potential long-term effects of concussion and the adoption of a more conservative approach with return-to-play decisions," Dr Seward said.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blues leave Judd on ice

Chris Judd at Carlton training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON star Chris Judd will have just one week of match practice before Round 1 after skipping Friday's NAB Cup clash against Adelaide.

The Blues named their squad for Friday's clash at AAMI stadium without Judd, who is being carefully managed on the training track.

Earlier today the club said on its website the former skipper was available for selection.

The Blues have named veteran Heath Scotland for his first pre-season hitout, although he will miss the first two weeks of the home-and-away season serving a club suspension.

"It's all about load balance for those two guys," Blues football manager Andrew McKay said of Judd and Scotland.

Carlton has suffered injury setbacks to a series of young players with David Ellard (hamstring), draftee Nick Graham (knee) and rookies Andrew Collins (ankle) and Rhys O'Keeffe (heel) all out for at least a month.

Andrew Carrazzo will captain the Blues on Friday night in his audition for the top job.

Adelaide boosted the team that suffered a disappointing loss to Geelong last weekend, adding Rory Sloane, Jared Petrenko, Sam Shaw, Ian Callinan and Rising Star Award winner Daniel Talia.

In the earlier Friday night game, Essendon takes on GWS in Canberra with defender Tayte Pears and veteran Nathan Lovett-Murray added to the team that lost to Richmond in Wangaratta. Ruckman David Hille has been left out.

The Giants have named Tom Scully after he missed last week's loss to Brisbane with a minor knee injury.

NAB CUP SQUADS

GWS v Essendon, Manuka Oval, Friday 6.10pm

GWS

1 Phil Davis
2 Curtly Hampton
3 Stephen Coniglio
4 Toby Greene
5 Dylan Shiel
7 Rhys Palmer
8 Callan Ward
9 Tom Scully
11 Taylor Adams
17 Adam Treloar
20 Adam Tomlinson
23 sam Reid (e)
24 Jono O'rourke
28 Liam Sumner
30 Lachie Plowman
31 Jacob Townsend
35 Aidan Corr
37 Setanta o'Hailpin
39 Tim Mohr
40 Adam Kennedy
42 Mark Whiley
43 Kurt Aylett
46 Bret Thornton
48 Sam Frost
50 Dean Brogan

Essendon

1 Michael Hibberd
2 Tom Bellchambers
4 Jobe Watson
5 Brent Stanton
7 Leroy Jetta
9 Brendon Goddard
12 Stewart Crameri
15 Courtney Dempsey
16 Tayte Pears
17 Jake Melksham
18 Michael Hurley
20 Jackson Merrett
21 Dyson Heppell
22 Jake Carlisle
23 David Myers
26 Cale Hooker
28 Elliott Kavanagh
29 Alwyn Davey
30 Paddy Ryder
31 Dustin Fletcher
34 Kyle Hardingham
35 Marty Glesson
38 Nick Kommer
39 Heath Hocking
40 Ben Howlett
42 Nathan Lovett-Murray
46 Mark Baguley

ADELAIDE v CARLTON, AAMI Stadium, Friday 8.40pm

Adelaide

2. Brad Crouch
3. Brent Reilly
4. Josh Jenkins
5. Scott hompson
7. Nathan van Berlo
9. Rory Sloane
10. Matthew Jaensch
11. Matthew Wright
12. Daniel Talia
13. Taylor Walker
14. David Mackay
16. Luke Brown
17. Bernie Vince
18. Graham Johncock
22. Andy Otten
23. Jared Petrenko
24. Sam Jacobs
25. Ben Rutten
26. Richard Douglas
29. Sam Kerridge
32. Patrick Dangerfield
34. Sam Shaw
35. Shaun McKernan
36. Brodie Martin
37. Ian Callinan
40. Jason Porplyzia
45. Ricky Henderson

Carlton

1 Andrew Walker
3 Marc Murphy
6 Kade Simpson
7 Dylan Buckley
8 Matthew Kreuzer
9 Kane Lucas
11 Rob Warnock
12 Mitch Robinson
13 Chris Yarran
14 Brock McLean
15 Jeremy Laidler
19 Eddie Betts
21 Josh Bootsma
22 Shaun Hampson
23 Lachie Henderson
27 Dennis Armfield
28 Tom Bell
29 Heath Scotland
34 Nick Duigan
35 Ed Curnow
38 Jeff Garlett
39 Frazer Dale
40 Michael Jamison
42 Zach Tuohy
43 Simon White
44 Andrew Carrazzo
45 Aaron Joseph

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Port declares: We want Buddy

Lance Franklin has put of contract talks until the end of the season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

PORT Adelaide chairman David Koch says the Power will chase superstar Hawthorn free agent Lance Franklin.

Franklin has put off contract talks until the end of the season, setting a side a long-term offer worth up to $1 million a season.

Koch said Port needed a "marquee player" and would chase Franklin hard, but conceded moving to Sydney might be a more attractive option if he decided to leave the Hawks.

"We're in the market for Buddy," Koch told the Port website today.

"We've got plenty of room under our salary cap for next year and he would be part of our target."

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou this week said Franklin could be paid outside the salary cap if he joined Greater Western Sydney and took up a role as an AFL ambassador, similar to work done by rugby convert Israel Folau last year. Demetriou stressed the league would not help or encourage any player to change clubs.

Koch added an interesting perspective on speculation Buddy could head north, saying the champion goalkicker was already comfortable in the harbour city.

