TEAMS: Chapman pulls out

Sam Edmund, Jay Clark and Ben Dixon join Brad Johnson to discuss their 'DIY Fix-Ups' ahead of Round 6.

Andrew Krakouer gets the nod for the Pies. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON has dumped forward Sam Rowe for Sunday's match against Melbourne at the MCG.

Rowe makes way for Jarrad Waite, who has finally overcome a nagging calf strain.

David Ellard is the other inclusion for Mick Malthouse's Blues looking to fill the gaping hole left in defence following Bryce Gibbs' hamstring tightness.

JUST a cool six changes for a Melbourne team looking to maintain its momentum from last week's last quarter demolition of Greater Western Sydney.

Aaron Davey and mature-aged recruit Cameron Pedersen are among the outs which include injured ruckman Mark Jamar (groin) and Jack Watts (hamstring).

Boom father-son prospect Jack Viney returns after being rested last week along with forward Lynden Dunn and debutant, WAFL prospect Dean Kent.

WEST COAST has named a star-studded squad including Nic Naitanui and Sharrod Wellingham for Sunday's match against the Western Bulldogs.

WESTERN Bulldogs defender Dylan Addison has been rewarded with senior selection after a strong performance for VFL-affiliate Williamstown.

GEELONG forward Paul Chapman has pulled out of Geelong's team to face Richmond with hamstring soreness.

The Cats made the change today, replacing Chapman with speedster Jordan Murdoch.

Last night, Collingwood forward Andrew Krakouer was among four Magpie inclusions for tonight's match against St Kilda.

Krakouer, 30, hasn't played at the top level since last year's preliminary final loss to Sydney.

The mercurial forward won his spot back into the Magpies best 22 after a solid month playing in the VFL.

Darren Jolly is set to return after missing two weeks with a rib injury along with debutant ruckman Jarrod Witts.

Scroll down for all the Round 6 teams and see full line-ups in LiveHQ

ST KILDA has given Stephen Milne a VFL reprieving naming the small forward who missed last week's Anzac Day match on suspension.

Saints coach Scott Watters said Milne would have to earn his spot back in the team after being rubbed out for gouging.

Milne is joined by utility Arryn Siposs in the Saints best 22 missing small forward Trent Dennis-Lane.

Mature-aged recruit Tom Lee has been sidelined with an achilles.

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ESSENDON has dropped a bombshell with in-form young gun Dyson Heppell (groin) to miss Saturday's match against Greater Western Sydney.

Veteran forward Jason Winderlich has been rested while defender Jake Carlisle (ankle) is also out.

Jake Melksham, Tayte Pears and mature-aged recruit Nick Kommer will line up against the injury-ravaged Giants missing co-captain Phil Davis (back), Setanta O'hAilpin (calf) and Lachie Whitfield (soreness).

GEELONG welcomes back Tom Hawkins and Paul Chapman for Saturday night's match against Richmond.

Jarrad Rivers (knee) and Josh Caddy (omitted) come out of the side looking for their sixth consecutive win.

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Collingwood v St Kilda

Collingwood

B: N.Brown, B.Reid, B.Macaffer
HB: M.Clarke, H.Shaw, H.O'Brien
C: S.Sidebottom, D.Swan, D.Thomas
HF: J.Elliott, T.Cloke, Q.Lynch
F: B.Kennedy, T.Goldsack, S.Dwyer
Foll: D.Jolly, S.Pendlebury, J.Blair
Int: A.Krakouer, J.Witts, J.Thomas, P.Seedsman
Emg: A.Fasolo, J.Russell, M.Williams

In: A.Krakouer, D.Jolly, J.Thomas, J.Witts, B.Kennedy
Out: A.Toovey (Knee), B.Hudson (Leg soreness), J.Russell (Omitted), A.Fasolo (Omitted), B.Sinclair (Omitted)
New: B.Kennedy, J.Witts

St Kilda

B: N.Wright, S.Fisher, S.Gilbert
HB: S.Dempster, D.Roberton, J.Geary
C: N.Dal Santo, L.Hayes, B.Murdoch
H: D.Armitage, R.Stanley, L.Montagna
F: J.Saunders, N.Riewoldt, J.Koschitzke
Foll: B.McEvoy, C.Jones    4, J.Steven
Int: S.Ross, A.Saad, S.Milne, A.Siposs
Emg: T.Hickey, J.Newnes, J.Webster

In: S.Milne, A.Siposs
Out: T.Dennis-Lane (Omitted), T.Lee (Achilles)

SUPERCOACH NOTES:
Scott Pendlebury has dominated against the Saints since 2011, averaging 126 points a game – ranked No.1 at the club. Ben McEvoy has led St Kilda's charge with an average of 127 a game.

