Tippett cops 11-week ban

Kurt Tippett leaves the AFL Commission with his legal counsel David Gallbally Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

Adelaide Crows chief executive Steven Trigg could lose his position at today's hearing. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

Adelaide Crows are expected to be hit with a severe penalty by the AFL at today's commission hearing into alleged draft tampering and salary cap rorting.

AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson arrives at AFL House for the Commission meeting that will decide penalties for Adelaide and Kurt Tippett. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

AFL prosecutor Jeff Gleeson arrives. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

KURT Tippett cannot play until Round 12 next season and the Crows have been fined $300,000 for salary cap and draft cheating.

AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick announced the penalties after a marathon nine-hour AFL Commission hearing today.

The former Crows forward was suspended for next year's NAB Cup and 22 home-and-away matches, but 11 of those were suspended for five years.

Tippett still hopes to be picked up by Sydney in the pre-season draft on December 11.

The Crows said tonight they would not be deterred by today's judgement.

"Although today's decision is obviously a disappointing setback for Kurt, we have always seen Kurt as a long-term player and we will go to the pre-season draft with the intention of selecting him if he's available at our pick," Swans football manager Dean Moore said.

If he becomes a Swan, Tippett will effectively have a 12-match ban because Sydney has a bye in Round 12. If he is selected the next week his first match will be against Port Adelaide in Adelaide.

The Crows were hit with a $300,000 fine and banned from the first two rounds of next year's national draft.

Adelaide, which voluntarily handed back its first two picks in this year's draft, will also be banned from picking up any father-son selections.

But the Crows will be allowed to take part in the first or second round of the draft if they pick up an early selection during the trade period or as compensation for losing a player through free agency.

Adelaide chief executive Steven Trigg and former Crows football manager John Reid were both fined $50,000 and banned from all AFL functions - including matches and training - for 12 months.

Six months of both sentence was suspended for five years.

Current football manager Phil Harper was banned from football for six months, with four months of the ban suspended for five years.

Tippett: I knew nothing

The Crows, Tippett, Trigg, Reid and Harper faced a total of 11 charges relating to a secret deal with Tippett in 2009.

The charges related to deals outside Tippett's contract to send him to a club of his choice at the end of 2012 and to pay Tippett $100,000 in each of the 2011 and 2012 seasons outside the salary cap.

The Crows were also charged with illegally arranging third-party deals for Tippett in 2011 and 2012.

All parties pleaded guilty to all charges.

The club has paid a very high price for an error of judgement.

After a full investigation the AFL found no more rule breaches by the Crows.

Trigg and Chapman both apologised for breaking the rules and backed Trigg to keep his job as Crows CEO despite his six-month ban.

"As CEO then and now I've accepted full responsibility for what the AFL regards as serious transgressions of those rules, and for that I'm very sorry," Trigg said.

Kurt Tippett leaves the AFL Commission with his legal counsel David Gallbally Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

He said he acted in what he believed were the best interests of the club when a homesick Tippett was presented with an excellent offer to join the Gold Coast Suns.

"We were trying to meet with what we believed to be Kurt Tippett's desire to move to another club at the conclusion of that contract," he said of the secret clause promising to trade Tippett to the club of his choice.

"The club has paid a very high price for an error of judgement.

"The Kurt Tippett case presented a truly unique situation for our club.

Mark Stevens: Crows penalty a slap on wrist

"It's really important to put a stamp on the fact that the club never intend to exceed and never has exceeded the TPP limit (salary cap).

"The Commission has heard my explanation and chosen to suspend me for six months.

"It's unprecedented and it's impossible to sit here without feeling it's extremely tough. Clearly an example has been set.

"My position is at this point in time in hands of our board, I very much hope I can remain in industry and as chief executive of our club. Some will think that's an extraordinary position to take but I can assure you this is an extraordinary situation."

Chapman said he spoke to Trigg when rumours surfaced this year of a secret agreement and received "an answer that was satisfactory to our board, that we weren't breaking any rules".

Fitzpatrick said each of Tippett, Trigg, Reid, Harper spoke at the hearing and several character witnesses also gave evidence.

This morning, Crows officials and Tippett's representatives made a back-door arrival at the league's Docklands headquarters as they tried to dodge the waiting media pack.

Adelaide officials - chairman Rob Chapman, chief executive Steven Trigg, football operations manager Phil Harper and former football boss John Reid - refused to answer questions as they attempted to slip in through a back entrance.

Tippett and his legal crew headed by top QC David Galbally also tried to avoid the cameras as they entered through the same door.

Several AFL bosses including Adrian Anderson and female commissioner Sam Mostyn began arriving through the front door from about 7.40am.

Chairman Rob Chapman yesterday sent an email to all of the club's members promising each member they would be contacted by a club director to explain what has transpired once the matter has been finalised.

Where to? Kurt Tippett has a big decision to make. Source: Herald Sun

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Tigers promote Maric, Grimes

Beware of drafting Jurrah: Tredrea

Ivan Maric became a fan favourite after joining the Tigers from Adelaide. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND ruckman Ivan Maric and injury-prone defender Dylan Grimes will help lead the Tigers under new skipper Trent Cotchin next season.

Chris Newman, who stepped aside as captain at the end of last season, has stood down from the leadership group.

Players and coaches voted on the new leadership structure during their training camp in Cairns this week.

The expanded leadership group also includes Cotchin, vice-captain Brett Deledio, forward Jack Riewoldt and midfielder Daniel Jackson.

Maric finished third in the Jack Dyer Medal after joining the Tigers from Adelaide.

Grimes has played just 17 senior games and faces an uncertain future after more surgery on his hamstring this week.

"Both players fully deserve their inclusion in the leadership group, for the respect they have within the club and the way they conduct themselves, both on and off the field," football manager Craig Cameron said.

"Dylan is an outstanding young leader and a fine example to the developing players on our list, and Ivan has made an enormous impact at the club in only 12 months."

Cameron said Newman would continue to be a leader regardless of any official position. He is the only member of the 2012 leadership group not to retain his position.

After four days of hard training in the Cairns heat, the Tigers have broken into groups and dropped in various locations across north Queensland to compete in an Amazing Race-style challenge.

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Eagle handed nightclub ban

FACING CHARGES: Eagle Murray Newman has been handed a nightclub ban following a grievous bodily harm charge. Picture: Faith Moran Source: PerthNow

YOUNG West Coast forward Murray Newman has been barred from entering any nightclub as part of renewed bail conditions granted during a court appearance on a grievous bodily harm charge.

Newman, 18, was charged after an incident earlier this month at the Library Nightclub in Northbridge which allegedly left a man with facial injuries so severe he needed surgery.

At Newman's first appearance in Perth Magistrates Court, lawyer Terry Dobson said he was not ready to enter a plea, as they were waiting on a report from Royal Perth Hospital detailing the alleged victim's injuries.

David Grace QC will make submissions on behalf of Newman at his next appearance.

Newman's bail was renewed, but with an alteration requested by West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett that Newman be allowed on licensed premises for AFL club business only.

He will not be allowed into any nightclub, and not allowed on any licensed premises after 11.30pm.

Newman also posted $10,000 bail with a $10,000 surety, and vowed not to contact or go within 50m of the alleged victim.

He will appear in court again in January.

The Eagles said at the time they were "bitterly disappointed" with Newman, who played four games in his debut season for the club, kicking three goals.

His off-season has not improved since being arrested and charged, being beaten by 44-year old John Worsfold in two 2km time-trials in the days after his arrest.

Worsfold later said the club was fully supporting Newman.

"He's not out there on his own. We're all supporting him and making sure we can help him through it all," he said.

"Obviously his future, in terms of his life, hinges on the outcome of this case and football's a small part of it."
 

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Kurt: I knew nothing

Kurt Tippett leaves AFL House with his lawyer David Galbally QC. Source: Herald Sun

KURT Tippett says he only discovered six weeks ago that he had signed illegal deals that broke AFL draft and salary cap rules.

Tippett pleaded guilty today to two charges of acting in conduct prejudicial to the draft and to the salary cap but says he did not know at the time he was breaking AFL rules.

He was banned from next year's NAB Cup and 22 home-and-away matches, but 11 of those were suspended for five years - for being a party to secret deals in 2009.

The deals assured Tippett he would be traded to a club of his choice at the end of his three-year contract, and that he received $200,000 in third-party payments not included in the Crows' total player payments.

After the hearing Tippett issued a statement saying he pleaded guilty to get the hearing over and prepare for next season, where he hopes to play for Sydney.

"I trusted the Adelaide Football Club and for the duration of my contract I did my utmost for the club on and off the field," Tippett's said.

"It is bitterly disappointing, then, to learn that my trust and best endeavours have been to my substantial detriment.

"Only during the recent AFL trade period did I learn that some terms in the Adelaide offer may have contravened AFL rules, and since that point I and all parties associated with me have co-operated fully with the AFL in its investigations.

Tippett banned, Crows fined for rorts

"I have nothing to hide and have only refrained from media comment in recent weeks on legal advice and out of respect for the AFL investigation process.

"Through my legal representative I asked for an open hearing today in the hope that the truth would be revealed.

"I pleaded guilty to the two charges on advice without any admission of liability and despite being assured there were valid defences available to me in respect to both charges. It is very important to me that I concentrate on preparing for next season and remove all distractions from my preparation.

