Get SuperCoach anytime, anywhere

Shane Crawford tries out the new SuperCoach phone app. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

NOW you can access your SuperCoach team 24 hours a day with the new apps for iPhones and Android.

Make trades on the run, follow your team's progress over the weekend and - most importantly - make changes to your team before every match.

WHAT'S NEW IN 2013:

- New look - We've rebuilt the interface from the ground up with an all-new look and feel for easier and quicker use.

- Easy management - All-new "field view" makes it even easier to make trades, substitutions, captain and emergency selections.

- Rolling Lockout - Full support for the all-new rolling lockout system - you can make squad changes right through the round of footy wherever you are, up until each of your players' actual AFL game begins.

- Easy Stats - SuperCoach GOLD gets you access to projected scores, breakevens and projected prices for players.

Each app costs just $2.99 for the whole season.

Click HERE to get the SuperCoach iPhone app

Click HERE to get the SuperCoach Android app

16.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crows leave out Tambling

Crow Richard Tambling in action. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

RICHARD Tambling's stop-start campaign to make the final year of his contract count at Adelaide has stopped again.

The former Richmond midfielder is a surprise absentee from the Crows' 27-man squad for the NAB Cup clash with Geelong at Geelong on Saturday.

Tambling, a top-three disposal-earner in Adelaide's five-point win against Fremantle on Saturday, has reported back soreness and will not be pushed this weekend.

Adelaide list manager David Noble said: "Richard's back was sore early in the week. It's not a major issue, but we felt it best to rest him this week."

Adelaide has opted to persist with the trial of young defender Luke Brown for the vacancy created by Michael Doughty's retirement at the end of last season.

Adelaide is hopeful Tambling will resume in its last NAB Cup qualifier, against Carlton at AAMI Stadium, next Friday.

SEE ALL THIS WEEKEND'S NAB CUP SQUADS HERE

Adelaide's big search for a new ruck combination - in the wake of Kurt Tippett's defection to Sydney - has put another former Tiger out of the Crows squad with Angus Graham not in the 27 named by coach Brenton Sanderson today.

Lead ruckman Sam Jacobs returns for his first pre-season game of the summer. Adelaide has Josh Jenkins and Shaun McKernan on audition at Geelong on Saturday to be Jacob's ruck partner.

Adelaide, as expected, has put Jacobs, club champion Scott Thompson and experienced defenders Ben Rutten and Brent Reilly on a team sheet for the first time this pre-season.

All four should play in Adelaide's pen-ultimate game of the NAB Cup series that is set to end for the Crows against Carlton at AAMI Stadium next Friday.
 

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Eagles, Dockers name strong line-ups

BIG INCLUSION: Ruckman Dean Cox will make his first pre-season appearance for the Eagles this weekend. Source: The Mercury

WEST Coast has named a strong squad for Sunday's NAB Cup clash with Collingwood, with as many as 18 first-choice players set to take to the field.

As flagged by coach John Worsfold yesterday, the Eagles will welcome ruckman Dean Cox and spearhead Josh Kennedy back into the fold, with wingman Matt Rosa also set to play his first pre-season game.

Though Daniel Kerr, Nic Naitanui, Beau Waters, Sharrod Wellingham and Mark Nicoski remain on the sidelines, the Eagles are set to start favourites against the side that knocked them out of last year's finals.

Magpies big guns Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Dale Thomas and Steele Sidebottom will all make the trip west for the Patersons Stadium clash, while Quinten Lynch will line up for his first game against his former side.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Meanwhile, Fremantle will bolster its midfield for Saturday's NAB Cup game against Cartlton at Etihad Stadium, with a trio of key players set to return.

Last year's club champion Ryan Crowley will take to the field for his first pre-season hit-out, with David Mundy and Nat Fyfe also included after missing the NAB Cup opening games a fortnight ago.

Skipper Matthew Pavlich will miss the trip due to the expected birth of his first child, while Stephen Hill (arm) Michael Barlow (rested) are also absentees.

SEE ALL THIS WEEKEND'S NAB CUP SQUADS HERE

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said he was eager to "get minutes" into the club's up-and-coming players like Hayden Crozier and Lachie Neale as the NAB Cup wears on.

Both the Dockers and Eagles will need victories to keep their hopes of making the pre-season final alive after each club notched one win and one loss on the opening weekend of the tournament.

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson

TEAMS:

CARLTON v FREMANTLE at Etihad Stadium - Saturday 4.30pm WA time.
CARLTON: Andrew Walker, Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Kade Simpson, Matthew Kreuzer, Kane Lucas, Rob Warnock, Mitch Robinson, Chris Yarran, Brock McLean, Jeremy Laidler, Sam Rowe, Eddie Betts, Lachie Henderson, Dennis Armfield, Tom Bell, Marcus Davies, Nick Duigan, Jeffrey Garlett, Frazer Dale, Michael Jamison, Levi Casboult, Zach Tuohy, Simon White, Andrew Carrazzo, Aaron Joseph, David Ellard.
FREMANTLE: Hayden Ballantyne, Zac Dawson, Jayden Pitt, Garrick Ibbotson, Danyle Pearce, Nathan Fyfe, Nick Suban, Matt De Boer, Michael Walters, Tom Sheridan, Jon Griffin, Tendai Mzungu, Ryan Crowley, David Mundy, Hayden Crozier, Luke McPharlin, Tanner Smith, Kepler Bradley, Lachie Neale, Zachary Clarke, Cam Sutcliffe, Lee Spurr, Michael Johnson, Jack Hannath, Paul Duffield, Jesse Crichton, Clancee Pearce.

WEST COAST v COLLINGWOOD at Patersons Stadium - Sunday 4.30pm WA time.
WEST COAST: Mitch Brown, Mark Lecras, Andrew Gaff, Brad Sheppard, Chris Masten, Scott Selwood, Matt Priddis, Luke Shuey, Jamie Cripps, Eric MacKenzie, Josh Kennedy, Dean Cox, Darren Glass, Matt Rosa, Shannon Hurn, Sam Butler, Jack Darling, Ashley Smith, Scott Lycett, Will Schofield, Andrew Embley, Josh Hill, Pat McGinnity, Adam Selwood, Jeremy McGovern, Ashton Hams, Simon Tunbridge.
COLLINGWOOD: Jordan Russell, Nick Maxwell, Harry O'Brien, Martin Clarke, Scott Pendlebury, Jarryd Blair, Jarrod Witts, Jamie Elliott, Ben Reid, Quinten Lynch, Steele Sidebottom, Josh Thomas, Ben Hudson, Ben Kennedy, Ben Sinclair, Travis Cloke, Alan Toovey, Dane Swan, Kyle Martin, Peter Yagmoor, Heath Shaw, Paul Seedsman, Sam Dwyer, Adam Oxley, Jack Frost, Marley Williams, Caolan Mooney.
 

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Port guns stay at home

Port Adelaide midfielder Travis Boak will sit out the second week of the NAB Cup. Picture: Justin Sanson Source: Northern Territory News

PORT Adelaide is leaving the top brass at home for its match against Melbourne at Renmark on Sunday.

Ken Hinkley and his selection committee have opted to put time into the younger section of the group and have a good look at what they have to offer while leaving out the elite group.

Captain Travis Boak, club champion Kane Cornes, Brad Ebert, Alipate Carlile, Brett Ebert, Jasper Pittard, Jay Schulz and Justin Westoff will have a break.

Former Bomber Angus Monfries is missing because of a hamstring injury.

SEE EVERY NAB CUP SQUAD HERE

Ruckman Matthew Lobbe will play his first game for the year after being rested from week one of the NAB Cup because of a hamstring injury.

PORT ADELAIDE SQUAD
3. Campbell Heath
5. Matthew Broadbent
8. Hamish Hartlett
12. Jackson Trengove (acting captain)
13. Cameron O'Shea
14. Paul Stewart
15. Lewis Stevenson
16. Oliver Wines
17. Tom Clurey
20. Chad Wingard
21. Matt Thomas
22. Mason Shaw
23. Matthew Lobbe
24. Nathan Blee
26. Andrew Moore
30. Sam Colquhoun
31. Darren Pfeiffer
32. Jake Neade
34. Jarrad Redden
37. Kane Mitchell
38. Ben Newton
40. Aaron Young
42. Tom Jonas
43. Daniel Stewart
 
Emergencies
41. Brendon Ah Chee
45. Danny Butcher
46. Justin Hoskin

16.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hawks call up big guns

Sam Mitchell returns to the Hawthorn line-up this weekend. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn captain Sam Mitchell and gun midfielders Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell will play their first matches of the pre-season matches against the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.

The star trio were left in Melbourne as the Hawks flew to the Gold Coast for their opening NAB Cup round-robin matches last weekend.

The night didn't go well, with Hawthorn suffering losses to Brisbane and the Gold Coast and copping injuries to Cyril Rioli (ankle), Brian Lake (calf) and Paul Puopolo (knee).

All three will miss Friday night's clash, with Puopolo in doubt for the start of the home-and-away season.

Others missing from the Hawthorn squad include skipper Luke Hodge, Liam Shiels, Shaun Burgoyne and Grant Birchall.

Youngsters Jed Anderson, Derick Wanganeen and Sam Grimley have all been named, along with recruits Jonathan Simpkin and Matt Spangher.

Lance Franklin will play after being kept goalless in Queensland.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, have named former West Coast midfielder Koby Stevens for his first game in red, blue and white.

