Crows tinker with secret tricks

Richard Douglas admits the Crows need to win at least seven from their remaining 10 home-and-away games to qualify for finals. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE players returned from their mid-season break yesterday further behind in their chase for an AFL finals berth - and with much to learn with changes in their playbook.

It will take until Saturday's re-start against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium to see how coach Brenton Sanderson's rethink on the Adelaide game plan will manifest as a circuit-breaker against a three-game losing streak.

In the meantime, secrecy was the order of a farcical morning at West Lakes that might have reflected the pressure that increased on the 11th-ranked Crows (5-7) at the weekend.

They have moved from four to eight premiership points from a place in the AFL top eight.

A publicly declared open training session on Max Basheer Reserve at West Lakes was moved to an equally chopped up Thebarton Oval.

The reason for the move, according to Crows officials, was safety issues on Adelaide's regular training ground outside AAMI Stadium.

Yet, the surface was still safe for some Crows - such as young midfielder Brad Crouch, veteran Graham Johncock and in-form SANFL player Richard Tambling - to practise their craft.

Not only was there a change of venue but a rethink on training session status. It went from "open" to "closed" with two media outlets not only asked to leave Thebarton Oval but directed to stop filming despite being on public property.

Adelaide midfielder Richard Douglas may have been playing down how much change the Crows are being asked to embrace but he was not denying his team will be playing to a different theme.

"With tactical skills, we always have a closed session - as we did today," he said.

The Gold Coast scouts shut out of Adelaide's workouts this week can only report to Suns coach Guy McKenna the obvious. The Crows have recognised they have to rethink defence.

"We think we are playing some good footy (to attack) but the defensive side of the game has to improve a bit," said Douglas. "Hopefully, this week you will see much more pressure on the ball carrier and some stronger tackles.

"We'll tinker with a few little things. You will see that at the weekend.

"Nothing too major."

To qualify for consecutive finals series Adelaide needs at least seven wins from its remaining 10 home-and-away games - against the Suns, West Coast (home), Collingwood, Geelong (home), Fremantle, Port Adelaide (home), North Melbourne (home), the Western Bulldogs, Melbourne (home) and West Coast.

"We have to win seven of the next 10. We believe we're a chance," said Douglas.

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No gift farewell game for Johncock

Setback: Brenton Sanderson has revealed Graham Johncock has suffered a recurrence of his long-standing back injury. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

CROWS veteran Graham Johncock will not be handed a farewell game - and the fan favourite does not want his last game at Adelaide to be a gift.

Crows coach Brenton Sanderson last night declared he will not recall 227-game Johncock simply to allow the converted defender to take a bow before the Adelaide supporters.

"I don't like farewell games - and I'm not going to give players a (free) game," said Sanderson in his a mid-term report with FIVEaa last night.

"And Graham said to me today `don't give me a game'. He wants to earn his spot."

But Johncock - who has not played in the AFL since the round three Showdown against Port Adelaide - still appears far from an AFL recall for his third game of the season.

Sanderson last night revealed Johncock, 30, has suffered a recurrence of his long-standing back injury.

"Physically," Sanderson said of Johncock, "he can't meet the demands of the AFL game.

"We need him at his best to contribute.

"Graham still has a big role to play. It's up to me to keep him motivated and engaged in the group because he is an important player for us."

Sanderson last night finally conceded his club's new fitness program - after losing long-standing fitness coach Stephen Schwerdt to Gold Coast - had failed to maintain standards.

"Externally, the Crows always have been seen as super fit but this year we had an emphasis on being stronger, for finals," said Sanderson, whose 11th-ranked team may not qualify for September.

"It is an area we need to get better at ... we need to run out games better."

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Moored in misery

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	13	12	0	1	144.98	48
2	Geelong	13	11	0	2	128.85	44
3	Essendon	13	10	0	3	129.51	40
4	Sydney	13	9	1	3	131.15	38
5	Fremantle	13	9	1	3	124.55	38
6	Richmond	12	8	0	4	119.36	32
7	Port Adelaide	13	8	0	5	118.17	32
8	Collingwood	13	8	0	5	104.79	32
9	Carlton	13	6	0	7	113.90	24
10	West Coast	13	6	0	7	110.02	24
11	Adelaide	13	6	0	7	105.72	24
12	North Melbourne	13	5	0	8	114.25	20
13	Gold Coast	13	5	0	8	90.94	20
14	Brisbane	13	4	0	9	74.34	16
15	St Kilda	12	3	0	9	89.80	12
16	Bulldogs	13	3	0	10	75.19	12
17	Melbourne	13	2	0	11	54.01	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	13	0	0	13	50.16	0

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Final Demon pillar topples

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	13	12	0	1	144.98	48
2	Geelong	13	11	0	2	128.85	44
3	Essendon	13	10	0	3	129.51	40
4	Sydney	13	9	1	3	131.15	38
5	Fremantle	13	9	1	3	124.55	38
6	Richmond	12	8	0	4	119.36	32
7	Port Adelaide	13	8	0	5	118.17	32
8	Collingwood	13	8	0	5	104.79	32
9	Carlton	13	6	0	7	113.90	24
10	West Coast	13	6	0	7	110.02	24
11	Adelaide	13	6	0	7	105.72	24
12	North Melbourne	13	5	0	8	114.25	20
13	Gold Coast	13	5	0	8	90.94	20
14	Brisbane	13	4	0	9	74.34	16
15	St Kilda	12	3	0	9	89.80	12
16	Bulldogs	13	3	0	10	75.19	12
17	Melbourne	13	2	0	11	54.01	8
18	Greater Western Sydney	13	0	0	13	50.16	0

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No gift farewell game for Johncock

Setback: Brenton Sanderson has revealed Graham Johncock has suffered a recurrence of his long-standing back injury. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

CROWS veteran Graham Johncock will not be handed a farewell game - and the fan favourite does not want his last game at Adelaide to be a gift.

Crows coach Brenton Sanderson last night declared he will not recall 227-game Johncock simply to allow the converted defender to take a bow before the Adelaide supporters.

"I don't like farewell games - and I'm not going to give players a (free) game," said Sanderson in his a mid-term report with FIVEaa last night.

"And Graham said to me today `don't give me a game'. He wants to earn his spot."

But Johncock - who has not played in the AFL since the round three Showdown against Port Adelaide - still appears far from an AFL recall for his third game of the season.

Sanderson last night revealed Johncock, 30, has suffered a recurrence of his long-standing back injury.

"Physically," Sanderson said of Johncock, "he can't meet the demands of the AFL game.

"We need him at his best to contribute.

"Graham still has a big role to play. It's up to me to keep him motivated and engaged in the group because he is an important player for us."

Sanderson last night finally conceded his club's new fitness program - after losing long-standing fitness coach Stephen Schwerdt to Gold Coast - had failed to maintain standards.

"Externally, the Crows always have been seen as super fit but this year we had an emphasis on being stronger, for finals," said Sanderson, whose 11th-ranked team may not qualify for September.

"It is an area we need to get better at ... we need to run out games better."

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Moored in misery

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	12	11	0	1	143.00	44
2	Geelong	12	10	0	2	126.27	40
3	Fremantle	12	9	1	2	132.29	38
4	Essendon	12	9	0	3	131.57	36
5	Sydney	12	8	1	3	130.22	34
6	Richmond	12	8	0	4	119.36	32
7	Collingwood	12	8	0	4	108.47	32
8	Port Adelaide	12	7	0	5	115.57	28
9	Carlton	12	6	0	6	116.89	24
10	West Coast	12	6	0	6	111.53	24
11	Adelaide	12	5	0	7	103.55	20
12	Gold Coast	12	5	0	7	92.55	20
13	North Melbourne	12	4	0	8	107.00	16
14	Brisbane	12	4	0	8	76.08	16
15	St Kilda	12	3	0	9	89.80	12
16	Bulldogs	12	3	0	9	73.38	12
17	Melbourne	12	1	0	11	50.87	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	12	0	0	12	51.41	0

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Final Demon pillar topples

		P	W	D	L	%	Pts
1	Hawthorn	12	11	0	1	143.00	44
2	Geelong	12	10	0	2	126.27	40
3	Fremantle	12	9	1	2	132.29	38
4	Essendon	12	9	0	3	131.57	36
5	Sydney	12	8	1	3	130.22	34
6	Richmond	12	8	0	4	119.36	32
7	Collingwood	12	8	0	4	108.47	32
8	Port Adelaide	12	7	0	5	115.57	28
9	Carlton	12	6	0	6	116.89	24
10	West Coast	12	6	0	6	111.53	24
11	Adelaide	12	5	0	7	103.55	20
12	Gold Coast	12	5	0	7	92.55	20
13	North Melbourne	12	4	0	8	107.00	16
14	Brisbane	12	4	0	8	76.08	16
15	St Kilda	12	3	0	9	89.80	12
16	Bulldogs	12	3	0	9	73.38	12
17	Melbourne	12	1	0	11	50.87	4
18	Greater Western Sydney	12	0	0	12	51.41	0

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Double injury blow for Eagles

Shannon Hurn on crutches after the Eagles' loss to Hawthorn. Source: Getty Images

WEST Coast has suffered a serious setback ahead of its crucial clash against Essendon, ruling out star playmakers Scott Selwood and Shannon Hurn with injury.

Selwood and Hurn will both miss large chunks of the remainder of the season as West Coast fights to stay in finals contention.

Selwood, 23, has as suspected broken thumb, while Hurn has a serious ankle injury.

A decision on whether they required surgery is expected from West Coast medical staff and advisers later today.

Gibson, Birchall in doubt for Hawks

Hurn, 25, could miss as much as eight weeks and only be back into action approaching the September finals, if West Coast is still in contention.

Eagles coach John Worsfold confirmed his latest injury woes on today.

He said Selwood could miss up to a month if the injury requires surgery.

"There's every possibility it will require some surgery," Worsfold said.

"That looks like he will miss a number of weeks."

Worsfold described Hurn's damaged right ankle as "pretty bad".

"Bracing for the worst scenario is he will need some surgery and be out for a couple of months and that certainly could be the case.

