Laws to combat AFL's hard knocks

Kurt Tippett in the hands of Crows medical staff after being concussed. Picture: Tait Schmaal. Source: adelaidenow

THE AFL's concussion management guidelines are set for another overhaul following an international conference on the issue.

Soon after fining North Melbourne $20,000 for a lack of co-operation with an investigation into the way it handled Lachlan Hansen's heavy head knock in round 20, the league said it would revise its concussion rules for the 2013 season.

This comes after the AFL had three representatives, including AFL Medical Commissioner Dr Peter Harcourt, attend the Fourth International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport in Zurich last week.

"This global conference has again provided us with invaluable information that can be applied to our own concussion management policies," Dr Harcourt said.

"The AFL had strong representation at the conference and the management of concussion in the AFL was discussed.

"It confirmed that the AFL concussion strategy is robust and reflects current best practice."

But changes are in the wind.

The AFL is proposing to include a requirement for club doctors to make greater use of video footage of the injury incident in their assessment of player fitness.

There will also be a necessity for medical supervision of any follow-up self-assessment tests conducted by players.

The AFL will also adopt a "completely new approach" to the management of concussion in children, including those involved in the Auskick program.

The conference reinforced the AFL's approach that there is no scientific evidence that helmets prevent concussion or other brain injuries.

On the advice of the AFL and medical staff, wantaway Crow Kurt Tippett did not wear a helmet this year despite being concussed three times in five weeks.

"The evidence presented reinforced the AFL's current approach to the use of helmets, that is, there is no definitive scientific evidence that helmets specifically prevent concussion or other brain injuries in Australian football," Dr Harcourt said.

The new consensus guidelines will be released in March.

The Kangaroos, meanwhile, have been hit hard in the hip pocket after the AFL found them guilty of breaching a rule that requires clubs to fully co-operate and provide all relevant information and evidence to AFL investigators. Half of the club's $20,000 fine will be suspended for three years.

Football operations manager Adrian Anderson said the AFL found insufficient evidence to substantiate a breach of its concussion rules over the treatment of Hansen but that it was extremely concerned by North's lack of co-operation during an investigation into his welfare.

"Whilst there was no finding that there was any attempt to deliberately mislead investigators, North Melbourne now accepts that its conduct at times was not at a standard acceptable to an AFL investigation," Anderson said.

Key forward Hansen was assisted from the ground in a groggy state and later returned to the field during North's 24-point win against Essendon in round 20.

The AFL investigation was sparked when Roos' co-vice-captain Drew Petrie said on radio that he had seen Hansen vomiting at half-time.

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Lions not tempted on Tippett

Kurt Tippett leaves Adelaide for Queensland back in October, before his controversial decision to leave the Crows. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: adelaidenow

ADELAIDE was prepared to cash in and trade Kurt Tippett to Brisbane last year for a boom SA youngster and a draft pick, it has been revealed.

As the Crows await their punishment from the AFL for salary cap breaches, a key Adelaide insider said the club tried to deal for either Jared Polec or Jack Redden when the Lions pushed hard to sign Tippett in last year's trade period.

Queenslander Tippett had agreed to a move north but a trade fell through when the Lions refused to offer anything more than pick 12 and their compensatory selection at No. 30.

"If Polec or Redden was offered to us then Kurt would probably be a Brisbane player now," said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"Kurt was under contract at the time but we feared we might lose him at the end of this year anyway so we tried to work what we thought would be a good deal for both clubs.

"Jared was certainly keen to come home but unfortunately Brisbane didn't come to the party."

Adelaide would have accepted either midfielder, Polec or Redden, and draft pick number 30 for Tippett.

The Crows have long been admirers of former Woodville-West Torrens wingman Polec, who was drafted at pick five in the 2010 national draft, while it also rates former Glenelg ball-magnet Redden highly.

Lions national talent manager Rob Kerr - who now looks certain to miss out on Tippett for a second consecutive year as the key forward pushes for a move to premier Sydney - said his club wasn't prepared to give up one of its key midfielders.

"Had we agreed to move one of our South Australian youngsters, then a deal may have been done," Kerr said.

"Kurt and his management had, at that time, agreed to the move if a trade could be completed.

"But just like Adelaide, we valued our players and are backing ourselves in as a club to retain these highly rated youngsters."

