Watters explains Gram axing

Former AFL Saints player, Jason Gram. Picture: Tony Gough Source: Herald Sun

COACH Scott Watters maintains St Kilda made the right decision to sack Jason Gram, saying there was a "gravity" to his situation that could not be ignored.

Responding to Gram's interview in yesterday's Herald Sun, Watters said the club's decision to terminate the half-back's contract was tough but the right call.

Watters said the Saints had tried to work through Gram's off-field issues over a 16-month period.

"It's a tough decision on a player," he said.

"My preference is that he is still here and that he'd been able to work through some of the challenges he was facing and react to the guidelines that were set in front of him over 16 months.

"I don't want to grandstand on the disappointment of Jason and his position now. He gave a lot to this club over a long period of time. There is a level of disappointment he's not here.

"But the right decision was made for this football club. I rest pretty comfortably with what was ultimately a pretty tough decision."

Gram was sacked in October after police intervened in a relationship that had gone sour. The 28-year-old said he was still shattered and angry at being axed over a "private matter".

"We tried very hard to work through the situation that Gram was involved in," Watters said.

"But when it gets to the point when the Victoria Police were involved, there is a gravity to that sort of situation.

"We have got to protect the football club, we need to protect our players and we need to make tough decisions based on our values and I think we did that."

Gram will play at North Albury this year and said he had not given up hope of a return to the AFL.

"He is probably not the right fit for us," Watters said.

"But I would love to see Grammy turn it around, get back on track.

"If that turned around for him, no one would be more pleased than me."

Gram suggested he had been a scapegoat for previous off-field scandals at St Kilda, but Watters denied they had any bearing on the club's decision.

"This was a reaction based on our values and what we need to stand for as a group of players and as a club," he said.

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AFL drug policy 'hypocritical'

Graeme McMahon in the Essendon Football Club boardroom back in 2003. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Essendon chairman Graeme McMahon has lashed out at the AFL, branding its stance on drugs "hypocrital".

McMahon said he was bewildered how the league could be so aggressive in policing performance-enhancing drugs but so lax on the use of illicit substances.

The ever outspoken McMahon, who was Essendon chairman from 1997-2003, expressed deep disappointment about the Bombers' current plight, saying fans would be "gutted" about the allegations.

"I'm disappointed,'' he said.

''It's a 120-year, 130-year-old club, it's got fantastic tradition.

''I don't know what the facts are ... but if it turns out there is something there then my disappointment will turn to absolute bloody anger because it's wrong, no matter what way it comes out, it's wrong.'

"I'm disappointed for the members and supporters who gave me the opportunity to be chairman of the club, to whom I'm so grateful.

"It is not often spoken about but most AFL clubs are the property of its members and they simply appoint directors and a chairman to run the club for them.

"They must be gutted about the allegations.

"The one strong comment I would make is my respect for people like David Evans (chairman), Bruce Reid (doctor) and James Hird (coach) is such that I cannot and won't believe they would knowingly allow illegal practices to happen.''

McMahon, who is battling inoperable cancer, has lost some of the trademark power in his voice, but his passion for football - and Essendon in particular - remains undiminished.

He said he looked back at his time at Windy Hill with "great affection'".

"Football is Essendon to me,'' he said.

Turning his attention back to the topic of the AFL's illicit drugs policy, McMahon warned of lawsuits from parents of young players who strayed into drug use because of clubs failing in their duty of care.

"The club hierarchy has no ability to try to police drugs in any shape or form,'' he said.

"The reason I'm so strong on (the AFL's illicit drugs policy) is it deprives from the chairman and management of the football clubs their abilty to carry out the duty of care they have when they take into their charge these 17-year-olds and 18-year-old boys from the country and interstate.

"The illegal drugs have been thrown into stark profile by where the AFL has put itself in relation to these non-legal but performance enhancing drugs, where they are standing up and beating their chests and saying they will stamp this out, that it's taboo, and that players will be rubbed out if they are dealing with them.

"But at the same time they have different policy for drugs which are criminal .. it doesn't make sense to me.''

He cited an example of a non-sportsman obtaining performance enhancing drugs by prescription without breaking the law, compared to AFL players who use them and breach the laws of the sport.

Meanhwhile, players were taking illegal drugs which are "absolutely'' illegal in society.
 

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Cooney a 'changed man'

Western Bulldogs star Adam Cooney has enjoyed a strong pre-season. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN Bulldogs great Brad Johnson says Adam Cooney is back to his 2008 Brownlow Medal form.

Cooney has endured a miserable few years, with a cracked patella deteriorating into a degenerative knee problem.

But Johnson said Cooney had returned from specialist treatment in Germany a changed man.

"He used to hobble out to even start training. Now he runs out, he's straight into it and away he goes," Johnson said yesterday.

"He's moving the best I've seen him move for three or four years."

Cooney's return to form would be a boost for the Dogs.

"They need an Adam Cooney in there to get that pace going around the contest and help generate that outside run that they do lack," Johnson said.

"They've got a lot of guys that love winning the contested footy, but they need to retain possession when it gets on the outside.

"They need more there because the opposition will just look at them and say: 'Let's stop Ryan Griffen and we've got the Bulldogs' at the moment.

"Cooney is one who needs to get back in there to allow Griffen to get off the chain every now and then and have more of an impact getting forward."

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Plea to scrap the cap

Swans coach John Longmire. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph

REIGNING premiership coach John Longmire believes rocketing interchange numbers will stabilise without the AFL's intervention as he pushes for a retention of current rules.

Longmire believes loosening of the 80-interchange cap because of pre-season heat mean the NAB Cup trial of limited rotations will be close to meaningless.

He said yesterday the 80-cap trial should be carried out over a year at a lower level like VFL or SANFL.

While some clubs have passed through 150 interchanges in single games, Longmire says massive interchange becomes counter-productive.

The AFL Commission has ruled in principle to introduce a capped rotation next year but wants more evidence first.

"I think the players are at a point where it is getting to a maximum," Longmire said.

"We got to an average of 132 per game last year and we feel that's about it.

"The players still have to play the game and still want to get into the game and not be on and off for the sake of it.

"Players themselves start to say I am on the ground and the challenge is to sprint off, and by the time you get off you sprint like anything and then sit down for two seconds and then sprint on. You are better off standing there (on the field) anyway.

"Some things in the game find their natural level."

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott this week said he was fearful the game would one day be unrecognisable because of AFL tinkering.

But AFL legend and Rules of the Game member Kevin Bartlett hit back, saying coaching should be ignored when it came to changing rules.

Longmire does not want an interchange cap: "We would like to maintain the status quo".

But he says the AFL needs to produce evidence promoting the cap that it is unlikely to find in the NAB Cup.

"In the pre-season different clubs are doing different things and as we have seen with the heat, are we going to get that over the next couple of weeks, which might affect the data over a short period of time?" he said.

"Are there other ways of getting bigger data and bigger samples over a longer period of time so you can sit and reflect and say these are the pros and cons of it over 12 months in this league?"

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No Buddy conflict, just interest

Hawthorn star Lance Franklin models a new moustache at training yesterday. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

LIAM Pickering says his friendship with Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson will be put to the side when dealing with the contract of star forward Lance Franklin.

Both Clarkson and Franklin are managed by Pickering, of Strategic Management, as are a handful of other Hawks.

Pickering said no rival club had contacted him about Franklin's future in light of his recent decision to put contract talks on hold to the end of the season.

But when the time does come to look at Franklin's contract Pickering said it will be Hawks football manager Mark Evans, and not Clarkson, he talks to about it.

"Clarko and I had a really good chat two or three weeks ago about the whole scenario,'' Pickering said.

"Yeah I manage him, but Clarko and I have been friends since we've been 18, we go back a hell of a long way.

"He understands that I've got a professional job to do and that's to do the right thing by what my client wants, whether the client is him, or Buddy, or Jordan Lewis, or Isaac Smith, whoever it may be."

While dealing with Evans on player contracts, Pickering negotiates with chief executive Stuart Fox on issues pertaining to the coach.

"Keeping the two separate is relatively simple, he insists.

"When I was doing Clarko's contract (in 2011) it's not as if I was discussing it with Buddy,'' Pickering said.

But he admitted there was an element of steeliness that was needed in any negotiation process.

"You've got to put that friendship aside,'' he said.

"They're trying to do the right thing by the club - Clarko's trying to coach a premiership and Buddy's going to try his best to make that happen as well.

"That's the whole idea of having a manager. You don't want to have to worry about the distractions of having to talk to your coach about contracts.

"I can see why people have some interest in how it's all going to play out, but as it sits right now I'm pretty comfortable, as is Clarko, with where it's at.''

Pickering said if rival clubs were thinking about making an offer for the two-time Coleman Medallist then they have not yet made it known to him.

"It's been pretty quiet at this stage,'' he said.

"It is only early in the year so I'm not sure what the other clubs are thinking ... at the moment the only conversations I've had are with Hawthorn.''
 

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Hird heat has Dempsey firing

Courtney Dempsey owed his pre-season fitness to coach James Hird. Picture: George Salpigtidis. Source: Herald Sun

USUALLY when the coach beats a player home in a 2km time-trial, it causes extreme concern.

But Essendon defender Courtenay Dempsey has prospered this summer because of his unlikely partnership with senior coach James Hird.

Just as Sydney's Lewis Jetta teamed with Kieren Jack last pre-season to improve his endurance, Dempsey has thrived after forming a pact with Hird, a fitness fanatic, albeit 15 years his senior.

Dempsey, 25, finished seventh in last year's Crichton Medal count after recovering from a 2011 knee reconstruction and, entering his eighth season, said he had never been in better shape.

"I have gone through so many pre-seasons injured so I have only been at 80 per cent, but I think I am at 95 per cent now or even 100 per cent," Dempsey said.

"The big thing has been having Hirdy running with me and pushing me. I have had him helping me out and getting through the hard sessions.

"He has got me to where I am now. I guess I can't really let him down either, because he is the coach.

"He sort of put together a deal with me about how I could get fit. We had a competition with the 2km time-trial and he beat me by a couple of seconds but he got me a PB (personal best) time."

Hird turned 40 recently, but Dempsey said the Brownlow medallist continued to set the standard.

"He has lost his speed but his fitness level has always been up there and always will be," Dempsey said.

"He loves to stay fit and through the pre-season he loves to run with us.

"Him as well as (assistant coach) Simon Goodwin, who is still elite. I think both of them could still play.

"I think everyone has lost a few kilos (through the pre-season). We are all looking a lot leaner.

