Meet the new, improved Karmichael

Gold Coast Suns player Karmichael Hunt is the slimmest he's been in three AFL pre-seasons. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

SPECIAL K has become Shrinking K.

Gold Coast Suns midfielder and code-hopper Karmichael Hunt is the lightest he has ever been in his well-travelled professional football career, with the 26-year-old tipping the scales at 87kg this week.

When he played rugby league for the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia he was 93kg.During his stint in French rugby Biarritz in 2009/2010, he nudged the 100kg mark.

But the trademark treetrunk legs are now gone, with Hunt halfway through his third AFL pre-season training program.

A leaner Hunt no longer looks like a rugby league player built to withstand multiple front-on high-speed collisions.

He appears every bit like an AFL on-baller who is required to cover vast distances over four quarters.

Gold Coast strength and conditioning coach Chris Gaviglio said Hunt's significant body shape transformation was a result of his single-minded determination.

"Karmichael needed to make those changes to survive and succeed in the AFL," Gaviglio said.

"He is a highly-driven athlete and he has been prepared to do what it takes to meet the demands of the sport. That is what has underpinned his success across all three codes.

"He is an inherently gifted athlete and he has really bought into our strength and conditioning program as well as working closely with our dietician Benita Lalor.

"You could tell he was cooked by the end of his first season but he would have run out last season if not for a shoulder injury. His legs were willing and able to go the full distance."

After an understandably indifferent first season in 2011, Hunt had a break-out year in 2012 with a shift from defence to the midfield.

The high point was his match-winning goal after the siren against Richmond in Cairns to hand the Suns their first victory of the season, but his on-ball work throughout the year also caught the eye.

He also produced a number of bone-rattling bumps on opponents to become a genuine enforcer.Gaviglio said Hunt would still pack a punch in 2013 despite shedding the weight.

"He is stronger than ever. He is bench pressing 145kg, which is more than what he was doing at the Broncos," he said.

Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft said Hunt's leaner appearance was inevitable.

"Karmichael has been training well and is in great shape at the moment but you can't not lose weight given the amount of running he has had to do," the triple premiership player said

"Especially in his new role in the midfield, he has covered a lot of kilometres.

"He has had a season in the VFL and two seasons in the AFL so it was only a matter of time before his body shape became more suited to the demands of our game."

The Suns had their last pre-Christmas training session yesterday  and will resume on January 7.

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Bone shaved from Cat's hips

James Kelly battled a hip injury during the 2012 season. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG midfielder James Kelly has revealed he had bone shaved from his thighs during post-season surgery after a pain-stricken 2012 season.

Kelly yesterday declared himself on track to play in Geelong's NAB Cup campaign after a successful recovery from an arthroscope on both hips.

The operation involved having bone shaved off both femurs.

The 28-year-old has been on a modified program this pre-season and will return to full training early in the new year, confident his hip troubles are behind him.

"I will be training more heavily over the coming days and it's all going pretty good," Kelly said.

"I'll be back to full training on January 1.

"It's clearing up really well."

Despite having a strong season, in which he was Geelong's leading tackler and still picked up 470 touches, Kelly revealed he had a weekly struggle with hip pain.

But he is confident of a pain-free season next year in a major boost to Geelong's top-four ambitions.

"The hips were more painful during the year than they are now. I'm relying on the physios a lot and they're helping out but I've still been able to do a fair bit of training recently," he said.

"I've been going through the rehabilitation program well and everything is going as planned.

"I'll be 100 per cent ready to go come next season."

Pic gallery: Cats roam the highlands

Geelong assistant coach Dale Amos last week said Kelly and Jimmy Bartel (foot) were making strong progress in their recoveries from post-season operations.

"They've been conditioned, they're doing their weights, they're just being nursed back into the football side," Amos said.

"I would be surprised if they didn't play (NAB Cup). The plan is for them to be ready for Round 1, so you'd imagine they'd play (NAB Cup) at some stage.

"They've been doing their running inside and their conditioning inside and now they're starting to do the work outside, so I think after Christmas we expect to see them a bit more.

"They'll be integrated back in after Christmas. I'm not totally sure when they'll be totally unrestricted, but they're well and truly on track and they should be right amongst it by the time we get back after Christmas.

