Viney on track for Dees debut

Jack Viney gets the footy moving forward during the Casey Scorpions vs Port Melbourne practise match at Casey Fields, Cranbourne. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Mitch Clark kicks at goal at Casey Fields. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

JACK Viney is almost certain to debut for Melbourne against Port Adelaide next Sunday after a strong performance for Casey Scorpions today.

And the Demons have not given up hope that Mitch Clark and Jack Trengove could also play after both players got through three quarters unscathed of the game against Port Melbourne at Casey Fields.

Viney was one of the Scorpions' best players while Clark and Trengove were a little rusty after long layoffs.

Demons football manager Josh Mahoney confirmed Viney would likely make his debut next weekend, while Clark, Trengove and Chris Dawes (who did not play yesterday) would be assessed over the coming days.

"We were keen for him (Viney) to get one more (game) in and he played really well," Mahoney said.

"We would be expecting him to be very close to playing (in Round 1)."

Mahoney said Clark, Trengove and Dawes remain a chance to play, but the Demons would have to wary they do not take underdone players into the clash with Port Adelaide.

"They are a chance to play," he said. "It will be an interesting week - we will have some decisions to make."

Clark kicked one goal in his first game since a foot reconstruction after Round 13 last year.

He attacked the ball - and at times his opponents - with intent, but was sometimes frustrated by the opportunities that were presented to him.

Trengove looked a little underdone after overcoming stress fractures and struggled to have an impact.
Both he and Clark left the field midway through the last term.

Dean Kent, who had impressed the Demons during the pre-season, was reported after an incident just before quarter-time.

Meanwhile at Frankston, Adam Schneider put his hand up for selection in St Kilda's Round 1 side with a second strong performance for Sandringham in two weeks.

Read about how the St Kilda-listed players performed

HERE

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LIVE: Eagles v Dockers

Eagle Ashton Hams cops a high tackle during the first quarter. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: Herald Sun

FOLLOW the action from the Western Derby No.37 between West Coast and Fremantle from Paterson's Stadium.

10.15pm - Fremantle 108 West Coast 80

IT'S party time at Paterson's Stadium with Fremantle demolishing an injury-ravaged West Coast outfit in Derby No.37.

The Dockers outscored the Eagles 11 goals to five in a withering second half run fuelled by excitement machines Michael Walters, Nick Suban (three goals), Chris Mayne and Kepler Bradley (two goals).

But it's not all good news for the Dockers who are without Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) subbed off for Cam Sutcliffe.

Skipper Matthew Pavlich also received treatment after splitting the webbing in his left hand.

9.50pm - Fremantle 76 West Coast 52

FREMANTLE is cruising to victory in Derby No.37 leading an injury-ravaged West Coast by 24 points.

The Dockers stormed the hapless Eagles during the third quarter with Danyle Pearce and Stephen Hill the chief destroyers.

It was a dirty term for the Eagles who lost forward Mark LeCras to a serious arm injury while Eric Mackenzie is off the ground with a hamstring twinge. Read more about the injuries: HERE

9.27pm - Fremantle 57 West Coast 51

DANYLE Pearce has helped Fremantle wrestle the lead back off West Coast kicking his second goal midway through the third quarter.

Pearce ran onto the loose ball about 25m out directly in front and made no mistake with the flying shot off his right boot.

The Dockers have dominated play in the term Kepler Bradley and Matt de Boer kicking goals of their own.

Mark LeCras is doing his best to keep the Eagles in Derby No.37 with two goals in his first home-and-away game since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in the NAB Cup last year.

9.18pm - Fremantle 47 West Coast 45

FREMANTLE is pulling out all stops against West Coast early in the third quarter at Paterson's Stadium.

Kepler Bradley gave the Dockers the ideal start kicking a goal from a free kick 35m.

Matt de Boer then put the Dockers in front with his mark and goal midway through the term as the Eagles braced for the challenge.