"I am glad that this matter is now finalised and I look forward to moving on and playing football."

Mark Stevens: Crows penalty a slap on wrist

The AFL Players Association backed Tippett, saying the 11-match ban is harsh.

"We do ... have some concerns at the severity of the penalty imposed on the player, given that he was taking advice from senior executives at the club and his advisors," AFLP general manager Ian Prendergast said.

"Half a season out of a short playing career has a much more serious impact than six months out of a much longer career in administration or management."

Prendergast said the AFLPA will now investigate the involvement of Tippett's manager Peter Blucher.

"The agent accreditation board will aim to deal with the matter in a timely manner, whilst following due process and providing the agent natural justice."
 

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Pie cut, rookies feel squeeze

Peter Yagmoor has been delisted by Collingwood. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Sam Colquhoun was named SA's MVP for the recent national under-18 championships but missed at the draft. He could be one of less than 30 rookies taken next month. Picture: Noelle Bobrige. Source: AdelaideNow

COLLINGWOOD has delisted Peter Yagmoor in the final list change before today's 2pm lodgement deadline ahead of what is shaping as the smallest rookie draft in history.

Yagmoor will continue training with the Pies - travelling to Utah next week - and is expected to be re-drafted in the rookie draft.

He played two matches after being picked up in a pre-draft deal with Gold Coast last year.

Yagmoor was the final player delisted before today's list lodgement deadline, following Dockers Adam McPhee and John Anthony, St Kilda's Nick Winmar, Brisbane's Callum Bartlett and former Crow Kurt Tippett.

Players hoping for a second chance will be fighting with youngsters overlooked in last week's draft, with less than 30 picks likely to be used in the December 11 rookie draft.

The AFL slashed rookie lists from six to four ahead of 2013 after a two-year spike as new franchises Gold Coast and GWS were introduced.

One player manager said it was unpredictable how clubs would attack the December 11 draft and said the squeeze would result in a number of AFL-standard players being stranded in 2013.

"We think there'll be about 28 picks,'' Justin Reid of Elite Sports Properties said.

"List management has got really tight because everyone loaded up on rookies because of the new franchises and there's been a real squeeze effect.''

Sam Colquhoun, Dayle Garlett, Darcy Fort, Jason Pongracic, Will Hams and Adam Saad lead the teenage crop of players hoping to graduate to AFL level next month, while St Kilda is close to snaring former Docker defender Dylan Roberton.

Several clubs will not have a single pick in the rookie draft after retaining their 2012 quota of rookies.

Geelong brought in just two new players at the national draft and will have no rookie selections.

Of the Cats six rookies this season, they were forced to cut Jon Simpkin (who signed at Hawthorn), promoted Jesse Stringer to the senior list and retained the rest.

Essendon is also set to baulk at holding a live pick in the rookie draft after committing to redrafting Ariel Steinberg.

Brisbane today delisted Bartlett but says it will re-draft him in December.

Clubs can list a maximum of 40 senior players and four rookies next year, but many will adopt a 39-5 or 38-6 breakdown for salary cap purposes.

The rookie draft has been so successful in having players listed go onto play many games at all AFL clubs.

"I tend to think a lot of the clubs will be doing that because it's hard to carry 40 (senior players)," Reid said.

"It's not a bad thing because it's while it's harder to get into the system it creates equality through the competition and hopefully a better competition."

Calder Cannons talent manager Ian Kyte said in a normal rookie draft he would expect another two of his players to graduate but they were now "borderline" selections.

"The rookie draft has been so successful in having players listed go onto play many games at all AFL clubs," he said.

"We're going to suffer most in the first year. This is when the kids are going to find it harder to get onto an AFL list and I'm not sure how public it is to a lot of people.

"There will certainly be kids from last year that were hoping to go to VFL and then get rookied and it doesn't help them, either.

"It's tough to get into this industry and this just means it might take a little bit longer and a bit more hard work."

Kyte said while it was frustrating this season it should make the AFL a fairer competition given some clubs could struggle to continually prop up six rookies.

Collingwood could use up to three selections after clearing out most their rookies in September and are eyeing Ben Hudson and Port Melbourne midfielder Sam Dwyer.

The rookie and pre-season draft order is yet to be finalised and subject to the final list lodgement and salary cap standings.

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Dogs' loss not all doom and gloom

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney leads his team off the field after a disappointing loss to Collingwood. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE Western Bulldogs have put a positive spin on an operating loss of $136,000 in 2012.

The Bulldogs reported their first loss in six years but were still able to cut their debt by almost $600,000 in the past 12 months and deliver a $1.2 million boost to the club's football department.

Chief executive Simon Garlick said a challenging year on the field - in which the Dogs won just five matches - resulted in a drop in match takings and membership.

"While we are disappointed by the result, especially coming off the back of a record five consecutive profits, we have worked hard to minimise this loss while further reducing the club's debt," Garlick said.

"We have delivered a $1.2 million boost to our football department in the last 12 months - providing our players with access to the best possible coaches and state of the art facilities.

"In the last year alone we have funded ten new full-time positions in footy and made significant investments in capital expenditure.

"While it was a disappointing year for the team in 2012 – we are confident that we can take the strides needed next year to further secure our future success – both on and off the field."

Exclusiive Pick Me video of the Dogs' top draft picks

Last week, Essendon announced a trading profit of just over $400,000 for the year ending October 31.

The club's overall profit was $12.3 million but that includes $11.9 in funds received for the new high-performance centre.

Chief executive Ian Robson said the club was about to take on a "manageable amount of debt" to make the project a reality.

The Bombers have raised almost $19 million of the $25.7 million bill.

Essendon embarks on the project from a strong position, with this year's trading cash surplus more than $2.5 million.

"The continuing strength of our membership base, enhanced commercial partnerships and improved returns on investments all contributed to the Club's strong financial result this year," Robson said.

"As we enter one of the most important periods in our history, we have a number strategies in place to continue to drive revenue growth across the business and we are confident our strong financial position will allow the club to pay down the shortfall as quickly as possible, aiming to be debt free by 2015."

Brett Ratten at the Carlton media conference announcing his sacking this morning. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Earlier, paying out sacked coach Brett Ratten and several assistants hit Carlton's bottom line, with the club recording its first loss in six years.

The Blues today announced an operating loss of $683,799.

The result ends a disappointing year for the Blues, who were widely tipped to challenge for the flag but finished 10th.

Ratten was sacked with one year left on his contract before the final round, resulting in a payout of about $650,000.

Assistant coaches Mark Riley, Alan Richardson and Paul Williams were also let go, costing the Blues more.

"This is disappointing but importantly we have made a number of important and tough decisions that impacted significantly on the 2012 financial position, but will benefit the Club on and off the field going forward," Carlton CEO Greg Swann said.

"This is the first time in six years we have not had an operating profit and the turnaround is from two areas; match returns and termination payouts. With the coaching positions now finalised and with the ongoing support of Carlton people the club expects to return to an operating profit in 2013."

Match returns were down $410,000 due to a 9 per cent drop in home game crowds.

Meanwhile, on-field success is the final piece of the Richmond puzzle after the Tigers recorded a record $3 million surplus in 2012.

Richmond has now recorded profits for eight consecutive years.

Announcing the result today for the final year ending October 31, 2012, Tigers president Gary March said the club boasted record membership revenue of $5.3 million from its more than 53,000 members, and record sponsorship income of $3.5 million.

March said Richmond had cut its debt by more than $1.5 million in the past 12 months.

The debt has been slashed by $2.5 million in the past two years and now stands at $1.9 million.

"We have recorded a significant surplus, which has been built on the wonderful support of our loyal members and supporters, our business partners, along with a committed board and administration," March said.

"We knew it would require a united effort to build the foundations for success, and never more evident has that been, than in the past two years. I particularly thank those, who provided such outstanding support to the Fighting Tiger Fund.

"While we will reflect on a very positive 12 months, nobody is under any illusion that there is still much more to do. We still have debt to clear and we need to continue to build this club's financial resources, so we can support our football requirements into the future. I can assure you that we will be relentless in the pursuit of this goal."

Melbourne v Richmond. MCG. happy Tiger fans. Tiger army Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Last week, North Melbourne credited fan donations for helping the Roos post a record operating profit of more than $1 million.

The Roos today announced an operating profit of $1,193,080 for the 2011-12 financial year.

Interim chief executive Cam Vale said the club reduced its debt by $1 million with the help of its Box On campaign, while increasing revenue growth by $5 million.

"This is truly an outstanding result for the club and could have only been achieved with the remarkable support of our members and fans," Vale said.

"A record profit and reduction of debt in tough economic times is a remarkable outcome and highlights revenue growth across the board and controlled football expenditure."

Vale said he expected the Roos would be debt-free "within a few more years".

Earlier this week, Hawthorn's 60,000-strong band of members has helped ensure the club has posted a mega profit for 2012, reaping more than $2 million.

The Hawks profited $2,023,720, up about $300,000 on last year's result.

The Grand Finalist recorded a 7.4 per cent increase in members, boosting the number to 60,841.

"Our strong financial result is a credit to the hard work and dedication of management who constantly strive for excellence and innovation, and support their staff to do likewise," new president Andrew Newbold said.

Newbold thanked the 8731 Tasmanian members which signed up this season.

