Chat live with Josh Jenkins

Josh Jenkins chases a loose ball at Adelaide training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

FIND out what went wrong in Round 1 and how the Crows will get their season back on track in a live chat with ruckman Josh Jenkins from 2pm.

Jenkins had 11 disposals, seven hitouts and kicked a goal as the Crows suffered a surprise 35-point loss to Essendon.

Got a question about the match, how the Crows will rebound in Round 2 or any other footy issue?

Join the live chat with Josh Jenkins from 2pm (Adelaide time) below:

Using a mobile device? Click HERE for a better chat experience.

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Thomas to play in curtain-raiser

Collingwood star Dale Thomas will line up in a reserves game against an AFL-AIS Academy team. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD midfielder Dale Thomas' overdue first game could be, strangely, in front of rival fans at the MCG.

Thomas is likely to start back with the Magpies' VFL team in a practice match before Thursday night's Carlton-Richmond game.

The Pies ace hasn't played a game since summer ankle surgery, but he stepped up the delayed preparation with match simulation work at training last Friday.

Thomas and several other underdone teammates will be monitored during the curtain-raiser match against an AIS-AFL Academy team.

Injuries: Club by club analysis in The Barometer

Flexible rules for scratch matches means senior players like the creative midfielder can be given specific game time depending on their workloads.

Forward Tyson Goldsack and ruckman Ben Hudson are other candidates to benefit from the practice match.

Goldsack, who didn't start full training until late January following ankle surgery, is near the required fitness levels after another VFL practice match at Visy Park last Friday night.

This week would be his fourth run with the VFL team to bring him into consideration for the Round 2 clash with Carlton.

Forward Andrew Krakouer, with only one NAB Cup game, is another candidate for the early game later in the week.

Young forward Jackson Paine may have to be rested after being concussed in the trial game against VFL team Northern Blues last Friday.

Selectors are likely to wait until Saturday before finalising the team to open the AFL season against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium the next night.

The match committee meeting this week will decide which players can benefit from another run with the VFL team at the MCG.

Already ruled out of the team to play the Kangaroos are Luke Ball (knee), Alan Didak (hamstring), Alex Fasolo (hamstring), Thomas and Krakouer.

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Pavlich report thrown out

Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich was reported for charging Eagle Will Schofield in Derby No.37. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

MATTHEW Pavlich's match-day report has been thrown out but the Dockers are set to lose forward Hayden Ballantyne for one match.

The Fremantle captain was reported after crashing into Eagles defender Will Schofield.

But the match review panel ruled today that Pavlich jumped to mark before the ball reached Schofield and braced for contact when he realised he would not take the mark.

The panel ruled the contact did not constitute a reportable offence.

Ballantyne, however, has been offered a one-match suspension for engaging in rough conduct against Scott Selwood.

Contact was assessed as reckless, body contact and low impact.

His previous poor record means he can't reduce the penalty to a reprimand even if he enters an early guilty plea.

Pavlich dodged a bullet, with 93.75 carry-over points hanging over his head for an incident in Round 19 last season.

But the Fremantle captain didn't escape the derby completely unscathed.

He revealed on Twitter yesterday he had visited hospital after the game to get his "hand and finger fixed and stitched up".

"No breaks & looks good for Rd 2," he said.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from Freo's win

Pavlich was held goalless in the Dockers' impressive win, restricted to just 60 SuperCoach points.

PAVLICH'S HAND. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM

Source: HWT Image Library

But North Melbourne star Drew Petrie said the star forward had little to worry about for his report.
 

"Hopefully the tribunal and match review panel will look favourably on it," he told Channel 7's Game Day.

Petrie said Pavlich bracing himself before colliding with Schofield in a marking contest meant he should have no case to answer.

Meanwhile, WEST COAST'S horror injury list has been compounded by the loss of Mark LeCras and possibly Eric Mackenzie.

GALLERY: Pearce ignites as Dockers whip Eagles

LeCras has had a plate inserted in his arm and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Mackenzie pinged a hamstring, placing him in doubt for the Eagles' crunch Round 2 duel against Hawthorn.

Ruckman Dean Cox said LeCras was in scintillating pre-season form, adding to the tragedy of his injury in his first match since 2011.