"I saw him quite a bit over summer in Sydney. He hangs out in Sydney, he hangs out with the Waratahs guys, the rugby union guys quite a lot.

"He hangs out around Bondi, the Cross and where all the beautiful young people go ... from what I saw of him, he seemed to be enjoying the environment."

Koch also joined Melbourne club bosses in calling on the AFL to scrap the extra salary cap allowance for the two Sydney clubs.

The Swans and Giants receive an extra 9.8 per cent in their salary cap to account for a higher cost of living.

"They don't need any extra money whatsoever," Koch said.

"It is more expensive (in Sydney) but there are more opportunities for a lot of players in Sydney for things outside of football. I think it measures up.

"I actually think the AFL has got to start focusing back on the traditional heartland clubs rather than the expansion teams and look at their core again and give us a bit of a break."

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cap is coming, too bad: Demetriou

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 05 Maret 2013 | 18.19

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse slams the AFL's trial interchange laws in the NAB Cup, saying the rules are out of touch with the modern game.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says the cap rule is coming regardless of criticism. Source: Herald Sun

AN interchange cap for the 2014 AFL season is coming so stop complaining about it.

That's the emphatic message from AFL boss Andrew Demetriou to the league's senior coaches following widespread condemnation of the interchange cap, which has proved a sour point for clubs during the NAB Cup.

Several AFL coaches have slammed the rule, which restricts them to a total of 80 rotations per match.

But Demetriou says the cap was agreed to in principal late last year, and that was final.

The cap rule explained here

"The fact of the matter is, unless people have got amnesia, the AFL Commission has already passed the rule," Demetriou said on SEN Radio today.

"It said at the end of the year the cap is coming in.

"And they wanted to look at this year to see if the actual number of 80 (the cap) is correct.

"There's no going back on that - that is already put in place."

A high number of AFL coaches expressed their displeasure at the cap rule last weekend.

Hawthorn premiership coach Alastair Clarkson led the charge to condemn the rule following his side's one-point loss to the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.

Bulldogs players join cap backlash

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

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

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

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

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney said he spent "a stupid amount of time" counting interchange rotations during the game rather than coaching his team, while Carlton coach Mick Malthouse – a staunch advocate of unlimited bench moves - will meet with rules committee member Kevin Bartlett this week to express his frustration at the change.

"Coaches get driven mad by having reduced (interchange) numbers," Malthouse said after the Blues' big win against Fremantle on Saturday.

AFL might pay for Buddy move

"I just don't get it.

"It's not friendly to the players. If (the AFL) wants the medical evidence which they've chosen to dismiss, it will suggest that there's a very strong link between more interchanges and less injuries, not the other way around."

The AFL chief executive said he did not understand the level of criticism.

"I'm not quite sure why after one round of NAB Cup, everyone is up in arms," he said.

"We've been through the proper process - we actually advised the coaches and told them at the coaches' dinner we had last year.

"I'm not quite sure whether there is something in people's Wheaties at the moment."

Demetriou said the final number of rotations allowed per game may change, but not the rule itself.

"Unless after we get all the results of this year from the data and the injury survey to see if there are any trends, whether that should be higher or lower and I'm just speculating, but there will be a cap," he said.

"That has already been decided."

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL might pay for Buddy move

Lance Franklin has delayed contract talks with Hawthorn until the end of the season, prompting fears he could be headed elsewhere. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Swans champion Tony Lockett was paid by the league as an ambassador in an expansion market. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

LANCE Franklin could be paid by the AFL outside the salary cap should he choose to leave Hawthorn for Greater Western Sydney.

The AFL would consider making Franklin an ambassador of the game, as it did rugby league converts Israel Folau and Karmichael Hunt.

But the league would not enter into an arrangement until after Franklin had committed to the Giants.

There has already been a strong reaction to the story this morning.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said there would be a uprising against the AFL if this was to happen.

"If the AFL start cheating their own salary cap, Hawthorn won't stand for that," Eddie McGuire said on Triple M this morning.

"I'll give you the tip, there will be a massive push because there will be a position free on the AFL Commission soon, there might be a Hawthorn bloke (Jeff Kennett) going on there.

"If Buddy Franklin gets paid outside the salary cap to go to Greater Western Sydney, there will fair dinkum be marching in the street.

"That's just intolerable."

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou yesterday confirmed a precedent existed where an AFL player - Tony Lockett - was paid by the league as an ambassador in an expansion market.

Lockett joined Sydney from St Kilda in 1995.

Demetriou yesterday stressed the AFL would not be part of any deal to send Franklin north, but would look at a proposal from GWS after Franklin had signed.

"It would be assessed on its merits, and if it made sense, our guys would put a recommendation in," Demetriou said.

"Under no circumstances are they to enter into an arrangement with a club to entice a player to go somewhere on the basis we are going to top up his salary."

The game's most dynamic player has delayed contract talks with Hawthorn until the end of the season, prompting fears he could be headed elsewhere.

His manager, Liam Pickering, said at the weekend he had not fielded offers from another club.

GWS chief executive David Matthews would not comment on recruiting, although it is understood the Giants, who last week re-signed several players, including key forward Jonathon Patton, would now put Franklin on the agenda.

Rioli slams new indigenous team

The club has room in its salary cap to pay Franklin about $1.2 million a season.

Demetriou, who believes Franklin will stay at the Hawks, said an ambassador's role had to be "unique".

Saint icon Barker clear for take-off

"If there's going to be an ambassador, it's got to be because the player is doing something unique and they're helping us promote the game," he said.

