AFL season likely to grow

Andrew Demetriou is looking at several ways to extend the season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL will consider breaking a long-standing tradition and extending the season as soon as next year in a bold bid to attack the "free hits" it gives rival codes which start earlier.

Chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the league had looked at a number of options which would allow it to bring Round 1 forward, including starting the season overseas.

Live HQ: Western Bulldogs v Brisbane Lions

He also said clubs could play more than 22 games in an extended season with extra byes and had canvassed the possible changes with club captains.

"(We could) start the season up north earlier, use Etihad Stadium earlier – because it's not a cricket ground – use Subiaco earlier, (and) I can't rule out the possibility of playing overseas," he told SEN.

"It could possibly include a variation of the length of the season."

The mooted dramatic change would almost certainly spell an end to the NAB Cup in its current form, with Demetriou confirming the pre-season competition could be massively downgraded next year.

"Whether you need four hit-outs or two against other teams and maybe they play an intra-club, I think that's got some merit," he said.

The NRL, Super 15s and A-League are all in full swing by the first week of March, dominating media attention in the two northern states.

The MCG is currently off-limits to the AFL until the end of the Sheffield Shield cricket season.

Demetriou revealed the first game in South Australia next year would be a Showdown at the refurbished 50,000-seat Adelaide Oval but said it would not open the season.

A Saturday twilight opener is preferred by local officials to ensure a smooth opener.

- with Michelangelo Rucci

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LIVE: Dogs v Lions

Adam Cooney finds space against the Bombers. He's a certain starter today. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

2.15pm Dogs 37 - 6 Lions

DANIEL Rich had to wait until the final minute for his first disposal - and it was a behind.

A quarter of total domination has the Western Bulldogs five goals up on NAB Cup premier Brisbane Lions.

SUPERCOACH STARS:

Luke Dahlhaus (42)
Tory Dickson (42)
Daniel Giansiracusa (39)
Ryan Griffen (38)
Adam Cooney (32)

FULL LIST AT LIVE HQ

It started inside the first minute, when Tory Dickson marked and goaled, and peaked when Adam Cooney wound back the clock to load up a magnificent set-shot from the pocket.

That was the Dogs sixth as they continued to smash a flat Lions outfit in the midfield. The Dogs manufactured just five more forward entries but were deadly efficient in attack.

2.08pm Dogs 37 - 5 Lions

THE Dogs kicked five goals from their first seven entries to fully punish the Lions with their midfield dominance. Have the Lions come to play?LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats, commentary and more
The tackling pressure has been ferocious, and when Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney drilled the Dogs' sixth they led by 33 points.

Nick Lower has kept Daniel Rich to zero disposals late in the first quarter.

1.55pm Dogs 24 - 4 Lions

GOALS to Tory Dickson, Ayce Cordy, Luke Dahlhaus and Danial Giansiracusa have the Bulldogs firing early in their battle with the Lions.

Dickson ignited the Dogs when he took a clever mark before being awarded a 50m penalty, while the other three majors were all snagged on the run.

Daniel Rich has suffered a quiet start, with shutdown king Nick Lower tagging the high draft pick.

The efficient Dogs jagged four goals from their first six forward 50m entries.

PRE-GAME: BROWNLOW Medallist Adam Cooney will line up for the Western Bulldogs today with first-round draft pick Clay Smith set to start as the substitute at Etihad Stadium.

Cooney was hospitalised last week with a knee infection but trained strongly this week, with the Dogs and Brisbane Lions making no late changes.

LIVE HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats, commentary and more

Ball magnet Claye Beams will start in Brisbane's green vest, with the NAB Cup premiers the heavily-backed favourites.

Today marks All-Australian defender Dale Morris's first game in 595 days after snapping his leg in 2011.

Dogs coach Brendan McCartney said both clubs play a similar brand of football and his side had full respect for the Lions.

"It'll be who can do it the longest and the hardest," he said.

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10 things we learnt last night

Richmond buck poor opening round trend to beat Carlton.

Ty Vickery on a lead. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Trent Cotchin clears out of the middle. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

DON'T write off Chris Judd, Mick rethinks game plan, Cotchin takes charge and the MCG's magnetic goalposts. Here are 10 things we learnt from Richmond v Carlton.

1. JUDD STILL GOING STRONG

Anyone who thought the former Carlton skipper was a spent force should fast-forward the replay to the 20-minute mark of the third quarter. With the Blues looking for a spark, Judd put on a three-minute master class, kicking two goals and almost snagging a third with a snap that sailed wide. He finished the night with 27 disposals and 14 score involvements, the most on the ground.

