Lake on first and final warning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Ban won't change Brown

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

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

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

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

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

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

Summer Barometer: Suns' training and injury latest

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

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

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

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Hawk youngster fears knee blow

Alex Woodward. Picture: Dadswell Mark Source: Herald Sun

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

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

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

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

He has been sent to hospital for scans.

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

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Sorry Lake says he needs to win respect

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Young Hawk fears second knee reco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lake played 197 matches with the Bulldogs.

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

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Dogs tip a new-year resurgence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Buoyant Blues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Part II: 2013 fixture preview

Bulldogs star Adam Cooney will play against good mate Brian Lake in Round 17. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

North Melbourne will be looking to limit Lance Franklin's influence when the two sides meet in 2013. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

THE Hawks twice or the Giants twice? Two trips to Perth or an array of Friday night blockbusters? Six-day breaks or a lengthy spell? These are the quirks that can define a club's season and the careers of coaches and players alike.

Over the next few days SuperFooty will bring you a comprehensive guide to the fixtures of all 18 clubs.

Today we look at Sydney, West Coast and Western Bulldogs.

Over the past few days we've looked at Adelaide, Brisbane, Collingwood, Carlton, Essendon, Fremantle, Geelong, Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney.

HAWTHORN:

EASY GAMES:
The Hawks face GWS, Gold Coast and Melbourne – the bottom three sides from 2012 – leading into their bye. That shapes as a soft month they can use to build percentage. They also travel to hostile interstate venues on just four occasions.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The two clashes with Geelong will be pivotal. Shane Crawford wrote on the verge of last year's Easter Monday clash that if the Hawks couldn't topple the Cats then they wouldn't for the year. He was dead right, and they need to leap this rising mental hurdle in Round 1. The Round 7 Grand Final rematch against Sydney at the MCG could also be a testing match crucial to the Hawks' mental belief.

TOUGH GAMES:
An absolute horror start to the season. The Hawks face all 2012 finalists in the first seven rounds, which includes trips to face Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, West Coast in Perth and concludes with the Grand Final rematch. A nightmare start – but if they can escape with a positive win-loss ratio they'll be well on the way to the top four again.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Hawthorn's opening two months is littered with blockbusters, but you can't go past the Grand Final rematch. The Hawks must be looking for another crack at the Swans and while it might not be September, it shapes as a pivotal game given Alastair Clarkson's draw early. The match against Collingwood in Round 3 will be huge, too, and gives the Hawks the chance to square-off with Clinton Young after he defected to the Westpac Centre.

SUMMARY:
Hawthorn was disappointed the AFL did not fulfil its request to host seven matches at the MCG, while the opening two months loom as a major danger. But, that means the middle chunk of the season is extremely friendly. A SuperFooty poll recently revealed readers think Hawthorn has the toughest fixture – and by some margin.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Geelong (MCG)
Round 2 v West Coast (PS)
Round 3 v Collingwood (MCG)
Round 4 v Fremantle (AS)

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

MELBOURNE:

EASY GAMES:
The Dees have a mortgage on the MCG for most the season. In the first 15 rounds, they play just two games away from the home of footy – both interstate trips. Home bouts against Port Adelaide, GWS and Gold Coast in the first seven weeks presents an opportunity for the new-look Dees to create the winning culture Mark Neeld is desperate to implement.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The Round 2 match against Essendon should be interesting. The Dees have the wood over the Bombers and would love that streak to continue. The two games against the Dogs in the back half of the season will also be telling with both clubs in a similar bracket.

TOUGH GAMES:
The three-week stretch of Fremantle away, Hawthorn and Collingwood will test the Demons' improvement. Games against Adelaide away and Geelong in Geelong will also be tough to compete in.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
As if Queen's Birthday wasn't a big enough duel for the Dees, they now to go show off star recruit Chris Dawes against his old Magpie premiership teammates. Added to that Mark Neeld's former stint at the Pies and it shapes as a juicy contest.