"At best he'll miss a couple of weeks.

"It's a some sort of tendon he has torn in his ankle and not a ligament. Most sprained ankles are ligament sprains."

Brad Sheppard, Jacob Brennan and Will Schofield are in the mix for recalls against the Bombers then a potentially defining block of clashes that follows: Adelaide in Adelaide, Fremantle and then reigning premier Sydney as West Coast fights to stay in touch with the top eight.

Both players were hurt during West Coast's 20-point loss to premiership favourite Hawthorn in Melbourne on Friday night.

Selwood is the Eagles' reigning fairest-and-best winner and would have been an ideal run-with candidate to play on Bombers captain Jobe Watson.

Hurn is the Eagles' most important link-up player in defence and vital to West Coast kick-in strategies.

He was subbed out of Friday's clash with the Hawks at quarter-time after suffering nasty ligament damage during a frenetic opening term.

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Docker fined for pinching

Kangaroos star Brent Harvey of the Kangaroos talks to the umpire about Ryan Crowley's close checking at Patersons Stadium yesterday. Source: Getty Images

FREMANTLE tagger Ryan Crowley has been fined $900 for pinching North Melbourne veteran Brent Harvey.

The charge came more than an hour after the match review panel released its findings from the weekend matches.

Harvey was clearly frustrated by his opponent's niggling tactics at Patersons Stadium, but they worked - the Roos champ had just five kicks for the match.

In the third quarter Harvey reacted by felling Crowley and giving away a 50m penalty.

Steve Johnson cops two-week ban

The charge follows an incident in the first quarter.

A first pinching offence draws a $1200 fine, but Crowley can pay $900 if he pleads guilty.

Asked about the duel after the match, Kangaroos coach Brad Scott described it as "a good battle".

Surgery but Barlow still a chance

"Ryan plays a really effective, negating role for his team and I think he's really valuable to them," Scott said.

"He gets it every week, Boomer. Every week. Honestly, it's eight out of 10 it's usually like that. He gets put down behind the ball, He gets up, he more than dishes out his own. I'm not suggesting there was anything untoward."

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The Barometer: Round 14

Richmond defender Troy Chaplin is carried off after twisting his knee. Source: Herald Sun

WHO'S hurt, who's on the cusp and who's on the block - a complete rundown of every club's playing stocks.

ADELAIDE

Brodie Martin (ankle) 4 weeks
Taylor Walker (knee) season
Lewis Johnston (knee) 2-3 weeks
Jared Petrenko (shoulder) test

ON THE BLOCK: Very few injuries at West Lakes, but that is not to say there won't be changes this week. Coming off a disappointing loss to Richmond and then a bye, the Crows are expected to swing the axe for this week's clash against the Suns. The likes of Ian Callinan, Ricky Henderson and Matthew Jaensch will have a nervous week.

ON THE CUSP: In a big boost, Jared Petrenko is a chance to play this week. Petrenko sprained his right AC joint in Adelaide's loss to Sydney in Round 11. He'll need to prove his fitness, but the Crows believe he is not without a chance. The likes of Mitchell Grigg and Jarryd Lyons are also knocking on the door.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Morale is not great at Adelaide right now. Their season has not gone according to plan, but there is no doubting they are a proud and professional club. Don't expect them to just roll over when they head to Metricon Stadium to face the improving Suns.

BRISBANE

INJURIES
Claye Beams (knee) season
Stefan Martin (ankle) available
Jared Polec (ankle) available
Patrick Weardon (jaw) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: Obvious attention turns to Sam Mayes, who has been terrific for much of the season but struggled to get into it against the Cats, while emerging tall Justin Clarke could also face scrutiny at the selection table. Ryan Harwood showed some dash when he came on and would be stiff to be omitted.

ON THE CUSP: Good news for the Lions is that players at the lower level gained confidence at the weekend. Livewire forward Josh Green booted four to put his name back in lights, while runner Rohan Bewick and the experienced Andrew Raines will also press for a call-up.

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: It will be tough for Michael Voss to make too many changes to the 22 that fought back to enjoy one of the club's finest ever wins for the Lions' clash against Hawthorn. They face a whole new challenge this week - away to the ladder leaders and premiership favourites, who show no signs of taking their foot off the pedal. The Geelong win was a miracle. This may be something else.

CARLTON

INJURIES
Andrew Carrazzo (calf) test
Marc Murphy (cheekbone) 2-3 weeks
David Ellard (calf) 2 weeks
Patrick McCarthy (foot) 6 weeks
Rhys O'Keeffe (foot) indefinite
Mitch Robinson (shoulder) test

ON THE BLOCK: Out goes skipper Marc Murphy, who will miss 2-3 with a fractured cheekbone. It is a massive loss for the Blues ahead of a very important period for them. Ruckman Sam Rowe may also come out this week. Mitch Robinson has a shoulder injury and faces a fitness test. But the Blues are confident he should play against the Swans.

ON THE CUSP: The Blues should get Andrew Carrazzo back from a calf issue. Tom Bell also is a good chance to return after an impressive performance in the VFL at the weekend. He finished with 25 possessions (11 of them contested).

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: The Blues have had a week off as they prepare for what is a crucial clash against the Swans. They can no longer settle for honourable losses - they need wins if they want to stay in touch with the top eight. This is a massive challenge, but not beyond them. Coach Mick Malthouse will have them primed for battle.

Marc Murphy makes his way from the field after a heavy hit broke his cheekbone. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES
Luke Ball (calf) test
Travis Cloke (finger) available
Tyson Goldsack (hip) 1-2 weeks
Ben Johnson (calf) 2 weeks
Jackson Ramsay (wrist) 3 weeks
Dayne Beams (quad) 3-4 weeks
Jack Frost (knee) 3-5 weeks
Alex Fasolo (foot) Indefinite
Dale Thomas (ankle) Indefinite
Alan Toovey (knee) Season

ON THE BLOCK: Tyson Goldsack is set to miss with a hip injury. Adam Oxley, who made his debut before the bye, may make way this week. Ditto Ben Kennedy and perhaps Sam Dwyer. It is getting later in the season, so expect to see Collingwood try to stabilise its side over the coming weeks.

ON THE CUSP: And with that in mind, welcome back Luke Ball, Alan Didak and Andrew Krakouer. All three are expected to be available for selection against Port Adelaide. Clinton Young surely also has to be close. As for Dayne Beams ... will he ever play again? Amazing that a quad injury that struck him the day before Round 1 has sidelined him for this long. And he is still a good 2-3 weeks away. Frustrating for all involved.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Will be interesting to see how the Magpies come out after the bye. The top four is still a realistic chance for them, but they can't afford to drop games like this. Some relief on the injury front would also help.

ESSENDON

INJURIES
Dustin Fletcher (groin) test
Michael Hurley (wrist) test
Courtenay Dempsey (chest) test
Nathan Lovett-Murray (arm) available

ON THE BLOCK: On the injury front, Essendon is the envy of the competition. The Bombers' list is in sensational shape at the halfway point of the season. Michael Hurley is the only real injury concern. Given their vast array of tall targets (hello Joe Daniher), it is unlikely he will be risked if there is any issue there.

ON THE CUSP: Hird has flagged the possibility of playing all of Patrick Ryder, Joe Daniher and Tom Bellchambers against the Eagles after Bellchambers was Essendon's best player in the VFL. Will it happen? Unlikely, but you never know. Courtenay Dempsey is a chance to return, ditto Dustin Fletcher - who missed their last match against Gold Coast with a groin issue.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: No excuses this week for Essendon. The Dons have a 12-day break against a team with a six-day break plus a flight back to Perth. With basically a full list to choose from, Essendon should start favourite. And really it should win. These are the games you must win if you are serious about a top four finish.

FREMANTLE

Michael Barlow (face) test
Matthew Pavlich (achilles) test
Haiden Schloithe (calf) test
Lachie Neale (ankle) available
Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) 1 week
Anthony Morabito (knee) 2 weeks
Sam Menegola (knee) 8 weeks
Jonathon Griffin (knee) season
Kepler Bradley (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: Hayden Crozier is often on the fringes in this line-up, while Matthew Taberner's light frame may be excused against the Cats. The Dockers say Michael Barlow is still a chance to play after surgery on Monday morning to repair a facial injury, but surely he'll take a week off.

ON THE CUSP: All eyes on big guns Matthew Pavlich (Achilles) and David Mundy (calf). Ross Lyon says Mundy had a "slight calf strain" and should return. Viv Michie racked up another 30 touches (and seven inside-50s) in the WAFL to continue to press his claims, but would Ross Lyon blood the youngster at the Cattery? Tanner Smith also continues to progress nicely in the state league.

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Fremantle has been getting the job done with ease but faces a bigger test this week - the on-the-rebound Cats on their home patch. Freo doesn't score heavily and will need to kick a decent score at Simonds to win. Or will Rossy's men be able to squeeze the life out of the attacking Cats? A win can consolidate their spot in the top four.

GEELONG

INJURIES
George Horlin-Smith (quad) test
Hamish McIntosh (knee) indefinite
Jared Rivers (knee) 2-3 weeks
Travis Varcoe (shoulder) 1-3 weeks
Daniel Menzel (knee) season
Paul Chapman (hamstring) indefinite
Nathan Vardy (back) test
Trent West (back) test

ON THE BLOCK: Steve Johnson is set to miss the next two matches for his high bump on Pearce Hanley. Jordan Murdoch didn't have a great output against Brisbane and was subbed off, starting sub Jesse Stringer could also go either way while Mitch Duncan looks like he may just need a week in the VFL to regain his touch.

ON THE CUSP: The good news for the Cats is their VFL side - filled with young talent - destroyed Port Melbourne in a replay of last year's grand final. Mitch Brown and Josh Caddy were among the best while Billie Smedts also looked a class above the grade and could earn a return to the top level.

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Chris Scott is almost certain to react to Sunday's fadeout against the Lions. The question is: how many Cats will get the chop? The most interest may come in the ruck department. Will Dawson Simpson, so good in the first-half against the Lions, earn another game if Vardy or West are fit to return? Vardy is a walk-up start if his body is OK but the Cats always err on the side of caution with the talented big man. Given the importance of this clash, one would think Scott will opt for more experienced, harder bodies.

