Johnson heads back to Dogs

Evasive outside runner with class and good goal sense.

Midfield wrecking ball Hrovat picks up possessions with ease and nearly every AFL club has shown interest in drafting him. Is he the next Sam Mitchell?

Former Western Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson is heading back to the kennel. Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson is heading back to Whitten Oval as the Dogs continue to load their coaching artillery with former greats of the game.

Johnson joins as a specialist coach and will work in development, imparting his knowledge on the Dogs' first, second and third-year players.

The six-time All-Australian retired at the end of the 2010 season and came close to accepting a coaching position at Geelong the following season.

Johnson established himself in the media this year, commentating games for Fox Footy.

The 36-year-old's role at the Dogs will be a part-time mentoring and skills position as the club continues to rebuild under senior coach Brendan McCartney.

Last month the Dogs signed former Geelong stars Matthew Scarlett and Cameron Mooney to part-time coaching positions.

"When presented with the opportunity to bring Brad on board – we wholeheartedly grabbed it," Dogs football manager James Fantasia said today.

"There is no question that Johnno will bring an incredible amount of experience, skills and knowledge to our younger players – who are just thrilled to have him on board."

Luke Dahlhaus, who inherited the No. 6 jumper from Johnson, will work closely with the former captain, along with prized draft picks Jake Stringer, Jackson Macrae and Nathan Hrovat.
 

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Demetriou's new No.2 named

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou with Gillon McLachlan at the Australian Football Hall of Fame. Picture: Andrew Filipovic Source: Herald Sun

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson announces his resignation. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

ANDREW Demetriou's likely successor Gillon McLachlan has been promoted to the new position of deputy CEO of the AFL.

McLachlan will also fill the role of acting head of football operations until a replacement is named for Adrian Anderson, who finishes at the league tomorrow.

The appointments are effective immediately.

The ascent of McLachlan, who knocked back a $1.5 million offer to be CEO of the NRL in September, is believed to have been a factor behind Anderson's resignation.

McLachlan held the job of chief operating officer from 2008-12. His responsibilities in that job - including broadcasting, venue deals and digital media - will now be part of the deputy CEO job description.

A new head of football operations is expected to be appointed before the start of the 2013 season.

A restructure of the league executive has followed the recent departures of Anderson, human resources manager Christina Ogg and strategy and marketing boss Andrew Catterall.

The league will advertise in January for a new football operations manager, "people and culture" manager and a manager of fan development and customer acquisition.

"It is timely to establish a new look team at the executive level to ensure the AFL maintains an organisational structure that is aligned with our future strategic priorities," Demetriou said in a statement.

"Gill has made a significant contribution to the AFL across a number of strategic fronts and this promotion is well deserved."

Tomorrow will be Anderson's final day at AFL House after nine years in the job.

Anderson says he is unsure what his next career move will be and has distanced himself from speculation linking him to the vacant North Melbourne CEO position.

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Surgery won't hold Clark back

Tough, courageous and a born leader. The Dees have a steal in Viney, who will play Round 1 next year.

Melbourne forward Mitch Clark underwent surgery today. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

STAR Melbourne forward Mitch Clark went under the knife today - but don't sweat Demons fans - he is still on track to resume running in the new year.

Clark went in today to have staples removed from his right foot, which he suffered a season-ending injury to in June.

The former Lion sustained a 'Lisfranc injury' to his foot, a painful setback which ruined the career of Trent Croad.

Clark tweeted: "Just a quick in and out to get my staples out. Always part of the plan. Won't slow me down."

The 25-year-old was in blistering form for the Dees before the bitter blow and was shaping as their shining light for the season.

If he recovers before Round 1 he will join a powerful new set up, along with premiership forward Chris Dawes.

The Dees will add boom spearhead Jesse Hogan to their mix in 2014 as well, after nabbing the West Australian teenager in the mini-draft.

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Giants target six wins in 2013

GWS coach Kevin Sheedy wants his fledging club to win six games in 2013. Source: Getty Images

GREATER Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy is targeting as many as six wins in 2013 as his fledgling club aims to build on a solid inaugural season.

