Host club deal to last 'forever'

All West Coast players, such as midfielder Adam Selwood, will play for East Perth in the WAFL from 2014 when not required for AFL duty. Picture: Will Russell Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast and Fremantle say they hope their host club arrangements with East Perth and Peel will last forever despite the historic deal being for a minimum of five years.

Eagles CEO Trevor Nisbett and Dockers counterpart Steve Rosich said they no longer held ambitions to field stand alone teams in the WAFL and that they believed the alignment model would be a success.

"I hope it's going to be in place forever and a day. I think that this looks like a sustainable model, a model that can help the other clubs,'' Nisbett said.

"I think the injection of funds into the competition initially will be the catalyst to help the other clubs and I think the next step is then to ensure that the other seven clubs who aren't partners get the opportunity to recruit well and hopefully we'll revitalise the competition again and make sure that we've got a really good, viable competition for ever and a day.''

WA's two AFL clubs submitted a proposal for stand alone teams in the WAFL, expanding the competition to 11 teams, last year but the request was knocked back by the WA Football Commission.

"It's taken a long time. Obviously we needed to make sure we got things right and we think the Football Commission have done a pretty good job in trying to get the two clubs in partnership with the two AFL clubs so that you've got a willing partner,'' Nisbett said.

"At one stage six months ago, or probably even three months ago, we didn't know whether this would come off and we're very pleased that it has.

East Perth consulted West Coast over the recent appointment of Brian Dawson as league coach. Dawson has a long history with the Eagles as a fitness coach and sports science consultant.

Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich said the Dockers were happy for new Peel coach Cam Shepherd to fulfill his two-year contract.

"One of the positive things is that the Peel Football Club are very positive about this arrangement, so from that perspective we're very happy to be with Peel,'' Rosich said.

"They're a young club, a club that we're very much looking forward to working with to develop both on and off the field.''

Rosich said finding the annual payment of $450,000 to fund the deal would be difficult.

"That's on top of the amount we're already paying to the West Australian Football Commission, so it will mean that the total amount we're paying to the Football Commission will exceed $5m quite easily in 2014,'' he said.

"That's a challenge for us, that's money that we have to find and this is a tight and tough business to run. So a challenge we are looking forward to, because it is strategically important.

"Have we paid over the odds? It's a negotiated amount, but it's a little bit more than we wanted to pay.''

Peel president John Ditchburn said the club considered the proposal carefully before comitting.

"It has been the desire of both AFL clubs to have all their players not selected in their respective AFL teams to play and train together,'' Ditchburn said.

"Further to this, a review by all WAFL clubs established that it was in the best interests of the WAFL competition that the AFL players not selected in their respective AFL sides, remain in the WAFL competition. Under the partnership model these outcomes can be achieved.

"We also believe it will assist our future growth and development both on and off the field, and, importantly, help attract and retain local players from the Peel region, which is a growth region in WA.''
 

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McLachlan: two byes a must for teams

Gillon McLachlan, right, with AFL boss Andrew Demetriou, says AFL teams can expect two byes. Picture: Andrew Filipovic Source: The Daily Telegraph

THE AFL fixture could look drastically different from next season as the league today strengthened its commitment to giving clubs two byes.

The 2013 season will kick off with two standalone Round 1 matches on the weekend of March 22.

That is the weekend, AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan said, all teams would ideally start to allow for a season that contains two byes and still concludes with a Grand Final on the last Saturday in September.

SEE THE FIXTURE IN FULL HERE

That cannot happen currently with cricket occupying the rights to the MCG, SCG and Gabba until the end of March.

Identifying ground availability as ``problematic for us'', McLachlan called on cricket and state governments to be ``pragmatic'' in their approach to the issue.

``They know very clearly our issue, we've made representations to the government,'' McLachlan said.

``I guess we're looking for some constructive solutions. I understand that if Victoria were to host the (Sheffield) Shield final theoretically they need the MCG, but what their minimum standards are and what they need to deliver that ... we're hoping to get some traction with that.

``At the moment it's not ideal.''

The AFL has again adopted the model it introduced this year, whereby six teams are given byes over three consecutive weeks in 2013.

Should cricket relinquish the rights to the 'G, that scenario would occur twice each year conceivably splitting the season in to thirds.

A centre of excellence for Cricket Victoria at the Junction Oval could be the answer to the problem, with plans in place to refurbish the ground to make it capable of hosting Sheffield Shield games.

Cricket Victoria chief Tony Dodemaide said the centre of excellence is the ``obvious solution'' for all parties.

However there is no suggestion such a refurbishment could take place in time for the 2014 season.

``We're certainly still pursuing that as hard as we can and working with the government to make that reality,'' Dodemaide said.

``But I guess the basics of it is that unless we have got somewhere else to go then there's nothing we can do. We simply don't have anywhere else to play first class cricket other than the MCG at the moment.''

The AFL Players Association has led the charge for additional breaks.

And AFLPA general manager of player relations Ian Prendergast said his organisation would continue to push the AFL on the issue.

``While we have been unable to achieve that for 2013 due to ground availability, we will continue to work with the AFL on the inclusion of two-byes for the 2014 season and are pleased that the AFL is making this a significant priority,'' Prendergast said.

McLachlan said the issue was understandably ``priority one, two and three'' for the players.

But he denied the push was related to the AFL's mooted move to a capped interchange system in 2014.

``Our players are crying out for a rest ... I think this is independent of that,'' McLachlan said.

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Wilkinson burns Suns field

Gold Coast midfielder Joel Wilkinson was six seconds faster than any other Suns player in today's time trial in Arizona. Picture: David Clark Source: Herald Sun

TAGGER Joel Wilkinson confirmed his status as the fittest player on the Suns list after dominating the gruelling two kilometre time trial in Arizona today.

Wilkinson finished six seconds ahead of Jeremy Taylor in the gut-busting hit out, which kicked off a tough second day for the 42-strong Gold Coast squad.

Wilkinson was pleased with the effort but said the job was far from done yet.

"It was a similar time to what I ran in the second 2km time trial in Arizona last year, so it's good to know I've adapted quicker to the conditions this year," Wilkinson said.

"But my aim is to be the fittest player in the competition, so I have to push myself harder every day."

Some handled the effects of running at high altitude better than others.

New recruit Tom Murphy said it felt like he had a constantly tightening belt strapped around his chest, while Jared Brennan likened the time trial to carrying 59kg in a Melbourne Cup.

The two kilometre dash was followed by 40 minutes of trail running before a solid weight session and one hour of body balance in the afternoon.

Suns new fitness boss Stephen Schwerdt said he was impressed by the squad's attitude in the opening days.

"I love their attitude and willingness to do whatever has been asked," Schwerdt said.

"But the test is still to come and we are only in the early stages of the camp and everyone is still pretty upbeat.

"But they will get tired and grumpy and start missing home and that's when it will get really challenging."

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SA running on empty without reserves

Port Adelaide Power CEO Keith Thomas says South Australia's Crows and Power need reserve teams. Source: News Limited

PORT Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas has called for an urgent solution on giving the Power and Crows reserves teams after the SA-based AFL clubs were left on a limb today.

This follows WA-based AFL clubs West Coast and Fremantle today aligning themselves to WAFL clubs East Perth and Peel Thunder for five seasons from 2014.

Port and Adelaide are now the only AFL-based clubs without reserves teams or development teams under their control.

The Eagles and Dockers will each pay $450,000 a year to the WA Football Commission for this compromise to their needs for reserves teams. The $900,000 will be sent to the other seven WAFL clubs.

Thomas, who is in Paris ahead of Port's pre-season clash with the Western Bulldogs in London, says the Power and Crows cannot put off the reserves debate any longer.

``The clock is ticking against us,'' said Thomas. ``And we can't allow that to happen - we can't be left behind while every other AFL club has a reserves team or a development squad.''

Thomas is recommending the Power have all its excess players at the SANFL-based Port Adelaide Magpies.

He is prepared to consider the Power and Crows B teams playing in the SANFL reserves rather than the nine-team league competition.

"The question for SA football now is: Do we have the collective vision to find a solution for our AFL clubs and maintain the integrity of the SANFL?" Thomas said.

"If we can't put our minds to it  and find a solution  we will have no alternative but to separate from the SANFL to place a reserves team somewhere else. From WA to Victoria, six clubs have this year decided to meet their needs for reserves teams.

"Meanwhile, in SA we're still at the stage where we don't want to talk about it. We have to find a solution."

SA Football Commission chairman John Olsen tonight told adelaidenow there are two more pressing priorities for the SANFL.

"No.1 is the move to Adelaide Oval in 2014," he said. "Then we have to resolve one way or the other if the (Crows and Power) licences are returned to the AFL.

"We're shifting to a new oval and trying to find a new structure for SA football. We're far more advanced than the West Australians on these issues.

"The West Australians have made an interesting decision - and we've been kept fully briefed by them.

"Whatever proposals we ultimately consider for the Power and the Crows, we will study the advantages and disadvantages in full and seek a decision that is in the best, long-term interests of SA football."

Adelaide chief executive Steven Trigg said his club was considering the reserves option of setting up a competition between the Crows, Power, Eagles and Dockers B teams.

"That option is gone now and we will consider the others," he said.

"But right now the big-ticket item for us is resolving how the licence is structured with the SANFL or AFL."
 

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AFL unveils 2013 fixture

Hawthorn fans show their support on Grand Final Day. Picture: Blair Hamish Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL is set to release the fixture for the 2013 home-and-away season.

St Kilda is believed to be one of the big winners of 2013, while Collingwood faces the prospect of five interstate trips.

