Walsh pleased with Crow ‘buy-in’

NAB: Adelaide head into the start of the AFL season with confidence following a 24-point win over arch-rivals Port.

Rory Sloane looks to deliver the ball into the forward line. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

PHIL Walsh has crossed his first major bridge as the new Adelaide Football Club coach – getting a "buy in" from his Crows players.

As the rookie AFL coach put himself up for review from his 281-game, premiership-winning mentor John Worsfold at Football Park on Saturday, the promise of his work across the toughest pre-season the Adelaide players have known since Neil Craig started his revolution in 2005 certainly crystallised for the hundreds of thousands who judge the Crows.

The "Phil Walsh" game – the one he wants judged by actions rather than talk – is becoming easier to understand for those who have watched Adelaide in its three pre-season games against North Melbourne (win), Geelong (loss) and Port Adelaide (win).

NAB: Crows coach Phillip Walsh fronts the media after his side's 117-93 win over Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

But most importantly the Phil Walsh game is clearly understood by his players. The execution may not be perfect as the Crows work away the ingrained sins of the past two years; the output is not always 100 per cent complete, but the Adelaide players have clearly bought into the plan. For a new coach, this makes for a dream start.

So how have the Crows changed in the way they play?

There is more discipline for accountable man-on-man football. There is a seemingly insatiable appetite for the contested ball that stood up with an impressive 151-135 count in Adelaide's favour on the statistical sheets. Walsh prefers to boil down this number by measuring how prepared his players are to dirty their fingernails in winning the ball off the ground – and here he does have a strong buy-in.

Phil Walsh talks to his players. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

But the real change in Adelaide's game – one that will define the season for a team that is playing short of key defenders – is how the Crows defend. This stood out on Saturday as Adelaide slowed down and often derailed the Power, the team that is supposedly the quickest on its feet and most dangerous in transferring play from one end of the park to the other.

Adelaide is pretty effective in its end-to-end plays too. And which of these two qualities – team defence or the complete rebounding attacking game – impresses Walsh more?

"I'm happy with the defence – that is what I felt we needed to do the most work on," said Walsh who inherited a team that leaked badly last season. "As a team, we got back to help (defend) really well today – I took a lot of positives from that.

"What I liked is that as a team, when Port Adelaide won the ball and tried to move it, we all moved as a team to get into a defensive structure. In the two games previously, we may have had only three-quarters of the team do that. There was better buy-in today."

And on that alone, Walsh can now work on the three major tasks – kicking efficiency, goalkicking and tackling – that separate Adelaide from an also-ran to be a real challenger for the top eight this season. The long journey has begun on the correct foot.

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

‘We’ve got work to do’: Lobbe

NAB: Port Adelaide's coach Ken Hinkley fronts the media after his side's disappointing 24-point loss to the Crows.

Matthew Lobbe in pursuit of Adelaide youngster Cam Ellis-Yolmen in the NAB Challenge clash at AAMI Stadium. Picture: Morne de Klerk/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

RUCKMAN Matthew Lobbe says Port Adelaide's pre-season derby loss to Adelaide has served as a timely wake-up call ahead of the start of the premiership season.

The Power was upset by the Crows by 24 points in its final NAB Challenge match on Saturday and Lobbe says the club is taking the defeat seriously and has work to do before beginning its home-and-away campaign against Fremantle in Perth on April 5.

"I think that the weekend showed that we've got a bit of work to do,'' said vice-captain Lobbe.

"It showed that we've got to get better at handling pressure, so that's something that we'll work hard on in the next couple of weeks to make sure we're ready to take on Freo.

"We'll up the pressure at training and work on specific drills in the three or four more (main training) runs we've got before we run out (against the Dockers).''

While it was only a pre-season match, Lobbe said coach Ken Hinkley was not happy with the performance and had let the players know.

"Ken is disappointed,'' Lobbe said.

"We've got a certain standard that we want to perform at every time we step out on to the field and we weren't able to do that.''

Port has today been given good news on the injury front, with key injured trio Jackson Trengove (shoulder), Chad Wingard (knee) and Hamish Hartlett (groin) almost certain to be available for the Dockers' clash.

Sore spots will also not stop Andrew Moore, Jack Hombsch and Matt White from being available.

Playmaking defender Sam Colquhoun has also been cleared to resume playing after undergoing a knee reconstruction last April.

He is available for round one selection but might not make his season debut until round two in the SANFL as the Port Magpies have a round one bye.

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Young Crow stars in Showdown triumph

NAB: Adelaide head into the start of the AFL season with confidence following a 24-point win over arch-rivals Port.

Rory Sloane booted two supergoals in Adelaide's win over Port Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Limited

CAM Ellis-Yolmen is emerging as the Crows' next power midfielder after Adelaide beat Port Adelaide in its final practice match at Football Park.

Ellis-Yolmen finished with a team-high 27 disposals, 22 of which were contested, five tackles and six clearances.

He looked every bit the senior player he has had the promise of becoming since arriving at West Lakes as the No. 64 draft pick at the end of the 2011 season.

SUPERCOACH SCORES: CROWS V POWER

He has only played one senior AFL game — as a substitute in Round 12 against Fremantle last year — but was only shaded by the brilliance of Eddie Betts, who added more to the highlights reel as he turned opponents inside out.

There were indications of what to expect from both teams this season on display.

NAB: Port Adelaide's coach Ken Hinkley fronts the media after his side's disappointing 24-point loss to the Crows.

Ellis-Yolmen's contribution came against as Adelaide promised a sharp improvement in its first year under new coach Phil Walsh.

But the win should be tempered by the fact that the Power were missing players such as Paddy Ryder, Angus Monfries, Hamish Hartlett and Chad Wingard.

For the Crows, a more intense forward press was obvious, and there were times when Port Adelaide struggled to break out of their inside 50 area.

Adelaide was also winning the contested ball and getting the ball forward more often, but the Crows weren't without issues. They were spraying it in front of goals and rushing it at times, and they could also be accused of overusing it by handball.

It's a taxing style of football to have the majority of players run up and down the ground like a basketball side, but the Crows worked over the Power in the third quarter and look like they have improved their running power significantly over summer.

Patrick Dangerfield caused havoc at stages during the game. Source: Getty Images

There is still some tweaking to do for the Crows, but they were outstanding in the third quarter, when they broke the game through two long goals from Rory Sloane and strangled the Power's efforts to attack.

But there were also players who made onlookers hopeful for the upcoming season.

Ellis-Yolmen had passages when he was the most dominant player on the ground after years of promising to be something special and this could be his year. He reads it well around the packs and had a sense of calm about him when the game was at its busiest.

Eddie Betts spent a bit of time in the midfield and brought the same magic he has in attack to the area. It will be a balancing act to decide how much time he roves the packs, because some of his work in the forward line had onlookers out of their seats.

One of the best moments of the afternoon was when he beat a couple of taller opponents, danced around them and to set up one of the Crows' goals.