2. MAGNETIC POSTS

The goalposts at the Punt Rd end couldn't stay out of the action all night. Three Tigers - Jack Riewoldt, Shane Tuck and Shane Edwards - slammed the footy into the woodwork in the first quarter, then Dennis Armfield did the same after the Blues switched ends. Chris Yarran also hit the post - at the same end - in the fourth quarter and some would argue his running goal in the second brushed the padding as it skidded through. A video review was inconclusive and the goal stood.

LiveHQ: Full match stats, SuperCoach points and more

3. MEET THE REAL BRYCE GIBBS

The 2006 No.1 draft pick has been tagged as an outside player with neat skills, but last night he showed what he could do when thrown into the guts. Gibbs was the top-ranked player on the ground with a huge 150 SuperCoach points from 34 disposals including 16 contested possessions - the equal most in the match with Trent Cotchin. What did Brett Ratten leave him down back for so long?

4. CAPTAIN COTCH

Cotchin showed why the Tigers handed him the captaincy before his 23rd birthday with a match-saving final quarter. Twice Cotchin came from nowhere to intercept what appeared certain Carlton goals and in the dying minutes, with the Tiger lead disappearing and most players out on their feet, he took the responsibility of the behind kick-ins. Richmond needed a bit of luck to get home but the leadership that was lacking in the closes losses last year was there for all to see.

Trent Cotchin clears out of the middle. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

5. MICK BINS GAME PLAN ... BUT FOR HOW LONG?

There has been plenty of discussion over the summer about how the Blues would adapt to Mick Malthouse's long kicking, stick to the boundary game plan. On the evidence last night, the answer was not well. Carlton appeared stagnant and without Travis Cloke to bomb the ball to in attack, the Tigers - notably Jake Batchelor, doing a good Joel Bowden impression in the No.11 jumper - cut off repeated forward forays with easy marks. After halftime Mick released the shackles and let the Blues play the run-and-gun style favoured under Ratten - and they almost pinched an unlikely win. Not that Mick was all that pleased. "By working one way you do rob yourself of some defensive play and we took that gamble so I'm not too sure where I actually sit with that. It got us back in the game, but I'm not 100 per cent sure you can keep having shootouts with sides," he said post-match.

Carlton coach Michael Malthouse talks to his players. Source: Getty Images

6. GREAT GAME, JACK

The reigning Coleman medallist finished with 0.4 for the night but don't be surprised if he earns votes in the Tigers' best-and-fairest award. Damien Hardwick was delighted with Riewoldt's team-first attitude, dragging opponent Michael Jamison - and often one or two other defenders - up the ground and creating space for unlikely heroes Ty Vickery and Luke McGuane. "I think it's one of the best games he's played for 12 months," Hardwick said of Riewoldt. Vickery showed his importance to the Tigers with nine marks and three goals, while McGuane chimed in with two and laid the game-saving tackle on Josh Bootsma in the final 30 seconds - just reward for a player who has been on the end of plenty of beltings in his 93 matches over eight seasons.

Blues say KO'd Robbo will play next week

7. KARATE KID

We're not sure what's in Vickery's DVD collection at home, but after last night we're betting Bruce Lee makes an appearance. Vickery channelled the martial arts legend when he protected himself while waiting for a looping handball on the wing in the first term. With Brock McLean closing rapidly, the Tiger big man extended his leg to basically fly-kick McLean in the face. But there was no free kick and Richmond swept the ball forward.

Picture gallery: All the action from the MCG

8. TEFLON JACKSON

Daniel Jackson has been run down more than once in his AFL career and Tiger fans had a sense of deja vu as Jackson waltzed into the goalsquare early in the third term only for Marc Murphy to latch onto him. But instead of pulling Jackson down, Murphy somehow slid right off allowing Jackson to drill the goal, seemingly oblivious to what had just happened. Won't be one for the "how to tackle" DVD.

Jack Riewoldt flies for a mark. Source: Getty Images

Daniel Jackson breaks a Marc Murphy tackle to kick a goal in the third quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

9. 50-50 CALL

The Blues were mounting a charge in the third quarter before they shot themselves in the foot, giving away goals with consecutive 50m penalties. Michael Jamison was a bit stiff to be penalised for crossing into the protected area as he walked past Luke McGuane after the Tiger marked 45m out. The second 50m was more clear-cut after a filthy Nick Duigan noted his displeasure with a push in the back free kick to Jake King at the top of the goalsquare. Richmond kicked three goals from 50s, with Bachar Houli nailing a long shot in the second term after a late spoil by Shaun Hampson at centre half-back.

10. RIP HOODOO

Richmond's win snapped a nine-match losing streak against Carlton, the longest sequence since the Tigers lost their first 24 clashes to the Blues from 1908-1917. The two teams have played at the MCG in Round 1 every season since 2007 and before last night Richmond had won only one of those matches (2008), losing the other five by an average of 44 points. The next hoodoo on the Tigers' agenda is trying to play finals for the first time in 12 years. Their last September appearance was a preliminary final loss to Brisbane at the Gabba 4207 days ago.
 

