AFL won't be international sport

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says the code has no plans to go international. Source: Herald Sun

ANDREW Demetriou admits the AFL has no pretensions of becoming an international sport despite the initial success of their New Zealand venture.

The league's chief executive said St Kilda's three-year, five-game deal to host games in Wellington, which started with their Anzac Day clash against Sydney, was a sign of things to come on the overseas front.

But the aim is to please clubs' multi-national sponsors and raise the value of the AFL's international television rights, not set the scene for a more substantial form of global expansion.

"We are unashamedly an indigenous code," Demetriou told an American Chamber of Commerce function in Melbourne on Thursday.

"We don't purport to be anything else.

"We don't expect to grow internationally, it's not what we are, we're a bit like the NFL.

"But it is important when you're in a globalised world when most of our clubs, if not all of our clubs and ourselves, are sponsored by international sponsors ... you need to be thinking about playing games abroad."

Demetriou pointed to a 2008 pre-season game between Adelaide and Collingwood in Dubai, which he said was largely driven by the business interests of the clubs' respective sponsors Toyota and Emirates.

Magpies president Eddie McGuire has suggested a return to the United Arab Emirates to play for premiership points, although he indicated it would be dependent on scrapping the pre-season competition and extending the regular season.

"Then it opens up the possibility of playing a full-blooded game for points," McGuire told Abu Dhabi's The National newspaper recently.

Overseas games also feed into the AFL's recruiting aims - with talent identification programs in place in the United States and New Zealand - and potential revenue growth.

"Each year our international broadcast rights go up," Demetriou said.

"They may go up only marginally every year but at a point in time they may go up significantly."

The Saints' deal includes two home games in Wellington in each of the next two seasons, with hopes it will become a long-term tradition.

Demetriou said the Anzac Day game succeeded on every measure, with a crowd of 22,546, including at least 4500 travelling Australians, a number he said could have doubled had there been more flights available.

Overseas-born AFL players were also important to reflect Australian society, with the game "infinitely better" for the recent debut of North Melbourne's Sudanese-born big man Majak Daw.

"For our game to be strong it has to pass the mirror test. The people sitting on the other side of the fence have to see the same people on the field," Demetriou said.

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Malceski re-signs with Sydney

Catch me if you can: Sydney's Nick Malceski runs up the field after kicking the winning goal in the Grand Final. He's signed a new contract a the Swans. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

REBOUNDING defender Nick Malceski has resisted the lure of free agency to sign a one-year contract extension with Sydney.

Malceski was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the current season, but opted to re-sign with the reigning premiers until the end of 2014.

The 28-year-old, who kicked the goal that sealed Sydney's grand final win last year, has been one of the Swans' best in the opening six rounds of 2013.

Malceski's recommitment means the club will be unaffected by free agency for a second year in a row.

Stalwart Jude Bolton, who was weighing up retirement last year after winning his second premiership with Sydney, is the only Swan remaining on the league's free agency list.

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Dons drug had 'euphoric' effects

Former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank listed banned drugs on the consent forms given to Essendon players. Picture: James Croucher. Source: The Daily Telegraph

Macca cartoon. David McArthur cartoon. WINDY HILL. (David Evans. Essendon. Letters. Consent form. Reid letter. Ziggy report.)

THE controversial drug prescriped to Essendon players last season has "euphoric" effects but doesn't help weight loss, according to a researcher who conducted clinical trials.

Club documents obtained by the Herald Sun show some Essendon players were prescribed the anti-obesity drug AOD-9604 last season.

But Essendon last night insisted the consent forms did not prove any of its players used the substance, which is banned for use by athletes.

The forms signed by Bombers players and officials reveal key details of the supplements program at Windy Hill in 2012.

They show some players were recommended weekly injections of AOD-9604.

Injection schedules for Thymosin are also documented. Some types of Thymosin are banned by doping authorities.

The forms state that "all components of the intervention are in compliance with current WADA anti-doping policy and guidelines''.

An Essendon spokesman said last night: "It is a matter for ASADA to determine these matters.''

"The club certainly does not accept that the signing of the consent forms means that the supplements were administered, and this kind of speculation is just unnecessarily harmful to the players.''

Today, Adelaide University Chair of Medicine Professor Gary Wittert has revealed the results of a series of clinical trials of AOD-9604 in 2007.

Wittert led a team which conducted three human trials into AOD-9604 including a final three-month test.

"We designed a six-month study properly powered to look at the outcome of 'Would it be a drug suitable for weight loss?' and the outcome from that was a definitive no," Wittert told Adelaide news website INDAILY.

Pic gallery: Bomber beach boys

Wittert said after the trial he had "assumed the company had stopped developing the drug".

"Now it's been in some cream and just about every journalist has called it an anti-obesity drug, which it ain't – it's a failed anti-obesity drug at best."

Wittert said there was no clinical evidence that it helped with tissue repair or had any other benefit in people.

"However, when we gave it intravenously, we noticed that 60 per cent of people felt a euphoric effect, so (the company) and I patented it as an anti-depressant."

Mark Robinson: Confusion continues at Essendon

Wittert told INDAILY he didn't know why a football club would prescribe an unproven drug.

During the intravenous trial no person had more than three doses which were given at least a week apart.

The dosages and number of injections for individual Essendon players are detailed in their consent forms. Some players were recommended one injection a week for the whole 2012 season.

Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigators have begun grilling Essendon players on their participation in and knowledge of the club's supplements program.

Bombers chairman David Evans said this week his club had "never conceded that our players have been given banned substances in 2012''.

He said the club was becoming increasingly confident its players would escape penalties.

The consent forms appear to remove any doubt that at least one substance - AOD-9604 - prescribed to some players did fall outside anti-doping rules.

If issued with an infraction notice by ASADA, it will be up to lawyers for the players and the club to argue why this was not a breach.

In the wake of the report into the Essendon supplement scandal, James Hird speaks on the Bombers' preparation for its clash with Geelong.

It is known some Essendon players refused to be injected as part of the supplements program.

The signature of Dank appears on all the documents as well as that of a witness and the player the program was devised for.

The World Anti-Doping Agency has stated that AOD-9604, which is not approved for human use, is banned.

Asked about the status of Thymosin, an ASADA spokesman said last week: "The status of Thymosin in sport is dependent on the type of Thymosin ... for example, Thymosin Beta 4 has been prohibited under S2 of the WADA Prohibited List since at least 2011.''

Essendon has not said which type of Thymosin its players were recommended by Dank.

Melbourne biochemist Shane Charter has claimed Dank ordered the banned Thymosin Beta 4 from him last year.

Bombers re-sign 'champion' Heppell

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How Thomas turned it around

Kangaroo Lindsay Thomas has been on fire this year. Source: Herald Sun

HE has gone from being the goalsneak who struggled to hit the side of a barn to the sharpshooter leading the Coleman Medal.

And North Melbourne small forward Lindsay Thomas says the reason is nothing to do with different set-shot routines or overhauled kicking techniques.

It is all about what goes on between the ears.

"It's hard to believe, but I didn't change anything, really,'' Thomas said.

"The funny thing is I don't think I changed any part of my routine ... it was just about finding that inner belief.

"The first thing I had to do was actually acknowledge that I needed to do something about my kicking for goal. So I spoke to Tara (Kavanagh), who's the club psychologist and went through the challenges that I was facing.

"The way I saw it was that my football couldn't get any lower than it was, so the only way forward was to progress upwards."

That nadir came midway through 2011 when Thomas "got to the point where you didn't want the footy in your hands''.

He had kicked 17.29, 7.15 of them from set shots, and had lost confidence to such an extent that he was missing shots from the top of the goalsquare.

"It was pretty mentally draining,'' he said.

His coach Brad Scott said at the time: "We're well aware it's a (mental issue). He's a very good kick - very good kicks don't miss (shots like) that.''

Privately Scott approached Thomas and began the process of rebuilding a scarred psyche.

"I'm a confidence player,'' Thomas said, "and all that Brad said was, `Look, go back to the VFL and try to find that enjoyment in your footy'.

"So I went back for, I think, three weeks and kicked a few goals and then came back for the last three games of the year, and the turnaround started there.

"It had to. I just felt that I was letting my teammates down.''

With the help of Kavanagh, forwards coach Brett Allison and teammates Brent Harvey and Daniel Wells, Thomas realised that part of the problem was that he was putting so much pressure on himself not to miss.

He also had so many thoughts going through his mind while lining up that he wasn't concentrating on kicking the ball.

The key was to stay relaxed and focused rather than to change his run up or ball drop.

"I've got the utmost respect for Brad Scott,'' the 25-year-old said.

"He could have just dumped me and left me there to sort myself out, but he went back and played me and showed a lot of faith in me.

"Having a coach like that in my corner, well, it just meant that I love playing for him and love being part of his team.''

Thomas also devoted the next 18 months to "working my backside off on getting fitter and stronger.''

Becoming more powerful also meant that he was better at staying on his feet, helping to address another perceived flaw in his game: staging for free kicks.

Thomas said the coach told him at the end of 2011 that he was "a more damaging player when you keep your feet''.

"A few years ago he did talk to me about it, but not recently,'' Thomas said.

"If he said I needed to pull back, then I would. He's the only person I really need to listen to. Him and the other coaches and my teammates. But Brad has told me that he's loving the way I'm playing my footy at the minute.''

From the opening six games of this season Thomas has kicked 23.8 - a conversion rate of 74 per cent - and he heads the league's goalkicking table.

If he is still there after Round 23 he will be the first small forward to win the Coleman Medal since Hawthorn's Leigh Matthews in 1975 with 67 goals.

