Port to take drug war to new level

Port Adelaide CEO Keith Thomas, left, with new club chairman David Koch. Picture: Simon Cross Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide will seek to re-educate every member of its staff on the use of illicit drugs in a bid to be on the cutting edge in football's war against escalating drug use.

The Power is prepared to go further than the minimum guidelines set by the AFL by including every employee in a program as it aspires to be the healthiest club in the AFL on the back of industry-leading education.

Chief executive Keith Thomas also refused to use the excuse that because society is grappling with a spike of drug use of more than 20 per cent over the past 19 months to two years, football could expect a similar rise.

"As an AFL club, we must aim to set a higher standard than general society in matters such as these," Thomas said.

"We're going to aim to take a harder line on illicit drug use.

"And we're contemplating making this a whole-of-club initiative, so it goes beyond players to all staff and board and that will involve industry-leading education and accountability procedures  ... with a health-first policy.

"That is fundamental to how we want to go about it and consistent with the AFL.

"What we will do now, given that there's so much progress being made on an industry level, is wait until the working party has completed its work, see where the AFL policy lands, then assess that as a club and take it further if we think that's relevant.

"The important part of what we're doing is we're having open discussion through every aspect of our club."

The moves from Port Adelaide come as football shareholders, including all 18 clubs, were rattled by a presentation by Victoria Police at the AFL drug summit at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

But a recently retired top-echelon player, having read about the discussions, was not surprised by the epidemic.

The player, who declined to be named, said the rise in drug use in the game was an open secret among players.

He described a culture in which:

A CODE of silence still existed in the locker room. "You don't know but you sort of know the players who are using at your club and hear about others from other clubs," he said.

"I mean, you can't tell me the West Coast players didn't know about Ben Cousins after that family day when he turned up in a pretty bad state."

MOBILE phones were running hot with group messages as soon as the AFL drug testers were spotted at the club, giving a heads-up to those wanting to make a run for it. "There are always going to be tip-offs," he said.

PLAYERS in leadership groups are often the last to find out about a big night out because they are considered part of the coaching group.

THERE is no longer a stigma attached to using illicit drugs, except for heroin. "It's seen as natural, like a beer, and nothing to be ashamed about," he said.

EVERY player coming into the AFL system would be offered illicit drugs when they went out, often while intoxicated by alcohol.

DRUG spiking was still a threat. "I've had a drink and realised, hang on, something's not right with this," he said.

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AFL 2013 win predictions

Nathan Buckley is hoping to improve on Collingwood's 16 wins last season. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

AFL writers Jay Clark, Sam Edmund and Sam Landsberger predict how many matches your team will win in 2013.

Eskander's Betstar has released a market that allows punters to bet on whether each club will finish over or under the number of wins predicted by the bookmaker's forecasters.

See the line for each club below plus our expert assessments - and have your say by leaving a comment below or sending a message on Twitter to:

Jay Clark: @clarkyheraldsun
Sam Edmund: @sammyheraldsun
Sam Landsberger: @samlandsberger

Note: Tipsters were limited to selecting nine teams "over" and nine "under".

BEST BETS

CLARK: Gold Coast under 5 wins ($1.90)
EDMUND: Collingwood over 15.5 wins ($1.90)
LANDSBERGER: Brisbane over 9.5 wins ($1.90)

EVERY CLUB RATED

ADELAIDE
Betstar line: 14 wins

Clark: Over ($1.80)
Fairly soft draw will ensure the Crows are bashing down the door of the top-four again. Love the kids such as Rory Sloane and Rising Star winner Daniel Talia. Hard-nut Brad Crouch is a ready-made beauty. Forget Tippett, this is the No.1 contested ball team from last year.

Edmund: Over ($1.80)
The second-year blues will hit and the loss of Tippett will hurt, but they'll get to 14.

Landsberger: Over ($1.80)
They say Tex is the new Buddy. With 12 games at AAMI Stadium and another soft draw they will cruise to 15 wins.

BRISBANE LIONS
Betstar line: 9.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.90)
Tipping they're one of the big improvers this year. Play GWS, Melbourne and Western Bulldogs twice. Key forward presence the biggest query as Jon Brown nears the end.

Edmund: Under ($1.90)
Let's be honest, they fluked a few wins last year. Adelaide? West Coast? Please. Can't and won't happen again. Forward line looks thin to say the least. There's an over-reliance on Brown, who is another year older. If he goes down - again - they will struggle.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
The Lions are a huge finals roughie with an underrated young list. Should easily replicate last year's tally of 10 wins.

New Carlton draftee Troy Menzel with coach Mick Malthouse. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON
Betstar line: 14 wins

Clark: Over ($1.90)
Mick has stumbled upon a pot of gold, as the Blues are ready to go. Expect a version of "the press" to be employed inside 50m and Robert Warnock and Matthew Kreuzer to improve markedly in 2013.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
Maybe because they didn't have a high-performance coach nicknamed "The Weapon" the Blues' 2012 injury nightmare was often overlooked. When they were all on the park early the results were highly encouraging, which is why a mainly injury-free pre-season is cause for optimism. Oh, and that bloke Mick knows a thing or two about the game as well.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
Mick doesn't muck around. Will finish the year like a steam train to give the top four a shake.

COLLINGWOOD
Betstar line: 15.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.90)
Pies are raving about Quinten Lynch's summer form and Luke Ball and Lachy Keeffe return from knee recos. Got to be better in second season under Bucks.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
This is quite simple. Despite a knee injury epidemic that claimed just about everyone bar the water boys, this mob still clawed its way to 16 wins last year. Throw in the Cloke contract saga and Buckley's first year as coach and that winning tally looks even more impressive. Young, Lynch and Russell all joined in a fruitful off-season ... I'll stop now, 15.5 wins is a monty.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
The gloves are off, literally, and the all-star engine room will ensure a fifth-straight top-four finish.

Mover and shaker: Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard has be chosen to join the eight-man leadership group at Windy Hill. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON
Betstar line: 13 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
They've got the biggest name of the trade period in Brendon Goddard, but not convinced Hirdy's boys are top-eight material just yet.

Edmund: Under ($1.90)
Harder to read than a Chinese dictionary. Will this be the year their exhilarating early-season starts are maintained through the season, or will they again fade like your grandmother's carpet? Still think they're a bit light-on to get to 13 wins, despite the addition of Goddard and the undoubted talent of first-year forward Joe Daniher.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
BJ's onboard but finding another three wins looks a stretch. Can still go under and make finals.

FREMANTLE
Betstar line: 14 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
One of the toughest to pick, because the signs in the elimination final win over Geelong were ultra-impressive. But, even with Ross the boss in charge, Dockers will need full seasons from Pavlich, Sandilands and McPharlin to hit the 14-win mark.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
It's very difficult to believe the Dockers, exposed to another summer of Ross Lyon's tactical genius, can't eclipse the 14-win mark. They got their last year despite slumping to 6-7 after Round 14 - about the same time everyone in purple was calling for the coach's head. That's when Lyon's message started sinking in.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
A tough one. Pav's back is a worry, Morabito is out, the defence lost a chunk of depth and it might take one more season to hit full throttle under Ross Lyon.

Tom Hawkins celebrates with his teammates after kicking the winning goal after the siren to continue Hawthorn's run of outs against the Cats. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG
Betstar line: 13.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.85)
Lots to like about their trade period, once again. Josh Caddy is starring over summer and Hamish McIntosh is an upgrade ruck/forward. Can't see them being beaten at home when they finally get on Simonds Stadium from mid-season.

Edmund: Over ($1.85)
The aura may have softened, but this is a side still devastating on its day. The recruitment of Rivers and McIntosh were masterstrokes. If history is any guide they won't drop off the cliff.

Landsberger: Under ($1.95)
Could hit panic stations early and it'll be hard to recover despite the spate of Simonds Stadium matches in the run home.

GOLD COAST
Betstar line: 5 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
Expecting the Paul Roos to Gold Coast talk to fire up midway through the year. Can't dispute the level of talent but haven't seen enough on-field signs to suggest they will flourish in year three. Jaeger O'Meara will provide some joy, though.

Edmund: Under ($1.90)
Missed out on the power forward they so desperately need. Ablett, Bennell and Co can dominate all they like, but when the ball flies straight back over their heads ad nauseam, you don't win too many games. No doubt the kids will improve - they have to - but five wins? Can't see it.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
Is there such a thing as third-year blues? Can't see the Suns doubling their wins tally.

GWS
Betstar line: 5 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
We know they will be a powerhouse but another year at the bottom beckons in 2013.

EDMUND: Unders ($1.90)
No Izzy, no GWS.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
Leon Cameron will take over a two-time wooden-spoon side. But that'll just make the Giants even scarier in the long term.

Hawthorn footballer Brian Lake at training today after he was booked by police for being drunk in a public place over the weekend. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN
Betstar line: 16.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.85)
Seventeen wins is achievable if they can navigate an exceptionally tough first month. Won 17 last year and added Brian Lake.

Edmund: Over ($1.85)
Will be slapped in the face early by the draw from hell, but we're talking about a side that notched 17 wins last year. Add Brian Lake and surely, surely, they can get going and rack up at least 16.5 victories.

Landsberger: Over ($1.85)
It's a tough draw on paper, but so are the Hawks. Not going to drop six matches when just four are at hostile venues.