"We are still a lot stronger but we have lost weight through a lot more work on long-distance running and aerobic stuff.

"And hopefully it will help us through the latter part of the season."

The elephant in the room is the reason for that transition - the supplements program that has led to the AFL/Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigation.

Dempsey and his teammates have escaped to Wangaratta, Beechworth and Bright for their community camp, but they cannot dodge questions about a saga that looks likely to drag on for months.

"It is all about football for us and that's all we are worried about," he said.

"There is nothing else that is going to take our mind off it. That is what we are here for and that's what we are going to do.

"I guess that's our job. We can't afford to focus on anything else.

"(Hird) is thinking exactly the same thing, just worrying about us and our football.

"He is our coach and that's what he is there to do."

Dempsey featured prominently for the indigenous side against Richmond in Alice Springs last month, and said his hamstring problems of recent years were behind him.

Now Dempsey, who last year signed on until 2015, wants to show Hird the hard work has paid off by stringing together a full season.

"I need to play good footy and consistent footy - over the whole season and not just a block or a month here and there," he said.

"He (Hird) is looking for more consistency so hopefully I can do that.

"Hopefully it goes in that direction, but you know football, you don't know which way it turns."

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Sanderson backs AFL rule changes

Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson talks to his players during three-quarter time break. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

FOOTBALL'S busy rule makers have found an unlikely ally in Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson, who has gone against the grain of the coaching fraternity in encouraging the Laws of the Game Committee to continue tweaking the game.

His call comes despite the fact Adelaide will be one of the hardest hit by planned cuts to the interchange, with the Crows having to slash their rotations by almost half down to 80 against Geelong on the weekend.

The Crows averaged a league-high 152 rotations last season, followed closely by Collingwood (146) and Geelong (144).

But Sanderson said hindsight suggested early protests to rule changes were generally lost in the wind and had led to recent major improvements.

"I think there's been some great rule changes that have made the game better," Sanderson said.

"We all jumped up and down when we had the `chopping-of-the-arms' rule for the defenders, you know. Defenders all said `I'm never going to be able to defend again'.

"But that rule settled down pretty quickly; that was a good rule change.

"The circle for the ruckmen for the centre bounce was a good rule change. At the time, ruckmen said, `You're going to stop us being able to compete and we're just going to be like basketballers and stand there and jump', but that was a good rule change.

"We don't have any more PCL (posterior cruciate ligament, knee) injuries from ruckmen.

"Sometimes we say there are too many rule changes, (but) sometimes the rule changes make the game better.

"As long as we make sure they are the right rule changes and don't make five or six a year for the sake of making five or six a year."

Sanderson's support of the rule makers came as North Melbourne coach Brad Scott urged caution and Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs said he was against further changes to the ruck rules.

"If we make rule changes every time there's an evolution in the game, we'll just end up chasing our tail," Scott said.

"My great fear is that the game becomes unrecognisable in the not too distant future. I would prefer to just let things go as they are and let the game evolve naturally.

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Patton extends Giants deal

The Greater Western Sydney Giants have held off a number of Melbourne-based clubs to re-sign seven promising youngsters.

Jonathon Patton kicks for a goal against Sydney. Source: Getty Images

THE Giants have locked away another seven of their best young players and kept the Melbourne clubs at bay.

Labelling them their "Magnificent Seven", the Giants now have the core of their talent committed to long-term contracts.

Top draft pick Jonathon Patton has signed on until the end of 2015, along with number three and four selections Dom Tyson and Will Hoskin-Elliott, and rookie-listed players Andrew Phillips and Sam Frost.

Curtly Hampton and Aidan Corr have agreed to commit to the club until the end of 2016.

Fourteen months ago Eddie McGuire was threatening to steal every one of the Giants' good players for the rest of his life.

So far neither Collingwood or any of the other teams in the AFL have been able to draw a single player out of Western Sydney.

"We're on the map and on the right track," Giants CEO David Matthews told The Daily Telegraph.

"It's one thing to draft players, it's another thing to retain them.

"This is a significant piece of the jigsaw which gives confidence to the fans and corporate support.

"It was assumed by a lot of Melbourne clubs that the Giants would struggle to retain these players.

"We've created an environment where these players want to stay. The AFL needs this club to be strong."

With the departure of Israel Folau, the Giants are looking to their teenage talent to provide the headlines in the years to come.

"We need more household names and we need to keep these guys," Matthews said.

"I hope they did compare us to other clubs because that's the biggest endorsement of all.

"Combined with the 13 players who re-signed last year, the Giants now have more than 20 long-term signatures, including all eight of the 2012 Rising Star Nominations.

Yesterday's announcement comes on the back of an impressive performance in the opening round of the NAB Cup, when the Giants led Carlton with 30 seconds to go and beat cross-town rivals the Swans for the first time.

The round-one clash against the premiers at ANZ is beginning to look like a much more competitive affair.

"This time last year we were approaching round one with a bit of trepidation," Matthews said.

"A lot of those doubts have disappeared."

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Zorko star still rising

Brisbane forward Dayne Zorko takes the bull by the horns. Picture: Mark Calleja Source: Herald Sun

DAYNE Zorko's great rise at the Brisbane Lions just keeps getting better after the midfield revelation was elevated to the club's emerging leadership group.

Entering just his second AFL season, the nippy Zorko has been earmarked as a future leader by coach Michael Voss following a brilliant 2012 debut.

A mature-age recruit who feared he'd missed the boat after being overlooked at four AFL drafts due to his size at 175cm, the Gold Coast product made the most of his late chance at the Lions.

Brisbane tweaked their club champion rules for him to convincingly take their rookie of the year award after averaging 20 disposals in his 16 games.

Skipper Jonathan Brown even believes Zorko would have won the best-and-fairest too if not for missing the first six rounds with a hip injury.

Despite his AFL inexperience, Voss had little hesitation in naming Zorko with fellow rising stars Jack Redden, Pearce Hanley and Mitch Golby in his young leaders group.

The Lions appointed Jed Adcock as co-captain with Brown, while Tom Rockliff and Daniel Rich were named as deputies in a four-man 'captain's group'.

But within the process Voss named two small leadership groups of rising players and mentors, featuring Simon Black.

"It was a fantastic honour, really," Zorko said today. "I was really speechless when I got told and it was great to hear that's what my peers thought of me."

A dominant force in the NEAFL for Broadbeach until 18 months ago, Zorko admits he finds it hard to believe his Lions ascension after he was on-traded by the Gold Coast Suns for pick No.34 in the 2011 national draft.

Dayne Zorko attacks the football. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

Now he's doing his best to ensure he's no flash in the pan.

"I've spoken to Vossy and I've spoken to Daniel Rich about the second-year syndrome and I feel like I've worked a lot on that so I'll go out there and play my role in the team like I did last year," said Zorko, who turned 24 this month.

Brisbane is well poised to make the NAB Cup final after winning both their opening round matches against the Suns and Hawthorn last weekend.

The Lions meet the GWS Giants at Wagga on Saturday night where a win would set up a virtual grand final qualifier against Collingwood next week.

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Hawthorn SuperCoach preview

Lance Franklin can dominate a game like few other players. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

WHICH Hawthorn players should you pick in SuperCoach this year and who should you avoid?

Don't worry about Grand Final pain, tormented off-seasons and all that palava. Waverley Park will be a SuperCoach goldmine again.

There is no changing-of-the-guard or rebuild in sight here, which means the big names will be pumping out big scores. It's still prime time.

Hawthorn was last year the No.1 side for kicking efficiency (we'll ignore the Grand Final meltdown) and easily the highest-scoring team. That's just about as sexy as it gets in SuperCoach land.

There are fantasy A-graders on every line. Lance Franklin inside 50m, Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell in the engine room, Jarryd Roughead in the ruck and forward and Grant Birchall in defence.

Then there's the intriguing addition of Brian Lake. At his injury-free best the former Western Bulldogs stopper was the creme de la creme of fantasy footy defenders.

Age and injury issues have since dulled the love affair, but insiders say he has been rejuvenated by the change of scenery. Add to the fact he will line-up in a far more accomplished side and it's easy to picture him intercepting opposition kicks under pressure and streaming forward on the rebound.

There's still a lot to like about the Hawks.

Have you signed up for SuperCoach yet? Join now and get your mates involved in the biggest off-field battle of 2013.

SUPERCOACH SUPERSTAR

Lance Franklin (forward) $618,000

Who else? Buddy might just about be the only key-position forward most coaches pick, but for good reason. Was overlooked by some last year because Hawthorn had a tough start to the season. Buddy responded with scores of 122, 128, 117 and 112 in the first month - blowing that theory out of the water - and went on to post monster scores of 236, 142 and 140. Believe it or not, the same line of thinking is doing the rounds this year.

BANK 'EM

Grant Birchall (defender) $506,400

A go-to rebounding defender who plays for a team that likes to play possession football. If that's not attractive enough, consider the fact he averaged 95 last year and topped the ton nine times.

Sam Mitchell (midfielder) $592,600

A player who, for some reason, gets little love at this time of year in the SuperCoach world. But the numbers don't lie. Averaged 111 in an ultra-consistent 2012 season, dropping below 90 only four times. At 592k he is a relatively cheap midfield option and he is a terrific point of difference.

Hawthorn Grant Birchall in full flight working onto his penetrating left boot. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

BUY 'EM

Brian Lake (defender) $430,700

Struggle to see how this bloke can't go up in value. Granted, he hasn't had a good season since 2010 when he averaged 105 and he may not reach those levels again. But at this price, healthy and rejuvenated at a premiership contender, he is a must-get.

Luke Breust (forward) $458,900

Hawthorn's cult hero averaged 85 playing mainly as a forward. So when reports out of Hawthorn suggest he may get a bit more midfield time this year it's easy to see the potential for bigger scores. Not what you'd call cheap, but he's an impact player who makes things happen. Not many will have him, either.

Get the latest SuperCoach news and tips and join the debate on Facebook

BURY 'EM

Luke Hodge (midfielder) $459,500

The skipper was once a lock, but those days appear over. Persistent knee issues have disrupted his pre-season and he will be in cotton wool some weeks. Far better - and safer - options in midfield.

Matt Suckling (defender) $442,400

His best is highly attractive, but his inconsistency isn't. Save pulling your hair out every third week and pass.

Retirement off the agenda: Luke Hodge played only 10 games last year after damaging his posterior cruciate ligament. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

SUPERCOACH DRAFT WATCHLIST

Jordan Lewis (midfielder/forward)

Unique option, dual position status and has scored well in recent years. What's not to like?

