Big man Sinclair ready to ruck

BIG STRIDES: Subiaco's Callum Sinclair has made a solid case to be included in West Coast's side next week. Picture: Stewart Allen Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast big man Callum Sinclair has declared himself ready for an AFL debut, saying he will play for his football life if given a chance at the highest level.

The Eagles are considering promoting Sinclair, 23, from the rookie list this week and handing him a start in the crunch game against Hawthorn at Patersons Stadium next Sunday.

Coach John Worsfold and assistant Scott Burns were at Medibank Stadium on Friday evening to watch Subiaco's Sinclair take on West Coast teammate Scott Lycett in the Lions' win over East Perth.

The pair are jostling for sidelined Nic Naitanui's spot in support of senior ruckman Dean Cox.

Sinclair and Lycett spent limited time rucking against each other but were both good performers as they rotated between the ruck and attack, each having 16 disposals and kicking a goal.

Sinclair trained with Fremantle before being selected by West Coast at No.12 in December's rookie draft as ruck insurance.

A debut would be a dream come true for the mature-age rookie, who was overlooked as a teenager and moved from Port Melbourne to Subiaco before last season in a bid to ignite an AFL career.

"If the match committee gave me the opportunity, I'll be giving it my all to show them that I'm worthy," he said.

"If you're going to get drafted at 23 years old it would be pretty hard to find a second chance, so this might be the only chance I've got. My aim is to grab it with both hands and dedicate myself to it 110 per cent."

The Eagles opted for Lycett in support of Cox in the Western Derby loss but the 20-year-old had little impact in just his fourth game.

Sinclair, who has put his name in front of selectors with a string of strong displays in the WAFL, offers an athletic option who is a more natural forward.

"Doing an AFL pre-season, I reckon all you can do is improve really. If you're going backwards then you've got problems," Sinclair said.

"Definitely with all the coaching and all the development resources down there, I feel that I'm slowly improving week by week but I've still got a long way to go.

"I want to play for Subiaco and win every week, that's my real focus at the moment.

"My goal is to contribute to the team every week, not to go out there and be about me."

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Fury over Hayes sliding free kick

Lenny Hayes, pictured here at training, was pinged for sliding despite not taking out the legs of his opponent. Picture: Chris Eastman Source: Herald Sun

WHEN St Kilda champion Lenny Hayes was pinged for sliding into an opponent's knees last night it was as if the AFL had shot Bambi.

Social media was abuzz with fans condemning the league's controversial new rule that penalises players who slide in and make contact with an opponent below the knees.

Hayes was nabbed after pouncing on the loose ball, his head and shoulders merely brushing, but not moving, the legs of Gold Coast defender Matthew Shaw, during the second quarter of the hotly contested clash at Metricon Stadium.

The decision against the 264-game veteran battering ram prompted calls of ''what more could he do'' from the Fox Footy commentary team which included Brian Taylor, Matthew Richardson and Geelong premiership captain Cameron Ling.

Ling's premiership teammate David Wojcinski joined the chorus of fans disturbed by the umpire's ruling.

The AFL banned sliding - contact below the knees - in a bid to improve player safety following a sickening collision between North Melbourne goalsneak Lindsay Thomas and Sydney forward Gary Rohan last year.

Rohan had his leg snapped when Thomas slid over a sodden SCG turf.

Others to vent their frustrations on Twitter said:

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Lyon is league's best: Freo president

TOP BILLING: Ross Lyon is the best coach in the AFL, according to Fremantle president Steve Harris. Source: PerthNow

ROSS Lyon is the best coach in the competition and his arrival at Fremantle has sparked a cultural transformation of the entire club, according to Dockers president Steve Harris.

Fremantle has this weekend off after its Round 1 victory over West Coast and will take on the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Saturday as it seeks to continue its perfect start to the new season.

In an interview with The Sunday Times, Harris said he firmly believed Lyon was capable of leading the Dockers to their first premiership.

"We genuinely believe Ross is the best coach in the AFL," Harris said.

"So we're capable of doing it. Ross is someone who is capable of taking us there."

Harris said the leadership structure and training introduced to the club by Lyon had even helped the club's board.

"It's been a transformation culturally that has gone wider than just the team," he said.

"His personal high standards and his desire for excellence in performance and continuous improvement has infected not only the coaching staff and the playing group, but that's actually gone out into the wider team.

"He's had a club-wide delivery and I think everyone has higher expectations on themselves in the club, and I think you're seeing that in our supporters and members as well. They've got higher expectations; as they should."

Lyon crossed from St Kilda to the Dockers 18 months ago amid high drama, replacing Mark Harvey who was sacked despite having a year remaining on his contract.

Harris said Fremantle needed to grow ahead of the move to the Burswood stadium in 2018 and hoped for crowds of about 50,000 at the new venue.

The managing director of advertising company The Brand Agency, Harris said he recognised the huge marketing power of Hawthorn's out-of-contract star Lance Franklin.

But he was adamant he would never try to influence recruiting decisions for financial reasons.

"If you look at the jumpers he sells and people who buy Hawthorn gear, they'd be buying Buddy's jumper," Harris said. "(But) I've never yet sat in a meeting where we've talked about, 'if we got this player, they'd be great for membership', or anything like that.

"I think if we're making decisions around the marketability of a player, we'd be making the wrong decisions.

"And when you get the president getting too involved in list management, I think things would run off the rails."

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Dogs write their own script

The Western Bulldogs have smashed pre-season premiers Brisbane in a stunning round-one upset.

The Western Bulldogs celebrate thrashing the Brisbane Lions in their first AFL match of the season. Picture: George Salpigtidis. Source: News Limited

SOMETIMES a long wait can be well rewarded.

If scriptwriters were searching for a theme to be extracted from the Western Bulldogs' 68-point thrashing of NAB Cup winner Brisbane at Etihad Stadium yesterday, it wouldn't have been too hard to locate it.

The Bulldogs players, not to mention their long-suffering fans, had waited impatiently to finally win a home-and-away match and yesterday's reward was perhaps the most complete performance of Brendan McCartney's 23 games as coach.

The previous win was way back in Round 12 last season. What followed was a miserable streak of 11 consecutive losses that had doomsayers fearing what 2013 might hold in store.

Given the Bulldogs were without captain Matthew Boyd, and were coming up against the form side of the pre-season competition, the Dogs' 19.13 (127) to 7.17 (59) whitewash of the Lions was even more meritorious.

The Bulldogs wanted it more -- and worked better as an unit -- than the Lions.

There were stories of reward for effort and persistence everywhere you looked for the Bulldogs, and you could understand why some of them were so vocal in belting out the club theme song.

Just ask Brett Goodes, who finally made his AFL debut yesterday at 29, and performed so well that it's almost an indictment of the competition that he was forced to wait so long.

His brother Adam had to wait until his third season for a Brownlow vote; Brett won't be far off gaining a vote in his long-awaited debut match.

Goodes performed very well off the half-back line -- something which has allowed the club's acting captain Bob Murphy to go forward again -- and he used the ball like the veteran he is in age terms, if not in terms of games played.

Just ask Dale Morris, who played his first home-and-away match in 595 days since suffering a career-threatening broken leg.

Morris offered up plenty of support and confidence to key defender Jordan Roughead, who kept Jonathan Brown to one goal for the game.

Just ask Nick Lower, who this time last year was struggling to adapt to life under Ross Lyon at Fremantle. Yesterday, Lower completely shut out Michael Tuck medallist Daniel Rich, restricting him to eight possessions.

Lower complemented a strong Bulldogs midfield that overwhelmed a much-hyped Lions engine room.

Will Minson played one of his best games for the club, dominating the ruck; Ryan Griffen was critical through the centre of the ground; and Tom Liberatore and Mitch Wallis showed why they are serious players of the future.

Ask Koby Stevens and Tom Young, who were bit players for their respective clubs West Coast and Collingwood last season, but who slotted in nicely yesterday. And maybe ask Adam Cooney, who started the week in hospital due to an infection to his troublesome right knee, but who finished it singing the Bulldogs' theme song for the first time since last June after a strong performance.

As good as the Bulldogs were, the Lions were nothing like the side that showed so much during the pre-season. They were denied the ball almost from the outset and could not wrest control at any stage.

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Embrace home of footy today: Hinkley

New Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley wants his players to have no fear when they step out on to the MCG today. Picture: Calum Robertson. Source: adelaidenow

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has urged his players to embrace the wide expanses of the MCG today, the only game they are scheduled to play at the home of football for the season.

The Power have played only one game a season at the ground for the past three seasons but Hinkley has told his list it is the venue at which he is plotting for the club to one day have success again - the place where seasons are crowned or lost.

SCROLL DOWN FOR DETAILS OF PORT'S DEBUTANTS

It is also the ground earmarked for big matches, and if Port succeeds in its immediate goal - to become respected and relevant again - the club can expect to be granted more games there.

The Power has broken even at the ground since its landmark premiership in 2004 - six wins, six losses and a draw - but has not won there since it upset reigning premier Hawthorn in Round 4 back in 2009.

But Hinkley said the ground held no fears for the club, which is well aware of the perils of being lost on one of the wings on the wide oval.

"For us, going to the MCG is where we want to be able to go and play football and it's another opportunity," he said.

Port Adelaide debutants, front from left, Jake Neade and Kane Mitchell, back from left, Angus Monfries, Ollie Wines, Campbell Heath and Lewis Stevenson. Picture: Sarah Reed.

"Yes, we don't have many of those opportunities so we try to make the most of those opportunities when we get them. This is one of them and one we look forward to taking on."

Port will bring a raw side across, with six players representing Port for the first time and three players making their AFL debut.

And then there's Hinkley, who makes his own debut as AFL coach.