The Crows' attempts to get draft pick eight from Brisbane also failed as it kept the selection to draft classy teenage tall Billy Longer from Northern under-18s.

Brisbane made another big play for Tippett in this year's trade period but looks set to lose him to Sydney, which he surprisingly nominated as his preferred club.

The AFL quashed a trade because of side deals in Tippett's last contract but will likely allow him to enter the national draft on November 22.

The Lions pick well before the Swans but Tippett is understood to have put a $1 million-a-season price tag on his head, which makes it tough for rivals to match as Sydney has extra money in its salary cap.

Kerr said quality key forwards were "rare beasts".

"As one of our recruiters outlined, there are about 12 genuinely good ones in the world, and the rest are either hopefuls developing or are not going to make it," he told the AFL website. "Hence our interest in Kurt Tippett."

Kerr said the Lions were still monitoring Tippett's availability but admitted that Sydney was well placed as its initial offer would be very difficult for other clubs to match.

Kerr hit out at the Swans being allowed to have an extra 9.8 per cent total player payment allowance because of the harbour city's cost of living expenses, claiming it was too much of a free kick.

"The AFL is now managing several questions about the evenness of the competition," he said.

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Healthy Blues leave with goals

Michael Jamison is loving being healthy for the 2012/13 summer. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

KEY defender Michael Jamison reflected on the healthier Carlton playing group that today flew out for an altitude camp in Arizona.

Only forward Eddie Betts stayed behind when new coach Mick Malthouse joined the party heading to the US.

Jamison had knee surgery this time last year before being sidelined by a back ailment in December, one of 17 Blues who endured either late or disrupted pre-season campaigns.

"Having no surgery this time was a huge benefit. You don't start behind the eight ball, so I'm feeling pretty fit and looking to work on that in the next few weeks," Jamison said.

"You're can't compare pre-seasons when you have surgery in the off-season and then you don't."

A fit Jamison would be a huge bonus for the Blues, particularly with Malthouse's emphasis on defence for the 2013 AFL season.

"It doesn't put on any more pressure. It's something we look forward to in the backline, knowing that we'll probably have more support than we have in the past. And our roles will certainly be valued and privileged within the team," he said.

"It is a fresh start for everyone. Mick knows how we all played last year, so he has a little bit to lean on. But guys might be thrown around in different positions, so it's pretty exciting.

"The boys are keen to get over there, obviously, build our fitness base and get to know the new coach and a few new coaches around the club.

"He said it's mainly to build the fitness base up and learn a few things about the new game structure.

"It's certainly not going to be an old-school style commando session where everyone is just getting through the days.

"It's going to be pretty well balanced and it's not going to be too much torture."

Former Melbourne skipper Brad Green, now a Blues development coach, was part of the group that left for the US.

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AFL slaps Roos with $20,000 fine

Kangaroos forward Lachie Hansen comes from the field after a head clash with Nathan Lovett-Murray in Round 20. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has been slapped with a $20,000 fine for not complying with an AFL investigation.

But the club has been cleared of any wrongdoing in the medical treatment of Lachie Hansen after the investigation found there was insufficient evidence the key forward was allowed to play on despite the risk of concussion.

Hansen copped a head knock in the Kangaroos Round 20 clash with Essendon. He was taken from the field but returned a short time later.

North Melbourne went on to win the game but Hansen, who appeared groggy at times, had little impact on the contest after the incident.

AFL football operations boss Adrian Anderson said the league was not satisfied with the level of cooperation provided to its investigators by North Melbourne staff.

The club was fined $20,000 -- of which $10,000 is suspended for three years.

"It is extremely concerning that North Melbourne failed to fully cooperate at all times with this investigation into a serious matter involving the welfare of one of its players," Anderson said in a statement.

"Whilst there was no finding that there was any attempt to deliberately mislead investigators, North Melbourne now accepts that its conduct at times was not at a standard acceptable to an AFL investigation."

North Melbourne interim chief executive Cam Vale said the club stood by its medical, fitness and conditioning teams.

"The club accepts the fine and in doing so, acknowledges it should have handled its part in the investigation better," he said.

"First and foremost, we fully support the actions of our doctor and his management of Lachlan Hansen.  The concussion issue for the League and all clubs is a great concern, but no one takes the welfare and safety of our players more seriously than us."

