Karmichael set to hunt AFL's best

Ready to shine: Gold Coast Suns defender Karmichael Hunt at pre-season training. Picture: Tim Marsden. Source: The Courier-Mail

KARMICHAEL Hunt will be unleashed on the competition's best clearance players as he enters his third season in the AFL with the challenge to kill or be killed.

Suns coach Guy McKenna has a two-year plan to transform Hunt from a bodyguard to an elite ball-winning AFL midfielder that will begin with the 26-year-old assuming the mantle of chief tagger a tactic the Suns have only occasionally employed over their two season in the AFL.

It is a make or break season for the code-hopper who must discover a way to continue to earn a game in a midfield that includes superstar Gary Ablett and three of the brightest young players in the game Harley Bennell, David Swallow and Jaeger O'Meara.

Hunt's transition from NRL superstar to bona fide AFL player has been a success to date but in 2013 the bar has been lifted.

He has impressed with his ability to win clearances and the bullocking work he does around stoppages but his possession average of a little over 14 a game is no longer enough.

Hunt's biggest possession count was 22 against Fremantle in Rd 6 while twice, against the Kangaroos and Lions, he gathered 21 touches.

Until he can regularly deliver those numbers, he must start delivering some big name scalps.

In a tough opening month Hunt could take on Saint veteran Lenny Hayes, Sydney ball magnet Josh Kennedy and Brisbane's evergreen Brownlow medallist Simon Black.

Hold his own against that esteemed trio and by the time Rd 4 arrives, Port Adelaide might tag him.

"Playing on them and squeezing the life out of them and then learning to work off them, the good taggers end up doing that," McKenna said.

"Eventually, the best way to stop them is to beat them to the ball but that tends to happen over years.

"'It is the evolution."

While McKenna's plan is ultimately all about increasing Hunt's possession count, he will not be judged on his touches during the early days of the new role when his primary focus will be in negating.

"We will look at what his opponent does," he said. "Lenny Hayes averages 27 or 28 possessions and gets seven or eight clearances.

"If we can reduce that by a chunk and make sure the touches he gets are under extreme physical pressure and `K' is responsible we'll be thrilled."

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KB wants trainers' on-field time cut

Former Richmond champion Kevin Bartlett wants to see AFL trainers spend less time on the field. Picture: Derrick Den Hollander. Source: Herald Sun

KEVIN Bartlett has backed plans to slash the time AFL trainers can spend on the ground during games.

The AFL laws of the game committee and players are at odds over a plan to allow trainers to run drinks on to the field only after goals.

It is understood the league also wants to reduce the number of trainers per team from five to four.

The recommendation was made to help ease congestion on the field and limit instances of interference from water-carriers.

Some players contacted by the Herald Sun have labelled the push "crazy" and "dangerous" because of the risk of dehydration in hot conditions.

Bartlett, a member of the laws committee, said players would have adequate access to water under the new proposal.

The AFL legend said any resistance to the plan was "ridiculous", considering there was an average 26.6 goals scored a game last year, plus continual interchange rotations.

"That's 26 times a game at least where they can access water," Bartlett told the Herald Sun.

"If we look at that over four quarters, that's six times a quarter.

"I don't know whether anyone's going to dehydrate in between quarters, are they? If there was to be (up to) 50 interchanges a quarter as well, any player suggesting he could get dehydrated or collapse is being ridiculous."

AFL game analysis manager Joel Bowden presented the plan to the AFL Players Association in December.

For the second consecutive year, it was rejected.

The AFLPA said there were three key reasons for voting against the proposal.

Among their concerns was the potential for long periods between goals and the hot conditions experienced early and late in the season, especially in Perth and Queensland.

West Coast hosted North Melbourne in 28C in last year's elimination final.

"We do not see how this will contribute significantly to reducing congestion," the AFLPA said.

"There are ramifications from a health and safety/performance perspective due to the importance of hydration in our game."

The AFL has introduced rules such as the substitute system to help ease on-field congestion.