His least concern is over his own nerves, because he has had a lifetime in the game, as a take-them-on defender at Fitzroy and Geelong, premiership coach in country ranks and as an assistant coach with the Cats and the Suns.

"Mine (nerves) are OK," Hinkley said. "Having been around football for a long time and being involved in coaching . . . yes, it's my first game officially as an AFL coach but I'm not at all worried about my own performance. I think I'm more worried about making sure that the team is up and about and that the boys are feeling comfortable.

"All they've got to do is go out and play as they have for the last three or four weeks. I know it's a little bit different because it is their first AFL game officially, but if they go and perform the way they have in the NAB Cup they'll be OK."

Part of the club's quest to win back the respect of the competition will be on display during today's match through a deal with broadcaster Fox Footy.

Commentator David King, a former North Melbourne premiership player and News Ltd columnist, will be allowed access to the coaches' box during the broadcast of the game.

Hinkley said he had no qualms about the arrangement, which would have some coaches concerned about internal secrets being revealed.

"We're opening ourselves up for Fox a little bit," Hinkley said. "We want to grow the club and we know that part of that is to let some people see what we do and understand what we actually do.

"We've got to make sure that Port Adelaide becomes relevant again and that means we've got to put ourselves up for show a little bit more as Kochie (chairman David Koch) has said all the way through and that's something we're prepared to do as a club."

Today's match brings an end to a fruitful off-season for Port Adelaide, which has been revamped by a fresh air of change to the board, the coaching panel, the captaincy and playing list.

Chief executive Keith Thomas was chuffed as he reviewed the pre-season, but warned the true test began now.

"The way I'm feeling, we couldn't have done the summer much better," Thomas said. "We've made some very significant changes and think we've executed them well.

"It's created a feeling of energy and positivity and energy and hopefully it will transfer to the field. I'm hoping that it will and am confident that it will."

Thomas said Hinkley and fitness coach Darren Burgess had both delivered on their vast promise after clocking in at the club, but singled out former Collingwood wingman and experienced assistant coach Alan Richardson as a surprise boon for the club.

He had arrived with good references, but had exceeded expectations in his work in establishing a new culture and working as Hinkley's right-hand man.

"The appointment of Ken Hinkley was very positive, and we were confident it would be," Thomas said. "The thing we weren't sure about was whether we'd get him, and the same can be said for Darren Burgess, who has been everything we've expected.

"The surprising revelation has been the relationship between Alan Richardson and Ken Hinkley.

"We brought in Richardson because we wanted to have strong support for Hinkley, and he's been an absolute sensation.

"He's been a great support for Ken and also helped develop and fast-track the younger coaches."

PORT'S NEW BOYS

ANGUS MONFRIES

Drafted: From Sturt to Essendon at no. 14 in 2004 national draft.

AFL games: 150.

What's he like? Has grunt abut him and can play as a forward as well as having an impact in the midfield.

OLLIE WINES

Drafted: From the Bendigo under-18s at No. 7 in last year's national draft.

AFL games: 0

What's he like? Has shown his value in winning contested ball in the midfield during the pre-season.

CAMPBELL HEATH

Drafted: From the Gippsland under-18s to Sydney at No. 61 in the 2008 draft.

AFL games: 2

What's he like? A left-footer with a good kick suited to setting up attacks from defence.

LEWIS STEVENSON

Drafted: From Claremont to West Coast as a rookie in 2008 and elevated to the senior list in 2010.

AFL games: 10

What's he like? Quick type who can stand both the talls and the smalls.

JAKE NEADE

Drafted: From the Northern Territory via Victoria, where he played with North Ballarat's under-18s. Taken by GWS but traded on.

AFL games: 0

What's he like? Lightly built forward who is super competitive and a great tackler.

KANE MITCHELL

Drafted: Taken as a rookie from Claremont last year but has been elevated to the senior list.

AFL games: 0

What's he like? Dangerous on the outside, where he can burn off oponents and has good goal sense.

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lions have one dog of a match

The Western Bulldogs have smashed pre-season premiers Brisbane in a stunning round-one upset.

Jed Adcock runs with the ball looking for an option up forward. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

BRISBANE co-captain Jed Adcock says the Lions were embarrassed by the Western Bulldogs who thrashed, bashed and smashed the NAB Cup champions by 68 points in Melbourne yesterday.

"It was quite embarrassing actually. We got handed a lesson," Adcock said of the round 1 clash.

"We were beaten in every aspect of the game. They got us inside, they got us outside. We couldn't get our hands on the ball.

"It is a very disappointing result given our pre-season. We were put on the back foot early and never recovered. I'm not sure what positives we can take out of that."

Before the match, the Brisbane banner read, "With one cup in the bag, the race is on for the flag".

The Lions are well behind in that race if yesterday's terrible effort was any guide.

The workrate, structure and endeavour that delivered Brisbane the NAB Cup final win over Carlton was nowhere to be found yesterday.

If the pre-season showcased the best of Brisbane, the shocking display against the Doggies was the Lions at their lowest.

Brisbane need to quickly pick up the pieces with the Lions set to host Adelaide at the Gabba this Saturday.

At one point in the diabolical third term, Lions coach Michael Voss could not bring himself to look at the disaster playing out on Etihad Stadium.

You could not blame him. The Lions were collectively awful with only ruckman Billy Longer close to beating his direct opponent on the day.

The Bulldogs won the clearances (42-34), centre clearances (17-8), the inside 50s (55-47) and the contested possessions (146-136).

The Lions were never in the contest with the dominant home side booting the first six goals of the match to take a 31-point lead at quarter-time.

They extended the buffer to 37 points at the main break before blowing Brisbane out of the water in the third term to take a 61-point advantage into the final term.

The Bulldogs had stars all over the paddock with debutant Brett Goodes, the 29-year-old brother of Sydney star Adam, making the stunning transition from player welfare manager at the club to standout half-back flanker.

Small forward Luke Dahlhaus will give Lions defender Mitch Golby nightmares, Jordan Roughead dominated Brisbane co-captain Jonathan Brown, tagger Nick Lower kept Daniel Rich to a career-low eight disposals while half-forward Shaun Higgins did as he pleased.

Ryan Griffen, Bob Murphy and Daniel Giansiracusa were also outstanding for the rampant Dogs who were supposed to be a wooden spoon contender.

And if the final result was not bad enough, it could get worse for the Lions with Irishman Pearce Hanley on report for rough conduct after smashing into Giansiracusa during a marking contest in the third term.

Brent Moloney could also come under the scrutiny of the match review panel for striking Lower in the third quarter.
 
Defender Matt Maguire was subbed out of the game in the third quarter after suffering a lower left leg injury.

WESTERN BULLDOGS 6.1 10.5 16.9 19.13 (127) d BRISBANE 0.6 3.10 5.14 7.17 (59)
Goals - Western Bulldogs: Giansiracusa, Higgins 3, Cordy, Dahlhaus, Griffen, Murphy, Dickson 2, Cooney, Johannissen, Jones. Brisbane: Cornelius, Moloney, Beams, Rich, Brown, Redden, Martin.
Crowd: 25,263 at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne.

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McKenna lauds Suns' fitness

A Gary Ablett masterclass has inspired Gold Coast to an upset 13-point win over St Kilda at Metricon Stadium.

Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna says the Suns' victory had a lot to do with the fitness department. Picture: Williams Jerad Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

A GARY Ablett masterclass handed the Suns a stunning 13-point opening-round victory over St Kilda last night.

The Suns skipper booted three of his four goals in the final quarter to lead his side to a 13.12 (90) to 10.17 (77) victory in front of 13,882 fans at Metricon Stadium.

He was a tireless presence around the ball, cutting off St Kilda attacking raids one minute and setting up Suns scoring opportunities the next.

His 34 touches and nine clearances, coupled with his mastery in front of goal, ensured he starts the season with three Brownlow votes.

Asked about Ablett's performance Suns coach Guy McKenna said: "Gaz Jnr, I know he's very humble in saying his father could do better things than him but he was special again tonight he has been special ever since he got up here."

Ablett was the headliner but it was no solo act.

Rory Thompson was superb on Saints skipper Nick Riewoldt.

The two Southport products waged war for four quarters and Thompson, in just his 14th game, won the day, restricting Riewoldt to two goals.

New recruit Greg Broughton shut down the always dangerous Stephen Milne, Charlie Dixon was a giant in the ruck and David Swallow bashed and crashed his way into the game to be a significant factor in the second half.

The repeated promise from coach McKenna this summer has been that his men would enter their third AFL season with a greater capacity to compete for longer.

That is beyond dispute after they finished all over the Saints in the second half.

"I think it's the work the boys have done in the pre-season ... the players have bought into that, worked themselves really hard and to win a second half like that was really impressive," McKenna said.

"A bit of reward for effort, two years have been fairly lean.

"It's just starting to dig in a bit and starting to get reward for effort.

"Tonight was a pleasing result to get the first win under our belt."

Credit must be paid to the Suns' new fitness levels but this win went deeper than that.

All the mountain climbing in Arizona means nothing if marks are dropped and they turn the ball over, which the Suns did all too regularly in the opening half.

They won this game because they held their nerve when things didn't go their way in the second quarter and were desperate to the finish.

They dominated the Saints at the stoppages and in the contested possession count.

The Suns broke even with the inside 50 entries. But they struggled to capitalise on their chances.

What McKenna really needs is some more wins to erase the memories of the many losses.

St Kilda smacked the Gold Coast by 95 and 92 points last year and it appears to have left some scars.

After a promising opening quarter, boldness was required from the Suns.

Instead McKenna allowed the game to slip temporarily from his grasp in the second quarter with his defensive set-up.

The Suns were desperate to get numbers behind the ball to restrict the scoring ability of the Saints' dangerous forwards.