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Robbo right for Round 2

Mitch Robinson comes off the MCG after getting knocked out. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: HWT Image Library

CARLTON hard nut Mitch Robinson is almost certain to play next week, despite being knocked out in the Round 1 loss to Richmond.

Robinson was smashed in a marking contest by Tigers forward Tyrone Vickery in the second quarter and lay motionless on the MCG turf for several seconds.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, video, stats and more

But Blues football manager Andrew McKay said the club was confident the midfielder would recover in time to face Collingwood next Sunday.

Richmond v Carlton, MCG, Mitch Robinson comes off the mcg, Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: HWT Image Library

McKay said that Robinson, despite being rendered unconscious, passed a concussion test on the interchange bench not long after.
"He's got to be able to pass the test during the week, but I don't see a problem because he actually pulled up really well even though he was knocked out,'' McKay said.

"He's alright, he's not too bad. The doctors were a bit concerned because he was knocked out. Just the fact he was out of it the doctors ruled him out.

"There was a period of time where he was unconscious and as soon as the docs were aware of that they weren't keen to put him back on.''

Jeremy Laidler will come under consideration next week after being surprisingly overlooked for the Blues' season-opener.

10 things we learnt from Tigers v Blues

McKay confirmed the defender wasn't injured, but may be suffering from a lack of match practice.

"He played the early NAB Cup games with a bit of indifferent form and he's one of the 25 vying for 22 positions next week,'' he said.

"We're in a fortunate position at the moment where most of the guys are fit and raring to go and 'Laids' is a quality player and I'm sure he'll be back in the team at some stage.''

But it's the philosophy rather than the personnel which is causing the club some early headaches.

Tigers say Tyrone time is coming

Malthouse admitted on Thursday night that he was wrestling with finding the right balance between his defensive principles and Carlton's attacking instincts.

"I learned a lot, they'll probably learn a lot. Just the methodology, the things you can do that work and things that don't work and you've got to start to get the balance right,'' Malthouse said.

"By working one way you do rob yourself of some defensive play and we took that gamble so I'm not too sure where I actually sit with that. It got us back in the game, but I'm not 100 per cent sure you can keep having shootouts with sides.''

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Please Explain: Moneyball mayhem

Mark Neeld has overseen a massive turnover of the Demons list. But has it improved? Source: Getty Images

IN the first installment of a weekly series, Glenn McFarlane writes an open letter to a target who needs to be asked the hard questions in footy.

DEAR MELBOURNE,

We know you are only three days out from the start of your 2013 campaign, but we couldn't let the season start without issuing you with our first Please Explain for the year.

Leaving aside the teenagers you were able to pick up via the father-son rule (Jack Viney), the national draft (Jimmy Toumpas) and the trade period (Dom Barry and Jesse Hogan), we've got some serious concerns about your comings and goings since the end of 2012.

You've lost Brent Moloney (Brisbane) and Jared Rivers (Geelong) to free agency; let go Stefan Martin (Brisbane), Jordan Gysberts (North Melbourne) and Cale Morton (West Coast) in trades, and delisted Ricky Petterd, who was snapped up by Richmond.

In the trade/free agency window, you replaced them with Chris Dawes, Shannon Byrnes, David Rodan, Cam Pedersen and Tom Gillies, all of whom played second-tier football at stages of last season.

We shouldn't be too surprised by the strategy by which you attacked the off-season.

Has Glenn got it right or are the Dees on the right track? Leave a comment below

As far back as last July, coach Mark Neeld forecast that he was a big fan of the film Moneyball and intended to apply it to Demons' plans as he embarked on his second season as coach.

Moneyball was a good movie and an even better book, but we're not sure what happened at the Oakland Athletics baseball team applies to the Melbourne Football Club of 2013.

Brad Pitt in a scene from Columbia Pictures' drama film Moneyball. Source: Supplied

And what has happened over the pre-season has only increased our worries in terms of the shortfall between the Demons' in and out trays for 2013.

In fairness, Moloney and Rivers effectively walked out on the club. But both appear set for big seasons.

Moloney won a best-and-fairest two years ago and was one of the best contested ball winners in the AFL that season.

Last year he was a shadow of his former self, spending plenty of time at Casey Scorpions. We'd love to know why. Was it attitude as much as form?

Demons fans would have been watching with gnawed fingernails his form in the NAB Cup final when he constantly extracted the ball from contests. Eighteen-year-old Viney will be playing that role for the Demons this year.

Rivers is no Matthew Scarlett, but he looms as an important player for the Cats.

Why did he spend so much time forward in the second half of last year? He is an out-and-out backman.

Martin has the height and frame for AFL football, even if his output so far has not been where it should be. At Brisbane, he might achieve his potential.

