The Barometer: Round 2

Collingwood star Dale Thomas collected 25 disposals in the Magpies reserves match against AIS-AFL Academy squad. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

WHO'S hurt and who is in line for selection at your club?

ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Nick Joyce (groin) TBA
Ian Callinan (knee) test
Brodie Smith (collarbone) 3 weeks
Luke Brown (foot) test
Ricky Henderson (concussion) test

ON THE BLOCK: It's been a while since the Crows' Round 1 shocker but a few players will be nervous, including Brodie Martin, Jared Petrenko and Andy Otten. Young defender Luke Brown was on crutches after the match but should be OK after scans cleared him of any serious injury.

ON THE CUSP: Mini draftee Brad Crouch is banging down the door after picking up 31 disposals for Wests in the SANFL. Other state league standouts include Sam Kerridge (21 disposals, nine tackles) and Tom Lynch (30 disposals, 11 marks, 11 clearances). Sam Shaw also played and could push for a spot against the Lions.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Crows need to regroup and what seemed a friendly early draw suddenly looks a lot more precarious with Port Adelaide and the Bulldogs to follow Brisbane. If Adelaide wants to be a top-four side, it will have to be 3-1 after those matches.

BRISBANE LIONS

INJURIES
Simon Black (knee) Indefinite
Jesse O'Brien (groin) 1 week
Brent Staker (knee) 3 weeks
Stephen Wrigley (knee) TBA
Matt Maguire (leg) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: James Polkinghorne managed just six disposals at a horrible 17 per cent efficiency against the Bulldogs and could be in strife. He had plenty of underperforming mates, with Ash McGrath, Aaron Cornelius and Elliot Yeo all struggling to have any kind of impact. In fact, there weren't many Lions who could say they should walk into the team for Round 2.

ON THE CUSP: Matthew Leuenberger was listed in the best players for the Lions reserves, who opened their NEAFL season with an 87-point hammering of Morningside. Former Hawk Jordan Lisle kicked six goals while young defenders Jordan Burke and Justin Clarke earned the praise of coach Leigh Harding. Jared Polec and Todd Banfield were also good.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Don't expect Michael Voss to make wholesale changes to the team that won the NAB Cup final two weeks ago. Polkinghorne could slip out and Leuenberger should return to give Billy Longer a hand against Sam Jacobs at the Gabba on Saturday.

Matthew Leuenberger (second from right) taps the ball down during a Brisbane Lionsintra-club match at Coorparoo. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

CARLTON

INJURIES
Eddie Betts (broken jaw) TBA
Shaun Hampson (appendix) TBA
Jaryd Cachia (hamstring) TBA
Andrew Collins (ankle) TBA
David Ellard (hamstring) TBA
Andrew McInnes (knee) 14 weeks
Jarrad Waite (calf) 2-3 weeks
Mitch Robinson (concussion) assess

ON THE BLOCK: The Blues suffered a double blow today with the news Betts and Hampson will both miss the huge showdown against Collingwood. Levi Casboult struggled up forward against the Tigers, managing just two kicks while giving away three free kicks and spraying his only shot at goal about 25m to the right. Aaron Joseph started as the sub but travelled at just 57 per cent efficiency when he came on. Mitch Robinson was seeing stars after crashing into Ty Vickery but the Blues say he'll be right for Round 2.

ON THE CUSP: Robbie Warnock seems a certainty to replace Hampson, while Sam Rowe was unlucky to miss a Round 1 start and could push out Casboult. The Northern Blues suffered a heavy loss to Coburg in their final VFL practice match with Matthew Watson among the few AFL-listed players taking part.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Blues almost pinched a win against the Tigers and changes are more likely to involve getting the new game plan worked out than personnel. Mick would love to be able to call on Jarrad Waite but he's still a couple of weeks away.

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COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES
Dayne Beams (quad) TBA
Heath Shaw (ill) available
Ben Reid (concussion) test
Ben Johnson (corked thigh) test
Alex Fasolo (hamstring) test
Jackson Ramsay (groin) 1-2 weeks
Luke Ball (knee) 2-3 weeks
Alan Didak (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Brodie Grundy (back) 4-6 weeks
Michael Hartley (shoulder) 6 weeks
Lachlan Keefe (knee) 6-8 weeks
Tim Broomhead (glandular fever) 8 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Reid should be fine but Johnson is doubtful and the Pies say the severity of the injury Beams suffered at training on Saturday is not yet clear. In the unlikely event the Pies have more players to come in than go out, sub Sam Dwyer and late inclusion Josh Thomas could be the unlucky omissions.

ON THE CUSP: Shaw will return after a bout of gastro. Dale Thomas and Andrew Krakouer played in a practice match against the AIS-AFL Academy last Thursday night and pulled up OK but might need another week. Clinton Young and Alex Fasolo are outside chances to return.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Nathan Buckley joked after Sunday's win against North Melbourne that he must have walked under a ladder over summer. But the Pies are on the board and will have the welcome headache of trying to find room for the likes of Shaw, Thomas and Fasolo either this week or next. Beams is a worry, however.

ESSENDON

INJURIES
Nil.

ON THE BLOCK: Any Bomber would be stiff to get dropped after their stunning win against Adelaide. If you had to pick one, maybe Mark Baguley could be in danger. Patrick Ryder and Stewart Crameri would want to lift their output.

ON THE CUSP: Everyone. The Bombers have a clean bill of health – a far cry from this time last season – following Jason Winderlich's successful return from groin soreness in the VFL on Friday. Winderlich played a half and was lively in the Bombers' big win against Sandringham. He'll need more match fitness before being considered for senior selection. Scott Gumbleton was the dominant forward on the ground, with father-son recruit Joe Daniher kicking one goal. The Bombers opted not to play David Zaharakis, preparing him with intense training instead.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Demons are Essendon's bogey side, winning the past three clashes between the two sides – amazingly, the Bombers haven't beaten Melbourne since 2009. That will count for nothing on Saturday night though, with a trip to Perth in Round 3 to face the Dockers shaping as Essendon's next serious challenge.

Bendigo Bombers v Casey Scorpions. Jason Winderlich Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE

INJURIES
Anthony Morabito (knee) TBC
Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) 8-12 weeks
Zac Clarke (Achilles) test
Matthew Pavlich (hand) test

ON THE BLOCK: Cameron Sutcliffe is the only player who could be dropped on form after the Dockers' impressive Round 1 win. He started in the subs vest and had just two disposals against West Coast. Pavlich is available after a hospital visit to fix split webbing on his left hand.

