Optus loses court row with AFL chief

Updated February 28, 2012 16:31:12

Optus has lost a Federal Court case in which it tried to stop AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou criticising its new mobile television recording service.

The telecommunications company applied to the Federal Court in Sydney for an urgent injunction to stop Demetriou from repeating his criticisms of Optus' TV Now service, which lets users record matches to watch on their computers and smartphones on a short delay.

Justice Richard Edmonds dismissed the application and ordered Optus to pay the AFL's legal costs.

The judge said Demetriou's recent comments that the behaviour of Optus was akin to stealing were not misleading or deceptive, because they were his opinions and did not purport to be a statement of fact.

Demetriou told ABC Local Radio it was a victory for free speech and argued that the league should be able to protect its commercial agreement with Telstra.

"They are not paying for our content and purporting to be the champion of consumers when they're really charging them," he said.

"And they've got a clearly inferior product to Telstra and it's a disgrace, and now that this court case has been put to bed it's a victory for free speech."

Tags: business-economics-and-finance, telecommunications, sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic

First posted February 28, 2012 13:49:24

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Saints get points for Bombers' no-show

Updated March 04, 2012 18:49:19

St Kilda will get the maximum four points for Saturday night's cancelled preseason match in Wangaratta after the AFL ruled Essendon could have made more of an effort to get there.

The Bombers chartered two planes to fly their players to the northeast Victorian city on Saturday afternoon, but torrential rains that have soaked the region made it impossible to land.

The Saints had travelled a day earlier by bus and Essendon coach James Hird conceded on Sunday that St Kilda deserved full points, given it was at the ground and the Bombers were not.

The AFL had initially announced the points would be shared, under a rule governing matches abandoned for reasons beyond the clubs' control.

But, after further consideration, it announced on Sunday that the Saints would be declared the winners as Essendon could have done more.

"The AFL noted that extreme weather conditions meant that Essendon was unable to reach Wangaratta by air for the match," the league said in a statement.

"However, it also resolved that alternate travel arrangements were available to the club and therefore Essendon's inability to attend the match was ultimately within its control."

The decision keeps the Saints in contention for the preseason grand final, with two wins from three matches.

The Bombers are without a win.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, st-kilda-3182, vic, australia, essendon-3040

First posted March 04, 2012 18:49:19

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Saints opt not to pursue preseason points

Updated March 04, 2012 17:31:16

St Kilda says it will not formally request the four points from Saturday night's abandoned AFL preseason game in Wangaratta, despite Essendon admitting the Saints deserve them.

The Bombers failed to make it to the north-east Victorian city, with torrential rains that have hit the region making it impossible for their chartered planes to land on Saturday afternoon.

The Saints had travelled a day earlier by bus and Essendon coach James Hird conceded on Sunday that St Kilda deserved full points, given the side was at the ground and the Bombers were not.

"I can understand why St Kilda want the four points," Hird told reporters, according to the AFL website.

"They are probably theirs, they got to the ground and we didn't.

"No one at Essendon would begrudge St Kilda getting the four points."

Saints coach Scott Watters indicated on Saturday night that his club wanted the AFL to award them maximum points.

"We came here wanting four points and we'll see what happens," Watters said.

"Last time I was at a forfeit was under-12s, and the side that didn't turn up didn't get the points."

The AFL initially released a statement saying the points would be shared, but late on Saturday night issued a revised statement, saying they would hear both clubs' views before making a final decision.

However, the Saints said on Sunday morning they would not be putting forward a formal case.

"The St Kilda Football Club has this morning decided not to formally request the awarding of points," the club said in a statement.

"The club felt it was inappropriate to assess the circumstances surrounding Essendon's non-arrival from Melbourne.

"St Kilda Football Club has resolved that it will accept the final decision of the AFL."

Essendon's travel plans were endorsed by the AFL and Hird said while they had a bus on standby, they had been assured by their airline right up until flight time that flying would not be a problem.

"Both myself and (Essendon player and development manager) Danny Corcoran as we got on the plane asked the pilot 'Are you sure we are going to be OK to get there?' and he said yes," Hird said.

"You can only take the experts' opinion."

Several Bombers were ill as a result of the unpleasant flying conditions, with Hird saying youngster Dyson Heppell was particularly unwell.

"I have never seen him so sick," Hird said.

"Seeing Dyson Heppell's face when he got off the plane and how relieved he was, was a bright moment."

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, wangaratta-3677, vic, australia

First posted March 04, 2012 11:05:28

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Tigers after rare strong start

Updated March 11, 2012 18:37:30

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick admits there is a growing confidence that it can at last make a strong start to the regular season.

While Hardwick calls Saturday's surprise preseason win over Geelong "a small step", he is pleased with his team's progress in the past five months.

The Tigers open the season with a tough draw; their traditional round-one clash with Carlton then games against grand finalists Collingwood, Melbourne, defending premiers Geelong and top-four finishers West Coast (at home).

They have not beaten Carlton in round one since 2008 and have become notorious for putting themselves under pressure early in the season.

"We're a lot more confident this time this year than we have been (in) the last three years," Hardwick told Richmond fans on Sunday at the club's family day.

"You only have to look at the depth of our (list), the quality of our players - they've improved enormously from a development point of view, from a size and physicality point of view.

"We're very much looking forward to the challenge of the first five games."

Heating up

The Tigers finished 15th and 12th in Hardwick's first two seasons as coach.

While Richmond should keep improving, there is strong speculation about Hardwick's future as he comes out of contract later this year.

Hardwick said the first two years were spent "transforming" Richmond's list.

"Now is when it does heat up, there's no doubt about that," he said.

"We've put some criteria to our guys, that we're looking to improve in certain areas.

"We certainly think there are some realistic expectations there."

While Saturday's 59-point win was in the preseason, it was also the first time Richmond had won in Geelong since 2006.

It also heightens the expectations of the success-starved Richmond fans, who packed Punt Road Oval for the family day.

This was the first time in about nine years that the Tigers' spiritual home has hosted the function and about 8,000 fans attended, delighting club officials.

President Gary March said membership had topped 40,000 and was about 2,500 up on this time last year as the club aims for 50,000.

Forward Brad Miller would not buy into the speculation about Hardwick's future at the club, but made it clear he is impressed with his coach.

"It (any talks about Hardwick's contract) is none of our business, it's handled by people over and above us, so we just focus on our footy," Miller said.

"I love him, I reckon he's a great coach."

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, richmond-3121, vic, australia

First posted March 11, 2012 18:37:30

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Riewoldt wants more aggressive Saints

Updated March 13, 2012 17:03:02

Nick Riewoldt has called on St Kilda's players to be more aggressive, insisting they cannot rely on him to dominate up front as in the past due to the changing nature of the game.

St Kilda put in an extremely disappointing performance losing in 35-degree heat to the West Coast Eagles at the weekend leading some to re-evaluate its status as finals contenders.

The club captain does not accept there is an attitude problem under new coach Scott Watters but concedes the players must play with a better attitude than they did on Saturday.

"We spoke about the three things we need to address and effort was one of those and we set about rectifying that," Riewoldt told Fox Sports.

"We weren't aggressive enough on either side of the game, We weren't aggressive enough in our defence.

"People talk about the ability to come forward and put pressure on and we didn't do that.

"And we werent aggressive enough with our ball use. We need to improve and improve quickly."

The Saints skipper's form dipped last year and though after rehabilitating a persistent knee problems he feels ready to return to his form of 2008 and 2009, when he was the club's top scorer, he does not feel the club's fortunes will swing with his sometimes errant boot.

"The times of one key forward dominating a competition is going away," Riewoldt added.

"It's not about me kicking 80 goals.

"We need me to kick 30-40 and two others doing the same.

"I feel like the game's really changed in the last three years, certainly more than any other period I've been playing.

"You don't get the one-on-one battle where you know you're going to be on the same guy the whole day.

"Defences work so well now, you run out of one guy's areas and into anothers.

"That's a challenge all forwards face and thats why you see so many rotations because the need to be explosive is greater than ever."

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, st-kilda-3182

First posted March 13, 2012 17:03:02

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Proteas eyeing Test number one spot

Updated February 15, 2012 17:21:55

South Africa open hostilities Friday against New Zealand on a six-week tour it hopes will climax with a 3-0 Test sweep that would see England toppled from the top of the Test rankings.

The tour begins in earnest with a Twenty20 international in Wellington but most attention will focus on next month's Test series as South Africa, currently second in the ICC world rankings, look to become top dogs.

England's lead in the rankings was slashed to a single point after their humiliating 3-0 whitewash against Pakistan, meaning South Africa can overtake them if they post a similar scoreline in the Test series against New Zealand.

