Graham takes a punt on Bulldogs

Ben Graham is returning to AFL ranks as a strategic football operations manager for the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Geelong captain Ben Graham hopes to impart his "unique experience" as an AFL and NFL player in a new role at Western Bulldogs.

Returning to the AFL after eight years as a punter in American football, Graham has joined the Bulldogs as strategic football operations manager.

Graham, 39, returned to Australia in October after receiving a settlement from the Detroit Lions as a result of a calf injury at the start of the season.

His broad role with the Bulldogs will involve projects that include setting up the club's stand-alone VFL team for 2014.

Graham, the first Australian to play in an NFL Super Bowl, said: "It's exactly the role I was looking for to get back into the AFL landscape - it will encompass all areas of the football club.

"It's a unique experience that I've had. The point of difference living and breathing the NFL, its practice, the environment, is invaluable.

"(I'll be) using my experiences and knowledge to help the Bulldogs in the right direction."

Graham, who has not officially retired from the NFL, said he would go back to the US - with the Bulldogs' blessing - should he receive a late offer to return this season.

However, he said, he was not expecting it.

"Mentally I have retired, officially I haven't," he said.

"If I do get the call here in the next couple of weeks to go back and finish out this season, then I have got the Bulldogs' support.

"I've had interest to come over and prove that I'm healthy and to work out, but I'm not going back unless there is a legitimate opportunity to punt for a team on their way to the playoffs.

"But I'm not expecting that to happen. I'm looking forward to starting work (today) and getting my teeth into my new role."

Graham, who played with the NFL's New York Jets, New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals, said coaching was an interest and his Bulldogs role was perfect to make the transition back into the AFL.

"I didn't want the assistant-coaching track because I've been out of the game eight years, so that wasn't going to come straight to me," he said.

Graham joins an off-field Bulldogs team peppered with international experience.

High-performance manager Graham Lowe is from Scottish rugby and strength coach Andy Barnett worked with the NFL's Giants.
 

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Liam's more X-factor than distractor

Former Melbourne footballer Liam Jurrah (left) at Port Adelaide training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: Herald Sun

PORT Adelaide believes Liam Jurrah will prove more X-Factor than distraction with the forward's pending court case clouding a recruit with massive upside.

Power great Warren Tredrea has urged the club to cool its interest in drafting the former Melbourne cult figure until 2014 - allowing Jurrah to gain peak physical and mental condition.

Port will decide on Friday whether to hand troubled Jurrah an AFL lifeline at the December 11 pre-season and rookie drafts. Jurrah, 24, must answer assault charges in March stemming from a town camp incident last February near Alice Springs.

An underdone Jurrah fronted at Alberton last Wednesday as part of a 10-man train-on squad and football operations manager Peter Rohde dismissed thoughts his presence - now or next season - was an unnecessary sideshow.

"We obviously have him out there, we don't necessarily think that is the case, he has some special needs but that is not something that will turn us off," he said of the 36-game, 81-goal ace who was also plagued by ankle and wrist injuries this year.

"If we can get him up playing he has some real talent to add to our team."

The Power languished in 14th spot this year and Jurrah's mercurial leap and marking prowess would lift a side craving gamebreakers and potency. Welcoming a recruit with real baggage is a risk but could be worth it.

"There has been a lot of publicity around Liam," Rohde said.

"He is certainly straight up and there are issues going around his court case that we have to get our heads around but more than anything we just want to see him come out and train, how he presents himself.

"At his best he is one of the most talented players in the competition but he hasn't played at that level for a couple of years, that is what we have to measure up."

Rohde said Jurrah was actually a very different package to the one linked with the incidents in Alice Springs.

"He is very quiet, only took up English language late but certainly listens, is quite smart but shy," Rohde said.

Former Essendon and Geelong midfielder Brent Prismall has also been linked to a multi-year deal at Alberton but the Power will be wary of any long-term commitment to a 26-year-old who has spent the past year sidelined with a knee injury.

