Hurting Roos to relish spotlight

North Melbourne players after the 96-point elimination final loss to West Coast. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott has urged his troops to step into the AFL spotlight with confidence next year, despite the lingering hurt of a savage finals loss.

The young Roos arrived as a future force last season, but were smashed by West Coast in a first-round finals thrashing at Patersons Stadium.

Scott said the 96-point elimination final loss was a "devastating" finish after powering into the finals by winning nine out of 10 games late in the year.

Showing they could play pulsating corridor football, the Roos were rewarded by the AFL with three primetime Friday night games next year -- their most since 2006.

While it comes with a nightmarishly tough draw, Scott said his team should relish the chance to shine on the big stage in 2013.

"If you want to be the best you have got to beat the best and I think if we are really competing well into September we certainly will have earned our spot," Scott told the Herald Sun.

"We won't shy away from that, and, the game is bigger than just the football side of things.

"As a club, I think it's great for us. Our fans are going to see us on at least three Friday nights and there is a chance we play Collingwood in the last round of the year (floating fixture) on a Friday night, too.

"If we get good exposure and it exposes our players to the best teams in the competition, that's got to be a good thing."

Once regarded as a dour, one-paced side, a young crop of outside runners led by linebreaking defender Shaun Atley added a slick edge to the Roos last season.

The club also bolstered its centre line with the addition two former first round draft picks, Port Adelaide's Ben Jacobs (No.16, 2010) and ex-Demon Jordan Gysberts (No.11, 2009).

The new recruits have helped the Roos move on from their first-round finals failure last season, as West Coast buried them under a 43-point quarter-time lead in sweltering heat.

Scott said his squad had the mental resilience to rebound from the finals lashing.

"It was a devastating result, particularly after going some ways to showing that we can compete against the good sides," he said.

"What gives me great heart is that we've had some of those horrible losses over the last three years, but we've responded to each one of them.

"We'll learn the lessons out of it and delve really deeply into why and then go about working really hard on fixing it."
 

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Catch 22: Footy Christmas

Tony Shaw meets a Santa seemingly dressed by Collingwood fans. Source: Herald Sun

IT'S THE ONE time of year when even the AFL and the footy clubs are happy to put the feet up and let cricket take the spotlight.

It's the time of year when football slips out of the media and is replaced by a Test cricketer sitting on Santa's knee asking for Boxing Day Test win. Or a touring English cricketer celebrating the festive season by donning a fancy dress outfit. Or a veteran Aussie batsman cuddling his daughter as he hands her a present from under the Christmas tree.

But fear not, for all you footy tragics who get withdrawal symptoms at this time of year, we've delved into the vault and collated 22 photographs with a Christmas-football theme.

Have yourselves a very footy Christmas.

Click HERE to see the gallery.

If you have any names you think should be there, post a suggestion to twitter.com/wgreenheraldsun

 

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2012 countdown: Top 10 rivalries

Geelong players mob Tom Hawkins after the power forward steered the Cats to victory against Hawthorn. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

GEELONG and Hawthorn played out two classics but was the feud between former Collingwood allies Eddie McGuire and Mick Malthouse the biggest rivalry of the season?

Over the next 10 days 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 last week with the best 10 AFL games of 2012,the top 10 marks, the top 10 goals, the top 10 brain fades and the top 10 individual performances.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 rivalries of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. Mullet Wars: Maric v Walker
What started as a bit of fun between ex-teammates quickly turned into one of the most talked about do's in the game. The Mullet Wars, featuring Tiger Ivan Maric and Crow Taylor Walker dominated the headlines, the former claiming line honours with his more rugged, wild man mullet. Big Ivan also fired a shot across Walker's bow during the season, claiming the Crow forward had spent a bit of time "grooming" his look. Maric said his mullet was a long-term proposition. "It hasn't crossed my mind to cut it off…my plan is long term," he told SEN in May.