Brad Sewell (midfielder)

Had the highest possession rate at Hawthorn last year and ranked second for disposals, clearances and tackles. Not the greatest kick, but doesn't need to be to generate triple-figure scores.

SPORTSBET ODDS - Most SuperCoach points by a Hawthorn player in 2013

$2.20 Sam Mitchell
$2.75 Lance Franklin
$6 Brad Sewell
$10 Cyril Rioli
$10 Jordan Lewis
$10 Jarryd Roughead
$14 David Hale
$16 Grant Birchall

* Not including finals

Source: sportsbet.com.au

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Stevens 'all good' despite concussions

Scott Stevens at Adelaide Crows training in 2011 shortly before he retired. Source: The Advertiser

SERIAL concussion victim Scott Stevens has declared he is "all good" and has no significant health problems.

As former AFL players reveal their mental health struggles following football concussions, ex-Crow Stevens - forced out of the game at 29 because of a series of head knocks - said he is "feeling fine" and is not suffering any serious side-effects of a career which ended prematurely.

"I'm all good, there's nothing (bad) to report," said the notoriously media-shy Stevens, who retired midway through the 2010 season after three concussions in a year.

While Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson yesterday warned the AFL to "take a conservative approach" with concussions, Stevens told The Advertiser he is not yet interested in joining the debate about how the league should best handle its concussion controversy.

"I'm sorry but I've made my decision not to talk (in depth) about it and I'm happy with that," said Stevens, who is living in Perth with his wife Anna and young daughter Hayley.

"But I'm feeling fine, which is good."

Stevens - who is in his third year out of the game - is one of the highest profile victims of AFL concussions.

Scott Stevens takes a break during training with Adelaide football operations manager Phil Harper after receiving a knock.

He retired after 144 games after being knocked out for one last time against Fremantle in round three, 2011.

He revealed at his retirement press conference that he had suffered months of "headaches, nausea, vomiting and vision problems".

"They were 24/7 and I basically had to stay at home, I couldn't read and I struggled to watch television," Stevens said.

"It was not great".

It was expected Stevens would join former Demon Daniel Bell in seeking a compensation claim against the AFL because of the shocking toll the heavy knocks took on his 195cm frame.

This is still not out of the question.

They (headaches) were 24/7 and I basically had to stay at home, I couldn't read and I struggled to watch television

But one of Stevens' best mates and former Crows defensive team-mate Nathan Bassett last night confirmed Stevens was in good health and not just playing a straight bat to questions.

"He's fine," said Bassett, who coached SANFL club Norwood to last year's premiership.

"I caught up with him at (former Crows ruckman) Matthew Clarke's wedding in Adelaide (in January) and he's in good health, he looks really good.

"I don't think he is experiencing any after-effects at all, which is surprising considering the amount of heavy knocks he took."

Bassett said Stevens is working in the human resources department for a shipping company in WA and keeps fit by running and cycling.

Adelaide list manager David Noble said the Crows kept in contact with Stevens to monitor his health.

"Part of our role, along with the AFL Players Association, is to have an exit policy and make sure players who leave the game are going okay with their lives after football," Noble said.

"Clearly Scotty had some (health) issues so we do monitor his situation by talking to him and his family and friends about him.

"Scott says he is well and all the reports are good, which is terrific, but we will continue to stay in touch to make sure he is okay."

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Sanderson: I told lies to doctors

ADELAIDE coach Brenton Sanderson has admitted to lying to club doctors to prolong his AFL career.

As the concussion debate heats up following dual Brownlow Medallist Greg Williams' revelations about memory loss and other mental health issues following years of concussions, Sanderson said he was knocked out eight times in a 20-year junior and senior career.

"And I was one of those players who lied to doctors and said to doctors that I was feeling good," said Sanderson, who in his first year as Crows coach had to deal with serious concussion issues with now-departed key forward Kurt Tippett.

Having had concussions as a player and walked the fine line with them as a coach, Sanderson now wants the AFL to take a "conservative" approach to them.

"I am fully behind making the correct decisions on player welfare," Sanderson said.

"We have to make sure we are not making our game any sort of extra health risk for people down the track.

"I watch closely what is happening in the (United) States with the research that's going on with NFL players and there's some horrible stories there of brain disease from players with continual head knocks.

"It's not my expertise and I probably shouldn't comment on it but I'd prefer to take a conservative approach to the concussion rule to make sure we get this right."

Sanderson, who celebrated his 39th birthday yesterday, said it was important decisions were taken out of the hands of the players concerned.

I'd prefer to take a conservative approach to the concussion rule to make sure we get this right

"As much as players tell lies to doctors there are processes in place now where we take it out of the players' hands," said Sanderson who played 209 AFL games for Adelaide, Collingwood and Geelong.

"There's a lot of computer testing that they do now and psycho-analysis stuff which is really good and we (AFL clubs) are certainly behind anything the AFL can do to make the game safer and make sure we don't put players out there who are under any extra risks."

He said he had not suffered any side-effects of his concussions.

"I think I'm okay," he said - but that his family were "obviously concerned" when he suffered repeated head knocks.

"When I had concussions people close to me warned me about going back out there," he said.

"But we are an unusual breed, footballers.

"It is a brutal game at times and we are exposed without any sort of protective headgear to knocks.

"But that's the game we play unfortunately and we love to compete and the mateship of going out there when you are injured.

"Hopefully we can change that mentality a bit too."

The AFL yesterday announced it would host a concussion conference, also involving the NRL, ARU and FFA, in Melbourne on March 20-21, to update the codes on the latest research.

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Lions top NAB Cup ladder

Nick Riewoldt in the rain during St Kilda's intra-club practice match in Wangaratta last year. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: HWT Image Library

THE Lions are surprise pre-season ladder-leaders, Richmond is ninth and the Dogs have a hand on the NAB Cup wooden spoon.

Brisbane bolted out of the blocks with wins against Hawthorn and Gold Coast to record the best percentage of the four teams to hold an unbeaten record after the first round of NAB Cup matches.

Mick Malthouse made a successful start to his coaching career to have Carlton sitting second, just ahead of his former club Collingwood, while North Melbourne rounds out the top four after snatching victory late against Richmond on Friday night.

Those four teams seem the only realistic hopes of making the final of the pre-season competition, which will be played between the two top teams after three rounds of round-robin matches.

See the full NAB Cup fixture below

The competition reverts to full-length games for the next two weeks as clubs head to the far corners of the country.

Brisbane will try to keep its unbeaten record intact against GWS in Wagga, Gold Coast will take on North Melbourne in the first AFL match in Townsville while Essendon will return to Wangaratta to face Richmond.

The Bombers were set to play in Wangaratta last year but the match was called off in bizarre circumstances.

After chartering planes to transport players to the town - 240km from Melbourne - on the day of the game, the Bombers were forced to return to Melbourne when the aircraft couldn't land due to bad weather.

The match was abandoned and the Saints were later awarded the points - and gave angry locals something to watch by staging a hastily-arranged practice match.

NAB CUP LADDER

1. Brisbane Lions 2-0 254.3%
2. Carlton 2-0 142.9%
3. Collingwood 2-0 134.5%
4. North Melbourne 2-0 107.5%
5. Port Adelaide 1-1  158.6%
6. Essendon 1-1 148.0%
7. GWS 1-1 135.5%
8. West Coast 1-1 133.8%
---
9. Richmond 1-1 117.5%
10. Fremantle 1-1 91.4%
11. Adelaide 1-1 87.0%
12. Geelong 1-1 83.2%
13. St Kilda 1-1 73.0%
14. Gold Coast 1-1 62.8%
15. Melbourne 0-2 75.0%
16. Hawthorn 0-2 64.5%
17. Sydney 0-2 53.1%
18. Western Bulldogs 0-2 52.2%

NAB CUP FIXTURE (all times local)

Round 2

Friday, March 1
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn (Etihad Stadium,7.40pm) FOX FOOTY

Saturday, March 2
Geelong v Adelaide (Simonds Stadium, 2.40pm) FOX FOOTY
Gold Coast v North Melbourne (Townsville, 3.30pm)
Essendon v Richmond (Wangaratta, 5.10pm) FOX FOOTY
GWS v Brisbane Lions (Wagga, 7pm)
Carlton v Fremantle (Etihad Stadium, 7.40pm) FOX FOOTY

Sunday, March 3
Port Adelaide v Melbourne (Renmark, 4pm)
St Kilda v Sydney (Etihad Stadium, 5.10pm) FOX FOOTY
West Coast v Collingwood (Patersons Stadium, 4.40pm) FOX FOOTY

Round 3

Friday, March 8
GWS v Essendon (Manuka Oval, 6.10pm) FOX FOOTY
Adelaide v Carlton (AAMI Stadium, 8.10pm) FOX FOOTY

Saturday, March 9
Hawthorn v Richmond (Aurora Stadium, 1.10pm) FOX FOOTY
Melbourne v St Kilda (Casey Fields, 2.30pm)
Fremantle v Western Bulldogs (Northam), 3.30pm
Geelong v North Melbourne (Simonds Stadium, 3.40pm) FOX FOOTY
Collingwood v Brisbane Lions (Etihad Stadium, 6.40pm) FOX FOOTY
West Coast v Port Adelaide (Alice Springs, 7pm)
Sydney v Gold Coast (Blacktown ISP, 7pm)

Grand Final

Friday March 15 or Saturday March 16
(Venue TBC) 7.40pm FOX FOOTY/Channel 7

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Panel clears Buddy hit

Lance Franklin runs the ball during the round one NAB Cup match against Gold Coast. Source: Getty Images

HAWTHORN'S gun goalkicker Lance Franklin has no case to answer from an incident In the NAB Cup match against Gold Coast.

The AFL match review panel cleared Franklin of contact to Suns youngster Matt Shaw, deciding the Hawks ace had his hand open and it wasn't a striking action.

Carlton forward Levi Casboult is also in the clear after his heavy collision with GWS Giants Matt Buntine was deemed to be accidental.

The MRP decided Casboult had made a realistic attempt to win the ball.

Reports this morning suggested Buntine was still in hospital and may have suffered a punctured lung.

Gold Coast rookie Andrew Boston won't face a front-on bump charge after it was decided he had no alternative way to contest the ball when he collided with Brisbane Lion Claye Beams.