Scroll down for Round 1 2013 match-ups

Meanwhile, Essendon is expected to face-off against arch-rivals Carlton on June 7 to mark 140th anniversary of club's first game in 1873.

ONES TO WATCH:

>> Bomber Goddard v St Kilda
>> Hawks-Swans Grand Final replay
>> Demon Dawes v Collingwood

Live chat with Herald Sun football writer Matt Windley from 10am (AEDT) tomorrow.

What we know of 2013:

ROUND 1

Friday, March 22
Adelaide v Essendon at AAMI Stadium
Saturday, March 23
Fremantle v West Coast at Patersons Stadium

Thursday, March 28
Carlton v Richmond at the MCG
Saturday, March 30
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium
Gold Coast v St Kilda at Metricon Stadium
Greater Western Sydney v Sydney Swans at ANZ STadium
Sunday, March 31
Melbourne v Port Adelaide at the MCG
North Melbourne v COllingwood at Etihad Stadium
Monday, April 1
Hawthorn v Geelong at the MCG

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Giants retain Brogan, Cornes

Giants ruckman Dean Brogan will line up for his 13th AFL season. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

GREATER Western Sydney veterans Dean Brogan and Chad Cornes will line up for the Giants in 2013.

It's expected Brogan, 33, will be used as a back up for Jonathan Giles while young ruckman Andrew Phillips is given more time to develop.

Meanwhile, the Giants have delisted Rhys Cooyou after just one game in 2012.

Cooyou joined the club as a rookie in 2010.

Giants football manager Graeme Allan said the club was pleased to have a player of Brogan's experience lining up for the club.

"Dean has been a fantastic acquisition for the club, not just as a player but also helping develop our young ruckmen and I'm delighted he will continue in both of those roles next year," Allan said.

The Giants have picks 1, 2, 3, 12, 14 and 28 in next month's AFL draft.

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Hawks cut Osborne on a promise

Hawthorn are hoping to pick up Michael Osborne in the pre-season draft. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: The Daily Telegraph

HAWTHORN has delisted Michael Osborne with the view of selecting the small forward in the pre-season draft.

Osborne played just seven games in 2012 after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

Hawks football operations manager Mark Evans said the club was committed to helping Osborne during his rehabilitation period.

"Michael will continue to train with the squad with the aim of being re-listed by the pre-season draft in December."

Hawthorn has also cut injury-prone ruckman Broc McCauley, Adam Pattinson and Tom Schneider as the clubs prepares for next month's national draft.

The pre-season draft is on December 11.

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New Tiger already in hot water

Former Roo Aaron Edwards is in trouble. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Sunday Herald Sun

SuperFooty's Matt Windley and Sam Edmund review the furious final days of the AFL trade period.

RICHMOND'S recruit of last week, Aaron Edwards, is this week in trouble.

Edwards was fined for being drunk in a public place early on Sunday morning and faces internal discipline from the Tigers - just three days after joining his new club.

Richmond confirmed the incident in a statement today.

It is understood Edwards was found on Collins St and spent about four hours behind bars.

Edwards was traded to the Tigers for pick No. 74 in next month's draft after 77 games with North Melbourne.

The Tigers are the 28-year-old's third club after he was snaffled by West Coast in 2005, where he played four games.

Edwards has slotted 123 goals in 81 games at the top level.

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Wood chopped by the Pies

Cameron Wood has been cut by the Pies. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

COLLINGWOOD has lost faith in under performing ruckman Cameron Wood, chopping the first-round pick as part of another five list changes.

The Pies also delisted untried ruckman Jon Ceglar, pint-sized forwards Kirk Ugle and Luke Brown and former Melbourne big-bodied midfielder Simon Buckley.

Wood finished with 64 games after costing the Pies pick 14 in the 2007 draft.

Collingwood sent that pick to Brisbane in exchange for Wood, who was initially drafted with pick No. 18.

The Demons seized the 2007 ontraded pick and snared co-captain Jack Grimes.

Pick Me preview: Exclusive highlights of your club's next superstar

Pies coaching strategist Rodney Eade recently hinted Wood could be on the way out, declaring his season had been disappointing.

The Pies are hoping 209cm beanpole Jarrod Witts can break through for senior action in 2013 as veteran Darren Jolly nears the end of his career.

Nathan Buckley's side has now turned over 13 players this off-season, headed by trade targets Chris Dawes (Melbourne), Sharrod Wellingham (West Coast) and young defender Tom Young (Western Bulldogs).

"All of the boys did what they could to give themselves a chance and they were good people to have around the club," Pies football manager Geoff Walsh said.

"People don't always see what sacrifices are made to try to forge an AFL career. We thank all of them for that effort and wish them well."

Collingwood holds prized picks 18, 19 and 21 in next month's national draft and will also dominate the rookie draft.

The Pies cleared their rookie list last month and the AFL has reduced the amount of space on rookie lists for next season.

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Butcher says Jacobs can still stay

Ben Jacobs can stay at Alberton. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide forward John Butcher has reached out to stranded teammate Ben Jacobs, who was unable to find a new home during the trade period.

Butcher says Jacobs – who wanted to be traded to North Melbourne – would be welcomed back by the playing group should he decide to return to Alberton.

"I gave him a few calls before his decision to go back and he told me the reasons why he wanted to go back,'' Butcher revealed.

Pick Me preview: Exclusive highlights of your club's next superstar

"You could understand those reasons from his point of view. I've already sent him a message post the trade not going through and I'm pretty keen to have a chat with him on the phone.

"I think a lot of boys have been in contact since the trade period as we will all welcome him back with open arms. We'd love to get him back because he's going to be a pretty handy footballer.''

Jacobs, a first-round draft pick, sought a return to Victoria due to family reasons, with his girlfriend moving back to Melbourne earlier this year.

He must now take his chances through the national or pre-season draft should he choose not to continue with the Power.

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Campbell, Garlett head Roo culls

Matt Campbell has been delisted. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

UNTRIED Sudanese ruckman Majak Daw and mature-age star Sam Gibson have officially been elevated to North Melbourne's senior list, but four prolific goalkickers have been delisted.

The Roos today revealed Matt Campbell, Cruize Garlett, Ben McKinley, Ben Speight and Ben Warren would all be cut from their senior list.

Speedster Campbell played 15 matches this season but was arrested last month after he "went to town" kicking and seriously denting a car after being thrown out of Crown casino.

Campbell 25, has played 82 career games and was linked to a move to Port Adelaide in trade period.

Warren and McKinley consistently fired for VFL affiliate Werribee, combining for 97 goals to power the Tigers to a preliminary final.

But with North's array of star tall timber only Warren could crack through for a senior match this season, playing one game.

Garlett played seven matches this season and was seeking a return to Perth in the trade period.

North's off-cuts can now be signed by rivals as delisted free agents between November 1-13.

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We couldn't let Brown go, says Woosha

KEY MAN: John Worsfold and West Coast were desperate to hold onto key defender Mitch Brown. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

WEST Coast coach John Worsfold says the club could not afford to let Mitch Brown go home because a lack of key defensive depth could have sabotaged the club's 2013 premiership tilt.

But despite West Coast insisting contracted Brown was not up for trade, it is understood the Eagles were prepared to let him go to St Kilda, as long as they could secure a replacement key defender through a three-way deal.

But Essendon backman Cale Hooker, a 24-year-old East Fremantle product who has played 66 games for the Bombers, refused to return home, scuttling Brown's wish to shift to the Saints.

Brown's manager, Liam Pickering, said yesterday he believed a three-way deal involving Brown, Hooker and Jamie Cripps was over the line on Thursday night.

Worsfold spoke to Brown, who is holidaying overseas, by telephone on Friday afternoon and said the powerful utility was "really positive" about remaining with the Eagles next season.

"He saw an opportunity to be in the starting 18 at another club, along with an attractive contract offer, but he also understood that we wouldn't let him go at the cost of our squad being massively depleted and at risk of not being able to achieve what it can achieve next year," Worsfold said.

Brown played just eight games as a fill-in key defender this season, with Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie and Will Schofield preferred ahead of him.

But given Glass turns 32 next season and the Eagles have limited developing tall defensive options, Brown, 23, is viewed as important for the future. His upbeat attitude, despite being repeatedly dropped to the WAFL, helped him earn the Chris Mainwaring Medal as best clubman at the West Coast club champion awards three weeks ago.

The following day Brown requested a trade back to his home state of Victoria for more opportunity.

Worsfold said he hoped Brown would re-sign with the Eagles beyond next season, when his current deal expires.

"Mitch is very comfortable," Worsfold said. "He loves the club.

"We would love to have him here and play a lot of games and be a life member and hopefully a premiership player at this footy club. I'm confident if he stays he can achieve those things."

Essendon's list manager Adrian Dodoro praised Hooker's loyalty after he knocked back a deal to join West Coast.

"We got an offer late (Thursday) night for Cale and to his credit he didn't want to leave Essendon," Dodoro said.

St Kilda was seething after missing out on Brown, given they facilitated a request from Cripps to return to his home state and join the Eagles in a trade involving draft picks.

"Like Mitch Brown wanting to return home, we were compassionate that Jamie wanted to return to Western Australia. Our preference for Jamie was to stay at the club, but he made it clear he wanted to be home with family,'' Saints head of football Chris Pelchen said.

"We made several offers to West Coast in the last couple of hours to try and get Mitch across the line."

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West Coast trades 'omen'

NEW FACES: Midfielder Sharrod Wellingham and fellow recruits Cale Morton and Jamie Cripps will add midfield pace at West Coast. Source: Herald Sun

WEST Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold has compared the club's trade spree to when the Eagles brought in Tyson Stenglein and Daniel Chick in the lead-up to the 2006 premiership.

