2013 club-by-club fixture preview

Jimmy Bartel's Cats will enjoy a cushy back-end to the season once the Simonds Stadium upgrade is complete. Picture: Peter Ristevski Source: HWT Image Library

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard must wait until Round 4 to come up against his old side. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

A mountain of hype is already surrounding Mick Malthouse's showdown with Collingwood in Round 2. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

THE Hawks twice or the Giants twice? Two trips to Perth or an array of Friday night blockbusters? Six-day breaks or a lengthy spell? These are the quirks that can define a club's season and the careers of coaches and players alike.

Over the next three days SuperFooty will bring you a comprehensive guide to the fixtures of all 18 clubs.

Today we add Geelong, Gold Coast and GWS to the list now including half the clubs.

Tomorrow, we preview Hawthorn, North Melbourne and Melbourne.

ADELAIDE:

EASY GAMES:
Seven of Adelaide's away games are against non-finalists, giving the Crows a dream chance to push for another top-four finish. And expect Brenton Sanderson's mob to fire early. They don't meet a 2012 finalist until Round 6 (Hawthorn), and play just one 2012 contender in the first eight weeks. Adelaide also has no return matches against top-four sides.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The Crows host grand finalists Hawthorn and Sydney at AAMI Stadium. Pencil those in as eight-point games, while a trip to the Gabba to face the Lions in Round 2 – a fixture the Crows threw away last season with a sloppy loss – could also prove pivotal.

TOUGH GAMES:
Two trips to Perth is never easy, especially in the back half of the season. Rounds 18 and 23 the Crows head west, ending their home-and-away campaign against West Coat. Ouch. Trips to the MCG to face Carlton and Collingwood could shape as finals barometers.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Crows will avoid a home-and-away bout with Kurt Tippett, so you can't go past the two showdowns against Port Adelaide.

SUMMARY:
Two Friday night blockbusters, including the season-opener, is a big win commercially. And it seems on the field the Crows have again hit the jackpot. Three MCG games will help come September, while the platform is there early to again

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Essendon (AAMI)
Round 2 v Brisbane Lions (G)
Round 3 v Port Adelaide (AAMI)
Round 4 v Western Bulldogs (AAMI)

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

Crows chairman Rob Chapman has vowed Adelaide will be a big player in the free agent market next year. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: Herald Sun

BRISBANE LIONS

EASY GAMES:
The Lions will back themselves to take six wins from six games against the Dogs, Dees and Suns. A stretch of late-season games against the Suns, Roos, Dees, Port, Saints, Tigers, Giants and Dogs will define whether Brisbane is a legitimate finals contender. Only four six-day breaks is an added bonus and should keep Michael Voss's side fresh.

CRUNCH GAMES:
Home games against sides in the bracket one up from Brisbane will prove pivotal. The Lions host North Melbourne, Carlton and St Kilda and must start winning those encounters to take the next step.

TOUGH GAMES:
Plenty. Fremantle in Perth, Geelong in Geelong andSydney at the SCG. The Lions also travel to Tasmania to face Hawthorn and host West Coast and Collingwood at the Gabba. But, Brisbane did knock off the Eagles at home last year and will take confidence from that.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Nothing stands out, but Stefan Martin and Brent Moloney will enjoy their former Dees teammates heading up to the Gabba to square-off in Round 5. The Q-Clashes should step up a gear if Gold Coast can become competitive more often than not.

SUMMARY:
A blow to the old Fitzroy fans with just four games in Melbourne and one in Geelong. Particularly when the Lions requested six games in Melbourne. But a clutch of games against lowly sides and a soft run to the line will please Voss.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Western Bulldogs (ES)
Round 2 v Adelaide (G)
Round 3 v Gold Coast (MS)
Round 4 v North Melbourne (ES)

Sunday Mail - Lions v Suns AFL at the Gabba Photo - David Kapernick Picture: David Kapernick Source: HWT Image Library

CARLTON:

EASY GAMES:
The Blues cashed in seven of their first eight games in Melbourne, although there are some tough opponents in there. Collingwood is the sole 2012 finalist the Blues face twice, while they have doubled-up against Port Adelaide. Carlton also finishes with the Power, Dogs and Suns inside the final six rounds. Here's hoping the late-season trip to Metricon Stadium goes better than last year.

Bold 2013 predictions: Saints to slide, Tigers to rise and a surprise Blues skipper

CRUNCH GAMES:
Plenty, starting with Richmond in Round 1. In fact, the opening five weeks will set the tone for Carlton's debut year under Mick Malthouse. It reads; Tigers, Pies, Cats, Eagles (away), Crows. If the Blues can scramble to a 3-2 start you'd think they'd take it. Duels with Brisbane away and the Richmond-Essendon double late in the year should also help define Carlton's year.

TOUGH GAMES:
The Eagles away in the first month is the first real litmus test for Carlton. A three-game stretch of Hawthorn, Sydney away and Collingwood will also test just how far the new Blues have come.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Round 2. Mick Malthouse v Collingwood. Is there a game the football world is more eagerly anticipating than that? She'll be an absolute corker in front of a packed MCG but, strangely, during the Sunday twilight slot. Imagine Mick walking off a winner and screaming out "we're the old, dark navy Blues" against the side he steered to five Grand Finals and a breakthrough flag? Bring it on.