ON THE CUSP: The Dockers have close to their best 22 available apart from Aaron Sandilands, but they will have to get used to life without the big man. Garrick Ibbotson picked up 20 disposals in the WAFL at the weekend and Hayden Crozier booted three goals for Peel Thunder, while Tom Sheridon, Jesse Crichton and Viv Michie could all come under consideration if Ross Lyon wants to make changes.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: An assignment against the Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium doesn't look quite as straightforward as it did a few days ago. But the Dockers won't fear the venue – they played at Etihad twice last season, for two wins (against Melbourne and North Melbourne). Ross Lyon likes a stable 22 so don't expect many changes.

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GEELONG

INJURIES
Hamish McIntosh (knee) indefinite
Josh Hunt (glandular fever) indefinite
Daniel Menzel (knee) 2 weeks
Dawson Simpson (back) Indefinite
Jed Bews (foot) TBA
George Burbury (foot) TBA
Joel Corey (hip soreness) test
Steve Johnson (knee) 3 weeks
Josh Walker (shoulder) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: How could you fault the Cats? Prized recruit Josh Caddy was substituted out of the match at three-quarter time yesterday with 15 disposals at 47 per cent efficiency. Ruckman Trent West was nursed through the match and should benefit from the outing. Jared Rivers (knee) and Billie Smedts (winded) played out the game despite spending some time off the ground.

ON THE CUSP: James Kelly will be a walk-up start after serving his one-match ban carried over from last year's elimination final. Veteran Joel Corey starred in the VFL last week and must also be considered for the trip west. Mitch Brown was the VFL standout with 34 disposals.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Skipper Joel Selwood was the difference yesterday and there is no reason why he can't repeat the dose against North Melbourne on Sunday. Twin talls Tom Hawkins and James Podsiadly will provide plenty of headaches for the Kangaroos defenders. Paul Chapman slaughtered the Roos in the NAB Cup last month and could just as easily do it again. Add veterans Kelly and Corey to the mix and the Cats should be 2-0 by Sunday afternoon.

GOLD COAST

INJURIES
Tom Lynch (foot) 3-4 weeks
Jesse Lonergan (wrist) 3-4 weeks
Nathan Bock (leg) indefinite
Liam Patrick (hamstring) TBC

ON THE BLOCK: Hard to find any candidates after Gold Coast's best win in its short existence. Brandon Matera burned after coming on as the sub after replacing a cramping Karmichael Hunt. Jaeger O'Meara took a while to warm up but looked every bit an AFL player when he was linking up with Gary Ablett out of the middle in the final quarter.

ON THE CUSP: The Suns reserves recorded a 126-point win in Saturday night's curtain-raiser, with former high jumper Josh Hall kicking four goals and Tom Nicholls three. Prodigy Jack Martin – who, like O'Meara last year, was recruited as a 17-year-old and can't play seniors this year – was best afield.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Gold Coast couldn't be in better shape but the reigning premier at the SCG is a bridge too far. After that comes the Q-Clash against Brisbane then Port Adelaide at home and GWS in Canberra – it's not beyond the realms of possibility the Suns could be 3-1 after the first month of the season.

GWS

INJURIES
Matthew Buntine (lung) 5 weeks
Chad Cornes (shoulder) Indefinite
Jonothan O'Rourke (leg) 2 weeks
Dom Tyson (knee) 8 weeks
Nathan Wilson (shoulder) test

ON THE BLOCK: If Kevin Sheedy continues his rotation policy of last season there are several names to choose from, despite the Giants' respectable loss to Sydney. Adam Kennedy and Taylor Adams are most likely to earn a rest against Port.

ON THE CUSP: The Giants' reserves also went down the Swans, but were unlucky to lose after having seven more scoring shots. Draftee Kristian Jaksch kicked four goals and Setanta O'hAilpin kicked two, while Rhys Palmer and Sam Reid were standouts in the midfield.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: GWS travels to AAMI Stadium on Saturday night to play Port Adelaide and will give themselves some sort of chance, hoping some of the kids who starred for the Power in Round 1 have a downer the next weekend. The Giants will get their own crack at Melbourne in Round 4 which shapes as a huge match for both clubs.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES
Brian Lake (calf) test
Michael Osborne (knee) test
Matthew Suckling (knee) season
Brendan Whitecross (knee) 10 weeks
Alex Woodward (knee) season
Xavier Ellis (calf) 4 weeks
Luke Hodge (fitness) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Substitute Jed Anderson did enough his debut to warrant a second crack at the big time. The midfielder showed dash when activated collecting six disposals including two rebound-50s in just over a quarter of play. Liam Shiels struggled after copping a knock to the knee early in the match. Forward Jack Gunston was hardly sighted while Bradley Hill ran out of legs after a blistering start.

ON THE CUSP: Brian Lake was a late withdrawal yesterday and must get through training to play on Sunday. Kyle Cheney and Jonathan Simpkin would have to train the house down to come into calculations. Skipper Luke Hodge emerged unscathed from a VFL practice match last week and is on track to make his return in Round 3-4. Small forward Michael Osborne is expected to make his return via the VFL.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: It doesn't get any easier for Alastair Clarkson's men, who now face the toughest trip in football - the Eagles in Perth. The Hawks haven't won in the west since their 2008 premiership season. Back spearheads Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead to bounce back after their forgettable performances against the Cats yesterday. Keen on watching livewire Brad Hill run amok on the wide expanses of Paterson's Stadium.

Former Bulldog Brian Lake is hoping to win a premiership with Hawhtorn. Picture: Michael Dodge/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Rohan Bail (concussion) 1 week
Chris Dawes (hamstring) test
Mitch Clark (ankle) test

ON THE BLOCK: How much room have we got? Seven Demons failed to reach double-figures in the disposals column on Sunday including James Sellar (six), Luke Tapscott (seven), Tom Gillies (nine), Jimmy Toumpas (nine) and Jack Watts (seven). Is it too early for the coach to make a statement? One positive is Mitch Clark says he'll be right after coming off with a foot injury against Port Adelaide.

ON THE CUSP: Co-captain Jack Trengove will be back after getting another full VFL practice match under his belt. James Magner and Dean Terlich won plenty of the ball against Box Hill while Max Gawn played his first game back from a long-term hamstring injury. Chris Dawes was close last week and the Demons could roll the dice this weekend.

