Carrazzo firms as new Blues leader

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse with captaincy contenders Andrew Carrazzo, Kade Simpson and Marc Murphy at D.O.C Delicatessen in Lygon St. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

THE three contenders for Carlton's captaincy will get a chance to lead the team during the NAB Cup before coach Mick Malthouse makes his decision next month.

The Blues face a tough call on who will succeed Chris Judd, with Andrew Carrazzo in front of Marc Murphy and Kade Simpson.

The decision is seen as critical at a club that according to both former coach Brett Ratten and Malthouse has a host of natural introverts.

The trio will be given their auditions after the Blues' round-robin NAB Cup opener against Greater Western Sydney and Sydney on February 24.

Carlton president Stephen Kernahan said yesterday it was exciting to have so many contenders for the position, while conceding Murphy and Carrazzo were likely to fight out the job.

He said once Malthouse made his decision, it would be ratified by the club board.

"Mick came to us and said, 'That's the way I would like to do it, with the three of them in the NAB Cup'," Kernahan said.

"He will make a call to us and the board will ratify it. Murphy and Carrazzo are probably the favourites, but it's exciting for all three of them.

"Carrazzo is the experienced leader and Murph is the up-and-comer. Juddy will be a hard act to follow and could have done it for as long as he wanted, but we have some really strong senior leadership." 

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

Carrazzo would be a departure from Judd -- the Brownlow medallist led by example and expected his teammates to follow -- and Kernahan praised the tagger's communication skills.

"'Carrots' is a real professional," Kernahan said.

"He has great support from his family (Carrazzo is the father of one-year-old triplets) and it will be interesting to see which one Mick picks. They are all great candidates."

The Blues take on Fremantle and then Adelaide in full-length games before a potential NAB Cup grand final or regional cup game in which the third contender would lead the side.

Carlton's first season under Malthouse will hit its stride from Wednesday's first practice match, with another intra-club game on February 15.

At this stage only Andrew McInnes (knee reconstruction) has been ruled out for Round 1, a far cry from Ratten's final season in which plenty of players entered the season after serious surgeries.

Ratten, sacked for Malthouse last year, said last year the club had psychologically tested its players and felt that many of them went into their shells too often.

Malthouse is known to share that view, which was also voiced towards the end of last season by club legend and former coach Robert Walls.

"One of the problems with Carlton's leadership group, if you want to extend that to your senior eight players who played last night, the majority of them are introverts," Walls said last year.

"(Chris) Judd is not a vocal player, but he does it (lead) by example."

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Buddy suspends contract talks

HAWTHORN superstar Lance Franklin has told the club he will not discuss a new contract until the end of the season, sparking fears he may leave.

Franklin is a restricted free agent at the end of the year, meaning he can entertain offers from rival clubs.

The Hawks said yesterday they made a "very good offer" to Franklin -- understood to have been between $900,000 and $1 million a season for up to four years -- and were stunned when told this week all negotiations were off until the end of September.

The offer also included a healthy slice of the club's marketing allowance.

"Buddy has made it pretty clear he'd prefer to leave the discussions to the end of the 2013 season," Hawthorn's head of football Mark Evans said.

Franklin's manager Liam Pickering said last night: "Buddy has 12 months to go on his contract and he wants to concentrate on playing.

"He said he didn't want the distraction of a contract and he has advised me talks are off until the end of the season.

"He doesn't want to entertain discussions and, whilst Hawthorn aren't happy, that's how it is, unfortunately."

Hawthorn is unable to pay Franklin market value as skipper Luke Hodge and Sam Mitchell are on massive contracts, and Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Grant Birchall, Brian Lake, Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell are on sizeable deals.

Fremantle has been linked to Franklin, though the Dockers have not spoken to Pickering. Last year the Dockers offered Collingwood's Travis Cloke about $1.1 million for five years, but failed to land him. 

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SUPERCOACH SQUAD NOW

The expectation is Franklin, who is from Western Australia, would be offered more than Cloke.

The Hawks yesterday confirmed six months of discussions had hit a brick wall this week.

Evans admitted Franklin's decision had rocked the club and already there were fears the constant talk about Franklin's future would become a major distraction, as it did at Collingwood with Cloke.

"It is not an ideal situation because we'd prefer to close off the distraction for Buddy, for the club, for supporters, for Pickers, and have a free run at our 2013 campaign," Evans said.

"We've been having a number of discussions over the past 5 1/2 months, and we've put together what we think is a very good offer, and Pickers is on record as saying it is respectable.

"Obviously, we had a few things to sort out.