We're not sure just what sort of output Gysberts, Morton and Petterd might give their respective clubs. But two were first-round draft picks, adding to the talent pool lost over summer.

Brent Moloney fires off a handball against Collingwood. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

What of the players the Demons got in return?

So much of the Moneyball philosophy is all about getting the right players for the right price.

Dawes might prove to be the right player - Neeld knows him well from his Collingwood days - but has he come at the right price?

On his 2010 premiership form, maybe. On what he has achieved over the past two seasons, not a chance.

There are two questions here. Can Dawes regain that form again? And will he justify the four-year, reported $2 million deal?

Dual premiership player Byrnes is about to turn 29. He might be worth the punt as an unrestricted free agent, but the fact remains he played only four games with Geelong last year.

Byrnes excited fans by kicking five goals in an intra-club game in February. But he has only done that once in an AFL match - back in 2009. And he has only six goals from nine games in the last two seasons.

Rodan is also 29. He will bring spirit, character and good teaching to the young Melbourne midfield, but has he got many kilometres left in his battle-scarred knees? He managed 10 matches for Port last year, averaging 14 disposals.

Can Pedersen and Gillies - effectively cast off by their former clubs - make their mark with their new clubs? The Dees hope so.

Neeld rightly wanted to change the culture of the playing list. Heaven knows it needed it. Good on him for having the courage of his convictions.

But on raw numbers the club is clearly further back in terms of talent than it was at the start of last season.

We'll surprise people: New Demons recruit David Rodan runs during a training drill at AAMI Park last month. Picture: Blair Hamish Source: Herald Sun

We will know more on Sunday when you take on Port Adelaide - a team that has heavily invested in the national draft recently.

Champion Data has rated the Demons' draw the easiest in the competition this year. Two games each against GWS and Gold Coast as well as 13 at the MCG.

We hope our concerns prove unfounded and that the Moneyball theory works.

Your fans have been waiting for far too long and deserve a break.

Good luck on Sunday.

Yours Sincerely,

Glenn McFarlane

PS...

1. DANYLE PEARCE
We loved the way you have slotted into Ross Lyon's exciting Dockers' outfit, but what's with the dance-stomp goal celebrations?

Fremantle's Danyle Pearce celebrates a great second quarter goal. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: The Sunday Times

2. BOB KATTER
Bob, you must be joking about your new policy of AFL players getting tax-breaks because of the joy they bring the fans. What about others who bring us joy? You left out little kids, cute puppies, Father Christmas, the Easter Bunny, and the Tattslotto reps who call you to say "You've won.''

3. THE MCC, AFL and CRICKET AUSTRALIA
C'mon guys, lock yourselves in a room and sort out your differences so we can have the first AFL match of 2014 before a massive MCG crowd.

4. ADELAIDE MIDFIELDERS
Maybe it is time you started lending Patrick Dangerfield a hand in the contests.

Follow Glenn McFarlane on Twitter @MaccaHeraldSun

Adelaide's Patrick Dangerfield under extreme pressure. Source: Getty Images

 

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10 things you'll see tonight

It doesn't matter how well Daniel Jackson plays tonight. He's still unlikely to win any Richmond fans over. Source: Getty Images

WILL a player drop dead from jumper asphyxiation? Will Chris Judd be a shadow of his former self? We predict tonight's big stories.

1 - Richmond supporters light a membership card bonfire

The eternal optimism that Tigers fans bring to Round 1 every year never ceases to amaze us.

That's despite Richmond losing its last nine games against Carlton, including every season-opener since 2007, so don't be surprised to see fans looking for the nearest flame to torch their plastic.

Carlton's current winning streak against the yellow and black is its longest since they went 24 games without dropping one between 1908 and 1917.

2 - Same Mick, different shirt

The moustached one will be extra prickly tonight, with the Carlton faithful expecting the earth but the coach not necessarily having the greatest list at his disposal.

It might not be the best night for a young journo to chance his arm with a curly one in the press conference.

Then again, maybe Mick will just lose the plot again and talk about bread...

Jake King might be too big for his own good this year. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

3 - Medical emergency due to overly tight jumper

At some point this year a player is going to lose circulation to their brain after going one size too small in the jumper department.

From what we've seen, St Kilda are the biggest "spray-on" offenders, but there's a little man at Punt Rd who might just trump them and pass out if he flexes a bicep a little too vigourously at any point against Carlton.

If Jake "the push-up" King has been doing the kind of reps we know he can in the off-season, there's every chance he might never get out of the jumper he puts on tonight.

4 - SuperCoaches bemoaning their Cotchin/Deledio decision

Can you squeeze both Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio into your squad?

Unlikely, with Deledio no longer a backline option. So who do you pick?

Cotchin will probably have Andrew Carrazzo going Siamese on him for large chunks of the game, which could spell trouble for the Tigers captain.