SUMMARY:
A challenging month early, but as the Blues said when the fixture came out, you may as well get them out of the road early. The Blues kept their 9-8 split of games between Etihad Stadium and the MCG, but will be disappointed the first Mick v Collingwood blockbuster is an away fixture. An even mix with the majority of games against sides in the middle tier.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Richmond (MCG)
Round 2 v Collingwood (MCG)
Round 3 v Geelong (ES)
Round 4 v West Coast (PS)

Carlton Training Mick Malthouse lays down the law Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: HWT Image Library

COLLINGWOOD:

EASY GAMES:
A four-round midseason stretch against the Lions, Dees, Dogs and Power (with a bye tossed in the middle) should give some June relief for Magpie fans. The Pies travel just five times, and three of those are against bottom-eight sides. And their first road trip isn't until Round 7, when they head west to take on the Dockers.

CRUNCH GAMES:
Geelong, West Coast and Sydney all at the MCG will be huge. Throw in the four combined bouts against Carlton and Essendon and those are the games that will make or break Nathan Buckley's side.

TOUGH GAMES:
The Magpies must face the two sides who combined for a one-two knockout punch of the Pies last September twice – Hawthorn and Sydney. That hurts. Should we pencil in Sam Mitchell for six Brownlow votes now? Meanwhile the trip to Patersons to face Fremantle will also be a big test. Six six-day breaks aren't ideal, while the Pies will have just five days off before Anzac Day.
 
ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Again, can't go past the showdown with Mick Malthouse. The Round 2 blockbuster will have the eyes of the football world watching on as the one-time Collingwood hero tries to plot its downfall from the cockpit of its greatest rival. This will be huge, and, for once, edges Anzac Day as the most eagerly-awaited Magpie match.

SUMMARY:
"Balanced" was the word chief executive Gary Pert used when the draw came out and it's hard to argue with. Seven Friday night matches is a typical commercial boom, while the Pies will own a lot of Sunday football this year as the AFL tries to ramp up interest after a swathe of uncompetitive and poorly attended matches to end rounds in 2012.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v North Melbourne (ES)
Round 2 v Carlton (MCG)
Round 3 v Hawthorn (MCG)
Round 4 v Richmond (MCG)

Collingwood players listen to instructions during their pre-season training session. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON:

EASY GAMES:
Only the Giants twice of last year's bottom four in a bit of a blow. But a trio of matches against Port Adelaide, GWS and the Dogs from Rounds 15-17 should provide some late-season wins, a rarity for the Dons in recent years.

CRUNCH GAMES:
It starts Round 1 with a stand-alone trip to face Adelaide. Geelong in Round 7 will also be a big test, while the Bombers' final three games could prove their most defining. They end with North Melbourne, Carlton and Richmond – three sides who punters think will be fighting for a lower-rung finish in the eight, much like Essendon.

TOUGH GAMES:
Take your pick. Two trips to Perth, Collingwood twice and a duel with premier Sydney at the SCG. The Dons also face West Coast twice, while six six-day breaks will put pressure on "The Weapon" to get the Bombers match-fit.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Lock in Round 4 v St Kilda. The Brendon Goddard match. The Dons pinched the Saints' marquee man in the first major free agency coup and you can expect a bit of spite in this one, at least from over the fence. The Round 11 match against Carlton – marking Essendon's 140th anniversary – will also be one with a big build up.

SUMMARY:
Plenty of tough encounters but a good test for Bombers, who are ready to take the next step, at least according to the punters. Should find the 13 wins needed for finals action if they're good enough.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Adelaide (AAMI)
Round 2 v Melbourne (MCG)
Round 3 v Fremantle (PS)
Round 4 v St Kilda (ES)

Essendon legend James Hird can see change for the better on the horizon. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE:

EASY GAMES:
The Dockers host the Dogs, Tigers, Dees, Lions, Roos, Saints, Giants and Power. Hard to see any of those sides heading west and collecting the points. Then when you factor in road trips against lowly sides such as Melbourne, the Suns, Dogs and Saints (who the Dockers beat last year) it makes for a cushy ride. Expect Fremantle to peak midseason. Following the Round 11 bye it plays five of its next six games at home.

CRUNCH GAMES:
Round 1 v West Coast. The stand-alone derby will be a ripper, while the Round 7 duel with Collingwood at home will also help shape the Dockers' year. Away ventures to meet middle-rung sides like Richmond (Round 17) and Carlton (Round 19) will also be big.

TOUGH GAMES:
The Perth clubs hate the long trip to Tasmania, and that's exactly what Fremantle has copped in Round 4 against Hawthorn. Must also travel to Geelong and to the SCG to face Sydney. Hard to see many wins there.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Round 1 derby – a home game for Fremantle – will be a monster clash. These sides hate each other and it'll be great for the entire football world to tune in and see it with no other matches that day. You can bet the coach has also earmarked the two matches against St Kilda as ones he desperately wants to win.