"We know our offer is a strong offer, but at the moment it's not that the offer hasn't been accepted or rejected, it's only the discussions have been put off until the end of the season."

The Hawks accept Franklin can explore free agency.

"He's a free agent at the end of 2013 and he's got every right to proceed with contract discussions as he wants to," Evans said.

Despite Franklin's decision to cease discussions, the Hawks said they would endeavour to keep contact.

"We need to make sure we have regular contact with Pickers and Buddy and, should the situation change, our door is open," Evans said.

Pickering also manages Gary Ablett, who left Geelong for Gold Coast after announcing at the start of 2010 that contract talks were on hold until the end of the year.

Greater Western Sydney's Tom Scully said the same, then left Melbourne.

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

SuperCoach is back!

Shane Crawford channels his inner Liam Neeson when he discovers Gary Ablett is 'taken' and tries to organise a swap with one of his mates

Shane Crawford can't wait to get stuck into the new SuperCoach season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

YOU can pick on my height.

You can pot the Hawks, make jokes about my teeth and bag my mother in law. Even my wife is fair game.

But if you beat me in SuperCoach, that's personal.

There's nothing like coming to work on Monday ready to brag about a SuperCoach win, or sending a text message when a mate's captain withdraws the night before our big match-up.

Goodbye tennis, goodbye cricket. SuperCoach is back and I'm so excited to be short-listing my squad for 2013.

Who will be this year's Dayne Zorko? Maybe Jack Viney from Melbourne, son of former champion Todd Viney and tough as nails.

Scroll down to see all the exciting new features of SuperCoach 2013 and Join the live chat with SuperCoach expert Al Paton from noon

Picking the next big thing is one of the keys to the game, and there will be plenty of time to change my mind before the season starts on March 22.

What I'm most excited about is the new option of being part of a SuperCoach draft.

You only have to register once and can play both games for free. How good is that?

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SQUAD NOW

I already have my eyes on chief football writer Mark Robinson's every move and can't wait until the Herald Sun experts sit down for an internal draft (I'm picking first because I'm organising the session. Gary Ablett, you're mine.)

In either game, research is the key to picking a successful team. Watch all the NAB Cup games and follow SuperFooty every day for all the latest. Jump on Twitter and Facebook for breaking news and tips and to pick the brains of all the other SuperCoaches out there (I'm at @SCrawf9).

What will Brendon Goddard's role be at the Bombers? Will Brian Lake make an instant impact at the Hawks?

Does Mick Malthouse have the key to unlocking the potential of the Blues, and Jarrad Waite?

COMING UP: To get your SuperCoach team right for 2013 stick with SuperFooty next week and all the way to Round 1 for club-by-club SuperCoach previews, SuperCoach DRAFT player guides, SuperCoach analysis of every NAB Cup and practice match, exclusive videos plus lots more!

Will a slow pre-season for Adam Goodes interrupt his year or will his brother Brett Goodes be a must for all sides as a cheap and classy defender at the Western Bulldogs?

Will Giants forward Jonathon Patton take the competition by storm after his first full AFL pre-season?

All I can say is get involved. It's the best fun you'll have off the footy field.

And make sure you prepare like all the AFL players do to start the year. Because I can assure you I've had the best SuperCoach pre-season ever. So if you have me in your sights this year, you better be ready. In 2013, it's personal.

Join the live chat with SuperCoach expert Al Paton from noon:

Using a mobile device? Click here for a better viewing experience

WHAT'S NEW

New rules - 30 trades, rolling lockout means you won't be caught out by late team changes, smaller squads for bye rounds and a new team structure to better reflect the way the game is played

Relaunch leagues - Send league invites to your opponents from last year with the click of a button. You can even choose who to include and who to leave out.

Take on more mates - In addition to your five private leagues, you can challenge friends on Facebook and Twitter and create or join up to three unlimited size private groups

Intelligent auto-pick - Selecting a competitive squad is even easier. Choose your favourite players and let us fill in the rest.

Plus a refreshed look and feel and lots more - register or login now to explore the 2013 competition!

Join the debate on Facebook at facebook.com/supercoach

SUPERCOACH DRAFT

Take SuperCoach to a new level with a unique private league draft in which each player can only be selected once - if you pick Gary Ablett, none of your mates can have him.

Bargain with friends to complete trade deals between league opponents and make unlimited trades from the free agent pool.