 

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SuperCoach: Rev up and win

Sign up for SuperCoach today for a chance to win the best seats in the house for the Australian Grand Prix. Source: Supplied

Scuderia Toro Rosso-Ferrari driver Daniel Ricciardo of Australia powers past the crowd during qualifying for Formula One's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Source: AFP

TIME is running out to win an adrenalin-charged Melbourne Grand Prix package just by signing up to play SuperCoach.

Every SuperCoach player (aged 18 and over) who signs up to play before March 1 will go into the draw for a weekend of fun and thrills valued at more than $4000.

The F1 Adrenalin package includes:

TICKETS for the Winner and three friends to the 2013 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix Premium Zone at Turn 15 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the event valued at $249 each.

A V8 Hot Lap valued at $1000.

HELICOPTER ride over the GP circuit.

ACCESS for the winner and friends to the VIP viewing platform at the Nitro Circus live closing performance on Sunday March 17.

PLUS accommodation for two at Crown Plaza in Melbourne from Thursday March 14-Sunday March 17 valued at $2200.

To have a shot at the fantastic prize all you have to do is register your team in Australia's biggest and best fantasy sports game before Friday.

And you'll also have a shot at the SuperCoach grand prize of $50,000 plus $1000 every week to the highest-scoring team.

Don't miss out!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER YOUR TEAM NOW

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Roos re-sign one more

North Melbourne defender Jamie Macmillan has committed to the club for another two years. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has continued to shore up its list, re-signing defender Jamie Macmillan on a two-year deal that will keep him at the Kangaroos until the end of 2015 season.

Veteran forward Daniel Wells and young star Jack Ziebell recently won contract extensions through to the end of 2016 while Shaun Atley signed until 2015.

Coach Brad Scott was given a vote of confidence by the AFL club last week when the Roos announced he'd signed a new deal tying him to the Kangaroos until the end of 2016.

Macmillan said the Kangaroos were confident of the direction they were headed in.

"We're all pretty close and its hard to explain, but I think we all have a good feeling about where were going and we have absolute confidence in Brad," Macmillan told the Roos website.

The 20-year-old played every game last year and is aiming to become more flexible and diverse in 2013.

Macmillan said he planned on playing a bigger role in the team and had a clear sense of his aims.

"Last year was about laying some groundwork and learning the basics of the game, and that's given me some confidence," he said.

"I'm the kind of guy who never really feels settled, but from day one of pre-season I've had some really clear goals about what I wanted to do and how I wanted to improve."

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Giant out with punctured lung

Young GWS defender Matt Buntine lies on the ground after being hurt in a marking contest. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

YOUNG Greater Western Sydney defender Matt Buntine will miss eight weeks after suffering a punctured lung in the NAB Cup.

Buntine was crunched by Carlton forward Levi Casboult at Blacktown yesterday and was immediately taken to Blacktown Hospital, where he had his lung drained.

He also suffered a broken rib and is now recovering in Westmead Hospital.

"It is unfortunate for Matt who has had a strong pre-season. But we are confident he will make a full recovery and look forward to him returning to the team and playing a key role for the Giants," GWS football manager Graeme Allan said.

He said co-captain Callan Ward would be available for the Giants' clash against the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night after missing the first round of the NAB Cup with a minor knee injury.

Meanwhile, Giants coach Kevin Sheedy says he won't rush the development of his AFL side.

Sheedy noted GWS have the makings of an "absolutely magnificent team" after they posted a maiden win over cross-city rivals Sydney in a pre-season clash at Blacktown.

While Sheedy was all smiles, he noted the club was still aiming for long-term sustainable success.

"Clubs in a hurry have accidents," Sheedy said.

"You've seen that in the last few years in the AFL, they muck up by rushing their decisions.

"Rushing to want to be good, rushing to try and find the edge.

"Sometimes the edge is your own spirit, soul and talent."

GWS's 24-point victory over Sydney came after the Giants were left feeling "very, very annoyed with themselves" after going down to Carlton by two points.

The shock upset added another layer of intrigue to the opening-round Sydney derby on March 30 at ANZ Stadium.

"Teams are going to improve and GWS showed they've improved a lot and they really want to compete," Swans midfielder Luke Parker said.

"That's what we didn't do tonight.

"I guess their attack on the ball was always up there, but they were very attacking and used a lot of hands through the middle and they were doing it pretty well tonight.

"The thing is, we let them. We didn't have the pressure we normally put on them. So it made it a lot easier for them."

GWS lost both of their derby clashes in 2012, by an average of 78.5 points, and Sheedy was looking forward to seeing how far his side had come.

"It's a game that's actually going to change the state of football in NSW, for sure," Sheedy said.

"Because what our players are starting to feel is that we're not that far away, really, from any of the sides.

"I know we've got a bit of a way to go, but the growth of this team over the summer has been enormous.

"I've been around football a long time and I've seen the great Richmond sides play, and obviously coached the great Bombers sides.

"Get on early because this side is going to be an absolutely magnificent team."

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Bomber 'embarrassed' over scandal

Mark Thompson says he feels embarrassed by the Essendon drugs scandal. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON assistant coach Mark Thompson says he feels embarrassed to walk in public in light of the drug scandal currently engulfing his club.

As the AFL and Australian Sports Anti Doping Authority continue their investigation in to the club's alleged use of performance enhancing drugs last year, Thompson said the matter was the most serious issue he had ever had to deal with in football.

Thompson said the club's image had "copped a hammering", making life difficult for all players and staff.

"It's been very hard to survive and to live," Thompson said.

"Everywhere you go you feel embarrassed, you think that people are thinking you've done these things that everybody has been saying we're doing.

"To be honest we just have to sit back and wait, and we can't defend ourselves because we're just not allowed to and we understand that, we're part of this process where we want to find the truth out and once the truth comes out we'll deal with the consequences.

"In that regard it's been really difficult."

Thompson told Fox Footy that the past few weeks had been a constant challenge, but admitted he had been impressed with the way the players had handled the situation.

"The players have actually been OK," he said on AFL 360.

"They've been training really well and when we get out on to the grass you sort of forget about what you're doing so in that regard it's OK. But it does come up in your mind when you're not out on the grass.

"You've just got to bring people together and discuss things. It changes every day and in all honesty it's a challenge, but it's a challenge we have to get through because we have to play games of footy and we have to win our respect back to our members, sponsors, the game, everybody."

Speaking for the first time since the drug scandal erupted, Thompson admitted to being "part of the process" that saw suspended high performance manager Dean Robinson to the club.

"I was there. I take responsibility for that for sure."

But he dismissed suggestions his influence at the club is greater than it should be.

"I'm there because of my experience and I try to pass on that knowledge, but in the end there's no point me having that knowledge and experience and having a puppet here and a puppet there and I'm pulling the strings. I'm not the coach, I've got no responsibility.

"If I've got the experience, I'll actually train you to do your role, I can't actually do it for you. So as far as that's concerned, it's only advice."

Thompson, the coach of Geelong when it won the 2007 and 2009 premierships, refused to fan any speculation surrounding Robinson's past involvement with the Cats.

"Again, when all the truth comes out, if there is anything that happened at Geelong well it will come out too," he said.

"At least we know with ASADA it's going to be very, very thorough and they will get to the bottom of it."

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Point proved as Moloney roars

Brent Moloney in action for the Brisbane Lions on Saturday night. Source: Getty Images

BRENT Moloney felt he had a point to prove in his first competitive outing as a Brisbane Lion at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

After heading to the Gabba in the off-season, this was the first time the former Demons midfielder was in the trenches with his new comrades.

He did not want to let them down in the heat of battle.

He did anything but.

Eight clearances, three inside 50s, one nine-point supergoal and 17 disposals across the two wins over Hawthorn and Gold Coast in the NAB Cup opener was exactly the kind of display that Brisbane, and Moloney, were looking for.

Lions legend Simon Black now has a right-hand man when it comes to the in-and-under scraps around stoppages.

He no longer has to shoulder most of the ball-winning load.

Moloney is capable of being in the AFL's elite when it comes to the dirty work.

Moloney, 29, was just happy to be singing Brisbane's club song after a successful debut but his efforts inside would have been most pleasing to the Lions coaching staff.

"`When you come to a new club, you want to impress your teammates and the coaching staff. You want to earn their respect,'' he said.

"The best way you can do that is stick to the team structures and perform your role and I'm glad I was able to do that.

"We've been going at each other for three or four months at training so it was good to face some opposition together and come out on top.

"We got a good, even spread from everyone which is what we need to be successful this year.

"I felt like we ran over the top of them in the end. It is only early days but it feels good to know that we are fit and we've got up a little momentum.''

Moloney was not the only ex-Demon to catch the eye.

Forward/ruck Stefan Martin also produced some nice touches.

He had eight disposals and three clearances against the Suns after having seven touches and one clearance against the Hawks.

"Stef is hard to match-up on because he is quick, agile and such a big unit.

"He was good for us and it's going to be exciting to see what he can do when Brownie (Jonathan Brown) gets back and they can work together,'' Moloney said.

The Suns take on the Kangaroos on Saturday in the first AFL match ever played in Townsville.

Skipper Gary Ablett will again lead the side and midfielder Dion Prestia, solid forward Danny Stanley and goal sneak Brandon Matera are expected to make their first appearances.

The Suns are likely to field a side that will closely resemble the outfit played in the season opener against St Kilda on March 30.

With vice-captain Nathan Bock ruled out of the NAB Cup, and Trent MacKenzie and Seb Tape still in rehabilitation, coach Guy McKenna will have given all his first-choice round 1 players a game after Townsville.
 

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Carlton mixes it up in Blacktown

New Carlton coach Mick Malthouse at Blacktown yesterday. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

THE best and worst of Carlton was on show as veteran coach Mick Malthouse began his Blues tenure with contrasting pre-season wins against Sydney and Greater Western Sydney yesterday.

Malthouse, holding the Blues' reins for the first time under match conditions, was given a quick reminder of how frustrating the coach's box can be in the two-point triumph against GWS in Blacktown.

His side struggled with the yips and hit the front only in the final minute, with Levi Casboult's goal the difference in the 0.4.10 (34) to 0.5.2 (32) victory. Whatever Malthouse's message was after the uninspiring performance, it worked.

He saw things he liked in both wins, but said his charges were yet to master their new game plan.

"The intent was there, but we're getting a bit confused between the two game structures from last year and this year," said Malthouse, the second most-experienced coach in VFL/AFL history.

"We'll certainly need the three NAB Cup games in front of us to iron out a few areas of concern."