"We've been patient with them. You want to progress those guys as quickly as you can without pushing them too much."

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Roos find new CEO

Carl Dilena (second from left) is North Melbourne's new CEO. Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne's 199-day search for a new chief executive is finally over.

The Roos today announced they had hired with Carl Dilena, with the former North player set to start in February.

North Melbourne narrowly missed on poaching Geelong boss Brian Cook and was linked to Adrian Anderson after his sudden departure from the AFL this month.

Dilena, 45, was a former senior partner at KPMG and is on North Melbourne's board.

"We were looking for someone with great leadership skills, senior management experience, a comprehensive understanding of the football industry and someone who also appreciates the unique culture of our club," Roos president James Brayshaw said.

"Carl has been a senior partner with one of the world's biggest professional services firms, played football at the highest level, has been a member of our Board for the past five years and has chaired the club's finance and audit committee.

"He comes to us with an impressive skill-set and we couldn't be happier to announce his appointment."

Dilena played 33 games with the Roos and Fitzroy between 1989-92.

The Roos have been searching for a new chief executive since Eugene Arocca resigned in June.

Cameron Vale, the Roos chief financial officer, has been serving as interim chief executive but was told last month he would not be handed the permanent position.

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We'll always be the Dockers

Matthew Pavlich celebrates a goal. Freo says it won't be changing its name from the Dockers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE president Steve Harris has promised the club will continue to be known as the Fremantle Dockers despite announcing it is shifting its training base to Cockburn.

In conjunction with the City of Cockburn, the Dockers will build a $107 million training base on a 26,000-square metre greenfields site in Success. They hope to move there in 2016 or 2017.

"It's only two years ago that we successfully completed lengthy negotiations with Levi Strauss to have the legal right to call ourselves the Fremantle Dockers, and we have absolutely no intention of changing our name from the Fremantle Dockers either now or in the future," Harris said.

''We are and will always be known as the Fremantle Dockers."

The City of Cockburn will fund most of the project, with contributions from the Dockers, the AFL and the state and federal governments also expected.

The club has spent this year weighing up whether to redevelop its current base at Fremantle Oval or create a new base in Success, at a site known as Cockburn Central West.

In the face of a backlash from some members over abandoning their traditional home, the Dockers said it would take a compelling case to move.

The move has been seen as a fait accompli for months and club's board formally resolved this week that compelling case had been sustained.

"Given our club's traditional and historical links to Fremantle Oval, there is no question about the significance of the decision to locate our core operations away from Fremantle Oval, and this was carefully considered throughout the decision-making process," Harris said.

"In addition to the club's operating costs at Cockburn Central West being less when compared to redeveloping at Fremantle Oval, the Cockburn Central West option allows for our club to have access to a bigger indoor training facility, bigger and better aquatic facilities and provides for access to a second oval.

"It is a green field site, so there is likely to be less planning uncertainty and there will be no facility transition costs or interruption to club operations as there would be under the Fremantle Oval master plan options.

"Operating costs at the Cockburn Central West site will also be lower because we are sharing the City of Cockburn's sporting and aquatic facilities with the community. This is also a great result for the community."

Harris said the new facility presented an outstanding opportunity for the Dockers to gain an advantage over their rivals.

"When the club opened its current training and administration facility at Fremantle Oval in November 2000, the facilities were regarded as one of the better club facilities in the AFL," he said.

"However, given the advances in the past decade nationally and internationally in technology and sports science, and an increase in the competitive landscape of the AFL, the club's current facilities are now well behind the AFL benchmark.

"In addition to the Cockburn Central West site allowing for the development of a world-class training and administration facility not seen previously in Australia, the site, which is within the greater Fremantle region, provides greater prospects for future expansion, community engagement and supporter interaction."

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Murphy a loyal Dog

Robert Murphy has committed to the Bulldogs. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

BULLDOGS veteran Robert Murphy has committed to guiding the club's young pups until the end of 2014.

Murphy, 30, was already contracted until the end of next season and has extended the deal by another 12 months.

Entering his 14th season, Murphy has played in three preliminary finals (2007-09) but he knows the next phase of his career will be helping a new generation as the Dogs rebuild under Brendan McCartney.