Completely customisable - choose how your league works to suit you

Play alongside your SuperCoach CLASSIC team on the same login

Both games are completely FREE

Herald Sun super coach , Shane Crawford Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

FOUR EASY STEPS

1. Go to www.heraldsun.com.au/supercoach. The login page has more info on how to play and the exciting new 2013 features

2. Click register and fill in your details. Pick a team name and design your own unique guernsey

3. Join or create a private league to play against your friends and family

4. Start picking your squad of 30 AFL players who will score points for you every week

SUPERCOACH GOLD

SuperCoach GOLD helps you to better select and manage your team and make educated coaching decisions through the season. The collection of powerful tools and content provides projections for player scores and value, break-evens, analysis of player stats, player performance indicators, past stats and much more. Sign up now for a free trial.

WIN BIG

$50,000 to top-ranked coach at the end of the season plus $5000 for your local footy club

$1000 for the highest scoring team each round

$10,000 and a two-hour coaching clinic for Australia's top SuperCoach school

Sign up early to win $5000 F1 Adrenaline package including tickets for the winner and three mates to the 2013 Australian Grand Prix, VIP entertainment seats, V8 hot lap and helicopter fly-over

STAY IN THE GAME

Check superfooty.com.au every day for latest news and expert advice

Like SuperCoach on Facebook to join the debate. Go to facebook.com/supercoach
Follow @superfooty on twitter for breaking developments and inside tips. Go to twitter.com/superfooty

CLICK HERE TO START PICKING YOUR SQUAD NOW

Herald Sun SuperCoach 2013 Minimal Terms and Conditions
Open to all Australian residents. Enter from 12:01AM AEDST on 01/02/13, ends at 11:59PM AEST on 01/09/13. Limit 1 entry per person. Entrants must access their home page at least every 30 days or may be disqualified. Overall and weekly winners determined by Vapormedia at Suite 107, 425 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008 at 10am (local time) on day after completion of each round (weekly winners) and on 02/09/13 (overall and other winners). Weekly Prizes: $1,000 cash. Overall prizes: Competition Major Prize $50,000 cash + $5,000 for local footy club, Website Prizes: up to $5,000 Website Prize for entrants entering via specific websites as set out in full conditions. School Group Prize (other than NSW and ACT schools): $10,000 cash & footy clinic. Weekly winners e-mailed and published online day after completion of each round and in The Australian on dates set out in full conditions, overall winners and other winners e-mailed and published online on 02/09/13 and in The Australian on 04/09/13. Promoter: The Herald and Weekly Times Pty Limited, 40 City Rd, Southbank VIC 3006. Entry and full conditions: www.heraldsun.com.au/supercoach. NSW Permit No. LTPS/13/00586 and ACT Permit No.TP 13/00230

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Thomas 'a couple of months away'

Collingwood stars Dale Thomas, Heath Shaw, Dane Swan and Ben Johnson talk shop at training yesterday. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Collingwood star Dale Thomas remains in doubt after Nathan Buckley revealed he is two months away from full fitness. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley says he remains unsure if Dale Thomas will be fit for the start of the home-and-away season.

Thomas is still on a modified training load as he continues his recovery from ankle surgery.

The Magpies face North Melbourne in their season opener on March 31.

"He is still a couple of months away,'' Buckley said.

"He will need to get some solid training in and get up to speed before he is ready to play some games of footy, whether that is late in the NAB (Cup) or early in the home-and-away (season) will depend on the speed of his recovery.

"He has had a modified pre-season and has got a lot of fitness work in, but not on legs. So we will have to judge that as we go.

"But clearly he is an important player for us.''

The off-contract Thomas said last week he had no desire to start talking about a new deal with the Magpies until he recovered from ankle surgery

But Thomas admitted he was wary of letting talks turn into the ``circus'' that engulfed teammate Travis Cloke's season last year.

Buckley said the club would deal with Thomas' contract when the time was right.

"We have got about 40 per cent of our list coming out of contract this year and we will deal with those guys appropriately at the right times,'' Buckley said.

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Drug tests on demand

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou and Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert speak after today's AFL drugs summit. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL could approve a bold plan to allow clubs to fund the target-testing of players they believe are abusing drugs.

The league united to tackle illicit drugs at yesterday's summit with that proposal one of several to be considered by a new working party.

Among certain changes to the AFL Illicit Drugs Policy will be the closure of a loophole that allows players to self-report and escape a strike at will, and an increase in off-season hair testing - both recently flagged by the Herald Sun.

The proposal to allow clubs to target-test players they suspect of using drugs will create most debate.

Depressed, on drugs... dumped

AFL clubs are banned from conducting their own testing after then Carlton present Ian Collins controversially drug-tested players Karl Norman and Laurie Angwin in 2004.

Yesterday AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou confirmed clubs might be able to pay the league's drug testers to do that exact task.

Club sources said the AFL might also provide clubs with details of their players' drug use each year.