SUMMARY:
A big win off the field with a pair of home Friday night bashes early. The travel schedule isn't ideal but the first four home games, against the Eagles, Dons, Tigers and Magpies should generate a mountain of hype. If the Dockers can continue their momentum from the tail of 2012 they'll be exciting to track on the big stage.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v West Coast (PS)
Round 2 v Western Bulldogs (ES)
Round 3 v Essendon (PS)
Round 4 v Hawthorn (AS)

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich kicked six goals in the elimination final win over Geelong. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG:

EASY GAMES:
A cushy back-end to the season should give the Cats a nice launching pad for September, should they once again feature. Seven of their final 13 matches are at Simonds Stadium, while they face Port Adelaide, Gold Coast and GWS leading into the bye. If Geelong can break even in the first eight rounds you suspect they're going to again be in the thick of it at the pointy end.

CRUNCH GAMES:
You'd regard two matches against Hawthorn as 'tough games' for all clubs – but let's call them 'crunch' for Geelong. Can the Kennett curse continue? Another pair of wins against Alastair Clarkson's mob would give the Cats a big lift. Sydney at Simonds Stadium also looms as a big encounter, while Corey Enright and Paul Chapman will (barring injury) play their 250th matches in consecutive weeks against the Tigers and Bombers.

TOUGH GAMES:
West Coast in Perth in Round 21 shapes as a tough ask, and Chris Scott can expect another hostile reception after his words about the Eagles' fans last year. The trip to face Adelaide at AAMI Stadium also looks tough after the walloping the Crows dished out in the corresponding fixture last year. The Cats must also play off three consecutive six-day breaks leading into their Round 4 duel with Sydney at the SCG. That makes for a testing start.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Finally welcoming Gazza back to Simonds Stadium in the ground's maiden night match should excite the Cats fans – Ablett missed Gold Coast's only previous visit to Simonds Stadium with injury. It will also be Josh Caddy's first showdown with his old Suns mates. You also get the feeling the Cats will be eager to host Fremantle in Round 14 and atone for last year's finals meltdown.

SUMMARY:
The unavailability of Simonds Stadium for the first nine rounds makes for a tricky start, but just six road trips and four of the final six games at home evens it up nicely. The Cats are pleased, and the ability to play night games at an upgraded Skilled Stadium has the club and community excited.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Hawthorn (MCG)
Round 2 v North Melbourne (ES)
Round 3 v Carlton (ES)
Round 4 v Sydney (SCG)

Cats Open Training Session. sprints: Joel Selwood and Paul Chapman Picture: Glenn Ferguson Source: HWT Image Library

GOLD COAST:

EASY GAMES:
The Suns have doubled up against 2012 stragglers Melbourne, Port Adelaide and GWS and host the Western Bulldogs at Metricon. If they take the leap forward they internally expect to, they could match their club history of six wins in that block alone. The Suns have also drawn just two six-day breaks – the least in the competition. Nice.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The two Q-Clashes should take a step up in competitiveness and stature this season, while there will finally be pressure on the Suns to convert their home matches into wins. The Suns host seven non-finalists at Metricon Stadium this year and will be hell-bent on winning the majority. Gary Ablett is 18 games from notching his 250th and, if he stays fit, it could be against Carlton at Metricon – a ground holding plenty of nightmares for the Blues.

TOUGH GAMES:
Those outside Carrara headquarters could confidently pencil in losses against the Swans at the SCG, Hawthorn at the MCG, Geelong in Geelong and West Coast in Perth.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Suns should have a point to prove in Round 5, when they head to Canberra to take on GWS. They were embarrassed last year, becoming the first side to go down to GWS and will be desperate to atone.

SUMMARY:
A dream draw, particularly early, when the Suns face just one finalist away in the first eight rounds. It looks among the easiest in the competition on paper, but things can change quickly once the first ball is bounced.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v St Kilda (MS)
Round 2 v Sydney (SCG)
Round 3 v Brisbane Lions (MS)
Round 4 v Port Adelaide (MS)

Gold Coast Suns continue there training at Metricon Stadium, Carrara ahead of next season - Harley Bennell, David Swallow and Jaeger O'Meara Picture: David Clark Source: HWT Image Library

GWS:

EASY GAMES:
Put simply; none. But there are a cluster of winnable games for the baby Giants, who effectively boast 25 first-round picks on their list.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The two duels with the Suns will be hotly contested, while the Giants will also fancy themselves against Port Adelaide twice (the side they beat to end Matthew Primus's coaching career) and the Dogs in Canberra.

TOUGH GAMES:
Take your pick. The ones which could get ugliest are the bout with Collingwood at the MCG, the trip to Tasmania to face the merciless Hawks and heading north to play Brisbane Lions late in the season as the young GWS outfit begins to tire, and the week after facing Fremantle in Perth.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Sheeds will drum up the Round 1 duel with Sydney with his marketing prowess, but the date with Gold Coast in Round 5 will be far more telling. GWS took the points in Canberra last year and would love to repeat the result. The Round 4 game against Melbourne at the MCG will give Dees fans another chance to dangle money bags at Tom Scully.