Al PATON'S FORECAST: The Dees have plenty of problems but thankfully injuries aren't one of them. The match committee has to make a call on whether to stick with the team that showed so little in Round 1 and put the acid on those players to turn it around, or swing the axe immediately. Either way, it's hard to see Melbourne toppling Essendon despite a recent good record against the Bombers.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Nil

ON THE BLOCK: Kieran Harper's attack on the ball is second to none but the young speedster must find a way to get more of the footy. Harper laid seven tackles, second only to Andrew Swallow (nine), which should hold him in good stead. Sam Wright enjoyed a solid NAB Cup campaign but faded badly against the Magpies. Liam Anthony was used as the substitute and got plenty of it once given a crack.

ON THE CUSP: Former Gold Coast defender Taylor Hine put his hand up for selection collecting 23 disposals for North's VFL affiliate Werribee last Saturday. Big Majak Daw kicked two goals pinch-hitting in the ruck with mature-aged recruit Daniel Currie. Levi Greenwood and Jordan Gysberts got plenty of it and could come into calculations. Suspended defender Scott McMahon is a certainty to line up against Geelong on Sunday.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: North had a golden opportunity to knock off Collingwood missing up to eight of its best players and yet failed. Too much was left to too few with usual suspects Swallow and Daniel Wells at the forefront of the Kangaroos' fightback. Drew Petrie had his colours lowered but boasts the class to respond. Rookie Aaron Mullett was a revelation picking up 22 disposals across half-back. Hard-nosed midfielders Leigh Adams and Sam Gibson struggled to make an impact while Shaun Atley only showed glimpses of his best. Lindsay Thomas was the star with four goals and will be available after escaping suspension for his bump on Ben Reid.

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Alipate Carlile (hamstring) - assess
Brendon Ah Chee (knee) - assess
Brett Ebert (adductor) - 1-2 weeks
Nick Salter (foot) - 3-4 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: There was barely a player who didn't contribute to Port's stunning Round 1 success, with Kane Mitchell unlucky to be handed the subs vest. He should keep his place although Port has just about a full list to choose from for its home clash against GWS.

ON THE CUSP: Defender Alipate Carlile is expected to get through training this week and will be available for selection, but Brett Ebert is out after tearing his adductor in the SANFL. Former skipper Dom Cassisi made a successful return from a calf injury but might have to wait to earn a recall, while Robbie Gray and John Butcher also got through the opening round after returning from long-term injuries.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Port should go into the Round 3 Showdown against Adelaide undefeated, and they have Gold Coast the week after that. With no serious injury concerns, new coach Ken Hinkley only has to worry about how to fit all the players he wants into his best 22.

RICHMOND

INJURIES
David Astbury (foot) 1-2 weeks
Nathan Foley (Achilles) 4-6 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Not many. Brandon Ellis was subbed off against Carlton but would be unlucky to get the axe after an impressive pre-season, while Robin Nahas had an impact after taking off the red vest. Troy Chaplin struggled to pick up the pace of the game at times but will be better for the run.

ON THE CUSP: Plenty. Dylan Grimes is the most likely to get a call-up after getting through three quarters for Coburg at the weekend and picking up 11 disposals. If for some reason the Tigers wanted to make wholesale changes, a lot of players put their hands up in the VFL practice match including Nick Vlastuin (22 disposals), Matt Dea (31 disposals), Chris Knights (28 touches) and former Kangaroo Aaron Edwards (five goals and eight marks).

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Could go in unchanged for the clash against St Kilda on Friday night, when the Tigers hope to start a season 2-0 for the first time since 1997. But fringe players will know they have to perform to keep their spots – a situation Richmond hasn't enjoyed for a while.

ST KILDA

INJURIES
Sam Fisher (foot) test
Sean Dempster (hamstring) test
Jackson Ferguson (knee) 4 weeks
Daniel Markworth (knee) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: Trent Dennis-Lane didn't touch the footy after coming on late as the sub. The man he replaced, Tom Hickey, was underwhelming in his St Kilda debut (four disposals) but is needed for structure. Sam Gilbert, Jack Newnes and Ahmed Saad are others who will want to improve their output this weekend.

ON THE CUSP: Adam Schneider, come on down. Schneider has now played three VFL practice matches after a carefully managed pre-season and is ready to step straight in. Leigh Montagna returns from suspension and Sam Fisher and potentially Sean Dempster could make for a handy quartet of inclusions, although the latter two are not guaranteed a start yet. Justin Koschitzke kicked a goal for Sandy as the Zebras were thrashed by 12 goals by Essendon's VFL side.

AL PATON'S PREDICTION: Dennis-Lane was a late inclusion for Round 1 and could go straight out again to make way for Schneider. The Saints will be desperate to get Fisher and Dempster back to help counter Richmond's tall forwards Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery and Luke McGuane.

Sam Fisher will need to train well to play the away game against the Suns on Saturday night. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

SYDNEY

INJURIES
Alex Johnson (knee) season
Gary Rohan (leg) Indefinite
Sam Naismith (thumb) 3-4 weeks
Tommy Walsh (hamstring) test

ON THE BLOCK: The Swans got the job done against GWS with minimum fuss. Lewis Jetta was unusually quiet but the only players who would be nervous this week are debutant Dean Rampe, who was subbed off, and his replacement Tony Armstrong. The pair had 13 disposals between them.

ON THE CUSP: Sydney had a bye in the NEAFL so there wasn't much of a chance for those outside the side to push their claims. The emergencies for Round 1 were Andrejs Everitt, Jed Lamb and Jesse White.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Gold Coast coming off a win won't be a pushover but don't expect the Swans to be troubled as they gradually work their way to top gear. Will John Longmire bother tagging Gary Ablett?

WEST COAST

INJURIES
Daniel Kerr (knee) 2 weeks
Mark LeCras (arm) 4 weeks
Eric MacKenzie (hamstring) 2 weeks
Nic Naitanui (groin) 2 weeks
Mark Nicoski (hamstring) 6 weeks
Matthew Rosa (thigh) 5 weeks
Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: A couple of certain outs with Mark LeCras (arm) and Erc MacKenzie (hamstring) facing extended stints on the sidelines. Ashley Smith struggled to make an impact.