Summit to hear conflict

"The last player who went to Sydney on that sort of basis was Tony Lockett, and he was an ambassador, so there is a precedent for it.

Cloke and dagger TV deal done by dad

"We set up Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau because they were two rugby league players and we paid them quite publicly outside the cap. And they did a lot of work in that role."

Footy comes first at Etihad

The AFL also has appointed 11 multicultural ambassadors, including Richmond's Bachar Houli, Collingwood's Harry O'Brien, St Kilda's Leigh Montagna and West Coast's Nic Naitanui.

Demetriou said splitting Franklin's contract was not an option.

"We couldn't have a discussion with GWS to say we'll give him $5 and you give him $2 and we can give him $7 ... we wouldn't be party to that," he said.

It's not fair to the other clubs."

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dogs back AFL coaches' cap angst

Western Bulldogs midfielder Mitch Wallis expects to feel the pinch of the AFL's interchange cap later in the season. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

WESTERN Bulldogs midfielder Mitch Wallis backed the AFL coaches' condemnation of the 80 interchange limit being trialled during the NAB Cup.

Wallis said today that he believed such a restriction week after week would take a heavy toll on players over a season.

"Talking to the coaches earlier on, it would be fine for a game, but to have it for a while season, fatigue would set in,'' Wallis said.

"Like I said, it would be right for a week, but as the season wore on and you played 22 games with 80 rotations, I think fatigue would set in.''

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou today re-iterated the league's position on the cap despite the disapproval from coaches.

"The fact of the matter is, unless people have got amnesia, the AFL Commission has already passed the rule," Demetriou said on SEN Radio today.

"It said at the end of the year the cap is coming on."

Meanwhile, Bulldogs defender Easton Wood said he felt more weary after the one-point win against Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium last Friday night.

"I'm always pretty tired any game I play, but I was pretty tired at the weekend. It's like anything, we'll play with the parameters we get,'' he said.

Wood said Melbourne's hot summer had helped prepare the Bulldogs for a potentially hot conditions when they play Fremantle in Mandurah, south of Perth, late on Saturday afternoon.

"It's just another chance to work on what we've been doing for the whole pre-season. We've had a pretty hot pre-season, so we're well prepared for it,'' he said.

"We'll just follow advice from the dietician as normal, drink up and prepare yourself.''

Wood said the loss of tall defender Brian Lake to Hawthorn has been more the offset by the return of experienced Dale Morris after being forced to sit out last season while recovering from a badly broken leg.

"I look at it the other way. It's such a positive, we've got our most experienced player in Dale Morris back. It had a huge impact last year without him playing,'' the Dogs backman said.

"I played with him in the first couple of years and the impact he has is enormous and to have him back, I couldn't be happier. But at the same time we have a young group and we can all work together to where we want to go.''

Wallis and Wood said the mood around the Whitten Oval has been buoyed by the Dogs' ability to hold out the Hawks last weekend. And Wood dismissed gloomy predictions for the club this season.

"You never like hearing that sort of stuff. Look, we don't work as hard as we do to just write a season off like that,'' Wood said.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Goodes set to return for Swans

Adam Goodes is set to open his NAB Cup campaign against Gold Coast. Picture: Tim Hunter Source: Herald Sun

SYDNEY co-captain Adam Goodes is set to make his long-awaited return from a knee injury on Saturday night.

The Swans host Gold Coast in a pre-season clash at Blacktown in Sydney and coach John Longmire has confirmed Goodes will play, barring any mishaps at training.

"We should be getting a few players back this week,'' said Longmire on Tuesday.

"Hopefully Kieren Jack, Adam Goodes and Rhyce Shaw will certainly be playing if they get through this week.

"Just how much they play is yet to be determined.''

Goodes has spent the majority of the offseason recovering from a knee injury he sustained in last year's grand final win.

Longmire said the dual-Brownlow Medallist would be among six to seven players returning on the weekend.

"He (Goodes) has been training really well the last few weeks.

He won't play the whole game, but he'll come in and hopefully get some quality game time under his belt.''

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

I'm not arrogant: Demetriou

Written By Unknown on Senin, 04 Maret 2013 | 18.19

Mark Robinson and Michael Warner debate the top 10 most powerful people in footy

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou speaks at a press conference in Canberra. Source: The Daily Telegraph

AS ALWAYS, Andrew Demetriou scoffs at the idea he's an arrogant dictator who wheels and deals to get every outcome he wants.

He's been called the ''benevolent dictator'' by Jeff Kennett and ''Vlad'' by Kevin Sheedy, but rather than erupt over such evil monikers from two of the game's biggest names, there's a sense Demetriou has a jovial acceptance of the titles because of his standing in the game.

''Yes, that's right, the benevolent dictator,'' he smirks.

''I always say people are entitled to have a view and they will form a judgment based on whatever criteria they want to use.

''People who know me, my family and friends, they would have a different view.''

Demetriou, who is No.1 on the Herald Sun AFL Power List, has been chief executive of the AFL since 2003 and is clearly the most powerful man in football.

He makes no bones about making tough decisions, comfortable that while some of them will be unpopular, they are made with the best interests of football as the sole criteria.

''I don't think you should confuse trying to be decisive and acts of leadership with being arrogant,'' he said.

''I'd rather be decisive and sometimes that decisiveness can be unpopular decisions to be honest, but we are in the business of trying to make decisions.

''And overall people respect the fact we make decisions.