Fans will get another look at first-round draft pick Jackson Macrae and mature-age recruit Brett Goodes, while Jordan Roughead returns after missing the Dogs' opening NAB Cup clashes with a virus.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

SQUADS

Hawthorn v Western Bulldogs, Etihad Stadium Friday 7.40pm (FOX FOOTY live)

Hawthorn

2 Jarryd Roughead
3 Jordan Lewis
4 Matt Suckling
5 Sam Mitchell
6 Josh Gibson
10 Bradley Hill
12 Brad Sewell
13 Kyle Cheney
16 Isaac Smith
18 Brent Guerra
19 Jack Gunston
20 David Hale
21 Shane Savage
22 Luke Breust
23 Lance Franklin
24 Ben Stratton
25 Ryan Schoenmakers
27 Matt Spangher
29 William Langford (R) - Emergency
32 Jonathan Simpkin
35 Sam Grimley
37 Jed Anderson
38 Mitchell Hallahan - Emergency
41 Taylor Duryea
43 Amos Frank (R)
46 Derick Wanganeen (R)
47 Jonathon Ceglar (R) - Emergency

Western Bulldogs

2 Robert Murphy
3 Mitch Wallis
4 Daniel Cross
5 Matthew Boyd
6 Luke Dahlhaus
10 Easton Wood
11 Jackson Macrae
13 Daniel Giansiracusa
14 Clay Smith
15 Jason Tutt
16 Ryan Griffen
19 Liam Jones
21 Tom Liberatore
22 Dylan Addison
23 Jordan Roughead
25 Koby Stevens
27 Will Minson
29 Tory Dickson
31 Tom Young
33 Nick Lower
37 Lukas Markovic
38 Dale Morris
39 Jason Johannisen
42 Liam Picken
44 Brett Goodes
45 Tom Campbell
49 Ayce Cordy

16.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Morabito closes in on return

COMEBACK TRAIL: Fremantle's Anthony Morabito (left) could resume training within weeks. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon says midfielder Anthony Morabito could return to full training within a month.

Lyon revealed the "little snippet" at Fremantle's season launch at Burswood this morning, also stating that skipper Matthew Pavlich would not take part in this week's NAB Cup Round 2 clash with Carlton at Etihad Stadium so as not to miss the birth of his and wife Lauren's first child.

Morabito is recovering from his latest of three knee reconstructions, having undergone LARS treatment five weeks ago in attempt to return to competition for the first time since his debut 23-game season in 2010.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Lyon told the attendees at the launch that the 21-year-old could return to full-time training in four weeks, but was reluctant to speak in-depth on Morabito's recovery, instead saying the player would talk when he was ready.

"I don't know whether it's (Morabito's recovery) ahead (of schedule), I don't think it's behind, I think it's just about right," Lyon said.

"He's right on track and, what is it, it's probably a bit longer than three weeks, Round 1, AFL he'll be introduced into full training.

"We're really keen for Anthony to talk to that when he feels comfortable.

"We enjoy that everyone respecting what he's been through and where he's heading, but we're keen to continue to update all our fans and members along the way.

"That was just a little snippet of where he's at and, at the appropriate time, he'll do a presser himself, I would imagine."

Lyon played a similar card with Pavlich's impending absence, saying it was up to the Fremantle captain to discuss his private matters, but said the game had evolved for the better in players prioritising their personal lives.

"I don't want to talk for Matthew, I don't think that's my position," he said.

"I think we all know Lauren's pregnant, it's close to the date and I don't think it's for me to talk about their private life.

"But him flying interstate would certainly put that at risk, so he won't play.

"If they need to be there, then they should be there.

"We're really respectful of the families and wives and the support that needs to be given there.

"The game's evolved a lot; fathers never used to go to the births and how tragic did that use to be, so we've all moved a little bit forward from those days, fortunately."

Nat Fyfe and David Mundy are expected to line up against Carlton and Lyon said they would retain their spots for the remainder of the pre-season competition as "they need to catch up on some minutes".

Michael Barlow will not face the Blues, while Stephen Hill will also miss after picking up an arm injury in the practice match loss to Adelaide last Saturday. However, his omission was labelled as precautionary.

Lyon said the Dockers' other injury concern from the Crows game, Michael Walters (ankle), will fly east.

Follow Glen Foreman on Twitter: @glen_foreman

16.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Patton extends Giants deal

Jonathon Patton kicks for a goal against Sydney. Source: Getty Images

NO.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton has extended his contract with Greater Western Sydney until the end of 2016.

Patton was one of seven youngsters who recommitted to the Giants on Wednesday.

The tough forward, who had an injury-interrupted year with the Giants in their inaugural season, said he was happy to commit to the club long-term.

"It's a great place to be," he said. "I think we are in the best position we can possibly be in.

"I think success is going to happen sooner rather than later."

Patton, whose contract was due to expire at the end of this year, was joined by Dom Tyson, Will Hoskin-Elliott, Andrew Phillips and Sam Frost in agreeing to contract extensions until the end of 2015.

Tyson was linked to Richmond during last year's trade period.

Curtly Hampton and Aidan Corr have also committed to the club until the end of 2016.

Patton was the No.1 pick in the 2011 AFL draft.

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Zorko star still rising

Brisbane forward Dayne Zorko takes the bull by the horns. Picture: Mark Calleja Source: Herald Sun

DAYNE Zorko's great rise at the Brisbane Lions just keeps getting better after the midfield revelation was elevated to the club's emerging leadership group.

Entering just his second AFL season, the nippy Zorko has been earmarked as a future leader by coach Michael Voss following a brilliant 2012 debut.

A mature-age recruit who feared he'd missed the boat after being overlooked at four AFL drafts due to his size at 175cm, the Gold Coast product made the most of his late chance at the Lions.

Brisbane tweaked their club champion rules for him to convincingly take their rookie of the year award after averaging 20 disposals in his 16 games.

Skipper Jonathan Brown even believes Zorko would have won the best-and-fairest too if not for missing the first six rounds with a hip injury.

Despite his AFL inexperience, Voss had little hesitation in naming Zorko with fellow rising stars Jack Redden, Pearce Hanley and Mitch Golby in his young leaders group.

The Lions appointed Jed Adcock as co-captain with Brown, while Tom Rockliff and Daniel Rich were named as deputies in a four-man 'captain's group'.

But within the process Voss named two small leadership groups of rising players and mentors, featuring Simon Black.

"It was a fantastic honour, really," Zorko said today. "I was really speechless when I got told and it was great to hear that's what my peers thought of me."

A dominant force in the NEAFL for Broadbeach until 18 months ago, Zorko admits he finds it hard to believe his Lions ascension after he was on-traded by the Gold Coast Suns for pick No.34 in the 2011 national draft.

Dayne Zorko attacks the football. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

Now he's doing his best to ensure he's no flash in the pan.

"I've spoken to Vossy and I've spoken to Daniel Rich about the second-year syndrome and I feel like I've worked a lot on that so I'll go out there and play my role in the team like I did last year," said Zorko, who turned 24 this month.

Brisbane is well poised to make the NAB Cup final after winning both their opening round matches against the Suns and Hawthorn last weekend.

The Lions meet the GWS Giants at Wagga on Saturday night where a win would set up a virtual grand final qualifier against Collingwood next week.

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Daw battles knee swelling

Majak Daw in action during the Kangaroos' NAB Cup win against Richmond. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

EXCITING North Melbourne big man Majak Daw has knee problems and is in doubt for the NAB Cup second round.

Daw developed swelling in both knees after the Kangaroos' wins against Melbourne and Richmond at Etihad Stadium last Friday night.

Coach Brad Scott said the ruckman-forward would need to improve rapidly over the next day or so to be guaranteed a place in the 24-player squad to face the Gold Coast in Townsville on Saturday afternoon.

"We're hopefully Majak will be up and right to play, but he did have some swelling Sunday and Saturday morning,'' Scott said.

"That was disappointing given that we managed his loads through the pre-season and thought he would get through. And we managed his load in the games, so at this stage at best he's 50-50.

"He will be selected in the side, but if that swelling doesn't reduce significantly over the next 24 hours, then he probably won't play. We'll look to get him right for the following week.''

Scott said Daw's running goal, when he pushed aside Tiger defender Steven Morris, was an indication of how much more development is required as well an illustration of the Sudanese-born Roo's immense athleticism.

"Right at this stage, Maj is in the early stages of his development. Despite what people say, he has a lot of work to do and he knows that clearly,'' Scott said.

"We're trying to simplify the game for him at the moment. I said before the game that he would do a few things that would make people stand up and take notice. But he's still really working hard on the fundamentals of the game.

"He didn't see Brad McKenzie on the inside. It's very easy in hindsight to say he should've passed it off, he simply didn't see him. And they're the fundamentals that I'm talking about.

North Melbourne ruckman Majak Daw provided the first highlight of the match with a strong mark backing into a pack. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

"It takes players a long time to develop the awareness around them. Maj at the moment, the simplest way for him to play is to play to his strengths.

"He'll evolve and develop that awareness as time goes on. He wants to be a respected member of this team and that means giving it to a player in a better position when it presents itself.

"When he saw the vision he said, 'Yeah, I should've given it to Brad, but I just didn't see him', so that's what we're working on with him to try to evolve his development.

"It's the joy of coaching, that's why we coach because the satisfaction you get from working hard with a player. And to (ruck coach) Alex Ishchenko's credit and all our development staff's credit, they take great satisfaction in watching Maj improve.''

Scott said the Kangaroos will be playing to win against the Suns and had already factored in the expected north Queensland heat in the preparations.

Nathan Grima and Leigh Adams are not likely to be risked for the long trip, but both are still on track to be ready for Round 1 of the home-and-away season.

"It's probably unlikely Leigh Adams will be right to play. He's probably the only regular member of our team who wasn't in the squad last week,'' he said.

"Nathan is close. He wanted to play last week, but he's a really important part of our back six, but we won't risk him if he's not 100 per cent. He prefer to get more training sessions into him.

"It will be more a process of leaving players out than bringing new ones in.

The Roos today unveiled the new surface at their training ground at Aegis Park.
 

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Scott: Stop messing with our game

Brad Scott wants the AFL to stop tinkering with the rules. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott fears the game will become "unrecognisable" if the AFL continues to tinker with rules.

Scott is opposed to the 80 interchange rotations cap to be trialled in this weekend's NAB Cup second round.

