Summit to scrutinise Mad Monday

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert sparked the drugs issue in a speech late last year. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

"MAD Monday" and post-season football trips will be heavily scrutinised at Wednesday's AFL's drug summit.

With the AFL Players Association confirming it is prepared to discuss changes to the code's three-strikes illicit drugs policy, the long-held traditions of end-of-season celebrations and large scale trips away by players could be scaled back and more closely monitored by the clubs.

Already AFL clubs have cut back on large scale end-of-season trips, restricting them to smaller numbers because of concerns about the behaviour of some players.

Some clubs have already had security accompany players on their overseas trips and this could be expanded in the future.

Those points will form part of a wide-ranging agenda for the AFL player welfare summit next week, with the tightening of a loophole in self-reporting by players to avoid a drugs strike also being strongly considered.

The league will host a range of high-powered administrators, players, medical officers, drugs experts and police at Etihad Stadium to discuss and debate the best way to tackle the drugs issue in AFL football and the wider community.

The Herald Sun has obtained a copy of the forum's agenda, which will be chaired by AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou, who this week admitted he expected to see a "spike" in positive drugs tests conducted last season.

The forum was called after Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert raised the drugs issue at the AFL CEO's meeting on the Gold Coast last year.

Pert later said he feared some players had "volcanic behaviour" during their off-season break.

Three current AFL chief executives - Geelong's Brian Cook, Western Bulldogs' Simon Garlick and West Coast's Trevor Nisbett - will lead a panel discussion centred on the AFL's illicit drugs policy.

Some of the issues to be addressed will be:

THE involvement of the AFL and the reporting procedure to the AFL

CLUB board and executive involvement and meetings

THE sanctions and expectations of the player going forward after a positive drug strike and what to do if he re-offends.

All three CEOs have had experience in dealing with player drug issues at their club.

Cook had to deal with Mathew Stokes' possession charge in 2010; Garlick was involved in dealing with the fallout of Tom Liberatore being found in possession of an ecstasy tablet last year; while Nisbett was at the Eagles during Ben Cousins' drug controversies.

Three AFL players and AFLPA board members Luke Ball (president), Daniel Jackson and Robert Murphy - as well as AFLPA chief executive Matt Finnis - will lead a debate on how footballers can balance their life with the increasing demands of the game across 10 months of the year.

Other issues to be discussed include: the pressure on players, training expectations on annual leave, closer monitoring of players on leave and downtime, a potential role of club integrity/security, and greater development for players outside of the game.

Australian Drug Foundation chief executive John Rogerson and leading psychologist Dr Michael Carr Gregg are among the speakers who will discuss the treatment of drug users and the link between drugs and excessive use of alcohol.

Victoria and Federal Police will also be well represented.

Among the law enforcement speakers will be former Tiger and Bulldogs big man Emmett Dunne, who is now Assistant Commissioner, Professional Standards Command of Victoria Police.

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Eight AFL players top $1m

Gold Coast Suns skipper Gary Ablett is believed to be one of the AFL's $1 million men. Picture: Darren England. Source: The Courier-Mail

THE number of AFL players earning more than $1 million rocketed to a record eight last year.

The highest number of million-dollar-earners previously was two in 2008 and 2011.

AFL figures released yesterday revealed the dramatic rise in player salaries on the back of the league's expansion and record broadcast rights deal.

The AFL did not release the names of the eight players, although champion midfielder and Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett, Saints' skipper Nick Riewoldt and Greater Western Sydney midfielder Tom Scully are believed to be among the top earners.

One AFL player agent suggested heavily front-ended contracts could have propelled the GWS co-captains, Callan Ward and Phil Davis, into the top bracket.

Lance Franklin, Chris Judd, Matthew Pavlich and Adam Goodes were other players tipped to be among the leading earners.

Code-jumper Israel Folau, who quit GWS in November after just 13 games and one season in the AFL, was also reported to be one of the league's biggest earners last year.

But the AFL said only match payments and ASA agreements were included in the figures and not third-party arrangements.