NAB: Crows coach Phillip Walsh fronts the media after his side's 117-93 win over Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

Captain Taylor Walker stood out, and continued in the same vein he has in previous practice matches; he tends to set up as many goals as he kicks and is comfortable working a long way up the ground for a key forward.

The ruck dual was worth watching in itself, and it was difficult to split Adelaide's Sam Jacobs and Port's Matthew Lobbe. They are both top-drawer ruckmen in the competition; what's more important is how good their support is.

For Port, it was the players you expected who caught the eye, not least the cool Robbie Gray, captain Travis Boak, veteran Kane Cornes and the balanced Matthew Broadbent.

Forward John Butcher, a forward who is a standout athlete and competitor, had three goals by half time and looked like he had buried the wobbles in front of goals as he was taking his shots from deeper in attack.

It is not panic stations for Port Adelaide, but they will watch closely how they struggled to move the ball out of the backline as they review the game.

Adelaide young gun Brad Crouch was subbed out with a left foot injury. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Limited

At times, it looked like they were more stagnant than the brave and risk-taking Power of last season.

But then it must be remembered that this was just a practice match, and there was nothing riding on the end of it than finding out more about the players.

FIVE THINGS WE LEARNT

1. THERE'S hope in John Butcher yet. The horror of just four touches and no scoring shots last week in a half-strength Port Adelaide side was erased by the time he held his fourth mark inside 50m and slotted his third goal midway through the second term. It could have been his fourth, if not for an earlier miss. And has that kicking action been tidied up over summer?

2. CAPTAINCY sits well on Taylor Walker. It's been noted already this pre-season but the evidence just keeps mounting up. From the exemplary skills of his opening supergoal to the team-first bodywork and touch that set up multiple shots at goal for the likes of Josh Jenkins and Eddie Betts, the skipper looks to be flourishing with the leadership.

NAB: John Butcher has soccered the ball to score a goal for Port Adelaide in their clash with the Crows at AAMI Stadium.

3. DISPOSAL remains a work in progress at Adelaide, especially by foot. Disposal efficiency all game was below 70 per cent for the Crows, which quality teams regard a benchmark. The clean movement from the likes of Richard Douglas and Brodie Smith was great, but Adelaide's typical ball movement and desire to press up the ground puts a premium on accuracy to avoid being burnt on the turnover. It's got to lift a notch.

4. SCOTT Thompson won't play in Round 1. In fairness to the veteran, his spot was in doubt thanks to a hamstring injury that has prevented him from playing a pre-season game. But elite players generally get some forgiveness. Unfortunately for him — or fortunately for the Crows — Cameron Ellis-Yolmen stepped up as the type of big-bodied midfielder coach Phil Walsh will appreciate.

5. THE Power has ample room for improvement. After the first term Port rarely looked in the contest. Their attacking play was totally blunted by the Crows, their contested work and tackling was well down, marks inside 50m were rare — yet on paper it was just a three-goal loss. With at least five first-choice players out and Phil Walsh's inside knowledge of the Power's game plan, the only way is up.

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Port not counting on Paddy, Monfries

NAB: Adelaide head into the start of the AFL season with confidence following a 24-point win over arch-rivals Port.

Paddy Ryder in action during a Port Adelaide practice match. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

PORT Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley is not even counting on former Essendon pair Paddy Ryder and Angus Monfries starting the AFL premiership season.

In total contrast to Essendon coach James Hird's bold claim no Bomber will be banned by the AFL anti-doping tribunal on Tuesday week, Hinkley has no certainty on how many names he will have on his selection whiteboard for the opening clash against Fremantle in Perth on Easter Sunday.

But Hinkley is prepared to gamble on three players who have had little or no pre-season action - key defender Jackson Trengove (shoulder), forward-midfielder Chad Wingard (knee) and midfielder Hamish Hartlett.

Hinkley's dilemma at selection was eased yesterday when midfielder Matt White was cleared of any injury after taking a heavy knock late in the summer Showdown closer to the pre-season.

Angus Monfries could be left out of Port Adelaide's Round 1 team. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

The wash-up from the derby - won by Adelaide by 24 points - is not without pain for the impressive Crows who today will learn from scans on young midfielder Brad Crouch's sore left foot that was injured while changing direction to evade a tackle in the first term.

Ryder and Monfries are under an ASADA provisional ban while the investigation on Essendon supplements program from 2012 reaches a conclusion with the AFL anti-doping panel. Hinkley remains blind on the outcome from Australian football's murkiest saga.

"I've not even entertained picking them to be honest because I don't know what is going to happen," Hinkley said.

"James Hird has lived (the saga). I haven't. James has seen every bit of information. I don't have enough information to make an accurate assessment.

Paddy Ryder arrived at Port Adelaide over the off-season. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

"All I know is that if Paddy and Angus are not available we have a good enough side to play. But they would be handy players to have."

Hinkley returns to Alberton today after a 1-2 win-loss pre-season without a sure 22 to consider for the resting start against the Dockers.

"I'd like to have everyone - all 45 - available, but ...," Hinkley said. "So you have to make decisions on key players who are out of the side (by injury) and we need to get back - are they the type of players who can come straight back?

"I've picked Jackson Trengove off a 10-week break twice before, so I have no problem with him. I'd be happy to pick Chad Wingard. Happy to pick Hartlett."

Ryder's expected absence from the first two-four games of the premiership season is eased by the pre-season form of key forward John Butcher who kicked five goals against the Crows.

"John can play, there is no doubt about that," Hinkley said. "He looks like a player, after doing 90 per cent of the pre-season, who is physically ready to compete. He still has a lot of work to do because he has not played much AFL footy. There will be good and bad days."

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Bombers saga: What happens next

Essendon coach James Hird. Picture: Michael Klein Source: News Corp Australia

WHAT to expect when you're expecting the Essendon doping saga to end.

ON MARCH 31

THE AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal will deliver its verdict on whether 34 current and former Essendon players used the banned peptide Thymosin Beta 4.

It will almost certainly happen behind closed doors, so that players can be informed of their fate before the media and general public is told.

March 31 is a guilty or not guilty call — NOT a final determination of penalties.

Even if all 34 are found guilty, they most likely won't be named, as the anonymity provisions in the AFL's anti-doping code extend through their 21-day appeal period.

Stephen Dank's guilt or innocence on a range of charges should also be decided.

IF IT'S NOT GUILTY

THE players, now involved with three AFL clubs, are free to play in Round 1 matches beginning on April 2.

ASADA and the World Anti-Doping Authority both have appeal rights — ASADA at the first instance to the AFL Appeals Tribunal and WADA to either that body or directly to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

James Hird talks to the media outside the Federal Court. Picture: Eugene Hyland Source: News Corp Australia

IF IT'S GUILTY

IF one or more of players is found guilty, brace yourself for more tribunal hearings.

The possibility that some players will be found guilty and others not is very real — sources close to the tribunal process say the players' experiences in the 2012 supplements program, and their recollections of those experiences are not all alike.

First, and shortly after the verdict, there will be a directions hearing to work out when and on what basis sanctions hearings will take place.