SUMMARY:
A nice fixture for both clubs, playing the Suns, Port and Dees twice each, but it's still a tough ask for this baby side. The Swans are the only finalist the Giants face twice – and that's because they have to. Five games in Melbourne is a step up, while the spotlight will shine in Round 18 when GWS faces Collingwood under lights at the G. GWS finished 2012 with a percentage of 46 – a big test will be to see if they can lift that to around 60 this season.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Sydney (ANZ)
Round 2 v Port Adelaide (AAMI)
Round 3 v St Kilda (MO)
Round 4 v Melbourne (MCG)

AFL - GWS Giants training at Lakeside oval. Kevin Sheedy with his new draft picks Aidan Corr, Kristian Jaksch, Jono O'Rourk, Lachie Whitfield, Lachie Plowman and James Stewart. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: HWT Image Library

23.31 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dees cleared over Boxing Day clash

Melbourne footballers Lynden Dunn, left, and Jeremy Howe at the MCG on Boxing Day, before being asked to leave. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

Demons player Jeremy Howe walks past police after being asked to leave the MCG at the cricket on Boxing Day. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Limited

Despite a controversy plagued 2012 and recent tanking claims, Melbourne Demons are confident as they start pre-season training.

THE Melbourne players involved in an ugly spat with fans at the Boxing Day Test have been cleared by the club.

Jeremy Howe, James Frawley and Lynden Dunn were spoken to by security staff and left the MCG after clashing with other cricket spectators.

The players appeared to drinking in the rowdy bay 13 area.

GALLERY: Holiday over for Demons

Demons coaching director Neil Craig said today the players had left the ground voluntarily and were not evicted.

He said the club would use the incident to help educate the entire playing squad.

"They weren't evicted from the MCG, there was a discussion taken place with security with the suggestion stay in the spot if you want to guys, or move to another area or go," Craig said.

"And they decided to leave in the end, so there is a different connotation to leaving versus being evicted.

"It was important to get all the information.

"That situation has opened up a whole range of topics which, once again, we use from a strong education/learning aspect about the life of an AFL player.

"Then you start to discuss topics of responsibility, accountability, perception, ripple affect in a footy club."

Melbourne player Jeremy Howe (right) takes part in building a beer train on the first day of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

The AFL's first-year players are taking part in an induction camp this week that includes education on responsible use of alcohol and dealing with the extra attention that comes with being an elite athlete.

Former Demon Ricky Petterd, now at Richmond, has also escaped any sanction from his new club over his role in the Boxing Day incident.

A Melbourne time-trial at Princes Park this morning was won by Dan Nicholson.

Meanwhile, Craig said the ongoing tanking investigation was not being discussed internally.

"I have no doubt the Melbourne Football Club will conduct its business with the tanking investigation with the same skill set that we've seen with those other issues (the club went through last year)," he said.

"I would think they'll fight charges which they think are inappropriate. And that will unfold probably in the next three to four weeks.

"There can be a ripple effect, and that's one thing we'll talk to our players about.''

23.31 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bailey on the rocks

Despite a controversy plagued 2012 and recent tanking claims, Melbourne Demons are confident as they start pre-season training.

Happier times- Then Melbourne coach Dean Bailey with top picks Tom Scully and Jack Trengove at the 2009 draft. Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL's tanking investigation is taking a mounting personal toll on former Melbourne coach Dean Bailey, before a possible legal stoush with the league over his performance in 2009.

Bailey has engaged lawyer Chris Pollard to defend claims he brought the game into disrepute by failing to coach the Demons to their utmost throughout his second season in charge.

Bailey has been interviewed three times by the AFL's investigations department, which has served the former Dees coach, Melbourne chief executive Cameron Schwab and ex-football manager Chris Connolly with a 1000-page dossier containing the findings of the league's five-month tanking probe.

Schwab, Connolly and Bailey could be barred from the game if found guilty of engineering a tanking plot.

The AFL has demanded a response from the individuals and will decide by the end of the month whether to lay charges.

A source close to Bailey, 45, said the increasing emotional and financial cost of the tanking saga was concerning.

Melbourne has threatened to take the matter to the Supreme Court, meaning Bailey could face a legal bill of tens of thousands of dollars.

The Demons have engaged partners Leon Zwier and Caroline Goulden from leading law firm Arnold Bloch Leibler.

The club is believed to have questioned the definition of tanking and looked to other teams' performances in recent years.

Interviewees have expressed serious concerns about the allegedly threatening and intimidating nature of the interviews.

The AFL would have the resources to appoint a top-line legal team.

Top lawyers cost between $500 and $1000 an hour.

Bailey, now Adelaide's strategy and innovations coach, is scheduled to return to work on Monday, determined to clear his name.

After he was sacked by Melbourne in 2011, with 22 wins and 59 losses to his name, Bailey said: "I was asked to do the best thing by the Melbourne Football Club and I did it. I put players in different positions."

The AFL is understood to have interviewed about 20 people, including current and former Melbourne staff and players, about the club's on-field intentions in 2009.

The Dees won four games, ensuring they secured the prized first two selections in the national draft, used to gain Tom Scully and Jack Trengove.

23.31 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL discards: Where are they now?

Former Bomber Kyle Reimers will line up for Perth in the WAFL this year. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

FROM Perth to the Uni Blues in the Victorian amateur league, find out where axed and retired AFL stars will be playing in 2013.

Players fresh from the elite facilities of the AFL are about to report for pre-season training at lower leagues around the country - some lower than others. Here's a run-down of who's playing where.

Retired Geelong champion Matthew Scarlett announced last year he would line up for South Barwon this season in the Geelong Football League.