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Chick sues website over Cousins

Eagles premiership player Daniel Chick is suing for defamation. Source: PerthNow

FORMER West Coast Eagle Daniel Chick has launched legal action over claims made in a series of articles last year.

The 36-year-old, who started his career with Hawthorn, is suing the SportsNewsFirst website, a journalist and the AFL for the publication of a series of articles which mention the former footballer.

In a writ lodged in the WA Supreme Court this week, it says Chick, who is representing himself, is seeking a permanent injunction over the articles, which he claims are defamatory.

Jurrah blew five times legal limit

The writ says three separate stories relating to Ben Cousins, a former teammate at West Coast, being admitted to hospital which mentioned Chick were false. They were published between January and February 2012 on the SportsNewsFirst website, SEN Sports Central and the AFL website.

Chick is also seeking damages, aggravated damages, as well as costs for the publication and republication of the offending articles, claiming that he has suffered hatred, contempt and ridicule as a result.

Three years ago the former footballer was fined $7000 after pleading guilty to importing performance and image enhancing steroids from Thailand.

Chick was caught on arrival at Perth Airport with nine vials and a number of pills concealed in his luggage on October 9, 2010.

PerthNow tried contacting Mr Chick but he did not return calls.

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Port won't give up on Jurrah

Liam Jurrah, the former Melbourne Demons star, has been charged with drink-driving. Source: Herald Sun

TROUBLED football star Liam Jurrah has been charged with drink-driving after the P-plater blew a staggering 0.27 when he arrived at a house where police were in attendance on Monday.

Jurrah has been charged with drink-driving after he blew a staggering 0.27 late yesterday when he arrived at a house where police were in attendance.

The former Demon trained with Port before December's rookie draft but was overlooked.

The Power, however, said they were committed to helping Jurrah find a way back to top-level football.

Despite the 24-year-old failing to show for training with the Port Magpies - the AFL's clubs SANFL cousin - Port says it isn't giving up on Jurrah.

"After making the decision not to select Liam in last month's pre-season and rookie drafts, the club has been working with the AFL to attempt to provide a pathway for Liam to return to the AFL system," the club said in a statement today.

"During this period, the club has been waiting on a commitment from Liam in relation to training and playing with Port Adelaide (Magpies) in the SANFL and working in the club's community department.

"The club is disappointed with Liam's alleged driving offence but before making a decision on his future the club needs time to assess all the information regarding Liam's situation."

The former Melbourne star, who faces aggravated assault charges that will be decided in the Northern Territory in March, reportedly arrived at Para Hills in Adelaide's north where police were dealing with another matter.

Officers from Golden Grove police reported Jurrah, 24, after they'd stopped him in his Holden Commodore about 8.20pm on Monday.

Jurrah, who is living in Elizabeth, was detained after he appeared affected by alcohol.

He was then breath-tested and returning a reading of .269 - more than five times the legal limit of .05.

He was reported for driving under the influence of alcohol, exceeding the prescribed level of alcohol and breaching a probationary licence.

His driver's licence has been disqualified for 12 months and  he will be summonsed to  appear in the Holden Hill Magistrates Court at a date still to be decided.

Port Adelaide Football Club general manager (SANFL) Brian Leys last night said Jurrah had not trained with the club since being made an offer to join its ranks after Port Power failed to take him.

Mr Leys said he had only heard reports of the drink- driving charge through the media. He added: "The offer is still open ... we'd love him to come down."

Jurrah's grandmother, Cecily Granites, told The Advertiser last night that the drink-driving matter was an issue for Jurrah and his family to sort out among themselves.

"It's between Liam and his family ... no one else's business," she said.

"We're sorting it out as a family. He's OK."

Jurrah has in recent months been known to frequent Adelaide's south parklands to visit family members.

The footballer has also attended the Hutt Street Centre for homeless people on a number of occasions.

A family member said that Jurrah had often taken food to  homeless people during his  visits there.

Most of those living in the parklands with whom Jurrah had contact have been moved on after the bashing murder of  a 41-year-old homeless man in December.

A man, 29, of no fixed address, has been charged with the murder.

