Lions keen for February wins

Superstar Lion Jonathan Brown is in great shape. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: HWT Image Library

THE Brisbane Lions will refreshingly use the NAB Cup to drive a winning culture after three disappointing seasons without a finals appearance.

Football manager Dean Warren said the Lions were out to be competitive in the pre-season competition, which they kick off against Gold Coast and Hawthorn in three weeks.

The Lions have won just 21 matches in the past three years but took a giant step forward last year, recording three impressive victories to end the season and unveiling a rich list of young talent.

"We certainly want to be really competitive in the NAB Cup,'' Warren said.

Summer Barometer: See how the Lions are shaping up

"Yes, we want to make sure we give most players on our list an opportunity to play, but we'll certainly be there to try and win as many games as we can."

The Lions also face Greater Western Sydney in the four-match three-round series, where the top two sides advance to the grand final.

Sport 22.1.13 BCM Lions. Daniel Rich. The Brisbane Lions training Coorparoo. Pic Peter Wallis Picture: Peter Wallis Source: HWT Image Library

"With where we're at it's important to balance between being super competitive and putting your best out there to trying to give your young guys an opportunity to play as well," Warren said.

"So we'll try to balance that."

Brisbane Lions have never won a pre-season tournament, but finished runner-up in 2007 and 2001.

The Lions are rated a $34 chance to claim the silverware this year, while Warren said captain Jonathan Brown could be unleashed in the latter stages.

Green light for Black's return

"He's had a terrific break mentally and physically he's in terrific condition," Warren said.

"We'll ease through NAB Cup, we might not play him too much but our goal with him is to make sure he's right to go Round 1."

Sport 22.1.13 BCM Lions. Daniel Merritt. The Brisbane Lions training Coorparoo. Pic Peter Wallis Picture: Peter Wallis Source: HWT Image Library

Warren said knee victim Brent Staker had completed a full pre-season and was set to return to Michael Voss's side, while Melbourne recruits Brent Moloney and Stefan Martin had "slotted in extremely well".

"It feels like Moloney's been here for five years, so we're very happy with those two and how they're performing," he said.

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Cornes out for 10 weeks

Giant Chad Cornes will miss up to 10 weeks. Picture: Rohan Kelly Source: HWT Image Library

GIANTS veteran Chad Cornes will miss the start of the season after undergoing knee surgery yesterday.

The defender flew to Melbourne to go under the knife and must now endure 10 weeks of rehabilitation, which is expected to rule him out of Greater Western Sydney's Round 1 clash against Sydney.

"We decided to send Chad to Melbourne to meet with Dr David Young to investigate the cause of his knee issues," GWS sports science manager John Quinn said.

"They discovered a cyst on Chad's right knee and decided the best cause of action was to operate. They're very happy with the results."

The 32-year-old, who will wear jumper No. 53 this season, played 16 matches last year after being given a lifeline following his Port Adelaide days.
 

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SBS hands Marngrook a lifeline

Former North Melbourne great Wayne Carey signs on with The Marngrook Footy Show. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis, Source: Herald Sun

WAYNE Carey will join The Marngrook Footy Show as a regular panellist when it returns to television on SBS after being axed by the ABC last year.

The indigenous football show with a cult following will air on Thursdays during the home-and-away season.

Former Brisbane Lions premiership player Chris Johnson, Robbie Burns and Gilbert McAdam return to the program alongside reporters Leila Gurruwiwi and Shelley Ware.

The Marngrook Footy Show started as a radio program in 1997 before moving to National Indigenous Television (NITV) in 2007.

Marngrook's dumping last year sparked a social media frenzy with fans of the show calling for rival networks to revive the program.

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AFL 2013 win predictions

Nathan Buckley is hoping to improve on Collingwood's 16 wins last season. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

AFL writers Jay Clark, Sam Edmund and Sam Landsberger predict how many matches your team will win in 2013.

Eskander's Betstar has released a market that allows punters to bet on whether each club will finish over or under the number of wins predicted by the bookmaker's forecasters.

See the line for each club below plus our expert assessments - and have your say by leaving a comment below or sending a message on Twitter to:

Jay Clark: @clarkyheraldsun
Sam Edmund: @sammyheraldsun
Sam Landsberger: @samlandsberger

Note: Tipsters were limited to selecting nine teams "over" and nine "under".

BEST BETS

CLARK: Gold Coast under 5 wins ($1.90)
EDMUND: Collingwood over 15.5 wins ($1.90)
LANDSBERGER: Brisbane over 9.5 wins ($1.90)

EVERY CLUB RATED

ADELAIDE
Betstar line: 14 wins

Clark: Over ($1.80)
Fairly soft draw will ensure the Crows are bashing down the door of the top-four again. Love the kids such as Rory Sloane and Rising Star winner Daniel Talia. Hard-nut Brad Crouch is a ready-made beauty. Forget Tippett, this is the No.1 contested ball team from last year.

Edmund: Over ($1.80)
The second-year blues will hit and the loss of Tippett will hurt, but they'll get to 14.

Landsberger: Over ($1.80)
They say Tex is the new Buddy. With 12 games at AAMI Stadium and another soft draw they will cruise to 15 wins.

BRISBANE LIONS
Betstar line: 9.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.90)
Tipping they're one of the big improvers this year. Play GWS, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs twice. Key forward presence the biggest query as Jon Brown nears the end.

Edmund: Under ($1.90)
Let's be honest, they fluked a few wins last year. Adelaide? West Coast? Please. Can't and won't happen again. Forward line looks thin to say the least. There's an over-reliance on Brown, who is another year older. If he goes down - again - they will struggle.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
The Lions are a huge finals roughie with an underrated young list. Should easily replicate last year's tally of 10 wins.

New Carlton draftee Troy Menzel with coach Mick Malthouse. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON
Betstar line: 14 wins

Clark: Over ($1.90)
Mick has stumbled upon a pot of gold, as the Blues are ready to go. Expect a version of "the press" to be employed inside 50m and Robert Warnock and Matthew Kreuzer to improve markedly in 2013.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
Maybe because they didn't have a high-performance coach nicknamed "The Weapon" the Blues' 2012 injury nightmare was often overlooked. When they were all on the park early the results were highly encouraging, which is why a mainly injury-free pre-season is cause for optimism. Oh, and that bloke Mick knows a thing or two about the game as well.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
Mick doesn't muck around. Will finish the year like a steam train to give the top four a shake.

COLLINGWOOD
Betstar line: 15.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.90)
Pies are raving about Quinten Lynch's summer form and Luke Ball and Lachy Keeffe return from knee recos. Got to be better in second season under Bucks.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
This is quite simple. Despite a knee injury epidemic that claimed just about everyone bar the water boys, this mob still clawed its way to 16 wins last year. Throw in the Cloke contract saga and Buckley's first year as coach and that winning tally looks even more impressive. Young, Lynch and Russell all joined in a fruitful off-season ... I'll stop now, 15.5 wins is a monty.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
The gloves are off, literally, and the all-star engine room will ensure a fifth-straight top-four finish.

Mover and shaker: Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard has be chosen to join the eight-man leadership group at Windy Hill. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON
Betstar line: 13 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
They've got the biggest name of the trade period in Brendon Goddard, but not convinced Hirdy's boys are top-eight material just yet.

Edmund: Under ($1.90)
Harder to read than a Chinese dictionary. Will this be the year their exhilarating early-season starts are maintained through the season, or will they again fade like your grandmother's carpet? Still think they're a bit light-on to get to 13 wins, despite the addition of Goddard and the undoubted talent of first-year forward Joe Daniher.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
BJ's onboard but finding another three wins looks a stretch. Can still go under and make finals.

FREMANTLE
Betstar line: 14 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
One of the toughest to pick, because the signs in the elimination final win over Geelong were ultra-impressive. But, even with Ross the boss in charge, Dockers will need full seasons from Pavlich, Sandilands and McPharlin to hit the 14-win mark.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
It's very difficult to believe the Dockers, exposed to another summer of Ross Lyon's tactical genius, can't eclipse the 14-win mark. They got their last year despite slumping to 6-7 after Round 14 - about the same time everyone in purple was calling for the coach's head. That's when Lyon's message started sinking in.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
A tough one. Pav's back is a worry, Morabito is out, the defence lost a chunk of depth and it might take one more season to hit full throttle under Ross Lyon.

Tom Hawkins celebrates with his teammates after kicking the winning goal after the siren to continue Hawthorn's run of outs against the Cats. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG
Betstar line: 13.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.85)
Lots to like about their trade period, once again. Josh Caddy is starring over summer and Hamish McIntosh is an upgrade ruck/forward. Can't see them being beaten at home when they finally get on Simonds Stadium from mid-season.

Edmund: Over ($1.85)
The aura may have softened, but this is a side still devastating on its day. The recruitment of Rivers and McIntosh were masterstrokes. If history is any guide they won't drop off the cliff.

Landsberger: Under ($1.95)
Could hit panic stations early and it'll be hard to recover despite the spate of Simonds Stadium matches in the run home.

