Bombers live out dream

James Hird celebrates with Brent Stanton. Picture: Getty

ESSENDON has made bigger comebacks in its celebrated history.

It has dominated arch-rivals on the biggest stage to snare the premiership.

But has it ever staged such an astonishing comeback as last night, when after the most controversial week of the club's history it seized a victory it had no right to even dream about.

Live HQ: Fremantle v Essendon

Down by six goals at halftime, and as much as 37 points on the night, the Bombers looked out of legs and out of hope.

AFL. Essendon vs. Fremantle at Subiaco Oval in Perth. Coach James Hird talks at Quarter Time. Picture: Coppel Alex Source:

"Overwhelmed", admitted assistant coach Mark Thompson of their halftime mindset, as Fremantle went to town on a slippery night that played into the Dockers' crushing pressure.

"They have done our heads in," he was frank enough to admit.

Yet two quarters later Essendon somehow walked off Patersons Stadium as the winner.

Have we ever seen the like of it?

This game had everything: scores level with five minutes left, then Essendon going ahead with a minute left through Paddy Ryder's curling left kick.

Then came the final dramatic moments, as first Paul Duffield's kick bounced left in front of goal, then Chris Mayne's left-foot snap from straight in front hit the post.

James Hird might still be removed as Essendon coach, and the club might end up penalised for its drug breaches, but this was a win to thrust all of that negativity away for one stunning night.

Match report: Bombers' miracle escape

Essendon's players are used to life under siege, harried by the media pack, the players are pressured for time and space as they walk to training, and are constantly awaiting the next assault.

For an entire half last night Fremantle coach Ross Lyon replicated that battle plan against Hird's mentally battered Bombers, and found it was just as effective on-field as off it.

Essendon was shot. Dead and buried. Done and dusted.

Jobe Watson was the triumphant matchwinner against Adelaide, but by half time against Matthew De Boer just two of his seven possessions were effective.

How easily would it have been for Essendon to drift quietly into the night?

AFL. Essendon vs. Fremantle at Subiaco Oval in Perth. Brent Stanton and Tendai Mzungu Picture: Coppel Alex Source:

Six goals down at the half: too hard, too mentally drained, too much effort to get back into the game.

What followed was something amazing, even given the week of torture for players and coach.

Even if the effort to come back into the game had not won them the night, this was something to behold.

No player threw in the towel, no player let their mind wonder about whether coach Hird might still even be there next week.

Instead, they did what sides with real character do: they set about trying to take down an opponent with enough momentum to stop a train.

For one quarter filled with those old-fashioned words like grit and heart, Essendon threw its best at Fremantle.

The rallying cry came from the midfield, which suddenly began overlapping and pumping the ball into an open forward line.

First came Stewart Crameri's clever snap for a goal; then Elliott Kavanagh's quick snap from the pack.

By the time Essendon had dominated Fremantle to kick the only five goals of the third term to drag the margin back to three points, no one was doubting this club's fighting spirit any more.

Were the players doing it for the coach? Were they letting out a week of frustration?

Or is this side just talented, and filled with enough quality to make a serious tilt at this year's premiership.

How can anyone quantify exactly how much of a toll the constant focus on their coach and club's practices took on Essendon players last night.

Brendon Goddard summed it up best last night: "With respect to my old club, that was one of the best wins I have ever been involved in."

AFL. Essendon vs. Fremantle at Subiaco Oval in Perth. Picture: Coppel Alex Source:

 

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LIVE: Saturday arvo footy

Jack Watts could miss out on playing all together this weekend. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

TODAY'S SUBSTITUTES:
Sam Wright (North Melbourne)
Craig Bird (Sydney)
Jimmy Toumpas (Melbourne)
Jamie Cripps (WEST COAST)

LATE CHANGES:
Liam Anthony (Roos) out, replaced by Kieran Harper

PRE-GAME:

NORTH Melbourne has lost Liam Anthony for today's crunch clash against Sydney, replaced by Kieran Harper.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

The Roos handed their substitute vest to Sam Wright, while Sydney made no late changes ahead of the Round 3 match in Hobart.

Craig Bird will start in the green vest for the Swans.

Demons coach Mark Neeld today confirmed he had called all three emergencies to the MCG, despite making no late changes.

Follow today's matches at Live HQ with live SuperCoach scores, stats and more

It means Watts, David Rodan and Jake Spencer will all go without a match this weekend.