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Jack wins Kirk medal in Bridge Battle

The Sydney Swans have maintained their unbeaten record against cross-town rivals the GWS Giants with a gritty 30-point win at ANZ Stadium.

Sydney co-captain Kieren Jack won the Brett Kirk Medal for his best on ground effort of three goals and 25 disposals. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

WHEN it was time for a Sydney Swans leader to step up last night, co-captain Kieren Jack was the man.

It was also fitting that a Sydney boy born and bred took out the Brett Kirk medal as the best player in the "Battle of the Bridge", showing how far the code has come in this city.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

"It was good to lead the boys out for the first time, that was something that meant a lot," Jack said.

"There are some really good people in there, some really good players I respect. To lead them out was something I'll always remember."

To claim the award named in honour of his former teammate and one of the Swans' most celebrated players was

an added bonus.

"I respect the bloke enormously and he's a player I tried to model my game on," Jack said.

It wasn't pretty, but the premiers did what they needed to as they got the better of a much-improved GWS Giants in the season-opener.

"The first game of the season you want to get off to a good start and we did," Swans coach John Longmire said.

"If we knew we would take a 30-point win before coming here tonight, I would have taken it."

Norm Smith medallist from last year's grand final, Ryan O'Keefe, gave Jack a run for his money as best on ground, shutting down Giants youngster Toby Greene.

O'Keefe kept Greene to 11 possessions while chalking up 27 touches himself.

The Swans led at every change, with a four-goals-to-nil opening quarter setting up the victory.

Grand final hero Mike Pyke celebrated the birth of his first child just eight days ago with the opening goal.

Fellow ruckman Shane Mumford was unstoppable as he took three contested marks in front of goal but could only convert one of them.

The Giants' Jonathon Patton and Jeremy Cameron didn't bother the stats sheet in the first quarter but made up for it in the second when they helped their side wrestle the lead back at one point.

Patton's two goals were eye-catching, the first coming from a 55m bomb and the second with a strong mark on the lead.

When Devon Smith slotted a banana kick from the boundary line, GWS had their noses in front by five points.

The Giants' run only served to spark the premiers into action. Jack swooped on some costly mistakes to snap two goals and Pyke marked and goaled to establish a 26-point lead at the long break.

Jack was lucky to get away with an ankle tap his rugby league champion father Garry would have been proud of
as Stephen Coniglio ran into an open goal.

The frustration began to show on Giants young gun Jeremy Cameron who punched the fence in anger and cut his knuckles.

GWS were still well in the match when Liam Sumner goaled and could have been closer when he missed on the run from close range.

A running goal to Adam Treloar closed the gap to 19 points but the Swans steadied again through Sam Reid and Jude Bolton.

The Giants were gallant but didn't have quite enough experience to really threaten the reigning champion.

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Ablett's Suns burn Saints

A Gary Ablett masterclass has inspired Gold Coast to an upset 13-point win over St Kilda at Metricon Stadium.

Suns skipper Gary Ablett looks downfield for an option. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

GARY Ablett's won the latest battle in his personal war with St Kilda as he guided the Gold Coast to a stunning 13-point upset victory over the Saints at Metricon Stadium.

In grand finals and blockbusters with Geelong, Ablett enjoyed mixed success against the Saints being tagged by Steve Baker or Clint Jones.

Last night, there was no stopping the Suns skipper as he kicked four goals - including three in the final term - and collected 34 disposals, six inside 50s, 19 contested possessions and nine clearances in a magnificent individual display that lifted the Suns to their seventh win in club history and their third-straight success at home.

His fourth and final major was a beauty from an acute angle that appeared to sink the Saints.

But St Kilda closed to within 10 points only for Ablett to help set-up a goal for Luke Russell to keep the gutsy visitors at bay.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores and stats

A Terry Milera goal with two minutes to go reduced the Gold Coast's lead to eight points but Aaron Hall strolled into goal in the dying seconds to seal the gritty win.

It was always going to be an ugly, scrappy affair given the hot and humid conditions that turned the Sherrin into a cake of soap.

Given the Suns do not have the experience or class to put away sides and the Saints were undermanned and under-sized, it made for an even more dour arm-wrestle.

There was never going to be a repeat of the 95 and 92-point thrashings that St Kilda handed the Gold Coast.

The Suns simply do not have the marking power or poise in front of goal to capitalise on their midfield's ball-winning prowess.

Fury over Hayes' sliding free kick

With St Kilda missing the likes of Leigh Montagna, Sam Fisher and Sean Dempster, the Saints were below full-strength and were always going to be vulnerable.

They were often indecisive and indirect and guilty of poor discipline to keep the Suns in the contest.

The Suns led by 11 points at the first change which was a fair indication of the home side's superiority.

The Saints then blitzed the Gold Coast in the second term.

St Kilda kicked five goals in the quarter with Armitage (17 disposals, five inside 50s and four clearances up to halftime) at the forefront for the visitors who restricted the Suns to just two behinds.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt celebrates kicking a goal against Gold Coast. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Skipper Nick Riewoldt booted two goals as the Saints midfield got on top with Jarryn Geary having a game-high 18 touches up until the main break.

The Saints appeared well on their way but the gritty Suns clawed their way back into the contest with three goals after halftime to recuce St Kilda's buffer to just nine points.

Ablett kicked a superb individual goal in the third quarter with a brilliant display of speed and finishing that shone like a beacon in a mistake-riddled term.

The Gold Coast refused to go away and closed the gap to just two points early in the final quarter to set-up a thrilling finish.

Ablett's third goal of the night put the Suns in front with 13 minutes remaining.

Boom teenager Jaeger O'Meara came into the game in the last term with seven touches and finished his first senior AFL match with 12 disposals and one goal.

Geary finished with 28 disposals, Armitage had 26 touches and Jack Steven had 25 touches for the Saints. Milera kicked three goals for the visitors.

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Simpson says bring on Tigers

Carlton's Kade Simpson says the loss is a good reality check for the Blues and that they were looking forward to taking on Richmond. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON'S NAB Cup grand final fade-out was the "reality check" the Blues needed ahead of Thursday week's Round 1 clash with Richmond, according to Kade Simpson.

Simpson was disappointed with the Blues' effort but said time was on Carlton's side before the Tigers' clash.

"The performance as a whole was pretty ordinary, so the good thing about that is this is the NAB Cup and we have more than 10 days to work on things," Simpson said after the 40-point loss.

"It is a good reality check for us. We are looking forward to taking on Richmond now."

Simpson dismissed suggestions the Blues would take a psychological edge in against the Tigers, given they have won the past four Round 1 contests.

"I wouldn't have thought so," the midfielder said.

"They (Richmond) are a good side. They are up and about at the moment and they have played well throughout the NAB Cup.

"They have got a good midfield and some good forwards, so we will have our work cut out."

Simpson pinpointed a few areas that the Blues needed to address.

"We have to tinker with our ball movement and stopping the way the opposition move the ball," he said. "We will have a look at the way Richmond moves the ball and we will try to counter that."

The Blues appear to have transformed from one of the shortest kicking teams in the competition to one of the longest.

But Simpson was disappointed Carlton could not counter Brisbane's ability to start scoring off the half-back line on Friday night.

As frustrated as he was by the way the team was overrun, Simpson said there were still some positives.

"It was good that 'Juddy' (Chris Judd) got through unscathed," he said. "I don't think you can take much out of his form (on Friday night).

"He is a superstar and he will be spot on for Round 1.

"'Gibbsy' (Bryce Gibbs) had a great NAB Cup. 'Kreuze' (Matthew Kreuzer) is fit and firing. And 'Murph' (Marc Murphy) always gives his all. He will hopefully be our captain for the next four years."

Simpson said he enjoyed being in the mix for the Blues' captaincy along.

"It was interesting, but I never really thought I would get the nod," he said. "Murph will be a great leader."
 

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Swans to win it all on a pair of Jacks

Kieren Jack ducks and weaves with the ball during a Swans training session at Lakeside Oval. Source: Getty Images

THEIR backyard footy games were brutal and would almost always end with Brandon Jack in tears.

"Head high contacts were in,'' Kieren said. "You could tackle on the pavement. There was no ref.''

So a bruised and tearful Brandon, usually after the first try, would run inside to his mother, while big brother would run down the street in fear.

"Because I knew I would cop a verbal serve from mum,'' Kieren said. "(She would say) you're a bully, Kieren. You should look after him.''

The two brothers sit at ANZ Stadium now and laugh about those old rugby league games in the backyard. These days, both are playing AFL for the Sydney Swans and living a very different dream.

"It is incredible,'' Kieren said. "It rarely happens that brothers play top-line sport together, let alone the same club.

"I feel like I can mentor Brandon a little bit, but he is going to find his own path.''

Kieren Jack is a premiership player, a club champion and was named co-captain of the Swans last week. The 25-year-old has served as an inspiration to not only 18-year-old Brandon but for all aspiring young AFL footballers.

As a teenager, Kieren was often told he wasn't good enough and remembers one representative coach telling him to give up.

"If I had listened to what people told me throughout my childhood, I would not be playing AFL,'' he said.

"There were so many people who told me I was never going to be good enough. They told me I was too short. They told me my skills were no good.
 
"But I just used it as fuel to motivate me. My first couple of years on the Swans list, I was a fair bit behind the rest of the pack. I was on a one-year rookie list deal. I had to work my butt off to stay at the club.

"I had this vision, I wanted to get there. It was brutal, but I wasn't going to let anyone tell me I couldn't (make it)."

Brandon has endured a similar path to the Swans' rookie list.

The 1.82m teenager is blessed with the same speed as his brother, but he was also rejected by representative teams.

"I didn't take much notice because I knew if I worked hard, I could get there," Brandon said.