To many pundits, the Giants' two wins this year with 36 debutants in their squad and average home crowds of around 11,000 in a highly competitive Sydney football market can be regarded as a relative success.

Although veteran mentor Sheedy concedes winning games is "pretty crucial" for the future of the Giants, the code's most prominent ambassador likes to look at the bigger picture.

For Sheedy, that's growing the AFL's profile in Australia's largest city, as he philosophised today about his goals for 2013.

And Sheedy believes crosstown rivals the Swans' premiership win will only benefit his side.

Far from being intimidated by the A-League's Sydney derby that attracted a raucous crowd of 26,000 last weekend, Sheedy says the AFL should be excited that sports fans crave city rivalries.

Reflecting on a challenging year that yielded wins over Gold Coast and Port Adelaide, Sheedy insists a solid foundation has been laid for the future.

"You'd hope we can get between three to six wins (in 2013) depending on injuries and how the season plans out," he said after a tough training session in warm conditions.

"We ran out with the most first-game players this year in the history of footy, so that makes it hard to balance out where you're going to be the following year."

As big a concern for the 64-year-old is building the AFL in Sydney and avoiding the fate of the Gold Coast Suns, who suffered a 20 per cent drop in memberships and crowds in their second season in the competition this year.

Sheedy gave a back-handed compliment to his former club Richmond, who he played 251 games for between 1967-1979.

Despite not winning a premiership over the past 30 years, the Tigers were praised for creating a culture of popularity in the face of some on-field struggles.

"It's quite an amazing story," he said. "It's about how you create a football club.

"(And) the best thing about this club (GWS) is it's a white canvas. We can create our own history."

Sheedy hopes GWS can boost their membership tally to 15,000 with an exciting crop of youngsters coming through and having recruited the likes of experienced defenders Bret Thornton from Carlton and Stephen Gilham from Hawthorn.

"There's 350,000 people in Sydney that barrack for AFL clubs," he said.

"We need to find them and encourage them to build our game.

"If we're the second club (they support), I don't have a problem with that, although I'd love us to be their first."

Far from embracing a siege mentality against rival football codes, Sheedy welcomes the options open to youngsters in the west.

"We're the only country that has the four codes - AFL, rugby league, rugby union, soccer," he said.

"It's the best way to go in this country. We deliver the whole menu in football. That's what makes us a special place."
 

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Dees to respond to tanking claims

Melbourne will formally respond to allegations of tanking in late January. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

THE AFL has asked Melbourne to respond to evidence which could lead to the club being charged with tanking for draft picks in 2009.

The league said any charges that resulted were expected to be laid in late January, after the Demons have had time to respond.

"Evidence gathered during the investigation will this week be provided to relevant parties to give them an opportunity to comment," the league said in a statement.

"It is expected that a final decision regarding whether any charges under AFL rules are warranted will be made in late January 2013."

AFL investigators have already interviewed key Demons football staff and officials about the allegations.

If the allegations are substantiated, it could lead to the AFL Commission handing down severe penalties for the club and individuals found to have been involved.

Demons president Don McLardy said earlier this month that Melbourne planned to defend themselves against the claims.

"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.

The long-running investigation was sparked by comments made by former Melbourne midfielder Brock McLean, now with Carlton, in a television interview in July in which he claimed ``Blind Freddy'' would have realised the club wasn't trying to win late in the 2009 season.

Melbourne's poor record that season meant they qualified for a priority pick, giving them the first two selections in that year's draft, under a system that has since been scrapped.
 

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Crowley suffers injury setback

Fremantle midfielder Ryan Crowley has suffered a pectoral tear, but the club isn't confident it won't hinder his 2013 season, Picture: Faith Moran Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE tagger Ryan Crowley has a torn pectoral muscle and will be on a modified training program for the next six weeks.