Malthouse was blunt when asked what areas needed to change before the Round 1 match against Richmond on March 28.

"There's a whole host of them. Your interview is not going to last that long," he said.

"There's just a lot of things that are different. I'm not saying one is right and one is wrong.

"But this is the way I want to do it, and this is the way it's got to be. We can't have mixed game structures or plans or anything else.

"There's enough there from today to be shown (in a video review session), and it's crystal clear. It's not going to be cured overnight but at least it's there."

Andrew Carrazzo and Eddie Betts, both rested from the opening contest, led the way as the Blues outclassed the Swans in driving rain and strolled to a six-goal advantage at halftime.

The premiers showed more fight in the second stanza, when the showers cleared, but lost a 1.5.7 (46) to 0.3.6 (24).

It was an impressive result for Carlton, given Chris Judd, key forward Jarrad Waite, ruckman Matthew Kreuzer and utility Heath Scotland were all left in Melbourne.

The only injury concern was Giants defender Matt Buntine, who was helped from the field after copping the brunt of Casboult's knee in a marking contest.

He was sent to hospital for scans on suspected rib damage.

"He's sore. How sore I don't know," GWS coach Kevin Sheedy said.

"He won't play for a little while. He'll be out for a month at least."

Blues key forward Sam Rowe kicked two goals against the Giants, and he and Casboult also looked the goods in their side's slaying of the Swans.

Bryce Gibbs, Mitch Robinson and Brock McLean were influential in both games for the Blues. Marc Murphy had only five handballs against GWS, when he captained Carlton, but 11 disposals in the second clash.

GWS unveiled Lachie Whitfield, the No.1 pick from last year's draft, but it was the top of the 2011 draft class, Jonathon Patton, who impressed most in the first match of the triple-header.

Patton, whose maiden season was ruined by injury, moved well and kicked 2.1.

The Giants completed the triple-header with a 0.7.10 (52) to 1.3.1 (28) upset win against Sydney.

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It is time, says Hardwick

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says it is time for the Tigers to feature in September. Source: Getty Images

THE expectation about Richmond breaking its finals hoodoo was raised again yesterday with coach Damien Hardwick telling the club's faithful it was time to feature in September.

Speaking at the club's family day, Hardwick said it was an "exciting time'' to be a Tigers fan.

"We can look forward to the start of our 2013 campaign with renewed vigour,'" he said.

"We certainly think we're a chance to go where we haven't gone for some 12 or 13 years prior, and we look forward to giving you the opportunity to participate in September."'

Richmond's last finals appearance was in 2001; a preliminary final loss to eventual premier Brisbane.

Midfielder Reece Conca said the players were not concerned about the growing expectation.

"There's a good vibe around, so we're sort of feeding off that and it's really good,'' he said.

"We've built a pretty solid team, especially through the midfield, but we've got some solid depth across the field.

"We're all excited and happy to be out there together."

The Tigers defeated Melbourne but lost to North Melbourne in the opening round of the NAB Cup on Friday night.

"The team went really well and we're looking to build from that and bring some good form into the season, and get some wins on the board,'' Conca said.

The Tigers travel to Wangaratta to play Essendon in Round 2 of the NAB Cup on Saturday night.

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Ball to bounce back soon

Collingwood's Luke Ball is on the verge of returning to the field. Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD'S Luke Ball is likely to make his long-awaited return to football next week.

The 3 NAB Cup game against Brisbane, has been touted for Ball's comeback, providing he handles an increased training load.

If he plays against the Lions in the March 9 game at Etihad Stadium, the veteran midfielder will take a big step towards being passed fit for Round 1 of the home-and-away season.

The Magpies have been ultra-conservative in managing Ball, 28, who blew out his knee in Round 3 last year.

He received a clearance from his surgeon regarding his knee in December, but has required extra work to strengthen the hamstring where the graft was taken for the operation.

Ball didn't take part in Collingwood's intra-club practice match on Friday but is expected to step up his competitive work this week.

He has played 51 games for Collingwood since crossing in 2010 from St Kilda, where he played 142 games.

Collingwood is likely to have an interesting selection dilemma for the Round 1 clash with North Melbourne, as Ball and fellow midfielder Dale "Daisy" Thomas could both be available.

Thomas took a significant step in his recovery from an ankle injury late last week when he pulled up well from a lengthy running session.

Coach Nathan Buckley last week rated Ball slightly ahead of Thomas for Round 1.

"Luke could drop into full training at any stage in the next week and Dale is probably a week away from doing warm-up and full training," Buckley said.

"If 'Daisy' fully trains in a week's time, we're still a month out from Round 1.

"If he was able to achieve that, he'd be around the mark for a Round 1 start."

The revamped NAB Cup bench rules - teams will be allowed three interchange players and three substitutes - are a potential advantage for the Magpies, because the substitutes will become full interchange players if the weather is hot.

Previously Ball and Thomas could have been eased back by playing a quarter or a half in the practice match series because of the extended interchange rules.

Forward Alex Fasolo (foot) and Tyson Goldsack (knee) are likely to return for Sunday's Round 2 NAB Cup match against West Coast at Subiaco.
 

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Adelaide big guns locked and loaded

Adelaide gun Scott Thompson is ready to return. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE is ready to load all its big guns again.

The Crows are expected to put all of their first-choice players, bar injured midfielder-defender Brodie Smith, in action in the NAB Cup clash with the Cats in Geelong on Saturday.

This will bring club champion Scott Thompson, lead ruckman Sam Jacobs and defenders Ben Rutten and Brent Reilly into their first pre-season hit-outs.

And it will squeeze out the young Crows - such as rookie-listed defender Rory Laird - after impressive auditions in the past fortnight, including Saturday's five-point win against Fremantle in the noon trial at AAMI Stadium.

More difficult to dismiss may be young midfielders Aidan Riley and Brad Crouch, particularly when the AFL is allowing extended benches (now six rather than the regulation four).

Adelaide assistant coach Matthew Clarke yesterday reaffirmed the Crows need to settle a line-up within their remaining two Cup games against the Cats and Carlton at home on Friday week.

Adelaide will open the AFL premiership season hosting Essendon on Friday, March 22.

"We have two games with just the 22 (actually 24) and only 20 rotations in each quarter, so the guys who play in the next fortnight are going to play full games at full intensity," said Clarke.

Telling in Adelaide's selection on Thursday night will be which young Crows have forced themselves into coach Brenton Sanderson's planning against the Bombers.

"Aidan Riley is a genuine inside midfielder. But to get a game as an inside midfielder in our team you have to get past Scott Thompson, Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane," Clarke said.

"Brad Crouch has had a run in the past fortnight," added Clarke of the midfielder Adelaide had to hold on ice last year to meet AFL rules.

"He is starting to show some of the skill set we think he is going to display at the next level, but he is really young (18) and there already is a lot of (external) pressure on him because of the way he was selected for our club.

"So we need to be pretty patient with him."

Adelaide carefully managed its 30-man squad in the heat on Saturday when 12 players were restricted to half the game against the impressive 25-man Dockers.

Among those who were playing their first half of competitive football this season were key forward Taylor Walker, captain Nathan van Berlo, fellow midfielder Sloane and Bernie Vince.

The Crows reported no injuries from the trial.

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AFL to dissect Jacobs signing

Adelaide Crows ruckman Sam Jacobs has signed for three more years. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE is to send its first contract renewal to AFL House since the Kurt Tippett scandal forced a forensic exam of every player deal at West Lakes.

Lead ruckman Sam Jacobs' contract has been extended by three years to the end of the 2016 season.

Normally, such a deal, particularly from a clean-imaged Adelaide, would have drawn no more than the standard check from AFL investigator Ken Wood, who must sanction every player contract lodged at AFL House.

But the fallout of the Tippett saga, which put every player deal at West Lakes under scrutiny in November and December, ensures the AFL will be reading every clause of Jacobs' contract with closer attention.

This is the inevitable pain of the secret and illegal deals Adelaide had with Tippett.

Crows chairman Rob Chapman on Wednesday met AFL chief Andrew Demetriou to detail how Adelaide will seek to restore its status, and trust with the league, by following West Coast in setting up in-house integrity checks to ensure the Tippett affair is never repeated at West Lakes.

Jacobs, 25 in April, yesterday confirmed his new deal by tweeting team-mate Patrick Dangerfield.

He said: "Great to join your ranks in hanging round for a long time".

Dangerfield last year signed a three-year contract extension.

But Jacobs suggests there is a significant difference in his deal when compared to the big-grossing Dangerfield: "Not $$$ though."

Jacobs is in his third season at Adelaide, after starting his AFL journey as a rookie at Carlton where he played 17 games in two seasons with the Blues.

A South Australian with family ties to the Yorke Peninsula, Jacobs returned to Adelaide to establish himself as a No. 1 ruckman - a role he clearly commands with the Crows.

He has played 43 games with Adelaide and has been added to the leadership group at West Lakes this season.

Jacobs is expected to return to competitive action on Saturday with his first pre-season hit-out in the NAB Cup clash with Geelong at Geelong.

But the big question of who partners Jacobs in the absence of Tippett - who has defected to Sydney - remains unanswered as the auditions continue with Josh Jenkins, Shaun McKernan and Richmond recruit Angus Graham.

And Adelaide may not be hung up on only one answer.

Adelaide assistant coach and former ruckman Matthew Clarke yesterday defined the race saying: "Reality is we are looking for someone to fill (the ruck role) for 30 per cent of the game, maybe more, maybe less.

"The ultimate decision ... is what (does that player) do for the other 70 per cent of the game time? He must play as a forward - and Jenkins and McKernan are natural forwards.

"Angus Graham is fighting for the No. 1 ruck role, and you need that internal competition. But that doesn't mean we would go like West Coast or as Sydney did in the grand final when they played their two ruckmen. We haven't ruled out going that way.

"That flexibility is not a terrible thing. It is a bonus."

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Start of a new era for Power

Former Port Adelaide skipper Dom Cassisi, left, at pre-season training with Brad Ebert. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

DOM Cassisi says Port Adelaide was ready for a new captain.

While he was dealing with his illness he also was contemplating whether he should lead the Power for a a club record-equalling fifth consecutive year.

"I told Ken (new coach Ken Hinkley) that I was happy to do it again if he thought no one else was ready," the popular Cassisi said.

"Ken was outstanding about it. He spoke to me about the captaincy regularly but with so many changes around the place we were also looking at the start of a new era.

"We discussed getting the timing right for the club, me and the group and when you saw how well Boaky (Travis Boak) and Brad (Ebert) performed in the pre-season you could see that the time was right, that they were ready to lead.