No names would be revealed, but a club may find out the number of players who had positive strikes, how many strikes they were on, which drugs they had used, and how many had self-reported.

Drink the link to worse behaviours

The historic summit was hailed a success by clubs, the AFL, medical experts and players, but a battle will be fought over the information flow to clubs when players test positive a second time.

Hawthorn led the charge of clubs keen to be alerted after a second strike, but that issue will be thrashed out by the working party with AFL chief executives Stuart Fox (Hawthorn), Gary Pert (Collingwood), Travis Auld (Gold Coast) and Ian Robson (Essendon).

Either the chief executive or welfare officer of a club may eventually find out about a second strike, but clubs would have to commit to extensive privacy provisions. 

Collingwood's Luke Ball and Bulldog Robert Murphy leave today's AFL drugs summit. Picture: Mike Keating Source: Herald Sun

Fox said it was imperative clubs knew earlier than under the current policy.

"Hawthorn has lived through the three-strikes system with Travis Tuck and we are quite passionate about someone at the club knowing after the second strike," he told the Herald Sun.

"Clubs are much better placed and more sophisticated, so they can deal with that knowledge."

The self-reporting loophole will almost certainly see players allowed to confess to drug use - sparing a positive strike - only once a season.

Some chief executives pushed for the practice to be banned if a player was on two strikes, or even have the self-reporting seen as a third strike.

Draft drug probes

The loophole will be changed after it goes to the AFL Commission and is approved by AFL Players' Association delegates.

AFL clubs were not given specific details on the flagged rise in illicit positives - likely to be released late next month - but were told of a 21 per cent rise in drugs across the community.

Pies boss Pert said of the playing age group: "Taking drugs is a part of their lives. We are very concerned. Every CEO is concerned about what happens now, and what happens in the future."

Collingwood takes hard line on drugs

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Goddard would have led Saints

Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard in his new colours. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

NICK Riewoldt would have handed the St Kilda captaincy to Brendon Goddard if he had not quit the club to join Essendon.

Nick Riewoldt was yesterday appointed St Kilda skipper for the eighth season.

However, he revealed today he had been happy to hand over the captaincy, but the prime candidate left to join the Bombers as a free agent.

"I thought if BJ (Goddard) was still at the club it would have been him this year, and I was more than happy for that to occur - and for anyone else to step into the role," Riewoldt said.

Riewoldt hinted at an issue facing the club in trying to find the next generation of leaders.

The Saints have a large group of veterans aged 29 and over and a crop of emerging youngsters, but few experienced players in between.

The issue was acknowledged with the inclusion of Ben McEvoy, James Gwilt, David Armitage, Sean Dempster and Jarryn Geary in the leadership group, with a group of elder statesmen nominated to mentor an "emerging leaders" group.

"The club went for a bit of a change in the leadership group with three younger guys stepping into the group and they just wanted some stability at the top," Riewoldt said.

"It's now our job as the senior guys - myself, Lenny, Milney, Blakey, all those guys - to make sure we promote some of the younger guys so sooner rather than later someone else can step into the role."

Summer Barometer: See how the Saints are shaping up

Asked on SEN if he had tried to talk Goddard out of leaving, Riewoldt said: "Absolutely, definitely.

"He's one of my great mates, was one of the groomsmen at my wedding, and nothing will change there as far as our friendship goes (but) I certainly wanted him to stay a St Kilda player.

"But at the end of the day it's his decision and I respect the decision he's made."

 

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Loophole 'will be closed': Demetriou

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says players who rort the system will be caught. Source: Herald Sun

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has warned players the loophole allowing them to self-report to avoid a strike under its drug policy will be closed.

The Herald Sun today reported that clubs believe some players have activated the self-reporting loophole when alerted to the presence of a tester.

The Illicit Drugs Policy states: "A player may refer himself to the AFL Medical Officer for testing, education, counselling or treatment at any time. A player shall not be deemed to have recorded a positive test if he refers himself for such treatment prior to submitting a sample that subsequently returns a positive result."

A number of high-ranking club officials yesterday said they had been told players who become aware of a possible imminent test could immediately call AFL medicos to confess recent drug use.

Demetriou said on 3AW this morning he was unaware of how many players had self-reported.

"It is not being abused to the extent that has been reported," he said.

"It is a system that has benefit.

"There is probably a loophole there that I'm sure will be discussed today and closed.

"It is a very useful part of the policy and if it is being abused, we have to correct that."

Demetriou baulked at the suggestion that abuse of the self-report system was widespread.

"Not to my knowledge based on the briefings I have had from our medical officers," he said.