However, the Proteas have never managed a clean sweep in a three-Test series against the Black Caps and coach Gary Kirsten conceded his charges may have trouble adapting to unpredictable wickets.

"For any team it takes a bit of time to adjust to the weather and wickets," he said. "The wickets can be quite different every time you come here."

The tour, including three Twenty20 internationals, three one-day internationals and three Tests, will provide a gauge for New Zealand coach John Wright of how far his team has come following his appointment in December 2010.

Wright guided the Black Caps to the semi-finals of last year's World Cup in a campaign which included a shock quarter-final win over South Africa that was marred by an ugly spat after Proteas batsman AB de Villiers, now the one-day and Twenty20 skipper, was run out.

New Zealand also scored a rare Test victory on Australian soil to draw a series with the Baggy Greens in December and Wright has unearthed a rich seam of young talent, including batsman Kane Williamson and seamer Doug Bracewell.

And they are confident after a string of comprehensive wins over Zimbabwe over the past month in a Test match, three one-dayers and two Twenty20 matches.

Kirsten, whose team is coming off a Test series win over Sri Lanka last month, said the World Cup bust-up with New Zealand was in the past and his players would not be drawn into a slanging match with the home side.

"I don't think we're going to be worrying too much about what New Zealand are doing," he said.

"We feel if we play really good cricket and don't say anything we're going to win more games than we'll lose. If New Zealand feel they want to get verbal with us, that's their business."

AFP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, south-africa, new-zealand

First posted February 15, 2012 17:21:55

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Opposing coaches back Giants

Updated February 20, 2012 08:45:24

The belief that Greater Western Sydney will struggle to win an AFL game this season came under fresh scrutiny after the Giants' competitive start to the preseason.

That the newcomers, with limited experience and potential more than polish, will finish dead last in their maiden season was considered a fait accompli a long time ago.

Over the past month the bar was lowered once again, with AFL legend Leigh Matthews the most notable to suggest GWS would be doing well to win one match in 2012.

On Saturday night the Giants were given their first chance to answer the critics on the field.

It was a response muffled by the fact the preseason contests featured 20-minute halves, and were devoid of a handful of Collingwood and Western Bulldogs stars.

Nonetheless, it was an answer of some sort - especially the three-point loss to the Magpies where Phil Davis was the only Giant with AFL experience to play.

"You've got to give credit to that group of young players," Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said.

"They could have easily won the Bulldogs game as well. So they'd be rapt with their performance."

Time will tell just how meaningful the Giants' competitive preseason losses were, but already Buckley suspects the likes of Matthews may have got it wrong.

"What you saw was great enthusiasm and exuberance from a young group of players," he said.

"The problem that you get with that over the course of a football season at an elite level ... is that you're going to get your ups and downs.

"(But) it was a one-on-one contested brand of football all over the ground, and if you can play that brand of footy, well then you can compete against anyone.

"So there's no reason why they can't compete well and compete hard, and win a few games. Their fair share of games."

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney also praised the Giants after the Dogs' five-point win over the hosts.

"They were terrific. I think they showed with ball in hand what they're going to be. They were good around the ball, had some stronger bodies," McCartney said.

"They'll get better and they'll improve, and if you keep doing that - well the game takes care of itself."

GWS chief executive Dave Matthews was impressed with how his side performed in the spotlight.

"This is a group of guys who obviously don't read the papers," he said.

"The critics aren't inside the club, so they don't actually understand the sort of training and preparation.

"...We're hopeful that we can sneak in for a couple of wins.

"And more than anything, just show a lot of competitiveness and spirit like we did (on Saturday night)."

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, sydney-2000, nsw, australia

First posted February 20, 2012 08:43:14

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Learn About Sports Cars Before You Buy One

Riewoldt retains Saints captaincy

Updated February 08, 2012 14:56:49

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt has been voted as captain once again by his team-mates and after a welcomed quiet off-season is excited about the AFL club's prospects.

The Saints officially confirmed on Wednesday that the five-time best and fairest player will captain them for a seventh season.

He will head an eight-man leadership group which also includes Brendon Goddard, Nick Dal Santo, Sam Fisher, Leigh Montagna, Adam Schneider, James Gwilt and Ben McEvoy.

Veteran midfielder Lenny Hayes, who is coming back from a knee reconstruction, was not included but was given the official title of leadership mentor.

The captain and leadership group was selected by a player vote, with new head coach Scott Watters and head of football Chris Pelchen also having input into the decision.

Riewoldt said he had welcomed the process and felt reassured to have been reinstalled after the captaincy was thrown open.

He said the new process, instituted by Watters, along with the state of the club's list had him as excited as he had been entering any season.

"It's a combination of a lot of things," Riewoldt said.

"Clearly the club is going through a transition at the moment.

"You've seen a lot of different things in the few months we've been back at pre-season training.

"I think the list is in a really exciting position."

Riewoldt said he felt the club was coming from a position of strength despite having dropped to seventh last season after making grand finals the previous two years, followed by the shock departure of Ross Lyon, the Saints coach of the past five seasons.

Riewoldt said despite those setbacks, some off-field scandals that the club has endured in recent seasons and his own struggles with knee soreness last year, he felt the resilience the players had shown to make a fourth straight finals series was a good base to build on.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, st-kilda-3182, melbourne-3000

First posted February 08, 2012 14:33:45

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The kick that became an SA icon

By Mike Sexton

Updated February 09, 2012 12:46:56

Sport creates legends and one of South Australia's went gently with the passing of Colin Churchett.

He was 86 and had been ill for many years.

In his day, "Churchy" was an undersized full forward for Glenelg Football Club in the post-war years.

He twice kicked more than 100 goals in a season.

While spearheads of the time (especially the indefatigable Ken Farmer) relied on leading, marking and a steady kick, Churchett was a quick and clever.

His ability to seize an opportunity prompted Port Adelaide captain-coach Fos Williams to write "the opposition never knew when they had Colin Churchett under control … he could look so completely cornered with no chance of reaching the goals or even getting a kick in that direction, yet suddenly the ball would fly over his shoulder for a major".

That Colin Churchett could kick a goal from almost anywhere was not an accident. He had for years honed a skill - this is where mythology begins - that may have made him the first player to regularly use what became known as the "check-side" punt.

It began with a kid kicking the ball for hours in the backyard, pretending to be Glenelg's Jack Owens. Then at Black Forest Primary School the sports master posed a question to the kid; if it is possible to kick the screw punt one way it must be possible to make it screw back the other way.

He suggested holding the ball as if the clock hands were at two and eight. When dropped onto the right boot at that angle, the ball would curl around to the right and open up a range of goal-scoring opportunities previously unavailable with regular punt kicks.

The kid took the idea and honed it in his backyard for hours.

Colin Churchett's league career spluttered due to the war. He enlisted in the navy and saw active service, walking through the ashes of Hiroshima.

When he returned to Adelaide he asked for a game at Glenelg and lined up on a forward flank.

One day in 1947 he was sent to full forward to cover an injured player and it was time to unpack the backyard tricks.

If Saturday afternoons were the matinee then his team-mates received an advance showing during the week. At training sessions, Churchett would start on the boundary line and kick for goal. After each successful shot he would move further around the line until he has slotted one from the full arc.

Training would stop when he reached a tight angle and unleashed his reverse screw punts. As they tailed through the goal posts his team-mates would applaud and laugh at the skill and audacity.

In the opening round of the 1949 season against South Adelaide, Churchett kicked 13 goals 7 after which he was described in The Football Budget as "essentially a ground player and relies upon his uncanny shooting for goal with either foot".

While Churchett's skills remained a solo performance at the Bay, a contemporary was taking it to a team level.

Norwood captain-coach Jack Oatey had a strong belief that skill, rather than conditioning or strength, ultimately won games.

First at Norwood then West Adelaide but most famously at Sturt, he spent training sessions turning his players into football artisans.

Oatey taught all his players the same kick Churchett used. In the late 1960s, the Double Blues won five premierships in a row with a blend of speed and skill.

In the 1968 grand final, Peter Endersbee set the win up in the first quarter with two goals from kicks the television commentators called "backscrew punts".

Somewhere along the line the kick became known as a "check-side" and was eventually listed by the National Trust as a South Australian icon alongside Stobie poles and frog cakes.

Victorian commentators simplified the name to a "banana kick". It now flourishes with AFL players regularly spinning balls like Shane Warne leg breaks for goals.

