Swan wants to stay on with Pies

Magpie Dane Swan (centre) at Collingwood training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Dane Swan in action against Hawthorn last Sunday. Source: Herald Sun

CONTROVERSIAL midfielder Dane Swan wants to play on with Collingwood beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of next year.

Swan, who against Richmond on Saturday will play his 200th AFL match, has said previously he would give the game away when his existing deal ran out.

But the 29-year-old revealed last night that he had changed his mind - partly because he felt he still owed the club more.

"I am certainly not going to be Dustin Fletcher and play until I am 38," Swan told The Club on Fox Footy on Wednesday night.

"I am contracted until the end of next season and hopefully I can go around at least once or twice more.

"While I am able to contribute at a reasonably high level, I would like to think I would still be around, (but) the footy club would have to have me first."

Swan also said:

* HE had no intention of playing for another AFL club when his time at Collingwood was over.

* HE still owed the club more than it owed him, for saving his career "when it was going down the toilet".

* IF all the rumours about him were true, "I'd be dead".

Also during the interview, which the Herald Sun reported on last  night, Swan admitted he wanted to change the public perception of him.

"There is a perception of me out there," he said.

"Whether it's right or whether it's not, I suppose the damage has been done.

"But I'm slowly trying to repair it because I don't like my parents and family listening to talk-back radio and reading social media tweets."

Swan said his family had been hurt by what has been said about him.

"When your mum rings you up and you hear she is upset on the phone, that's when you probably realise that enough is enough," he said.

Swan said the life of an AFL footballler can be a "horrible world" and understands how it could lead to depression.

"I can understand how some AFL players could get depression," he said.

Picture gallery: Swan warms up for game 200

"Sometimes it can be a real horrible world for AFL footballers, even though we do have a great lifestyle.

"Just the media backlash you cop and the social media outbursts and the rants on all the websites and blogs.

"If you didn't have thick skin or you didn't handle negative words really well, I can understand why a player could suffer from depression."
 

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Goddard defection still raw

Essendon coach James Hird talks with gun recruit Brendon Goddard. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE Saints say Brendon Goddard will just be another Essendon player on Saturday, but the bitterness over his departure isn't far below the surface.

Goddard quit the Saints at the end of last year to join Essendon as a free agent.

Asked if the two-time All-Australian was a big loss, St Kilda coach Scott Watters said: "That's up for conjecture.

"In Brendon's words, his last 40 games were mediocre and middle of the road."

For his part, Goddard has referred to his former coach a "hobbit" and a "dwarf", albiet tongue in cheek.

St Kilda defender Jarryn Geary said today the players would be treating all players in Essendon jumpers the same when the two teams meet for the first time since Goddard's departure on Saturday at Etihad Stadium.

"We'll be playing the jumper. You don't see too many faces out there any other time," he told the AFL website.

"He played here for a long time but this week we'll just be focusing on trying to beat Essendon and all that other stuff will take care of itself."

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard has been quick to temper fans' expectations in an interview on the club's website, claiming development will come from the younger brigade. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Goddard attended Nick Riewoldt's wedding in Texas in October and the Saints skipper says they will be "mates for life".

But off the field the wounds are still raw.

Club president Greg Westaway reopened them in a recent interview, when he put the issue of Goddard's money demands firmly on the table.

"He was a required player," Westaway told Fairfax media.

"But for four years, we wanted only three. That means we would be paying him $750,000 at age 32.

"I don't think so. It would have been derelict of our board to have sewn him up for that fourth year."

Goddard angrily rejected the claims on The Footy Show.

"That is totally fabricated and untrue," he said.

"So for Greg Westaway to come out and say that - a complete bunch of lies - is somewhat hurtful.

"Pretty much he's suggesting that I held the club to ransom for those figures and whatever and on those terms, well it's pretty hurtful."

Saints fans are sure to let their feelings be known in the stands, and while Goddard's former teammates might not hold a grudge, they won't have forgotten that Goddard could let his anger get the better off him on the field.

Don't be surprised if Clinton Jones goes straight to the Bombers' No.9 in an attempt to get under his skin.

Brendon Goddard wrestles with Leigh Adams off the ball. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: HWT Image Library

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Beams out for another month

Collingwood onballer Dayne Beams is out for another month. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: The Advertiser

COLLINGWOOD best-and-fairest Dayne Beams has aggravated a thigh injury and is at least another month away from playing again.

Beams' setback cast a pall over the Magpies' preparations for the blockbuster against unbeaten Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.

The classy midfielder felt pain in his thigh when he tried to step up training last weekend.