The 284-game Cats champion said one of his career dreams (presumably behind playing in three AFL premierships) to finish his career at the Swans.

"I feel like I've made the right decision (to retire) and really excited that I'm joining a great club, going from one great club to another, so I'm just excited and ready to jump into it," Scarlett said.

The bad news for opponents is Scarlett says at 33 his body feels great.

Newly-appointed co-coach Casey Tutungi joked Scarlett "might be the swingman for us" while fellow coach James Garvey added: "What's he done, he's played 15 years down at full back? We might throw him forward and see how he goes."

Matthew Scarlett after being announced as a new recruit for South Barwon Football Club. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: Geelong Advertiser

Scarlett will combine his playing duties with a part-time assistant coaching role at the Western Bulldogs - where he'll work with Cam Mooney, Ben Graham and Brad Johnson. Other retirees who will stay in the AFL system as assistant coaches include Brad Green (Carlton) and Josh Drummond (North Melbourne).

Delisted Melbourne forward Matthew Bate and overlooked Gold Coast utility Josh Toy have not given up on their AFL dream, signing with Essendon's VFL side.

But others are happy to pull on the boots in a more relaxed environment.

Lindsay Gilbee, who played 206 games from the Western Bulldogs, knocked back an offer from Wangaratta Rovers to line up with University Blues in the VAFA.

His former Dogs teammates Brodie Moles and James Mulligan will play for Hoppers Crossing out west while Ryan Hargrave has signed with Hillside, a division two side in the Essendon District Football League.

In the top division of that star-studded comp are 2004 All-Australian Adam McPhee (Greenvale), sacked Richmond defender Daniel Connors (Aberfeldie) and delisted Tigers ruckman Andrew Browne (Keilor).

Other former Tigers playing the suburbs next year include Brad Miller (Heidelberg) and Jayden Post (below), who will pull on the Altona Vikings' purple strip.

Former Richmond footballer Jayden Post is returning to his home club Altona in the WRFL. Picture: Mark Dadswell Source: Herald Sun

And there are unconfirmed reports retired Magpie Chris Tarrant has joined Deer Park.

Other players will stick with the main feeder comps in Victoria and interstate in bid to stay on the AFL radar.

Brent Prismall trained with Essendon, Port Adelaide and the Bulldogs in the lead-up to the rookie draft, but didn't get picked.

He'll be under the noses of Dogs coaches at Williamstown, alongside former Collingwood ruckman Cameron Wood. Also in the VFL are former Collingwood and Gold Coast midfielder Sam Iles (Box Hill) and ex-Giant Steve Clifton (North Ballarat).

Cruize Garlett walked out on the Kangaroos in the hope of a new start at another AFL club. He'll be playing for Perth in the WAFL in 2013 ex-Bomber Kyle Reimers - who opted to return home despite an offer to train with Carlton in draft week - and retired Hawk Chance Bateman.

Kyle Reimers celebrates a goal for Essendon. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Also in the Perth comp are axed Saint Brett Peake, who has signed a two-year deal with his former club East Fremantle, delisted Carlton defender Paul Bower (Peel Thunder), former Eagle and Swan Mark Seaby (Claremont) and Brendan Lee, who will line up for East Perth after playing two matches for Essendon late last season.

Ben McKinley is also expected to play for the Royals, while Jay van Berlo (delisted by Fremantle) and Andrew Strijk (West Coast) will stay at West Perth.

Paul Medhurst has come out of retirement (again) and will line up for Claremont.

Across the border in South Australia, former North Melbourne forward Matt Campbell has signed with North Adelaide along with former rookies Daniel Archer (North Melbourne) and Nathan Gordon (Sydney), best known for dropping the F-bomb on live TV after his AFL debut.

Axed Bomber Henry Slattery will play for the Port Adelaide Magpies alongside Jacob Surjan and Liam Jurrah, who Port's AFL cousin has committed to helping through his off-field issues.

Liam Jurrah training with Port Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

Matthew Panos will play for Norwood after failing to crack a senior appearance at the Bulldogs in 2012 and luckless Gold Coast defender Michael Coad has signed with Sturt.

Tasmanian Football League Clarence has won the race for the signature of former Richmond wingman Jeromey Webberley.

"I was really surprised by all the offers," Webberley told The Mercury.

"It was actually hard to make a decision.

"Because I've played at Clarence before -- and all the players there -- that helped me make my decision and was something that got me over the line in the end."

But the prize for the biggest career move goes to Shae McNamara.

The American was playing for Collingwood in the NAB Cup last year. This season he'll play for Sandringham Sabres in the South East Australian Basketball League.

Have you heard of any other ex-AFL players at a local team near you? Let us know by leaving a comment below or contact us on Twitter @superfooty. Here's some early additions:

From @elenib76: @superfooty delisted Hawk Tom Schneider announced on Twitter yesterday he'll be playing for the Vermont Eagles.

@FraserBrierly: @superfooty David Wojcinski signed to play for the Newtown and Chilwell Football Club in the Geelong Football League

@cammudge: @superfooty former collingwood gun Sean Rusling will line up for Adelaide university in its return to division 1 amateur league this season

- with Sam Landsberger, Michael Washbourne, Chris Cavanagh, Matt Turner

23.31 | 0 komentar | Read More

Daisy in moonboot as Pies hit track

Collingwood train at Gosch's Paddock today. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Collingwood star Dale Thomas at training today. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD hit the training track for the first time this year this morning with Dale Thomas sporting a moonboot.