Essendon v GWS Giants

Essendon

B: M.Hibberd, T.Pears, C.Dempsey
HB: K.Hardingham, C.Hooker, B.Goddard
C: M.Baguley, J.Watson, D.Zaharakis
HF: J.Merrett, S.Crameri, J.Melksham
F: A.Davey, S.Gumbleton, B.Stanton
Foll: T.Bellchambers, B.Howlett, N.Kommer
Int: H.Hocking, L.Jetta, D.Hille, D.Myers               
Emg: E.Kavanagh, N.O'Brien, N.Lovett-Murray

In: L.Jetta , T.Pears , J.Melksham , N.Kommer
Out: J.Winderlich (Rested) , T.Colyer (Omitted) , D.Heppell (Groin) , J.Carlisle (Ankle)

GWS

B: A.Kennedy, T.Mohr, J.Bruce
HB: A.Corr, S.Gilham, T.Greene
HF: R.Palmer, J.Cameron, A.Tomlinson
F: D.Smith, S.Frost, T.Adams
Foll: J.Giles, A.Treloar, D.Shiel
Int: C.Hampton, S.Coniglio, S.Reid, Z.Williams               
Emg: T.Bugg, S.Edwards, T.Downie

In: S.Gilham, C.Hampton, J.Bruce, T.Adams, J.Townsend, S.Frost, A.Corr
Out: B.Thornton (Omitted), S.O'hAilpin (Calf), P.Davis (Back), T.Bugg (Omitted), L.Whitfield (Soreness) , L.Plowman (Omitted), N.Haynes (Omitted)
New: A.Corr

SUPERCOACH NOTES
David Zaharakis' ANZAC Day heroics earned him a $20,800 price rise after his 140 points against Collingwood. Despite scoring 113 points against Gold Coast, Callan Ward's price still fell, albeit by only $300.

Jay Clark and Mick Warner argue over what to do with their defence ahead of Round 6.

North Melbourne v Port Adelaide

North Melbourne

B: S.McMahon, S.Thompson, M.Firrito
HB: A.Mullett, N.Grima, J.Macmillan
C: D.Wells, S.Atley, S.Wright
HF: A.Black, M.Daw, T.Hine
F: L.Thomas, D.Petrie, L.Adams
Foll: T.Goldstein, A.Swallow, J.Ziebell
Int: R.Bastinac, B.Cunnington, S.Gibson, W.Sierakowski
Emg: D.Currie, L.Anthony, L.Hansen

In: W.Sierakowski
Out: L.Anthony (Omitted)
New: W.Sierakowski

Port Adelaide

B: C.Heath, A.Carlile, L.Stevenson
HB: C.O'Shea, T.Jonas, D.Cassisi
C: Bra.Ebert, T.Boak, H.Hartlett
HF: C.Wingard, J.Westhoff, P.Stewart
F: J.Neade, J.Schulz, R.Gray
Foll: M.Lobbe, O.Wines, K.Cornes
Int: B.Renouf, M.Broadbent, A.Monfries, K.Mitchell
Emg: S.Colquhoun, J.Butcher, A.Moore

In: K.Mitchell
Out: J.Trengove (Foot)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Daniel Wells ranks No.1 at North Melbourne for points scored since Round 3, averaging 123 a game. Hamish Hartlett has been Port Adelaide's most prolific scorer in this period, averaging 134 points a game.

Adelaide Crows v Hawthorn

Adelaide

B: B.Rutten, D.Talia, A.Otten
HB: L.Brown, B.Reilly, D.Mackay
C: S.Kerridge, S.Thompson, B.Smith
HF: R.Douglas, S.McKernan, J.Lyons
F: J.Porplyzia, T.Lynch, J.Jenkins
Foll: S.Jacobs, P.Dangerfield, R.Sloane
Int: M.Jaensch, M.Wright, B.Vince, R.Henderson
Emg: R.Tambling, L.Johnston, J.Petrenko

In: J.Porplyzia, S.McKernan, J.Lyons
Out: J.Petrenko (Omitted), T.Walker (Knee), R.Laird (Thigh)

Hawthorn

B: J.Gibson, B.Lake, L.Hodge
HB: G.Birchall, B.Stratton, B.Guerra
C: I.Smith, S.Mitchell, B.Hill
HF: S.Burgoyne, L.Franklin, P.Puopolo
F: L.Breust, J.Roughead, J.Gunston
Foll: M.Bailey, J.Lewis, B.Sewell
Int: L.Shiels, D.Hale, J.Simpkin, M.Osborne
Emg: T.Duryea, K.Cheney, M.Spanghe

In: B.Sewell , J.Simpkin
Out: C.Rioli (Hamstring) , S.Savage (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Rory Sloane's average of 112 points a game at AAMI Stadium this season ranks him No.1 at the club. Sam Mitchell has been Hawthorn's best scorer at the venue since 2011, averaging 115 points a game.