9. Tom Scully v Melbourne
Melbourne fans did little to hide their disappointment when Demon defector Tom Scully suited up for the first time against his old side as a GWS Giant. Scully was welcomed back onto the hallowed MCG turf with fans holding up money bags and "$cully" and "Juda$" emblazoned banners for the Round 13 clash. But the No.1 draft pick handled himself with aplomb, helping himself to 19 disposals including five tackles in the Giants 78-point loss.

8. Alastair Clarkson v MCG coaches box wall
Frustration got the better of Clarkson when he slammed an open hand through a wall in an MCG coaches box after Hawthorn leaked a late goal to nemesis Collingwood in Round 17. Clarkson was responding to an error which Magpie Chris Tarrant seized upon to cut the margin to 16 points at the first break. The premiership coach put his hand through the wall, leaving a chunk of plaster missing and a gaping hole in his wake. Channel 7 cameras captured Clarkson's wild moment of madness but Mick Malthouse defended the action, saying only those in the caper understood the frustration some player errors caused. Clarkson agreed to fork out the cost of repairs.

FoxSports Source: Fox Sports

FoxSports Source: Fox Sports

7. Clarkson v junior football umpire
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson copped a reality check in July when he was banned for four weeks after verbally abusing a junior football umpire. The ban stemmed from an incident in which it was alleged Clarkson, who was acting as the runner for his son's U9 team, told a 19-year-old umpire's adviser to "F--- off" when the official told him to stop coaching players on the ground. Clarkson accepted full responsibility and said he had been left humiliated and disappointed by his actions at the South Metro Junior Football League game. "I got myself involved in a situation, with my profile and experience from the game, that I should have known better," he said at the time. "I should have pulled myself out of that situation or handled myself better in that situation." Clarkson will miss the first four games of his son's 2013 SMJFL season.

6. Mick Malthouse v Brett Ratten
Brett Ratten was confident of keeping his job. Mick Malthouse was happy being a media commentator. That was until Carlton did the unthinkable and lost to Gold Coast. The Suns pounced on the Blues, kicking the first six goals of the match, to set up a memorable 12-point victory at Metricon Stadium in Round 22. The shock loss sparked Blues chiefs into a round-table at the Malthouse residence. Days later, Ratten oozed class during his Visy Park swansong, thanking the club for the opportunities it had given him as a player and coach. Two weeks later and Malthouse was endorsed as Blues coach at an at-times fiery press conference. Malthouse remained adamant his first met with the Blues hierarchy after the loss to the Suns, despite speculation the takeover had been on the cards for some time. "There are going to be those naysayers saying that (the first meeting) happened before (last Monday)," he told the media scrum. "I have no doubt there are doubts about that."

5. Hawthorn v Sydney
Hawthorn drew first blood. But Sydney landed the knock out blow as the Swans went on to secure a fourth flag. Ryan O'Keefe starred in both games (Round 22 and Grand Final) with a combined total of 58 disposals, 27 tackles and five goals. Lance Franklin (seven goals in two games) and ball magnet Josh Kennedy (61 possessions, three goals) also made the most of their opportunities. Hawthorn leads the head-to-head ledger 6-4 over the past 10 matches.
4. The Weapon v Essendon player's hamstrings
The Weapon was the talk of Windy Hill during 2012 when the bulk of Essendon's list was cut down by soft-tissue injuries. The Bombers struggled to field their best side for much of the season, with Michael Hurley, Nathan Lovett-Murray and David Zaharakis among the worst affected by hamstring and quadriceps strains. The Bombers had more than 25 soft-tissue injuries for the season, Hurley tweaking his hamstring on three separate occasions.  Despite the apparent crisis, Essendon stuck by its man - the Weapon – writing off the injuries to heavy pre-season workload aimed at preparing the young Bombers for a tilt at the flag.

3. Travis Cloke v Collingwood
It was one of the longest contract negotiations in AFL history. But Collingwood got its man when power forward Travis Cloke inked a new four-year deal worth an estimated $4m. The negotiations coincided with Cloke's dramatic form slump and caused coach Nathan Buckley to accuse the forward of damaging his and the club's "brand". Cloke was sought after by as many as six clubs including Fremantle, Adelaide and Carlton.