Colin Churchett followed the development of the game and the kick throughout his life. Several years ago we met in his modest home and, after a cup of tea, he produced this photograph of a match against Norwood. Churchett is on the run and dropping the ball "check-side" onto his boot.

"I kicked a lot of goals from it in my time," he said softly tapping the photo with his finger.

"Now everyone is doing it."

Colin Churchett, Glenelg 1943, 1946-54. From 186 games, he scored 556 goals

Tags: sanfl, sport, history, death, community-and-society, adelaide-5000, sa, glenelg-5045

First posted February 09, 2012 12:40:05

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Morabito ruled out of Freo opener

Updated February 29, 2012 18:29:40

The long-awaited return of Fremantle midfielder Anthony Morabito will be delayed by at least three more weeks after the 20-year-old injured his quadriceps at training.

Morabito missed all of last season with a knee injury, but was on track to return to AFL ranks in round one this year after completing a lengthy rehabilitation process.

But the explosive winger will start the year in the WAFL after his slight squad strain ruled out any prospect of him competing in the preseason competition.

"It won't hinder him too much," coach Ross Lyon said on Wednesday.

"It's a little bit of a frustration but ... it's only going to push him back a couple of weeks.

"We could have drip fed him into the NAB Cup for a half, but it'll be 70 weeks without playing football, so he'll play WAFL.

"He'll need a few weeks in the WAFL to get acclimatised to playing footy again and to get him ready for the AFL."

Morabito was a revelation in his rookie year of 2010, playing 23 of a possible 24 games before injuring his knee at preseason training in December that year.

Lyon was coach of St Kilda when Morabito made his debut, and said he had been impressed by the instant impact the number four pick from the 2009 national draft was able to have.

"He was explosive with the ball, a game breaker in a sense, but he was also a young player," he said.

"Without the ball, we knew he was a little bit vulnerable but, with the ball, he was really dangerous.

"He's like a young Adam Goodes really. He's growing into his body. He's that sort of athlete."

Fellow midfielder David Mundy is also expected to miss the season opener against Geelong in Perth on March 31 due to a slower-than-expected recovery from an ankle injury.

Fremantle, which beat Essendon but lost to West Coast in the opening round of the preseason competition, faces off against Richmond at Subiaco on Sunday.

Lyon said skipper Matthew Pavlich, ruckman Aaron Sandilands, defender Luke McPharlin and Jonathon Griffin were only likely to play half a game, while midfielder Michael Barlow was on track to return in the coming weeks after overcoming recent soreness in the leg he broke 18 months ago.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, fremantle-6160, wa, australia

First posted February 29, 2012 18:29:40

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Wells returns as Kangaroos down Dogs

Updated March 11, 2012 22:01:04

North Melbourne star Daniel Wells made a promising return as the Kangaroos cruised home against a severely under-strength Western Bulldogs for a 23-point preseason win in Ballarat on Sunday.

The Kangaroos won 1.11.18 (93) to 0.9.16 (70), with both sides taking the opportunity to give some of their stars either limited game time or leave them out altogether.

Wells, in his first game since clots found in his lungs last September required a stint on blood-thinning medication, played only the second half as did skipper Andrew Swallow and veteran Brent Harvey.

Playing up forward Wells was rusty early, taking until 16 minutes into the third term to win his first disposal, hitting the post from a free kick.

But he made amends in style a minute later, pouncing on a loose ball to post a nine-pointer which helped the Kangaroos clear away.

Having been given the medical all-clear, he said it was a big step to have made it through the clashes of a competitive match.

"You can do as much training as you want, but until you come out and play your first game you're never quite ready for it," Wells said.

Two quick goals to Kieran Harper followed, which helped the Kangaroos build a 27-point lead at the last change after they had led by just five at the main break.

By game's end, Wells was looking at home, picking up 10 disposals in one half.

"He didn't take a backward step today, laid some good tackles and looked right at home," said pleased coach Brad Scott.

While match fitness is an issue, Wells is determined to capitalise on the time between now and the club's March 31 season-opener against Essendon.

"It will have to do. The club and myself will do everything we can to make sure by round one I'm going to have a good impact," he said.

But it was hard to read much into the result.

The Bulldogs were missing at least nine players from their first-choice side, including stars Adam Cooney, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross and Robert Murphy.

They were even more inexperienced in the second half, after taking acting captain Shaun Higgins off at half-time, along with Ryan Griffen, who was clearly the Dogs' best in the first half with 14 touches and two goals.

The Kangaroos brought Harvey into the game at the main break and he had a huge impact, picking up 19 touches in the second half, while the introduction of Matt Campbell also lifted the Roos.

Liam Anthony and Jack Ziebell worked well in midfield, with Ryan Bastinac and Leigh Adams two of the Kangaroos' better first-half performers before being removed from the game.

For the Bulldogs, draftee Clay Smith and livewire Luke Dahlhaus performed well throughout while rookie-listed big man Tom Campbell impressed with some strong marks and three goals in his first game for the club.

Star full-back Brian Lake was again good in his second game for the year.

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, ballarat-3350, vic, australia, north-melbourne-3051, footscray-3011

First posted March 11, 2012 18:40:24

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Worsfold to evaluate LeCras replacements

Updated February 20, 2012 16:54:09

West Coast coach John Worsfold says he is not any closer to deciding on a replacement for injured star Mark LeCras after several potential replacements impressed in Sunday's preseason wins over rivals Fremantle and Essendon.

Former Bulldogs forward Josh Hill was the early favourite to take LeCras' spot after the 2010 club champion suffered a season-ending knee injury last week.

But impressive displays from Ashton Hams and Gerrick Weedon in West Coast's 21-point win over Essendon on Sunday have thrown the door wide open.

Hams and Weedon booted two goals apiece against the Bombers, while Weedon popped up for another goal in the Eagles' 20-point win over the Dockers.

And with 169cm Ryan Neates finally fit and eager to enter the selection frame, Worsfold said it would probably take him the entire preseason campaign before deciding on a replacement.

"We're lucky enough to have a lot of options," he said.

"Neates looked really sharp when he came on.

"Josh Hill - I was really impressed with his game.

"I thought (Weedon and Hams) both contributed really well.

"There's no doubt they're both physically more prepared to play at the elite level than they have been before.

"So just looking at some of those guys that can potentially fill that role - they've all got another month of training to put their hand up."

Weedon played just one game last season - as a sub against Essendon - but appears to have bulked up over the summer.

"He can play at the intensity of AFL football for longer periods than he has been able to do in the past," Worsfold said of the 20-year-old.

"We know he's got massive strength and explosiveness but he hasn't been able to maintain it.

"Backing up with a really strong preseason means he's ready to step up to that mark."

Although Worsfold said he had not taken any notice of some experts writing off the Eagles' flag chances following LeCras' injury, not everyone in the Worsfold clan has been able to brush it off.

"It got in my daughter's craw a little bit but, as a 15-year-old, I can understand maybe her being influenced by that," Worsfold said.

"But for our players, we understand. We had players injured last year - Ryan Neates - and we feel all the same for those players, regardless of who it is."

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon said he was impressed with the performance of 18-year-old Dockers forward Lachie Neale, who booted two goals against the Bombers before fading against West Coast.

"I suppose we've been a little bit bullish about him but ... he's just put another step in the right direction," he said.

Defenders Luke McPharlin, Antoni Grover and Alex Silvagni are tipped to return against Richmond in a fortnight, while Nick Lower and Kepler Bradley are also a chance.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, wa

First posted February 20, 2012 16:42:26

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Veterans to miss round one: Sheedy

Updated March 14, 2012 22:46:05

Sheedy suggested on Wednesday the Giants were likely to be missing up to five or six players for the Olympic stadium encounter on March 24.

Among the absentees will be midfielder Luke Power (hamstring), ruckman Dean Brogan (hamstring) and forward Setanta O'hAilpin (cork).

Sheedy was already resigned to taking on the Swans without the club's number draft pick Jonathan Patton, who underwent knee surgery in Sweden.

The Giants' coach said he was pretty close to finalising his preferred 22 for the match against Sydney.

He suggested GWS would field its strongest available squad for their final preseason hitout against Richmond in Canberra on Saturday.

"The best ones we can put out there," Sheedy said.

"We will not have our best team out there, but it's always hard to organise your best team to be running out there week in, week out."

Another veteran Chad Cornes is set to go for round one, but the former Port Adelaide star is not thinking about playing beyond this year.

"I'm still rapt for the opportunity to be here this year. The body is feeling pretty good at this stage," Cornes told reporters.

Sheedy reiterated rugby league convert Israel Folau would definitely be part of the side to face the Swans and was continuing to improve.