Richmond v Geelong

Richmond

B: S.Morris, A.Rance, T.Chaplin
HB: D.Grimes, R.Petterd, B.Houli
C: C.Newman, T.Cotchin, M.White
HF: B.Deledio, S.Edwards, D.Jackson
F: L.McGuane, J.Riewoldt, T.Vickery
Foll: I.Maric, D.Martin, N.Vlastuin
Int: B.Ellis, J.King, S.Grigg C.Knights               
Emg: J.Batchelor, S.Tuck, R.Nahas

In: T.Chaplin, S.Morris, J.King
Out: R.Nahas (Omitted), J.Batchelor (Omitted), B.Helbig (Hamstring)

Geelong

B: A.Mackie, T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: J.Corey, H.Taylor, T.Hunt
C: M.Duncan, J.Bartel, S.Motlop
HF: A.Christensen, S.Johnson, B.Smedts
F: P.Chapman, T.Hawkins, J.Podsiadly
Foll: M.Blicavs, J.Selwood, J.Kelly
Int: C.Guthrie, G.Horlin-Smith, T.West, M.Stokes           
Emg: M.Brown, J.Murdoch, J.Thurlow

In: P.Chapman, T.Hawkins
Out: J.Rivers (Knee), J.Caddy (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Despite receiving plenty of attention last week from Ryan Crowley, Brett Deledio still managed to get reach three figures. Jimmy Bartel was one of three Geelong players to crack the ton against the Bulldogs, finishing with 109 points.

The young coach of Oliver's Army is the No. 6 ranked SuperCoach this season. He reveals the secrets behind his dominance to Brad Johnson

Gold Coast Suns v Fremantle

Gold Coast

B: T.McKenzie, T.Murphy, D.Prestia
HB: D.Stanley, R.Thompson, G.Broughton
C: M.Rischitelli, G.Ablett, J.Harbrow
HF: H.Bennell, TJ.Lynch, A.Hall
F: Z.Smith, S.Day, B.Matera
Foll: C.Dixon,  K.Hunt, D.Swallow
Int: J.Lonergan, J.O'Meara, J.Brennan, M.Shaw
Emg: D.Gorringe, J.Hutchins, T.Sumner

In: H.Bennell, J.Lonergan
Out: S.May (Hamstring), J.Hutchins (Omitted)
New: J.Lonergan

Fremantle

B: L.Spurr, Z.Dawson, M.Johnson
HB: G.Ibbotson, L.McPharlin, C.Pearce
C: T.Mzungu, R.Crowley, N.Suban
HF: M.Barlow, C.Mayne, H.Ballantyne
F: H.Crozier, J.Hannath, M.Walters
Foll: J.Griffin, D.Mundy, M.De Boer
Int: D.Pearce, P.Duffield, C.Sutcliffe, A.Silvagni
Emg: L.Neale,  T.Sheridan,  Ta.Smith

In: P.Duffield, A.Silvagni, C.Sutcliffe, H.Crozier
Out: K.Bradley (Knee), S.Hill (Quad), N.Fyfe (Suspension), L.Neale (Omitted)

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Jared Brennan has averaged 103 points a game at home this season, ranked third at the club. Chris Mayne starred when he last played at Metricon Stadium in Round 6 last season, booting three goals straight on his way to 127 points.

Sydney v Brisbane

Sydney

B: N.Malceski, H.Grundy, N.Smith
HB: M.Mattner, T.Richards, J.McVeigh
C: L.Jetta, R.O'Keefe, B.McGlynn
HF: D.Hannebery, S.Reid, K.Jack
F: A.Goodes, M.Pyke, J.Bolton
Foll: S.Mumford, J.Kennedy, L.Parker
Int: T.Armstrong, C.Bird, J.Lamb, D.Rampe
Emg: M.Morton, J. White, T.Walsh
In: J.Lamb
Out: A.Everitt (Omitted)
New: J.Lamb

Brisbane

B: J.Patfull, D.Merrett, A.McGrath
HB: E.Yeo, J.Clarke, J.Adcock
C: P.Hanley, T.Rockliff, M.Golby
HF: J.Polkinghorne, J.Brown, D.Zorko
F: S.Mayes, M.Leuenberger, A.Cornelius
Foll: B.Longer, B.Moloney, J.Redden
Int: J.Green, R.Bewick, M.Paparone, R.Lester
Emg: J.Lisle, A.Raines, J.Crisp             
In: P.Hanley, R.Lester
Out: S.Docherty (Omitted), A. Raines

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Daniel Hannebery's average of 107 points a game this year is the fourth-most of any midfielder at the club. Brent Moloney's average of 103 points is the second-most of any midfielder at the club behind Tom Rockliff.