ON THE CUSP: Veteran Andrew Embley collected 20 disposals in the WAFL last weekend and should be better for the run after starting Round 1 as the substitute. Defender Sam Butler looks ready for a recall after helping himself to 29 possessions for Perth. Wingman Bradd Dalziell also impressed in the state league. Daniel Kerr is set to make his comeback this weekend for East Fremantle.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Huge game for the Eagles coming up against a Hawthorn outfit fresh off yesterday's painful loss to Geelong. Josh Kennedy needs to fire inside the arc while the likes of Matthew Priddis, Luke Shuey and Andrew Gaff must be at the top of their games to counter the Hawks' A-grade midfield. Dean Cox will have the Hawks' measure at the stoppages but wary of the Eagles up forward. Jack Darling must impact the scoreboard for the Eagles to be any chance.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES
Easton Wood (hamstring) test
Tom Williams (foot) 1 week
Matthew Boyd (calf) 2 weeks
Koby Stevens (hamstring) assess

ON THE BLOCK: Koby Stevens was subbed off against the Lions with hamstring tightness but he pulled up fine and will play against Fremantle on Saturday. Stevens' replacement Clay Smith didn't find much of the ball but would be stiff to miss out this week.

ON THE CUSP: Defenders Lukas Markovic and Michael Talia were named in the best for Williamstown in its Easter Sunday loss to Geelong at Torquay, where Jack Redpath kicked two goals. Jake Stringer played and kicked a nice goal but might find it tough to break into a winning line-up. Easton Wood was listed as a "test" last week but didn't come up, and must be close to the mark a week later.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Dogs are on the march, and will give themselves a chance of upsetting the Dockers at Etihad Stadium. Brendan McCartney's philosophy of stacking his midfield with inside ball-winners paid off last week, with the Dogs smashing Brisbane at the coalface. If Ayce Cordy can snaffle some more big grabs in the goalsquare, this team will cause a few headaches during the season.

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I'm sorry, Clarko: Kennett

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has called for coach Alastair Clarkson to be sacked at the season's end following 10th straight loss to Geelong

Keep walking, Clarko. Former Hawk president Jeff Kennett says it is time for a change at Hawthorn. Source: Herald Sun

A CONTRITE Jeff Kennett has apologised to Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.

In a letter received by the Herald Sun, Kennett admitted this afternoon that his frustration prompted him to "wrongly single out Alastair for the seven point loss".

The former Hawthorn president called for Clarkson's sacking at the end of the season after Geelong scored its 10th consecutive victory over the Hawks at the MCG yesterday.

He said he sincerely apologised to Clarkson and his family "for the grief I have caused them".

Kennett's letter said:

I apologise to Alastair Clarkson.

I was out of line yesterday in holding him solely responsible for our club not saluting in the last three years and for our performance yesterday.

It is true that with out list of players and the support the club has given the football department that I felt we have underachieved over that three year period.

Of course that is a subjective view, and on each occasion we were beaten by a better team on the day.

And yes, someone must accept responsibility for those defeats.

But maybe in my support for my club I have come to expect too much!

And on reflection I was wrong to single out Alastair alone.

He, like all at the club, have done their best and Alastair has personal values which I have always gratefully respected.

We are all responsible for the good times and less successful.

Monday's game was a classic in that Hawthorn performed well in the first half and Geelong less so. But after halftime Geelong came out on a mission and turned the game on its head.

Our five goal advantage, which became three goals just before half time, quickly disappeared. We seem to have lost our mojo as Geelong found theirs.

The performance of (Paul) Chapman always has me in awe.

He is consistent in his toughness and drives the ball everytime he gets his hands on it. (Joel) Selwood is a wonderful leader who sets a very high standard of both leadership and effort.

Not to say Hawthorn was without contributors through (Sam) Mitchell, (Brad)  Sewell and ever competitive (Josh) Gibson. But, sadly not as competitive enough across the group as our opponents.

I guess when you have witnessed the club grow since 2005 to the level of membership and good health it enjoys today, you just expect it to keep performing at the highest level.

Hopefully that will continue to be the case and the season has just started, so to make judgments based on one game is inappropriate.

That said, the tribal nature of the game drives our emotions and yesterday, in my frustration, I wrongly singled out Alastair and for what was a team result for which we all must accept responsibility and be challenged to do better, week on week.

I sincerely apologise to Alastair Clarkson and his family for the grief I have caused them.

EARLIER today, Hawks captain Luke Hodge urged Kennett to think before he opens his mouth.

"Jeff done great things for our football club when he was president of the footy club," Hodge said on Tuesday morning.

"Now he is a frustrated person who is very opinionated. Some of the things (he says), I think he should think before he speaks ... a lot of smart people in football disagree with what he had to say.

"You have to take the good with the bad and I don't think you are going to change Jeff."

Speaking on Nova 100 on Tuesday morning, Hodge said Kennett was someone who "loves to get his opinion across because of who he is", but believed the club's most outspoken supporter needed to tone down criticism.

After watching his side lose to Geelong for the 10th consecutive time at the MCG on Sunday - to continue the 'Kennett Curse' -  the man himself said it was time for a change.

Asked if he thought Clarkson should be moved on at end of the season, Kennett said: "Yes."

"I think we need to introduce a freshness at the club that doesn't exist at the moment because so many of the personnel have been there for a number of years," Kennett told 3AW last night.

"They have been listening to the same voice for too long."

HAVE YOUR SAY - IS IT TIME FOR CLARKO TO GO?

Clarkson, who has a 57 per cent winning percentage in his eight years at the helm, has another year remaining on his contract.

But Kennett said last night the club had "underachieved" since winning the 2008 premiership.

"I always believe six to eight years is long enough any coach should stay at any club," he said

"He has brought great service to the club, but he has been in charge of one of the best groups of young men going around in footy now for a number of years now, certainly since 2008.

"There was an excuse in 2009 for our performance because of injury.

"But in 2010, 2011, 2012 we underperformed...someone has to accept responsibility for that."

Kennett said the club should look at appointing an untried assistant coach rather than try to lure a big name.

"I'd be looking for a second-tier coach who has proved himself and hungry for success and trying to prove himself," he said.

"I don't believe you look around for another senior coach - you elevate an assistant coach who has something to prove.

"Alastair has now been there for a long time, the players understand him very well...you have to freshen up the group.

"And we have a very good list still."

Kennett said near enough was not good enough at Hawthorn.

"What are we doing right? We're not winning flags," he said.
 

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Head clashes in the clear

North Melbourne goalsneak Lindsay Thomas faces a nervous wait with the match review panel after flooring Collingwood's Ben Reid with a big bump.