But Thomas has learned not to waste his time over-thinking.

Rather, he trains his mind to what is in front of him, in this case the game against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium tomorrow.

"It's always good to snag a few early in the season,'' Thomas chuckled.

"It's good for the confidence.''

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Scully best I've played with: Ward

Callan Ward (right) says Tom Scully does the hard stuff as well as anyone. Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

GREATER Western Sydney captain Callan Ward rates teammate Tom Scully as the best defensive footballer he's played with.

Ward says the ex-Melbourne midfielder's tackling has teammates in awe.

"Defensively, Tom is probably the best I have ever played with," Ward said on Wednesday.

"And he's the best I have ever come across in terms of being able to trust him."

Scully is averaging 17.5 possessions and 4.2 tackles a game but would prefer his solid stats be traded for wins.

"Team performances over-ride all of that," Scully said on Wednesday.

"We are still remaining positive ... we are looking at the smaller things that matter and each week we have seen a progression in the areas we have been focusing on.

"We have been good in patches but are yet to put four quarters together."

The Giants host Adelaide on Sunday with ruckman Dean Brogan having served his three-match suspension for a hit which broke the jaw of St Kilda's Jack Newnes.

Scully said Brogan's return raised hopes of upsetting the Crows.

"We certainly go into every game hoping we can win," he said.

"If we can turn up and adhere to the structures the coaches are asking us to do, and we are disciplined for four quarters, we'll be in with a chance of a win."

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Worsfold finds speculation funny

John Worsfold has laughed off speculation about his coaching future. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast coach John Worsfold can't understand what all the fuss is about.

In fact, he's become quite bemused about all the talk surrounding his future, joking there are probably even betting markets offering odds on whether he'll re-sign with the Eagles.

West Coast chairman Alan Cransberg has publicly declared Worsfold is the right man to coach the Eagles beyond this year.

SuperCoach: Eagle Matt Priddis set to become a bargain

Cransberg went as far to say he couldn't imagine a scenario where Worsfold wouldn't be coaching the club next year if the club great was keen to continue into a 13th season.

The only problem is, Worsfold is yet to make up his mind on that front.

Worsfold says he's more than comfortable to wait until the end of the season before having a chat to chief executive Trevor Nisbett and Cransberg about the situation.

But in the meantime, Worsfold will have to get used to the 'will-he, won't-he' speculation.

"I love what I do. I've loved my involvement and I'm loving the challenge we've got now creating something out of this season and achieving some really good results," Worsfold said on Wednesday.

"So that's my focus. And contract talk? People can create talk and they can take punts.

"Is there a (betting) market? Yeah there would be. I'd be interested to see where all the money's going.

"But that's just out there. It doesn't faze me. I'm really clear on where I sit and why I'm doing what I'm doing.

"Come October I'll sit down with Nizzy and Alan and talk about where the club wants to go."

Full steam ahead for Nic Nat

Worsfold was surprised his tenure was attracting interest in Melbourne.

"In the east? What do they care? They really care that much?" he said with a trademark Worsfold smile.

West Coast (2-4) are still precariously placed following their stuttering start to the year, but will be aiming to make it two wins on the trot when they take on Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday.

Star ruckman Nic Naitanui is ready to play close to a full game after making a successful return from groin surgery in last week's 70-point win over the Bulldogs.

Naitanui played around 40 minutes in that match as the sub.

But the 2012 All-Australian will start on the field against Brisbane, alternating between ruck and forward-line duties in around 90 minutes of game time.

Worsfold was also confident star midfielder Luke Shuey would recover from a corked calf in time to play the Lions.

Wingman Matt Rosa, Andrew Embley and Adam Selwood will be pushing for selection, but vice-captain Beau Waters (adductor) and Sam Butler (calf) have been ruled out for another week.

Brisbane are set to be boosted by the return of classy veteran Simon Black, who has played three games in the reserves since recovering from off-season knee surgery.

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Team effort needed to stop Cloke

Collingwood forward Travis Cloke can expect to confront three different Fremantle defenders on Saturday night. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD forward Travis Cloke can expect to confront three different Fremantle defenders on Saturday night.

Luke McPharlin is expected to be Cloke's primary opponent, but the All-Australian backman is also tipping Zac Dawson and Michael Johnson to line up alongside the in-form Magpies forward at some stage during the match.

"It will most likely be myself if he's playing a bit deeper, but if he's playing up the ground we do have structures in place where Michael Johnson might take him," McPharlin said.

"These days in the modern game you can end up playing on two or three different opponents throughout the night so you need to get your head around a few different players.

"You always look forward to the big challenges and myself, Zac Dawson and Michael Johnson - whoever is on him at whatever point in time - will certainly relish the opportunity to play against one of the best forwards in the competition."

Cloke has kicked 22 goals this season - one behind Coleman Medal leader Lindsay Thomas from North Melbourne.

The 2010 Collingwood premiership player booted three telling goals in the final quarter of last Friday's game against St Kilda to seal victory for the Magpies.

McPharlin, who is captaining the Dockers in injured skipper Matthew Pavlich's absence, said the club would review tapes of Cloke's recent performances in the coming days.

"Obviously his contested mark is his great strength and he's been kicking some goals too," McPharlin said.

"As we know, he's been a formidable forward for a couple of years now so that's a big challenge and something we're going to have to stop.

"With a player like that, it's very much a team approach and the pressure up the field needs to be right so he doesn't get the delivery he would like."

Fremantle midfielder Stephen Hill remains on track to play against Collingwood after missing last Saturday's win over Gold Coast with a quadriceps injury.

Meanwhile, McPharlin said he had no issues with the pushing rule despite the recent player and coach backlash following Scott Thompson's unpaid mark last weekend.

"It's really just about standing your ground and trying to fight for your position," he said.

"It is challenging, but like anything...with the umpiring of it, people make mistakes at different times.

"I feel I've got a pretty good grasp and understanding of it."

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Special footy for Indigenous Round

The Indigenous Sherrin Ball that will be used.

THE AFL will unveil a specially-designed indigenous ball as part of its Dream Time celebrations.

It is believed the league wants to use the new-look Sherrin in games throughout Indigenous Round (Round 9, May 24-26), pending a final approval.

The leather ball is covered in coloured symbols which commonly feature in traditional indigenous paintings.

SEE THE FOOTY: Have a look at the specially-designed Sherrin above

While the AFL would not comment yesterday, the Herald Sun has obtained the first photos of the indigenous ball.

It is hoped the ball will help celebrate the contribution indigenous players have made to Australian rules.

"The circular rings and dots cluster in yellow, red, blue and green showcasing the continuous cycle of prominent and emerging players, now regarded as modern day warriors," the ball's promotional material says.

The league plans to release the newly-designed Sherrin in a fortnight to coincide with the launch of Indigenous Round between May 24-26.

It is expected the indigenous ball will also go on public sale through Sherrin.

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Swans won't niggle Buddy

Hawthorn star Lance Franklin is struggling to maintain his early season form, failing to kick a goal in two weeks and unable to contain his frustration on the field.

Lance Franklin dances through traffic in the 2012 Grand Final. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

PLAYING alongside one of the greatest forwards in AFL history has convinced Sydney coach John Longmire it would be counter-productive to niggle out-of-sorts Hawthorn champion Lance Franklin in Saturday's MCG blockbuster.

Franklin has been held goalless in the Hawks' past two games, contributing a total of seven behinds in the wins against North Melbourne and Adelaide.

The Hawks spearhead has looked frustrated at times, but Longmire wasn't interested in getting his defenders to test Franklin's temper in the rematch of the 2012 Grand Final.

"No, my experience with the very best players - that's not something you try and do," Longmire said today.

"I saw some niggling tactics trying to be applied to (North Melbourne teammate) Wayne Carey and they weren't that successful, so no.

"We go about our business and try and make sure we beat them as we should, which is in a really good strong contest."

Longmire said he hadn't seen any evidence of anger in Franklin and felt the forward was actually going about things the right way.

"He's been working hard and presenting and the the best way of playing well is to do the things he's been doing," Longmire said.

"You know eventually it turns, particularly with the very, very best players and he is one of the very best players."

Longmire wants his players to avoid indiscriminately bombing the ball into their forward 50 on Saturday to minimise the spoiling skills of Brian Lake and Josh Gibson.

"We've got to make sure that we don't kick the ball to Brian's advantage because up in the air he and Gibson are two of probably the best spoilers in the game," Longmire said.

"You can't afford to just bang it into your forward line and expect the ball is going to be kept in there, because when they spoil it, they spoil it 20 or 30m."

Longmire revealed premiership-winning defender Rhyce Shaw was set to miss another two games with his abdominal injury, having already been sidelined for the past four.

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Sorry Kosi says he's not done yet

The future of St Kilda's Justin Koschitzke is in serious doubt after a tumultuous night against Collingwood.

Justin Koschitzke looks back after crunching Elliott. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

AN apologetic Justin Koschitzke has spoken out in a bid to preserve his reputation as a ball player.

The St Kilda big man said today he doesn't want to be remembered for the clash that resulted in a two-game suspension.

The 30-year-old told the Saints website he phoned Collingwood victim Jamie Elliott on Saturday to say sorry for the strike that he said was an accident.

"I know I've done the wrong thing, but we accept that and we move on from here,'' Koschitzke said.

"Obviously I've done the wrong thing and I wanted to let people know I'm remorseful for that and I don't want to be recognised or remembered as someone who is going to do those things off the play. It's not what were about as a club and certainly not what I'm about.''