Meanwhile, the AFL will look to overhaul its concussion management guidelines following an international conference on the issue.

The AFL is proposing changes to include a requirement for club doctors to make greater use of video footage of the injury incident in their assessment of player fitness.

There will also be a necessity for medical supervision of any follow-up self-assessment tests conducted by players.

AFL medical commissioner Peter Harcourt said the conference provided the league with invaluable informatio.

"It confirmed that the AFL concussion strategy is robust and reflects current best practice."

The evidence reinforced the AFL's approach that there is no definitive scientific evidence that helmets specifically prevent concussion or other brain injuries.

The AFL will also revise its concussion approach for children including those involved in the Auskick program.

The new consensus guidelines will be released next March.

with AAP

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SANFL backs the Crows

The SANFL has backed Adelaide over the Kurt Tippett furore. Source: Herald Sun

THE SANFL has thrown its full support behind the embattled Adelaide Football Club over the Kurt Tippett furore, saying "everyone mucks up in their lifetime''.

League heavyweight Leigh Whicker is standing firmly behind the Crows, saying they deserve "big-time credit points'' for what they have delivered for SA football.

As the AFL investigates the Crows for salary cap rorting, Whicker said the SANFL was highly unlikely to impose any penalties on the club or its officials, including its chief executive, Steven Trigg, who has been under fire.

"Obviously it's very disappointing that the Adelaide Football Club has found itself in the position that it has, that it's under the spotlight nationally,'' Whicker said.

"Having spoken to Andrew Demetriou (AFL chief executive) last Friday, he's disappointed in what's happened.

"But I think we've got to wait until the final report has been delivered. And then we'll take the medicine, whatever that might be, and saddle up for 2013.''

The AFL is continuing its investigations into Tippett's questionable 2009 contract, which could result in Adelaide being hit with a big fine and stripped of key draft picks at the national draft on November 22.

Tippett, who still wants to join premier Sydney, also is in limbo. Denied a trade to the Swans, he could be de-registered by the AFL.

Yesterday an AFL spokesman told The Advertiser no time-line had been set for the league to complete its investigation, leaving Adelaide and Tippett in limbo.

"So, at the moment, Adelaide's position with its draft picks is unchanged, unless we advise otherwise,'' the spokesman said.

Tippett, who kicked 188 goals in 104 appearances for the Crows, has to delist himself before the national draft to be eligible to be selected by another club.

The league is expected to make its decision before November 22 so all parties know where they stand.

"The Adelaide Football Club has performed extraordinarily well over a 20-year period,'' Whicker said.

"It has delivered South Australia a powerful sporting culture, two premierships and a very strong financial return to football.

"Everyone makes a mistake or two in their lives, so our football commission will support the Adelaide Football Club through this, we owe it to them.

"The club has been totally transparent, it has worked hard with the SANFL over the journey, it has had an amazing administration and chairmen from Bob Hammond's day to Bill Sanders and right through to the current administration.

"Everyone mucks up in their lifetime, I'm sure of that, so we are saying let the AFL Commission make its decision and then we'll deal with whatever happens at that time.''

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Gray faces another delay

Robbie Gray when he injured his knee. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Sunday Herald Sun

ACE Port Adelaide forward Robbie Gray faces a delayed start to 2013.

Gray, who had his right knee reconstructed in April, could miss the first month of the premiership season because of nerve damage in a calf.

He suffered the injury when his leg horrifically buckled when landing from a marking contest in the final minute of the Power's round four loss to Collingwood.

"My knee's actually feeling really good now,'' Gray said.

Port Adelaide's Robbie Gray kicks under pressure from Jake Batchelor of the Tigers during their round 10 match in Darwin. Source: Getty Images

"But because of the nerve damage in my calf from the incident my leg faded away and I lost a lot of strength in the calf. So I need to be able to build my calf back up and get it strong enough to be able to run again.

"At the moment all I can do is a bit of jogging, so I have to work hard on building my strength and power back up.''

Gray began jogging last month and yesterday returned from London with his Port team-mates after spending 10 days in Europe.

The team beat the Western Bulldogs by one point in its exhibition game in London on Sunday and worked out at the Australian Institute of Sport's European training base outside Milan in northern Italy.