"He had an x-ray last night and it did reveal he had a broken arm," Cox said today.

"They'll rush him to surgery as quickly as possibly and hopefully he doesn't miss too many weeks."

ADELAIDE also has injury concerns with Luke Brown substituted out of Friday night's loss to Essendon with a foot complaint.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from the Dons' win

Brown tweeted yesterday: "Thanks to everyone for the supportive messages. Good signs so far now to rest up and recovery."

ESSENDON star David Zaharakis will suit up in the VFL next week as he looks to build on match fitness after his limited pre-season.

Zaharakis, who was the substitute against the Crows, told Channel 7 he was set to line up for Essendon's reserves in a practice match against Sandringham.
 
- with AAP

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Dogs lose Boyd for three weeks

Matthew Boyd is out for three weeks with a calf strain. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN Bulldogs captain Matthew Boyd will miss at least the first two weeks of the season with a calf strain.

The ball magnet had scans today which confirmed the injury.

Boyd experienced soreness in the calf following the Bulldogs practice match against Richmond on March 16.

Dogs football manager James Fantasia remained optimistic despite Boyd's injury.

"Although it's unfortunate that Matthew has suffered an injury on the eve of the season, it will provide some of our talented, emerging midfielders an opportunity to take another step in their development," he said.

"Matthew, as always will rehabilitate his injury with the professionalism that we've come to know and expect. And we have no doubt he'll be back as quickly as possible."

The loss of Boyd comes as a blow for the Dogs who could also be without Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney for their Round 1 clash against the in-from Brisbane Lions on Saturday.

Cooney was hospitalised last week with a knee infection. He must prove his fitness this week to be any chance of lining up.

Former West Coast Eagles fringe player Koby Stevens is expected to fill the void left by Boyd in the midfield.

Stevens has been one of the Dogs best during the NAB Cup and should relish the opportunity.

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Hospital, report for Pavlich

Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich was reported for charging Eagle Will Schofield in Derby No.37. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

MATTHEW Pavlich's sour start to 2013 took another turn for the worse last night when he was hospitalised with a finger injury.

The Fremantle captain, who was reported for charging through Eagle Will Schofield, revealed on Twitter he had his "hand and finger fixed and stitched up".

"No breaks & looks good for Rd 2," he said.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from Freo's win

Pavlich was held goalless in the Dockers' impressive win, restricted to just 60 SuperCoach points.

PAVLICH'S HAND. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM

Source: HWT Image Library

But North Melbourne star Drew Petrie said the star forward had little to worry about for his report.
 

"Hopefully the tribunal and match review panel will look favourably on it," he told Channel 7's Game Day.

Petrie said Pavlich bracing himself before colliding with Schofield in a marking contest meant he should have no case to answer.

Worryingly for Pavlich, he has 93.75 carryover points after accepting a reprimand for striking Mitch Brown in last year's derby.

The Dockers could also be without goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne when they travel to take on the Western Bulldogs in Round 2.

Ballantyne ended the match with a shin/calf injury and is also set to be scrutinised for an off-the-ball incident involving Scott Selwood.

Selwood crumpled to the ground and was left nursing a sore head after receiving a solid bump from Ballantyne well off the play.

Meanwhile, WEST COAST'S horror injury list has been compounded by the loss of Mark LeCras and possibly Eric Mackenzie.

GALLERY: Pearce ignites as Dockers whip Eagles

LeCras will undergo surgery this week to have a plate inserted into his arm and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Mackenzie pinged a hamstring, placing him in doubt for the Eagles' crunch Round 2 duel with Hawthorn.

Ruckman Dean Cox said LeCras was in scintillating pre-season form, adding to the tragedy of his injury in his first match since 2011.

"He had an x-ray last night and it did reveal he had a broken arm," Cox said today.

"They'll rush him to surgery as quickly as possibly and hopefully he doesn't miss too many weeks."

ADELAIDE also has injury concerns with Luke Brown substituted out of Friday night's loss to Essendon with a foot complaint.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from the Dons' win

Brown tweeted yesterday: "Thanks to everyone for the supportive messages. Good signs so far now to rest up and recovery."