Kangaroo midfielder Lindsay Thomas celebrates a goal in the first quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Ben Reid leaves the field after his collision with Lindsay Thomas. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

AFL match review panel chairman Mark Fraser says players will not be suspended for accidental head clashes this season.

Fraser said the shift in policy was made clear last season after Chris Dawes, then at Collingwood, and Brisbane's Matt Maguire were found guilty of rough conduct.

"Accidental contact in that regard, like a head clash, yeah, we will not be charging them,'' Fraser said.

The clarification from Fraser follows confusion over why North Melbourne forward Lindsay Thomas wasn't charged after a heavy bump that forced Collingwood defender Ben Reid to be subbed out of the game at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Thomas today said he made a split-second decision to shepherd Reid and the pair accidentally clashed heads, with Reid forced from the field with a bloodied mouth.

The clash sparked a war of words between opposing coaches after the match, with Collingwood's Nathan Buckley describing Thomas's bump as an "average" act.

"A head clash is deemed a complete accident. The only time it wouldn't be was if Thomas had jumped into the air, into the contest,'' Fraser said.

"In fact, we would expect someone would know if they had come into contact with the head. So if there's a head clash where someone jumps into the air with a bump, then that would be a potentially chargeable offence.

"It was changed last year. There has been a similar incident occur where a head clash has caused some major trauma. So, we don't think this is any different.

"If he (Thomas) had of contacted him with a shoulder to the head, then that would've been viewed differently.

"You can see the ball going away from Reid and Thomas comes in to make a block. He doesn't leave the ground in making the shepherd and there was an unfortunate clash of heads.

"The clash of heads was deemed as circumstances outside of the player's control.

"It was all changed in 2012 after a couple of players, Chris Dawes and Maguire received penalties for head clashes in 2011.

"Last year there was a similar bumping collision between (Jeremy) Cameron and (Charlie) Dixon ... and unfortunately Dixon received a broken jaw. Cameron got let off that because it was a clash of heads.

"We didn't believe Thomas meant for that to occur, so he wasn't charged.''

Fraser said players still had to be careful not to hurt opponents in contests for the ball.

"He certainly does have a duty of care, but we don't deem that that duty of care has been breached by a head clash. We don't think that players go into a contest where they're thinking a head clash is going to occur and obviously that does damage to both players.''

Fraser said the Thomas decision would help everyone understand the ruling.

"People are clearer on the situation,'' he said.

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Clash of heads between Ben Reid and Lindsay Thomas saw Reid off with a bloody mouth and players in a scuffle after Scott Pendlebury tested Lindsay Thomas's Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

Thomas said he was "dazed" by the head clash.

"Yeah, it was one of those unfortunate things I guess," Thomas told North Melbourne's website.

"I saw Lachie Hansen running onto the footy and I was kind of running towards him - probably the last split decision I made was to shepherd Ben Reid.

"We collided heads. It was just one of those unfortunate things. We both hit heads, and we both went down."

Thomas admitted he feared that he might be suspended after watching a replay of the incident.

"I didn't really think about it too much after the game," he said.

"I thought there wasn't really much in it but after looking at it yesterday, I did think I was in a bit of strife.

"I'm just happy that I don't have to miss any games of footy."

He dismissed suggestions he had faked his response after the two players went down.

"Unfortunately for him (Reid), he didn't come back on, he was knocked out," he said.

"I came off with a pretty sore cheek and look, I'm just happy that he's all right.

"I hoped he was okay. Like I said, it was just an accident and in terms of 'heat of the moment', it got a bit heated there towards the end but that's footy. After the game we all shook hands and got on with it."

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My family were 'bitter' with Pies

Mick Malthouse has no interest in making peace with Eddie McGuire.

Mick Malthouse and Eddie McGuire after the 2011 Grand Final loss to Geelong. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON coach Mick Malthouse has revealed his family were 'bitter' and 'disappointed with humanity' following his departure from Collingwood as the build up to Sunday's blockbuster at the MCG intensifies.

As he prepares to face his former club for the first time, Malthouse has made public his family's distaste of the coaching handover to Nathan Buckley following the 2011 grand final defeat.

"They (my family) thought it (coaching) was finished at the end of Collingwood," he said in the third and final instalment of his Malthouse: No Limits documentary.

"They were very disappointed, bitter in many respects, with the way it finished (at Collingwood).

"And really done with football and disappointed with humanity, if you like.

"I like to build things on friendship, and they go along with that friendship – when it's broken, it's broken and badly broken."

His wife, Nanette, also revealed she could not wait for Sunday's blockbuster at the MCG to be over.

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse and wife Nanette. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis Source: Herald Sun

"I'm just dreading it," she said in the documentary.

"I'll just be glad for it to be over because it's all everybody talks about.

"I'd like to go and hide away somewhere."

The three-time premiership coach admitted he was expecting to cop some comments from over the fence on Sunday.

"I'm sure the media will make more out of it than what it should be...(but) if I draw the attention and it helps my team, so be it," he said.

"I am not silly enough to suspect that when we walk onto the ground at the MCG in Round 2 that there is not going to be some banter between the supporters and them to me."

Malthouse said most Collingwood supporters he had come across still held him in high regard.

"I haven't met one Collingwood supporter that has been negative," Malthouse said.

Dave Hughes and Peter Helliar tell us why they love to hate each other's footy teams.

"It surprised me because I don't think a lot of them know the full story.

"None the less, those that I do have contact with just acknowledge the fact I spent 12 good years at the Collingwood Football Club.

"Most wish me all the best, albeit with a follow up like, 'Why Carlton?'

The comments emerged the day after Malthouse made it clear he had no plans to reconcile with Magpies president Eddie McGuire.

"I have many things to do, but I don't think that is going to happen," Malthouse said on Fox Footy's On the Couch last night.

"And Eddie knows exactly the reasons why.

"I don't need to go there...there's a million things that happen on this planet and that are going to happen in football.

"I'm just focusing on this year."

McGuire has said he hoped to one day repair his relationship with Malthouse.

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Pies defy all odds to stun Roos

North Melbourne goalsneak Lindsay Thomas faces a nervous wait with the match review panel after flooring Collingwood's Ben Reid with a big bump.

Brent Macaffer celebrates his goal in the last quarter Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD has spent a hellish summer on the ropes, forced to defend its culture, its misbehaving stars and even its game plan.

Under extreme duress the Pies applied that pressure to their Round 1 rival, and the result was a victory for the ages.

