Dons drug had 'euphoric' effects

Former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank listed banned drugs on the consent forms given to Essendon players. Picture: James Croucher. Source: The Daily Telegraph

Macca cartoon. David McArthur cartoon. WINDY HILL. (David Evans. Essendon. Letters. Consent form. Reid letter. Ziggy report.)

THE controversial drug prescriped to Essendon players last season has "euphoric" effects but doesn't help weight loss, according to a researcher who conducted clinical trials.

Club documents obtained by the Herald Sun show some Essendon players were prescribed the anti-obesity drug AOD-9604 last season.

But Essendon last night insisted the consent forms did not prove any of its players used the substance, which is banned for use by athletes.

The forms signed by Bombers players and officials reveal key details of the supplements program at Windy Hill in 2012.

They show some players were recommended weekly injections of AOD-9604.

Injection schedules for Thymosin are also documented. Some types of Thymosin are banned by doping authorities.

The forms state that "all components of the intervention are in compliance with current WADA anti-doping policy and guidelines''.

An Essendon spokesman said last night: "It is a matter for ASADA to determine these matters.''

"The club certainly does not accept that the signing of the consent forms means that the supplements were administered, and this kind of speculation is just unnecessarily harmful to the players.''

Today, Adelaide University Chair of Medicine Professor Gary Wittert has revealed the results of a series of clinical trials of AOD-9604 in 2007.

Wittert led a team which conducted three human trials into AOD-9604 including a final three-month test.

"We designed a six-month study properly powered to look at the outcome of 'Would it be a drug suitable for weight loss?' and the outcome from that was a definitive no," Wittert told Adelaide news website INDAILY.

Pic gallery: Bomber beach boys

Wittert said after the trial he had "assumed the company had stopped developing the drug".

"Now it's been in some cream and just about every journalist has called it an anti-obesity drug, which it ain't – it's a failed anti-obesity drug at best."

Wittert said there was no clinical evidence that it helped with tissue repair or had any other benefit in people.

"However, when we gave it intravenously, we noticed that 60 per cent of people felt a euphoric effect, so (the company) and I patented it as an anti-depressant."

Mark Robinson: Confusion continues at Essendon

Wittert told INDAILY he didn't know why a football club would prescribe an unproven drug.

During the intravenous trial no person had more than three doses which were given at least a week apart.

The dosages and number of injections for individual Essendon players are detailed in their consent forms. Some players were recommended one injection a week for the whole 2012 season.

Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigators have begun grilling Essendon players on their participation in and knowledge of the club's supplements program.

Bombers chairman David Evans said this week his club had "never conceded that our players have been given banned substances in 2012''.

He said the club was becoming increasingly confident its players would escape penalties.

The consent forms appear to remove any doubt that at least one substance - AOD-9604 - prescribed to some players did fall outside anti-doping rules.

If issued with an infraction notice by ASADA, it will be up to lawyers for the players and the club to argue why this was not a breach.

In the wake of the report into the Essendon supplement scandal, James Hird speaks on the Bombers' preparation for its clash with Geelong.

It is known some Essendon players refused to be injected as part of the supplements program.

The signature of Dank appears on all the documents as well as that of a witness and the player the program was devised for.

The World Anti-Doping Agency has stated that AOD-9604, which is not approved for human use, is banned.

Asked about the status of Thymosin, an ASADA spokesman said last week: "The status of Thymosin in sport is dependent on the type of Thymosin ... for example, Thymosin Beta 4 has been prohibited under S2 of the WADA Prohibited List since at least 2011.''

Essendon has not said which type of Thymosin its players were recommended by Dank.

Melbourne biochemist Shane Charter has claimed Dank ordered the banned Thymosin Beta 4 from him last year.

Bombers re-sign 'champion' Heppell

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How Thomas turned it around

Kangaroo Lindsay Thomas has been on fire this year. Source: Herald Sun

HE has gone from being the goalsneak who struggled to hit the side of a barn to the sharpshooter leading the Coleman Medal.

And North Melbourne small forward Lindsay Thomas says the reason is nothing to do with different set-shot routines or overhauled kicking techniques.

It is all about what goes on between the ears.

"It's hard to believe, but I didn't change anything, really,'' Thomas said.

THOMAS WEATHERS BUMP STORM

"The funny thing is I don't think I changed any part of my routine ... it was just about finding that inner belief.

"The first thing I had to do was actually acknowledge that I needed to do something about my kicking for goal. So I spoke to Tara (Kavanagh), who's the club psychologist and went through the challenges that I was facing.

"The way I saw it was that my football couldn't get any lower than it was, so the only way forward was to progress upwards."

That nadir came midway through 2011 when Thomas "got to the point where you didn't want the footy in your hands''.

He had kicked 17.29, 7.15 of them from set shots, and had lost confidence to such an extent that he was missing shots from the top of the goalsquare.

"It was pretty mentally draining,'' he said.

North Melbourne small forward Lindsay Thomas, the AFL's leading goal-scorer, has kicked 172 six-pointers in 115 games Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

His coach Brad Scott said at the time: "We're well aware it's a (mental issue). He's a very good kick - very good kicks don't miss (shots like) that.''

Privately Scott approached Thomas and began the process of rebuilding a scarred psyche.

"I'm a confidence player,'' Thomas said, "and all that Brad said was, `Look, go back to the VFL and try to find that enjoyment in your footy'.

"So I went back for, I think, three weeks and kicked a few goals and then came back for the last three games of the year, and the turnaround started there.

"It had to. I just felt that I was letting my teammates down.''

With the help of Kavanagh, forwards coach Brett Allison and teammates Brent Harvey and Daniel Wells, Thomas realised that part of the problem was that he was putting so much pressure on himself not to miss.

He also had so many thoughts going through his mind while lining up that he wasn't concentrating on kicking the ball.

The key was to stay relaxed and focused rather than to change his run up or ball drop.

"I've got the utmost respect for Brad Scott,'' the 25-year-old said.

"He could have just dumped me and left me there to sort myself out, but he went back and played me and showed a lot of faith in me.

"Having a coach like that in my corner, well, it just meant that I love playing for him and love being part of his team.''

Thomas also devoted the next 18 months to "working my backside off on getting fitter and stronger.''

Becoming more powerful also meant that he was better at staying on his feet, helping to address another perceived flaw in his game: staging for free kicks.

Thomas said the coach told him at the end of 2011 that he was "a more damaging player when you keep your feet''.

"A few years ago he did talk to me about it, but not recently,'' Thomas said.

"If he said I needed to pull back, then I would. He's the only person I really need to listen to. Him and the other coaches and my teammates. But Brad has told me that he's loving the way I'm playing my footy at the minute.''

From the opening six games of this season Thomas has kicked 23.8 - a conversion rate of 74 per cent - and he heads the league's goalkicking table.

If he is still there after Round 23 he will be the first small forward to win the Coleman Medal since Hawthorn's Leigh Matthews in 1975 with 67 goals.

But Thomas has learned not to waste his time over-thinking.

Rather, he trains his mind to what is in front of him, in this case the game against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium tomorrow.

"It's always good to snag a few early in the season,'' Thomas chuckled.

"It's good for the confidence.''

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Hutchings wins call-up

CALL-UP: Mark Hutchings will make his AFL debut this weekend. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

MARK Hutchings will become West Coast's second debutant this season after being named to take on Brisbane on Saturday.

The 21-year-old midfielder received his chance after the Eagles lost midfield duo Daniel Kerr and Chris Masten, while impressive ruckman Callum Sinclair was also squeezed out.

Matt Rosa will play his first game for the season after proving he had overcome a quad injury through a WAFL stint, while Brad Sheppard also returns.

Masten's streak of 36 consecutive games will end after the wingman was left out due to a foot complaint, while Kerr (knee) will miss his third game of the year.

Masten has been the Eagles' leading ballwinner this season, averaging 28 disposals per game to sit among the league's top ten.

Hutchings has enjoyed a fine spell for WAFL club West Perth so far this season, including a season-high 33 touches in last weekend's win over East Fremantle.

The midfielder was taken at No.60 in last year's draft after a stint on St Kilda's rookie list in 2010.

Falcons president Brett Raponi took to Twitter to express his delight at Hutchings' call-up, writing "Hutchy will kill them in the clearances, he worked hard for this".

As expected, the Lions will welcome back champion ballwinner Simon Black, as well as Andrew Raines and Jordan Lisle.

Aaron Cornelius, Billy Longer and WA product Marco Paparone have all been dropped.

Meanwhile, Fremantle has made just the one change to the team that beat Gold Coast last week ahead of Saturday night's home clash with Collingwood.

Wingman Stephen Hill returns to the side after a one-week absence and replaces Cam Sutcliffe.

The Pies welcome back skipper Nick Maxwell and have also included Caolan Mooney. Tyson Goldsack (hip) and Jarrod Witts (omitted) are out.

Follow Chris Robinson on Twitter: @CJKRobinson
 

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Ultimate SuperCoach formguide

North Melbourne's Nathan Grima joins the panel to discuss their "off the chain" picks for Round 7.

Jay Clark and Scott Gullan say Nick Vlastuin is the answer to SuperCoach backline woes

Matt Priddis looks the bargain of next week. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

THE best SuperCoach tips including who's hot and who's not and best captain picks. Everything you need to give your team the edge.

WELCOME to SuperCoach slaughtering season.

The fantasy-land fire sale officially commenced this week with Daisy Thomas hitting a rock-bottom price and Buddy Franklin is set to join him on the clearance line next week.

SEE ALL THE ROUND 7 TEAMS HERE

With Matty Priddis, Jobe Watson and Trent Cotchin to come the future is bright and the terrors of last week's donut-plagued round are behind us. (Well, sort of.)

But while we're about to cash in on some of the biggest bargains SuperCoach has ever seen, the fantasy bean counters aren't simply giving these superstars away.