Players' lawyers will outline what provisions in the AFL Anti-Doping Code they believe should be applied to reduce what are normally inflexible sanctions.

If ASADA, which has not made submissions on penalty so far, and the AFL agree the discounts should apply, sanctions hearings could be mercifully short — a couple of days.

If the sanctions hearings are to be contested, then the merits of each of the 34 individual cases could be up for argument, with hearings taking weeks.

If any or all of the players don't like the final result, they can appeal to the AFL Appeals Tribunal and then CAS.

Essendon coach James Hird looks on during match simulation training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: News Corp Australia

SANCTIONS & DISCOUNTS

A TWO-year ban is the starting point for a player found to have used a banned drug — but there are provisions in the code that could see the players cop no punishment (highly unlikely) or little if any further punishment than time already served.

The first, and least likely to succeed, argument open to players is that they bear No Fault or Negligence for the violation.

The definition of this provision in the code says: "He did not know or suspect, and could not reasonably have known or suspected even with the exercise of utmost caution, that he had used or been administered the prohibited substance."

But the fine print appears to rule it out in the Essendon example, saying it should not apply when "the administration of a prohibited substance by the player's personal physician or trainer (is) without disclosure to the player".

An argument of No Significant Fault or Negligence is considered much more likely to be palatable to ASADA.

It means the players' "fault or negligence, when viewed in the totality of the circumstances and taking into account the criteria for No Fault or Negligence, was not significant in relationship to the violation".

If it is accepted the players were "duped" into taking something banned, without their knowledge or approval, this provision fits the bill.

It allows the two-year penalty to be cut in half to one year.

Next, is a provision that allows for a discount because of delays in the case not attributable to the player.

The code says: "Where there have been substantial delays in the hearing process or other aspects of doping control not attributable to the player, the tribunal determining the sanction may start the period of ineligibility at an earlier date commencing as early as the date … on which (the) anti-doping rule violation last occurred."

Players' lawyers will point out that the last of the player interviews was in June 2013. Show cause notices (the first time around) were not issued until 12 months later.

Further, the players were not party to Essendon and James Hird's court action, which accounted for a further five months' delay.

The bulk of the players have been provisionally suspended since they received infraction notices on November 14.

The months since then will also count against any ban.

This is how a two-year ban could result in no future suspension or one that amounts to a matter of weeks — not months or years.

Originally published as Bombers saga: What happens next

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

SuperCoach scores: Swans v Dockers

Fremantle midfielder Lachie Neale. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Limited

FREMANTLE midfielder Lachie Neale looks set for a break out season after starring in the NAB Challenge loss to Sydney.

Neale (154) amassed a game-high equalling 33 disposals — 19 in the first half — and eight tackles.

Swans extractor Josh Kennedy (153) and Luke Parker (144) were among the bestwhile Nat Fyfe (133) emerged in the last quarter to boost his score.

MATCH REPORT: SWANS HANG ON

Emerging Swans midfielders Craig Bird (101) and Tom Mitchell (78) had solid outings while Dockers intercept king Garrick Ibbotson (73) is back to his best after struggling with injuries last year.

SUPERCOACH SCORES

154 Lachie Neale

153 Josh Kennedy

144 Luke Parker

133 Nathan Fyfe

124 Daniel Hannebery

104 Nick Suban

101 Craig Bird

95 Michael Johnson

90 Dean Towers

88 Jake Lloyd

87 Mike Pyke

85 Tanner Smith

84 Alex Silvagni

83 Chris Mayne

83 Kieren Jack

80 Daniel Robinson

80 Zac Clarke

78 Tom Mitchell

76 Nick Smith

73 Garrick Ibbotson

72 Lewis Jetta

71 David Mundy

71 Dane Rampe

70 Harry Cunningham

64 Heath Grundy

61 Gary Rohan

61 Connor Blakely

60 Ted Richards

59 Isaac Heeney

57 Matt de Boer

54 Michael Walters

46 Cameron Sutcliffe

46 Tom Sheridan

45 Rhyce Shaw

44 Lance Franklin

42 Tendai Mzungu

41 Hayden Crozier

36 Matthew Pavlich

35 Jeremy Laidler

35 Jonathon Griffin

34 Brandon Jack

34 Sam Naismith

30 Adam Goodes

30 Clancee Pearce

25 Stephen Hill

24 Max Duffy

19 Lachie Weller

12 Toby Nankervis

10 Hayden Ballantyne

10 Michael Apeness

8 Xavier Richards

* Sydney players in bold

Originally published as SuperCoach scores: Swans v Dockers

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

What does Oval deal do for fans?

Local football fans have been promised they will see the benefits from the signing of the long-awaited stadium deal

ALL the men who sat at the table during the 237-day Adelaide Oval stadium review - the SANFL, the Crows and the Power - are happy with their new deal. But what about the fans?

After the carve up of the millions the fans will handover to watch AFL games at the Oval, what do the members and supporters get?

CHEAPER tickets next season? No. The arms race to fund football departments in the chase for an AFL premiership demands the Crows and Power keep lifting their revenue streams - and that includes lifting membership and ticket prices next year.

But - as Power chief executive Keith Thomas noted yesterday - that does put a demand on the clubs to keep delivering more and more value in game-day experiences.

CHEAPER food and drink? No. Despite the 20-40 per cent cut in prices at the MCG, the Stadium Management Authority is standing firm on the prices it has set for this season.

There is a written agreement between the AFL and SMA that the pressure applied to the MCG will not unfold at the Oval. The catering revenue is critical to underpinning the new stadium deal for the Crows and Power, the SMA's management budgets and the SANFL's budgets.

Football fans Ben and Amelia Mislov and their three children Leila, 7, Lucas, 5, and Eliza, 3. Picture: Noelle Bobrige

So what does the fan get while the Crows and Power pocket an extra $3.1 million this season and $4.1 million in 2016 and 2017?

"For our members," says Thomas, "they will be thrilled that they can fully believe that as they walk into the Adelaide Oval their club is being adequately rewarded. That is a great sense of relief.

"Knowing the club is better off financially at the Oval makes them feel pretty good.

"Also, the experience the fan had at Adelaide Oval in 2014 has delighted our members and people. The feedback we get is overwhelming - and you can see that in our record membership number this year."

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Wagner, Redden named in Power squad

Jarrad Redden has been named in the squad to take on Richmond. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

THE big guns are missing but Port Adelaide has unveiled two good news stories in its 29-man squad to play Richmond in the round two NAB Challenge match against Richmond at Albury on Saturday.

Injury-plagued big man Jarrad Redden will play his first match for the Power in 651 days, having recovered from a knee injury which has sidelined him for a year.

And The Recruit winner Johann Wagner is also named to represent Port for the first time, having played well in the club's internal trial two weeks ago.

Redden, 24, last played an AFL match for Port in round 10, 2013, against the Western Bulldogs in Darwin, when he dislocated a shoulder.

He has played only 15 matches in seven years on the Power's list because of a succession of injuries.