''We don't procrastinate or dilly-dally, or try to spin something.''

Chat live with Mark Robinson and Michael Warner from 11.30am below

On a mobile? Click here for a better chat experience

What, not spin?

It's difficult to accept that because of 1) the AFL's determination to control brand imaging and 2) every major organisation spins the bottle in their own direction.

''I' sure they do,'' Demetriou agreed, ''but we have a golden rule and that's we know we have been given a deep obligation to make decision son behalf of the code.

''That's what the Commission is there for, to make assessments and balance all these factors, look at the research, and make decisions.

''Now, often we get it right, sometimes you don't, but often they are unpopular, such as, why did you expand? Why are you building a stadium with a roof? Why are you moving away from Waverley? You have to make decisions.''

Gallery: The 10 most powerful people in football

People with power have common traits.

They are assertive, respected, mostly statesman-like and, as in Demetriou's case, highly public.

And it could be comfortably said he has presence.

You're going to find this hard to believe, but I don't believe in that sort of power ... Ultimately, we are all judged by the supporter.

He doesn't swagger when he walks into a room, but at the same time you know he's arrived.

Asked what his definition of power was, Demetriou stressed it wasn't him who had the power, nor was it the Commission.

''You're going to find this hard to believe, but I don't believe in that sort of power, and I don't actually believe in power,'' he said.

''If you ask me who is the most influential and powerful person in football, my answer would be the supporter.

''Ultimately, we are all judged by the supporter.''

When fans are happy they vote with their feet and buy memberships. When fans are angry, there is not a shortage of outlets for them to vent.

Demetriou cites talkback radio and letters to the editor, and admits to listening to Saturday pre-match radio discussion and watching the occasional football program on the box.

"From an organisation perspective we do brand tracking, we follow what supporters are thinking about various issues, we track those over the course of 12 months, and I also make a point of spending most Saturdays listening to the pre-game radio shows,'' he said.

''The pre-match radio is an outstanding gauge of the issues going on in the week and you overlay that with TV programs such as (AFL) 360 or On The Couch, or The Footy Show, and add all that to the media coverage which is pretty thorough and explosive.

''So it's actually as democratic as you can get.

''I actually like letters to the editor, which I think is a very good gauge.''

Contrary to popular view, rarely does Demetriou make decisions alone, save for picking Meatloaf over Bryan Adams as the 2011 Grand Final headline act.

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou meets his long-time hero Meat Loaf who will be performing at the Grand Final. Picture: Craig Borrow Source: Herald Sun

''The only decisions I would take sole responsibility for would be the hiring of the management team, that's my decision to make and mine alone,'' he said.

''I don't make any other decisions singularly on my own without consultation with the executive and the board.''

Demetriou described his relation with Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick as ''outstanding''.

''We would talk regularly on a weekly basis, at least three times a week, we would meet once a fortnight,'' he said.

''He's an outstanding chairman insofar as being at the forefront of the big decisions that the organisation has made, such as expansion, broadcast rights, government relations, stadium infrastructure.

'''He demands a lot of the executive team ... he's just been brilliant.''

Tomorrow: The most powerful players in the game revealed

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mick v Bucks in NAB Cup final?

Collingwood Magpies dominate West Coast Eagles in 20 point NAB Cup win on Sunday.

Mick Malthouse is unbeaten as Carlton coach. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD and Carlton are on course to clash in a blockbuster NAB Cup final.

Carlton sits atop the pre-season ladder after a big win against Fremantle on Saturday, while the Pies are third after a road win in Perth last night.

Collingwood plays pre-season bolter Brisbane - sitting second - in a virtual preliminary final at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The Blues have to travel to Adelaide on Friday night but given the Crows' pre-season form, another win seems a distinct possibility.

North Melbourne is the other unbeaten team but has a lower percentage than the Blues, Lions and Magpies and plays its third-round fixture against Geelong at Simonds Stadium.

Port Adelaide is the surprise packet, sitting inside the top eight with two wins, while remarkably the only two teams yet to record a win are 2012 Grand Finalists Hawthorn and Sydney.

NAB CUP LADDER

1. Carlton 3-0 185.5%
2. Brisbane Lions 3-0 143.2%
3. Collingwood 3-0 129.9%
4. North Melbourne 3-0 111.2%
5. Geelong 2-1 129.8%
6. Richmond 2-1 113.5%
7. St Kilda 2-1 99.4%
8. Port Adelaide 2-1 123.5%
---
9. Essendon 1-2 111.8%
10. GWS 1-2 111.7%
11. West Coast 1-2 101.2%
12. Melbourne 1-2 89.6%
13. Gold Coast 1-2 76.1%
14. Western Bulldogs 1-2 74.1%
15. Adelaide 1-2 64.0%
16. Fremantle 1-2 60.1%
17. Hawthorn 0-3 83.2%
18. Sydney 0-3 63.3%

NAB CUP FIXTURE

Round 3

Friday, March 8
GWS v Essendon (Manuka Oval, 6.10pm) FOX FOOTY
Adelaide v Carlton (AAMI Stadium, 8.10pm) FOX FOOTY

Saturday, March 9
Hawthorn v Richmond (Aurora Stadium, 1.10pm) FOX FOOTY
Melbourne v St Kilda (Casey Fields, 2.30pm)
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs (Northam), 3.30pm
Geelong v North Melbourne (Simonds Stadium, 3.40pm) FOX FOOTY
Collingwood v Brisbane Lions (Etihad Stadium, 6.40pm) FOX FOOTY
West Coast v Port Adelaide (Alice Springs, 7pm)
Sydney v Gold Coast (Blacktown ISP, 7pm)

Grand Final

Friday March 15 or Saturday March 16
(Venue TBC) 7.40pm FOX FOOTY/Channel 7

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Reid escapes serious injury

Collingwood defender Ben Reid will miss this weekend's NAB Cup match against Brisbane. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD defender Ben Reid will miss Saturday's clash with the Brisbane Lions, but has escaped serious damage to his right knee.