Shane Crawford reveals his latest SuperCoach tips ahead of Round 6

Carlton v Melbourne

Carlton

B: C.Yarran, M.Jamison, L.Henderson
HB: Z.Tuohy, D.Armfield, S.White
C: K.Lucas, M.Robinson, K.Simpson
HF: C.Judd, A.Walker, J.Garlett
F: E.Curnow, S.Hampson, J.Waite
Foll: R.Warnock, M.Murphy, B.McLean
Int: H.Scotland, A.Carrazzo, E.Betts, D.Ellard
Emg: S. Rowe, J. Cachia, T.Bell
                                           
In: J.Waite, D.Ellard
Out: B.Gibbs (Hamstring), S. Rowe (Omitted)

Melbourne

B: L.Dunn, J.Frawley, D.Terlich
HB: J.Grimes, T.McDonald, C.Garland
C: J.Trengove, J.Viney, M.Jones
HF: J.Howe, C.Sylvia, D.Kent
F: R.Bail, M.Gawn, S.Byrnes
Foll: J.Spencer, J.McKenzie, N.Jones
Int: J.Strauss, D.Nicholson, M.Evans, L.Tapscott
                                           
In: L.Dunn, J.Strauss, J.Spencer, J.Viney, D.Kent, D.Nicholson
Out: M.Jamar (Groin), D.Rodan (Omitted), J.Watts (Hamstring), A.Davey (Omitted), S. Blease (Omitted), C. Pedersen (Omitted)
New: D.Kent

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Chris Judd has averaged 26 disposals and 127 points a game against Melbourne since 2010. Colin Sylvia has been a solid performer in this period, averaging 21 disposals and 94 points a game.

West Coast Eagles v Western Bulldogs

West Coast

B: M.Brown, D.Glass, S.Hurn
HB: B.Waters, E.Mackenzie, S.Wellingham
C: A.Gaff, M.Priddis, B.Dalziell
HF: J.Hill, J.Darling, C.Masten
F: N.Naitanui, JJ.Kennedy, M.LeCras
Foll: D.Cox, S.Selwood, L.Shuey
Int: J.Brennan, D.Kerr, C.Sinclair, As.Smith
Emg: A.Hams, M.Rosa, W.Schofield
In: S.Wellingham, As.Smith, N.Naitanui
Out: S.Butler (Calf), J.Cripps (Omitted), A. Hams

Western Bulldogs

B: D.Morris, J.Roughead, L.Picken
HB: J.Johannisen, M.Austin, T.Young
C: J.Macrae, M.Boyd, A.Cooney
HF: J.Stringer, D.Addison, K.Stevens
F: L.Dahlhaus, L.Jones, J.Tutt
Foll: W.Minson, N.Lower, T.Liberatore
Int: M.Wallis, D.Cross, C.Smith, C.Howard, L.Markovic
Emg: P.Veszpremi, D.Pearce, L.Markovic

In: D.Addison, C.Howard
Out: B.Goodes (Suspension), P.Veszpremi

SUPERCOACH NOTES
Josh Kennedy booted four goals straight in the first half last week against Port Adelaide, finishing with 124 points for the match. Liam Jones booted four goals of his own against Geelong, finishing with 107 points.

Replay our Thursday night SuperCoach and teams chat below:

 On a mobile device? Click here for a better viewing experience

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Dons prepare to be grilled

Essendon players have been given legal training ahead of their ASADA interviews. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ESSENDON players are being given detailed legal briefings ahead of next week's crucial interviews with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

Lawyers for the AFL Players' Association have held several one-on-one sessions with players to prepare them for the ASADA grilling.

Players will attend the interviews in the company of AFLPA legal counsels Brett Murphy and Bernie Shinners and have the option of bringing their own manager or lawyer.

Essendon will not have a representative at the hearing and has not been involved in coaching its players on what to say.

AFL investigators Brett Clothier and Abraham Haddad will sit in on the interviews as part of their joint investigation with ASADA.

Captain Jobe Watson and the club's leadership group will be among the first to answer questions about the controversial supplements regime used at Windy Hill last year.

Coach James Hird and several Essendon assistant coaches and officials have already fronted ASADA to explain their roles.

The man who ran the program, sacked sports scientist Stephen Dank, has not yet agreed to be interviewed.

But his testimony to the Australian Crime Commission will help form part of the questioning.

Essendon's players have been told they can freely answer questions from ASADA.

They are expected rely heavily on consent forms, which they believed listed the substances they took as WADA-approved, to back their claims they have done nothing wrong.

There is no suggestion any Essendon players will give evidence against a teammate, but it is expected every player on the club's list in 2012 will be given the opportunity to provide evidence. A group of players who have since left the club have engaged their own legal team.

Lawyers from both sides were unable to agree to what constituted "reasonable assistance" by players.

AFL players are expected to be more cooperative.

Documents handed to ASADA - and seen by the Herald Sun - reveal a group of Essendon players had weekly injections of the banned drug AOD-9604 last season, plus regular injections of Thymosin.

Variants of Thymosin are banned by ASADA.