Scans confirmed Crowley sustained the injury during a recent training session at Fremantl Oval, but the 2012 Doig medallist will not have to undergo surgery to repair the damage.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon would not delay the start of Crowley's 2013 campaign after the 28-year-old enjoyed a breakout 2012 season in the purple and white and became one of Fremantle's most important players.

"We expect Ryan to be able to maintain his fitness and be available for selection come Round 1 of the season proper," Lyon said.

Crowley had been on of Fremantle's strongest performers on the track since pre-season training began in early November.
 

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Water torture a dry argument

The AFLPA has raised concerns about a proposal to limit the amount of ground time for trainers, particularly in Perth and Brisbane where the hotter climate poses problems for visiting teams. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

PLAYERS are at odds with the AFL over a plan to slash the time trainers can spend on the ground.

Under the proposal, trainers would be permitted to run drinks to players on the ground only after a goal.

AFL game analysis manager Joel Bowden raised the proposal in a presentation to AFL Players' Association delegates last week.

Bowden said the push was part of an effort to reduce on-field congestion.

Players have slammed the bid -- resurrected after being first raised last year -- arguing it posed health risks.

It is understood the league also wants to cut the number of trainers per team from five to four.

The AFL has put to the players that the number of goals scored in a game provides ample on-field drinking time.

It was suggested in the AFLPA delegates' meeting that some teams could use trainers deliberately to congest parts of the ground in games or to pass messages to players.

Players contacted by the Herald Sun yesterday rejected those suggestions.

The AFLPA did not support the move when the league floated changes to trainer rules last year.

Some of the game's stars said yesterday the proposal was dangerous, considering the increasing physical demands required to play at the top level.

Symptoms of dehydration include muscle weakness, poor concentration and dizziness.

One player contacted by the Herald Sun yesterday said it was "crazy" because of the potential for long periods between goals.

The AFLPA noted three key reasons for rejecting the proposal in a laws-of-the-game submission last year.

"We do not see how this will contribute significantly to reducing congestion," the response said.

"There are ramifications from a health and safety/performance perspective due to the importance of hydration in our game.

"Not all players rotate heavily and there are long periods between goals in some games."

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said yesterday he was not aware of planned changes to the rules on trainers.

Keane said the only restrictions on trainers were the forward 50m for kick-ins and the centre square at centre bounces.

Games in Queensland and Perth present a greater dehydration risk when temperatures rise above 30C early and late in the season.

West Coast's elimination final win over North Melbourne was played in stifling conditions with the temperature hitting 28C at bounce down.

Games in Darwin and Cairns are scheduled next season.

The AFL has been determined to ease on-field congestion and has brought in several rules -- including the substitute system -- to help make play more free-flowing.
 

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2012 countdown: Top 10 brain fades

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

Richmond's Daniel Connors lost his career after sleeping through a training session with Dustin Martin. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

MOST agree the match review panel had a stinker, the Bombers should have just caught the bus to Wangaratta and Chris Judd's "chicken-wing" tackle was a brain explosion. But it's hard to go past Daniel Connors and his faulty alarm clock as the biggest brain fade of 2012.

Over the next week we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We kicked off the series on Monday with the best 10 AFL games of 2012, and followed that with the top 10 marks on Tuesday. Yesterday it was the best 10 goals of 2012.

And today the countdown continues with the top 10 brain explosions of 2012.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. Mark Stevens not putting money on Daniel Talia to win the Rising Star
"EVERY now and then, a betting price sits up and slaps you in the face."
That was how Stevo kicked off his Hardboiled column on June 28. He called it – Daniel Talia to win the Rising Star. At the time the stingy Crow was paying a tasty $51. Did Stevo get on? No. No doubt he'd love that call over again. Still, amazing foresight and hopefully it resulted in a few extravagant Grand Final parties for loyal SuperFooty readers.