Coach Nathan Buckley said after training on Wednesday: "It's a bit of a re-bleed, which just signals to us that it (injury) was more significant than we initially thought and we've just got to give it a little more time.

"The last thing you want to do when you walk into a medical meeting is to hear one of your better players is probably another three or four weeks (out) longer than you anticipated.

"Beamsy is incredibly frustrated by it and our medics are working hard to get him up to speed.

Picture gallery: Dane Swan warms up for game 200

"At the same time, it's no use pushing a player up if he's 85 per cent fit. The intensity of the game requires full fitness and we won't be putting any of our players in that danger zone by pushing them up before they're ready."

Defender Ben Reid is ready for the Tigers despite jarring his right knee last Sunday.

And Alan Didak and Andrew Krakouer are closer to senior recalls.

"We've been encouraged by the progress of those two," Buckley said.

"Their intensity is picking up in the VFL."

Buckley said midfield ace Dane Swan couldn't hide from the focus on his 200th game.

"Dane Swan is an elite player and his 200 games should be celebrated, and will be celebrated," he said.

"But he and all his teammates are looking forward to his onfield contribution on Saturday and what he's about to produce beyond.

"Because every player needs to evolve to stay relevant in the game. And Swanny is going through that process at the moment."

Collingwood's recent run of five straight wins against Richmond will have no relevance to preparations for Saturday's showdown.

"When we do our opposition analysis, we go back over the last four games," Buckley said.

"So, any records over sides can sometimes be an outside focus rather than an internal one.

"The last time we played Richmond was Round 2 last year. That's over 12 months ago. All their stats, all their CPIs stood up as a top eight side, even a top six side.

"They lost a lot of close games, they've got a lot of talent in there and they're doing a lot of things right. It just makes it a great challenge for us to match them."
 

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Start of the big Tigers drought

David Cloke at Victoria Park as a Collingwood player after crossing from Richmond. Source: HWT Image Library

Cartoon by David 'Macca' McArthur. Source: Herald Sun

THE hatred between Richmond and Collingwood reached civil war proportions during their recruiting wars of 1983-84.

Tiger powerbroker, Graeme Richmond, declared war after the 1982 season when the Magpies lured Geoff Raines and David Cloke to Victoria Park.

The pair were key members of both Richmond's 1980 premiership side and its losing 1982 Grand Final team to Carlton, so the steely Richmond, who relished a fight more than a feed, was incensed.

Raines, who had won three of the four Richmond best and fairests between 1978-81, is aware that in the 30 years since no Victorian side has a worse finals record than the Tigers.

So was that the catalyst?

"We lost two club captains and multiple premiership players in David Cloke and Bryan Wood (Essendon) after 1982 and I went the same year," Raines recalled.

"I'm sure all us would agree that Tony Jewell should never have been sacked as coach a year after winning the 1980 premiership. It was very unsettling.

"Graeme Richmond did a lot of great things for the club but the fact was he had past his use-by date in the early 1980s. He had lost his grip on what was reality.

"It became crazy when the attitude was 'if they get one of ours then we will get one of theirs'.

"So Richmond recruited players from Collingwood like John Annear, Phillip Walsh, Wally Lovett, Neil Peart and Craig Stewart.

"GR (Richmond) didn't handle our 1982 loss to Carlton too well and blamed certain players for not reacting when the rough stuff started."

It was the most turbulent period in Richmond's history with nine coaches between 1983-99, and seven captains between 1977-87.

Richmond v Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday, 2:10pm

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I won't start to panic: Malthouse

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse has defended the Blues' poor start to the season, claiming success isn't about winning or losing.

Robert Warnock could play his first game for the season against West Coast on Saturday night. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse patrols the boundary line. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MICK Malthouse - the man lured to Carlton to land the club's 17th flag on a deal worth millions - says it's not about wins and losses.

The Blues have lost their opening three matches and face West Coast on Saturday night in Perth.

A loss to the Eagles would mean Carlton would have to defy history to play finals - no side under the eight-team finals format has played in September after starting 0-4.

"It's not about win-loss, it's about process," Malthouse said.

"It's the process, it'll always be the process. And when you look after the process, the results will look after themselves.

"People will love to go, 'Look at your scoreline'.

"Let's look at it. We're two games out of the eight, or one game, I don't even know what the ladder is. So what's the big deal?

Ron Reed: We don't care about processes, Mick  

"It's are we playing good football? Yes we are, in patches.

"Are we playing good enough to beat our opponents? No, because we're not doing that for a full game."

When it was suggested that Carlton supporters would be wanting a win soon, Malthouse said he would not be panicked.