"He got the ball a few more times last week and we played him in the ruck more and he's starting to learn to read the game up the field," Sheedy said.

Looking ahead to the first-round clash with Sydney, Sheedy said he was still to decide who would get the difficult matchup on Swans' champion Adam Goodes.

With its Blacktown facility unavailable as it's being prepared for Sydney's clash with Gold Coast on Saturday, GWS trained on Wednesday at Lakeside Oval, next to the SCG and frequently used by the Swans.

Sydney coach John Longmire chatted with Sheedy before the session and then, together with some of his assistants, watched from a respectful distance at the opposite end of the ground.

"The Swans guys are there watching so we won't give too much away," Cornes said.

While he can get around western Sydney with relative anonymity, Cornes is finding another aspect of the harbour city less enjoyable.

"It takes two hours to get anywhere here. In Adelaide, it's 10 minutes max," Cornes said.

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, sydney-2000

First posted March 14, 2012 17:01:49

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Pies suffer pane-ful blow

Updated February 16, 2012 08:02:10

A freak accident means All-Australian Harry O'Brien will be the latest Collingwood star to miss the opening round of the AFL preseason cup.

O'Brien put his hand through some glass, leaving him with stitches in his little finger.

Coach Nathan Buckley said O'Brien would only miss Saturday night's round-one games against Greater Western Sydney and the Western Bulldogs at Blacktown.

Alan Didak (adductor), Ben Johnson (hamstring) and Andrew Krakouer (personal issues) are already out for most of the preseason games.

"He put his hand through a pane of glass at home, so we can't take a trick at the moment," Buckley said of O'Brien.

"Harry has a few stitches in his little finger and will miss this week and will be right for (the second week of preseason competition).

"We've had a few of those 'away from training' injuries that have bobbed up.

"It's just a freak accident, as far as I know."

Buckley added there was "nothing untoward" about O'Brien's accident.

The new Magpies coach said they would take a smaller squad to Sydney and "four or five" players would make their Collingwood debuts.

"Given we have a couple of weeks on the other side of this game, it influences ... the people we want to take up," Buckley said.

"We'll see a lot of youth, there will be a lot of opportunity ... for blokes to build on their leadership opportunities as well.

"We'll have a few leaders out."

But Buckley said there would be excuses for the `Pies and they expected to win every time they played.

He is looking forward to his debut as the full-time senior Collingwood coach and said he was not feeling any nerves yet.

"For me, it's a chance to dip a toe in the water and (for) the rest of our coaching staff, to make sure our systems are in place and ready to go (in) round one," Buckley said.

Buckley expects the Giants to be tough opponents in the preseason, noting how keen Gold Coast were to make a strong start when they made their AFL debut last season.

"We saw with the Gold Coast as well, they were one of the better clearance sides in 2011 - we expect a similar type of football," he said.

"Obviously with Kevin Sheedy and Mark Williams at the helm, there's probably going to be a fairly strategic game style used as well."

Meanwhile, Buckley has backed Krakouer after the small forward was given a month off to deal with personal problems.

"We're in constant contact with him (and) we're going to support him through this period," he said.

"There are things at the moment that are preventing him from training as often as we'd like.

"He's going to use that month to get back on his feet."

Asked how confident he is that Krakouer will return to the club, Buckley replied: "I'm 100 per cent confident he'll have every chance to do that."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, collingwood-3066, vic

First posted February 15, 2012 17:02:51

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Watts backed by Neeld

Updated March 04, 2012 17:09:27

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld has defended Jack Watts insisting it is too early to make a judgment on the former number one draft pick.

Watts, who has played 40 games for the Demons since being selected first in the 2008 draft, was criticised by Mick Malthouse and Wayne Carey during the Demons' victory over Collingwood on Saturday night.

The three-time premiership winning coach said "Watts has to lift his intensity" and is "happy to take the back seat in the marking contest, while former North Melbourne great Carey added on Melbourne radio that the player "is out of touch and needs to get more involved".

Neeld insists Watts remains a key factor in Melbourne's rising hopes for the 2012 campaign and says he has plenty of time for him to reach his potential.

"People talk about his 'whole career' - well, his whole career is about two years long," Neeld said.

"He's got some special talents - there are not too many players who can influence a game with low possession counts - I think he can.

"He's got some tricks (and) I thought his defensive work (against Collingwood) was really good.

"He's still got a developing body, he's going to get bigger over the years. He's got some tricks and I thought his defensive work tonight was really good. I think he had a high inside 50 count for someone who a lot of the time was playing deep.

"He's a good young talent and I'm pretty happy to have him on our list."

Tags: australian-football-league, sport

First posted March 04, 2012 12:04:19

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TV deal close for SANFL games

Updated February 16, 2012 12:54:26

The South Australian National Football League says it understands the ABC will telecast local football on ABC 1 again this season.

The SANFL spent about $70,000 last year to support 28 match day broadcasts.

The ABC had wanted more funding to cover games this season.

Darren Chandler from the SANFL says agreement is close on a higher contribution this year.

"The ABC, we understand, are gearing up to cover the 2012 season and you know we've been working with the ABC to finalise the contract and hopefully that'll be announced in the near future," he said.

"It (SANFL funding) is more than last year and once we've finalised a deal we'll be more than happy to release that.

"We understand that the ABC have got their own pressures, but they certainly are fully aware of how much South Australian football and the SANFL competition means to the public of South Australia."

Tags: sanfl, abc, television-broadcasting, sa, adelaide-5000

First posted February 16, 2012 12:31:42

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Tighter alcohol controls in force for AFL game

By Lisa Mosley

Updated February 29, 2012 08:20:37

Sales of cask wine will be banned in Alice Springs this weekend because authorities fear the influx of spectators for an AFL game will stretch police and hospital resources.

The Northern Territory Licensing Commission has banned the sale of takeaway cask and fortified wines this weekend, to coincide with the Adelaide Crows and Brisbane Lions clash at Traeger Park on Saturday.

Andy Hood from AFL NT supports the restrictions and says only mid-strength and light beers will be sold at the ground.

"In the past, I guess there was sometimes a little bit of trouble," he said.

"We are just really keen to ensure that people who come to the football ... enjoy the game.

"We are really keen to ensure that we get families to the footy."

More than 4,000 spectators are expected at the game.

Mr Hood says bars around the outer area of the ground will close 10 minutes into the last quarter.

"This year the restrictions have probably become more severe than years gone by," he said.

"Look, to be honest, the liquor commission and the police department probably have very good reasons for that."

Tags: australian-football-league, alcohol, alice-springs-0870, brisbane-4000

First posted February 28, 2012 16:17:21

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Young Magpies impress Buckley

Updated February 19, 2012 20:37:07

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley saw plenty of encouraging signs after giving the club's raw players experience in the AFL preseason competition in Sydney on Saturday.

But a serious knee injury to 2010 premiership player Brent Macaffer, who will undergo scans on an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), was Saturday night's obvious downer for the Magpies.

Macaffer joins a lengthy injury list, with Alan Didak (adductor), Ben Johnson (hamstring), Harry O'Brien (hand) and Ben Reid (shoulder) headlining a list of players unavailable for the Blacktown clashes.

However, the absence of so many premiership players provided the perfect platform for untried talent to shine.

"NAB Cup is about finding out about the depth of your list," Buckley said after his side's wins over Western Bulldogs and Greater Western Sydney.

"All of our young blokes were up and about and will be better for the experience."

Buckley singled out Jackson Paine, Peter Yagmoor, Jarrod Witts, Jonathon Ceglar, Shae McNamara and Marley Williams - all yet to play an AFL game - for praise.

Paine, a key forward taken with pick number 50 in last year's draft, produced the highlight of the night when he calmly peeled off a spectacular match-winning goal from the boundary line in the three-point win over GWS.

The 18-year-old admitted there was a touch of luck.

"I was trying to square it up and do the team thing but in the end it looked selfish," he told the club's website.

"In the end I got the goal and it was pretty exciting. I hope my celebration wasn't too 'wankery'."

Buckley was pleased with his charges' first hit-out for the year.

"Obviously to get the wins was a major aim," the coach said.

"We expect to win every game we play. Perhaps some people would look at the squad and say perhaps that's not the way we've selected the team.

"But ultimately we just needed those (young) players to get some experience playing their roles and I thought they did it pretty well."

Aside from a physical mishap with his chair, Buckley was content with how his new coaching team fared in the official start to the post-Malthouse era.

"I had some trouble with my seat. I kept sitting forwards and backwards, so I was going a bit nuts at times," he said.