Gray upped the ante on his training on the trip under the guidance of new head fitness coach Darren Burgess.

While most AFL players return from traditional knee reconstructions within 10 months, 24-year-old Gray is now facing a year out of the game.

"I definitely want to be back early in the year but there's no (return) date set yet,'' he said.

"We'll wait and see what happens. I don't want to rush it obviously because it was a pretty serious injury.

"We'll see what happens over summer and just how everything progresses with the injury.''

Getting the injury-prone Gray on the park is crucial to Port's chances of climbing the ladder under new coach Ken Hinkley.

Talent-wise, Gray - a brilliant small forward/midfielder - is one of the club's top five players but he has played only 70 games in six seasons.

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Time for 'soft' Suns to toughen up

Gold Coast midfielder David Swallow says the Suns must be more physical if they want to climb up the AFL ladder. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GUN midfielder David Swallow admits the Suns went "soft" last season and must develop a stronger physical presence if the club is to surge up the ladder in 2013.

The call comes as the squad faced another demanding wrestling session in Arizona yesterday, where ripped shorts, stretched singlets and a busted ear were some of the side effects.

The Suns have been heavily scrutinised for a lack of physical pressure in their opening two seasons and Swallow didn't hide when asked if the club was too soft in 2012.

"Well yeah, maybe we were compared to the first year where we were really cracking in hard and it was something we really prided ourselves on," he said.

"The first year around clearances we were really good and it was probably one of the areas we dropped away last season.

"Maybe in the second year the boys just weren't going in as hard as the first year and its one of those things we just have to get back to.

"If we start winning more clearances and contests than the more chance we have of winning more games."

Swallow welcomed the new look fitness department's stronger focus on body contact this pre-season and said the new approach was already paying dividends.

"Obviously AFL is a very physical sport and these type of sessions give you confidence that your body can handle it," he said.

Dion Prestia was the only casualty from yesterday's wrestling session, with the midfielder suffering a corked calf and a lacerated right ear.

Danny Stanley almost had his shorts completely torn off from a determined Gary Ablett, while Jackson Allen was also left with a stretched singlet after a strong tussle with the Suns skipper.

Suns head of fitness Paul Haines conceded there was a higher risk of injury involved in the wrestling sessions, but said it was a chance the club had to take.

"A big part of our pre-season focus is the body contact training and we do it to give the players confidence that when they play games they know they've done the work," he said.

"It's a bit of risk versus return and in close quarters its not too bad.

"They will get a few bruises, knocks and blood noses but nothing major.

"Plus we keep a close eye on the guys who have modified programs anyway."

Ablett and Stanley were the standouts in the hour-long hitout, while Steven May put his big frame to good use.

In promising signs for the club, injured vice-captain Nathan Bock participated in most of the sessions, but was kept to light duties.
 

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Cross country ace running hot

A champion runner whose stocks soared this year when he lowered the colours of top AFL Draft prospect Lachie Whitfield.

Tom Temay could be the next Heath Shaw. Picture: Chris Eastman Source: Herald Sun

TOM Temay was only 12 years old when he began running with a fitness coach to help his footy.

He never envisaged the move would help mould him into one of the country's top young cross country runners.

After placing third at the Pan Pacific Championships as a 15-year-old, the endurance machine had an agonising decision to make.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Watch highlights of Temay and get our expert analysis in the video player above

Either pursue a potentially international athletics career or continue running his opponents into the ground on the footy field.

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"I was tossing it up, between footy and athletics at that stage, but footy has always been a big dream of mine,'' Temay said.

"Dad (Paul) played a bit (52 games for St Kilda) and footy is a team game and in the end I like being part of a team.''

The attitude has served him well.

The 179cm right-footed backman is firming as a bargain back-end selection in this month's national draft.

Modelling his game on Collingwood's Heath Shaw, Temay blitzed the lines at this year's national championships, averaging 19 possessions at a pinpoint 78 per cent efficiency.

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Broadening his appeal, Temay also illustrated the defensive side of his game in run-with roles on No. 1 pick Lachie Whitefield and WA star, Dayle Garlett.

While Temay's run and carry game can be devastating, the Vic Metro ball-carrier said he is unafraid to roll up the sleeves and help shut down the opposition's match-winning midfielders.