Stephen Hill has looked dangerous streaming through the midfield while first half Eagles wonder Josh Kennedy has been hardly sighted.

Meanwhile, Matthew Pavlich has been reported for charging following an incident in the second quarter.

Pavlich cannoned into the back of Will Schofield in a marking contest, giving away a free kick which set up an Eagles goal.

8.53pm - Fremantle 34 West Coast 43

WEST Coast forward Josh Kennedy made a welcome return to football slotting three goals in the first half against Fremantle.

Kennedy provided a strong marking target inside the arc and capitalised on a free kick against Zac Dawson to kick his third goal late in the second quarter.

The spearhead, who missed the bulk of last year with foot problems, collected 13 disposals and five marks in a dominant half of football.

Fremantle had all the play early in the second quarter with back-to-back goals to Michael Walters and Ryan Crowley.

But the Eagles hit back, Kennedy the chief destroyer, before another mini-fightback by the Dockers.

Danyle Pearce slotted his first in Dockers' strips to cut the margin to nine points at the main break.

23/03/2013 SPORT: 23/03/2013 SPORT: AFL- Fremantle Dockers v West Coast Eagles, Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Eagle Adam Selwood elbows Fremantle's Ryan Crowley, from which Crowley was forced from the field with blood coming from his nose. Source: PerthNow

In usual Derby fashion there has been several spot fires around the ground with the likes of Ryan Crowley (pictured) and Hayden Ballantyne in the thick of the action.

SuperCoach leaders

Kennedy - 80
Suban - 70
Hill - 66
Hams - 62
Mayne and Barlow - 60

Click for more live SuperCoach scores

23/03/2013 SPORT: 23/03/2013 SPORT: AFL- Fremantle Dockers v West Coast Eagles, Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Eagle Adam Selwood elbows Fremantle's Ryan Crowley, from which Crowley was forced from the field with blood coming from his nose. Source: PerthNow

8.30pm - Fremantle 25 West Coast 36

COMEBACK men Mark LeCras and Josh Kennedy have given the Eagles an 11-point buffer midway through the second quarter.

Fremantle struck first with back-to-back goals to take the lead but the Eagles responded with LeCras, the beneficiary of a soft free kick, and Kennedy converting set shots on goal.

To make matters worse for the Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich's high bump on Will Schofield will be looked at during the week.

Pavlich slammed into the back of Schofield as the courageous had eyes only for the ball.

8.22pm - Fremantle 25 West Coast 24

WEST Coast could rue not putting Fremantle away in Derby No.37 as the Dockers take a one-point lead early in the second quarter.

Michael Walters kicked the first goal of the second term before tagger Ryan Crowley marked on his own directly in front.

23/03/2013 SPORT: 23/03/2013 SPORT: AFL- Fremantle Dockers v West Coast Eagles, Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Eagle Adam Selwood elbows Fremantle's Ryan Crowley, from which Crowley was forced from the field with blood coming from his nose. Source: PerthNow

8.14pm - Fremantle 12 West Coast 23

WEST Coast dominated the first quarter against Fremantle but only leads by 11 points after Chris Mayne's goal after the siren.

Mayne was the beneficiary of a free kick in the goal square just seconds before the siren.

The Eagles made all the early running at Paterson's Stadium with Ashton Hams the chief destroyer with two goals in Derby No.37.

But Hams made a blue late in the term choosing to snap for goal when a conventional drop punt would suffice.

The small forward won a contentious high free kick decision but failed to punish the Dockers.

SuperCoach leaders

Hams - 58
Nick Suban - 44
Jamie Cripps - 43
Stephen Hill - 34
Chris Mayne - 31

Click for more live SuperCoach scores: HERE

8pm - Fremantle 6 West Coast 21

IT'S taken a defender to get Fremantle on the board with Nick Suban converting from a tight angle to open the Dockers' account.

Suban made no mistake to end three-goal Eagles streak midway through the first quarter at Paterson's Stadium.