2012 AFL CLUB FINANCIAL RESULTS

Richmond: $3,017,742 profit

Hawthorn: $2,023,720 profit

North Melbourne: $1,193,080 operating profit

Brisbane Lions: $2,513,262 net operating loss

Carlton: $683,799 operating loss

Essendon: $401,429 trading profit

Western Bulldogs: $136,679 operating loss

Port Adelaide: $2,11,071 operating loss

Other clubs to follow

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Saints sign axed Docker

Beware of drafting Jurrah: Tredrea

Docker Dylan Roberton tackles Hawk Liam Shiels. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

DELISTED Fremantle defender Dylan Roberton will play for St Kilda in 2013.

The Saints confirmed today Roberton would join the club as a delisted free agent when the final free agency period opens tomorrow.

The 191cm defender has been training with the Saints since being cut by the Dockers and travelled with the club for its high-altitude camp in Boulder, Colorado.

Roberton played 37 matches for the Dockers, including 10 this year.

He was originally recruited from Frankston and requested a trade to a Victorian club after the season, but a deal could not be done during the trade period.

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Crows want Tippett saga to end

Kurt Tippett at Adelaide Crows training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

THE AFL Commission hearing over the Kurt Tippett saga could kill Steven Trigg's long career at Adelaide, but the Crows chief executive just wants to walk the plank.

Trigg and the Crows are about to learn the dire consequences of the fatally-flawed 2009 strategy to retain Tippett on a three-year contract.

"It's been a really, really long six weeks for everybody," Trigg said when he arrived in Melbourne today ahead of the hearing.

"It's been demanding on the footy club and we're looking forward to tomorrow, to be able to put it behind us."

Asked to confirm comments from Adelaide chairman Rob Chapman that the Crows would plead guilty, Trigg said "we'll wait and see".

The hearing, which begins at 8am Melbourne time, will consider 11 charges relating to the league's biggest salary cap and list management scandal since the AFL hit Carlton with massive penalties a decade ago.

No doubt mindful that Carlton took six years to recover from that punishment, the Crows appear set to throw themselves at the mercy of the Commission.

Their probable admission also underscores the enormity of the case against the Crows, Trigg, their current football operations manager Phil Harper and his predecessor John Reid.

Tippett, by contrast, will contest his two charges and high-profile Melbourne QC David Galbally will represent him at the hearing.

Last week Adelaide gave up their first two picks in the national draft, freely admitting that was a "gesture of goodwill" before they front the commission.

There have been frantic negotiations behind the scenes, plus a directions session last Friday, ahead of the hearing.

The ramifications of the hearing will be massive - it could cost Trigg and Harper their jobs at the Crows, depending on the extent of their punishments.

Reid is no longer involved directly in the AFL.

AFL investigators arrive at the Adelaide Football Club offices as part of the investigation into alleged salary cap breaches to star player Kurt Tippett. Source: adelaidenow

Adelaide's penalties are unlikely to be as fierce as the $930,000 in fines and the loss of crucial draft picks that crippled the Blues a decade ago.

But salary cap breaches and draft tampering are serious AFL offences.

Then there is Tippett, who wants to join Sydney through the pre-season draft.

Adelaide was trying to finalise a deal with the Swans last month when instead they went to the AFL over secret third-party payments that formed part of their 2009 contract with the key forward.

The league immediately opened an investigation and ruled that Adelaide could not delist Tippett.

After weeks of speculation he registered on Wednesday for the December 11 pre-season draft.

There has been talk of Tippett taking his case to the AFL grievance tribunal or even going to the Supreme Court.

But the more likely course of action is that next Monday, Tippett will put a massive price on his head for the pre-season draft.

Greater Western Sydney has first pick in the December 11 draft and has expressed an interest in Tippett.

But the Giants will not give up the farm and jeopardise future deals with their younger talent.

The Swans are understood to be prepared to offer Tippett a four-year deal worth $3.55 million.

It remains to be seen what would happen to Sydney's interest if the AFL found Tippett guilty and decided to delist him for an extended period.

WHAT THEY FACE

THE CLUB: Two charges of engaging in conduct in breach of the total player payments. One charge of engaging in conduct prejudicial to the draft.

STEVEN TRIGG: Two charges of engaging in conduct in breach of the total player payments. One charge of engaging in conduct prejudicial to the draft.

PHIL HARPER: One charge of engaging in conduct in breach of the total player payments.

JOHN REID: One charge of engaging in conduct prejudicial to the draft. One charge of engaging in conduct in breach of the total player payments.

KURT TIPPETT: One charge of engaging in conduct prejudicial to the draft. One charge of engaging in conduct in breach of the total player payments.

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Bombers hand bad boy lifeline

Two Tippetts for the price of one

Western Australian junior star Dayle Garlett. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON is set to roll the dice on the riskiest prospect in this year's draft after inviting Dayle Garlett to training.

Garlett was seen as a possible top-10 pick earlier in the year, but all 18 clubs put a line through his name on draft night.

The talented WA midfielder was cut from the AFL academy in March after reports of bad off-field behaviour.

Bombers coach James Hird confirmed todday Garlett would train with the club in Melbourne next week and could be picked up if he impresses.

He said the West Australian would have the same chance as any other player to prove his worth ahead of the pre-season draft.

"No doubt there's a lot of talent there and the way he plays his football excites everyone," Hird said on the Gold Coast, where the Bombers are holding a week-long training camp.

Draft Tracker: Complete profiles of every pick

"We've just got to work out whether someone like Dayle fits our group.

"We've got an opportunity to pick someone up in the pre-season draft and we'll have a look at him for that."

One player who won't be at Windy Hill next year is midfielder Brent Prismall, who Hird confirmed is all but certain to join Port Adelaide.

Prismall had continued to train with the Bombers despite being delisted earlier this month and Hird said Essendon were preparing to re-sign the 61-gamer in the pre-season draft.

But Prismall has since left to train with the Power and Hird said it looks like his time with the Bombers has come to an end.

"We would have offered him a one-year deal, they (Port) look they're going to offer him a bit longer than that and good on him for securing his professional future," Hird said.

"In the time of professional football that's a sound business decision."

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Saints defend teammate Fisher

St Kilda Footballer Sam Fisher at home. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA midfielder Leigh Montagna has dismissed reports Sam Fisher could be dumped from the Saints' leadership group.

Montagna defended the veteran defender as the team prepared to travel to Boulder, Colorado for an altitude training camp after an article appeared in Fairfax Media on the weekend that suggested Fisher's off-field behaviour had alarmed the club.

"From my point of view, I saw that article and there was nothing in that," Montagna said.

"There's been no talk about that at all, about (his) leadership.

"He's won two best-and-fairests, he's one of our most professional players.

"From the players' point of view, I didn't see much substance in that article."

It has already been a tumultuous off-season for the Saints, with star midfielder Lenny Hayes undergoing open heart surgery, Brendon Goddard using free agency to join Essendon and Jason Gram sacked over off-field issues.

The Saints dropped out of the top eight this season under new coach Scott Watters, but Montagna remains bullish about their prospects.

"The improvement is going to come across the board and what's really pleasing for St Kilda is the Sydney model," he said.

"If you look at the way they went about their premiership, they still have their older guys playing at a really high standard, but the young guys stepping up and improving.

"Certainly if we can follow that model ... we're very positive about what's ahead of us next year."

Saints delist Nick Winmar

With Goddard gone and veteran leaders such as Hayes and captain Nick Riewoldt in their 30s, Montagna said it was vital that mid-range players picked up the slack.

"We have some guys who have played a lot of football in that middle tier - Jarryn Geary, Sean Dempster and Ben McEvoy," he said.

"Guys who are in that middle bracket, we're probably looking for them to step up.

"There are probably a few of us who have been in the leadership group for a few years now and it's probably time, with Brendon leaving and Nick and Lenny getting a little bit older, that some younger guys step up."

Goddard has just returned from Essendon's altitude camp in Boulder and Montagna said some Saints had been in touch with their former teammate about the training.

It will be the first time that the Saints team have gone through a full-scale altitude camp.

New St Kilda conditioning boss Bill Davoren is a big fan of altitude training.

Davoren is a long-time triathlon coach and he has arranged for Dave Scott to speak to the Saints during their Boulder trip.

Scott is one of triathlon's most famous figures, winning the Hawaiian Ironman six times.

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Tiger goes under knife

Two Tippetts for the price of one

Dylan Grimes was enjoying a good pre-season before hurting his hamstring again. Picture: Ben Swinnerton Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND hopes Dylan Grimes will be available for Round 1 next season after surgery on his cursed hamstring.

Grimes went under the knife today after hurting his left hamstring for the third time this year. It is understood he suffered a small split in the tendon.

Grimes, who had been firing in pre-season training, pulling up sore at training last Friday.

He is the only Richmond player not taking part on a training camp in Cairns.

Grimes, 21, has played just 17 games but is seen as a key to the Tigers' young backline.

He has been plagued by hamstring injuries, travelling to Germany for treatment by soft-tissue expert Dr Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt this year after injuring his left hamstring twice.

In 2011 he tore the hamstring tendon in his right leg.

"Given Dylan's history with hamstring injuries, we believe surgery was the best option," Richmond's elite performance manager Peter Burge said.

"We won't know the extent of his recovery time until it settles from the surgery.

"Despite the setback, Dylan is keen to start his rehabilitation and is hopeful of being ready for the start of the 2013 season."