MELBOURNE
Betstar line: 6.5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.90)
The Dees play GWS, Gold Coast and the Bulldogs twice each. Jack Viney and Jimmy Toumpas will make an immediate impression onball and Mitch Clark and Chris Dawes make a potent double act up forward. Surely, Dees.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
Did their bit for the AFL environment over the trade and free agency period, recycling like mad men. Rodan, Byrnes, Dawes and Pederson aren't matchwinners, but they add much-needed depth and experience. Will be fitter, stronger and surely more accomplished at executing Mark Neeld's game plan.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
Viney out of the middle, hands it to Byrnes who goes long, Clark can't mark but Dawes gathers, snaps… goal. It's a new-look Dees this year, with developing a winning culture the No.1 priority.

Melbourne's father-son selection Jack Viney with his dad Todd at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NORTH MELBOURNE
Betstar line: 12 wins

Clark: Over ($1.85)
Won't be a walk in the park as the Roos confront a much tougher draw this year and will miss Boomer for the first six matches. Still, a side on track to contend for top four in 2014 should have 12 wins by Round 20.

Edmund: Under ($1.95)
Any mental demons from that embarrassing elimination final exit at the hands of West Coast will be flushed out by a tough opening to the season in which they face Collingwood, Geelong and Sydney. There's no Boomer for the first six rounds and McIntosh and Edwards were allowed to leave over summer. Not much came back the other way.

Landsberger: Under ($1.95)
How much mental scarring will that embarrassing elimination final showing leave?

PORT ADELAIDE
Betstar line: 5 wins

Clark: Over ($1.85)
Hard to erase memories of being knocked off by GWS and Gold Coast in past two years but surely they will finally take some steps forward this year, under Ken Hinkley. Improvement from a fit Hamish Hartlett and John Butcher is the key.

Edmund: Under ($1.95)
No, no no. Just no.

Landsberger: Over ($1.85)
The regenerated Power will surprise plenty this year. Should scratch and crawl their way to six wins.

RICHMOND
Betstar line: 12 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
The Tigers' fortunes will be one of the stories of the year and it's all going to happen at the back end of the season when the Tigers confront some lower-placed sides. Despite the hype, they will fall just short.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
Put it this way, if the Tigers don't make the eight this year don't worry about a trailer of manure on the doorstep, the ME Bank Centre might be buried under the stuff. Despite their loyalty, patience has just about expired among Tiger fans and fair enough. The recruiting blunders are a thing of the past. Chaplin, Edwards, Knights, Petterd and Lonergan are great additions and Cotchin will thrive on captaincy duties. In the words of Sam Kekovich, you know it makes sense.

Landsberger: Over ($1.90)
It's Tiger Time. Nuff said.

ST KILDA
Betstar line: 9 wins

Clark: Under ($1.95)
Down year coming up for the Saints, despite the exciting batch of first-to-third year youngsters coming through. Time to regenerate.

Edmund: Under ($1.95)
When you look at the St Kilda list you see a gap between their mature stars and their kids about as wide as the Grand Canyon. And this why the slide will be on in 2013. Goddard is gone and that core group of stars - Riewoldt, Montagna, Dal Santo and Co - won't get any better. Expect a quiet year or two.

Landsberger: Under ($1.95)
They've got 18 leaders but are looking at half that number in wins. Still, on the right track.

St Kilda coach Scott Watters, left, and captain Nick Riewoldt watch a Denver Broncos training session in Englewood, Colorado. Picture: Dustin Bradford. Source: Getty Images

SYDNEY
Betstar line: 15.5 wins

Clark: Under ($1.85)
The Swans played out of their skins last year and credit to them. Even with Kurt Tippett in the fold I can't see them replicating last year's heroics.

Edmund: Under (1.85)
We underestimate them every year, so why stop now? Rivals will have done their homework, Goodes will be a slow starter and Tippett won't play until mid-year and probably cause all manner of distraction along the way. Even the Swans could suffer the good ol' fashioned premiership hangover.

Landsberger: Over ($1.95)
Won 16 last year and then picked up a bloke called Kurt Tippett. Won't lose at home.

2012 Grand Final. Hawthorn v Sydney Swans. MCG. Sydney players on the podium as Bob Skilton looks on. Source: Herald Sun

WEST COAST
Betstar line: 16 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
Two things worry me: Nic Nat's groin and Fremantle's knack of topping them at Subi. Still a threat in finals.

Edmund: Over ($1.90)
There's a buzz team every summer and this time it's the Eagles. Why? Aside from the fact they were hard to beat last year, they've added Wellingham, goalkickers LeCras and Nicoski return, while Kennedy can't be that unlucky again.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
Could hinge on the two derbies. The line here is spot on – tough to call.

Welcome to the major league, lads: Jake Stringer and Jackson Macrae after being selected at No.5 and No.6 by the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Betstar line: 4 wins

Clark: Under ($1.90)
Only play Gold Coast, Port Adelaide and GWS once each. Adam Cooney is up and about but games against Melbourne will determine whether the Dogs cover the line this year.

Edmund: Under ($1.90)
You can surround your club with football royalty, but come Round 12, they'll be asking Scarlett and Mooney to pull the boots on. Lake leaves a hole they can't yet fill and for all the promise shown by the likes of Wallis and Libba, the list looks thin on the ground.

Landsberger: Under ($1.90)
A horror draw makes life tough, but wins-losses aside, the future is bright at the kennel.

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Travis Tuck's lips are sealed

Travis Tuck during a training session with Hawthorn. Picture: Michael Dodge. Source: Herald Sun

SANFL club West Adelaide has placed a media ban on recruit Travis Tuck for the 2013 season to shield him from questioning over the AFL's illicit drugs policy.

The Bloods said Tuck, son of Hawthorn legend Michael, would be unavailable for interviews while he adjusted to playing SANFL.

In 2010, Tuck, 24, was the first player suspended under the AFL's contentious three-strikes illicit drug policy and was later delisted by the Hawks.

"That (no media interviews) will be the direction of the whole footy club for the whole year as Trav settles into SANFL and South Australian life and full-time work," said West Adelaide coach Andrew Collins, a former Hawthorn premiership teammate of Michael Tuck.

"We probably won't allow any media access to Trav for the year and I think that's understandable."

Collins said Tuck had fitted in well and was "tearing up the track".

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Cassisi rules out all roles as leader

Former Port Adelaide captain Domenic Cassisi, left, at training with new vice-captain Brad Ebert. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

EXITING Port Adelaide captain Dom Cassisi has ruled himself out of contention for leadership group duties and believes it the ideal time for him to hand over the No. 1 jumper.

As his career is coming closer to its finish, he will follow predecessor Warren Tredrea's lead in finishing as a player, unofficial leader and obvious sounding board.

It is a move that had been discussed by Cassisi and incoming coach Ken Hinkley over summer and was finalised this week when Travis Boak was named the Power's fifth captain.

"Ken and I spoke again on Monday and on Monday night I sat down and felt a sense of relief, like it was a weight off my shoulders," he said.

"That to me says it's the right call, the right time, for everyone.

"Right time for the club, right time for me where I'm at in my career.

"I'm just really excited about the next step, which is helping the young guys around the club, assist (Boak) where I can and watching the next group of leaders come through.

"I'm not going to be part of the leadership group this year, so there will be some new faces in there, which is great. I'm looking forward to getting back and enjoying my footy and supporting the leaders where I can."

It's obviously been a huge honour to captain such a great club over the past four years

Hinkley believed it was the perfect model for the club and Boak and one which is gaining traction around the traps - a captain finishing up his business by overseeing the next skipper in his formative first year or two.

Cassisi, 30, joins Carlton's Chris Judd and North Melbourne's Brent "Boomer" Harvey in making room for a new leader and offering assistance in the background.

"He's been a great leader and a really well-respected player," Hinkley said.

"I think it's perfect when you've got an opportunity to help somebody, help guide and we've seen that with some clubs in the short-term now, with Juddy having made the decision and `Boomer' Harvey.

"Dom's a perfect person (for that).

"He is an absolute role model who will have somebody step into his shoes almost but still help him ... he just does that.

"That's just Dom.

"Dom Cassisi just helps people and that's what he'll do and that's perfect for us."

Cassisi was pragmatic when reflecting on the past four years, which have been difficult years outside the finals for the club.

He will miss the almost nightly phone calls to his fellow leadership group members - he and Dean Brogan were constantly in contact over ways in which the group could improve - but was also pragmatic about his career moving into another phase.

He can also look forward to the future: he remains one of the club's most consistent players and his captaincy will be remembered by his teammates as a unifying force during difficult times.

"It's obviously been a huge honour to captain such a great club over the past four years," Cassisi said.

"It's something I'll cherish for the rest of my life.

"I'm ready to support them in any way that I can.

"It's important for our club to move keep moving forward and I'm looking forward to the next part of the journey here at the footy club.

"I look forward to playing under these two guys."

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Lords of the jungle

Brisbane captain Jonathan Brown will share leadership duties this season after threatening to step down during the pre-season. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

JONATHAN Brown contemplated stepping down as Brisbane Lions captain during the off-season but will now share leadership duties at the Gabba.

Brown approached coach Michael Voss at the end of last season and told him he was prepared to walk away from the captaincy.

A series of discussions with Voss produced a leadership model that will keep Brown partially at the helm.