But the club has stuck with him because it loves his talent and attitude and believes if he can get his body right he can be a key fixture in the team, despite Port already having key ruckmen Matthew Lobbe and Paddy Ryder.

Redden has made giant strides at training in the past two weeks, with the club last month fearing he wouldn't be ready to play until April.

Wagner, 24, is a former Central District league player who hails from Port Lincoln.

Johann Wagner at Port Adelaide training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

He was the first winner of Foxtel reality program The Recruit last year and won a spot on the Power's rookie list.

He is raw but boasts good pace and athletic qualities and coach Ken Hinkley likes his breakaway ability between wing and half-forward.

Port has rested a host of big names as Hinkley spares them from a tough road trip ahead of the round one premiership-season clash against Fremantle in Perth.

Captain Travis Boak, vice-captain Brad Ebert, club champion Robbie Gray, key forwards Jay Schulz and Justin Westhoff, veteran Kane Cornes and full back Alipate Carlile have all been rested, while Hamish Hartlett (groin) is injured.

All eight played in the Power's 40-point NAB Challenge win against West Coast on Sunday.

There was good news on Hartlett today with scans clearing him of serious injury to the groin he hurt against the Eagles. He remains on track to play against the Dockers in round one.

RICHMOND v PORT ADELAIDE

Lavington Sports Ground, Albury, NSW

4.10pm Saturday

RICHMOND

2. D. Grimes, 3. B. Deledio, 4. D. Martin, 5. B. Ellis, 6. S. Grigg, 8. J. Riewoldt, 10. S. Edwards, 11. J. Batchelor, 13. R. Petterd, 14. B. Houli, 16. S. Hampson, 18. A. Rance, 20. I. Maric, 22. N. Gordon, 25. T. Chaplin, 26. A. Miles, 27. S. Lloyd, 28. T. Hunt, 29. T. Vickery, 30. R. Conca, 31. N. Vlastuin, 33. K. McIntosh, 34. L. McBean, 35. B. Lennon, 36. M. McDonough, 38. S. Morris, 43. T. Elton, 44. M. Arnot, 48. K. Lambert.

PORT ADELAIDE

2. K. Mitchel, 3. J. Neade, 5. M. Broadbent, 11. J. Butcher, 13. C. O'Shea, 14. P. Stewart, 15. K. Amon, 16. O. Wines, 17. T. Clurey, 19. M. White. 21. J. Polec, 23. M. Lobbe, 24. J. Impey, 26. A. Moore, 29. J. Pittard, 31. M. Harvey, 32. D. Howard, 33. D. Byrne-Jones, 34. J. Redden, 36. J. Hombsch, 37. J. Palmer, 40. A. Young, 41. B. AhChee, 42. T. Jonas, 43. J. Wagner, 44. T. Logan, 46. S. Gray, 47. S. Russell, 48. N. Krakouer.

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hard-working Crows please Walsh

Phil Walsh has lauded the Crows fitness levels. Source: Getty Images

ADELAIDE coach Phil Walsh believes the Crows are as fit as any team he has worked with as a pre-season of toil is beginning to show how he wants his side to play.

Walsh, who has previously worked at Geelong, Port Adelaide and West Coast, had few concerns over the Crows' final quarter fade-out in a NAB Challenge match at Port Lincoln.

He is still managing his players carefully, indicating two rather than three is the ideal amount of trial matches for senior players, but is confident the fitness level of his players is top shelf.

Walsh's comments carry additional weight after he spent last year as a senior assistant with the Power, which was widely regarded as a benchmark in running power after regularly working teams over in the final quarter.

His first job as post-playing was also as a fitness coach, under Gary Ayres at Geelong, and he keeps a close eye on the work of the fitness staff headed by Nick Poulos.

Phil Walsh watches Crows players at training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

``One thing that happens at this time of year is that you're not sure what both teams have done coming into the game,'' Walsh said. ``We actually trained two solid sessions, and we've done that again for this game (against Geelong) and we'll do it again for the Port game.

``Because our goal is to be absolutely cherry ripe for Round 1.

``In my time in footy ... I've been in it for a long time — some might argue too long — this group has worked as hard as any group in a pre-season.

``So I'm very happy.

``I've got excellent fitness staff here. It's been a good alignment with my philosophy on conditioning and theirs and we've worked really well as a team. So I'm happy in that regard.''

Phil Walsh is very happy with Adelaide's pre-season training. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

Walsh's call comes as Crows best-and-fairest Scott Thompson is in doubt for the remaining pre-season matches after suffering a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury.

Thompson hurt himself about a month ago and has since re-injured his hamstring, placing him in doubt for the next two NAB Challenge matches against Geelong and Port Adelaide.

Fitness staff at the club are confident he will be ready for Round 1, but coach Phil Walsh suggested his pre-season match appearances were in doubt.

He will not front against Geelong on Thursday night At Simonds Stadium and didn't play against North Melbourne at Port Lincoln last Sunday.

Walsh said the injury was understood to be unrelated to Thompson's back-related hamstring injuries in the past.

"Thommo's had a slight setback with his hammy and he's probably touch and go for even next week (against Port Adelaide),'' Walsh said. "We'll just monitor that one as we go along.

"We've still got four weeks (until round one), and most hamstrings are only three weeks.

"But he did have a slight setback.''

Walsh said the match against Geelong was another opportunity to explore what his players can do against opposition clubs on one of the competition's most challenging grounds.

He was keen on seeing where Sam Jacobs plays best when he doesn't ruck — as a forward or a backman — and would swing other positional changes to learn more about his team ahead of Round 1.

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

What does Oval deal do for fans?

Football fans Ben and Amelia Mislov and their three children Leila, 7, Lucas, 5, and Eliza, 3. Picture: Noelle Bobrige Source: News Corp Australia

ALL the men who sat at the table during the 237-day Adelaide Oval stadium review - the SANFL, the Crows and the Power - are happy with their new deal. But what about the fans?

After the carve up of the millions the fans will handover to watch AFL games at the Oval, what do the members and supporters get?

CHEAPER tickets next season? No. The arms race to fund football departments in the chase for an AFL premiership demands the Crows and Power keep lifting their revenue streams - and that includes lifting membership and ticket prices next year.

But - as Power chief executive Keith Thomas noted yesterday - that does put a demand on the clubs to keep delivering more and more value in game-day experiences.

CHEAPER food and drink? No. Despite the 20-40 per cent cut in prices at the MCG, the Stadium Management Authority is standing firm on the prices it has set for this season.

There is a written agreement between the AFL and SMA that the pressure applied to the MCG will not unfold at the Oval. The catering revenue is critical to underpinning the new stadium deal for the Crows and Power, the SMA's management budgets and the SANFL's budgets.

So what does the fan get while the Crows and Power pocket an extra $3.1 million this season and $4.1 million in 2016 and 2017?

"For our members," says Thomas, "they will be thrilled that they can fully believe that as they walk into the Adelaide Oval their club is being adequately rewarded. That is a great sense of relief.