The figures, which will be included in the AFL's 2012 annual report, also showed that 111 players earned more than $400,000 last year.

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AFLPA looks at drug-code loophole

AFL public relations manager Ian Prendergast. Picture: Nicole Garmston. Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL Players Association is prepared to give ground on the self-reporting loophole a number of AFL players are using to escape drug strikes.

AFLPA general manager of player relations Ian Prendergast confirmed the association would consider "minor changes'' to the AFL policy ahead of Wednesday's drugs summit.

One aspect of the drugs code certain to be discussed will be the recent spike in AFL players self-reporting the use of drugs to AFL medical directors Peter Harcourt and Harry Unglik.

By self-reporting, players avoid registering a positive drugs test and a strike against their name.

"There has been some discussions about the opportunity for players to self-report and we have had some talks with the AFL medical directors,'' Prendergast said.

"We don't think it is being exploited yet, but perhaps there are some emerging trends that we can deal with quite simply. I would imagine that (self-reporting) will be a small part of a broader discussion.''

The Herald Sun revealed last month some AFL players were avoiding positive drug strikes under the league's three-strikes illicit drugs policy by self-reporting their use of drugs.

Clubs have become increasingly concerned that a small number of players are using this as a deliberate ploy to avoid getting a drugs strike.

Prendergast said a delicate balance had to be maintained in the AFL drug code between the players' health interests and those deliberately and recklessly breaking the rules.

"We are certainly in on-going conversations with the medical operators, who administer the policy,'' Prendergast said.

"We have spoken to them about some minor changes  which we think can address some of the issues that are arguably emerging which allow the policy to maintain that balance in terms of operating as a medical model in the best interests of the players from a health point of view but also as a deterrent to those players who perhaps choose to run the gauntlet.''

Prendergast would not respond to AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou's claim that there would be a "spike'' in positive drug tests when the results of the 2012 season are released.

"I think confidentiality is the key pillar (of the drugs policy),'' he said. "We will have a presence (at the summit). It is a great opportunity to provide our views on what is obviously a huge issue not only for the AFL but for the community.''

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AFL faces up to reality with new show

Collingwood president and Fox Footy TV personality Eddie McGuire is said to be behind a proposed AFL reality show. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis. Source: Herald Sun

A REALITY football show being considered by the AFL would guarantee the winner a spot on a league list.

The Herald Sun has learned Fox Sports has put the radical proposal to AFL heavyweights, with plans to film this season.

The prize would be a spot on a club's rookie list, most likely Greater Western Sydney.

Collingwood president and football kingpin Eddie McGuire is behind the project and is slated to host the program.

McGuire Media chief executive Cos Cardone did not want to comment at length last night.

"We have a number of formats in development and we are always talking to broadcasters about those ideas," Cardone said.

While the league is yet to formally agree to the concept, it is understood key officials, including chief executive Andrew Demetriou, have tentatively backed the Fox Sports proposal.

A mechanism which would give every club access to the winning player is being discussed.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane last night said the league would assess the plan in detail.

"Yes, there has been an initial discussion," Keane said.

"The AFL will now await a proposal to consider it and the possible ramifications for the wider industry."

Under one plan, clubs could bid for the winning player in December's rookie draft.

The player would go to the club that placed the highest bid.

If no bids were received, the player would be automatically listed by the Giants.

Greater Western Sydney chief executive David Matthews welcomed plans to produce the reality football show.

"There have been a number of concepts similar to this proposed over the years and we think it's an idea that's got merit and the Giants would be happy to support it subject to AFL approval," Matthews said.

Financial backing would need to be secured for the show, although there are hopes it would be a ratings hit.

The program would take viewers deep into the trials and tribulations of a group of youngsters intent on proving their AFL worth.

Players from around Australia would be invited to try out for the show.

Fox Sports would appoint a team of experts to select the participants.

Short-listed players would be put through gruelling physical and mental testing at a series of selection camps.

Former AFL football operations boss Adrian Anderson was understood to have been a strong supporter of the concept.

His recent departure has slowed the approval process, but Fox Sports remains hopeful the show can be recorded this season.