Brown, who was a co-captain in 2007 and 2008 before assuming sole captaincy in 2009, said "the time was right" to step down.

"It's good for the club, good for the players to share the responsibility and good for myself," Brown said.

"We had a few discussions at the end of the year about stepping aside and looking to the future.

"Vossy said he would like me to continue as a captain, but we will bring in a co-captain to bring that next generation through."

Brisbane is yet to appoint the co-captain but vice-captains Daniel Merrett, Jed Adcock and Tom Rockliff are in the mix with midfielder Daniel Rich.

"It's not just restricted to the guys in the leadership group," Brown said.

"There's a few guys that are more than capable of doing it now. They are really ready for it."

Brown, 31, has been captain or co-captain of Brisbane for 112 of his 230 games.

Brown said he contemplated the move well before Carlton's Chris Judd stepped down as Blues skipper late last year.

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Joel set to lift Suns from AFL shadows

Gold Coast Suns defender Joel Wilkinson. Picture: Luke Marsden Source: The Courier-Mail

WHAT do Jonathan Brown and Joel Wilkinson have in common?

Brown is a second generation Lion, three-time premiership player, All Australian and Coleman medallist and one of the greats of the modern age.

Wilkinson is of Nigerian descent, has played 16 games and is battling to make it as an AFL player.

But the pair are the strongest AFL footballers in Queensland, taking the mantle that former Lion great Alastair Lynch owned in his heyday.

"Alastair Lynch is a three-time premiership player and a legend - I'm not getting caught up in that," Wilkinson said. "For me, it is just about preparation for round 1 and trying to improve each session."

In Lynch's day, the Lions posted the records on a whiteboard in the gym for all to see, but these days such details are not publicised.

According to Brisbane, Brown's current record is mid-150kg for three repetitions. Suns weight coach Chris Gaviglio confirmed Wilkinson this week benched 160kg three times to beat the club record of 140kg held by strongman Karmichael Hunt.

While power forwards Brown and Lynch are both 195cm-plus and more than 100kg, Wilkinson is only 186cm and 86kg.

What no one can argue is that Wilkinson is a freak specimen and probably the code's best Queensland-based athlete after also claiming the Suns' 2km time trial record.

"I've worked in rugby with big front-rowers who would love to lift that and then he also wins the 2km time trial," Gaviglio said.

"He is a genetically blessed athlete."

Wilkinson has endured a rocky start to his career. He has already been racially vilified twice on AFL grounds and has found himself on the frontline of the code's war on racism.

The Suns are thrilled he is now also attracting headlines for his deeds as an athlete.

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Daniher bashes down door

Joe Daniher leads the way at Essendon pre-season training. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON coach James Hird says father-son gun Joe Daniher is dominating at training and could play much sooner than originally planned.

Daniher, who turns 19 on the eve of the season, starred at under-18 level last season and could have rivalled Lachie Whitfield as the No.1 draft pick had the Bombers not been able to nab him under the father-son rule.

Hird said today he didn't want to rush the 201cm prodigy, but his form on the training track was quickly forcing a change of plans.

Pick Me: Exclusive highlights from Daniher's TAC Cup season

"It's very hard with a player that age and a big tall player, they often take a long time to get ready for football," Hird said.

"In my mind when we drafted him I was thinking maybe he would play 4-5 games if he's lucky this year, but he keeps making me think he's going to play more.

"You can't see why he won't play a lot of football

"The way he moves on the track and dominates marking contests is quite remarkable for a boy his age - and he is only a boy.

"Certainly we don't want to ruin him but he's making us think about playing him a lot more than we were."

Summer Barometer: See how the Bombers are tracking this pre-season

Hird told SEN Daniher would start his career as a key forward who could pinch-hit in the ruck.

"He might develop into a dominant ruckman where that's his No.1 position but at the moment he's a very good forward, he takes a lot of marks and he's just a competitor - you rarely see that age someone who wants to compete so hard against more experienced players."

The Bombers coach played down a quad injury to forward David Zaharakis, who sent a scare through the camp when he suffered the injury at training.

"Last year he had a very bad tear of the central tendon in his quad which kept him out 12-14 weeks, which is a bad injury and takes a long time to recover. We did some scans yesterday on his leg and it was nowhere near that," Hird said.

"He's got a very slight strain a long way from that in his muscle and he'll be back running by Friday and should play the last two or three games in the NAB Cup."

Hird said the "hiccup" was one of the few injuries in a smooth pre-season - a big change from the past two summers at Windy Hill.

"Last year we had 18 operations which meant players came back very late in the pre-season, the year before was very similar

"This year 90 per cent of the squad has done 90 per cent of the training, which is an outstanding record so far."

James Hird keeps an eye on his players as they begin pre-season training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

And the Bombers coach backed the AFL to do the right thing by players, clubs and the game at today's drugs summit.

"There's a lot of hysteria around what's happening with players at the moment but AFL has always been at the forefront of drugs or racial issues and those people will sort it out," Hird said.

"There's an obligation on the players though to do the right thing and the clubs to look after their players.

"There's no excuse for players to take drugs, but we put them under very stressful situations."

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How to customise SuperCoach Draft

Any self-respecting recruiting boss, such as Scott Clayton, loves a good draft smokey. Who will yours be? Source: Herald Sun

SUPERCOACH Draft, our new fantasy game to run alongside traditional SuperCoach, allows users to customise a huge array of game features.

When you register for SuperCoach 2013, players will also be able to sign up for free to the new SuperCoach Draft game using the same login as traditional SuperCoach.

You can have teams in both competitions, or continue to play traditional SuperCoach only. Here's what you can customise:

- League Type (private or public):
* Private league - This type of league has a League Commissioner who will need to invite people to play in the league
* Public league - Will be advertised on the site and open for anyone to join. You may also invite others, until the league is filled up

- League size (choose 6, 8, 10 or 12): Select the number of users.

SuperCoach Draft Strategy

- Head-to-head (yes/no): A fixture is generated for teams to play against each other every round. Otherwise the teams are ranked based on total points only.

- League finals series (yes/no): If activated, the final four rounds in your league will consist of a top eight finals series, as used by the actual AFL (available for leagues of 8 teams or more only).

- Fixture repeat (choose 1,2,3 or 4): In head-to-head leagues, select the number of times that your fixture repeats (i.e. how many times each team will play every other).

- League start round: Select the round when you'd like to start your league competition.

- Draft type (Live, Auto or Live One Computer)
* Live Draft - takes place with all members of the league selecting a player turn-by-turn
* Auto Draft - teams are automatically selected based on each users' pre-draft selections, as they stand at the set draft time. No manual player selection or draft takes place.
* Live One Computer - The live draft takes place on one computer (on the creator/commissioner login) with each user taking turns to select a player on the same computer. A draft may also be completed offline, with selections made by a single person at the set Draft Time. (available to private leagues only)

How to pick a winning SuperCoach team

- Draft order (Snake, Linear, Banzai):
* Snake Draft - the order of selections is reversed each round
* Linear Draft - the order of selections stays the same each round
* Banzai Draft - the order of selections reverses in round 2, stays the same in round 3, and then continues as per the Snake Draft.

- Draft turn time: Select the maximum amount of time that each user will have to make a selection during the live draft. Each user will be able to make their pick when the previous user has completed their selection. If the draft is not completed by the league's starting round, it will auto-complete based on each user's pre-draft priority list.
* 60 seconds
* 90 seconds
* 2 minutes
* 5 minutes
* 10 minutes
* 30 minutes
* 1 hour
* 1 day
* No limit

- Draft date and time: Set the date for your draft to take place
* Private leagues - Commissioners may change this after the league is created.
* Public leagues - The date and time is locked in, unless the league fails to fill by the required time. If the league is not completed, the league creator may reset and update the draft time.

TEAMS, TRADING & GAMEPLAY SETTINGS

- Captains (double points):
Yes/No

- Auto Emergency:
Yes/No - (With auto emergency enabled the player with the lowest score on the bench replaces a player with 0 points on the field).

- Rolling Lockout:
Yes/No - (With a rolling lockout players lockout at the start of each game. Otherwise all players lockout at the start of the first game.)

- Field Layout/Squad size:
How many players in squad, designated as DEF-MID-RUC-FWD / BENCH

2-2-1-2/5 =12 players

2-3-1-2/4 = 12

2-2-1-2/8 = 15

2-3-1-2/7 = 15

3-3-1-3/5 = 15

3-4-1-3/4 = 15

5-6-2-5/4 = 22

- Trade waivers (yes/no): With trade waivers enabled (highly recommended), dropped players from squads are entered into a waiver system (instead of becoming free agents), with a priority list as to which teams will have first choice to pick them up.

Waiver time period:
* 1 day
* 2 days
* 3 days
* 4 days

- Waiver order policy (Reverse Ladder, Last Pick to Bottom):
* Reverse Ladder (recommended) - the waiver order is reset at the end of the round, with the lowest ranked team having the first priority of selecting from the waiver pool.
* Last Pick to Bottom - The order is never reset - users go to the bottom of the priority order after each successful pick.

How to play classic SuperCoach

- Inter-team trading options (League approved, Commissioner approved, free-for-all trades):
* League approved - Other coaches in your league have an option to 'veto' trades proposed between teams. A proposed trade will not be completed if 40% of your league's coaches vote to veto the trade.
* Commissioner approved - The league commissioner is the only person who must approve or reject any proposed trade
* Free-for-all trades - all proposed trades between teams (when accepted by the relevant coach) are completed immediately.