"If it's not me (who wins a premiership), well, that's just the way it goes. But I'm going to put my energy into helping the Bulldogs win their next one," he told Fairfax Media.

Murphy said he never considered leaving Whitten Oval.

"I've been asked a few times, 'Would you ever consider going to a side in that premiership window?'.

"And it just didn't sit well with me to do that.

"I'm not going to judge people who have done it - good luck to them. But it's just not for me. The Bulldogs are my footy club and part of who I am and it means more to me to help the Bulldogs."

Murphy has played 230 matches to sit No.11 on the club's all-time list.

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North signs US rookie Wallace

Check out North Melbourne's prospect former US Basketballer Eric Wallace in a college game.

American Eric Wallace in action at the draft camp. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has signed US college basketball player Eric Wallace following a 10-day trial with the club.

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott said Wallace, 23, was "keen to make a success" of his transition from college basketball to an AFL rookie.

The 197cm utility, who describes Canadian Mike Pyke's break out Grand Final as an "inspiring story", impressed scouts with his athleticism at the draft camp in October, finishing fourth in the vertical leap and top 10 in the sprint.

Wallace trained with the Roos last week as part of a 10-day trial.

"At the moment he's got the physical attributes to play multiple positions," Scott said.

"It's really exciting for us to see just how far we can take Eric."

Scott said Wallace would forge his AFL path in the VFL reserves.

"I was most pleased with the ovation he got from the rest of the list. They're happy to have him here," he said.

Wallace said he was grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the club.

"Four or five years ago he was in the same situation as me, playing a different football code – I was playing basketball – but not having not much skill in the game of AFL and in the Grand Final he helped his team to a victory and he looked superb out there," he told SEN this morning.

"I'd love to continue being a professional athlete, I'm looking at this as a new opportunity.

"I just want to become an asset to the Kangaroos and say I did it," he said.

Wallace could become the third American born player to make an AFL debut after Sanford Wheeler (43 games, Sydney Swans between 1989-94) and Don Pyke (132 games, West Coast between 1989-96).

Collingwood recently de-listed ruckman Shae McNamara after the Milwaukee native spent three years on the rookie list unable to break into the senior team.

McNamara played one game during the Magpies 2011 NAB Cup campaign.

From Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Wallace originally had his eye on the NBA draft.

But after stints at three colleges in five years, the latest at Seattle University, his hopes of a professional basketball career - in the US or overseas - seemed shot.

That was when he was invited to Los Angeles for a camp for potential international AFL recruits.

"I didn't know the rules," Wallace told cbssports.com. "I was confused."

But he stayed up all night watching tapes of games and did well enough to be invited to the draft camp in Melbourne, where he was the standout international.

Making the AFL is still a long shot, but Wallace has never been one to give up on a dream.

"I'm really falling in love with the game, getting addicted," Wallace said. "More than I could have ever imagined.

"I was going hard right. But then the AFL approached me and I decided to take a step to the left. It's not basketball, but it's still being a professional athlete."

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Cats pour praise on recruit Caddy

Recruit Josh Caddy (right), kayaking with Shane Kersten, has impressed the Geelong crew since joining the club. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG has lauded recruit Josh Caddy for his hard work since he arrived from the Gold Coast two months ago.

"He's been fantastic," assistant coach Nigel Lappin said. "He hasn't done a lot of contact work yet, that will start for him after Christmas.

"We had a time trial up the mountain ... on the bikes and Josh finished with the third-best time.

"He's another strong body for us in the midfield to take some pressure off (Jimmy) Bartel and (Joel) Corey and (James) Kelly and (Joel) Selwood, so we're really excited."

Caddy's power and poise were on show at yesterday's training run in Mt Beauty, despite the midfielder being on a slightly restricted program due to post-season shoulder surgery.

"It's never easy walking into a side with this much experience and this many good players, but I had a pretty good start to the pre-season," Caddy, 20, said.

Former elite runner Mark Blicavs blitzed teammates in two-minute sprints - after more than two hours of training in 27C.

Gallery: Cats roam the highlands

Blicavs tried out for the London Olympics before being picked up by the Cats.

The 198cm rookie finished streets ahead of the chasing pack, including Selwood, Josh Walker and Jesse Stringer.

"He's an amazing athlete, a terrific person and a fantastic trainer," Lappin said of Blicavs.