Koschitzke contacted Elliott on Saturday to check on his wellbeing.

"It was accidental and I was just trying to check Jamie off the ball and, obviously, the clumsiness made it look a bit dirtier than what the intention was about,'' he said.

"I rang Jamie the next day, I was concerned about him and made sure he's OK. I made sure he understood I didn't mean anything harmful by it and he understood that. We move on now.

"I think he was quite surprised I called him. He knew I didn't mean anything dirty by it and that I was just checking him off the ball and blocking his run. He knew I didn't mean to get him high so it was good to put that at ease.''

The 197-game ruckman-forward vowed to work as hard as possible to force his way back into the senior team.

"I've got to turn it into a positive now, I've got two weeks to go and train and let my actions do the talking and really help the young kids,'' he said.

"I'm by no means done as a lot of people out there are jumping to some conclusions and saying. I've still got the year to go, were still very young in the year and other people are going to get their chance. But I'll be working pretty hard to get back out there and put the red, white and black on again and finish the year on a positive note.

"The body feels good. I've been around a while now and if I'm not contributing on the ground it has been a really good learning experience being able to play in the VFL and almost coach some of the kids in the pressures and physical demands of playing AFL footy.

"It's been really rewarding to see that coming through. That's got to be my role in the next couple of weeks to make sure the club goes forward and get myself in the best position to be selected again after the suspensions finished.''

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Lions set for Black boost

Veteran Brisbane Lions midfielder Simon Black is close to returning. Picture: Peter Wallis. Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE Lions is set to be boosted by the probable return of champion Simon Black this week.

Black completed a full reserves game at the weekend after missing the first six matches with a knee injury.

Jack Redden picked up the burden with 23 possessions and seven tackles in a badly beaten midfield missing the injured Daniel Rich and Claye Beams, and is a likely benefactor from Black's return.

"A quality player like Blacky will be a massive lift for us boys. We all know what he is capable of and all the boys will get a lift out of it," Redden said.

An inability to win the contested ball is Brisbane's biggest concern heading into the weekend after being smashed in that area against Sydney.

"At the start we struggled to get our hands on the ball... but we started matching them in contested ball and I think we turned the game around after that," he said.

Despite their rocky start, the Lions have every reason to be confident against a patchy West Coast side that have just two wins to their name and only one Gabba victory since 2008.

"They're starting to find some form again and it is going to be a tough game but hopefully we match up pretty well against them and get the four points," he said.

Patrick Karnezis, Jordan Lisle and Sam Docherty are in line for recalls against the Eagles after strong reserves matches last Sunday.

Redden put a smile on faces at the Mater Children's Hospital today.
 

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Live chat: Adelaide's Josh Jenkins

JOSH Jenkins is one game into his life as an Adelaide forward without star Taylor Walker by his side.

With Walker out with a season-ending knee injury, much of the attacking burden has been left on Jenkins' shoulders.

How will he handle the pressure? And can he stand up to spear the Crows into the finals against the odds?

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Waite banned for headbutt

Jarrad Waite faces a one-match suspension for this incident against Demon Tom McDonald

The future of St Kilda's Justin Koschitzke is in serious doubt after a tumultuous night against Collingwood.

Jarrad Waite wrestles with James Strauss at the MCG yesterday. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Justin Koschitzke looks back as Jamie Elliott lies on the turf. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

ST KILDA veteran Justin Koschitzke will miss two matches for striking Collingwood's Jamie Elliott.

Koschitzke's poor record means he's stuck with the penalty ... and stuck three games short of 200 AFL games.

The AFL match review panel today hit the Saints' big man with a three-match ban, reduced by one if he pleads guilty to last Friday night's offence.

Carlton forward Jarrad Waite's long-awaited return has hit a snag with the Blue suspended for one match for headbutting Melbourne's Tom McDonald.

Yesterday's match was Waite's first senior game of the year and only his 12th since the start of last season following his battle with back and leg injuries.

The biggest umpiring calls of Round 6

Hawthorn's ace forward Lance Franklin is in the clear for his contact to Adelaide's Andy Otten.

The MRP decided Franklin's momentum took both players to the ground, an action that resulted in a 50m penalty but no charge.

North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein has no case to answer from contact to Port Adelaide's Justin Westhoff and a match day report against Demon Luke Tapscott for a bump to Blue Kade Simpson was thrown out.

Geelong captain Joel Selwood was fined $1800 for wrestling and Richmond's former skipper Chris Newman is $900 out of pocket from their boundary line scuffle at the MCG on Saturday night.

What will the AFL match review panel make of Geelong captain Joel Selwood and Richmond's Chris Newman's wrestling moves

Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd says Koschitzke might have played his last AFL game.

"They probably won't win the next two games. You wonder whether they'll decide to play the kids and whether he ever plays Justin Koschitzke again," Lloyd said on Channel 9's Sunday Footy Show.

Lloyd said his former coach Kevin Sheedy might have taken a more sentimental approach with a 197-gamer and helped him reach the 200-game mark.

But he expected second-year coach Watters to be more hard-nosed.

"I'm not sure Scott Watters as a new coach would be in the same vein as Kevin Sheedy," Lloyd said.

Former Gold Coast ruckman Tom Hickey is expected to replace Koschitzke for next week's match against Carlton.

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Buddy not distracted: Wellingham

Hawthorn star Lance Franklin has failed to kick a goal in his past two games. Source: Getty Images

SHARROD Wellingham says good mate Lance Franklin's goalkicking drought has nothing to do with his decision to delay contract talks until the end of the season.

Franklin has failed to kick a goal in his past two matches – the first time since 2005 when he started his AFL career at Hawthorn.

Some critics are already comparing the 26-year-old's goal drought to the form slump Travis Cloke suffered last year when he put off contract talks with Collingwood.

But West Coast midfielder Wellingham, who played junior football in Perth with Franklin and shared a house with him in Melbourne, scoffed at suggestions the Hawks star was distracted by the uncertainty surrounding his future.

"I don't think that has much to do with contract talks or what is going on the field," he said.

"He's a good player and has been good for a long time and maybe just having a down patch at the moment.

"I'm sure he'll put in the work and be back in form in no time."

Wellingham, a Collingwood premiership player who returned to WA late last year, was not confident Franklin would be playing alongside him at West Coast next season.

But he did give some hope to Fremantle supporters hoping to see Franklin line up in purple next year.

"I just know that they (Fremantle) are one of the teams that will make a play for him," Wellingham said.

"Who else? GWS might have the money, I suppose."
 

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Hill set to tackle Pies

Fremantle midfielder Stephen Hill is set to face Collingwood after recovering from injury. Source: Getty Images

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon is hopeful star midfielder Stephen Hill will return in Saturday night's clash with Collingwood at Patersons Stadium.

Hill missed last week's win over Gold Coast due to a quadriceps injury, but the 23-year-old is expected to front up against the Magpies.

Lyon revealed Hill injured himself while taking a shot on goal with his last kick of the day at training last week.

Hill's expected return is a timely boost for Fremantle, who are still without influential midfielder Nat Fyfe (suspension), skipper Matthew Pavlich (plantaris) and ruckman Aaron Sandilands (hamstring).

"When you look at the round in the AFL, player availability is a key indicator for success at the minute," Lyon said.

"So we are working hard behind the scenes to keep everyone fit and healthy."

Meanwhile, Fremantle have re-signed emerging midfielders Hayden Crozier and Cameron Sutcliffe for a further two years, tying the pair to the club until the end of 2015.

Crozier has played five games since being taken with pick No.20 in the 2011 national draft, while Sutcliffe has notched nine games, including five this season.

Both played in the win over Gold Coast, with Crozier kicking two goals from 14 disposals, and Sutcliffe booting a goal after coming on as the sub.
 

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'We don't want a drugs arms race'

Essendon chairman David Evans says the buck stops with him, for the failings which led to the supplements saga at the Bombers.

Essendon chairman David Evans speaks to the media. Picture: Jake Nowakowski Source: Herald Sun

James Hird and the Essendon Bombers are today expected to receive the key findings from the investigation into the club's alleged illegal practices. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON chairman David Evans has apologised for a breakdown of controls that allowed an "arms race" in experimental drugs at the club.

The club today released the findings and recommendations of former Telstra boss Ziggy Switkowski's internal review into the club's governance throughout the 2012 season.

The report slammed:

* The rapid diversification into exotic supplements;

* Sharp increase in frequency of injections;

* The shift to treatment offsite in alternative medicine clinics;

* Emergence of unfamiliar suppliers; and,

* Marginalisation of traditional medical staff.

The reports says that combined, these issues created "a disturbing picture of a pharmacologically experimental environment never adequately controlled or challenged or documented within the club".

Evans said the club would now fiercely pursue a "zero tolerance" policy towards the use of supplements.

REPLAY THE BOMBERS' PRESS CONFERENCE BELOW AND CHECK BACK FOR UPDATES ALL DAY

The review did not delve into "the nature of supplements administered by EFC during this period'', but Evans said the club is becoming "more and more confident about ... the fact that there was nothing banned that was given to our players''.

"I want to apologise to our players and their families, to our members and supporters, to the AFL community, about what has happened at Essendon," Evans said.

"I want people to focus on Dr Ziggy Switkowski's first recommendation and that is that the pioneering work of supplements should be left to the Australian sports commission.

"An arms race for the most sophisticated molecules must be prohibited.

"I am deeply sorry this has happned on my watch ... I will fight to ensure there is zero tolerance to risky procedures at our club."

Full text of the Essendon report

Former sport scientist Stephen Dank and high performance manager Dean Robinson - currently stood down - were not interviewed by Dr Switkowski, but former football manager Paul Hamilton was.