"I'm concerned a little bit that the premise is incorrect in the first place. I'm not sure that we should be trying to tire players out to try and reduce congestion," Scott said.

"You go back and look at the evolution of the game. In the early 2000s you had flooding, 2010 you had the opposite with players pushing to the other end of the ground. So the coaches evolve and alter their tactics based on what's presented to them.

"If we cap rotations and fatigue players and make it difficult for them to get around the ground, we'll just adapt, we'll just change the game again.

"If our players are really tired and we're getting scored against and we're opening up, we're likely to just put 16 players behind the ball to stop us being scored against.

Majak Daw battles knee swelling

"So, I'm very wary when it comes to tinkering with the game to try and change the evolution of the game. If we make rule changes every times there's an evolution in the game, we'll just end up chasing our tail.

"My great fear is that the game becomes unrecognisable in the not too distant future. I would prefer to just let things go as they are and let the game evolve naturally.

"I feel for the AFL because they do the best they can to trial things in the NAB Cup. But the reality is we're playing shortened games and, when you cap interchanges at 20 (each quarter), the quarters go for seven or eight minutes less than the regular season and you find most interchanges happen late in the quarter.

"So are we going to get accurate set of data? I doubt it, but I don't know what the alternative is."

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Cats won't change kamikaze Joel

Carlton legend Greg Williams has warned Geelong captain Joel Selwood against the dangers of multiple concussions.

Joel Selwood is a "ticking time bomb" for head trauma according to Greg Williams. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

Tom Hawkins marks strongly in front of Josh Hunt at Geelong training. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

GEELONG won't ask Joel Selwood to change the way he plays despite warnings of head trauma from repeated concussions.

Brownlow medallist Greg Williams described Selwood as a walking time bomb because of his fearless head-first attack on the ball.

Williams has revealed he is suffering from a degenerative brain disease linked to repeated knocks during his career with Geelong, Sydney and Carlton.

"He gets knocked out a couple of times a year and gets stunned that many times that the club has to protect him because he can't protect himself," Williams said.

"He is a champion player and courageous, but he is too courageous for his own good.

"If he keeps getting concussed, it's a huge issue for him in life and they have do to something about it."

But Geelong assistant coach Dale Amos said today the Cats wouldn't ask Selwood to change the way he plays.

"You can't change the way Joel plays. That's the way he is," Amos said at Geelong training today.

"The way they adjudicate the game, in terms of contact to players, is as good as it's ever been. It's much safer than it ever was.

"So we trust that the game will enable guys to play the way they are, because we all admire Joel.

"He's the captain of our footy club for a reason. He leads by example, and I think everybody admires the way he plays."

While Williams said players in his era would be considered "wimps" if they didn't keep playing after a head knock, Amos said times had changed.

"What was once seen to be brave and macho is quite different now," Amos said.

"Everybody in the industry is much more educated, and the players are no different.

"They report how they're feeling, and their consultations with the medical staff or the physios are quite extensive, so I think players are quite in-tune with how they feel."

AFL's concussion headache

And he said clubs couldn't take "short cuts" with concussed players.

"You just can't cheat the system anymore with those sorts of things," Amos said.

Meanwhile, the Cats will welcome back premiership stars Paul Chapman and Andrew Mackie for its NAB Cup clash against Adelaide on Saturday.

Amos said the pair were "fit and ready to play" after being rested for Geelong's trip to Perth for Round 1 of the pre-season competition.

He said Chapman was raring to go and was pushing for more midfield time.

"He's had a good injury free pre-season and in terms of his preparation it couldn't have gone any better. He's looking forward to playing, as most the senior guys are this time of year, and he's ready to go," Amos said.

Amos said Mathew Stokes (ankle) and Josh Hunt (quad) were making steady progress from injury but would not play against the Crows.

Injured ruckman Hamish McIntosh is also close to a return to training after under-going knee surgery.

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Swan's hunger dipped: Bucks

Collingwood star Dane Swan's hunger dipped last year, says coach Nathan Buckley.l Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley admits Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan's hunger dipped a bit last season.

But he says it's understandable given his remarkable previous four years.

And the Magpies boss says the premiership star has given every indication he is back to his most driven.

"Even the most professional disciplined players ebb and flow," Buckley told AAP.

"It was probably about time, given the three years prior he won three Copeland Trophies (as Collingwood's best and fairest from 2008-10) and a Brownlow (in 2011).

"In the last four years, he's one of the most consistent players to ever play the game.

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley talks with Dane Swan. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

"When I say that I reckon there's an extra couple of per cent in him, it's not saying that he hasn't been a great performer and a very consistent performer.

"That's just a coach asking for a little bit more and I ask that from all of the players."

Swan was suspended by the club late last season for an alcohol-related disciplinary breach.

But Buckley said while Swan made a very poor decision, he wasn't the only player who needed to fractionally lift their commitment from last year.

He said Swan's lapses attracted more public attention than others.

Buckley said while the midfielder was a "different character" who wasn't solely focused on football, he took enormous pride in his performance.

"If he can't have the influence on games that he wants to, he identifies that pretty quickly," he said.

"He came back with a real hunger to have a great pre-season.

"He's been able to do that.

"I think you'll see, as the season progresses, I think you'll see a really hungry footballer who'll find that extra couple of per cent this year compared to last and who has the drive to want to play and influence it as much as he can."
 

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Panel clears Buddy hit

Lance Franklin runs the ball during the round one NAB Cup match against Gold Coast. Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN'S gun goalkicker Lance Franklin has no case to answer from an incident In the NAB Cup match against Gold Coast.

The AFL match review panel cleared Franklin of contact to Suns youngster Matt Shaw, deciding the Hawks ace had his hand open and it wasn't a striking action.

Carlton forward Levi Casboult is also in the clear after his heavy collision with GWS Giants Matt Buntine was deemed to be accidental.

The MRP decided Casboult had made a realistic attempt to win the ball.

Reports this morning suggested Buntine was still in hospital and may have suffered a punctured lung.

Gold Coast rookie Andrew Boston won't face a front-on bump charge after it was decided he had no alternative way to contest the ball when he collided with Brisbane Lion Claye Beams.

 

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SuperCoach: Rev up and win

Sign up for SuperCoach today for a chance to win the best seats in the house for the Australian Grand Prix. Source: Supplied

Scuderia Toro Rosso-Ferrari driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia powers past the crowd during qualifying for Formula One's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Source: AFP

TIME is running out to win an adrenalin-charged Melbourne Grand Prix package just by signing up to play SuperCoach.

Every SuperCoach player (aged 18 and over) who signs up to play before March 1 will go into the draw for a weekend of fun and thrills valued at more than $4000.

The F1 Adrenalin package includes:

TICKETS for the Winner and three friends to the 2013 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Premium Zone at Turn 15 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the event valued at $249 each.

A V8 Hot Lap valued at $1000.

HELICOPTER ride over the GP circuit.

ACCESS for the winner and friends to the VIP viewing platform at the Nitro Circus live closing performance on Sunday March 17.

PLUS accommodation for two at Crown Plaza in Melbourne from Thursday March 14-Sunday March 17 valued at $2200.

To have a shot at the fantastic prize all you have to do is register your team in Australia's biggest and best fantasy sports game before Friday.

And you'll also have a shot at the SuperCoach grand prize of $50,000 plus $1000 every week to the highest-scoring team.

Don't miss out!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR TEAM NOW

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Roos re-sign one more

North Melbourne defender Jamie Macmillan has committed to the club for another two years. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has continued to shore up its list, re-signing defender Jamie Macmillan on a two-year deal that will keep him at the Kangaroos until the end of 2015 season.

Veteran forward Daniel Wells and young star Jack Ziebell recently won contract extensions through to the end of 2016 while Shaun Atley signed until 2015.

Coach Brad Scott was given a vote of confidence by the AFL club last week when the Roos announced he'd signed a new deal tying him to the Kangaroos until the end of 2016.

Macmillan said the Kangaroos were confident of the direction they were headed in.

"We're all pretty close and its hard to explain, but I think we all have a good feeling about where were going and we have absolute confidence in Brad," Macmillan told the Roos website.

The 20-year-old played every game last year and is aiming to become more flexible and diverse in 2013.

Macmillan said he planned on playing a bigger role in the team and had a clear sense of his aims.

"Last year was about laying some groundwork and learning the basics of the game, and that's given me some confidence," he said.

"I'm the kind of guy who never really feels settled, but from day one of pre-season I've had some really clear goals about what I wanted to do and how I wanted to improve."

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Giant out with punctured lung

Young GWS defender Matt Buntine lies on the ground after being hurt in a marking contest. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

YOUNG Greater Western Sydney defender Matt Buntine will miss eight weeks after suffering a punctured lung in the NAB Cup.

Buntine was crunched by Carlton forward Levi Casboult at Blacktown yesterday and was immediately taken to Blacktown Hospital, where he had his lung drained.

He also suffered a broken rib and is now recovering in Westmead Hospital.

"It is unfortunate for Matt who has had a strong pre-season. But we are confident he will make a full recovery and look forward to him returning to the team and playing a key role for the Giants," GWS football manager Graeme Allan said.

He said co-captain Callan Ward would be available for the Giants' clash against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night after missing the first round of the NAB Cup with a minor knee injury.

Meanwhile, Giants coach Kevin Sheedy says he won't rush the development of his AFL side.

Sheedy noted GWS have the makings of an "absolutely magnificent team" after they posted a maiden win over cross-city rivals Sydney in a pre-season clash at Blacktown.

While Sheedy was all smiles, he noted the club was still aiming for long-term sustainable success.

"Clubs in a hurry have accidents," Sheedy said.

"You've seen that in the last few years in the AFL, they muck up by rushing their decisions.

"Rushing to want to be good, rushing to try and find the edge.

"Sometimes the edge is your own spirit, soul and talent."

GWS's 24-point victory over Sydney came after the Giants were left feeling "very, very annoyed with themselves" after going down to Carlton by two points.