DO NOT ARCHIVE... 04/05/2013 WIRE: MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 04: Jobe Watson of the Bombers evades a tackle during the round six AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Greater Western Sydney Giants at Etihad Stadium on May 4, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images) Pic. Images Getty Source:

It's time to stockpile some Funds. Jasper Pittard, you delivered a pair of 90s and swelled in price more than $100,000 before your hip went 'ping' and it's time to go.

Pittard's teammate Ollie Wines is probably on track for this year's Rising Star award. But his SuperCoach days are numbered. Ollie, thanks for the $200,000 profit you generated, but you'll be switched for Priddis next week.

Koby Stevens. Cool name and a cool $115,000 he made our SuperCoach bank accounts, but it's time to go. Not only from our sides, but from Brendan McCartney's too, apparently, after his surprise AFL omission.

With all that in mind it's time to toss out the 'one week at a time' cliché and get planning. Which premiums can you afford and which can you not afford to miss?

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

MAKING THE ROLLING LOCKOUT WORK FOR YOU

The new rolling lockout means we can make changes to our team up to the final bounce of every game.
If Koby Stevens is a late inclusion you can log in and swap him on the field or even make a late trade, provided you're only moving players who haven't taken the field.

It's also crucial for when the substitutes are announced. Check SuperFooty before the start of each match and if one of your boys is put in the green vest, simply move him out of your side.

Note that the reverse trades button is disabled after the first game of each round - so if you are trading now, do it carefully!

Jay Clark and Scott Gullan say Nick Vlastuin is the answer to SuperCoach backline woes

THE CAPTAINS LOOPHOLE

Pick a star player who appears early in the round and make them vice-captain. I'll be going with Dane Swan, who plays Fremantle on Saturday night.

If Swanny scores 140-plus, I'll leave him as vice and put the "C" on a on-starting player (Bryce Gibbs).

If Swanny fails to fire, I'll simply take the "C" off Gibbs and place it on Gary Ablett – who plays later in the round (Sunday).

This gives you a free hit in picking the perfect captain. Take advantage.

JUMP ON

Nick Vlastuin (Rich) $159,500 def/mid
WITH Gibbs, Goodes, Pittard and Docherty still in the stands, many of us are fielding thin backlines. 'Tigger' could be the answer. Richmond's top draft pick is dual-position, averaging 55 and on the bubble. He's also avoided the vest in his first two games in a promising sign.

Dale Thomas (Coll) $428,200 mid/fwd
DAISY weighs in at $87k cheaper than his Round 1 price after a turbulent pre-season hampered by ankle problems. He's now fully fit and you'll never see him this cheap again. Showed what he's capable of with a 150 last week. The pick of the week.

Dale Thomas had the ball on a string against St Kilda. Source: Getty Images

Jack Hannath (Freo) $109,500
WANT to make some fast cash in the ruck? Big Jack is your man. The man the Dees wanted last year is on the bubble and set to rise at least $40k this week alone. A nice downgrade option for Rowe or Blicavs. The only query is whether he holds his place when Zac Clarke returns.

North Melbourne's Nathan Grima joins the panel to discuss their "off the chain" picks for Round 7.

JUMP OFF

Jasper Pittard (Port) $235,700 def
PITTARD will miss his third-straight week with a hip flexor issue. That's an injury that can force players out for a full month, and with Pittard's medical history the Power will tread cautiously. Time to sell, with Vlastuin and Rory Laird (if he makes the Crows' final cut) prime downgrade targets.

Sam Dwyer (Coll) $250,700 mid/fwd
SAM has been one of the best cash cows this year, but his job is done. He's not going to rise much further and, barring his ton against Carlton, hasn't posted a mega score. A brilliant purchase who has made more than $150k, but it's time to go. If you've got the cash to convert Dwyer into Daisy it looks the trade of the round.

Koby Stevens (WB) $291,700 mid
THE plan was to give Koby one more week due to his low break-even, but after falling out of the Dogs side he has to go now. Jesse Lonergan (Gold Coast) looks the perfect downgrade option.

Koby Stevens handballs whilst being tackled by Jordan Lewis. Source: Getty Images

CHAMPION DATA SUPERCOACH FORMGUIDE
Every week the stats gurus at Champion Data crunch the numbers to find the best buys. CLICK HERE see the Round 7 edition.

TWITTER TALK

@FantasyFreaky
No Gibbs. Cotchin out injured. Ryder an emergency. Colquhoun to debut. #supercoach

‏@HeraldSunMick
Hearing Cotchin might miss this week …

@SamLandsberger
It's midfield sale time in #supercoach land. Priddis (~$450k) next wk, Jobe (~$550k) the week after and Deledio (~$490k) coming up #bargains

@Andrew_JPerkins
Finally my preseason #supercoach selections are paying off. Go well @SamColquhoun #jetforlife

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Redden is Port's lone hand in ruck

Jarrad Redden returns from the SANFL to be Port Adelaide's lone hand in ruck. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has not only dumped his two-ruckmen system, but also the two ruckmen he has played in the past month.

Jarrad Redden, who was discarded before Showdown XXXIV with Adelaide on April 14, deservedly returns to the Power line-up as a solo ruckman replacing both Matthew Lobbe and Brent Renouf.

And Redden's impressive work as a forward in the SANFL with Woodville-West Torrens also has forced the Power to dismiss Paul Stewart for Saturday's clash with Richmond at AAMI Stadium.

This leaves Redden and key forward Justin Westhoff to form a tandem in ruck - against Ivan Maric and Orren Stephenson - while switching in attack.

"His SANFL form has eight goals in his past two games," said Hinkley of Redden.

"That is really important to have a ruckman who can go forward and influence the game.

"It is a significant adjustment," added Hinkley of abandoning the two-ruckmen policy.

To fill the 22 after dumping Renouf, Redden and Stewart from the team that fell 10 points short of North Melbourne, Hinkley recalled Andrew Moore and promoted Central District half-back Sam Colquhoun for his first AFL game.

The All-Australian under-18 was the Power's first pick (No. 3) in the pre-season draft.

Port again was not able to call up defender Jasper Pittard, who has now missed three games with a hip injury.

"It is disappointing because we thought it would be only a week and it has turned into three," said Hinkley.

"It is an injury we have to be careful with, particularly when Jasper's history tells us it is not something we want to take a risk with.

"I'll say again that he will be right next week, but I can't guarantee that."

RICHMOND lost critical midfield power with Trent Cotchin unavailable with a knee injury.

This puts Brett Deledio in the frame for a hard tag from Kane Cornes.

"They have a high-class midfield," said Hinkley highlighting Cornes could have many jobs. "It could be Dustin Martin, Deledio and Shane Edwards. People forget there are many - Richmond has a high-quality midfield.

"We think we are an improving midfield ourselves. We look forward to the opportunity to take them on and see how we go."

The Tigers also recalled midfielder Shane Tuck and energetic forward Robin Nahas who has repeatedly tormented the Port defence.

ADELAIDE will name its match 22 on Friday with captain Nathan van Berlo ready to resume against Greater Western Sydney at Skoda Stadium in Sydney on Sunday.

Van Berlo will resume after recovering from bone bruising after a knock to a knee in the recent Showdown.

Crows coach Brenton Sanderson has put van Berlo, small forward Ian Callinan, utility Ricky Henderson and upgraded rookie Rory Laird in contention for recalls tonight.

Out of the 22 who lost to Hawthorn, sending Adelaide to a 2-4 win-loss record, is Richard Tambling, whose chances of playing AFL again are narrowing.

GWS regained Port Adelaide premiership ruckman Dean Brogan for its 25-man squad that will be trimmed to 22 on Friday evening.

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Thomas weathers the storm

North Melbourne's Lindsay Thomas has been cleared by the match review panel of any case to answer, for his controversial hit on Collingwood's Ben Reid.

Lindsay Thomas in the Round 1 match against Collingwood. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

LINDSAY Thomas found himself at the centre of a storm in the opening round of the season when his off-the-ball bump left Collingwood defender Ben Reid bloodied and concussed, drawing strong post-match criticism from Magpies coach Nathan Buckley.

"When it first happened I didn't really think too much of it," Thomas said. "We just hit heads. We both went down and were a bit dazed.

"After that I had a few tough days. I was under scrutiny but I tried not to take too much notice."

HOW THOMAS TURNED IT AROUND

Thomas said any tension between the two clubs was quickly defused.

"I made sure Ben was all right. I asked the club to find out how he was, just to make sure he was OK."

North Melbourne V Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, 31/3/13. Clash of heads between Ben Reid and Lindsay Thomas saw Reid off with a bloody mouth and players in a scuffle after Scott Pendlebury tested Lindsay Thomas's Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

Buckley also rang Thomas to clarify his stance on the incident.

"Yeah, Bucks shot me a phone call and explained where he was coming from.

"It was pretty simple. We had a friendly phone call and moved on. I don't know him personally but that was good by him."

He also appreciated the fact that his own coach had defended him so strongly in the post-match media conference.

"It's the little things like that that Brad does and he'd do it for any North Melbourne player."

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AFL nets Foxtel chief

Peter Campbell is heading to AFL Media. Picture: Norm Oorloff

THE AFL's dream of broadcasting its own matches has moved closer to reality with the hiring of a key Foxtel executive to head its media division.

Foxtel's Victorian general manager and head sport executive, Peter Campbell, was lured to run AFL Media.

Former AFL and A-League administrator Ben Buckley is his replacement at the pay-TV network.

The league has three more years to run on its $1.258 billion TV rights deal, but is already plotting for another significant increase.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said last year the league could broadcast "a game or two" from 2016 considering rapidly changing technologies.

The league says AFL Media is a success, although money saved by cost-cutting went into underwriting the media arm's losses this year.

While Campbell's expertise would be perfect in helping the AFL leverage more money, AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan said last night that was not his brief.