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Bombers would be flying high

A former Olympic coach says the effects of performance-enhancing drugs would still be helping Essendon, if its players took them last year. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON would still be enjoying the benefits of performance-enhancing drugs if players did take illegal supplements last season, according to a leading athletics expert.

Nic Bideau, who managed Olympian Cathy Freeman and coached Craig Mottram, says he has no doubt there would be residual benefits.

The Bombers - unbeaten this season - have not conceded players took non-World Anti-Doping Agency approved peptides, including the anti-obesity drug AOD-9604.

The AFL-Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation into the Bombers aims to uncover evidence of a regimen of banned drugs at the club under controversial sports scientist Stephen Dank.

Bideau told the Herald Sun any use of illegal drugs would improve muscle strength, which could stay with players.

"If you have a really good training year, it helps you forever or until you start to decline," Bideau said.

"It is building a base layer upon layer upon layer. It's like pages in a phone book.

"It is foundation you are trying to build. It takes people two or three years to become a fit league footballer, and if you add another layer on, it has to help."

Essendon believes its program of rapid weight gain last year backfired badly and that its impressive start to this season is fuelled by a simple endurance-based program.

The medical and sports science industries are divided on any long-lasting benefits to Essendon.

Former St Kilda doctor Rohan White yesterday said many peptides and supplements were fast-acting and quickly flushed from the system.

The AFL Medical Officers Association associate would not comment on Essendon's players, but said many supplements had only short-term benefits.

"If any club or player used supplements last year it would be a pretty long bow to draw to say they were still helping. Many supplements would be excreted from the system quite quickly and the benefits would be very short-term," White said.

But one AFL sports science expert, speaking on condition of anonymity, said any illegal substance used at any time had to have future benefits.

"If anyone is taking performance-enhancing drugs, the benefits of that are cumulative. You have been able to train at a higher level and the drug might be out of your system, but the training effect is still there," he said.

"It increases muscle bulk and muscle strength and muscle endurance, and you push on from there.

"It would be naive to think it wouldn't have a performance benefit a year on."

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Clubs spread drug lies - AFL boss

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has spoken out against rumours about Essendon's performance and condition being circulated by rival AFL clubs.

Sports scientist Stephen Dank claims he has an email from WADA approving the use of the anti-obesity drug at the centre of the Essendon scandal.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says clubs need to stop weighing into the Essendon drugs saga. Source: Herald Sun

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou has accused rival clubs of spreading rumours and lies about the Essendon performance-enhancing drugs saga.

As Essendon players prepare for next week's interviews with the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority over the alleged use of illegal substances at the club last year, Demetriou said he knew for a "fact" that other clubs were actively seeking to discredit the Bombers.

The league boss described the circulated rumours, which centre on Essendon's 5-0 start to the season and the long-lasting benefits of performance-enhancing substance use, as "scurrelous" and he demanded the clubs stop.

"Absolutely they are (spreading rumours). I know that to be fact and it's got to stop," Demetriou said on 3AW.

"There appears to be a small group, particularly amongst our clubs, who are taking it upon themselves to put about scurrilous innuendo about the fact that the Essendon football club has won five games and are they getting an advantage?"

"I think this is really unfortunate, I think it's a byproduct of this running commentary and I don't think it is acceptable and it just might be that they've got some good players.

"It just might be that they've got some good tactics, it just might be that their coach is coaching well, they might actually just be playing well.

"The sooner some of our clubs, this is not all but a small few, stop this sort scurrilous mongering, the better because it's not doing anybody any good at all."

Demetriou said the clubs in question should put their efforts into winning games of football.

"They should focus on their own club. There is an investigation ongoing at moment with the Essendon Football Club, I would remind people, (that) they are fully co-operating with.

"They came forward, they're not running away, they are part of this, they know it's going to take a while and they need to let it run its course."

Demetriou's comments came after a leading athletics coach and an AFL sports science expert said if Essendon had used illegal substances last year, they would still be enjoying the fitness benefits during the 2013 season.

Sports scientist Steve Dank with the NRL's Manly Sea Eagles at training. Source: news.com.au

Meanwhile, a series of emails between Stephen Dank and the World Anti-Doping Agency throw into doubt Dank's claims that WADA approved the use of anti-obesity drug AOD-9604.

Dank claims to have an email from WADA that gave him permission to use the drug and says he is prepared to produce it in court.

The Herald Sun has seen a document which prescribes at least four drugs for players as part of Dank's 2012 supplements regime, including AOD-9604, which is banned under the WADA code.

It is understood an Essendon official has told the AFL/ASADA investigation that AOD-9604 had been used, but that the club believed it had WADA approval to do so.

The ABC's 7.30 Report  last night revealed an exchange between Dank and WADA's research and prohibited listings manager Irene Mazzoni about AOD-9604 dated February 2, 2012.