"In the end, the communication was pretty good. We're after a style of play that we're trying to foster and it takes more than 80 minutes to be able to do that.

"But we're encouraged by some young players that came in and played their roles very well."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, collingwood-3066

First posted February 19, 2012 17:49:09

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North keeps quiet on Daw suspension

Updated February 08, 2012 11:58:40

North Melbourne has suspended rookie Majak Daw indefinitely.

The club said in a statement on Wednesday Daw had breached team rehabilitation protocols.

The Kangaroos accused the 20-year-old of behaving in a manner unbefitting of the club's culture and expectations.

Daw will train with VFL affiliate Werribee Tigers until further notice, the club said.

"The club understands there will be great interest in the circumstances which led to Majak's suspension, but it is not in a position to elaborate," the Kangaroos said.

North said it would continue to support and work closely with the 195cm ruckman during his suspension.

Daw, who is the first Sudanese-born AFL-listed player, is recovering from knee surgery.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, north-melbourne-3051, vic, australia

First posted February 08, 2012 11:58:40

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Appeals lodged against Optus copyright ruling

By court reporter Jamelle Wells, wires

Updated February 10, 2012 19:05:48

Telstra and Australia's two biggest football codes have appealed against a Federal Court ruling that lets Optus record matches shown on free-to-air television and replay them to customers.

In a landmark Federal Court case earlier this month, Optus was found to have not breached copyright over Telstra's lucrative deal with the NRL and AFL to broadcast live matches on the internet.

Customers using Optus's TV Now are able to record free-to-air television from their smartphone or computer and watch it with a delay as little as two minutes.

In his ruling, Justice Steven Rares found TV Now users had themselves made the recording of the matches, similar to when a person used a video or digital recorder.

He also found the recordings were being made for private and domestic use and that users were responsible for making available the recording, not Optus.

This was allowed under an exception in the Copyright Act.

But in a joint-submission lodged on Friday, Telstra and the AFL said Justice Rares erred in his judgment.

"The judge erred in finding that the service that Optus TV Now offers the user is substantially no different from a VCR or DVR," the notice of appeal said.

The NRL has filed a separate submission, with a hearing set down for April 18.

Media analysts have said the Federal Court ruling makes multi-million-dollar exclusive rights deals worthless.

Telstra has exclusive online broadcast rights for both the AFL and NRL.

The ruling could seriously reduce the NRL's next television deal as the code prepares to renegotiate its broadcasting rights.

ABC/AAP

Tags: copyright, information-and-communication, australian-football-league, nrl, rugby-league, television-broadcasting, courts-and-trials, telecommunications, australia, wa, vic, sa, qld, nsw

First posted February 10, 2012 15:05:22

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Demons grant Jurrah personal leave

Updated March 05, 2012 20:37:51

Livewire Melbourne forward Liam Jurrah has returned to central Australia after his AFL club gave him time off for personal reasons.

The 23-year-old is expected to return to the Demons soon, but there is no timeframe on his leave.

Jurrah is an elder of the Warlpiri people, who are based about 300km north-west of Alice Springs in the small indigenous community of Yuendumu.

Nicknamed the Warlpiri Wizard, Jurrah is the first player from remote central Australia be drafted to the AFL.

"Jurrah has been granted personal leave to return home to support his family and community through a challenging period," the Demons said in a statement.

"The club is totally understanding and supportive of Liam and is in close communication with him.

"Liam has had an interrupted pre-season following wrist surgery.

"He will continue his rehabilitation and training program upon his return to Melbourne."

New Demons coach Mark Neeld said last week that Jurrah would probably be out of action until at least round one of the regular season as he recovers from the surgery.

It is so far unclear whether the return to central Australia will further delay his playing return.

"He's going to have to come back through the VFL so that is where he is at," Neeld said last week.

"We know he has had complications with his wrist.

"It lasted four weeks in a cast and didn't heal (so) he had to have an operation and he can't join in full training."

Neeld had also said there was no long-term concern about Jurrah.

"Unfortunately, we had to go back and have a second go at it," he said.

"It's not a concern, but no one wants their players to be injured."

Jurrah was Melbourne's leading goalkicker last season, with 40 from 18 games.

He has kicked 81 goals in 35 games since making his senior debut three years ago.

Jurrah is an exceptional mark and has great pace, but the defensive side of his game has come in for criticism at times.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted March 05, 2012 19:52:14

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Demons without jumper sponsor for preseason cup

Updated February 24, 2012 11:51:41

Melbourne will start this year's AFL preseason competition without a major sponsor on its jumper.

The Demons have opted to partner with The Reach Foundation, the charity established by former Melbourne president Jim Stynes which aims to help Victoria's disadvantaged youth, for the preseason competition.

"Here was an opportunity where we've come into our pre-season program without a major sponsor on our jumper, and we took our inspiration from FC Barcelona, which for many years had Unicef on the front of their shirt," Demons chief executive Cameron Schwab said.

"So we thought - let's put the Reach logo on our jumper in recognition of the unbelievable work they do with young people. We can wear it proudly, and recognise that the relationship is even more tangible and public than perhaps it's ever been."

Current Melbourne president Don McLardy also worked alongside Stynes at Reach.

Schwab is confident the club will have a playing strip sponsor in time for the start of the season proper.

"We think we're still very much on track with our sponsorship. There's no panic stations," he said.

"We're having some really important and major discussions with our major sponsorship. We weren't prepared to compromise those at such an important time, as part of the long-term growth of the club.

"We're very confident that we can work through and get a very good outcome."

The Demons were in a dire financial position in 2008, but wiped off $5 million in debt in two years under the leadership of Stynes.

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted February 24, 2012 10:21:35

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Bombers bulk up for season

Updated March 12, 2012 18:55:35

Essendon's win over Sydney showcased the benefits of the club's emphasis on strength training this summer, according to midfielder David Zaharakis.

He is among several Bombers midfielders who look like they have put on muscle through the off-season.

The Bombers lacked physical presence last year, especially against top sides such as Geelong and Collingwood, and recruited Dean Robinson from Geelong to be their high performance coach.

They withstood a second-half charge from Sydney, another side renowned for its toughness, to win by two points last Friday night at Docklands.

"Jake Melksham and Travis Colyer are probably the two who are seen to have put on the most," Zaharakis said.

"It's been great over the preseason to hit the gym, the boys have really embraced it.

"Some of the training sessions have hurt, but (it's) just to get that size and bulk and be able to compete with sides like Geelong and Collingwood.

"Last year we were pushed off the ball, but I think on the weekend it proved - even on camera - we looked a bit bigger and a bit better in the contest, which is good."

Speaking at Essendon's family day on Monday, James Hird said Essendon was competitive for two and a half quarters in many games during his debut season as coach.

"We'd like to be a more competitive team across the whole four quarters," he said.

"We think the physical aspect of the way we've prepared our players is better than last year.

"A year of development, extra fitness work - we think that puts us in pretty good stead."

But one aspect of Friday's win that would not have pleased Essendon was that the Swans managed to kick 102 points.

Opposition teams were able to regularly kick big scores against Essendon last year, especially late in the season.

"It's probably not the best - we've really focussed on improving our defence over the preseason," Zaharakis said of Sydney's score.

"It's something we want to work on.

"Towards the end of last year we got blown out a couple of times.

"It's something we don't want to (have) happen often, but it's good to get the win."

Zaharakis wants to build on his breakout season last year, when he won the club best and fairest award.

He is now in the leadership group and feels his best is still to come, saying he had set new goals in consultation with Hird and line coach Simon Goodwin.

"We spoke about the scope for improvement I still have in my game," Zaharakis said.

"I'm nowhere near the player I want to be and this year is just another stepping stone in my development."

Young key defender Jake Carlisle was wearing a moon boot at the family day after twisting his ankle against Sydney.

But a club spokesman said it was a precaution and he should be available for Saturday's preseason game against Brisbane at Princes Park.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, essendon-3040

First posted March 12, 2012 18:55:35

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Footy-mad Tiwi Islands want ferry service back

By Kristy O'Brien

Updated February 10, 2012 13:31:08

The Tiwi Islands Shire Council says the local community has been left in the lurch by a decision to cancel all ferry services between Darwin and the islands.

Council chief executive officer Alan Hudson says it will particularly affect the Tiwi football grand final, which usually attracts hundreds of spectators from the mainland.

He says the ferry service is a vital link for people on the islands.

"The previous operator, of course, said 'well, if I'm not going to operate the Mandorah ferry, I'm not operating anything'," he said.

"Had a dummy spit.

"We have spoken to the operators of Fast Ferries who are the new Mandorah ferry operators.

"That was some weeks ago.