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Saint Nick will lead again

St Kilda players Nick Riewoldt and Sam Dunell joke with Denver Broncos linebacker Wesley Woodyard during their United States trip. Riewoldt will again captain the Saints. Source: Getty Images

NICK Riewoldt will lead St Kilda for an eighth season this year and will be supported by a mega leadership group under second-year coach Scott Watters.

Riewoldt, 30, said it was an "honour" to again win the top job.

The star forward will be supported by Leigh Montagna, Nick Dal Santo, Ben McEvoy, James Gwilt, David Armitage, Sean Dempster and Jarryn Geary in the leadership group, while the Saints have also unveiled an "emerging leaders" program.

That will see wise heads Lenny Hayes, Stephen Milne, Justin Koschitzke, Sam Fisher, Adam Schneider and Jason Blake supporting the primary leadership group and mentoring the younger crop of Saints.

With youngsters including Jack Newnes, Tom Curren, Jack Steven and Seb Ross in an "emerging leadership group", up to 18 St Kilda players hold some sort of leadership role.

Summer Barometer: See how the Saints are shaping up

But Fisher, 30, has relinquished his leadership position.

The veteran has been subjected to reports of poor behaviour this off-season, but the Saints have remained stern in their defence of the rebounding defender.

The Saints said Fisher and Schneider elected to leave the main leadership group.

Fisher said he wanted to focus on his on-field form in a bid to return to his best after an injury-plagued 2012.

"I have enjoyed being part of the leadership group for the last seven years but I missed eight games through injury last season," he said.

"Over the summer, my commitment to the club was questioned in some quarters outside the club. While I don't agree with it, I think the best thing for me is to concentrate on ensuring I deliver my best form," Fisher said.

"It's an exciting period for the club and with the support of our strong leadership group, I'm looking forward to leading the team, into a successful season," Riewoldt said.

The Saints will play an intra-club match at Seaford next Saturday before their NAB Cup campaign kicks off in Adelaide on February 17.

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Glass retained as Eagles skipper

Darren Glass will lead West Coast for a sixth straight season. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

FOUR-TIME All-Australian defender Darren Glass will captain West Coast for a sixth straight season.

The Eagles today confirmed Glass would skipper the club this season, with captain-in-waiting Beau Waters to again serve as his deputy.

Glass (101 games) is poised to overtake Ben Cousins (104) on West Coast's list of on-field leaders, but 31-year-old will need to play beyond this season to surpass his coach John Worsfold (135).

The triple club champion and last year's All-Australian skipper has flagged handing over the captaincy before he retires.

However, with this season tipped to be his last in the AFL, Glass is likely to see out his career as captain.

"Darren has been a wonderful leader for our club and will continue in that role for at least another season," Worsfold said.

"Darren has said in the last couple of years that he would like to hand over the captaincy at some point, but all feel he has a tremendous amount to contribute in the role.

"Importantly, his teammates want him to remain as captain."

The retention of Glass as captain was endorsed by Eagles chairman Alan Cransberg and the club's board last night.

Waters, who was named in the All-Australian team for the first time last year, has for a long time been viewed as Glass's successor.

The 26-year-old was last week announced as the player representative on the AFL rule committee, fuelling speculation he was set to take over from Glass as early as this season.
 

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Mundy cleared of serious injury

Fremantle midfielder David Mundy left the training track today after rolling his ankle and did not reappear. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE midfielder David Mundy has been cleared of serious injury after limping from the training track this morning.

Mundy rolled his right ankle during a training a drill and immediately left the track to ice the injury. He did not reappear.

The 27-year-old was sent for scans, but later cleared of serious damage.

"Good news, a scan has cleared David Mundy of any damage to his ankle after a scare at training this morning," the Dockers posted on Twitter late this afternoon.

Mundy suffered a serious injury to the same ankle in 2011, ruined the second half of that season and restricting him during the last pre-season, which subsequently affected his form for most of 2012.

However, the 2010 Doig Medal winner rediscovered his best form late last season and had enjoyed a strong summer on the track before today's injury scare.

Fremantle takes on West Coast and Geelong in the opening round of the NAB Cup at Patersons Stadium in 17 days.
 

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AFL won't budge on three strikes

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou and Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert speak after today's AFL drugs summit. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL could approve a bold plan to allow clubs to fund the target-testing of players they believe are abusing drugs.

The league united to tackle illicit drugs at yesterday's summit with that proposal one of several to be considered by a new working party.

Among certain changes to the AFL Illicit Drugs Policy will be the closure of a loophole that allows players to self-report and escape a strike at will, and an increase in off-season hair testing - both recently flagged by the Herald Sun.

The proposal to allow clubs to target-test players they suspect of using drugs will create most debate.

AFL clubs are banned from conducting their own testing after then Carlton present Ian Collins controversially drug-tested players Karl Norman and Laurie Angwin in 2004.

Yesterday AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou confirmed clubs might be able to pay the league's drug testers to do that exact task.

Club sources said the AFL might also provide clubs with details of their players' drug use each year.

No names would be revealed, but a club may find out the number of players who had positive strikes, how many strikes they were on, which drugs they had used, and how many had self-reported.

The historic summit was hailed a success by clubs, the AFL, medical experts and players, but a battle will be fought over the information flow to clubs when players test positive a second time.

Hawthorn led the charge of clubs keen to be alerted after a second strike, but that issue will be thrashed out by the working party with AFL chief executives Stuart Fox (Hawthorn), Gary Pert (Collingwood), Travis Auld (Gold Coast) and Ian Robson (Essendon).

Either the chief executive or welfare officer of a club may eventually find out about a second strike, but clubs would have to commit to extensive privacy provisions. 

Collingwood's Luke Ball and Bulldog Robert Murphy leave today's AFL drugs summit. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

Fox said it was imperative clubs knew earlier than under the current policy.

"Hawthorn has lived through the three-strikes system with Travis Tuck and we are quite passionate about someone at the club knowing after the second strike," he told the Herald Sun.

"Clubs are much better placed and more sophisticated, so they can deal with that knowledge."

The self-reporting loophole will almost certainly see players allowed to confess to drug use - sparing a positive strike - only once a season.

Some chief executives pushed for the practice to be banned if a player was on two strikes, or even have the self-reporting seen as a third strike.

The loophole will be changed after it goes to the AFL Commission and is approved by AFL Players' Association delegates.

AFL clubs were not given specific details on the flagged rise in illicit positives - likely to be released late next month - but were told of a 21 per cent rise in drugs across the community.

Pies boss Pert said of the playing age group: "Taking drugs is a part of their lives. We are very concerned. Every CEO is concerned about what happens now, and what happens in the future."

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Pilates get Waite back up and running

Jarrad Waite is back in the air thanks to a few pilates sessions. Picture: Mike Keating. Source: News Limited

CARLTON forward Jarrad Waite has turned to the pilates mat to help correct the abdominal weakness at the heart of his debilitating back problems last year.

After a nightmare injury run, the Blues' spearhead resisted the temptation to shoulder only light pre-season duties this summer, saying his training load had been "full-on" since day one.
 
The secret to his recovery, Waite said, was twice-weekly pilates sessions to strengthen the core muscles which hampered his return from a disc problem last year.
 
"My core wasn't the strongest (and it) basically put a lot of force through my back and then it just sort of gave up," Waite told the Herald Sun.
 
"It was very disappointing because I've had a frustrating few years with the hips and it will be good to get through a season without any issues.

 
"Obviously a lot of rehab and pilates keeps my core strong which in turn helps my back out.
 It (pilates) is going well and it's something that I enjoy doing."
 
The 29-year-old "squashed the disc" in his spine, sidelining him between Rounds 8 and 18, as his club's season hit the skids under Brett Ratten last year.
 
But the tables appear to have turned over summer as the strong-marking forward approaches the 2013 campaign in prime physical condition, after completing his first full pre-Christmas training schedule in about five years.
 
"It's been full-on since day one and I've handled it really well," he said.
 
"I think that's when you get yourself into trouble - if you only go half-paced during training - but so far it's going really well, and I just can't wait for the season to start.
 
"Obviously the last few years have been very frustrating because I know I have a lot to offer for the team and when you are on the sidelines you are useless."
 
Waite said the Blues had a bevy of tall forwards to choose from this year, with cancer sufferer Sam Rowe, emerging marking target Levi Casboult and up-and-comer Luke Mitchell pressing for Round 1 selection.
 
Waite, a 154-game veteran, said new coach Mick Malthouse had adopted a hard-line defensive mantra with the forwards this year.
 
It could mean Carlton employs some of the forward line press tactics which Malthouse used to steer Collingwood to the 2010 premiership.
 
"He (Malthouse) is all about the defence at the moment," Waite said.
 
"He's saying if you can't defend in the forward line, you are going to really find it hard to get a spot.
 
"We've always been pretty good (pressuring inside-50m) with (small forwards) Eddie (Betts) and Jeff (Garlett), they always make backlines a bit nervous.
 
"It's the midfielders and the tall forwards who probably have to lift their game a little bit.
 
"But we have full confidence we are all going to pull our weight and it will be good."