The concept draws on Australian sports reality shows Football Superstar and Cricket Superstar, which both aired on Fox8.

In those shows, amateur soccer and cricket players were put through training and trial matches under the close watch of expert judges.

Each week, contestants were removed from the show, leaving a couple of finalists to battle out for the grand prize of a professional contract.

The winner of Cricket Superstar, Ian Holland, was listed by the Victorian Bushrangers for the 2012-13 summer. He also did four months training at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC and Brisbane Roar signed a player each as part of the three-season Football Superstar series.

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Visy bid for Judd fails

Chris Judd at Blues training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON'S fresh bid to have Chris Judd's third-party deal with Visy returned to outside of the AFL salary cap has failed.

A meeting between AFL deputy chief executive Gil McLachlan, league executive Andrew Dillon, Blues chief executive Greg Swann and Judd's manager Paul Connors took place this week.

The Blues and Judd's management were seeking a compromise, but it is understood the AFL was not prepared to overturn its decision to include all of Judd's Visy payments - understood to be $200,000 per season - from the club's salary cap.

An AFL spokesman last night confirmed the meeting had taken place, but would not reveal details, saying there "would not be a running commentary" on the issue.

Carlton would not comment on the meeting with the AFL, but is said to be "satisfied" with some aspects of the outcome and the hearing it received.

The Blues have decided not to take the matter further, dropping a plan to take it to a formal AFL grievances hearing.

The Herald Sun exclusively revealed last November the AFL had ruled that the final year of Judd's six-season deal with Visy could no longer be exempt from the salary cap.

The resignation of AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson, who made the ruling last last year, facilitated the new meeting.

The matter is now believed to be closed.

JARRAD Waite's smooth pre-season hit a minor hurdle yesterday when the injury-plagued Carlton forward dislocated a finger.

Waite, 30, was clearly in pain as he came off the field at Visy Park.

Carlton confirmed he had the finger put back into place as soon after.

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Suns suffer injury blow

Liam Patrick celebrates a goal. Picture: Darren England Source: The Courier-Mail

SUNS forward Liam Patrick looks set to miss the NAB Cup after injuring his hamstring at training today.

The 24-year-old, who has played 11 senior games for the club, was carried from Metricon Stadium and later emerged on crutches and with ice strapped to his hamstring.

He has been sent for scans.

Patrick was left lying on the ground after a contest in a match drill that involved a pack of players that included Karmichael Hunt.

The Suns' trainers initially feared he may have been knocked out but later reported he had suffered no other injury beside the hamstring.

Summer Barometer: Click here for Suns' training, injury latest

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New Waite injury scare

Jarrad Waite attacks the footy at pre-season training. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON forward Jarrad Waite gave Blues fans a scare when he left the training track early today with a finger injury.

A frustrated Waite came from Visy Park clutching his right ring finger near the end of the session.

It was initially feared the injury might have been a serious one. But Waite, 30 next month, was spotted inside doing the warm-downs after training with his finger strapped, with a dislocation the likely reason.

Waite has enjoyed his most productive pre-season in several years after a wretched run with injuries in recent years.

He played 11 games last year due to a back complaint, but Blues officials are confident his frustrating run can turn for the better in 2013.

The Blues looked sharp in a 90-minute session with the bulk of the playing list taking part.

Carlton plays its opening NAB Cup matches against Sydney and Greater Western Sydney at Blacktown on February 24.

Summer Barometer: Click here for Blues' injury, training latest

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Draft hopes safe after fire scare

Gippsland Power player Josh Cashman shows how close the bushfire came to players hiking on Mt Feathertop. Picture: Gippsland Power Source: Supplied

THIRTY of Victoria's brightest football hopes are home safe and sound after blazing bushfires ruined their pre-season training camp.

Gippsland Power was forced to evacuate at about 7.30pm last night, with emergency helicopters called in to rescue the club from its hike to the peak of Mt Feathertop.

They arrived home safely at about 2am.