Neeld defended the decision, saying those players were all match fit due to their uninterrupted pre-seasons.

The Dees handed Jimmy Toumpas the substitute vest ahead of the clash agaisnt West Coast at the MCG today.

The Eagles made no late changes, confirming stars Mark LeCras and Daniel Kerr will return.

Saints recruit Jamie Cripps will wear the green vest for the Eagles.

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Neeld trying to rebuild players

Coach Mark Neeld chats with a staff member during Melbourne training at Goschs Paddock. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE coach Mark Neeld says his players showed "enormous courage" to show up at training after their 148-point loss to Essendon.

Neeld said he had spent the week trying to build the players back up to face West Coast at the MCG tomorrow.

Referring several times to the fact he couldn't buy a jar of confidence at the supermarket, the besieged Demons coach said he wasn't worried about himself.

"My main thought is with the players, the players need some care and direction. Don't worry about me, I'm worried about the players," he said.

"I had a discussion with Craigy (sports performance director Neil Craig) this morning and I said, 'Did you go to Coles and find that bag of confidence?'.

"I've got so show some care for the players because what they went through last Saturday night was not good.

"These are people that I see every day, and these are people that I speak to every day ... these are people that come around to my place and sit at my dinner table ... to see them in that state, that's hard.

"From a players' point of view, what they went through on Saturday night, the degree of courage was enormous to turn up on Monday, I reckon. And a degree of courage was required to train the way they did."

Neeld said the review of last week's game focused on the first 20min when the Demons were competitive before "that sort of petered out" and the Bombers kicked 22 goals to three for the rest of the match.

"For 15-20mins, it's in there, the ability to compete ... We thought that our effort was particularly pleasing for the first 20min of the game and our challenge is to clearly go a bit further than 20min."

Neeld defended his decision to drop Jack Watts to the VFL, saying he sat down with the former No.1 draft pick twice during the week to discuss "a whole range of issues".

"Jack's really clear on why he's not in the side, which is really important, but he's got a few things he'll be working on," he said.

The Demons after their Round 1 loss. Source: Getty Images

He also defended the broadcast of his pre-match address last weekend, saying the decision was made weeks before the match and the speech was filmed by a club staffer with a handycam, as it was every week.

"It is what it is, we are also aware than when it'z zip and two whatever you do people will find a way to cricitize it.

"You do something you get cricitised, you do nothing you get criticised, you go to Sorrento you should have gone to Torquay.

Neeld pleaded for patience, saying rebuilds were rarely completed in 12 months.

"We're doing everything we can, You can say whatever you like but I don't think you guys would be able to say you aren't having a go.

"The worst thing a football club can do when you've lost a couple on the track is sit down and do nothing, we're having a crack."

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Hird 'should consider standing down'

Essendon coach James Hird is set to reveal he received two injections from sports scientist Stephen Dank for health reasons.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou says there is much more to be revealed in the Essendon drugs saga. Picture: Gary Ramage Source: News Limited

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou thinks Essendon coach James Hird should consider stepping down while investigations into the Bombers' drugs program are completed.

The Herald Sun today revealed Bombers coach James Hird will tell anti-doping investigators he received two injections from sports scientest Stephen Dank, but will deny they contained illegal drugs.

Demetriou said Hird must at least weigh up standing aside from his role while the matters are being investigated, then returning to the role if cleared.

"As he goes through his thought process ... that is an option he has to consider," Demetriou told 3AW when asked if Hird should temporarily stand aside from coaching the Bombers.

"He has got an outstanding position in this game. He's been a wonderful servant to the Essendon Football Club, an ornament to AFL football.

"He's entitled to be able to put his position forward, which he will get the opportunity (to do) next week with ASADA.

"In the interim, those are the things that will have to cross his mind when he's contemplating what he's going to say to ASADA."

No jabs at Magpies, says Daisy

Demetriou stopped short of saying he'd like Hird to step aside.

"What is fair to say is that Essendon, who came forward ... instituted their own investigation about the governance and the processes. That will be released in the not too distant future," he said.

"Any person, regardless of their role at the club, who puts the duty of the care of their players at risk, will be held accountable."

James Hird goes for a walk in Perth this morning. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

Asked this morning if he thought Essendon hierarchy had widespread knowledge of the substance injecting program and a clear chain of command in implementing it, Demetriou said there were many details yet to be revealed.