Stevie J cops two-week ban

GOLD COAST

INJURIES
Tom Lynch (knee) 8 weeks
Michael Rischitelli (elbow) test
Harley Bennell (hamstring) test
Charlie Dixon (ankle) test
Jesse Lonergan (hamstring) test
Brandon Matera (ankle) indefinite
Henry Schade (ankle) TBA
Zac Smith (knee) season
Matthew Warnock (arm) test

ON THE BLOCK: The Suns have lost forward Tom Lynch for up to eight weeks with a knee injury. Michael Rischitelli sprained his elbow against Essendon and remains in doubt this week. In terms of unforced changes, there will be a couple given the Suns have a stack of players set to return. The likes of Liam Patrick, ruckman Daniel Gorringe and Tom Murphy may be a bit nervous.

ON THE CUSP: How long have you got? If all goes well, the Suns will have Harley Bennell, Charlie Dixon, Matthew Warnock, Jesse Lonergan and Seb Tape all available for selection this week. Steven May kicked six goals in the twos last week and is knocking hard on the door. Jared Brennan and Karmichael Hunt have also made successful returns from injury through the reserves, so there is quite a lot of coach Guy McKenna to consider.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Has been a terrific start to the season by the Suns - who have developed a real appetite for the contest. And, it seems, an appetite for victory. But they cannot afford to drop the intensity against what is sure to be a desperate Adelaide side at Metricon Stadium. Should be nicely freshened up following the bye.

Harley Bennell runs laps at Metricon Stadium during Gold Coast training. Picture: Scott Fletcher Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GWS

INJURIES
Jonathan Patton (knee) season
Chad Cornes (shoulder) indefinite
Phil Davis (back) 2-3 weeks
Andrew Phillips (hamstring) test
Nathan Wilson (calf) test
Rhys Palmer (infected foot) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: After their first weekend since the start of the season without a loss, Kevin Sheedy's revolving door is set to continue swinging at Blacktown. Lachie Plowman, Zac Williams, Jeremy Bruce and Devon Smith are in a large group who could be sent back to the NEAFL.

ON THE CUSP: The Giants had a bye in the second-tier comp as well, so who knows? Tom Bugg, Stephen Gilham and Anthony Miles are on the fringe, Rhys Palmer could return after he was a late withdrawal in Round 12 and Dom Tyson is playing again after returning from a serious knee injury.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: After a stunning performance against Geelong the Giants were back to their worst against Port Adelaide. Hard to see them getting close to North at Etihad Stadium this week and they will be looking to Melbourne in Round 19 as their best chance to record a victory in 2013.

HAWTHORN

INJURIES
Grant Birchall (knee) test
Josh Gibson (ankle) test
Paul Puopolo (quad) test
Cyril Rioli (hamstring) test
Jed Anderson (hamstring) 2-3 weeks
Ryan Schoenmakers (knee) season
Matt Suckling (knee) season
Alex Woodward (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: A couple of fitness tests to come later in the week, but apart from that all continues to go swimmingly for Alastair Clarkson's men. Hard to pick holes with a winning line-up. Xavier Ellis may be the only nervous Hawk who played against the Eagles.

ON THE CUSP: Youngster Mitch Hallahan and recruits Kyle Cheney and Matt Spangher impressed for Box Hill. But could little magician Cyril Rioli return from his serious hammy? Hawk fans are hoping, while late withdrawal Paul Puopolo will likely come straight back should he overcome the quad strain sustained before the Eagles clash.

BEN BROAD'S FORECAST: Oh yes, they're a happy team at Hawthorn. A game clear on top of the ladder (11-1), the coach can now go into "list management" mode for the second half of the season as he plans his finals campaign. If Birchall and Gibson aren't cherry-ripe this week they may have a rest - and the Hawks will still get home easily.

MELBOURNE

INJURIES
James Frawley (hamstring) test
Jack Grimes (shoulder) 3 weeks
Mitch Clark (foot) indefinite
Jack Viney (toe) test

ON THE BLOCK: Out goes ruckman Jake Spencer, who has been hit with a three-game suspension for his front-on bump that forced St Kilda counterpart Ben McEvoy out of Saturday's game with concussion. While the likes of Cam Pedersen, Shannon Byrnes and Lynden Dunn are expected to find themselves in the gun.

ON THE CUSP: The Demons should welcome back defender James Frawley from injury this week. Max Gawn and James Magner are two other likely inclusions.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: A better effort and performance at the weekend. And now this week they face what looms as a winnable game against the Western Bulldogs. But it all depends on their mindset.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Tom Curran (foot) season
Lindsay Thomas (hamstring) TBA

ON THE BLOCK: Fremantle has a way of making a lot of players look worse than they are, but Sam Wright, Taylor Hine and Aaron Black were among the Roos who just couldn't get into the game at Patersons Stadium. And what has happened to Leigh Adams this season? He kicked almost a goal a game last season and was one of the most damaging half-forwards in the comp. This year it's five goals in 12 games - and none since Round 6. Meanwhile, the Roos will sweat on scans of Lindsay Thomas's left hamstring and Brad Scott says he is unsure if Ben Cunnington will be available to face GWS on Sunday after he withdrew yesterday for personal reasons.

ON THE CUSP: Good news from the VFL with Robbie Tarrant kicking three goals for Werribee in his return from a long-term leg injury. Tarrant came on at quarter-time and finished with 14 disposals. Jordan Gysberts continued his strong second-tier form with 23 touches and Majak Daw kicked one goal. Kieran Harper wasn't risked in the second half after experiencing pain in his ankle.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: North is now three games outside the eight and would need a miracle run home to sneak into the finals, but they have a chance to get some momentum against GWS on Sunday. Games against Brisbane and Melbourne are on the horizon give Roos fans reason to hope but clashes against Richmond and Carlton in the next month could seal the Kangaroos' fate.

Lindsay Thomas in the hands of the trainers on the sidelines. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Travis Boak (finger) test
John Butcher (illness) test
Sam Colquhoun (hamstring) test
Cameron Hitchcock (rolled ankle) test
Paul Stewart (back) test
Jackson Trengove (foot) test
Jarrad Redden (hip) season

ON THE BLOCK: Not too many. Very few deserve to lose their spot after what was a stunning win over the Sydney Swans. Although a couple will as the Power have some players to return from injury. Given that some will have to make way, Matt Thomas and Campbell Heath may find themselves as the unlucky ones.

ON THE CUSP: He was expected to miss two weeks, but Port Adelaide skipper Travis Boak is now rated a 50-50 chance to face Collingwood. Jackson Trengove will also be available for selection, subject to a fitness test later this week. Cameron Hitchcock and Paul Stewart are also expected to be available.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Terrific win against the Swans at the weekend. They will take that confidence, plus maybe skipper Travis Boak and a few others, into Saturday's big clash against Collingwood at AAMI Stadium. No reason why they can't take it up to the Magpies here.
 
RICHMOND

INJURIES
Troy Chaplin (knee) test
David Astbury (hamstring) test
Shane Tuck (shoulder) 1 week
Dylan Grimes (foot) 3-4 weeks
Ben Darrou (jaw) 4-5 weeks
Chris Knights (knee) season
Cadeyn Williams (shoulder) season

ON THE BLOCK: Close watch this week on key defenders Troy Chaplin and David Astbury. Damien Hardwick says scans cleared Chaplin of structural damage after he twisted his knee late in Saturday night's win against the Bulldogs. Astbury was subbed out with a "minor hamstring strain". But given the injury history of both, the club won't take any risks. In terms of form Nick Vlastuin had his first poor game and Matty White kicked a goal but is a regular in this section.

ON THE CUSP: Not much to cheer about from Coburg's 44-point loss to Casey Scorpions, although with tall backs needed it's noteworthy that Jake Batchelor, Matt Dea and Ricky Petterd all got through their returns from injury unscathed. Dea might be first in line for a call-up.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Richmond got the job done with minimum fuss against the Dogs and although there is talk the Tigers are only beating teams below them on the ladder, the higher you get the more teams there are beneath you to beat. St Kilda this week offers another chance to consolidate a place in the eight. Get on Jack Riewoldt to kick a bag - he's booted 15 in his past two games against the Saints.

ST KILDA

INJURIES
Sam Fisher (foot) test
Adam Schneider (hamstring) 1 week
Darren Minchington (hamstring) 1 week
Lanny Hayes (calf) test
Sam Gilbert (knee) 4-5 weeks
Daniel Markworth (knee) season
Bea Maister (hamstring) 6-7 weeks
Jason Blake (calf) 3 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Jimmy Webster (nine disposals), Brodie Murdoch and Clint Jones (11 each) might be in trouble if some big names finally return (see below). Ben McEvoy will be monitored after being subbed off with concussion.

ON THE CUSP: Sam Fisher was a late withdrawal on Saturday and will come into calculations again, along with Lenny Hayes who has now played one game since Round 5 - could he be nursed back through the VFL? Sandringham could use a boost after losing to Frankston by 96 points. Josh Saunders, Nathan Wright and Ahmed Saad were named in the Zebras' best.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The game against Melbourne was far from pretty but the Saints were entitled to enjoy their third win of the season, especially after another week of off-field drama. Backing it up won't be easy, with Richmond up next on Sunday afternoon in yet another twilight fixture. The Tigers used to be St Kilda's bunny - the Saints won 13 in a row against Richmond from 2003-11, but that monkey has been shrugged in the past two years.

SYDNEY

INJURIES
Adam Goodes (knee) 1 week
Tommy Walsh (hamstring) season
Andrejs Everitt (achilles) test
Lewis Roberts-Thomson (knee) indefinite
Gary Rohan (leg) 3-4 weeks
Alex Johnson (knee) season
Rhyce Shaw (abdomen) indefinite
Sam Naismith (knee) indefinite
Sam Reid (quad) 1 week
Shane Mumford (cheek) 2 weeks
Lewis Jetta (shin) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: Scans today confirmed Adam Goodes damaged the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee on Saturday, but coach John Longmire said today he was confident the injury would only sideline the champ for one game. Selection wise, Tony Armstrong may be in the gun after a disappointing showing against the Power.