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Johnson heads back to Dogs

Evasive outside runner with class and good goal sense.

Midfield wrecking ball Hrovat picks up possessions with ease and nearly every AFL club has shown interest in drafting him. Is he the next Sam Mitchell?

Former Western Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson is heading back to the kennel. Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson is heading back to Whitten Oval as the Dogs continue to load their coaching artillery with former greats of the game.

Johnson joins as a specialist coach and will work in development, imparting his knowledge on the Dogs' first, second and third-year players.

The six-time All-Australian retired at the end of the 2010 season and came close to accepting a coaching position at Geelong the following season.

Johnson established himself in the media this year, commentating games for Fox Footy.

The 36-year-old's role at the Dogs will be a part-time mentoring and skills position as the club continues to rebuild under senior coach Brendan McCartney.

Last month the Dogs signed former Geelong stars Matthew Scarlett and Cameron Mooney to part-time coaching positions.

"When presented with the opportunity to bring Brad on board – we wholeheartedly grabbed it," Dogs football manager James Fantasia said today.

"There is no question that Johnno will bring an incredible amount of experience, skills and knowledge to our younger players – who are just thrilled to have him on board."

Luke Dahlhaus, who inherited the No. 6 jumper from Johnson, will work closely with the former captain, along with prized draft picks Jake Stringer, Jackson Macrae and Nathan Hrovat.
 

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Cats pour praise on recruit Caddy

Recruit Josh Caddy (right), kayaking with Shane Kersten, has impressed the Geelong crew since joining the club. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG has lauded recruit Josh Caddy for his hard work since he arrived from the Gold Coast two months ago.

"He's been fantastic," assistant coach Nigel Lappin said. "He hasn't done a lot of contact work yet, that will start for him after Christmas.

"We had a time trial up the mountain ... on the bikes and Josh finished with the third-best time.

"He's another strong body for us in the midfield to take some pressure off (Jimmy) Bartel and (Joel) Corey and (James) Kelly and (Joel) Selwood, so we're really excited."

Caddy's power and poise were on show at yesterday's training run in Mt Beauty, despite the midfielder being on a slightly restricted program due to post-season shoulder surgery.

"It's never easy walking into a side with this much experience and this many good players, but I had a pretty good start to the pre-season," Caddy, 20, said.

Former elite runner Mark Blicavs blitzed teammates in two-minute sprints - after more than two hours of training in 27C.

Gallery: Cats roam the highlands

Blicavs tried out for the London Olympics before being picked up by the Cats.

The 198cm rookie finished streets ahead of the chasing pack, including Selwood, Josh Walker and Jesse Stringer.

"He's an amazing athlete, a terrific person and a fantastic trainer," Lappin said of Blicavs.

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Johnson heads back to Dogs

Evasive outside runner with class and good goal sense.

Midfield wrecking ball Hrovat picks up possessions with ease and nearly every AFL club has shown interest in drafting him. Is he the next Sam Mitchell?

Former Western Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson is heading back to the kennel. Source: Herald Sun

WESTERN Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson is heading back to Whitten Oval as the Dogs continue to load their coaching artillery with former greats of the game.

Johnson joins as a specialist coach and will work in development, imparting his knowledge on the Dogs' first, second and third-year players.

The six-time All-Australian retired at the end of the 2010 season and came close to accepting a coaching position at Geelong the following season.

Johnson established himself in the media this year, commentating games for Fox Footy.

The 36-year-old's role at the Dogs will be a part-time mentoring and skills position as the club continues to rebuild under senior coach Brendan McCartney.

Last month the Dogs signed former Geelong stars Matthew Scarlett and Cameron Mooney to part-time coaching positions.

"When presented with the opportunity to bring Brad on board – we wholeheartedly grabbed it," Dogs football manager James Fantasia said today.

"There is no question that Johnno will bring an incredible amount of experience, skills and knowledge to our younger players – who are just thrilled to have him on board."

Luke Dahlhaus, who inherited the No. 6 jumper from Johnson, will work closely with the former captain, along with prized draft picks Jake Stringer, Jackson Macrae and Nathan Hrovat.
 