"If there is any player out there who believes they can exploit the the self-help notification, they won't be able to.

"If our medical officers believe a player is rorting the system, I don't believe they will allow it."

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou. Source: Herald Sun

The AFL supremo admitted he agreed with Collingwood president Eddie McGuire in the Herald Sun when he says some players hold the drugs code in contempt.

"There are some players who think they are above the rules and regulations of the code," he said.

"If they do that, they do it at their peril.

"There is no place for them in the game."

The AFLPA said under the letter of the law players should not be able to self-report if the aim is to avoid an imminent positive test.

Mark Robinson: AFL must tackle drug issue head-on

The player union said if drug testers were aware of that motive, a test would be conducted and a strike recorded if a positive result was found.

One club is believed to have had 10 incidences of six players self-reporting in 2012, with one putting his hand up three times in that period.

Eddie McGuire: Clubs kept in dark on drugs

Critics argue those figures show players are taking advantage of the three-strikes system.

Sources say players especially those fearing they have drugs in their system are increasingly aware of the presence of drug testers which can lead to self-reporting.

Jon Ralph: How players dodge drug strikes

Former West Coast and Richmond star Ben Cousins is known to have dodged drug tests after being alerted to the presence of testers by players already at the club.

Players who self-report are target-tested in future months, but for a player on two strikes future testing is clearly a risk worth taking.

AFLPA chief executive Matt Finnis said the policy had only recently been abused by players.

"In that very example, the player would have to do that drug test and he would be bound by any result that came from that but the policy has contained a provision which is there for a player who has used drugs, has an issue with drugs, to be able to put his hand up and seek help," he told SEN.

Crash course: The AFL's illicit drugs policy

"That's because the nature of the policy is helping people to make change when they have made a mistake. If a player notifies, he then is able to get that assistance, be diverted into relevant programs and had he returned a subsequent policy he wouldn't be burdened with that on the basis that he's put his hand up to seek help."

One official said the policy was routinely abused.

"It can be an excuse as lame as 'my drink was spiked last night and I may have inadvertently taken drugs'," one club executive said.

"It means a player holds a Joker if he is on two strikes, a get-out-of-jail free card."

"Most players have reached a stage where they don't particularly care about one strike with some even prepared to roll the dice when on two strikes."

Confessed drug addict Cousins said he was often tipped off by teammates about the appearance of drug testers and simply failed to attend training to avoid positive tests.

The controversial three strikes policy will also be on the agenda at today's drug summit.

But Demetriou this morning reiterated his support for the policy.

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Daniher bashes down door

Joe Daniher leads the way at Essendon pre-season training. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON coach James Hird says father-son gun Joe Daniher is dominating at training and could play much sooner than originally planned.

Daniher, who turns 19 on the eve of the season, starred at under-18 level last season and could have rivalled Lachie Whitfield as the No.1 draft pick had the Bombers not been able to nab him under the father-son rule.

Hird said today he didn't want to rush the 201cm prodigy, but his form on the training track was quickly forcing a change of plans.

Pick Me: Exclusive highlights from Daniher's TAC Cup season

"It's very hard with a player that age and a big tall player, they often take a long time to get ready for football," Hird said.

"In my mind when we drafted him I was thinking maybe he would play 4-5 games if he's lucky this year, but he keeps making me think he's going to play more.

"You can't see why he won't play a lot of football

"The way he moves on the track and dominates marking contests is quite remarkable for a boy his age - and he is only a boy.

"Certainly we don't want to ruin him but he's making us think about playing him a lot more than we were."

Summer Barometer: See how the Bombers are tracking this pre-season

Hird told SEN Daniher would start his career as a key forward who could pinch-hit in the ruck.

"He might develop into a dominant ruckman where that's his No.1 position but at the moment he's a very good forward, he takes a lot of marks and he's just a competitor - you rarely see that age someone who wants to compete so hard against more experienced players."

The Bombers coach played down a quad injury to forward David Zaharakis, who sent a scare through the camp when he suffered the injury at training.

"Last year he had a very bad tear of the central tendon in his quad which kept him out 12-14 weeks, which is a bad injury and takes a long time to recover. We did some scans yesterday on his leg and it was nowhere near that," Hird said.

"He's got a very slight strain a long way from that in his muscle and he'll be back running by Friday and should play the last two or three games in the NAB Cup."

Hird said the "hiccup" was one of the few injuries in a smooth pre-season - a big change from the past two summers at Windy Hill.

"Last year we had 18 operations which meant players came back very late in the pre-season, the year before was very similar

"This year 90 per cent of the squad has done 90 per cent of the training, which is an outstanding record so far."