Hird: Players ignore drug distraction

Massoni's email read: "Dear Steve, as I mentioned during our telephone conversation you should contact your national anti doping organisation, in this case ASADA, as certain drug preparations may differ between countries, such seems to be the case with AOD-9604.

"Please be aware that there is a section in the prohibited list S0 - that deals with non approved substances.

"Therefore even if the substances or similar substances do not appear listed it does not automatically mean the substance is permitted."

Dank then allegedly replied: "Thank you for your reply and confirmation that the product or any related product does not appear on any prohibited list."

Mazzoni: "I could not find that it had been approved by any government or regulatory authority.

"That's why I say to contact ASADA to check its status in Australia."

Dank also queried about a number of other supplements, asking whether they were permissible for use.

Mazzoni: "Dear Steve, please address your inquiry to ASADA as they will be in a better position to assess medication sold in Australia.

"WADA only provides information to federations and anti doping organisations.

"This is why you must contact them directly."

The 7.30 Report said ASADA would not comment on any communication with Dank.

- with AAP, staff reporters

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Bombers ignore drug distraction

Essendon coach James Hird says the ongoing doping saga is not distracting to his players ahead of game against GWS.

Jay Clark and Mick Warner argue over what to do with their defence ahead of Round 6.

Essendon coach James Hird leaves the field. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON coach James Hird says he is confident next week's player interviews with ASADA will not prove a distraction to his unbeaten team.

The investigation into the Bombers' 2012 supplements program will step up a gear next week when players are subject to individual interviews by Australia's anti-doping body.

Players have been given legal training ahead of the interviews, with captain Jobe Watson and the leadership group set to be the first to be grilled.

"I am not sure exactly when the players are speaking to ASADA but these guys have been so fucussed, they have been so committed to their football, they are such a tight group of players, that I would be surprised if that does take their eyes of the ball," Hird said this morning.

Hird said he wasn't frustrated by the delay in releasing an internal review into the club's practices last year.

The review, headed by Ziggy Switkowski, was due to be released this week but has been delayed by a legal issue.

"There's a reason why and the administration and the board will deal with that ... the only thing I can concentrate on is coaching our football team to win games of football and that's where my focus is."

Demetriou: Clubs spreading drug rumours

Asked if he needed to keep his players grounded after their 5-0 start to the season, he said:

"I do not think they need any grounding right at the moment, I think the environment they are in, they just enjoy playing the best football they can."

He said defenders Jake Carlisle (ankle) and Dyson Heppell (groin) could have been picked to play GWS tomorrow but the club opted to play it safe.

"Both were close but just probably haven't done enough work on the track and we want to take a fit team in every time we play.

"We decided they weren't quite ready."

He said both would be available next week along with Michael Hurley and Dustin Fletcher. Patrick Ryder will also be available after serving his three-match suspension.

See all the Round 6 teams here

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Hinkley allowed to phone coach's box

Port Adelaide assistant coach Alan Richardson says he is excited to be taking control at Port Adelaide with Ken Hinkley ill.

Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley will be allowed to be in contact with his assistant coaches, despite not being well enough to travel to his team's game against North Melbourne. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

THE AFL has decided to make a special allowance for virus-stricken Port coach Ken Hinkley to speak to the coach's box during tomorrow's match after a discussion with Port Adelaide this morning.

The rules state that Hinkley cannot be part of the coaching panel when he is not a matchday official, but because of the unusual nature of his fate, an AFL spokesman told The Advertiser they had granted permission for him to be in contact during his team's game against North Melbourne.

Stand-in coach Alan Richardson said this morning that it would be unlikely that there would be either long or multiple phone calls between him and the coach, but that if the boss called, he would take it.

Football operations manager Peter Rohde, who plays an important role in the box, said he would keep his mobile on and indicated he would be the most likely contact link.

But even with the permission Port received this morning, Hinkley will not be allowed to talk to players on the field or on the bench.

Richardson has headed to Tasmania with mixed feelings ahead of tomorrow's match against North Melbourne at Blundstone Arena.

Richardson, the Power's director of coaching, will be the acting senior coach because Ken Hinkley was struck down with a virus this week and has been advised against flying.

It has left Richardson excited about the responsibility - the last time he was a senior coach was for Coburg in the VFL - but also hurting for his boss.

"I can't imagine how hard or frustrating it'll be for Ken, just sitting back. He's just started coaching his own football team and to be sitting on his couch,'' Richardson said.

Richardson found out he would be in the chair after doctors had allowed Hinkley to begin sending text messages but ruled out any traveling.

Part of his texts to Richardson read: "It's over to you Richo. Five in a row, let's make it six."

The rest of it was not fit for print, but essentially told Richardson not to muck up.

Richardson said he had spent little time thinking about what the opportunity meant for him.

"We're heading somewhere as a football club," Richardson said.