GOLD COAST
Betstar line: 5 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
Expecting the Paul Roos to Gold Coast talk to fire up midway through the year. Can't dispute the level of talent but haven't seen enough on-field signs to suggest they will flourish in year three. Jaeger O'Meara will provide some joy, though.

Edmund: Under ($1.90)
Missed out on the power forward they so desperately need. Ablett, Bennell and Co can dominate all they like, but when the ball flies straight back over their heads ad nauseam, you don't win too many games. No doubt the kids will improve - they have to - but five wins? Can't see it.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
Is there such a thing as third-year blues? Can't see the Suns doubling their wins tally.

GWS
Betstar line: 5 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
We know they will be a powerhouse but another year at the bottom beckons in 2013.

EDMUND: Unders ($1.90)
No Izzy, no GWS.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
Leon Cameron will take over a two-time wooden-spoon side. But that'll just make the Giants even scarier in the long term.

Hawthorn footballer Brian Lake at training today after he was booked by police for being drunk in a public place over the weekend. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN
Betstar line: 16.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.85)
Seventeen wins is achievable if they can navigate an exceptionally tough first month. Won 17 last year and added Brian Lake.

Edmund: Over ($1.85)
Will be slapped in the face early by the draw from hell, but we're talking about a side that notched 17 wins last year. Add Brian Lake and surely, surely, they can get going and rack up at least 16.5 victories.

Landsberger: Over ($1.85)
It's a tough draw on paper, but so are the Hawks. Not going to drop six matches when just four are at hostile venues.

MELBOURNE
Betstar line: 6.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.90)
The Dees play GWS, Gold Coast and the Bulldogs twice each. Jack Viney and Jimmy Toumpas will make an immediate impression onball and Mitch Clark and Chris Dawes make a potent double act up forward. Surely, Dees.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
Did their bit for the AFL environment over the trade and free agency period, recycling like mad men. Rodan, Byrnes, Dawes and Pederson aren't matchwinners, but they add much-needed depth and experience. Will be fitter, stronger and surely more accomplished at executing Mark Neeld's game plan.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
Viney out of the middle, hands it to Byrnes who goes long, Clark can't mark but Dawes gathers, snaps… goal. It's a new-look Dees this year, with developing a winning culture the No.1 priority.

Melbourne's father-son selection Jack Viney with his dad Todd at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH MELBOURNE
Betstar line: 12 wins

Clark: Over ($1.85)
Won't be a walk in the park as the Roos confront a much tougher draw this year and will miss Boomer for the first six matches. Still, a side on track to contend for top four in 2014 should have 12 wins by Round 20.

Edmund: Under ($1.95)
Any mental demons from that embarrassing elimination final exit at the hands of West Coast will be flushed out by a tough opening to the season in which they face Collingwood, Geelong and Sydney. There's no Boomer for the first six rounds and McIntosh and Edwards were allowed to leave over summer. Not much came back the other way.

Landsberger: Under ($1.95)
How much mental scarring will that embarrassing elimination final showing leave?

PORT ADELAIDE
Betstar line: 5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.85)
Hard to erase memories of being knocked off by GWS and Gold Coast in past two years but surely they will finally take some steps forward this year, under Ken Hinkley. Improvement from a fit Hamish Hartlett and John Butcher is the key.

Edmund: Under ($1.95)
No, no no. Just no.

Landsberger: Over ($1.85)
The regenerated Power will surprise plenty this year. Should scratch and crawl their way to six wins.

RICHMOND
Betstar line: 12 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
The Tigers' fortunes will be one of the stories of the year and it's all going to happen at the back end of the season when the Tigers confront some lower-placed sides. Despite the hype, they will fall just short.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
Put it this way, if the Tigers don't make the eight this year don't worry about a trailer of manure on the doorstep, the ME Bank Centre might be buried under the stuff. Despite their loyalty, patience has just about expired among Tiger fans and fair enough. The recruiting blunders are a thing of the past. Chaplin, Edwards, Knights, Petterd and Lonergan are great additions and Cotchin will thrive on captaincy duties. In the words of Sam Kekovich, you know it makes sense.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
It's Tiger Time. Nuff said.

ST KILDA
Betstar line: 9 wins

Clark: Under ($1.95)
Down year coming up for the Saints, despite the exciting batch of first-to-third year youngsters coming through. Time to regenerate.

Edmund: Under ($1.95)
When you look at the St Kilda list you see a gap between their mature stars and their kids about as wide as the Grand Canyon. And this why the slide will be on in 2013. Goddard is gone and that core group of stars - Riewoldt, Montagna, Dal Santo and Co - won't get any better. Expect a quiet year or two.

Landsberger: Under ($1.95)
They've got 18 leaders but are looking at half that number in wins. Still, on the right track.

St Kilda coach Scott Watters, left, and captain Nick Riewoldt watch a Denver Broncos training session in Englewood, Colorado. Picture: Dustin Bradford. Source: Getty Images

SYDNEY
Betstar line: 15.5 wins

Clark: Under ($1.85)
The Swans played out of their skins last year and credit to them. Even with Kurt Tippett in the fold I can't see them replicating last year's heroics.

Edmund: Under (1.85)
We underestimate them every year, so why stop now? Rivals will have done their homework, Goodes will be a slow starter and Tippett won't play until mid-year and probably cause all manner of distraction along the way. Even the Swans could suffer the good ol' fashioned premiership hangover.

Landsberger: Over ($1.95)
Won 16 last year and then picked up a bloke called Kurt Tippett. Won't lose at home.

2012 Grand Final. Hawthorn v Sydney Swans. MCG. Sydney players on the podium as Bob Skilton looks on. Source: Herald Sun

WEST COAST
Betstar line: 16 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
Two things worry me: Nic Nat's groin and Fremantle's knack of topping them at Subi. Still a threat in finals.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
There's a buzz team every summer and this time it's the Eagles. Why? Aside from the fact they were hard to beat last year, they've added Wellingham, goalkickers LeCras and Nicoski return, while Kennedy can't be that unlucky again.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
Could hinge on the two derbies. The line here is spot on – tough to call.

Welcome to the major league, lads: Jake Stringer and Jackson Macrae after being selected at No.5 and No.6 by the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Betstar line: 4 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
Only play Gold Coast, Port Adelaide and GWS once each. Adam Cooney is up and about but games against Melbourne will determine whether the Dogs cover the line this year.

Edmund: Under ($1.90)
You can surround your club with football royalty, but come Round 12, they'll be asking Scarlett and Mooney to pull the boots on. Lake leaves a hole they can't yet fill and for all the promise shown by the likes of Wallis and Libba, the list looks thin on the ground.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
A horror draw makes life tough, but wins-losses aside, the future is bright at the kennel.

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Saint Nick will lead again

St Kilda players Nick Riewoldt and Sam Dunell joke with Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard during their United States trip. Riewoldt will again captain the Saints. Source: Getty Images

NICK Riewoldt will lead St Kilda for an eighth season this year and will be supported by a mega leadership group under second-year coach Scott Watters.

Riewoldt, 30, said it was an "honour" to again win the top job.

The star forward will be supported by Leigh Montagna, Nick Dal Santo, Ben McEvoy, James Gwilt, David Armitage, Sean Dempster and Jarryn Geary in the leadership group, while the Saints have also unveiled an "emerging leaders" program.

That will see wise heads Lenny Hayes, Stephen Milne, Justin Koschitzke, Sam Fisher, Adam Schneider and Jason Blake supporting the primary leadership group and mentoring the younger crop of Saints.

With youngsters including Jack Newnes, Tom Curren, Jack Steven and Seb Ross in an "emerging leadership group", up to 18 St Kilda players hold some sort of leadership role.

Summer Barometer: See how the Saints are shaping up

But Fisher, 30, has relinquished his leadership position.

The veteran has been subjected to reports of poor behaviour this off-season, but the Saints have remained stern in their defence of the rebounding defender.

The Saints said Fisher and Schneider elected to leave the main leadership group.

Fisher said he wanted to focus on his on-field form in a bid to return to his best after an injury-plagued 2012.

"I have enjoyed being part of the leadership group for the last seven years but I missed eight games through injury last season," he said.

"Over the summer, my commitment to the club was questioned in some quarters outside the club. While I don't agree with it, I think the best thing for me is to concentrate on ensuring I deliver my best form," Fisher said.

"It's an exciting period for the club and with the support of our strong leadership group, I'm looking forward to leading the team, into a successful season," Riewoldt said.

The Saints will play an intra-club match at Seaford next Saturday before their NAB Cup campaign kicks off in Adelaide on February 17.

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Mundy rolls ankle at training

Fremantle midfielder David Mundy left the training track today after rolling his ankle and did not reappear. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE midfielder David Mundy has been cleared of serious injury after limping from the training track this morning.

Mundy rolled his right ankle during a training a drill and immediately left the track to ice the injury. He did not reappear.

The 27-year-old was sent for scans, but later cleared of serious damage.

"Good news, a scan has cleared David Mundy of any damage to his ankle after a scare at training this morning," the Dockers posted on Twitter late this afternoon.