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Improving Eagles focused on flag

LOFTY GOALS: Darren Glass says West Coast's best is good enough to yield a premiership in 2013. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

DARREN Glass says West Coast's best is good enough to win this year's premiership.

The Eagles continued their pre-season training campaign in a wild and wintry session at McGillivray Oval this morning.

Glass said he and his teammates believed a flag was within their grasp after a semi-final exit last year.

"I think we're aware that our best should be good enough," he said.

"I think there'll be some improvement out of the majority of the group hopefully. We've got a lot of middle tier players, guys like Scotty Selwood, Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff, Jack Darling, guys that will continue to improve hopefully.

"The aim over the pre-season is always to improve as much as we can. That's the focus now - improving every day, every session, and then we think if we can improve and improve a lot every summer then we should give ourselves a good chance of being up towards the top of the ladder again."

The Eagles are yet to decide on their captain for 2013, with Glass saying he would be happy with whatever the club decided.

Summer Barometer: Eagles' injury and training latest

Glass has been skipper for the past five seasons.

"If they want me to continue then I'm happy to do that. If they think the time is right for someone else I'm more than happy with that as well," the 31-year-old said.

"I think we're in a great position where we've got a lot of players really pushing hard now and setting a great standard on and of the field."

Nic Nat could miss two months

Glass said he was confident the team would be able to cover for ruckman Nic Naitanui well if he was not ready for the start of the season due to groin surgery.

"I'm confident that just about every player on our list can have a big impact for us this year," he said.

"We've got Scotty Lycett in terrific shape and travelling well, there's some depth through the ruck department with Callum (Sinclair).

"I'm confident that we'll be able to get a lot of contributors from a lot of different players this year."
 

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Daisy touch and go for Round 1

Dane Swan tries to find a way past Scott Pendlebury at Collingwood training. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

Coach Nathan Buckley watches Collingwood train at Gosh's paddock. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD midfielder Dale Thomas is unlikely to play a major role in the Pies NAB Cup campaign as he recovers from ankle surgery.

The Pies star has removed the moonboot from his foot but is still limited in his training load.

Coach Nathan Buckley said the matchwinner would need more recovery time before joining in full training with the rest of the Pies squad.

"He's progressing fairly well, he's getting a lot of touch inside," Buckley said.

"He's been able to work specifically on his strength and he's definitely sick of the bike.

"We will get him out on the track in three weeks' time and gauge it from there."

Buckley was unsure if Thomas would be ready for the Pies' Round 1 date with North Melbourne on March 31.

"Round 1 is 10 weeks away, there's a lot of water to go under the bridge."

The Magpies' coach said he expected Nick Maxwell to be reappointed in the coming weeks as captain although he felt veteran onballer Luke Ball and former club champion Scott Pendlebury were also strong contenders for the role.

"Personally I've got no reason why 'Maxie' wouldn't be (captain),'' Buckley said.

"Our players will choose their own leadership group."

Summer Barometer: Pies' injury & training latest

And Buckley backed the club's decision to ask young defender Marley Williams to work with the Salvation Army for the next 10 weeks as punishment for an assault charge in WA.

"He'll start this evening. The guys send a van out, it's basically a soup van,'' Buckley said.

"It goes around and they spend time with the homeless throughout Melbourne city.

Picture gallery: Pies up for fight at pre-season training

"A lot of of our players have gone and done work there off their own bat from time to time.

"We just feel it's a good opportunity for Marley to see a different side of things and we'll be supporting him with our leaders attending each week as he goes through that community service which we think is appropriate.''

Williams joined the Magpies last year as a rookie and played six senior games and has been promoted to the senior list.

"Marley has got a solid character. He's not perfect,'' Buckley said.

"He's made a mistake. He's been very remorseful about it.''

- with AAP
 

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Lake on first and final warning

Hawthorn recruit Brian Lake has apologised after he was booked by police for being drunk in a public place on Saturday night. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN has warned prized recruit Brian Lake he cannot afford a repeat of the drunken arrest which landed him in a police cell on Saturday night.