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Goddard's leading role at Bomberland

Former Saint Brendon Goddard, 2011 Rising Star winner Dyson Heppell and the injury-plagued Jason Winderlich are all named as members of Essendon's leadership group for 2013.

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

STAR Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard has wasted no time stamping his authority on his new club and will today be elevated to the leadership group.

And in a pointer to the future, 20-year-old Dyson Heppell will also be named as one of the club's new leaders.

Goddard, Heppell and Jason Winderlich will join this year's leaders Jobe Watson, Heath Hocking, Brent Stanton, David Zaharakis and Michael Hurley in the eight-man group.

The only player to drop out of the 2012 rotation is the retired Mark McVeigh.

Goddard made the controversial switch from St Kilda to Essendon in October before heading to Colorado with a small band of fellow midfielders for a training camp last month.

Players took a leadership vote a fortnight ago and were told of the results late last week.

Heppell said he had no hesitation in nominating Goddard.

"I hold him in high regard as a leader, even though he's been here only a couple of months," Heppell said.

"He's stepped in as if he's been here for 10 years.

"Obviously he's a fantastic player and clearly a good leader as well, so he'll be great for the group."

Heppell's leadership elevation continues what has been a staggering first two years in the AFL system.

The 2010 No.8 draft pick stormed to the Rising Star award last year and had just as good a season in 2012, playing 20 games. Heppell vowed his new leadership tag would not change the way he played.

"Hirdy (coach James Hird) certainly mentioned that throughout last year, just to not add any extra pressure on myself," he said.

"I think I'll just take my footy the same way as I have been and just really enjoy it.

"(Being a leader) is about being able to have more say amongst the group, I guess, and not being afraid to voice my opinion.

"I'm pretty excited, it's great. It was a bit unexpected, but certainly a massive honour."

Heppell said that it was important for him to act as a conduit between the club's younger and older players.

"It was me only a couple of years ago, so I know what it's all about," he said.

"It's important for me to be able to assist them in any way I can because I know exactly what they're going through. That's something I'll be taking pretty seriously."

Heppell said it would be an honour to captain the club one day, if given the chance.

"It's something you dream about as a kid. It'd be unbelievable, but it's a long way down the track, I reckon, if that is ever going to happen," he said.

SQUADRON LEADERS
Jobe Watson (c)
Heath Hocking
Brent Stanton
David Zaharakis
Michael Hurley
Brendon Goddard
Dyson Heppell
Jason Winderlich
 

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Ablett the SuperCoach $740k man

Gary Ablett has confirmed his status as the No.1 player in SuperCoach. Picture: Matt Roberts. Source: Getty Images

GOLD Coast skipper Gary Ablett will cost you more than $740,000 in SuperCoach next season - $65,000 more than any other player.

Prices for Australia's biggest fantasy competition will be released to SuperCoach Gold subscribers later today, but SuperFooty can reveal Ablett tops the list with a price tag of $740,500.

The little master averaged 138 points a game in 2012.

His 2013 starting price is a $50,000 jump from 12 months ago and well ahead of the second most-expensive player, Magpie Dane Swan.

Swan's Collingwood teammates Scott Pendlebury and Dayne Beams are No.3 and No.4 on the rich list.

Pendlebury, the priciest player at the start of last season at $700,500, will cost $667,300 next season.

Beams' starting price has jumped more than $100,000 on the back of an outstanding 2012. Other big movers include Adelaide midfielder Patrick Dangerfield and Tigers Trent Cotchin and Ivan Maric.

The 10 most expensive players are all midfielders, with Hawk forward Lance Franklin coming in at No.11 with a price tag of $618,000.

There are 19 players priced at $600,000 or more including four ruckmen - Maric, Aaron Sandilands and West Coast pair Nic Naitanui and Dean Cox, who are both listed as ruck/forwards for 2013.

More than 100 dual-position players are available to pick from, including Dale Thomas (mid/fwd), Lewis Jetta (mid/fwd), Dyson Heppell (def/mid), Jack Watts (def/fwd) and Brendon Goddard, who retains his def/mid status.

But some big names can no longer be picked in multiple positions, including Beams, Dangerfield, Brett Deledio, Nathan Fyfe and Ryan O'Keefe, who are all pure midfielders in 2013.