Grimes tweeted today: "Just about to go under the knife.. Thanks everyone for the support, it has been so overwhelming! Can't wait to see the boys back in melb!"

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Winmar manager slams AFL

Nick Winmar has been cut by the Saints. Picture: Chris Eastman Source: Herald Sun

Classic all-rounder who can break lines from defence, rotate through the midfield, and sneak forward to kick goals.

THE manager of axed St Kilda youngster Nick Winmar has lashed out at the Saints and says Winmar could turn his back on the AFL.

St Kilda announced today it was delisting Winmar, 21, meaning every player brought into the club in the 2009 draft and trade period is now gone.

The speedster was the last player left on the Saints' list of those brought in after the Grand Final loss to Geelong.

The wretched two-month period saw St Kilda cough up prized picks for Andrew Lovett and Brett Peake, lose Collingwood-turned premiership midfielder Luke Ball for nothing and draft Winmar, Jesse Smith, Adam Pattison and Will Johnson - who have all since been delisted.

Agent Paul Connors said Winmar returned from the players' six-week post-season break with his teammates and was cut after a bad time-trial.

"There's no way this sort of thing should happen," Connors said on his website sportsnewsfirst.com.au.

"It's a poor reflection on the St Kilda football club and the system.

"It makes it extremely difficult for any player who is delisted after the national draft to be picked up by another club."

Exclusive video of St Kilda's top draft pick Nathan Wright

Winmar now has the option of nominating for the December 11 pre-season and rookie drafts, but due to a reduction in rookie lists next season picks there will be far less selections than in recent years.

The Saints have now lost their first selection in the 2008-10 drafts, with Tom Lynch (Adelaide) and Jamie Cripps (West Coast) traded in the past two seasons.

Winmar, who was recruited using pick 32 overall, played just two matches in his three years at the club and had a year left on his contract.

"Late last week we advised Nick and his manager that we would be releasing him from the final year of his contract," Saints footy boss Chris Pelchen said.

"This was a difficult decision, however we feel it is the right one for both Nick and the club. Nick has been a respected member of the Saints over the past three years and we wish him every success for the future."

The Saints will now carry an extra pick on December 11.

The Saints have been linked to former West Coast midfielder Adam Cockie, who impressed at VFL affiliate Sandringham this season.

St Kilda today flies to Colorado for its high-altitude training camp under respected new fitness chief Bill Davoren.

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O'Meara leads rising pack

Jaeger O'Meara is favourite for the rising star. Picture: Gosling Richard Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

JAEGER O'Meara's year in the AFL system is a key reason he is the early favourite to win next year's Rising Star award.

Gold Coast's O'Meara is at $7 with Eskander's Betstar, from Thursday night's No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield ($12) and Adelaide's Brad Couch and Melbourne's Jack Viney (both $13).

"We can't help but think that the likes of O'Meara, Couch, Viney and Daniher will benefit from the additional time spent working with their new AFL clubs," Betstar's Alan Eskander said.

BELOW: See the full market

O'Meara and Couch were taken in last year's mini-draft and have had 12 months at their clubs, while Viney and Daniher have also been under AFL tutelage through their clubs' father-son academies.

Last year's No.1 draft pick Jonathan Patton is at $21 after playing four games in his debut season.

"Last year there was good specking for Tom Mitchell, son of former champion Barry," Eskander said.

"He is eligible for next year's award and expect him to again be supported at $21."

Greater Western Sydney had five of the top seven players in Rising Star betting markets this time last year, with eventual winner Daniel Talia opening at $81.

2013 AFL RISING STAR

$7 Jaeger O'Meara (GC)
$12 Lachie Whitfield (GWS) Exclusive video of Whitfield in action
$13 Brad Crouch (Ade)
$17 Jimmy Toumpas (Mel)
$17 Ollie Wines (Port) Exclusive video of Wines in action
$21 Jake Stringer (Dogs)
$21 Joe Daniher (Dons) Exclusive video of Daniher in action
$21 Jon Patton (GWS)
$21 Lachie Plowman (GWS) Exclusive video of Plowman in action
$21 Tom Mitchell (Syd)
$26 Ben Kennedy (Coll)
$26 Dom Tyson (GWS)
$31 Jackson Macrae (Dogs) Exclusive video of Macrae in action
$31 Jono O'Rourke (GWS) Exclusive video of O'Rourke in action
$31 Jesse Lonergan (GC)
$31 Troy Menzel (Carl)
$31 Will Hoskin-Elliot (GWS)

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Dons to draft delisted Prismall

Brent Prismall trains with the Bombers at Windy Hill. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON has confirmed it will take delisted midfielder Brent Prismall if he remains available in next month's pre-season draft.

The injury-hit Prismall has been told by the club that he will be granted a reprieve on December 11.

It came after the Bombers passed on their final selection in Thursday night's national draft, leaving one slot available for the pre-season draft.

Coach James Hird has assured Prismall that the pick will be used on him if he is available.

Exclusive Pick Me video of Dons draftee Joe Daniher

"We passed on one of our picks and we have a pre-season pick," Hird told the club's website.

"We are under no illusion that if Brent is there then we will definitely be picking him. That is something we are still looking at."

Prismall has been training with Essendon in the hope of securing another chance.

The 26-year-old has had little luck with injury, managing only 61 AFL matches with Geelong and Essendon.

Meanwhile, the Bombers have announced a trading profit of $401,429.

As a result of funds received for the development of the high performance centre at Melbourne Airport of $11.9 million, the club has recorded an overall operating profit of $12.3 million.

"The Flight Plan fundraising for the new High Performance Centre has made steady progress this year securing nearly $19 million of the $25.7 million project cost," Essendon chief executive Ian Robson said.

"We are confident our strong financial position will allow the club to pay down the shortfall as quickly as possible, aiming to be debt-free by 2015."

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Colledge ready to graduate

TOP TALENT: West Coast coach John Worsfold says recruit Brandt Colledge is ready to play next season. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: Herald Sun

WEST Coast Eagles coach John Worsfold believes teenage forward Brant Colledge is capable of making his debut next season.

The Eagles tracked the 192cm utility throughout the year before pouncing with their first selection at pick No.45 in Thursday's national draft.

Fellow Perth product Fraser McInnes, picked up in last year's national draft, appears set to be the prime beneficiary of more opportunity in the wake of Quinten Lynch's departure to Collingwood.

But Worsfold predicted 18-year-old Colledge, whose colts career with the Demons has been limited by a serious ankle injury, would be ready to play next season if the chance presented.

McInnes - who is yet to debut - and Colledge are friends and are likely to jostle for several years for a role in the West Coast forward line supporting key weapons Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling.

"The (recruiting) boys say Colledge is a really powerful boy, he could play next year physically. They're confident with that," Worsfold said.

"I always say you really don't know that until you get to about March and you have a look at how they've handled the pre-season workload and where they sit."

Colledge, who is studying a law degree, said he was excited by the challenge of trying to break into the Eagles' formidable forward line.

"I think I'm just a committed, competitive guy and if I can bring some good intangibles and attributes to the club like that I think it would be really good," he said.

"There's a lot of good young talent at the Eagles that will hopefully push for a premiership in the near future. Hopefully I can learn from them and be a part of some success in the future."

Worsfold said the selection of Mark Hutchings, the club's final pick at No.60, was a reward for the 21-year-old's professionalism and determination.

Hutchings, a former captain of the WA under-18 team, spent one season on St Kilda's rookie list in 2010 before returning to Perth and enjoying two superb seasons with West Perth.

"There's no doubt his professionalism, his hard work and his attitude to want to get the best out of himself is a real strength of his, and that's contributed to him having such a good year," Worsfold said.

"Some kids get disappointed and don't put as much into their footy if they're overlooked in a couple of drafts, but he's been motivated to keep doing the work and that's a great sign."

Hutchings finished second to Claremont's Kane Mitchell in last season's Sandover Medal despite earning a whopping 51 votes.

"He got tagged pretty much all year but still had a very good season," Worsfold said.

"He's just a real hard-working, accumulator of the footy and he can play at half-forward. We're really excited for what he adds to the group."

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September axe to spur Griffin

DRIVEN: Fremantle ruckman Jonathon Griffin will use last year's September omission as a motivating factor this pre-season. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

PLENTY of Fremantle players are beginning this pre-season spurred by the pain of last season's finals exit.

One big Docker has been dealing with the pain of not even being out there in September.

Ever since he arrived at Fremantle two years ago, Jonathon Griffin has been asked whether he and Aaron Sandilands can play together.

Quietly but with an inner-determination, the wholehearted ruckman has continually reasoned that the pair can.

It is a belief Griffin continues to hold despite enduring the most frustrating period of his career.

The 26-year-old played 13 matches last season, the most he had managed since 16 for Adelaide in his debut year in 2007.

But after coach Ross Lyon experimented with using both he and Sandilands together for just the third time in the easy Round 23 victory over Melbourne, Griffin was axed for the finals and missed the Dockers' finals triumph over Geelong.

"It was hard to take, but you move on. It was really difficult to watch the finals," he said.

"That's what you play for all year and pre-season, so it's going to be something that I'll use to drive me through this pre-season and hopefully I'll have a good pre-season campaign and push forward for a good 2013."

Griffin will return to training on Wednesday with Fremantle's oldest players, but will be on light duties until after Christmas following surgery on his troublesome left hip.