"So together we came to that conclusion."

Boak was appointed the Power's fifth captain, joining an illustrious group made up of Gavin Wanganeen, Matthew Primus, Warren Tredrea and Cassisi. Former West Coast Eagles player Ebert was announced vice-captain.

Cassisi, right, described the decision as the right one.

"They were so ready," he said.

"As hard as it is to give up something you love the timing was ideal.

"They are the blokes who will take the club forward beyond my time, so it's an exciting time for the club."

Cassisi - who is close friends with Boak - praised Hinkley for the respect and honesty he showed him when making the decision on who would be the captain this year.

"One of Ken's strengths is his honesty and as a result of our discussions I reckon our relationship is even stronger," Cassisi said.

"It wasn't an easy decision for either of us so I really thank him for the respect he showed me."

Cassisi said he was proud of what he achieved as captain, despite the club failing to make the finals in his time as its on-field leader.

"It's probably up to my team-mates and other people to judge how I went in the role but I am pretty proud of the fact I was pretty consistent with my performances, my Monday to Friday stuff around the club and with what I was asking from the group each week," Cassisi said.

"I feel honoured to have been asked to wear the No. 1 jumper at Port Adelaide and I really feel the club has come out of its tough times and is headed for something special.

"I'm looking forward to being a part of that," he said.

Sandgroper Cassisi, who has played 203 games in 12 seasons and was a member of the Power's 2004 premiership side, is contracted for another two years and says "anything beyond that is a bonus".

He has one more goal left - to help Port return to the finals for the first time since 2007.

"The reason you play football is to play finals," he said.

"I've been lucky to have played my share (eight) but the last one was too long ago.

"I want to experience that feeling of running out there in September again."

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My fight with deadly virus: Cassisi

Former Power captain Dom Cassisi with daughter Eva. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

THE illness hit Dom Cassisi like a sledgehammer.

One day he was looking forward to a break in pre-season training and spending a second Christmas with his 18-month-old daughter, Eva.

The next he was struggling to get out of bed and felt like he had been through 10 rounds with Muhammad Ali.

"It was the worst pain I had ever experienced," said the former Port Adelaide skipper, breaking his silence on his secret pre-Christmas battle with the life-threatening viral meningitis.

"The headaches were crippling, they were so bad they felt like concussions.

"They came one after another and were almost unbearable. There's no doubt I was pretty sick there for a while."

Twelve-year Power veteran Cassisi said what began as a mild fever and he thought was the start of the flu saw him quickly deteriorate and within two days he was rushed to the emergency department at Wakefield Hospital.

"I went home from training because I was a bit feverish and then all of a sudden I got these really bad headaches," he recalled.

"They would last for about half an hour and then clear and then come back again, so I was pretty much bedridden.

Port Adelaide's Dom Cassisi in action against Fremantle Dockers last year. Picture: Sarah Reed.

"I was waiting for the headaches to go away but they just wouldn't.

"In bright light the pain became so unbearable I would almost pass out and become incoherent.

"It was a pretty worrying time for me and my wife (Maiya)."

Power club doctor Mark Fisher, who had been visiting Cassisi at home to monitor his health, decided he couldn't wait any longer and sent the 30-year-old to hospital.

Fearing he had been struck down by meningitis, a disease which causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, and is classified as a medical emergency, doctors immediately put him on an intravenous drip.

I've never experienced anything like it ... the virus knocked me out for a month

He was administered antibiotics and given a lumbar puncture to drain fluid out of his spine.

Tests were undertaken on the fluid to determine whether Cassisi had viral meningitis or the more serious bacterial meningitis.

Fortunately it was the former.

But Cassisi was still violently ill.

He spent four days in hospital recovering and estimates he lost at least 6kg in weight before being released on Christmas morning so he could spend the day with his family.

"I still wasn't feeling great so I couldn't eat much for lunch," Cassisi said.

"But I was just over the moon to be back at home with Maiya and my little one on such a special day."

Cassisi said it took another two to three weeks and "a few more bad headaches" before he felt "fully well".

"I've never experienced anything like it," he said.

"Overall the virus probably knocked me out for about a month. It was a tough time and certainly a worrying one, especially for Maiya."

Once he recovered, Cassisi hit the gym to try to stack his weight back on.

Then once he returned to training he pinged a calf muscle which kept him out of the opening round of the NAB Cup.

"I injured myself pretty much at my first session back, so I think the fact I had missed a few weeks of training was the reason that happened," Cassisi said.

"It's a little bit of a setback but I'm feeling pretty good now and can't wait to get back out there with the boys again.

"But at this stage of the year I won't rush back. I need to make sure I get a full four-week block of solid training in before I play a game.

"This is a big year for me and the club so I don't want any more hiccups before Round 1."

andrew.capel@news.com.au

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Less is best for quick Crows

Adelaide Crows midfielder Patrick Dangerfield in his first hit-out for the year. Picture: Simon Cross. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

ADELAIDE is timing itself for the premiership season . . . but its new gameplan has no timing at all. Not yet.

The Crows yesterday - with the significant aid of six extra players to rotate in 35C heat at AAMI Stadium - picked up valuable lessons while grinding away an impressive Fremantle by five points in a trial game.

Most relevant to coach Brenton Sanderson is how his players still have to think their way out of contests with more speed and much more focus.

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In his search for a team to stand up to the elite, Sanderson wants the Crows to progress from a side that kicks its way out of trouble to one that knows how to create damaging space with handball. Adelaide is getting into trouble with one handpass too many.

Of the change from the first-half Crows who fell to a game-high 35-point deficit at half-time to the ones who wore down the Dockers, midfielder Bernie Vince summed it up: "We got it on the boot a little bit more after we were over-possessing in that first half. We were a lot more direct."

Less is best for Adelaide. In the first quarter, it had a game-high 95 disposals with a 51-44 kick-to-handball breakdown. By the last, it was a match-low 81 touches with a 50-31 ratio favouring the kick.

"With everyone so fit today that they can get back really quickly, the quicker we move it, the quicker we get it into our forwards," Vince said.

The scoreboard does not lie. When Adelaide overworked the ball - naturally to appease its master from the summer tutoring from a new playbook - it scored only four goals from 19 inside-50 entries.

The efficiency and effectiveness of the Crows' kicking game in the second half equated to nine goals with 25 inside-50 entries.

There were two Adelaide teams yesterday, not only in style but personnel.

In the first half, Sanderson ran key forward Taylor Walker for the first time (and he was scoreless from limited supply), midfielders Rory Sloane and captain Nathan van Berlo, defender Daniel Talia, gamebreaker Matthew Wright and impressive new boy Rory Atkins. In the second half, Sanderson removed these six - as Adelaide times the preparation of its players for the real season - to introduce goalsneak Ian Callinan, midfielders Vince and Patrick Dangerfield, Ricky Henderson, Tom Lynch and Kyle Hartigan.

The joy of the change was the duel between Dangerfield and Fremantle's gun midfielder Nathan Fyfe. Both took to the contest with heavy body work as if it was September rather than February.

Dangerfield clearly has become a role model to fellow midfielder Brad Crouch, who yesterday highlighted his fearless intent to put his head over the ball.

There are still a heap of questions left.

Adelaide still can't impose itself on a game by tackling. It lost this telling count 34-48 yesterday.

Also, how is Adelaide going to work a ruck tandem with Sam Jacobs, who has not been seen this pre-season?

Tall Josh Jenkins yesterday fired back at his critics who argue he should stay at the goalfront.

Adelaide has two NAB Cup games - Geelong at Geelong on Saturday and Carlton on Friday week at AAMI.

If Sanderson is to get his timing right, he will need to bring out his real first 22 to ensure the Crows start the premiership season against Essendon at home on March 22 with confidence.

"This week probably will be the week we start to get a Round 1-type side," Vince said.

"That means some guys who have been playing well will miss out but that's what healthy competition brings."

ADELAIDE      1.3    4.4   9.10  13.11 (89)
FREMANTLE  6.2  10.3  11.4   13.6   (84)

Goals: Adelaide - B Martin 3; L Johnston, J Jenkins, T McIntyre 2; R Henderson, T Lynch, I Callinan, S McKernan.
Fremantle - H Crozier, T Mzungu 2; M Walters, N Suban, D Mundy, Z Clarke, L Spurr, T Sheridan, L Neale, N Fyfe, C Pearce.
Best: Adelaide - M Jaensch, R Tambling, B Crouch, B Martin, S McKernan, C Ellis-Yolmen.
Fremantle - M Barlow, J Crichton, T Mzungu, D Mundy, Z Clarke, H Crozier, N Fyfe.
Umpires: L Hanssen, S Hay, C Bowen, C DeBoy.
 

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Brad Crouch keeps it simple

Adelaide Crows youngster Brad Crouch - pencil him in for round one. Picture: Simon Cross. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

FIVE things we learned about the Adelaide Crows in their trial match against Fremantle.

WHAT WE LEARNED

1. Pencil Brad Crouch in for Round 1.

The beauty of the Crows youngster is he rarely forces anything.

He almost always makes the smart, simple play and it won't be long before outside runners like Patrick Dangerfield, David Mackay and Matt Jaensch begin feeding off him because he's unselfish almost to a fault.

He had 15 disposals by half-time yesterday and his pass inside 50 to set up Brodie Martin's second goal was all class. He looks capable of making the step up from the SANFL with ease.

2. Tex needed the run.

It certainly wasn't vintage Taylor Walker yesterday as the big fella shook off a bit of rust in his first serious hit-out this summer. Walker began the game by over-running a worm-burning pass, before dropping a mark in the goal square.

He made amends by finding Josh Jenkins by hand for the Crows only goal of the first term but followed it with a poor set shot after the siren.

After dropping a chest mark to start the second Walker hit his straps, taking a contested mark against Zac Dawson in the middle before turning provider again by handing a goal to Shaun McKernan.

3. The search for the next Doughty continues

Luke Brown is being given every opportunity to make the role his, but given his inexperience Adelaide will likely have to wear a few lumps early in the season if he's given the job on the opposition's most dangerous small forward.

Brown was exposed early by Michael Walters yesterday but settled in the second term and won an important battle with Nick Suban in the third which resulted in an Ian Callinan goal. Rory Laird and Cameron Ellis-Yolmen played in the back half.

4. There's no real bolters.

Aside from Crouch and Brown there aren't many other fringe players bashing the door down for a game in Round 1.