The Eagles have been ultra impressive with former St Kilda defender Jamie Cripps and small forward Ashton Hams on fire.

Cripps kicked the first goal of the match while Hams has taken two strong marks inside the arc.

7.50pm Fremantle 0 West Coast 12

WEST Coast has made all the early running with Josh Kennedy looking dangerous roaming across centre-half forward.

The spearhead who missed the bulk of last year with foot problems has taken a couple of strong marks while providing scoring opportunities for Eagles teammates.

Former St Kilda defender Jamie Cripps opened the scoring for the Eagles taking a strong mark 30m out directly in front.

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Cripps made no mistake while Ashton Hams made it worse for the Dockers in Derby 37 marking uncontested in the goalsquare.

Scott Selwood has the job on Docker playmaker Nat Fyfe while Ryan Crowley will be looking to shut down Eagle Luke Schuey.

23/03/2013 SPORT: 23/03/2013 SPORT: AFL- Fremantle Dockers v West Coast Eagles, Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Fremantle Dockers Ross Lyon coach watches his players warm up. Source: PerthNow

PRE-GAME - A DEPLETED West Coast will be hoping its three-pronged attack can hold it in good sway against Fremantle in tonight's Western Derby.

The Eagles missing key playmakers Daniel Kerr, Nic Naitanui, Matt Rosa and recruit Sharrod Wellingham boast marking targets Jack Darling, Josh Kennedy and Mark LeCras inside the arc.

LeCras is the feel good story of the west playing his first game since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during the NAB Cup last year.

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The wily forward has had a strong pre-season campaign and will be looking to get his hands on the ball early to boost his confidence.

Kennedy will also make his return to senior football after missing the bulk of last season with foot problems.

Fremantle also has its injury concerns with Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) and Anthony Morabito (knee) sidelined with injuries.

Check back from 7.40pm (AEDT) for live rolling coverage of tonight's Western Derby

Jonathon Griffin has the job of chasing Eagle powerhouse Dean Cox around the wide expanses of Paterson's Stadium while skipper Matthew Pavlich will have his hands full against key defender Eric Mackenzie.

Meanwhile, Eagle Andrew Embley will start as the substitute while for the Dockers, developing midfielder, Cameron Sutcliffe has the green vest.

Embley, 31, will be nursed through the Derby after twinging his hamstring during the Eagles NAB Cup match against Collingwood.

He missed 17 matches last year with a shoulder injury.

23/03/2013 SPORT: 23/03/2013 SPORT: AFL- Fremantle Dockers v West Coast Eagles, Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Fremantle Dockers Ross Lyon coach watches his players warm up. Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE v WEST COAST, 7.40pm SATURDAY, PATERSONS STADIUM

FREMANTLE

B: K.BradleyZ.DawsonM.Johnson

HB: P.DuffieldL.McPharlinN.Suban

C: D.PearceM.BarlowC.Pearce

HF: R.CrowleyM.PavlichN.Fyfe

F: H.BallantyneC.MayneM.Walters

R: J.GriffinD.MundyS.Hill

INTERCHANGE: M.De BoerT.MzunguL.Spurr C.Sutcliffe

EMERGENCIES: J.CrichtonJ.HannathL.Neale

WEST COAST

B: W.SchofieldD.GlassAs.Smith

HB: S.HurnE.MackenzieB.Waters

C: A.GaffS.SelwoodA.Embley

HF: J.HillJ.DarlingC.Masten

F: S.LycettJJ.KennedyM.LeCras

R: D.CoxM.PriddisL.Shuey

INTERCHANGE: A.SelwoodA.HamsJ.Cripps B.Sheppard

EMERGENCIES: J.BrennanM.BrownB.Dalziell

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

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Schneider steps up workload

Adam Schneider celebrates a goal for the Saints. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA pair Adam Schneider and Tom Simpkin pushed their claims for Round 1 selection against Gold Coast when they got through today's practice match with VFL affiliate club Sandringham unscathed.