Striking "at the heart'' of the report, Evans said, was the fact a letter written by club doctor Bruce Reid detailing concerns about the Bombers new supplement program under Dank and Robinson never made its way to the board, as it was intended.

Evans said "no accountabilities'' would be made until after the AFL and Australian Sports Anti Doping Authority into the supplement program is completed.

That investigation is set to take another turn this week when players begin their interviews with ASADA.

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But Evans would not guarantee the long-term safety of coach James Hird, chief executive Ian Robson and all others at the club.

"I'm not guaranteeing anything,'' Evans said.

"The club has been through a tumultuous time and there's some change that needs to occur.

"But at the moment we stand by our people at the club at the moment, we support our people, we're holding together well in what has been a very difficult time, but we've got some decisions to make and obviously the first lot of decisions that we have to make are around these recommendations which no doubt the board will adopt and execute.''

Evans was deeply apologetic for letting such a scandal develop on his watch.

"The one thing I will say about my position is that the buck does stop with me,'' he said.

"I am chairman of the board, this has happened under my watch, I was elected for a three-year term at the AGM last year and I will bring forward my re-election, I will go to an election at the earliest possible time which will be November of this year.''

Who's who: The key players in Essendon saga

Evans confirmed publicly for the first time that Reid wrote a letter intended for the club's board that never got there.

"Bruce did write a letter and one of the confusing things here is we're confused as to where that letter went,'' he said.

"Clearly that letter didn't go to who it should have and that, again, is to the core of this report that escalation of issues when they arise should go up the chain.

"It's clear in this case that that didn't happen and that's something that we'll have to deal with.''

Evans revealed the club had dobbed itself into Medicare after external doctors placed a claim for blood tests on players.

Coach James Hird said this morning players were focused on this weekend's game and said he did not know what to expect.

"I am not sure, we will have to wait and see. It (the report) is due in the next few hours and we will wait and see then," he told reporters at Windy Hill.

Essendon coach James Hird watches his players at training. Picture: Jake Nowakowski Source: Herald Sun

Dr Switkowski wouldn't comment yesterday on what percentage of the report would be revealed, nor what it would recommend.

But club great Tim Watson, the father of club captain Jobe, said no Bombers official would be told to resign.

"I don't think there's going to be recommendations for anyone to be sacked. I don't think there's going to be blood on the floor tomorrow post this meeting, if that's in fact when it takes place," Watson told Channel 7.

"I think this is about the governance, so what they're looking to do is make sure that any of the errors of judgment along the way in terms of their supplement program won't be made again."

The review of the club's governance, processes and supervision followed revelations the Bombers were embroiled in an Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation into their supplements program run by sports scientist Stephen Dank.

Essendon players train at Windy Hill today. Picture: Jake Nowakowski Source: Herald Sun

The release of its findings comes as Dank continued to insist Essendon had nothing to fear.

Dank told Sydney-based media at the weekend that his correspondence with the World Anti-Doping Agency and ASADA proved he could use anti-obesity drug AOD-9604 on players because it did not contravene category S2, which lists specific substances.

But Dank was not drawn on the fact AOD-9604 was prohibited under category S0, which states substances not approved for human use are prohibited.

ASADA is this week expected to start interviewing Essendon players.

- with Matt Windley, staff writers

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Suns won't rush Brown back

Gold Coast hard man Campbell Brown. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GOLD Coast coach Guy McKenna admits he's unlikely to rush Campbell Brown back into the Suns' line-up as the combative defender's suspension comes to an end.

Brown has been forced to sit on the sidelines for the first six rounds of the AFL season and the premiership player's aggression and experience were badly missed on Saturday against Fremantle.

The Dockers strangled the Suns to cruise to a comfortable 45-point win despite the two teams being all but level in several key statistics.

Suns v Freo stats and SuperCoach points at LiveHQ

But McKenna says his team is already carrying a few bodies who are struggling to get through a full game and to bring Brown straight back for next weekend's clash with Melbourne might be a risk too far.

"Might be a consideration but it might be a long one," McKenna said when asked about the former Hawthorn player.

"To throw another person in who might not be able to maintain AFL intensity for 120 minutes, my conservative nature says he might have to get a game somewhere else."

Another area where McKenna feels his hands are currently tied is in his selection of 2010 No.1 draft pick David Swallow in defence.

Swallow performed well against Hayden Ballantyne but there's a feeling his talents are being wasted in the backline.

McKenna says it was Swallow's teammates who needed to step up to ensure he and Dion Prestia were able to move forward.

"He's a good player and right now ... we actually need him playing close-checking, rebounding defensive work," McKenna said.

"He's clearly, along with Dion - another highly-rated midfielder - providing that for us.

"There's some others down there that should be doing that but aren't doing that."

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon is also making do with his team selection options with club captain Matthew Pavlich, ruckman Aaron Sandilands and rising star Stephen Hill all out injured.

But the Dockers sit 4-2 despite their injury concerns and Lyon was happy with how things have been going so far.

"I'll take 4-2. Could be worse, could be better," he said.

"I think it's about fair ... it's (Saturday's win) probably our first four-quarter performance."

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Swans rout never in doubt

The sydney Swans show their Premiership class by dismantling the Brisbane Lions in their 115-55 victory at the SCG.

Sydney's Kieren Jack breaks through the middle. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

PREMIER Sydney warmed up for its AFL Grand Final rematch against Hawthorn with a comfortable 60-point victory over Brisbane at the SCG today.

Out-of-sorts forward Sam Reid found form in the first quarter as the Swans obliterated the Lions, kicking the opening six goals of the game to lead by 40 points at the first break.

Brisbane showed more fight in the remaining three terms, but could never make serious inroads on the margin and the result was never in any doubt as the Swans won 17.13 (115) to 8.7 (55).

Reid had a hand in every one of the Swans' first six goals, including two that the 21-year-old dobbed himself.

Reid was quieter after quarter-time but still finished with six marks and three goals, the same number he managed from the opening five games of the season.

Full stats and SuperCoach points at LiveHQ

Sydney midfielders Dan Hannebery, Kieren Jack and Josh Kennedy were dominant in the middle, and veteran Adam Goodes played arguably his best game of the season.

Co-captain Jarrad McVeigh continued his fine form with 28 disposals and six clearances in his 200th match, while debutant Jed Lamb impressed after being substituted into the action in the final term.

Given the mismatch in class, it was not Sydney's ideal tune-up for Saturday night's MCG meeting with the Hawks, but there were signs of the Swans' best in front of a crowd of 23,315.

None were more exhilarating than Lewis Jetta's three moments of magic in the second half.

Jetta, who like Reid had been below his best in the early stages of the Swans' premiership defence, produced his first blitzing run of the season to set-up Reid's third major.

Sydney's Heath Grundy brings down Brisbane's Jonathan Brown. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

The roles were reversed soon after, with Jetta snapping an incredible goal after Reid's tackle helped create a turnover in the forward pocket.

Jetta twice again showed a clean set of heels in the final quarter, the first ending in a bullet pass for McVeigh to stretch the margin to 53 points.

The Lions were woeful in the opening quarter, committing basic skill errors and registering 65 less disposals as the Swans ran amok.

Brisbane is 2-4 for the year and now start a nightmare run that includes games against West Coast, Essendon, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong and Hawthorn.

On current form the Lions can't be expected to win any of those fixtures.

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Blues winners in Waite lucky dip

Melbourne's Jack Grimes was sent to hospital after hurting his shoulder again in this tackle by Brock McLean.

Jarrad Waite takes a diving chest mark in front of Tom McDonald. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

JARRAD Waite's return to AFL footy had a bit of everything.

It had party tricks, frustration, strong marks, carelessness, goals, bad luck and love _ from the Carlton faithful of course.

And that was just in the first quarter.

Waite has long been seen as the key plank in any likely Carlton raid on a first premiership since 1995.

Whether that reputation is justified or whether it's just been enhanced throughout the 97 career games he has missed because of injury remains to be seen.

But today was just about getting back in to the fold for the first time since Round 23 last year after battling a calf injury.

You wonder what he thought when he lined up at centre half-forward on Tom McDonald who was leading the "reverse Coleman'' at the start of the round.

You also wonder if he was expecting any more physical attention than a couple of meek bumps from Rohan Bail.

Blues v Demons stats and SuperCoach points at LivehQ

First came the frustration.

The ball bounced by him on the MCC Members' wing when the crowd was poised to cheer about two minutes in.

It then went through his hands on the other wing a minute later.

Next was the bad luck.

Chris Yarran streamed out of defence, took a couple of bounces, and seem destined to give the 30-year-old his first touch.

Except the normally precise Yarran's kick missed him by a mile.

He buttered up 30 seconds later for a cheeky handball from former skipper Chris Judd, but Judd slammed it on the boot instead.

That led to the carelessness. Or was it stupidity? Whatever you want.

Michael Jamison delivers him one laces out, but McDonald did well to spoil the ball out of bounds.

Waite gave a frustrated shove to James Strauss, which led to a Melbourne free kick.

He then appeared to brush McDonald's head with his own.

It was probably not with enough force to constitute a reportable offence, but it was enough to send Twitter in to meltdown and enough for the host broadcaster to replay the incident a few times.

Either way, it probably wasn't the smartest thing to do five minutes in to your first game in about eight months.

Soon came the party tricks.

Waite took a bouncing ball 50m out from goal and was tackled by Dean Terlich, but somehow managed - as he was lying on the ground - to kick a short pass to Jeff Garlett who ran in for a banana goal, the game's first.