A Collingwood side with no right to win - ravaged by late withdrawals and mid-match injuries - instead defied the odds to set the template for its season of redemption.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

The ''swarm'' is back, and on the limited sample size so is Collingwood, after a victory achieved despite the late withdrawals of Heath Scotland (gastro) and Dayne Beams.

The Pies played beautiful football through the poise of Scott Pendlebury, the silky finishing of Steele Sidebottom and the brutish strength of Travis Cloke.

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Dane Swan Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

Yet they combined it with the grit and collective will to tackle that was so absent last year as their season ended with a whimper rather than a bang.

For a half of astonishingly high quality they traded blows with North Melbourne, but where the Roos wilted the Pies just turned the pressure gauge higher and higher.

War of words between Bucks and Scott

Seven minutes into the last term after six straight goals the Pies were 34 points up, yet also out on their feet.
With Ben Johnson (leg) subbed out, Ben Reid knocked out (by Lindsay Thomas) and the cramping Ben Sinclair long out of petrol tickets, a North Melbourne comeback was inevitable.

VIDEO: See Thomas's big bump on Ben Reid

But even Collingwood's ability to hold firm after North Melbourne's four straight goals turned a cakewalk into a nailbiter was a resounding positive.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley had spent the summer preaching that talent was not enough, and that lesson clearly fell on a willing congregation.

It might be Round 1 - with September over five months away - yet given the likes of Dale Thomas, Luke Ball and Alex Fasolo were also absent this was right up there with any win on Nathan Buckley's watch.

Only a week ahead of his clash with former mentor Mick Malthouse, his side's actions showed that if it was ever in doubt, this is very much his team.

Travis Cloke battled in a gripping one-on-one battle with Scott Thompson for four goals, the small forwards relentlessly chased and tackled, and Quinten Lynch (two goals) played his forward foil role perfectly to keep Cloke isolated.

Dane Swan's industrious game (31 touches) was capped by a strong defensive mark in the final moments, while Maxwell's stats camouflage a game full of spoils, smothers and one-percenters.

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Clash of heads between Ben Reid and Lindsay Thomas saw Reid off with a bloody mouth and players in a scuffle after Scott Pendlebury tested Lindsay Thomas's Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

Collingwood's stars might have been on fire, but the real winners were the kids and the recently acquired mature-agers that would not give up the fight.

Sam Dwyer has real dash and poise, Josh Frost was steady down back, and late inclusion Josh Thomas (seven clearances) turned the ball over early but then just got on with the job of winning it at the coal face.

For that exceptional first half it looked like North Melbourne were the exact replica of the side that took part in barnstorming run to last year's finals.

But if Daniel Wells, the mighty David Swallow and Ryan Bastinac were brilliant, the likes of Leigh Adams, Shaun Atley, Sam Wright, and Kieren Harper were content to be total passengers.

North Melbourne's night was summed up by the performance of Thomas, so effective with four first-half goals and then totally shut out by Alan Toovey.

That the Roos were able to close on the limping Pies was mostly due to Thomas, who took it upon himself to shepherd Reid as he chased Lachie Hansen.

The result was brutal, and the aftermath will be severe.

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Nathan Grima battles with Travis Cloke Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

The head clash kept Reid out of the rest of the game, and Thomas was booed for the rest of the game despite the absence of malice.

Yet there is no doubt Thomas is in massive strife.

He initiated the contact so is responsible for it, has 88.75 carry-over points, and if the incident is graded intentional and high impact faces 550 more points before a guilty plea.

Now North will return to the drawing board without Thomas for as much as a month, aware that their last-term comeback was as empty as their win tally.

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Ben Cunnington goal in the first quarter Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: HWT Image Library

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Dismal Dees booed off

The AFL's contentious score review system has again come under fire with two incidents in today's Melbourne-Port Adelaide clash at the MCG

Nathan Jones after the match Picture: Harman Stephen Source: HWT Image Library

SHELL-SHOCKED coach Mark Neeld was flummoxed; Wayne Carey said he'd "never been as disappointed in a team".

And before the tactical dissection of Melbourne's 79-point capitulation to Port Adelaide began, shattered Demons players admitted they'd been rocked by - but understood - the savage hail of booing to which they were subjected as they trudged from the MCG.

Neeld, flanked by equally stunned captain Jack Grimes at his press conference, was at a loss to explain his team's inability to bring training track form and rudimentary footy basics to a Round 1 clash with an opponent, on average, actually younger than his Demons.

Live HQ: Melbourne v Port Adelaide

"There are angry players, angry coaches, angry supporters, (an) angry club," Neeld said.

"It's particularly disappointing that you can train one way for four or five months, then come out and be unrecognisable on a footy field.

"We didn't deal with Port Adelaide's speed and aggression ... We didn't see that coming."

Former Kangaroos champ Carey was far less diplomatic.

"Rather than play stupid games and see who can grow the longest beard, how about train? They are a shambles," he said on Triple M.

"If I was Mark Neeld I'd say to the conditioning guy, 'I don't give a crap (about recovery)'.

"I'd get 'em up at 4.30am (on Monday morning) and give them a 10km time-trial and then a swim afterwards.

"Actually, a 10km time-trial, then make them watch this game (as punishment).

"They dress like AFL footballers, look like AFL footballers, but don't play anything like one.
I've never been as disappointed in a team."

After the game, Neeld spoke to his player for half an hour trying to find out "who's a competitor and who's not".

"And the general feeling in the room was that everyone's a competitor - at times.

"There weren't too many who were able to get up in front of everybody and say, 'I thought you competed all day'," he said.

Dees lay egg in Easter shock

Neeld said the players had correctly recalled all aspects of his game plan in the review, but couldn't explain the variation from the reality.

There was one piece of good news for Melbourne: Forward Mitch Clark's leg injury is a rolled ankle, a pleasant surprise after he appeared to suffer a serious knee or ankle injury midway through the third term.

The match was peppered with stunning grabs; with Port's Jay Schulz taking an early contender for mark of the year.

But his towering speccy will be tinged with controversy after he clearly grabbed it over the goal line.

The umpires agreed the mark had been in the field of play, but went upstairs for a review that returned an "inconclusive" verdict, meaning the the mark stood.

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Scott tells Bucks to butt out

North Melbourne goalsneak Lindsay Thomas faces a nervous wait with the match review panel after flooring Collingwood's Ben Reid with a big bump.