"It is as not a done deal in the pre-season draft. We would probably be keen to offer one year," Rohde said.

While his counterpart at Adelaide Phil Harper has landed in hot water, Rohde said Port had the protocols in place to avoid a Kurt Tippett-style salary cap issue.

"We have reporting processes to make sure that everything is within the rules," Rohde said. "They may have deviated from their normal processes for some reason."

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Crows faithful behind Trigg

Adelaide CEO Steven Trigg chats with fans at Crows training. Picture: Sarah Reed

BELEAGUERED Adelaide Crows chief executive, Steven Trigg, has met face to face with a group of supporters urging him to stay on in the job.

Accompanied by Crows chairman Rob Chapman, Trigg walked out of his office this morning at AAMI stadium to speak with the group of around 20 who are all Crows Gold Members.

"We may be one-eyed, but we feel Steven has enough brownie points in the bank to keep going," a supporter, who wished to be known only as Des, said.

"He's made one mistake and if we were sacking people for one mistake not many people would hold down a job for too long.

"This all happened at a time when the Crows had to keep Kurt Tippett at all costs and mistakes can be made under that kind of pressure."

Trigg has been fined $50,000 by the AFL for his role in the club's illegal bid to keep Tippett at the Crows.

He will start a six-month suspension from all involvement with the Adelaide Crows from January 1, 2013.

Chapman and his board have backed Trigg and will permit him to return to his role at the end of the suspension.

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Demons manage small profit

Melbourne chief executive Cameron Schwab would be buoyed by his club's financial result in 2012 given the team has endured a tough period on the field. Source: Herald Sun

A SMALL annual profit has provided a rare bright spot for AFL club Melbourne in between a horror season and potential looming sanctions.

The Demons on Monday reported an operating profit of $77,618 and a statutory profit of $19,486 for the year ending October 31.

It comes after a season in which the Demons mourned the death of club legend and president Jim Stynes, were forced to dump a major sponsor, Energy Watch, over a racism controversy and won just four games under first-year coach Mark Neeld.

"We believe our result is very creditable, given the extremely competitive environment we work in and the extraordinarily difficult year we have had," Melbourne president Don McLardy said on the club's website.

"Our poor on-field performance was a major negative factor, but this was exacerbated by a series of unfortunate events including the loss of a major sponsor and of course the tragic passing of our president."

It was the Demons' fourth straight profit, with the club having climbed out of a perilous financial position since Stynes took over the presidency in mid-2008.

The latest profit was achieved despite the club increasing their football department spending by $1.674 million this year.

But the Demons could face more pain when the AFL finalises its investigation into claims the club tanked for draft picks in 2009.

Heavy sanctions are expected if the allegations are proved, although McLardy said the club planned a strong defence.

"I can assure you we will use every resource available to us to defend the integrity of the Melbourne Football Club in the strongest possible way," he said.

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Look beyond Murphy, says Maclure

It was John Reid's 'parting gift' for the Crows

Chris Judd is set to relinquish the Carlton captaincy. Picture: Chris Hyde. Source: Getty Images

CARLTON legend Mark Maclure has urged the Blues to look beyond the on-field brilliance of Marc Murphy when deciding on the club's next captain.

Murphy, 25, is the frontrunner to replace superstar veteran Chris Judd, who is poised to step aside after five years in the job.

CEO Greg Swann yesterday gave the green light for Judd to "concentrate on playing good footy" and help groom the team's next on-field general.

While a Superfooty poll was 40 per cent in favour of Murphy getting the nod, Maclure said new coach Mick Malthouse will challenge the players to think broadly about the leadership candidates.

"It's not always the best player," Maclure said.

"Is Nick Maxwell the best player at Collingwood? No he's not. But Nick Maxwell is a pretty good captain at Collingwood.

"It's not always the Marc Murphy who can get 35 touches, sometimes it's what he does when he hasn't got the ball and that's what Nick Maxwell does.