He carried the problem throughout last season, including when called on to shoulder the ruck load for nine consecutive games through the middle of the season when Sandilands was out with a serious toe injury.

"I played through it pretty much all year. It stirred up a lot of things like my hamstrings, adductors - just stuff that I had to manage which made it frustrating," he said.

"I just tried to play the best footy that I could and I thought I was playing some pretty solid football.

"But the coaching staff and the match committee made the decision (to drop me), and I back their decision. I'm just going to use that as drive for this season."

Griffin has rarely been tested in attack during his two years in the west, with most of his games coming as a ruck replacement for Sandilands. He's adamant he's capable of forming a dangerous combination with skipper Matthew Pavlich up forward.

"It's been difficult because of that. Because Aaron's been out, it hasn't really given us the chance to experiment much with me up forward and Aaron in the ruck, or Aaron up forward and myself in the ruck," he said.

"Hopefully both of us can be fully fit and we can show them that we can make it work. I'd love to work alongside Pav in the forward line and also work alongside Aaron in the ruck.

"Hopefully I can spend some more time up in the forward line in the pre-season and develop that part of my game. I love playing up forward; I think most people do."

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Gold boast! Premiership by 2015

Gold Coast chairman John Witheriff believes the Suns are on the verge of something very special and hasn't ruled out a premiership by 2015. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: Herald Sun

Dual AFL premiership coach and Suns board member Malcolm Blight has backed his chairman and said to dream the impossible dream. Picture: David Clark Source: Herald Sun

GOLD Coast chairman John Witheriff has declared that the club that has won only six games in its first two seasons can win a flag by the end of 2015.

And dual AFL premiership coach and Suns board member Malcolm Blight has not only backed the call, but says he can "almost taste the success".

The Gold Coast chairman surprised the football community yesterday when he said the Suns wanted to win their maiden premiership within the next three years and double their membership to 20,000 within 12 months.

"The reality of life is, we're not around to just fill in numbers and what other objective can there possibly be for a football club but to win a Grand Final?" Witheriff said.

This whole journey has been about people turning around and saying, 'You can't do it'. Well, I love it. I don't want to be arrogant about it but I love it. I love people who say, 'You just can't do it', because you can do it and we're able to do it and we're going to do it.

Witheriff said Blight - a dual premiership player at North Melbourne and dual premiership coach at Adelaide - convinced him to plan ambitiously.

Blight said he was confident the bold plan was achievable after noticing the intensity from the coaching and playing group lift by "10 to 15 per cent" in recent months.

"I know we have only won six games (in two seasons), but I honestly think it will come quickly," Blight said yesterday.

If you have been around footy awhile, as I have, you can almost taste the smell (of success). Something is going to happen here. It's going to erupt and before I put the queue in the rack, I would like to get excited one more time.

"It's a strong message from the chairman and the club as a whole."

Blight backed Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna - a two-time premiership player at West Coast - as the man who can make it happen.

"He has had two years as a senior coach now. He is growing in the role all the time, and getting better every day" Blight said.

McKenna said he was not daunted by Witheriff's comments, denying it not put extra pressure on him as a coach.

"It's a source of motivation if you like and I welcome it," McKenna said."Everyone will laugh and giggle because we won three games last season but there is no rule in the AFL I've seen that says regardless of how many games you've won the previous year, you can't win the grand final the following year," McKenna said.

"Of course it's an achievable goal ... and we are looking forward to the challenge."

Blight said he was confident the bold plan was achievable after noticing the intensity from the coaching and players lift by "10 to 15 per cent" in recent months.

"I know we have only won six games (in two seasons), but I honestly think it will come quickly," Blight said yesterday. "If you have been around footy awhile, as I have, you can almost taste the smell (of success).

"Something is going to happen here. It's going to erupt and before I put the cue in the rack, I would like to get excited one more time.

"It's a strong message from the chairman and the club as a whole."

Blight backed Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna - a two-time premiership player at West Coast - as the man who can make it happen.

"He has had two years as a senior coach now. He is growing in the role all the time and getting better every day," Blight said.

McKenna said he was not daunted by Witheriff's comments, denying it put extra pressure on him.

"It's a source of motivation if you like and I welcome it," McKenna said.

Everyone will laugh and giggle because we won three games last season but there is no rule in the AFL I've seen that says regardless of how many games you've won the previous year, you can't win the Grand Final the following year. Of course it's an achievable goal ... and we are looking forward to the challenge.

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A mighty Saint with a heart of class

Adored by his St Kilda fans and acknowledged by supporters throughtout the competition as one tough cookie, Lenny Hayes relaxes at Torch cafe in Richmond. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

Hayes played all of the last season with a heart condition. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

LENNY Hayes has a game face and a life face. The game face is intense and focused.

And if we can wax lyrical, sometimes you'd swear you can see the determination bursting out of his red, white and black jumper.

The life face is much different. Hayes is a smiler.

Sometimes it's a sheepish smile, when he has to listen to accolades poured on him, but mostly it's a fun, happy smile, a smile of a bloke content in life.

This day, Hayes was smiling aplenty.

He had just come from the Epworth Hospital, where his surgeon had given him the second tick of approval since open heart surgery in early September.

The football world was shocked, and initially fearful, when it was announced Hayes had had heart surgery.

It was to correct a leaking heart valve which was discovered after Christmas when the club put their players through fitness and health checks.

Hayes described it as a simple heart procedure, but a 24cm worm-like scar from the top of the chest plate to below the sternum suggests this wasn't simple keyhole surgery.

"It's about 11 weeks since the surgery, so we just had to tick some stuff off," Hayes said of his visit.

"It's going well and we're off to Colorado next week. Just had to get the all clear."

It was the second consultation since the surgery.

Incredibly, Hayes played with the condition all year. In fact, he played with it all of his career.

Combine it with his return from a second knee reconstruction and Hayes winning the St Kilda best and fairest ... well, this is Lenny Hayes.

Is there a more respected and admired footballer in the competition than "Lenny"?

In a way, he is the new Matthew Richardson.

He's tough, fearless, inspiring and respected and the heart scare only adds to the legend. Typically, Hayes played it down.

"Yeah, it's been beaten up a fair bit," he said. "It's why I wanted to talk about it.

Pick Me: Exclusive video on Saints draftee Nathan Wright

"The club said we could get everyone down at the club and do a press conference, but I would rather just be honest about it, get it out there, and hopefully I don't have to answer questions about it again. I understand everyone's interest, but it was the same with my knee, I get sick of answering the same questions.

"The fact is, they reckon I've probably had it my whole life. But any time you hear anything about the heart, you think, s---, but I had no symptoms.

"But because of where it was in my heart, we had to have the more serious side of the surgery. It's a fairly common thing; all it was was a hole in the heart, and they closed it up.

"Blood didn't circulate like it's meant to - which means one side of the heart had to do more work, which gets a little bit enlarged.

"I found out pre-season, when I had extra tests done, and they said I would have to get something done at the end of the year.

"I asked if it could wait another year, thinking I might have one year left, but they said we'd feel better if we get it done now."

The initial fears were swapped for relief, and then comedy.

That his heart was too big for his body, that it needed a reduction, that it pumped too hard, etc etc.

Of course, they were compliments.

Always, there's a price to pay to play the game and most often it's injuries. For Hayes, it's injuries and fame.

He admits, sheepishly again, he struggles with all the hero-worship.

"I've always liked letting my footy do the talking. At the end of the day, we're good at football. It's not like we do anything life changing. I don't know, I've always seen football as just a game and a passion of mine."

Still, his teammates love him, the media bluster about him, women want to be with him, and men want to play footy like him.

I don't think I've done too much differently than what I've done these past 10 years, and I don't know whether it's the fact you get over 30 that it comes. It's like any job, the longer you are in a position the more people get to know you, and to be successful you have to do it over a long period of time.

The public's response to his heart issues was at times overwhelming.

I'm appreciative of all the support I've had. I get non-St Kilda fans wishing me all the best, and that means a lot. You don't expect it. It's a little embarrassing.

"I don't like talking about myself, I don't think anybody does, but, yeah, the footy community is good like that. If you see a guy get a big injury, the footy community gets around people."

Part of the love is Hayes's normalcy. He's not a big-head and he's not flamboyant, and he plays footy hard and socialises hard enough.

It's another Richo trait.

"That's fair," he said. "I consider myself professional but a big part of playing team sport is enjoying each other's company and that's something I enjoy as much as the next bloke. I love having a beer with the teammates. As you said, do the hard work and then you enjoy it together. It's a big reason why I play team sport.

It's changed a lot and it's different perhaps because I'm older and married, but there's still times when you need to have a couple of beers. Maybe that's just me."

Pressed to remember any time of his career when he was criticised, he says: "Oh yeah, I've copped some over the fence at times. From the media ... yeah, I've been put under the pump. Every player has.

"After playing bad finals early days, and when I first got drafted I was questioned over my pace, which was fair enough, and then when I did my knee - Is he going to be right? - so there's always things out there."

Hayes first did a knee in 2006 and the second in 2011.

He had the regular surgery procedure for both.

The second created a few self-doubts, mainly about whether he could come back and be the same Lenny Hayes aged 32.

"I suppose 2011 was a bit different because I had been through it before, so I knew what to expect. I had the conventional surgery and if there's blessing to doing one, it's doing it early in the year so you can come back and have a full pre-season and get into it.