ESSENDON star David Zaharakis will suit up in the VFL next week as he looks to build on match fitness after his limited pre-season.

Zaharakis, who was the substitute against the Crows, told Channel 7 he was set to line up for Essendon's reserves in a practice match against Sandringham.
 
- with AAP

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Young Crow in the clear

Luke Brown is in the clear. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

YOUNG Crows defender Luke Brown is clear of any bone damage to his left foot that was crunched twice in Friday night's opener against Essendon.

X-rays have revealed no break for the two-game defender who is certain to be available for Adelaide's second-round clash with Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday, April 6.

And Crows switch-hitter Ricky Henderson has passed the concussion test after taking a heavy knock to the head in the last term of the 35-point loss to the Bombers at AAMI Stadium.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats, video and more

Adelaide has been left with a long list of issues to correct from the stinging defeat, none more pressing than the Crows' poor tackling. Essendon out-tackled the Crows 73-47.

Defender Brent Reilly admits: "We weren't good at it last year either. We worked hard on it in the pre-season - and we're still not up to scratch. We need to get better at it.''

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Round 1: Studs and duds

Jobe Watson was again a SuperCoach stud. Photo by Morne de Klerk/Getty Images Source: HWT Image Library

SUPERCOACH STUDS AND DUDS: JOBE picks up where he left off, Danyle Pearce turns in a blinder and what to do with Mark LeCras?

ADELAIDE 11.16 (82) lost to ESSENDON 18.9 (117)

Crows stud: Not many. Sam Jacobs and Matthew Wright cracked the ton - both scoring 102.  Taylor Walker's last-quarter goals boosted his score to a respectable 91, but there was little joy elsewhere for the home side.

LIVE HQ: Your one-stop shop for every SuperCoach score this round

Crows duds: Patrick Dangerfield finished with 63 points, about half of which were scored in the first term. After that Heath Hocking was sent to the explosive star and didn't give him an inch. Ouch, particularly for those who made Danger captain.

One to watch: Luke Brown was substituted out with a foot injury. The popular rookie-priced defender accumulated 44 points before that, but won't require a trade after being cleared of bone damage. With Michael Doughty retired, this young lad could be set for a promising season.

AFL round 1 - Adelaide Crows v Essendon Bombers at AAMI Stadium - LUke Brown Taken off at the end of the game Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

Dons stud: Captain Jobe did it again. He racked up 121 points and, given his supreme consistency, looks a mega captaincy contender, particularly if you don't have little Gazza. Ben Howlett played out of this world with four goals and 164 points, but can't see too many having him. Brent Stanton and Courtenay Dempsey also cracked the ton, while the lively Nick Kommer looks a bargain. A handy 70 points on debut. Cash cow goes: "Mooooooooo".

Essendon's Nick Kommer runs through the middle of AAMI Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Dons dud: Paddy Ryder finished with only 54 points, and that almost seemed generous given he had just two kicks. Brendon Goddard finished on 86, but showed damaging signs from limited involvements. If he gets a heap of it expect booming scores.

Vested interest: He'll build on his match fitness with a VFL hit out next week, and that surely means no more substitute action for David Zaharakis. The goalkicking midfielder scored 28 points from one quarter on Friday night and that means he's set for a big price drop. Keep an eye on Zaha in about a month or so.

FREMANTLE 16.12 (108) defeated WEST COAST 11.14 (80)

Dockers stud: New boy Danyle Pearce was the SuperCoach standout. A bumper 130 points from the $460k steal, who is even dual-position (defender/midfield). Ross told us Pearce had "bought in" - and it showed. Seven Dockers cracked triple figures in a monster display, with Michael Barlow (144) and David Mundy (126) leading the charge.

Danyle Pearce celebrates kicking his first goal in Dockers' strips. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

Dockers dud: Skip Matty Pavlich finished with no goals, just 60 points, a report and a night in hospital. Ouch. Won't see that too many times again.

LIVE HQ: Your one-stop shop for every SuperCoach score this round

True to form: Jon Griffin's excellent pre-season held true. The ruckman scored 116 from four kicks and could be a handy point of difference with the big fella Sandilands out for a while.