Daniel Talia,Kathryn and Jack Talia, Picture: Ludbeyw Source: Herald Sun

9. Stephen Milne's homophobic slur to Harry O'Brien
Harry O and his Pies took no offence, but that didn't stop the AFL slapping Saint Stephen Milne on the wrist for his bizarre sledge in August this year. The goalsneak was alleged to have called O'Brien a "f------ homo" in a heated verbal exchange. Umpire Dean Margetts lodged a report and paid a 50m penalty for abuse and Milne was ultimately fined $3000, forced to apologise and undertake an education program. It was the second time in three years Milne has been accused of a homophobic jibe – both against the Pies.

Collingwood v St Kilda. MCG. milne and o,brien. Picture: Ludbeywayne Source: Herald Sun

8. Will Minson abuses Danyle Pearce
This is the one that divided the football community – where do you draw the line when over the white line? Minson's sledge about Pearce's mother outraged the former Power midfielder and was his second attack on a Port player in four years. It cost him a one-match suspension and the big fella fought back tears as he made a public apology.

Port's Danyle Pearce wrestles with Bulldogs' Will Minson at Etihad Stadium. Picture: Michael Klein Source: AdelaideNow

7. Matthew Scarlett decking Hayden Ballantyne
It was only Round 1, but tempers flared when the Cats met Ross Lyon's new Fremantle side. After three quarters of niggling and mouthing off, Scarlett snapped. He landed one right on Ballantyne's chin, flooring the Docker antagonist and immediately being booked. Scarlett conceded post-match he had cost the Cats the match and earned himself a three-week ban in the process. But most of the football fraternity sympathised with Scarlett, and some rival players even took to Twitter to endorse the Cat's left hook.

Hayden Ballantyne of the Dockers goes to ground after being punched by Geelong's Matthew Scarlett. Source: Getty Images

6. Essendon decides to charter private jet to Wangaratta for pre-season game
The tortoise and the hare came to life in February this year when the Bombers never made it to their Wangaratta showdown against St Kilda, despite chartering two airplanes. As wild weather lashed north-east Victoria, and with the Saints already at the country ground after travelling by bus the day before, Essendon's planes were unable to land. The result? The Saints held a glorified training session for the strong contingent of country fans, were awarded maximum NAB Cup points for the match and Essendon locked in by the AFL for a take-two next year. And yes, they will get the bus.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt stands in the rain in Wangaratta. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

5. Brock McLean tweeting "your mum gave me aids"
It was an interesting year for Brock. He returned from the footy wilderness to Carlton's side, kicked a match-winning goal to sink Richmond's season, dumped the tanking bomb on old mob Melbourne and then told a twitter troll his mum had aids. McLean tweeted "Today can f--- right off" which drew a random punter to bite back with: "Did you finally get delisted?" McLean then unleashed with: "No, your mum has given me aids" and the entire Carlton administration simultaneously face-palmed. The result? A $5000 fine and being forced to undertake an education program, along with the old AFL classic – a suspended one-game ban.

4. Pavlich misses All-Australian team
He was a lock in seemingly everybody's side and the captain in most – but the Fremantle superstar couldn't even jag a place on the David Dench in the only one that mattered. Pavlich let slip his omission the day of the announcement, revealing he was not invited to the gala night in Melbourne. What the? He only booted 69 goals and seemingly dragged Fremantle into the top eight in the second half of the season with a swag of best-afield performances. Instead Buddy got the nod, but at least for Pav he already has six AA Guernseys in the pool room.

3. Match review panel – take your pick
Was it Sharrod Wellingham escaping with just a three-game ban for the bump that left Kade Simpson concussed and with a shattered jaw? Or how about citing Joel Selwood for pushing brother Adam over? Jack Ziebell did everything to escape suspension but was eventually slugged four weeks for collecting Blue Aaron Joseph. That ban led to the football world crying foul and Roos coach Brad Scott declaring it had been a "bitterly disappointing day for football."