James Hird keeps an eye on his players as they begin pre-season training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

And the Bombers coach backed the AFL to do the right thing by players, clubs and the game at today's drugs summit.

"There's a lot of hysteria around what's happening with players at the moment but AFL has always been at the forefront of drugs or racial issues and those people will sort it out," Hird said.

"There's an obligation on the players though to do the right thing and the clubs to look after their players.

"There's no excuse for players to take drugs, but we put them under very stressful situations."

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Choco an instant hit at Tigerland

Mark Williams has become an instant hit at Punt Rd. Picture: Anthony Reginato Source: HWT Image Library

THE next generation of Tigers is already reaping the rewards of Mark Williams' arrival as Richmond begins to ignite its focus on development.

Williams joined as a development coach last September after turning his back on Greater Western Sydney and has taken charge of the first, second and third-year baby Tigers.

The signing came shortly after Richmond's decision to cut ties with VFL partner Coburg, with the AFL Tigers set to field a stand-alone reserves side from 2014 in a huge boost to player development.

Richmond defender Steve Morris said Williams immediately proved himself to be "a great teacher of young people.''

Summer Barometer: See how the Tigers are shaping up this pre-season

"It's not just about on the field with Choco (Williams), he gets you to tick as many possible boxes off the field and in your knowledge as well,'' he said of the premiership coach.

Defender Steven Morris at Richmond pre-season training. Picture: Richard Serong. Source: Herald Sun

"The more boxes you tick the more likely you are to be a successful player, and he's not after players who are going to play a couple of seasons, he's after the development of 100 and 200 game players for the footy club.''

While Tim Clarke will coach Coburg this season, Williams has taken a more lateral approach, even showing the interstate draftees how to perfect hook turns in the city.

He has taken rising star Dustin Martin under his wing, along with Matt Arnot, Reece Conca, Brett O'Hanlon and the rapidly improving Brandon Ellis this summer.

Richmond's Dustin Martin at pre-season training. Picture: Stuart Walmsley. Source: Herald Sun

Morris said the influx of older heads had the Tigers in good shape ahead of what fans are hoping will be the breakthrough season they have been searching for since their last finals appearance in 2001.

Tigers rehearsing for tight finishes

"We've got some experience in (Troy) Chaplin and (Chris) Knights and Sammy Lonergan and (Ricky) Petterd, and Choco's been a really good influence on our younger players and their development.

"The future of our footy club is looking extremely bright and we're preparing as best we can throughout this pre-season to take that success into the early part of the season.

"If that leads to finals success, well that's the ultimate goal and what we're after.''

And in a huge boost Morris said injury-plagued defender Dylan Grimes was recovering well from pre-Christmas hamstring surgery, with the club confident he can still feature in Round 1.

"The funny thing is his hamstring strength is the best at the footy club,'' Morris said.

"With Dylan you can never question his attitude and I'm sure he'll come back bigger and stronger than ever this year.''

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Carlton a 'drug-free zone'

Jarrad Waite is confident no Carlton players are taking illegal drugs. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON forward Jarrad Waite is adamant the club is drug-free and says he would welcome daily testing to prove it.

Waite backed the AFL's three-strike drug policy but expected the league and AFLPA to closely scrutinise the self-reporting loophole at tomorrow's drugs summit.

The Herald Sun today revealed four Collingwood players allegedly dodged strikes by volunteering drug-use to club doctors.

Waite insisted Visy Park was a drug-free zone and said any player "stupid" enough to take drugs was jeopardising their football career.

"I don't see any of it. I wouldn't mind if I got tested every day of the week, because I don't do it," Waite said on a day out with Lygon St locals.

"If they want to do more tests, that's good because I've got full confidence, especially at Carlton, that we don't have a drug culture here.

"I would be very surprised if professional athletes were putting their careers at risk by doing drugs and doing stupid things like that.

"Personally, if I got tested every day, it would annoy me, but it wouldn't bother me because I don't do drugs."

There is a strong push to reduce the AFL's strikes policy from three to two but Waite said the AFL's current illicit drugs policy was a world-leader.

"I think our system is very good. The players chose to have this system in place, and it's the best drugs system in the world," he said.

"There is a lot of sports out there that don't get drug tested in the off-season.

"As a playing group we decided as a whole to be tested in the off-season to prove to the people that we are not a drug cultured sport.

"But at the end of the day we are happy with the way it's been. If it changes we are fully supporting the AFL and the PA (players' association)."

Players accept more off-season drug tests

Waite said the self-reporting loophole would likely undergo close review.