ON THE CUSP: The Swans would love to welcome back guns Sam Reid and Lewis Jetta this week. But Longmire says they are another week away. Andrejs Everitt should return from an achilles issue. Draftee Tim Membrey is a chance to come in this week. Jed Lamb also a chance to return.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Very un-Sydney like at the weekend. That loss to Port Adelaide caught nearly all of us by surprise. It could spell bad news for Carlton. The defeat should sharpen the focus for this week. Expect to see a very different Swans outfit this week.

Adam Goodes leads Sydney players off the field. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

WEST COAST

INJURIES
Shannon Hurn (ankle) 9-10 weeks
Scott Selwood (thumb) 6-8 weeks
Brad Colledge (hamstring) 3-4 weeks
Adam Selwood (back) 2 weeks
Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) 2 weeks
Brad Dick (hamstring) 1 week

ON THE BLOCK: Some bad injury news today with Shannon Hurn (ankle) and Scott Selwood (broken thumb) both ruled out of the clash against Essendon on Thursday night - and a fair while after that. Veteran Andrew Embley will also miss a week after dropping his knees into Ben Stratton.

ON THE CUSP: There will be a few changes this week. The likes of Will Schofield, Brad Sheppard, Mark Hutchings and Josh Hill are all in line for a recall. You could also probably add Ashley Smith and Jacob Brennan to that list. Coach John Worsfold has a big week ahead.

Shannon Hurn of the Eagles leaves the field on crutches. Source: Getty Images

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES
Shaun Higgins (foot) season
Brett Goodes (wrist) test
Josh Prudden (ankle) 2 weeks
Fletcher Roberts (quad) test
Koby Stevens (shoulder) test
Tom Williams (shoulder) season
Easton Wood (hamstring) 3 weeks
Tom Young (calf) test

ON THE BLOCK: Nathan Hrovat could drop out again after managing just two kicks before being subbed off against the Tigers. Nick Lower and Liam Picken had similar numbers but are in the team for their defensive talents. Luke Dahlhaus is a shadow of the exciting player that burst onto the AFL scene over the past two seasons. Brett Goodes is in doubt with a wrist setback.

ON THE CUSP: Mitch Wallis put up his hand for a recall with a best-on-ground performance for Williamstown on Saturday while Tory Dickson is ready for an AFL call-up after booting four goals in his second game back from injury. Koby Stevens should be right after failing to come up from a shoulder injury last weekend.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Dogs were on the wrong end of another big margin but the positive signs from the kids will keep the mood positive at the kennell. Jake Stringer, Jackson Macrae, Clay Smith and first-gamer Lachie Hunter all showed plenty, although the fact Ryan Griffen and Matthew Boyd were the team's best players by the length of Whitten Oval shows how much development is still required. Clashes against Melbourne and GWS in the next two weeks should ensure a successful middle part of the season for the Dogs.

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Goodes to miss Blues clash

Adam Goodes will miss Friday's clash against Carlton. Source: News Limited

Sydney veteran Adam Goodes has been ruled out of Friday's match against Carlton at the SCG after aggravating a knee injury.

Scans on Monday revealed the Swans' star utility had damaged a posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Saturday's upset loss to Port Adelaide.

While it is not the same ligament he ruptured in last year's grand final, it had caused Goodes some issues in a pre-season clash with Port in Adelaide.

Medical updates for every club

But coach John Longmire is hopeful the 33-year-old will only miss a single game.

"Hopefully it's just a one-week injury, but we'll have to wait and see what he's like next week,'' Longmire told reporters on Monday.

"It could've been a lot worse.''

The premiership-winning mentor said the decision to substitute Goodes off at three-quarter time wasn't taken lightly, given the game was still in the balance.

"But clearly he was sore and restricted by it, therefore he misses - I'm hoping - only the one week,'' he said.

The mid-season injury adds to a long list of Swans casualties, which includes eight premiership players with more than 1100 AFL games of combined experience.

While the likes of Lewis Roberts-Thomson (knee) and Rhyce Shaw (abdomen) remain long-term prospects, Shane Mumford (face), Lewis Jetta (shin) and Sam Reid (quad) are still weeks away from returning.

Longmire confirmed both Jetta and Reid won't play this weekend, with Andrejs Everitt (ankle soreness) the only name on the injury list with a chance for a spot in Friday's squad.

"But that's what happens - you've got to deal with it,'' he said.

"It's just everyone has their turn and when it's your turn you've just got to make sure you play well and get the players in the team that need to contribute on a weekly basis.

"I'm confident that's what we'll be able to do, is lift our performance this week and make sure we put in a really strong performance against Carlton who have been a bit unlucky against some of the teams that have played really good football this year.''

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LIVE: Sunday arvo football

Fremantle tagger Ryan Crowley jostles with Kangaroos star Brent Harvey. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: Herald Sun

LATE CHANGES
Fremantle - David Mundy (calf) replaced by Hayden Crozier
North Melbourne - Ben Cunnington (family reasons) replaced by Brad McKenzie
Brisbane Lions - Nil
Geelong - Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Dockers: Hayden Crozier
Kangaroos: Brad McKenzie
Lions: Ryan Harwood
Cats: Jesse Stringer

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3/4 time: Dockers 48 lead Kangaroos 23

NORTH Melbourne pushed hard in the third quarter with little success on the scoreboard as Fremantle maintains its 25-point buffer.

The Kangaroos came out swinging with Brent Harvey slotting the first goal before giving away a 50m penalty allowing the Dockers to hit back.

The Kangaroos were at it again moments later, forcing a turnover at half forward, to set up Jamie Macmillan's goal.

But the Dockers struck again, this time Nick Suban getting on the end of a flow of play to maintain the four-goal buffer at the change.

Docker Michael Barlow is the most prolific midfielder on the ground with 26 disposals.

Kangaroos captain Andrew Swallow also has 26 disposals to his name.

North Melbourne activated substitute Brad McKenzie in the third term, replacing Lindsay Thomas (hamstring).

1/2 time: Dockers 36 lead Kangaroos 9

FREMANTLE tightened its grip on the match outscoring North Melbourne four goals to one in the second quarter.

The Kangaroos struck first with Aaron Mullett cruising to the 50m and splitting the middle from the pocket.

But from there it was all the Dockers' run and carry game putting the Kangaroos under pressure.

Matt deBoer was one of the Dockers best racking up 15 disposals and goal while Michael Barlow and Nat Fyfe dominate the stoppages.

1/4 time: Dockers 9 lead Kangaroos 2

FREMANTLE staved off an early North Melbourne onslaught to secure a seven-point lead at the first change.

The Kangaroos had the ball in their own half for much of the first quarter but were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard.

When Dockers ruckman Zac Clarke won a soft in-the-back free 55m from home the writing was on the wall for the Roos.

Clarke's kick to the goal square left the door ajar for Michael Barlow to swoop on the loose ball for the first of the match.

Kangaroos midfielder Ryan Bastinac is the leading possession winner on the ground with 11.

PRE-GAME

FREMANTLE midfielder David Mundy was withdrawn from the Dockers clash with North Melbourne in Perth as a precautionary measure with hopes he will resume against Geelong at Simonds Stadium next Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Kangaroos will be without hard-nosed midfielder Ben Cunnington.

The former No.5 draft pick has withdrawn due to family reasons, replaced by Brad McKenzie.

Mundy was a late withdrawal with a calf strain the All-Australian contender suffered at training late last week.

The trump ball-winner around heavy midfield congestion had been restricted to light skills and running duties as early as Wednesday but then failed to recover fully to take his place against the dangerous Roos on-ball division at home.

He is now headed for a return in Saturday's night's possible blockbuster against the in-form Cats who have won 42 or their last 44 games on their cherished home turf in Geelong.

The Dockers have only ever beaten the Cats in Geelong once in 12 visits since joining the AFL in 1995.

Mundy, 27, averages 23 disposals a game from his 11 outings so far this season with more than half of his possessions earned in contests.

The 175-game veteran was replaced in the Dockers starting line-up by second year small forward Hayden Crozier.

- Kim Hagdorn

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Chaplin avoids knee scare

Richmond defender Troy Chaplin in the hands of the trainers after hurting his knee. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick has rated Troy Chaplin a "wait and see" option for Sunday's match against St Kilda.

Chaplin injured his knee late in last night's win over the Western Bulldogs, while David Astbury tweaked his hamstring.

Hardwick said the Tigers would assess the key defenders injury during the week after scans had cleared him of any structural damage.

The injuries, while minor, did put a dampener on an otherwise impressive night for the club.

Chaplin was carried from the ground late in the game after twisting his knee, but Hardwick said the defender believed his knee – which has previously caused him trouble – was still structurally sound.

Astbury suffered hamstring tightness during the third term and was subbed out of the game.

Both players will be assessed to detail the extent of their injuries, but Hardwick remained hopeful neither would prove to be serious.

After a wasteful first term, Richmond cranked into gear when it mattered most to record their third successive win of the season ahead of another winnable game against St Kilda next Sunday.

It was the Tigers' eighth win of the season and Hardwick insisted there was significant improvement left in the team for the rest of the season.

"We're probably only going at about seven out of ten (at the moment)," Hardwick said last night.

"We've had one really bad game – the Essendon game was as bad as we had played in two years.

"Otherwise we have been very competitive."

Hardwick admitted that he had not been happy with his team's first half, but was pleased with the overall result.

"I thought the second half was a lot better than the first," he said. "By the end of the game, it was a good result.

"If you had said that we would come out of the game with a 10-goal win, you would have taken that."

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Johnson faces bump scrutiny

Steve Johnson collects Pearce Hanley. Picture: FOX FOOTY

THE controversial bump debate has another high-profile case study with Geelong star Steve Johnson to be scrutinised for a hit on Brisbane's Pearce Hanley .

Johnson cleaned up Hanley midway through the first quarter with a hip and shoulder which left the Irishman dazed on the ground.