With the Blues also having to think about Dustin Martin and Reece Conca, not to mention Shane Tuck, Deledio may once again be left to do as he likes.

Better go with Brett.

Ultimate SuperCoach Round 1 formguide

5 - Traffic armageddon

There's rain around today, which means average motorists become mobile road blocks as they slow down by 30km/h, halve that speed again if there are tram tracks and generally freak out for no apparent reason.

With tomorrow's public holiday making tonight effectively a Friday, expect to see traffic gridlock around the 'G from now until about May.

You'd suggest taking public transport would be a better bet, but with the temperature straying outside of the 22C-24C window at which Melbourne's system can run without going into meltdown, you might be better to dust off your bike.

6 - Action Jackson to be a hated man

Daniel Jackson is the man Richmond fans love to hate.

It's hard to understand why a bloke who sees himself as a bit of an intellectual doesn't endear himself to the rabid crew behind the Tigers' goals, but for some reason he (and let's not forget Tyrone Vickery) cops most of the wrath from the stands.

Maybe it's the red hair.

Maybe it's his disposal efficiency that usually hovers somewhere around mid-60 per cent.

Maybe it's his two suspensions last year, one of which was for striking Chris Knights, who is now his teammate.

Either way, Jackson (pictured, top) could have 35 disposals and kick five goals and he'd still find manure in his locker on Monday morning.

Carlton fans will be hoping Levi Casboult will be the missing link up forward tonight. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

7 - Excuses about Carlton's game plan

We've heard Malthouse making a rod for his own back all pre-season, talking about needing more time to implement Carlton's new style.

But will Blues fans buy what the boss is selling?

Geelong revamped their game plan in 2011 under new coach Chris Scott and won a premiership.

Yes, their list was superior to Carlton's, but the shift to a kicking game from the Cats' handball-heavy style was the cornerstone of their third flag in five years.

Other coaches to turn their team around in quick time ... try Sydney's premiership-winning second year under John Longmire?

Cometh the man. Cometh the mullet. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

8 - More of Maric's mullet

Surely that thing is alive.

The Richmond big man had a breakout season in 2012, while carrying the ruck duties almost solo for the entire year.

But was he alone?

The marsupial growing on the hulking Tiger's head must surely be ready to spring forth and don a jumper of its own.

Expect the running bouffant battle between Maric and Taylor Walker to continue deep into September.

SuperCoach is free and you could win $50,000 - don't miss out! Sign up here

9 - Nothing to look forward to

Anyone else noticed there's been a surprising lack of the usual bleating about a footy-free Good Friday?

Thankfully the NRL and the A-League have scant respect for the sanctity of religious holidays.

Tomorrow night we'll settle in with fish 'n' chips and turn our attention to the white ball to see the Storm take on the Broncos up north, and the round ball as Newcastle take on Western Sydney.

Probably the only time all year that the AFL will lose the cross-code battle - though Channel 7 will be doing some solid work with the Good Friday Appeal - but it's still an annual sporting downer.

This could be the year that former Blues captain Chris Judd finally crashes back to earth. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

10 - A shadow of the former Judd?

Just three quarters of pre-season action, diminishing pace and a battery of quick opponents set to come at him.

Tonight could be the beginning of a tough year for former Blues captain Chris Judd, and SuperCoach boffins agree.

Just 3.6 per cent of SuperCoaches have Judd in their team this year - a  far cry from years gone by when he'd be a walk-up start in most squads and an almost guaranteed 100+ points each week.

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Steven Baker cops life ban

Former St Kilda hard man Steven Baker. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

FORMER St Kilda hard man Steven Baker has been banned from playing football for life.

Baker was last night found guilty of unduly rough conduct by the Mornington Peninsula Football League after just one practice match with new club Sorrento.

Baker, who played 203 games for the Saints, was called before the MPNFL tribunal after an incident that left Red Hill player Blake Thompson with a broken jaw on March 9.

The former AFL tagger was found not guilty of striking and not guilty of charging, but was found guilty of a rough conduct charge despite a lack of video evidence. The three field umpires also told the hearing they didn't see anything.

Baker is strongly protesting his innocence and is understood to be shattered by the decision. He last night told the tribunal it was the only time in his career that he wished he had been caught on camera.

"I ran to intercept the Red Hill ball carrier, but a couple of seconds before I got there I noticed another Red Hill player (Thompson) was moving to shepherd his ball carrier,'' Baker said in his statement.

"I braced myself and we made contact. We clashed heads and we both went to ground. I did not raise my arm or fist.''

Baker was given a six-week suspension, but because that ban took him beyond a nationwide 16-week career suspension limit he was told he coudn't play football again at any level.

Baker was suspended for a total of 28 weeks in his controversial AFL career, but that total is halved at amateur level - placing him on a career total of 14 weeks when he joined Sorrento.