2. Hawthorn v Geelong
As far as rivalries go, it doesn't get any bigger than Hawthorn and Geelong. The Hawks have lost nine on-the-trot to the Cats since their shock win in the 2008 Grand Final. Big Cat Tom Hawkins was the difference in 2012. The power forward slotted six against the Hawks in Round 19, including one after the siren for a thrilling two-point victory. Tomahawk was again prominent in Round 2, kicking three goals as the Cats went on to record another two-point win despite trailing the Hawks going into the final change. James Podsiadly stood tall with five goals, while skipper Joel Selwood almost knocked himself out crashing into Hawk Brendan Whitecross' legs late in the game. Kennett's Curse, hoodoo, call it what you like… watch out when these two renew pleasantries in Round 1, 2013.

1. Malthouse v McGuire
Hard to see Mick Malthouse getting a Christmas card from Eddie McGuire after a series of 2012 tongue-lashings between the former Collingwood allies. Malthouse re-ignited the feud after the Magpies Round 3 loss, claiming the players weren't responding to Nathan Buckley's style. McGuire hit back, urging Malthouse to "move on" and "give Bucks a go". The pair also butted heads during the Travis Cloke saga and Brett Ratten's departure from Carlton.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter @gilbert0408

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Patton hits power button on track

GWS Giants' 2011 No.1 draft pick Jonathon Patton is revelling in his first full pre-season. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph

GWS Giants' No. 1 draft pick Jonathon Patton is thriving in his first full pre-season after revealing how far knee surgery disrupted his first season in the AFL.

In an open reflection of his first year at the Giants, Patton revealed he wasn't fit enough at any point in 2012, carrying pain and swelling in his knee. He was also unhappy being away from teammates while training on his own.

He did not start training with teammates until March, when they had been training as a full squad for five months already.

He also admits to wincing every time he landed on the injured knee during their round 19 win over Port Adelaide - his seventh and last game of the season.

"You do really question yourself a few times in the rehab group," Patton said.

"It's just so taxing. Early mornings every day. You're not with the group, you're watching them train. You're sort of thinking, 'When are you going to play? When are you going to train?' All that adds up. But it makes you mentally stronger."

Now, having completed every task assigned to him by the GWS strength and conditioning staff during the eight weeks since they returned from their end of season holidays, Patton says he feels the fittest of his career.

"You don't really understand it until you're doing it," he said.

"Now that I've done all of this pre-season I can tell so much of a difference."

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Goldstein No.1 and aiming higher

Singular style: North Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein wants to stamp his authority on the job. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne ruckman Todd Goldstein says he is ready to stamp his authority on the Kangaroos' No.1 ruck role after Hamish McIntosh's departure.

While Goldstein has carried the Kangaroos' ruck division in McIntosh's injury-enforced absence in the past two years, the 24-year-old said he needed to step up and "make the most" of his new seniority.

McIntosh joined Geelong via this year's trade period after seven years at North.

"It was sad to see 'H' go, we were all very good mates with him," Goldstein said.

"But I think we have got to move on now and try and stamp our own authority on the game and our own footprint at the club.

"Probably in the last two years with his (McIntosh's) horrible injury run that he's had, I did have to step up and take that role. I enjoy it. I think every player wants to be the No.1 in their position.

"It's definitely a role that I take on. Coming into my seventh year now, I do really need to step up and make the most of it."

With McIntosh restricted to just seven games for 2012, Goldstein attended the most ruck contests in the competition and was ranked third for total hit-outs.

While eager to progress he also wants to see other ruck prospects develop.

"I think we've got a pretty good group of ruckmen now with Daniel Currie being brought on board, Majak (Daw) and Ben Mabon really starting to lift up," Goldstein said.

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2012 countdown: Top 10 recruits

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

Mitch Morton and Adam Goodes celebrate a goal. Morton featured in the Top 10 recruits. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

IVAN Maric was unlucky not to be All-Australian in his first season at Tigerland, but did Mitch Morton's Grand Final cameo boost him into the top 10 recruits of the season?