Lindsay Thomas's bump has sparked a war of words between the coaches. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

A SCATHING war of words erupted between opposition coaches Brad Scott and Nathan Buckley last night as the postscript to the North Melbourne and Collingwood clash at Etihad Stadium which turned sour.

Scott told his Magpies counterpart to keep his opinions to himself after Buckley called Lindsay Thomas's off the ball hit on Ben Reid an "average'' act that would see the AFL "hold him to account for his actions''.

Magpies defender Reid did not return to the field having been left concussed and bleeding from the mouth after the third quarter incident.

VIDEO: See Lindsay Thomas's bump which has sparked so much controversy in the player above

As the ball was trickling out of play Roos forward Thomas changed direction and clashed heads with an unsuspecting Reid who lay motionless on the ground for a couple of minutes.

Live HQ: North Melbourne v Collingwood

A grossly undermanned Collingwood outclassed North Melbourne by 16 points, but the Thomas/Reid incident was the major talking point afterwards.

"I thought it was pretty average,'' Buckley said.

"I have full faith that the systems the AFL has in place will hold him to account for his actions.

"It was off the ball, unprovoked and we'll see how it happens.

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Clash of heads between Ben Reid and Lindsay Thomas saw Reid off with a bloody mouth and players in a scuffle after Scott Pendlebury tested Lindsay Thomas's Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

"I don't want to pre-empt anything, but clearly if it's behind play and it it's high you're in a bit of strife.''

Scott was left seething by Buckley's remarks.

"Nathan Buckley should just worry about his own team,'' Scott said.

"Commentary like that doesn't help. I don't know what incident Nathan Buckley saw but a head clash is a head clash, it does happen in football, we play a contact sport.

"Bucks should just keep his opinions to himself when it comes to decisions and things that will be taken care of by the powers that be.

"It doesn't help when a senior coach comes in and starts influencing things and casting dispersions on our players.

"If Bucks wants to call me he can.''

Scott said it wasn't for him to say what he thought of the incident himself.

"But certainly from where I sat it didn't look malicious, it didn't look like he tried to hurt Ben Reid,'' he said.

"But as I said, it's not for me to say and it's certainly not for him to say.''

Reid's absence was further accentuated by the fact Ben Johnson had to be substituted at half time with a corked thigh.

Asked how he felt seeing Thomas continue while his side went down to two players on the bench Buckley simply said: "He stayed down and tried to fake that as well.

"It is what it is, it was not a great act and I'm sure he'll be feeling pretty sorry for it right now.

"Reidy will play next week.''
 

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Debtant Frost comes in cold

Jack Frost had little time to prepare for his debut. Picture: Scott Chris Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley admitted he had his doubts about his team's capacity to overcome the loss of several key players before last night's impressive 16-point win against North Melbourne.

Already without the likes of Dale Thomas, Luke Ball, Alex Fasolo, Alan Didak and Clinton Young, Collingwood lost Dayne Beams to a quad injury before the game and Heath Shaw to a bout of food poisoning 30 minutes prior to the bounce.

The two late withdrawals handed Jack Frost and Josh Thomas unexpected AFL debuts.

In the case of Frost, he had no idea he was only minutes away from playing his first game when he arrived at the ground.

"I just had my polo on outside and then all of a sudden they said 'yeah, you're in','' Frost said.

"I had two minutes to get taped, get everything on, do a tiny little warm up that went for about 10 seconds and then I ran out. That was it. I wasn't ready for that one.''

It's a debut the 21-year-old rookie elevation had been waiting for for years, but it came in an instant.

The key defender didn't even know whether his parents had been at the ground to see him play.

"Daisy (Dale Thomas) actually came up to me in the rooms and said 'do your parents know?'

"I had no idea, so I told him where my phone was but I'm not sure if he even got on to them. I hope they were there.''

Josh Thomas (18 possessions, seven clearances) at least had a little extra time to prepare after being told on Saturday that Beams wasn't right.

"Beamsy hurt himself at training yesterday arvo, so I didn't really have too much time to think about it thankfully.'' Thomas, 21, said.

"I was pretty nervous though because I've been dreaming about this day for a while.''

A third debutant, Sam Dwyer, was the Pies substitute and came on at half time after Ben Johnson copped a cork to his thigh.

Buckley was full of praise for his undermanned team after the game.

"Coming in to it we had concerns about personnel I suppose and were wondering whether we had lost too much quality to be able to play the way that we did tonight,

"But the fact is it's not just the talent level of a team that gets you wins it's the actual effort and perseverance (of the players) and the application to their roles.

"I thought it was a great win.''

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Dogs maul Lions by 68 points

Western Bulldogs recruits Nick Lower, Koby Stevens, Brett Goodes and Tom Young sing the song with gusto. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Lions defender Matt Maguire leaves the field with ice wrapped around his leg. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

SOMETIMES a long wait can be well rewarded.

If scriptwriters were searching for a theme for the Western Bulldogs' 68-point mauling of NAB Cup champions the Brisbane Lions in an extraordinarily one-sided Round 1 clash at Etihad Stadium, it wouldn't have been hard to locate it.

Just ask the Bulldogs' players - and their long-suffering fans - who have waited and waited to finally win a match for premiership points again.

Before today, the last time it had happened was way back in Round 12 last season and what followed was a miserable streak of 11 losses that had doomsayers fearing what 2013 might hold in store for Brendan McCartney's team.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

Yet what the Bulldogs served up at their first offering for this year offered hope for the present, as much as the future, and it showed some vindication of the path on which McCartney is offering up for his young side.

Given the wait the Western Bulldogs had experienced, you could understand why they looked so elated at the final siren, given they were missing their captain Matthew Boyd, and were coming up against the form side of the pre-season competition.

But the simple equation was that the Bulldogs wanted it more. And the Lions were desperately disappointing.

There were stories of reward for effort and redemption for reward everywhere you looked for the Bulldogs, and you could understand why some of the players in the winning side celebrated long and hard on the final siren.
 
Just ask Brett Goodes who finally made his AFL debut at the ripe age of 29, and performed so well that it's almost an indictment on the competition that he was forced to wait so long.

He might do something that his brother Adam couldn't do - win a Brownlow Medal vote in his first game. Adam had to wait until his third season to poll votes off the umpires.

Goodes was outstanding off the half-back line - something which allowed acting captain Robert Murphy the chance to play forward - and he used the ball like a wily veteran that he is in age terms, but not in terms of AFL games played.