"If there is any little loopholes, I'm sure having the summit tomorrow, if they think it is a big enough issue it will be changed," he said.

"It is up to the AFLPA and the AFL to see if they want to make any changes to the system and I'm sure tomorrow there will be an outcome about that."

Waite said any player using drugs was taking a big risk.

Summer Barometer: Get the Blues' training and injury latest

"If you want to risk your AFL career go ahead do it every weekend, but it's not something I would ever do and I would be very upset if our players were out there every weekend getting on the drugs because alcohol is bad enough.

"But mixing drugs your senses are a bit all over the joint. You wouldn't risk it."

Carlton players and coaching staff mixed with locals and local businesses on a walk down Lygon St today.
 

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Blues reprimand Robinson

Carlton forward Mitch Robinson has been caught on footage in a scuffle at the Big Day Out in Flemington.

Mitch Robinson shown in a scuffle at the Big Day Out. Source: Herald Sun

Mitch Robinson held back from someone else in the crowd at the Big Day Out. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON will force Mitch Robinson to perform community work following an ugly incident at Big Day Out.

Video footage taken by a bystander shows Robinson land a left-hand blow to the other man before he is struck hard to the side of the head as he appears to bend over to pick up an item on the ground.

They then wrestle each other to the ground as others come in to remonstrate and also separate them, including a woman.

Carlton football operations boss Andrew McKay said Robinson should not have put himself in a position to be involved in such an incident.

"This type of behaviour, no matter what the circumstance, is not acceptable or in line with Club policy," McKay said in a statement released today.

"Mitch is extremely remorseful and has accepted the Club's sanction."

Robinson will complete two months of community service with the Salvation Army, working with the homeless and under-privileged in Melbourne's CBD.

He will also make a $1,000 donation to the Salvation Army.

Robinson left the Australia Day music festival off his own accord after the fracas, which ignited when the Blues midfielder tried to prevent his friend's "anti-social behaviour".

Both men have torn singlets when the footage begins, indicating the vision starts well after the fight began, but gets out of control after Robinson is struck while he is not paying attention.

The cowardly blow ignites the fight as a jeer can be heard from the crowd as two other men jump in to the fray as Robinson tries to escape a headlock.

One onlooker can be heard shouting ''That'll be six weeks Robinson'' after he throws the left hook.

Although witnesses who contacted the Herald Sun say they do not know why the fight erupted, they say up to eight men were involved in the melee before it was brought to an end.

One witness said Robinson was ''fuming'' after being ''targeted'' by a group looking for trouble.

''He was fuming, very angry, and was not going to walk away,'' the man said.

''It took his mates to get him to stop.''

But other witnesses were not positive Robinson and the other men were strangers.

The incident occurred after American band The Killers had finished their performance about 8pm.

Dayle, who said the fight started behind him near the Cruiser tent, said Robinson had ''plenty of opportunity to walk away''.

He said it appeared it may have been a fight between Robinson and someone else in his group.

''By the looks of it you would have thought it's been something in their internal group,'' he said.

''They were all pretty big and going at it. I didn't realise it was him (Robinson). He looked like he had plenty of opportunity to walk away from it.''

Carlton Football Club confirmed on Saturday night it was investigating the fight after pictures emerged of the 23-year-old on Twitter being held back by others in the crowd.

No report has been lodged with police and it is not believed anyone was injured.

Robinson, recruited from Tasmania, has played 67 games with the Blues.

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kennett urges strike action

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL must change its drugs policy. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the AFL must change its illicit drugs policy to avoid a tragedy.

Labelling the system "grossly unfair", the beyondblue chairman said the three-strikes policy was flawed and clubs should be informed earlier.

"I don't believe the three-strike rule is appropriate, nor do I think it is fair to the players, or to their families or to their clubs," Kennett said yesterday.

"I hope that if (AFL boss) Andrew (Demetriou) is serious, just as initially they wouldn't move on concussion, they will recognise that if they are serious about drugs, then they have got to involve the clubs earlier than currently occurs.

"Three strikes and you're out - that is grossly unfair and it could lead to a situation where maybe you end up with a death."

Earlier notice wanted on drugs

AFL leaders meet for a historic drugs summit at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.

Club chiefs are expected to push for earlier notification of a player's positive drugs strike, with some support from clubs for the three-strikes policy to be stripped back to two.

Former Hawthorn midfielder Travis Tuck is the only player to record three strikes under the AFL illicit drugs policy - in 2010.

Kennett said clubs must be alerted earlier so they could support the player back to a "condition of good behaviour".

 "At the moment, a player gets suspended after three strikes without there necessarily being any outside assistance given to him," Kennett said.