Reid was the only injury concern to come out of the Pies impressive win against West Coast in Perth on Sunday night, which set up a virtual NAB Cup preliminary final with the Lions.

Carlton currently sits atop the NAB Cup standings and could await the Pies or Lions in the final.

A Collingwood/Carlton decider would be an enticing match-up given it would be the first time Mick Malthouse coaches against his former club.

It would also be the first time the two clubs have played in any grand final in 32 years.

The AFL yesterday said if the Lions won the right to host the game it would be played at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast.

A final involving two Melbourne clubs will be played at Etihad Stadium.

"That's likely to be on the Friday night,'' AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said.

The league also confirmed yesterday that Malthouse would meet with the AFL laws of the game committee tomorrow.

Malthouse blasted the cap on interchange rotations currently being trialled in the pre-season competition after the Blues defeated Fremantle on Saturday night.

He also questioned whether committee was in touch with the modern game.

Keane said the laws of the game committee intends on having a ``guest'' at each of its meetings this season.

Collingwood football manager Geoff Walsh said Reid was assessed by a specialist after returning from Western Australia early yesterday.

"He's hyper-extended his knee which means he won't play next week,'' Walsh said.

"But from then on the specialist is happy just to see how he responds to treatment. There's no major structural damage so that's the main thing.''

Walsh said the club's coaching staff was pleased with the side's performance in the 20-point win against the Eagles.

"It was a good win against good opposition in trying conditions.''

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Footy comes first at Etihad

Etihad Stadium boss Paul Sergeant expects playing surface to bounce back after KISS concert. Picture: Stuart Walmsley Source: Herald Sun

ETIHAD Stadium boss Paul Sergeant yesterday assured the football world that the playing surface would be in "fantastic'' condition by Saturday night, despite hosting two KISS concerts this week.

His assurance came as the Herald Sun revealed several players have privately raised concerns about the surface the hardest they had experienced.

Etihad Stadium had major problems with a shifting surface in 2010 that were blamed on three AC/DC concerts in February, but Sergeant said this week's KISS concerts were different because they would only infringe on about 15 per cent of the surface.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said that fact, plus the installation of turf protection, meant the league was comfortable the concerts would "cause minimal impact on the grass''.

He said readings of the surface's firmness, taken on the eve of last Friday's Western Bulldogs-Hawthorn game were "well within our guidelines for stadium surface''.

"We're not anticipating any concerns when it comes to next weekend's game,'' Keane said.

Sergeant denied the ground had been prepared with the concerts as the priority, and if anything the surface was "a little soft''.

"We haven't prepared the field with KISS in mind; we've got sportsmen to look after,'' Sergeant told Triple M.

"When we say it's in that 'preferred range' [of readings], in fact, if anything, it's probably a little bit soft. I know that's not the feedback that's coming back ... There's a bit of 'divoting' so we're going to be looking into that, but in terms of the hardness, it's something the guys monitor very, very closely.''

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

The cap rule explained

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 03 Maret 2013 | 18.19

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says his team are rusty while blasting the AFL's interchange cap.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson is no fan of the interchange cap rule. Source: Getty Images

COACHES may not agree with AFL's trial of capping interchanges at 20 per quarter, but they will be well advised to adhere to the rule.

Every time a team exceeds the cap it will effectively hand its opponent a goal.

The interchange steward will count each club's interchanges and when a club gets to 21 the field umpires will be alerted.

An umpire will then award a free kick from the "centre circle or where play has stopped, whichever is the greater penalty'' and then award a 50-metre penalty.

"You'll have a free kick paid against you in the way as if there's an interchange breach for a player entering the ground too early or from way outside the interchange gates,'' a league spokesman said.

It means that any breach will effectively result in the opposition team having a shot at goal.

The 80-interchange cap, which the AFL is trialling during for the rest of this season's NAB Cup matches and has agreed agreed ``in principle'' to introduce in 2014, is designed to drastically reduce the number of interchange rotations per game.

Clubs averaged 119 per match in 2011 but were up to an average of 131 last season.

At the end of last season the AFL's Laws of the Game committee had backed the introduction of a cap - totalling 90 when changes during the quarter and half-time breaks were included - and was critical of the AFL for rejecting its recommendation.

But the players' and coaches' associations, who were both in favour of retaining the three/one interchange mix without a cap, welcomed the AFL commission's decision to take a cautious approach on the issue.

18.19 | 0 komentar | Read More

Young Saints do the job

Saint Ahmed Saad kicks a goal against Sydney. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA fielded a team with an average age of little more than 24 tonightt. It's a long time since Saints fans would have been able to reel off a stat like that.

The sum of the games played amongst its 24 players was only 1528 - an average of 63.7 games per player.

Without Nick Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes, Nick Dal Santo and co the score in the NAB Cup clash with Sydney was always going to be secondary.

But a 0.13.12 (84) to 1.8.10 (67) win was a welcome result against last year's premiers - admittedly missing 11 of the 22 that played in the Grand Final win.