The shock upset added another layer of intrigue to the opening-round Sydney derby on March 30 at ANZ Stadium.

"Teams are going to improve and GWS showed they've improved a lot and they really want to compete," Swans midfielder Luke Parker said.

"That's what we didn't do tonight.

"I guess their attack on the ball was always up there, but they were very attacking and used a lot of hands through the middle and they were doing it pretty well tonight.

"The thing is, we let them. We didn't have the pressure we normally put on them. So it made it a lot easier for them."

GWS lost both of their derby clashes in 2012, by an average of 78.5 points, and Sheedy was looking forward to seeing how far his side had come.

"It's a game that's actually going to change the state of football in NSW, for sure," Sheedy said.

"Because what our players are starting to feel is that we're not that far away, really, from any of the sides.

"I know we've got a bit of a way to go, but the growth of this team over the summer has been enormous.

"I've been around football a long time and I've seen the great Richmond sides play, and obviously coached the great Bombers sides.

"Get on early because this side is going to be an absolutely magnificent team."

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AFL boss leads crackdown on injections

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou says the league will implement ''very serious measures'' to outlaw any questionable medical practices at clubs. Source: Herald Sun

EXCLUSIVE: THE AFL will ban the use of injections - other than painkillers - in a significant crackdown on doping.

Chief executive Andrew Demetriou has pledged the AFL will outlaw any questionable medical practices at clubs as the league vows to restore the trust some fans have lost in the game in a tumultuous off-season.

"Rogue" elements in and around clubs - whether they are players, staff or hangers-on - will be driven out.

Surveillance will be increased with a "substantial investment".

Club doctors will be required to be involved in all treatments of players, cutting out the risk of any unauthorised use of external people.

And the injection of all supplements will be banned.

Read the full interview with Andrew Demetriou

Asked if the AFL intended to stop sports science staff from conducting injections on players, potentially in the stomach, Mr Demetriou said: "Absolutely."

Outlining the crackdown, he said: "There will be a ban on IV at clubs, not just on game day.

"We are implementing some very, very serious measures to restore the treatment of players under one person and that is the club doctor.

"There is an audit going on of all supplements.

"We have got our AFL medical officers sitting down with club doctors, reviewing practices, particularly the use of external people.

"There is going to be a restriction on the use of injections.

"Painkilling injections have a legitimate use, but we will limit the use of injections."

The AFL introduced a rule a decade ago that banned clubs from using IV drips within 24 hours of a match.

It came about after the Brisbane Lions were using IV drips at half-time of its games in 2001.

Mr Demetriou was adamant the AFL should also restore more power into the hands of AFL club doctors instead of sports science staff members.

And in a wide-ranging interview with Sunday Herald Sun columnist Shane Crawford, he revealed he wanted clubs to monitor the people who could put the code's integrity at risk.

"We have drawn a line in the sand," he said.

"We are going to put a stop to rogue elements at clubs and the insidious nature of some individuals who are trying to spoil it for the rest of the code.

"It is only a handful of people but it can cause significant damage.

"The public are entitled to be questioning the values of the code because they are wondering about it given what has happened with Melbourne, Adelaide and Essendon (investigations).

"I have said the issues of values, principles and ethics in the code are absolute non-negotiables."

Mr Demetriou said clubs had been provided a "road map" of warning signs: "Things like ex-players, anti-ageing clinics, gyms and tattoo parlours".

On increased surveillance, he said: "We are investing more in data-based management, surveillance and intelligence gathering."

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Lions and Suns shine against Hawks

Gold Coast Suns midfielder Harley Bennell in the NAB Cup opener against Hawthorn. Picture: Chris Hyde. Source: Getty Images

QUEENSLAND'S two AFL sides bundled Hawthorn out of NAB Cup contention at Metricon Stadium last night.

The Lions join Collingwood and North Melbourne as the only three club to have won both games in the round robin format.

You can't read too much from two 20-minute matches, but both the Suns and Lions showed signs there is a chance they can build on the momentum they built at the end of last season.

The Suns smashed the Hawks in the clearances and contested possessions in the opening game which they won 4.6 (30) to 4.5 (29) with an after the siren point from Luke Russell.

But they remain highly dependent on skipper Gary Ablett and looked like a different side in his absence from the second game.

Brisbane motored through their hosts 2.6.3 (57) to 4.6.24 in the final game giving Michael Voss the perfect start to his 2013 campaign.

The encouraging sign for Suns coach Guy mcKenna is his side has clearly taken another step in its physical development.

They no longer look like boys playing against men and were able to match both Brisbane and the Hawks physically. They weren't outmuscled by the Lions they were just outplayed.

Their two new faces look ready to step into the AFL in round one.

Jesse Lonergan adapted to senior footy with ease and Jaeger O'Meara also showed he was in the Suns' best side.

Like most footy fans Ablett is excited at the prospect of O'Meara's entry into the AFL this season.

He demonstrated his undoubted class in the 2012 NAB Cup and he showed last night he is more than ready for the physical demands of senior footy.

"He did really well, he played the role we asked of him and we're really pleased," Ablett said.

"He didn't kick any goals tonight but he cracked in which is what we wanted and he made his presence felt, the goals will come there is no doubt about that."

Brisbane's decision to recruit Brent Moloney apears to have paid immediate dividends.

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Jacobs commits to Crows' cause

Sam Jacobs awaits the ball during an Adelaide Crows training session. Source: The Advertiser

CROWS lead ruckman Sam Jacobs has confirmed he is committed to a long-term contract extension at Adelaide.

Jacobs, 25 in April, will sign a three-year extension keeping him at West Lakes until the end of 2016.

The former Carlton player pre-empted official announcements from Adelaide by taking to Twitter today.

He Tweeted team-mate Patrick Dangerfield saying: "Great to join your ranks in hanging round for a long time.''

Dangerfield last year signed a three-year contract extension.

But Jacobs suggests there is a significant difference in his deal when compared to the big-grossing Dangerfield: "Not $$$ though.''

Jacobs has been held back in the Adelaide pre-season as the Crows manage their senior players.

He is expected to appear for the first time on Saturday when Adelaide plays Geelong in the NAB Cup at SKilled Stadium.

Jacobs was added to the Crows' leadership group this season.

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Replay: Blues win big in Blacktown

It is Mick Malthouse's first game as coach of Carlton. Can he start off on a winning note? Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

IT was Mick Malthouse's first match as coach of the Blues. Replay our live coverage from tonight's NAB Cup matches featuring Carlton, Sydney and GWS Giants at Blacktown here.

7:51pm AEDT - GWS Giants 7.10 (52) defeated Sydney Swans 1.3.1 (28)

IT is only the NAB Cup, but the GWS Giants will take it.

The fledgling AFL club gets its first win over the Sydney Swans at Blacktown, which is a great confidence booster for their impressive array of young kids.

So much to like about how the Giants went about it.

While for the Swans, it wasn't difficult to notice they are well behind in their preparation for Round 1.

That is what happens when you are the reigning premier and start your pre-season one month after other clubs.

But they had a stack of stars out and won't be too fussed with that.

7:34pm AEDT - GWS Giants 4.8 (32) lead Sydney Swans 1.1.1 (16)

WE'RE into the second half and it looks like the Giants are going to get a win over their cross-city rivals.

The young guns of the Giants have been inspired and look hungrier for the win.

Giant Toby Greene is best on ground to date.

But there is still over 10 minutes remaining and both sides look tired.

The Giants can't afford to ease up.

7:15pm AEDT - GWS Giants lead Sydney Swans 2.5 (17) to Sydney Swans 1.0 (6)

GREAT opening from the Giants, who kicked the first two goals of the match.

Mark Whiley and Gerald Ugle were the goalkickers.

Ryan O'Keefe replies to keep the Swans within touch.

6:40pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 3.6 (24) lost to Carlton 1.5.7 (46)

GREAT showing by Carlton, who will come away from Blacktown with the two wins.

They looked quite shaky against the Giants, but the performance against Carlton was outstanding.

Came out hard and never gave the flat Swans a sniff.

Big Shaun Hampson, Brock McLean and Marc Murphy did the damage in the middle.

New Carlton coach Mick Malthouse back in his element. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

6:30PM AEDT - Sydney Swans 2.4 (16) trail Carlton 1.4.7 (40)

THE Swans are finally on the board.

Tommy Walsh booted their first from a set shot not long into the second half.

Then Alex Jackson received a 50 metre penalty and kicked their second.

There will be no great comeback, however.

Carlton all over them.

Swan Sam Reid takes a good mark against Carlton. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

6:15pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 0.2 (2) trail Carlton 1.4.5 (38) at HALF-TIME

BIG man Shaun Hampson joins the Carlton party as he kicks a goal just before half-time.

At half-time, the vistors lead by 36 points as the rain starts to bucket down at Blacktown.

After a shaky performance against the Giants in the opener, the Blues have put their foot to the floor against the reigning premier.

The Swans are missing a bevy of stars, but the players on the park are struggling to get their hands on it.

Premiership hangover, anyone?

Carlton's Shaun Hampson tries to put his boot into it. Source: Getty Images

6:02pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 0.0 (0) trail Carlton 1.3.3 (30)

IT is all Carlton here.

Levi Casboult, who kicked the winner against the Giants, extended the lead to 20 points.

Then Tom Bell kicked a monster nine-point goal from 65 metres out on the run.

Sydney have barely touched the footy here.

Mick Malthouse would be very pleased with this showing to date.

Blues coach Mick Malthouse speaks to players at half-time of the clash against GWS Giants. Source: Getty Images

5:57pm AEDT - Sydney Swans 0.0 (0) trail Carlton 2.1 (13)

CARLTON are on the board nice and early against the Swans.

David Ellard gets on the end of a string of handballs to kick the opener.

It was followed up straight away by Eddie Betts, who exploded through the centre to kick a stunning goal on the run.

They are nice and warmed up now, the Blues.