Mundy suffered a serious injury to the same ankle in 2011, ruined the second half of that season and restricting him during the last pre-season, which subsequently affected his form for most of 2012.

However, the 2010 Doig Medal winner rediscovered his best form late last season and had enjoyed a strong summer on the track before today's injury scare.

Fremantle takes on West Coast and Geelong in the opening round of the NAB Cup at Patersons Stadium in 17 days.
 

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Glass retained as Eagles skipper

Darren Glass will lead West Coast for a sixth straight season. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

FOUR-TIME All-Australian defender Darren Glass will captain West Coast for a sixth straight season.

The Eagles today confirmed Glass would skipper the club this season, with captain-in-waiting Beau Waters to again serve as his deputy.

Glass (101 games) is poised to overtake Ben Cousins (104) on West Coast's list of on-field leaders, but 31-year-old will need to play beyond this season to surpass his coach John Worsfold (135).

The triple club champion and last year's All-Australian skipper has flagged handing over the captaincy before he retires.

However, with this season tipped to be his last in the AFL, Glass is likely to see out his career as captain.

"Darren has been a wonderful leader for our club and will continue in that role for at least another season," Worsfold said.

"Darren has said in the last couple of years that he would like to hand over the captaincy at some point, but all feel he has a tremendous amount to contribute in the role.

"Importantly, his teammates want him to remain as captain."

The retention of Glass as captain was endorsed by Eagles chairman Alan Cransberg and the club's board last night.

Waters, who was named in the All-Australian team for the first time last year, has for a long time been viewed as Glass's successor.

The 26-year-old was last week announced as the player representative on the AFL rule committee, fuelling speculation he was set to take over from Glass as early as this season.
 

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AFL won't budge on three strikes

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou and Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert speak after today's AFL drugs summit. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL will close a self-reporting loophole but has backed its three-strikes policy after today's drugs summit.

AFL bosses, club CEOs, the AFL Players Association, police and medical experts met today for nine hours to review the league's controversial illegal drugs policy.

The summit was prompted by Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert speaking out at a CEOs conference late last year over his concerns about the rising use of illegal drugs by players.

A working party will be formed to review the drugs policy each year, starting when the results of drug tests in 2012 are released.

Those numbers are not yet known but Demetriou has warned there will be a "spike" in positive tests.

The working party's first recommendation will be to close the loophole that allows players to avoid a strike against their name by dobbing themselves in.

Although one club is believed to have had 10 incidents of six players self-reporting last year, Demetriou said exploitation of the loophole wasn't rampant.

However, he conceded it had the potential to be exploited.

"Everybody acknowledged today, including the players, that if there is an area of self-notification that can be closed then we will (do that)," Demetriou said.

"The general concensus is we can tighten up, that has got potential to be exploited.

"I'm pretty certain what I heard today about the self-notification that it's something we can improve pretty quickly."

Mark Robinson: AFL must tackle drug issue head-on

But Demetriou said there was overall support for the three-strikes policy - under which positive drug tests are not made public until a player tests positive for a third time.

"We have got external experts reinforcing to us, including Victoria Police and Federal Police, what an outstanding illicit drugs policy we have," Demetriou said.

"It's not without its flaws.

"We have opened ourselves up to other improvements."

Collingwood's Luke Ball and Bulldog Robert Murphy leave today's AFL drugs summit. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

The working party will consist of three club representatives - Pert, Essendon CEO Ian Robson and Gold Coast president Travis Auld, plus a club doctor, the AFLPA and external experts

Demetriou said other key findings included a commitment to provide clubs with more information.

Eddie McGuire: Clubs kept in dark on drugs

Pert suggested today he would push for clubs to be better informed to help players with drug issues - under the current policy only the club doctor is informed after a second positive test. But AFLPA boss Matt Finnis was adamant players would not budge on the issue of confidentiality.

"The players remain committed to the policy because they feel ownership of the policy. And the players remain committed to the policy and the key pillars of the policy that we believe are integral to its success and that is the welfare of the players and confidentiality," Finnis said.

"We believe the policy successful in helping players who make bad decisions alter their behaviour."

Pert said clubs were now much better informed about the drug culture that affected their players.

"We don't know the exact numbers (of how many players are using drugs) but every CEO is concerned about what's happening now and what potentially can happen in the future," he said.

"We had presentations today about young people in that 18-21 year age bracket, taking illicit drugs is just a big part of their lives and obviously our players fall into that demographic and a lot of their friends outside the club lead that sort of lifestyle."

Jon Ralph: How players dodge drug strikes

After the summit the AFL medical officers association released a statement supporting the three-strikes policy.

"The use of illicit drugs is primarily a health and social issue and is best managed through a medical model based on counselling, education and treatment of the underlying mental health and addiction problems," executive officer Dr Hugh Seward said.

"The current code provides an appropriate balance between this medical model and a the more punitive approach after a third offence.

"Illicit drug use is a major social issue amongst young members of our society and AFL footballers encounter these problems on a regular basis.

"The AFL Players Association accept that the players will submit to this testing, which is rare in the sporting world (as distinct from the performance enhancing drug code that all sports are subject to through WADA). In doing this they acknowledge that AFL footballers are leaders amongst their peer groups and can set an example against illicit drug use."

Dr Seward said doctors also supported strong moves to better manage alcohol use by players.

Crash course: The AFL's illicit drugs policy

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Carlton a 'drug-free zone'

Jarrad Waite is confident no Carlton players are taking illegal drugs. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON forward Jarrad Waite is adamant the club is drug-free and says he would welcome daily testing to prove it.

Waite backed the AFL's three-strike drug policy but expected the league and AFLPA to closely scrutinise the self-reporting loophole at tomorrow's drugs summit.

The Herald Sun today revealed four Collingwood players allegedly dodged strikes by volunteering drug-use to club doctors.

Waite insisted Visy Park was a drug-free zone and said any player "stupid" enough to take drugs was jeopardising their football career.

"I don't see any of it. I wouldn't mind if I got tested every day of the week, because I don't do it," Waite said on a day out with Lygon St locals.

"If they want to do more tests, that's good because I've got full confidence, especially at Carlton, that we don't have a drug culture here.

"I would be very surprised if professional athletes were putting their careers at risk by doing drugs and doing stupid things like that.

"Personally, if I got tested every day, it would annoy me, but it wouldn't bother me because I don't do drugs."

There is a strong push to reduce the AFL's strikes policy from three to two but Waite said the AFL's current illicit drugs policy was a world-leader.

"I think our system is very good. The players chose to have this system in place, and it's the best drugs system in the world," he said.

"There is a lot of sports out there that don't get drug tested in the off-season.

"As a playing group we decided as a whole to be tested in the off-season to prove to the people that we are not a drug cultured sport.

"But at the end of the day we are happy with the way it's been. If it changes we are fully supporting the AFL and the PA (players' association)."

Players accept more off-season drug tests

Waite said the self-reporting loophole would likely undergo close review.

"If there is any little loopholes, I'm sure having the summit tomorrow, if they think it is a big enough issue it will be changed," he said.

"It is up to the AFLPA and the AFL to see if they want to make any changes to the system and I'm sure tomorrow there will be an outcome about that."

Waite said any player using drugs was taking a big risk.

Summer Barometer: Get the Blues' training and injury latest

"If you want to risk your AFL career go ahead do it every weekend, but it's not something I would ever do and I would be very upset if our players were out there every weekend getting on the drugs because alcohol is bad enough.

"But mixing drugs your senses are a bit all over the joint. You wouldn't risk it."

Carlton players and coaching staff mixed with locals and local businesses on a walk down Lygon St today.
 

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Robbo out to win back respect

Carlton forward Mitch Robinson has been caught on footage in a scuffle at the Big Day Out in Flemington.

Mitch Robinson shown in a scuffle at the Big Day Out. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON hard nut Mitch Robinson is working to win back the respect of his teammates after an ugly incident at Big Day Out.

Robinson was ordered to donate $1000 to charity and serve two months community service after he was captured on video in a fight with another man at the music festival.

Blues forward Jarrad Waite said today Robinson had acknowledged he has made a mistake.

"He knows that he has done the wrong thing by the club and he knows that he has lost a little bit of respect," Waite said.

"But the good thing about Robbo is that he is a really good trainer and we know that he will come out with a positive attitude.

"He is so critical to the team but we've moved on now and so has he."

Waite said the incident was a let-down.

"From a club perspective it's very disappointing that he has put himself in that situation," Waite said.

"But like I said, we've moved on now and so has he.

"He's just looking forward to giving back a little bit today to the members and trying to get that respect. Not just from the players but the community as well."
 

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Zaharakis suffers quad strain

David Zaharakis picks up a loose ball at Essendon training. Picture: Andy Drewitt Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON star David Zaharakis' flawless pre-season has been derailed by another quad injury.

The influential midfielder strained the muscle while kicking at training this week, putting his NAB Cup participation in jeopardy.

The quad injury is to the same leg that caused Zaharakis to miss nine matches last season. But the Bombers today stressed the "minor nick'' was far less serious and to a different part of the muscle.

Essendon's acting football manager Danny Corcoran said scans this morning meant Zaharakis may only miss 2-3 weeks.