Sharrod Wellingham of the Magpies bumps Kade Simpson of the Blues during the round 15 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 6, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Jack Ziebell copped a four-match suspension for this hit on Aaron Joseph last week. Source: Getty Images

2. Chris Judd's chicken-wing tackle
It was hailed Juddy's impromptu WWE audition and it immediately drew the ire of North Melbourne's onball contingent. The Carlton captain inexplicably lifted and twisted the defenceless arm of Leigh Adams, leaving the Roo writhing in agony. The "chicken-wing" tackle dominated headlines for the next week and, eventually, Judd was dealt a four-game suspension after the match review panel handballed his case directly to the tribunal. Couple that with Juddy's eye-gouging case and elbow to the face of Matthew Pavlich and he soon could fill this list himself.

Chris Judd appears to tug on the arm of Kangaroos hardman Leigh Adams. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

1. Dan Connors sleeps in
Finally, Dan Connors was back. The Tigers bad boy won the faith back of his club – and a place in the senior side against GWS. What a fairytale. Fast-forward two weeks and he was gone. Connors and good mate Dusty Martin slept in, missed a training session and it was all over. He swears it was a simple, innocent alarm malfunction but after countless chances the goalkicker was marched out of Punt Rd. Connors played out the season in the Goulburn Valley Football League and is set to play in the EDFL next season. No disrespect to Aberfeldie, but it's a long way from playing a part for the resurgent yellow and black army.

Daniel Connors was sacked by Richmond. He is now wanting to re-ignite his career after battling his drug and alcohol problems. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

TOMORROW: THE TOP 10 INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES OF 2012

Follow Sam Landsberger Twitter: @SamLandsberger

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Blues buy into Malthouse way

Coach Mick Malthouse lays down the law at Carlton training yesterday. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

Andrew Walker, Chris Judd, Kade Simpson, Dennis Armfield and Andrew Collins at Carlton training yesterday. Picture: Norm Oorloff

CARLTON midfield coach Rob Wiley says Mick Malthouse's hard-line coaching style hasn't wavered since the pair last worked together during the three-time premiership coach's tenure at West Coast.

Wiley, who will act as Carlton's director of development and coaching, said Malthouse has instilled a heavy defensive strategy this preseason, which will be pivotal to the side's new-look game plan.

"He's changed slightly (over time), but what's given him success before with other teams he's introducing that here at Carlton," Wiley said of Malthouse.

"And that's a lot of discipline, a lot of hard work, and working together. It's about being a team.

"You can't win games of football if there's only 18 contributors. It's about everyone contributing and everyone playing their role. That hasn't changed in the way Mick's gone about it."

With one of the Blues' five-man leadership members likely to snap up the vacant captaincy position, Wiley backed Chris Judd to maintain a strong leadership presence within the playing group.

Wiley hopes to work one-on-one with Judd to help improve the five-time best and fairest winner's deficiencies.

"Chris will play exactly the same role as he'd done ever since he's started playing football," Wiley said.

"He leads by example and you can't ask for any more. He'll just play exactly the way he's played in the past. It's a bonus having anther leader."
 

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Smashing alternative for Steve

GWS midfielder Stephen Coniglio with teammates Callan Ward and Tom Scully and Sydney Thunder cricketer Cameron Borgas. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

IN another life, Stephen Coniglio could have been batting along side superstar Chris Gayle for the Sydney Thunder tonight.

The Greater Western Sydney midfielder spent years playing representative cricket for Western Australia, and even braved a few lethal spells from NSW and Australian quick Pat Cummins during an Australian championships.

Coniglio didn't look out of place as he and GWS teammates Tom Scully and Callum Ward visited a Thunder training session ahead of their BBL clash with Adelaide at ANZ Stadium.

The Thunder and GWS have more in common than they realise. They both struggled in the Big Bash League and AFL respectively in their first seasons. And both are trying to win the hearts and minds of Western Sydney.

Coniglio said it was up to both teams to keep moving forward and learn from their experiences.

"They struggled last year, we struggled last year, but there is hope, and all we can do is take little steps and always strive to be better," Coniglio said.

"For a while I thought about (pursuing) cricket, but I'm happy in the AFL. I still watch cricket every day, and it's great to interact with these guys."
 

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