"It is just great I have got on the list and I will try to do everything I can to get a first-grade game."

Brandon's determination not only saw him break into the club last year but earn sufficient marks to study combined law at the Universityjlof NSW.

Kieren marvels at his brother's ability to balance his academic goals with football.

"To be honest, he has been extraordinary the way he handled school and football. He is in a very fortunate position now where he can do whatever he wants," Kieren said.

"The silly bugger wants to play football."

The third part of this football dynasty is father Garry.

The former rugby league legend always speaks with pride about his boys, but there is no shortage of debate as he tells them he could have made it in the AFL, too.

"Brandon and I tell him he didn't have the skill and the fitness to play," Kieren joked. Brandon added: "I tell him he's a has-been. And he replies, 'Well, at least I was'. He still holds that over me.

"He says he will listen to us when we play as many first-grade games as he did. Kieren is about halfway there. I have 244 to get before I can tell him to shut up."

Kieren last week also signed a three-year deal with the Swans and sponsors are flocking to him. ANZ Stadium have made him an official ambassador, as have AFL NSW. He has also recently signed deals with Umbra, Rebel Sport and Nokia.

So what about those old days in the backyard?

It took around 10 years, but Brandon recently got his revenge on Kieren.

"There was a sparring session (at training). They call it a bar-room brawl, where everyone is in - it is a free-for-all and there were about 20 players down there," Kieren said.

"I was sparring with Lewis Jetta when I copped a big roundhouse punch from behind into my stomach. I turned around and it was little Brandon with a big grin on his face.

"His punches have certainly got a bit harder from when he was a seven-year-old kid."

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bruised but Brown ready for action

Brisbane champion Jonathan Brown is congratulated by teammates after kicking a goal during the NAB Cup grand final. Source: Getty Images

JONATHAN Brown was covered in ice packs and hobbling around the Etihad Stadium dressingrooms like an old soldier on Friday night.

But he felt little pain after the Lions destroyed Carlton by 40 points in the NAB Cup grand final.

After booting five goals to play a major role in Brisbane's first trophy in a decade, the 31-year-old could not wipe the smile off his face.

"Mate, I'm like this after every game ... it's what happens when you put your body on the line for 14 years," he said with a laugh.

"I was buggered by the end.

"It was a tough game so everyone was pretty buggered but we got the right result so I'm pretty happy."

Brown made his first competitive outing for 2013 against Collingwood last weekend and was decidedly rusty. But the Big Dog found his bark and bite against the Blues, kicking his goals at critical times.

He finished with 11 possessions (eight contested) and four marks.

In an ominous warning to rival clubs, Brown said he was barely warming up and could not wait to rip into the Western Bulldogs in round 1.

"I"m just trying to ease into things," Brown said.

"I didn't do a huge amount in the pre-season because I wanted to stay fresh and gradually build into the season.

"Vossy and I sat down in October and mapped out my preparation and it has gone exactly to plan.

"It was good to kick a few, get into a few contests and get a bit of touch back. Our small forwards are crumbing really well too so that makes my job easier."

Josh Green booted three while Dayne Zorko (two goals, two scoring assists), Rohan Bewick (one) and Ash McGrath (1.4) were a constant menace to the Carlton defence.

Triple premiership player Brown said the confidence and momentum that Brisbane will glean out of the undefeated pre-season campaign was priceless for a young side hoping to climb the ladder.

"We don't take these things lightly.

"Even though it is the pre-season, it was always important to us," Brown said.

"To play some really good footy as a team and to get a lot of the boys in really good form individually is really vital. It gives us a chance to start well against the Doggies."

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crawf: Eagles to fly highest

Shane Crawford is tipping the Eagles to snatch this year's flag. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: HWT Image Library

Season 2013 looms as a battle of the birds as the Eagles, Hawks, Magpies and Swans loom large in the fight for the premiership. But another team out west is also gathering forces to make a charge. Hawthorn premiership star and Brownlow medallist SHANE CRAWFORD reveals his thoughts for the year ahead/

THERE'S been a mining boom out west.

And by the end of September the AFL's most precious piece of metal might also be heading back across the Nullarbor.

I'm tipping West Coast to win the premiership and Fremantle to finish on top of the home-and-away ladder.

SuperCoach is back! Free to play & you could win $50,000

Collingwood and Hawthorn might be the only teams capable of stopping an all-West Australian Grand Final, with last year's premier, Sydney, some chance as well.

>> SCROLL DOWN TO SEE CRAWF'S TAKE ON YOUR CLUB

But the predictions aren't all that bad for local fans. Richmond is geared up for a taste of September _ finally.

The Tigers have tempted and teased us for a number of years. Now is the time to deliver.

It's tough to make the finals in a season in which up to 13 teams are a realistic chance, but there should be no excuses at Punt Rd this time around.

Only a finals berth will do for Damien Hardwick and his players.

It wasn't that long ago that the Eagles and the Dockers were struggling. Both teams missed the finals in 2009 and a year later John Worsfold's team finished on the bottom of the ladder.

Their stock prospects had plummeted.

Now you could say WA football is right in the middle of a Bull market and Worsfold and Ross Lyon would feel excited by their team's chances.

Champion Eagles ruckman Dean Cox carries a huge amount of responsibility as Nic Naitanui recovers from groin surgery. Cox is up for the challenge.

I've settled on a West Coast-Collingwood Grand Final, but it would not surprise me if the Dockers made it an all-Perth playoff.

Hawthorn was my original tip for the flag, but I've changed.

I hope the Hawks win it, but the loss of Matt Suckling, a disappointing pre-season and the potential distraction of Buddy Franklin not signing a contract might hurt their chances.

Sportsbet opened the Hawks at $4 after the 2012 Grand Final, but they have drifted out to $4.75 and the bookies have barely been able to write a ticket for them.

Collingwood has been very steady, while the team that beat the Magpies on Friday, Geelong has attracted interest.

But, for me, the Eagles are the real deal and they are perfectly placed to secure their fourth AFL flag.

CRAWF'S HOME-AND-AWAY LADDER

Pos Team Wins

1. Fremantle 15-18

2. Collingwood 15-18

3. West Coast 15-18

4. Hawthorn 15-18

5. Sydney 15-18

6. Carlton 12-15

7. Geelong 12-15

8. Richmond 12-15
---------------------------------

9. Adelaide 12-15

10. North Melbourne 12-15

11. Essendon 11-13

12. St Kilda 11-13

13. Brisbane Lions 9-12

14. Melbourne 6-8

15. Port Adelaide 5-7

16. Western Bulldogs 5-7

17. Gold Coast 3-5

18. Greater Western Sydney 2-5

FIVE THINGS CRAWF WANTS TO SEE IN 2013

1. AFL grounds to allocate more parking spots for players. They should be top priority.

2. Richmond to make the finals again which would get the Tiger army roaring.

3. Buddy Franklin to re-sign early in the season to take some pressure off the Hawks.

4. Less talk about drugs. Everyone needs to take a chill pill, but not one from a sports scientist.

5. Eddie McGuire to try to get Mick Malthouse to Collingwood after Carlton's flying start to the season.

CRAWF'S 2013 ORDER

1. WEST COAST

BOTTOM LINE: Has the perfect blend of quality players and depth. Solid pick-ups in Sharrod Wellingham and Cale Morton. Mark Le Cras back is a bonus.

WORRY: Saw Nic Naitanui train during the week. Plenty of attention on whether his groin will be right to go early in the season.

ONE TO WATCH: Andrew Gaff is on the verge of becoming elite. His running ability and skills a bonus, particularly on home track.

UNDER THE PUMP: Harsh call, but Wellingham wouldn't want to be jumping on any trampolines in a hurry. The coach will be watching.

PASS MARK: A Grand Final appearance.

West Coast recruit Sharrod Wellingham. Picture: Will Russell Source: The Sunday Times

2. COLLINGWOOD

BOTTOM LINE: Top-four certainty; real premiership chance. Will have better grasp of Nathan Buckley's game plan in Year 2. Less boundary line work and more through the corridor. A trio of recycled recruits in Clinton Young, Quinten Lynch and Jordan Russell will help, as will the return of Luke Ball.

WORRY: Tough draw with double-up games against last year's Grand Finallists Sydney and Hawthorn. Pressure of expectation means only a flag will do.

ONE TO WATCH: Super impressed with Jamie Elliott. His intensity adds to greatly to the forward line.

UNDER THE PUMP: Alan Didak is likely playing his last season, but how much of how it will pan out depends on how his body stands up.

PASS MARK: A premiership.

3. FREMANTLE

BOTTOM LINE: Extremely fit and well structured. Ross Lyon has missed the finals in only one year of his coaching career. The addition of Brett Kirk as an assistant coach will add even more steel. In the best shape of their short history to challenge for the flag.

WORRY: The Dockers have always relied on Matthew Pavlich to provide most of their goals. It might be a vulnerability, but the flip side to that is that Freo's biggest score of last season - 20 goals against North Melbourne - came when "Pav'' didn't play.

ONE TO WATCH: Lachie Neale could be a surprise packet with his hard running and evasive skills around contested areas.

UNDER THE PUMP: Love Aaron Sandilands, but you have to wonder if he will again enjoy a sustained run free from injury. Expects to play in Round 2.

PASS MARK: Top four.

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

4. HAWTHORN

BOTTOM LINE: It could be now or never for the Hawks. Brian Lake is a good inclusion to fix back-line weaknesses. The way the 2012 season finished means there should be no shortage of ammunition to drive the Hawks. But does the hunger still burn strongly enough for a number of them?

WORRY: The season-ending injury to Matt Suckling hurts, particularly with Clinton Young gone. And will Lance Franklin's decision to not sign a new deal cause the sort of distraction that derailed Collingwood's season with Travis Cloke last year?