Josh Kennedy handballs his way out of trouble. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source:

What was important was Tom Hickey's form in the ruck, Rhys Stanley and Arryn Siposs' development as defenders and kids such as Nathan Wright and Jackson Ferguson having a crack.

Particularly pleasing was Stanley's effort to restrict Swans key forward Sam Reid to just four disposals and no goals in the first half.

But equally disappointing was the sight of the oft-injured 22-year-old hobbling off after hyper-extending his left knee midway through the third term having landed awkwardly in the back pocket.

Leigh Montagna gets off a handball in front of Jude Bolton. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

There were several divots across the Etihad Stadium surface last night and the ground appeared to give after Stanley planted his foot following his attempt to smother an opposition handball.

How much that contributed to the injury remains to be seen, but here's hoping it's not a long-term hindrance as a key defender's spot is seemingly his for the taking.

Sipposs (12 touches) looked good, although his booming right foot attracted most attention at the attacking end of the ground when he calmly slotted a set shot from outside the arc.

Mike Pike and Ben McEvoy do battle. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Hickey is a find.

Myke Pyke isn't elite opposition, but his capabilities were there to see nonetheless.

Wright picked up 17 disposals and looked the pick of the youngsters, while, for a big man, Ferguson commanded a lot of the footy in the first half before he switched on to Reid after Stanley's substitution.

Lewis Jetta marks at Etihad Stadium. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Sam Dunell also chipped in with a couple of first half goals.

One piece of play in the first quarter also provided a couple of insights in to what we might see from Scott Watters' men this year.

As Farren Ray marked in the middle of the ground his first instinct was to look wide to see what was open to him on the switch.

Swan Jude Bolton tackles Jack Newnes at Etihad Stadium today. Source: Getty Images

The man he found in acres of space was Leigh Montagna, who spent plenty of time running amok on the wings to great effect last night - he finished with 28 possessions.

With so many players missing it was also difficult to get a read on the Swans, but no doubt John Longmire would have been more satisfied last night than he was seven days earlier after triangular-round losses to Greater Western Sydney and Carlton.

Jude Bolton wasn't sure if he was going to play on this season, but in his first competitive hit-out he looked as if he could play on for another few years yet.

Jesse White in action. Source: Getty Images

He'd amassed 17 possessions in the first half alone in a clear best on ground performance.

The veteran was ably assisted by premiership heroes Josh Kennedy (23 touches) and Daniel Hannebery (30), but the Swans youngsters were not to be outdone by their older teammates.

They were greater in quantity, but possibly shaded their Saints counterparts.

Rookies Dane Rampe and Jake Lloyd looked more than capable with ball in hand, while Harry Cunningham and Brandon Jack - brother of Kieren - showed trademark Sydney aggression on both ball and man.

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Sellar stars as Dees win

James Sellar starred for Melbourne against Port Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

Port Adelaide's Jackson Trengove gets a kick away against Melbourne. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

KEY forward James Sellar kicked five goals to inspire Melbourne to a two-point triumph over Port Adelaide in the NAB Cup today.

The Demons held off a fast-finishing Port to win 0.12.6 (78) to 1.10.7 (76) before more than 3,000 spectators in Renmark.

Sellar's haul was supported by three goals from evergreen Aaron Davey while James Magner and Neville Jetta were prominent as Melbourne lodged their first win from three outings this pre-season.

Port forward Daniel Stewart booted three goals, with rookie Kane Mitchell and first-year players Oliver Wines and Sam Colquhoun among their best.

Chad Wingard gets his kick away. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

The Demons were without co-captains Jack Grimes (rested) and Jack Trengove (foot), while regulars Jack Watts, Chris Dawes, Mark Jamar, Nathan Jones and Jeremy Howe were rested.

But after Sellar kicked the initial goal of the game, Melbourne never relinquished their lead in a match played in 30 degree heat.

The Demons led by three goals at half-time, 0.8.5 to 0.5.5, against an inefficient Port, who couldn't capitalise on having more disposals and more entries into their attacking 50 metre arc in the opening half.

Kane Mitchell fires off a handball. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

But the Power's Stewart sparked a revival in the third term as Port crept within two points - only for Sellar to then boot his fifth goal and restore Melbourne's advantage.

The Demons extended their lead to 19 points early in the final quarter when Davey snared his third major to seemingly seal victory.

But Port came steaming home, with a super goal from Hamish Hartlett helping reduce the margin to the final two points.

Hamish Hartlett under pressure Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

Melbourne host St Kilda on Saturday while Port travel to Alice Springs to meet West Coast on Saturday night as the pre-season cup continues.

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pies too good in west

Magpie Heath Shaw bursts clear at Patersons Stadium. Source: Getty Images

FOLLOW our live coverage of tonight's clash between West Coast and Collingwood at Patersons Stadium.

10pm AEDT - West Coast 76 defeated by Collingwood 96

A GREAT win for Collingwood in the west.

They had a lot out but still come away with a 20-point win.

Scott Pendlebury, Heath Shaw, Dane Swan and Steele Sidebottom did the damage for the Pies.

9:40pm AEDT - West Coast 60 trail Collingwood 90

THE Pies look home.

A super goal by Travis Cloke put the Magpies up by 18 points with 13 minutes remaining.

It was the perfect way to halt West Coast, who had just goaled through Jamie Crips.

Another goal to Caolan Mooney extends the lead to 24 points and they look a winner here in the west.

A minute later and the Pies goal again through Mooney.

