Selwood inspires Cats to victory

A superb third quarter from Geelong helps the Cats defeat Sydney Swans in a high-scoring clash at the SCG.

The spotlight returned to the AFL's sliding rule when Sydney goal sneak Ben McGlynn became the latest pinged for making the football, not the man, his sole objective

Geelong captain Joel Selwood bursts out of the middle to drive the Cats forward. Picture: Philip Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

A VINTAGE Joel Selwood performance has led Geelong to a 21-point win over Sydney, as it confirmed its premiership credentials.

The Geelong captain was exceptional at the SCG as the Cats extended their unbeaten run to four wins to start the season.

Selwood had 30 possessions in a dominant display, again leading from the front as the Cats fought from 19 points back in the early stages of the second quarter, to run out comfortable winners.

The 4-0 start to the season, with the Western Bulldogs to come next week, sets up a perfect run to the second half of the season that includes six of the last 10 games of the season at Simonds Stadium.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats

Geelong beat Sydney at its own game, picking the perfect time to turn around its form at the stoppages which saw it ranked last in the competition heading into this round.

The Cats' intensity and work at the clearances blew the game open in the third quarter, as they piled on seven goals to one for the quarter.

They stopped Sydney's run through the middle which strangled its scoring opportunities.

The Swans didn't kick a goal between the 11-minute mark of the second quarter, when the margin was out to 19
points, to the 26-minute mark of the third quarter, as Geelong completely got on top.

Selwood played a quarter to remember in the third term, picking up seven disposals, at 100 per cent efficiency, which eventually led to seven Geelong scores, including six goals.

AFL - Sydney Swans v Geelong Cats at the SCG. Sydney's Adam Goodes gets out a diving handball ahead of the Cats Joel Selwood. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: The Daily Telegraph

Geelong's pressure on Sydney became its trademark, particularly from the midway point of the second term, as it applied the screws.

The Swans simply couldn't find the answers.

Geelong dominated the clearances in the middle two quarters when the game was really in the balance.

They won seven to four out of the centre in those two terms.

Young Geelong midfielder George Horlin-Smith vindicated his promotion back to the senior team, ably assisting
Selwood in the middle with 23 touches and doing his lion's share at the stoppages, winning seven clearances.

Swans lose discipline, composure

Daniel Hannebery worked tirelessly for the Swans all night, battling on after copping a couple of huge knocks to finish his two-goal game with 29 touches.

It was a night when Geelong's key forwards didn't get it their way, but the spread of goalkickers is what did the Swans in.

Twelve Geelong players kicked goals last night, with the main target, Tom Hawkins, getting his three when the Cats finally had all the momentum.

Hawkins battled Ted Richards, who probably still finished with the points, despite Hawkins finishing with a credible three goals.

The contest was setup by an extraordinary first quarter that produced 15 goals.

For two teams renowned as tough, contested sides, it was an unexpectedly open, end-to-end term, as both teams ran the ball out of their back half, and converted remarkably accurately.

Lewis Roberts-Thomson was started up forward, but Chris Scott countered that, sending his own swingman, Harry Taylor, forward in a cameo in the middle of the first term that produced two goals.

The Cats were clearly intent on using the corridor, going inside at every opportunity as they tried to slice through the middle of the SCG.

AFL - Sydney Swans v Geelong Cats at the SCG. Sydney's Adam Goodes gets out a diving handball ahead of the Cats Joel Selwood. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: The Daily Telegraph

The Swans were pushing all their numbers back, and then trying to outrun Geelong on the way back to goal.
Josh Kennedy, after a quiet start, started to get into it the longer the first quarter went.

The Swans started to get the game on their terms in the second quarter, restricting Geelong as it battled to get the ball past centre or half-forward.

They had kicked five of six goals either side of quarter time and were really starting to step up the scoreboard pressure on the Cats.

Geelong put the clamps down on Jarrad McVeigh, who had a game-high 10 possessions, four clearances and two goals in the first quarter.

He was held to just two touches in the second quarter as the Cats held in as Sydney threatened to open a comfortable lead.

With Steve Johnson and Steven Motlop held to just three touches for the second quarter, Sydney had stifled Geelong's creativity, and that had flow-on effects as it tried to go inside 50s.

Daniel Hannebery continued on his way, racking up 18 touches by the main break, but it was Selwood who stepped it up for the Cats, picking up 10 second-quarter possessions, as he lifted the intensity in the middle.

And while it was Sydney that looked to be getting on top in the first half of the second quarter, Geelong had pegged the margin back to just five points by half time.

The damage was restricted because of Geelong's dominance in the middle, winning 11 clearances to Sydney's three for the second term.

They had 100 possessions to just 77, and had control of the uncontested ball as the tried to find space.

Sydney's setup was also hampered by a knee injury to Roberts-Thomson, who was subbed out of the game during the second quarter.