SUMMARY:
Only three six-day breaks is a win, as is playing fellow bottom-four sides GWS, Suns and Dogs twice each. But the Dees missed out on Friday night action and must play a home game at Etihad Stadium, against their request.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Port Adelaide (MCG)
Round 2 v Essendon (MCG)
Round 3 v West Coast (MCG)
Round 4 v GWS (MCG)

NORTH MELBOURNE:

EASY GAMES:
Not many. The Roos don't play any of the bottom-four sides twice, but a run of five-straight games again non-finalists from Rounds 14-18 should give a platform to launch a run at September.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The opening five weeks could set up North Melbourne's year. The Roos face Collingwood, Geelong, Sydney in Tasmania, Brisbane and Hawthorn and will be desperate to walk out with a few of wins. They will also be without Brent Harvey for the first six weeks, adding to the early challenges.

TOUGH GAMES:
Plenty. Two trips to Perth and return bouts against Hawthorn, Adelaide Collingwood and Geelong. Eight six-day breaks to boot makes it a hard draw on paper.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
You suspect a few North boys wouldn't mind a crack at Carlton in Round 17, and another look at Chris Judd after last year's chicken-wing gate. The clash with West Coast in Round 8 will also be eagerly-anticipated after North Melbourne's finals capitulation last year. And the Roos' backline will hopefully be devising some new plans for the Round 5 clash with Hawthorn – and 13-goal terroriser Buddy Franklin.

SUMMARY:
A difficult draw on paper, and a mixed bag commercially. Two home Friday night games (three in total) should help boost the bottom line, but the club wasn't overly thrilled with receiving three home Sunday twilight games this season.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Collingwood (ES)
Round 2 v Geelong (ES)
Round 3 v Sydney (BA)
Round 4 v Brisbane Lions (ES)

PORT ADELAIDE

EASY GAMES:
New coach Ken Hinkley will be gifted the chance to ignite his coaching career with winnable games against Melbourne, GWS and Gold Coast inside the first month. The Power travels to Darwin to meet the Dogs and doubled-up against the two expansion sides – but, being the sole club to have suffered defeat against both new franchises, will be wary of those matches.

CRUNCH GAMES:
It has to be the home matches. Port Adelaide hosts Richmond, Brisbane Lions and Carlton at home this year and to leap forward the Power has to restores some fear in a trip to AAMI Stadium.

TOUGH GAMES:
Road trips to face Fremantle, Carlton and Geelong come with warning bells. Hinkley will be hell-bent to compete with Collingwood, Hawthorn and Sydney at home, too.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Hinkley would love to get one over his mates at Geelong in Round 9, while the next week a few Power players might be eager to atone against Will Minson and his Western Bulldogs, even if Danyle Pearce has departed. The Round 14 Port Adelaide-Collingwood duel – the two clubs John McCarthy played for – promises to include some touching moments and tributes.

SUMMARY:
A commercially strong fixture with home matches big-drawing sides Richmond, Geelong, Collingwood, Hawthorn and Carlton. The Power is also looking forward to farewelling AAMI Stadium in Round 23, where the club won 23 SANFL flags.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Melbourne (MCG)
Round 2 v GWS (AAMI)
Round 3 v Adelaide (AAMI)
Round 4 v Gold Coast (MS)

Port Adelaide Power footballers training at Montefiore Hill and then finishing at McKinnon Parade, North Adelaide. Picture: Dean Martin Source: HWT Image Library

RICHMOND

EASY GAMES:
The Tigers' trademark "easy games" are scattered throughout the season, which isn't a bad result. They open with three matches against non-finalists, giving the chance to sing the song early – something they struggled to do last season. Four of the final five games are at the MCG, with the exception a trip to Skoda Stadium to face GWS.

CRUNCH GAMES:
It starts with Round 1 against Carlton. Can the Tiges finally get some success to start the season? The month leading into Richmond's bye will also be telling – it faces Port Adelaide away, Melbourne, Essendon and the Eagles in Perth. Dare we mention the trip to Cairns to host the Gold Coast?