Schneider stood-out in Sandy's big victory - 11.22 (88) to 11.4 (70) - over Frankston.

He suffered an injury setback during the pre-season but got some valuable match practice under his belt with 60 minutes game time for Sandringham last week.

Saints football operations manager Greg Hutchison said Schneider go through his planned 80 minutes today without any concerns.

"He played the minutes that he was scheduled to do and did what he had to do in terms of conditioning,'' Hutchison said.

"And Simpkin did what he had to do. Because he has missed a bit of footy, we were able to get permission for him to play and from a conditioning aspect he also got what he needed from the game.''

Although the Saints had permission to play Rhys Stanley, it was decided to keep him on the sidelines.

Stanley hurt his knee against Sydney earlier this month with an injury that was diagnosed as likely to keep him out for 2-4 weeks.

Scans cleared him of any structural damage when he hyper-extended his knee when he landed after a marking contest.

Hutchison said Stanley trained fully on Friday but the conditioning and coaching staff decided the session was more beneficial than playing yesterday.

The club will assess all three players during the week.

Meanwhile four of Sydney's 2012 premiership players - Shane Mumford (ankle), Martin Mattner (hip), Nick Smith (knee) and Mitch Morton (back) - received valuable game time in a practice match between the Swans reserves and Sydney University on Friday night.

The four hope to play in the opening game against Greater Western Sydney.
 

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LeCras off with arm injury

Eagle Mark LeCras is off the ground with an arm injury. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

LUCKLESS West Coast forward Mark LeCras is off the ground with a serious arm injury following a clash with Fremantle's Tendai Mzungu at Paterson's Stadium.

LeCras was quick to brace his right arm in his jumper as trainers surrounded the wily forward playing just his first game back from a knee reconstruction.

The 26-year-old, who had kicked two goals in the game so far, collided with Mzungu on the wing late in the third quarter.

Meanwhile, Eagles defender Eric Mackenzie has been subbed off after spending time on the interchange bench with medicos working on his hamstrings.

He was replaced by substitute Andrew Embley who had an immediate impact taking a mark within range before spraying his set shot on goal.

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LIVE: Dons ignite to steal lead

Patrick Dangerfield is on fire early. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

A JOBE Watson clinic has ignited Essendon in the second quarter as the Bombers piled on four-straight goals to seize the lead at AAMI Stadium.

9.50pm Adelaide 33-47 Essendon

COURTENAY Dempsey's goal on the cusp of the halftime siren handed Essendon a 36-point comeback and handy buffer at the main break.

Live HQ: Adelaide v Essendon with LIVE SuperCoach scores

The Bombers dominated the second quarter, booting six goals to one as captain Jobe Watson led from the front with 17 disposals.

Howlett's pair of second-quarter majors handed him SuperCoach honours for the first half, leading the count with84.

The Crows sole second-term goal came after video confirmation Graham Johncock's kick on the run scraped through.

Marquee recruit Brendon Goddard endured a quiet half, but his fifth disposal was a lovely set-shot goal from the 50m arc.

9.41pm Adelaide 33-41 Essendon

IT was a quiet start by marquee signing Brendon Goddard, but a beautiful set-shot goal opened a spurt of Bomber scoring on the cusp of halftime.

Live HQ: Adelaide v Essendon with LIVE SuperCoach scores

Goddard's fifth disposal was his best before Ben Howlett kicked truly to hand Essendon an eight-point lead.

The five-goal turnaround was inspired by Watson, while debutant Nick Kommer's energy has been pivotal.

Crow Graham Johncock kicked his side's sole second-quarter goal, but only after video review confirmation, in a term dominated by the visitors.

9.27pm Adelaide 25-Essendon 28

A JOBE Watson clinic has ignited Essendon in the second quarter as the Bombers piled on four-straight goals to seize the lead at AAMI Stadium.

Watson has racked up 15 touches and 51 SuperCoach points midway through the second term.