Geelong kicked six unanswered goals from just before half time to the final 10 minutes of the third quarter, to establish an ascendency Sydney would never peg back.

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LIVE: Saturday arvo footy

David Mundy will captain Fremantle. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: News Limited

LATE CHANGES:
Hawthorn: Brent Guerra out, replaced by Shane savage
Fremantle: Luke McPharlin out, replaced by debutant Tanner Smith
Collingwood: Tyson Goldsack out, replaced by Brent Macaffer
Richmond: Nil

SUBSTITUTES:
Hawthorn: Shane Savage
Fremantle: Lachie Neale
Collingwood: Josh Thomas
Richmond: Brandon Ellis

VIDEO: Watch highlights of new Docker Tanner Smith here

DAVID Mundy will captain a further weakened Fremantle side against Hawthorn today, which has also lost star defender Luke McPharlin.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

The full-back was a late withdrawal after suffering concussion in the opening minutes of last week's loss to Essendon in a collision with Paddy Ryder that cost him a three-week suspension.

The Hawks also swung a late change, with Shane Savage replacing Brent Guerra.

Savage and young Docker Lachie Neale will start in the green vests.

Track the match with live SuperCoach points, scores and more at Live HQ

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AFL to grill Dees over Dank link

Melbourne is the second AFL club embroiled in the performance-enhancing drugs controversy after text messages between sports scientist Stephen Dank and club doctor Dan Bates emerged

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says Melbourne would have broken league rules if it is found to have had an association with Stephen Dank.

The AFL and anti-doping agency ASADA will today grill Melbourne club doctor Dan Bates over text messages he is alleged to have exchanged with Dank. They were due to meet at 10.30am this morning.

"They will be in breach of a rule," Demetriou said on 3AW this morning. "But can I just wait until after we've had a briefing this morning.

"We (AFL) asked the specific question that the media had asked: 'Was Stephan Dank approached or did Stephan Dank approach Melbourne, or was there a discussion around employment at the Melbourne Football Club'.

"And we got the same answer the public got. The people in authority didn't give us the answers."

Demetriou refused to reveal whether the club officials that responded to the AFL's original inquiries remain at the club and also said that "there may be more" to story.

Demetriou also said claims on the ABC's 7.30 Report that it had text messages between Bates and former Essendon sports scientist Dank were inconsistent with what Melbourne had told the AFL.

"They had maintained a position ... that they've never employed Stephen Dank,'' Demetriou told ABC radio.

"If there is an association with Mr Dank, that is inconsistent with what we have been told.''

Demons' full statement: we are clean

The ABC's revelations are certain to lead to the ASADA and the AFL widening the probe into supplement use to include the Demons.

Demetriou said Melbourne had some questions to answer if the ABC report was true.

"As of this morning we will be calling in the doctor, the Melbourne Football Club doctor, together with any other relevant officials based on things we'd been told previously,'' Mr Demetriou said.

"There appears to be some inconsistencies.

"If there was an association, regardless of whether there has been an employment agreement, I think that would have been relevant to our briefings.''

Demetriou did not want to speculate on the ramifications for the club, but did say that Melbourne would have broken league rules if it was shown to have mislead the AFL about a relationship with Dank.

"This issue of ethics and trust in our code ... is something that you can't play ping-pong with,'' Mr Demetriou said.

"If anybody hasn't got the message that they must be absolutely truthful ... then there will be consequences.''

Sports scientist Stephen Dank.

Texts trip up Demons

In a lengthy statement on Friday morning, Melbourne said there was no evidence any of its supplements breached the WADA drug code, and that Dank never directly treated players nor worked directly for the club.

But it admitted Bates and Dank had been in communication prior to the launch of ASADA's investigation into Essendon, though Bates always had the final say in any treatment for Demons players.

"At no time was Dank able to directly treat players,'' Melbourne said in its statement.

Demetriou backs silent James Hird

"Dank and Dr Bates communicated via email, phone and text, regarding supplements (prior to the ASADA investigation).

"Our processes require Dr Bates to consider the appropriateness of any treatment and make a determination as to its suitability at all times, to ensure that the welfare of our players is always maintained.''

Neeld: We're level with GWS

The AFL, which last week said Essendon was the only club involved in the wider Australian sport anti-doping investigation, issued the Demons with a ``please explain'' over their involvement with Dank on Thursday night.

"The AFL was not previously aware of the claims broadcast ... by the ABC and these will form part of ongoing investigations by ASADA and the AFL,'' the AFL said in a statement.

"The AFL is urgently seeking a further explanation from Melbourne Football Club about the veracity of the claims and how they can be reconciled with previous statements from the club.''

The ABC alleges the text messages between Dank and Bates continued until the day Essendon fronted a media conference to reveal they had concerns over their supplements program and Dank's work at that club.

AFL Round 4 teams: Watts back for Dees

SOME OF THE ALLEGED TEXT MESSAGES

Dank to Bates: "Meeting with Neil Craig next Tuesday or Wednesday. Spoke to Dave today."