As we count down the rest of the 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 last week with the best 10 AFL games of 2012,the top 10 marks, the top 10 goals, the top 10 brain fades and the top 10 individual performances.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 recruits of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. MITCH CLARK (Melbourne)

The big fella didn't come cheaply – and the Dees moved heaven and earth to convince him to join – but Mark Neeld's fascination with the former Lion was quickly justified. Clark was a rare shining light for the Dees this season, up until his nasty foot injury. The spearhead jagged 29.18 from just 11 matches and repeatedly gave it his all in big floggings. Remember the Round 2 debacle against the Eagles? The Dees kicked nine goals for the day in a 108-point belting – and five came from Clark's boot. He straightened the Dees up and with Chris Dawes alongside next year and Jesse Hogan in 2014, Clark should continue to produce gold for the red and blue.

9. MITCH MORTON (Sydney)

"What? Mitch who?" you say. Yep, Morton, didn't make his Swans debut until Round 21. Yep, he had just 42 disposals for the season. Yep, he bagged five goals in 2012. But the livewire sneaks in because without him the Hawks could well be premiers. In the titanic struggle that was the Grand Final, the Tiger discard booted two crunch goals in the second term to spark his side. He justified John Longmire's decision then and there to gamble on him and now he'll forever be remembered as a premiership player. For sheer importance to the season, it's hard to leave this bloke out, as strange as that might just seem.

The 2012 AFL Grand Final at the MCG in Melbourne. Hawthorn vs. Sydney. Mitch Morton and Adam Goodes celebrate a goal Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

8. JEREMY CAMERON (Greater Western Sydney)

Cameron crept into the system as one of the faceless 17-year-old GWS signings, sparing him draft day anxieties, and you suspect he could've rivalled Jon Patton for No. 1 status if not for that. He burst onto the scene with five goals against the Dogs in Round 5, while his contested marking and clutch kicking against Richmond in the wet showed maturity well beyond his years. Cameron had 12 score assists to complement his 29 goals and clunked a staggering 26 contested marks. Goal-wise, he had a better debut season than Franklin, Pavlich, Brown, Nick Riewoldt and Cloke. Wayne Carey warmed to him quickly, declaring Cameron could wind up the AFL's best player. Cameron provided 20 per cent of GWS goals before being booked in for surgery and the Giants believe he and Patton can tear opposition defences to shreds as a one-two punch for the next decade. A shrewd find from the remote town of Dartmoor, western Victoria.

Jeremy Cameron celebrates a goal against the Tigers on Saturday. Picture: Anthony Reginato Source: Herald Sun

7. JOSH HILL (West Coast)

The Eagles snapped up Hill on the cheap – traded for just pick No. 49 – and it turned out to be a shrewd acquisition. With Mark LeCras, Mark Nicoski and Josh Kennedy missing most of the season, Hill's liveliness and goal power became an instant asset. The goalsneak turned his career around – only 18 months ago Chris Grant said he shouldn't wear the Dogs jumper again after a spiritless effort manning the mark – to produce his best-ever season. Hill bagged the most goals and behinds of his career, while turned his tackle numbers up to 69 from 22, showing his ability to apply pressure. Now the challenge is there to remain in the best 22 in 2013.

6. STEVE MORRIS (Richmond)

The mature-age defender added a layer of resilience to Richmond's leaky defence this year. Morris boasts raw pace and a knack for closing key opposition players out of matches – just ask Cyril Rioli. The dashing defender blanketed the Hawks star as the Tigers steamrolled the minor premier in Round 9, even burning free up forward and kicking a memorable goal. Morris also has the scalp of Steven Milne, who he shut down on the Friday night stage, with his closing speed, tackling and pressure acts quickly transforming him into one of the coaches' favourites. Morris's ability to spark teammates with his selfless style has become a highlight of the Tigers this year. You'd now back the son of Richmond premiership great Kevin Morris to advance and become a 100-game strong defender at Punt Rd.