Eagles stud: Has to be Josh Kennedy. Worked hard all night, kicked a couple and cracked the ton. Not bad for a player under $300k. Gee, he'd be handy in navy blue, wouldn't he? The ever-reliable Beau Waters top scored with 117, while Dean Cox scraped his way to 99.

Eagles dud: "Dud" a harsh term but none of West Coast's star-studded midfield hit three figures. Masten (87), Scott Selwood (81), Gaff (66) and Shuey (56) were all quiet, while Priddis's efficiency of just 39 per cent also kept him under 100.

Fire the Frenchman: It's a tragedy, but Mark LeCras has to go. If you had him, give yourself a pat on the back as his first half looked splendid. LeCras was on track to smash past 100 before a collision with Tendai Mzungu broke his arm, which requires surgery. And that means 4-6 weeks. Look for LeCras' teammate, Josh Kennedy, who is about $70k cheaper.

Eagle Mark LeCras comes off the ground with a serious arm injury. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

 

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The Tackle is back!

Mark Robinson's hard-hitting column The Tackle is back. Picture: Michael Klein Source: HWT Image Library

Footy's hardest hitting column is back.

Herald Sun chief football writer Mark Robinson returns with his first edition of his award-winning column The Tackle for 2013 tomorrow morning.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, video, stats, commentary and more

No target is too big for Robbo and he already has a new rule in his sights - and it isn't the sliding free kick that gifted Alwyn Davey a goal on Friday night.

Robbo will list his biggest likes and dislikes from the opening weekend of the 2013 AFL season.

And you can have your say on what's making you angry and happy in the footy world - connect via Twitter by following @Robbo_heraldsun and using #thetackle hashtag.

And join Robbo from 11.30am tomorrow - and every Monday - for a live chat.

Get hit by The Tackle tomorrow on SuperFooty.

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LIVE: Eagles v Dockers

Eagle Mark LeCras will be looking to make a fast start in his return from a knee reconstruction. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

FOLLOW the action from the Western Derby No.37 between West Coast and Fremantle from Paterson's Stadium.

8.14pm - Fremantle 12 West Coast 23

WEST Coast dominated the first quarter against Fremantle but only leads by 11 points after Chris Mayne's goal after the siren.

Mayne was the beneficiary of a free kick in the goal square just seconds before the siren.

The Eagles made all the early running at Paterson's Stadium with Ashton Hams the chief destroyer with two goals in Derby No.37.

But Hams made a blue late in the term choosing to snap for goal when a conventional drop punt would suffice.

The small forward won a contentious high free kick decision but failed to punish the Dockers.

SuperCoach leaders

Hams - 58
Nick Suban - 44
Jamie Cripps - 43
Stephen Hill - 34
Chris Mayne - 31

Click for more live SuperCoach scores: HERE

8pm - Fremantle 6 West Coast 21

IT'S taken a defender to get Fremantle on the board with Nick Suban converting from a tight angle to open the Dockers' account.

Suban made no mistake to end three-goal Eagles streak midway through the first quarter at Paterson's Stadium.

The Eagles have been ultra impressive with former St Kilda defender Jamie Cripps and small forward Ashton Hams on fire.

Cripps kicked the first goal of the match while Hams has taken two strong marks inside the arc.

7.50pm Fremantle 0 West Coast 12

WEST Coast has made all the early running with Josh Kennedy looking dangerous roaming across centre-half forward.

The spearhead who missed the bulk of last year with foot problems has taken a couple of strong marks while providing scoring opportunities for Eagles teammates.

Former St Kilda defender Jamie Cripps opened the scoring for the Eagles taking a strong mark 30m out directly in front.

Live SuperCoach scores? Check this out

Cripps made no mistake while Ashton Hams made it worse for the Dockers in Derby 37 marking uncontested in the goalsquare.

Scott Selwood has the job on Docker playmaker Nat Fyfe while Ryan Crowley will be looking to shut down Eagle Luke Schuey.

23/03/2013 SPORT: 23/03/2013 SPORT: AFL- Fremantle Dockers v West Coast Eagles, Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Fremantle Dockers Ross Lyon coach watches his players warm up. Source: PerthNow

PRE-GAME - A DEPLETED West Coast will be hoping its three-pronged attack can hold it in good sway against Fremantle in tonight's Western Derby.