Baker copped several big suspensions during his time at St Kilda, including a seven-match ban for striking Fremantle forward Jeff Farmer and a nine-match ban on four separate charges after a stoush with Geelong's Steve Johnson in 2010.

Sorrento has already lodged an appeal.

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Blues ready to go: Malthouse

Shane Crawford reveals his bargain ruck strategy and why Brett Deledio is a better SuperCoach pick than Trent Cotchin

Mick Malthouse joins a training drill at Visy Park. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse declared "we're ready to go'' after he rounded off preparations at Visy Park today.

Malthouse dismissed any relevance of the NAB Cup final defeat for the AFL opener against Richmond tomorrow night.

"Basically what you've got is a change of direction. Players have jumped on board very quickly. The leadership group have driven it and the coaches have been outstanding and we're ready to play,'' he said.

"We can go out there tomorrow and have to go to Plan B straight away. And that's the art of football these days, to have enough flexible players with a mindset that can change if you need to and be ready.

"Because no-one's going allow you to play what you want to play. That's the simple fact of any team sport where you've got multiple numbers (of competitors). You change up, so it's not about picking the best 22, it's about picking the smartest 22.

"I don't believe you have to wait for the (quarter) breaks to find out things aren't working. They will be changed immediately.

"I repeat, Richmond won't allow us to do everything we want to do. And we have no intention of allowing Richmond to do that. And that's going to be a week to week thing. Players are very well versed in acknowledging the
opposition.''

Andrew Walker lines up the goals at Carlton training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

The Blues had 24 players at the leisurely final training run that lasted less than an hour, but Malthouse wouldn't divulge the final line-up.

And, while he realises there's an intriguing focus on his first game for his fourth AFL club, the premiership coach played down the significance of his personal milestone.

"Every person in the football club will have a sense of anticipation, as will Richmond. We're all in the same boat here, we're all round 1 with high expectations from our supporters,'' he said.

"You can't allow that individual feel to override anything that's got to do with the team. So, it's not about me, it's about the team. So that's the last thing I'll accept here is coaching my first game (at Carlton). Yep, we all knew that back in October. It's the team's first game of the year.''

On the emotions of the occasion, Malthouse said: "It's an intangible. You don't realised you've missed it until it has gone. I know that feeling, but it's not there all the time because your emotions are varied.

Mark Robinson: Mick's messages confuse Blues

"We're here for three quarters of an hour before training going through our strategies and that's the main core of our morning. Then you reflect and ask 'ok have I covered everything?' It's not that you're doubting yourself, it's whether you've covered everything.

"The adrenalin rush of when you think of consequences of have you got the side prepared to play the occasion, do you crave it? You would be crazy to crave it all the time because you would not only go grey, you would end up like
Robbie Wiley (assistant coach) with none (hair). So you have to have a balance.''

Malthouse said he learned about a different type of teamwork working for TV and radio last season.

"It's not about focusing in on the result. I've always been focus-driven. First and foremost it's the players to be focused in on the roles they play. That takes away worrying about what the result is,'' he said.

"So nothing has really changed in that 30 years, it's all about how you get men playing to their maximum.

"You're seeing the bear with the sore head today, I'm not good the day before a match.''

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Jack Frost set for fairytale debut

Young Collingwood defender Jack Frost is set to make his AFL debut against North Melbourne on Sunday. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COACH Nathan Buckley insists Collingwood has the depth to cover a raft of injuries it has to contend with for Sunday's season-opener against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium.

And it may be key defender Jack Frost, who was only elevated off the club's injury list last week, who is thrown in to the action to help curb the Kangaroos' abundance of key forwards.

Dale Thomas (ankle), Alan Didak (hamstring), Alex Fasolo (hamstring), Luke Ball (knee), Lachie Keeffe (knee) and Andrew Krakouer have all been ruled out of Sunday's game.

But Buckley is nonplussed and said players without a "solid pre-season training block'' would not be rushed back in to the side for the sake of it.

He insisted ruckman Darren Jolly is fit to play, said defender Ben Reid is "up and about'' after missing the last practice match and said Tyson Goldsack was available for selection after three games with the VFL team following off-season ankle surgery.

"As I've banged on about all pre-season, I feel like we've got some great depth. We've got competition for spots,'' Buckley said.

"We've got some injuries that we'd rather do without, but the fact is we have the depth to cover it and that's part of why you go through a pre-season, to prepare the depth of your list for the year.

"Different players are going to be called upon at different times and we'll take the field with our fittest team in Round 1, there's no doubt about that.''

The Barometer: Selection latest at every club

Buckley said 21-year-old Frost, recruited from VFL side Williamstown last year, was under serious consideration this week.

"One of the most positive aspects of our pre-season was the emergence of a couple of our rookie-listed players,'' Buckley said.