ONE TO WATCH: Bradley Hill looks to be Young's replacement on a wing. Will get a chance to use his running ability to full impact.

UNDER THE PUMP: Luke Hodge is a champion. But his body has copped a pounding. Hopefully he can play often enough - and well enough - to regain his top form.

PASS MARK: A premiership - given what happened last year.

5. SYDNEY

BOTTOM LINE: Hard to see the Swans not being very competitive again. Easy start with games against GWS and Gold Coast. If the kids keep improving and the older players maintain their urgency, back-to-back flags is not beyond them.

WORRY: It will be interesting to see if Kurt Tippett's inclusion upsets the balance in attack, particularly with Sam Reid. Will the hunger be as strong after last year?

ONE TO WATCH: Dan Hannebery almost won a Norm Smith Medal last year. Reckon he could take his game to an even higher level again this year.

UNDER THE PUMP: Tippett. He won't play until midway through the year and will have enormous pressure/attention on him because of his pay.

PASS MARK: Another Grand Final appearance.

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

6. CARLTON

BOTTOM LINE: Mick Malthouse has changed everything about Visy Park in six short months. I said all along that Marc Murphy needed to be the skipper and he deserves it. This Carlton outfit will be well drilled and motivated. Look out, Magpies!

WORRY: Tough start against Richmond, Collingwood, Geelong, West Coast and Adelaide. The pressure of making the finals will be intense.

ONE TO WATCH: Levi Casboult applies good pressure and is ready to secure his position with the Carlton forward. Lock him in.

UNDER THE PUMP: Jarrad Waite is super important to the team's structure. But he doesn't play often enough because of injury/suspension. Needs to play 18 games.

PASS MARK: Must make the finals. And probably needs to win one final, too.

 7. GEELONG

BOTTOM LINE: How the hell do the Cats keep doing it? Good recruiting and trading (Josh Caddy, Jared Rivers and Hamish McIntosh) and the blooding of 15 new faces over the past two seasons has Geelong in good shape. A seventh straight finals series awaits.

WORRY: Didn't like the way they meekly exited the finals series last year with a loss to Freo. Can the hunger be maintained? Has lost Matthew Scarlett, a once-in-a-generation defender.

ONE TO WATCH: Billie Smedts has a real X-factor with his speed and goal sense.

UNDER THE PUMP: Harsh because he has just joined the club, but plenty of attention will be on Rivers. He's a solid, but he is not Scarlett, and Cats fans need to remember that. He just needs to do his job.

PASS MARK: Win a final.

 8. RICHMOND

BOTTOM LINE: Surely, the Tigers can't miss out again. The planets have seemingly aligned this time. It possesses one of the strongest midfields in the AFL, a better backline with Troy Chaplin's inclusion and a dual Coleman Medal winner in attack. As a one-time Tiger fan, surely it is time for another finals appearance.

WORRY: Coach Damien Hardwick knows the team needs to rely less on Jack Riewoldt and to develop more options in attack.

ONE TO WATCH: Dustin Martin has had a big pre-season on the track and hopefully will be putting behind him what was - on his ability - a modest 2012 season.

UNDER THE PUMP: Same as above. Martin was the subject of off-field scrutiny during the pre-season. The pressure will be on him to perform on and off the field.

PASS MARK: Finals and finals only. The fans will be demanding it.

9. ADELAIDE

BOTTOM LINE: Any teams that has Patrick Dangerfield, Taylor Walker and Sam Jacobs is going to be competitive. Been a tough off-season for Adelaide, but coach Brenton Sanderson will be confident the off-field salary cap dramas surrounding Kurt Tippett's departure won't affect his team on the field.

WORRY: Much tougher draw than last year. The Crows got four games as freebies in 2012 with two wins apiece against GWS and Gold Coast. Only two games against the new teams signals a harder run this season.

ONE TO WATCH: Sam Kerridge is ready to become a regular member of this team, having shown some good form in the pre-season. Look for him in the midfield.

UNDER THE PUMP: Richard Tambling is on his last chance. How many times has that been said?

PASS MARK: Making the finals.

10. NORTH MELBOURNE

BOTTOM LINE: Loved the fact the Scott twins came together with North and Geelong training once a week during the pre-season. You cannot beat quality level of match play and that's why both teams might start strongly. The Kangaroos' young list is coming to the right stage of their development.

WORRY: The Roos have the hardest draw in the competition this year _ tough start and tough end. They need to bank some games in the middle to be any chance of making the finals. It won't be easy, but it is not impossible.

ONE TO WATCH: Shaun Atley is ready to move into the midfield. He was fifth in the club's best and fairest last season and has the potential to be a game-breaker.

UNDER THE PUMP: Brent Harvey won't play for the first six weeks. That's a challenge, even for a star such as "Boomer''. Hopefully it won't stop him from making a big impact on 2013.

PASS MARK: Scott will want to replicate the 14 wins of last home-and-away season. Do that and they will make the finals.

11. ESSENDON

BOTTOM LINE: Essendon has a list more than capable of playing finals. Adding Brendon Goddard is a bonus. Joe Daniher might not play at the start of the season, but he will make his mark at some stage. Expect to see Dyson Heppell more in the midfield.

WORRY: The distraction of the ASADA investigation must surely have an impact on the players. It's the variable they cannot control and until they get the all clear - which everyone hopes they will - it will remain the elephant in the room.

ONE TO WATCH: Jake Carlisle is bigger, stronger and can play on the really good forwards. Is a star in the making.

UNDER THE PUMP: Scott Gumbleton was courted by Fremantle in the trading period, but opted to stay with his good mate Jobe Watson. Needs a change of luck with injury to ensure that he will still be at the club next season.

PASS MARK: To get through this mess unscathed; to have a more consistent season overall and to win as many games as they did last season.

Scott Gumbleton marks in front of Ryan Schoenmakers last year. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

12. ST KILDA

BOTTOM LINE: Did a reasonable job in Scott Watters' first year in the job, to narrowly miss the finals. Reckon if they can be around the same level - and if they can bring through some more kids - it would not be a bad result for the future. Needs to develop future leaders.

WORRY: The loss of Brendon Goddard won't help. Defence remains an area of concern, despite good pressure through the middle of the ground.

ONE TO WATCH: Jack Steven took some good steps forward in the midfield last season. Has the goods to become one of the main attractions.

UNDER THE PUMP: Sam Fisher was the subject of off-field speculation over summer, which he has denied. A super player at his best, injuries and some indifferent form meant he could finish only eighth in the best-and-fairest. Want to see him back to his best.

PASS MARK: To win as many games as last season (12).

13. BRISBANE LIONS

BOTTOM LINE: The Lions are building, as evidenced by their NAB Cup form. For the first time since their premiership years a decade ago, Brisbane has a harder edge to it. Brent Moloney will add to that. Does not have the same talent as the 2001-03 sides, but Michael Voss' team is on the improve.

WORRY: Extremely tough period from Rounds 6-14 with games against Sydney, West Coast, Essendon, Carlton Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong and Hawthorn. Must win three of those.

ONE TO WATCH: Dayne Zorko looks set to go from SuperCoach cash cow to legitimate star. Love his defensive pressure and tackling.

UNDER THE PUMP: Tough on superstar Jonathan Brown, who was superb in the NAB Cup grand final, but we'd love to see him have a full season without being slowed up by injury.

PASS MARK: Shouldn't be judged on making the finals but needs to win more games than last year (10).

14. MELBOURNE

BOTTOM LINE: The Demons have confused me with their trading and off-loading. They gave up on a few youngsters and brought in a lot of older, capable, but short-term options. There is a touch of Moneyball in Mark Neeld's moves, but it is risky in the long-term. Hopefully the Demons will be more daring and show more flair.

WORRY: The Demons were predictable and slow in their ball movement last year. If that is not rectified, there will be more pain for the long-suffering fans.

ONE TO WATCH: Who else but Jack Viney? He seems almost as hard as his old man Todd was and that's exactly what Melbourne needs.

UNDER THE PUMP: Chris Dawes needs to prove he can get reclaim his 2010 premiership form. His two seasons since have been disappointing.

PASS MARK: Needs to double the four wins it recorded last year.

Jack Viney enjoys his first AFL pre-season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

15. PORT ADELAIDE

BOTTOM LINE: A new president, new coach, new captain and a glimmer of hope might be the thing that Port Adelaide needs to make itself relevant again. Ken Hinkley knows it won't be easy and it will be yet another development year. Still, the young kids have talent. They need to cause a few upsets.

WORRY: Port doesn't have enough experienced star quality. Too often they were pushed aside by bigger, stronger, more experienced teams. That won't change overnight.

ONE TO WATCH: Chad Wingard has something about him. I like the way he moves and can find his way through traffic.

UNDER THE PUMP: New skipper Travis Boak is a good player with great promise. He needs to become elite. The captaincy might add some extra pressure on him, but hopefully he comes through and develops into a good leader.

PASS MARK: Should be seeking five to seven wins this season.

16. WESTERN BULLDOGS

BOTTOM LINE: Still a work in progress. The young Dogs need to stick firm to coach Brendan McCartney's game plan and beliefs. Expect McCartney to keep pumping game time into the youngsters, which will be exciting for the fans, as well as frustrating at times. And if players such as Mitch Wallis and Tom Liberatore can keeping improving, the future will look brighter.

WORRY: Torched the ball by hand and by foot last year, especially through the midfield. That's not good enough and must change. Internally, the message has been to stay in games for longer than in 2012.

ONE TO WATCH: Jake Stringer looks a kid of real class. If you didn't see his first touch _ and first goal _ in the NAB Cup, you missed something special.