Thomas joined his teammates on Gosch's Paddock, but was restricted to stationary skills.

The star Magpie has had a very interrupted pre-season, which has hindered his fight to get himself in the best shape possible for 2013.

But Magpies backline coach Ben Hart said Thomas would return to full training in two weeks.

"(We) expected (Thomas) to be in the boot for two more weeks then will return to full training."

The midfielder, who carried the injury through the latter half of last season, underwent surgery on his right ankle late last year.

It meant he was one of a handful of players to miss the club's high-altitude training camp to Utah.

It is a setback as he looks to return to his damaging best this year following a topsy-turvy 2012.

Meanwhile, star midfielder Scott Pendlebury left the training track early today after speaking with coaching staff.

See our gallery of the Magpies in action at Gosch's Paddock today here.

Injury curse: Morabito hurt again at Dockers training

23.31 | 0 komentar | Read More

Essendon signs Toy and Bate

Exciting young talent Josh Toy will play with Essendon's VFL side. Picture: Stephen Harman, Source: HWT Image Library

AFL discards Matthew Bate and Josh Toy will use Essendon's new reserves side as a launching pad as they strive to reignite their stalled careers.

The pair are the Bombers' marquee signings ahead of their inaugural season as a stand-alone VFL club, after senior coach James Hird lit the fuse to break away from the alignment with Bendigo.

Toy, 20, knocked back a one-year contract extension from Gold Coast to return to Victoria, but was overlooked in the draft.

It was revealed in October he had battled congenital heart block, a condition limiting his aerobic capacity.

AFL discards: Where are they now?

The powerful defender was rated as a top-five draft choice before he was snapped up by the Suns as a pre-listed 17-year-old, but he was unable to reach his dazzling potential.

Essendon ran stress tests on Toy during trade period, while he trained with Richmond in the lead-up to the pre-season draft.

"There's no reason why someone of his ability and at his age he couldn't get back in the system," Essendon's VFL general manager Matthew Little told SuperFooty.

"He's got a lot of upside and plenty of time to get back into the system and we think we can help him do that."

Bate, 25, briefly trained with the Western Bulldogs after he was delisted by Melbourne as part of Mark Neeld's major list overhaul.

delisted Demon Matthew Bate. Picture: Loughnan,paul Source: Herald Sun

Little said the Dons targeted the lead-up forward due to his outstanding leadership on and off the field.

"He's going to be really influential for us, developing our culture as a new stand-alone club," he said.

"He's a fantastic player, there's no reason why he shouldn't get back into the AFL system next year and we think we've got the program to help him do that."

The Dons have also snared classy midfielder and former Bendigo captain Ben Duscher as a playing-assisting coach, looking after the onball brigade, and boom 206cm Sandringham ruckman Michael Sikora.

Little said signing a ruckman was a priority, while Duscher is again expected to push for a fairytale AFL listing.

"We're expecting (Duscher) to have a really good year after the pre-season he's had with Essendon and the Western Bulldogs," he said.

SuperFooty Fixture special: We rate Essendon's 2013 draw

The Dons have followed the premiership model set by Geelong and Collingwood in fielding a stand-alone VFL side, a venture which costs about $400,000 but gives total control over player development.

Little said the benefit for the Bombers would be flexibility with the playing list, but stated developing a winning culture would be a key focus.

"Having your own side means you can make decisions on players in terms of positional changes and it also gives you that recruiting aspect, where you can develop players within your own program to see if they can get drafted," he said.

"It offers the Essendon list flexibility and time to play them in a variety of roles and from a VFL perspective, that program of being able to develop them to your game style and to your game plan and with the same facilities AFL players get to use."

The VFL Bombers will play nine home games at Windy Hill this year under the guide of highly-rated development coach Hayden Skipworth.

The Dons are hoping fans will attend double-headers, with a handful of early VFL matches preceding twilight AFL matches in Melbourne.

Richmond and the Western Bulldogs will follow suit and field reserves sides in an expanded VFL competition next season.

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter at @SamLandsberger

23.31 | 0 komentar | Read More

Third knee reco for Morabito

It could be more heartbreak for Fremantle midfielder Anthony Morabito after suffering a knee injury at the Dockers' first training session of 2013.

Anthony Morabito injures his knee at Fremantle training. Picture: FOXSPORTS Source: Supplied

HURTING: Fremantle's Anthony Morabito (left) will require a third knee reconstruction after suffering a fresh setback this morning. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

FREMANTLE says midfielder Anthony Morabito is devastated after learning he will require a third reconstruction of his left knee.

Scans this afternoon confirmed the club's worst fears after Morabito was hurt in an innocuous incident at training this morning.

Morabito was driven from Fremantle Oval by coach Ross Lyon in dramatic scenes after he injured the knee when attempting to tackle new recruit Tanner Smith.

A distressed Morabito grabbed at his left knee before slumping to the ground on all fours and put his head in his hands.