Bates to Dank: "Great."

Dank to Bates: "When we will start Jack Trengove on the AOD?"

Bates to Dank: "Tomorrow"

Bates to Dank: "Where can I get him to pick it up from?"

Dank to Bates: "The pharmacy. Tell him to ring me and he can meet me there."

Bates to Dank: "...Lynden Dunn would like an injection on Thursday if possible (good about Dunny asking, as he is doing it because the other guys have said they feel good). Dan."

Dank to Bates: "Great. I will book him in."

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Magpies say Cloke will play

Sam Edmund, Jay Clark and Ben Dixon join Brad Johnson to discuss their picks ahead of round 4.

Travis Cloke left the training track early today after hurting his finger. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

FORWARD Travis Cloke sent a scare through the Collingwood camp this morning when he was forced to leave training early with a dislocated finger.

But Magpies officials strenuously deny the All-Australian is in any doubt for tomorrow's blockbuster clash with Richmond at the MCG.

Club doctors didn't try to hide the extent of the 26-year-old's mishap as they attempted to put his finger back in to place on the boundary line at Olympic Park.

And teammate Dane Swan said Cloke was showing no ill-effects after training.

"From all reports he's good to go, he popped his finger back in," Swan said.

"I just saw him and he said he's fine, so I think he's fine."

While Cloke's importance to the Magpies line-up cannot be understated, it is the midfield group that Swan believes will go a long way to deciding the game against the Tigers.

Swan praised the way Richmond has started the season and said it was up to the likes of he, Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom to curb the influence of Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio and co.

"They've for some very speedy, good types in there," Swan said.

"For me, personally, I think that's where the game will be won or lost.

"If we can beat them in contested footy and clearances, which I suppose everyone says every week, but this week there's nothing more important for me and the other midfielders to give our forwards first use of the ball.

"If we get it in our forward half first it gives is a chance to set up defensively behind it as well."
 

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Swan wants to stay on with Pies

Collingwood star Dane Swan has said it's ridiculous where some rumours start, and if every rumour about him were true, he'd be dead.

Magpie Dane Swan (centre) at Collingwood training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Dane Swan in action against Hawthorn last Sunday. Source: Herald Sun

CONTROVERSIAL midfielder Dane Swan wants to play on with Collingwood beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of next year.

Swan, who against Richmond on Saturday will play his 200th AFL match, has said previously he would give the game away when his existing deal ran out.

But the 29-year-old revealed last night that he had changed his mind - partly because he felt he still owed the club more.

"I am certainly not going to be Dustin Fletcher and play until I am 38," Swan told The Club on Fox Footy on Wednesday night.

"I am contracted until the end of next season and hopefully I can go around at least once or twice more.

"While I am able to contribute at a reasonably high level, I would like to think I would still be around, (but) the footy club would have to have me first."

Swan also said:

* HE had no intention of playing for another AFL club when his time at Collingwood was over.

* HE still owed the club more than it owed him, for saving his career "when it was going down the toilet".

* IF all the rumours about him were true, "I'd be dead".

Also during the interview, which the Herald Sun reported on last  night, Swan admitted he wanted to change the public perception of him.

"There is a perception of me out there," he said.

"Whether it's right or whether it's not, I suppose the damage has been done.

"But I'm slowly trying to repair it because I don't like my parents and family listening to talk-back radio and reading social media tweets."

Swan said his family had been hurt by what has been said about him.

"When your mum rings you up and you hear she is upset on the phone, that's when you probably realise that enough is enough," he said.

Swan said the life of an AFL footballler can be a "horrible world" and understands how it could lead to depression.

"I can understand how some AFL players could get depression," he said.

Picture gallery: Swan warms up for game 200

"Sometimes it can be a real horrible world for AFL footballers, even though we do have a great lifestyle.

"Just the media backlash you cop and the social media outbursts and the rants on all the websites and blogs.

"If you didn't have thick skin or you didn't handle negative words really well, I can understand why a player could suffer from depression."
 

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'I'm so proud, thank you so much'

The Hangar was granted exclusive access to Essendon's post-match speeches following their win over Freemantle.

Bombers coach James Hird celebrates beating Fremantle with David Zaharakis (left) and Ben Howlett. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON coach James Hird delivered an emotional speech to his players in the Subiaco rooms last Friday night, in which he thanked them and told of his pride after their win over Fremantle.

On Fox Footy program The Hangar last night, Hird's post-match speech to his players following the win was shown.

In it, Hird - who this week met with ASADA investigators - told his players just how much the win meant to him and the club.

"Anything is possible if you continue to play with that hunger and train with that hunger," Hird said.

James Hird and the players belt out the team song after beating Fremantle. Source: Herald Sun

"I'm so proud of you, I thank you so much. I personally...just thank you, thank you."

