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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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."

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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.

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"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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