"Win game one to game 22, that's the supporters," Malthouse said.

"I can't help the supporters. All I can do is help the side.

"The supporters are there, we love the supporters, we want to get 50,000 members. We're zip and three, what do you want me to do, turn it around?

"It's got to be process driven."

In VFL-AFL history only four teams have started 0-4 and made the finals; North Melbourne in 1975 in a 12-team competition was the only side to go on to win the flag.

The Blues were considering recalling Levi Casboult and Rob Warnock to cover for injured ruckman Matthew Kreuzer (thumb) against the tall Eagles.

Warnock's 2012 season was ruined by a shoulder injury. He hasn't played since Round 14.

Jarrad Waite and Eddie Betts are not expected to play this weekend.

Malthouse defended captain Marc Murphy, who has been criticised for his defensive efforts, which Geelong exposed last week when Taylor Hunt kicked three goals on him.

"Marc, incidentally, got one of our votes," he said.

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Laidler puts up hand in attack

Carlton's Jeremy Laidler could be the club's solution up forward. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

JEREMY Laidler could prove an unlikely solution to Carlton's forward problems.

The Blues, still without Jarrad Waite, have struggled to find the right mix of key position targets in attack.

Laidler was a vital cog in defence under former coach Brett Ratten before hurting his knee last year.

But the left-footer has struggled to impress Ratten's predecessor Mick Malthouse, who left him out of the NAB Cup grand final and two of the first three home-and-away games this season.

However, Laidler showed promising signs as a forward target in the VFL on Saturday, booting three goals.

Northern Blues coach Luke Webster said Malthouse had instructed Laidler to play forward.

"Mick spoke to him about looking at different positions and adding another string to his bow," Webster said.

"Jeremy grew up as a junior playing forward, so this week we were able to give him the opportunity to play a key position for us and he performed really well."

Laidler's demise has puzzled many Carlton supporters. In 2011 he ranked No.1 at the club for spoils, No.2 for intercept marks and third for intercept possessions.

Last year he succumbed to injury in Round 4.

Carlton's first draft pick (No.11 overall) Troy Menzel also showed flashes of brilliance in the VFL last weekend with four goals.
 

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'I'm so proud, thank you so much'

Bombers coach James Hird celebrates beating Fremantle with David Zaharakis (left) and Ben Howlett. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON coach James Hird delivered an emotional speech to his players in the Subiaco rooms last Friday night, in which he thanked them and told of his pride after their win over Fremantle.

On Fox Footy program The Hangar last night, Hird's post-match speech to his players following the win was shown.

In it, Hird - who this week met with ASADA investigators - told his players just how much the win meant to him and the club.

"Anything is possible if you continue to play with that hunger and train with that hunger," Hird said.

James Hird and the players belt out the team song after beating Fremantle. Source: Herald Sun

"I'm so proud of you, I thank you so much. I personally...just thank you, thank you."

READ HIRD'S FULL SPEECH TO HIS PLAYERS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY

Inspirational skipper Jobe Watson was not to be outdone, jumping in following Hird's speech to declare his solid support for the club.

"From a player's perspective, the way the club is handling it and the people around it, it's comforting to come to the club and see these people here," he said.

How sweet it is. Source: Getty Images

"Because you know the people inside the football club care about you and they're the people you can lean on.

"So, I'm saying it now - I know when I get around the club that we'll be OK.

"It's special because of the people in this room."

Hird's full speech to the players in the rooms following the win:

"Let's talk about pressure and the way you handled that pressure. We didn't handle it well early, did we?

"They were much better than us early. You're going to have to handle more pressure than that - finals are big games.

"But to come from five goals or six goals down at Subiaco and beat a very, very good team and run them off their legs, it's an incredible effort.

"And I think Jobe you said it at the start of the game, let's coach ourselves out on the ground.

"That's what leadership is all about - coaching yourself when things aren't going right. Well done to everyone in this footy club, tonight was an amazing effort. Everything has been incredible - we just have to keep it going, alright?

"You've got to enjoy your win, get to bed when you get to bed, wake up the next morning in the hotel (laughs) and let's go after St Kilda.

"Anything is possible if you continue to play with that hunger and train with that hunger. I'm so proud of you, I thank you so much. I personally...just thank you, thank you."

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Bombers told to seek counsel

Essendon coach James Hird leaves his home yesterday, a day after speaking with ASADA investigators. Picture: Rob Leeson Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON players have been given access to a range of mental health experts as a leading sports psychologist says they can continue their winning streak during the drugs investigation.