UNDER THE PUMP: Jordan Roughead will take on the big forwards, but it won't be an easy task as the ball will likely spend plenty of time in the back half. Still, he deserves time and patience to learn the role.

PASS MARK: Improve the effective disposal ratio and the wins will come. McCartney should be pushing for between five and seven wins.

 17. GOLD COAST

BOTTOM LINE: The Suns didn't improve last season. If anything, they went backwards. The spotlight will be on coach Guy McKenna. There are no more excuses in 2013.

WORRY: The pressure applied by the Suns to their opponents was embarrassing at times.

ONE TO WATCH: Jaeger O'Meara had to watch a lot of footy last year as he was ineligible to play at the elite level. Now he gets his chance, he won't let anyone down.

UNDER THE PUMP: My old mate Campbell Brown has a delayed start to the final year of his contract with the Suns. He needs a big year to win a new contract and let's hope he achieves that.

PASS MARK: Must double the number of wins in each of the first two seasons. That's six wins for 2013.

Jaeger O'Meara is looking forward to his debut season. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

18. GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY

BOTTOM LINE: Kevin Sheedy will lead the young Giants into his final season as senior coachcom, with the man who will replace him - Leon Cameron - helping to call the shots in the coaches' box. Jon Patton and Jeremy Cameron could be as good as any forward combination in the game in a few years.

WORRY: It might be a tough year _ like the Suns faced in their second season _ but the future remains bright. Has the best young collection of young talent in the country, even if there will be some more painful, one-sided results in the interim.

ONE TO WATCH: Patton showed a few glimpses of what the future looks like at times last season and was impressive at stages of the NAB Cup. A powerful forward, he looks like he will be one of the game's best forwards in a short period of time.

UNDER THE PUMP: Tom Scully is paid a small fortune. Now he has to deliver. Was solid but not spectacular last season. Needs to do more to justify his pay packet.

PASS MARK: Aim to avoid the wooden spoon, even though it looks next to certain. If the Giants can win three or more games, it would be a nice result.

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Too wet for Roos, Hawks

Cautious approach: Kangaroos players walk off after their game against Hawthorn was called off because of rain at Craigieburn. Source: Getty Images

Buddy soaking: Lance Franklin runs off the ground after the game was abandoned. Source: Getty Images

MELBOURNE'S wet weather proved all too much for North Melbourne and Hawthorn yesterday.

A practice match at Craigieburn ended in bizarre circumstances when the Roos put up the white flag.

The game ended abruptly 14 minutes into the last quarter when North Melbourne coach Brad Scott, his team trailing by 81 points, asked Hawthorn to call it quits.

The Hawks, also mindful of the risk of injury in the slippery conditions, were happy to oblige.

Scott burst into the media box to ask outgoing Hawks football manager Mark Evan if he was happy to abandon the game.

Evans agreed, allowing the Hawks to bring an early end to what was their first win of the pre-season.

It epitomised North Melbourne's view of the match, as Scott admitted later.

"When the weather's like that two weeks before Round 1 you're just worried about getting your players through unscathed," he said.

Hawthorn's David Hale will come under scrutiny for a clash with Leigh Adams, while Josh Gibson copped a heavy knock.

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Daisy, Reid on track for opener

Collingwood's Dale Thomas now appears a huge chance to be available  for Round 1. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD hasn't given up on Ben Reid and Dale Thomas being available for its opening-round clash against North Melbourne in 14 days.

But the Magpies have already ruled out Alex Fasolo and Andrew Krakouer.

Reid and Thomas could play in a practice match next weekend, and director of football Geoff Walsh said they would be available for the first round.

If they don't play for the senior side against the Kangaroos on March 30, they will line up four days earlier for the club's VFL side against an Australian Institute of Sport team in a curtain raiser to the Richmond and Carlton clash.

Yesterday Walsh said Reid and Thomas, who both missed Friday's practice match against Geelong, were in a similar situation.

"Like Reidy, if 'Daisy' (Thomas) is not fit to play in the game on the weekend, he'll be right for Round 1," Walsh said.

Fasolo won't make his AFL return until at least Round 3 after battling a hamstring complaint. He has not played so far this pre-season.

Krakouer is still a couple of weeks away from playing his first game for the season in the VFL.

He was a considered a chance of playing in yesterday's VFL clash against Geelong, but the club believes he needs more fitness work before he resumes at the lower level.

Walsh said Krakouer had missed a couple of training sessions in the past month and the club wanted to make sure he was fit before he played.

"He might be a couple of weeks away from playing," Walsh said. "His general fitness is not as good as it could be, so we want to get him fit on the track."

Forward Quinten Lynch suffered a corky during Collingwood's 51-point loss to the Cats at Simonds Stadium on Friday.

Lynch, who booted four goals, has already been cleared of any serious damage.

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mackenzie wants another shot at Pavlich

DOMINANT: Matthew Pavlich kicked eight goals in the second derby clash last season. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

WEST Coast stopper Eric Mackenzie says he owes Matthew Pavlich after the Fremantle champion booted eight goals to lead the Dockers to a stirring Western Derby triumph in Round 19 last season.

As the Eagles suffered another setback with veteran Mark Nicoski placed on the long-term injury list as he battles to overcome hamstring surgery, Mackenzie is preparing for another showdown with the Dockers skipper.

The power defender said he would watch a tape of the pair's last encounter this week as he prepared to take on Pavlich again in one of the key match-ups in Saturday's Round 1 twilight derby at Patersons Stadium.

"I definitely take pride in the one-on-one match-ups," Mackenzie said.

"I'm looking to get one back on him - that would be good - but we'll take the win."

Mackenzie, 24, said the Eagles were expecting Pavlich at his best despite the 31-year-old's restricted pre-season.

Pavlich will enter the derby with just one pre-season hit-out under his belt following an injury-interrupted summer.

"He'll be at his best," Mackenzie said.

"He's pretty good with his recovery and things like that, so I'd imagine he's going to be fit and firing."

Mackenzie was confident he would learn from Pavlich's Glendinning Medal-winning performance last year and believed a stronger West Coast effort in the midfield would also help him.

"You're always going to have tough outings like that: it's just how you go the next week," Mackenzie said.

"I'll go back and watch a bit of footage of him. He's a very smart player. He's such a big presence out there that he just demands the ball.

"He's got a big tank and he's strong and he knows where the ball's going. He's played a lot of footy, so they know where to kick the ball to him."

Mackenzie has a huge opening to the new season, with his dual with Pavlich to be followed by the job on Lance Franklin when the Eagles host Hawthorn in Round 2.

"There's not many easy match-ups these days, but those two are probably two of the best," he said.

Mackenzie has developed into a cornerstone of West Coast's defence, forming a stable back six, along with fellow talls Darren Glass and Will Schofield and Shannon Hurn, Beau Waters and Sam Butler.

"We've played a lot of footy together now," Mackenzie said.

"Probably the past three seasons consistently we've had the same eight or nine blokes rotating through there."

23.02 | 0 komentar | Read More

More pain for injured Nicoski

SETBACK: West Coast's Mark Nicoski has been placed on the long-term injury list. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast veteran Mark Nicoski's career is at the crossroads after being placed on the long-term injury list again.

Nicoski, who missed all of last season after a severe hamstring injury in the NAB Cup Grand Final, is unlikely to be available until the second-half of the season. It is a serious blow for the 29-year-old, who has been battling in his recovery and is on a one-year contract.

Nicoski had originally targeted a NAB Cup return and hoped to push his claims for Round 1 but the club has become increasingly concerned with his progress over the past two months as his body struggled to cope with his rehab program.

The popular clubman, who played in the Eagles' losing Grand Final team in 2005 but missed the premiership a year later, remains adamant his career is not over.

"There has not been a setback per se, it's just a matter of backing it off a little over the next couple of months, managing and manipulating my training loads," he told the club's website.

Nicoski enjoyed a career-best season in 2011 but would have to prove himself for an extended period in the WAFL before pushing for selection later this year.

He may find it tough to break into the West Coast team if it is performing strongly. The decision to return Nicoski to the long-term injury list continues the Eagles' turbulent build-up to the season.

West Coast is preparing to throw off-season pickups Jamie Cripps and Mark Hutchings straight into the cauldron of the Round 1 Western Derby on Saturday amid its midfield injury crisis. Cripps, secured in a trade deal after playing 16 games for St Kilda, impressed during the NAB Cup and is a likely inclusion for the clash with Fremantle.

Hutchings had not originally been pencilled in for a Round 1 debut and has been playing for West Perth in WAFL pre-season fixtures in recent weeks.

But the 21-year-old was held out of the Falcons' side for yesterday's match against East Perth. The Eagles are looking for options to bolster their ball-winning division with key midfielders Daniel Kerr (knee), Sharrod Wellingham (ankle) and Matt Rosa (thigh) all sidelined.

An AFL debut in the derby would continue a fairytale turnaround for Hutchings, who was taken in the rookie draft by St Kilda in 2010 but dumped after one season without playing a senior game. He starred in the WAFL for the past two season before being selected by the Eagles at No.60 in last November's national draft.

In a fresh approach to the derby build-up ahead of the 37th meeting between the two clubs, coaches Ross Lyon and John Worsfold will hold their official pre-match press conference at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle on Wednesday.

West Coast remains favourite despite its injury woes, with the Eagles at $1.60 and the Dockers paying $2.35.

The derby is set to be played at a frenetic intensity, with the combatants in the unusual situation of having a fortnight to recover. The Dockers have a 14-day break before their Round 2 trip to face the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, while the Eagles will have 15 days before they host Hawthorn.

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Johnson remains a leader of the pack

MILESTONE MAN: Michael Johnson (left) will play his 150th AFL game against West Coast next week. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE defender Michael Johnson says he considers himself a leader at the Dockers, regardless of whether he returns to the leadership group before he retires.