"The boys' welfare is most important and you've got the responsibility to look after them and make sure they're safe," Power talent manager Pete Francis said today.

"We're disappointed obviously, we loved the camp last year, we had a week up there and we felt it was really important heading into our season.

See the amazing pictures as Gippsland fled the bushfire

"But from the fire and getting helicoptered out I think they've bonded pretty well anyway. They were hugging each other and high-fiving and everything is OK, which is great."

The TAC Cup outfit headed up on Monday and planned to stay until Sunday night before winds changed in Victoria's north-east, pushing the blaze up the steep mountain ridges.

"We noticed smoke coming from Harrietville and the plume got bigger and bigger,'' Francis said.

"Then it started to spot and we knew things were fairly urgent.''

Francis said fire authorities were contacted and immediately sent a helicopter out to evacuate the group, but that heavy winds played havoc when the chopper was trying to land.

"We had to go into the face of the fire so that they could land a bigger chopper that could carry 15 of us at a time,'' he said.

"It took three trips to get us all out, and in the last group the fire was spotting near the helicopter and we felt a bit of danger then.

"We all stayed calm, the boys were excellent and did what they were told.''

Gippsland Power footballers are evacuated from Mt Feathertop. Picture: Gippsland Power Source: Supplied

The Power, which leads the way in several initiatives from junior clubs across Australia, left most of their phones and wallets at the base before the hike and are desperately hoping they can be retrieved.

"We didn't feel threatened at any time because the emergency services were so good, but the fire was within a couple of hundred metres of us – the staff, because we were the last to get on – and it was right there," Francis said.

The club was set for a 12-hour 33km hike to Harrietville and back today, which is at the heart of the bushfires.

Before the evacuation Gippsland enjoyed a skills session, intense boxing workout which was organised by coach Nick Stevens and his brother as well as the hike to Mt Feathertop.

"We'd go back to Hotham in a heartbeat. We love the place and walking around it and when you get up it's absolutely magnificent, so we think it was just bad luck," Francis said.

The club will not plan another camp before Round 1 and Francis said the early end would not hurt financially.

Sale teenager Josh Cashman has impressed throughout the pre-season, as has Leongatha product Aaron Heppell, the brother of Essendon's Dyson.

"They couldn't break him (Cashman) yesterday in the boxing," Francis said.

"Aaron is really fit, he's had a great pre-season.

"Last year was pretty spasmodic and he couldn't do a lot of the work with injury but he's done all the work this year, he's in peak condition and like Dyson he's very professional."
 

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Gram dreams of AFL return

Jason Gram drives the Saints out of defence. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

SACKED St Kilda defender Jason Gram hasn't given up on a return to the AFL.

Gram, who was sacked by the Saints at the end of last season due to off-field behavioural issues, has signed to play under Jason Akermanis at North Albury this season.

And while the attacking defender says he is looking forward to a fresh start after being sacked by St Kilda at the end of last season, he believes he still has something to offer at the elite level.

"I still believe I've got three or four years of good AFL football left, so I'm going to do everything I can still play to an AFL standard for North Albury this season," Gram said.

"If someone comes up to have a look and likes what they see then I'm not going to say no."

Despite having numerous offers from metropolitan clubs, Gram said he was always keen to play country football.

"Being a country boy from Sale, I knew once AFL was over that country football was where I'd prefer to play," he said.

"I received a lot of offers over the past few months ... and in the end cut it down to three."

After a two-day road trip that involved meeting clubs in Ballarat, Shepparton and Albury, Gram finally settled on the Hoppers.

"I had a look at their facilities and had a chat to Aker and was really impressed by the club," Gram said.

"It will be good to get out of Melbourne. I'll probably head up on a Thursday and come back on a Sunday or Saturday night.

"Hopefully I'll get to spend some time up there, meet the locals and enjoy a few beers with the boys after the game."

Where are they now? Click here to see AFL discards' new homes

Akermanis, who is the midst of his first pre-season as playing coach, said Gram's signature was a significant coup for North Albury.

"When we found he was still on the market I quickly texted him and said you might not be thinking about us, but you probably should," Akermanis told Weekly Times Now.