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The problem for the Cats forward is that while his left shoulder was tucked in and he didn't jump off the ground, there was contact to the side of Hanley's head.

After getting immediate attention from trainers the Lions defender left the ground before returning a couple of minutes later.

Steve Johnson hit on Pierce Hanley, Gabba, Round 13, 2013.Picture: FOX FOOTY Source:

The Cats lost midfielder James Kelly earlier in the season after the match review panel suspended him for a hip and shoulder bump on Essendon's Brendon Goddard.

The field umpire did not penalise Johnson, signalling play on despite Hanley smashing into the turf where he lay dazed.

But the Irishman was cleared of concussion and played out the match, having a hand in Brent Moloney's major to start the second term.

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Fyfe stars as Dockers down Roos

Fremantle Dockers midfielder Nathan Fyfe in action against North Melbourne. Picture: Daniel Wilkins. Source: PerthNow

ACE Fremantle on-baller Nat Fyfe assumed elite levels of supremacy as the Dockers stormed into the AFL top four in a ruthless strangulation of North Melbourne in Perth.

Fyfe, 21, turned in a stunning near best-afield outing alongside regular big possession-winner Michael Barlow in a total control around congestion and stoppages to stifle North's potential heavy scoring 10.7 (67) to 4.5 (29).
 
It was North's lowest acore in almost 40 years.

The 38-point loss leaves North lamenting in 13th spot on the premiership ladder with only four and wins and eight losses and all but gone for finals in 2013.

Fyfe, Barlow and a relentlessly disciplined Dockers defensive unit astutely marshalled by acting captain Luke McPharlin broke the clash open with four unanswered goals in the second term on the strength of sheer dominance from Fyfe and Barlow.

Fyfe topped his stunning second term with a high-flying grab on the wing to initiate the rapid forward thrust that manufactured Fremantle's fourth major and fifth for the half among his eight possessions for the quarter and 14 overall to the long break.

The stingy Dockers had closed down all of North's more accustomed ball-winners, especially veteran Daniel Wells and Brent Harvey and emerging unheralded defender Lee Spurr held trump Roos sharpshooter and All-Australian small forward prospect Lindsay Thomas goalless.

Thomas was subbed out with a slight left hamstring strain after heading into this round as leader in the Coleman Medal race for top goal-scorer in the league with his 35 majors and had touched the football just four times when he was subbed out 19 minutes into the third term.

Harvey's frustrations boiled over 10 minutes after half-time when he decked nagging Dockers tagger Ryan Crowley with a push into his neck and a 50m penalty for big back man Michael Johnson to take a straight-forward set-shot an ram home Fremantle's first for the third term and sixth overall.

At the long interval North had managed just 12 entries into their attacking 50m arc and only five of them in the defining second term as All-Australian key defensive contender Luke McPharlin and creative running-backs Paul Duffield, Garrick Ibbotson and Michael Johnson all constantly thwarted North scoring hopes.

Fremantle onballer Danyle Pearce can't hide his frustration after missing a goal. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

The Dockers had surged from midfield scrums inside their forward 50m zone 26 times as they generated a hefty 27-point margin and healthy potential match-winning lead.

Fyfe, Barlow, hard-nut tagger Matt de Boer and speedy winger Stephen Hill were all heavily productive as the Dockers established full control through the second term. 

With torrential rain pouring down early a scrappy and tight opening 25 minutes was finally broken when Barlow swopped onto a loose ball with a diving soccer in the Dockers goal-square.

It was easily the lowest combined score of a first term this season, though the miserly Dockers did hold Gold Coast to only two points in their gruelling clash on the Gold Coast in Round 6 early last month.

North captain Andrew Swallow was enterprising in early engagements with important touches around the heavy congestion as he racked up six possessions inside the first 15 minutes after being held to only 10 touches in his side's unexpected loss to Gold Coast before last week's bye.

Tough on-baller Ryan Bastinac was also busy with his collections and approached a double-figure possession tally before the opening change.

Some of the strategic one-on-one assignments contributed to the dogged affair with the fiery Crowley running with the dangerous Harvey and all-rounder Clancee Pearce locking onto the creative Wells, who managed just disposals to half-time as North's finals hopes copped another severe jolt.

North Melbourne captain Andrew Swallow leads his side off the field. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

Harvey, 35, was sent into a deep forward role to offer vital ground level crumbing assistance to tall marking targets Drew Petrie and Aaron Black as well as to potentially limit Crowley's potential damage around the heavy packs forming around midfield.
 
North coach Brad Scott sent gritty nullifier Levi Greenwood onto Fyfe from the outset with the absence of Fremantle's premier stoppages instigator David Mundy who was a late withdrawal with a calf strain.

North had headed into the gruelling tussle without hard-nut Ben Cunnington who missed the clash to remain in Victoria by the side of his ill father.

FREMANTLE   1.3    5.6  7.6   10.7 (67)
NORTH MELBOURNE   0.2    1.3   3.5   4.5 (29)
Best: Fremantle: Fyfe, Barlow, Ibbotson, Hill, McPharlin, C. Pearce, Clarke.
North Melbourne: Swallow, Bastinac, Goldsetin, Gibson, Atley, Macmillan.
Goals: Fremantle:  Suban 2, Mundy, deBoer, Fyfe, Mayne, Hannath, Johnson, Crozier, Walters,
North Melbourne: Mullett, Harvey, Macmillan, Black,

Injuries:
Fremantle: Barlow (facial),  McPharlin (cut eye)
North Melbourne: Thomas (hamstring), Hine (shoulder)

Umpires: Brett Rosebury, Matt Stevic and Jacob Mollison.
Crowd: 31,637.

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Swans go to water as Power surges

Justin Westhoff kicked a crunch last-quarter goal. Picture: Simon Cross

EMERGING star Chad Wingard inspired Port Adelaide to the upset of the season, a slogging 18-point comeback against Sydney.

The Power trailed at three-quarter time but Wingard triggered a late surge as Port won 10.12 (72) to 8.6 (54) at a sodden AAMI Stadium.

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Port ruined the comeback game of Sydney's prized recruit Kurt Tippett, who kicked a goal in the first minute and finished with two in an ominous debut for the Swans.

But in wet and windy conditions, Port kicked five goals to two in the last term to stun the Swans and climb into the top eight.

Wingard booted three goals, including two in the tense final stanza, while Port's acting captain Brad Ebert, Matthew Broadbent and veteran hard-nuts Dom Cassisi and Tom Logan revelled in the heavy going.

The Swans were superbly served by midfielders Josh Kennedy and Jarrad McVeigh and backman Nick Malceski was prominent.

But the flag fancies lost ex-skipper Adam Goodes, who was substituted at three-quarter time with an injured right knee.

AFL Round 13 match between Port Adelaide and Sydney at AAMI Stadium - Adam Goodes celebrates a goal Picture: Cross Simon Source:

The dual Brownlow medallist watched a final term in which the lead changed five times before Wingard helped to seal Sydney's fate.

The 19-year-old was instrumental in delivering first-year coach Ken Hinkley his greatest win after the Power slipped behind early as Tippett took centre stage.

Tippett took a mark just 11 seconds into his playing career at Sydney, and then converted, in an impressive comeback after an  11-match suspension for his illegal 2009 contract with his former club, Adelaide.

AFL Round 13 match between Port Adelaide and Sydney at AAMI Stadium - Kurt Tippett celebrates his first goal for Sydney Picture: Cross Simon Source:

Tippett potted another some 17 minutes later as Sydney crafted a  4.1 to 1.2 advantage by quarter-time.

But the Port, in two quarters of water-logged work, snuck within four points at the last break.

The home side, inspired by Wingard, then overwhelmed the reigning premiers to bank their seventh win from 12 games this season.

AFL Round 13 match between Port Adelaide and Sydney at AAMI Stadium - Kurt Tippett Picture: Cross Simon Source:

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Dees boss rings Roos

Melbourne has spoken to Paul Roos, Picture: Michael Klein

MELBOURNE has wasted no time sounding out Paul Roos, publicly declaring it wants to convince the premiership coach to take the reins at the embattled club next year.

New Demons chief executive Peter Jackson made the call to Roos just days after sacking Mark Neeld halfway through his three-year contract.

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And despite Roos reiterating he has no plans to return to the coaching landscape, Jackson said the Dees would not give up hope of luring the 49-year-old in what would be the marquee recruit Melbourne desperately needs.

"I've spoken to Paul and his comments to me were exactly the same as the other night on television," Jackson told Triple M.

"At the moment he doesn't see himself coaching. It's not that (a contract dialogue) at all. But I've asked him the question and maybe, who knows."

How Melbourne could have lined up today

Jackson said Roos must have a burning desire to coach and not be swayed by the mega pay cheque he would command.

"Maybe we can convince him over time it's a challenge that's going to invigorate him," Jackson said.

"He has to want to coach. No amount of money is going to make him want to coach, he has to want to do it for the right reasons."

Roos remains a joint $5 second-favourite to win the only vacant AFL coaching job, tied with former Western Bulldogs mentor Rodney Eade and behind Richmond's Mark Williams.

Alan Richardson yesterday ruled himself out of the race, declaring he was happy at Port Adelaide.

Eade admitted last week he still had the "fire in the gut" to be a senior coach but would also carry a high price tag.

"I'm the opposite to Rocket. Rocket said he had a burning desire to coach. I don't," Roos, who boasts a 58 per cent winning record, told Fox Footy's On the Couch last week.

Collingwood training,Rodney Eade, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source:

Jackson confirmed the Dees were only scoping experienced coaches.

He also conceded a proposed AFL Coaches Association charter that would ensure Eade or Williams remained tied to their current clubs until the end of the season even if they won the Demons top job loomed as an obstacle.

"People are going to want to talk about what they may do in 2014 anyway, so long as they've got obligations and responsibilities to an existing employer," he told ABC Grandstand.

"And that's only fair and reasonable. I think that's just something we have to deal with."

Jackson played down talk the AFL was taking over the Dees despite league chief executive Andrew Demetriou confirming it would have a say in appointing Melbourne's board and new coach.

"They're not providing overbearing influence, they're providing great support," Jackson said.