"Knowing the club is better off financially at the Oval makes them feel pretty good.

"Also, the experience the fan had at Adelaide Oval in 2014 has delighted our members and people. The feedback we get is overwhelming - and you can see that in our record membership number this year."

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hartlett injury sours Power win

Hamish Hartlett was subbed out of the game at quarter time with a groin injury. Photo Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

ROBBIE Gray produced a masterclass performance as Port Adelaide lived up to its pre-season hype with a convincing 40-point win against West Coast in its opening NAB Challenge match at Norwood Oval.

In a win soured by a groin injury to midfield playmaker Hamish Hartlett, the Power — playing its first match since losing last year's preliminary final to Hawthorn — kicked four unanswered goals in the opening 12 minutes and then held the Eagles at bay to give stand-in coach Matthew Nicks a win in his first game in charge.

In good signs for Port, second-year midfielder Karl Amon showed some class, one-game defender Tom Clurey was solid in the back half and second-chance utility Nathan Krakouer had some nice touches when activated as the sub.

But the big talking point was Gray's standout display.

AFL - NAB Challenge - Port Adelaide v West Coast Eagles at Norwood Oval. Robbie Gray wraps up Sam Butler. Photo Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

The winner of last year's AFL Coaches Association Player of the Year and Power club champion awards, Gray was a Brownlow Medal flop, polling just 14 votes — 12 behind winner Matt Priddis from West Coast.

But Gray's brilliant performance shows he deserves to be one of the favourites for this year's Brownlow.

Veteran teammate Jay Schulz declared 26-year-old Gray was primed for an even better season this year after watching him burn up the training track up over summer.

And he didn't disappoint in his first competitive match of the year, looking a class above most other players on the ground.

The midfielder/small forward had 28 disposals and kicked a game-high three goals in a vintage display which proved the difference between the two sides.

Captain Travis Boak, vice-captain Brad Ebert and powerhouse on-baller Ollie Wines were other strong performers for flag contender Port as it blew the cobwebs out in emphatic fashion.

Josh Kennedy marks over Cam O'Shea. Photo Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

The Power was expected to struggle early against the Eagles, who had already had two serious hit outs against the Indigenous All-Stars and Carlton.

But it hit the ground running, tackling hard and running in numbers to put the visitors to the sword early to race to a 25-point lead after 12 minutes.

With Priddis, fellow midfielder Andrew Gaff and key forward Josh Kennedy on top, West Coast hit back to tie the scores up late in the second quarter.

But the Power, which prior to the game omitted first-choice players Matthew Broadbent, Jared Polec and Jack Hombsch from its 29-man squad, took control again late in the second term and careered away in the final quarter.

While Hartlett's injury was the bad news for Port, the Eagles suffered some injury blows of their own with Xavier Ellis (hamstring) and Sharrod Wellingham (leg) pulling up sore.

SCOREBOARD:

PORT ADELAIDE 1.11.14 (89)

WEST COAST 0.7.7 (49)

BEST — Port: R. Gray, Boak, Ebert, Wines, Cornes, Stewart, Moore.

West Coast: Priddis, Gaff, Rosa, Lamb, Kennedy, Lycett, Sheed.

SUPERGOAL — Port: Moore.

GOALS — Port: R. Gray 3, Mitchell, Butcher, Amon, White, Lobbe, Westhoff, Young, S. Gray.

West Coast: Lycett 2, LeCras, Gaff, Kennedy, Lamb, Lucas.

INJURIES — Port: Hartlett (groin).

West Coast: Ellis (hamstring), Wellingham (leg).

UMPIRES — C. Deboy, J. Schmitt, C. Kamolins, S. Meredith.

CROWD — 9212 at Norwood Oval.

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hey, they’re no second-string Suns

Dion Prestia and a host of teammates are aiming for Round 1. Picture: David Clark Source: News Corp Australia

GOLD Coast are set to pick their strongest NEAFL side ever this week in a bid to get a host of senior stars ready for the start of the AFL premiership.

The Suns' NEAFL side plays a scratch match against Southport at Metricon Stadium on Saturday and as many as 10 players from the likely Round 1 side will take part.

Of the players yet to make a NAB Challenge appearance, Stephen May (knee), Rory Thompson (foot), Dion Prestia (hamstring) and Sam Day (knee) will all play.

Steven May is set to play in the NEAFL. Picture: Glenn Hampson Source: News Corp Australia

Michael Rischitelli, Jarrod Harbrow, Luke Russell and Alex Sexton who played in the opening week win against Geelong before being rested for the loss to GWS in Sydney on Saturday are also likely to play against the Sharks.

Ruckman Tom Nicholls, who made his first appearance in nine months in Sydney will back-up again.

Jaeger O'Meara (both knees) and Aaron Hall (groin) will also come under consideration.

If O'Meara does not quite convince the conditioning staff he is ready to play in the NEAFL this week, he is considered a certain starter for the match against the Lions.

That decision will be made after the main training session of the week on Thursday.

The Suns had a wretched run with injuries over the pre-season and have struggled to pick sides in the first two weeks of the NAB Challenge but are suddenly a realistic chance of being close to full strength for the start of the season.

Only ruck forward Charlie Dixon (foot) has been definitively ruled out for the premiership opener against Melbourne at the MCG on April 4. The Suns final Nab Challenge game is against Brisbane at Metricon Stadium on Friday March 20.

Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said the side that runs out against the Lions is likely to be the same to kick off the season.

Skipper Gary Ablett will make his first appearance of the year that day.

"It is all timing, we had too many in the rehab group pre and post Christmas but the medical and conditioning staff have managed to get most of the boys ready to go in time,'' he said.

"There are obviously guys who haven't played any footy at all and then there are also guys who haven't played a lot of game time so the next two weeks is really important for us.

"We need to get our preparation right for round one."

The Suns have a few minor injury concerns from the match against GWS.

Josh Hall has a strained neck and Andrew Boston suffered a slight concussion.

While Hall has played twice and is likely to sit-out this weekend, there is a desire to get Boston out there against Southport.

"Boston is one who needs some footy, he has got to go through the concussion testing so we will see how he goes during the week,'' Ashcroft said.

Originally published as Hey, they're no second-string Suns

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Dynasty built on lots of legwork

Norwood players celebrate their 2014 SANFL grand final victory. Source: News Corp Australia

WHEN Nathan Bassett returned to Norwood in 2010 to essentially rebuild the club from the ground up he had two clear mandates.

He insisted on a structure whereby every Norwood footballer would train as if they were playing and were taught in a way that any player could step into the team at any time and perform.

The other was a promise to blood the kids which was part of his vision he sold to the selection panel when he was interviewed for the job.

So come Round 1, Norwood had six teenagers run out against Glenelg and they were belted by 12 goals.

And things got worse before they got better.

They lost to South Adelaide, the Eagles and Westies and were suddenly 0-4 and football manager Mark Ross remembers the conversation in Bassett's office.