Goddard, the most expensive player of 2011, is No.45 on the 2013 rich list, starting his career as a Bomber with a price tag of $541,500.

This year's No.1 draft pick Lachie Whitfield has a price tag of $199,500.

Father-son pick Jack Viney is just $109,500

There are plenty of bargains and surprises - scroll down for a quick sample.

SuperCoach will have a major shake-up next season with new rules including a permanent rolling lockout, extra trades and a change to how many players can be selected in each position - CLICK HERE to find out more.

SUPERCOACH 2013 MOST EXPENSIVE PLAYERS

$740,500 Gary Ablett (GC) mid
$675,300 Dane Swan (Coll) mid
$667,300 Scott Pendlebury (Coll) mid
$657,600 Dayne Beams (Coll) mid
$647,200 Jobe Watson (Ess) mid
$643,300 Josh P Kennedy (Syd) mid
$636,600 Patrick Dangerfield (Adel) mid
$629,500 Joel Selwood (Geel) mid
$624,100 Brett Deledio (Rich) mid
$622,100 Trent Cotchin (Rich) mid

FIVE BIG PRICE JUMPS

Dayne Zorko  (BL) $535,100 - up $421,900
Sam Gibson (NM) $411,100 - up $316,400
Ivan Maric (Rich) $606,900 - up $268,600
Orren Stephenson (Rich) $320,400 - up $213,800
Harley Bennell (GC) $521,900 - up $150,200

10 POTENTIAL BARGAINS

Mark LeCras (WC) $369,200 fwd
Brent Moloney (BL) $362,400 mid
Matthew Leuenberger (BL) $301,100 ruck
Luke Ball (Coll) $301,800 mid
Josh J Kennedy (WC) $299,600 fwd
Travis Varcoe (Geel) $268,900 mid/fwd
Koby Stevens (WB) $176,600 mid
Brett Goodes (WB) $128,200 mid/def
Anthony Morabito (Frem) $115,900 mid
Tom Mitchell (Syd) $115,900 mid

10 NEW FACES

Lachie Whitfield (GWS) $199,500 mid
Jono O'Rourke (GWS) $195,400 mid
Jake Stringer (WB) $179,500 fwd
Ollie Wines (PA) $169,500 mid
Troy Menzel (Carl) $149,500 fwd
Jaeger O'Meara (GC) $115,900 mid
Brad Crouch (Adel) $115,900 mid
Brodie Grundy (Coll) $114,900 ruck
Jack Viney (Melb) $109,500 mid
Lachie Hunter (WB) $109,500 mid

SuperCoach will be open to all players on February 1, 2012. Prices are subject to change by that date. Stay tuned to SuperFooty for more news and tips all summer.

For more SuperCoach off-season talk follow Al Paton on Twitter: @al_superfooty

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Tony Charlton passes away

Sports broadcaster Tony Charlton launches Fox Footy 2012 in this reflective video on AFL broadcasting

Tony Charlton, Channel Seven's first football commentator, has passed away. Picture: Lucy Swinstead. Source: Herald Sun

BROADCASTER Tony Charlton has been remembered as one of the best in the business - a man listened to by thousands, who always lent an ear to others.

AFL legends have paid tribute to the man whose voice became synonymous with the game. He died this morning after a battle with bowel cancer. He was 83.

Coach Kevin Sheedy said Charlton, an AFL Hall of Fame inductee, was a fantastic contributor in and out of the footy arena.

"He was a marvellous communicator with all the fans,'' Sheedy said. ``His voice, he was a master of the English language in many ways. People loved listening to him.

"He was an utter gentleman. You could not have met a nicer person, just a top class Australian citizen.''

Charlton will be remembered as one of Australia's finest sporting broadcasters, joining Channel Nine for the first major TV event in Australia, the 1956 Olympic Games.

Leave your tributes for Charlton below.

Afterwards, he became Channel Seven's first football commentator before returning to Nine for 11 years as producer and presenter of footy shows and other entertainment.

Tony Charlton, left, during his time as organiser of the Australian Open Golf tournament, with assistant Mel McLennan. Source: HWT Image Library

He was later promoter and tournament director of the Australian Open, the PGA Championship and the Victorian Open from 1970 to 1983. He was also a restauranteur and a pilot. 