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Dees wait to face the music

Melbourne's legal team has responded to tanking allegations levelled at former coach Dean Bailey and his assistants during the 2009 season. Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE'S legal team responded late yesterday to the AFL's tanking investigation and is now waiting to hear whether the league will lay any charges against the club.

Lawyers acting on the Demons' behalf lodged a response to the 1000-page report into suggestions Melbourne deliberately sought to lose games in 2009.

The report was compiled over a five-month period by AFL investigators Brett Clothier and Abraham Haddad and tabled six days before Christmas.

The league will decide this week whether Melbourne or any of its officials have committed any breaches relating to draft tampering and bringing the game into disrepute.

If so, it's up to the AFL commission to consider the matter at its next meeting in February.

Earlier in the day, Melbourne players gathered at the club for the 2013 team photo.

Coach Mark Neeld is buoyed by the new-look squad's preparation, and should have close to a full complement to choose from for the NAB Cup.

Mitch Clark (foot) and co-captain Jack Trengove might not return until closer to Round 1, while Ruckman Max Gawn has been placed on the long-term injury list with a hamstring tear that is expected to sideline him for two months.

Gawn missed the 2012 season due to a knee reconstruction.

Demons football manager Josh Mahoney said Gawn was "progressing well".

"We expect Max to return to playing football early in the season," Mahoney said.
 

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AFL must tackle drug problem

Former Collingwood star Gavin Crosisca admitted to being addicted to drugs during his playing career. Picture: Ian Currie. Source: Herald Sun

THE revelation a premiership-winning team gave up illicit drugs as part of its commitment to winning the flag first raised the red flag.

How can the AFL illicit drugs policy, and specifically its drug-testing procedures, not be detecting players?

How are the players escaping the testing?

How odd is it the players agreed to the testing for illicit drugs, a world leading program they say, and then hop right into them?

We're not talking about all players, of course, but enough of them to prompt Collingwood to initiate today's drug summit, believing illicit drug use among AFL players was now a matter of urgency.

The Magpies should be applauded for their stance.

They got kicked in the bum yesterday when it was revealed at least four players self-reported drug use to the AFL last year - and for that they got a back page of the Herald Sun - but they at least are fighting the fight.

There is an element of self-preservation admitting they had the problem before their problem was exposed.

Fact or fiction, stories of drug taking among players are common

But clubs laughing at Collingwood's expense should not be naive. If it is happening at Collingwood, it is happening elsewhere.

Anyway, back to the premiership-winning club.

It knew it had a major problem, and, driven by the players, it addressed the matter.

In a move away from traditional mission statements, the team met midway through the year - every player on the list - and a show of hands is understood to have found about a dozen players admitted they took drugs.

Then came the declaration: No more drugs for the remainder of the season.

It worked.

Not being cute, but if you listened to and accepted the AFL's version of events over the past decade of how many players take drugs, and how wonderful their drugs policy was, then drug taking was the least of the league's issues.

Finally, just as they have accepted that tanking is an agenda item, the AFL, via the Magpies, has put drug taking squarely on the agenda.

Fact or fiction, stories of drug taking among players are common.

Clubs receive calls every Monday morning, and newspapers aren't far behind. Social media is out of control.

This is not a hunting expedition on AFL players, for it is fact drug-taking is common among young people, and footballers are just that: young people.

And being rich and famous and buffed, and having the necessary self-belief, just about makes them Exhibit A for drug experimentation.

There are countless anecdotes - most recently about a group of young players from one club partaking at a popular music festival on the coast.

What about a few years ago, when, on a footy trip, one player asked who hadn't taken drugs - not who had - and only four players from more than 30 put up their hands?

One recently retired player said drug taking was commonplace at his club for at least five years.

And then there's the horror story of three former players from the one club battling drug addictions.

Add real names such as Chris Mainwaring, Gavin Crosisca and Ben Cousins - one of them is dead and the other two could have been.

Today's summit is a watershed moment.

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Players save themselves by dialing AFL

AFL players are saving themselves from drug tests when they believe they are in danger of being tested by self-reporting to the AFL.

CLUBS believe some players have activated the self-reporting loophole in the AFL's illicit drugs code when alerted to the presence of a tester.

A number of high-ranking club officials yesterday said they had been told players who become aware of a possible imminent test could immediately call AFL medicos to confess recent drug use.

The Herald Sun has reported that Collingwood players are among those to have confessed to drug use and dodged drug tests in the following days.

The Illicit Drugs Policy states: "A player may refer himself to the AFL Medical Officer for testing, education, counselling or treatment at any time. A player shall not be deemed to have recorded a positive test if he refers himself for such treatment prior to submitting a sample that subsequently returns a positive result."

The self-reporting loophole will be tightened today, with AFL clubs to also push for more information after a second positive drug strike.

But the AFL player union will resist, believing if club chief executives are told it raises the possibility of a player's confidentiality being breached.

The AFLPA said under the letter of the law players should not be able to self-report if the aim is to avoid an imminent positive test.

The player union said if drug testers were aware of that motive, a test would be conducted and a strike recorded if a positive result was found.

One club is believed to have had 10 incidences of six players self-reporting in 2012, with one putting his hand up three times in that period.

Critics argue those figures show players are taking advantage of the three-strikes system.

Sources say players especially those fearing they have drugs in their system are increasingly aware of the presence of drug testers which can lead to self-reporting.

Former West Coast and Richmond star Ben Cousins is known to have dodged drug tests after being alerted to the presence of testers by players already at the club.

Players who self-report are target-tested in future months, but for a player on two strikes future testing is clearly a risk worth taking.

AFLPA chief executive Matt Finnis said the policy had only recently been abused by players.

"In that very example, the player would have to do that drug test and he would be bound by any result that came from that but the policy has contained a provision which is there for a player who has used drugs, has an issue with drugs, to be able to put his hand up and seek help," he told SEN.

"That's because the nature of the policy is helping people to make change when they have made a mistake. If a player notifies, he then is able to get that assistance, be diverted into relevant programs and had he returned a subsequent policy he wouldn't be burdened with that on the basis that he's put his hand up to seek help."

One official said the policy was routinely abused.

"It can be an excuse as lame as 'my drink was spiked last night and I may have inadvertently taken drugs'," one club executive said.

"It means a player holds a Joker if he is on two strikes, a get-out-of-jail free card."

"Most players have reached a stage where they don't particularly care about one strike with some even prepared to roll the dice when on two strikes."

Confessed drug addict Cousins said he was often tipped off by teammates about the appearance of drug testers and simply failed to attend training to avoid positive tests.

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Ice a hot item for pressured players

Former Eagles and Richmond star Ben Cousins leaving Perth Magistrates Court last year after facing drug possession charges. Picture: Richard Polden Source: PerthNow

ADDICTIVE crystal methamphetamine - commonly known as ice - has become the illicit drug of choice for AFL players.

A former top player, who still has links to the game, said the use of ice among footballers had escalated since the start of last year.

Police sources said big-name footballers periodically came to their attention during drug investigations.

In those cases, one officer said, their names turned up when investigators monitored dealers.

Detectives said in most cases dealers in contact with players trafficked ecstasy, amphetamines or cocaine.

Ice sells for $600-$700 a gram, but is sold in smaller quantities for $50-$100.

The former player, who did not want to be identified, said he knew at least five players at one club who used the drug.

He said he was also aware of ice users at other clubs.

"The whole thing is pretty big out there and it's just going to get worse," the former player said yesterday.

"Cocaine is still around, but ice has taken over big time.

"There's no doubt all the clubs are doing it, but whether there's one there or four there, I don't know.

"We've seen what happened with Ben Cousins, and while these boys think they are flushing it out of their system because they're fit and training, they have to be careful in the long term."

The former player said the pressures on players to meet skin fold tests when they returned for pre-season had made ice an attractive but potentially deadly alternative to alcohol, particularly beer, which can cause weight increase and hunger.

He said ice was readily available.

"It's been around for a long time time, but it seems to have made a resurgence," he said.

"After a big night on the grog, players would have to run 10km to burn off that night. There's a lot of pressures on the players and they'll take drugs that won't make them eat."

Victorian Alcohol and Drug Association executive officer Sam Biondo said alcohol was the most significant factor in the country.

Biondo urged the AFL to have a comprehensive alcohol and drug policy.

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AFL players facing perils of addiction

Addiction counsellor Robert Mittiga says there are AFL players out there who are "very sick". Picture: Matt Turner Source: The Advertiser

THE AFL has been urged to make a full psychological assessment as soon as a player tests positive for illicit drugs - or face the spectre of losing one of its own to the perils of addiction.

One of the country's leading addiction counsellors, Adelaide's Robert Mittiga, voiced his concerns to The Advertiser ahead of the AFL drugs summit in Melbourne, beginning today, where the club's powerbrokers will debate the issue.

Most clubs are expected to support the expert's stance, with Collingwood president Eddie McGuire yesterday telling Melbourne radio: "At the moment we don't get any of that information so we're shuffling around in the dark."

Mittiga, who successfully treated former Crows captain Simon Goodwin and ex-Demon Daniel Ward for gambling problems, regularly has players referred to him by the AFL Players' Association for treatment of gambling and drug addiction.

He warned some players were at grave risk if their problems were not thoroughly dealt with as early as possible.

"There are some players out there who are very sick - who are destroying themselves."

Mittiga was heartened by the game tackling the issue, but worried about the rules in place, which only informs the club's doctors of the first and second strikes and have coaches, teammates and the family of players unaware of a potentially life-threatening condition affecting a player.