"He has been brought in to help deliver on AFL Media's agenda and he brings television and broadcast experience with an operational bent, and that's why we think he is a great hire," he said.

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Trouble with Harry

Cat Harry Taylor marks in front of Bulldog Jordan Roughead. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

RECRUITER Stephen Wells would surely have that long-promised statue of himself erected outside Simonds Stadium were it not for the list management headaches he creates.

The latest issue for Geelong is unsigned defender Harry Taylor who, in the absence of Matthew Scarlett, has been doing a passable impression of the future Hall of Famer.

The West Australian, plucked by Wells from the WAFL, is in white-hot form, which has the Cats desperate to re-sign him.

Despite the pull of home and two young children, Taylor is loyal, but it would be negligent for him to sign a new contract when his price is skyrocketing by the week.

Geelong will have to wait, aware that in six games Taylor has gone from a valuable key position defender to the hottest swingman in the game.

Harry Taylor of the Cats celebrates after kicking a goal during the round five AFL match against Western Bulldogs and the Geelong Cats at Etihad Stadium. Picture: Scott Barbour Source: Getty Images

Taylor has conceded three goals and kicked 9.5 himself this season, despite spending only 21 per cent of his time in attack.

He has kept the likes of Adam Goodes, Drew Petrie, Jarryd Roughead and David Hale goalless and then, when stationed forward against the Western Bulldogs, kicked 5.2 on Jordan Roughead.

The AFL season guide describes Taylor as a "safe, reliable" defender.

He is more than that. He is a star. And the suitors are queuing up.

Imagine what a club such as St Kilda, Fremantle or West Coast would offer for a consistent finals performer who can play as a key defender or full-forward.

Especially one who is just 26, is second in intercept marks, and has proved his durability with 118 of a possible 129 games since being taken with pick 17 from East Fremantle in 2007.

How good a judge is Wells? He turned a rookie in Matthew Egan into an All-Australian defender, watched him break down in late 2007 and then selected a replacement in Taylor, who hasn't missed a beat.

Estimating contract figures at Geelong is problematic given its team-first ethos, but it's safe to say Taylor would have accepted a modest reward when he signed his last contract, considering the Cats' array of talent.

Would Geelong need to pay him north of $500,000 a year?

Geelong's Harry Taylor took Crows full-forward out of the match at Simonds Stadium. Picture: Scott Barbour. Source: Getty Images

Would a club with an open cheque-book believe he was worth $700,000 a year, especially when key defenders are so hard to secure, as St Kilda found out with Mitch Brown in the trade period?

They might sound crazy numbers, but Melbourne threw huge money at Chris Dawes and Mitch Clark.

Retirement decisions that would clear salary-cap space at Geelong are a long way off, but Corey Enright and Paul Chapman are playing well enough to continue next year, with 31-year-old Joel Corey probably 50-50 to go on.

The mail is that Taylor will make Geelong increase its offer and then stay.

But Geelong has lost players in Gary Ablett and Shane Mumford through no other reason than its inability to pay them market rates, given the quality of its list.

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Dons hope WADA doubt will help

The Bombers remain confident in their defence.

Macca cartoon. David McArthur cartoon. WINDY HILL. (David Evans. Essendon. Letters. Consent form. Reid letter. Ziggy report.)

A CONTRIBUTOR to the Switkowski report into Essendon's irregular sports medicine practices says the club believes there are "grey areas" surrounding the World Anti-Doping Agency's banning of supplements allegedly used by players.

Sports medico Andrew Garnham worked with former Telstra boss Ziggy Switkowski on the report released on Monday.

He confirmed the Herald Sun's report, which said the club was considering a defence based on proving AOD-9604 was not illegal when players were prescribed substances by Dons staffer Stephen Dank.

And, while some experts have said six-month bans are certain for some players (the maximum ban for a first offence is two years), he too is confident they can be spared suspensions.

"As the information has become clearer (chairman) David (Evans) and I have been in close communication and he has had information come to him from a variety of other sources," Garnham said.

"So I think what David is putting forward (about no illegality) we would endorse."

Essendon has maintained players did not take banned substances, but has not clarified if players did not take AOD-9604 or the club does not accept it is banned.

Garnham worked as a consultant with pharmacology expert Ross McKinnon, with the pair trying to find out what was in the supplements used at Essendon.

There is a belief Essendon has correspondence or advice from the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority in relation to the substances, which has increased their confidence.

Dons to claim drug was legal

"Obviously there is more information that may yet come from other sources which you have detailed in the (Herald Sun)," Garnham said.

"That potentially raises questions. I think there continue to be grey areas around these things, so it's trying to clarify those grey areas. That is the objective for all the parties involved.

"There are different drugs being developed all the time. Some of those drugs become useful in a clinical context.

"Pharmaceutical companies will say there are many drugs which appear to have potential but never go on beyond an early development phase, so this means the whole process of interpreting data and how things can be categorised under the WADA list is a difficult list and subject to interpretation."

The club's internal report recommended an array of changes about the way the club tackled supplement programs, which Garnham said the club had to take seriously.

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A strip down memory lane

David Armitage and Sam Fisher model the guernsey. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

ST KILDA will surely make AFL history when players wear special heritage guernseys on Monday night against Carlton: their jumper will carry the name of the opposition coach.

To mark the club's 140th anniversary, the Saints will wear black-and-red hooped jumpers that replicate the design of those worn in their inaugural match against Carlton in 1873.

The jumper will also feature the names of the 1551 footballers who have represented the club, among them a 53-game defender from the 1970s named Michael Malthouse.

Midfielder David Armitage, who modelled the jumper with teammate Sam Fisher, spotted the Carlton coach's name on one of the black stripes.

"I did notice that actually," Armitage laughed, "that was one of the names that I picked out.

St Kilda training,Seaford,right,David Armitage and Sam Fisher. 140 years of the St kilda football club v Carlton on Monday, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source:

"You could look at it as being a bit weird I suppose, but he did play for us and this is about honouring those former players and acknowledging our history. I think it's pretty cool that we're doing it."

Armitage said the players knew about the one-off jumper, but "to actually lay eyes on it is quite interesting. Just scanning through all of the names. I didn't manage to find my own name. But Chips (Fisher) was there on the front, so he was happy".

The jumper has proved popular with fans, who have ordered more than 800, and its distinctive hoops make it a good clash strip opposed to Carlton's navy blue.

"I guess it's just lucky that we weren't playing Essendon in that first game 140 years ago," Armitage said. "I don't think the league would be letting us wear this as a clash jumper against Essendon. Mind you, it might give us a bit of an excuse if we turned the footy over."

The Saints are in the middle of a 10-day break between matches, and celebrated the 140th anniversary with a function at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre last Saturday, at which former players Robert Harvey, Trevor Barker, Ross Smith and Neil Roberts were all honoured.

The Saints will go into the game looking to replace Justin Koschitzke (suspended), Lenny Hayes and Sam Gilbert (both injured).

Coach Scott Watters said he would reward consistent VFL performers, with youngsters Tom Ledger (31 disposals last week), teenager Jimmy Webster, ruckman Tom Hickey and Sam Dunnell in the mix. Farren Ray, Tom Simpkin, Terry Milera and James Gwilt also have selection claims.

Armitage said the Monday game had come at an ideal time after a five-day and a six-day break.

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Dons re-sign 'champion' Heppell

Dyson Heppell has re-signed at the Dons. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

BOMBERS coach James Hird says Dyson Heppell is set to become a "champion of Essendon" following the young star recommitting to the club.

Heppell has penned a new deal that will tie him to the Bombers until the end of 2015 in a show of faith to the besieged club.

Heppell, 20, joins key defender Jake Carlisle as young Dons to recommit.

"We're certainly heading in a great direction," Heppell told the club's Fox Footy show The Hangar tonight.

"The game-plan we have in place is really good and it's going to make us competitive long into the season and hopefully finals."

Hird said the 2011 Rising Star winner was a natural leader.

"He's had two good years of football and he's set to be a champion of Essendon, if he's diligent about the way he trains, diligent about his preparation and an excellent competitor on the field," Hird said.

"Dyson is a natural leader. He puts a bit of pressure on himself, which is good to an extent, but the way in which he's lead both the younger and senior guys is terrific and his move into the midfield this season has been outstanding."

Heppell is set to return to the Bombers' line-up to play Geelong on Friday night.

The Gippsland Power product, who the Dons secured with pick No. 8 in the 2010 draft, has averaged 25 disposals a match this year, relishing a shift into the midfield.

He is set to play game No. 50 against the Brisbane Lions in Round 8.
 

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Coaches to have say on laws of game

Plans are in place for a coach to sit alongside Richmond champion Kevin Bartlett on the league's Laws of the Game Committee. Picture: Derrick Hollander Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL Coaches Association has received five nominations from senior coaches who are interested in filling a newly created spot for them on the league's Laws of the Game Committee.

A recommendation on who will fill the position will be made by the association's advisory group, which includes Hawthorn's Alastair Clarkson, Essendon's James Hird, Sydney's John Longmire, Fremantle's Ross Lyon, Richmond's Damien Hardwick and Collingwood's Nathan Buckley - at a meeting at the end of the month.

The six coaches will canvass the thoughts of two other coaches to gain a collective view on a range of subjects.

With relationships between the coaches and the rules committee and umpires strained in recent weeks over contentious sliding rules and marking decisions, the coaches have welcomed the offer to be represented on the committee for the first time.

More nominations for the position are expected and it hasn't been decided whether the post will go to a head coach or an assistant.

AFL football operations manager Mark Evans and league game analysis manager Joel Bowden will also attend this month's meeting with the advisory group to get feedback from the coaches.

The pair are currently visiting each club to gather views on a range of subjects.

Some coaches have nominated themselves for the rules committee, while others have been supported by their clubs.