TOUGH GAMES:
Two trips to Perth and a clash with Sydney at the SCG hurt, but other than that it looks a friendly year for the Tigers. They also meet top-four outfits Collingwood and Hawthorn just once each. The Tigers smashed grand finalists Hawthorn and Sydney last year, can they repeat those performances in 2013?

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Blues – courtesy of a Brock McLean shank – nailed Richmond's coffin shut last season, so expect some fireworks in Round 1 for Mick Malthouse's Carlton coaching debut. The Blues have won the past nine against Richmond, while surely, SURELY it can snap the curse of Cairns and topple Gold Coast this year.

SUMMARY:
After some uncertainty owing to the MCG availability, the Tigers kept their Round 1 blockbuster against Carlton, while 13 games at the MCG will please the club and fans alike. A balanced draw with a spread out travel load presents the ideal chance for a red-hot crack at the finals.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Carlton (MCG)
Round 2 v S Kilda (MCG)
Round 3 v Western Bulldogs (ES)
Round 4 v Collingwood (MCG)

AFL. Richmond Training at Cazaly's in Cairns. Alex Rance and his team mates show the strain in the heat during sprint work. Picture: Stewart Mclean Source: HWT Image Library

ST KILDA

EASY GAMES:
The Saints should dodge a few bullets early, avoiding a 2012 finalist until Round 5. That's a nice stepping stone into the year, while a six-week midseason stretch of games against the Dogs, Roos, Eagles (home), Dees and Tigers – with a bye tossed in the middle – gives another chance to spear up the ladder.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The stakes will be high for the Anzac Day clash with Sydney in Wellington, adding to the excitement. Another two duels with former mentor Ross Lyon's Fremantle are on the cards, while the Saints face Richmond, Essendon, Carlton and the Roos a combined six times. Those matches will be pivotal with those sides clunked in the same ladder bracket as the Saints in 2012.

TOUGH GAMES:
Road trips to face Adelaide, Fremantle and Sydney will be mighty tricky, but the Saints will tackle Collingwood and Hawthorn just once each – both at their Etihad fortress.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Brendon Goddard showdown in Round 4 will be big. It has already been hailed as a "grudge match" externally, while there will again be intrigue when the Saints meet Lyon's Dockers. You can bank on some hype when Stephen Milne and Harry O'Brien come toe-to-toe in Round 6 as well, after the goal sneak allegedly made a homophobic sledge to the Magpies defender last year.

SUMMARY:
Three Friday night games as well as the Anzac Day clash is a ripping result commercially, but not a great result for the fans. Eight times the Saints play outside of Melbourne (including Geelong), a number comparable to non-Victorian clubs. On the field it's a fairly balanced draw.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Gold Coast (MS)
Round 2 v Richmond (MCG)
Round 3 v GWS (MO)
Round 4 v Essendon (ES)

St Kilda training at Seaford. Stephen Milne enjoying being back on the ground Picture: Chris Eastman Source: HWT Image Library

SYDNEY

EASY GAMES:
No excuses for a premiership hangover early, with Sydney set to open its premiership defence against GWS and Gold Coast. The Swans don't face a top-four side until Round 7, while three of their final four games are at home ahead of September.

CRUNCH GAMES:
Duels with Adelaide away, Collingwood, Fremantle and Hawthorn in the first half of the season – without Kurt Tippett – will be telling. The Anzac Day trip to face St Kilda in Wellington will come off a five-day break, and the Saints don't mind playing the bloods.

TOUGH GAMES:
In addition to the short lead-in to Anzac Day, the Swans have six six-day breaks which could prove tricky. Geelong at Geelong late in the season looms as a challenging fixture, as does West Coast in Perth – although the Swans did triumph in the corresponding game last season. At least Tippett will be onboard for those encounters.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Swans narrowly miss their chance to parade Kurt Tippett in front of the Adelaide backline, but his debut should still come at AAMI Stadium when Sydney meets Port Adelaide in Round 13. The eyes of the football world will be on the No. 8 Swan that day, while the Grand Final rematch with the Hawks in Round 7 will also be a huge battle. And the Hawks could enter in desperate need of a victory given their hellish start to 2013.