"Jack Frost has been elevated on to the senior list and has proven his ability to shut down tall (forwards) with the absence of Nathan Brown and Ben Reid at times.

"He adds to our depth there and it becomes important, shutting down North's talls, they generally play that three tall forwards set up more often than not and they're very agile and fit players as well, so that's something we're definitely looking at.''

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Judd doesn't miss captaincy

Chris Judd expects to play 80 per cent of the Blues' Round 1 clash against Richmond. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CHRIS Judd says he has been reinvigorated after relinquishing the Carlton captaincy.

Judd described himself as now "one of the soldiers" following Marc Murphy's elevation to the role at their AFL club.

He says there are parts of the leadership role he will not miss.

"It's just a nice thing to do later on in your career where you can really just focus on playing footy and not be distracted by some of the administrative duties that go with being in a leadership position," Judd said.

"It's not that I won't have a say at the club or won't be fully engaged, but I certainly feel like I'm enjoying the purity of just worrying about playing footy."

Judd admitted he had to make a choice and decided concentrating solely on playing was his preference.

"It's one of those things, you can't be half pregnant and you can't be half a captain," Judd said.

"There's a lot of parts of being captain that I loved and really enjoyed and probably some other parts that I grew tired of.

"You can't pick and choose with a job like that, so the time was right to hand it over and Murph has already done a terrific job."

Cancer survivor Sam Rowe pushes for Round 1 spot

Judd said he would mentor some of the younger players but made it clear he would not try to influence the leadership.

"Murph's the boss, him and the rest of the leaders are making the rules and I'm one of the soldiers, and that's sort of refreshing as well," he said.

Judd has been troubled by hamstring issues and said he "didn't have a great pre-season" but said he was now almost back to full fitness.

The Barometer: Updated injury list at every club

The Blues open their AFL campaign against Richmond this week and Judd said he expected to play up to 80 per cent of the game.

"Not having that (NAB Cup) rotation cap, it will be easier just to play in six-minute bursts," he said.

He said he planned to play on next season but there would be no more lengthy contracts at Carlton in his future.

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Dee-Day for Clark and Dawes

Chris Dawes has played 32 minutes in the shortened NAB Cup game before being substituted because of calf soreness. Picture: Derrick Den Hollander Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE faces tough decisions on million-dollar forwards Mitch Clark and Chris Dawes this week after they combined for just 100 minutes of football in the pre-season.

Coach Mark Neeld will have to decide whether to risk both against Port Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday.

Dawes, who signed a $500,000-a-year contract to move from Collingwood, played 32 minutes in the shortened NAB Cup game against North Melbourne before being substituted because of calf soreness.

He missed the rest of the NAB Cup with a hamstring problem.

While he trained strongly last week, Dawes will not have played for five weeks.

Clark has been steadily building after a foot fracture and played 3 1/2 quarters for Casey in the VFL on Saturday.

Co-captain Jack Trengove (foot) also returned in the VFL on Saturday.

Football manager Josh Mahoney said Neeld would weigh up all the information on the trio this week.

"It'd be hard to put a percentage (on it). Both of (Trengove and Clark) would be a chance," he said. "(Dawes) will train fully (this) week, and again we'll consider him if he's ready to go."

Highly rated midfield draftees Jack Viney and Jimmy Toumpas should make their debuts.

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Back pain torments Saints

Sam Fisher will need to train well to play the away game against the Suns on Saturday night. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA faces a defensive crisis that has turned its Round 1 clash with Gold Coast into a danger game, with Sam Fisher no guarantee to play.

The key defender pulled up sore after the club's last NAB Cup match and, while cleared of a stress fracture, doubts remain.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats, video and more

Fisher, who wore a moon boot as a precaution last week and withdrew from an AFL golf day on Thursday, has battled stress fractures in his career.

He will need to train well to play the away game against the Suns on Saturday night.

St Kilda football manager Greg Hutchison said Fisher had been cleared of serious foot concerns.

"He will train this week and be up for selection during the course of the week, so whatever happens happens," Hutchison said.

"He will train this week and be available for selection."

St Kilda has five of its seven key backs facing injury concerns, troubling for a club that tried and failed to recruit West Coast's Mitch Brown and then attempted to lure Collingwood's Chris Tarrant out of retirement.

All-Australian defender Sean Dempster is out with a hamstring injury, Rhys Stanley is lineball for Round 1 after hyper-extending his knee three weeks ago, and Tom Simpkin is returning after an interrupted pre-season.

Even rookie defensive tall Jackson Ferguson is on the injury list with a knee problem.

The club has few other injuries and will hope to paper over the cracks against the Gold Coast with James Gwilt and Jason Blake before reinforcements return.

Simpkin played in the VFL at the weekend and could be rushed into the side, while Stanley trained on Friday and will have to prove his fitness this week.