The rules committee is chaired by Evans and comprises Shane McCurry (secretary), Bowden, former umpire Rowan Sawers, West Coast's Beau Waters and former players Kevin Bartlett, Leigh Matthews, who also coached, along with Michael Sexton and Brett Burton.

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Ball gives Bucks a headache

Luke Ball stretches at Collingwood's recovery session at St Kilda. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD premiership midfielder Luke Ball is tantalisingly close to his AFL comeback this weekend.

Coach Nathan Buckley said Ball was one of several selection topics posers for the team he takes to Perth to play Fremantle on Saturday night.

"Whether the time's right to pull the trigger on Bally ... From a football sense, it makes sense because he has played very good footy, but we need to be absolutely sure that he has had enough match-day conditioning to be right to go,'' Buckley said at recovery at the St Kilda sea baths today.

"Look, he has been sensational. He's a very professional footballer and a great role model for our players around the club.

"We really held him back to give him the best opportunity when he came back. And he has come back in fantastic nick.

"We'll sit down with the medicos as we do at the beginning of every week and see where our players are at. We won't just be looking at who's available for selection this week, we'll be looking what sort of progressions our players need to get back up to full fitness and to be playing their best football.''

Ball has played two VFL games in his return from a knee injury that ruined his 2012 season.

The Barometer: Who's hurt at your club?

Buckley said neither the big, firm Subiaco oval nor the cross-continent flight would be factors in any Ball decision.

"No, jumping on a plane is not going to hurt his knee,'' he said.

Alan Didak is also in the mix after strong VFL form and the Magpies will fight a charge against forward Alex Fasolo at the VFL Tribunal tonight to provide further selection options.

"We've had some really strong performances down there. Along with Dids whose form has been very consistent. He's very damaging with the ball and his running power is building week to week. So, this week is very interesting on the selection table,'' Buckley said.

Dane Swan and Collingwood teammates cool off at St Kilda Beach. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

Best-and-fairest winner Dayne Beams will resume light training next week after recovery from an aggravated thigh injury that has delayed his start to the season.

"It has obviously been disappointing for him and disappointing for us. Six games in and he hasn't played any football in the home-and-away (season),'' the coach said.

"But his leg is coming fine and he's getting a lot of work in. He'll start doing some ball work next week and we're looking forward to welcoming him back in the side sooner rather than later."

On confronting Fremantle's renowned defensive systems, Buckley said: "Every game is an opportunity to practice the way you want to go about it. And we're still looking for that balance.

"Fremantle has obviously got a very heavy defensive focus, but they have been a very dangerous attacking side towards the end of last season in particular.

"We know we're going to go across and face a very tough opponent, same win-loss ratio,, same aspirations to be a top-four club.

"These sort of games show either you're heading in the right direction or you've got a bit of work to do.''

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Bushranger is 'exciting' AFL

Shane Crawford details his plan to recover from a disastrous week in SuperCoach.

Meyrick Buchanan is exciting AFL clubs. Picture: Colleen Petch

FORMER Australian under-19 cricketer Meyrick Buchanan is expected to rocket into AFL draft calculations after making a mid-season switch to football.

Geelong Falcons regional manger Michael Turner said clubs already would be "pretty excited" about the skilful small forward's return to football after two years in the Victorian Bushrangers squad.

The Herald Sun yesterday revealed Buchanan, who played as a batsman for Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash League, had received special Football Victoria permission to join the Falcons in the TAC Cup as a 19-year-old.

Buchanan was rated a top-30 pick after attending the AFL draft camp two years ago.

Despite a two-year break from football, Turner said the smart, left-footed goalkicker would again loom large for AFL clubs in November's national draft.

"It will take time, but I'm confident that if he was draftable two years ago, he is certainly draftable now," Turner said.

"As I said to him, 'You don't lose your ability. We've just got to train you up and get you playing well again'.

"What Meyrick has got is great decision-making ability, great skills and, as I say, we have just got to get his fitness levels up.

"I think AFL clubs would be pretty excited that he has come back to football."

In his 2011 TAC Cup season, the 178cm livewire averaged 26.2 disposals at 73 per cent efficiency.

Turner said clubs had been keeping a close watch on Buchanan since he made the surprise choice to choose cricket over football in 2011.

"When the AFL clubs came through and interviewed us about our squad this year, there was a lot of interest in him," he said.

"If he comes back and does well and gets drafted, then it's a great football story."

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Usual suspects suspended yet again

Jarrad Waite and Justin Koschitzke have both been given suspensions by the AFL match review panel.

JARRAD Waite once tried to explain away his latest tribunal infraction as the result of being a gangly, late developer who was "one of the worst" at the club in agility ratings.

Justin Koschitzke's draft camp testing was dragged out to decipher the lack of peripheral vision that got him in trouble again on Friday night.

Campbell Brown is ... well, the son of Mal and, we are told, he must play close to the edge to remain a factor in AFL football.

Waite and Koschitzke will miss again this week through suspension, while Brown has been told to find form in the Gold Coast reserves before he wins his spot back after his latest six-match ban.

Once, to be a regular tribunal warrior like David Rhys-Jones or Dermott Brereton was a badge of honour, a sign you were prepared to dole it out and take it in equal measures.

Dig a little deeper into the tribunal records of that trio of current players, and it becomes clear they are dinosaurs of that past age.

Koschitzke and Brown, both in the last year of contracts, are jeopardising their careers.

Danger zone: Carlton big man Jarrad Waite and Melbourne's Tom McDonald get up close and personal. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

And Waite, who was probably stiff to be suspended but crazy even to get close to headbutting Melbourne's Tom McDonald, should be doing everything possible to stay on the field.

He is the difference between Carlton being a quality side and a premiership contender, but Waite continues to put himself in the danger zone, found guilty seven times from as many tribunal appearances and cited four times in 2010 alone, including a VFL reprimand.

He was lucky to dodge a report over his bizarre Round 1 back-heel on Luke McGuane in 2001, and continues to find ways to miss games.

It was his first game this year after playing just 48 games since 2009. He is a star. Time to act like one.

Koschitzke's report has been endlessly discussed, and he deserves praise for phoning Magpie Jamie Elliott to apologise about his elbow to the head.

But he has been suspended every year for the past seven seasons, five times for striking and twice for rough conduct.

In all he has 10 tribunal appearances for eight guilty verdicts as well as an umpire contact charge.

Unnecessary act: Jamie Elliott lies on the ground after clashing with Justin Koschitzke. Picture: Ludbey Wayne

Now Kosi could be stranded on 197 career games for the rest of his life.

Brown has accrued 25 matches in suspensions, and has missed six matches for a savage front-on hit to Adelaide's Aidan Riley in Round 23 last year.

We love the competitiveness of Brown, who concedes he is not overly blessed with natural talent, and he made the right decision to move north for a guaranteed three-year deal.

But when he returns in Round 8, he will have missed 10 games already for Gold Coast through suspension, with his two-match ban for a hit on then Bulldog Callan Ward lucky not to have been doubled.

Where once players could go through their careers as clean-skins, the crackdown on rough conduct and front-on contact means taking a hit at the tribunal can be just collateral damage.

Yet consider two of the AFL's most tagged players.

Campbell Brown is not giving the Gold Coast Suns value for money with his constant indiscretions.

Gary Ablett has been harried like few others in his 238 games, yet he has just two charges: a rough conduct charge against Eagle David Wirrpanda that was thrown out, and an umpire contact charge.

Essendon captain Jobe Watson has 160 games, and a similar umpire contact charge.

They do not shirk the issue, or fail to lay tackles, or pull out of contests.

But neither do they miss games unnecessarily through needless striking charges or silly incidents that would only let their teammates down.

WHY THE SUB SHOULD NEVER BE A FIRST-GAMER
ROMANCE is trumped by cold-hard reality in just about every decision made by a football club.

So it probably should too, when reputations are at stake and futures on the line.

It doesn't mean we can't bemoan the stripping of a century of tradition when it comes to AFL first-gamers and the sub rule.

Jarrad Waite tangles with James Strauss. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

We have probably banged on about this before, but it just seems wrong.

Increasingly players who have dreamed of making their AFL debut for a decade or more do it via a green vest and a spot on the pine.

Champion Data's stats say 11 of the 47 debuts have been made this year via the sub bench, which in itself is not going to change the face of the game.

But this week there were four debutantes who started as substitutes, with only one of them logging meaningful game time.

All of them went through their own degrees of adversity to get to the big dance.

Carlton's Jaryd Cachia went to the SANFL and back to make his debut, Melbourne's Dean Kent had to bide his time in the WAFL, Sydney's Jed Lamb was made to work hard in the reserves, and even Collingwood's first-round pick Ben Kennedy was stuck in traffic bad enough for him to run 2km to the ground on game day.

Imagine the fear in his eyes...

He need not have worried: he only played 38 minutes.

Cachia played 27 minutes and Lamb 24 minutes, with Kent at least getting 72 minutes and a handy goal after captain Jack Grimes went down with injury.

Port Adelaide's Kane Mitchell was the sub in his first three games of football - what a total fizzer.

Imagine the mixed emotions on the bench - desperate to cheer on your teammates but secretly thrilled if one of them goes down because it allows you to make your official debut.

There is no real remedy for it, and it probably makes sense.

Certainly the sub rule has increased fairness in the competition given early injuries.

We just love it when people like Mick Malthouse pick young players for big games like Anzac Day, back them in, and reap the rewards.

Imagine if you were the sub, came on in the last quarter, and suffered a career-ending injury.

What a miserable tale to tell your grandkids.