"When we were 0-4 it looked pretty ordinary but I remember he kept saying that he needed to coach to make individuals better," Ross said.

"So you go back to thinking about coaching rather than results, and that was the turnaround."

Bassett's mindset might have changed but he never once diverted from his plan to play youth and create a unified club — which some rival clubs are now trying to emulate.

"That's been our philosophy — the number one priority is the junior system and structure," Ross said.

"They've been taught at a junior level how it is they want them playing and they've just got to get better at their craft.

"If you were to watch Norwood train, we train exactly the way we want to play.

"We watched Port Power train today and sometimes when you watch an AFL team train you go 'phew, look at that', well the drills they were doing was the same sort of drills we are doing."

Suddenly Norwood — a club which had won two premierships in 26 years when Bassett arrived in 2010 — has now won three on the trot and shows no signs of stopping.

Central District's magnificent nine flags in 10 years isn't quite under threat but it's not impossible we may see something like it again.

Everyone from the board down is committed to the cause and that includes trainers, water boys and statisticians.

"They know what their job is and they go and do it," Ross said.

The commitment from the players and coaches has been matched by a commitment from the board to fork out for recruits and upgraded facilities such as $30,000 for an ice bath in the changerooms.

Chief executive Geoff Baynes said the club was committed to doing everything possible for its players and coaches.

"I'm sure with Bassett and it certainly is with Ben (Warren) it's 'what more do we need to support you to get the right result on the ground?'" Baynes said. "In the end we believe that our success is built around our club culture and part of that is the way we treat the players and what we try to provide for them."

The last three seasons have yielded premierships but also individual success such as the 15 players who have been drafted during the premiership years.

Players like Paul Puopolo, who Bassett told to get fit and play attacking footy from defence, is now a two-time Hawthorn premiership player.

Others like Jarryd Cachia, Nick Lower and Matt Thomas are guys who spent more time at Norwood than they did with their AFL clubs the first time around and got a second chance at the top level.

The challenge when Bassett joined Essendon last year was whether Norwood — or more specifically his replacement — could maintain the rage. Enter full forward Ben Warren.

Ross describes Warren initially as the "reluctant coach" who had to be told he was the right man for the job.

Redlegs coach Ben Warren marshalls his troops. Source: News Corp Australia

But like the 0-4 Bassett endured in 2010, Warren faced his own moments of truth in his first season. Having lost 12 players from its 2013 premiership team, Norwood started the 2014 season 2-4.

Then the following Friday night at The Parade they trailed Adelaide by four goals closing in on quarter time and the season was slipping away.

Not many thought they were watching the would-be premier that night, yet the Legs rallied to win by 31 points and only lost three games for the rest of the season on their way to the flag.

"There's always a few doubts when you're not winning," Warren said. "But the group at the time needed to play some footy together and certainly believed in what had been created at Norwood."

Warren played in Norwood's 2012 and 2013 premierships but said the 2014 flag as coach was the most satisfying.

"It was great to see it unfold as the year went on," he said. "There were doubts whether we'd be able to do it and to see the delight of not just the players that day but others as well and supporters was fantastic."

The exodus this summer is barely a blip on the radar compared the previous year with only four players from the grand final side not returning to The Parade. Crucially, one is captain Kieran McGuinness, meaning James Allan is now the club's oldest at 29.

NATHAN BASSETT'S 2010 COACHING DEBUT

*Norwood starts the season 0-4 including a 12-goal loss to Glenelg

*Breaks the drought against Port Adelaide at home.

*Finishes the regular season in 3rd place with a 12-8 record. Wins a thrilling preliminary final against the Eagles by five points.

*Makes the grand final but lose to competition giant Central District by one goal.

BEN WARREN'S 2014 COACHING DEBUT

*Redlegs lost 12 premiership players from the previous year and start the new season 2-4.

*Trail Adelaide by four goals closing on quarter time at home the next week, then rally to win by 31 points.

*Norwood goes on to lose only three more games for the remainder of the year and finish the regular season 2nd with an 11-7 record.

*Beat Sturt in the qualifying final and then Port Adelaide twice — in the semi final and grand final in which they held on to win by just four points.

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Party that lured Mat back to Parade

Classy midfielder Mat Suckling has returned to The Parade. Picture: Stephen Laffer Source: News Limited

LAST August Mat Suckling phoned Norwood coach Ben Warren to tell him that after a year away from the club he wouldn't be coming back in 2015.

Suckling played in Norwood's 2012 and 2013 premierships but decided to return to Victoria to work for his family's residential construction business.

He barely played footy with Collingwood's VFL side thanks to a torn hamstring — which he took into the 2013 Grand Final — but footy played second fiddle to an 80-hour working week anyway which included manning display homes.

"I didn't really want to leave (Norwood) in the first place, but it was something I felt I had to do," Suckling, 26, said. "With Dugga (Warren) coaching and coming on board, him and I got along well and we maintained that relationship throughout last year.

"I never shut the door but I never opened it either, work was just too busy.

"And I remember a phone conversation with Dug just before finals and I said 'look, I'm probably not coming back, we're building a new display home in Melton and they need to be manned on top of the extra administration'. I just didn't think it was possible."

But then Norwood made the Grand Final and Suckling flew over from Melbourne to watch it and what was meant to be a fly-in, fly-out visit became a three-day party that convinced him to come back.

"Seeing them get it done against Port Adelaide, 38,000 people at Adelaide Oval, I stayed for a couple of days and went to mad Monday," Suckling said. "And I sat down with Dug and Rossy and they said 'what are your thoughts?' and I said 'I want to come back'."

The hard-nosed inside midfielder says it's hard to describe what has made Norwood such a place that he just couldn't resist coming back to.

"The last three years we've had 40 blokes every year go on the footy trip," Suckling said.

"If you ever want a gauge on whether players are getting along — because there are cliques at footy clubs ... there's no clique here, you can go into our changeroom and anyone feels welcome."

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

AFL dream within reach for rookie Ramsey

Local Port Lincoln hero Keenan Ramsey is mobbed by kids at a clinic on Centenary Oval. Photo: Sarah Reed. Source: News Corp Australia

ADELAIDE rookie Keenan Ramsey considers his first AFL practice match a small step but as the Crows were winding up their trip to Port Lincoln he was given the attention of a star by onlookers from his home town.

Watching him mingle with the locals at Centenary Oval it was clear he is easygoing and self-deprecating.

AFL DREAM: KEENAN RAMSEY'S INSPIRATIONAL STORY

He was taken aback by the words of support as they rushed to congratulate him on a performance that included some eye-catching efforts against North Melbourne in the first round of NAB Challenge matches.

Ramsey lost the sight of one eye when he was just two years old through a cancer of the retina but he has turned out to be a significant promise of a footballer.

Taken at pick 27 in the rookie draft, Ramsey received extra time of the ground because of the misfortune of Tom Lynch, who suffered a concussion from a collision, and Ramsey's opportunity gave him the confidence to think that he could challenge for a senior game sooner rather than later.