"And of course I had doubts. You never know what will happen and you need a little bit of luck coming back from injuries as well, and I was able to do a lot of training. Still, I went into the season a little underdone. I played a half in the NAB, I got knocked out against Collingwood in the first two minutes in the practice game, and then we went to Perth and played three quarters.

"So I felt a little underdone and then I played s---house against Port in Round 1."

His form after that was more consistent than his team's. The Saints won 12 games and lost 10, and could never string more than two wins together.

Hayes admitted to believing at times that a premiership was not beyond the team.

"When you get older all you need is a sniff, even just to play finals. OK, I didn't think we were ever in the best position to win a flag, but I think every team in the eight were a chance on their day."

Post-season centred on the heart operation, and then three weeks in America with his wife Tara, mainly to attend the wedding of teammate Nick Riewoldt in Waco, Texas.

Up to 15 teammates and former coaches Grant Thomas and Ross Lyon were there, and in small-time Waco the local sports bar called Crickets took a hiding, simply because it was the only drinking establishment..

"Yeah, it was a great weekend," Hayes said. "The boys had the footy trip in Cancun (Mexico), which I was shattered about because I couldn't go on, but, yeah, it was good to spend a couple of weeks over there."

Hayes is as excited about next year as any other year.

He says the club is arresting its youth shortage and, in coach Scott Watters' first season, it had seen an injection of new talent.

"And we will pick up another four or five at the draft," he said.

On a tailored program, Hayes arrived at the first day of pre-season training and naturally became the story.

"The way he presented himself after the operation he's been through, in terrific condition, on a modified program, but really looking forward to going to Colorado," Watters said.

He's a terrific story for a million reasons. He's an outstanding guy."

Starting his 15th season, you suppose the next question is: Will it be his last?

He's 32, turning 33 in January, but age does not seem to weary him.

"I'm not going to stick around if the club wants to play more young guys or we're no chance to play finals," he said.

You have to earn your ride. No one deserves a game for what they've done in the past. If the coach sees a role for an experienced midfielder, maybe playing a different role, and not inside, inside, inside all the time, then it might be all right.

With a smile, he said: "I always thought I could play forward."

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McKenna put in the gun

Guy McKenna is in the gun, Mark Robinson writes, after the Gold Coast's bold prediction. Picture: Jono Searle Source: Herald Sun

COMMENT: EXPECTATION can be a coach killer.

In 2012, Carlton coach Brett Ratten declared it was top four or bust. And he was busted.

Ratten's replacement, Mick Malthouse, was cagier. Top eight would be the destination. It was smart, because bold statements weren't required.

At the start 2002, Hawthorn coach Peter Schwab declared the team would win the flag. It was a speech to the converted at a club function and, fairly or not, it haunted him.

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The Hawks won two of their first 18 games and Schwab didn't survive the season.

Yesterday, Gold Coast chairman John Witheriff made another unforgettable pre-season comment.

Witheriff said the Suns would win the premiership within three years.

He said he would be ridiculed for making a "bold" and "aspirational" declaration. And he's right.

The Suns have won six games from 44 in their first two years.

They would need to make that at least 24 wins from the next 44 to play finals.

To make a Grand Final in 2015, they would need to win 19 from 25 that season.

Reality and expectation are oceans apart.

The Suns aren't good enough, nor will they be experienced enough to contend inside three years. Inside five years still debatable.

Witheriff, at least, is a visionary.

A passionate footy man disturbed by the lack of respect for his club - "Everything that I've done with this football club has been the butt of someone's joke," he said - he is trying to fast-track its standing.

Bravo, but the problem is footy is a win-loss business and the Suns aren't yet in the business of winning.

The pressure is now heaped on coach Guy McKenna, who already is feeling the sting from members of the media.

McKenna has two years to run on a contract, which means finals would have to be a necessity within that time frame if he was to keep his job.

Not even Norm Smith would be confident of that.

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Roos look to add midfield muscle

Power still has eyes on Liam Jurrah

Kangaroos list manager Cameron Joyce says former Port Adelaide defender Ben Jacobs is likely to move into the midfield. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has added three first-round draftees in an aggressive attempt to expand its emerging midfield group.

The Roos picked former Port Adelaide defender Ben Jacobs at No.37, and exciting wingman/half-forward Taylor Garner with its first selection (No.15). They secured Jordan Gysberts, a former pick No.11, from Melbourne last month.

List manager Cameron Joyce said Jacobs was likely to move from defence into the midfield at the Roos.

"We see him as a midfielder who can kick goals, as well, and we think he has the capacity to play in a number of roles for us," Joyce said.

"He was quite attractive during the trade period and also Jordan Gysberts two years ago played some really good football for Melbourne as a second-year player averaging around the 20- possession mark."

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Captain Cotchin to wear No.9

Averaging 6.3 tackles per game, Vlastuin knows how to dump opponents in to the turf. Get exclusive vision and expert analysis of his hard-edge approach ahead of the AFL draft.

New Richmond captain Trent Cotchin at Punt Rd today in front of a painting of Tiger champion Jack Dyer. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Trent Cotchin served as Richmond vice-captain this season. Source: Herald Sun

BRETT Deledio says teammate Trent Cotchin will lead Richmond to its next premiership.

Cotchin was on Friday appointed the 40th captain of the famous club.

Deledio, who was named vice-captain, said he was confident the 22-year-old's leadership could end a 22-year flag drought.

"I texted him last night and said: 'Look mate, if you're going to be captain I'll back you the whole way and I believe you'll be the one to lead us to our next flag'. I said that to him and I'll say it here today,'' Deledio said.

"I back Trent to the hilt with what he can do for this club.''

A player vote identified Cotchin as Chris Newman's successor, with the decision quickly ratified by the Richmond board.

But the onballer said he wouldn't follow in the footsteps of recent captains by embracing the No.17 jumper made famous by club legend Jack Dyer.

Cotchin said that, after careful consideration, he was keeping the No.9.

"Obviously I hold the club's history and traditions in high regard. Jack Dyer is a massive part of our proud history ... (but) I've always been really comfortable with the fact I've been No.9 since being here and was No.9 prior to being here. I love seeing little kids with the No.9 on their backs.''

Coach Damien Hardwick said it was Cotchin's determination to keep his number that would make him an excellent leader.

"He wanted to stamp his authority on the club going forward and he's done that and we commend him for it.''

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Carter thrilled to join Eagles nest

WELCOME ABOARD: WA youngster Adam Carter was snared by West Coast at yesterday's National Draft. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

ADAM Carter was effectively in solitary confinement; cooped up in what India called a hospital, in the middle of a "paddock" and with no contact to the outside world.

So, for the 180cm midfielder from South Fremantle and one of West Coast's latest recruits, meeting the new boss should be easy.

"It's a different experience and I'm looking forward to it," Carter said of his looming meeting this afternoon with coach John Worsfold.

"Obviously that (the India experience) wasn't something I was looking forward to."

Carter made a decision at about 16 years old to focus on football over a tilt at a cricket career, with stress fractures in his back from the rigours of batting and bowling a major factor in his decision.

But before that choice, he had travelled to the sub-continent with the under-16s Australian cricket side when he set off the airport body-heat monitors.

"I was pulled up at the airport, around the time of Swine Flu," he said.

"They had heat detectors; the team had walked through OK, but they got to me and I pulled up really hot, really red on the monitor.

"They pulled me aside and said, 'Look, we're going to have to take you for testing. We suspect you have Swine Flu'.

"I got separated from the team ... all my family and team couldn't speak to me and I was taken away in the middle of the night to this paddock, really, with what they called a hospital in it.

"I spent the next five days there in no air conditioning, no TV, no radio, no outside contact.

"It was a pretty eye-opening experience."

Profiles of every draft pick + expert verdict on every club

Carter, pick No. 59, this morning fronted his first press conference as an Eagle alongside the club's other two selections from yesterday's AFL Draft; first pick at No. 45 and mobile Perth forward, the 192cm Brandt Colledge, and West Perth's Sandover Medal runner-up and reigning Falcons best and fairest winner, inside midfielder Mark Hutchings, who was taken third at No. 60.

It is Hutchings' second life with an AFL club, having been rookie listed by St Kilda in 2010, but the 21-year-old said he was a far different player this time around.

He said he was now more prepared for AFL life and that was no more evident than in his regime during yesterday's draft.

Instead of sitting by a TV, Hutchings went to work, running his personal training business as he always has and letting his work do the talking, refusing to take any expectations into the day.

"I didn't expect to get picked, but I didn't rule myself out and each year is a clean slate; (not getting picked up) last year wasn't going to deter me at all," Hutchings said.

"I was at work last night and between clients, I was checking my phone and it was blowing up.

"I thought, 'What's this?'

"They (the people messaging) were saying congratulations, but I didn't know what club it was, so I checked the website and saw my name at West Coast and I couldn't be happier.

"It was a sick moment and it was pretty hard to keep my mind on the job for the last couple of hours.

"This time, I'm a little bit more experienced, I know my game a little bit better, I know my footy, so I'm just really eager to make the most of it this time around."

West Coast's first selection, Colledge, said it was an overwhelming feeling to be drafted, particularly by a home club.

"I'd had a couple of talks with the Eagles, but the clubs keep their cards really close to their chest," Colledge said.