North Melbourne and St Kilda, his father's club, are among those who have taken strong interest.

"I provide run and carry, that hard work through midfield and the back line,'' he said.

"But I also like to help teammates out a lot and do the one per centers.

"I actually really enjoyed the task on Whitfield, it was something I was very excited about.

"If playing a role like that is going to reward my ream, I'm always up for the challenge.''

THE TOM TEMAY FILE

AGE: 18
HEIGHT: 179cm
FROM: Sandringham Dragons
POSITION: Running defender/wingman
DRAFT RANGE: 30-60
IN THE MIX: Saints (44), Roos (48)
PLAYS LIKE: Heath Shaw
 
Follow Jay Clark on Twitter @ClarkyHeraldSun

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Tippett would set Patton up well

Jon Patton says Kurt Tippett would add nicely to his side's forward line. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph

IT WAS a day of firsts for the Giants at Skoda Stadium yesterday.

It was their first full training session without Israel Folau, the first proper pre-season for No. 1 draft pick Jonathon Patton and the first declaration from Giants players about their desire to sign Adelaide Crow Kurt Tippett.

Patton said he would have no problem should he and Jeremy Cameron end up sharing the Giants' forward line with the former Crow.

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"If Kurt came to the Giants it would be awesome for the club," Patton said. "He's hitting his prime and he has already shown what sort of a player he is.

"If he comes here, Jeremy and I will be looking forward to working with him in the forward line."

Patton and the Giants were putting in the building blocks of their pre-season training yesterday, sweating it out during their first skill session.

Coach Kevin Sheedy said Tippett's versatility would be the key to fitting him into the Giants' already talented forward line.

"He's a former basketball player and well over 200cm," Sheedy said.

"Clubs are always looking at that spare ruck/forward who can come in and make it happen."

Tippett is the subject of an AFL investigation into the contract he signed in 2009 with the Crows but that has not deterred the Giants' enthusiasm for the big man.

While Sheedy would be happy to pinch Tippett from under the noses of the Swans he has plenty to smile about within his ranks.

His No. 1 draft pick from last year, Patton, is set to make a big impact in 2013 with his first full pre-season under his belt.

Patton played just seven matches for the fledgling club in his debut season after flying to Sweden for surgery on his patella tendon early in the year.

"It's feeling really good at the moment," Patton said.

"Now that I've had a break - and rehab-ed it a lot more - my leg is a lot stronger.

"In the first few days of pre-season I haven't felt any pain."

Patton's January surgery delayed his senior debut until the round-12 match against Richmond at Skoda Stadium - and severely limited his impact in 2012.

"When the boys were playing NAB Cup I was just starting to run," Patton said.

"It was definitely very difficult coming in without a pre-season.

"Going from under-18s football with no pre-season into the AFL was a massive step."

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Bailey keeps cool in tank claims

Former Melbourne coach Dean Bailey says he didn't tell the Dees to lose. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Melbourne coach Dean Bailey is arguing he is innocent of tanking claims, despite being in the "vault" when football operations manager Chris Connolly reinforced the need to play for draft picks.

The AFL is unveiling its investigative arsenal as it builds its case, warning some Melbourne assistant coaches of severe sanctions if they refuse to be interviewed or are not honest in testimony.

Some Demons officials have been told the AFL can impose life coaching bans, though interviews are not conducted under oath.

Others have been re-interviewed and told that their testimony is inconsistent with those who believe there is evidence of tanking.

While Connolly is under the most heat, Bailey is said to be comfortable with the fact he never instructed coaches or players to deliberately lose games.

He is one of several Melbourne figures who remembers Connolly making his controversial aside in a portable shed at the Junction Oval, dubbed The Vault, after the Port Adelaide win in Round 15, 2009.

While that meeting has been painted as the start of an orchestrated campaign to lose games, the context of that discussion is at the heart of the tanking investigation.

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Some, including Bailey, believe the Connolly statement urging the coaching staff not to maximise their high draft picks was a 30-second aside in a lengthy match committee meeting.

They dispute it was a specific meeting held as a call-to-arms to the football department.

Others have accused Connolly of saying words to the effect of, "Make this happen, or you'll all get sacked".

Whether the AFL believes the more generous interpretation, or declares the Connolly statement as evidence of tanking, is the crux of the investigation.