"They have obligations to the other 17 clubs and that's to make sure they just don't pour money into a big black hole."

Jackson said the AFL Commission was now the Demons banker, so it was expected for the league to have some say in the club's new direction.

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Wingard inspires Power to big upset

Rising Port Adelaide star Chad Wingard celebrates a goal against Sydney. Picture: Simon Cross. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

CHAD Wingard elevated his game to superstar status as Port Adelaide pulled off one of the upsets of the season at a waterlogged AAMI Stadium.

In stunning premier Sydney, the Power fired a warning shot to the rest of the competition that its rebuilding project under new coach Ken Hinkley is on track and that it could still make a shock push for this year's finals.

In one of the proud club's most stunning wins, Port heroicly fought back from 16 points behind in the third quarter to overrun one of this year's premiership favourites.

The brave Power trailed at every break but - inspired by the brilliant Wingard - doubled its score in the final quarter to win by 18 points.

Its victory saw Port move into the top eight with a 7-5 record and came just two weeks after the Swans smashed the Crows at the same venue by 77 points - Adelaide's biggest home loss in 19 years.

Second-year midfielder/forward Wingard was at the centrepiece of Saturday's super show.

Superb all day, the ice-cool Wingard kicked two crucial goals in the defining final term to first put the Power back in front from a set shot from 45m and then send it two goals clear with a 40m kick on the run.

The 19-year-old finished with three of Port's 10 goals and his class stood out in horrible conditions.

His standout performance saw veteran midfielder Kane Cornes label him as a "freak" and the second coming of former Power star Gavin Wanganeen.

Port Adelaide forward Robbie Gray celebrates a goal against Sydney. Picture: Simon Cross.

Hinkley, meanwhile, said Wingard's matchwinning exploits lived up to those of his hero - US basketball star LeBron James, who led the Miami Heat to a second consecutive NBA championship during the week.

"Chad's a competitor and lucky enough he watched the NBA finals and he saw his star LeBron play," Hinkley said.

"He said he loves games against Sydney because he loves to compete. And he showed it."

But while Wingard turned the game Port's way, the club had many heroes.

Stand-in skipper Brad Ebert led from the front in the absence of injured skipper Travis Boak, Cornes restricted Swans dangerman Daniel Hannebery to only 13 disposals, Robbie Gray and Matthew Broadbent returned to top form and Matthew Lobbe played a strong, lone role in the ruck.

Significantly, the Power beat the tough Swans - who paraded former Crow Kurt Tippett for the first time after he served an 11-match suspension for his role in Adelaide's draft tampering and salary cap rorting - at their own game.

The young Port side beat Sydney at its trademark, contested possessions, 176-163, and laid just four fewer tackles, 95 to 99.

In the second half, the Power had a remarkable 34 inside 50s to 12.

Port Adelaide players celebrate after the win over Sydney. Picture: Simon Cross.

Port's win snapped a club-record eight game losing streak to the Swans dating back to 2006 and was built on pressure, workrate, desire and a never-give-in spirit which has become the trademark of first-year coach Hinkley.

It came despite losing two players before the opening bounce, with Paul Stewart (back) - hurt in the pre-game warm-up - and key forward John Butcher (tonsillitis) withdrawing from the selected side.

They were replaced by Andrew Moore and Campbell Heath.

Tippett looked like singlehandedly snatching the game from the Power's grasp early.

In a dream start to his Swans career, the former Crow marked Kieren Jack's quick kick out of a pack from the opening bounce after just 11 seconds.

His first kick in the red and white sailed through from 45m and saw his new teammates rush to him in clear delight.

Tippett continued to terrorise opponent Alipate Carlile early.

After dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes goaled on the run from 50m, Tippett again outbodied Carlile, taking another strong chest mark inside 50.

With a strong wind at his back, he kicked truly from 30m to get off to a flying start with his new club.

When Jack brilliantly stormed through a pack to accept Mike Pyke's perfectly-executed hitout to run into an open goal, Sydney had broken to 17-point lead and the signs were ominous for the Power.

But the home side hit back hard early in the second term.

Wingard's class began to show and when Matthew Broadbent and Jake Neade goaled in the opening seven minutes, Port had closed to within four points.

But the Swans raised their game and, despite kicking into a gale, they camped the ball in their half of the ground for most of the quarter.

Tippett was unlucky not to have a third first-half goal when he marked in the goalsquare and was harshly penalised for a push on Carlile.

Cornes had kept the dangerous Hannebery to just five disposals at half-time but Sydney's dominance in clearances (31 to 20) and inside 50s (31 to 18) had proved decisive.

But Port turned the game on its head in the third term, winning the inside-50 count 17-5 despite kicking into the wind.

It then ran all over the hardened Swans in the final quarter, kicking to 5.6 to 2.2, to record a famous win.

PORT ADELAIDE   1.2  3.5  5.6  10.12 (72)

SYDNEY SWANS    4.1  5.2  6.4   8.6 (54)

Goals: Port Adelaide: Wingard 3, Monfries 2, Neade, Schulz, Westhoff, Broadbent, Gray. Sydney: Goodes, K. Jack, Tippett 2, Morton, Mitchell.

Best: Port Adelaide: Wingard, Brad Ebert, Broadbent, Logan, Gray, Hartlett, Cassisi. Sydney: Kennedy, Malceski, McVeigh, K. Jack, O'Keefe, Bird.

Injuries: Port Adelaide: Paul Stewart (back) replaced in selected side by Campbell Heath, John Butcher (tonsilitis) replaced in selected side by Andrew Moore. Sydney: Adam Goodes (knee).

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Tippett's dream start sours

Star recruit Kurt Tippett and other Swans walk off the ground after the shock loss to Port Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Limited

IT TOOK former Crows full-forward Kurt Tippett just 11 seconds to assert himself as he re-booted his football career at AAMI Stadium as Sydney's million-dollar man

He marked it outside of the 50m arc after leaving direct opponent Alipate Carlile behind and kicked the goal with local knowledge as the wind blustered behind him.

SuperCoach points, stats and more

And there, he is back. He looked to be in outstanding physical shape, had a tremendous presence and made life difficult for Carlile. Tippett handled the ball like a littleman at ground level, looked imposing every time the ball was coming into the forward are and worked hard up the flanks.

AFL - Port Adelaide v Sydney Swans, AAMI Stadium. fans for Kurt Tippett display their banner - standing with Alipate Carlile Picture: Reed Sarah Source:

His final statistics included 2.2 goals, six disposals and five tackles - which may not sound outstanding - but there were mitigating reasons.

For one, a wet day is not traditionally a tall man's stage and second, when the Power began hemming in the Swans in the second half his supply ran out.

The welcome from the crowd was underwhelming, regardless of whether you expected them to cheer him or jeer him.

A handful of people around the ground were dressed in Crows gear; none of them were there to barrack against Tippett. They were just football people who come each week, many of them with a season ticket in their pocket.

Tippett's bigger test will be how the audience reacts the next time Adelaide faces Sydney at home, which doesn't look likely until next year (the Crows are not likely to place higher than Sydney if they make the finals) or the one after that (in case the fixture have the two meeting just once next year and it is scheduled in Sydney).

What is clear is that Tippett and the Sydney coaching panel have handled his long time away from the game in a precise manner. As soon as he was eligible to play, he was in the senior side and he had an impact. But few clubs spend as much cash on a player to have him loosen up in the reserves.

Coach John Longmire, one who uses a measured tone, reckoned Tippett had done just as much as could have been expected.

AFL - Port Adelaide v Sydney Swans, AAMI Stadium. fans for Kurt Tippett display their banner - standing with Alipate Carlile Picture: Reed Sarah Source:

"I thought he was pretty good," Longmire said. "What did he get, 2.2? That's a reasonable return. I thought he looked pretty clean and the conditions were obviously difficult.

"But when he got his opportunities he was able to take a couple of marks and he was pretty good at ground level. He certainly wasn't the reason (Sydney lost). I think that was a bit further up the ground.

"There was no problems with his fitness. I thought he was okay today. For a bloke who has missed 12 weeks of footy I thought he was pretty good. He just wanted to get back and play."

Tippett, a ruckman-forward, was in attack. But Longmire will keep an open mind for the rest of the Swans premiership defence over where he is best suited.

It has been a unique situation. Not just for Tippett, who has spent more than six months on the sidelines training while fully fit, but also for his teammates.

But Josh Kennedy, one of Sydney's best players, said Tippett had already won the respect of his teammates.

"I think his work ethic and the way he's prepared himself, the whole pre-season and the 12 weeks leading up to the game ... we hold him in high regard," Kennedy said. "And I think the impact he had today after such a long break was a really good effort and a credit to him."

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Brand recognition at Tigerland

Brandon Ellis flexes his muscle's after kicking a goal at training yesterday. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

BRANDON Ellis started the season with a stinker.

Carlton's Chris Yarran burned him off for a goal of the year contender and Damien Hardwick subbed him out.

"He (Yarran) ran about 90 metres and had four bounces on the wing,'' Ellis said.

"I was chasing him and he just looked back at me and started smiling and kicked the goal from 50.

"It was a bit of a rough start to the year. I played sub for the next three games, which was a bit frustrating.

"I had one of those games and it was probably pretty smart of them to sub me out. I wasn't up to it.''

Fox Footy analyst David King had his own doubts.

"I'd seen him through the pre-season period. He's an elite runner, probably in the top two or three endurance athletes at Richmond, and a really hard worker and honest footballer - but I guess my opinion of him for the first 20-odd games was that he could play a number of roles, but without being able to seriously impact games,'' King said.

"But he's really blossomed over the last couple of weeks and turned that right around. He's been able to get himself onto the scoreboard, kick some goals and have an influence forward of centre."

The breakout game came with 39 possessions and a goal against Melbourne in Round 8.

"In the first quarter he had 16 possessions, more than the whole Melbourne midfield. It was fantastic,'' King said.

"I still think he's a work in progress and where he ranks among that Richmond midfield will be of interest going forward. Personally I still think he's going to be behind (Reece) Conca, (Dustin) Martin and (Trent) Cotchin in that role, but it's a lovely luxury to have.