"He was going beautifully, but we're not seeing it as a major thing. It's a minor one to a different area. Everyone says that's rubbish, but I'm telling you that's what it is,'' Corcoran said.

"He's pain free, but we'll still take the necessary precautions.''

Summer Barometer: See how the Bombers are shaping up for 2013

Corcoran said the club and Zaharakis had been buoyed by the medical report.

"Everyone thinks the worst, but when the scans came back he was very relieved and very happy,'' he said.

"We expect him to start his running program as soon as he's pain-free and he's pain-free. They'll probably err on the side of caution and he might start next week.''

Bombers coach James Hird only today addressed a crowd at Federation Square to declare Essendon had buried its injury nightmare and was in supreme physical condition.

"I think we'll all get them (injuries),'' Corcoran said.

"But it's how we cope with them, how we deal with them and how we treat them.''

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SuperCoach draft strategy

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott talks with recruiting staff at the AFL draft.  A SuperCoach draft can be just as intense. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

WHEN AFL recruiting managers stand up on draft night to read out their club's next selection, the choice is the result of months - sometimes years - of intense research.

Unfortunately, we don't have that long to prepare for our SuperCoach drafts, but the decisions are no less important.

Unlike AFL scouts we are choosing from a known pool of players - no surprise picks from the Ballarat league - but how many of the more than 700 players on AFL lists do you really know?

It's time to start studying!

The good news is even in big draft leagues you'll still use less than half of AFL-listed players, so you don't need to know the injury history of every GWS rookie. But SuperCoach DRAFT will open your eyes to a lot of players that don't come into calculations for most of us in SuperCoach CLASSIC.

With each player able to be selected only once per league, by the third or fourth round of your league draft you'll be looking beyond the top-line stars.

So who do you choose on the biggest night of your new SuperCoach DRAFT career? Here's a crash course.

1. Playing to win

In the SuperCoach CLASSIC game we know and love, recruiting is limited by a $10 million salary cap. We try to squeeze as many star players into our teams as possible along with kids who will shoot up in value and bargains under-priced due to injury.

SuperCoach DRAFT requires a new way of thinking. For starters, there is no salary cap - so players don't have dollar values, which means no price changes and no cash cows (good news for vegetarian SuperCoaches).

In SuperCoach CLASSIC there is little logic in picking a middle-rung player who will score 70 points every week when you can get a rookie far cheaper who will deliver similar output, then cash him in halfway through the year. In SuperCoach DRAFT the thinking is reversed - an experienced player who has the same scoring potential as a draftee may be a smarter pick if he is more likely to produce consistent output, dodge the subs vest and avoid a rest in the VFL.

2. Positional relativity

It sounds like one of Einstein's less recognised theories, but you don't have to be a theoretical physicist to get the basic idea: the value of a player to your side is hugely impacted by what position he plays.

In short, ruckmen, defenders and forwards will go much higher in the draft than they would if the order was determined purely on points-scoring potential.

The reason is simple - there are far fewer players in these positions capable of delivering big scores, which means the teams in your league who recruit those players have a big advantage.

Think of it this way: you have pick 10 in your league draft and have the option of taking Joel Selwood, Matthew Pavlich or Ivan Maric.

Selwood has clearly the best SuperCoach average, about 10 points ahead of the other two. Picking him is a no-brainer, right?

But wait. Think about your next pick and who might be available. If you don't take Joel now he'll almost certainly be gone by the time your next pick comes around. But you could still pick up Matt Priddis or Ryan Griffen, who are still pretty handy players.

Pass on Pavlich and the best forward available next time around might be David Hale - a huge drop in potential output. Likewise in the ruck, where choosing another position ahead of Ivan Maric could leave you choosing between Will Minson and Mike Pyke for your leading big man.

Gun midfielders will still deliver most of your points, but it's certainly something to keep in mind on draft day.

3. Draft for trading strength

Draft strategy 101 is to pick players to fix holes in areas of the ground that need a boost.

Strong in the guts but light on for big men? Time to pick a ruckman, even if a better midfielder is available.

But there are times when it might be shrewd to take a different tack.

If you have already picked up Aaron Sandilands and Sam Jacobs is on the table, your first instinct would be to take someone from another position since you already have a good ruckman - and in most SuperCoach DRAFT formats, you only start with one ruck on the field each week.

But picking Jacobs could have big benefits down the track.

If you have a strong ruck division, there's a fair chance some other players in your league don't. And some of those players who might be desperate to trade for a decent ruckman soon could be the same teams who jumped on all the gun midfielders you need.

So rather than pick a third-string onballer, you could take Jacobs and use him as a bargaining tool to trade for Jobe Watson or Sam Mitchell - a much better result.

It's all part of the fun of SuperCoach DRAFT!

4. Breakout contenders

Although prices are not involved, players about to have a breakout season are still extremely valuable in SuperCoach DRAFT.

Last year you may have been able to snap up Patrick Dangerfield late in the draft and by the end of the year he was worth a first-round pick.

Look for players who might improve their performance and go under the radar of your draft rivals.

5. Help!

If all this sounds pretty complicated, or you just don't have time to make a list ordering your preferred draft picks from 1-300, don't panic.

We'll have plenty of tips on who to select, including some cheat sheets you can print out and take with you on draft day.

Stay tuned to SuperFooty and don't forget to follow SuperFooty on Twitter at twitter.com/superfooty and like SuperCoach on Facebook at facebook.com/supercoach to get all the latest news and advice from the experts.

 

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Tex can be as good as Buddy: Danger

Crows forward Taylor Walker wraps his hands around the ball at a Crows training session at Max Basheer Reserve. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

Star Adelaide midfielder Patrick Dangerfield says man mountain Taylor Walker is a ``force to be reckoned with'' who is ready to challenge Hawthorn's Buddy Franklin as the AFL's premier key forward.

Dangerfield says the club quickly moved on from the defection of Kurt Tippett, who controversially joined premiers Sydney in the off-season, and were ready to centre their attack on a bulked-up, mullet-sporting Walker.

And while Tippett kicked 39 goals for the Crows last season, Walker booted 63 and trailed just Franklin, Fremantle's Matthew Pavlich and Richmond's Jack Riewoldt for the Coleman Medal.

And Dangerfield says he's ready to rival the AFL's best in 2013 and doesn't deserve to have his rise compared to filling the breach left by Tippett.

"I don't know about fill the boots of Tippett - Tex (Walker) is his own man,'' Dangerfield told AAP.

"He kicks a goal just about better than anyone in the competition.

"I think he'll be a force to be reckoned with up forward for us.

"On his day, Buddy Franklin's very good, but I think Taylor Walker has the potential to be just as good a forward as him.

"He's an exciting prospect for us.''
 
Without Tippett drawing key defenders in 2013, Dangerfield knows Walker will have a tougher time fighting for possession - but says his imposing 192cm, 105kg frame will be ready for the challenge.

"He was already pretty big. It was hard to increase his size,'' Dangerfield said.

"He's a power forward. He's 105 kilos.

"I think the challenge for him and the challenge for many young players like myself is to continue to build the consistency, and that's what he'll be setting himself for this year.

"We're hoping that he takes the next step. He knows he'll have the number one key defender every week this year.

"He's looking forward to that challenge along with our other key forwards. I think we've got a pretty potent forward line.''

Tippett's extraordinary departure from Adelaide left a bad taste in the mouths of Crows players at the time, with
Dangerfield insisting the club wanted to build around players 'who want to be part of our footy club'.

"He made the decision to leave and that's fine. We understand that,'' he said.

"Once Kurt decided to leave, we have to move on with players who want to be around the footy club.

"And that's the players that are on our list.

"We've got a really exciting group of players at the moment and I think we can play some really impressive football this year.''

16.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blues reprimand Robinson

Carlton forward Mitch Robinson has been caught on footage in a scuffle at the Big Day Out in Flemington.

Mitch Robinson shown in a scuffle at the Big Day Out. Source: Herald Sun

Mitch Robinson held back from someone else in the crowd at the Big Day Out. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON will force Mitch Robinson to perform community work following an ugly incident at Big Day Out.

Video footage taken by a bystander shows Robinson land a left-hand blow to the other man before he is struck hard to the side of the head as he appears to bend over to pick up an item on the ground.

They then wrestle each other to the ground as others come in to remonstrate and also separate them, including a woman.

Carlton football operations boss Andrew McKay said Robinson should not have put himself in a position to be involved in such an incident.

"This type of behaviour, no matter what the circumstance, is not acceptable or in line with Club policy," McKay said in a statement released today.

"Mitch is extremely remorseful and has accepted the Club's sanction."

Robinson will complete two months of community service with the Salvation Army, working with the homeless and under-privileged in Melbourne's CBD.

He will also make a $1,000 donation to the Salvation Army.

Robinson left the Australia Day music festival off his own accord after the fracas, which ignited when the Blues midfielder tried to prevent his friend's "anti-social behaviour".

Both men have torn singlets when the footage begins, indicating the vision starts well after the fight began, but gets out of control after Robinson is struck while he is not paying attention.