The Eagles won't have a pick in the first two rounds of the national draft and will be the last team to enter the ballot when they have their first selection at 46.

It is a rare departure from West Coast's usual strategy, which has involved largely sitting on the sidelines during the trade period and preserving early draft picks.

The Eagles instead focused on bringing in running players via trades, securing Collingwood premiership midfielder Sharrod Wellingham, along with fellow West Australians Jamie Cripps (St Kilda) and Cale Morton (Melbourne).

In the lead-up to its last flag, West Coast identified a need to add strong bodies and gave up first-round draft picks to trade in Hawthorn hard nut Chick and Adelaide Crows midfielder Stenglein.

"We had a team we felt was very close and we needed to add what was missing," Worsfold said.

"This year's been a little bit of the same philosophy.  I think prior to this year we've used our draft picks pretty well, and we weren't going to have a really high pick anyway, so it's a good time for us to go down this pathway."

West Coast's willingness to sit out of the opening two rounds of the draft for the first time is a clear signal it believes its squad is capable of going all the way next year, although Worsfold shied away from the premiership mode tag.

"I don't call it premiership mode, I call it building your list and making it better," he said.

"But if we weren't in really good touch then we might have a really high draft pick and you'd want to take that draft pick.''

Worsfold signalled his intent to add speed to the midfield immediately after West Coast crashed out of the finals with a 13-point loss to Collingwood in the semi-final at the MCG.

Ironically, it was one of the players in the Magpies team who the Eagles had identified as a crucial addition.

"I'm really keen to see Sharrod fit into our midfield mix and watch him develop there," Worsfold said.

"He's got some pace and can play inside as well as outside. He's a good tackling player, so he fills a few things.

"I think he's still got some improvement to come and he's been a solid player for the past couple of years."

The Eagles lost veteran forward Quinten Lynch to Collingwood through free agency, while midfielder Koby Stevens was traded to the Western Bulldogs and half-back Lewis Stevenson to Port Adelaide.

West Coast is likely to make a couple of delistings early this week, ahead of Wednesday's first list lodgement deadline.

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Saints take in heights

Former Western Bulldogs fitness trainer Bill Davoren is taking the Saints to America. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA expects next month's Colorado training camp to develop into an annual high-altitude staple, along the same lines as Collingwood's visits to Arizona over the past decade.

"My understanding is it's a fairly long-standing commitment to make this an annual part of the pre-season regime," St Kilda high-performance manager Bill Daveron said.

Daveron, who joined St Kilda this month, said the Saints would gather the list in the days after the November 22 national draft and head to Boulder, Colorado, for a 16-day camp.

The team will fly out on November 27 and base itself at University of Colorado.

The group will stay at a hotel on the edge of the campus that is "within jogging distance of all the training facilities" and will incorporate several hikes in its itinerary.

A former Triathlon Australia head coach whose experience with altitude training dates to 1991, Daveron said Boulder was the training base for several high-profile Australian endurance athletes, such as four-time Olympic marathon runner Benita Willis and three-time ironman triathlon world champion Craig Alexander. Davoren hoped to involve one of them in the Saints camp.

"Boulder's been a bit of a Mecca for distance runners, but also for cycling and triathlon," Davoren said.

"I'm not sure that Craig will be there, but I'm working on getting an elite athlete from the endurance field to come in, talk to them and be involved."

The Saints may also look to take in some major sport while they are in Colorado. NFL team the Denver Broncos play Tampa Bay on December 2, while NBA outfit the Denver Nuggets play Toronto the following day.

While training at 1650m will improve the players' endurance and repeat-effort capacity, the Saints' new sports science manager, former Melbourne Storm guru Simon Kearney, will also examine sleep programs and conduct blood analysis.

"We're over there for 16 days which is what you need to put together an adequate exposure and training program," Davoren said, adding the expectation was to follow up with training sessions in the club's Seaford altitude chamber throughout season 2013.

"We might try to get some people into the altitude room a couple of times a week during the season, but that varies depending on their loads and fatigue and those sorts of things."

The club's 2012 draftees and its injured players will take part in the camp. Lenny Hayes, who had corrective heart surgery last month to repair a leaky valve, will also make the trip.

"He's certainly going on the trip," Davoren said. "Look there'll certainly be some modifications around Lenny, and that will be driven by the medical team, but the aim is that he'll be taking part in a number of the activities with us.

"Any players in rehab will continue on their programs and, because the facilities are so good, if anything we'll be able to monitor them more closely."

St Kilda's pre-season begins with the young players training on the day before the Melbourne Cup, and the older players resuming on November 12.
 

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Freo could be 'lite' Eagles with move

STANDING FIRM: Chris Lewis (second from left) and Keep Freo in Freo members Richard Utting, Peter Newman and Peter Dowding are keen for the Dockers to remain at Fremantle Oval. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE board nominee Chris Lewis says the Dockers risk becoming "West Coast Eagles lite" if they turn their back on their heritage and set up a new training base in Cockburn.

Lewis, one of six candidates who have nominated for the member-elected board position, is one of the founders of the Keep Freo In Freo lobby group and is running on a platform to fight for the Dockers to remain at Fremantle Oval.

The corporate consultant has launched both traditional advertising and online campaigns and believes he is a strong chance of being elected.

Lewis is running against former Fremantle captain Peter Mann, sitting director Kate Grieve, real estate director John Garland, Keystart Home Loans chief financial officer John Vojkovich and Summit Fertilizers executive Murray Browne.

Online voting opens at 9am tomorrow and closes at 5pm on November 26.

The Dockers have spent several months considering whether to redevelop their traditional training base, or move to a greenfields site known as Cockburn Central West.

A decision was originally expected by the end of the recent season but The Sunday Times understands this may now not be made until early next year.

Lewis praised the direction of the club under president Steve Harris and CEO Steve Rosich, but said it was clear members wanted the Dockers to be based in Fremantle.

"It's a wonderful organisation, a great club and a great business: it's got a lot of things going for it," he said.

"The Dockers have endless potential and are just starting to get somewhere. We just need to make sure it stays on track and works alongside its members."

Lewis said the Dockers needed to understand their attachment to Fremantle gave the club an important geographic and historic link not enjoyed by their cross-town rivals.

"The Dockers do have a unique identity," he said. "The opportunity is to capitalise on that.

"One of the risks of moving away is we end up being West Coast Eagles lite.

"Just like watering down a beer, we would be watering down the strength, the passion, the heartland of the entire Dockers movement.

"I've put my hand up as a members' representative: someone who will actually get up and say things and take a strong stand on matters and pursue the Keep Freo in Freo stand."

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West Coast refuses to part with Brown

Mitch Brown at West Coast Eagles training at Junction Oval. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA has been left seething by West Coast's refusal to part with Mitch Brown, as the trade and free agency period came to an end yesterday.

The Saints appeased the Eagles by parting with Western Australian youngster Jamie Cripps plus an exchange of picks, but were fuming when the goodwill was not returned.

St Kilda head of football Chris Pelchen said the Saints acted out of compassion for Cripps' desire to return home, leaving the Saints "extremely disappointed" a similar swap for Victorian Brown was not forthcoming.

"Like Mitch Brown wanting to return home, we were compassionate that Jamie wanted to return to Western Australia," Pelchen said.

"Our preference for Jamie was to stay at the club, but he made it clear he wanted to be home with family.

"We made several offers to West Coast in the last couple of hours to try and get Mitch across the line.

"There's no doubt Mitch wanted to play with us."

A total of 35 AFL listed players found new homes this month (11 yesterday) the most since 1997.

In other developments:

- Cale Morton, the 2007 No.4 pick, was traded to the Eagles for pick No.88. The Demons will pay part of his 2013 salary as he was still contracted to the club for another year.

- Demon Jordan Gysberts traded placed with Roo Cam Pedersen, while the Dees' fire sale was completed when ruckman Stefan Martin joined teammate Brent Moloney in Brisbane.

- Key forward Lucas Cook will become Melbourne's third first round draftee to depart this post-season when he is de-listed next week.

- Farren Ray remained at St Kilda and Gold Coast failed to come up with a trade for Josh Toy.

- Justin Sherman was de-listed by the Western Bulldogs with a year to run on his contract.

- Geelong told Tom Gillies he would be de-listed as the squeeze for spots on the Cats list continues.

- North Melbourne remained hopeful it could secure Port Adelaide Ben Jacobs via the draft despite the Power's best efforts to persuade the ruckman to stay.

West Coast recruiting manager Rohan O'Brien said he was confident Brown, 23, would hold no animosity towards the club for keeping him.

"There certainly won't be any angst from our point of view and I hope Mitch is the same," O'Brien said.

"We've always had a long term view with Mitch and remains that we want him to stay for a number of years and we think he'll be a terrific player for us."

It is understood Morton's relationship with Demons coach Mark Neeld was beyond repair.

O'Brien said the Eagles rated the 22-year-old "extremely highly" and that the club is confident his outside run is perfectly suited to the wide expanses of Patersons Stadium.

But whether he slips straight in to the Eagles best 22 is "up to Cale now", O'Brien said.

"He's the same as everyone else, he'll be equal when he comes in, and if he plays well he'll get an opportunity."

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Demons to sweat it out in Kakadu

Melbourne will ramp up their pre-season with a camp in Australia's Top End. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE'S pre-season training will include a Darwin training camp in December that takes in a 30km trek through the Kakadu National Park.

The Demons will stay at Robertson Barracks and train at Palmerston Football Club during the camp, which will run from December 6 to 14.

The club also hopes the Top End stint will help the players adapt to ball-handling in humid conditions, with the team to add to the three home games it has played at Darwin's TIO Stadium since 2007.