Obituary: There will never be another Tony Charlton

He covered three Olympics and two Commonwealth Games for TV as well as tennis champion Rod Laver's second Grand Slam in 1969, track stars John Landy and Herb Elliott breaking the four minute mile and racing driver Jack Brabham winning the world championship.

He gave his time to sporting and charitable causes including the Alfred Hospital, Victorian Olympic Council and the Australian Commemorative Plaques group which marks sites of Australian military involvements around the world.

How we covered Charlton's Hall of Fame entry

Charlton was awarded an OAM in 1990 and an AM in 2003. In 2008 he received the Order of Merit from the Australian Olympic Committee.

Fellow broadcaster Kevin Bartlett said Charlton was one of the most liked broadcasters in the business.

"He was a wonderful presenter with a unique voice,'' Bartlett said. "He was a person who always gave advice and tried to help with positive feedback. He was a generous performer and that's what made him such a well liked person.

"This is very sad because he was one of the greats of Australian broadcasting. He seemed to be a person who always had an ear,  who listened and watched and always gave generously in feedback.''

Tony Charlton sat down with Mike Sheahan to discuss his life in sport in one of the great Open Mike interviews of 2012. Re-live some of the highlights.

Ron Barassi said the pair had shared mutual respect for each other over many years.

"We are missing a wonderful person today,'' Barassi said. "I know we respected each other and liked each other.

"It was not just what he said but it was how he said it with his distinctive and unusual voice, not one that grated but one you wanted to hear.''

Melbourne Cricket Club president Paul Sheahan said Charlton was "selfless''. "His concern was always for others, never for himself,'' Mr Sheahan said.

"MCC members will fondly remember Tony for his class and commanding presence behind the microphone, where he earned a reputation as one of the finest function hosts in the country.

"Needless to say, he will be missed by many and our thoughts are very much with Loris and the Charlton family at this time.''

Former Victorian premier Jeff Kennett said he was always there for those in need.

"He had a wonderful sense of humour and had a voice that resonated with the community,'' Mr Kennett said. ``But above all, Tony was always on the road. Always visiting people. He was a Good Samaritan.''

Australia Day Committee chair Stefan Romaniw has led a chorus for Charlton's efforts to help others.

"Apart from his media career, Tony contributed  to many causes and was recognised for his efforts. He always kept the limelight on others and never on himself.

"He was a fine Woolworths Australian Day Ambassador and will be sadly missed.''

Broadcaster Neil Mitchell paid tribute to Charlton.

"He had one of the best contact books I've ever seen. But the overwhelming thing I have about Tony is his decency. He was a companionate, caring man," Mitchell told 3AW.

Commentator Drew Morphett took to Twitter to express his condolences.

"It will be hard to broadcast cricket today following news of Tony Charlton's death. Great man. Who will speak at his funeral? He was the best," he tweeted.

Gerard Whateley tweeted: "We are poorer for the passing of Tony Charlton. A wonderful man."

Other highlights from his career include:

* For 30 years, MC in each Capital City of the Caltex Sports Star of the Year series. Many of these occasions were televised.

* 1988-2008 (incl) MC of the Prime Minister's Olympic Dinner.

* Presenter in Melbourne for over 25 years, of the Dawn Service and Anzac Requiem each Anzac Day.

* 7 Network commentator for the VP Day 50th anniversary coverage and presenter at the Shrine of the VE Day 50th anniversary ceremony and the VP Ecumenical Service.

* 2005 – member of the inaugural Government of Victoria Spirit of Anzac Prize tour (the Western Front).

* 2008 – Chairman, Organising Committee of the World Latin American Dancesport Championship.

FoxSports will air Mike Sheahan's Open Mike interview with Tony Charlton from July this year at 9pm AEDT tonight (and 9.30pm AEDT on FoxSports 2).

2011 AFL Hall Of Fame inductees James Hird, Mark Ricciuto, Nathan Buckley, Michael Voss and Tony Charlton. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

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Black races the clock to be fit

Lions champ Simon Black is no certainty to line up in the season opening clash after undergoing knee surgery. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

SIMON Black is no certainty to play in the Brisbane Lions' season opening AFL clash with the Western Bulldogs.

The champion midfielder had clean-out surgery last week on his knee which had become irritated during the early stages of pre-season training.