SUMMARY:
The Swans' bookkeepers will be pleased. The two ANZ Stadium clashes are against preliminary and Grand Final opponents in Collingwood and Hawthorn, while the premier also hosts powerhouses Geelong, Essendon, Carlton and Richmond at the SCG – including two Friday night blockbusters. Swans fans can lock in the Round 1 date against GWS as a must-see match, with Sydney set to unveil the premiership flag before the match.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v GWS (ANZ)
Round 2 v Gold Coast (SCG)
Round 3 v North Melbourne (BA)
Round 4 v Geelong (SCG)

Source: HWT Image Library

WEST COAST

EASY GAMES:
The first 10 rounds presents a great opportunity for West Coast to put a mortgage on a top-four place. It plays six games at Patersons Stadiums and travels to meet stragglers Melbourne, Port Adelaide, Brisbane Lions and GWS. The Eagles also avoid the dreaded long trip to Tasmania.

CRUNCH GAMES:
It starts Round 1, when the Eagles face Fremantle in a stand-alone derby. That will be massive, while the following week West Coast hosts Hawthorn. They could be 2-0 and flying or 0-2 and in early trouble. The final three games, against Geelong, Collingwood (MCG) and Adelaide could also decide just how high the Eagles finish on the ladder.

TOUGH GAMES:
Must face the Hawks and Crows twice, while West Coast has drawn eight six-day breaks in addition to its hefty travel load. The five-game stretch after the bye – against Hawthorn (away), Essendon, Adelaide (away), Fremantle and Sydney will also examine West Coast's double-chance credentials.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
The Round 1 derby – a home game for Fremantle – will be a monster clash. These sides hate each other and it'll be great for the entire football world to tune in and see it with no other matches that day.

SUMMARY:
Logistically, West Coast's fixture presents challenges. In addition to the eight six-day breaks and hefty travel load, it plays four away games at night – which makes return and recovery a tough ask. A home match the week before finals is a bonus.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Fremantle (PS)
Round 2 v Hawthorn (PS)
Round 3 v Melbourne (MCG)
Round 4 v Carlton (PS)

The West Coast Eagles are back into pre season training. pictured - Mark Nicoski Picture: Justin Benson-cooper Source: HWT Image Library

WESTERN BULLDOGS

EASY GAMES:

Not a whole lot to choose from. The Dogs face GWS, Port Adelaide and Gold Coast once each – all interstate – but have drawn the Dees twice. Brendan McCartney's side does have the chance to spark some serious optimism early with winnable duels with the Lions, Dockers and Tigers to start the season – all at Etihad.

CRUNCH GAMES:
The two showdowns with Melbourne will be big. The clubs haven't met since Round 4 last season, but both remain in the same bracket. The Dogs host five interstate clubs at Etihad Stadium and would give themselves a chance in all of those as they look to take a step forward in 2013.

TOUGH GAMES:
Road trips to face Adelaide and West Coast, as well as duels with Collingwood, Hawthorn and Geelong will prove tricky. Seven interstate trips is a lot of travel, but that does include a home game in Darwin.

ONE WITH ADDED SPICE:
Nothing which blatantly stands out, but the two battles against Melbourne in the final nine rounds will be hotly contested. The Dogs might also enjoy a crack at former star defender Brian Lake when they meet Hawthorn in Round 17.

SUMMARY:
No Friday night games and the lack of battles with fellow bottom-four clubs makes for a demanding season. Strange that Port Adelaide, which finished outside the bottom four, meets the two expansion sides twice each, but the Dogs cash in just once. But, as the Dogs said when their draw was released, it creates a sound opportunity to test their improvement against the best sides.

OPENING MONTH:
Round 1 v Brisbane Lions (ES)
Round 2 v Fremantle (ES)
Round 3 v Richmond (ES)
Round 4 v Adelaide (AAMI)

Footscray (Western Bulldogs??) training/video launch...Western Oval. Picture: Mike Keating Source: HWT Image Library

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Stars align for the Cats

Jimmy Bartel is set to resume full training as he continues to make excellent progress from off-season surgery.l Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

James Kelly has impressed the Geelong camp since surgery. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

KEY Geelong stars Jimmy Bartel, James Kelly and Josh Caddy are set to resume full training after making encouraging progress from off-season surgery.