Garlett got around him.

It was trademark Waite at the 15min mark when, after making a long lead to the flank, took a strong mark out in front of his eyes.

He then turned around and speared a pass to Eddie Betts who goaled.

It wasn't long before he snagged one for himself.

Andrew Walker snapped a ball inside 50m and, as the man in front, Waite marked in the pocket.

He kicked truly and the comeback was complete.

He got big applause and every Blue in the vicinity of the forward line got to him.

Waite was looking dangerous, looking mobile - if not slightly short of a gallop - and, having moved back to the goalsquare, was then opposed by Dees defender James Frawley for the rest of the quarter.

A return of 2.2, 14 possessions and 10 marks in a routine win is a tick.

Building on that next week - assuming he doesn't land himself in hot water with the match review panel for the McDonald head brush - against St Kilda is the key for him.

And staying fit for the rest of the season is key for the Blues' assault on September.
 

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Mick has troops on war footing

Chris Judd is tackled by Demons Jake Spencer and Nathan Jones. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

MICK Malthouse has always fancied himself as a battlefield general, plotting and strategising his way to victory.

Today his side seized the battle against dogged Melbourne, but the greater joy for Malthouse might be finally assembling an arsenal that could eventually see him win the war.

For the first time in his short tenure yesterday Malthouse was able to witness the potency of a forward line featuring not only his brilliant mosquito fleet, but veteran forward Jarrad Waite.

And if Waite wasn't quite best afield, the added dimension it gave Carlton's forward line was stark: the Blues took 22 contested marks, had 31 shots at goal, and finally look capable of competing in September.

Any question marks about Waite's ability to make an instant impact were quickly dispatched by his 10 marks and two goals, as were doubts about playing all of Eddie Betts, Chris Yarran, and Jeff Garlett in the same forward line.

Full stats, SuperCoach points and more at LiveHQ

That quartet were involved in all five of Carlton's electric first-quarter goals, waxing and flicking the ball around like they were training at Visy Park.

With Shaun Hampson taking five contested marks and Matthew Kreuzer returning soon, Carlton is quickly amassing lethal forward options.

By the time Betts matched Garlett's four-goal haul with a post-siren torpedo from 50m to make it a 61-point victory, it was apparent Carlton's swagger was back.

It wasn't Yarran's day - subbed off with a tight hamstring - and Waite's borderline headbutt on Tom McDonald will get match review panel heat.

Eddie Betts takes a flying mark against Melbourne. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

But now that the Blues are back to parity at 3-3, they have St Kilda, Port Adelaide (Etihad Stadium), Brisbane and the Gold Coast and a potential 7-3 platform to iron out any remaining kinks in the game plan.

Betts, Marc Murphy, rebounder Andrew Walker and Heath Scotland were all dominant, but there is no question Waite is the club's most important player.

''I have been training pretty hard over the last month, just trying to get my touch back, because the last few times it has taken me a few games to get into it,'' he said.

"Last week down at Preston I felt really good with where I was at. It is just all about my rehab and injury prevention now. The calf was a number of things - it flared up a couple of times, but as long as I am on top of everything, I should be fine.

"With our small forwards they are going to be guarding (the space) behind so we were trying to get that hit up and just with creating space, it worked out well for us.''

That it took the Blues most of four quarters to turn yesterday's MCG contest into a rout was to the eternal credit of the undermanned Melbourne.

Four of today's Demons had played their first game this year, three more had just 24 games experience between them, and captain Jack Grimes was floored by a serious shoulder injury just 14 minutes into the contest.

Health Scotland collars Luke Tapscott. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Yet if a Demons side already missing Mark Jamar, Jack Watts, Mitch Clark and Chris Dawes never threatened to win, the performance of the unheralded kids was highly commendable.

Lynden Dunn did a superb job on Chris Judd, Rohan Bail curtailed Brock McLean, and across the ground the no-name midfield held up with aplomb.

The sight of Colin Sylvia, busting a gut as he closed on Yarran in a 50m chase, was representative of a side outclassed yet determined to go down fighting.

Captain Jack Trengove (eight disposals) just cannot find the Sherrin, but as far as honourable 10-goal losses go, it fitted the bill.

Melbourne is all about building respect under Mark Neeld, yet for opponent Carlton a season that coughed and spluttered is quickly working its way through the gears into overdrive.

16.18 | 0 komentar | Read More

Gilbert joins Hayes on the sidelines

The future of St Kilda's Justin Koschitzke is in serious doubt after a tumultuous night against Collingwood.

Sam Gilbert trudges off with a knee injury. Picture: Getty

SAM Gilbert appears to have escaped becoming the latest ACL victim but will still miss "several weeks", joining St Kilda champion Lenny Hayes on the sidelines.

Gilbert underwent scans today, revealing structural damage to his left knee and he has been booked in for knee surgery this week.

VIDEO: See the video in the player above

Live HQ: Collingwood v St Kilda

In a statement, the Saints said: "(Gilbert) is expected to miss several weeks. A specific time frame cannot be ascertained until after the surgery is completed."

Hayes withdrew from last night's clash with a calf strain after breaking down in the pre-match warm-up.

He is expected to miss a further 2-3 weeks.

St Kilda is also expected to lose Justin Koschitzke after his errant elbow floored Magpie Jamie Elliott last night.

The Saints meet Carlton next Monday night before duels with Adelaide (AAMI Stadium) and the Western Bulldogs.

Round 6: Collingwood v St. Kilda at Etihad Stadium , Docklands May 3rd 2013 Melbourne, Sam Gilbert off injured in the third Picture: Salpigtidis George Source:

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Giant wake-up call for Bombers

Bomber Nick Kommer flies to try to foil a catch from Jonathan Giles. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

Scott Gumbleton and Jobe Watson celebrate. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

FOR two quarters and a bit quarters, Greater Western Sydney threatened to pull off potentially the greatest upset in VFL-AFL history.

In the end, the Giants had to be content with providing Essendon with quite possibly the greatest wake-up call in modern memory.

The Bombers continued its unbeaten start to what has been the most eventful off-field season in its history, but only after an almighty arm-wrestle against the Giants that no one - perhaps not even the ever-optimistic Kevin Sheedy - could have possibly foreseen.

The final margin of 39 points doesn't do justice to the scare that the parochial crowd of just over 30,000 endured for a fair slice of yesterday's match.

After a first-half that Essendon coach James Hird will want to erase from his memory, Sheedy's Giants took the game right up to the flat-footed Bombers.

David Zaharakis admitted that the Essendon players copped a ``spray'' from Hird and senior assistant Mark Thompson at both quarter-time and half-time.

AFL Round 6: Essendon v GWS at Etihad Stadium in Melbourne. Picture: Coppel Alex Source: Herald Sun

"They came ready to play and we didn't,'' Zaharakis, one of the Bombers' key players, said.

"Hirdy and `Bomber' Thompson were both animated. Accountability is a big thing for us, and we want to be able to be the No.1 defensive team.

"We spoke about it at half-time and at least we were able to turn it around in the second half.''

LIVE HQ- Get all the SuperCoach scores and stats here

But there were a few nervous moments. When Jeremy Cameron booted his fifth goal in the first 30 seconds of the third term, the Giants' margin had crept out to an almost inconceivable 27 points - before another behind was added a few minutes later.

Then soon after came the moment that seemingly flicked the switch for Essendon.

Brendon Goddard crashes his way through. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

Tim Mohr, who was good for the Giants, edged a kick towards the boundary line which was deemed to be deliberate and Brendon Goddard's superb angle goal started a chain of eight consecutive goals that changed the context of the match.

Zaharakis said: "That (Goddard's goal) got the ball rolling for us. We couldn't capitalise on our opportunities early, but that just got us going again.''

A 14 goal to four goal second half ensured Essendon was never going to lose from the moment that Goddard's goal sailed through at the Coventry end.

But the Bombers did it the hard way, and were never a chance of covering the plus 90-point line that bookmakers had offered up before the game.

There was plenty to like about the Giants; and more than a few chinks in the Bombers' armour that need to be ironed out before Friday's game with Geelong.

Brendan Goddard and Sam Reid. Picture: Coppel Alex Source: Herald Sun

Jeremy Cameron was outstanding, kicking a club-record six goals _ four of them in the first half.

Jacob Townsend did what no one else has been able to do so far this year - keep Jobe Watson to a bare minimum.

The Brownlow Medal favourite had only 21 touches - 11 less than his season average - and incredibly only had one centre clearance.

Brent Stanton was well shadowed early by Tom Scully before being subbed out of the game with tight groin.

Scully had 14 touches in the first half, but faded with only four more touches for the last hour of the game.

It was systematic of the Giants in the second half. They worked hard, which pleased Sheedy, but as a developing side, find it tough to run out four quarters.

Zaharakis and Michael Hibberd were Essendon's two most influential players, having 27 and 29 touches between them.

Alwyn Davey finished with four goals, providing a spark in attack when the Bombers needed it.

Stewart Crameri was well held early by Aidan Corr, but got off the chain with four goals in the second half.

Goddard had more influence on the game than just his important third-term goal. Courtenay Dempsey stepped up with a strong second half and Cale Hooker worked hard down back.

Hird was philosophical about the first half issues the Bombers faced, but said he can have few complaints that his team - against some powerful off-field distractions - was still unbeaten at 6-0.

But he well knows that his team cannot afford to leave it as late to flick the switch against Geelong on Friday night.
         