Johnson will earn life membership of the club when he plays his 150th game in the season-opening Western Derby on Saturday.

The 28-year-old revived his career with an excellent season in Ross Lyon's first year in charge, relishing a permanent role as a rebounding defender, as he finished equal third with Matthew Pavlich in the Doig Medal.

Johnson, who was dumped from the leadership group in 2010, said he would love to be a part of it once more.

"I see myself as a leader around the club anyway," he said.

"Whether it's on-field, off field or away from the club I see myself as a leader, especially with the Indigenous players in my team.

"If my name pops up one year and they choose me to be a part of that leadership group, then I'll take it with two hands."

Johnson is eager to celebrate his milestone match with a win against the Eagles.

His 100th game was soured when Fremantle took a second-string side to play Hawthorn in Tasmania in August 2010 and the Dockers were flogged by 116 points.

"I was very happy to be drafted by an AFL club and it was a bonus just to play one game," he said.

Johnson said he was looking forward to taking his children Ameliah, 6, Levi, 4, and Nevaya, 10 months, onto the ground and running through the banner with them in front of a home crowd.

He would need to play for another three seasons to take the record for the most games played for Fremantle by an Indigenous player.

Recently-retired defender Antoni Grover played 202 matches for the club.

Johnson said he was confident Fremantle's defence would cope without Adam McPhee, who retired suddenly during the off-season.

Fellow defenders Grover, Greg Broughton and Dylan Roberton also left the Dockers but McPhee was the only player who played permanently in the backline last season.

"We've got plenty who can play a number of roles down back, so that gives us a bit of confidence," Johnson said.

"We know that Luke (McPharlin) and Zac (Dawson) will do their job and we can work around that. I have played the role a number of times against the Eagles against the third tall."

Forward Kepler Bradley was trialled in defence in the NAB Cup clash against the Western Bulldogs last weekend as the Dockers worry about West Coast's height up forward.

Coach Ross Lyon said having Bradley as a defensive option made the Dockers more flexible.

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Power topples Eagles in Alice

Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak breaks away from the pack in the NAB Cup match against West Coast Eagles at Traeger Park, Alice Springs. Picture: Morne de Klerk. Source: Getty Images

PORT Adelaide's off-field momentum has spilled into the pre-season competition after the Power upstaged a close to full-strength West Coast by six points on a hot autumn Saturday night at Traeger Park.

Only days after announcing a major sponsorship with Renault, Port gave the multi-national a crumb of promise for their times ahead together and a measure of hope for the long-suffering members back at Alberton.

The match treated the crowd with a sense of drama until the final seconds, but it was more than that. It wasn't about the result - it never is this time of year - but what can be gleaned from how teams carry out their business.

Ken Hinkley's first-year vision for the club is taking a shape, and it contains promising patterns for a club that is coming from struggletown and is in a rebuilding phase.

The ruck is improving as Matthew Lobbe and and Jarrad Redden are filling out, there's a core of midfielders again and the ball movement from the backline has created a foundation to build on.

After years of frustrating onlookers with short and hurried transitions from their backline, they are moving the ball with purpose.

Their switches look better because they are longer, based around the calm heads of Jasper Pittard, Jackson Trengove and Kane Cornes.

The midfield also had a sense of stability.

Captain Travis Boak and deputy Brad Ebert were unflustered even though they were up against some of the best in the land and with Hamish Hartlett and Ollie Wines winning the ball there is now a complement of players.

Boak was outstanding when the Eagles came back at the Power.

There are still holes and areas where they are vulnerable, but on yesterday's evidence there's a bit to like about Port.

Up forward, Jay Schulz still had to carry a heavy load, but Chad Wingard and looks more comfortable for a year under his belt and Jake Neade added a bit of spunk and excitement.

He's still a bit green, Neade, but they loved his endeavour and spirit in Alice Springs last night and he's one who can bring an air of flair and unpredictability.

The match swung wildly: at first it was all West Coast, then Port Adelaide created a lead of 30-odd points and then the Eagles came at them again in the third quarter, making it a last-quarter shoot-out.

West Coast had the first bad news of the night when Chris Masten was a late scratching after reporting tightness after the warm-up.

What's worse, the Eagles hadn't travelled with an emergency, and after the heat policy was implemented - which meant an open bench with no restrictions on interchanges or substitutions - it meant they played one short.

But it was the Power that was caught like rabbits in the Traeger Park lights. Josh Kennedy, the former Carlton player who was part of the Chris Judd trade, left Port's defence in the shadows in the first quarter.

He had kicked three goals before the Power switched exchanged Alipate "Bobby" Carlile for Jackson Trengove and this was happening as veteran Dean Cox was giving them headaches both in the ruck and when floating forward.

But gradually, Port Adelaide managed to blunt the pace and intensity of the early onslaught, and begin building up its own steam.

A few players jumped out: Hamish Hartlett played with a blend of daring and desperation that made him stand out like his promise.

He appeared stronger than last season as he broke tackles in congested situations, but still had the exquisite precision of his foot deliveries that made him a top draft pick and a great promise for the future.

Ollie Wines, the club's first-round draft pick last season, continued his rich vein of form and had a match-high nine contested possessions at half time, and Matthew Lobbe - understood to be one of Port's hardest workers in the gym - and Jarrad Redden competed well against Cox in the ruck.

PORT ADELAIDE  0.3.0  0.8.2  1.10.3  1.13.5 (92)

WEST COAST      0.4.1  0.5.7  1.8.10  1.11.11 (86)

Nine pointers: Port Adelaide: C O'Shea. West Coast: S Hurn.

Goals: Port Adelaide: C Wingard 3, A Moore 2, J Schulz 2, H Hartlett, J Neade, J Westhoff, L Stevenson, M Lobbe, P Stewart. West Coast: J Kennedy 5, J Darling 2, J Hill 2, D Cox, M Priddis.

Best: Port Adelaide: T Boak, C Wingard, Brad Ebert, H Hartlett, K Cornes. West Coast: L Shuey, J Kennedy, D Cox, B Waters, M Priddis.

Umpires: Shane Stewart, Sam Hay, Ray Chamberlain.

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Johncock not in Crows' best 22: Bone

Adelaide Crows veteran Graham Johncock at training. Will he struggle to find a place in the Crows' line-up this season? Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

CROWS crowd-favourite Graham Johncock could spend the bulk of the season in the SANFL unless he returns to the position where he's spent most of his career.

Former Crows captain Chris McDermott - who can't find a position for the 225-game veteran in his Crows' 22 - says Johncock's best chance of getting a game this year is as a small defender.

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The retirement of Michael Doughty and an injury to Brodie Smith has left Matt Jaensch and Luke Brown likely to snare a place in Adelaide's back six for the season opener against Essendon on Friday, March 22.

McDermott believes it's one of these two players - rather than small forwards Jason Porplyzia, Jared Petrenko or Ian Callinan - who Johncock should be trying to force out of the side.

"If he's going to play, it's got to be in the back half," he said.

"He's more of a lead-up, mark and kicktype of player in the forward line, and with (Taylor) Walker, (Josh) Jenkins and Porplyzia up there, I'm not sure how much of that type of ball is going to be available."

McDermott was at a loss to explain why Johncock wasn't being considered for a return to the backlines.

"They are so anti him playing in the backline," he said.

"I assume it's them (the coaches). You'd think he'd be happy to play anywhere if it meant getting a game."

McDermott said Johncock would be considered for the sub role but could lose out to Brodie Martin's versatility.

"They've thrown him (Martin) up forward in the pre-season and he's shown he can kick a goal," he said.

"At a pinch, he can play in the midfield or on a wing and he can go back too.

"He probably just gives you a little more flexibility."

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Sanderson wants Walker to run

Adelaide Crows spearhead Taylor Walker during his five-goal game against Carlton. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE coach Brenton Sanderson wants Taylor Walker to ignore the urge to test his newly bulked-up frame against opposition defenders and keep playing to his strengths.

Walker has appeared overly enamoured with the added muscle he's put on over summer during the Crows' pre-season games - often choosing to wrestle his opponent instead of leading up at the ball.

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But after a match-winning five-goal haul in Adelaide's three-point win against Carlton on Friday night - in which he was continually on the move - the penny appears to have dropped for the 22-year-old.

It's speed, not strength, that is Walker's greatest advantage.

"I think sometimes players, if they feel like they're a bit stronger, they like to get in a wrestle more," Sanderson said.

"But I think our key forwards perform a lot better when they sit off and jump."

To put Walker's haul against the Blues in perspective, he has kicked five goals just once in his 64-game AFL career.

It was a splendid response to  the lesson he was given by  Harry Taylor in Geelong last  weekend and a performance Sanderson attributed to a heart-to-heart between Walker and forward coach Mark Bickley mid-week.

"They worked out a different strategy this week and a couple of key points to focus on and his form was much better," Sanderson said.

"He played well, his energy was up and he's invaluable to our success going forward."

Walker received his share of criticism after the 63-point defeat to the Cats and when Matt Jaensch ran close to 100m out of his way to pat him on the back after a goal on Friday night, it's clear his teammates were looking to pick him up.

Sanderson admitted he'd singled Walker out during the review of the Geelong game.

"We're pretty honest with our  feedback to our players," he  said.

"He knew he wasn't up  to his normal high standards last week."

(Walker) played well, his energy was up and he's invaluable to our success going forward

The Walker-Josh Jenkins tandem was far more productive, as the Crows showed they were capable of returning to the ruthlessly efficient forward line of last season.

They finished with 22 shots at goal from 41 forward entries.

The duo combined for seven goals and clearly won their battle with Michael Jamison and Lachie Henderson.

It is defence that continues to cause the most headaches.