"Research shows there are benefits in training in humidity," Melbourne's football manager Josh Mahoney said.

"We think that is a great advantage to take (the team to Darwin) during pre-season and couple that up with the fact we play games in Darwin and want to further our footprint in the Darwin area."

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Dees axe another eight players

Get the first look at the AFL's future stars in this preview of draft analysis series 'Pick Me'

Melbourne will part ways with young forward Lucas Cook. Picture: Chris Scott. Source: Herald Sun

MARK Neeld's overhaul of Melbourne's playing stocks escalated today with eight Demons delisted, including senior players Matthew Bate, Ricky Petterd and Jamie Bennell.

The Demons have now cut or traded 14 of the 46 footballers from their 2012 playing list.

Jordan Gysberts (North Melbourne), Cale Morton (West Coast), Stefan Martin, Brent Moloney (Brisbane Lions) and Jared Rivers (Geelong) all found new home in the trade and free agency period.

Today's cuts also included Lucas Cook, Liam Jurrah and rookies Jai Sheahan, Leigh Williams and Kelvin Lawrence.

Cook, a first-round draft pick, is hoping to find a new home as a delisted free agent after failing to crack through for a senior debut in his two seasons at the Dees.

Lawrence quit the club mid-year, while Sheahan was axed after only one season.

Last year the Dees had the chance to secure a second-round pick for Bate from the Western Bulldogs, but they demanded their first choice - No. 17 - and the deal fell through.

The Dees also lost former captain Brad Green, who retired after 254 games.

Dees to sweat it out in Kakadu

Petterd, a 24-year-old marking forward, may attract the most interest from rivals. Originally from Queensland, he has kicked 55 goals in his 54 games since his AFL debut in 2007.

The Dees have already added Chris Dawes, Shannon Byrnes, David Rodan, Cam Pedersen, Jack Viney and Jesse Hogan to their 2013 list.

Hogan, 17, is not eligible to play at the top level until 2014.

 

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Hooker blocks St Kilda's Brown bid

Get the first look at the AFL's future stars in this preview of draft analysis series 'Pick Me'

Mitch Brown was nearly a Saint. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MITCH Brown was as good as a St Kilda player on Thursday night before Cale Hooker's reluctance to leave Essendon thwarted a proposed three-way trade, according to player agent Liam Pickering.

The Saints were desperate to secure Brown in the trade period to shore up their undersized defence and tabled a three-year contract the West Coast backman wanted to accept.

But with Brown tied to the Eagles for 2013 and West Coast hesitant to trade the 23-year-old, talks between the Saints and Eagles continually broke down.

But Pickering, who manages Brown, said a bumper deal involving Jamie Cripps, Hooker and picks 25 and 26 was "done" before Hooker blocked the move.

"We actually had the deal done late on Thursday night which involved Essendon and Cale Hooker," Pickering told SEN.

"But Cale Hooker didn't want to leave the Bombers in the end, so that was the end of that deal."

Under the deal, the Bombers would've landed picks 25 and 26 for Hooker, with West Coast securing Hooker and Cripps.

The Saints would have coughed up picks 25, 26 and Cripps to secure Brown.

Ultimately, they handed over Cripps and pick 46 for picks 41 and 44 in a direct trade with the Eagles.

Hooker, from East Perth, is believed to have been offered a three-year deal from the Eagles.

But with Darren Glass, Erick McKenzie and Will Schofield already at West Coast, Hooker could have been starved of AFL opportunities, as Brown was this season.

Hooker played 17 games for the Dons this year.

"But Cale Hooker was determined to stay at the Bombers and had a year to go on his contract, so that was the first snag," Pickering said.

"West Coast were pretty up front all the way - they wanted cover for Mitch.

"They were happy to do the deal with Cale Hooker if he wanted to go back, just so they had the player there.

"But once they couldn't get the player, they were never going to do it for the pick, which was disappointing."

St Kilda list manager Ameet Bains said the Saints were "very, very close" to prying Brown east, insisting they tried everything possible.

"But unfortunately it couldn't get done," he said.

"We understand it's a business and every club needs to be happy with the trade completed, so it is what it is."

But Eagles list manager Craig Vozzo denied that, declaring the contracted Brown was never placed on the table.

"(It was) never close at all. Our priority was always to keep Mitch," Vozzo said.

"He's a contracted player, we rate him very highly and want to keep him for a long time.

"We never wavered from that."

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Sherman exits kennel

Justin Sherman's stint at the Dogs is over. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN Bulldogs line-breaker Justin Sherman has left the club and will seek a third home via the pre-season draft despite having a year to run on his existing contract.

The former Brisbane Lion was not traded during October's player movement frenzy and the Dogs today declared they had reached a "mutual agreement" with Sherman.

Dogs football manager James Fantasia said the club and Sherman recognised he was not in the future plans at Whitten Oval.

"Justin and the club agreed that there were limited on-field opportunities for him next season and that it was best to part ways," Fantasia said.

"We wish Justin the best in his future endeavours."

Sherman played 24 games since crossing from the Lions at the end of the 2010 season.

He was restricted to just 10 this season.
 

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How does your club rate?

SuperFooty's Matt Windley and Sam Edmund review the furious final days of the AFL trade period.

Adelaide failed to do a trade for Kurt Tippett and is now set to lose him for nothing. Source: Herald Sun

Get the first look at the AFL's future stars in this preview of draft analysis series 'Pick Me'

ADELAIDE failed miserably, Sydney too, while Geelong, Collingwood and Essendon made the most of the AFL's trade window. Click for club-by-club report card.

ADELAIDE

IN: Angus Graham (Richmond)
OUT: Chris Knights (Richmond)

DRAFT PICKS: 20, 54, 64, 83, 101, 119, 137

VERDICT: A disaster. Hard to remember a worse trade period for a club. Stuffed up the Tippett deal to such an extent it is now under AFL investigation for draft and salary cap tampering. Only (small) consolation is it now has some genuine ruck relief.

RATING: 1/10

BRISBANE

IN: Brent Moloney (Melbourne), Stefan Martin (Melbourne)
OUT: Nil

DRAFT PICKS: 8, 24, 33, 91, 109, 127

VERDICT: Shouldn't be too many complaints here. Added clearance specialist Moloney for nothing, and while Martin is no Wayne Carey, he is a versatile big man the club desperately needed. Tippett would have been nice, but they're not on their own there.

RATING: 6/10

CARLTON

IN: Nil
OUT: Jordan Russell (Collingwood)

DRAFT PICKS: 11, 36, 56, 71, 76, 94, 112, 130

VERDICT: Had the chance to improve its list but wouldn't, or couldn't, deliver. Wanted Cloke and dipped toe in water for Dawes and Lynch, but largely sat on its hands. An established key forward would have been nice.

RATING: 4/10

COLLINGWOOD

IN: Quinten Lynch (West Coast), Clinton Young (Hawthorn), Jordan Russell (Carlton)
OUT: Chris Dawes (Melbourne), Sharrod Wellingham (West Coast), Tom Young (Western Bulldogs)

DRAFT PICKS: 18, 19, 21, 39, 82, 100, 118, 136

VERDICT: Looks a winner, in both short and long term. Lynch and Clinton Young are arguably the equal of Dawes and Wellingham, while Tom Young was effectively swapped for Russell. Then there's the cherry on the sundae -- three first-round draft picks. Tidy work.

RATING: 8.5/10

ESSENDON

IN: Brendon Goddard (St Kilda), Joe Daniher (father-son)
OUT: Angus Monfries (Port Adelaide)

DRAFT PICKS: 10 (committed to Daniher), 35, 52, 55, 75, 93, 111, 129,

VERDICT: Quiet draft ahead, but would be sitting back satisfied. Lured the biggest fish in the free agency window in Goddard. Made to part with pick 10 for teenage prodigy Daniher, but even that appears a bargain.

RATING: 8/10

FREMANTLE

IN: Danyle Pearce (Port Adelaide)
OUT: Greg Broughton (Gold Coast)

DRAFT PICKS: 17, 37, 40, 80, 98, 116, 134

VERDICT: Might be seen to be treading water, but Pearce offers what Broughton could not -- pace and run-and-carry skill to a largely one-paced midfield. Should ease reliance on Stephen Hill.

RATING: 6/10

Get the first look at the AFL's future stars in this preview of draft analysis series 'Pick Me'

GEELONG

IN: Josh Caddy (Gold Coast), Jared Rivers (Melbourne), Hamish McIntosh (North Melbourne)
OUT: Shannon Byrnes (Melbourne), Ablett compensation pick

DRAFT PICKS: 16, 59, 79, 97, 115, 133

VERDICT: More shrewd work from arguably the best list management team in the biz. McIntosh (if he stays fit) will make a huge difference, Rivers will plug a hole in defence and both will keep the flag window ajar. Caddy and retention of pick 16 keeps the future bright, too.

RATING: 9/10

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

GOLD COAST

IN: Tom Murphy (Hawthorn), Jack Martin (mini-draft), Greg Broughton (Fremantle), Ablett compo pick
OUT: Josh Caddy (Geelong), Tom Hickey, (St Kilda)

DRAFT PICKS: 13, 57, 60, 87, 105, 123

VERDICT: Gave up pick 2, but Martin is said to be a gun in the making. Caddy and Hickey could go on to make them pay, but Broughton for pick 37 is as a great deal that will add grunt and Murphy fills a need. The Ablett compo pick goes in the back pocket. Solid.