"At this stage we simply have not heard back from them."

Fast Ferries told the ABC it wants to get a service going to the Tiwi Islands but needs to overcome several obstacles first.

Spokesman Kym Lennox says the company is considering running several services between Darwin and Bathurst Island on the Tiwis grand final day.

"There are a couple of challenges in terms of access to the Tiwi Islands terminal because it is not there anymore," he said.

Tags: sea-transport, regional, regional-development, australian-football-league, nguiu-0822, darwin-0800

First posted February 10, 2012 13:31:08

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Ryder, Watson help Bombers down Swans

Updated March 09, 2012 22:08:55

Ruckman Paddy Ryder and returning skipper Jobe Watson played starring roles to deliver Essendon its first win of the AFL preseason at Docklands on Friday night.

The Bombers hung on to beat Sydney 1.14.12 (105) to 1.14.10 (103), after at one stage looking set to be over-run by the surging Swans.

Sydney trailed by 30 points early in the third quarter, but booted eight of the next nine goals to storm to an 11-point lead early in the last.

Essendon responded, with Ryder (four goals) kicking two majors either side of setting Watson up for his second goal of the night, which put the home side back in front.

The captain's crucial goal, kicked while he was fighting off cramp, capped a fine game, Watson's first for the year, as he gathered 27 disposals and 10 clearances.

Perhaps even more heartening for Bombers fans was an impressive showing from speedy running defender Courtenay Dempsey, who missed most of last season with a knee injury, but was particularly good early.

Fellow knee injury victim Jason Winderlich came on in the third term to play his first half for the year.

Veteran Dustin Fletcher, key forward Michael Hurley, Dyson Heppell and Brent Stanton also played their first matches this preseason, the Bombers having failed to make it to Wangaratta for last weekend's scheduled clash with St Kilda.

Bombers coach James Hird said his men allowed the Swans back in because they tired, which might have been an affect of missing last weekend's game.

"It probably had something to do with it. That was for at least half our team their first proper hit-out," he said.

He said Dempsey had returned from his injury a more mature player and likewise Ryder was maturing.

"He's decided 'This is my time and I'm going to take it on,' he's another one that has matured greatly," Hird said.

There were also some good signs for Sydney, which fought hard to keep the match a contest after being outplayed early.

Young key forward Sam Reid showed the marking class which turned him into a star last year, to boot four goals.

Young midfielder Luke Parker was also impressive, with 21 touches and two goals, while speedsters Lewis Jetta and Gary Rohan (two goals) showed some exciting glimpses.

Dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes was typically classy, kicking a nine-point goal late in the first term to keep his side in touch and a six-point snap late in the third quarter to again keep the game close.

Rhyce Shaw was also good for the visitors, with his run from defence.

Swans coach John Longmire said Sydney's performance was patchy.

But he expected more from a full-strength team next weekend, ahead of Sydney's season-opener against crosstown rival Greater Western Sydney on March 24.

Ben McGlynn, Ted Richards, Martin Mattner, Daniel Hannebery and Ryan O'Keefe should all return.

"That's what we're looking forward to next week, even though we were pretty close tonight, we were still missing five out of our starting 18, I guess," Longmire said.

Kieren Jack received a knock to the shin on Friday night, but Longmire said he was not badly hurt.

Essendon: 1.14.12 (105) - Nine-pointers: J Melksham. Goals: P Ryder 4, J Watson 2, M Hurley 2, S Crameri 2, T Colyer 2, H Hocking, J Melksham.

Sydney: 1.14.10 (103) - Nine-pointers: A Goodes. Goals: S Reid 4, G Rohan 2, H Cunningham 2, L Parker 2, A Everitt, A Goodes, L Jetta, M Seaby.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, sydney-2000, essendon-3040, nsw, australia

First posted March 09, 2012 21:30:32

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Carrazzo facing one-week ban

Updated March 05, 2012 17:49:08

Carlton onballer Andrew Carrazzo can accept a one-match suspension with early guilty pleas to two striking charges following Sunday's preseason match with Western Bulldogs.

The AFL's match review panel charged Carrazzo with a level two offence for striking Patrick Veszpremi during the third quarter of their second round preseason cup match at Docklands.

Carrazzo can accept a reprimand and 70.31 points towards his future record, or contest the case at the tribunal and risk a penalty of 93.75 points, which has been reduced from 125 demerit points due to a five-year good record.

A second charge against Carrazzo of striking Bulldogs small forward Shaun Higgins during the third quarter of Sunday's match has drawn the same penalty of 70.31 points with an early guilty plea.

If Carrazzo pleads guilty to both charges, he will miss Saturday's round three preseason match against Brisbane in Maroochydore.

Even if the onballer unsuccessfully contests both charges at the tribunal, he will miss just one preseason match.

The panel dismissed a match day report against West Coast's Jacob Brennan for front-on contact with Port Adelaide's John McCarthy.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, carlton-3053

First posted March 05, 2012 17:49:08

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AFL reports loss for first time in a decade

Updated February 17, 2012 13:51:47

The cost of the AFL's new teams Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney has led to the league making an operating loss for the first time in a decade.

Figures released on Friday show the AFL has recorded a deficit of $23.6 million.

And league boss Andrew Demetriou took a $400,000 pay cut last year, bringing home $1.8 million compared to $2.2 million in 2010.

AFL Commission chairman Mike Fitzpatrick says the rare loss will be quickly made up.

"The AFL commission is aiming to recoup the net loss during the next five years by generating profits of at least this amount," Fitzpatrick said.

The AFL recorded record revenue of $343 million - a two per cent increase - and an operating surplus of $234 million, up from $230 million.

Clubs were provided with total funding of $159 million.

Fitzpatrick said new television and digital media rights would be critical for financial growth in the near future.

Demetriou's salary included a base payment of $1.4 million and a $400,000 bonus.

The AFL said he was paid more in 2010 because he received a long-term retention bonus that year.

In total the nine-member executive team earned $5.08 million in salaries and bonuses.

The league also released other figures including:

Record participation - 791,178 from the previous mark of 751,015.Record club membership- 650,373 compared to 614,251 in 2010.Average attendance - 34,893 which puts the AFL in the top four in the professional sporting world.

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, business-economics-and-finance, australia

First posted February 17, 2012 12:47:01

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Saints, Swans, Cats share spoils

Updated February 24, 2012 23:13:35

There were wins for each of the three teams in Friday night's AFL preseason cup round in Melbourne.

Sydney blitzed St Kilda by five goals before a young Geelong side accounted for the tiring Sydney players by 26 points.

The rested Saints then beat Geelong by 21.

The temperature was still at 32 degrees at half-time of the last game at Docklands, giving a definite advantage to the Saints.

The 18 teams are split into six groups of three for round one of the competition, with each mini-match consisting of two 20-minute halves.

From next weekend the preseason competition reverts to standard matches.

Geelong coach Chris Scott said the contentious use of two interchanges and two substitutes for the preseason cup matches had made it tough for those who played two games on Friday night without a break.

"It's hard to judge, based on two 20-minute halves, but it was really hot (and) it made it very, very difficult for the side coming up against fresh opposition," Scott said.

"The jury is way out on the 'two and two' and hopefully we don't have to discuss it too many times this year."

Watters said the "two and two" system clearly made it harder for the players in the heat.

"I'm personally comfortable with the 'three and one' (three interchange and one substitute), but they're the rules and you have to adjust accordingly," Watters said.

Watters said Justin Koschitzke "potentially" had a calf injury after the ruck-forward was subbed out of St Kilda's first game.

Hayes, who needed a knee reconstruction after round two last year, was pleased with his first match back.

"It was great ... it was good just to get out there and be among the boys again," he said.

"I've been really happy with the way the club have handled my pre-season.

"That gives you a lot of confidence, but I suppose in the back of your mind, I was still a bit nervous before the game, having not played for almost 12 months."

"I see it as a mini-milestone, if you like."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000

First posted February 24, 2012 22:57:44

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Fyfe enjoying return to school

Updated March 12, 2012 17:38:11

Nat Fyfe says he feels like a school kid again as Fremantle's midfielders adjust to life under new coach Ross Lyon.

With skipper Matthew Pavlich set to play predominantly up forward this season, the bulk of the midfield responsibilities will fall on the likes of Fyfe, David Mundy, Michael Barlow, Stephen Hill, Anthony Morabito and Hayden Ballantyne.

Fyfe said the young group were embracing the challenge, but would take time to gel after Barlow, Mundy and Morabito were hit hard by injuries last year.

"We've got a completely new midfield structure and I've just enjoyed getting my head around that and learning as I go," Fyfe said on Monday.