"He (Gram) let us know what the offers were everywhere else and we were able to match them quite easily."

While Akermanis would not divulge what Gram would receive for his services, he said it was not in the same ball park as the $5000 a game that Fevola was rumoured to be earning as he powered Yarrawonga to last year's Ovens and Murray league flag.

"It's bit ridiculous with what he's getting (Fevola), but if someone is willing to pay that than good luck to him," Akermanis said.

"Gram deserves every cent because he's going to put bums on seats and, while you get a sign on fee, you still have to play to be paid."

Akermanis said it was the Hoppers' last-placed finish in 2012 that was the biggest obstacle in landing Gram.

"I said you wouldn't have to worry about that mate (being competitive). It's chalk and cheese, just with the number of new players and the players coming back from injury," Akermanis said.

"In the end he didn't choose the money. He said the best thing for me, and his dad agreed, was to get out of Melbourne. Albury is a long way away and you can just relax and enjoy your footy."

In what looms as one of the highlights on the country football calendar; Gram, Akermanis - and possibly Cupido – are scheduled to meet Fevola and co when North Albury faces Yarrawonga in Round 2 on Saturday, April 6.

"That first game at home, we'll have Fev, Me, Grammy (Jason Gram) and possibly Damian Cupido – we're still in negotiations with him. We'll put them all in the mix, plus all of the other recruits we've got and it will just be a massive day for everyone at the club," Akermanis said.

Meanwhile, former Melbourne and Collingwood player Simon Buckley has signed for Echuca in the Goulburn Valley League.

Read more at Weekly Times Now

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Scully shocked by vice-captain job

Tom Scully during a GWS AFL training session in Blacktown, western Sydney. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: Herald Sun

GREATER Western Sydney $6 million man Tom Scully has been promoted to vice-captain but missed out on the co-captaincy spot vacated by Luke Power.

Scully, 21, joined the Giants from Melbourne on a huge contract and has been rated a future captain.

But those ambitions will have to wait at least another season after the Giants opted for just two captains in 2013.

The AFL's newest club was led by 21-year-olds Callan Ward and Phil Davis, along with veteran Luke Power, in its first season.

After Power's retirement the club has decided not to replace him with a new captain.

Ward won the Giants' best-and-fairest while Davis was the only GWS player to play all 22 matches last season.

Summer Barometer: Click here for GWS training, injury latest

The leadership group was selected by players and coaches who were asked to nominate those players they believe best demonstrate leadership qualities.

Scully said he was honoured to be nominated.

"I certainly wasn't expecting this, but I'm very humbled to be voted by my teammates as vice captain and look forward to working closely with Phil and Callan," Scully said.

"Since coming to the Giants I think my leadership is something which has really improved. Obviously, being one of the players with a bit more experience in the squad is a unique thing in itself especially being so young myself.

"I think it has helped me mature a lot more as a person and as a footballer. It's something that I have really embraced. Setting an example through leadership is something I hope to develop over this year and in the years to coming.

"I'm really looking forward to the year ahead and the responsibility that comes with it."

Power will be an assistant coach with the Giants in 2013.

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Sam fishes out his best form

Sam Fisher is flying, says coach Scott Watters. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HWT Image Library

DUAL St Kilda best-and-fairest Sam Fisher has put pre-Christmas accusations of poor behaviour behind him and is leading from the front at training, according to Saints coach Scott Watters.

Fisher was the subject of speculation late last year that his place in the Saints leadership group was being put in jeopardy because of questionable off-field behaviour.

Watters had conversations with his star defender when the reports surfaced and said Fisher was disappointed and even "stunned'' with some of the suggestions.

And rather than be bogged down by the rumours Watters said Fisher decided to "deliver on his actions''.

"He was pretty disappointed with the way it was portrayed ... and quite stunned by some of the comments,'' Watters said today

"We had a conversation about that and his reaction was to train really well

Summer Barometer: See how the Saints are shaping up

"And from the first day in Colorado (on a pre-season training camp) he made some pretty big statements from a training perspective. He was leading some of the younger players.