5:31pm AEDT- GWS Giants 5.2 (32) lost to Carlton 4.10 (34)

HEARTBREAK for the GWS Giants as Carlton win by two points.

Levi Casboult nailed a tough set shot with 30 seconds remaining to take the lead.

The Giants controlled the match, but the Blues were able to gain some momentum late in the match and it was enough to get the win.

Terrific comeback by Carlton as MicK Malthouse gets a win in his first match in control.

Carlton will now back up against reigning premier Sydney.

Lachie Whitfield takes a mark over Carlton's Mitch Robinson. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

5:27pm AEDT - GWS Giants lead 5.2 (32) to 3.9 (27)

THE Blues are back.

Rowe kicked his second and that was followed up by Shaun Hampson, who made no mistake from a set shot after receiving a dubious free kick.

Can the Giants hang on?

Giant Anthony Miles gets away from Carlton's Levi Casboult. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

5:17pm AEDT- GWS Giants leader 5.2 (32) to Carlton 1.9 (15)

WELCOME to GWS, Stephen Gilham.

The Giants have skipped further ahead through the former Hawthorn defender, who made no mistake from a set shot.

Only the NAB Cup but a few concerns for Carlton.

There was no forward structure to speak of at this stage.

Blue Mitch Robinson in action against GWS Giants. Source: Getty Images

5pm AEDT - GWS Giants 4.1 (25) lead Carlton 1.6 (12) at HALF-TIME

The Giants are taking the game on here and it is showing.

Jonathon 'General' Patton looks a million bucks after a summer in the gym. He has kicked three goals and the Blues have no answer for him.

Liam Sumner has also kicked one for the home side and they lead by 13 points at half-time.

No one putting their hand up for the Blues.

Bryce Gibbs, Brock McLean and Chris Yarran are their leading possession winners to half-time.

Phil Davis (centre) and Stephen Gilham (right) of the Giants compete with Levi Casboult (left). Source: Getty Images

4:45pm AEDT - GWS Giants 1.0 (6) trails Carlton 1.3 (9)

A BAD mistake by Matthew Watson has seen the Giants kick the first game of the match.

As the ball bounced towards the GWS goal, Watson overran the ball - allowing big Jonathon Patton to run to it and kick the opener.

Carlton blew a number of early chances before San Rowe kicked the first goal for the Blues.

In first game since recovering from chemotherapy, Rowe slotted it home from a set shot.

Both teams still finding their feet in the early going.

New Carlton coach Mick Malthouse with his arch rival Kevin Sheedy. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

4:15pm AEDT-

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of today's NAB Cup clash from Blacktown.

It is Mick Malthouse's first game as Carlton coach and he will be looking for an instant response from his new players, who will all be looking to make an impression.

First up will be the Giants and the Blues at 4:40pm.

No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield will be making his debut for the Giants and he will be one to watch.

Follow the coverage with us right here!

SCHEDULE

Giants v Blues 4.40pm AEDT
Swans v Blues 5.45pm AEDT
Giants v Swans 6.50pm AEDT

FOLLOW NICK SMART ON TWITTER: @NickSmart85

16.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Why equality serves all

Peter Gordon says we need to fashion a competition where every game is an adventure of interest and the result unpredictable. Picture: Stuart Walmsley Source: Herald Sun

AN odd part of my past is that, as Footscray's AFL director in the early 1990s, I seconded the AFL board resolution to admit the Adelaide Football Club into the national competition.

(I've been quiet about this since the 1997 Crows-Dogs preliminary final.)

The Crows have been a great success.

They stand alongside the Eagles, Dockers, Power, Giants, Suns, Lions and the Swans as franchises forged, fashioned or remoulded by the AFL as part of a grand and unique Australian-designed premier sporting competition.

Think about that.

Eight clubs - almost half the competition - are the creation in whole or in part of the AFL itself.

By diverting and prioritising financial resources, it has given effect to a national design much greater than the sum of its parts.

The AFL equalisation debate will have some representatives of larger AFL franchises decrying the threat of football socialism. Those clubs will have fans asking "why should we support smaller clubs to get better and be more competitive?" It's the wrong question.

The right question is, "how should the AFL distribute the money the game raises to best build the game?"

The best way is to fashion a competition where every game is an adventure of interest and the result unpredictable. How not to do it is to allow a code to evolve where some clubs are permitted to leverage larger fan bases to trample smaller franchises in predictable 20-goal whitewashes.

Probably, it's just human nature for presidents, CEOs and many fans to want to cannibalise smaller clubs in search of more and more premiership success.

But it's no way to run a billion-dollar corporation. Nor is it any way for the AFL to position itself for the real market competition - against the NRL, soccer and the litany of other sports and entertainment options that AFL consumers will get to choose from in coming years.

Rounds of football in which five out of nine weekly games are over before the first bounce will be played in empty stadiums and with TV cameras that might as well be off because no one will be watching or advertising.

A recurrently even competition is the best way. Recurrent onfield evenness is, like it or not, most significantly influenced by evenness of football spend.

Some of the best evidence comes from the NFL in the US. Its evenness and unpredictability of result mantra is encapsulated in the expression "any given Sunday".

Private owners in the NFL, the world's biggest sporting competition, whose main aim is franchise profit, achieve this by centralising revenues and distributing them to achieve a competition where, on any given Sunday, any team can win. A mind-boggling 70 per cent of NFL revenue is shared.

US TV networks bid billions of dollars for the rights because pretty much every game is a blockbuster.

You'll hear lots of views in the next few weeks from different clubs and their sectional interests.

That's their job. I have mine, too - and they will be obvious to you.

Peter Gordon is the Western Bulldogs' President

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New Dees ready for judgement

Chris Dawes leads out the Demons ahead of their NAB Cup against North Melbourne. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Chris Dawes marks the ball ahead of Luke Delaney. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

CHRIS Dawes has urged Melbourne supporters to judge his team as a collective and not as a bunch of new players cobbled together this off-season.

The Demons squad for matches against North Melbourne and Richmond last night contained five draftees, five recycled players and Jesse Hogan, the club's GWS mini-draft pick unable to play senior footy until next season.

Dawes said it was OK to get excited about the club's new talent throughout the NAB Cup, but how those players come together as a team for the season proper is all that really counts.

"There's probably slightly more new players than a regular intake each year,'' Dawes said.

"But let's also not forget that the majority of the team is who was there 12 months ago.

"At this time of year you focus on what's new, the changes, but once the season gets underway it'll be forgotten about pretty quickly that there are new faces and we'll just be judged on our performances rather than how long we've been at the club.''

Speaking at the club's family day at Luna Park this morning, Dawes said the form of father-son selection Jack Viney and top draft pick Jimmy Toumpas was encouraging.

"I didn't see much of the Richmond match because I only played the North game and was inside recovering, but it sounds like Jimmy Toumpas kicked a goal and was lively,'' he said.

North Melbourne finish the NAB Cup triple-header against Melbourne and Richmond undefeated while the Tigers prove too good for the Demons.

"He's a really classy ball user and a good decision maker. It sounds like he went OK and will be a good player.

"Viney, has that burst speed out of packs and is a pretty tough player too. There's a lot to get excited about and it was a good hit out for those two young boys.

"As well as preparing for Round 1 you hope that individuals can find some form and I was impressed with a number of our new players - older guys like (Shannon) Byrnes and (David) Rodan as well as young Jesse Hogan, Dean Kemp who I thought impressed as well."

Dawes, playing his first game for the Dees since making the off-season switch from Collingwood, said he was happy with his form.

But the forward conceded a calf niggle was still causing him some grief.

"The calf is OK. I probably would have played a little bit more game time ideally, but it was just one of those things, it was starting to tighten up.

"Had it been a normal season game I would have kept playing, but it was NAB (game) one, there was no need to push it at all.''

Melbourne plays Port Adelaide in Renmark next Sunday, a trip Dawes doesn't expect to make.

"I'm not even sure how many players we'll take there,'' he said.

"But I think the plan will probably be that I'll rest up next week and play the final two NAB Cup games.''

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Crows overrun Dockers in trial match

HOLDING ON: Fremantle's Clancee Pearce looks to outmark Adelaide's Sam Kerridge. Picture: Simon Cross Source: PerthNow

COMMITMENT: Adelaide forward Josh Jenkins crashes into the post as he tries to mark. Picture: Simon Cross Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE aren't concerned by game-ending injuries to Stephen Hill and Michael Walters in their five-point loss to Adelaide in today's trial match.

Hill copped an arm injury and Walters hurt an ankle but neither ailments were serious, Dockers coach Ross Lyon said.

The Crows, fielding five more players, over-ran the Dockers to win 13.11 (89) to 13.6 (84) at a heat-baked AAMI Stadium.

Adelaide used 30 players and their numerical advantage proved decisive in the result, particularly as Fremantle lost Walters and Hill during the game.

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Walters limped from the ground in the second quarter and Hill, who had off-season shoulder surgery, favoured his left arm when departing in the third term.

But Lyon was unfazed.

"(Walters) just had a niggle in an ankle and then he got a cork on his calf so we just tapped him out, the same as Hill," Lyon said.

"Hill had a bit of a numb arm for a minute and was just a bit vulnerable, he's pretty important to us so we tapped him out.

"He had a bit of a dead arm but he had full strength, which is a really good sign."

The Dockers booted the initial six goals and led by 35 points at halftime.

But they wilted in the 34 degree temperature as Adelaide's pre-arranged advantage in player numbers took effect - though it took the Crows until the 21st minute of the final quarter to take the lead.

Fremantle veteran Kepler Bradley had a set shot from 35 metres out with 15 seconds remaining to tie the final scores, but missed.

Lyon said he was missing eight of his top 22 but prime movers David Mundy and Nat Fyfe were influential in their first outings this pre-season.

Mundy gathered 17 disposals over four quarters while Fyfe collected 19 touches in three terms.