The Crows' back six did well to combat a small Carlton forward line, which at times forced Ben Rutten to pick up a small.

And Adelaide markedly reduced the number of "over the top" goals it had conceded against Fremantle and Geelong, with Ricky Henderson personally saving a couple.

But Brent Reilly is still searching for his best form and the Crows became exposed when their midfield tired.

They've conceded back-to-back scores of 100-plus points after doing it just five times in 25 games last season.

"We shuffled around OK tonight at times," said Sanderson of his team's efforts to combat Carlton's mosquito fleet.

"(Round 1 opponent) Essendon will play Ryder, Hurley and Crameri so they've got two and a half talls or three talls. So next week that won't be an issue for us. At different times during the season we'll have to adjust."

Adelaide's intensity was much better in the first three quarters and there's good reason to believe the final quarter fadeout was caused by the rotation cap.

With just three main training sessions remaining before the home date with the Bombers, Sanderson conceded there was still work to do.

"If you take out the supergoals, it's a loss," he said.

Ian Callinan, who copped a knock to his knee in the first term, is expected to be ready for Round 1.

Jared Petrenko is also in the selection frame after a strong return from a long-term shoulder injury.

"I loved his first half," Sanderson said.

"I think he only had five or six possessions but his pressure and the errors he forced the opposition to make were really critical for us.

"What he brought tonight was what we need."

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Lions maul Magpies to reach final

Brisbane Lions skipper Jonathan Brown tussles with Collingwood defender Nathan Brown. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD'S highly-anticipated reunion with former coach Mick Malthouse is on ice until Round 2 after the Pies were beaten into the NAB Cup Grand Final by the Brisbane Lions.

The Lions will play Carlton in Friday night's pre-season decider, surging clear of an understrength Collingwood in the second half last night to win by 34 points.

Brisbane, who welcomed back Jonathan Brown for his first game of the year, emerged from a tight and scrappy first half at Etihad Stadium to break the Pies with a five-goal to two third quarter.

Daniel Rich lit the fuse for the match-winning assault with a glut of clearances and was brilliant throughout, while Tom Rockliff was the constant driving force with 27 disposals.

Forward Aaron Cornelius (three goals) kept the Lions in touch in the first half and Rohan Bewick (four goals) did the damage in the second.

In the end they won easily, 12.16 (88) to 7.12. (54).

Collingwood rested the likes of Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Heath Shaw and Travis Cloke, and was missing Alan Didak and Luke Ball, but its kids ensured it stayed competitive for a half.

Dayne Beams and Steele Sidebottom were prolific for the Pies - the former electric in the first half with 15 disposals and 2.1. The pair were eventually overrun but their less-heralded teammates were not disgraced.

Paul Seedsman had 17 touches running from defence, Ben Kennedy kicked a classy goal among his 19 disposals and former VFL star Sam Dwyer looked comfortable at the level.

Jarrad Witts also caught the eye. The monster ruckman was given every chance to impress with Darren Jolly used sparingly and most often in the forward line. Irishman Caolan Mooney did some nice things

The match started in sauna-like conditions - the mercury was still 32C at the opening bounce - and both sides started in error-riddled fashion.

The heat saw the controversial interchange cap lifted and both the Magpies and Lions took full advantage. Collingwood finished with an extraordinary 168 rotations and Brisbane weren't far behind with 143.

The scoreboard was just as frantic, with the lead changing constantly in the first half and the margin was never more than seven points before the Lions made their move.

They did so on the back of Patrick Karnezis, who continues to grow in his new role as a wingman and Steph Martin, who might cement a permanent role as a forward at his second club. But it was Rich's left-foot cannon that was seemingly everywhere in the second half.

The Lions simply batted too deep for an experimental Pies line-up, but there was a lot to like about the next generation in black and white.

The much-maligned Etihad turf was again an issue, with the replacement patches used after recent concerts causing some players to slip over. Divots were often replaced by club staff in front of the interchange benches.

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Saints too good for Demons

St Kilda goalsneak Terry Milera cops a high tackle from Melbourne enforcer Nathan Jones. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

WHAT coach Mark Neeld described as a "non-competitive quarter" cost Melbourne dearly in its showcase NAB Cup game at Casey Fields Saturday.

The Demons fell away dismally in the second term, allowing St Kilda to outscore them 54-8 to set up the 25-point win in sapping heat.

Melbourne gave its supporter base around Cranbourne plenty to cheer with the first three goals of the game with a stiff northerly wind at the players back.

But the Saints' onballers, led by Leigh Montagna, Nick Dal Santo and Jack Steven, smashed them in the second quarter, despite the centre bounce dominance of Demon big man Mark Jamar.

"Honorable losses, you get sick of them," Neeld said after acknowledging the fight of his players to stay in the contest in the second half.

"The downside was the second quarter. Another indication of where we're at. If we have a non-competitive quarter, it will cost us the game.

"When you're playing against good, experienced sides, if you drop your guard, or in our case, dropped our workrate, they'll take advantage. And the Saints were really good at taking advantage of that in the second quarter."

St Kilda was able to ease captain Nick Riewoldt and best and fairest winner Lenny Hayes through their first NAB Cup games, although the elite pair spent almost the entire second half on the interchange bench, leaving the Saints with effectively only four players to rotate under the AFL's heat rule.

"It is a challenge. You're trying to still get the right amount of minutes into players leading into round 1 and that little bit of flexibility today was really important. It was a really good decision by the AFL (to scrap the 80 interchange cap)," Saints coach Scott Watters said.

"Lenny and Roo have done a lot of training and we just wanted to get them through a modified game where they played a tick over a half and they will build on that next week."

The Saints defence stifled Melbourne after that fast start. Young Demon key forward Jesse Hogan managed only five touches against James Gwilt. While Gwilt and Sam Fisher worked deep, Jarryn Geary, former Docker Dylan Roberton and Sam Gilbert rebounded from half-back.

The only downside for the Saints was leg tightness forcing Sean Dempster out in the first quarter.

"He's a player we have to be really careful with and we were always going to modify his game time today," Watters said.

Lynden Dunn of the Demons tries to cool down during the round three NAB Cup AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the St Kilda Saints at Casey Fields.

Nick Riewoldt (R) of the Saints celebrates after kicking a goal with Terry Milera during the round three NAB Cup AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the St Kilda Saints at Casey Fields.

Stephen Milne of the Saints celebrates after kicking a goal during the round three NAB Cup AFL match between the Melbourne Demons and the St Kilda Saints at Casey Fields.

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Voss anger at AFL Brisbane snub

Brisbane coach Michael Voss prepares to talk to his players in the NAB Cup match against Collingwood. Picture: Robert Prezioso. Source: Getty Images

AN angry Brisbane Lions coach Michael Voss has smashed the AFL for denying his side a home NAB Cup final.

The Lions will face Carlton in the pre-season decider on Friday night, but despite being the only undefeated side in the competition, will be made to travel back to enemy territory at Etihad Stadium.

"It's very disappointing. Which issue do you want to raise?" Voss said.

"Do you want to raise the fact we've lost the chance to advertise our game in the south east of Queensland?

"Or do you want to raise that if the Gold Coast were playing this game whether they would be playing in Queensland?

"We're happy to come down here because we've got a Victorian supporter base and they're terrific.

"But the NRL has already started their season and we've got two Queensland teams who aren't playing in Queensland this weekend.

"We haven't played a home match at all and we're not going to ... clearly it's not acceptable."

The Gabba is unavailable due to cricket commitments. The Suns' Metricon Stadium loomed as the next-best option, but the AFL has chosen Etihad because it believes it will attract the biggest possible attendance.

Voss, who had been encouraged by watching his side storm over a depleted Collingwood in the second half to win by 34 points last night, was visibly angered when the line of questioning moved to the venue for Friday's night's Grand Final.

"It's captain's call so we move on, but I just think we've lost a terrific opportunity," Voss said.

"We're trying to grow our own supporter base, we've had a tough couple of years and we're trying to grow it again and any opportunity you get to do that why wouldn't we be doing it? I don't understand.

"We sit up here as ambassadors of the game, we're in the northern outpost trying to grow the game.

"We've missed a chance to grow our supporter base against another code that happens to be the dominant, No.1 code in our state.

"We've missed that chance and that leaves me quite angry because I've been up there for 20 plus years."

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley did a double-take when told the Brisbane-Carlton match would not be played in Queensland.

"Where is it?" Buckley said.

"We discussed it late in the game in the box that clearly Brisbane are the undefeated side and they get home ground advantage, so we presumed the game would be at Metricon.

"Vossy has got every right to be disappointed."

Buckley described last night's loss as "terrible game of footy", but praised several of his younger players in what was an experimental line-up. Dane Swan, Scott Pendlebury, Heath Shaw and Travis Cloke were all rested.

Asked about Swan's unauthorised TV interview, Buckley said his star player deserved to be fined.

"Our players know the rules and Dane and his management didn't follow the rules so it's pretty simple," he said.

"There was a commercial gain individually for something that he didn't follow the collective protocols. Dane knows it, I know it, 'Perty' (CEO Gary Pert) knows it, every player at the football club knows it, so it was a no-brainer.

"It's pretty simple, If you don't follow the expectations and needs and demands of the football club you cop your whack and move on.

"It's not a huge issue, but five grand is not a sniff of money, there's a fair bit there and I dare say that 'Swanny' would understand you couldn't do it the same way next time.

"It doesn't take away any of the positives that we're seeing from a football perspective. He or his management, whoever was responsible for letting (people) know what was going on, made a poor decision."

Last night's match started in sauna-like conditions - the mercury was still 32C at the opening bounce - and both sides rotated to the extreme.

With the controversial interchange cap lifted due to the heat, Collingwood finished with an extraordinary 168 rotations and Brisbane 143.

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