"Often it's assistance given by club doctors, but not with the club's knowledge. But often a player needs more than that.

Summit to scrutinise Mad Monday

"You have got to look at who else in the club might be their friends, might be influenced by that player's behaviour, might be supplying that player with drugs. That can't be done by a doctor."

Kennett said a move to two strikes should be the first step.

"There are many who say it should be one strike and you are gone, but I don't think we're going to move to that position overnight," he said.

Demetriou said tackling mental illness would also be considered at the summit, with 50 per cent of players on a second strike dealing with mental health issues.

Kennett welcomed the move.

"It is something that should be tackled head-on," he said. "The biggest mind alterer in our society is alcohol and then there are drugs and then there is depression and often you don't know where people enter the cycle."

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Ziebell to miss start of NAB Cup

Jack Ziebell at North Melbourne training. Picture: Darren Tindale Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne vice-captain Jack Ziebell will miss the start of the NAB Cup after undergoing slight knee surgery earlier this month.

Track watchers at Simonds Stadium noticed the midfielder missed the first three match simulations sessions Geelong and North Melbourne have been undertaking.

The Kangaroos confirmed this week Ziebell had some knee soreness when he resumed training and it was decided to take the cautious approach and send him in for a clean-up.

He is almost certain to miss the Kangaroos' first NAB Cup games against Melbourne and Richmond on February 22, but the club hopes he can play a role later in the summer competition.

"Jack is tracking really well, two weeks after having a minor tidy up," North Melbourne head of medical services Steve Saunders said.

"He had some minor knee pain and we decided to be proactive and send him in for a tidy up which would allow him to be set up perfectly for the upcoming season.

"Jack will resume full training soon and we expect him to play, as planned, in the NAB Cup."

Ziebell, who turns 22 next month, played 17 matches last season, but had to sit out four weeks due to suspension after a much-publicised bump on Carlton's Aaron Joseph.

After spending time at high-altitude in Utah, the hard-working Roo returned to good form immediately and was one of the club's best players in its elimination final loss to West Coast.

North Melbourne will not be pushing Daniel Wells (achilles) and Leigh Adams (shoulder) early, with the club eager to have them right for the home-and-away season.

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More

Earlier notice wanted on drugs

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

AFL club chiefs will push for earlier notification of a player's positive drugs strikes when the game's leaders meet at Wednesday's historic drugs summit.

And there could be a few clubs calling for the AFL's controversial three-strikes policy to be stripped back to two.

That is likely to come up against heavy resistance from the AFL Players Association, and perhaps even the AFL.

A compromise could come in the form of when clubs are informed of positive strikes against their players.

Currently, they are informed of a player's drug problems after he has received three drug strikes, but there is growing support amongst the clubs for officials to find out after a second strike.

The Sunday Herald Sun can reveal the move has strong support from some club heavyweights, with a number privately pushing for a hardening of the AFL drug policy.

It is understood the 18 AFL club chief executives will meet for a private dinner on Tuesday night to discuss the agenda for the summit and to have a collective, united approach.

The Herald Sun revealed details of the agenda for the summit, which included aspects of the three-strike policy as well as the potential to scale back and closely monitor organised player trips away out of season and the traditional "Mad Monday" celebrations.

The AFL has consistently defended the three-strikes policy, which it boasts is "world's best practice".

But fears of a spike this year in positive tests for illicit drug use among players and the abuse of a "self-reporting" loophole by a handful of players has prompted a game-wide rethink.

Some clubs feel the three-strikes policy is too lenient, allows players too many chances and needs to be tightened.

Currently, players are named and suspended after a third strike, but some club figures believe reducing that to two strikes would send a far stronger message to players and be a greater
deterrent against drug use.

The mood among some clubs is that meaningful change to the drugs policy is overdue and there is a feeling the AFL may be open to some rule adjustments.

Already, the AFLPA has flagged tentative support to close the "self-reporting" loophole open to players to avoid a drug strike.

Self-reporting occurs when a player admits having used drugs. Under the code, players can avoid registering a positive drug test and a strike against their names by admitting to have taken an illicit substance.

Club chiefs say excuses used include "I have had my drink spiked" and "I've accidentally
had drugs".

Some players have selfreported more than once, raising concerns about deliberate abuse of the policy.

Club bosses are keen to close that avenue at the summit.

The clubs also have growing concerns about player behaviour during their annual holidays.

All will be addressed in a panel forum at Etihad Stadium attended by AFL officials, chief executives, AFL players, the AFLPA, medical experts and law enforcement agencies.
 

10.29 | 0 komentar | Read More