"The reality of it is this: sometimes, by the time there's a third strike, it might be too late," Mittiga warned.

"We might have somebody who has a problem that actually has to be addressed."

Ten per cent of the population is going to be pre-disposed to addiction

Mittiga's recommendations comes as chief executive Andrew Demetriou said he is expecting a spike in positive tests when the next batch is collated.

Among Mittiga's recommendations are:

THAT a players' identity remains protected after the first strike, but that a psychological assessment is undertaken immediately by professionals trained in addiction

THAT those close to the player are notified after the first strike, so that a support network can be formed that include the players' family, coaches and support staff at the club - a miniature version of an intervention

THAT players are tested for a pre-dispositions to addiction early in their careers, before the club prescribes any legal - but still potentially addictive - medication. It is estimated 10 per cent of the population are have a gene that makes them particularly susceptive to addiction.

"If I was running a football club and one of these guys have a problem, I'd want to know immediately," Mittiga said.

"So that I could at least address the player, get him properly assessed and deal with it - rather than let it to go.

"You've got to look at this in perspective. These are young people, in their partying days and at times they use drugs.

"Ten per cent of the population is going to be pre-disposed to addiction.

"As a football club, as an industry that's right out there in the public eye, they need to know these things and intervene before it gets out of hand.

"And family, in particular - they need to know.

"I wouldn't just rely on club doctors - I would bring in experts.

But Mittiga dismissed of banning players after the first strike, likening that scenario to not allowing diabetics to play the game.

His advice was treatment when required, discipline when that was in order.

"But we remember these are young, emotionally immature people," Mittiga said. "And often what I see is their whole self value comes out of football.

"Some of them are vulnerable to these problems."

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Power caught with pants down

Port Adelaide veteran Kane Cornes, centre, with teammates during a pre-season beach session. Picture: Campbell Brodie Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

NO, this is not the latest commercial for the summer range of Bonds undies.

But Michael Clarke and Pat Rafter might be looking over their shoulders as company front men if yesterday's Port Adelaide session at Grange is any guide.

While most of the nation was packing Eskys and defrosting lamb legs for Australia Day celebrations, the Power were slugging it out during a morning beach recovery session.

Thirty-five players from the Power's senior and rookie lists wound down from another hard week on the track under new coach Ken Hinkley with a 15-minute run, stretch and 15-minute return run at Grange beach about 8am.

The group finished the session with a quick dip - a welcome but unplanned one, likely, considering the lack of board shorts on show.

Port Adelaide's Brad Ebert during a beach session at Grange. Picture: Campbell Brodie

Among the players getting into the Bondi spirit were Danny Butcher, far left, a former TAC Cup Morrish Medallist and younger brother of Port forward John.

Last year's WAFL best and fairest and fellow Port rookie Kane Mitchell, middle, and key midfielder Brad Ebert also channelled their inner David Hasselhoff.

The countdown to Port's and Adelaide's three-way NAB Cup clash with St Kilda, on February 17, hits three weeks today.

New Port Adelaide recruit Kane Mitchell during a pre-season training session at Grange. Picture: Campbell Brodie

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No Nic, no calamity for Eagles

READY: Ruckman Dean Cox says the Eagles are well-equipped to deal with the likely absence of Nic Naitanui at the start of the season. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper. Source: PerthNow

CHAMPION West Coast big man Dean Cox has assured fans the Eagles are well placed to cope without Nic Naitanui if his All-Australian ruck partner misses the start of the season because of injury.

Bookmakers have West Coast on the second line of betting for this year's flag, behind Hawthorn and ahead of reigning premier Sydney, but there is a view the Eagles' chances hinge on Naitanui's recovery.

While Naitanui has done little more than walk laps and complete handball drills after groin surgery, Cox has quietly powered through one of his strongest summers on the track.

Entering his 13th season in the AFL, Cox said he was capable of rucking for 100 minutes a game if Naitanui was not available early in the season.

But the 251-game veteran said he was so impressed with understudy Scott Lycett's improvement this summer that the team could continue with the unique 50-50 ruck sharing strategy that has been so effective with Naitanui in recent seasons.

Cox also said he would like to continue spending plenty of time forward after kicking a career best 28.14 last year.

"Even if it was me and Scotty, I think we'd continue to do the same thing," he said.

"The biggest thing I took out of my season last year was probably my work when I went up forward, and Nic as well, and we each had a lot of shots on goal."

Cox said the players were confident 20-year-old Lycett, who has played just three times in his first two seasons, was ready to step up.

"He's come on in leaps and bounds," he said.

"Just his soft hands, his control with the footy and his body positioning in ruck contests.

"I think he's getting a little bit more mature and starting to really understand how to position himself to try and control the stoppage.

"It's been really good to push each other all the way through the pre-season and try and learn from each other as well.

"I'd certainly love Nic to be fully fit and playing all the time. The player that he is and what he brings to the club is so important.

"But what you find out when players step up and fill the void is they really blossom and certainly if Nic isn't ready, Scotty will do that."

Rookie-listed ruckman/forward Callum Sinclair is also likely to receive opportunities during the NAB Cup, though Lycett is the frontrunner to partner Cox given his two years in the club's system.

Cox predicted the loss of Quinten Lynch, who was able to do some part-time ruck work, would mean the Eagles would have to select two genuine ruck options in every game.

None of West Coast's key position players have had experience as a relief ruckman, following Lynch's move to Collingwood as a free agent.

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Tex can be as good as Buddy: Danger

Crows forward Taylor Walker wraps his hands around the ball at a Crows training session at Max Basheer Reserve. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

Star Adelaide midfielder Patrick Dangerfield says man mountain Taylor Walker is a ``force to be reckoned with'' who is ready to challenge Hawthorn's Buddy Franklin as the AFL's premier key forward.

Dangerfield says the club quickly moved on from the defection of Kurt Tippett, who controversially joined premiers Sydney in the off-season, and were ready to centre their attack on a bulked-up, mullet-sporting Walker.

And while Tippett kicked 39 goals for the Crows last season, Walker booted 63 and trailed just Franklin, Fremantle's Matthew Pavlich and Richmond's Jack Riewoldt for the Coleman Medal.

And Dangerfield says he's ready to rival the AFL's best in 2013 and doesn't deserve to have his rise compared to filling the breach left by Tippett.

"I don't know about fill the boots of Tippett - Tex (Walker) is his own man,'' Dangerfield told AAP.

"He kicks a goal just about better than anyone in the competition.

"I think he'll be a force to be reckoned with up forward for us.

"On his day, Buddy Franklin's very good, but I think Taylor Walker has the potential to be just as good a forward as him.

"He's an exciting prospect for us.''
 
Without Tippett drawing key defenders in 2013, Dangerfield knows Walker will have a tougher time fighting for possession - but says his imposing 192cm, 105kg frame will be ready for the challenge.

"He was already pretty big. It was hard to increase his size,'' Dangerfield said.

"He's a power forward. He's 105 kilos.

"I think the challenge for him and the challenge for many young players like myself is to continue to build the consistency, and that's what he'll be setting himself for this year.

"We're hoping that he takes the next step. He knows he'll have the number one key defender every week this year.

"He's looking forward to that challenge along with our other key forwards. I think we've got a pretty potent forward line.''

Tippett's extraordinary departure from Adelaide left a bad taste in the mouths of Crows players at the time, with
Dangerfield insisting the club wanted to build around players 'who want to be part of our footy club'.

"He made the decision to leave and that's fine. We understand that,'' he said.

"Once Kurt decided to leave, we have to move on with players who want to be around the footy club.

"And that's the players that are on our list.

"We've got a really exciting group of players at the moment and I think we can play some really impressive football this year.''

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Blues reprimand Robinson

Carlton forward Mitch Robinson has been caught on footage in a scuffle at the Big Day Out in Flemington.

Mitch Robinson shown in a scuffle at the Big Day Out. Source: Herald Sun

Mitch Robinson held back from someone else in the crowd at the Big Day Out. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON will force Mitch Robinson to perform community work following an ugly incident at Big Day Out.

Video footage taken by a bystander shows Robinson land a left-hand blow to the other man before he is struck hard to the side of the head as he appears to bend over to pick up an item on the ground.

They then wrestle each other to the ground as others come in to remonstrate and also separate them, including a woman.

Carlton football operations boss Andrew McKay said Robinson should not have put himself in a position to be involved in such an incident.

"This type of behaviour, no matter what the circumstance, is not acceptable or in line with Club policy," McKay said in a statement released today.

"Mitch is extremely remorseful and has accepted the Club's sanction."

Robinson will complete two months of community service with the Salvation Army, working with the homeless and under-privileged in Melbourne's CBD.

He will also make a $1,000 donation to the Salvation Army.

Robinson left the Australia Day music festival off his own accord after the fracas, which ignited when the Blues midfielder tried to prevent his friend's "anti-social behaviour".

Both men have torn singlets when the footage begins, indicating the vision starts well after the fight began, but gets out of control after Robinson is struck while he is not paying attention.

The cowardly blow ignites the fight as a jeer can be heard from the crowd as two other men jump in to the fray as Robinson tries to escape a headlock.

One onlooker can be heard shouting ''That'll be six weeks Robinson'' after he throws the left hook.