Richard Tambling, Tim McIntyre, Tom Lynch, Sam Kerridge and Jarryd Lyons didn't do anything to seriously enhance their chances yesterday and Angus Graham isn't doing enough around the ground to suggest he's worth playing in the same side as Sam Jacobs.

Luke Thompson was solid and will challenge Andy Otten and Sam Shaw for the third tall defensive role.

Mitch Grigg, Ellis-Yolmen and debutant Rory Atkins need more time. Lewis Johnston looked much better in the second half when Walker had left the field and he became more of a focal point.

Whether he can survive when he's on the periphery remains to be seen.

5. The result was a little misleading.

Don't read too much in to the Crows' nine goal to three second half and five point win. Adelaide rotated 30 players through yesterday's game while Fremantle only played 25.

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Victory has its hurdles for coach

Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson says he loved every minutes of his first year as coach. Picture: Simon Cross. Source: The Advertiser

BRENTON Sanderson last year was the self-described "rookie coach" explaining his mistakes as the inevitable cost of inexperience.

Now, after an 18-7 win-loss count in his debut season, he lives with the reputation of that stunning start.

"The challenge I am going to have is how I handle a string of losses or a run of injuries," he says.

"Last year we never lost two in a row, we had a great run with injuries.

"We lost a couple of key players in the finals that hurt us.

"But the challenge will be when the chips are down - that will test my coaching ability.

"But I am really fortunate to have a great group of support. The coaches I work with on a daily basis are brilliant.

"I could not ask for any more support than what I get from them.

"They do a lot of work behind the scenes so I don't have to always be in the offices asking `What are you doing, what are you working on?'

"The actual program just clicks on really nicely."

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It's Tex's time on Crows' frontline

Adelaide Crows coach Brenton Sanderson with key forward Taylor Walker. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

CROWS coach Brenton Sanderson speaks of his now big-gun forward Taylor Walker as if he is correcting popular perception of the history left by Neil Craig.

By year's end, if Walker proves Adelaide can live without Kurt Tippett, Sanderson may find fewer eyebrows being raised when "Tex" is the topic of debate.

Walker is an extraordinary talent. But he also is just 22 - and he has played only 64 AFL games. It is a skinny record on which to place extraordinary faith for an AFL premiership tilt in 2013.

But Sanderson is not one to look at any glass as half empty.

"He is, he is," says Sanderson to the question of Walker's readiness to carry the major burden in Adelaide's attack.

"He is still really young and he has so much to learn about the game.

"But, fortunately for him, it comes naturally. Some players work really hard to get better.

Taylor Walker, centre, working hard in the pre-season with Jason Porplyzia and Scott Thompson. Picture: Tait Schmaal.

"He is already good and he will, and is, working hard to get even better.

"He has a lot of things to learn but the beauty is he is easy to coach.

"That might come as a surprise to some people, but he is one of those players who takes in everything we give him.

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"We have a meeting that goes for 45 minutes, he absorbs the information, he understands it. So when you reflect with him or you ask him questions, he has picked it up straight away.

"So he is a really easy player to coach in that regard.

"He has come a long way in 12 months. I know the players really respect his leadership that he has improved on the past 12 months.

"He's a really important player for our footy club now."

So important that every AFL rival will be aware of the theory that double-teaming Walker - as Sydney did in its qualifying final win at AAMI Stadium last September - exposes the Adelaide attack as impotent.

"We've talked about that a lot," Sanderson said.

"It is something we are going to have to overcome.

I know the players really respect (Walker's) leadership that he has improved on the past 12 months

"First, we need other players in his area, the other five forwards must make sure they are in form and they're getting respected (by the opposition).

"There is going to be lots of strategy going into preventing (Walker being double-teamed) from our point of view. It certainly is going to an option for the opposition."

All this would never have consumed Adelaide's strategy sessions in the summer had Tippett not defected to Sydney in a move that exposed the Crows to draft penalties for its secret deals with the Queenslander.

Sanderson does not hide how he was rocked by Tippett's decision to leave.

"I was confident he was going to stay," Sanderson said. "(When he quit) I spent two hours with that sick feeling in the stomach. I was disappointed.

"Kurt rang at 9am on a Monday when we were just going into a coaches' review meeting of the season and a planning-strategy meeting for the 2013 pre-season.

"I came in and told the coaches and we sat around for a couple of hours, not so much in shock, you always prepare for the worst, but  ...  

"After those two hours of going through alternatives we pretty well got on with business. You can't dwell. We got on with things pretty quickly.

"So did the playing group. Some players shrugged their shoulders and got on with it. Some of the guys he was closer too may have taken longer to get over it.

"As a footy club we now are well and truly looking forward.

"For me, I probably spent two hours on it, which probably sounds a bit shallow. You can't look at the rear-vision mirror for too long in this industry."

Sanderson is not vindictive, although the cost of losing Tippett has become far more than just the headache of restructuring an attack.

Being denied first and second-round draft picks last year and this season is a lingering sting.

"The money situation - I know money is important in most people's lives. The money Kurt was being offered was very similar from Adelaide and from back in his home state (Queensland at Gold Coast and Brisbane)," Sanderson said.

"But the Sydney offer was for him a little bit like Nathan Bock, Phil Davis and Gary Ablett at the expansion clubs. The money from Sydney was too hard to ignore."

Money cannot get Adelaide beyond its draft problem but Sanderson expects his club to be sharp in negotiating outside the draft table during trade week and with free agents.

"We have spent a lot of time on that," Sanderson said.

"We have a great list manager. David Noble is doing a tremendous job in that area. We have to really explore opportunities to get back into the first round.

"With the depth of our squad we can be quite aggressive with that.

"At the same time we have to explore free-agency, mature-age recruits in the SANFL, VFL and WAFL. Our age profile is still quite young. So we can still have the opportunity to bring in a mature-age player.

"We'll try to trade. There are lots of different ways to bring quality into your club.

"It's not ideal. You can't keep not having first or second-round picks forever. Two years is a really harsh penalty."

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Hawks play Hodge safe

Hawthorn is taking no risks with captain Luke Hodge. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN is prepared for captain Luke Hodge to miss the start of the AFL regular season if that helps him avoid last year's injury dramas.

The star utility was plagued by calf and knee injuries and only managed 10 games last season.

His start to the pre-season was delayed by knee surgery.

Coach Alastair Clarkson said Hodge was progressing well in his training, while the player himself hopes to be ready for the round one blockbuster against arch rivals Geelong.

"He's travelling okay and he's stepped up his training over the last two or three weeks,'' Clarkson said.

"He'll do even more so in the next two to three weeks as well.

"We're not going to rush him - round one isn't necessarily the focus for some of the older players on your list.''
Hodge is among several players who will miss Saturday's round-one pre-season cup fixture on the Gold Coast against the Suns and Brisbane.

Sam Mitchell, Jordan Lewis, Brad Sewell and Shaun Burgoyne are also not in the team.

But the lineup features Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli, who missed the Indigenous All Stars game against Richmond earlier this month because of injury.
`
"We want to take a healthy group into our round-one game against Geelong,'' Clarkson said.

"If our more experienced players are part of that, great - if they're not, then we're not too concerned about it.''
Franklin's AFL future will be a topic for the rest of the season after he decided to postpone his contract talks with the club.

Clarkson is confident the issue will not affect the Hawks.

"I continue to treat `Bud' with the same attitude that I do with the rest of the players - that's what is critical in terms of the way we manage him,'' Clarkson said.

Former Western Bulldogs fullback Brian Lake will also make his Hawthorn debut on Saturday.
Clarkson said the immediate goal was making sure the key defender is fit and ready for round one, ahead of making sure he adapts properly to how Hawthorn's defence works.

"It doesn't necessarily mean he has to be up and going and full conducive to the way we play by round one,'' Clarkson said.

"It might take him until round 12 or longer - I'm not too sure.

"I'm sure if we get his body right, then he'll be a really good contributor for us - hopefully for a good two or three years.''

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LIVE: Kangaroos v Demons

North Melbourne ruckman Majak Daw provided the first highlight of the match with a strong mark backing into a pack. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

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

REPLAY the NAB Cup action between North Melbourne, Richmond and Melbourne from Etihad Stadium.

9.54pm - Kangaroos reign supreme

Richmond 0.6.8 (44)
North Melbourne 0.7.6 (48)

DANIEL Wells cut a swathe through a string of Richmond opponents to set up the Kangaroos four-point victory at Etihad Stadium.

Wells side-stepped his way through two Tigers before finding Aaron Black on the lead about 35m directly in front.

Black went back and slotted his second goal of the match to put the Kangaroos in front.

Richmond rallied with Shane Edwards' flying shot for goal which drifted wide for minor score.

North Melbourne joins Collingwood as the only undefeated side in the NAB Cup.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

9.54pm - Tigers lead, but only just

Richmond 0.6.7 (43)
North Melbourne 0.6.5 (41)

JACK Ziebell put North Melbourne within striking distance of Richmond with less than three minutes to play at Etihad Stadium.

Ziebell with his head over the ball was caught high about 35m out on a slight angle.

The star midfielder, who re-signed during the week, punished the Tigers splitting the middle.

9.45pm - Tigers rally early

Richmond 0.6.5 (41)
North Melbourne 0.5.4 (34)

RICHMOND has made all the running in the second half with goals to Brandon Ellis and Daniel Jackson giving the Tigers the lead.

Ellis kicked the opener streaming through the midfield and converting from 49m on the run.

The Tigers second goal came courtesy of Kangaroo Will Sierakowski giving away a 50m penalty for not returning the football to Jackson on centre wing.

Jackson made no mistake from the set shot.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

9.33pm - Kangas bounce back

Richmond 0.4.3 (27)
North Melbourne 0.5.2 (32)

THREE goals at the death has given North Melbourne a half-time lead over Richmond at Etihad Stadium.

Lindsay Thomas sparked the resurgence kicking the first goal late in the half before Brent Harvey pounced on the loose ball cutting the margin to one point.

Enter Aaron Black who kicked a goal across his body from the top of the goal square after mopping up in front of spearhead Drew Petrie.

Majak Daw provided the highlight of the half brushing aside Tiger defender Steven Morris en route to his first goal.

Richmond dominated the bulk of the half with Jack Riewoldt and Shane Edwards the chief destroyers.

Edwards kicked two goals in the half.

9.25pm - Tigers roar ahead

Richmond 0.4.3 (27)
North Melbourne 0.2.2 (14)

MAJAK Daw provided another highlight but Richmond maintains a steady lead over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

Daw set the crowd alight brushing Brandon Ellis aside en route to kicking his first goal late in the first half.