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Roos finally explode in Hobart

Ben Cunnington tries to break free of Port Adelaide's Kane Cornes. Picture: Nikki Davis-jones Source: The Mercury

THEY'VE been a ticking bomb waiting to explode and in Hobart the Kangaroos detonated their gritty best against a white-hot Port Adelaide at Blundstone Arena.

With its second win from six games, North Melbourne finally got the monkey of its back and put its rickety wagon back on the rails with a close-run thing against Port, winning 14.9 (93) to 12.11 (83) in front of 10,265.

The Power, undefeated going into the match and with Ken Hinkley a stay-at-home coach due to illness, was unable to produce their best.

After watching a 28-point lead at three quarter-time sliced to 10, the Kangaroos were too exhausted to be jubilant about their victory.

Coach Brad Scott wasted no time turning his attention to next week's game against the Bulldogs at Etihad.

"You move on really quickly," Scott said.

"I've just been working out what flight I'm on to Perth tomorrow morning to watch West Coast and the Bulldogs.

North Melbourne skipper Andrew Swallow fights for the ball. Picture: Nikki Davis-jones Source: The Mercury

"But I was rapt for the boys. We were playing good footy but we weren't getting reward for that effort.

"We played a side that was five wins and no losses and feeling really good about themselves, and the boys played accordingly - they played really well and like a winning side.

"It's more relief for us that we got some reward for effort. Our fundamentals are sound, now it's time to get on our bike and consolidate this win."

North Melbourne established its authority early despite Port initially looking more dangerous.

Power pocket-rocket Jake Neade nailed the first goal at the three minute mark and missed an easier shot a minute later.

Port's Justin Westhoff snaps unsuccessfully for a goal Picture: Luke Bowden Source: The Mercury

North posted its first 10 minutes in but the game became a midfield chess match until the Kangaroos lit the fuse at the 18 minute mark when Drew Petrie kicked his first.

That pried open the flood gate and the Kangas went on a red-time rampage, kicking five goals in time-on.

They went into the first change 33 points up and Port's sluggish starts looked set to haunt them again.

Petrie's second in the opening minute of the second quarter put North 39 points up and Hinkley must have been tearing his hair out back in Adelaide.

He was on the phone with some "observations", which may have sparked a Power surge in the second term with Port, led by captain courageous Travis Boak, scoring 5.2 to 2.2 quarter to knock the deficit back to 15 points at the half.

Port's Alipate Carlile (front) marks over North's Drew Petrie Picture: Luke Bowden Source: The Mercury

The Kangaroos, who were able to shut down Port's run and carry, and stifle its switch, gave it a 28-point lead going into the last.

They needed it as Port came again, but this time could not match its 11-hour efforts that got it over the line against the Eagles a week earlier.

"It would have been absolutely pinching the game." said stand-in coach Alan Richardson.

"We got absolutely beaten across the day in the critical markers, but the boys have got a never say die attitude. Their spirit to want to compete and run was impressive and they certainly had that again today.

"We're disappointed with today but to be 5-1 at this stage of the year, we're really pleased with that."

The heavy free count - 38 to 15 in North's favour- was self-inflicted, Richardson said.

"From a coaching point of view it was frustrating. Not frustrated by the decisions, frustrated that we were a bit sloppy.

"It was reflective that we were second to the footy."
 

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LIVE: Saturday night footy

The future of St Kilda's Justin Koschitzke is in serious doubt after a tumultuous night against Collingwood.

All eyes will be on how Jack Riewoldt responds tonight. Source: Herald Sun

IT is a big night of AFL football. Don't miss a second by following our live coverage here.

LATE CHANGES
Richmond: Nil
Geelong: Nil
Gold Coast: Nil
Fremantle: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Matt White
Geelong: George Horlin-Smith
Gold Coast: Aaron Hall
Fremantle: Cam Sutcliffe

Follow tonight's coverage with live SuperCoach scores, stats and more at Live HQ.
 
Richmond v Geelong

Richmond
B: S.Morris, A.Rance, T.Chaplin
HB: D.Grimes, R.Petterd, B.Houli
C: C.Newman, T.Cotchin, M.White
HF: B.Deledio, S.Edwards, D.Jackson

F: L.McGuane, J.Riewoldt, T.Vickery
Foll: I.Maric, D.Martin, N.Vlastuin
Int: B.Ellis, J.King, S.Grigg C.Knights               
Emg: J.Batchelor, S.Tuck, R.Nahas

In: T.Chaplin, S.Morris, J.King
Out: R.Nahas (Omitted), J.Batchelor (Omitted), B.Helbig (Hamstring)

Geelong
B: A.Mackie, T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: J.Corey, H.Taylor, T.Hunt
C: M.Duncan, J.Bartel, S.Motlop
HF: A.Christensen, S.Johnson, B.Smedts
F: P.Chapman, T.Hawkins, J.Podsiadly
Foll: M.Blicavs, J.Selwood, J.Kelly
Int: C.Guthrie, G.Horlin-Smith, T.West, M.Stokes           
Emg: M.Brown, J.Murdoch, J.Thurlow

In: P.Chapman, T.Hawkins
Out: J.Rivers (Knee), J.Caddy (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Despite receiving plenty of attention last week from Ryan Crowley, Brett Deledio still managed to get reach three figures. Jimmy Bartel was one of three Geelong players to crack the ton against the Bulldogs, finishing with 109 points.

Gold Coast Suns v Fremantle

Gold Coast
B: T.McKenzie, T.Murphy, D.Prestia
HB: D.Stanley, R.Thompson, G.Broughton
C: M.Rischitelli, G.Ablett, J.Harbrow
HF: H.Bennell, TJ.Lynch, A.Hall
F: Z.Smith, S.Day, B.Matera
Foll: C.Dixon,  K.Hunt, D.Swallow
Int: J.Lonergan, J.O'Meara, J.Brennan, M.Shaw
Emg: D.Gorringe, J.Hutchins, T.Sumner

In: H.Bennell, J.Lonergan
Out: S.May (Hamstring), J.Hutchins (Omitted)
New: J.Lonergan

Fremantle
B: L.Spurr, Z.Dawson, M.Johnson
HB: G.Ibbotson, L.McPharlin, C.Pearce
C: T.Mzungu, R.Crowley, N.Suban
HF: M.Barlow, C.Mayne, H.Ballantyne
F: H.Crozier, J.Hannath, M.Walters
Foll: J.Griffin, D.Mundy, M.De Boer
Int: D.Pearce, P.Duffield, C.Sutcliffe, A.Silvagni
Emg: L.Neale,  T.Sheridan,  Ta.Smith

In: P.Duffield, A.Silvagni, C.Sutcliffe, H.Crozier
Out: K.Bradley (Knee), S.Hill (Quad), N.Fyfe (Suspension), L.Neale (Omitted)

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Crows sick of Hawks hangover

Adelaide's Scott Camporeale is sick of hearing about what the Crows did and didn't do last season. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE is tiring of living off the memory of its bitter, five-point preliminary final loss to Hawthorn last September - the game labelled as showing the Crows were "a kick away from the Grand Final".

The Crows face Hawthorn tomorrow for the first time since that epic final that was supposed to spur Adelaide to another top-four finish, which now seems far away from Brenton Sanderson's group, particularly with the loss of key forward Taylor Walker with a season-ending knee injury.

Crows midfield coach Scott Camporeale today tried to dismiss the notion that Adelaide players are still living off the back-slapping tributes of 2012 when they lifted the club from 14th to second in the home-and-away series.

"To be quite honest, I'm sick of hearing about that," said Camporeale.

"Last year was last year and this club has not achieved anything. All we did last year was gain a little bit more respect back from the competition.

"Playing in the preliminary final was a bonus for us. We understand where we're at - we all have to improve.

"We haven't spoken once about the preliminary final. That's last year. We have more as a club and a team to worry about than what happened last year."

Adelaide's search for answers after a disappointing 2-3 start brought savage internal questioning at West Lakes this week.

"Just clarity," said Camporeale of the result of the frank discussions between players and coaches this week.

"Clarity in what is expected from the individual and the group."

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Hawks know what to expect

Jay Clark and Mick Warner argue over what to do with their defence ahead of Round 6.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says the Hawks need to improve their clearance numbers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ALASTAIR Clarkson knows his Hawthorn side will confront a different looking Adelaide forward line at AAMI Stadium tomorrow.

But he expects the Crows game plan to remain the same.

Kurt Tippett is long gone and the Crows are now coming to terms with the fact Taylor Walker will miss the year with a knee injury.

The loss of opposition forwards normally creates an air of unpredictability their line-up.

But Clarkson suggested today counterpart Brenton Sanderson showed his hand at the selection table last night by selecting tall forward Shaun McKernan.

"It would have been a little bit more unpredictable if just (Jason) Porplyzia came in and they went a bit smaller,'' Clarkson said.

"But I'd expect that they'd structure up pretty similarly to what they have in the last little while.

"We've just got to make sure we defend the way we've defended all year, no matter who the opponent is.

"Walker is such a huge presence for them, but McKernan is a big boy. He and the big fella (Josh) Jenkins give them a bit more flexibility in what they do with the ruck, too.

"They can take (Sam) Jacobs forward a little bit more often than they have in the past. So we've just got to be prepared for all those things tomorrow afternoon.''

The Hawks were smashed in the clinches by North Melbourne last week.

They lost out in clearances and contested possessions as well as inside-50s but still managed to eek out a three-point win.

Clarkson said a similar result in those key areas tomorrow would not augur well for his side.

"It says something about our group that we still found a way to win but I'm not too confident that if all the stats are like that this week, that we'll get over the line against the Crows,'' he said.