The cowardly blow ignites the fight as a jeer can be heard from the crowd as two other men jump in to the fray as Robinson tries to escape a headlock.

One onlooker can be heard shouting ''That'll be six weeks Robinson'' after he throws the left hook.

Although witnesses who contacted the Herald Sun say they do not know why the fight erupted, they say up to eight men were involved in the melee before it was brought to an end.

One witness said Robinson was ''fuming'' after being ''targeted'' by a group looking for trouble.

''He was fuming, very angry, and was not going to walk away,'' the man said.

''It took his mates to get him to stop.''

But other witnesses were not positive Robinson and the other men were strangers.

The incident occurred after American band The Killers had finished their performance about 8pm.

Dayle, who said the fight started behind him near the Cruiser tent, said Robinson had ''plenty of opportunity to walk away''.

He said it appeared it may have been a fight between Robinson and someone else in his group.

''By the looks of it you would have thought it's been something in their internal group,'' he said.

''They were all pretty big and going at it. I didn't realise it was him (Robinson). He looked like he had plenty of opportunity to walk away from it.''

Carlton Football Club confirmed on Saturday night it was investigating the fight after pictures emerged of the 23-year-old on Twitter being held back by others in the crowd.

No report has been lodged with police and it is not believed anyone was injured.

Robinson, recruited from Tasmania, has played 67 games with the Blues.

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Mick in control of NAB Cup

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse will steer his side in the NAB Cup. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MICK Malthouse will look to make an immediate impression on Carlton players by taking charge of all of the Blues' NAB Cup matches.

In the second half of his time as coach of Collingwood, Malthouse allowed his assistant coaches to take charge on match day during the pre-season series.

But Carlton football operations manager Andrew McKay confirmed that Malthouse wanted to ensure his message was clear from the start.

"This is a different situation (as to when he was at Collingwood)," McKay said.

Summer Barometer: See how the Blues are shaping up

"I think his assistants are going to do the internal trial games (this year), and Mick will be doing the NAB Cup.

"He wants to make sure the messages are the way he wants them to be delivered and wants to make sure the players understand that.

Coach Mick Malthouse lays down the law at Carlton training yesterday. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

"The internal games are different. He needs to be looking at both teams in those games, so it makes sense for the assistant coaches to coach in them."

McKay said Malthouse's approach had made an impact on the players ahead of NAB Cup games against Sydney and Greater Western Sydney at Blacktown on February 24. "Mick is a positive person and that has rubbed off on the players," he said.

McKay said the Blues were better placed in terms of fitness compared to last year.
 

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Kennett urges strike action

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL must change its drugs policy. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL must change its illicit drugs policy to avoid a tragedy.

Labelling the system "grossly unfair", the beyondblue chairman said the three-strikes policy was flawed and clubs should be informed earlier.

"I don't believe the three-strike rule is appropriate, nor do I think it is fair to the players, or to their families or to their clubs," Kennett said yesterday.

"I hope that if (AFL boss) Andrew (Demetriou) is serious, just as initially they wouldn't move on concussion, they will recognise that if they are serious about drugs, then they have got to involve the clubs earlier than currently occurs.

"Three strikes and you're out - that is grossly unfair and it could lead to a situation where maybe you end up with a death."

Earlier notice wanted on drugs

AFL leaders meet for a historic drugs summit at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Club chiefs are expected to push for earlier notification of a player's positive drugs strike, with some support from clubs for the three-strikes policy to be stripped back to two.

Former Hawthorn midfielder Travis Tuck is the only player to record three strikes under the AFL illicit drugs policy - in 2010.

Kennett said clubs must be alerted earlier so they could support the player back to a "condition of good behaviour".

 "At the moment, a player gets suspended after three strikes without there necessarily being any outside assistance given to him," Kennett said.

"Often it's assistance given by club doctors, but not with the club's knowledge. But often a player needs more than that.

Summit to scrutinise Mad Monday

"You have got to look at who else in the club might be their friends, might be influenced by that player's behaviour, might be supplying that player with drugs. That can't be done by a doctor."

Kennett said a move to two strikes should be the first step.

"There are many who say it should be one strike and you are gone, but I don't think we're going to move to that position overnight," he said.

Demetriou said tackling mental illness would also be considered at the summit, with 50 per cent of players on a second strike dealing with mental health issues.

Kennett welcomed the move.

"It is something that should be tackled head-on," he said. "The biggest mind alterer in our society is alcohol and then there are drugs and then there is depression and often you don't know where people enter the cycle."

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Primus adds grunt to Suns' rucks

Gold Coast Suns ruck coach Matt Primus with senior coach Guy McKenna. Picture: David Clark. Source: The Courier-Mail

MATTHEW Primus has two key tasks at the Suns bring some mellow to the coaches box and mongrel to the football side.

For the Gold Coast AFL side to make ground in 2013, they need to improve their clearance work.

Primus' focus over summer has been injecting aggression into young ruckmen Zac Smith and Daniel Gorringe.

The fact that Primus was a senior coach at Port and an imposing ruckman in his playing days made him a key off-field signing for the Suns, to replace the cool head of assistant coach Ken Hinkley, who took Primus' old job at Alberton.

"He ticks all our boxes," coach Guy McKenna said. "To be competitive in the ruck you need an aggressive streak in you. Clearly Charlie Dixon is that way inclined, Zac and the other boys need to understand that.

"Part of that is being shown that and educated how. Matty, because that is the way he lived as a footballer, it should be easier for him to coach that."

Smith has acknowledged the impact Primus has already had.

"He's been unreal, he's helped me hopefully take it to that next level," he said.

"One of the things I need to work on is my aggression.ntsD He's hopefully going to give me some of thatnte."

The addition of Primus, and Malcolm Blight on a part-time basis, to the coaching ranks will also allow McKenna to continue to operate from the boundary line on game day.

The third-year coach believes his side would continue to benefit from the instant feedback he can provide from the dug-out.

"He (Primus) as been in the cut and thrust of it, he adds a lot of experience for us and to have him up there, you are certainly a lot more at ease,'' McKenna said.

"We still have two-thirds of our group who are first to third-year players, they still need a fair bit of coaching, so to have things taken care of upstairs allows me to do that from the sidelines."

Primus believes Smith and Gorringe have the makings of a first-class pairing and that questions over Smith's hardness are unwarranted.

"Zac's first year, most people were pretty impressed with how he went about his footy and he certainly hasn't lost that ability," he said.

"He might have had an average year last year but a lot of young players have ups and downs.

"He is aggressive by the way he jumps in and creates a contest, Charlie just has a bit more aggression when the ball hits the ground. They all have aggression in different waysntsD but I think they have a lot of talentnte."

Primus has enjoyed mixed fortunes as a player and coach. A two-time All-Australian and club captain at Port, he missed the 2004 premiership with a knee injury that ended his career prematurely.

His coaching career began well in 2010 when he won five games from seven after taking over as caretaker when premiership coach Mark Williams quit the post.

But 2011 and 2012 were a slog and he stood down with four matches to go last season after being told his contract would not be renewed. Primus said taking a back seat required adjustment but he is motivated by the enthusiasm at the Suns.

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Power caught with pants down

Port Adelaide veteran Kane Cornes, centre, with teammates during a pre-season beach session. Picture: Campbell Brodie Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

NO, this is not the latest commercial for the summer range of Bonds undies.

But Michael Clarke and Pat Rafter might be looking over their shoulders as company front men if yesterday's Port Adelaide session at Grange is any guide.

While most of the nation was packing Eskys and defrosting lamb legs for Australia Day celebrations, the Power were slugging it out during a morning beach recovery session.

Thirty-five players from the Power's senior and rookie lists wound down from another hard week on the track under new coach Ken Hinkley with a 15-minute run, stretch and 15-minute return run at Grange beach about 8am.

The group finished the session with a quick dip - a welcome but unplanned one, likely, considering the lack of board shorts on show.

Port Adelaide's Brad Ebert during a beach session at Grange. Picture: Campbell Brodie

Among the players getting into the Bondi spirit were Danny Butcher, far left, a former TAC Cup Morrish Medallist and younger brother of Port forward John.

Last year's WAFL best and fairest and fellow Port rookie Kane Mitchell, middle, and key midfielder Brad Ebert also channelled their inner David Hasselhoff.

The countdown to Port's and Adelaide's three-way NAB Cup clash with St Kilda, on February 17, hits three weeks today.

New Port Adelaide recruit Kane Mitchell during a pre-season training session at Grange. Picture: Campbell Brodie

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No Nic, no calamity for Eagles

READY: Ruckman Dean Cox says the Eagles are well-equipped to deal with the likely absence of Nic Naitanui at the start of the season. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper. Source: PerthNow

CHAMPION West Coast big man Dean Cox has assured fans the Eagles are well placed to cope without Nic Naitanui if his All-Australian ruck partner misses the start of the season because of injury.

Bookmakers have West Coast on the second line of betting for this year's flag, behind Hawthorn and ahead of reigning premier Sydney, but there is a view the Eagles' chances hinge on Naitanui's recovery.