But the Tigers responded with Shane Edwards kicking his second of the term before Riewoldt slotted his first capping off an exciting play from defence.

Brett Deledio and Dustin Martin set up the goal working through the midfield before Deledio pin-pointed Riewoldt streaming out of the goal square.

North Melbourne responded with Lindsay Thomas finding space and running into an open goal.

But Richmond held sway in the first half with Ty Vickery and Jack Riewoldt provide solid targets inside 50.

Vickery set up the Tigers second goal, winning a free kick, before Riewoldt pounced finding Edwards out in the open 30m out.

8.48pm - Harvey, Riewoldt open the scoring

Richmond 0.1.1 (7)
North Melbourne 0.1.1 (7)

VINTAGE Daniel Wells in setting Brent Harvey for the opening goal of the Kangaroos NAB Cup match against Richmond.

Wells' heads-up play tapping the ball out of congestion found Harvey running into an open goal.

But Richmond responded in kind with Jack Riewoldt the beneficiary of a Shaun Atley brain fade throwing the ball at the Tigers spearhead.

Riewoldt made no mistake from the goal line.

8.48pm - Tigers put paid to Demons

Richmond 1.2.9 (30)
Melbourne 0.2.2 (14)

RICHMOND disposed of Melbourne with relative ease in game two of the triangular series at Etihad Stadium.

The Tigers were never headed against the Demons cap-gun forward line deprived of polished delivery.

Tweet your thoughts on tonight's matches to @gilbertgardiner or @superfooty

The Demons relied heavily on bombing the ball inside 50 hoping to find marking targets Jeremy Howe, Jesse Hogan and Chris Dawes.

But the Tigers, through rebounding defenders Steve Morris and Bachar Houli, were able to hold the Demons at bay despite Hogan's best efforts.

The 18-year-old forward who is not eligible to play senior football until 2014 showed plenty of class attacking the ball and taking strong marks.

Ty Vickery provided one of the few second-half highlights flooring Lynden Dunn on the boundary line next to the interchange bench.

Dunn looked to push Vickery in the back prompting the fracas.

Dunn was awarded a 50m penalty but missed the set shot for goal after the siren.

Melbourne joins the Western Bulldogs as the only teams to remaining winless in the NAB Cup.

Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

8.38pm - Riewoldt, Frawley in the hands of trainers

Richmond 1.2.8 (29)
Melbourne 0.2.0 (12)

DEMON James Frawley came off second best from a marking contest in the second half against Richmond.

The key back left the field in the hands of the trainers with blood streaming from his head.

Meanwhile, Jack Riewoldt didn't escape the carnage either copping a knock to the back of the head.

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The Tigers spearhead made his way from the field to be patched up.

Earlier, Demons No.4 pick Jimmy Toumpas slotted the opening goal of the second following a strong mark.

Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

8.25pm - Tigers in control

Richmond 1.2.5 (26)
Melbourne 0.1.0 (6)

RICHMOND has a stranglehold on its match against Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

The Tiger lead 1.2.5 (26) to 0.1.0 (6) at half time with goals to Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery and Bachar Houli's long drop punt from outside 50 setting up the 20-point lead.

Houli got plenty of the the ball in the first half providing dash off half back along with Brandon Ellis and Steven Morris.

Jack Watts is one of few shining lights for the Demons who face a straight sets exit after dropping game one against North Melbourne.

Watts kicked the Demons first goal after winning a 50m penalty midway through the half.

Youngster Tom Couch was busy with five touches while No.4 pick Jimmy Toumpas collected four disposals.

Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

8.15pm - Demon Jack puts Dees on the board

Richmond 1.2.4 (25)
Melbourne 0.1.0 (6)

TOP draft pick Jack Watts has done it again, kicking Melbourne's first goal of the match against Richmond at Etihad Stadium.

Watts was the beneficiary of 50m penalty against Tiger Steve Morris who was pinged for running too far along the wing.

Watts was brought to the 45m-mark and made no mistake.

But Richmond leads on the back of goals to Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery and Bachar Houli (super goal) making it an 18-point margin.

Houli's goal was a corker streaming along the wing to half forward and clearing the pack on the goal line.

8.05pm - Jack gives Tigers the lead

Richmond 0.1.1 (7)
Melbourne 0.0.0 (0)

RICHMOND has drawn first blood against Melbourne with Jack Riewoldt converting a set shot early in the first half.

Riewoldt also had the chance to kick a second goal but missed his right foot snap from deep in the pocket.

Steven Morris and Robbie Nahas have been busy for the Tigers while Joel MacDonald and Jack Watts lead the Demons in possessions.

New Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin won the toss.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

7.42pm - North hangs on against Dees

North Melbourne 1.4.5 (38)
Melbourne 0.5.6 (36)

NORTH Melbourne has hung on for a two-point victory in game one of tonight's NAB Cup triangular series against Melbourne.

But it wasn't without a bit of help from the Demons who missed several golden opportunities to steal victory.

Mature-aged recruit Dean Kent made a blunder of sorts converting a set shot from 50m instead of looking to dish off for a possible super goal.

Kent marked about 45m from home but had no one within range for handball for the potential match-winning play a la Geelong last week.

Cats star Jimmy Bartel marked close to the siren last week and dished off to a waiting Joel Selwood who converted the super goal to hand West Coast a first up loss.

Ben Jacobs was among the Kangaroos best along with Sam Wright and Majak Daw who showed glimpses of what's to come.

Melbourne was well served by Nathan Jones, Jesse Hogan and Nathan Jones.

The Demons return to take on Richmond from 7.50pm.

Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

7.29pm - North piles on the pressure

North Melbourne 1.4.4 (37)
Melbourne 0.4.5 (29)

JEREMY Howe has helped Melbourne claw its way back into the contest against North Melbourne with back-to-back goals.

Howe made no mistake from sets shots 20m out directly in front to cut the margin to three points.

But North responded with Drew Petrie making the most of a Demon Tom McDonald's fumble close to goal soccering through his first of the night.

7.24pm - North piles on the pressure

North Melbourne 1.3.3 (30)
Melbourne 0.2.2 (14)

NORTH Melbourne is threatening to break its NAB Cup match against Melbourne open with Robbie Tarrant kicking the opening goal of the second half.

Tarrant took a strong mark deep inside 50 and made no mistake from a slight angle.

But it's not all good news for the Roos with Sam Wright forced off the field after heavy knocks.

Wright has heavy strapping on his right shoulder which looked to cop the brunt of the hits.

7.17pm - Hogan keeps Dees in touch

North Melbourne 1.2.3 (24)
Melbourne 0.2.2 (14)

MELBOURNE youngster Jesse Hogan has shown glimpses of what's to come in hotly contested first half against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

Hogan kept the Dees within striking distance with a cracking late goal from deep in the forward pocket.

The mini-draftee, not eligible to play senior football until 2014, bodied Kangaroos defender Scott McMahon off the ball before going back and slotting the goal on his right boot.

But North Melbourne dominated the play in the first half with goals to Lindsay Thomas, Ben Jacobs (super goal) and Lachie Hansen setting up a nine-point lead at the main break.

Jacobs has been busy early setting up the Kangaroos' first goal finding Thomas deep inside 50.

The former Port Adelaide defender then got on the end of an Andrew Swallow handball en route to kicking a 60m goal on the run.

Hard-nosed Demon Nathan Jones is the leading possession winner on the ground with 10.

Father-son recruit Jack Viney has also been busy.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

7.05pm - Majak start for Roos

North Melbourne 1.2.21 (23)
Melbourne 0.1.2 (8)
NORTH Melbourne recruit Ben Jacobs has made a flying start to life in blue and white stripes involved in both first half goals.

Jacobs gave the Roos an eight-point buffer early in the half with a super goal from 60m.

The former Port Adelaide defender also set up the Kangaroos' first goal hitting Lindsay Thomas on the chest inside-50.

Thomas made no mistake from the set shot.

Kangaroos forward Lachie Hansen made it a 15-point margin converting his set shot from 30m out on a slight angle.

Exciting Kangaroos ruckman Majak Daw has been solid early taking a strong mark floating across half back.

With eyes only for the football, Daw drifted back into the pack taking the grab.

He also find skipper Andrew Swallow with a deft touch to help set up Jacobs' goal.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

6.55pm - Kangas, Dees slow to start

North Melbourne 0.1. 1 (7)
Melbourne 0.1.2 (8)

MELBOURNE has drawn first blood with Jack Watts kicking a goal from directly in front.

Watts capped off a nice five minute burst by the Dees which included an errant kick for goal by midfielder Colin Sylvia.

Sylvia missed a golden opportunity to give the Dees the edge when he missed from 30m out.

But North Melbourne responded with Lindsay Thomas answering the challenge marking deep inside 50 and making no mistake.

Demon father-son prospect Jack Viney has made a solid start picking up early possessions in the midfield.

PRE-GAME: NORTH Melbourne will be out to continue an impressive week for the club when it takes on Melbourne in game one of tonight's triangular series.

The Kangaroos, fresh off re-signing Shaun Atley today, boast a strong list for the clash against a Demons outfit littered with exciting young guns and experienced recruits from rival clubs.

SCHEDULE
North Melbourne v Melbourne 6.45pm AEDT
Melbourne v Richmond 7.50pm AEDT
Richmond v North Melbourne 8.55pm AEDT

Atley's commitment follows the news of coach Brad Scott, Jack Ziebell and Daniel Wells all inking contract extensions to remain at Arden Street.

But all eyes will be on Demons father-son recruit Jack Viney and No.4 pick Jimmy Toumpas who step out for the first time in the blue and red.

Melbourne also features a forward line bolstered with the addition of Chris Dawes and Shannon Byrnes.

Tweet your thoughts on tonight's matches to @gilbertgardiner or @superfooty

It will also be the first time former Kangaroos utility Cameron Pedersen lines up against his old side after forming part of a deal which saw Jordan Gysberts traded to North Melbourne.

Gysberts is one of a number of new faces on Kangaroos list which includes rebounding defender Ben Jacobs and developing ruckmen Daniel Currie and Majak Daw.

Veteran Brent Harvey is expected to play the majority of game time in both matches while no risks will be taken with Daniel Wells and Jack Ziebell.

Harvey is not eligible to play in the regular season until Round 7 after being suspended in the Kangaroos heavy elimination final loss against West Coast.

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter: @gilbertgardiner

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