It has been a horror night for the Eagles, with injuries to Andrew Embley (hamstring),. Matt Rosa (hamstring) and Mitch Brown (ankle).

Harry O'Brien on the charge. Source: Getty Images

9:30pm AEDT- West Coast 54 trail Collingwood 68

THE Pies lead by 14 points at the final change.

They have been impressive, the Pies - and they moved ahead during that term thanks to goals by Jamie Elliot and Steele Sidebottom.

Can the Eagles come home strong?

Quinten Lynch up against his former side West Coast. Source: Getty Images

9:15pm AEDT - West Coast 53 trail Collingwood 55

THE Magpies hold a slender two-point lead with seven minutes remaining in the third term.

Both sides have kicked only one goal each for the term.

Jarrdy Blair goaled for the Magpies before Mark LeCras kicked his fourth goal for the day.

Matt Rosa gets tackled by Kyle Martin and Steele Sidebottom. Source: Getty Images

8:45pm AEDT- West Coast 45 trail Collingwood 47 at HALF-TIME

THE Magpies lead West Coast by two points at half-time at Patersons Stadium.

Scott Pendlebury leads the way with 19 touches, while Dane Swan and Paul Seedsman both have had 10 disposals.

Scott Selwood (15 touches) and Matt Priddis (14 touches) are doing the damage for the Eagles.

Eagle Scott Selwood leads the charge against the Pies.Picture: Justin Benson-cooper Source: PerthNow

8:25pm AEDT - West Coast 39 trail Collingwood 43

IT'S been a topsy turvy second term at Patersons Stadium.

The Pies dominated early, winning the ball out of the centre and making the Eagles pay.

Travis Cloke, Paul Seedsman and Jamie Elliot all kicked goals for them.

But the Eagles reply through Mark LeCras and then Scott Lycett.

It has been confirmed Eagles star Andrew Embley has been subbed out with a hamstring injury.

Quinten Lynch returns against his old side. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

8:05pm AEDT - West Coast 21 trail Collingwood 22

BIG story emerging in the west with veteran Andrew Embley subbed out with what appears to be a knee injury.

More news on the injury as it comes to hand.

Steele Sidebottom kicks a long goal from outside 50 to put the Pies in front,

Luke Shuey and Mark LeCras of the Eagles celebrate a goal against the Pies. Source: Getty Images

7:50pm AEDT - West Coast 13 lead Collingwood 9

MARK LeCras kicks the opener at Patersons Stadium from a set shot.

But Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan hits back with a long supergoal from outside 50.

The Eagles retake the lead through champion ruckman Dean Cox.

Lively opening in the west.

Nick Maxwell leads Collingwood out against West Coast. Source: Getty Images

7:30pm AEDT - St Kilda 90 defeat Sydney 67

A GREAT final term by St Kilda has seen the Saints defeat Sydney by 23 points at Etihad Stadium.

Leigh Montagna finished the job for the Saints, goaling with two minutes remaining to shut the gate.

Montagna had 28 disposals, Clinton Jones collected 22 possessions and David Armitage had it 20 times.

Samuel Dunnell, Trent Dennis-Lane and Ahmed Saad all kicked two goals apiece.

Jude Bolton and Daniel Hannebery were the best for the Swans.

Swan Jude Bolton tackles Jack Newnes at Etihad Stadium today. Source: Getty Images

7:22pm AEDT- St Kilda 83 lead Sydney 67

THE Saints look home after three quick goals.

They got back in front through Clinton Jones, who was on the end of a string of handballs.

Then Farren Ray kicked a beautiful set shot goal from a tight angle to get out to a 10-point lead - the biggest lead they have had.

Trent Dennis-Lane then got in on the act to make it very tough for the Swannies.

Three minutes left at Etihad Stadium.

Mike Pike and Ben McEvoy do battle. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

7:13pm AEDT- St Kilda 63 lead Sydney 67

THE Saints have taken the lead at the Dome for the first time today.

Goalsneak Terry Milera marked and put it through from 30m out directly in front.

But the Swans hit back straight away through Jake Lloyd, who boots his second.

Lloyd kicks a long, lovely goal from a set shot.

It is all set for an exciting finish.

Leigh Montagna gets off a handball in front of Jude Bolton. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

6:55pm AEDT - St Kilda 57 trail Sydney 60 at THREE QUARTER-TIME

IT was a stellar quarter for St Kilda, who trail by three points at the final change.

Ahmed Saad kicked two goals for the quarter and looks lively up forward, while Daniel Hannebery has 25 disposals to the last change.

A big concern for St Kilda is Rhys Stanley, who looked to hurt his knee during the term.

He has gone down to the rooms but appears to be walking unaffected, so fingers crossed for Stanley.

Josh Kennedy handballs his way out of trouble. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source:

6:49pm AEDT - Melbourne 78 defeat Port Adelaide 75

THE Demons hold on to win by three points at Renmark. They lead by as much as 25 points in the final term, before the Power rallied.

They had their chances in the closing stages, but the Dees hold on.

Campbell Heath wins the ball over Luke Tapscott. Source: Getty Images

6:40pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 74 trail Melbourne 78, St Kilda 43 trails Sydney 52

Renmark: THE Power are coming home hard. The Demons looked home but the Power have gone bang. Six minutes remaining, can they do it? Hamish Hartlett has kicked two goals this term to get them back in it.

Etihad Stadium: THE Swans lead by 10 points at the Dome mid-way through the third term.