Coach James Hird was interviewed by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority on Tuesday, with investigators to talk to players next week.

The Bombers' unbeaten run will be challenged by two games in five days - against St Kilda on Saturday then Thursday's Anzac Day clash with Collingwood - which bookend ASADA's talks with senior players.

Carlton great Robert Walls is one expert who wonders if Essendon players will eventually be overcome by the burden of playing while under investigation.

Essendon says it continues to offer players a range of counselling programs, with the AFL Players Association also offering its support.

Sports psychologist Noel Blundell said yesterday he saw no reason why Essendon's players would become overwhelmed after three straight wins.

"It's amazing when players have to address peer issues off the field, they grow stronger," Blundell said.

"It's a real challenge to the culture of the club, and so far they seem to be handling it all well.

"If Essendon was smart it would have sat down as the process evolved and come up with a clear overall plan."

Bombers football manager Steve Alessio said the players were being encouraged to confront any problems head-on.

"Certainly, that's the case in-house," Alessio said.

"It's not only the psychologists, it's a lot of senior coaches and senior people around the club (who are providing support). If anyone has issues, whoever they feel most comfortable talking to, we want them to raise those issues.

"That's the big challenge with everything going on, to ensure that from the playing group the focus continues to be on the game and so far we can't fault the boys with their focus."

Walls wondered if the players might hit a brick wall this weekend as the investigation took its toll.

"They are in a bubble at the moment," Walls said.

"Confidence is on the upswing but this isn't going away and you just have to wonder how long can they keep this up? I have a feeling, eventually, it will get them down."
 

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Veteran Hille poised for recall

Essendon ruckman David Hille (left) is set for an AFL recall this weekend. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE unbeaten Bombers hope Michael Hurley will prove his fitness at training today, before the Round 4 clash with St Kilda.

But Dustin Fletcher is all but ruled out with groin soreness, while small forward Nick Kommer and ruck/forward Paddy Ryder are suspended.

It had raised hopes Daniher might make his debut, but David Hille is on top of the list to replace Ryder despite missing last week's VFL game with soreness.

Small defender Mark Baguley is certain to return if he overcomes knee soreness, given St Kilda's fleet of small forwards.

And Jason Winderlich is a chance to make his senior return after three weeks of solid form in the VFL, following groin issues during summer.

While Essendon's match committee will consider the make-up of the team against St Kilda, the club's depth means it could rest some VFL players, then play them next Thursday on Anzac Day against Collingwood.

With Winderlich and Round 3 emergency Jackson Merrett pushing for Kommer's spot, Leroy Jetta might again be on the outer despite 26 possessions in last week's VFL loss.

The door might open for Gumbleton, who has played 28 games in six seasons, only if Hurley did not play.

Football manager Steve Alessio said Hille was in the picture to make his 2013 debut after signing a one-year contract extension.

"Hille was a late withdrawal, but luckily we took that option with Paddy Ryder's suspension," Alessio said.

"He is right in contention. He is a fair chance of getting up this weekend in the senior team. We would expect him to get up and play this weekend, if he trains well.

"You could also throw Gumbleton into the mix. We will look at the blend of talls against St Kilda."

Winderlich tore his groin in his 100th game in Round 19 last year after a slashing four-goal performance, but kicked eight goals in the VFL a fortnight ago.

"He is doing everything right. He has slowly increased his workload and quality of game and he has kicked stacks of goals, and he's another one strongly putting his hand up this week."
 

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Press red for Channel Ed

Collingwood fans can get a unique, one-eyed perspective from club president Eddie McGuire of this weekend's clash with Richmond, simply by pressing red on their remote.

Magpies president Eddie McGuire is ready to lead an all-Collingwood commentary panel. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

ONE-EYED Magpie supporters will need only one ear on Saturday with an all-Collingwood commentary panel set to debut on Fox Footy.

For the first time, Fox Footy viewers will have the opportunity to choose between neutral commentary or pro-Magpie commentary led by Magpies president Eddie McGuire when Collingwood take on Richmond.

"It was only a matter of time. 'Ed TV' means viewers can now listen to passionate black and white commentary during Saturday's blockbuster. It's genius. It's unmissable. Press Red for Ed!" McGuire said.

McGuire will be joined in the box by Collingwood 1990 premiership players Michael Christian, Peter Daicos and Tony Shaw.

For everybody who doesn't have black and white blood pumping through their veins, the normal line-up of Anthony Hudson, Jason Dunstall, Brad Johnson and David King will also be covering the game start to finish.

To select the Magpie commentary on the day, simply click the red button. 

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