While Naitanui has done little more than walk laps and complete handball drills after groin surgery, Cox has quietly powered through one of his strongest summers on the track.

Entering his 13th season in the AFL, Cox said he was capable of rucking for 100 minutes a game if Naitanui was not available early in the season.

But the 251-game veteran said he was so impressed with understudy Scott Lycett's improvement this summer that the team could continue with the unique 50-50 ruck sharing strategy that has been so effective with Naitanui in recent seasons.

Cox also said he would like to continue spending plenty of time forward after kicking a career best 28.14 last year.

"Even if it was me and Scotty, I think we'd continue to do the same thing," he said.

"The biggest thing I took out of my season last year was probably my work when I went up forward, and Nic as well, and we each had a lot of shots on goal."

Cox said the players were confident 20-year-old Lycett, who has played just three times in his first two seasons, was ready to step up.

"He's come on in leaps and bounds," he said.

"Just his soft hands, his control with the footy and his body positioning in ruck contests.

"I think he's getting a little bit more mature and starting to really understand how to position himself to try and control the stoppage.

"It's been really good to push each other all the way through the pre-season and try and learn from each other as well.

"I'd certainly love Nic to be fully fit and playing all the time. The player that he is and what he brings to the club is so important.

"But what you find out when players step up and fill the void is they really blossom and certainly if Nic isn't ready, Scotty will do that."

Rookie-listed ruckman/forward Callum Sinclair is also likely to receive opportunities during the NAB Cup, though Lycett is the frontrunner to partner Cox given his two years in the club's system.

Cox predicted the loss of Quinten Lynch, who was able to do some part-time ruck work, would mean the Eagles would have to select two genuine ruck options in every game.

None of West Coast's key position players have had experience as a relief ruckman, following Lynch's move to Collingwood as a free agent.

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Tex can be as good as Buddy: Danger

Crows forward Taylor Walker wraps his hands around the ball at a Crows training session at Max Basheer Reserve. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

Star Adelaide midfielder Patrick Dangerfield says man mountain Taylor Walker is a ``force to be reckoned with'' who is ready to challenge Hawthorn's Buddy Franklin as the AFL's premier key forward.

Dangerfield says the club quickly moved on from the defection of Kurt Tippett, who controversially joined premiers Sydney in the off-season, and were ready to centre their attack on a bulked-up, mullet-sporting Walker.

And while Tippett kicked 39 goals for the Crows last season, Walker booted 63 and trailed just Franklin, Fremantle's Matthew Pavlich and Richmond's Jack Riewoldt for the Coleman Medal.

And Dangerfield says he's ready to rival the AFL's best in 2013 and doesn't deserve to have his rise compared to filling the breach left by Tippett.

"I don't know about fill the boots of Tippett - Tex (Walker) is his own man,'' Dangerfield told AAP.

"He kicks a goal just about better than anyone in the competition.

"I think he'll be a force to be reckoned with up forward for us.

"On his day, Buddy Franklin's very good, but I think Taylor Walker has the potential to be just as good a forward as him.

"He's an exciting prospect for us.''
 
Without Tippett drawing key defenders in 2013, Dangerfield knows Walker will have a tougher time fighting for possession - but says his imposing 192cm, 105kg frame will be ready for the challenge.

"He was already pretty big. It was hard to increase his size,'' Dangerfield said.

"He's a power forward. He's 105 kilos.

"I think the challenge for him and the challenge for many young players like myself is to continue to build the consistency, and that's what he'll be setting himself for this year.

"We're hoping that he takes the next step. He knows he'll have the number one key defender every week this year.

"He's looking forward to that challenge along with our other key forwards. I think we've got a pretty potent forward line.''

Tippett's extraordinary departure from Adelaide left a bad taste in the mouths of Crows players at the time, with
Dangerfield insisting the club wanted to build around players 'who want to be part of our footy club'.

"He made the decision to leave and that's fine. We understand that,'' he said.

"Once Kurt decided to leave, we have to move on with players who want to be around the footy club.

"And that's the players that are on our list.

"We've got a really exciting group of players at the moment and I think we can play some really impressive football this year.''

16.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL eyes on NZ for new talent

New Zealand teenager Shem Tatupu, right, looks imposing beside St Kilda ruckman Ben McEvoy. Picture: Sean Garnsworthy/AFL Media. Source: Herald Sun

THIS is the size and power the AFL is scouring New Zealand for.

Kiwi teenager Shem Tatupu weighs 105kg, stands 197cm, has signed with Hawthorn as an international rookie and looked imposing beside St Kilda ruckman Ben McEvoy at a training session in Wellington on Thursday.

The Saints were in Wellington to promote their historic Anzac Day match against Sydney.

Tatupu joined a group of 40 Kiwi teens for a training camp, which coincided with the level one AIS-AFL squad completing a 10-day camp. AFL talent manager Kevin Sheahan said the next Jim Stynes story could be unearthed.

"This is All Blacks country, but some bodies are better suited to playing our game than playing union," Sheahan said.

"There is a little bit of talent.

"It won't be a flood and it won't replace all the wonderful Australian kids who want to play our game, but there will be opportunties."

A combine yesterday for the Kiwi youngsters will be followed by combines in Ireland in mid-February and the US in April, to be co-ordinated by 2005 Sydney premiership player Tadhg Kennelly.

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Eight AFL players top $1m

Gold Coast Suns skipper Gary Ablett is believed to be one of the AFL's $1 million men. Picture: Darren England. Source: The Courier-Mail

THE number of AFL players earning more than $1 million rocketed to a record eight last year.

The highest number of million-dollar-earners previously was two in 2008 and 2011.

AFL figures released yesterday revealed the dramatic rise in player salaries on the back of the league's expansion and record broadcast rights deal.

The AFL did not release the names of the eight players, although champion midfielder and Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett, Saints' skipper Nick Riewoldt and Greater Western Sydney midfielder Tom Scully are believed to be among the top earners.

One AFL player agent suggested heavily front-ended contracts could have propelled the GWS co-captains, Callan Ward and Phil Davis, into the top bracket.

Lance Franklin, Chris Judd, Matthew Pavlich and Adam Goodes were other players tipped to be among the leading earners.

Code-jumper Israel Folau, who quit GWS in November after just 13 games and one season in the AFL, was also reported to be one of the league's biggest earners last year.

But the AFL said only match payments and ASA agreements were included in the figures and not third-party arrangements.

The figures, which will be included in the AFL's 2012 annual report, also showed that 111 players earned more than $400,000 last year.

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Saints want annual NZ Anzac Day game

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt and Lenny Hayes meet players from the Denver Broncos. The Saints play the first AFL match for premiership points overseas this year - in NZ on Anzac Day against Sydney. Picture: Dustin Bradford. Source: Getty Images

ST KILDA expects an open-ended ticket from the AFL to play Anzac Day matches in Wellington from this year as the club begins the journey into the sport's newest frontier.

The Saints will play Sydney on Anzac Day for the premiership points - the first league game to be held outside Australia - and foresee an arrangement where they play an Anzac Day game off-shore for at least the next 10-20 years.

So embraced with the concept, Saints chief executive Michael Nettlefold was open to the suggestion the game remained a permanent fixture.

"Clearly, this is the first step and we'd like to think it is long-term," Nettlefold said.

"We've taken a long-term approach, investing a lot of time, effort and energy, and we're doing that because we see the long-term prospect of working with New Zealanders, developing our business in New Zealand.

"My view, it would have a 10, 20-year framework.

"We have an obligation to keep developing our club and the club's commercial interest, developing our culture, leadership and vision ... we're restless in our approach to do that.

"And this is good to be at the forefront of ... it's great for all of our club."

The Saints have an agreement to play on Anzac Day for the next three years at Wellington's 34,500-seat Westpac Stadium and will play an extra game for official points in August of 2014 and 2015. NAB Cup games are also planned.

But as the Saints forge a partnership with the Australian Defence Force and the New Zealand Defence Force, it's Anzac Day they want to own, as much as Essendon and Collingwood has at the MCG.

The match will be telecast live on Fox Footy immediately after the Pies-Dons match.

"It's a significant day, an historical game," Nettlefold said.

"It's the first game outside of Australia for premiership points and it will acknowledge the Anzac relationship between Australia and New Zealand.

"Our intention is to embrace Anzac Day quite significantly.

"We have a number of past players who lost their live in overseas conflicts in our 140-year history, we have a close working relationship with the ADF, they play their carnival at Moorabbin, we are doing work now with the ADF in some of our leadership and cultural programs, so our intention is to embrace it wholly."

It's anticipated the AFL's two senior executives, Andrew Demetriou and Gillon McLachlan, will attend the game, while Prime Minister Julia Gillard will also be invited.

Nettlefold would not reveal the club's projected windfall from playing in New Zealand - potentially upwards of $500,000 a game.

"It's fully underwritten for us at the moment, but from a financial aspect we're not quite sure where the returns are going to finish," he said.

"We hope it's going to be strongly positive because it's commercially important for the club that it is."

The Saints yesterday held a brief training session at the "Snake Pit", the stadium where the game will be played, and reported that its surface was as good as any they had played/trained on.