READ HIRD'S FULL SPEECH TO HIS PLAYERS AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS STORY

Inspirational skipper Jobe Watson was not to be outdone, jumping in following Hird's speech to declare his solid support for the club.

"From a player's perspective, the way the club is handling it and the people around it, it's comforting to come to the club and see these people here," he said.

How sweet it is. Source: Getty Images

"Because you know the people inside the football club care about you and they're the people you can lean on.

"So, I'm saying it now - I know when I get around the club that we'll be OK.

"It's special because of the people in this room."

Hird's full speech to the players in the rooms following the win:

"Let's talk about pressure and the way you handled that pressure. We didn't handle it well early, did we?

"They were much better than us early. You're going to have to handle more pressure than that - finals are big games.

"But to come from five goals or six goals down at Subiaco and beat a very, very good team and run them off their legs, it's an incredible effort.

"And I think Jobe you said it at the start of the game, let's coach ourselves out on the ground.

"That's what leadership is all about - coaching yourself when things aren't going right. Well done to everyone in this footy club, tonight was an amazing effort. Everything has been incredible - we just have to keep it going, alright?

"You've got to enjoy your win, get to bed when you get to bed, wake up the next morning in the hotel (laughs) and let's go after St Kilda.

"Anything is possible if you continue to play with that hunger and train with that hunger. I'm so proud of you, I thank you so much. I personally...just thank you, thank you."

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Mick weighs up four talls

Robert Warnock could play his first game for the season against West Coast on Saturday night. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON coach Mick Malthouse is considering recalling both Levi Casboult and Rob Warnock for Saturday's crunch game against West Coast.

The Blues lost ruckman Matthew Kreuzer to a broken thumb, which only compounded their 0-3 start to the season.

Warnock's 2012 season was ruined by a shoulder injury. He hasn't played since Round 14.

"It's either going to be Levi Casboult, or both, and Robbie Warnock,'' Malthouse said today.

"We understand we're a little bit short in terms of talls in our side…We might go a little bit taller.

"We could play both.''

Shaun Hampson is already in the side and Malthouse said he wasn't against playing Sam Rowe in the ruck, but admitted he would need support.

"You're talking about the No. 1 ruckman in the league, (Dean) Cox has been that for a number of years,'' he said.

"We know that we're going to have a big job and perhaps the best way to do that is multi-choice and multi-go. It's very hard to lock one player in on a bloke like Cox."

Jarrad Waite and Eddie Betts are not expected to play this weekend.

Malthouse refused to dwell on the club's poor start to the season.

"It's not about win-loss, it's about process," he said.

"Are we playing good football? Yes, we are in patches.

"Are we playing well enough to beat our opponents? No, because we're not doing that for a full game.

"That's what we have to look at, not (just) the result of the football game."
 

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Beams out for another month

Collingwood onballer Dayne Beams is out for another month. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: The Advertiser

COLLINGWOOD best and fairest winner Dayne Beams has reinjured his thigh and the midfielder is at least another month away from playing again.

Beams' setback has cast a pall over the Magpies' preparations for the blockbuster against unbeaten Richmond at the MCG on Saturday.

The classy midfielder felt pain in his thigh when he tried to step up training last weekend and he has been ordered to rest.

"The last thing you want to do when you walk into a medical meeting is to hear one of your better players is probably another three or four weeks (out) longer than you anticipated,'' coach Nathan Buckley said today.

"Beamsy is incredibly frustrated by it and our medics are working hard to get him up to speed. At the same time, it's no use pushing a player up if he's 85 percent fit. The intensity of the game requires full fitness and we won't be putting any of our players in that danger zone by pushing them up before they're ready.

"It's a bit of a rebleed which just signals to us that it (injury) was more significant than we initially thought and we've just got to give it a little more time.''
 

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Tigers dominate Team of the Week

Essendon coach James Hird gets the nod ahead of Power coach Ken Hinkley. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

WITH apologies to Ken Hinkley it was just a little bit hard to overlook James Hird as coach for our Round 3 Team of the Week.

If some of Hird's harshest critics had their was he would be incarcerated rather than organising a meritorious victory over Fremantle in Perth.

So to deal with the pressure aside of an on-going investigation elevates Hird to coach, despite Hinkley revitalising Port Adelaide.

SCROLL DOWN FOR LIVE CHAT WITH JON ANDERSON FROM 12NOON

On the field there are a couple of new names in defenders Jake Carlisle and Jacob Brennan although you can expect to see plenty of them in the future.

The Richmond on-ball duo of Brett Deledio and Dustin Martin could easily have been joined by teammate Trent Cotchin in the best 18, while Carlton's Andrew Walker was unlucky to miss a defensive role.

On a mobile device? Click here for a better viewing experience.

BATTLE ON: Essendon's Jake Carlisle and Fremantle's Matthew Pavlich compete for the ball. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

Round 3 Team of the Week

B: Josh Gibson (Hawthorn): So cool when it matters.