STARTING SUB DEBUTS
Round 1
Collingwood Sam Dwyer 59 min
Port Adelaide Kane Mitchell 28 min
Hawthorn Jed Anderson 29 min

Round 3
Carlton Dylan Buckley 63 min

Round 4
Brisbane Marco Paparone 80 min
Western Bulldogs Jake Stringer 46 min

Round 5
St Kilda Josh Saunders 39 min

Round 6
Carlton Jaryd Cachia 27 min
Collingwood Ben Kennedy 38 min
Melbourne Dean Kent 72 min
Sydney Jed Lamb 24 min

TUCKY THE GREAT SURVIVOR
WE just can't help admiring Shane Tuck, who seems a good chance to come back into the Richmond line-up against Port Adelaide this weekend.

He might still get rolled at selection courtesy of Nathan Foley's return from achilles soreness, but that will surely only delay his return.

Tuck has been dead and buried several times under former coaches, so much so that every time he walks in for his post-season review he attempts to quit before they sack him.

But at least Damien Hardwick has seen his upside, while at the same time balancing his deficiencies.

By all accounts Tuck didn't whinge when demoted, simply taking his medicine and going back and slaying them at VFL level.

He is not a superstar, and he doesn't kick it that well, and he probably has some defensive flaws.

But the Tigers missed him and his appetite for clearances late against Geelong.

He is a great survivor, and one of the few who extract every little piece of talent from his body.

Essendon chairman David Evans releases the findings of the Switkowski report. Picture: Jake Nowakowski Source: Herald Sun

FALLING ON HIS SWORD?
BRILLIANT little bit of politicking from David Evans to throw himself up for re-election in November.

All it will do - after assessing the mood of an electorate still firmly behind him - will be to increase his mandate at the club after allowing them to vote him back in.

It won't cost the club any cash given there are yearly elections for board members.

And not many have really called for his head given the buck seems to stop with chief executive Ian Robson.

We just can't resile the totally different approaches from different quarters about the likelihood of players dodging bans.

The likes of respected medico Peter Brukner and former ASADA boss Richard Ings are adamant they must accept bans of at least six months.

But legal sources and the Bombers seem sure they will get off under the no fault and negligence clause first raised by the Herald Sun.

There is no grey area or suspended sentences - they either get six months or more, or they get off.

We tend to back the AFL because they get what they want, and Demetriou seems sure players won't be banned this year.

So we go with the strength of City Hall, and hopefully a resolution is in sight.

Evans said this week he thought the investigation would wrap up in weeks, not months.

That is the first sign this drama won't drag on until September.

There might be uncertainty about the penalty, but everyone is united in the hope for a speedy resolution.

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Dons to claim drug was permitted

Essendon chairman David Evans releases the findings of the Switkowski report on Monday. Picture: Jake Nowakowski Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON is building a defence that anti-obesity drug AOD-9604 was not prohibited in 2012 after insisting again yesterday it believed its players will not be sanctioned.

Bombers chairman David Evans said he was "more comfortable" about players beating bans if charged under anti-doping provisions.

"I am not prepared to concede our players have taken any banned substances," said Evans, who hopes the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority inquiry will be completed within weeks.

With former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank admitting he gave players the anti-obesity drug AOD-9604, legal experts believe the Bombers could be exploring one of several potential loopholes.

Essendon's pronouncements reveal it does not accept that AOD-9604 was banned for players during the 2012 season, but it will not confirm why it is so bullish.

The players were updated again by ASADA on Monday, and believe the No Fault or Negligence clause revealed by the Herald Sun in February is open to them.

Drug and legal experts believe the club might be trying to prove AOD-9604 was approved in some way for therapeutic use due to a special application, which would make it legal for use on humans in that instance.

The issue for Essendon is whether legal exemptions would override the World Anti-Doping Agency code.

WADA has stated that the substance is banned because it has "no current approval by any governmental regulatory health authority for human therapeutic use".

The national Therapeutic Drugs Administration last night confirmed to the Herald Sun it had not given approval for AOD-9604, but said "several other exemptions exist that could allow legal supply of AOD-9604".

Those include the use of "extemporaneous compounding", where a licensed chemist makes up compounds for individual use.

It was unclear last night if a prescription is required in this instance.

Essendon yesterday again refused to respond to questions about what ASADA had told it about the use of AOD-9604 but Evans made it clear its legality was at the heart of the club's defence.

Essendon coach James Hird watches as Bombers chairman David Evans speaks to the media. Picture: Jake Nowakowski Source: Herald Sun

Asked if the legal status of the drug would be played out in the courts, he replied: "I don't know the answer to that. There is more to play out on that in the course of the next few days and weeks, but I will leave it there, because that goes to the heart of the investigation".

Sports law expert Paul Horvath, the co-chair of the Law Institute of Victoria's Sports Law Committee, said Essendon could push the case that AOD-9604 was not banned last year.

"A strong position would come from having a letter authorising distribution of a product and that would indicate it wasn't in the S2 (named substances) or S0 (un-approved so automatically banned) categories," Horvath said.

"(Evans) doesn't seem to be suggesting they didn't take some substances; he is simply saying they didn't take banned substances.

"So they are not conceding what they took is banned. They would have seen documents and have more information than they have made public."

WADA's anti-drugs code declares on S0 non-approved substances: "Any pharmacological substance which is not addressed by any of the subsequent sections of the List and with no current approval by any governmental regulatory health authority for human therapeutic use (e.g drugs under pre-clinical or clinical development or discontinued, designer drugs, veterinary medicines) is prohibited at all times".

Essendon states information from consultant pharmacist Ross McKinnon and sports medico Andrew Garnham has it comfortable about its position.

But McKinnon told the Herald Sun this week he made it clear that he did not believe AOD-9604 was approved in any way.

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Push laws can simply shove off

Adelaide's Scott Thompson is about to be penalised for this feather touch on Hawthorn's David Hale. Picture: Fox Footy Source: FOX SPORTS

Geelong coach Coach Chris Scott says the explanations to say that you can't block, bump, push or hold in a marking contest makes it very difficult to understand how you can make any contact at all. Source: Getty Images

THE forensic attitude from the umpires and laws of the game committee is ruining one of the fundamentals of the game - the mark.

In the past week, past and present players such as Barry Hall, Cameron Mooney, Robert Murphy, Paul Roos, Gerard Healy, Tom Rockliff and North Melbourne's Scott Thompson have shaken their heads in disbelief at the sudden interpretation crackdown.

And fans are mystified about what is legal and what is not.

Scott, Bucks confused by rule

There are several examples of players pushing and not being penalised.

It has become a lucky dip.

Umpires' boss Jeff Gieschen further confused the issue on On The Couch on Monday night.

He talked about half-cocked arms and fully cocked arms, and when he was finished, Roos laughed.

"I'm more confused," Roos said.

And Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley wondered yesterday what it meant when the arm was 80 per cent cocked.

Fair question from Buckley.

The rule says players cannot push, block or bump in marking contests. Soon, the laws people will add tickle, nudge, brush and breathe on, such is the stricter interpretation.

It wasn't Ray Chamberlain's fault he penalised Adelaide's Scott Thompson on Saturday.

He was only following orders.

The blame is with the laws of the game, and/or Gieschen.

This wonderful game with its oval ball and its unpredictability is being umpired to within an inch of its life.

The Thompson decision destroyed the soul of the game - a one-one-one contest with one player judging the flight better and using his body to render his opponent useless.

Buckley and Geelong's Chris Scott yesterday joined the chorus of disbelief.

"The explanations are extremely confusing," Scott said. "To say that you can't block, bump, push or hold in a marking contest makes it very difficult to understand how you can make any contact at all."

Buckley said he needed to know how to coach his players.

"Right now, from what I gather, a half-push is OK but a full push is not acceptable," he said.

"I don't know how an 80 per cent push is going to be adjudicated.

"We coach our players to go to the ball as often and as strongly as they can.

"There's going to be body-to-body contact ... we've got some players who are very good in one-on-one contests and hold that space very well and take marks, and we hope they're rewarded for their efforts."

Scott said: "My personal view is that if we've been saying you can't bump, block, push or hold in a marking contest, then two of the greatest footballers of all time in Tony Lockett and Jason Dunstall would have been ineffective.

"It's not a great development in our game.

"But the reality is that when two players are competing in a contest, they're both pushing against each other, so if one's stronger than the other, the push is going to become more obvious."

Strength used to be such advantage - from stars such as Jack Dyer, Ted Whitten, Wayne Carey, Lockett and Dunstall, to lesser lights such as Alan Martello, James Clement and John Longmire.

Now, we have Geelong's self-confessed weakling Andrew Mackie saying he has the advantage because he can't hold his ground.

God knows how many frees Stephen Silvagni would have given away. Under today's interpretations, "SOS" might not have been in the Team of the Century.

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Power shows a duty of care

Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas with SA Premier Jay Weatherill, left, at the launch of partnership between the club and Foodbank. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

PORT Adelaide is standing tall in the corporate sponsorship world again - and the Power will not abandon the charity that gave the AFL club its "good citizen" look to achieve that aim.

Port this week is dedicating its AFL home game against Richmond to Foodbank's End Hunger campaign and is staying true to the charity for the next three years.

Foodbank's logo - which appeared on the club jumper until French car manufacturer Renault signed up as a major sponsor in the summer - will appear on the Power team shorts for the next three seasons.

The joint partnership will be incorporated in the Power Community Limited arm of the Port Adelaide Football Club, which works with schools and indigenous communities.

"Our commitment is not waning - it is evolving and growing stronger," Port chief executive Keith Thomas said yesterday.

Thomas does not dismiss the cynicism that came with Port's alliance with Foodbank last year.

The criticism has less credence today when Port is again a corporate darling and still offering valued AFL exposure and time to Foodbank.

Power footballers, from left, Dom Cassisi, Matthew Lobbe and Brett Ebert show off their new-look guernseys with Foodbank logos. Picture: Sarah Reed

"We can't hide from the fact we were unappealing last year," Thomas said.

"Linking up with Foodbank gave us the opportunity to be seen as a good citizen by giving back to the community rather than taking.