"It might be Kade Simpson who you don't hear much of, who slides under the radar all the time.

"If I think I know what Mick would want it would be one of the most well respected players and respected for what they do on the field and off it. Not because they can get 30 kicks a week."

Andrew Carrazzo and Michael Jamison both have strong support.

It is understood Judd, 29, is keen to offload some of the added captaincy responsibilities in the final year of his playing contract.

Greg Swann said the club would not force Judd to remain in the position if he had doubts.

"If he doesn't want to do it, well then, you don't want to make him do it," the Blues CEO said.

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Manager: Swan is fine, end of story

It was John Reid's 'parting gift' for the Crows

Collingwood's Dane Swan at this year's Brownlow Medal. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Herald Sun

DANE Swan's manager Liam Pickering has dismissed suggestions that the Collingwood star has a lifestyle problem.

Pickering came to Swan's defence after there was a call this week for the 2011 Brownlow Medal winner to be sacked for alleged poor conduct during the off-season.

"There is no problem,'' Pickering told SEN today. "He (Swan) is across exactly what needs to be done. We've discussed it, we know where he is at, and we move on.''

AFL stars avoid drug strikes

Pickering said he had not asked Swan about the allegations that his off-field behaviour was seen as a serious issue at Collingwood, but he had spoken with the club.

"There wasn't a lot of facts to it,'' Pickering said of the call to sack Swan.

Asked whether he had specifically asked his player whether drugs were a serious issue for AFL footballers, he said: "Why would I? If you ask them, what do you think their response would be?

"You try to educate your players, but you trust their better judgment in a situation that they will understand the implications.''

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert told the Herald Sun this week that illegal drug use among AFL players was one of the biggest problems in the game.

Picture gallery: Magpies hit the beach
 

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Lovett-Murray to play on

It was John Reid's 'parting gift' for the Crows

Nathan Lovett Murray charges through the middle. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NATHAN Lovett-Murray has ended an agonising wait by finally putting pen to paper on a new one-year contract with Essendon.

Lovett-Murray is the last Bombers veteran to sign on for 2013, five weeks after David Hille committed and three months after Essendon played its final match for 2012.

He joins Hille, Alwyn Davey, Scott Gumbleton and Dustin Fletcher on one-year deals at Windy Hill.

The 30-year-old will line up for this 10th season after being selected at pick 27 in the 2004 rookie draft.

Bombers football manager Danny Corcoran said he was delighted Lovett-Murray was playing on.

"Nathan has been a great servant of the Essendon Football Club and we are very pleased that he will remain at our club next season," Corcoran said.

"His versatility and ability to play in a wide range of positions makes him a valuable member of the team, providing us with greater flexibility around the ground."

Corcoran said Lovett-Murray was also a leader in the indigenous community.

The Bombers have turned over almost a quarter of their list in the post-season, with servants Sam Lonergan, Henry Slattery, Ricky Dyson and Kyle Reimers among those delisted.

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Disgraced Crows CEO keeps job

The AFL bans Kurt Tippett for the first 11 games of 2013 while fining Adelaide Crows $300,000 and imposing draft sanctions.

Adelaide Crows chief executive Steven Trigg speaks to members of the media at Crows HQ in West Lakes, the day after the AFL Commission. Picture: Dylan Coker. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

• Tell us: Have the Crows been dealt with fairly by the AFL?

ADELAIDE has decided to stick with chief executive Steven Trigg after his six-month ban from the AFL was discussed at a board meeting this morning.

Trigg received a $50,000 fine and a 12-month suspension suspension -- six of which are suspended for five years -- for his role in the Kurt Tippett affair involving draft tampering and salary cap breaches.

Trigg admitted concealing the illegal secret deals with Tippett for three years.

He will be replaced by chairman Rob Chapman for the six months of his ban.

The club will also stand by football operations manager Phil Harper, who received a two-month ban with four months suspended.