>>> VIDEO: See the injury in the video player above

Scans revealed the 21-year-old had torn the graft on his repaired left anterior cruciate ligament.

The Dockers have yet to decide on the type of reconstruction Morabito will undergo, but are likely to strongly consider the merits of the controversial LARS surgery, which would allow him to play in the first half of this season if successful.

Melbourne sports doctor Peter Larkins tweeted his fears for Morabito's career.

"Major concern for career of morabito now that second ACL graft rupture confirmed," Larkins wrote.

"I'm sure Freo will support him but he will be gutted."

There were words of sympathy and support from other AFL clubs and stars.

Collingwood midfielder Scott Pendlebury tweeted: "Feeling for Anthony Morabito, such bad luck for a young star."

GWS co-captain Phil Davis added: "Sad news for Anthony Morabito with his knee again. Terrible luck!! Never good seeing good players injured."

Anthony Morabito injures his knee at Fremantle training. Picture: FOXSPORTS Source: Supplied

Fremantle is mindful of Morabito's mental state, with his career now at a crossroads.

Football operations manager Chris Bond said the youngster would require "a great deal of support".

"Understandably Anthony is devastated at the moment and the club will be working extremely closely with him and his family," Bond said.

Dockers forward Michael Walters urgently signalled for attention for his stricken teammate when the injury occurred this morning. Morabito was able to walk off the ground unassisted but went straight into the rooms before leaving Fremantle Oval minutes later.

Morabito played 23 games for Fremantle during the 2010 season but has not appeared at AFL level since.

The young Docker had been targeting a return early in the season.

He has been mentored by coaching great David Parkin during his comeback.
 

23.31 | 0 komentar | Read More

Demons can't exorcise tanking

Neil Craig says the AFL's tanking investigation is having minimal impact on the playing group. Picture: Chris Mangan. Source: The Advertiser

MELBOURNE has conceded the fallout from the AFL's tanking investigation could affect membership and sponsorship.

Director of sports performance Neil Craig yesterday said the probe into allegations the club set out to lose matches in 2009 was having a "minimal" impact on player preparations.

But, with the club and key officials facing serious sanctions if found guilty, Craig conceded there was a flow-on affect from the explosive claims, which could affect the Dees' off-field business.

"Like most things in that situation there can be a ripple affect," Craig said.

"It's downtime for (football manager) Josh Mahoney, it's downtime for (media chief) Ryan Larkin, because they actually have got to deal (with it) from a time perspective, time which they would use in other areas.

"It can have an affect on members, on your membership. Do they want to be associated with the Melbourne Football Club until it's all cleaned up?

"Sponsorship? You don't deny that because it exists."

Craig said it was important not to "rush" the club's response to the AFL's demands.

"When you get put under a time constraint ... you can make poor decisions ... it needs to make sure we do it really well," he said.

Melbourne will not sanction players who it said voluntarily left the MCG after clashing with spectators at the Boxing Day Test.

Craig admitted the possibility of "errors of judgment", but said the club would use the incident to help educate players.

23.31 | 0 komentar | Read More

Part II: 2013 fixture preview

North Melbourne will be looking to limit Lance Franklin's influence when the two sides meet in 2013. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

THE Hawks twice or the Giants twice? Two trips to Perth or an array of Friday night blockbusters? Six-day breaks or a lengthy spell? These are the quirks that can define a club's season and the careers of coaches and players alike.

Over the next few days SuperFooty will bring you a comprehensive guide to the fixtures of all 18 clubs.

Today we look at Hawthorn, Melbourne and North Melbourne.

Over the past few days we've looked at Adelaide, Brisbane, Collingwood, Carlton, Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney.

HAWTHORN:

EASY GAMES:
The Hawks face GWS, Gold Coast and Melbourne – the bottom three sides from 2012 – leading into their bye. That shapes as a soft month they can use to build percentage. They also travel to hostile interstate venues on just four occasions.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The two clashes with Geelong will be pivotal. Shane Crawford wrote on the verge of last year's Easter Monday clash that if the Hawks couldn't topple the Cats then they wouldn't for the year. He was dead right, and they need to leap this rising mental hurdle in Round 1. The Round 7 Grand Final rematch against Sydney at the MCG could also be a testing match crucial to the Hawks' mental belief.

TOUGH GAMES:
An absolute horror start to the season. The Hawks face all 2012 finalists in the first seven rounds, which includes trips to face Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, West Coast in Perth and concludes with the Grand Final rematch. A nightmare start – but if they can escape with a positive win-loss ratio they'll be well on the way to the top four again.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Hawthorn's opening two months is littered with blockbusters, but you can't go past the Grand Final rematch. The Hawks must be looking for another crack at the Swans and while it might not be September, it shapes as a pivotal game given Alastair Clarkson's draw early. The match against Collingwood in Round 3 will be huge, too, and gives the Hawks the chance to square-off with Clinton Young after he defected to the Lexus Centre.