"I feel good. The feelings you have are all about what we've done, what we're trying to achieve for the team.

"In terms of my personal feelings, it's pretty similar, really. We've been playing some pretty good footy and now we've got an enormous challenge against a team that is really desperate for a win."

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Brown in clear for Hawks clash

Emerging Adelaide Crows defender Luke Brown has passed a concussion test and is fit to play this weekend. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

YOUNG Crows defender Luke Brown passed a concussion test at West Lakes today to be clear for action against AFL premiership favourite Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

Brown's confirmation allows Adelaide to stay with the 22 players named at selection on Thursday night and keeps Richard Tambling on the emergency list.

The most significant news from selection is the return of key forward-ruckman Shaun McKernan to the line-up for the first time this season as Adelaide copes with the loss of key forward Taylor Walker for the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Adelaide assistant coach Scott Camporeale noted his midfield unit would be seeking to supply a new-look attack. 

McKernan is listed as partnering Josh Jenkins in the Crows forward line, replacing the Walker-Tippett tandem that pushed the Crows to within five points of the Hawks in last year's preliminary final.

"Josh Jenkins has been there for the whole year, Tom Lynch has come in for the past fortnight, so we need to generate more goals midfield-wise and hit the scoreboard from there to pick up the slack," Camporeale said.

"Shaun has been in really good in the SANFL. He kicked five (with Glenelg at the weekend) so he deserves an opportunity. He is probably like for like with 'Tex' (Walker). That's probably really the only change."

Off-field, the change in the Adelaide Football Club's front office at West Lakes has begun with Craig Burton, the general manager of marketing and communications, no longer in his position.

It is considered the start of a reshuffle of the Adelaide administration.

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Hawks know what to expect

Jay Clark and Mick Warner argue over what to do with their defence ahead of Round 6.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson says the Hawks need to improve their clearance numbers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ALASTAIR Clarkson knows his Hawthorn side will confront a different looking Adelaide forward line at AAMI Stadium tomorrow.

But he expects the Crows game plan to remain the same.

Kurt Tippett is long gone and the Crows are now coming to terms with the fact Taylor Walker will miss the year with a knee injury.

The loss of opposition forwards normally creates an air of unpredictability their line-up.

But Clarkson suggested today counterpart Brenton Sanderson showed his hand at the selection table last night by selecting tall forward Shaun McKernan.

"It would have been a little bit more unpredictable if just (Jason) Porplyzia came in and they went a bit smaller,'' Clarkson said.

"But I'd expect that they'd structure up pretty similarly to what they have in the last little while.

"We've just got to make sure we defend the way we've defended all year, no matter who the opponent is.

"Walker is such a huge presence for them, but McKernan is a big boy. He and the big fella (Josh) Jenkins give them a bit more flexibility in what they do with the ruck, too.

"They can take (Sam) Jacobs forward a little bit more often than they have in the past. So we've just got to be prepared for all those things tomorrow afternoon.''

The Hawks were smashed in the clinches by North Melbourne last week.

They lost out in clearances and contested possessions as well as inside-50s but still managed to eek out a three-point win.

Clarkson said a similar result in those key areas tomorrow would not augur well for his side.

"It says something about our group that we still found a way to win but I'm not too confident that if all the stats are like that this week, that we'll get over the line against the Crows,'' he said.

"So we've got to make sure we're a bit more competitive in that area of the game.''
 

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Panic Room: Essendon warning

Jay Clark and Mick Warner argue over what to do with their defence ahead of Round 6.

If Brendon Goddard is the slightest bit sore tomorrow morning, the Bombers wouldn't hesitate in giving him a rest. Source: Getty Images

SO ONE-sided is tomorrow's Essendon v Greater Western Sydney clash expected to be that even the Giants have "rested" players with a view to next week.

It would have been nice to see No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield run around again - especially for the SuperCoaches out there that plumped for him - but clearly Sheeds has the bigger picture in mind.

To that end it is no surprise that the Bombers have taken a similar approach at the selection table.

Jason Winderlich is simply "sore'' after playing a few matches in a row and even though Dyson Heppell is listed as being out because of a "groin'' we would suggest that if this game were against a top side the shaggy-haired one would be in the team.

And while Elliott Kavanagh, Nathan Lovett-Murray and Nick O'Brien are currently sitting on the emergencies list, we'd say they are more of a chance of playing than one or two of their more senior teammates who may happen to wake a bit sore after a restless night's sleep.

Meanwhile, Eagle-cum Swan-cum Hawk Matt Spangher flew to Adelaide with teammates today and is not without a chance of playing.

If the Crows swing a change, especially with the talls in the forward half of the ground, then don't be surprised to see Spangher make his Hawthorn debut.

The Cats are the kings of the late change but after Panic Room predicted a big out last weekend - cue Tom Hawkins' withdrawal - they have beaten us to the punch by announcing this afternoon Paul Chapman is out with hamstring soreness.