AFL Round 6 - West Coast Eagles vs North Melbourne Kangaroos, Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Eagle Josh Hill celebrates a goal in the final term. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: Herald Sun

5. SAM GIBSON (North Melbourne)

When North Melbourne was equal 15th on the ladder after Round 10 and fresh from a 115-point hiding at the hands of Hawthorn, coach Brad Scott decided to give Gibson a chance. It would prove to be a decision which helped the Roos spin their season around. In Gibson's first 11 games, just two were losses. Significantly, he was held to just 14 touches in both those defeats, highlighting how important he is to North's success. Gibson hit a five-week purple patch as the Roos' hot streak peaked, racking up 24, 36, 26, 26 and 28 possessions to officially transform into a key part of Scott's engine room. Gibson, 26, averaged 28 touches for Box Hill last year and his leadership, work-rate and gut running have already impressed at Arden St. Not bad for a very late rookie pick who is already on the 2013 senior list.

Mature age recruit Sam Gibson is making his presence felt as the Kangaroos enjoy a late-season form rivival. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

4. TOBY GREENE (Greater Western Sydney)

The Rising Star would have been a mighty tussle if Greene had remained eligible. After Round 11 Greene's lowest disposal count was 29, while he gathered 38 touches and booted two goals against Melbourne to show his dazzling potential. As a midfielder he's lightly-framed but incredibly gifted both on the inside and outside. His white-hot form prompted Kevin Sheedy to suggest he might be the best ball magnet he has coached in the past three decades. Greene wins his own ball and knows how to damage the opposition, while his average of 28 touches a game ranks him in the AFL's top 10 and above names including Cotchin, Dangerfield, Sidebottom, Mitchell and Judd. Not bad for a teenager who 18 months ago couldn't cement a place at Oakleigh Chargers. When the 2011 draft is revisited in years to come, expect Greene to rocket in from No. 11 – where he was chosen.

GWS midfielder Toby Greene is ineligible for the Rising Star award despite his outstanding debut season. Source: Getty Images

3. JON GILES (Greater Western Sydney)

The Power reject was a revelation for GWS this season. At 201cm and 99kg Giles was ready-made and showed his worth immediately, picking up 88 SuperCoach points from 12 touches and 26 hit-outs in the season-opener. Giles, 24, was integral in the Giants' maiden win, kicking three late goals to sink Gold Coast, while he obliterated Port Adelaide with 23 touches, two goals and 26 hitouts in their second victory this year. A glance at his numbers shows when Giles plays the Giants can bank on two tackles, 22 hitouts, a goal and 14 disposals a game. Those figures stack up with all of the game's elite ruckmen. After some conjecture, he's signed on and ready for a bigger 2013.

2. DAYNE ZORKO (Brisbane Lions)

The quick, gutsy midfielder finally got his AFL chance after winning an incredible four-straight best-and-fairest awards at Broadbeach and captaining Queensland's under-21 side. Zorko became an instant AFL revelation for his cult-figure name and natural ball-winning ability after debuting in Round 7 against Collingwood. In just his fifth game he racked up 24 touches, laid seven tackles and booted three goals to be his side's best player in the loss to Hawthorn. His star continued to shine from there, torching the Dogs with 29 classy touches as he and Tom Rockliff set up a memorable win on the road. Zorko, 23, cracked the 30-touch milestone against Sydney and stood up when it counted against Port Adelaide, booting two late goals from 23 touches as the Lions came from the clouds to win. He finished with 163 SuperCoach points and has cracked the ton nine times, highlighting his deadly efficiency. The Suns had the chance to zone-list him and didn't. Big mistake.

SPORT. BCM. 1/7/12. Dayne Zorko of the Lions during the AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and Melbourne Demons at the Gabba. Pic Darren England. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

1. IVAN MARIC (Richmond)

It was the big man's mullet that grabbed our attention in the NAB Cup when the Tigers unveiled their star recruit. Not long after, it was his football that did all the talking. The former Crow dragged the Tigers home several times during their early win bonanza, with Damien Hardwick clapping his hands red at Maric's ruck dominance and work around the ground. It was no wonder new Crows coach Brenton Sanderson tried to keep Maric, who fell out with Neil Craig, with the lion-hearted 26-year-old racking up 652 hit-outs. He'll play his 100th game in Round 2 and based on 2012 Tigers fans have a lot to get excited about looking towards his next 100.