Reece Conca (L) of the Tigers celebrates a goal with Brandon Ellis. Source: Getty Images

"He's still learning and only a young player but I'd love to see him have another asset, another trick or mode of getting more of the ball.

"The next season and a half will give us a bit more of an idea on his football DNA.''

Since Round 5, Ellis has averaged 26 disposals per game, the highest at the club, and polled votes from the coaches in four of five matches.

His season SuperCoach average of 78 is the second best of players drafted in 2011 behind Port Adelaide's Chad Wingard.

"Dimma (Hardwick) just asks me to keep improving, to keep being hard and tough in the contests. To stick to my structures and play my role,'' Ellis said.

"I can play back, I can play wing, which is outside, and mid which is inside _ and they've played me forward as well.

"I've been all over the shop this year and I'm enjoying it.''

He joined seven-gamer Nick Vlastuin, former skipper Chris Newman and cult figure Jake King in signing new deals this week.

A star-studded batch headed by Martin and Jack Riewoldt are yet to commit, but Ellis believes they will.

A win tonight against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium would see the Tigers move into sixth on the AFL ladder.

It would be awesome (to play finals) but it's not something we have spoken about at all,'' he says.

"It would be a dream come true but there are probably six or seven teams that are fighting for those spots (in the bottom half of the eight).''

Ellis was almost lost to football during his TAC Cup years.

His father, Dale, was diagnosed with throat cancer and Brandon pulled out of the Calder Cannons program.

Dale convinced him to return and Richmond swooped at pick 15 in the 2011 draft.

His dad beat the cancer.

"He's got all clear, so it means he doesn't have to go back for any more tests. It's a miracle what's happened and that he's still here today,'' Ellis said.

Then his dad got in on the substitution act.

"He was a mad Collingwood supporter for his whole life but he just turned - now he's a mad Richmond supporter. I thought it was impossible,'' Ellis quipped.

Ellis' best mates at the club include Stevie Morris, Cotchin and Bachar Houli. But he says the entire squad is tight.

"There's no rat pack. But we are all close and get along. There are little groups that go on but that happens everywhere.

"That's a massive reason why I signed because I fitted in down at Richmond straight away.''

On captain Cotchin he said: ``He was born to be a captain. Newy (Newman) still mentors him a bit and he gets a lot of help from Lids (Brett Deledio).''

Ellis said development coach Mark Williams, in the mix to fill the vacant Melbourne coaching job, had also impacted the emerging Tigers.

"He's a scary guy, Choco, but he's been awesome. It was such a great find by Richmond. He's real honest, tough and hard, but he'll give you a bit of love when it's needed and you deserve it.

"I'd love him to stay.''

BRANDON BY THE NUMBERS
SuperCoach price: $459,900

Game ave since R5 Richmond ranking
Disposals: 25.6 1st
Contested poss: 7.8 8th
Uncontested poss: 18.2 1st
Marks: 8.2 1st
Tackles: 3.8 7th

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No Time to Rest - Part 3

Ex Swans coach Paul Roos rates your side.

PAUL Roos looks at the sides enjoying the bye this weekend and delivers his verdict on where they are all at.

3rd ESSENDON
9 wins, 3 losses

What's working
JAMES Hird has worked on their defensive skills since he arrived as coach. To his credit they are now a much harder team to score against. The Bombers were seen as a free scoring, forward running team. They now have a much greater team commitment to winning the ball back off of the opposition. Heath Hocking opitimises this philosophy. He is a good midfield stopper, but can also win the ball himself.

What's not working
WHEN compared to the absolute elite teams, the Bombers still have a number of weaknesses. Their half-forwards can be a weakness as they don't have the ability to work up and back. This can create problems as they often get outnumbered in their forward 50 if the opposition drops a defender off.

Mid-year draft
PATRICK Dangerfield: an explosive midfielder who can play forward and kick multiple goals would be invaluable for the Bombers. Not only does Dangerfield change the momentum of games, but he can win games off his own boot.

Coach pressure gauge: 2
JAMES Hird: in a pure coaching sense there is absolutely no pressure on Hird. His team can play exceptional football and the win/loss column attests to that. The pressure comes on all at the club with the investigation that is currently underway.

SUPERCOACH

STUD: Michael Hibberd ($480,100, def)
If you backed him in before Round 1 the Frankston VFL recruit has delivered a price rise of almost $100k.

DUD: Michael Hurley ($279,300 fwd)
Swingman tempted plenty but he's cracked 100 just once and suffered a price plummet of more than $100k.

Bomber Heath Hocking. Source: Herald Sun

6th COLLINGWOOD
8 wins, 4 losses

What's working
WITH a number of star players out the Magpies have done a terrific job blooding young players. Last week's team won on the back of great games from Dane Swan and Scott Pendlebury plus significant input from the likes of Josh Thomas, Kyle Martin, Marley Williams, Jamie Elliott and Adam Oxley. The Pies certainly look to have some good, young, long-term prospects.

What's not working
WHETHER it is injuries, adapting to a new coach or just the usual form slumps, the Magpies don't seem to be completely on the same page. They can play good quarters/halves but have yet to string some very good consistent form together. Last week's game against the Bulldogs was indicative of the Magpies' season so far. Fantastic for a half and poor after halftime.

Mid-year draft
COLLINGWOOD doesn't need a particular player, rather it needs to find out who is 100 per cent committed to the team and pursuit of excellence. If its most talented 22 find this, the Pies can win the flag.

Coach pressure gauge: 3
THERE is always pressure coaching, but more when you coach Collingwood, and there's an extra layer after the departure of Mick Malthouse. Nathan Buckley has handled this faultlessly, a very impressive coach who just needs a few things to click.

SUPERCOACH

STUD: Scott Pendlebury ($619,100 mid)
Second only to Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett, averaging 128 points per game including highs of 161, 160, 145 and 132.

DUD: Quinten Lynch ($312,300 fwd)
Handy as a pinch-hitting ruckman, but no use to SuperCoaches, averaging just 71 points per game.

Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott booted five goals to steer the Magpies to victory. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

8th CARLTON
6 wins, 6 losses

What's working
THE Blues' percentage of a 116.9 suggests they are more than a competitive team. They seem more resilient this year and never get blown out of games. You sense their highs aren't quite as good, but their lows aren't anywhere near as bad as in recent seasons. They are no longer as reliant on Chris Judd. He still has an impact, but not as consistently as we used to see.

What's Not working
THE Blues are struggling to put teams away. They do not get reward for effort and that is putting pressure on their win/loss record. They should have beaten both the Bombers and the Hawks. Is this ultimately a lack of talent or a flaw in the way they play? The next 10 weeks will tell the story.

Mid-year draft
A 22-YEAR-old Jonathan Brown. They need a forward who can both work up the ground and provide a contest on the wing and take a contested mark in the goal square. Brown would capitalise on the many opportunities created by the Carlton mids.

Coach pressure gauge: 3
MICK Malthouse: Mick is finding out about his new team and the players are finding out about Mick. I suspect the Carlton faithful will definitely be looking for a finals berth at worst and if the Blues miss out there will be great disappointment.

SUPERCOACH

STUD: Andrew Walker ($547,100 mid/fwd)
Malthouse has transformed the high-flying forward into a hard-running, rebounding machine. Scoring 30 points a game more on average than in 2012.

DUD: Sam Rowe ($229,500 fwd/ruck)
Ticked all the boxes at the start of the season but has struggled to cement a spot in the Blues' best 22. Remains in about 30 per cent of teams.

Superstar Chris Judd is stepping aside at Carlton. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

11th ADELAIDE
5 wins, 7 losses

What's working
THE form of Patrick Dangerfield and Richard Douglas has been the benchmark for the Crows this season. They are almost singlehandedly keeping the team in games. Dangerfield is one of the most explosive offensive weapons in the game and has the ability to play mid and forward. Douglas is their hardest working two-way midfielder.

What's not working
THE Crows' midfield ran deep last year and created headaches for the opposition. This year has been the complete opposite. Teams have outworked and dominated the Crows' mids. Richmond last week dismantled the Crows on the back of pressure and run. The Crows must find an appetite for the contest.

Mid-year draft
TAYLOR Walker/Kurt Tippett: It is extremely difficult when you lose two key players at once. The forward line has been completely reworked and without Walker and Tippett there are few easy goals for the Crows. They are screaming out for a key forward.

Coach pressure gauge: 3
BRENTON Sanderson: whilst the Crows' expectations haven't been met this year, Sanderson proved last season what a good coach he is. His challenge now is to restructure his forward line and re-motivate his disenchanted outfit.

SUPERCOACH

STUD: Richard Douglas ($549,900 mid)
Started the year worth $430,400 and has averaged 107 points per game _ just six fewer than Patrick Dangerfield.

DUD: Sam Jacobs ($392,500 ruck)
Scores of 36, 66 twice, 75, 76 and 77 are not good enough for a player regarded _ at the start of the season _ as one of the premier ruckmen in the competition.

Richard Douglas marks the ball during the Crows' shocker against the Blues at the MCG. Picture: Michael Dodge. Source: Getty Images

12th GOLD COAST
5 wins, 7 losses

What's working
INDIVIDUALLY the young Suns are improving. They are starting to play both sides of the ball and with their improved fitness levels are able to stay in most games for longer. There is far less pressure on Gary Ablett to perform although he has maintained his incredibly high standards. The Suns look a well-balanced team with some of their talls starting to have a significant impact.

What's Not working
THE injury to Zac Smith was a shocking blow to player and team. He burst on to the scene in his first year, struggled last season and looked like becoming a very good AFL ruckman. Hopefully his surgery is successful, his rehab goes smoothly and we see him back next year.

Mid-year draft
TRAVIS Cloke: a big power forward who can score the Suns some easy goals would lift them to the next level. They look to have a talented midfield which should develop nicely over the next few years.

Coach pressure gauge: 3
THE Suns are probably exactly where they hoped to be at this time in their early history. ``Bluey'' McKenna and his coaching staff look to be a good development crew and the individual improvement in each of their players is evident.