Lewis Jetta marks at Etihad Stadium. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

6:20pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 52 trail Melbourne 60, St Kilda 42 trail Sydney 50

Renmark: THE Power trail the Demons by eight points at the final change. They are right in it but will need to contain James Sellar, who has kicked five.

Etihad Stadium: AT half-time, Sydney lead St Kilda by eight points. Jude Bolton with 17 disposals is leading the way.

Hamish Hartlett under pressure Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

6pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 52 trail Melbourne 53, St Kilda 42 trail Sydney 45

Renmark: THE Power have lifted in Renmark. Daniel Stewart has two goals this quarter to have the Power within a point. He has three for the game.

Etihad Stadium: SWANS veteran Jude Bolton is running riot at the Dome as the Swans lead by 22 points.

Jackson Trengove gets a kick away. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

5:40pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 33 trail Melbourne 53 at HALF-TIME. St Kilda 8 trail Sydney 20 at QUARTER-TIME

Renmark: THE Demons have a 20-point lead over the Power at the main break. Sellar with four goals has been best on ground.

Etihad Stadium: THE Swans have some big names out, but their depth is on show here. Great start at the Dome. Luke Parker with 11 touches leads the way for Sydney.

Ted Richards marks against St Kilda. Source: Getty Images

5:21pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 33 trail Melbourne 47, St Kilda 6 Sydney 6

Renmark: THE Demond are chugging along, but the Power aren't going away. James Sellar has kicked four goals and is making life very difficult for the Power.

Etihad Stadium: WE'RE underway at the Dome. The Saints lead by a point in the early going.

5:05pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 15 trail Melbourne 27

PORT Adelaide are trying, but the Demons are executing much better.

And at quarter-time, they lead by two goals.

James Sellar up forward is creating headaches for the Power.

Campbell Heath wins the ball over Luke Tapscott. Source: Getty Images

4:46pm AEDT- Port Adelaide 8 trail Melbourne 19

JAMES Sellar gets his second goal for the day.

Melbourne are punishing Port Adelaide's mistakes.

The Power are playing too cute and it is hurting them.

4:41pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 7 trail Melbourne 13

DEAN Kent goals for Melbourne to extend the lead to two goals.

But the Power are able to reply through Ben Newton.

Good lively opening by both sides.

Paul Stewart wins the ball against Melbourne. Source: Getty Images

4:34pm AEDT - Port Adelaide 0 trail Melbourne 6

MELBOURNE are on the board.

Big man James Sellar takes a big mark and puts it straight through the middle.

Good start by the Dees in what are very hot conditions.

Power players warm up before tackling Melbourne. Source: Getty Images

PRE-GAME

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of today's NAB Cup matches, starting with Port Adelaide versus Melbourne at Renmark at 4:30pm AEDT.

Then at 5:10pm AEDT, St Kilda take on Sydney at Etihad Stadium

The action continues at Patersons Stadium with West Coast taking on Collingwood at 7:40pm AEDT.

Don't miss a second of the action right here!

PORT ADELAIDE: Brendon Ah Chee, Nathan Blee, Matthew Broadbent, Danny Butcher, Tom Clurey, Sam Colquhoun, Hamish Hartlett, Campbell Heath, Justin Hoskin, Thomas Jonas, Matthew Lobbe, Kane Mitchell, Andrew Moore, Jake Neade, Ben Newton, Cameron O'Shea, Darren Pfeiffer, Jarrad Redden, Mason Shaw, Lewis Stevenson, Daniel Stewart, Paul Stewart, Matt Thomas, Jackson Trengove, Oliver Wines, Chad Wingard, Aaron Young.

MELBOURNE: Jesse Hogan, Colin Sylvia, James Strauss, Colin Garland, Cameron Pedersen, James Magner, Josh Tynan, Daniel Nicholson, Tom Gillies, Joel Macdonald, James Sellar, Jack Grimes, Michael Evans, Dom Barry, Dean Kent, Luke Tapscott, Aaron Davey, Neville Jetta, Troy Davis, Jake Spencer, Rory Taggert, Matt Jones, Dean Terlich, Tom Couch, Jack Fitzpatrick, Nathan Stark, Mitch Clisby.

18.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kepadatan Key

Mengenai Saya

Popular Posts Today

REPLAY: Saturday's NAB Cup action

Written By Unknown on Sabtu, 09 Maret 2013 | 18.19

Suckling injury a blow for Hawks

Jack leads Tiges to victory

Cats show class to beat Roos

Eddie slams Footy Show cash splash

Written By Unknown on Jumat, 08 Maret 2013 | 18.19

Tigers in Tassie to win

Injuries mount for Giants

LIVE: Crows v Blues

Injury blows for Tigers, Blues

Written By Unknown on Rabu, 06 Maret 2013 | 18.19

Concussions up but injuries down

Blues leave Judd on ice

Port declares: We want Buddy

Cap is coming, too bad: Demetriou

Written By Unknown on Selasa, 05 Maret 2013 | 18.19

AFL might pay for Buddy move

Dogs back AFL coaches' cap angst

Goodes set to return for Swans

I'm not arrogant: Demetriou

Written By Unknown on Senin, 04 Maret 2013 | 18.19

Mick v Bucks in NAB Cup final?

Reid escapes serious injury

Footy comes first at Etihad

The cap rule explained

Written By Unknown on Minggu, 03 Maret 2013 | 18.19

Young Saints do the job

Sellar stars as Dees win

Pies too good in west

Links

Arsip Blog