Fans reach for Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric's mullet as he leaves the field. Picture: Michael Dodge. Source: AdelaideNow

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

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Kreuzer backs Judd quitting

A champion runner whose stocks soared this year when he lowered the colours of top AFL Draft prospect Lachie Whitfield.

Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer backed Chris Judd's call to step down as captain. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON big man Matthew Kreuzer has backed Chris Judd's decision to step down as captain for next season.

"It was his call in the end,'' Kreuzer said.

"He's a terrific player so I don't think it will matter too much whether he's captain or not, he's still going to do the exact same thing and lead on the field.''

>> VIDEO ABOVE: See exclusive Pick Me video of a Blues draftee

After months of speculation, Judd officially announced his decision to hand over the reins earlier this month.

A new skipper is not expected to be named until February, but Andrew Carrazzo and Marc Murphy are said to be the leading candidates for the job.

"There are a few guys that are ready to step up,'' Kreuzer said.

"And it's probably a good thing to do it now because Juddy's still going to be there to guide them and help them out along the way. It'll be good I reckon.''

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Swans were last team standing

The Sydney Swans victorious after the AFL Grand Final 2012. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MOST Sydneysiders think the Harbour City is the centre of the universe.

In the AFL this year, they were largely right. For once.

The fledgling Great Western Sydney made their AFL premiership debut when they faced the Swans in a standalone fixture at Homebush's ANZ Stadium to launch the home-and-away season on March 24.

And it was the Swans who were the last team standing on September 29 when they triumphed over Hawthorn at the MCG to hand the Sydney-South Melbourne club its fifth VFL-AFL flag.

Midfielder Ryan O'Keefe won the Norm Smith Medal for best-on-ground while co-captain Adam Goodes added to the legendary "Bloods" culture by playing most of the match on one leg.

But every man in a red-and-white jumper had a heroic story to tell. That is just how Sydney roll.

The Giants took the wooden spoon with two wins for the year.

But the two Sydney teams did not stop being in the news.

GWS lost high-priced rugby league recruit Israel Folau, while Sydney somehow managed to find the salary cap space to afford a $3.5 million, four-year offer to Adelaide forward Kurt Tippett.

It left a bitter taste in the mouths of the Brisbane Lions and Gold Coast who - like everybody bar Sydney - thought Tippett was going home to Queensland.

Adelaide were also aggrieved and played hardball in trade negotiations. It all then unravelled in spectacular style.

The Crows, Adelaide CEO Steve Trigg, football manager Phil Harper, ex-football manager John Reid and Tippett fronted the AFL Commission on salary cap rorting and draft tampering charges relating to Tippett's last contract with the Crows that was negotiated in 2009.

Adelaide ultimately lost draft picks and were fined while Trigg and Harper were suspended. Tippett's manager Peter Blucher is under investigation by the AFL Players Association.

Sydney finally got their man in the pre-season draft but Tippett will not be available until the round 13 clash with Port Adelaide after being handed an 11-game ban.

Closer to home, the Lions made strides up the ladder with 10 wins after managing four victories in 2011. The round 10 thriller against West Coast and the round 21 win over Adelaide provided hope.

Gold Coast extended the contract of senior coach Guy McKenna before claiming premiership points but beefed up the role of football director Malcolm Blight. The Suns' first win did not come until round 16.

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2012 countdown: Top 10 departures

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

Corey Enright consoles retiring Geelong veteran Matthew Scarlett after the loss to Fremantle - his final match. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE Kurt Tippett saga seemed to rip apart rainforests this off-season. But did million-dollar man Israel Folau's defection cause a bigger stir? Or what about Liam Jurrah?