Much of that confidence comes after new coach Phil Walsh promised the crop arriving at West Lakes that he was not interested in games played or the age of his players. If they were good enough, they would play. It also helps that his mentor is captain Taylor Walker, another knockabout bloke from the country who calls it as he sees it.

Ramsey thought of his time against North Melbourne as an invaluable learning opportunity.

"It was good to get on the ground and play in front of the home crowd," Ramsey said.

"I thought that everyone contributed well and obviously it showed, because we won the game.

"To play my part, with Tom Lynch unfortunately going down, was really pleasing for myself."

Keenan Ramsey is mobbed by teammates after kicking his first goal for the Crows in the NAB Challenge. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

Ramsey reminds those around him of Walker, his mentor, because he is similarly dry and has a bush footballer's way of speaking. And he fronts up like it doesn't worry him one bit that he's the youngest player in the forward line.

It was not surprising that he didn't suffer from nerves ahead of his first game for the Crows in front of his home crowd in Lincoln.

"I don't really get too nervous,'' Ramsey said. "I know that if I prepare well during the week then all I have to focus on is to help out the team as best as I can."

Keenan Ramsey kicks his first goal in Crows colours. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

Ramsey knows he's only at the beginning of a path of becoming a league footballer.

But he and the other first-year players have been heartened by their treatment by Walsh who has told them he has put no limits on the pace of their progress.

"He's said that he's thrown out all the birth certificates," Ramsey said. "If you're good enough and you're doing the right things, which he's looking for, you're going to get an opportunity.

"There was myself and another four or five other first-gamers ... it shows that he's given us an opportunity to show what we can do. I've found it quite challenging, but also a good learning experience.

"Coming into the system you don't know how it's going to be. You go from training two or three times a week to training six days a week. It's full-on and it takes a little while for your body to get used to.

But with the help of all the fitness staff ... you're nurtured pretty closely."

Keenan Ramsey is a $102,400 defender in SuperCoach. Is he in your squad? Register now!

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

New-look Wines works to new Port dimension

A leaner looking kicking the footy at training. Photo: Dean Martin. Source: News Limited

Wines handballs during a drill. Photo: Dean Martin. Source: News Limited

OLLIE Wines not only has a new look - with a leaner body - but also a new outlook on how he is to play extra roles in the Port Adelaide midfield this season.

"Our midfield these days is running so deep - the competition for spots is one of the highest in the AFL - so you can't be just an inside player here," Wines said yesterday as he explained the motivation that sparked a major rethink on his preparation for the 2015 season.

Wines, 20, last season matched captain Travis Boak as a key spark in the Power midfield by constantly putting his head over the ball to win possession for the "outside" midfielders. Now, Wines wants to be able to switch-hit between inside and outside midfield play.

"You need to have more than one string to your bow," he said.

To achieve his goal, Wines left Alberton to return to his country Victoria home - after the Power's preliminary final loss to eventual AFL premier Hawthorn - determined to change his body. By the AFL guide, Wines has lost two kilograms - 94 to 92 - but he says the more meaningful measure is the skinfold count that highlights he has converted fat to muscle.

"I've lost a lot of weight during the off-season - and that helped me get through the running (program designed by fitness coach Darren Burgess," Wines said at Alberton today.

"And as pre-season has gone on we have ramped up weights so I've put on muscle and lost fat. I think I am a lot leaner which is helping with my running ability. I don't have specifics (on weight loss) but my skinfolds have gone down by a fair bit and that is the indicator we use at our club."

It also has helped add an extra dimension to Wines game allowing him to convert - when Hinkley and midfield coach Michael Voss need change-up systems in the Power engine room - from an inside midfielder to an outside runner.

"As the game is evolving and getting a lot quicker, you can't be that plod-around midfielder," Wines said.

"Losing that extra bit of weight makes sure I won't be that one-dimensional player and lets me get outside the contest and get that outside ball that can really add to my game.

"It means I won't always play inside. I can go to a wing, play a more outside role and not only play offence but also defensively shut down the opposition when they get out on us.

"I've put more muscle on and lost fat so it is a lot easier to run when you are not carrying that extra weight in fat - and I've increased my strength," added Wines whose famous thick thighs have not lost any definition.

"That's from hard work and not eating much. Mum ramped up the diet back home (in country Victoria) when I was there for two months. Combine that with the hard work 'Burgo' sets us in the off-season ... plus dedication and the professionalism expected from the players here."

ends

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Is concussed Crow ducking mad?

Bad news for Crows fans as Adelaide's Tom Lynch goes down injured once again due to a head injury.

Tom Lynch is helped off the ground after collision with Jack Ziebell. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

IT'S a reflex action which has the potential to land Adelaide forward Tom Lynch in hospital with serious injuries.

Lynch was felled during Adelaide's 10-point NAB Challenge win against North Melbourne trying to duck a Jack Ziebell tackle.

The 23-year-old took no further part in the match after being stretchered from the field for the second time in as many appearances.

The incident is likely to reignite the debate about players ducking their head to avoid front on contact.

Crows' medical staff stabilise Tom Lynch's neck. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Despite being cleared of any serious injury, Lynch is likely to miss Adelaide's next NAB Challenge assignment against Geelong on March 12.

Ziebell was cleared by the AFL match review panel today after it ruled the high contact was caused by circumstances outside of his control.

Richmond utility Steven Morris was also cleared by the MRP while Kangaroo Lindsay Thomas was fined $1000 for rough conduct.

Tom Lynch being stretchered from the Gabba. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

Under strict AFL rules against ducking, umpires are told to call play on where a player ducks into a tackle and is the cause of high contact.

If the player is then tackled he will have to dispose of the ball properly to not be penalised.

Lynch was floored in Round 20 last year, charging headfirst into Brisbane defender Justin Clarke.

Lynch was initially diagnosed with concussion, but pain in his arms prompted further scans including an MRI which revealed "minor" fractures in the C7 and T1 vertebrae.

Lynch was forced to wear a neck brace for six weeks.

Tom Lynch helped from the ground after colliding with Demons Alex Georgiou and Jack Viney. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

Former Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson defended Lynch at the time for being unfairly criticised for ducking.

"Don't forget against Melbourne (in Round 7) when he came out and lifted his head he got his jaw smashed in half,'' he said.

Lynch missed seven games with a broken jaw after being crunched by Jack Viney.

His latest mishap comes just weeks after Adelaide defender Brent Reilly was placed in intensive care with a fractured skull.

Reilly, 31, suffered several breaks to his skull after a teammate's knee struck him on the side of the head during a training drill.

Thankfully, Reilly is on the mend and returned to the club last week. His playing future remains up in the air.

Originally published as Is concussed Crow ducking mad?

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crows to benefit from pressure for spots

Bad news for Crows fans as Adelaide's Tom Lynch goes down injured once again due to a head injury.

Adelaide midfielder Jarryd Lyons stakes his claim. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

IN-FORM midfielder Jarryd Lyons believes internal competition will be the Crows' greatest ally as it embarks on a tilt at the finals in 2015.