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Summit to scrutinise Mad Monday

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert sparked the drugs issue in a speech late last year. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

"MAD Monday" and post-season football trips will be heavily scrutinised at Wednesday's AFL's drug summit.

With the AFL Players Association confirming it is prepared to discuss changes to the code's three-strikes illicit drugs policy, the long-held traditions of end-of-season celebrations and large scale trips away by players could be scaled back and more closely monitored by the clubs.

Already AFL clubs have cut back on large scale end-of-season trips, restricting them to smaller numbers because of concerns about the behaviour of some players.

Some clubs have already had security accompany players on their overseas trips and this could be expanded in the future.

Those points will form part of a wide-ranging agenda for the AFL player welfare summit next week, with the tightening of a loophole in self-reporting by players to avoid a drugs strike also being strongly considered.

The league will host a range of high-powered administrators, players, medical officers, drugs experts and police at Etihad Stadium to discuss and debate the best way to tackle the drugs issue in AFL football and the wider community.

The Herald Sun has obtained a copy of the forum's agenda, which will be chaired by AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou, who this week admitted he expected to see a "spike" in positive drugs tests conducted last season.

The forum was called after Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert raised the drugs issue at the AFL CEO's meeting on the Gold Coast last year.

Pert later said he feared some players had "volcanic behaviour" during their off-season break.

Three current AFL chief executives - Geelong's Brian Cook, Western Bulldogs' Simon Garlick and West Coast's Trevor Nisbett - will lead a panel discussion centred on the AFL's illicit drugs policy.

Some of the issues to be addressed will be:

THE involvement of the AFL and the reporting procedure to the AFL

CLUB board and executive involvement and meetings

THE sanctions and expectations of the player going forward after a positive drug strike and what to do if he re-offends.

All three CEOs have had experience in dealing with player drug issues at their club.

Cook had to deal with Mathew Stokes' possession charge in 2010; Garlick was involved in dealing with the fallout of Tom Liberatore being found in possession of an ecstasy tablet last year; while Nisbett was at the Eagles during Ben Cousins' drug controversies.

Three AFL players and AFLPA board members Luke Ball (president), Daniel Jackson and Robert Murphy - as well as AFLPA chief executive Matt Finnis - will lead a debate on how footballers can balance their life with the increasing demands of the game across 10 months of the year.

Other issues to be discussed include: the pressure on players, training expectations on annual leave, closer monitoring of players on leave and downtime, a potential role of club integrity/security, and greater development for players outside of the game.

Australian Drug Foundation chief executive John Rogerson and leading psychologist Dr Michael Carr Gregg are among the speakers who will discuss the treatment of drug users and the link between drugs and excessive use of alcohol.

Victoria and Federal Police will also be well represented.

Among the law enforcement speakers will be former Tiger and Bulldogs big man Emmett Dunne, who is now Assistant Commissioner, Professional Standards Command of Victoria Police.

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AFL faces up to reality with new show

Collingwood president and Fox Footy TV personality Eddie McGuire is said to be behind a proposed AFL reality show. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis. Source: Herald Sun

A REALITY football show being considered by the AFL would guarantee the winner a spot on a league list.

The Herald Sun has learned Fox Sports has put the radical proposal to AFL heavyweights, with plans to film this season.

The prize would be a spot on a club's rookie list, most likely Greater Western Sydney.

Collingwood president and football kingpin Eddie McGuire is behind the project and is slated to host the program.

McGuire Media chief executive Cos Cardone did not want to comment at length last night.

"We have a number of formats in development and we are always talking to broadcasters about those ideas," Cardone said.

While the league is yet to formally agree to the concept, it is understood key officials, including chief executive Andrew Demetriou, have tentatively backed the Fox Sports proposal.

A mechanism which would give every club access to the winning player is being discussed.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane last night said the league would assess the plan in detail.

"Yes, there has been an initial discussion," Keane said.

"The AFL will now await a proposal to consider it and the possible ramifications for the wider industry."

Under one plan, clubs could bid for the winning player in December's rookie draft.

The player would go to the club that placed the highest bid.

If no bids were received, the player would be automatically listed by the Giants.

Greater Western Sydney chief executive David Matthews welcomed plans to produce the reality football show.

"There have been a number of concepts similar to this proposed over the years and we think it's an idea that's got merit and the Giants would be happy to support it subject to AFL approval," Matthews said.

Financial backing would need to be secured for the show, although there are hopes it would be a ratings hit.

The program would take viewers deep into the trials and tribulations of a group of youngsters intent on proving their AFL worth.

Players from around Australia would be invited to try out for the show.

Fox Sports would appoint a team of experts to select the participants.

Short-listed players would be put through gruelling physical and mental testing at a series of selection camps.

Former AFL football operations boss Adrian Anderson was understood to have been a strong supporter of the concept.

His recent departure has slowed the approval process, but Fox Sports remains hopeful the show can be recorded this season.

The concept draws on Australian sports reality shows Football Superstar and Cricket Superstar, which both aired on Fox8.

In those shows, amateur soccer and cricket players were put through training and trial matches under the close watch of expert judges.

Each week, contestants were removed from the show, leaving a couple of finalists to battle out for the grand prize of a professional contract.

The winner of Cricket Superstar, Ian Holland, was listed by the Victorian Bushrangers for the 2012-13 summer. He also did four months training at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar signed a player each as part of the three-season Football Superstar series.

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AFL freezes prices again

Footy tickets will not rise in price this year. Picture: Jason Edwards Source: HWT Image Library

FOOTY fans have had a win before the season has even started with the AFL freezing ticket prices for the third straight year.

General admission prices will remain unchanged in 2013 with adults $20, concessions $12 and family tickets $40.

The AFL announced the move this morning.

Junior tickets will remain at $2.50.

The ticket prices are the same as those set in 2010.

peter.rolfe@news.com.au

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Saints train in Wellington

SuperFooty's Mark Robinson joins training with St Kilda at Westpac Stadium as they prepare for their Anzac Day clash

St Kilda will play at Westpac Stadium. Picture: Getty Images Source: HWT Image Library

VIDEO: FROM Moorabbin to Seaford to Wellington, take a look at St Kilda's latest training base.

Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson takes you inside Westpac Stadium in New Zealand as the Saints go through their paces in their pre-season training camp.

>> VIDEO: Watch in the video player above

The Saints will host Sydney in an historic Anzac Day match in Wellington  this year - the first AFL game played for premiership points off Australian shores.

As the build-up to April 25 begins, take a look at Robbo's video and make sure you pick up tomorrow's Herald Sun for the latest from him in New Zealand.

Summer Barometer: See how the Saints are shaping up

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Ablett to lead Suns again

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett, centre, sets the pace at Suns training. Picture: Matt Roberts. Source: Getty Images

SUPERSTAR Gary Ablett will lead the Gold Coast Suns for a third successive season in 2013.

The Brownlow Medallist will be assisted by Nathan Bock and Michael Rischitelli, have retained their vice-captain and deputy vice-captain roles respectively.

The Suns will shake things up this season, splitting the players into three separate groups according to their level of playing experience.

Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said every player's leadership skills would be groomed under their new-look structure.

The Suns will develop their leadership program this season in a partnership with sports consultancy business Bluestone Edge.

"Our initial leadership groups have set the framework for our club and that included identifying what the players wanted to stand for, their values and expectations," he said.

"As the majority of our players transition into their third season, and now understand what it takes to play and prepare at the highest level, we have challenged them to take the next step on the leadership front."

Meanwhile, Suns forward Liam Patrick is expected to be sidelined for two to four weeks after injuring his hamstring at training on Thursday.

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Suns suffer injury blow

Liam Patrick celebrates a goal. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

SUNS forward Liam Patrick looks set to miss the NAB Cup after injuring his hamstring at training today.

The 24-year-old, who has played 11 senior games for the club, was carried from Metricon Stadium and later emerged on crutches and with ice strapped to his hamstring.

He has been sent for scans.

Patrick was left lying on the ground after a contest in a match drill that involved a pack of players that included Karmichael Hunt.

The Suns' trainers initially feared he may have been knocked out but later reported he had suffered no other injury beside the hamstring.

Summer Barometer: Click here for Suns' training, injury latest

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Young Magpie denies assault

FIGHTING: Collingwood's Marley Williams has pleaded not guilty to an assault charge. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD young gun Marley Williams has pleaded not guilty to an assault charge and will face trial in a WA court later this year.

Williams was charged over an incident at a nightclub in his home town of Albany in late December.

Police allege Williams, 19, got into an argument about 1.30am with a 29-year-old man.

The other man was ejected from the venue, and when Williams left he saw the man outside.

Williams then allegedly punched the man, who was taken to Albany Regional Hospital with a broken jaw.

The footballer was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.

In Albany Magistrates Court today, he pleaded not guilty via video link from Melbourne.

The case has been scheduled for mention in March.

The footballer asked to be excused from appearing via video link on that date, but the request was rejected by the court. No date for the trial has been set.