RATING: 7/10

More news: Department of Trades

GWS GIANTS

IN: Stephen Gilham (Hawthorn)
OUT: Jack Hombsch (Port Adelaide), Jake Neade (Port Adelaide), Jed Anderson (Hawthorn)

DRAFT PICKS: 1, 2, 3, 12, 14, 28, 65, 69, 86, 104, 122

VERDICT: In a word _ ominous. Given numerous free kicks, but was able to get maximum value from its 17-year-olds and pre-listed players. Incoming picks mean it will monopolise draft for the second year running. Gilham stiffens the back half.

RATING: 8.5/10

HAWTHORN

IN: Brian Lake (Western Bulldogs), Matt Spangher (Sydney), Jed Anderson (GWS)
OUT: Tom Murphy (Gold Coast), Clinton Young (Collingwood), Stephen Gilham (GWS)

DRAFT PICKS: 29, 68, 72, 84, 102, 120, 138

VERDICT: Launched out of the trade waters like a hungry great white to snatch Lake, who is a risk but could also win them a flag. Would have liked more for Young, but that was out of their hands. Gilham was surplus in the back half.

RATING: 7/10

MELBOURNE

IN: Chris Dawes (Collingwood), Shannon Byrnes (Geelong), David Rodan (Port Adelaide), Cameron Pedersen (North Melbourne), Jack Viney (father-son), Jesse Hogan (via 17yo mini-draft), Dom Barry
OUT: Jared Rivers (Geelong), Brent Moloney (Brisbane), Jordan Gysberts (North Melbourne), Cale Morton (West Coast), Stefan Martin (Brisbane)

DRAFT PICKS: 4, 27 (committed to Viney), 49, 53, 70, 73, 77, 88, 106, 124

VERDICT: Huge turnover, but club is sick of rebuilding. Wants and needs to be better in 2013, hence big money for Dawes and the addition of stop-gaps Rodan and Byrnes. Viney is a star, but a lot was sacrificed for Hogan and Barry (3 & 13). Simply lost patience with Morton and Gysberts, but the latter could still blossom.

RATING: 6/10

NORTH MELBOURNE

IN: Jordan Gysberts (Melbourne)
OUT: Hamish McIntosh (Geelong), Aaron Edwards (Richmond), Cameron Pedersen (Melbourne)

DRAFT PICKS: 15, 38, 42, 48, 58, 63, 78, 96, 114, 132

VERDICT: Underwhelming. Got Gysberts - and a slightly better pick - for Pedersen in a deal that added some respectibility to a trade period in which two established players left. Gyberts has talent, but has polarised Demons supporters.

RATING: 5/10

PORT ADELAIDE

IN: Angus Monfries (Essendon), Jack Hombsch (GWS), Lewis Stevenson (West Coast), Campbell Heath (Sydney), Jake Neade (GWS)
OUT: Danyle Pearce (Fremantle), Troy Chaplin (Richmond), David Rodan (Melbourne)

DRAFT PICKS: 7, 30, 31, 85, 90, 108, 126

VERDICT: Lost two regulars in Pearce and Chaplin, but Monfries was the only senior player to come the other way. Hombsch has shown promise, but Stevenson and Heath are far from guarantees. Only one first round draft selection (No.7) means it can't even console itself with a raft of early picks.

RATING: 5/10

RICHMOND

IN: Chris Knights (Adelaide), Troy Chaplin (Port Adelaide), Aaron Edwards (North Melbourne)
OUT: Angus Graham (Adelaide)

DRAFT PICKS: 9, 32, 34, 43, 92, 110, 128

VERDICT: Chaplin is a good needs-based get who will slot straight in. We can debate the impact of Knights and Edwards, but the fact is the Tigers have effectively got three players in the door for nothing and kept their top 10 draft pick.

RATING: 7/10

ST KILDA

IN: Tom Lee (Claremont), Tom Hickey (Gold Coast), Trent Dennis-Lane (Sydney)
OUT: Brendon Goddard (Essendon), Jamie Cripps (West Coast)

DRAFT PICKS: 25, 26, 41, 44, 77, 95, 113, 131

VERDICT: Blinked in Cripps-Brown standoff. Dealt an early blow after losing its marquee man, but scored some wins. Gave up 13 for Hickey, but the young ruckman will repay the faith, while Dennis-Lane could have an impact. No Mitch Brown hurts. They needed another key defender, but persuasive powers not strong enough to force West Coast into action.

RATING: 6/10

SYDNEY

IN: Nil
OUT: Campbell Heath (Port Adelaide), Matt Spangher (Hawthorn), Trent Dennis-Lane (St Kilda)

DRAFT PICKS: 23, 45, 47, 66, 67, 103, 121, 139

VERDICT: Left feeling like the jilted lover. Huffed and puffed for Tippett, but any chance of getting the forward was ripped out of their hands by Adelaide's mismanagement. Can't be blamed, but in the end was left without a chair when the music stopped. Handballed three fringe players.

RATING: 3/10

WEST COAST

IN: Sharrod Wellingham (Collingwood), Cale Morton (Melbourne)
OUT: Quinten Lynch (Collingwood), Koby Stevens (Western Bulldogs)

DRAFT PICKS: 46, 61, 62, 81, 99, 117, 135

VERDICT: Might as well not show up on draft day, which tells you where they think of their flag chances next year. Wellingham is a good get. Gave up the equivalent of a packet of Twisties for Morton, but like Josh Hill before him, could kick on. Won't miss Lynch.

RATING: 6.5/10

WESTERN BULLDOGS

IN: Lachie Hunter (father-son), Koby Stevens (West Coast), Tom Young (Collingwood)
OUT: Brian Lake (Hawthorn)

DRAFT PICKS: 5, 6, 22, 50 (committed to Hunter), 51, 89, 107, 125

VERDICT: All about the draft for the Dogs, who need to strike gold with picks 5 and 6. Lake will play well enough to frustrate, but it was the right call for a rebuilding list. Hunter is good value at 50.

RATING: 6/10

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Tippett could get draft approval

Kurt Tippett faces an uncertain future. Source: Herald Sun

KURT Tippett could be eligible for this year's national or pre-season drafts but will require approval to nominate from the AFL.

The forward will require the green light from league headquarters to find a second home after quitting Adelaide before becoming the centre of draft tampering and salary cap breach investigations at the Crows.

The 25-year-old is likely to be deregistered by the AFL but, as it stands now, is able to enter the drafts.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane tweeted today: "Pending ongoing investigation now in place and subject to AFL approval, player Tippett is able to be part of Draft or Pre-Season Draft.

"AFL has no timeline for investigation to be completed."

The AFL today advised the Crows any potential trade involving Tippett would be blocked. The trade deadline passed with Tippett stuck in football's abyss.

Adelaide today tweeted: "AFL has no timeline for investigation to be completed. Tippett can nominate for draft(s) subject to AFL approval."

AFL officials today seized documents from the Crows' headquarters as part of the Tippett investigation.

More to come...
 

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Lake the biggest trade coup

SuperFooty's Matt Windley and Sam Edmund review the furious final days of the AFL trade period.

Brian Lake could help the Hawks snag a premiership, lifting him to the top of the trade bunch. Picture: Nicole Garmston. Source: News Limited

A TOTAL of 35 players have landed at new AFL clubs during the month-long trade and free agency period.

Some are hoping for a second chance, some - like David Rodan and Matt Spangher - are trying their luck at a third AFL club.

Others have landed in the top level for the first time, and two players - Jesse Hogan and Jack Martin - won't be able to take the field until 2014.

So who caught the biggest trade fish?

On the back of Mike Sheahan's Top 50, here's SuperFooty's Top 35 traded players – ranked in order of value to their new clubs.

Did we get it right? Have your say below.

1.Brian Lake (Hawthorn)
Fills the one big gap in the Hawks' line-up. Could turn the runner-up into the premier. Can't ask for much more than that.

2. Brendon Goddard (Essendon)
Bombers needed some elite talent to complement Jobe Watson and they got it on the first day of free agency. Not sure exactly where BJ fits into the Bombers' line-up.

3. Greg Broughton (Gold Coast)
Freo says he didn't fall out with Ross Lyon but he could be forgiven for wondering why he was being moved all over the ground when he dominated every time he went into the midfield. Great get for the Suns.

Sam Edmund: How does your club rate?

4. Danyle Pearce (Fremantle)
Not a lot of noise about this one but the Rising Star Award winner delivers the outside pace Freo needs. Will love the wide open spaces of Subiaco - and taggers going to Stephen Hill.

5. Troy Chaplin (Richmond)
Continues the theme at Richmond (and on this list) of trading for specific needs. Everyone knew the Tigers needed a key defender and in Chaplin they have one. Finished top-three in Port Adelaide's B&F in 2009 and 2010.

New recruit to Richmond Troy Chaplin Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

6. Josh Caddy (Geelong)
A top-10 draft pick with two years' experience under his belt. Caddy, an inside midfielder, played every match for the Suns this year and was the ideal trade target after missing out on Travis Boak. Also knows how to kick multiple goals, booting thee against the Cats this year.

7. Tom Hickey (St Kilda)
We've seen him only 12 times at AFL level but those in the know say this kid will be big. Hickey should slot in next season to lend Ben McEvoy a hand in the ruck, a key area the Saints needed instant aid in. Pick 13 was a high price, but the Saints got 26 back and they say Hickey could've gone 7-12 in the draft, anyway.

8. Hamish McIntosh (Geelong)
The Cats still want to challenge and to do that they need an A-grade ruckman, a clear deficiency this year. Chris Scott is praying his knees hold up.

9. Sharrod Wellingham (West Coast)
Wellingham eases the loss of Tom Swift and Koby Stevens by adding another layer to West Coast's engine room. At 24 and after 92 games (including a flag) he's set to enter his prime, but he did cost the Eagles a first-round pick. Buddy, time to find a new housemate.