Assistant coach James Rahilly said yesterday the trio had recovered strongly after injury-enforced layoffs.

The injury news came as a near-full Geelong list battled it out with North Melbourne in a scratch match behind closed doors at Simonds Stadium yesterday.

Former Roo Hamish McIntosh was one of few to miss the interclub match arranged by the clubs' coaches, brothers Chris and Brad Scott.

McIntosh is recovering from knee surgery.

Bartel (foot), Kelly (hip) and Caddy (shoulder) were restricted to laps and light drills in a half-hour warm-up at the nearby St Mary's Oval, but all played in a short, sharp match at Simonds Stadium against a North Melbourne side that featured star forward Drew Petrie.

Rahilly said he was pleased with the trio's progress.

"Jimmy's travelling pretty well. He's starting to train and do a few sessions," Rahilly said.

"I'm not sure when he'll be doing a full session, but it won't be too far away.

"James Kelly is pretty much up to full training as well, so they're going along very well."

Gold Coast recruit Caddy has handled full-contact sessions and is close to joining the main group, while McIntosh remains on a restricted training program.

"I can't see him being too far away," Rahilly said. "He's a little bit slower than the others, but he'll be back in full training soon as well.

"He's still doing a lot, but when he joins the match-simulation drills will be up to the docs and physio. He's on the track completing drills and doing some one-on-one stuff, so I wouldn't think he'd be too far away at all."

Rahilly said the scratch match with the Roos was low-key.

"We only did a couple of drills with them. It only went for 15-20 minutes max and then we completed our training," Rahilly said.

"The main reason (for the scratch match) is they don't have a ground and wanted to come down to use our ground.

"It's something we've done to help out other sides and have a bit of combative training. It was nothing too silly.

"There was no real tackling to ground or ridiculous spoiling. We had a match-simulation drill, but it wasn't very long.

"We worked the ball down one end, our defenders had a go, their defenders had a go, and then the forwards.

"It was a test for where we're at and where they're at, but the bulk of our session was done on our own."

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Will Demons go Gangnam Style?

Melbourne players are looking for some musical inspiration when they run through the banner at the MCG. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

When PSY's huge huge Gangnam Style spark the Demons into action? Source: AP

THE AFL is following the lead of professional wrestling by asking clubs to find a pre-match entrance song for 2013.

While the song is not compulsory, clubs have been encouraged to find a suitable anthem that can inspire players and fans before teams hit the field this season.

Renowned in pro wrestling circles, the entrance song is common in US sports including Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, college football and the UFC.

Richmond tested the water last season by playing Welcome to the Jungle by Guns n Roses at some matches and Melbourne is exploring the possibility of a tribal theme for 2013.

The Demons made the brave (crazy?) move of asking for suggestions on its Facebook and Twitter accounts yesterday, and both were swamped with suggestions.

What song would you like to see your club run out to? Leave a comment below

Predictably, they weren't all helpful.

The sound of an AC/DC guitar riff might get the blood pumping, but the impact would be lost when the chorus screams Highway to Hell or Long Way to the Top.

Ditto for Green Day's Wake me up when September ends and Talking Heads' Road to Nowhere while we're not sure the Yazz and the Plastic Population hit The only way is up is inspirational at any of its 4min5sec.

One fan suggested Chumba Wumba's Tubthumping in a nod to the three Demons who clashed with fans in Bay 13 on Boxing Day and several proposed the Dees use the theme song for Thomas the Tank Engine.

The harshest Facebook critic was Sam Borland, who suggested the original composition We're a pack of tanking flogs (give up already) by "various artists".

The call also attracted some left-field suggestions from artists including S-Club 7, One Direction and Enya. One fan mysteriously suggested It's Raining Men while the list wouldn't be complete without PSY's Gangnam Style.

The famous horse-riding dance would be more entertaining than the players waiting on the MCG boundary line for stragglers as cheer squad members struggle to keep the banner upright. Or maybe not.