"We wanted to be seen as doing good things in the community. That was to open opportunities for us to a different type of corporate backer.

"A year later the corporate world is seeing our link with Foodbank in the true light.

"We believe in our role to help the community and we certainly believe in Foodbank's mission to end hunger.

"We have helped raise awareness of hunger in society at a time when Foodbank had little visibility. Now we are making a long-term commitment to Foodbank.

"We knew we could not keep Foodbank's End Hunger logo on our jumper when the corporate sponsorship returned, but we're signalling our commitment by putting the logo on our players' shorts for three years."

Staying true to Foodbank comes as the Port Adelaide Football Club has lifted corporate sponsorship by $500,000, increased its membership by 10 per cent to add $1 million to its coffers, merchandise sales by 30 per cent and home crowds by 54 per cent.

Foodbank has gained from helping to repair Port's public image.

The charity's sponsorship with the Power generated $1.1 million of national media exposure for the End Hunger campaign.

It raised $283,000 to fund Foodbank supplies and programs, which generated 500,000kg of food. This amounted to 200,000 meals for 50,000 hungry South Australian families.

Foodbank's increased profile by being attached to an AFL club allows the charity to walk into more than 600 new opportunities for corporate backing.

In the Port deal this includes links to the Bendigo Bank, the Walker Corporation, Envestra, Transfield Services and The Advertiser.

The fundraising will continue on Saturday with Port fans asked to pick up "Cans of Opportunity" at Gate 3 at AAMI Stadium. These are to be returned to the club by September 6, with every dollar raised going directly to Foodbank.

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Bomber granted French leave

David Hille has been granted leave to head to France. Picture: Alex Coppel

ESSENDON has given David Hille permission to miss the next two games because of a long-standing overseas commitment.

The ruckman will be in France for the wedding of a close family friend.

Luckily for the Bombers, ruckman Paddy Ryder is available for selection for Friday night's clash against Geelong after completing a three-match suspension for striking Fremantle's Luke McPharlin in Round 3.

The Barometer: Medical updates for every club

Hille, who was recalled to the Bombers side to replace the suspended Ryder, flew out of Australia on Sunday night.

Essendon football manager Danny Corcoran said the club had been aware of the commitment at the start of the season.

"When David signed a one-year contract extension with the club at the start of this season, he flagged that this trip was a possibility," Corcoran said.

"He has had a long-standing family commitment overseas that the club agreed he would be able to honour.

"David has been a valuable contributor to the team this season in the absence of Paddy Ryder, who has been missing through suspension, and we now look forward to him being available for selection again in two weeks' time."

DESPITE a scare during Saturday's game against Adelaide, scans have cleared Hawthorn defender Brent Guerra of any damage to his knee.

Guerra, who missed last year's Grand Final because of a hamstring injury, limped off AAMI Stadium with what appeared to be a knee injury.

But the defender played the game out after receiving treatment.

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The Barometer: Round 7

Jarrad Waite faces a one-match suspension for this incident against Demon Tom McDonald

Chris Dawes has played two VFL games and could be recalled for his Dees debut this week. Picture: Derrick Den Hollander Source: Herald Sun

WHO'S hurt and who is in line for selection at your club?

ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Nathan Van Berlo (knee) 2 weeks
Sam Shaw (hamstring) 5 weeks
Sam Siggins (ankle) 1 week
Taylor Walker (knee) season
Lewis Johnston (knee) 8 weeks
Brad Crouch (hamstring) 1-2 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: MATT Wright started as the sub against Hawthorn and finished with seven disposals while Jarryd Lyons only had 10 touches before being subbed off. Luke Brown had another low disposal count but that hasn't hurt him at selection so far.

ON THE CUSP: Ian Callinan had 22 touches and kicked two goals for Central Districts and Graham Johncock booted two for Port Magpies. Jared Petrenko had 18 disposals and a goal. Lewis Johston is out as a potential Taylor Walker replacement after hurting his left knee in the SANFL.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The man the Crows really need to get going is Sam Jacobs. He is well down on his outstanding 2012 form and it is making life a lot tougher for the Adelaide midfield. Patrick Dangerfield returned to form with a bang on Saturday, big Sauce might be next. Fixtures against GWS and St Kilda in the next two weeks give the Crows a chance to jump back into the finals mix.

If you don't mind, umpire!

BRISBANE

INJURIES
Claye Beams (knee) - season
Stef Martin (ankle) - 5 weeks
Jared Polec (ankle) - 5 weeks
Jesse O'Brien (adductor) - 2 weeks
Matt McGuire (ankle) - 1 week
Daniel Rich (shoulder) - 6 weeks
Steven Wrigley (knee) - season

ON THE BLOCK: Plenty to choose from if Michael Voss wants to swing the axe. Marco Paparone, Rohan Bewick, Sam Mayes and Josh Green were all quiet against the Swans, while Aaron Cornelius was subbed off after just three kicks.

ON THE CUSP: Sam Docherty was best afield in the Lions reserves' 23-point win against Sydney's twos in the NEAFL. Jordan Lisle bagged another four goals while Patrick Karnezis kicked three. Ryan Harwood is also pushing for a senior berth. Voss said Simon Black was close to full match fitness last week and he must be tempted to give the veteran a call.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Lions get West Coast at just the wrong time and that's only the start of a horror run – with Essendon, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong and Hawthorn to follow in the next seven weeks. Unless they can find something a 2-9 scoreline would put Voss in a very uncomfortable position.

Marco Paparone, Justin Clarke and Sam Docherty of the Lions celebrate beating Melbourne. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

CARLTON

INJURIES
Andrew Carrazzo (calf) Test
Chris Yarran (hamstring) Test
Bryce Gibbs (hamstring) Test
Jarrad Waite (suspension) 1 week
Matthew Kreuzer (thumb) 5 weeks
Andrew McInnes (knee) 5-6 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: THEY waited a long time for him to come back, now Jarrad Waite will go straight back out. He has been suspended for one match for headbutting Melbourne's Tom McDonald. The clash against Melbourne was Waite's first senior game of the year and only his 12th since the start of last season following his battle with back and leg injuries. It was poor form by Waite, who should know better. Chris Yarran is also a good chance to miss with hamstring tightness. They won't want to risk him.

ON THE CUSP - Andrew Carazzo came out late against Melbourne and should return from a corked calf. Likewise Bryce Gibbs. Tom Bell and Levi Casboult both impressed in the VFL at the weekend and would have to be a chance.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: THINGS are starting to look up at Carlton. They are over their hard patch, have come out of it pretty well and now face St Kilda after a good, long break. They are playing good, exciting football. And with Eddie Betts, Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett on song up forward, they are very hard to stop.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

COLLINGWOOD

INJURIES
Dayne Beams (Quad) 1-2 weeks
Brodie Grundy (Back) 1-2 weeks
Lachlan Keeffe (Knee) 1-2 weeks
Nick Maxwell (Fractured wrist) 1-2 weeks
Clinton Young (Hamstring) 1-2 weeks
Michael Hartley (Shoulder) 3 weeks
Tim Broomhead (Glandular Fever) 4-5 weeks
Jack Frost (knee) 5-6 weeks
Jackson Ramsay Wrist 6-7 weeks
Alan Toovey (knee) Season

ON THE BLOCK: HE wasn't playing in the seniors, but terrible to see defender Jack Frost go down with a knee injury in the VFL at the weekend. He's out for 5-6 weeks. Also in the twos, small forward Alex Fasolo has been reporting for rough conduct. In terms of the seniors this week, the likes of Jarrod Witts, Josh Thomas and Ben Kennedy may find themselves in the gun, despite the win over St Kilda. Because there are a few impending inclusions.

ON THE CUSP: SOME big names are on the cusp at Collingwood. The Magpies say both midfielder Luke Ball and Alan Didak are very close to coming in after shining in the VFL on Sunday. Will both come in? Didak could be the spark they are looking for, but Rodney Eade said on AFL360 Ball was likely to spend one more game in the VFL.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: JUST did enough against St Kilda, but there was little to get excited about for Pies supporters. This week they face the Nathan Fyfe-less Fremantle at Patersons Stadium this week. The task itself won't trouble the Pies, who have a very strong away record. But they need to find something as they are still way below their best. And have been for a long time. Really missing Dayne Beams.

Luke Ball pushes himself at Collingwood training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON

INJURIES
Brent Stanton (groin) test

ON THE BLOCK: James Hird said after Saturday's win against GWS he was "very hopeful" Brent Stanton would overcome a groin injury in time to play Geelong but with the game on Friday night he has to be a long shot. With up to six first-choice players returning some will have to make way – Nick Kommer, Leroy Jetta, Jackson Merrett, Tayte Pears and Scott Gumbleton might get the bad news on Thursday. David Hille definitely won't be at Etihad Stadium – he's in France after being given two weeks' leave to attend a long-standing family commitment.

ON THE CUSP: Get your pen and paper ready – Michael Hurley (ankle), Jake Carlisle (ankle), Dustin Fletcher (groin), Dyson Heppell (groin), Patrick Ryder (suspension) and Jason Winderlich (rested) are all ready to return. Don't expect a big push for Joe Daniher to make his debut this week. He snagged two goals as Essendon went down to Coburg in the VFL. Corey Dell'Olio kicked three goals in that game while an interesting name in the best players was former Gold Coast defender Josh Toy.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Hope you have a ticket already for what is a genuine blockbuster at Etihad Stadium on Friday night. Essendon took about two-and-a-half quarters longer than expected to blow GWS away and they won't get away with the same sort of sluggish start this week. But with possibly an entire list to choose from, the Bombers have every reason to believe they will be 7-0 on Saturday morning.

The Herald Sun's Michael Warner says Essendon Chairman, David Evans, should consider resigning.