10. Clinton Young (Collingwood)
The dashing line-breaker with a raking left foot adds much-needed zip to Nathan Buckley's side, particularly after Wellingham's defection. Prying him from a fellow contender makes the signing even sweetener, while you have to wonder if Young would have left the Hawks had he kept his feet in the last quarter of the Grand Final.

11. Jared Rivers (Geelong)
Rivers said himself he's no Matthew Scarlett but a ready-made replacement will help plug a hole and keep the Cats competitive with the best in the business. They snagged him for free and, like Harry Taylor, Rivers comes with that forward flexibility.

Geelong recruits Jared Rivers and Hamish McIntosh at Simonds Stadium Picture: Glenn Ferguson Source: Herald Sun

12. Quinten Lynch (Collingwood)
The Pies tried to turn Chris Dawes into Leigh Brown this year and it didn't work. Now they have a Brown clone.

13. Chris Dawes (Melbourne)
Dawes' value dipped after a horror 2012 but if the power forward can rediscover his premiership form as he reunites with Mark Neeld the Dees will have an imposing attack.

14. Aaron Edwards (Richmond)
The journeyman cost just pick 74 and will take some heat off Jack Riewoldt. At 28 the sharp-shooter still has a few bags of goals left as the likes of Ty Vickery and Todd Elton develop.

15. Koby Stevens (Western Bulldogs)
The tall, tough, inside midfielder perfectly fits Brendan McCartney's blueprint and at 22 the Dogs think he's ready to explode. A ferocious tackler, he was starved of games due to West Coast's star-studded midfield but should slot into the Whitten Oval mix immediately.

16. Brent Moloney (Brisbane Lions)
Moloney wins clearances, an area Voss's side struggled in, and cost the Lions nothing. Was the Dees best player in 2011 before falling out of favour this year. He's 28 but Brisbane hopes to squeeze four years out of him.

Brent Moloney starred for the Demons against the Crows with 19 clearances. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

17. Jamie Cripps (West Coast)
The Eagles got the homesick Saint relatively cheap, and while he might take time to win a place in John Worsfold's side, he showed potential as a junior. The first-round pick knows where the goals are and performed OK as a substitute for Scott Watters this season.

18. Jordan Gysberts (North Melbourne)
Pick 11 in the draft just three years ago, Gysberts showed enormous promise with 15 games in 2011 before, like many, having his papers stamped early by new coach Mark Neeld. The inside midfielder can kick goals and should earn more game time at Arden St.

19. Angus Monfries (Port Adelaide)
Monfries stopped the rut of Port Adelaide bleeding players and his class and goal sense will prove handy. Needs to take that next step though, particularly to earn the midfield time he craves.

Former Bomber Angus Monfries has arrived at Port Adelaide in an old-fashioned trade deal. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

20. Stephen Gilham (GWS)
The one and only experienced player recruited this season by the expansion club. Had knee surgery in 2011 and couldn't get back into the Hawks' side this season, playing just six matches. Phil Davis will be very happy to have another experienced body in the GWS back half.

21. Jack Hombsch (Port Adelaide)
One of the original Giants'17-year-old selections, Hombsch played just nine matches this year but comes with huge potential. Long way to go yet though.

22. Chris Knights (Richmond)
Half-forward with a booming left foot who spent most of last season in the SANFL but has shown an ability to break lines and kick goals in the past. Follows Tiger pattern of recruiting to fill a gap in the list.

23. Tom Murphy (Gold Coast)
At least he won't have to worry about getting dropped for the Grand Final at his new club. Former Hawk will get a lot more games took, adding experience to the back half.

24. Cam Pedersen (Melbourne)
We've heard often enough in recent weeks that he is a swingman who can play back, foward or ruck. A lot like Stefan Martin really. Played two matches for North this year.

25. Stefan Martin (Brisbane)
Fills the key-position void in Brisbane's attack, while his versatility will aid their ruck stocks, especially with the clock ticking for Ben Hudson.

26. Angus Graham (Adelaide)
An old-fashioned ruckman who can make a contest in the middle but doesn't have too many strings to his bow. Insurance if Sam Jacobs goes down and might get more of a crack with the Jesse White trade falling through.

27. Jordan Russell (Collingwood)
The medium defender became a VFL regular in 2012 and while that could continue at the Pies next year, he's solid insurance for no cost. Russell, a top-10 pick, was popular at the Blues and rated highly as a leader.

28. Cale Morton (West Coast)
No.4 draft pick never fulfilled his potential in six seasons at the Dees. Will be hoping to follow footsteps of Josh Hill and playing in a better side will help. Not in best 22.

29. Trent Dennis-Lane (St Kilda)
The former Swans small forward boasts good pace and goalsense, but his lack of defensive work kept him out of the senior side. Hard to see him cracking through at the Saints, who are flush for similar players.

30. David Rodan (Melbourne)
Now at his third club after being delisted by Port Adelaide - Melbourne could have got him for nothing in the draft but chose to use the pick in a trade instead. Quick and has a crack but his found a perhaps unwanted niche as the perfect sub.

David Rodan Source: Herald Sun

31. Shannon Byrnes (Melbourne)
Knows where the goals are but has played just nine games in the past two seasons. Will add some zip, and the experience of two flags, to the Dees, but far from a top-liner.

32. Tom Young (Western Bulldogs)
The Dogs have an abundance of inside midfielders, Young compliments that with some outside run and precise kicking. The 20-year-old has showed a bit in nine appearances with the Pies but yet to establish himself as an AFL player.

33. Matt Spangher (Hawthorn)
Remember this guy? Played 16 games for the Eagles then 16 for the Swans, but none this year. Replaces Murphy and Gilham as a back-up defender.

34. Lewis Stevenson (Port Adelaide)
A dashing half-back who was on the fringe of selection for West Coast this season but couldn't add to his 10 senior games, which all came in 2010.

35. Campbell Heath (Port Adelaide)
Defender had surgery twice on his left knee and was delisted after playing two games, then redrafted as a rookie last year but couldn't earn promotion. A project.

WHO KNOWS?

In no particular order, another six players landed on AFL lists as part of trade deals, but are yet to be exposed at the top level.

Tom Lee (St Kilda)
Jack Martin (Gold Coast)
Jesse Hogan (Melbourne)
Dom Barry (Melbourne)
Jed Anderson (Hawthorn)
Jake Neade (Port Adelaide)

Jesse Hogan,New Melbourne Demons recruit, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

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Hombsch keen for Euro trip

Former Sturt junior Jack Hombsch is returning from GWS to play for Port Adelaide. Picture: Brett Costello. Source: The Daily Telegraph

PORT Adelaide recruit Jack Hombsch says the playing group is excited about leaving for its European training camp on Saturday.

Having been traded from Greater Western Sydney on Tuesday, Hombsch is set to join 28 other Power players training at the Australian Institute of Sport's base in Milan before tackling the Western Bulldogs in an exhibition match at The Oval on November 3.

''Europe will be very exciting,'' said Hombsch, who arrived at Alberton with the Giants' Northern Territory zone selection Jake Neade in exchange for pick No.29.

''It will be a great way to bond with my new team-mates while getting some training in world class facilities.

''It will be a good way to bring us closer, it's a great way to get to know everyone. Hopefully we'll have a look at our game plan and what the coaches want us to do for next season.''

The 10-day trip will also include a visit to the Lords Cricket Ground in London before watching Liverpool clash with Newcastle in an English Premier League soccer match.

Hombsch is this afternoon joining Port's first, second and third year players for the opening training session for the pre-season at Alberton Oval.

Essendon recruit Angus Monfries is also alongside Hombsch for his first appearance in Port colours.

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Freo denies coach rift

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: Herald Sun

Dockers defender Greg Broughton played in defence, in the midfield and as a defensive forward this season. Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE has denied Greg Broughton had a falling out with new coach Ross Lyon after the club traded the defender to Gold Coast.

The Dockers gave Broughton and pick 60 in the draft to the Suns in return for selection 37, ending Broughton's fairytale at Fremantle after being plucked from the WAFL in the 2009 rookie draft.

Broughton finished third in the Doig Medal under Mark Harvey in 2010 but had limited impact in a variety of roles under Lyon this season before his season was ended prematurely by finger surgery.

Dockers football operations manager Chris Bond said it was a tough decision to let the Subiaco product go.

"There's been speculation that he fell out with the coach and that's not right,'' Bond said.

"Ross has got a lot of respect for Greg and Greg for Ross, but at the end of the day it was just a decision in the best interests of the footy club and in talking to Greg, we think that everyone comes out with a win.

"We spoke to Greg and his management at length yesterday and I think we all walk away really satisfied, and Greg as well that he's going to get a great opportunity at the Gold Coast.

Department of Trades

"And we get a great opportunity to have two second-round picks and a first round pick.

"He leaves on really good terms. He's got a lot of respect within the playing group. I think we all acknowledge that it's a great journey coming from the last pick in a rookie draft to play 68 games and do what he's done.''
 

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Lions, Suns still want Tippett

The AFL tells the Adelaide Crows not to discuss the Kurt Tippett saga in public until an investigation into potential 'draft tampering' is complete.

Kurt Tippett remains on Brisbane's radar. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE has not given up hope of snaring Kurt Tippett with the club contacting the AFL for an update on the ongoing drama surrounding the Queenslander.

The AFL is investigating the extra deals done between Adelaide and Tippett when the spearhead re-signed with the Crows in 2009.

Trade period finishes tomorrow and it is highly unlikely that Adelaide and Sydney - Tippett's club of choice - will reach an agreement before the deadline.

Crows' salary cap scandal

Brisbane tabled a rich, five-year deal to Tippett but was shunned along with the Gold Coast.