Lyons, who played 10 games last season, was among Adelaide's more prominent players as it beat North Melbourne by 10 points in a practice match at Port Lincoln.

It was the match-day assignment for new coach Phil Walsh, but it was also a new beginning for the players.

Lyons said the new coach had brought a more ferocious and urgent atmosphere to West Lakes, much of it just because nobody knows how the new coach rates his playing list.

It has brought a more competitive theme to training and showed for much of the practice match, despite several key players being rested and sitting in the stands at Centenary Oval.

"I think it has been a theme,'' Lyons said. "You have to train as you want to play and if we train hard we can bring that out on the playing field.

"Training standards have been good and if we can replicate what we've done in training in the game it will go a long way to where we want to be.

"I think when you get a new coach everyone starts on a level playing field and you get to impress again,'' Lyons said. "There's a bit of competition at training which has been really good.

"I think the internal competition makes us better.

Jarryd Lyons gets his handball away under pressure. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

"Everybody has to fight for their spot and it's a good thing for the club and it's good for the players, because we train harder and that makes us better.''

The Crows are yet to complete a review of its first match under Walsh, but did have a brief meeting after the game on Sunday night.

Overall, the mood was positive, but concerns were raised over the fact that they did not kicked a goal in the last quarter while North Melbourne piled on six from 11 scoring shots.

"As a club we were happy with the start but it's week one of a 30-week season,'' Lyons said. "So there's plenty of room for improvement.

"There were some good things in there but obviously we'll sit down and review the game.

"Walshy will pick out things that we need to work on and we'll go from there.

Lyons, 22, had some breakout games last season in which he had the ball on a string and is now looking to play a full season.

He chalked up 20 disposals, laid four tackles and looked every bit a regular AFL player, and amid the firm competition for midfield spots, Lyons can be used elsewhere. He's just pushing for a weekly game in the seniors.

"I've had a good pre-season since Christmas and will keep doing what I'm doing but I'm happy to play wherever,'' Lyons said. ``Personally, I've just tried to get fitter.

"I haven't put on any weight (bulked up with muscle).

"I started the pre-season (by missing from) with a spider bite but since then I've been lucky enough not to get injured and I think I've probably got the load in my legs now and hopefully that helps for this year.''

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Crows hold off fast-finishing Kangas

Taylor Walker competes for the ball. Source: Getty Images

ADELAIDE has withstood a torrid comeback from North Melbourne to clinch a 10-point win in its first match under Phil Walsh.

Nathan van Berlo made a successful return from a year-long injury in and four goals from Eddie Betts helped the Crows down a fast-finishing Kangaroos outfit at Port Lincoln's Centenary Oval.

Adelaide led by 50 points at three quarter-time but just held on to win 1.12.9 (90) to 0.11.14 (80) - the Roos kicked 6.5 to one points in the last term.

Luckless Adelaide forward Tom Lynch was concussed when collected by a Jack Ziebell hip in the first quarter as the Crows gave their new senior coach Phil Walsh a first-up victory.

Rory Laird marks over Ryan Bastinac. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

Majak Daw flies high. Picture: Morne de Klerk/Getty Images Source: Getty Images

Lynch was perched over the ball when accidentally struck by Ziebell's hip, the incident similar to how the Crows forward broke his neck in round 20 last year.

But the 24-year-old was cleared of serious injury after being stretchered from the field during a performance notable for van Berlo's comeback.

Van Berlo, who missed all of last season with an Achilles injury, gathered 13 disposals and kicked the game's only supergoal in a heartening display.

"I was a little bit toey today but I feel a bit better with a run under the belt now," van Berlo told Adelaide radio station 5AA.

Rory Sloane only just manages to get his kick away from Kayne Turner. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

But North regained respectability with a powerful finish which rattled the Crows, kicking six unanswered goals in the last quarter.

"We have taken the deliberate approach to not worry about any intra-club games so this was our first competitive hit out," North coach Brad Scott told reporters.

"So we expected some rustiness which we certainly got in the first half or so.

"But really what you're hoping for is some good match practice against good opposition and to get through unscathed and we achieved all those things."

Tom Lynch suffered concussion after a hard knock. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia

But North regained respectability with a powerful finish which rattled the Crows, kicking six unanswered goals in the last quarter.

"We have taken the deliberate approach to not worry about any intra-club games so this was our first competitive hit out," North coach Brad Scott told reporters.

"So we expected some rustiness which we certainly got in the first half or so.

"But really what you're hoping for is some good match practice against good opposition and to get through unscathed and we achieved all those things."

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More

Let’s change the footy drug laws

Former ASADA boss Richard Ings says the length of time taken for ASADA to bring charges showed red tape needed to be cut. Source: News Corp Australia

THE AFL is expected to demand big changes to the way ASADA deals with professional team sports, but has vowed to stick with the anti-doping watchdog.

A third AFL season could be badly damaged by the Essendon drugs saga, as 34 current and former Bombers await their fate at the hands of the AFL Anti-Doping Tribunal.

The Herald Sun understands there have been high-level talks at AFL House regarding how the league could best proceed with its anti-doping code when the Essendon case finally concludes.

There has been speculation the league could walk away from the Federal Government spots drug watchdog ASADA and enforce its own rules.

With the league's anti-doping tribunal expected to deliver a verdict later this month, AFL general counsel Andrew Dillon — the league's executive in charge of integrity matters — told the Herald Sun the AFL was committed to the national and international authorities.

"The AFL will continue to be signatories to the ASADA and WADA code," Dillon said.

"We remain committed to the anti-doping code in its strongest forms."

WADA Director General David Howman meets with then Sports Minister Senator Kate Lundy in 2013. Source: News Limited

WADA director general David Howman said any break from the WADA rule book would be a bad look for footy.

"I think it sends a terrible message," he said. "It sends all the wrong messages to kids and to other sports."

Much of the current frustration with ASADA has been because of the length of time taken to bring matters to a head and that its regulations are better geared to deal with Olympic and individual sports.

It is understood that the AFL will insist on an overhaul of the system so it is better able to cope with the demands of professional and highly commercial team sports.

Former ASADA boss Richard Ings said the length of time taken for ASADA to bring charges showed red tape needed to be cut.

"While the AFL would be well advised to continue adopting the WADA code, that does not mean that it has to ­accept the status quo in its dealings with ASADA and government that has seen these matters drag on publicly for three seasons," Ings said.

"That we are three seasons into a process that has every probability of dragging into a fourth season is indicative of the massive room for red tape reduction in streamlining Australia's anti-doping processes."

The league was reluctant to hand over control to the anti-doping authority in 2005 but risked losing about $3 million in funding if it did not.

The AFL has already made changes to its anti-doping code that go beyond the WADA prohibited list. Last year, it enforced its own prohibited treatment list — banning drugs such as failed anti-obesity peptide AOD-9604 and other substances linked to the Essendon saga.

grant.baker@news.com.au

Originally published as Let's change the footy drug laws

20.11 | 0 komentar | Read More