His role will be filled by list manager David Noble until he returns.

Both suspensions take effect on January 1.

The Crows board met today to discuss the next step after yesterday's marathon AFL Commission hearing and unanimously resoved to support Trigg and Harper returning to work with the club at the end of their suspensions.

"The board is united on this," chairman Rob Chapman said.

"All decisions of the board are based on putting the club first and ensuring the best overall outcomes for the club.

"We are entering a crucial period for the Adelaide Football Club, with critical decisions to be made, especially surrounding our move to Adelaide Oval, and we believe Steven is the best person to lead us through this period."

Mark Stevens: Slap on wrist for Crows

On the toughest day in Adelaide's 22-year history, the AFL Commission yesterday fined Adelaide $300,000 and stripped the Crows of their first and second-round picks in next year's draft. The penalties, listed in full at the bottom of this story, are effective from January 1.

The bans mean Trigg is barred from any role with any club until July 1, Harper until March 1 and Tippett cannot play for his destination club - likely premier Sydney - before their Round 12 match in 2013. The officials cannot be paid by the AFL or clubs during their suspensions.

Chapman - who revealed he had learnt of the incriminating third-party deals in Tippett's contract from Harper on October 13 - had warned that a lengthy ban on Trigg and Harper could result in their sacking.

But the club that this year forced former recruiting boss Matt Rendell to resign despite not having any rule breaches against his name has decided Trigg's role remains tenable. Rendell left the club in March over a racism row.

"That position back then with Matt was hard, it was hard for Matt and the club," Chapman said.

Dodgy deal the Tippett of the iceberg

"Steven's position is somewhat different. A whole different set of circumstances, a whole different set of reasoning and we'll be assessing all of that over the next couple of days in more detail.

"Ditto Phil (Harper). The club board will meet soon, I've already convened that. We'll decide on our structure of management in the short term to continue the strength and leadership of the Adelaide Football Club.

"You can rest assured we have been planning that for some time and are advanced in our thinking. As soon as a decision is reached, we'll be making that announcement as soon as possible."

Trigg refused to take any questions after reading out a prepared statement, citing "legal constraints".

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

Tippett left AFL headquarters without speaking.

Armed with its high-powered legal team, Adelaide yesterday arrived at AFL House offering guilty pleas to all nine charges - related to salary cap breaches and draft tampering - faced by its current and former officials.

Tippett - who remains free to move to the club of his choice, the Sydney Swans - also pleaded guilty to the two charges against him.

Tippett blames Crows for 11-week ban

Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said it took into account the club's co-operation, guilty pleas and concession of its first two picks at this month's draft. He was also satisfied that despite keeping the Tippett deals secret for three years, the breaches were not "systemic".

"I want to send a message to all 18 clubs and all supporters around the country so that everybody understands our position," he said.

"Any club engaging in conduct prejudicial to the draft or a scheme involving payments to players in contravention of our rules will be penalised."

- Adelaide Crows fined $300,000 and stripped of their first and second round picks in the 2013 national draft.

- Tippett fined $50,000 and suspended for the 2013 pre-season and first 11 home and away games, with a suspended sentence for the remaining 11 home and away games.

- Steven Trigg fined $50,000 and suspended from any involvement in the AFL for the first six months of 2013, with a suspended sentence for the remaining six months.

- Former Crows football operations manager John Reid suspended from any involvement in the AFL for the first six months of 2013, with a suspended sentence for the remaining six months.

- Crows football operations manager Phil Harper suspended from any AFL involvement for the first two months of 2013, with a further four-month suspended sentence.

- with Scott Walsh

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Tippett cops 11-week ban

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Six months of both sentence was suspended for five years.

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

Tippett: I knew nothing

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

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

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

All parties pleaded guilty to all charges.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mark Stevens: Crows penalty a slap on wrist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tigers promote Maric, Grimes

Beware of drafting Jurrah: Tredrea

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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