The dynamic duo helped Michael Barlow (27 possessions) and Tendai Mzungu (20 disposals, two goals) form a dominant midfield for the Dockers.

Adelaide's Brodie Martin kicked three goals, Josh Jenkins and Lewis Johnston both booted two and defenders Matthew Jaensch and Richard Tambling were among the Crows' best with 18 possessions each.

ADELAIDE 1.3 4.4 9.10 13.11 (89)
FREMANTLE 6.2 10.3 11.4 13.6 (84)

Goals: Adelaide - B Martin 3; L Johnston, J Jenkins, T McIntyre 2; R Henderson, T Lynch, I Callinan, S McKernan.
Fremantle - H Crozier, T Mzungu 2; M Walters, N Suban, D Mundy, Z Clarke, L Spurr, T Sheridan, L Neale, N Fyfe, C Pearce.
Best: Adelaide - M Jaensch, R Tambling, B Crouch, B Martin, S McKernan, C Ellis-Yolmen.
Fremantle - M Barlow, J Crichton, T Mzungu, D Mundy, Z Clarke, H Crozier, N Fyfe.
Umpires: L Hanssen, S Hay, C Bowen, C DeBoy.
 

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LIVE: Suns v Hawks

Jaeger O'Meara is looking forward to his debut season. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

FOLLOW all the action from tonight's NAB Cup matches featuring Gold Coast, Hawthorn and Brisbane at Metricon Stadium.

7.57pm - Bennell gives Suns the edge
Gold Coast 0.2.3 (15)
Hawthorn 0.1.3 (9)

GOLD Coast playmaker Harley Bennell has given the Suns an edge against Hawthorn at Metricon Stadium.

The Suns wasted a couple of early chances but enter Bennell, who with two kicks of the football, has given the Suns some breathing space.

Bennell kicked his first running into an open goal before marking about 35m out on a slight angle for his second.

Karmichael Hunt has been busy early collecting six disposals.

7.47pm - Suns waste early chances
Gold Coast 0.0.1 (1)
Hawthorn 0.1.1 (7)

POOR kicking has cost Gold Coast a dream start against Hawthorn at Metricon Stadium.

And the Hawks have made them pay with Luke Breust waltzing in for the first goal of the match.

The Suns have had all the play early wasting two gettable shots on goal in the opening minutes of play.

Steve May has been impressive early taking two marks. But May's shot for goal left  a lot to be desired, hitting the man on the mark.

May was again in the action a couple of minutes later pin-pointing enforcer Campbell Brown about 30mins out on a slight angle.

But Brown, instead of going back and slotting an easy goal, opted for a Steve Johnson-style snap which only barely registered a behind.

PRE-GAME: HAWTHORN will be looking to open its NAB Cup campaign in style against Gold Coast in game of the triangular series starting at 7.40pm AEDT.

The Hawks boast a strong side despite missing key midfielders Sam Mitchell, Shaun Burgoyne, Brad Sewell and skipper Luke Hodge.

Tweet your thoughts about tonight's games to @gilbertgardiner or @superfooty

Spearhead Lance Franklin is expected to play his role in tonight's matches alongside forwards Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust, Jack Gunston and goalsneaks Paul Puopolo and Shane Savage.

Gold Coast too will have plenty to prove with skipper Gary Ablett set to open his campaign tonight.

The Suns are missing key back Nathan Bock, on the comeback trail from a broken leg last year, Brandon Matera, Danny Stanley and Trent McKenzie.

But all eyes will be on Jaeger O'Meara ready to make his presence felt after spending 12 months in the Gold Coast system.

O'Meara was drafted as a 17-year-old access selection and spent last year in the reserves developing body and skills for the rigours of senior football.

Hawthorn defender Brian Lake will also step out for the first time in brown and gold after 197 games with the Western Bulldogs.

SCHEDULE

Suns v Hawks 7.40pm AEDT
Lions v Hawks 8.45pm AEDT
Suns v Lions  9.50pm AEDT

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

16.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Late fade-outs cost us: Cross

Western Bulldogs veteran Daniel Cross says the club is paying for late fade-outs. Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

LATE quarter AFL let-downs have already returned to haunt the Western Bulldogs.

The club has identified its failure in "red-time'' areas with minutes on the clock as a major problem - and last week's pre-season cup hit-out highlighted the same headaches.

Veteran midfielder Daniel Cross said after a gruelling extended training session on Friday that the Bulldogs needed to fix the glaring problem quickly.

Last week, the Dogs failed badly in the opening round of the pre-season cup against both Collingwood and Essendon.

"I think the main things were late in quarters where we let ourselves down again,'' Cross said.

"It became a bit of a trend last year. I think that was the one thing that stood out.

"Concentration levels, being selfless for each other, probably cost us wins but definitely closing the the margins in the end.

"Those red-time areas we need to sharpen up in.''

But he was confident the team would learn as they began playing together with a new-look side during the premiership season.

"We've got new players in the group,'' Cross said. "That's the thing with NAB Cup - you don't have everyone out there who will be playing together all the time.

"Different squads playing together can affect you at times.''

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Hawks play Hodge safe

Hawthorn is taking no risks with captain Luke Hodge. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN is prepared for captain Luke Hodge to miss the start of the AFL regular season if that helps him avoid last year's injury dramas.

The star utility was plagued by calf and knee injuries and only managed 10 games last season.

His start to the pre-season was delayed by knee surgery.

Coach Alastair Clarkson said Hodge was progressing well in his training, while the player himself hopes to be ready for the round one blockbuster against arch rivals Geelong.

"He's travelling okay and he's stepped up his training over the last two or three weeks,'' Clarkson said.

"He'll do even more so in the next two to three weeks as well.

"We're not going to rush him - round one isn't necessarily the focus for some of the older players on your list.''
Hodge is among several players who will miss Saturday's round-one pre-season cup fixture on the Gold Coast against the Suns and Brisbane.

Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis, Brad Sewell and Shaun Burgoyne are also not in the team.

But the lineup features Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli, who missed the Indigenous All Stars game against Richmond earlier this month because of injury.
`
"We want to take a healthy group into our round-one game against Geelong,'' Clarkson said.

"If our more experienced players are part of that, great - if they're not, then we're not too concerned about it.''
Franklin's AFL future will be a topic for the rest of the season after he decided to postpone his contract talks with the club.

Clarkson is confident the issue will not affect the Hawks.

"I continue to treat `Bud' with the same attitude that I do with the rest of the players - that's what is critical in terms of the way we manage him,'' Clarkson said.

Former Western Bulldogs fullback Brian Lake will also make his Hawthorn debut on Saturday.
Clarkson said the immediate goal was making sure the key defender is fit and ready for round one, ahead of making sure he adapts properly to how Hawthorn's defence works.

"It doesn't necessarily mean he has to be up and going and full conducive to the way we play by round one,'' Clarkson said.

"It might take him until round 12 or longer - I'm not too sure.

"I'm sure if we get his body right, then he'll be a really good contributor for us - hopefully for a good two or three years.''

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Danger, Sloane open campaigns

Adelaide Crows in pre-season training, from left, Nathan Van Berlo, Rory Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE is calling back some - but not all - of its big guns for Saturday's home trial against Fremantle.

After resting nine first-choice players from the NAB Cup openers, the Crows will put into action captain Nathan van Berlo, fellow midfielders Rory Sloane and Patrick Dangerfield and unleash key forward Taylor Walker.

Midfielder Bernie Vince also has been cleared from the injury list after shoulder surgery in the summer.

But lead ruckman Sam Jacobs, club champion Scott Thompson, forward Jason Porplyzia and experienced defenders Brent Reilly and Ben Rutten will be held back as Adelaide protects its senior players for the long premiership campaign.

Walker's return to action will give Adelaide the first chance to develop an attack that this season has to deal with the defection of Kurt Tippett to Sydney.

The trial begins at 11.30. Adelaide will work 26 players with flexibility considering the 37C heat forecast at West Lakes.

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LIVE: Kangaroos v Demons

North Melbourne ruckman Majak Daw provided the first highlight of the match with a strong mark backing into a pack. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

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

FOLLOW all the action from tonight's NAB Cup matches featuring North Melbourne, Richmond and Melbourne from Etihad Stadium.

8.05pm - Jack gives Tigers the lead

Richmond 0.1.1 (7)
Melbourne 0.0.0 (0)

RICHMOND has drawn first blood against Melbourne with Jack Riewoldt converting a set shot early in the first half.

Riewoldt also had the chance to kick a second goal but missed his right foot snap from deep in the pocket.

Steven Morris and Robbie Nahas have been busy for the Tigers while Joel MacDonald and Jack Watts lead the Demons in possessions.

New Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin won the toss.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

7.42pm - North hangs on against Dees

North Melbourne 1.4.5 (38)
Melbourne 0.5.6 (36)

NORTH Melbourne has hung on for a two-point victory in game one of tonight's NAB Cup triangular series against Melbourne.

But it wasn't without a bit of help from the Demons who missed several golden opportunities to steal victory.

Mature-aged recruit Dean Kent made a blunder of sorts converting a set shot from 50m instead of looking to dish off for a possible super goal.

Kent marked about 45m from home but had no one within range for handball for the potential match-winning play a la Geelong last week.

Cats star Jimmy Bartel marked close to the siren last week and dished off to a waiting Joel Selwood who converted the super goal to hand West Coast a first up loss.

Ben Jacobs was among the Kangaroos best along with Sam Wright and Majak Daw who showed glimpses of what's to come.

Melbourne was well served by Nathan Jones, Jesse Hogan and Nathan Jones.

The Demons return to take on Richmond from 7.50pm.

Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

7.29pm - North piles on the pressure

North Melbourne 1.4.4 (37)
Melbourne 0.4.5 (29)

JEREMY Howe has helped Melbourne claw its way back into the contest against North Melbourne with back-to-back goals.

Howe made no mistake from sets shots 20m out directly in front to cut the margin to three points.