Essendon's Brent Stanton shakes off his GWS opponent at Manuka Oval. Picture: Kym Smith Source: The Daily Telegraph

FREMANTLE

INJURIES

Kepler Bradley (knee) season
Anthony Morabito (knee) season
Aaron Sandiland (foot) 5 weeks
Matthew Pavlich (Achilles) 4 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: NOT too many. The Dockers unlikely to make too many changes for their clash against Collingwood at Patersons Stadium. They don't need to after what was a strong performance against the Gold Coast Suns at Metricon Stadium. If there is a change or two, Tendai Mzungu and Cameron Sutcliffe might be the unlucky ones to be looked at.

ON THE CUSP: THE only probably in looks to be star midfielder Stephen Hill. He missed the win over the Suns with a quadriceps injury, but coach Ross Lyon is hopeful he will return to tackle the Magpies. Given they are already without the suspended Nathan Fyfe (why oh why did they challenge that again?), they will need Hill against Collingwood's gun midfielders.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: A LITTLE bit of a statement against Gold Coast last week. Quite a few suggested they were ripe for the picking at Metricon Stadium last Saturday night. The Dockers were having none of it and put the Suns back in their place. But this is a much bigger challenge. They will go in primed for a massive scalp. They are every chance as well up against a Collingwood side well below their best.

Top 40 gallery: See the best photos from Round 6

GEELONG

INJURIES
Paul Chapman (hamstring) test
Travis Varcoe (shoulder) 8-10 weeks
Daniel Menzel (knee) season
Jared Rivers (knee) indefinite
Josh Cowan (Achilles) indefinite
Hamish McIntosh (knee) indefinite
George Burbury (foot) indefinite
Jed Bews (foot) indefinite
Dawson Simpson (back) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: NOT many for this undefeated powerhouse. Jordan Murdoch and George Horlin-Smith wore the red and green vests respectively to border dangerously on the edge, but the Cats had a wealth of performers against the Tigers on Saturday night.

ON THE CUSP: PAUL Chapman is expected to return for the Friday night blockbuster against the Bombers after missing two weeks with a hamstring. Nathan Vardy booted six goals in the VFL but the Cats won't rush him, while first-round pick Jackson Thurlow – who has drawn some comparison to Corey Enright with his style of play – remains in the frame.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: A MASSIVE three-week stretch looms for the Cats, starting against the Dons on Friday night. After that it's the Pies and a resurgent Port Adelaide away, while their side is as good as it's going get with only Chapman to come back in the foreseeable future. A pair of victories from that stretch will have the Cats all but locked in for a top-four finish with a swathe of matches at the redeveloped Simonds Stadium to follow.

Paul Chapman attempts to bust a tackle. Picture: Bear Mitch Source: Herald Sun

GWS GIANTS

INJURIES
Dean Brogan (suspended) available
Matthew Buntine (lung) available
Lachie Whitfield (soreness) test
Setanta O'hAilpin (calf) TBC
Dom Tyson (knee) 3 weeks
Phil Davis (back) 5 weeks
Chad Cornes (shoulder) indefinite
Jon Patton (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: THE Giants played their best match for the year, so don't expect too much change. Zac Williams butchered the footy a little bit after starting as the sub.

ON THE CUSP: THE Giants reserves had a bye at the weekend, but expect Lachie Whitfield to come back in after missing with soreness. Dean Brogan should return after serving a three-match ban, while Adam Kennedy was a late withdrawal on Saturday.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: A TESTING period awaits leading into the bye with matches against the Crows, Eagles, Blues and Hawks ahead. But with kids in the ilk of Jono O'Rourke, Matt Buntine and Lachie Whitfield to return – and Jezza Cameron starting to hit his straps – the bright future continues to shine blindly. Jacob Townsend's negating role against Jobe Watson at the weekend was also a tremendous victory.

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HAWTHORN

INJURIES
Xavier Ellis (calf) test
Jed Anderson (hamstring) test
Brent Guerra (knee) test
Brendan Whitecross (knee) 3 weeks
Cyril Rioli (hamstring) 5-7 weeks
Matthew Suckling (knee) indefinite
Alex Woodward (knee) indefinite
Ryan Schoenmakers (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: NOT many. Jon Simpkin looked ok when he came on in his Hawks debut on Saturday, while youngster Taylor Duryea's use of the footy was excellent. Don't expect much change this week. Buddy escaped punishment from the match review panel. Scans have cleared Brent Guerra of any serious damage, so expect him to front up on Saturday night.

ON THE CUSP: AGAIN, expect little change for the Hawks. Shane Savage impressed in the Hawks' big VFL win over the baby Bendigo side, while Kyle Cheney remains on the fringe. Mitch Hallahan is also showing promising signs, while Xavier Ellis could return for Box Hill this week. Max Bailey was a late out at the weekend.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: A MASSIVE test this week for the Hawks, who are winning despite having key players down on output in an impressive sign. Don't expect much change after the victory against the Crows, while this week ends Hawthorn's nightmare start to the season where it faced every 2012 finalist.

GOLD COAST

INJURIES
Charlie Dixon (ankle) test
Steven May (hamstring) test
Daniel Gorringe (hamstring) TBA
Matthew Warnock (arm) indefinite
Joel Wilkinson (ankle) 2-4 weels
Seb Tape (knee) 2 week
Maverick Weller (shoulder) 1 week
Nathan Bock (leg) indefinite

ON THE BLOCK: BRANDON Matera needs to show a hell of a lot more than what he did against Fremantle, as we all know he is capable of it. But expect to see him stay in as they will need him to beat Melbourne. Matt Shaw and Aaron Hall are also running out of credits. Charlie Dixon was subbed out with an ankle injury against Fremantle, but it is not major. He is considered a good chance of getting up this week.

ON THE CUSP: The versatile Steven May missed last week with a hamstring niggle, but is a good chance of returning this week. It will be interesting to see whether exciting forward Liam Patrick is considered after a strong performance in his NEAFL return last week.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST: Very disappointing performance against Fremantle. But they need to wipe the slate clean and get themselves back up quickly because this is a very winnable game against Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday. In fact, all things being equal, they should beat Melbourne. It all depends on their mindset. They need to rediscover the killer instinct that saw them dispose of St Kilda in Round 1 and put away the Giants a fortnight ago.

Gold Coast Suns Charlie Dixon celebrates a goal against GWS at Manuka Oval. Picture: Kym Smith Source: The Sunday Telegraph

MELBOURNE

INJURIES

Mark Jamar (groin) TBC
Jack Watts (hamstring) TBC
Jack Grimes (collarbone) 4-8 weeks
Mitch Clark (foot) 5-6 weeks

ON THE BLOCK- This is not the week for wholesale changes at Melbourne. It is a winnable game, so they will want to keep the side reasonably settled, within reason. They lose co-captain Jack Grimes with a broken collarbone. The big question is what to do with Jack Trengove? He needs to find some form, because he is really struggling. But do they drop him given the other co-captain is already injured? Big decision for coach Mark Neeld.

ON THE CUSP- Finally, Chris Dawes should come in. The former Magpie will slot straight in at full-forward, which is great news given there is no Mitch Clark there. Neville Jetta will return from suspension. Expect to also see David Rodan in the mix.

NICK SMART'S FORECAST- Whether they deserve to or not, Melbourne will head into the clash against the Suns at the MCG as favourites. It's a winnable game for them, that's for sure. But they are terribly low on confidence and the Suns will be up for it. They can't avoid to fly the white flag this week, otherwise the spotlight shines right back on them.

NORTH MELBOURNE

INJURIES
Robbie Tarrant (leg) test
Dan Currie (thumb) 6 weeks
Tom Curran (foot) season

ON THE BLOCK: Will Sierakowski performed gamely in his AFL debut collecting 11 disposals. Substitute Taylor Hine didn't get a lot of opportunity and could come under scrutiny at selection. Majak Daw did a lot right in his third AFL game but looms as the first tall to fall pending Robbie Tarrant's fitness.

ON THE CUSP: Veteran playmaker Brent Harvey is a walk-up start. Tarrant must prove his fitness after missing his second match with a leg injury and rebounding defender Ben Jacobs made his case for a recall collecting 31 disposals in VFL-affiliate North Ballarat's win over Frankston. Fringe midfielder Levi Greenwood was solid against VFL premiers Geelong while Jordan Gysberts relished his move onto the wing, finishing with 23 touches and a goal.

GILBERT GARDINER'S FORECAST: Boomer's back! Harvey will inject speed and class into a Kangaroos line-up crying out for effective ball use in Saturday's clash against the Western Bulldogs. Aaron Black has done enough to warrant his selection while young rebounding defenders Shaun Atley and Jamie Macmillan continue to impress with their ball-winning ability and dash off half-back. The Kangaroos face a good test against the Doggies being led superbly by ruckman Will Minson, one of the competition's best at giving his midfielders first use. With a road trip to Perth the following week this looms as a must-win for the Shinboners looking to get their season back on track.

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PORT ADELAIDE

INJURIES
Jasper Pittard (hip flexor) test
Danny Butcher (AC joint) available
Brett Ebert (adductor) 2-4 weeks
Jackson Trengove (foot) 9 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Brent Renouf and Paul Stewart wore the green and red vests on Saturday and neither set the world on fire. Campbell Heath had only six disposals for the afternoon and Lewis Stevenson nine. Kane Mitchell made the most of his chance to pick up 15 disposals and seems safe.

ON THE CUSP: Alipate Carlile said today Jasper Pittard is a 50-50 chance to return from his hip flexor injury against the Tigers on Saturday but that might be optimistic. Sam Colquhoun has been an emergency four times this season – including each of the past three weeks - and must be close to a debut after being named in the best again for Central District. Andrew Moore is also waiting for a chance, he was named in North Adelaide's best players.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: No Ken Hinkley, no Port Adelaide? The coach will be back delivering instructions in person this weekend instead of text messages and although there will be fewer opportunities to use emoticons, the personal touch will be a big boost after Port dropped its first game of the year. Who ever thought facing the Power on the rebound would be a big issue this season?