"I'm privy to information that goes beyond what's been reported," Demetriou said on ABC radio.

But Demetriou wouldn't elaborate on what he knew, with ASADA yet to complete its investigation and Essendon's own report still to be released, but he said he was disappointed with the allegations which have engulfed both Hird and Essendon.

"You can't help but be disappointed, particularly as you find out more and understand more about what was going on," Demetriou said on 3AW.

"You'd appreciate I've got briefings that are more advanced than what's in the public domain. I think it's terribly important that we now get the investigations finalised quickly.

"Then we can get to the truth."

Demetriou confirmed it was not against AFL rules for coaches to use performance-enhancing drugs, provided they didn't encourage or direct players to use them.

Mark Robinson: Hird won't quit but must explain

"Under the current system, a coach who partakes in the use of performance-enhancing drugs is not covered by the WADA code," he said.

"A coach, however, who is instructive in allowing and has knowledge of the use of performance-enhancing drugs, through means of directing individuals, is covered by the WADA code."

The media pack follows Essendon defender Dustin Fletcher in Perth. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

Demetriou's latest comments came after email exchanges emerged that show Hird put rules in place for the use of supplements within the Essendon program.

They included strict stipulations that the supplements must not harm the players, must not be illegal under WADA and ASADA guidelines and that the club must get player permission before using them.

- with AAP

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Hird must have 'natural justice'

James Hird looks set to coach against Fremantle after Essendon chairman David Evans offered his support.

JAMES Hird looks set to coach his team against the Dockers tomorrow night after Essendon chairman David Evans said "no decision" would be made today in regards to his future.

Hird earlier said allegations that he took a drug, which players are banned from taking, during the 2012 season were "horrifying".

There is no suggestion that the drug is illegal or that Hird would be in breach of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) rules if it is proved he took the drugs.

Sports scientist Stephen Dank has claimed he injected Hird with a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Jon Ralph: Drug cloud hangs over Hird

Essendon coach James Hird has arrived at Windy Hill to waiting media eager to get his side of the story. Courtesy Seven News.

What James Hird allegedly took

Evans said that the allegations against Hird and other club officials in today's press were "very serious", but he wanted to "urge caution".

"The board will not be making a decision about these allegations today and it is extremely important that James and the others be afforded the opportunity to talk to ASADA and that basic right to natural justice," he said at a press conference.

"James Hird is a person of great respect of this club and indeed the football community, and the board will not be making decisions on the next steps until the process of the review and the investigation take their course."

Evans said there were "complex issues" impacting the club and they were "trying to respond to the facts as they come to hand".

He said the board was aware of irregular practices, which is why it self-reported to ASADA and the AFL.

"And I want to say this: I, as chairman, and the Essendon Football Club under my leadership have and will support ASADA and the AFL in their investigations," Evans said.

"As I said yesterday, the board has made it clear that the health and the safety of the players is paramount and that if anyone at our club has breached the duty of care, the board will act."

Hird and Essendon captain Jobe Watson left Windy Hill without further comment a short time later.

Earlier, Hird said the claims against him were "being made by a person or  people who appear determined to destroy my reputation".

Essendon coach James Hird arrives at Windy Hill this morning. Picture: Andrew Tauber

"I have at all times fully adhered to, and promoted the WADA code and the AFL rules, and the code of ethics of the Essendon Football Club," he said.

"I would never do anything to put the players of the Essendon Football Club or the club at risk. As I said in February, I am shocked our club is facing this situation.

"I will make no further comment at this stage as I am committed to assisting the ASADA and AFL investigation."

Andrew Bolt: Big shock - Hird allegedly takes legal drug

Hird said he would respond to the slurs. Picture: Andrew Tauber

Watson, speaking on the Matt & Jo Show this morning, said he never witnessed Hird take intravenous substances.

He added: "It's a horrible situation for him to be in, as strong as any person is, and Hirdy is probably one of the strongest people I've met with the highest integrity.

"It affects everyone.

"I'm sure that he's in a very unpleasant space at the moment, and it would mainly be because of the effect that it's having on his family."

And when asked how today's report would impact on the players, Watson responded:  "Unfortunately over the last six to eight weeks, we've become quite good at crisis management as a playing group.

"So, I think it is a distraction at the moment … but I think that by the time we get over there, we spend some time with each other and we'll get ready to play and we'll play."