But North responded with Drew Petrie making the most of a Demon Tom McDonald's fumble close to goal soccering through his first of the night.

7.24pm - North piles on the pressure

North Melbourne 1.3.3 (30)
Melbourne 0.2.2 (14)

NORTH Melbourne is threatening to break its NAB Cup match against Melbourne open with Robbie Tarrant kicking the opening goal of the second half.

Tarrant took a strong mark deep inside 50 and made no mistake from a slight angle.

But it's not all good news for the Roos with Sam Wright forced off the field after heavy knocks.

Wright has heavy strapping on his right shoulder which looked to cop the brunt of the hits.

7.17pm - Hogan keeps Dees in touch

North Melbourne 1.2.3 (24)
Melbourne 0.2.2 (14)

MELBOURNE youngster Jesse Hogan has shown glimpses of what's to come in hotly contested first half against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

Hogan kept the Dees within striking distance with a cracking late goal from deep in the forward pocket.

The mini-draftee, not eligible to play senior football until 2014, bodied Kangaroos defender Scott McMahon off the ball before going back and slotting the goal on his right boot.

But North Melbourne dominated the play in the first half with goals to Lindsay Thomas, Ben Jacobs (super goal) and Lachie Hansen setting up a nine-point lead at the main break.

Jacobs has been busy early setting up the Kangaroos' first goal finding Thomas deep inside 50.

The former Port Adelaide defender then got on the end of an Andrew Swallow handball en route to kicking a 60m goal on the run.

Hard-nosed Demon Nathan Jones is the leading possession winner on the ground with 10.

Father-son recruit Jack Viney has also been busy.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

7.05pm - Majak start for Roos

North Melbourne 1.2.21 (23)
Melbourne 0.1.2 (8)
NORTH Melbourne recruit Ben Jacobs has made a flying start to life in blue and white stripes involved in both first half goals.

Jacobs gave the Roos an eight-point buffer early in the half with a super goal from 60m.

The former Port Adelaide defender also set up the Kangaroos' first goal hitting Lindsay Thomas on the chest inside-50.

Thomas made no mistake from the set shot.

Kangaroos forward Lachie Hansen made it a 15-point margin converting his set shot from 30m out on a slight angle.

Exciting Kangaroos ruckman Majak Daw has been solid early taking a strong mark floating across half back.

With eyes only for the football, Daw drifted back into the pack taking the grab.

He also find skipper Andrew Swallow with a deft touch to help set up Jacobs' goal.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

6.55pm - Kangas, Dees slow to start

North Melbourne 0.1. 1 (7)
Melbourne 0.1.2 (8)

MELBOURNE has drawn first blood with Jack Watts kicking a goal from directly in front.

Watts capped off a nice five minute burst by the Dees which included an errant kick for goal by midfielder Colin Sylvia.

Sylvia missed a golden opportunity to give the Dees the edge when he missed from 30m out.

But North Melbourne responded with Lindsay Thomas answering the challenge marking deep inside 50 and making no mistake.

Demon father-son prospect Jack Viney has made a solid start picking up early possessions in the midfield.

PRE-GAME: NORTH Melbourne will be out to continue an impressive week for the club when it takes on Melbourne in game one of tonight's triangular series.

The Kangaroos, fresh off re-signing Shaun Atley today, boast a strong list for the clash against a Demons outfit littered with exciting young guns and experienced recruits from rival clubs.

SCHEDULE
North Melbourne v Melbourne 6.45pm AEDT
Melbourne v Richmond 7.50pm AEDT
Richmond v North Melbourne 8.55pm AEDT

Atley's commitment follows the news of coach Brad Scott, Jack Ziebell and Daniel Wells all inking contract extensions to remain at Arden Street.

But all eyes will be on Demons father-son recruit Jack Viney and No.4 pick Jimmy Toumpas who step out for the first time in the blue and red.

Melbourne also features a forward line bolstered with the addition of Chris Dawes and Shannon Byrnes.

Tweet your thoughts on tonight's matches to @gilbertgardiner or @superfooty

It will also be the first time former Kangaroos utility Cameron Pedersen lines up against his old side after forming part of a deal which saw Jordan Gysberts traded to North Melbourne.

Gysberts is one of a number of new faces on Kangaroos list which includes rebounding defender Ben Jacobs and developing ruckmen Daniel Currie and Majak Daw.

Veteran Brent Harvey is expected to play the majority of game time in both matches while no risks will be taken with Daniel Wells and Jack Ziebell.

Harvey is not eligible to play in the regular season until Round 7 after being suspended in the Kangaroos heavy elimination final loss against West Coast.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

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Scott, Wells ink new deals

North Melbourne looks set to extend coach Brad Scott's stay. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has re-signed coach Brad Scott and star midfielder Daniel Wells through to the end of 2016.

As exclusively revealed by the Sunday Herald Sun, the Kangaroos reached an agreement with Scott on a new deal late last year after he led the club to its first finals series since 2008.

Wells' contract extension all but ensures the 28-year-old 2002 No.2 pick will finish his career at Arden St.

Scott commended Wells and co-vice captain Jack Ziebell for inking contract extensions.

"To have players of the calibre of Daniel and Jack re-sign sends a great message to our supporters," Scott said.

"It's a vote of confidence that our players want to say here."

Kangaroos chief executive Carl Dilena said the club regarded Scott as the "best" young coach in football.

"His commitment to be part of the future of the club is exciting, and we are confident he is the man to take North Melbourne to its fifth premiership," Dilena told the club's website.

Scott took control of the Roos in 2010. He has won 35 of his 67 games as coach of the club, with a 52 per cent winning record.

After finishing ninth in his first two seasons as coach, last season the club won 14 games, including 10 of their last 13.

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Judd to miss NAB Cup opener

Carlton forward Andrew Walker runs laps with Chris Judd, Andrew Collins and Dennis Armfield. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON veteran Chris Judd has been ruled out for the Blues' NAB Cup mission north to face Sydney and the GWS Giants.

The dual Brownlow medallist is one of a number of senior players expected to miss games during the pre-season competition as new coach Mick Malthouse primes his troops for Round 1.

The Blues take on reigning premiers Sydney and the AFL's newest franchise, Greater Western Sydney, on Sunday at Skoda Stadium in Blacktown.

Sheedy expects fired up Malthouse

"You need to have your players in good form by Round 1, so the NAB Cup is very important. We're looking for winning form," Malthouse said today.

"Chris Judd won't play this week."

Malthouse said the Blues would implement a defensive game-plan honing in on the player's strengths.

"We've got certain strengths and we want them to come to the fore, so they'll be heavily promoted."

Meanwhile, Blues forward Andrew Walker expects plenty of improvement out of supremely talented teammate Bryce Gibbs.

The pair were partnered together during the pre-season to learn from each other's skill sets.

The high-flying forward is looking to improve on his delivery by foot while Gibbs is hoping to work on his endurance.

"He's (Gibbs) bulked right up but he is running better than I have ever seen him," Walker told SEN radio this morning.

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Gibbs ($509,800 def/mid) mixed his form during the Blues' ill-fated 2012 campaign which came to a crushing end at the hands of Gold Coast in the penultimate round of the home and away season.

"I think he may be 2-3kgs heavier than what he was last year but his running power has changed so much over the past 3-4 months."

Walker said training under Malthouse had helped him get his body right for the season.

"I've got a huge benefit out of Mick coming this year… I actually feel my body is 100 per cent and I'm ready for the first game.

"One of his (Malthouse) strengths is he sees things from a player's perspective, he understands that you can't be flogged 100 per cent of the time.

"He recognises that and if the time comes where he can see we need a rest or we need a freshen up – mentally – he's willing to give us some time.

"The boys might have been a little flat or blokes just starting to get sore and he just takes the initiative to maybe give the boys 24-hours off to recover so we come in feeling fresh mentally and physically two days later."

Walker endorsed Nick Duigan as a knockout chance of winning the Blues' captaincy race ahead of frontrunners Marc Murphy, Andrew Carrazzo and Kade Simpson.

"Everyone looks up to him, he speaks very well and trains the house down so he's a great leader."

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Sheedy expects fired up Malthouse

GWS coach Kevin Sheedy with No. 1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield, who is set to make his debut this weekend. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

THE reigning premiers and a power club revitalised by an old adversary - Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy couldn't have hoped for a better start to his 29th AFL season in charge.

GWS will test themselves against Carlton, now under the tutelage of Sheedy's old foe Mick Malthouse, and Sydney in Blacktown on Sunday.

The 65-year-old, who has squared off against Malthouse a staggering 46 times, has warned his young charges what to expect when their second season starts.

"I know Mick and he'll be really wired up and ready to go. That's him,'' Sheedy said.

"I explained that to my players - don't think he's going to come up here and not take the first round of the NAB Cup seriously.

"Because if you know Mick Malthouse, he's serious about everything he ever does.

"It's a great opportunity to find out where we are.''

 
Malthouse and Sheedy, counterparts who came to represent Essendon and Collingwood's Anzac Day rivalry, have been swapping barbs for over 20 years.

The VFL/AFL's two most experienced coaches outside Jock McHale will again square off on the weekend, with John Longmire, coach of reigning premiers Sydney, the man in the middle of Sunday's triple-header.

"Two of the most experienced and successful coaches that have ever been part of the game. So I'm very much the new kid on the block, and hopefully I learn a few things this weekend,'' Longmire said.

Sheedy, who took four seasons off between his storied stint at Essendon and new beginning at the Giants, said Malthouse would be a force in 2013 after his one-year break from coaching.

"He's a very good coach. His coaching record will tell you that, he'll be ready after 12 months off,'' Sheedy said of the man who has coached three premiership sides, one less than him.

"That (one year) is a lot shorter than what I had off , and he'll be ready to fire.''

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Pies remain hopeful on Thomas

Collingwood is holding out hope on Dale Thomas being ready for Round 1. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD still hope star utility Dale Thomas can play in Round 1, but only if there are no setbacks.