The Lions are waiting for the dust to settle on the investigation to decide their next move.

Given the complex and increasingly murky nature of the Tippett saga, Brisbane is keeping its distance.

But the Lions are keen to know the state-of-play.

Tippett can nominate for the pre-season draft in December when he can also name his price.

Only Sydney can meet his $1 million-a-season demands but Brisbane has plenty of room in its salary cap and have a selection in the draft ahead of Sydney.

It is understood Tippett remains committed to the Swans.

The Gold Coast have also declared that they would re-consider their options if Tippett was up for grabs again.

The Suns had said they had "moved on'' after being rejected by Tippett but Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft said the club may throw its hat back in the ring.

"We haven't discussed it," Ashcroft said on AFL Trade Radio today.

"It's a hypothetical that we haven't really given any thought to.

"(But) if things change down the track, I guess we need to have a conversation."

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Tigers to nab flying Kangaroo

Aaron Edwards in action against the Tigers. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND is completing the paperwork on a trade deal for North Melbourne high-flyer Aaron Edwards.

The Roos forward did a fitness test at Tigerland yesterday and the Richmond website has been updated late today to say the Tigers are "close to finalising a trade deal to secure Edwards' services".

Details of the trade are yet to emerge but Richmond has picks 43 and 74 which could be part of a deal.

Edwards has played 82 career matches, booting 124 goals. But he could manage just nine appearances this season, and none after Round 9 as he fell behind tall forwards Lachie Hansen, Drew Petrie and Robbie Tarrant in the Roos' pecking order.

The Tigers see Edwards as a possible marking target to complement Jack Riewoldt and Ty Vickery.

The role was filled by former Demon Brad Miller in the past two seasons before his retirement.

Department of Trades

Edwards, 28, made his debut in 2005 for West Coast against the Tigers at the MCG and made an instant impression, kicking two goals in a dominant first quarter.

He has also registered several candidates for Mark of the Year during his time in Perth and Arden St.

The Tigers have recruited free agents Troy Chaplin and Chris Knights and sent ruckman Angus Graham to Adelaide in a busy trade period.

Get live trade updates on Twitter @superfooty and join the debate on Facebook

Kangaroos v Hawthorn. Aurora. Aaron Edwards takes a Mark of The Year contender over Stephen Gilham and next to Joel Smith in the goalsquare. pic 2 of 6. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

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Saints fans agree BJ had to go

St Kilda chief Michael Nettlefold says members agreed with the decision to release Brendon Goddard. Picture: Jon Hargest Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA chief executive Michael Nettlefold says the club's members agree with the decision to release Brendon Goddard, aware the Saints could not justify matching Essendon's massive offer.

The Saints have already started their 2013 membership campaign, promising to further open up a club once a closed shop and having poached one of the AFL's key membership figures.

Lisa Laing ran the membership for the shared services section of the AFL, and at St Kilda is a crucial cog in the effort to lift a membership which dipped last year after two seasons of growth.

But to win the members over St Kilda must first justify releasing 27-year-old Goddard, and Nettlefold believes the passionate fan base is on board with the decision.

"I think the general feedback has been quite constructive. The fans recognise Brendon was a good player, but they also recognise we have a lot of other good players and we can't disproportionately pay players. To over-pay Brendon is to disrespect some of the great players in our football team.''

He says there is still a conversation to be had about the level of compensation for free agents, but believes the Saints deserved pick 13 for Goddard.

"When you lose a great player its probably reasonable that you get compensation. You would expect me to say that but there are clearly sides disappointed with the outcomes.''

Passing up on Goddard has allowed the club to get its salary cap back in check, with the Saints having ended their cap crisis.

"We are really comfortable where we are at financially across a range of things,'' he said.

"Next year you have to spend 95 per cent of your salary cap, so the margin is not that great. Most caps will be pretty full because you have to spend the money.''

Several back-ended deals are expected to improve the club's position even more one season on.

A five-game, three-year deal to play games in New Zealand is also worth around $500,000 per game.

Nettlefold said the protective "bubble'' that operated under Ross Lyon has well and truly been burst.

"I think we needed to make our members feel more part of it. We want to be more user-friendly, we have held more open training sessions and fan days at Moorabin, so we have done a lot more community work with our members. Hopefully it will feed into greater take-up and greater retention.''

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Crows didn't mean to breach rules

Kurt Tippett listens in during a Crows training session at West Lakes earlier this year before announcing his wish to move to Sydney. Picture: Tait Schmaal. Source: The Advertiser

UPDATE: CROWS chairman Rob Chapman says the Adelaide Football Club had never intended to break the AFL rules with its special agreement with defecting forward Kurt Tippett.

In the Crows' first public statement since the AFL launched an investigation into Tippett's out-of-contract exit clause, Chapman has told adelaidenow: "Our intent was never to break any rules. And we have a history of compliance, no record of any misdemeanours.

"But if we have now got this wrong, we need to know before the trade is done ... and we will have to abide by any penalty."

Chapman revealed to adelaidenow that Adelaide chief executive Steven Trigg was in his office an hour after returning from a European holiday on Friday to put the Tippett contract on his table.

"And 90 minutes later we were on the phone to (AFL chief) Andrew Demetriou," said Chapman. "We have disclosed the issues we think he should be aware of.

"We have opened to the AFL all the books at the Adelaide Football Club without condition. And I have given the AFL a gold-plated commitment they will find nothing out of order with any other player contract."

Adelaide is understood to have agreed after closing contract talks with Tippett in 2009 to release the ruckman-forward at a "minimal cost", supposedly a second-round draft pick.

"Remember three years ago everyone in this state wanted our club to re-sign Kurt Tippett," said Chapman. "At that time, our people negotiating the deal believed what they were doing was right."

Chapman did not detail the specifics of Tippett's out-of-contract exit clauses that were written in 2009 when the Queenslander signed a three-year extension. He also did not answer why Adelaide had asked for an AFL investigation during the trade period despite the questions on Tippett's contract being in the public domain for more than a year.

"They are good questions," said Chapman. "And I would love to be a position to disclose more fully my answer to those questions - and I look forward to the day I do. Because the club's members and the football public deserve to know what is going on.

"Remember, we asked the AFL to investigate this. In the past week it has been clear we have to remove every shade of grey from this debate. There must be full disclosure.

"Once I took this to the board, every director without hesitation, agreed this needs to be clarified and there needs to be disclosure to the AFL. The AFL acknowledges we have done the right thing to bring to this them.

"Everyone deserves answers."

Chapman would not reveal the legal advice his club has received.

"I've consulted far and wide - and put in place methods to look at this with due diligence," he said. "We're asking all the questions. We are still in the process of getting the answers."

EARLIER: The investigation concerns an alleged addendum to the contract filed with AFL House, which could have been as informal as a gentleman's agreement but could also have been taken as a verbal contract.

It is not believed there was a legal document signed by Tippett's manager Peter Blucher and the club.

At the heart of the inquiry is whether the Crows had guaranteed Tippett an easy passage to return to Queensland at the end of his contract, or to the club of his choice.

"The Australian Football League wishes to advise it has recently become aware of a matter regarding the contracting of player Kurt Tippett to the Adelaide Crows in 2009, to cover the 2010 - 2012 AFL seasons,'' AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said.

"The AFL is still in the process of investigating this matter and how it relates to the operation of the AFL Player Rules.

This afternoon the Crows released a statement confirming the investigation.

"The process began when the Adelaide Football Club notified the AFL of its concern relating to the matter and submitted relevant information to the League," the statement said. "The club welcomes the investigation and continues to assist the AFL with its enquiries. 

"Until the matter has concluded, the club will not be available for any further comment."

Earlier, Fairfax Media reported the Crows last week met with the AFL and presented a written document that confirmed an agreement between the club and Tippett allowing him to move to a new team of his choice.

In talks leading up and during the trade period, Tippett's manager Peter Blucher was clear that the Crows would help Tippett arrive at "the club of his choice'' when his contract expired, not limiting Tippett to the Gold Coast or Brisbane.

Either scenario, if proven, could amount to draft tampering and may not meet clear commercial value for both clubs, which is a requirement under AFL trade rules.
 
Every contract and trade deal has to be ticked off by the AFL and it's certain the clause would not be approved by the league if it had been put into the player contract Tippett signed three years ago.

Department of Trades

The Crows have denied Tippett had a "go home" clause in his last deal and Adelaide list manager David Noble previously said his understanding was that the club would seek to help Tippett return to Queensland. But he was not involved in signing off on the contract, having worked as an assistant coach at the time.

It is unknown whether the supposed gentleman's agreement was put in writing, served as a verbal contract or was less formal than that.
 
Join the live trades chat here

Tippett this month nominated Sydney as his preferred club. The trade period ends this week and if a deal with the Swans - or any AFL club - is not reached Tippett will slip through to the national and/or pre-season draft, leaving the Crows without compensation.

Trigg arrived back in Australia from Europe on Friday and put a planned swap of Tippett for Sydney's pick 23 and fringe player Jesse White on hold.

It is believed Trigg is demanding a better financial deal for the Crows.

- with Jesper Fjeldstad

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Mick and Ed not on speaking terms

Former Pies coach Mick Malthouse says he and president Eddie McGuire no longer speak. Source: Herald Sun

MICK Malthouse hasn't spoken to Eddie McGuire in almost a year and has no intention of seeking out the Collingwood president.

Once great friends, the pair appeared to fall out following the 2009 Nathan Buckley succession plan while Malthouse's signing as Carlton's coach for next year created a further wedge.

"I haven't spoken to Ed for near on a year,'' Malthouse told 3AW.