As we count down the rest of the week we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We've well and truly kicked off the countdowns with the best 10 AFL games of 2012,the top 10 marks, the top 10 goals, the top 10 brain fades and the top 10 individual performances. Yesterday, it was the top 10 recruits of 2012.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 departures of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. BRENT PRISMALL (Essendon)

Well, sort of departed. The unlucky former Bomber and Cat went through clubs like Tiger Woods in the lead-up to the pre-season draft. First he stayed on at Windy Hill and was told by James Hird he'd be redrafted, then it was over to train at Alberton where he was reportedly offered a one-year deal, and finally Prismall decided "nah, let's stay in Victoria" and headed back home to train with the Dogs. But in a cruel twist, the Bulldogs signed Nick Lower and then handed their final position on their list to 28-year-old player welfare manager Brett Goodes. With Goodes' former job open and Prismall suddenly unemployed, the Whitten Oval powerbrokers had little hesitation opting for him over a Seek ad. What a whirlwind two months for Prismall, who is stranded on 61 AFL games. And in yet another twist the 26-year-old is expected to sign at Dogs affiliate Williamstown and play there, with Goodes, next season. This was a pretzel of a story.

Brent Prismall trains with the Bombers at Windy Hill. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

9. JASON GRAM (St Kilda)

One of the more bizarre exits from the AFL system we've seen. Gram's career came to a sudden, public and dramatic end in October. The St Kilda line-breaker had his contract terminated after he was arrested and charged before being convicted and fined $5000 on six criminal charges. The 28-year-old played 152 games in red, white and black threads after crossing from the Brisbane Lions. His exit effectively allowed the Saints to sign Dylan Roberton at the death of delisted free agency. With football gone, fingers crossed Gram gets his life on track in 2013. Right now he's enjoying some sun in Thailand… a nice change of pace after 10 sweltering pre-seasons.

Jason Gram has been sacked by St Kilda. Source: Herald Sun

8. MATTHEW PRIMUS (Port Adelaide)

How unlucky is this bloke? Does his knee and misses playing in Port's inaugural flag in 2004 and sacked from the same club after just 47 games at the helm as senior coach. Not sure Primus is all for the AFL's expansion plans… of the 34 losses he coached the two against the baby clubs seemed to haunt him dearly. The Power was the first club to go down to the Suns last year, as serious pressure to retain his job mounted, before they became the first established club to go down at the hands of GWS this season. That was the death knell. So, what's next? If you can't beat them join them – Primus is the new midfield coach at the Suns.

Port Adelaide coach Matthew Primus during a Power training session. Picture: Matt Turner Source: The Advertiser

7. BRETT RATTEN (Carlton)

Much like Primus, Ratten's "coach killer" came against the AFL newbies. After a spirited fightback to crawl into top-eight contention, all the Blues had to do was travel north and eclipse the Suns to keep their season alive. They failed. Miserable. And a prickly Ratten presser after the match pointed to the fact he knew this season would be his last. Ratten decided to coach the final game of the year after being told he was axed and the Mick Malthouse lure materialised. Ratts is off to Glenferrie next year to aid the Hawks. It's been a quiet addition, but that could be one of the recruits of the year.

6. LIAM JURRAH (Melbourne)

Talk about a turbulent year. Jurrah battled an injury curse, was charged over an alleged machete attack, walked out on the Dees and was overlooked by Port Adelaide after a brief training stint at Alberton. Now, he's set to play under Port's eyes in the SANFL with the possibility of reigniting his AFL career in 2014. The mercurial forward was seemingly set for a promising stint at the Dees after being handed Russell Robertson's No. 24 jumper and thumping home 40 goals last year. He could get on the park just once this season – in a 101-point loss to premiers Sydney. Ouch.

Sydney Swans v Melbourne Demons, SCG - Demons Liam Jurrah on a lead. Picture: Anthony Reginato Source: Herald Sun

5. ADRIAN ANDERSON (AFL)

The AFL lost one of its heavyweights when Adrian Anderson suddenly resigned this month. In his nine years as football operations manager, Anderson handled a lot of big issues he must have at times wanted to handball off. Check this list to see what he put up with. But, he left highly respected for his dealings both with the media and at AFL House after entering a faceless 31-year-old handpicked by Andrew Demetriou.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson. Source: Herald Sun

4. MATTHEW SCARLETT (Geelong)

Seriously, how good was this bloke? Three flags, a best-and-fairest and a mortgage on the full-back post in the All-Australian side. Eight times Scarlett made the team of the year, while after 284 games stopping the league's gorillas he is firmly entrenched among the greats. Scarlett will leave a massive hole in Chris Scott's defence and was hands-down the biggest star to depart the game after 2012. Six times this man collected at least 30 touches, showing his ability to kill sides on the rebound, while like many former Cats he's off to the Dogs in 2013 – as a part-time coach under Brendan McCartney.