"There's a lot of young talent at the Eagles that will hopefully push for a premiership in the coming years, so hopefully I can learn from them and be a part of some success in the future.

"I think we'll get stuck in pretty quickly, so maybe Monday or some time next week."
 

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Blues draft for bench cap

A champion runner whose stocks soared this year when he lowered the colours of top AFL Draft prospect Lachie Whitfield.

2012 Morrish Medal winner Nick Graham in action for Gippsland Power. Picture: Kate Mitchell Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON has begun drafting for an interchange cap, targeting players who can run hard with minimal rest.

While there will be no cap next season, the league will trial limiting teams to 80 interchanges per match in the pre-season, ahead of potentially introducing that system for the 2014 season proper.

The Blues are already preparing.

While they couldn't go past talented forward Troy Menzel with their first pick, No.11, their other two live selections had an emphasis on endurance.

Their second selection, Tom Temay, the son of St Kilda 52-gamer Paul Temay, is a 3000m runner who has represented Victoria and at one stage was tossing up between football and athletics.

Their third pick, Nick Graham, who was coached by former Blue Nick Stevens at TAC Cup side Gippsland Power, was also liked for his running power.

"He's just a really good endurance player," said Blues national recruiting manager Shane Rogers.

"We think with the rules that may be changing next year with interchanges, it was a priority to try and get blokes that could run out games and just chug around and not have to come off as much as what some players do.

"So he's one of those players. He's a high-possession winner as well."

Profiles of every draft pick + video & expert analysis

While Carlton concentrated on running ability, Richmond noted another of the game's trends - the importance of winning the contested ball - in taking tough, aggressive midfielder-defender Nick Vlastuin with their first pick, No.9.

He fits the mould of other recent Tiger draftees such as Brandon Ellis, Reece Conca and Dustin Martin as physical, big-bodied midfield prospects.

"We think contested footy numbers are increasing on a year-by-year basis and we've drafted with that in mind over the last couple of years," Tigers recruiting manager Francis Jackson said.

The Tigers also had an eye on endurance with their second pick, Kamdyn McIntosh.

While the 192cm West Australian has spent time as a key defender, Richmond like him as a tall midfielder, given he rated in the top three per cent for endurance tests at the draft combine.

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The 10 big draft surprises

Fox Sports AFL guru Julian de Stoop takes an in-depth look at some of the draftees who found themselves where many didn't expect.

THE AFL draft is done and dusted for another year, with clubs calling out the names of 94 players they hope to become stars. But who got it right, who got it wrong and what are recruiters still shaking their heads about? Read our special report.

SAM LANDSBERGER GIVES HIS 10 BIG DRAFT SURPRISES

THE STEAL

Magpie fans thought they were on a winner when West Coast agreed to send its first pick east for Sharrod Wellingham and last night added about five exclamation marks.

It's a wonder Derek Hine kept a straight face as he read out ruck beast Brodie Grundy at 18, with the slider of 2012 initially regarded as a top-three pick.

But with young ruckmen on the nose Grundy just kept on sliding. Word filtered out this week that Grundy would weave past GWS's first five choices, causing the Roos and Cats to reassess their draft plans.

When they both stuck to their guns and baulked, the 202cm All-Australian who can boot bags of goals officially became a Pie.

Collingwood recruit Brodie Grundy after the AFL National Draft. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

SuperFooty Draft Tracker: Your home of the AFL Draft

THE SLIDER

It was a case of mind over matter for clubs eyeing Dayle Garlett last night with the slick West Australian passed up by every club.

The All-Australian could not find a home and now he faces the serious realisation his AFL dream may never materialise due to repeated off-field issues, which saw him axed from the AIS-AFL Academy.

Social media photos which emerged late this year didn't help Garlett's cause, despite the 18-year-old rated as a top-10 talent on raw talent alone. Will someone take the punt on him as a rookie?

Pick Me: Exclusive video highlights of 20 of the hottest draft picks

HIGHLY RATED: Dayle Garlett has been impressive for Swan Districts since making his league debut this year. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

THE SAINTS

All the rage was the Saints needed to assess their bare key defensive stocks, so it came as a surprise when they plucked a forward (Spencer White) and a rebounding halfback (Nathan Wright) with their early pair of picks.

Adding to the intrigue was the best two key defenders – full-back Tanner Smith and centre half-back Tom Clurey – were both available at 24 and 25.

But the Saints took the punt on freakish Western Jets spearhead Spencer White earlier than expected before landing explosive halfback Nathan Wright.

That left Clurey and Smith to fall interstate, to Port Adelaide and Fremantle respectively. Do the Saints have something left up their sleeve to aid their undersized backline?

Exclusive "Pick Me" vision of Tanner Smith in action

THE SWANS

Tim Membrey at pick 46? You'd be joking. Get the feeling the premiers will be laughing at that as soon as next year.

The power forward who will play as a third tall is ready-made, praised for his repeated efforts and boasts a golden right boot.

In fact, Gippsland Power coach Nick Stevens rates his set-shot better than Brendan Fevola's and said he thought Membrey was a top-10 talent.

The Dogs liked him at pick 21 but when Nathan Hrovat slipped he was simply too good to refuse, meaning the tattooed spearhead slipped into the 40s.

His questions marks are his size of only 189cm and his lack of endurance, but you get the feeling the SCG will quickly become his favourite ground.

Exclusive "Pick Me vision of Tim Membrey in action

Exclusive "Pick Me" vision of Nathan Hrovat in action

Big wraps: Gippsland Power coach Nick Stevens says Tim Membrey is a more accurate kick for goal than Brendon Fevola. Source: Herald Sun

THE RAIDERS

Unfazed by Ben Jacobs' homesickness, Port Adelaide only took interstaters.

That despite the abundance of home-grown South Australian talent on offer in a clear sign the Power is not spooked by losing Jacobs for nothing.

Clearance king Ollie Wines was irresistible  at No. 7 before centre half-back Tom Clurey appealed at 29. The endurance specialist will help cover Troy Chaplin, while WA boy Mason Shaw shores up Port's front half as a big target.

The Pies, Lions, Crows, Cats, Suns, Giants, Hawks and Swans also only drafted from outside their home states, while the Dogs and Eagles casted their nets locally.

Exclusive "Pick Me" vision of Ollie Wines in action

Exclusive "Pick Me" vision of Tom Clurey in action

AFL Draft,Tom Clurey,country boy from Shepparton,running across hay bails on his farm, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CROWS CROW AFTER ALL

Maybe it's karma for all the "goodwill" the Crows apparently showed by handing back their first few picks, but, amazingly, they still finished big winners.

Sam Siggins at 62 is the key defender already exposed to senior footy they crave, while Rory Atkins at 81 bordered on ridiculous.

This ball magnet won Calders' best-and-fairest and was touted as a second-round pick with the Tigers and Bombers showing hot interest.

THE BOLTERS

The Herald Sun revealed last week Lachie Plowman was spearing towards the No. 3 pick, but he wasn't the only player to power up the order.

The Swans jagged VFL recruit Dean Towers at pick 22 with the explosive halfback aiding their ageing backline, while the Lions surprised plenty of clubs when they called out Marco Paparone at pick 23.

They rated the key forward above Membrey, Shaw and Mason Wood, while Spencer White at 25 also shocked some given a wrist injury he's carried.

The Dogs sprung a surprise when they plucked underexposed Josh Prudden at pick 50 but are confident they have a winner in the Assumption College midfielder.

A GIANT PIE

His old man played 115 games in black and white, but Eddie McGuire will have to watch James Stewart develop under the guise of nemesis Kevin Sheedy at GWS.

The Pies passed on the father-son prospect and the Giants are hoping to make them pay, snaring the mobile big man with pick 27.

Exclusive "Pick Me" vision of Stewart, the man the Pies overlooked

Father son stars of the Victorian Metro U/18 players L-R, James Stewart and Lachie Hunter. James's dad Craig played for Collingwood while Lachie's father Mark played for Footscray Picture: Bruce Magilton Source: Herald Sun

THE VFL SURPRISE PACKET

Frankston Dolphins coach Simon Goosey holds a part-time recruiting gig at Essendon and he's again earned his coin.

The Dons continued their Peninsula extraction, scooping up unheralded defender Dylan Van Unen at pick 51.

The 189cm ready-made talent, who played three reserve flags at Box Hill, joins fellow defenders Michael Hibberd and Mark Baguley at Windy Hill.

THE UNLUCKY MISSES

Sam Colquhoun must be wondering what more he could have done.

The halfback earned All-Australian colours, averaged 28 possessions for South Australia and tracked at 78 per cent efficiency yet couldn't find a home last night.

One club said moments before the draft his club would take a good look, regarding the 17-year-old as a "running machine" who excels as a link-up player and tipping Colquhoun to graduate between picks 25-40.

Dandenong Stingray Jason Pongracic was also stiff after Collingwood showed strong interest, while beanpole Geelong Falcons ruckman Darcy Fort also had no luck.

Those boys were quick to be told to keep their chins up, keep working hard and look to the rookie draft.

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger
 

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Draft ban won't stop us: Sando

Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson talks with Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley before the draft on the Gold Coast. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ADELAIDE coach Brenton Sanderson says the Crows can build an era of success even if they have to sit out the early rounds of the next few drafts.