The Herald Sun has reported Bailey, now an Adelaide assistant coach, told the players in mid-2009 some would be played in radically different positions.

Melbourne faces "severe" penalties if found guilty, but will likely have seven days to reply to any AFL findings.

That means Melbourne has a good chance of retaining its No.4 selection and the No.27 pick it needs to secure father-son selection Jack Viney in the November 22 national draft because the investigation will be ongoing.

The AFL Commission meets on November 19.

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Green excited to turn Blue

Former Demon Brad Green is now a midfield development coach at Carlton. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Melbourne AFL skipper Brad Green has been recruited by Carlton as a midfield development coach.

Green joined former Collingwood mentor Mick Malthouse ahead of their first official pre-season training session at Visy Park later on Monday.

Green retired in round 22 this year after a 254-game career during which he was captain of the Demons for the 2011 season.

He said he was excited to begin his coaching career under one of the greats.

"I am really excited about this next stage of my AFL career," Green said.

"I said when I announced my retirement from playing that I was passionate about a career in the coaching department as I want to continue to be involved in the game I love.

"It is fantastic to have this opportunity and very exciting to join the Carlton Football Club and to have the opportunity to work with Mick Malthouse and the coaching team."

Green, a best and fairest winner with Melbourne in 2010, played under Malthouse with the Australian International Rules team in Ireland in 2010.

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No risks with Brown and Black

Jonathan Brown made a brief appearance at training this morning. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

Daniel Merrett shows the pain of pre-season training. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

LIONS coach Michael Voss has pulled the reins on Jonathan Brown and Simon Black, sparing the club champions from the toughest block of pre-season training.

Brown made a brief appearance at the teams first session of the summer campaign, a day after the birth of his second child Jack, a little brother to Olivia.

The skipper spoke with Voss, completed same handball drills then left to visit wife Kylie.

Black did not take part in the 2km time trial but ran for most of the session and will leave with half the group on Wednesday for a training camp in Arizona.

Brown will stay in Brisbane to be with his family and to ensure he gas fully recovered from a last months bike accident.

Simon Black training today at Giffin Park. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

"We have to be mindful that was a pretty big bang up," Voss said.

"We'll be taking a low key approach with (Black and Brown) towards Christmas.

"The thing we've learnt with them both is they come to hand pretty quick."

Youngster Jack Crisp won the time trial, just ahead of Joel Patfull .

The Lions will take only half their list - players with at least four years senior experience - to the US.

The Lions in training this morning. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

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Power wins London exhibition

Campbell Heath of of Port Adelaide loses control of the ball in contact with Clay Smith of Western Bulldogs during the AFL European Challenge game in London. Picture: Jan Kruger Source: Getty Images

NEW Port Adelaide coach Ken Hinkley has started his coaching career with a thrilling one-point victory over the Western Bulldogs in the AFL's exhibition match at The Oval.

A brilliant goal by Power midfielder Brad Ebert from a set shot 50m out near the boundary line with less than a minute to play sealed the victory, 14.4 (88) to 13.9 (87).

At one stage early in the third term, Port trailed by 39 points before unleashing a nine-goal unanswered burst to take the lead midway through the final quarter.

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Much to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd of about 10,000 Londoners, the Dogs snapped out of their funk and kicked the next four goals to seemingly have victory assured.

Port Adelaide players celebrate their victory with the cup after the AFL European Challenge Game against the Western Bulldogs at The Oval. Picture: Christopher Lee Source: Getty Images

But two goals in the final two minutes got Hinkley and the football club a much-needed boost given the horror couple of months they've endured following the death of Port player John McCarthy in Las Vegas in September.

New recruit Angus Monfries kicked three goals while defender Jackson Trengove and acting captain Hamish Hartlett were influential.

"I said to the players before the game that you always want to win and it doesn't matter if it's an exhibition game or anything for us," Hinkley said.

Ayce Cordy of Western Bulldogs spoils a mark for Brad Ebert of Port Adelaide during the AFL European Challenge game in London. Picture: Jan Kruger Source: Getty Images

"We are a club that needs to learn to win a little bit.

"Both sides put on a really good game I think for the fans, to get a one-point game you'd be happy with that from an AFL point of view. We're a bit happier because it was one point our way.