Another move isn't entirely out of the question, with the Geelong defence looking a little under-sized against Richmond trio Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery and Luke McGuane. Mitch Brown is listed as an emergency.

Sam Edmund, Jay Clark and Ben Dixon join Brad Johnson to discuss their 'DIY Fix-Ups' ahead of Round 6.

SUPERCOACH ALERT

You thought last week's midfield carnage was bad enough? This week the SuperCoach Gods have gone Armageddon on all defences across the land.

Heppell, Bryce Gibbs, Brett Goodes, Sam Docherty, Rory Laird and Jasper Pittard are all out.

Unfortunately the best solution for a lot of SuperCoaches this week will be to just sit it out and hope for the best.

But if you're keen to cover that last doughnut, consider flicking Pittard for St Kilda's Josh Saunders against Collingwood tonight.

Saunders debuted last week and scored 29 after being subbed on late in the game, and earned huge wraps from coach Scott Watters this week.

Job security seems OK and he's a dual position too.

Oh, and if you're considering making a Bomber - Jobe Watson, Brendon Goddard or David Zaharakis - captain against the Giants, make sure you're using the captain's loophole with either Dane Swan or Scott Pendlebury tonight.

The young coach of Oliver's Army is the No. 6 ranked SuperCoach this season. He reveals the secrets behind his dominance to Brad Johnson

MONEY MATTERS

Panic Room is a huge wrap for Gold Coast this week.

Scott Gullan may be enjoying time at Warrnambool this week - and good on him - but even through the clouds (in his head, not on the coast) he can see the Suns.

And so can his stand-in this week.

Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands and Kepler Bradley aren't playing which means the Dockers are bereft of any - recognised - key forwards.

Nat Fyfe being suspended robs Freo of some midfield grunt, while the loss of Stephen Hill takes away some outside run.

The Dockers are vulnerable tomorrow night, Gold Coast is starting to show some really good form at home and if it's a hot and humid night at Metricon - which it is forecast to be - then look out.

Not sold? Why not take Guy McKenna's men at the line (15.5) into Port Adelaide at the line (20.5) against North Melbourne.

The Kangaroos are probably genuine favourites, but surely the Power's form gets them to within three kicks in Hobart tomorrow?

That'll get you a $3.42 return.

ON NOTICE

West Coast is starting to stagger.

The Eagles are not yet on the ropes, but with a 1-4 record John Worsfold's men would want to start making a move.

Key players come back this weekend, including Nic Naitanui and Matt Rosa, but the inclusion with the most to prove is former Magpie Sharrod Wellingham.

We all had a laugh when we heard that Wellingham had injured his ankle while jumping on the trampoline just before Round 1, but given the Eagles woes since he desperately needs to make it up to the Eagles faithful - and fast - otherwise they will quickly jump off him.

BACK IN ACTION: Sharrod Wellingham impressed in an outing for East Perth. Picture: Duncan Watkinson Source: PerthNow

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Roos' goal to shake yips

Lindsay Thomas celebrates a goal against Geelong. Source: Herald Sun

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott at the MCG against Hawthorn. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FORWARD Lindsay Thomas's program to rid himself of the yips when kicking for goal is being used as motivation for North Melbourne to fix its scoring woes.

Coach Brad Scott supervised technical adjustments with drills at training yesterday in a bid to improve the players accuracy.

"I keep coming back to Lindsay Thomas. People say what has been the turnaround? Well, it's hard work," Scott said.

"It's like most things in life, you've got to work hard to achieve those things. I've got no doubt we'll fix them and, when we do, I've got no doubt we'll be up there with the good sides.

"We've just got to tighten up our game and be clear on the things that we have to fix and spend an enormous amount of time on the track."

Thomas is the AFL's leading goalkicker with 21 from 27 attempts in five games, an admirable conversion rate and considerably improved on his 38.19 tally last season.

Scott said inconsistency was often related to inexperience. "I think we're scoring OK. Could we do it better? For sure and we'll continue to work on that," he said.

"I think we've got dangerous forwards and we like to kick the ball to them. We've got to strike a balance between capitalising on our key forward strength and using other options going forward. But it has been a strength rather than a weakness."

Tall forwards Robbie Tarrant (leg) and Lachie Hansen (knee) were assessed after yesterday's main training session on whether they return for Saturday's game against unbeaten Port Adelaide in Hobart.

"Unless I'm comfortable with the level of training they've done and how they perform in the main session, they won't play," Scott said.

"We're in the fortunate position of having good key position players who can replace them. The combination of Aaron Black, Majak Daw, Lachie Hansen, Robbie Tarrant, we've just got to keep selecting players in form and who have full fitness."

Scott also implored fans to continue to be vigilant about racially abusive behaviour following the off-field taunts directed at Daw, Thomas and Daniel Wells in the match against Hawthorn.

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