"So we've got to make sure we're a bit more competitive in that area of the game.''
 

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Lamb's long wait over

Sydney younsters Brandon Jack (left) and Jed Lamb. Picture: Chris Pavlich Source: The Daily Telegraph

TWO years of injury setbacks and a nearly 500km off-season cycling odyssey in Myanmar have helped Sydney's Jed Lamb prepare for his AFL debut on Sunday.

Lamb was the Swans' first selection in the 2010 draft, which also netted premiership players Luke Parker and Alex Johnson.

The 20-year-old has had to a wait a little longer for his first AFL game, which will come against Brisbane at the SCG, but it's had nothing to do with the club's reputation for making players earn their stripes.

"It has been frustrating," Lamb said today.

"In the first year, I missed a lot because of injured hamstrings then, last year, I had shin splints. Towards the back end, I started to build some consistency, but it was a bit late."

It wasn't until the Swans started pre-season training last November that Lamb made coach John Longmire really sit up and take notice.

"That's one of the question marks you have, for young players in particular. When they go away, that's their time really to improve and to make up some ground on senior players," Longmire said.

"The challenge is (to do it) when nobody is watching, to do it by themselves.

"When he came back for his first day of pre-season, Jed was in great condition and he'd obviously worked quite hard.

"Once he'd increased his fitness in the off-season, we then got to work on his other areas of the game that he needed to improve on."

Lamb spent his holidays with reserves coach Jared Crouch on a cycling tour around Myanmar that blends young elite athletes with everyday people.

Physically, it was a great workout, but the real upside came in the form of personal development.

"That really put a perspective on footy and life in general. It really helped me with footy, during pre-season when things got tough - not to complain," Lamb said.

"Because over there, it just makes us realise we whinge about the stupidest things."

Longmire suggested the Lions were a more-potent threat than their 2-3 record implied.

"They play a bit of a similar style to Geelong. They've got some really good runners in the team and actually had more scoring shots than we have," Longmire said.

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Panic Room: Essendon warning

Jay Clark and Mick Warner argue over what to do with their defence ahead of Round 6.

If Brendon Goddard is the slightest bit sore tomorrow morning, the Bombers wouldn't hesitate in giving him a rest. Source: Getty Images

SO ONE-sided is tomorrow's Essendon v Greater Western Sydney clash expected to be that even the Giants have "rested" players with a view to next week.

It would have been nice to see No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield run around again - especially for the SuperCoaches out there that plumped for him - but clearly Sheeds has the bigger picture in mind.

To that end it is no surprise that the Bombers have taken a similar approach at the selection table.

Jason Winderlich is simply "sore'' after playing a few matches in a row and even though Dyson Heppell is listed as being out because of a "groin'' we would suggest that if this game were against a top side the shaggy-haired one would be in the team.

And while Elliott Kavanagh, Nathan Lovett-Murray and Nick O'Brien are currently sitting on the emergencies list, we'd say they are more of a chance of playing than one or two of their more senior teammates who may happen to wake a bit sore after a restless night's sleep.

Meanwhile, Eagle-cum Swan-cum Hawk Matt Spangher flew to Adelaide with teammates today and is not without a chance of playing.

If the Crows swing a change, especially with the talls in the forward half of the ground, then don't be surprised to see Spangher make his Hawthorn debut.

The Cats are the kings of the late change but after Panic Room predicted a big out last weekend - cue Tom Hawkins' withdrawal - they have beaten us to the punch by announcing this afternoon Paul Chapman is out with hamstring soreness.

Another move isn't entirely out of the question, with the Geelong defence looking a little under-sized against Richmond trio Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery and Luke McGuane. Mitch Brown is listed as an emergency.

Sam Edmund, Jay Clark and Ben Dixon join Brad Johnson to discuss their 'DIY Fix-Ups' ahead of Round 6.

SUPERCOACH ALERT

You thought last week's midfield carnage was bad enough? This week the SuperCoach Gods have gone Armageddon on all defences across the land.

Heppell, Bryce Gibbs, Brett Goodes, Sam Docherty, Rory Laird and Jasper Pittard are all out.

Unfortunately the best solution for a lot of SuperCoaches this week will be to just sit it out and hope for the best.

But if you're keen to cover that last doughnut, consider flicking Pittard for St Kilda's Josh Saunders against Collingwood tonight.

Saunders debuted last week and scored 29 after being subbed on late in the game, and earned huge wraps from coach Scott Watters this week.

Job security seems OK and he's a dual position too.

Oh, and if you're considering making a Bomber - Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard or David Zaharakis - captain against the Giants, make sure you're using the captain's loophole with either Dane Swan or Scott Pendlebury tonight.

The young coach of Oliver's Army is the No. 6 ranked SuperCoach this season. He reveals the secrets behind his dominance to Brad Johnson

MONEY MATTERS

Panic Room is a huge wrap for Gold Coast this week.

Scott Gullan may be enjoying time at Warrnambool this week - and good on him - but even through the clouds (in his head, not on the coast) he can see the Suns.

And so can his stand-in this week.

Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands and Kepler Bradley aren't playing which means the Dockers are bereft of any - recognised - key forwards.

Nat Fyfe being suspended robs Freo of some midfield grunt, while the loss of Stephen Hill takes away some outside run.

The Dockers are vulnerable tomorrow night, Gold Coast is starting to show some really good form at home and if it's a hot and humid night at Metricon - which it is forecast to be - then look out.

Not sold? Why not take Guy McKenna's men at the line (15.5) into Port Adelaide at the line (20.5) against North Melbourne.

The Kangaroos are probably genuine favourites, but surely the Power's form gets them to within three kicks in Hobart tomorrow?

That'll get you a $3.42 return.

ON NOTICE

West Coast is starting to stagger.

The Eagles are not yet on the ropes, but with a 1-4 record John Worsfold's men would want to start making a move.

Key players come back this weekend, including Nic Naitanui and Matt Rosa, but the inclusion with the most to prove is former Magpie Sharrod Wellingham.

We all had a laugh when we heard that Wellingham had injured his ankle while jumping on the trampoline just before Round 1, but given the Eagles woes since he desperately needs to make it up to the Eagles faithful - and fast - otherwise they will quickly jump off him.

BACK IN ACTION: Sharrod Wellingham impressed in an outing for East Perth. Picture: Duncan Watkinson Source: PerthNow

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Swans chairman to stand down

Sydney chairman Richard Colless to stand down at the end of the season. Picture: Sam Mooy Source: Herald Sun

RESPECTED Sydney chairman Richard Colless will stand down at the end of the season sighting "no particular reason" for his departure.

"Richard has overseen the establishment of the Swans as one of the competition's most highly regarded clubs, both on and off the field.," Demetriou said.

"In terms of members, revenue, attendances per game and national TV audiences, the Swans are now the single largest professional sporting club in Sydney."

Colless, the league's longest serving club chairman, informed the Swans today that he would be standing down at the end of the season.

"There is no particular reason for this decision other than the old adage that it is probably 'about time'," Colless, who joined the club in 1993, said.

"I want to place on record how indebted I am for the support of the hundreds, but probably thousands of people, over the last 20 years. It has been truly remarkable."

Under Colless's reign the Swans have won two premierships and become a mainstay in the NRL-dominant Sydney sporting landscape.

Sydney chief executive Andrew Ireland paid tribute to Colless.

"Richard's contribution to the Club, spanning 20 years, has been quite remarkable," he said.

"He has shown a unique ability to understand how a membership based club playing in Australia's premier sporting competition, in the nation's most competitive sporting market, best operates.

"Above all else, he has an unwavering passion for the Club, the game and its history," Ireland said.

Colless was the inaugural chairman of the West Coast Eagles before taking the helm at Sydney.

He was awarded an Order of Australia medal in 2006 for services to Australian Rules football.

Colless will step aside in February at the club's annual general meeting.

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LIVE CHAT: Round 6 AFL teams

Shane Crawford reveals his latest SuperCoach tips ahead of Round 6

Andrew Krakouer could come in for the Pies. Source: Herald Sun

TALK SuperCoach and selections in the live chat with Gilbert Gardiner and see all the Round 6 teams as they are named.

Is Andrew Krakouer back for Collingwood?

Is Jarrad Waite in at Carlton?

Who makes way at North Melbourne for Will Sierakowski?

And how does the loss of Nathan Fyfe hurt your SuperCoach team?

All will be revealed at 5:30pm - join Gilbert Gardiner right here.

 On a mobile device? Click here for a better viewing experience

SUPERCOACH: PLAYERS TO WATCH

Collingwood vs St Kilda
Scott Pendlebury has dominated against the Saints since 2011, averaging 126 points a game – ranked No.1 at the club. Ben McEvoy has led St Kilda's charge with an average of 127 a game.

Essendon vs GWS Giants
David Zaharakis' ANZAC Day heroics earned him a $20,800 price rise after his 140 points against Collingwood. Despite scoring 113 points against Gold Coast, Callan Ward's price still fell, albeit by only $300.

North Melbourne vs Port Adelaide
Daniel Wells ranks No.1 at North Melbourne for points scored since Round 3, averaging 123 a game. Hamish Hartlett has been Port Adelaide's most prolific scorer in this period, averaging 134 points a game.

Adelaide Crows vs Hawthorn
Rory Sloane's average of 112 points a game at AAMI Stadium this season ranks him No.1 at the club. Sam Mitchell has been Hawthorn's best scorer at the venue since 2011, averaging 115 points a game.

Richmond vs Geelong Cats
Despite receiving plenty of attention last week from Ryan Crowley, Brett Deledio still managed to get reach three figures. Jimmy Bartel was one of three Geelong players to crack the ton against the Bulldogs, finishing with 109 points.