"We've been together three seconds and I'm not sure if we knew what we were doing but the coaching staff that are here have told me all along that there is some talent here to work with and it's nice to see that."

Acting Bulldogs captain Shaun Higgins led the way with three goals while Patrick Veszpremi kicked two as did Liam Picken who provided the highlight of the night with a spectacular mark in the second quarter.

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney said he used the 16-a-side game as a learning tool for his young players.

"We saw a few get kicked against us and we thought let's see what they do without actually giving them too much help," he said.

Hamish Hartlett of Port Adelaide handballs under pressure from Shaun Higgins of Western Bulldogs during the AFL European Challenge game in London. Picture: Jan Kruger Source: Getty Images

"A couple of the younger guys were a bit slow to react to what was happening, they (Port) played well and got a bit of momentum but we then fought back.

"We weren't doing a lot of coaching, it was just have a look at them and let them run around."

He was pleased with the performance of new recruit Koby Stevens who joined the club from West Coast during the trade period.

"He's going to help our younger midfielders, he has got a strong body as well and looks like he will be a good acquisition," McCartney said.

The victory by Port means they have won the right to be involved in next year's London game with the AFL committed to building its profile in Europe.

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Ebert's touching tribute to J-Mac

Port Adelaide players celebrate their victory at The Oval - their first match without the late John McCarthy. Source: Getty Images

THE moment the ball swung back through for the goal, Brad Ebert immediately thought of his best mate.

He turned to the black arm band on his left arm, kissed it and then pointed to the sky where he knew John McCarthy would be looking down on him.

The goal - a brilliant kick from 50m out near the boundary line - sealed a one-point victory for Port Adelaide over the Western Bulldogs in the AFL's exhibition game at The Oval.

Power wins London Exhibition

But for the Power this game was more than just a scratch match in a foreign land. It was about finally getting the chance to move on from what has been a horrible couple of months following McCarthy's tragic death in Las Vegas in September.

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"It has been a tough season and the post-season, it has probably been some of the toughest times of my life to be honest," an emotional Ebert said afterwards.

"There have been a lot of emotions going through the last few months and Dani was here tonight, John's girlfriend.

"Over the last year we have got on really and he was my best mate so it was great to be able to kick that goal and even though it was only an exhibition game, it was really nice to able to do that and give him a litle bit, give him a salute."

Ebert said John's friends had urged Dani, who was in tears after the game, to come to London on the trip which she'd planned with her boyfriend months earlier.

"She was initially going to come over with John and then after everything that happened she was going to cancel it and that sort of stuff but the flight was already booked and we just said to her, 'Why don't you come across?'," he said.

"My girlfriend Bec was here and Nathan Blee's girlfriend Jess came across so they were able to stay together for the last five nights in London and Edinburgh.

"It was good for her to get away as well otherwise she would have just been in Melbourne. Being able to get over here, get around the girls and try and have a bit of fun...I think it has been good for her to get away."

Port Adelaide midfielder Brad Ebert kicks the winning goal againts the Western Bulldogs at The Oval. Source: Getty Images

The Power have a memorial planned for McCarthy at their first home game next year in Round 2, but Ebert said playing the exhibition game in London was going to help the club move forward.

"While we will always have J-Mac's memory with us, we really wanted to make sure this off-season that we would be able to move on," he said.

"And while it still will hurt for a long time, we need to be able to use that on the footy field going forward and really start afresh.

"For me personally, I got over here for a few weeks before and that was great to be able to come away with my girlfriend, catch up with a few mates and just get away from everything that was going on in town and try and enjoy yourself.

"Hopefully going forward we will get back to Alberton and really make sure everyone is switched on because we all know how hard the last season has been."

The thrilling victory - 14.4 (88) to 13.9 (87) - was a great start to the coaching career of Ken Hinkley who has spent only a couple of days with his players after being appointed last month.

Former Essendon forward Angus Monfries was the star for the Power kicking three goals and engineering an impressive third-quarter comeback which saw his team kick nine unanswered goals to come from 39-points down to hit the front.

It looked like it was going to amount to nothing with the Bulldogs hitting back with four straight goals midway through the last quarter to wrestle back the advantage before Ebert, with the spirit of J-Mac on his side, produced something special with just 40 seconds remaining in the match.
 

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