Facebook fan Carol Taweel had this novel proposal: "No songs or music other than the theme song - they should just be concentrating on the game! But if you have to have music then only Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture complete with the sound of cannons firing! That may warn the other team off!"

But the Dees deserve points for at least asking the question. And there were plenty of more serious suggestions too.

If the winner is chosen on votes, Eye of the Tiger is the runaway leader.

Demons fans reckon the team could be inspired by Rose Tattoo's We can't be beaten and songs by
Metallica, Wolfmother, Motley Crue, Rage Against the Machine and, somewhat obscurely, the theme from the movie Transformers.

The songs will not replace traditional club anthems and Melbourne says it won't mean unemployment for the MCG bugler, a Demons fan who has trumpeted the club song, A Grand Old Flag, before the bounce in the past two seasons - news that will disappoint some.

"Why would they need another song to run out to..its a grand old flag or nothin. Just promise you will sack the bugle bloke this year," Facebook fan Jonathan Bowlbysaid.

FAMOUS ENTRANCE SONGS

Real American (Rick Deringer) - Hulk Hogan (WWE)
Hart Attack (Jim Johnson) - Brett "the Hit man" Hart (WWE)
Hell Frozen Over (Jim Johnson) - Stone Cold Steve Austin (WWE)
Already Home (Jay-Z) - Alex Rodriguez (MLB)
Stayin Alive (The Bee Gees) - Aubrey Huff (MLB)
Bad to the Bone (George Thorogood) - Jared Burton (MLB)

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SuperCoach won't be same again

Why should recruiters like Scott Clayton have all the fun? Now we can all have our own draft day. Source: Herald Sun

SAY goodbye to everyone having the same team and book in your draft party - the exciting new face of SuperCoach is here.

When SuperCoach opens on February 1, players will also be able to sign up for free for the new SuperCoach Draft game using the same login - the game will run alongside traditional SuperCoach and you can have teams in both competitions, or continue to play traditional SuperCoach only.

But players who sign up for SuperCoach Draft will be able to take the game to an amazing new level.

The biggest change is that every player is selected in a unique private league draft - which means they can be selected only once; if you take Gary Ablett with pick one, no one else in your league can have him.

So much for concerns about the same players ending up in every side.

It also makes getting the right players at the start of the season crucial - check SuperFooty in coming weeks for plenty of tips on how to do that.

SuperCoach draft also brings a new level of flexibility and customisation to the game - you can set up your league to run exactly how you want it.

Users can set up leagues of six, eight, 10 or 12 teams, choose their preferred fixture and whether to play finals or head-to-head matches, or just compete for total points.

There are seven options for team squads, ranging from 12 players to 22.

A rolling lockout every weekend is optional, and so is giving double points for your captain.

And players will also have a huge say over their league draft - which can be conducted live, automatically or in users' own time based on several formats - and trading rules.

Unlike traditional SuperCoach, there are unlimited trades in SuperCoach Draft and players can orchestrate trades between each other - but other players in their league will have the option of a veto to prevent Kurt Tippett for Jesse White style shenanigans.

If all that sounds daunting, don't worry. There will be step-by-step guides on how each option works or you can just click on the "quick start" button to create a league based on a default set of rules.

Organising a draft party with your mates is a great night in - or out; a team of sports nuts with laptops is a common sight in US sports bars and restaurants at the start of fantasy season.

The game brings new challenges and a lot more fun - this is where the real bragging rights are.

SuperCoach and SuperCoach Draft open on February 1, and drafts can be run from February 11.

Meanwhile, a new rule has been confirmed for the classic SuperCoach game, with only your best 18 scoring players to count towards your team score during the three bye rounds.

With players from six teams unavailable each week from Rounds 11-13, the new rule levels the playing field and will help avoid having your season derailed by one disastrous round.

Check out the other new rules for SuperCoach 2013 HERE.

For more SuperCoach news and tips, check out the SuperCoach Facebook page and follow @superfooty and @al_superfooty on Twitter.

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