Sanderson didn't get a say in the club's decision to give up its first two picks in tonight's draft, effectively an early down-payment on a likely severe sanction when the Crows front the AFL Commission on November 30.

Sanderson said from a selfish point of view, he would have preferred to keep the picks.

"It's a bit unusual for us,'' Sanderson said on the Gold Coast.

"Pick 64 for us (now the Crows' first pick) ... we'll sort of sitting around for the first three-quarters of the draft.

"From a selfish point of view I'd love to have early draft picks but I certainly understand the situation we're in and I guess it's the best decision for the footy club.

"It's the chairman's call, in consultation with the AFL, so from a coaches' point of view and the recruiting team I guess we're just trying to be prepared for all different scenarios.

"Over the last couple of weeks our guys have been outstanding -- (list manager) David Noble and (recruiter) Hamish Ogilvie have been fantastic in the way they've prepared for all different scenarios."

While it's likely the Crows, facing charges of draft and salary cap tampering over the Kurt Tippett saga, will also lose early selections from future drafts, the coach said they were well positioned to cope.

"Our list is very strong. Our age profile is very young," Sanderson said.

"Apart from the two new franchises I think only Brisbane and Melbourne are younger than us.

"We're still a very young side and we've still got our best (football to come). We feel like we can still improve."

The club rose from 14th spot last year to the brink of a Grand Final berth in Sanderson's first season at the helm.

He said the mood among the players was positive despite the potential sanctions hanging over the club and some of its key figures.

AFL Coaches,Gold Coast.Ken Hinkley,Brenton Sanderson and Chris Scott, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

"All I can do as senior coach is play my role and the rest of the stuff is going to be sorted out," Sanderson said.

"I'll get back home tomorrow and get on with training our boys through the pre-season.

"The players have been fantastic. Their support's been great as well and they're really keen to build on a good 2012 campaign and have another successful 2013."

He said the attack would remain potent without Tippett, even though the Crows don't have a player who can completely replace him.

Sanderson said improving youngsters such as Josh Jenkins, Shaun McKernan, Lewis Johnston, Tom Lynch and Ricky Henderson provided forward options, while exciting midfielder Patrick Dangerfield could spend more time in attack.

"We can certainly go for a few different sort of structures that can still help us and trouble the opposition," he said.

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Sheedy can't wait to coach Kurt

GWS coach Kevin Sheedy and Essendon coach, and former Sheedy pupil, James Hird at a coaches media call prior to tonight's national draft at Metricon Stadium on the Gold Coast. Source: Getty Images

GREATER Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy says Kurt Tippett and the Giants can prove a great combination, even if the club has to drag him there.

Tippett and his legal team are considering court action to help the Adelaide forward-ruckman join premier Sydney as a free agent, rather than fall to wooden-spooner GWS through the pre-season draft.

But Sheedy doubts they will follow through on that threat and says Tippett's desire to avoid the Giants hasn't dulled the club's enthusiasm.

Sheedy pointed to his own experience of wanting to play for Essendon growing up, but having to join Richmond under recruiting rules of that time, which resulted in him playing in three premierships with the Tigers.

"A lot of players don't really know what is right for them all the time," Sheedy said today.

"Why wouldn't you want to come if you were Kurt?

"And I'm saying this honestly - you're going to be playing with a hell of a lot of good players.

"It's going to be a damn good side in four years and he'll be just peaking by then."

Sheedy said the Giants wanted more talls, had plenty of salary-cap space and Tippett was the sort of player he loved to coach.

"Tippett is a ruckman as well as a forward and I've had a lot of success with those sorts of players, like Simon Madden, Roger Merrett and Paul Salmon (at Essendon)," he said.

"He does fit that bill of a ruckman who can go forward."

An AFL Commission hearing next week into charges of salary cap and draft tampering by the Crows involving Tippett will help determine his club future and whether he faces a ban from the game.

Swans' coach John Longmire was reluctant to speculate on his club's chances of recruiting Tippett.

"We're still interested in Kurt Tippett coming to the footy club," he said.

"But because of this process to go through, things are still up in the air, I guess.

"There's no way we can sit here today and know what's going to happen."

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Pain in Spain for Magpie star

Port has a tough draft choice to make

Dale Thomas kicks a footy outside the Palau Nacional during his tour of Barcelona. Source: Supplied

COLLINGWOOD star Dale Thomas will have ankle surgery a week after kicking a footy around Barcelona's landmarks to shoot an Adidas promotion.

Thomas and teammate Tyson Goldsack will have delayed starts to pre-season training after both required ankle surgery.

Goldsack was operated on this week. Thomas is booked in for surgery tomorrow.

Magpies football director Geoff Walsh said both players carried the injuries late in the 2012 season.

Doctors hoped they would recover with rest but have now determined surgery is required. They will be put on a rehabilitation program and join full training early next year.

Thomas has just returned from a promotional trip to Spain for Adidas with Melbourne Storm's Billy Slater. During the visit Thomas was filmed kicking a footy around the city's landmarks and doing a soccer challenge with star David Villa.

"The assessment at the end of the season was that a long spell from playing and training, a break, was going to have them all clear for the start of pre-season training," Walsh said.

"But they've come back and discovered, through training, that they're still being troubled. So we've decided to have them both operated on ASAP."

Billy Slater with David Villa, middle, and Dale Thomas during a visit to Barcalona. Source: News Limited

Thomas hurt his ankle against Carlton in Round 15, while Goldsack suffered his injury in Round 19.

Collingwood's full squad returns to training next Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich had a "minor procedure" on his back in hospital today.

"At this stage we envisage that it will have little impact on Matthew's pre-season training and expect him to be right to play during the NAB Cup," Dockers football manager Chris Bond said.

 

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Undeterred Port looks interstate

Port Adelaide has taken a punt on Victorian country boy Tom Clurey. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

PORT Adelaide showed the departure of homesick Ben Jacobs hadn't put it off taking a Victorian with one of its early picks at the AFL National Draft.

The Power overlooked a pair of highly-touted Croweaters – Sturt ruckman Brodie Grundy and North Adelaide half-forward Sam Mayes – in favour of tough Bendigo Pioneers onballer Ollie Wines with its first call, pick No.7.

They then opted for another Victorian, tall defender Tom Clurey at pick No.29.

The selections come less than a fortnight after Port was forced to delist Jacobs, the 16th pick in the 2010 draft, when he quit the club to return to Victoria, citing homesickness.

Wines, 18, had been touted as possibly going as early as Melbourne's pick No.4 selection but slipped down the draft order.

He is a strong midfielder with a hard edge that can win the contested ball, has elite endurance and a ferocious tackle.

Clurey, who had been linked with the Crows' pick No.20 before the club forfeited that selection, is a strong-bodied backman who may be groomed as a long-term replacement for the departed Troy Chaplin.

The Power snared West Australian tall forward Mason Shaw with its third and final selection, pick No.30.
 

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Masterstroke by guilty Crows

AFL investigators arrive at the Adelaide Football Club offices as part of the investigation into alleged salary cap breaches to star player Kurt Tippett. Source: adelaidenow

Adelaide's decision to hand back its first two selections in Thursday's national draft is a significant admission of guilt from the Crows over the Kurt Tippett affair.

For weeks the club has urged restraint despite the raging torrent of headlines, peddling the line that it just couldn't wait for its meeting with the AFL.

Breaking news: Crows withdraw from draft

But you don't hand back draft picks if you aren't absolutely, 100 per cent, rock-solid certain they will be stripped from you at some stage anyway.

So finally we know that Adelaide is guilty, because it believes it is too.

2012 SuperFooty draft tracker

The industry estimate of Adelaide's potential penalties has been that they would likely lose at least their first two picks from two consecutive drafts.

So in one way this is a masterstroke from Adelaide, especially given AFL football operations boss Adrian Anderson has already confirmed he will recommend the club's actions are taken into account at the Commission next week.

Why a masterstroke?

Because Adelaide had only two live picks in this draft, and its best pick was a modest 20.

Crows can still buy their way out of trouble

It can still spruik the arrival of star midfielder Brad Crouch, taken last year in the GWS mini-draft but only able to play for the Crows this year.

And as SuperFooty proposed today, its list is in excellent shape to strive for a premiership even when it does inevitably lose Kurt Tippett to a NSW-based club.

Better to lose the two picks from this draft, and next year's picks, than be nobbled in a subsequent draft when you desperately need to stock up with a raft of juniors.

If you are going to get smashed by the AFL, you might as well try to receive that smashing on your terms.

The jungle drums beating early in the week were that the Adelaide's recruiting team would have been thrilled if the penalties started this year, given the lack of quality picks they planned to take.

Yet footballer manager Phil Harper's determination to spend more time on his defence saw him and the Crows ask for and win another week before they fronted the commission.

This is a ploy to have it both ways - get the extra time from the AFL, yet still start the draft sanctions in the 2012 draft.

It is high stakes brinkmanship, because the Commission could still suspend them from the 2013 and 2014 drafts.

Then the Crows truly are in strife, because no club can afford to lose high picks from three consecutive drafts.

This is a dark day for the Adelaide football club, because it has effectively conceded its involvement a salary cap scandal which will leave a dark stain on its reputation.

But if you are going to get smashed by the AFL, you might as well try to receive that smashing on your terms.

Only at next Friday's AFL Commission meeting will we see if the ploy has paid off or dramatically backfired.

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