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Jack's back and could top Nic Nat

Jack Watts will be more consistent than Nic Nat, David Schwarz says. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE great David Schwarz says Jack Watts will flourish off half-back this season, justifying the club's decision to select him ahead of Nic Naitanui in the 2008 national draft.

Entering his fifth AFL campaign, Watts has shown promise of developing into the team's most damaging defensive playmaker, racking up 25 touches against Gold Coast in its final pre-season game on Saturday.

LiveHQ: Relive Fremantle's derby victory

The club's decision to prefer him to Naitanui in 2008 has drawn much criticism, as Watts struggled to make a regular impact, particularly up forward early in his career.

North Melbourne informally discussed a move to trade for the 21-year-old in October last year. But Schwarz said the move to turn the 196cm Brighton Grammar product into a line-breaking backman will pay off for the Demons.

"They're completely different players and I think when they finish their careers Nic Naitanui will have a highlight reel longer than your arm," Schwarz said.

Eagles ruckman Nic Naitanui will start his pre-season campaign late. Picture: Justin Benson-cooper. Source: PerthNow

"But Jack Watts will be a more consistent player."

Schwarz, who played 173 games for Melbourne, said Watts would develop into a "Brendon Goddard type".

"(He was) A little bit slow (developing) for his first couple of years," he said.

"But no doubt he (Watts) reads the game well. He has a great set of hands, he kicks the ball (well), makes good decisions.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats, video and more

"He'll be the go-to player and he will control a lot (of play) off half-back.

"Sides will probably work that out pretty quickly, but I reckon he's good enough to find space."

West Coast ruckman Naitanui won All-Australian selection last year and is widely regarded as one of the most athletic and exciting talents to play AFL.

Naitanui's marketing appeal is also huge and he helps draws sponsors as one of the faces of the Eagles.

While the spring-heeled big man faces a delayed start to the season after groin surgery last year, Watts has sparkled over summer.

Schwarz said Watts was clearer about his role in the team under second-year coach Mark Neeld.

"I think he (Watts) is calm. I think he knows what his role is now," Schwarz said. "When he first came in he was back, he was forward, he was all over the shop.

"I reckon he's got real direction and I think he's one of those players (if) you give him direction he will follow."
 

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Hospital, report for Pavlich

Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich was reported for charging Eagle Will Schofield in Derby No.37. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

MATTHEW Pavlich's sour start to 2013 took another turn for the worse last night when he was hospitalised with a finger injury.

The Fremantle captain, who was reported for charging through Eagle Will Schofield, revealed on Twitter he had his "hand and finger fixed and stitched up".

"No breaks & looks good for Rd 2," he said.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from Freo's win

Pavlich was held goalless in the Dockers' impressive win, restricted to just 60 SuperCoach points.

PAVLICH'S HAND. PHOTO: INSTAGRAM

Source: HWT Image Library

But North Melbourne star Drew Petrie said the star forward had little to worry about for his report.
 

"Hopefully the tribunal and match review panel will look favourably on it," he told Channel 7's Game Day.

Petrie said Pavlich bracing himself before colliding with Schofield in a marking contest meant he should have no case to answer.

Worryingly for Pavlich, he has 93.75 carryover points after accepting a reprimand for striking Mitch Brown in last year's derby.

The Dockers could also be without goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne when they travel to take on the Western Bulldogs in Round 2.

Ballantyne ended the match with a shin/calf injury and is also set to be scrutinised for an off-the-ball incident involving Scott Selwood.

Selwood crumpled to the ground and was left nursing a sore head after receiving a solid bump from Ballantyne well off the play.

Meanwhile, WEST COAST'S horror injury list has been compounded by the loss of Mark LeCras and possibly Eric Mackenzie.

GALLERY: Pearce ignites as Dockers whip Eagles

LeCras will undergo surgery this week to have a plate inserted into his arm and is expected to miss 4-6 weeks.

Mackenzie pinged a hamstring, placing him in doubt for the Eagles' crunch Round 2 duel with Hawthorn.

Ruckman Dean Cox said LeCras was in scintillating pre-season form, adding to the tragedy of his injury in his first match since 2011.

"He had an x-ray last night and it did reveal he had a broken arm," Cox said today.

"They'll rush him to surgery as quickly as possibly and hopefully he doesn't miss too many weeks."

ADELAIDE also has injury concerns with Luke Brown substituted out of Friday night's loss to Essendon with a foot complaint.

LiveHQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more from the Dons' win

Brown tweeted yesterday: "Thanks to everyone for the supportive messages. Good signs so far now to rest up and recovery."

ESSENDON star David Zaharakis will suit up in the VFL next week as he looks to build on match fitness after his limited pre-season.

Zaharakis, who was the substitute against the Crows, told Channel 7 he was set to line up for Essendon's reserves in a practice match against Sandringham.
 
- with AAP

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