Although witnesses who contacted the Herald Sun say they do not know why the fight erupted, they say up to eight men were involved in the melee before it was brought to an end.

One witness said Robinson was ''fuming'' after being ''targeted'' by a group looking for trouble.

''He was fuming, very angry, and was not going to walk away,'' the man said.

''It took his mates to get him to stop.''

But other witnesses were not positive Robinson and the other men were strangers.

The incident occurred after American band The Killers had finished their performance about 8pm.

Dayle, who said the fight started behind him near the Cruiser tent, said Robinson had ''plenty of opportunity to walk away''.

He said it appeared it may have been a fight between Robinson and someone else in his group.

''By the looks of it you would have thought it's been something in their internal group,'' he said.

''They were all pretty big and going at it. I didn't realise it was him (Robinson). He looked like he had plenty of opportunity to walk away from it.''

Carlton Football Club confirmed on Saturday night it was investigating the fight after pictures emerged of the 23-year-old on Twitter being held back by others in the crowd.

No report has been lodged with police and it is not believed anyone was injured.

Robinson, recruited from Tasmania, has played 67 games with the Blues.

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Mick in control of NAB Cup

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse will steer his side in the NAB Cup. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MICK Malthouse will look to make an immediate impression on Carlton players by taking charge of all of the Blues' NAB Cup matches.

In the second half of his time as coach of Collingwood, Malthouse allowed his assistant coaches to take charge on match day during the pre-season series.

But Carlton football operations manager Andrew McKay confirmed that Malthouse wanted to ensure his message was clear from the start.

"This is a different situation (as to when he was at Collingwood)," McKay said.

Summer Barometer: See how the Blues are shaping up

"I think his assistants are going to do the internal trial games (this year), and Mick will be doing the NAB Cup.

"He wants to make sure the messages are the way he wants them to be delivered and wants to make sure the players understand that.

Coach Mick Malthouse lays down the law at Carlton training yesterday. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

"The internal games are different. He needs to be looking at both teams in those games, so it makes sense for the assistant coaches to coach in them."

McKay said Malthouse's approach had made an impact on the players ahead of NAB Cup games against Sydney and Greater Western Sydney at Blacktown on February 24. "Mick is a positive person and that has rubbed off on the players," he said.

McKay said the Blues were better placed in terms of fitness compared to last year.
 

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Kennett urges strike action

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL must change its drugs policy. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL must change its illicit drugs policy to avoid a tragedy.

Labelling the system "grossly unfair", the beyondblue chairman said the three-strikes policy was flawed and clubs should be informed earlier.

"I don't believe the three-strike rule is appropriate, nor do I think it is fair to the players, or to their families or to their clubs," Kennett said yesterday.

"I hope that if (AFL boss) Andrew (Demetriou) is serious, just as initially they wouldn't move on concussion, they will recognise that if they are serious about drugs, then they have got to involve the clubs earlier than currently occurs.

"Three strikes and you're out - that is grossly unfair and it could lead to a situation where maybe you end up with a death."

Earlier notice wanted on drugs

AFL leaders meet for a historic drugs summit at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Club chiefs are expected to push for earlier notification of a player's positive drugs strike, with some support from clubs for the three-strikes policy to be stripped back to two.

Former Hawthorn midfielder Travis Tuck is the only player to record three strikes under the AFL illicit drugs policy - in 2010.

Kennett said clubs must be alerted earlier so they could support the player back to a "condition of good behaviour".

 "At the moment, a player gets suspended after three strikes without there necessarily being any outside assistance given to him," Kennett said.

"Often it's assistance given by club doctors, but not with the club's knowledge. But often a player needs more than that.

Summit to scrutinise Mad Monday

"You have got to look at who else in the club might be their friends, might be influenced by that player's behaviour, might be supplying that player with drugs. That can't be done by a doctor."

Kennett said a move to two strikes should be the first step.

"There are many who say it should be one strike and you are gone, but I don't think we're going to move to that position overnight," he said.

Demetriou said tackling mental illness would also be considered at the summit, with 50 per cent of players on a second strike dealing with mental health issues.

Kennett welcomed the move.

"It is something that should be tackled head-on," he said. "The biggest mind alterer in our society is alcohol and then there are drugs and then there is depression and often you don't know where people enter the cycle."

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Primus adds grunt to Suns' rucks

Gold Coast Suns ruck coach Matt Primus with senior coach Guy McKenna. Picture: David Clark. Source: The Courier-Mail

MATTHEW Primus has two key tasks at the Suns bring some mellow to the coaches box and mongrel to the football side.

For the Gold Coast AFL side to make ground in 2013, they need to improve their clearance work.

Primus' focus over summer has been injecting aggression into young ruckmen Zac Smith and Daniel Gorringe.

The fact that Primus was a senior coach at Port and an imposing ruckman in his playing days made him a key off-field signing for the Suns, to replace the cool head of assistant coach Ken Hinkley, who took Primus' old job at Alberton.

"He ticks all our boxes," coach Guy McKenna said. "To be competitive in the ruck you need an aggressive streak in you. Clearly Charlie Dixon is that way inclined, Zac and the other boys need to understand that.

"Part of that is being shown that and educated how. Matty, because that is the way he lived as a footballer, it should be easier for him to coach that."

Smith has acknowledged the impact Primus has already had.

"He's been unreal, he's helped me hopefully take it to that next level," he said.

"One of the things I need to work on is my aggression.ntsD He's hopefully going to give me some of thatnte."

The addition of Primus, and Malcolm Blight on a part-time basis, to the coaching ranks will also allow McKenna to continue to operate from the boundary line on game day.

The third-year coach believes his side would continue to benefit from the instant feedback he can provide from the dug-out.

"He (Primus) as been in the cut and thrust of it, he adds a lot of experience for us and to have him up there, you are certainly a lot more at ease,'' McKenna said.

"We still have two-thirds of our group who are first to third-year players, they still need a fair bit of coaching, so to have things taken care of upstairs allows me to do that from the sidelines."

Primus believes Smith and Gorringe have the makings of a first-class pairing and that questions over Smith's hardness are unwarranted.

"Zac's first year, most people were pretty impressed with how he went about his footy and he certainly hasn't lost that ability," he said.

"He might have had an average year last year but a lot of young players have ups and downs.

"He is aggressive by the way he jumps in and creates a contest, Charlie just has a bit more aggression when the ball hits the ground. They all have aggression in different waysntsD but I think they have a lot of talentnte."

Primus has enjoyed mixed fortunes as a player and coach. A two-time All-Australian and club captain at Port, he missed the 2004 premiership with a knee injury that ended his career prematurely.

His coaching career began well in 2010 when he won five games from seven after taking over as caretaker when premiership coach Mark Williams quit the post.

But 2011 and 2012 were a slog and he stood down with four matches to go last season after being told his contract would not be renewed. Primus said taking a back seat required adjustment but he is motivated by the enthusiasm at the Suns.

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Power caught with pants down

Port Adelaide veteran Kane Cornes, centre, with teammates during a pre-season beach session. Picture: Campbell Brodie Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

NO, this is not the latest commercial for the summer range of Bonds undies.

But Michael Clarke and Pat Rafter might be looking over their shoulders as company front men if yesterday's Port Adelaide session at Grange is any guide.

While most of the nation was packing Eskys and defrosting lamb legs for Australia Day celebrations, the Power were slugging it out during a morning beach recovery session.

Thirty-five players from the Power's senior and rookie lists wound down from another hard week on the track under new coach Ken Hinkley with a 15-minute run, stretch and 15-minute return run at Grange beach about 8am.

The group finished the session with a quick dip - a welcome but unplanned one, likely, considering the lack of board shorts on show.

Port Adelaide's Brad Ebert during a beach session at Grange. Picture: Campbell Brodie

Among the players getting into the Bondi spirit were Danny Butcher, far left, a former TAC Cup Morrish Medallist and younger brother of Port forward John.

Last year's WAFL best and fairest and fellow Port rookie Kane Mitchell, middle, and key midfielder Brad Ebert also channelled their inner David Hasselhoff.

The countdown to Port's and Adelaide's three-way NAB Cup clash with St Kilda, on February 17, hits three weeks today.

New Port Adelaide recruit Kane Mitchell during a pre-season training session at Grange. Picture: Campbell Brodie

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No Nic, no calamity for Eagles

READY: Ruckman Dean Cox says the Eagles are well-equipped to deal with the likely absence of Nic Naitanui at the start of the season. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper. Source: PerthNow

CHAMPION West Coast big man Dean Cox has assured fans the Eagles are well placed to cope without Nic Naitanui if his All-Australian ruck partner misses the start of the season because of injury.

Bookmakers have West Coast on the second line of betting for this year's flag, behind Hawthorn and ahead of reigning premier Sydney, but there is a view the Eagles' chances hinge on Naitanui's recovery.

While Naitanui has done little more than walk laps and complete handball drills after groin surgery, Cox has quietly powered through one of his strongest summers on the track.

Entering his 13th season in the AFL, Cox said he was capable of rucking for 100 minutes a game if Naitanui was not available early in the season.

But the 251-game veteran said he was so impressed with understudy Scott Lycett's improvement this summer that the team could continue with the unique 50-50 ruck sharing strategy that has been so effective with Naitanui in recent seasons.

Cox also said he would like to continue spending plenty of time forward after kicking a career best 28.14 last year.