Essendon is due to leave for Perth to play Fremantle tomorrow night. Picture: Andrew Tauber

A number of players arriving at Windy Hill gave no comment on the claims against Hird, however some did speak out and state he had the support of the playing group.

Bombers defender Kyle Hardingham said: "Yeah, nah, everyone's behind him (Hird) but we'll leave it up to the club."

Star David Zaharakis also answered "yes" when asked by the media whether the players would back Hird.

A club source told the Herald Sun last night: "James will fight this ... this is not true. James is an honorable person, these people are disreputable and the club will not rest until his name is fully cleared. This is an outrageous allegation."

Hird leaves his Toorak home on his way to Windy Hill. Picture: Nicole Garmston

A former head of ASADA said coaches are not asked to comply with the same rules as their players when it comes to banned substances.

While not commenting directly on the allegations, Richard Ings told 3AW radio this morning that the substances in question were not banned for coaches.

"These substances are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency code for players. If coaches are using such a banned substance it is not banned under the World Anti-Doping Agency code or the AFL anti-doping policy," Mr Ings said.

It is also claimed that Hird was aware of the entire supplements program at Essendon, which included taking players off site for injections, and that the players signed consent forms listing the type of supplements they'd be taking.

It's been reported a number of players took a form of pig's brain peptides, and an anti-obesity drug.

It's believed investigations by the club and ASADA will see the Bombers admit to not doing due diligence on the employment of staff, and "irregular practices".

Dank, who is at the centre of allegations about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in rugby league, made the latest claims in an interview with Fairfax Media.

The Herald Sun can reveal Hird had three stringent rules forming the basis of the supplement program:

THE players' welfare was the No.1 priority.

ALL supplements were to be ticked off by ASADA.

EVERYTHING was to be ticked off by the club doctor. It's understood the third rule was not always adhered to.

Dank continues to maintain none of the substances he gave players was in breach of the world anti-doping code or AFL rules.

"Before I've done anything in any forum, we have always had conversations with WADA or ASADA - or in some cases both," he said.

"They were always well informed of anything we were about to use. Nothing was ever used without asking them first and, in some cases, both parties were asked.

"Never once was anything indicated to me that we would have issues in terms of anything we used."

But he said Hird knew of the supplements program.

"Look, to be perfectly honest, a couple of coaches were using supplements that were a little bit outside the WADA code, but again they were entitled to (do) it, and nothing illegal in those."

Essendon has growing confidence players will be cleared of any link to performance-enhancing drugs.

The club's internal review into "irregular practices" is due in coming weeks.

---

THE STORY SO FAR

February 12: Former sports scientist Stephen Dank drops new bombshell claims

February 15: Drugs scandal takes huge toll on Essendon chairman

February 17: Essendon drug probe expected to last six months

February 22: Signed forms may save Essendon players

March 20: Essendon could face Senate inquiry

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Jolly to miss, Daisy to play

Collingwood ruckman Darren Jolly leaves the ground in pain during the Magpies' clash against Carlton. Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD ruckman Darren Jolly will miss Sunday's clash with Hawthorn, but Dale Thomas is a certain starter.

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley confirmed today that Jolly's rib injury will cost him at least a week on the sidelines.

Buckley said he would have to choose between the experience of Ben Hudson and the youth of Jarrod Witts to take on the Hawks.

"He (Jolly) won't come up," Buckley said. "He wasn't able to train today and he is still mitigating pain.

"The rib condition affected his ability to get back on the field on the weekend and it won't be right for Sunday."

Hudson had 20 disposals and 26 hitouts in the VFL last week while youngster Witts kicked three goals.

Buckley said Thomas, who has played two VFL games after off-season ankle surgery, would return to the side.

He is yet to make a decision on whether Thomas will start or will be the sub.

This morning Magpie players finally got a taste of their new Olympic Park oval, with president Eddie McGuire delighted that his long-term vision of expanding the Westpac Centre, including a new $11.3 million ground, had finally come to fruition.

"This is wonderful ... now we have got a magnificent facility in the shadows of the MCG," McGuire said.

"We are rapt that this beautiful facility is something that Collingwood can call home."

A large crowd of Collingwood faithful turned out this morning to mark the club's first training session on the ground, including some former Pies greats such as Peter McKenna.

The Magpies will no longer have to train at Gosch's Paddock, meaning they can just step outside the door of the Westpac Centre to train.