"He was pretty unhappy with some of the comments which he believes were completely unfounded.''

Watters short tenure at the Saints has included several off-field disruptions including the sacking of Jason Gram for repeated indiscretions.

The coach said he didn't have a zero tolerance approach to mistakes but alluded to Gram having breached club policies on several occasions.

"People make mistakes and you have yo give people an opportunity to rectify or learn from that mistake,'' Watters told SEN.

"But when you start making repeat mistakes again and again and it starts to compromise what you are doing from a cultural point of view you have to make decisions.

"The team is always bigger than the individual.''

Three weeks out from St Kilda's NAB cup opener Watters said the playing list was "pretty fit and healthy'' with Fisher, Sean Dempster and Stephen Milne all set to re-join full training after being on modified programs.

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Eight made AFL life members

Matthew Pavlich and Ross Lyon will be made AFL life members, SuperFooty can reveal. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

UPDATE: THREE current AFL coaches and triple-premiership Geelong star Matthew Scarlett headline a group of eight players announced as new AFL life members today.

As exclusively revealed by SuperFooty earlier, Fremantle coach Ross Lyon, Gold Coast's Guy McKenna along with star Docker Matthew Pavlich will receive the honour.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick, Tigers' team of the century member Michael Green, former Collingwood premiership player and club president Kevin Rose and West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett were the other recipients.

They will officially receive their memberships at the AFL's next annual general meeting in March.

Life member is awarded to those who have helped build the game, either on-field as players for their work off-field.

Lyon played 129 games with Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears, before becoming an assistant coach at Richmond, Carlton and then Sydney.

He coached St Kilda to three grand finals, including one replay, from 2007 to 2011 before switching to Fremantle.

Pavlich is the captain of the Dockers and has played 279 games since debuting in 2000.

McKenna played 267 AFL games for the West Coast Eagles, playing in the 1992 and 1994 premiership.

He then went to become an assistant coach at West Coast and then Collingwood before being appointed the inaugural coach of the Gold Coast Suns.

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Birthday boys stump Suns

Young Gold Coast stars Harley Bennell (left) and David Swallow (centre), pictured running with Jaeger O'Meara, are among 17 Suns players who will celebrate their 21st birthday this year. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

TWENTY One today, 21 today ... and next week and on NAB Cup Grand Final week, and dotted throughout the season and the finals.

It is party season on the Gold Coast with 17 Suns players preparing to celebrate their 21st birthdays.

It is a dilemma never before encountered by an AFL club and one the Suns admit to being a bit baffled by.

A committee planning the best course of action has been established that includes football operations manager Marcus Ashcroft, player welfare officer Sam Coen and football administration manager Kristy Hamson.

The 17 birthday boys have also met to discuss some proposals; three representatives will be elected to join the group that will make the final decision.

If it seems like overkill, consider it for a minute.

You can't let one player have a party and deny another.

Nor can you have 17 parties in a football season and hope to be also celebrating a few wins.

Even the dates that fall after the Grand Final, such as star duo David Swallow and Harley Bennell, coincide with the start of the next pre-season, the most physically taxing part of a footballer's year.

Then there is alcohol. Can you put a blanket ban on it without losing your players?

And what about all the 21sts of their best mates they'll be missing back in their home towns?

The options include having one group function after the NAB Cup or at season's end where the players can let their hair down, or a series of small individual dinners with the player's parents flown in for the occasion.

Ashcroft said the club's preference would be to host one major function prior to the start of the premiership season.

He said in that scenario alcohol would not be banned.

"It is a real dilemma, but it is also a great opportunity to get them all together for a group celebration,'' he said.

"Most of these guys came to us as 17-year-olds, they have been part of our family for a while now and we want to celebrate with them and for them.

"If you have 17 different dates, it would be hard to celebrate with families and mates because you are in season.

"They have been going pretty hard over summer and they have come a long way with their professionalism, we can work out a date that suits the players and has minimum impact from a conditioning point of view we think they deserve a party.