"It's sort of back to school a little bit for some of us midfielders and for the whole team as well.

"With Barlow, Morabito and Mundy returning, it's going to strengthen our side.

"I've put on a little bit more bulk this year and I've enjoyed the move into the midfield, so hopefully that's where I'll play this year."

Mundy (ankle) and Morabito (quad) will definitely miss Friday night's pre-season clash with Hawthorn at Patersons Stadium, but Barlow remains a slight chance to return despite experiencing soreness in his leg last month.

Fyfe has been in scintillating form during the pre-season, but believed he was still yet to reach full fitness after off-season shoulder surgery restricted his early training load.

However, the 186-centimetre ball magnet was confident the upcoming hit-out against Hawthorn would leave him "cherry ripe" for round one.

Fyfe only narrowly missed out on All-Australian selection last year in a breakout season.

But the number 20 pick from the 2009 national draft said it was far too early to start talking up his Brownlow medal chances.

"Obviously I had a pretty good year last year, but internally at the footy club they're really good at keeping people grounded and Freo's done that really well for me," Fyfe said.

"I'm just focusing on getting my body right and ready to go come the proper season."

Young midfielder Lachie Neale, who twisted his ankle in last week's loss to Port Adelaide, will miss the next two to three weeks with the injury.

Hawthorn will enter this week's clash full of confidence after pumping Melbourne by 79 points on Saturday.

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, fremantle-6160

First posted March 12, 2012 17:31:06

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Eagles lose LeCras for season

Updated February 17, 2012 14:51:36

West Coast's worst fears have been realised after star forward Mark LeCras was ruled out for the entire AFL season with a knee injury.

Scans confirmed LeCras ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee at training on Thursday, with the 25-year-old to undergo surgery next week.

The injury is a massive blow to the Eagles, who have relied heavily on LeCras in recent years.

LeCras booted 58 goals in 2009 and 63 goals in his All-Australian year of 2010, when the Eagles finished last on the ladder.

Last season, LeCras spent more time in the midfield but still managed 47 goals, with his form helping the Eagles secure a surprise top-four finish.

The absence of LeCras this year is likely to pave the way for 23-year-old recruit Josh Hill to cement a spot in the side.

Hill, recruited from the Western Bulldogs at the end of 2011, has kicked 75 goals over 66 games as a mid-sized forward, and believes his best years lie ahead of him.

Andrew Strijk and Ashton Hams are others who will contend for the spot left vacant by LeCras.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, perth-6000, wa, australia

First posted February 17, 2012 14:51:36

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Bailed Jurrah lands in Melbourne

Updated March 09, 2012 20:22:34

AFL player Liam Jurrah has arrived back in Melbourne after being granted bail on charges linked with a machete attack on the outskirts of Alice Springs.

The Melbourne Demons forward was ordered onto the plane by a Magistrate in Alice Springs this morning, where he faced court on charges including being armed with an offensive weapon and causing serious harm.

After touching down, Jurrah was ushered through the media pack and into a waiting vehicle.

AFL general manager of football operations Adrian Anderson recognised the serious matter involves complex cultural dynamics.

"This is a difficult and traumatic situation for everyone involved. Melbourne Football Club has kept the AFL informed and we will continue to liaise with the club as more details emerge," he said in a statement.

This morning, the police prosecutor told the court the 23-year-old Jurrah was drunk when he armed himself with a machete on Wednesday night.

He said the Demons forward was with another man who was armed with an axe and went to the local town camp where an argument turned violent.

A 35-year-old man is in hospital with multiple face and skull fractures after the violent outbreak at the Little Sisters town camp.

Police laid charges against Jurrah and 23-year-old Christopher Walker, who was refused bail.

The court also heard Jurrah denied any involvement when interviewed by police overnight.

Jurrah's defence lawyer argued that the footballer should get bail, saying his partner is heavily pregnant and his club wants him to continue training in Melbourne.

The prosecution did not oppose.

Magistrate John Birch set a $3,000 surety and ordered Jurrah return to Melbourne on the next flight.

He said Jurrah cannot return to the Northern Territory except for a court appearance and must report to police in south-east Melbourne twice a week.

The matter will be back in court in May.

Jurrah was granted personal leave by the Melbourne Demons earlier this week to "deal with family and community issues".

Demons chief executive Cameron Schwab says the club will offer the player every assistance it can.

"We are dealing with incredibly complex, emotional and difficult issues," Schwab said in a press conference this morning.

"Clearly he's in a challenging and difficult situation. We'd have to sit down and discuss with him and take it one step at a time.

"Every player, to play an elite standard of the game, is required to give of himself a maturity level that belies their age.

"What Liam's done to this point has been extraordinary, and that journey continues from our perspective."

The 23-year-old forward comes from Yuendumu, 300 kilometres north-west of Alice Springs.

People from Jurrah's Warlpiri group have been involved in a bitter and at times bloody feud between two families that has divided the community.

Superintendent White declined to comment on whether this week's violence is linked to the Yuendumu dispute, which escalated after the stabbing death of a young man in 2010.

When the victim's family sought to carry out traditional punishment, police intervened and dozens of residents fled to Adelaide.

Tags: assault, crime, law-crime-and-justice, australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000, alice-springs-0870, nt, vic, australia

First posted March 09, 2012 17:35:51

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Jurrah plans to stay the course

Updated March 12, 2012 17:42:07

Liam Jurrah insists he wants to keep playing for Melbourne after a turbulent week in which he was charged with causing serious harm with an offensive weapon in his native Yuendumu.

Jurrah, 23, was bailed at Alice Springs Law Courts until May 17 over his alleged involvement in a machete attack at the Little Sisters town camp, a charge he denies.

The powerful forward, who will not take the field in the immediate future due to a wrist injury, has been joined by his mother and grandmother in Melbourne.

With this support along with that from family friends and the Demons, Jurrah believes he can get through these troubled times.

"It's tough at the moment ... I want to keep going. Keep my dream going." Jurrah told Fox Sports.

"I've got to just keep doing what I'm doing right now. Keep training and stick to the routine in the club.

"Family's first but ... footy's more important than anything (else).

"At the moment I just really want to make my family proud playing footy."

Jurrah's grandmother Cecily Granites also spoke about the influence Jurrah playing in the AFL has on the community back in Yuendumu.

"I think it's really important for a person like Liam, and all the players from Indigenous communities, coming all the way down from the remote areas to play," Granites said.

"It makes us feel really proud."

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, yuendumu-0872, nt, australia

First posted March 12, 2012 13:20:45

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Careers In Sports Medicine

Saints confident beyond Riewoldt's rule

Updated February 10, 2012 12:30:23

St Kilda star Nick Riewoldt may want to hand over the reins at season's end, but the AFL club is not worried about where to find a replacement when the time comes.

The talismanic forward was named as the Saints' skipper for the seventh straight season on Wednesday but, despite being excited about the honour, his time at the helm is limited.

But that revelation has not fazed new head coach Scott Watters, who told Grandstand Breakfast that St Kilda's next skipper will eventually emerge from his current crop of leaders.

"I think Nick's comment was probably more in principle than in a timeframe," he said.

"Nick would like to captain and play forever - as all players would - but at some point the reality is there has to be a pathway to another captain, whether that's 12 months, 24 months ... who knows?

"But part of the structure we've set up with the seven leaders plus Lenny [Hayes], that sort of sit in a supporting role to Nick and really drive the club, we would expect that a captain at some point will emerge from that seven."

Watters said it was a difficult choice to narrow the leadership group down to its current size in the first place.

"We think it's a really strong group. They're all really committed to shaping and driving the club as we move forward," he said.

"There's probably two or three leaders that sit outside that seven that were probably unfortunate not to get in.

"It was pretty competitive so it's going to set us up for [captaincy] succession really well I think."

Riewoldt will lead the group which consists of Brendon Goddard, Nick Dal Santo, Sam Fisher, Leigh Montagna, Adam Schneider, James Gwilt and Ben McEvoy.

Veteran midfielder Lenny Hayes, returning from knee surgery, missed out but was given the official title of leadership mentor.

Watters said despite the size of the group, every player would have a job to do - and not necessarily an exclusively on-field one.

"Every club has probably got a leadership group or a captain or a vice-captain or some sort of set-up but the way that the clubs utilise that group is probably different," he said.

"From that perspective I want those in the leadership to have very specific roles and specific functions within the function of our club.

"They all have a portfolio they have to manage - whether it's community, whether it's player ... appearances, facilities or it might just be compliance.