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Team-bonding Demons vow to fight

Melbourne Demons shocking start to the AFL season claims its first victim, with CEO Cameron Schwab standing down.

Melbourne FC has confirmed the resignation of chief executive Cameron Schwab after a disastrous start to the season

Cameron Schwab steps down as Demon CEO. Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has vowed to fight back in this week's game after the removal of their CEO yesterday.

At a team "bonding" breakfast in Sorrento today, assistant coach Neil Craig and star defender Jack Watts both said it was time to turn around their game.

Craig admitted the team was under immense pressure after two disastrous losses and the exit of CEO Cameron Schwab but said players wouldn't be affected by the latest management crisis.

"In footy clubs players play," he said.

People power, says AFL

"Obviosuly they want to know what is happening to a certain extent with the management of the club. But clearly their core business is to play.

"In the end they will get on with the job."

Defender Watts said, "Definitely" when asked whether the team could turn around their game.

"We are just focusing on the game for this weekend and the chance to get out there again," he said.

Coach Mark Neeld was at Hotel Sorrento with the team.

Craig admitted the latest crisis had placed pressure on the team and its coaches.

CEO Schwab quits

"Cameron has been in footy for a long time and has been a great contributor to the Melbourne Football Club," he said.

"I have personally enjoyed working with him and I haven't had the opportunity to talk to him yet.

"The AFL industry is a high-pressure industry at the best of times.

"From my perspective, let's worry about the football playing side of things because the game comes around pretty quickly next week."

The team is expected to return to Casey Fields for training today.
 

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Racist fans face bans - Demetriou

Carlton star Chris Yarran in action on Sunday. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has mooted league-imposed bans on fans found guilty of severe cases of racial abuse towards players.

Demetriou said he supported Collingwood in its investigation following allegations two members abused Carlton player Chris Yarran during last Sunday's blockbuster at the MCG.

"If there is anyone in the crowd that thinks it's OK in this day and age they will be dealt with if there was proof," Demetriou told 3AW this morning.

"If it was very severe then the AFL might take action... we might prevent someone from going to the football for some period of time."

It is claimed that one of the men called Yarran a "petrol sniffer" and the other said he was a "black ----" after he scored a goal.

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert said last night the club had launched an investigation after receiving a formal complaint from a Magpie member that offensive language was used towards a Carlton player.

"We have been advised of the seat numbers of the two club members who allegedly racially vilified the Carlton player," Pert said.

The alleged slurs happened during Sunday's AFL match between Collingwood and Carlton. Photo: Getty Images

"Several members of the crowd have claimed the language was highly offensive and we are now making contact with other members who may have been within earshot. I would encourage anyone who was at the game and witness to the alleged behaviour to contact the club.

"Our position on vilification is absolute. If the allegations are proven, memberships of the offenders will be cancelled indefinitely."

The Magpies have zero tolerance to racism and withdrew the membership of a 20-year-old who called Nigerian-born Gold Coast player Joel Wilkinson a "monkey" during a game at the MCG last July.

Collingwood member Ray Stewart, with wife Jacqui, labelled the slurs "disgraceful". Picture: Jon Hargest

Magpie Dale Thomas pledged his support to Wilkinson as they walked off the ground and then lodged an official complaint.

Another Collingwood member, Ray Stewart, said yesterday he contacted the complaint line at the MCG on Sunday to report the racial abuse and, while MCC security staff and police spoke to a person, they did not ask him to leave the ground because it is understood they could not positively identify him.

Mr Stewart, who was with a group of friends and family, said the offending person always sat in the same reserved seat in an area set aside for Collingwood members at home games.

"I was disgusted that he wasn't escorted out," he said.

"The security and police never asked anyone their opinion. It's just so wrong."

Mr Stewart said he was about three metres away from the man at the time.

"People like this should not be allowed to go to another footy game . . . it was just so disgraceful," he said.

Mr Stewart said the man, aged about 50, was wearing football shorts, a T-shirt and thongs.

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I won't save them: Lyon

Garry Lyon says he doesn't have time to help Melbourne. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

REVERED Melbourne identity Garry Lyon has dismissed calls to step in and help fix the Demons, saying he does not have the time.

As his club was being annihilated by Essendon at the MCG on Saturday night, Lyon has revealed his phone was buzzing with Melbourne people urging him to step up and help stop the rot.

But Lyon, who helped appoint embattled coach Mark Neeld, last night declared that would not be happening.