Despite the not guilty plea, the Magpies have chosen to make Williams work with the Salvation Army's soup van on the streets of Melbourne as punishment for his involvement in the late-night scuffle.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley announced last week Williams would help the Salvos for the next 10 weeks until the home-and-away season kicks off.

"We just feel it's a good opportunity for Marley to see a different side of things, and we'll be supporting him with our leaders attending each week as he goes through that community service, which we think is appropriate," Buckley said.

Williams joined the Magpies last year as a rookie and played six senior games. He has been promoted to the senior list.
 

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Nic Nat keeps Round 1 door ajar

Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui will start his pre-season campaign late. Picture: Justin Benson-cooper. Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast big man Nic Naitanui has refused to rule out a shock Round 1 appearance in the derby showdown against Fremantle.

The ruckman underwent surgery on his groins in November and is expected to sit out the entire NAB Cup.

Naitanui, 22, carried the groin problem and significant soreness late last season but bravely played on, finishing with 22 games for the year.

The All-Australian ruckman was slated for a return between Rounds 2 and 8.

"I have been following my program. My goal is still Round 1," he said today.

"I'll see how I go and track along in the next few weeks. It's my body. I know how it feels."

Eagles assistant coach Justin Longmuir told the Herald Sun this month the club wanted the key big man to be reaching his peak towards September.

"He's just started running again, so he's a long way behind the rest of the group and we'll take a really cautious approach with him," Longmuir said.

"We really need Nic Nat firing at the end of the year, not so much at the start of the year.

"If he comes up for Round 1 that will be great, but we've got the cover if he doesn't come up for Round 1."

Summer Barometer: Click here for Eagles' injury, training latest

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Tippett's manager cops a year

Player agent and former Lions media manager Peter Blucher, right, pictured here with Michael Voss. Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

BREAKING: KURT Tippett's manager Peter Blucher has had his licence revoked for 12 months.

Blucher's penalty was announced by the AFLPA today after he was found to have acted inappropriately when negotiating Tippett's illegal contract with Adelaide in 2009.

Blucher's 45 players can stay under the Velocity player management banner, but can have no dealings with the banned manager for at least 12 months.

The AFLPA's Agent Accreditation Board found that Blucher had failed in a number of his obligations as a player manager .

He will have to re-apply to become a player agent again when his ban is over.

Late last year Tippett was fined $50,000 and banned from playing for half of the AFL season for breaching the AFL's draft and salary cap rules.

Kurt Tippett is one of many players over time who have looked for a new home. Source: Herald Sun

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Tough Eagle joins rules committee

Essendon players make their feelings known after Jobe Watson was felled in a collision with Beau Waters (left). Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

Eagle Beau Waters takes a diving mark. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

DON'T expect a crackdown on the bump any time soon after Eagles hard man Beau Waters joined the AFL laws committee.

Waters, who has had several run-ins with the match review panel, has been appointed the new player representative on the committee to replace Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich.

Last season the 26-year-old was twice guilty twice of high bumps, escaping with a reprimand for a collision with Demon Jack Grimes in April but copping a one-week ban for a hit on Brisbane midfielder Jack Redden in June.

In between he was cleared of any wrongdoing after another contentious bump on Richmond's Daniel Jackson.

Waters has played 113 games in 11 seasons with West Coast and was named in last year's All-Australian team.

Pavlich stood down last year after four years in the role.

"The AFL greatly values the contributions of current players, and the wider AFLPA, to the important discussions around the Laws of the Game and is pleased that Beau will join the laws panel," the AFL's acting football operations manager Gillon McLachlan said.

The committee consists of McLachlan (acting chairman), Kevin Bartlett, Joel Bowden, Leigh Matthews, Luke Power, Rowan Sawers, Michael Sexton, Waters and Shane McCurry (secretary).

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Judd deal may survive

Chris Judd is waiting for a verdict on his deal with Visy. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

CHRIS Judd's manager remains hopeful he can negotiate a compromise with the AFL over the dual Brownlow medallist's third-party deal with Carlton sponsor Visy.

Judd's manager Paul Connors confirmed today he'd had fresh talks with the AFL over the matter.

Connors is believed to be keen to avoid a formal grievance tribunal hearing that could result in a straight win-or-loss scenario.

AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson informed Carlton in November that Judd's deal with Visy, which is estimated at $250,000 per season, would have to be included in the salary cap from 2013.

However, Anderson's departure from AFL ranks last month has prompted new discussions and a negotiated deal is now a likely outcome, the AFL website reported.

Carlton chief executive Greg Swann was also part of the talks.

The 29-year-old Judd's six-year deal expires at the end of the 2013 season.

"I can confirm that I met with the AFL yesterday," Connors said.

The Blues had a scare on the training track on Wednesday when injury-prone key forward Jarrad Waite dislocated a finger, although a club spokesman claimed the injury wouldn't derail the 29-year-old's pre-season campaign.

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Demetriou expects drugs spike

AFL supremo Andrew Demetriou. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis Source: Herald Sun

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has prepared the football world for a spike in positive drug tests by players when 2012 figures are revealed.

The 2011 figure, released in June last year, revealed six players tested positive to illicit drugs in out-of-competition tests.

As club CEOs prepare for a drugs summit next Wednesday, Demetriou said he expected that number to rise.

"I think we're going to see a spike this year, but I haven't got that data yet," the league chief executive said on Channel 7.

"Our ideal result is getting zero positives, but we know we're not going to get there, that would be a foolish expectation."

Collingwood CEO Gary Pert called for tougher action by AFL clubs on the issue of illicit drugs in November, saying there was a serious issue of "volcanic behaviour" by players during the off-season.

In December the Herald Sun revealed that some players were exploiting a loophole in the league's three-strikes drug policy by self-reporting the use of illicit drugs.

By self-reporting, players avoid registering a positive drug test and a strike against their name.

Self-reporting is a feature of the AFL's three-strikes illicit drugs policy and occurs when a player wishes to admit having used drugs.

Demetriou said he was open to discussions about the three strikes policy, but he maintained that players could not dodge drug tests.

"If there is a player or an official that is in involved in the use of illicit drugs or performance-enhancing drugs, inevitably they will be caught, and they will pay a hell of a price," he said.

"There's no coming back and you will get caught, that's what I do know."

The six positive tests in 2011 were first-time offenders and for stimulants, which include cocaine, ecstasy and amphetamines. There were no positive second or third tests.

Under the AFL's illicit drugs policy, players are only named publicly if they test positive three times.

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Waters closing in on return

COMEBACK PATH: Beau Waters is eyeing a NAB Cup return. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

WEST Coast enforcer Beau Waters says he is on track to play NAB Cup as he continues his recovery from post-season hip surgery.

Waters, who has been limited by injury to 113 of a possible 164 matches since his 2004 debut, had his left foot strapped today "as a precaution", having recovered from a serious ankle injury suffered in the elimination final win over North Melbourne.

But the 26-year-old also required hip surgery before Christmas and has been restricted to the rehab group as the 2013 season approaches.

Speaking at a press conference following his appointment to the AFL Rules Committee, Waters said his recovery remained on track and that NAB Cup action was "very likely".

"The ankle's just precautionary, but yeah, I had hip surgery in December and I'm feeling really good," Waters said.

"I'm doing a lot of running on the ground now, with that intimate rehab group.

"We're all improving at a steady rate and NAB Cup is a very likely possibility and then, obviously, moving into Round 1.

"Asking me and asking the physios are two different things.

"I'm hoping in the next three weeks to four weeks I'd be moving back to the main group and hopefully challenging the boys."

Waters said the recovery of fellow rehab-group member, Nic Naitanui, was also tracking well, but said the club had put no timeline on the ruck tyro's return.

"I don't think there's any timelines for Nic," he said.

"He's a very important commodity for the club and he's had some pretty serious groin surgery.

"He's moving along well, I know he's starting to do some stuff on the ground and, physically, he's looking fit and his attitude has been perfect throughout the entire process."

Waters' appointment to the Rules Committee ensures WA football retains a place in the nine-person body, following Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich's decision to step down from the role late last year.

Waters played a straight-bat when asked light-heartedly if the renowned rough-nut's presence would see a return of the shirtfront and said he looked forward to getting a different perspective on changes made to the game.

"The shirtfront has obviously been eliminated from the game for the safety of the players and we can see (the effect it has had) across all the codes," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to sitting down with the guys and understanding where they're coming from, rather than me running like a rat up a drainpipe.

"It's good to keep the role in WA, though, it's a long way from Victoria and it'll be a voice that'll be heard."

The latest rule change to the game came today, with the AFL preparing to ban six types of gloves after an investigation by Melbourne's RMIT University found they gave users an unfair advantage.

The iconic glove of former Eagles forward Quinten Lynch, as well as that of his new Collingwood teammate Travis Cloke, are among those to be banned.

Waters made light of the change, jumping on the chance to give Lynch some ribbing.

"The old iron-clad box-handler, it's been ruled out," Waters said.

"I'm not looking forward to seeing Lynchy without a glove, he wasn't too effective with one.

"It's quite funny, actually, and we'll be stirring Lynchy up when we first play them."
 

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