Asked if he intended to speak to McGuire, Malthouse said: "I'm not too sure, I won't be going out of my way.

"I've got enough good friends I feel very good about the support I get and what I give to people.

"I don't hold grudges, but I do remember things.''

He said he thought he had McGuire's "great friendship'', but a contract negotiation earlier in his tenure was a "wake up call''.

"He (McGuire) said 'I'll re-sign you, but let me tell you if there's no results, you're out. I'm Collingwood first, you're second','' Malthouse explained.

"Some people operate that way, see, I work the other way. It's people first, the organisation comes second they (people) make the organisation.''

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Dogs will now invest in the draft

Footy guru Mike Sheahan names the trade that made fans cry to Frank the barber in an exclusive Gillette trade week video.

Dogs list manager Jason McCartney says his club will take their three prized selections to the AFL draft. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

THE Western Bulldogs will take their three prized selections to the draft after ruling out any last-minute trades for them and declaring they "need to hit the target".

The Dogs hold picks 5, 6 and 22 – the best clutch of first-round picks outside of wooden spoon side Greater Western Sydney – and have already secured Lachie Hunter under the father-son rule and brutal West Coast midfielder Koby Stevens.

The Dogs were gifted pick 6 for losing Callan Ward to the Giants and gained No. 22 as part of the deal that saw veteran defender Brian Lake land at Hawthorn.

"Every draft is important," McCartney told SEN tonight.

Koby Stevens the ideal Bulldogs recruit

"We lost a quality player (Ward) a bit over a year ago … and we need to really maximise on those picks we've got.

"Especially with the quality of players that should be around with those picks.

"We've got to hit the target with this one."

McCartney said the Dogs identified Stevens as a trade target at the start of the year and were rapt to secure him for pick 44 today, particularly given his age.

The 21-year-old helps spread the age profile at the Dogs, who boast a promising batch of young talent as well as a group of seasoned stars, headed by captain Matthew Boyd and Daniel Cross, but little in that middle tier.

Koby Stevens could seek a trade due to lack of game time at the Eagles. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

"We're trying to get a nice balance and to add another 21-year-old to the group was important and more than anything he's a wonderful young man," McCartney said.

"He's a great character and the way he trains and prepares is quite professional.

"It doesn't always work out that way, but it's nice when you identify one to lock them away in trade period."

McCartney worked closely with Stevens in the AIS-AFL Academy back in 2009, while the new recruit is tailor-made to Dogs coach Brendan McCartney's contested football philosophies.

WESTERN BULLDOGS IN TRADE AND FREE AGENCY PERIOD

IN: Lachie Hunter (father-son), Koby Stevens (West Coast), draft pick 22
OUT: Brian Lake, draft pick 28
DRAFT PICKS: 5, 6, 22, 51, 71, 89, 107, 125
 

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Raines inks new Lions deal

Lions midfielder Andrew Raines has re-signed. Picture: Ryan Pierse Source: Getty Images

BRISBANE midfielder Andrew Raines has re-signed with the Lions for another two years.

Raines, 26, has re-invented himself as a tagger since heading north at the end of 2009 when he parted ways with Richmond.

Having established himself as one of the AFL's better defensive midfielders, Raines is looking forward to brighter times at the Gabba.

"I'm a Queensland boy and I love playing up here in Brisbane – we have a terrific footy club and it's one that I'm very proud to be a part of," he said.

"I'm extremely excited about the talent in amongst the group – we've improved so much over the last 12 months, and now we know we have to just put our heads down and continue to work hard, and the good results will come.''

Brisbane football manager Dean Warren said Raines had reaped what he had sowed.

"'Rainesy' really took his game to a new level in 2012, and that was the result of a lot of hard work, dedication, and attention to detail," Warren said.

"He sets a fantastic example to our younger players of just what it takes to be a professional AFL player, and we are delighted to see him re-sign."

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Power stops chase for Broughton

Fremantle's Greg Broughton gets a desperate handball away under pressure from Hawthorn's Lance Franklin. Picture: Daniel Wilkins. Source: PerthNow

PORT ADELAIDE is retreating from the chase for Fremantle's switch-hitting defender Greg Broughton.

The Power is being turned off by the heavy cash demand on the final year of Broughton's contract that comes with his trade from the Dockers.

Also, Port is not eager to meet 26-year-old Broughton's demands for a long-term deal.

Meanwhile, Port's talks to trade 20-year-old defender Ben Jacobs to North Melbourne have not progressed today.

The Power is insisting on draft picks from the Kangaroos rather than players such as small forward Matt Campbell and defender Luke Delaney.

North Melbourne currently has picks No. 15, 38 and 39 in the first round of next month's national draft.

"The clock is ticking," said Port football operations manager Peter Rodhe today.

The Power has until 1.30pm Friday to trade Jacobs or run the risk of losing the Victorian draftee without compensation in next month's draft where he would be claimed by any of the Kangaroos, Essendon and St Kilda and possibly Richmond.

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Batsanis back with Borough

Nathan Batsanis is set to rejoin the Borough. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

PORT Melbourne has regained its pacy and classy 2011 premiership wingman Nathan Batsanis.

The 24-year-old is returning to Melbourne after a successful season with Norwood in the SANFL.|

Batsanis figured in the Redlegs' flag and finished fourth in the Magarey Medal after going in as favourite.

With his speed and long kicking, the right-footer was an integral part of Port's perfect 2011.

"Just missed home too much, family and friends,'' Batsanis said this afternoon.

"Need to be back in Melbourne, where I belong.

"That's it, really. It was a good experience and stuff like that over there but I missed home and missed Port Melbourne too much.

"Ten of my best mates are from Port Melbourne. It was pretty hard to leave in the first place but a few AFL clubs said to me if I wanted to get another crack I should go over there and see what happens.

"But if nothing happened I was always going back to Port. It's my home. No other place I'd want to be.''

Port had to wrangle a transfer fee with Norwood since he was on a two-year deal.

Batsanis said he improved as a player in the SANFL and was determined to have a good comeback season for the Borough.

Port has also secured well-regarded Caulfield Grammarians midfielder Tom O'Sullivan, the son of Carlton official Shane.

O'Sullivan won the best-and-fairest this year.

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Saints set to land Hickey

Gold Coast's Tom Hickey is heading to the Saints. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

BREAKING: ST KILDA has landed the ruckman it desperately craved with Tom Hickey on the move from Gold Coast in exchange for pick 13.

The Saints and Suns will also swap later picks to seal the deal, while the official paperwork could be lodged with the AFL tomorrow.

SuperFooty believes the Saints will receive picks 26, 47 and Hickey. In return, the Suns will get the prized pick of 13 as well as 37 and 57.

The Suns tonight confirmed SuperFooty's report.

Hickey boasts enormous upside after an impressive end to 2012 and is poised to lend Ben McEvoy a big hand in sharing ruck duties at Seaford next season.

Hickey, 21, requested a trade to the Saints this month to move closer to his girlfriend but talks stalled last week when the Suns played hard ball, demanding a first-round pick as market interest increased.

The 201cm big man was a zone selection to Gold Coast.

The Saints traded their first pick, No. 12, to GWS in a deal which saw Claremont power forward Tom Lee head to St Kilda.

But Scott Watters' side was gifted pick 13 on Friday from the AFL as compensation for losing Brendon Goddard to Essendon, helping secure Hickey.

The trade means the Suns will now have a first-round selection in next month's draft despite trading pick 2 to the Giants for 17-year-old mini-draft selection Jack Martin.

Despite losing Hickey the Suns still boast a wealth of rising star power in the ruck, with Daniel Gorringe, Zac Smith and Tom Nicholls set to enter their third seasons in the AFL.

Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said his side was thrilled to gain a top-15 draft selection after coughing up pick 2 to Greater Western Sydney last week.

"Our ability to add pick 13 to our selections in the upcoming draft means we will have the ability to draft another elite young player to our club,'' he said.
 

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Hawks lead race for answers

Hawthorn is angry at the compensation it received for wingman Clinton Young and defender Tom Murphy. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN is leading the fight for AFL clubs to get more information on the formula used to decide free agency compensation.

The Hawks are studying details to see if they can challenge the draft pick 66 return for running back Clinton Young's move to Collingwood.

"We'll go back through our documentation to see where there's (grounds) for an appeal or not. There doesn't appear to be one at first look,'' Hawks football manager Mark Evans told the Herald Sun today.

Evans said the clubs want more details of the new system, claiming they are "flying blind'' when not even being aware of an offer to a player who's an unrestricted free agency like Young.

"We'll all get use to it, but we need to have a system that has some equity in it. And we need to be able to understand why some things come out the way they do,'' he told SEN radio.

"I know it was an agreement between the AFL and the Players Association and that the formula be kept secret, but it doesn't help us understand the system.

"We've had some discussion with them (AFL), but we certainly haven't put anything formally at this stage.

"It's hard to determine the free agency compensation because we don't understand the details of the formula they've used. And it's not like we've got 10 years of experience of looking at free agency compensation picks to determine whether it's fair or not.

"We've only got the free agency compensation picks that have been handed out and, on the surface of it, pick 66 as a combination for Clinton Young and Tom Murphy doesn't seem just. And certainly doesn't look just when you look at some of the other compensations that were handed out.

"My issue is, if you've got a player who has just played in a grand final team with a club that's right at the top of the ladder and then you end up being 30 or 40 picks behind some of the other compensations for players you think might be regarded as about the same (ability), all I'm saying is that maybe that system we've come up with has got a couple of chinks in it.''

Evans said he wasn't aware there was no compensation for some players.

"We certainly need some better detail on why we ended up getting pick 66 for Clinton Young,'' he said.

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