Jake Carlisle (Essendon): The 2009 pick 24 looks one out of the box.

Jacob Brennan (West Coast): The son of Michael is going to be a player.

HB: Grant Bitchall (Hawthorn): Has become someone you can almost pen in to this team.

Harry Taylor (Geelong): Is there a better contested mark in the AFL?

Luke Hodge (Hawthorn, captain): His supposed demise was clearly right off the money.

Brad Ebert, Hamish Hartlett and Travis Boak celebrate Port Adelaide's Showdown win. Picture: Simon Cross Source: The Advertiser

C: David Armitage (St Kilda): So important for the Saints that he and Steven regain top form.

Travis Boak (Port Adelaide): We are starting to see what all the fuss was about.

Matthew Stokes (Geelong): From a substitute in Rd 2 to BOG a week later.

HF: Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle): A shining light in a side that lacks X factor.

Jonathan Brown (Brisbane): Back to his best after a slow start to 2013.

Dustin Martin (Richmond): Still trying to work out how he went at Pick 3 in 2009.

Collingwood v Hawthorn, MCG, 3rd term lance franklin goal, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

F: Travis Cloke (Collingwood): Looks a different player without the contract hassles.

Buddy Franklin (Hawthorn): After an indifferent Rd 1 the Buddy show is back in town.

Daniel Hannebery (Sydney): Sure he didn't play in a forward pocket but he has to be in somewhere

R: Dean Cox (West Coast): Cemented his position as the best ruckman in the game.

Jarrad McVeigh (Sydney): Just a near perfect start to the season.

Chris Judd (Carlton): Did everything to get the Blues up.

Trent Cotchin gets a quick kick. AFL Round 3: Richmond v Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, Docklands. Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

INT:  Trent Cotchin (Richmond): Just another sublime exhibition from the young master.

Callan Ward (GWS): A really honest hard-nut who has been a perfect pick-up.

Brett Deledio (Richmond): A remarkably consistent player who is kicking stunning goals.

Substitute: Farren Ray (St Kilda): Shouldn't be wearing a vest next week.

Coach: James Hird (Essendon): Had a few things on his mind before helping to conquer the west.

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Hird confronts drugs investigators

Mark Thompson has spoken of the strain James Hird is under as the Essendon coach faces an ASADA investigation.

Essendon coach James Hird could be banned by the AFL if found guilty using a banned substance. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

ESSENDON coach James Hird has reaffirmed his determination to clear his name ahead of interviews with drugs investigators today.

Hird left his Toorak home this morning, dressed in a suit and Bombers tie, saying he was looking forward to meeting Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) officers.

"I'm just looking forward to having my say," he said.

Asked if he was confident he could clear his name, Hird said: "Yes mate."

Hird will not be under oath when he faces drugs investigators for the first time today.

But he nevertheless would face tough penalties if found not to have told the truth.

ASADA officers are probing claims that players received banned intravenous injections - one of several concerns raised about the club's sports science regimen last year.

Sports scientist Stephen Dank has said that during his time at Essendon he injected Hird with the performance-enhancing drug Hexarelin, which is banned for players.

The AFL Anti-Doping Code demands players and coaches must:

FULLY co-operate with any investigation.

FULLY and truthfully answer all questions.

PROVIDE documents if requested.

New doubt over Dank's credentials

The questions Hird must answer today

Bomber fans plan show of support

Players and coaches who fail to do this face a minimum $10,000 fine. If a breach of this section is referred to the AFL Tribunal by the league, there is no limit on the sanction that can be applied.

The code prohibits coaches from supplying and administering performance-enhancing drugs, but not from taking them.

The AFL can sanction anyone it believes has brought the game into disrepute.

Evidence gathered by ASADA would ultimately come before the AFL Tribunal if the agency found players or officials had a case to answer.

Former ASADA chief Richard Ings said: "In the infraction notice (from the AFL), it will say ASADA has told the AFL that you have a case to answer for breaching these provisions of the anti-doping rules; the penalty for this breach is a ban, or whatever -- two years, say; you have an opportunity now to either accept the ban, or to request a hearing before the AFL anti-doping panel.

"The hearing, the tribunal, is held by the AFL.

"ASADA would be the counsel prosecuting the case, because they've got the evidence, and the player and his attorney would be the defence."

Hird is expected to be accompanied by a lawyer, or lawyers, today.

Under common ASADA practices:

THE interview would be conducted by two ASADA officials.

AN investigator from the AFL's integrity office could attend and ask questions.

THE interview would be recorded.

Hird is not bound by privacy laws and can share anything from the interview.

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Kelty defends meeting with Hird

James Hird celebrates with players after Friday's win. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

AFL commissioner Bill Kelty has defended his weekend meeting with embattled Essendon coach James Hird.

Mr Kelty revealed he had told the league that he would remove himself from any involvement in any AFL Commission decision it made on the Essendon drugs scandal and Hird.