3. BRENDON GODDARD (St Kilda)

Day one of free agency and one of St Kilda's marquee men packs up and shifts to Essendon for mega bucks. Bang. The BJ defection kick-started the new age of AFL. A No. 1 draft pick and Grand Final star walking was big, especially with talk Goddard could have captained the Saints if he had stayed. In fairness he wasn't coming off an outstanding season and the system did adequately reimburse St Kilda, with Goddard winning it the No. 13 draft pick, used to help secure exciting ruckman Tom Hickey.

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard models the 9 jumper he will wear next year Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

2. ISRAEL FOLAU (GWS Giants)

Gave up? Mercenary? Did his job? Lacked the ability? Everyone had their say when Izzy walked out on the Giants after just 13 games at the top level. He never kicked more than one goal, picked up more than five kicks in a game and averaged just 1.4 tackles a match, but, gee, his pay cheque would've been handsome. The biggest shock was when Folau snubbed the NRL, instead opting to play with the NSW Waratahs in 2013. Yep, that's three codes in four years for the one-time league great. And it didn't take long for comedians on social media to link him to Melbourne Heart, Sydney Sixers and synchronised swimming at the next Olympics following his defection.

Israel Folau has been visiting prisoners at Parklea prison. Source: Getty Images

1. KURT TIPPETT (Adelaide)

Oh boy. Where do you start? Nearly the preliminary final hero. Now the all-time greatest villain for Adelaide fans. The Crows lost draft picks, Tippett for nothing, huge fines and a spread of embarrassment unlikely to be topped. An uglier departure could not be scripted, and all because Adelaide was hell-bent on keeping the key forward at the end of 2009. But Tippett got to the Swans, will earn about $70,000 a game next season and walked away with his registration in hand and just an 11-game suspension to serve. Thank heavens that two-month saga is done and dusted.

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

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

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Altitude gives new attitude

Matthew Kreuzer says the pain does not stop with Christmas break. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

AFL clubs have closed for Christmas, but the training pain does not stop for the players, says Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer.

The Blues camp split on December 21 and won't return to Visy Park until January 7.

In that time, Kreuzer will holiday in country Victoria and Noosa - all the while keeping a commitment to his training.

"We've all been given our programs from the fitness side of things," Kreuzer said.

"There'll be a few running sessions and weights as well. We've got to try and stay fit.

"I'm tipping (most of the players) would all be pretty similar.

"We've all got the same number of sessions, just some people might have different types of running sessions depending on their position, but it's all pretty similar.

"It's about self-discipline, but obviously the club want to know what you've done so you have to record your sessions."

Kreuzer said it could be sometimes tough to keep up the motivation to train individually, especially when family and friends were relaxing on their summer break.

"But then you think of the big picture and you know you've got to do it," he said.

"We put a lot of hard work in before Christmas so you don't want to let that waste away.

"It's really important to keep on top of things.

"You feel good for the rest of the day anyway if you do it in the morning.

"You've got that freedom, when you're away from the club, to do those sessions whenever you want.

"It's only a two-week break so you don't really get that luxury to fully relax and unwind."

Kreuzer said the club's training camp in Arizona last month had been beneficial from a physical and team bonding perspective and he was keen not to let slip the gains made on the trip.

"It was pretty solid," he said.

"This pre-season has been a bit different obviously, heading over to Arizona.

"Spending two weeks over there and then to have a solid three weeks before Christmas, it hasn't felt as bad.

"But it was good to get away with the boys and good to try different training methods. Obviously, training at altitude has been proven to work so let's hope it has for us."

But with his training program set, was there any room to indulge on Christmas Day?

"Absolutely," he said.
 

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