There is ongoing speculation about Thomas, who is returning from an ankle injury and is yet to resume full training.

Coach Nathan Buckley said he had not ruled out Thomas from the round-one match on March 31 against North Melbourne.

"But at the same time, we're not going to push a bloke to play round one when it's going to put undue risk on him to re-injure and then you lose him for another month,'' Buckley said.

"We'll make the decision based on how well he trains between now and when he comes back and when we pull the trigger on him.''

Thomas, Luke Ball, Alex Fasolo, Tyson Goldsack, Alan Toovey and Lachlan Keeffe have all had off-season injury issues.

Toovey and Fasolo could return to the side for next week's second-round NAB Cup match against West Coast in WA.

Ball, whose season last year was ruined by a knee reconstruction, is slightly ahead of Thomas in his training.

"Luke could drop into full training at any stage in the next week and Dale is probably a week away from doing warm-up and full training in a couple of weeks,'' Buckley said.

"If Daisy full-trains in a week's time, we're still a month out from round one.

"If he was able to achieve that, he'd be around the mark for round-one start.''

One player who has had no issues with pre-season training is Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan.

The Magpies banned Swan for two games late last season for breaking a club alcohol ban ahead of the finals.

He still finished third in the club best and fairest voting and remains one of the game's top midfielders.

The Magpies have been rapt not only with Swan's pre-season form, but also his attitude.

"He's invested, he's showing a real care for his team-mates and the environment that he's operating in,'' Buckley said.

"That can ebb and flow in individuals, as it can in teams.

"But we feel like we're in good shape at the moment.''

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Adcock to lead Lions with Brown

Stepping up: Jed Adcock, seen here in action last year, will lead the Lions with long-time skipper Jonathan Brown. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

BRISBANE defender Jed Adcock has been appointed Lions co-captain.

The 27-year-old will serve alongside long-time skipper Jonathan Brown in the Brisbane leadership group with young guns Daniel Rich and Tom Rockliff appointed as vice-captains.

Adcock has 141 career games to his name after making his senior debut in 2004.

He has regularly filled in as acting captain when Brown has been injured in recent years and his greater on-field experience gave him the edge over his captaincy rivals.

Adcock is the eighth player in the history of the Brisbane Lions to be appointed captain or co-captain.

"It's a huge honour. Massive,'' Adcock said.

"This club had a great tradition so to be recognised as a co-captain is a huge honour. Very proud.''

Senior coach Michael Voss said the new leadership structure was a good fit for the club.

"Jed has demonstrated outstanding leadership over his time at the Lions, and most specifically in his past four seasons as a vice-captain,'' Voss said.

"As we know, Brownie won't be around forever, and with Jed as co-captain, it will not only ease the load on Brownie but importantly they will both play a critical role in the continued development of Tom's and Daniel's leadership capabilities over the coming years.

"Jed is not only a leader on-field, he is an excellent representative of this footy club, and its culture and values.

"Tom and Daniel, as the deputies, are extremely capable young men who have shown maturity beyond their years in their short times at the club.''

Jed Adcock and Jonathan Brown will co-captain the Brisbane Lions in 2013. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

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Teams: Roos name Ziebell, Daw

Jack Ziebell at North Melbourne training. Picture: Darren Tindale Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne co-captain Jack Ziebell has been named in the Kangaroos squad for Friday's NAB Cup matches against Melbourne and Richmond.

Ziebell underwent a minor knee operation last month and was in doubt to make an appearance in the early rounds of the preseason competition.

The Kangaroos have also named recruits Ben Jacobs and Jordan Gysberts in a full-strength squad which includes developing ruckman Majak Daw.

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Mature-aged recruit Daniel Currie is the only untried Kangaroo to make the cut with 2012 National Draft picks Taylor Garner (15), Mason Wood (41) and Mitchell Wilkins (47) missing out.

Hard-nosed midfielder Leigh Adams remains the only senior Kangaroo on the sidelines.

Daniel Wells will be looking to continue his solid preseason form while Brent Harvey, suspended for the first six weeks of the regular season, is expected to play the bulk of game time.

Young guns Kieran Harper, Shaun Atley and Ben Cunnington will also be out to impress ahead of the home and away season.

MELBOURNE will unleash young guns Jimmy Toumpas and Jack Viney on Friday night at Etihad Stadium.

The Demons' 34-man squad includes mature-aged recruits Shannon Byrnes, Chris Dawes, David Rodan and Cameron Pedersen.

The NAB Cup triangular-series will be Dawes' first run in Demon strips after being rested for the club's practice match last week.

Meanwhile, mini-draft pick Jesse Hogan, 17, has been given permission to play in the NAB Cup.

The power forward, not eligible to play in the AFL until 2014, will play for Melbourne's VFL-affiliate Casey Scorpions during the regular season.

Usual suspects Jack Watts, Colin Sylvia, Jordie McKenzie, James Magner, Aaron Davey, Jeremy Howe and 2012 best and fairest award winner Nathan Jones are expected to take their spots in the starting line up.

RICHMOND star Trent Cotchin will step out as captain for the first time when the Tigers take on Melbourne in game two of Friday night's NAB Cup matches.

Cotchin replaced stalwart Chris Newman as skipper during the off-season.

The Tigers' squad includes ball magnets Brett Deledio, Shane Tuck and spearhead Jack Riewoldt.

Young gun Dustin Martin has also been named along with rebounding defenders Brandon Ellis and Bachar Houli.

The Tigers look set to unveil No.9 pick Nick Vlastuin, speedster Steven Verrier and mature-aged recruits Aaron Edwards (North Melbourne), Chris Knights (Adelaide), Ricky Petterd (Melbourne).

FIXTURE:

North Melbourne v Melbourne 6.45pm AEDT
Melbourne v Richmond 7.50pm AEDT
Richmond v North Melbourne 8.55pm AEDT

NORTH MELBOURNE

1. Daniel Currie, 2. Brad McKenzie, 3. Ryan Bastinac, 4. Liam Anthony, 5. Ben Jacobs, 6. Lachlan Hansen, 7. Jack Ziebell, 8. Daniel Wells, 9. Andrew Swallow, 10. Ben Cunnington, 11. Michael Firrito, 12. Lindsay Thomas, 14. Jordan Gysberts, 15. Luke Delaney, 16. Scott Thompson, 17. Nathan Grima, 18. Shaun Atley, 19. Sam Wright, 20. Drew Petrie, 22. Todd Goldstein, 23. Kieran Harper, 24. Levi Greenwood, 25. Robbie Tarrant, 28. Will Sierakowski, 29. Brent Harvey, 30. Tom Curran, 31. Cameron Delaney, 34. Jamie Macmillan, 35. Aaron Black, 38. Majak Daw, 41. Aaron Mullett, 42. Scott McMahon, 43. Sam Gibson, 46. Ben Speight

MELBOURNE

1. Jesse Hogan, 2. Nathan Jones, 4. Jack Watts, 5. Jimmy Toumpas, 6. Chris Dawes, 7. Jack Viney, 8. James Frawley, 10. Shannon Byrnes, 12. Colin Sylvia, 13. Jordie McKenzie, 14. Lynden Dunn, 15. David Rodan, 17. Sam Blease, 19. James Strauss, 20. Colin Garland, 21. Cameron Pedersen, 22. James Magner, 25. Tom McDonald, 26. Daniel Nicholson, 27. Tom Gillies, 28. Joel Macdonald, 30. James Sellar, 31. Jack Grimes, 32. Michael Evans, 34. Dean Kent, 36 Aaron Davey, 38. Jeremy Howe, 39. Neville Jetta, 40. Mark Jamar, 42. Jake Spencer, 45. Matt Jones, 46. Dean Terlich, 47. Tom Couch, 48. Jack Fitzpatrick

RICHMOND

1. Chris Newman, 3. Brett Deledio, 4. Dustin Martin, 5. Brandon Ellis, 6. Shaun Grigg, 7. Matt Dea, 8. Jack Riewoldt, 9. Trent Cotchin, 10. Shane Edwards, 11. Jake Batchelor, 12. David Astbury, 13. Ricky Petterd, 14. Bachar Houli, 15. Chris Knights, 16. Luke McGuane, 18. Alex Rance, 20. Ivan Maric, 21. Shane Tuck, 23. Daniel Jackson, 24. Ben Griffiths, 26. Robin Nahas, 27. Aaron Edwards, 29. Ty Vickery, 30. Reece Conca, 31. Nick Vlastuin, 35. Matt White, 36. Matt McDonough, 37. Orren Stephenson, 38. Steven Morris, 39. Tom Derickx, 43. Todd Elton, 44. Matthew Arnot, 45. Brett O'Hanlon, 49. Steven Verrier

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ASADA continues talks at Windy Hill

Essendon chairman David Evans has promised his members answers amid ASADA's investigations into the use of banned substances at the club. Source: Getty Images

THE Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority today met with Essendon players as part of its inquiry into the possible use of banned substances.

Essendon chairman David Evans said it was an important step in the investigation.

"ASADA outlined the process for the investigation to continue, including interviews with players to determine if a prohibited substance had been administered," Evans said in a statement.

"I know our members and the football community want answers, and I ask that the club be allowed time to cooperate with the ongoing investigation."

ASADA met with the players informing them about their rights and entitlements during probe into alleged use of banned supplements during the 2012 home and away season.

The investigation follows the release of a damning Australian Crime Commission report which found wide-spread use of performance enhancing drugs in Australian professional sporting codes.

MEANWHILE, the AFL has bolstered its integrity unit adding a new full-time employee to its ranks this week.

Two part-time employees will also be upgraded to full-time as part of the AFL's clamp down on the use of performance enhancing and illicit substances in the sport.

The integrity unit is set to conduct background checks of all AFL club employees, contractors and consultants in the coming weeks.

AFL medical directors will also begin meetings with club doctors to review practices and audit clubs' use of supplements and other treatments.

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