Mr Kelty, a Bombers supporter, said he had a conflict of interest because of a business association with Essendon president David Evans and his friendship with Hird, whom he visited at his Toorak home on Saturday night.

ASADA to interview Hird on Tuesday

Mark Robinson: Who's right in this astonishing story?

Asked whether it was appropriate for him to visit Hird, Mr Kelty said: "I have already indicated to the AFL that if the matter comes to the AFL for consideration that I would have a conflict of interest arising out of my chairmanship with David Evans and our close friendship."

Andrew Demetriou says Essendon coach James Hird should consider standing down over drug allegations.

Mr Kelty confirmed he spoke to Hird on Saturday night and "went through the issues with him".

"As I said, I have already indicated that I would stand aside from the AFL for this matter if it comes to Essendon," he said.

"It's only on this issue and I said that from the outset. As soon as it came to light I said that because I'm a very close friend of David Evans."

Mr Kelty said he chaired Mr Evans' stockbroking company's advisory committee. He said while he knew Hird, he would not say if he was a close friend.

Premiership teammates and close friends have urged Hird to continue coaching Essendon, despite pressure from the AFL and his looming ASADA interrogation.

AFL commissioner Bill Kelty leaves James Hird's house on Saturday night.

Hird maintains he will not consider standing down as he deals with allegations that he took the WADA-banned Hexarelin and had detailed knowledge of the club's now notorious supplements program.

After the Bombers' win against Fremantle on Friday night, Hird again expressed confidence about proving his innocence.

He is to be interviewed by Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigators tomorrow.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said on Friday that Hird should consider stepping down, but it was understood yesterday the league would not force him to walk away as coach.

The AFL is involved in the ASADA investigation into Essendon's use of supplements and Demetriou spoke last week of knowledge about the inquiry he had obtained from classified briefings.

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

Bulldogs president Peter Gordon said unorthodox supplement programs should be banned, regardless of whether Essendon was found guilty of breaching the performance-enhancing drugs code.

He was also "uncomfortable" with coaches taking drugs.

- with Sam Landsberger

daryl.timms@news.com.au
 

---

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

April 11: Hird will fight drug claim

April 12: Hird to admit: I was injected twice

April 13: Hird vows to stay after fighting win

April 14: ASADA to interview Hird on Tuesday

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If you don't mind, umpire

Luke Hodge slides in to Harry O'Brien's legs and umpires award the Hawks skipper a free kick, and report O'Brien.

Harry O'Brien was reported for this collision with Luke Hodge. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

WE PICK the five biggest umpiring eyebrow-raisers of the weekend.

Umpiring is a tough job - getting tougher every year with more rule tweaks and interpretation changes - and most of the time the men in white/green/red do a great job. Sometimes, however, we need to examine some issues closer to get a clear explanation and help everyone's understanding of the game.

Each week we'll nominate five decisions that demand a second look. Then we'll take on board your views and any nominations we've missed, and get a verdict from AFL House.

Have your say on these decisions and let us know any we missed by leaving a comment below or sending a note on Twitter or Facebook

1. WHAT SLIDING RULE?

WHEN a player deserving of a free kick instead concedes one and has his name go in the book it's sure to spark confusion.

And that's exactly what happened when Hawks skipper Luke Hodge slid into Harry O'Brien's legs yesterday. Instead of Hodge being pinged under the controversial new sliding rule, he was instead gifted a free kick.

O'Brien went low, Hodge slid in head first and got to the ball a fraction of a second before his opponent. Hodge's head crashed in to O'Brien's shin and O'Brien went flying. Twitter then went into meltdown as players, commentators and fans immediately slammed the decision, while O'Brien will today find out if he has a rough conduct case to fight.

Hodge's teammate Jordan Lewis sided with O'Brien today, saying he was baffled by the report.

See the video of the incident in the video player above and make up your own mind

Collingwood v Hawthorn, MCG, Harry O, Brien colides with Luke Hodge, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source:

2. DUSTY ROBBED OF LONG GOAL

GOALS were hard to come by for the Tigers early yesterday, with the dominant side converting just four of 13 chances in the first term.

So that made the decision to deny Dusty Martin a bomb from even more frustrating at the time. The star midfielder ran to 60m and unloaded a beauty, watching it sail through before celebrating. But the umpire had different ideas, instead handing the ball to Dog Liam Picken at full-back.

He pinged Tiger Luke McGuane for an illegal shepherd in the goal square, despite replays showing it seemed to be a perfectly legal bump with the ball in close proximity. To add further sting, the Dogs went coast-to-coast to spot Liam Jones who booted his second, keeping the Bulldogs in touch.

Dusty finished with a whopping 150 SuperCoach points - and probably should have had about another 10 but for that call.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 14: Dustin Martin of the Tigers celebrates a goal during the round three AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on April 14, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source:

3. COTCH YOU... OR MAYBE NOT

UMPIRE knockers who believe superstars always get a bit of extra leniency had their argument enhanced went Trent Cotchin was allowed to be gang-tackled, spun 360 degrees and drop the ball without being penalised.