Initial predictions were for a training comeback by the end of January and a cameo appearance during the NAB Cup.

But coach Michael Voss said there is little margin for error and the former skipper could be in a race against time and his ageing body to be ready by Round 1 on March 31.

"We are (confident) but it will be a lot tighter,'' Voss said.

"The surgery doesn't change his actual timeline. But obviously we would like more time for him to feel good about his pre-season and feeling fresh, not recovering.''

Otherwise the Lions are a fit and focused bunch as they head towards the Christmas break.

Black and ruckman Matthew Leuenberger have been the only absentees from training, with Leuenberger expected back on the track after Christmas.

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Boost for Eagles as Shuey signs on

STAYING ON: West Coast's Luke Shuey has re-signed with the club for two seasons. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

WEST Coast midfielder Luke Shuey has resisted the temptation to return home to Victoria, re-signing with the Eagles for two more years.

The gun midfielder was hot on the radar of several Melbourne-based clubs looking to lure home one of the competition's premier young ball-winners.

But it is understood the 22-year-old agreed to a contract worth about $500,000 a season, making the 52-gamer one of the AFL's top-paid players for his age.

Shuey, who finished second to Essendon's Dyson Heppell in last year's Rising Star award, made the commitment with one year remaining on his current deal.

It ties the classy right-footer to West Coast until the end of 2015, in a major coup for a club intent on making a genuine tilt at next year's premiership.

Shuey's manager, Nick Gieschen from Elite Sports Properties, would not comment yesterday, but is believed to have signed off on the new contract last week.

West Coast officials have lauded Shuey for his character after overcoming a nightmare injury run and the tragic death of his sister Mel shortly after he was drafted with pick No.18 in 2008.

From Oakleigh, Shuey has since become one of the club's key midfield pillars, finishing fifth in the Eagles' best-and-fairest award after his stunning 2011 season.

He backed it up in 2012 averaging 23 touches and a goal over 21 games.

Shuey was a priority signing for West Coast after the departure of fellow young midfielders Koby Stevens (Western Bulldogs) and Tom Swift (retired) at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Champion Data has ranked West Coast's draw fifth-toughest in the AFL next season. The Dockers' draw is rated eighth-hardest.

After climbing peaks in Utah, North Melbourne faces another uphill battle after being ranked with the toughest draw.

Champion Data has ranked the difficulty of every club's 2013 draw, with the Kangaroos sitting ahead of grand finalist Hawthorn, Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs.

Every club's ranking has been reached by totalling the 2012 premiership points from each of their 22 opponents  with five opponents doubling up.

-with Rebecca Williams

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Young gun bonds as Dees feel heat

Aaron Davey shows youngster Dominic Barry the ropes on an Abrams tank at Robertson's Barracks in Darwin. Picture: Justin Sanson Source: Northern Territory News

ALICE Springs' speedster Dominic Barry feels a sense of belonging at Melbourne after completing a gruelling training venture in the Top End yesterday.

The 18-year-old joined the Demons in a pre-draft trade with Greater Western Sydney and was thrust into a nine-day camp designed to build physical and mental strength.

The squad completed a 35km trek through Kakadu National Park a week after a first training session was cut short because of sapping heat and humidity on the hottest December day in Darwin for 36 years.

Barry said there was a noticeable difference within the playing group when they left the Territory yesterday.

"It was good to bond with all the boys, because on these sort of trips there is nowhere to hide," he said.

"Alice Springs is as far (north) as I go, so I'm one of the boys that are unfamiliar with this weather and I'm in the same position as the other guys.

"Everyone is told to get out of their comfort zones on these trips, so I think everyone contributed in a way to help the team. On the walk, there were a few younger boys lifting the older ones up, and that's what it's all about."

Pic gallery: Dees' Top End commando course

Fellow Territorian Aaron Davey, 29, said the midfielder had taken his AFL journey in his stride.

"It's always good to have more indigenous boys at the club, obviously with Aussie (Wonaeamirri) and Liam (Jurrah) gone," he said. "Dom has fitted in well and gotten on with all the boys."

GEELONG recruit Josh Caddy did his best to make an immediate impact on his new captain Joel Selwood by breaking the skipper's nose at their Falls Creek training camp on Friday.

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