Stewart Crameri and Ben Howlett goaled inside the first two minutes to start the second quarter, before Tom Bellchambers marked and kicked truly to steal the lead.

Watson and Heppell have been the starts, while Courtenay Dempsey's run and carry has also been a feature.

Don Jake Carlisle has shutdown Taylor Walker since his early goal, while debutant Nick Kommer has made a promising start to his career.

9.12pm Adelaide 22-9 Essendon (quarter-time)

IT took 22 minutes, but Brent Stanton finally put through Essendon's first goal of the season after a sluggish start against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

Live HQ: Adelaide v Essendon with LIVE SuperCoach scores

The Bombers failed to convert from their first 11 entries after the Crows' quick-fire three-goal burst to start the match.

Dyson Heppell and Jobe Watson led the way for the travelling side, sharing 20 possessions, while Richard Douglas and Dangerfield were the standout Crows.

1/4 time SuperCoach stars:
J Watson (39)
M Wright (38)
Johncock (37)
Heppell (34)

Full list at LiveHQ

AFL - Adelaide Crows v Essendon at AAMI Stadium - Round 1 - Taylor Walker and Mark Baguley Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

9.00pm Adelaide 22-1 Essendon

PATRICK Dangerfield has ignited Adelaide to the perfect start against Essendon with the Crows booting the first three goals at AAMI Stadium.

It took Essendon until the 18th-minute mark to register a score, through an errant snap from Michael Hurley.

Dangerfield spotted Walker 35m out for the first goal before Richard Douglas and Jason Porplyzia added two more.

Live HQ: Adelaide v Essendon with LIVE SuperCoach scores

The Bombers used Hurley as their focal point in attack, while Jake Carlisle was given the job on Walker.

True to NAB Cup form, Dyson Heppell was unleashed in the midfield early, racking up nine touches and 27 SuperCoach points in the first 20 minutes.

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AFL - Adelaide Crows v Essendon at AAMI Stadium - Round 1 - Essendon united Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

PRE-GAME:

DAVID Zahrakis will start as Essendon's substitute tonight, but assistant coach Sean Wellman says he is fully fit and capable of playing four quarters if required.

Zahrakis pulled on the boots for the first time this pre-season in a VFL scratch match last week, six weeks after injuring a quad.

Live HQ: Adelaide v Essendon with LIVE SuperCoach scores

But Wellman said the goalkicking midfielder was ready to rock ahead of tonight's clash against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

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"He's actually come off his injury a lot better than he has in the past because he's been able to put a big block of training together," Wellman told SEN.

BELOW: See the teams for tonight

"We wouldn't have picked him and put risk on one of our better players if we didn't think he was right."

Wellman said Heath Hocking would rotate between Crows danger men Scott Thompson and Patrick Dangerfield and praised debutant Nick Kommer.

The 22-year-old West Australian has slotted straight into coach James Hird's side after earning an AFL lifeline at pick No. 73 in last year's draft.

"He's really competitive, he chases and tackles – he actually works as hard in defence and he does in attack – which is quite rare. And he covers the ground as well, so he can go into the midfield," Wellman said.

"We've just found what he's done at AFL level in the NAB Cup has been exactly what he's been doing at WAFL level."

There were no late changes, with Brodie Martin set to start as the Crows' substitute.

Prized youngster Brad Crouch was surprisingly left out of Adelaide's side.

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ADELAIDE v ESSENDON, TONIGHT 8.40pm AAMI STADIUM