"Even if it was me and Scotty, I think we'd continue to do the same thing," he said.

"The biggest thing I took out of my season last year was probably my work when I went up forward, and Nic as well, and we each had a lot of shots on goal."

Cox said the players were confident 20-year-old Lycett, who has played just three times in his first two seasons, was ready to step up.

"He's come on in leaps and bounds," he said.

"Just his soft hands, his control with the footy and his body positioning in ruck contests.

"I think he's getting a little bit more mature and starting to really understand how to position himself to try and control the stoppage.

"It's been really good to push each other all the way through the pre-season and try and learn from each other as well.

"I'd certainly love Nic to be fully fit and playing all the time. The player that he is and what he brings to the club is so important.

"But what you find out when players step up and fill the void is they really blossom and certainly if Nic isn't ready, Scotty will do that."

Rookie-listed ruckman/forward Callum Sinclair is also likely to receive opportunities during the NAB Cup, though Lycett is the frontrunner to partner Cox given his two years in the club's system.

Cox predicted the loss of Quinten Lynch, who was able to do some part-time ruck work, would mean the Eagles would have to select two genuine ruck options in every game.

None of West Coast's key position players have had experience as a relief ruckman, following Lynch's move to Collingwood as a free agent.

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Tex can be as good as Buddy: Danger

Crows forward Taylor Walker wraps his hands around the ball at a Crows training session at Max Basheer Reserve. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: adelaidenow

Star Adelaide midfielder Patrick Dangerfield says man mountain Taylor Walker is a ``force to be reckoned with'' who is ready to challenge Hawthorn's Buddy Franklin as the AFL's premier key forward.

Dangerfield says the club quickly moved on from the defection of Kurt Tippett, who controversially joined premiers Sydney in the off-season, and were ready to centre their attack on a bulked-up, mullet-sporting Walker.

And while Tippett kicked 39 goals for the Crows last season, Walker booted 63 and trailed just Franklin, Fremantle's Matthew Pavlich and Richmond's Jack Riewoldt for the Coleman Medal.

And Dangerfield says he's ready to rival the AFL's best in 2013 and doesn't deserve to have his rise compared to filling the breach left by Tippett.

"I don't know about fill the boots of Tippett - Tex (Walker) is his own man,'' Dangerfield told AAP.

"He kicks a goal just about better than anyone in the competition.

"I think he'll be a force to be reckoned with up forward for us.

"On his day, Buddy Franklin's very good, but I think Taylor Walker has the potential to be just as good a forward as him.

"He's an exciting prospect for us.''
 
Without Tippett drawing key defenders in 2013, Dangerfield knows Walker will have a tougher time fighting for possession - but says his imposing 192cm, 105kg frame will be ready for the challenge.

"He was already pretty big. It was hard to increase his size,'' Dangerfield said.

"He's a power forward. He's 105 kilos.

"I think the challenge for him and the challenge for many young players like myself is to continue to build the consistency, and that's what he'll be setting himself for this year.

"We're hoping that he takes the next step. He knows he'll have the number one key defender every week this year.

"He's looking forward to that challenge along with our other key forwards. I think we've got a pretty potent forward line.''

Tippett's extraordinary departure from Adelaide left a bad taste in the mouths of Crows players at the time, with
Dangerfield insisting the club wanted to build around players 'who want to be part of our footy club'.

"He made the decision to leave and that's fine. We understand that,'' he said.

"Once Kurt decided to leave, we have to move on with players who want to be around the footy club.

"And that's the players that are on our list.

"We've got a really exciting group of players at the moment and I think we can play some really impressive football this year.''

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Mick in control of NAB Cup

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse will steer his side in the NAB Cup. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

MICK Malthouse will look to make an immediate impression on Carlton players by taking charge of all of the Blues' NAB Cup matches.

In the second half of his time as coach of Collingwood, Malthouse allowed his assistant coaches to take charge on match day during the pre-season series.

But Carlton football operations manager Andrew McKay confirmed that Malthouse wanted to ensure his message was clear from the start.

"This is a different situation (as to when he was at Collingwood)," McKay said.

Summer Barometer: See how the Blues are shaping up

"I think his assistants are going to do the internal trial games (this year), and Mick will be doing the NAB Cup.

"He wants to make sure the messages are the way he wants them to be delivered and wants to make sure the players understand that.

Coach Mick Malthouse lays down the law at Carlton training yesterday. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

"The internal games are different. He needs to be looking at both teams in those games, so it makes sense for the assistant coaches to coach in them."

McKay said Malthouse's approach had made an impact on the players ahead of NAB Cup games against Sydney and Greater Western Sydney at Blacktown on February 24. "Mick is a positive person and that has rubbed off on the players," he said.

McKay said the Blues were better placed in terms of fitness compared to last year.
 

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Kennett urges strike action

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL must change its drugs policy. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL must change its illicit drugs policy to avoid a tragedy.

Labelling the system "grossly unfair", the beyondblue chairman said the three-strikes policy was flawed and clubs should be informed earlier.

"I don't believe the three-strike rule is appropriate, nor do I think it is fair to the players, or to their families or to their clubs," Kennett said yesterday.

"I hope that if (AFL boss) Andrew (Demetriou) is serious, just as initially they wouldn't move on concussion, they will recognise that if they are serious about drugs, then they have got to involve the clubs earlier than currently occurs.

"Three strikes and you're out - that is grossly unfair and it could lead to a situation where maybe you end up with a death."

Earlier notice wanted on drugs

AFL leaders meet for a historic drugs summit at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Club chiefs are expected to push for earlier notification of a player's positive drugs strike, with some support from clubs for the three-strikes policy to be stripped back to two.

Former Hawthorn midfielder Travis Tuck is the only player to record three strikes under the AFL illicit drugs policy - in 2010.

Kennett said clubs must be alerted earlier so they could support the player back to a "condition of good behaviour".

 "At the moment, a player gets suspended after three strikes without there necessarily being any outside assistance given to him," Kennett said.

"Often it's assistance given by club doctors, but not with the club's knowledge. But often a player needs more than that.

Summit to scrutinise Mad Monday

"You have got to look at who else in the club might be their friends, might be influenced by that player's behaviour, might be supplying that player with drugs. That can't be done by a doctor."

Kennett said a move to two strikes should be the first step.

"There are many who say it should be one strike and you are gone, but I don't think we're going to move to that position overnight," he said.

Demetriou said tackling mental illness would also be considered at the summit, with 50 per cent of players on a second strike dealing with mental health issues.

Kennett welcomed the move.

"It is something that should be tackled head-on," he said. "The biggest mind alterer in our society is alcohol and then there are drugs and then there is depression and often you don't know where people enter the cycle."

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Jurrah present during arrest

WAYWARD football star Liam Jurrah was part of a group in which one person was arrested following an incident at an Australia Day concert in Elder Park today.

South Australia Police tonight confirmed Jurrah had been present, but could give no other details.

There is no suggestion Jurrah was involved in any illegal behaviour.

Jurrah, 24, who faces aggravated assault charges in the Northern Territory in March, was charged with drink-driving 13 days ago

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No Nic, no calamity for Eagles

READY: Ruckman Dean Cox says the Eagles are well-equipped to deal with the likely absence of Nic Naitanui at the start of the season. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper. Source: PerthNow

CHAMPION West Coast big man Dean Cox has assured fans the Eagles are well placed to cope without Nic Naitanui if his All-Australian ruck partner misses the start of the season because of injury.

Bookmakers have West Coast on the second line of betting for this year's flag, behind Hawthorn and ahead of reigning premier Sydney, but there is a view the Eagles' chances hinge on Naitanui's recovery.

While Naitanui has done little more than walk laps and complete handball drills after groin surgery, Cox has quietly powered through one of his strongest summers on the track.

Entering his 13th season in the AFL, Cox said he was capable of rucking for 100 minutes a game if Naitanui was not available early in the season.

But the 251-game veteran said he was so impressed with understudy Scott Lycett's improvement this summer that the team could continue with the unique 50-50 ruck sharing strategy that has been so effective with Naitanui in recent seasons.

Cox also said he would like to continue spending plenty of time forward after kicking a career best 28.14 last year.

"Even if it was me and Scotty, I think we'd continue to do the same thing," he said.

"The biggest thing I took out of my season last year was probably my work when I went up forward, and Nic as well, and we each had a lot of shots on goal."

Cox said the players were confident 20-year-old Lycett, who has played just three times in his first two seasons, was ready to step up.

"He's come on in leaps and bounds," he said.

"Just his soft hands, his control with the footy and his body positioning in ruck contests.

"I think he's getting a little bit more mature and starting to really understand how to position himself to try and control the stoppage.

"It's been really good to push each other all the way through the pre-season and try and learn from each other as well.

"I'd certainly love Nic to be fully fit and playing all the time. The player that he is and what he brings to the club is so important.

"But what you find out when players step up and fill the void is they really blossom and certainly if Nic isn't ready, Scotty will do that."

Rookie-listed ruckman/forward Callum Sinclair is also likely to receive opportunities during the NAB Cup, though Lycett is the frontrunner to partner Cox given his two years in the club's system.

Cox predicted the loss of Quinten Lynch, who was able to do some part-time ruck work, would mean the Eagles would have to select two genuine ruck options in every game.

None of West Coast's key position players have had experience as a relief ruckman, following Lynch's move to Collingwood as a free agent.

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