A swarm of Bulldog players grabbed the Tiger, dumping him to the ground only to have their holding the ball cries ignored.

The ball spilled free nearing the Tigers goalmouth and Shane Edwards swooped and snapped a goal, giving Richmond the perfect start to the second half. SuperFooty ran a quick Twitter poll with 100 per cent of readers declaring Cotch had got away with one, with some calling him a "protected species".

Trent Cotchin gets a quick kick. AFL Round 3: Richmond v Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium, Docklands. Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

4. THE ACCIDENTAL DELIBERATE

THERE'S 11 minutes on the clock, it's the last quarter and scores are level, it's a wet and slippery night at hostile Patersons Stadium, the ball comes to a second-gamer at half-back with Dockers swarming at you from all directions.

What do you do? Throw the ball on your boot and get it the hell out of there, right? Wrong.

Elliott Kavanagh did just that on Friday night and was somehow nabbed for deliberate out of bounds. The ball skidded past Brent Stanton and into no-man's land before trickling over the boundary line.

Despite the match being a stoppage-fest, the umpire pinged Kav for deliberate, setting up another Freo counter-attack. He was stiff.

5. ANGRY WITH UMPS? JOIN THE Q

New Magpie Quinten Lynch couldn't believe it when he was pinged twice in five minutes for ruck infringements that can only be labelled soft.

The Pies were pressing just before three-quarter time when Jarryd Roughead received minimal contact from the Q-stick and won a free kick on the 50m line. He went back and drilled the goal to give the Hawks some breathing space.

Then five minutes into the final term Lynch threw his head back and his hands in the air when he was penalised again from a boundary throw-in for more incidental contact.

Collingwood's Quinten Lynch argues with an umpire. Source: Getty Images

... MEANWHILE RYDER, KOMMER SWEAT ON BUMPS

IT'S now in the hands of the match review panel, rather than the umpires, but Paddy Ryder and Nick Kommer must both be sweating.

Ryder KO'd Docker Luke McPharlin in the first quarter of Friday night's battle and looks certain to be charged. As Brownlow Medallist Mark Riccuito put it: "He's got him high, he ran past the ball and he left the ground." He's in trouble.

Kommer brushed into Kepler Bradley's head, sending the Docker off the field with blood gushing from his face.

See the video below and you decide the Bombers' fate:

Two Essendon players face nervous waits from the AFL match review panel after seperate bumps in Friday night's clach against Fremantle

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The Halftime Report

Geelong v Carlton at Etihad Stadium. Cat Tom Hawkins battles with Michael Jamison Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Sunday Herald Sun

THE Swans and Eagles show who's boss with 11-goal third-quarter bursts to swamp the 'Roos and Demons but Jeremy Howe gives Melbourne fans something to smile about.

Sydney's Nick Smith marks in front of North Melbourne's Ben Cunnington. Source: News Limited

ANYTHING YOU CAN DO, WE CAN DO BETTER

IT was poetry in motion. Sydney and West Coast put their rivals to the sword with 11-goal third-quarter bursts against North Melbourne and Melbourne respectively. The Swans piled on 11.4 in the term to set up their convincing win over the Kangaroos at Blundstone Arena, Hobart. It was the Swans best quarter effort since 1995. Meanwhile, the Eagles slotted 11.3 on the way to thrashing a hapless Demons outfit by 94 points. The Eagles kicked a club-record 11.4 in a quarter against GWS Giants last year.

STILL STRUGGLING: Drew Petrie of the Kangaroos jumps for a mark. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

PETRIE'S DROUGHT

NORTH Melbourne forward Drew Petrie's struggles in Hobart continued yesterday with the veteran 'Roo held without a goal by All-Australian fullback Ted Richards. Petrie has kicked just two goals in three appearances at Blundstone Arena. To make matters worse it was the 30-year-old's second below par effort in three weeks after having his colours lowered by Collingwood defender Nathan Brown in Round 1.

Demon Jeremy Howe marks over Andrew Embley. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HOWE GOOD WAS THAT?

MELBOURNE might have plunged deeper into the doldrums yesterday, but high-flyer Jeremy Howe was at his acrobatic best again. Howe soared over Eagle Andrew Embley to take a trademark hanger.

See the awesome photo sequence here.

Melbourne Demons v West Coast Eagles at the MCG. Demons fans not happy. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Sunday Herald Sun

WHEN WILL THE DEMONS GET PHYSICAL?