SUMMARY:
Hawthorn was disappointed the AFL did not fulfil its request to host seven matches at the MCG, while the opening two months loom as a major danger. But, that means the middle chunk of the season is extremely friendly. A SuperFooty poll recently revealed readers think Hawthorn has the toughest fixture – and by some margin.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Geelong (MCG)
Round 2 v West Coast (PS)
Round 3 v Collingwood (MCG)
Round 4 v Fremantle (AS)

MELBOURNE:

EASY GAMES:
The Dees have a mortgage on the MCG for most the season. In the first 15 rounds, they play just two games away from the home of footy – both interstate trips. Home bouts against Port Adelaide, GWS and Gold Coast in the first seven weeks presents an opportunity for the new-look Dees to create the winning culture Mark Neeld is desperate to implement.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The Round 2 match against Essendon should be interesting. The Dees have the wood over the Bombers and would love that streak to continue. The two games against the Dogs in the back half of the season will also be telling with both clubs in a similar bracket.

TOUGH GAMES:
The three-week stretch of Fremantle away, Hawthorn and Collingwood will test the Demons' improvement. Games against Adelaide away and Geelong in Geelong will also be tough to compete in.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
As if Queen's Birthday wasn't a big enough duel for the Dees, they now to go show off star recruit Chris Dawes against his old Magpie premiership teammates. Added to that Mark Neeld's former stint at the Pies and it shapes as a juicy contest.

SUMMARY:
Only three six-day breaks is a win, as is playing fellow bottom-four sides GWS, Suns and Dogs twice each. But the Dees missed out on Friday night action and must play a home game at Etihad Stadium, against their request.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Port Adelaide (MCG)
Round 2 v Essendon (MCG)
Round 3 v West Coast (MCG)
Round 4 v GWS (MCG)

NORTH MELBOURNE:

EASY GAMES:
Not many. The Roos don't play any of the bottom-four sides twice, but a run of five-straight games again non-finalists from Rounds 14-18 should give a platform to launch a run at September.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The opening five weeks could set up North Melbourne's year. The Roos face Collingwood, Geelong, Sydney in Tasmania, Brisbane and Hawthorn and will be desperate to walk out with a few of wins. They will also be without Brent Harvey for the first six weeks, adding to the early challenges.

TOUGH GAMES:
Plenty. Two trips to Perth and return bouts against Hawthorn, Adelaide Collingwood and Geelong. Eight six-day breaks to boot makes it a hard draw on paper.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
You suspect a few North boys wouldn't mind a crack at Carlton in Round 17, and another look at Chris Judd after last year's chicken-wing gate. The clash with West Coast in Round 8 will also be eagerly-anticipated after North Melbourne's finals capitulation last year. And the Roos' backline will hopefully be devising some new plans for the Round 5 clash with Hawthorn – and 13-goal terroriser Buddy Franklin.

SUMMARY:
A difficult draw on paper, and a mixed bag commercially. Two home Friday night games (three in total) should help boost the bottom line, but the club wasn't overly thrilled with receiving three home Sunday twilight games this season.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Collingwood (ES)
Round 2 v Geelong (ES)
Round 3 v Sydney (BA)
Round 4 v Brisbane Lions (ES)

23.31 | 0 komentar | Read More

Twins matching up

Geelong coach Chris Scott and Kangaroos coach Brad Scott will ramp up their 2013 campaigns with closed match simulation training sessions at Simonds Stadium. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne and Geelong will step up their pre-season campaigns with a series of competitive match simulation training sessions against each other, starting tomorrow.

The Herald Sun can reveal the coaches of the clubs, twins Brad (North) and Chris (Geelong) Scott, have joined forces to schedule a series of sessions at the Cats' home ground, Simonds Stadium.

In a closely guarded arrangement, the Roos and Cats plan to train together behind locked gates in Geelong every Friday morning for the next month.

AFL umpires will be present to help educate players on rules.

Geelong Football manager Neil Balme was adamant the work-outs were not practice matches, which would be against AFL rules.

Balme said there was "no doubt" the hit-outs would help the clubs' pre-season development.

"There won't be a practice match, because I'm not sure we're allowed to have them, but they will be doing some work on our ground," Balme said.

"There could be some match practice, some training drills with them or competing with them, but it's not a serious game or anything.

"We've asked for some AFL umpires to be involved, just with any of the new rulings. It's good to get two things like that done at once.

"It's no secret. We just haven't publicised it."

Clubs do not tackle each other in full-scale practice matches in the pre-season until the NAB Cup series, starting February 15.

Hawthorn and Richmond and Melbourne and Collingwood have made use of the close relationships between their coaching staffs by staging some match simulation and midfield stoppage work against each other in recent years, but not for four weeks in a row.

The City of Greater Geelong, which is the owner and operator of Simonds Stadium, confirmed North Melbourne had made plans to use the Geelong venue for the next four Fridays - January 11, 18, 25 and February 1.

The integrated training will allow the Roos and Cats coaches to simulate stoppage work and test various aspects of their game plans.

"We do a lot of competitive stuff among ourselves," Balme said. "But this just adds another edge to it, a different dimension to it."

North Melbourne will train separately before the Cats join in.

Geelong will continue to train after the Roos leave the ground.

The sessions are expected to begin about 9am.

North Melbourne's traditional home at Arden St has been unavailable because of a surface upgrade, forcing the Roos to train at Highgate Reserve in Craigieburn throughout the summer.

North Melbourne beat the Cats last season for the first time since 2007, ending a run of seven straight defeats by Geelong.

23.31 | 0 komentar | Read More