An embarrassed Lake conceded he had to win back respect from his new teammates after fronting the leadership group and coaching staff to explain the late-night incident involving his wife in Sorrento.

The Hawks decided against imposing a ban or suspension, instead ordering the defender to front the club's efforts to help bushfire victims in Tasmania as punishment.

It has been an awful start to the new year for the premiership favourites, with second-year midfielder Alex Woodward requiring a second reconstruction on his right knee.

The onball hard-nut tore the graft in his repaired ACL ligament during an awkward fall at training yesterday.

The devastated 19-year-old laid on the turf for minutes before leaving the ground in tears with trainers.

While Woodward faces another agonising year on the sidelines, an apologetic Lake resumed training yesterday intent on regaining his teammates' trust.

The two-time All-Australian backman admitted his arrest was a setback after an otherwise promising pre-season.

"As a mature player for the Hawthorn Football Club, I should know better about times of leaving places as I did Saturday night," Lake said.

"As you can understand, it's very embarrassing.

"I've worked my butt off for three months to get my body right. To have too many drinks on the weekend, yes I've taken a step back.

"There's no credits in the bank. I'll gain them by training hard."

Hawthorn coaching director Chris Fagan said Lake had been upfront and remorseful about the incident, but could ill-afford a repeat.

"We are very disappointed with what happened, we don't expect our players to be in situations like that," Fagan said.

"We expect this to be a once-off for Brian. There is a little bit of respect he needs to earn back from the rest of the group now which I'm sure he will do."

The Hawks traded picks No.21 and 41 to Western Bulldogs for Lake and pick No.27, hopeful his strong marking and rebounding game would add the missing ingredient to their premiership quest.

After battling serious knee problems in his final years at the Dogs, Lake said he was in top physical condition.

"My knee is feeling is fantastic. The shape I'm in at the moment is probably the best it's been in a very long time," he said.

The club has vowed to support Woodward, who was the 53rd pick in the 2011 national draft.
 

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Ban won't change Brown

Gold Coast veteran Campbell Brown tangles with Bulldog Liam Picken. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GOLD Coast hard man Campbell Brown says he won't curb his aggression despite sitting out the first six rounds of 2013 through suspension.

Brown says he would be "useless" to the Suns if he tried to play differently.

The 29-year-old former Hawk was suspended for six weeks for a high bump on Adelaide youngster Aiden Riley in the final home-and-away round of 2012.

The original penalty of five weeks was bumped up to six because of Brown's bad tribunal record, but the AFL website reports he won't be changing his ways.

"I don't think it's something I can temper too much because I think if I do, I'll be useless out there, because it's one of my main attributes," Brown said after Suns training.

Summer Barometer: Suns' training and injury latest

"The coaches certainly haven't told me I've got to temper it. I've got to get the balance right because obviously I'm no good sitting on the sidelines.

"I've got to make sure that when I do [go to bump], I get it right, because when I don't, the ramification are quite high."

Brown is still eligible to play in the NAB Cup and expects to make two or three appearances to gain match fitness before embarking on a specially tailored training program to get him right for Round 7.

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Hawk youngster fears knee blow

Alex Woodward. Picture: Dadswell Mark Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN youngster Alex Woodward has left training with a knee injury, raising fears he needs a second full reconstruction.

The hard-nut onballer was on the comeback from tearing an ACL ligament last March. 

The second-year midfielder was participating in match simulation training this morning when he hurt his knee again.

WHO IS ALEX WOODWARD?
 
A visibly upset Woodward needed help from trainers to leave the track.

He has been sent to hospital for scans.

Woodward was selected with pick 53 in the 2011 national draft.
 

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Sorry Lake says he needs to win respect

Hawthorn footballer Brian Lake at training today after he was booked by police for being drunk in a public place over the weekend. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

Lake with his wife, Shannon. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis, Source: Herald Sun

Hawthorn footballer Brian Lake (right) at training today after he was booked by police for being drunk in a public place over the weekend. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

UPDATE: BRIAN Lake says he wants to get the respect of the Hawthorn playing group back after a drunken night out led to a $563 fine and four hours in the police slammer.