Summer Barometer: Click here for Suns training, injury latest

"We'll let them tell us what they want to do.''

Utility Steven May was the first to blow out the candles, celebrating his 21st birthday last week, smack bang in the middle of the first week of training after the Christmas break.

Not a good time for a bender for a player who is yet to cement himself in the club's best 22.

May said all the younger players understood the club could no longer afford to be critiqued any differently to other AFL side.

"The first two years I think everyone expected there would be growing pains, as the boys had to learn how to conduct themselves as professionals on and off the field,'' he said.

"Although most of us are still only in our early 20s, we've all had to fast-track our development and take a more mature approach to our football of our current senior players are now in the back-end of their careers and won't be around to guide us forever.

"Bluey (McKenna) said at the start of pre-season that we shouldn't to use the word 'young' any more around the club, he wants the players to be more accountable.''

Steven May at Gold Coast training. Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Gold Coast Suns turning 21 in 2013.

January
10th Steven May
24th Luke Russell

February
5th Matt Shaw
13th Mav Weller
20th Jack Hutchins

March
4th Tom Nicholls
11th Brandon Matera

April
3rd Trent McKenzie

June
2nd Daniel Gorringe
17th Jeremy Taylor

August
6th Seb Tape

September
6th Sam Day
13th Jacob Gillbee

October
2nd Harley Bennell
12th Dion Prestia
31st Tom Lynch

November
19th David Swallow

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One tiny reason why Roberton left Freo

FAMILY FIRST: Former Docker Dylan Roberton with the reasons he left Fremantle to return to Victoria - his Girlfriend Amy and their 11-week old baby boy Boston. Picture: Paul Loughnan Source: PerthNow

MEET baby Boston - the reason Dylan Roberton walked out on Fremantle at the end of last season to return home to Melbourne.

Roberton, who played 37 games for the Dockers in three seasons, decided he and partner Amy Capp needed to return to Melbourne to be near the support of family after she fell pregnant last year.

Fremantle could not get a deal done for Roberton during the October trade period, with the 21-year-old becoming a father in early November, at a time he did not have a club or know if he had a future in the AFL.

He continued to train by himself in the hope of a lifeline and St Kilda became his dream suitor in late November when it signed him as a delisted free agent.

The Saints' Seaford training base is just minutes from Frankston, where he and his childhood sweetheart grew up and have now returned.

"I didn't know what was going to happen, so I was a bit worried there for a little bit, but obviously it all turned out pretty good in the end," Roberton said.

"I tried to steer clear of thinking about (whether my career could have been over). I just kept training and kept talking to my manager and he sort of said that we should be able to get something done."

Roberton said he was coping well with fatherhood and predicted it would help his football.

"I've matured a lot over the past couple of months," he said. "I'm not just supporting myself now. I'm supporting a family, so I'll try to play as good as I can for as long as I can and stay at the club.

"Amy does a lot of the work, and being so close to the club makes it a lot easier as well.

"It feels like home and being back home with family to help out makes it easier than obviously if we were still back in Perth."

Respected WA football figure Tony Micale was instrumental in getting Roberton to St Kilda after he coached him at East Perth, before moving to the Saints as a development coach.

"I think this has turned out favourable for everyone,"  Micale said.

"It's a fantastic story.

"He's got back home. He's going to play his role very importantly as a father and he's got the opportunity to pursue his lifelong love of playing football."

Micale said Roberton's ability to remain focused on his training, despite the uncertainty regarding his future, had laid the foundation for a successful season.

"Considering what he was going through in his personal life, he turned up in good condition," he said.

"For a young kid of 21, there must have been a lot going on in his mind. It sends a real good message regarding his character.

"I think he'll play a real part in the direction we're going in as a football club.

"He can play a variety of roles. He reads the play extremely well as a defender and he sort of gives you that run and penetration."

Roberton, who will play under his third senior coach in four seasons this year, was grateful to the Dockers for their understanding of his reasons for wanting to go home.

"I think my first year was probably my best year and then I sort of dropped off a bit," he said. "But it was a good experience and I learnt a lot."

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