ADELAIDE

B: Luke Brown, Ben Rutten, Ricky Henderson

HB: Nathan van Berlo, Daniel Talia, Brent Reilly

C: Bernie Vince, Patrick Dangerfield, David Mackay

HF: Richard Douglas, Josh Jenkins, Jared Petrenko

F: Jason Porplyzia, Taylor Walker, Matthew Wright

RUCK: Sam Jacobs, Scott Thompson, Rory Sloane,

INTERCHANGE: Matthew Jaensch, Graham Johncock, Brodie Martin, Andy Otten

EMERGENCIES: Brad Couch, Shaun McKernan, Aidan Riley

ESSENDON

B: M Baguley, C Hooker, M Hibberd

HB: B Goddard, D Fletcher, J Carlisle

C: C Dempsey, J Watson, D Heppell

HF: D Zaharakis, P Ryder, S Crameri

FF: A Davey, M Hurley, N Kommer

R: T.Bellchambers, B Stanton,  B Howlett

INTERCHANGE: H Hocking, D Myers, J Melksham
J Merrett

EMERGENCIES: L Jetta, K Hardingham, E Kavanagh

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League will tighten drug loophole

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou is part of the drugs working party. Picture: Glenn Daniels Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL's illicit drugs working party has agreed to tighten the loophole which allows players to admit drug use yet dodge testers.

The self-reporting loophole will be tightened but not totally disregarded to ensure it is not abused by players.

Clubs believed a small number of players were reporting the use of drugs not as a cry for help, but simply as a way to sidestep positive strikes.

Some club officials even believed their players had done so when made aware testers were at their club.

But the AFL confirmed today the working party had agreed amendments would be drafted for review by the AFLPA and AFL, to be discussed again in 4-6 weeks.

The AFL Commission and player delegates of the player union would both need to agree to alterations of the AFL's illicit drugs policy.

"We also had considerable discussion about how the policy framework can be strengthened to deal with a very small number of players who might disrespect the policy's objectives and disregard how their off-field behaviour impacts on other players in the competition, their own club and the AFL itself," AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said.

Demetriou chairs the working party, which also includes AFLPA chief executive Matt Finnis, AFL medical officers and club representatives.

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Tigers to tie up Jack

Jack Riewoldt is in talks for a new deal with the Tigers. Source: Getty Images

COLEMAN medallist Jack Riewoldt has begun talks on a new long-term deal, and he and Richmond are confident of a speedy resolution.

Riewoldt, 24, has recently joined the elite stable being assembled by Strategic Management's Liam Pickering that includes Lance Franklin, Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury and Gary Ablett.

Pickering and new Tigers football manager Dan Richardson have spoken about Riewoldt's deal and will start thrashing out the length and cost.

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Although Riewoldt is thought to bleed yellow and black, Richmond will have to pay huge dollars for a player with two Coleman Medals, an All-Australian nod, a best-and-fairest and 215 goals in the past three seasons.

The Tigers now have talks under way with their big three out-of-contract stars - Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin.

The Herald Sun revealed in November Richmond's issues with Martin's behaviour, and the potential for him to be elsewhere next year.

But given a positive off-season, and Cotchin's recent guarantee that Martin is on track for a bumper season, the 21-year-old is much closer to securing a new contract than he was late last year.

Pickering said Riewoldt was ready for a big year after spending the past two seasons fighting injury issues.

"He is one of the stars of the competition and, without putting too much pressure on him, the Tigers should come good this year so he should get a bit more ball in there," he said.

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Waite in wars again

The Blues could be without Jarrad Waite for the next month. Source: Getty Images

CARLTON forward Jarrad Waite is expected to miss the club's early season blockbusters after another setback with his troublesome calf injury.

Waite is not expected to be available until Round 3 or 4 at the earliest and, given his poor fitness base, may need several weeks in the VFL before he is ready for senior selection.

It is understood a scan a fortnight ago revealed a second calf tear after Waite struggled to recover from the injury suffered in early February.

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Waite was sidelined for seven weeks for what the club initially described as a "minor calf strain" so his rehabilitation could stretch past 10 weeks.

Waite is one of the Blues' most important players given their lack of key forwards and his goalkicking talents.

Carlton will handle Waite's latest injury setback with extreme caution.

The Blues first five rounds are testing with games against Richmond, Collingwood, Geelong, West Coast (away) and Adelaide, before their draw becomes more manageable, with just one double-up against a top-eight team from last season.