Speaking today, the star recruit said he was embarrassed and apologetic for the incident following the Portsea Polo on Saturday night.

"I've worked my butt off to get my body right. To have too many drinks on the weekend, I've taken a step back," Lake said today.

"From here I want to move on and gain respect. It was a very embarrassing incident.

"I'm here to apologise to everyone involved at the football club, my family and the fans."

The Hawthorn leadership today put the onus on Lake to come up with ways to help victims of the Tasmania bushfires as a sanction.

Lake and his wife Shannon were locked up by police after a drunken verbal stoush in Sorrento.

The two-time All Australian AFL player and wife Shannon were each slapped with a $563 penalty notice for being drunk in a public place.

The couple were placed in a police divvy van and spent four hours in the cells before being released.

Young Hawk fears second knee reco

The pair, who married in 2010, were at the official Portsea Polo after-party at Morgans in Sorrento when they started to argue outside the venue about 10pm on Saturday.

But witnesses said tensions boiled over when others attempted to intervene and then police stepped in.

The onlookers said the altercation was not physical but the couple's argument escalated when others became involved.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson announces Brian Lake has been traded to Hawthorn from the Western Bulldogs. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

In a statement last night, Hawthorn said: "The club considers Lake's conduct to be unprofessional and he will be required to address the leadership group."

The weekend incident caps off a turbulent off-season for the AFL.

A group of Melbourne players was involved in an ugly spat with fans during the Boxing Day Test.

A decision into the Melbourne tanking allegations is due this month and Adelaide was hit with massive fines over salary cap breaches and draft tampering that lead to its former star Kurt Tippett being banned from playing for his new club, Sydney, until Round 12.

Hawthorn's leadership team, which includes Lance "Buddy" Franklin, Jarryd Roughead, Josh Gibson and Luke Hodge, will determine whether sanctions will be placed on Lake, who is yet to play a game for the Hawks.

Lake, 30, crossed to Hawthorn from the Western Bulldogs in a surprise trade deal.

Lake and his wife were among many socialites at the Portsea Polo.

Lake played 197 matches with the Bulldogs.

His manager Marty Pask did not return calls yesterday. Victoria Police said the couple would not face any further action.

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Dogs tip a new-year resurgence

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

WESTERN Bulldogs intend to rise up the ladder quicker than expected under second-year coach Brendan McCartney.

The Dogs suffered an horrendous injury run sidelining some of their biggest stars last year, resulting in only five wins - their least since 2004.

But the return of four key senior players, including inspirational broken leg victim Dale Morris, has fuelled hope of a resurgence beyond 2013.

Morris is targeting a Round 1 return after a full year out, along with key backman Tom Williams (shoulder), onballer Daniel Cross (shoulder) and reinvigorated midfielder Adam Cooney (knee).

Cooney, 27, is believed to be enjoying his most productive pre-season since his 2008 Brownlow Medal year, while powerhouse No.5 draft pick Jake Stringer is also on track for an early debut after an impressive summer campaign.

The Dogs are rated $13 outsiders with TAB to play finals this season, ahead of only Gold Coast ($26) and Greater Western Sydney ($51).

But Dogs chief executive Simon Garlick said the club had high hopes of a swift resurgence after investing heavily at the draft table.

"We've seen so many examples of these things where it can turn around quicker than what people might have anticipated otherwise," Garlick said.

"We have got some pretty exciting kids, but throw into that some potential recruits in the likes of Cooney, Morris - and we missed Cross for a period of time last year - and Williams as well.

"So considering all that, we think there is a fair bit to be excited about.

"We are not going to think that it will take 'x' amount of years (to regenerate)."

The Dogs will launch their season with four of their first five games at home ground Etihad Stadium, but have a tough draw overall, playing GWS and Gold Coast only once each, despite a bottom-four finish last year.

Morris has continued to improve over the pre-season after scrapping comeback plans last year when a stress fracture developed in his recovering leg.