Jasper Pittard shows his much stronger frame at Port Adelaide training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

RICHMOND

INJURIES
Reece Conca (foot) 3-4 weeks
Brett O'Hanlon (ankle) TBA
Ivan Maric (ankle) test
Tyrone Vickery (concussion) test
Ricky Petterd (calf) test

ON THE BLOCK: After an almost injury-free start to the season, the Tigers suddenly have a host of sore bodies – and at the worst possible time. As well as the above list Jake King has a hand injury and Dylan Grimes has a sore foot. They will both fly to Adelaide and Maric is a good chance to play but Vickery has to pass a concussion test and Petterd might miss. If there is a selection change due to form, Matt White seems the most likely casualty. He was subbed on for Vickery just after halftime against the Cats and struggled to have any impact on the contest.

ON THE CUSP: Better news here for Tiger fans. Coburg scored an impressive win against Essendon's VFL side on Saturday with several players putting their names forward for senior selection. Shane Tuck returned from a week's rest to gather 25 disposals while Nathan Foley is ready to go after 24 touches of his own. Former Roo Aaron Edwards had 22 disposals and took 16 marks, adding two goals to take his tally to 14 in the past three weeks. Robin Nahas booted four, as did young tall Liam McBean. If Maric and/or Vickery doesn't come up, former Cat Orren Stephenson is waiting in the wings.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: Is it too early to say Richmond's season is on the line against Port Adelaide on Saturday? After a flying start the Tiger bandwagon is looking wobbly and the AAMI Stadium clash might determine which of these two teams plays in September. After that the Tigers face Melbourne before tough assignments against Essendon and West Coast leading into the bye.

Cometh the man. Cometh the mullet. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA

INJURIES
Sam Gilbert (knee) TBA
Lenny Hayes (calf) 2-3 weeks
Daniel Markworth (knee) season
Adam Schneider (hamstring) 1-3 weeks
Beau Maister (wrist) 2-4 weeks

ON THE BLOCK: Brodie Murdoch had just one kick after being subbed on during the Saints' loss to Collingwood and Josh Saunders could also get a rest, while Ahmed Saad's form is a major worry – he didn't register a score on Friday night. But St Kilda will already be making forced changes after losing Gilbert during the game, Hayes in the warm-up and Justin Koschitzke to suspension.

ON THE CUSP: Farren Ray has earned a recall after picking up 26 disposals and kicking two goals as Sandringham came from 38 points down late in the third term to score a remarkable win against the Northern Blues yesterday. Tom Ledger (31 disposals) is due for another chance while James Gwilt picked up 18 touches in his return from a knee injury. Tom Hickey hasn't dominated but is the most likely replacement for Kosi. Excitement machine Spencer White was given the weekend off.

AL PATON'S FORECAST: The Saints took Sydney and Collingwood almost to the wire and will give themselves a chance on Monday night after defeating Carlton in their two meetings last season. Gwilt will come in for Gilbert and Hickey covers Kosi, but Lenny isn't so easy to replace. Scott Watters needs Nick Dal Santo to show he isn't a spent force.

SYDNEY

INJURIES
Rhyce Shaw (abdominal strain) test
Lewis Roberts-Thompson (knee) 5-7 weeks
Gary Rohan (leg) indefinite
Alex Johnson (knee) season

ON THE BLOCK: NOT many ahead of the Grand Final rematch. Jed Lamb, the flashy kid who resembled Stevie J a bit in his final TAC Cup year, looked good when he came on in his debut, while it was a fairly even Swans unit that crushed the Lions yesterday.

ON THE CUSP: MITCH Morton booted five – this time against a stronger NEAFL opponent (Brisbane Lions) to remain in the frame, while Jesse White was again superb. Morton sparked the Swans in last year's flag decider and could earn a reprieve based on that, while Rhyce Shaw is also close. Tommy Mitchell, the father-son sensation hampered by knee problems thus far, is now fit and also impressing in the reserves.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: THE Swans are flying under the radar, as they do every year, but a huge test this Saturday night awaits. Can they instil more mental damage to the Hawks with another win? A testing month follows, too, with battles against the Pies, Bombers and Crows set to determine exactly where the premiers sit.

Rhyce Shaw dashes out of defence. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

WEST COAST

INJURIES
Murray Newman (knee) 3 weeks
Mark Nicoski (hamstring) 2 weeks
Sam Butler (calf) 1 week
Beau Waters (adductor) 1 week
Andrew Embley (foot) Test
Luke Shuey (calf) Test
Colledge (jaw) Available

ON THE BLOCK: It's hard to change a winning formula, but with several big names still to come back into the side over the next few weeks there are likely to be some changes. Fringe midfielder Bradd Dalziell is one of those players in the gun, as is rookie ruckman Callum Sinclair, who may be forced out by the successful return of Nic Naitanui against the Bulldogs. Will Schofield is likely to be retained despite being dropped last week, before earning a late reprieve when Beau Waters withdrew due to injury. Neither Waters or Sam Butler will be available to take on the Lions.

ON THE CUSP: Wingman Matt Rosa played his third straight WAFL match after thigh surgery and will almost certainly return against Brisbane on Saturday. Both he and Adam Selwood were among East Perth's best players. Untried midfielder Mark Hutchings continues to knock on the door following another strong performance for West Perth, as will former Collingwood forward Brad Dick after his eight-goal haul for East Fremantle. Veteran Andrew Embley faces a fitness test on his injured foot.

MICHAEL WASHBOURNE'S FORECAST: The Eagles will be looking to continue their resurgence after Sunday's huge win over the Bulldogs. Naitanui and Sharrod Wellingham both played their first games of the season and will only be better for the run. West Coast lost the corresponding fixture to the Lions up at the Gabba last year and will no doubt be quietly seeking redemption for that shock two-point defeat.

WESTERN BULLDOGS

INJURIES
Nick Lower (eye) available
Jake Stringer (corkie) available
Tom Williams (adductor) test
Ryan Griffen (shoulder) test
Daniel Giansiracusa (shoulder) test
Robert Murphy (calf) test
Brett Goodes (suspension) 1 week
Michael Talia (jaw) 3-5 weeks
Lin Jong (leg) 6 weeks
Tory Dickson (ankle) 5 weeks
Easton Wood (hamstring) TBC
Shaun Higgins (foot) season

ON THE BLOCK: ALL the kids tried hard, but with experience set to return some must make way this week. Speedster Jason Johannisen could be one after tracking at just 56 per cent efficiency, while Jason Tutt and Christian Howard could also be unlucky omissions.

ON THE CUSP: PLENTY. The Dogs are every chance to welcome back 633 games of experience against the Roos with Robert Murphy, Ryan Griffen and Daniel Giansiracusa all likely to be available. With Brett Goodes to follow next week and a favourable month ahead, the timing bodes well for Brendan McCartney's evolving side. And while he's a while off senior footy, exciting for Dogs fans that late draft pick Josh Prudden – who Scott Wynd helped develop – is impressing in the VFL, along with midfield wrecking ball Nathan Hrovat.

SAM LANDSBERGER'S FORECAST: THE Dogs were far more competitive than the 70-point margin showed against the Eagles, winning the contested footy count and inside 50s. Clay Smith played one of his best games since that sparkling four-goal debut, Jordan Roughead looks a find at full-back and Liam Jones presented well after quarter-time. With three A-graders close to returning and winnable games ahead, a big month looms for the Dogs. They enjoyed their best win of 2012 against the Roos last year – can they repeat that effort this week?

AFL football - Adelaide Crows v Western Bulldogs round 4 match at AAMI Stadium - footballer Ryan Griffen Picture: Simon Cross Source:

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Giesch Hale storm

TIGGY-TOUCHWOOD: Adelaide's Scott Thompson was penalised for this feather touch on Hawthorn's David Hale. Picture: Fox Footy Source: FOX SPORTS

A controversial free kick paid against Adelaide's Scott Thompson swung the momentum Hawthorn's way in the last quarter of their AAMI Stadium classic.

AFL umpires boss Jeff Gieschen has conceded the free kick against Adelaide midfielder Scott Thompson against Hawthorn was an 'error'.

UMPIRES' boss Jeff Gieschen conceded an umpire had made an error by awarding a free kick against Adelaide's Scott Thompson in a marking contest during a crucial stage of Saturday's game against Hawthorn.

Thompson marked the ball and would have had shot for goal from close range in the last quarter, but umpire Ray Chamberlain ruled he had made illegal contract with Hawk David Hale. Gieschen said Thompson should not have been penalised.

>> VIDEO: See the incident in the player above

He said you had to ask whether Thompson pushed Hale in the back or pushed him out of the contest.

If you don't mind, umpire!

"For it to be a push out, there needs to be a degree of force, and there needs to be a straightening of the arm, and we can see a visible push out," Gieschen said.

"But in this case, no it wasn't hands in the back, and it wasn't a push out in the marking contest."

Gieschen said there was a little bit of incidental contact on the shoulder.

Gieschen phoned Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson yesterday to apologise.

And he suggested that some clubs take another look at the instructional DVD released by the umpires' department that gives examples of free kicks.

Gieschen was surprised some players had admitted they were not aware they weren't allowed to push opponents in the side or chest in a marking contest.

"It's been around for 10 years on DVDs where we've explained it to clubs so that surprises me a little bit," Gieschen told the AFL website.

"It may be time that some of the clubs went back and revisited the DVD and showed it to their players just as a reinforcement."

Gieschen seemed miffed after Brisbane Lions midfielder Tom Rockliff said on radio it was the first he'd heard that pushing in the side wasn't allowed.

"That's the first time I've ever heard that and, honestly, I'm not one to make up stuff or lie," Rockliff told SEN radio.

"That's the most bizarre thing I've ever heard."

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