"My phone didn't stop the whole night during from Melbourne people - former players, supporters saying: 'Do something,'" he said on Channel Nine.

Catch up on last night's footy shows

"Well, it is time for someone else to do something.

"I can't do it - circumstances don't allow me to do it professionally.

"And it is not something I am involved or interested in doing."

SHOULD GARRY LYON HELP THE DEMONS? HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW

The former Melbourne great, who was a close friend of the late Jim Stynes, said it was not the time for the club to panic.

"He's (Neeld) under enormous pressure...I can't sit back and watch what unfolds on the weekend and not question myself or where they are at as a football club," he said.

"But what I'm not going to do, is on the back of a season and two games, go back on the process and all the reasons we appointed Mark and say they're not right."

Lyon backed the current football department to get the club out of this hole.

"Greg Healy is the footy director and I have great faith in Greg," he said.

"He's a good operator, I have faith in Neil Craig.

"Any other help that can come Melbourne's way, whether it be from the AFL, then I would support it."
 

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Stevie J could face Blues

Geelong star Steve Johnson is on the verge of returning from injury. Source: Getty Images

GEELONG forward Steve Johnson is a chance to return against Carlton on Saturday night, while Jared Rivers has been ruled out for up to three more weeks.

Johnson had minor surgery on his left knee on March 26, and Cats coach Chris Scott said today he could be back against the Blues at Etihad Stadium.

"He's some sort of chance. He'll be disappointed that I've rated him some sort of chance, he's very confident that he'll play, our medical staff think he's a chance but there's just more work that needs to be done before we can make a definitive judgement,'' Scott said.

"Steve has a bit of input but the medical staff has more, they're the ones that need to make that judgement.

"Only he knows how he feels so that's where he comes into the decision-making process and I'm clearly third in line when it comes to making that decision.

"In terms of his preparation to play AFL football through the pre-season, he's got a lot of work behind him and we're confident that if he's available and he comes into the team, that he'll be able to perform to a high level based on that preparation.''

Scott confirmed that Rivers who missed Sunday's comeback win over North Melbourne had a slight strain of the posterior cruciate ligament.

"The prognosis was anywhere between two and four weeks, so we're banking on three but if it is four it wouldn't surprise us,'' Scott said.

"He won't play until he's absolutely ready to play his best footy.''

Scott said young forward Daniel Menzel was a certainty to play his first game back in the VFL this week after undergoing his third knee reconstruction over summer.

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Mick admits Pies are better

Nathan Buckley takes bragging rights over old mentor Mick Malthouse as Collingwood defeats old enemy Carlton in a MCG classic.

Magpie Scott Pendlebury clears by hand during the third quarter against Carlton at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse before the start of yesterday's blockbuster at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

MICK Malthouse says Collingwood may be the best side in the competition, with the Carlton coach last night moving to ease the pressure on his winless Blues.

Malthouse was keen to give a "little lesson in history" on the recent form line of both clubs after Carlton was run down by the rampant Magpies in the last quarter at the MCG.

The Blues lead by 18 points nine minutes into the third quarter and by 10 points at the last change.

But they were outworked and out-thought by Collingwood in the last half-hour, conceding seven goals to three.

"What went wrong? We played probably one of the best sides in the competition.

"They might even be No.1,'' Malthouse said.

"They were better when it counted most.

"They were smarter with the footy and they just worked a bit harder.''

Collingwood's runners surged into space in an irresistible last quarter assault, racking up 27 uncontested marks to 11.

Scott Pendlebury, Dane Swan and Steele Sidebottom all finished strongly.

"They're a very good football side," he said.

"I think sometimes we just need a little lesson in history to say, 'Well, they were on top of the ladder for a long time last year, they finished third or fourth, we finished ninth or 10th or whatever and there's a gap and we've got to close that gap','' Malthouse said.

"We've got to be better and we'll approach every week to get better and smarter and do something about it.

"There's no joy in getting beaten by 17 points, but I know we can match it for periods of time with one the best sides and that's the most encouraging thing about this.

"We will work to lengthen that time from 10 minutes to 11, from 15 to 20.

"In the last two weeks we just haven't been consistent, we haven't been smart enough with the footy at times and we haven't probably been running hard enough."