Just ask Dale Morris, who played his first game in Bulldogs colours in a home-and-away match in 595 days after a career-threatening broken leg, and who importantly got through the match with confidence in his game and in his leg.

He attacked the ball hard when he went anywhere near it, and led the backline, offering up confidence and support to key defender Jordan Roughead, who outpointed Jonathan Brown.

Just ask Nick Lower, who this time last year was struggling to adapt to life under Ross Lyon at Fremantle.

Lower completely shut-out Michael Tuck medallist Daniel Rich, restricting him to an almost inexplicable eight possessions.

He was a worthy inclusion to the Bulldogs' midfield that overwhelmed a much-hyped Lions engine room that looked as flat as the look on coach Michael Voss' face.

Lower worked well with ruckman Will Minson, who played one of his best games for the club, and the likes of Ryan Griffen, Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis.

Just ask Koby Stevens and Tom Young, who were bit players for their respective clubs West Coast and
Collingwood last season, but who slotted nicely into McCartney's team to suggest they might play nice roles this season.

And maybe ask Adam Cooney, who started the week in hospital due to an infection to his troublesome right knee, but finished it singing the Bulldogs' theme song for the first time since Round 12 last year.

Brisbane was nothing like the team that won the NAB Cup only a few weeks ago.

They were denied the ball early by the ferocious Bulldogs and nothing seemed to go right for them.

The Dogs now face Fremantle next Saturday, while Brisbane finally returns to the Gabba to meet Adelaide on the same day.

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LIVE: Suns v Saints

Suns skipper Gary Ablett looks downfield for an option. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Gold Coast star Harley Bennell celebrates after kicking the first goal of the match. Picture: Getty

10.09pm: Suns 84 - Saints 70

How do you stop Gary Ablett? You can't. It's just that simple when the Little Master decides it's go time no one can stop him.

Ablett single-handedly orchestrated the Suns fight back from a nine-point deficit with two goals in as many minutes to silence the St Kilda faithful.

And it didn't stop there with the Suns piling on six goals in a hurry to set up a 14 point lead in the shadows of the final siren.

Ablett has four goals and 30 disposals to his name.

9.38pm: Suns 47 - Saints 56

GOLD Coast is within striking distance of St Kilda after outscoring the visitors three goals to one in the third quarter.

Matthew Shaw sparked the fight back streaming into an open goal early in the term.

But it was Gary Ablett's goal from deep in the pocket which gave the Suns a glimmer of hope.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

St Kilda responded with a goal but it was short-lived when Jaeger O'Meara got the ball out of congestion and slotted his first AFL goal.

9.10pm: Suns 26 - Saints 45

A FIVE goal second quarter has helped St Kilda to a 19-point lead over Gold Coast at the main break.

Nick Riewoldt sparked the Saints with two goals in the second term while Jarryn Geary and David Armitage have picked up plenty of the football.

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett is going about his business as usual but up until now has been unable to claw his Suns back into contention.

The Suns failed to kick a goal in the second quarter after slotting three in the opening term.

Meanwhile, a decision to ping St Kilda champion Lenny Hayes for sliding will be looked at during the week after the Saints gun merely brushed his rival across the legs.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt celebrates kicking a goal against Gold Coast. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

8.31pm: Suns 26 - Saints 31

ST KILDA has kicked back-to-back goals to snatch the lead off Gold Coast early in the first quarter.

Beau Maister started the fight back slotting the Saints first goal of the term before skipper Nick Riewoldt chimed in with one of his own to turn an 11-point deficit into a one-point lead.

Terry Milera made it five points after the Suns hit back with a couple of behinds to reclaim the lead in the see-sawing affair.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Jaeger O'Meara of the Suns looks to kick in his first AFL game during the round one AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the St Kilda Saints at Metricon Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

8.17pm: Suns 24 - Saints 13

GOLD Coast leads St Kilda by 11 points at quarter-time at Metricon Stadium.

Charlie Dixon was the star of the term without punishing the Suns in front of the big sticks.

Dixon provided a strong marking target inside the arc collecting clunking three for a 1.1 return.

Gary Ablett was quiet at the start but worked into the term collecting 11 disposals.

Harley Bennell opened the scoring with a goal early in the first quarter. Dixon and Luke Russell chimed in with majors of their own to extend the lead.

Jack Steven, matched up against Ablett, kicked the Saints' only goal of the quarter.

David Armitage collected nine disposals as did Nick Dal Santo who spent time off the ground with medicos assessing tightness in the star midfielder's groin.

8.10pm: Suns 23 - Saints 10

JAEGER O'Meara missed a golden opportunity to join the club of players to kick a goal with their first kick in league footy.

O'Meara won himself a free kick about 40m out directly in front.

But the man child, 19, never looked comfortable going back looking to dish off to a teammate.

O'Meara sprayed his set shot for goal and hasn't touched the ball since.

Gold Coast has made all the early running but only leads the Saints by 13 points.

Meanwhile, Suns skipper Gary Ablett is working off rival Jack Steven collecting seven possessions.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 30: Luke Russell of the Suns celebrates a goal during the round one AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the St Kilda Saints at Metricon Stadium on March 30, 2013 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

7.58pm: Suns 13 - Saints 9

GOLD Coast has started the better at Metricon Stadium with Harley Bennell and Aaron Hall dominating the play.

Bennell opened the scoring with the first goal of the match after taking a strong mark about 20m from goal.

Meanwhile, Hall has helped himself to five early possessions providing a spark around the contest.

Not to be outdone, St Kilda responded through Jack Steven waltzing in for the Saints first goal midway through the term.

Steven also has the job on Suns skipper and ball magnet Gary Ablett. Tough times ahead.

Boom youngster Jaeger O'Meara is yet to touch the football in his AFL debut.

Pre-game: Late changes

St Kilda has replaced Tom Simpkin with Trent Dennis-Lane for tonight's match against Gold Coast.

The Saints have wheeled a late change with Simpkin coming out of the side to face Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium tonight from 7.45pm (AEDT).

Former Swan Dennis-Lane comes into the side and will start as the substitute.

The Gary Ablett-led Suns must fancy themselves against a St Kilda outfit missing key playmakers Sam Fisher and Leigh Montagna.

Livewire Brandon Matera has been named as the Suns' substitute.

Meanwhile, big-bodied midfielder Jaeger O'Meara is set to make his debut after an impressive NAB Cup campaign.

The 19-year-old priority draft pick spent last year dominating in the Suns' reserves.

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