 The 30-year-old is not expected to play a major role in the NAB Cup but could press for selection soon after.

"Everything's tracking as you would hope it to be and he's doing as much training as the (fitness) guys want him to do at this stage of the year," Garlick said.

"So it's all geared up for him playing in Round 1. There hasn't been a setback or anything like that."s

"He makes a pretty significant difference for us, having him back there. He's a beauty and he plays on talls and smalls."

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Buoyant Blues

Carlton forward Eddie Betts will get plenty of help in 2013 from Blues big-man brigade. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Carlton forward Andrew Walker puts his balance to the test during yesterday's conditioning session at St Kilda beach. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON is racing towards the season with a fully-fit big man division as it strives to the ease burden on its speedy small forwards this year.

Avoiding the bold top-four declarations which dogged the club though an injury hit 2012, a "super-positive'' approach from new coach Mick Malthouse has re-energised the Blues, after a dramatic end to last season.

The wide-ranging change has included moves to release Chris Judd and Bryce Gibbs from official leadership positions, to help them play with more freedom in midfield positions next season.

While a more defensive game plan is being integrated, it is the encouraging signs from Carlton's key forward targets - many who were sidelined for large periods last year - which has fuelled confidence at Visy Park.

Big men Jarrad Waite, Matthew Kreuzer, Levi Casboult, Luke Mitchell, Shaun Hampson and Sam Rowe are all expected to be available for early-season selection, providing Blues coaches with a welcome problem they rarely confronted last year.

Forwards coach John Barker said the club was intent on providing more aerial support in the forward-50m next season.

"We've ban far too reliant on Eddie (Betts) and Jeff (Garlett) and 'Walks' (Andrew Walker) to kick goals and reliant on 'Waitey' (Jarrad Waite) to stand up as a tall forward,'' Barker said.

" We could not get consistently healthy talls last year, so having these guys fit and available is going to be critical for us.

"The good thing is all of them who had some small and big issues last year, they are all ready to go.

"Mick philosophically is really keen to make sure we are fit and healthy at this stage of the year and we are.''

Waite, in particular, has been a stand-out over summer after a lingering back problem last year, but Barker said he should not have to be the main focal point.

"He's a pro in everything he does, Waitey, but he's another one we can't keep relying on to be our only tall target,'' he said.

"We need other guys to stand up and give themselves every opportunity with a healthy pre-season.

"It's great to have guys like Sammy Rowe up and about after his illness (cancer). Levi Casboult is training really well.''

Young backman Andrew McInnes is the only player ruled out for a large chunk of the year after undergoing a knee reconstruction.

Prime midfielder Marc Murphy had minor knee surgery pre-Christmas but is expected to be fit for Round 1.

He was on hand as the Blues completed a two-hour conditioning session at St Kilda beach yesterday, including cycling, stand-up paddle-boarding and some ball-work.

Barker lauded the impact Malthouse has had at the Blues, with 664 games coaching experience.

He is 49 short of Jock McHale's 713-game all-time record.

Malthouse's ability to continue coaching was questioned after his departure from Collingwood in 2011 but Barker said the 28-year coaching veteran's transition to Carlton had been seamless.

"To use one of Mick's lines, it's easy to be negative, but Mick is a super-positive coach,'' he said.

"He's obviously very keen to delegate, so Rob Wiley helps run training and training has been very sharp and really upbeat.

"Mick's slotted in very quickly, he's a very personable guy and the atmosphere is very encouraging and positive.

"The boys are working hard and Mick is working through his game plan week-by-week and the boys are slowly chipping away and getting their teeth into that.''

Malthouse, 59, used a boundary-line centric game style to guide the Pies to the 2010 flag, but Barker said the Blues aimed to be versatile with their ball-movement this year.

"The thing Mick continually talks to the boys about is playing the game in front of you,'' he said.

"Sometimes it will mean taking the boundary and sometimes that will mean changing angles and taking the corridor.

"He has by no means ruled out quick, direct play - that's fairly clear.''

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