The Eagles missing key playmakers Daniel Kerr, Nic Naitanui, Matt Rosa and recruit Sharrod Wellingham boast marking targets Jack Darling, Josh Kennedy and Mark LeCras inside the arc.

LeCras is the feel good story of the west playing his first game since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during the NAB Cup last year.

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The wily forward has had a strong pre-season campaign and will be looking to get his hands on the ball early to boost his confidence.

Kennedy will also make his return to senior football after missing the bulk of last season with foot problems.

Fremantle also has its injury concerns with Aaron Sandilands (hamstring) and Anthony Morabito (knee) sidelined with injuries.

Check back from 7.40pm (AEDT) for live rolling coverage of tonight's Western Derby

Jonathon Griffin has the job of chasing Eagle powerhouse Dean Cox around the wide expanses of Paterson's Stadium while skipper Matthew Pavlich will have his hands full against key defender Eric Mackenzie.

Meanwhile, Eagle Andrew Embley will start as the substitute while for the Dockers, developing midfielder, Cameron Sutcliffe has the green vest.

Embley, 31, will be nursed through the Derby after twinging his hamstring during the Eagles NAB Cup match against Collingwood.

He missed 17 matches last year with a shoulder injury.

23/03/2013 SPORT: 23/03/2013 SPORT: AFL- Fremantle Dockers v West Coast Eagles, Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Fremantle Dockers Ross Lyon coach watches his players warm up. Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE v WEST COAST, 7.40pm SATURDAY, PATERSONS STADIUM

FREMANTLE

B: K.BradleyZ.DawsonM.Johnson

HB: P.DuffieldL.McPharlinN.Suban

C: D.PearceM.BarlowC.Pearce

HF: R.CrowleyM.PavlichN.Fyfe

F: H.BallantyneC.MayneM.Walters

R: J.GriffinD.MundyS.Hill

INTERCHANGE: M.De BoerT.MzunguL.Spurr C.Sutcliffe

EMERGENCIES: J.CrichtonJ.HannathL.Neale

WEST COAST

B: W.SchofieldD.GlassAs.Smith

HB: S.HurnE.MackenzieB.Waters

C: A.GaffS.SelwoodA.Embley

HF: J.HillJ.DarlingC.Masten

F: S.LycettJJ.KennedyM.LeCras

R: D.CoxM.PriddisL.Shuey

INTERCHANGE: A.SelwoodA.HamsJ.Cripps B.Sheppard

EMERGENCIES: J.BrennanM.BrownB.Dalziell

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

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Schneider steps up workload

Adam Schneider celebrates a goal for the Saints. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA pair Adam Schneider and Tom Simpkin pushed their claims for Round 1 selection against Gold Coast when they got through today's practice match with VFL affiliate club Sandringham unscathed.

Schneider stood-out in Sandy's big victory - 11.22 (88) to 11.4 (70) - over Frankston.

He suffered an injury setback during the pre-season but got some valuable match practice under his belt with 60 minutes game time for Sandringham last week.

Saints football operations manager Greg Hutchison said Schneider go through his planned 80 minutes today without any concerns.

"He played the minutes that he was scheduled to do and did what he had to do in terms of conditioning,'' Hutchison said.

"And Simpkin did what he had to do. Because he has missed a bit of footy, we were able to get permission for him to play and from a conditioning aspect he also got what he needed from the game.''

Although the Saints had permission to play Rhys Stanley, it was decided to keep him on the sidelines.

Stanley hurt his knee against Sydney earlier this month with an injury that was diagnosed as likely to keep him out for 2-4 weeks.

Scans cleared him of any structural damage when he hyper-extended his knee when he landed after a marking contest.

Hutchison said Stanley trained fully on Friday but the conditioning and coaching staff decided the session was more beneficial than playing yesterday.

The club will assess all three players during the week.

Meanwhile four of Sydney's 2012 premiership players - Shane Mumford (ankle), Martin Mattner (hip), Nick Smith (knee) and Mitch Morton (back) - received valuable game time in a practice match between the Swans reserves and Sydney University on Friday night.

The four hope to play in the opening game against Greater Western Sydney.
 

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