"We have one leader that looks at are our players tracking well with skin folds, so that they've actively got something tangible [to do].

"You have 46 players and ideally I want another seven coaches on top of the coaches I've already got.

The players that are in our leadership group - they know footy and they've been around footy for a long time and ... I want to challenge them in a different way and give them the opportunity to drive our culture and drive our performance.

"That's what I see a leadership group as, not so much a figurehead that runs out and flips the coin. For me it's more about being able to get their teeth really into driving a club that they love and want to succeed."

The Saints begin their 2012 campaign on February 24 in their preseason cup openers against Geelong and Sydney at Docklands.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, st-kilda-3182, vic, australia

First posted February 10, 2012 12:30:23

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Bombers wary of repetitive injuries

Updated February 17, 2012 17:59:01

Essendon is confident this year it will not suffer the slump which hit it hard last season.

The Bombers were surprise preseason cup grand finalists - beaten by Collingwood - and made a fast start to 2011 to be third on the ladder after eight rounds.

But they were halted by serious knee injuries to pacey pair Courtenay Dempster and Jason Winderlich, who were sidelined for the season.

Essendon veteran Mark McVeigh says an overhaul of the club's fitness sector and a rigid new regime was aimed at preventing similar high-impact problems.

"All players learnt a lot from that in that you've really got to watch your body," McVeigh said on Friday.

"We know we had that down period and we'd been up for so long.

"Things may be a little bit different this year.

"Since then we've got new fitness staff and they have brought in a whole different variety of monitoring programs for us all.

"We're certainly monitored pretty heavily in the way we're feeling and body-wise."

McVeigh said the preseason grand final was not a priority for the club - their main objective before the premiership season was to develop the younger players.

Essendon is grouped with West Coast and Fremantle in the opening round of the preseason cup at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

"We're taking a very young group over and most of our list of young guys will play on the weekend," McVeigh said.

"We're looking at it in terms of really being able to develop our young guys.

"We'll be going out there to play some of our best footy but it's also a great time to see where our young guys are at and give them an opportunity to be able to put their hand up for selection during the year."

Essendon has mapped out specific programs for each of its players for the preseason event.

"Last year we went into the NAB Cup just wanting to play all the guys we possibly could," he said.

"This year you might see an even balance in terms of the whole list playing.

"Some of our real gun players won't be playing this weekend. We'll play the majority of our young guys.

"Some guys will be playing a half on the weekend, some will play a half in a couple of weeks time. It's going to be a real mixture this year."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, essendon-3040, vic, australia

First posted February 17, 2012 17:59:01

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Saints duo miss Essendon clash

Updated March 02, 2012 17:16:31

Star St Kilda forward Justin Koschitzke will miss Saturday's preseason cup clash with Essendon at Wangaratta through injury.

Saints coach Scott Watters said that Koschitzke had been withdrawn from the match because of slight calf soreness and was a week away from returning.

Small forward Ahmed Saad has also been pulled, with the club anxious to manage his workload effectively.

Watters said Koschitzke was poised to play at peak form this season and his withdrawal was a minor hiccup.

"It's more soreness," Watters said.

"He trained during the week ... but he's just missed a couple of training sessions, so we erred on the side of caution."

Watters said Koschitzke would complete a full training program next week and would line up in the game against West Coast.

The forward-cum-ruckman had an interrupted 2011, playing only half the season due to an ankle injury, but Watters believes the 29-year-old is set for a standout season.

"He's lean and his running capacity is as good as it's been for two or three years.

"Like a number of our players he's had a really strong, consistent pre-season which stands him in good stead."

He said the club was acting cautiously with Saad, a 22-year-old drafted from the VFL side Northern Bullants who only started playing the code five years ago after switching from soccer.

"We're probably wary of Ahmed playing all four NAB Cup games," he said.

"We think he's in contention for round one if he continues to hold his form so he's going to need a rest at some point.

"More than likely he'll play the following week."

Essendon will take a much stronger side into this weekend's game after losing both their round one games and have included captain Jobe Watson, veteran Dustin Fletcher and Michael Hurley.

Hurley missed the opening round of the pre-season competition with a hamstring strain and Bombers coach James Hird said the forward would play as much of the game as possible.

"We'll wait and see, it just depends on how often the ball is down there," Hird said.

"Hopefully it's down there the whole half and he can play a half but if it's not he might play three quarters.

"But this will be his first hit-out and he's been back training for a month so we're confident that he's up for a full game but whether he plays a half, three quarters or a full game we'll wait and see till the day."

Hurley has not committed to Essendon beyond this year and is a major target for Greater Western Sydney.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, st-kilda-3182

First posted March 02, 2012 17:07:29

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Bulldogs to set tough tone early

Updated February 17, 2012 18:04:27

New Western Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney wants his troops to take a hard-nosed attitude into Saturday night's AFL preseason clash with a largely second-string Collingwood and a youth-stacked Greater Western Sydney.

After an off-season spent implementing a new game-plan, with a heavy focus on tough, contested football, the Blacktown fixture will be the Bulldogs' first outing under their first-year coach.

The former Geelong and Essendon assistant said it was important that the team started their year the way they intended to continue.

"Good habits are best learnt from day one and practised and bad habits can sneak in pretty quickly too," McCartney told reporters on Friday.

"We want our older and more experienced players to develop our younger players and we want our younger players to see how the game is played from day one.

"Does that mean we'll be playing seriously when the ball bounces? I expect our boys to be hard at the ball and do what they're asked to do."

While missing a few big names, the Bulldogs' squad is closer to full-strength than the Magpies', who named only nine members of last year's grand final side, while for many of the Giants, it is their first game at this level.

But McCartney was more interested in honing his own side's game than worrying about how the opposition stacked up.

"We picked people who are ready to play, who we want to see perform for our footy club and practice what we've been working on for four or five months now," he said.

The new coach said he put his squad through a "revision test" on Friday morning, asking players to front the group and explain aspects of the team's playing style, to ensure they were clear on it.

Along with numerous experienced players, McCartney was looking forward to seeing how some emerging players fared, citing Ayce Cordy and Christian Howard as two who had taken steps in their development.

New draftees Clay Smith, Michael Talia and Tory Dickson will also play.

McCartney predicted tough midfielder Smith, the Dogs' top draft pick, would quickly become a fan favourite.

"He plays football the way you like to see it played - he sees the ball and attacks it," he said.

"I'm sure our supporters will get a real appreciation for Clay very early in his career."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, footscray-3011, vic, australia

First posted February 17, 2012 18:04:27

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Good signs for Hayes after trial game

Updated February 10, 2012 18:45:30

St Kilda coach Scott Watters says Lenny Hayes is on track to play in the preseason cup after recovering from a knee injury which restricted the ex-skipper to just two games last AFL season.

On-baller Hayes played the first three quarters of an intra-club trial game at St Kilda's Seaford training base on Friday.

The 32-year-old ran laps of the oval during the last quarter with other key players including goal sneak Stephen Milne and captain Nick Riewoldt.

Watters says Hayes is having an excellent preseason.

"He's very keen to play. We've just got to hold him back a little bit at the moment," Watters said.

"He's going well. It has been a really solid preparation for him and he has got a lot of confidence out of it.

"He'll play some of it (preseason cup). He won't play all of it.

"We've got to prepare him for round one and hopefully to play early in the season so it will be the right preparation to get him ready for round one."

Horsham Demons teenager Seb Ross was handed the big task of tagging dual All-Australian Brendon Goddard in midfield.

"He kicked a good goal at the end, Seb. I thought Seb was really solid," Watters said.

"He's a really mature young kid. He has already probably got a body that can handle AFL football.

"He's really composed in a contest. He did his selection chances no harm at all today."

Watters said he was impressed with mature-aged recruits Ahmed Saad, 22, and Terry Milera, 24.

"Both of them were good. Beau Wilkes (a 25-year-old who has played 23 games with West Coast) was really solid down back," Watters said.

The 194cm Wilkes can play at either end but, at this stage, he is being primed for the backline, Watters said.

While the first-year coach said he was happy his squad avoided any major injuries on Friday, one concern was utility Nicholas Winmar who left the field with suspected mild concussion.

"We got through healthy. That's probably the most pleasing thing," Watters said.

"It was a good solid hit-out."

Watters said he was almost certain Winmar did not suffer a facial injury.

"He's dazed - maybe mild concussion," Watters said.

The Saints play Geelong and Sydney in the first round of the preseason cup on February 24 at Docklands.

St Kilda travel to Football Park to take on Port Adelaide in round one of the AFL season on April 1.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, st-kilda-3182, vic

First posted February 10, 2012 17:14:58

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