Carlton great and SEN commentator Robert Walls, who is seventh on the club's all-time goalkicking list, said yesterday that, given his history with injury, the Blues could not rely on Waite.

"He is 30 years old and in his last four years he has averaged 12 games a season, so you can't build (a team) around him because he's not there," Walls said.

"There is the injury and there are the (recent) suspensions. So you can't rely on having him out there.

"Having said that, you think about how (coach Mick) Malthouse likes to play and he brings the ball in wide and needs someone to lead up to the wings and take marks.

"Waite is the perfect one to do that.

"But averaging 12 games a year and being 30, will we ever see him put in a solid year?

"His best is very good, but he doesn't play enough."

Waite, a father-son pick in the 2001 draft, kicked 27.14 from 11 games last season as he battled a mystery back injury.

With game tallies of nine, 16, 12 and 11 in the past four seasons, Waite is a star who simply cannot get on the ground.

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Jolly OK after lung scare

Darren Jolly cops a knee in the back in a ruck contest against Geelong. Picture: Harman Stephen Source: Herald Sun

Darren Jolly with trainers. Picture: Harman Stephen Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD ruckman Darren Jolly says he will line up in the Magpies' opening clash next week despite a stint in hospital.

Jolly was hospitalised after suffering a hit in his back in last Friday's practice-match loss to Geelong at Simmonds Stadium.

"I just copped a knock in the back, of all places, in the last quarter, which was purely an accident," Jolly said.

"I went into hospital as a precaution, just to make sure the lungs are OK.

"It's all good now."

However, Jolly admitted he had had an easier week following the incident "to settle down".

"I'm very confident (of playing in Round 1). I've dealt with injuries in the past and this is no different," he said.

"I'll make sure I look after it this week and be ready to go for next week."

Collingwood recruited former Adelaide, Western Bulldogs and Lions ruckman Ben Hudson as a ruck coach only to later recruit him in the rookie draft to shore up their playing stocks.

Jolly said he was happy that Hudson would play a role on-field at various times.

"I knew when Huddo was coming he was probably going to play a few games, which is great," Jolly said.

"Huddo brings great experience to our group. Obviously he's played at three different clubs now and the way he goes about training and playing, his attitude towards things is fantastic.

"I'm not going to play every game and I don't think every player will play every game so there's opportunities there for him," he said.

Meanwhile, Jolly said star midfielder Dale Thomas was in doubt for the first round against North Melbourne on Sunday week but backman Ben Reid should play.

"I think maybe Reidy might be ready to go but I'm dubious about Daisy (Thomas)," he said.

"He's confident he'll be ready for Round 1 and he's back training but I think he has to prove to the coaches that he can really get up and go and be tackled."

Collingwood's Dale Thomas is struggling to be ready to go in Round 1. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Thomas has been involved in controversy recently after saying he might not stay at Collingwood if he gets a more attractive offer under the free agency rules.

"Internally, we don't really worry about it," Jolly said.

"Daisy, to his credit, is coming off an injury so he wants to prove to the club that he wants a good contract and he will start to play some good footy before he starts talking about it.

"None of the guys have a problem with it at all - we know where he stands."

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Cooney's knee dogs him again

Bulldogs star Adam Cooney could miss Round 1 with a setback to his troublesome knee. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN Bulldogs star Adam Cooney is in doubt for next week's season-opener after suffering a setback with his troublesome knee.

The Brownlow Medallist was forced to enter hospital yesterday to receive treatment for an infection to his right knee.

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Cooney, who travelled to Germany late last year for revolutionary treatment on the knee, has been the stand-out of the Dogs pre-season and again played well in Friday night's final practice match against Richmond.

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 He will remain on antibiotics for the rest of the week but the Dogs are confident the 27-year-old will be back at training next week which at least gives him a chance of lining up against Brisbane .

"We see this as a minor set-back for Adam and we're looking forward to having him back at training next week," General Manager of Football, James Fantasia said.

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