Gold Coast Suns vs Fremantle
Jared Brennan has averaged 103 points a game at home this season, ranked third at the club. Chris Mayne starred when he last played at Metricon Stadium in Round 6 last season, booting three goals straight on his way to 127 points.

Sydney Swans vs Brisbane Lions
Daniel Hannebery's average of 107 points a game this year is the fourth-most of any midfielder at the club. Brent Moloney's average of 103 points is the second-most of any midfielder at the club behind Tom Rockliff.

Carlton vs Melbourne
Chris Judd has averaged 26 disposals and 127 points a game against Melbourne since 2010. Colin Sylvia has been a solid performer in this period, averaging 21 disposals and 94 points a game.

West Coast Eagles vs Western Bulldogs
Josh Kennedy booted four goals straight in the first half last week against Port Adelaide, finishing with 124 points for the match. Liam Jones booted four goals of his own against Geelong, finishing with 107 points.

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Mitchell back on Power list

Shane Crawford reveals his latest SuperCoach tips ahead of Round 6

Kane Mitchell elevated back to Port Adelaide's senior list. Picture: Reed Sarah Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide today put key defender and former best and fairest Jackson Trengove on the long-term injury list and re-elevated speedy Sandover Medallist Kane Mitchell to the senior list.

Trengove is out with a broken foot and Port today lodged a surgeon's report with the AFL for him to gain permission to be on the long-term injury list. He had a screw inserted to help his healing when having surgery on Monday.

Mitchell, a mature age recruit at 23, was the obvious choice for elevation to the senior list after impressing in the first three games of the season, when he was filling in for Nick Salter, another Port player who was missing with a foot injury.

Port high performance manager Darren Burgess predicted Trengove, a joint 2011 Jack Cahill Medallist with Travis Boak, would be back within three months.

"Jackson's metatarsal fracture required surgical fixation with the insertion of a screw," Burgess said.

"He will re-commence running in approximately six weeks and we expect his full rehabilitation program to take ten weeks."

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Jack must work both ways: Hardwick

Richmond's Jack Riewoldt leaves the field after their one-point loss. to Fremantle Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick says it is Jack Riewoldt's defensive game rather than his on-field attitude that needs adjusting after last week's loss to Fremantle.

Riewoldt's on-field behaviour in the one-point loss to the Dockers has been put under the spotlight, with commentator Mark Maclure labelling him a "prima donna".

But Hardwick said today his biggest concern with Riewoldt's game last week was that his defensive play was not up to the standard he expected.

"We spoke on Monday about his game and he was disappointed,'' Hardwick said.

"Offensively he is always going to have ups and downs. He played on a quality opponent, Luke McPharlin. We were disappointed with his defensive aspects of his game.

"We felt, and Jack would be the first to admit, that he didn't chase hard enough and his defensive efforts weren't to his usual standard.

"I thought he had a below standard game on the weekend and he would be the first one to agree with that.''

Hardwick said Riewoldt's passion was one of his great attributes as a player, but admitted the Tigers would like to harness it at times.

"He is a passionate individual and that's part of the reason that makes him a great player,'' Hardwick said.

"You look at most strikers across the league and within the AFL, they're passionate players.

"Travis Cloke, Buddy Franklin...all these type of players...they play with passion and Jack is no different.

"Do we want him to harness that passion at times? Of course we do...that is something he has to work on and he accepts that.''

Hardwick said the Tigers had moved on quickly from the narrow loss to the Dockers and were focused on their challenge against Geelong on Saturday night at the MCG.

"They are a formidable outfit, we are looking forward to the opportunity to play them,'' he said.

"We certainly think it will bring out our best footy and we think we are capable of getting a result.''
 

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Naitanui close to AFL return

Nic Naitanui could return this weekend against the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper. Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast coach John Worsfold says there's no limit on the number of returning players he can throw into the side this week because most are match-hardened and ready to play.

Worsfold admitted ruckman Nic Naitanui would be forced to play restricted game time if he resumes against the Western Bulldogs at Patersons Stadium on Sunday.

Naitanui will either make his long-awaited return for the Eagles or not play football at all this weekend.

Worsfold conceded Naitanui would be short of match fitness, as was Daniel Kerr after a limited pre-season, but he was adamant there was no risk in bringing back a host of other players following injuries.

Midfielders Sharrod Wellingham and Matt Rosa are likely to make their first appearances of the season, while Andrew Embley, Adam Selwood and Brad Sheppard are also likely to be available for selection.

"When we pick the side, we would weigh up who are we bringing in and where are they at and what does that mean for the team," Worsfold said.

"It would be fair to say that we wouldn't pick a team that we thought wasn't going to be fit enough to play."

Key clearance winner Matt Priddis, who was concussed in the first quarter of last Saturday's disastrous loss to Port Adelaide, must pass a CogState test before being cleared to play.

"He's looking great, feeling good. He still has to fulfil some commitments in terms of the concussion stuff," Worsfold said.

"But on what we take as indications, he's feeling good. But the doctors will put him through the wringer in that regard."

Worsfold said the club had not lowered its expectations for the season despite its 1-4 start.

"The doomsayers say 'well that's it, the season's done and dusted. You may as well wipe it'," he said.

"Our view is there's a lot of footy to play and we're pretty excited about what we can still achieve.

"We'll cop the criticism and we'll cop the advice. We haven't lived up to expectations to this point, but we're really looking forward to the challenge of stepping up to all that as the season unfolds."

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Fractured back sidelines Davis for six

Greater Western Sydney co-captain Phil Davis will miss the next six weeks with a back injury. Source: Getty Images

GREATER Western Sydney co-captain Phil Davis will miss six weeks due to a back injury, further stretching the AFL cellar dwellers' thin defensive stocks.

GWS have leaked an average of 19.8 goals this season, the worst record in the league, with the exception of Melbourne.

The absence of key defender Davis, who often takes the opposition's most dangerous forward, won't help their chances of fixing that trend and posting their first win of 2013.

"Phil underwent scans and there was a fracture present so he'll be on a non-weight bearing training program for the next month, due to the injury," GWS sports scientist John Quinn said.

Davis was the only man to play all 22 games in the Giants' maiden AFL campaign last year.

"We believe the injury was triggered by a knock to the lower back in recent weeks and it would continue to get worse if he played on," Quinn said.

Setanta O'hAilpin, who kicked eight goals in his first two games back after a knee reconstruction, will also miss Saturday's clash with Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

O'hAilpin (calf) is slated to return the following weekend, when GWS host Adelaide in their first game of the year at Showground Stadium.

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Dockers brace for Gaz, Suns

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon expects Gold Coast to come out firing on Saturday. Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has labelled looming rival Gary Ablett as "almost untaggable", as he labelled the Gold Coast clash as a game of "opportunity" for both sides.

The Dockers fly out to the Gold Coast tomorrow ahead of Saturday's showdown with the Suns and will do so minus several of their key players.

The guilty verdict and two game suspension handed down to Nat Fyfe last night added the ball winner to an unavailable list that already included captain Matthew Pavlich, ruckman Aaron Sandilands and forward Kepler Bradley, while Zac Clarke and Paul Duffield are listed as "test".

It could leave Fremantle vulnerable in the longest trip in the AFL and Lyon said Gold Coast would see the game as an opportunity.

"With Nathan Fyfe out, we need to step up," Lyon said. "They'll see us as an opportunity; we see it as an

opportunity as well.

"I think the first point (is that) we acknowledge Gold Coast have really developed and improved.

"They're on two wins, they're looking to go to three wins, third year development, they've got a lot of their senior players back.

"Last year, we went up there without a deep understanding of them and, really, almost got beaten.

"They'll have belief they can beat us, it's their home turf, they've really grown.

"For us, it's a red alert and we've got to handle the travel well – which we do – but we've got a lot of improvement
in us."

A plucky Gold Coast threatened a boilover against Fremantle in the same round last season, with the Suns holding a 17-point lead at halftime.

The side then closed within a point, before Tendai Mzungu grubbered a goal in the final seconds to secure the seven point win.

West Australian Harley Bennell ran amok in that clash and is in line to return this round after recovering from a minor hamstring strain, while Ablett, who missed last year's game, will also threaten an understrength Dockers midfield.

The game will undoubtedly throw up the showdown between Ryan Crowley and Ablett, the latter of which sparked a furore last season after tweeting, "Crowley is a joke! Play the ball, not the man!".

Lyon refused to confirm the matchup and said the Suns ball-magnet was "almost untaggable".

"I think a lot of teams don't even tag him anymore, he's almost untaggable," he said.

"Do we look to give him some offensive headaches, is he the one we go to, but, then, does Bennell come back for them? They've got (David) Swallow.

"I've been in the business a little while and everyone has an opinion and Gary is entitled to his.

"We really value Ryan, I think he strikes a balance and I think he kicked 18 goals last year, Ryan Crowley.

"He can get forward, he's quite tall, so whoever he goes to, we see Ryan as an offensive threat."

Meanwhile, Lyon said Bradley had recovered well from surgery in Melbourne yesterday, while Anthony Morabito had made it through his first full training with the team.

"It was his (Morabito's) first re-introduction (yesterday)," he said.

"He's been doing a lot of one-to-one and we're keen, at the right time, that Anthony will update you.

"His diet is immaculate, he's looking a million bucks, he's got all his strength and power back and now he's just graduating his footy.

"But it's important that Anthony talks to where he's at, I really don't feel comfortable (talking for Anthony)."

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