Chris Yarran shows Ben Johnson a clean pair of heels as he heads towards the goals during the 2nd qtr of the Collingwood vs Carlton match at the MCG. April 7, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

Carlton captain Mark Murphy said: "Their good players got on top ... it's pretty disappointing.

"We played in parts and against good sides you've got to play for the full four quarters to get the win."

Asked if he was happy the match and the momentous build-up was over, Malthouse shrugged his shoulders.

"That's life. I've been in big games before, it's the way it is," he said.

The Blues face Geelong, West Coast (away) and Adelaide in the next three weeks in a daunting opening to the season, but Malthouse strongly believes his side are getting there.

"I'll walk out of here disapppionted and tomorrow ... I'll be as positive as I know I can be with this group of players," he said.

"They are nearing it and we're getting better and we'll get better each week and at some stage that result will click over to a victory and it will give us the confidence to go forward."

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Goal umpire out for season

Goal umpire Courtenay Lai was stretchered off the field after Bulldogs hardnut Liam Picken accidently fell across his leg

Goal umpire Courtney Lai lies on the ground after injuring his knee at Etihad Stadium on Saturday. Source: HWT Image Library

GOAL umpire Courtney Lai will have surgery on Thursday to repair damage to his knee suffered in a sickening clash with Bulldog Liam Picken on the weekend.

Lai tore both his anterior cruciate ligament and medial ligament on Saturday when Picken, who tried in vain to smother a goalsquare shot by Fremantle's Michael Walters, fell across his left leg.

Lai, a doctor by trade, is expected to need six to nine months worth of rehabilitation on the knee.

The AFL confirmed today that Lai would not officiate again in 2013, but would return for the 2014 season.

Lai has umpired 24 games since making his debut in 2011.

Watch the collision in the video player above

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LIVE: Cats v Roos

Matthew Stokes will start as the substitute for Geelong today. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

Both teams go into the match unchanged with North Melbourne opting for rebounding defender Ben Jacobs as its substitute.

The Cats on the other hand have taken a different approach with small forward Matthew Stokes being given the substitute duties for the match under the roof at Etihad Stadium.

It will be the second time these two sides have met since taking part in ground breaking pre-season match day simulation training together at Simonds Stadium.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats

Geelong defeated North Melbourne in a tight contest during the third round of the NAB Cup with veteran Cat Paul Chapman the difference, kicking three goals in the final quarter.

Kangaroos assistant coach Brett Allison said both teams kept their "cards close to their chests" during the pre-season work outs.

"Pre-season sessions with Geelong worked really well. (They were) good for both sides," Allison told Geelong's K Rock radio station this morning.

Allison said the Kangaroos would be looking to improve their attack on the contest after last week's disappointing loss to Collingwood.

"Tackling and ball use (are the) most important areas of improvement against the Cats."

Meanwhile, Allison said hyped Kangaroo Majak Daw is being rated as a forward and must go past marking targets Lachie Hansen, Robbie Tarrant and Drew Petrie to earn a spot in the best 22.

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Dees lacking desire to compete

Neil Craig and Mark Neeld at Melbourne training. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE assistant Neil Craig has thrown his support behind Demons coach Neil Craig, ruling out a return to senior coaching ranks.

Craig, Adelaide's longest serving coach, quit in 2011 after seven years at the club following the Crows 103-point loss to St Kilda.

"I'll be doing everything absolutely possible to support Mark Neeld," Craig, the Demons director of sports performance, told SEN radio.

"My days (as senior coach) are done.

"I think I was pretty clear at Adelaide about that. I'm enjoying my team at Melbourne... those days are done."

Craig said the Demons had what it takes to bounce back after last night's embarrassing 148-point hammering by Essendon at the MCG.

"We need to get this combative effort, this desire to compete, both offensively and defensively back... the intensity we see in our preparation we haven't seen in our games.

"We saw glimpses of it in the NAB Cup.

"The bottom line is we can't move with game plan structures unless there's competitive element in your game and nothing else happens until that's in place."

Craig stood by the Demons recruiting of tried veterans David Rodan, Shannon Byrnes and Cameron Pedersen.
Byrnes collected 11 disposals at 55 per cent efficiency last night.

Rodan was initially dropped, along with Pedersen, but came in as a late inclusion for Jordie McKenzie (calf) who
broke down in the warm up.

The former Port Adelaide and Richmond goalsneak picked up six disposals as the substitute.

"Those guys had an opportunity during the NAB Cup to push their case," he said.

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