THE Dees' first quarter yesterday was probably their best for the season. The intensity was up, they forced turnovers and they booted goals. Four in a row, in fact, to hold the lead up until the dying minutes. But they still amassed just six tackles for the term and tracked at 50 per cent efficiency. They need to learn how to wrap a man up and hit a target by foot, preferably before next Sunday's showdown with the Giants.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 13: Jonathon Patton of the Giants leaves the ground with a knee injury during the round three AFL match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the St Kilda Saints at StarTrack Oval on April 13, 2013 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) Source:

PATTON'S GIANT BLOW

THOUGHTS go out to Jon Patton today. The star big man has had a wretched run with injuries in his short career and last night he suffered by far his biggest blow. Patton spilled a mark, followed up, was tackled and went down grimacing in pain. The result? A torn ACL meaning he'll now likely spend the year on the sidelines. The No. 1 pick doesn't deserve that.

See the video here

Brisbane star Jonathan Brown celebrates one of his five goals against Gold Coast. Picture: Clark David Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

BROWN STILL THE LION'S KING

FORGET his disappointing first two rounds, Jono Brown reigned supreme last night with five goals against the Suns. His first half was inspirational, monstering young Sun Rory Atkins with the Lions staring at a 0-3 start to the season.

Suns players after to the Brisbane Lions at Metricon Stadium. Picture: Darren England Source: The Sunday Mail (Qld)

YOUNG SUNS STILL NEED THAT KILLER INSTINCT

TOO harsh to pot a kid in his second game, but Jackson Allen would love his defensive effort against the Lions back last night. The young Sun had the chance to bend down and touch Tom Rockliff's snap before it trickled through for a goal, but didn't. Strange. It proved a changer in the last quarter, while Aaron Hall would also love a moment back. Two huge - and inspirational - Ablett tackles set up a set-shot that he sprayed wide. The Suns still lack that killer instinct.

Melbourne Demons v West Coast Eagles at the MCG. Eagle Dean Cox in action. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CAPTAIN COX CAN PLUG THE HOLE

HAVE you figured out how to take advantage of the SuperCoach captain's loophole this year? Because if you did you've probably banked 342 points courtesy of Dean Cox. With the rolling lockout in place, select a non-starter as captain (and have an emergency as cover) and put the vice-captaincy on a star like Cox. If they score well, leave it there and his score will count double. If not, simply change your choice back to someone else who hasn't played yet. It's a free hit.

Geelong v Carlton at Etihad Stadium. Matthew Kreuzer injured during contest with Steve Johnson in the first quarter Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE WALKING WOUNDED

IT was a battle of attrition at Etihad Stadium last night with keys players from Geelong and Carlton cut down with injuries.

Blues ruckman Matthew Kreuzer faces a nervous wait after breaking a bone in his thumb during the second quarter. Meanwhile, Cats excitement machine Travis Varcoe was subbed off with a shoulder injury following a heavy collision with Blues star Bryce Gibbs.

Cats Steve Johnson (knee), Andrew Mackie (ribs/back) and Harry Taylor (winded) found themselves in the hands of club medicos at different times but played on untroubled.

Terry Milera of the Saints controls the ball during the round three match against Greater Western Sydney Giants in Canberra. Picture: Ryan Pierse Source: Getty Images

SAINTS' MOSQUITO FLEET

ST KILDA small forwards Stephen Milne, Ahmed Saad and Terry Milera ran amok at Manuka Oval yesterday combining for eight goals and six score assists.

Milne led the brigade with three goals including his almost customary first of the match.

It was a welcome return to form for Milne who had managed just two goals in his first two matches of the season.

DONS SWEATING ON VIDEO

ESSENDON star Patrick Ryder and mature-aged recruit Nick Kommer will come under scrutiny for these hits on Fremantle opponents.

Ryder KO'd Docker Luke McPharlin with a hip and shoulder to the jaw that saw the defender substituted out of the match with concussion.

Kommer on the other hand clipped Docker Kepler Bradley in an attempted shepherding attempt off the ball.

Bradley was forced off the field with blood gushing from his face.

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Live HQ: Tigers v Bulldogs

Richmond star Brett Deledio will play a massive role in the Tigers pursuit for a 3-0 start to their season. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

LATE CHANGES

Richmond - Jake Batchelor OUT for Chris Knights

Bulldogs - Ayce Cordy (sore) OUT for Tom Campbell

Substitutes: Brandon Ellis (Tigers) and Clay Smith (Bulldogs)

RICHMOND recruit Chris Knights will make his debut for the Tigers after coming as a late replacement for defender Jake Batchelor.

Knights arrived at Punt Rd as a free agent from Adelaide last year.

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs will be without young gun Ayce Cordy who pulled up sore during the week.

Ruckman Tom Campbell comes into the team despite not being named on the original emergencies list.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats

Bulldogs recruit Nick Lower will be looking to continue his hot streak of form tagging Richmond captain Trent Cotchin.

Lower has quickly become one of the most dangerous stoppers in the game beating Daniel Rich (Brisbane) and David Mundy (Fremantle) in his first two games at the Kennel.

The Bulldogs have the added incentive of putting on a strong display for courageous midfielder Daniel Cross in his 200th AFL game.

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