SUPERCOACH

STUD: Gary Ablett ($690,000, mid)
Jaeger O'Meara might have made us more than $300k, but ``Gazza'' has made us 1659 points _ that's 3318 as captain. He's worth every cent.

DUD: Harley Bennell ($465,400 mid)
Hamstring injuries and a form dip have cut his average to 84 and delivered a price drop of $60k.

Gary Ablett in training for the Suns. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

18th GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
0 wins, 12 losses

What's working

EVEN though the Giants' record is 0 and 12 we are seeing glimpses of their future. Most of their young talent has at stages shown why they were early draft picks. Jeremy Cameron in particular is doing an extraordinary job given the ball doesn't spend a lot of time in the Giants' forward 50. If he won the Coleman Medal it would be a tremendous effort and a big boost for his young club.

What's not working
WHETHER intentional or not the Giants don't have a lot of experienced talent and that is hurting the young franchise. They needed some bigger bodies to take the pressure off their early draft picks. People will argue that those players won't be there for the club's successful years, but young teams need good role models to eventually reach the heights they are striving for.

Mid-year draft
GARY Ablett Jr: the Giants need a star who can do everything. And, unlike the Suns, they missed out on this type of player when they set up their team. Ablett makes everyone better.

Coach pressure gauge: 1 Kevin Sheedy; 4 Leon Cameron
``SHEEDS'' has been fantastic for the Giants and should be complimented for the way he set up the franchise. Unfortunately for Leon he comes in at year three when expectations are going to rise significantly. The Giants need to win games next year.

SUPERCOACH

STUD: Lachie Whitfield ($328,300, mid)
No Giant has averaged 100, but at least the No.1 pick has made some cash. Peaked at $340k _ a rise of $140 _ and has consistently scored in the 70-90 points per game range.

DUD: Toby Greene ($366,700, mid)
Second-year blues have hit hard with a high score of just 85 and a big drop. Greene has fallen from more than $500k to well under $400k. Ouch.

Giants star Jeremy Cameron celebrates a goal against Geelong at Skoda Stadium. Source: Getty Images

 

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LIVE: Hawks v Eagles

Eagle Jack Darling will be looking for a big game against Hawthorn tonight. Source: Herald Sun

IT is Hawthorn and the West Coast Eagles at Etihad Stadium. Follow our live coverage right here.

LATE CHANGES

Hawthorn: Nil

West Coast: Nil

SUBSTITUTES

Hawthorn: Jonathan Simpkin

West Coast: Bradd Dalziell

SuperCoach scores and stats

PRE-GAME

HELLO and welcome to our live coverage of Friday night football.

West Coast are coming off the bye, while Hawthorn will back up after last Friday night's win over Carlton at Etihad Stadium.

Hawthorn will be looking for their 11th win in a row, while West Coast need to win to stay in touch with the top eight.

It should be a good contest - follow it right here!

TEAMS

Hawthorn
B: Ben Stratton, Brian Lake, Brent Guerra
HB: Grant Birchall, Josh Gibson, Luke Hodge
C: Shane Savage, Sam Mitchell, Bradley Hill
HF: Paul Puopolo, Lance Franklin, Jordan Lewis
F: David Hale, Jarryd Roughead, Luke Breust
Foll: Max Bailey, Brad Sewell, Shaun Burgoyne
Int: Liam Shiels, Taylor Duryea, Jack Gunston, Jonathan Simpkin
Emerg: Kyle Cheney, Xavier Ellis, Matt Spangher

In: S.Savage
Out: I.Smith (corked calf)

West Coast
B: Sam Butler, Darren Glass, Mitchell Brown
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Beau Waters
C: Andrew Gaff, Scott Selwood, Andrew Embley
HF: Luke Shuey, Josh Kennedy, Chris Masten
F: Mark LeCras, Dean Cox, Jack Darling
Foll: Nic Naitanui, Matt Priddis, Daniel Kerr
Int: Blayne Wilson, Patrick McGinnity, Bradd Dalziell, Matt Rosa
Emerg: Brad Sheppard, Ashley Smith, Jacob Brennan

In: D.Glass, B.Waters, M.LeCras, J.Kennedy, B.Dalziell, P.McGinnity
Out: A.Selwood (back), J.Hill (hamstring), A.Hams, J.Brennan, B.Sheppard, J.Cripps

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
Sam Mitchell was Hawthorn's top ranked player when these sides last met in Round 2 collecting 134 points. Dean Cox led the scoring for West Coast courtesy of his 118 point return.

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Nic Nat or Jack - Watt if?

The Jack Watts-Nic Naitanui debate has raged for years. Source: Herald Sun

If the Dees had taken Nic Nat with pick 1 in the 2008 draft, would the Eagles have used pick 2 on Watts?|

THERE are numerous legitimate reasons to criticise Melbourne's decision making in the past seven years, but the flak that is perhaps most unfair is the Demons' decision to take Jack Watts with the No.1 selection in the 2008 draft.

Whether it's a case of brilliant hindsight or maybe winners getting to write history, what the critics have conveniently forgotten is that there were 15 other clubs who would have been rapt to snatch the Sandringham teenager had he been available when their turn came.

The Dream Team Melbourne could have had

Watts was a 195cm All-Australian key forward, winner of the Larke Medal for best player at that year's Under 18 championships.

He had pace, athleticism, clean hands and his character was widely admired.

The three standout contenders for the No.1 pick that year were Watts, Nic Naitanui and Daniel Rich, and Melbourne, West Coast and Fremantle were all confident they were going to secure 200-game AFL players with picks 1, 2 and 3.

When contacted by the Herald Sun West Coast recruiting manager Rohan O'Brien said the AFL recruiters "were all reasonably excited with the quality of that year's draft''.

"Those three were probably the ones being spoken about, but from memory we also had Stephen Hill, Michael Hurley and Chrissy Yarran on our radar,'' O'Brien said.

"Looking at those names, for anyone with a top-five pick if you lost the toss and got one or the other you probably weren't going to be that upset.''

But O'Brien rejected the view of those revisionists who have since suggested that Watts was not worthy of a top pick .

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

"If we had pick 2 or 3 or 4 and we thought Jack Watts was the best player available to us, we would have had no hesitation at all in taking him,'' O'Brien said.

"You'll understand if I don't want to comment on what other clubs have done, but I will say that we rated Jack really highly and if it had've worked out that Jack Watts was the player available with our pick we would've been happy to have him.

"Jack's been a little up and down in his form but I still think he'll be a pretty good player in the AFL. Hopefully it starts to pick up a bit for him.''

Melbourne needed a key forward, a ruckman and a quality midfielder at the time, so its decision was not made on the basis of playing position. Going into the mid-year U18 national championships, the freakishly athletic but very raw Naitanui was the Demons' preferred choice.

But as O'Brien pointed out "Jack had a terrific Under 18 championships - I think he clunked a big mark and kicked the winning goal against Vic Country - and he had tremendous credentials.''

Melbourne was concerned about the go-home-to-Perth factor with Naitanui, and probably thought it could snare a comparable midfielder to Rich with its second pick (17, which it used to take Sam Blease).

So, on the night before the 2008 draft, a Melbourne delegation of coach Dean Bailey, recruiter Bary Prendergast, president Jim Stynes and chief executive Cameron Schwab went to the Watts family home in Sandringham to officially confirm that Watts would be their choice the next day at the Telstra Dome.

"He's got great acceleration and speed and lateral movement,'' Prendergast said back then.

"He's a developing power forward who reads the ball well in the air. We haven't seen him lead up and outwork his opponents that much, but that is the way Vic Metro has set up.''

The talent pool in that year's draft was exceptionally strong, with all of the 2008 top 10 picks now entrenched in their respective AFL teams' core group. There was still gold to be found as low down as picks 29 (Dayne Beams), 30 (Daniel Hannebery), 39 (Steven Motlop) and 44 (Rory Sloane).

The fascinating question remains what would the Eagles have done had Melbourne opted to take Naitanui with pick 1. Would West Coast have used pick 2 on Watts?

"He certainly would have been right in the mix, although because of the local WA connection so would've Rich and (Stephen) Hill and (Chris) Yarran,'' O'Brien said.

"Like we do every year, we'd done all of our homework on those boys. We spent a lot of time looking into the boys' character, visiting their families, just trying to get as complete a picture as we could about them.''

MAN OF STEEL: Nic Naitanui celebrates with the crowd after his match-winning goal. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

"We went through it all and came to the conclusion that every one of those guys would bring something good to a footy club.''

He said the Eagles decided "pretty late'' that Naitanui was going to be their man.

"To be honest (whether to take Watts) wasn't a decision we had to make because we did get that late inkling that Jack was going to Melbourne and Nic was going to be available at No.2, which saved a bit of debate.''

THE TOP 10

Selections in the 2008 AFL national draft
1 Jack Watts (Melb)
2 Nic Naitanui (WC)
3 Stephen Hill (Frem)
4 Hamish Hartlett (Port)
5 Michael Hurley (Ess)
6 Chris Yarran (Carl)
7 Daniel Rich (BL)
8 Tyrone Vickery (Rich)
9 Jack Ziebell (NM)
10 Phil Davis (Adel/GWS)

HONOURS

PREMIERSHIP PLAYERS
11 Steele Sidebottom (Coll)
29 Dayne Beams (Coll)
30 Daniel Hannebery (Syd)
73 Leigh Brown (Coll)

CLUB CHAMPIONS
22 Jackson Trengove (Port)
23 David Zaharakis (Ess)
29 Beams (Coll)

ALL AUSTRALIANS
2 Nic Naitanui (WC)
29 Beams (Coll)

CAPTAINS
10 Phil Davis (Adel/GWS)

RISING STARS
7 Daniel Rich (BL)
30 Daniel Hannebery (Syd)

SOME OTHER NOTABLES
16 Ryan Schoenmakers (Haw)
18 Luke Schuey (WC)
21 Hayden Ballantyne (Frem)
31 Jordan Roughead (WB)
34 Liam Shiels (Haw)
39 Steven Motlop (Geel)
40 Mitch Robinson (Carl)
44 Rory Sloane (Adel)
49 Taylor Hunt (Geel)

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