Bennell charged after NYE brawl

Updated January 01, 2013 18:46:25

Gold Coast Suns player Harley Bennell has been charged by police after being arrested following a disturbance during New Year's Eve celebrations in Mandurah, Western Australia.

Bennell, who was the second player picked in the 2010 draft, was charged with disorderly behaviour in a public place and failure to obey an order from an officer about 2:15am (local time).

The 20-year-old utility player will appear before the Mandurah Magistrates Court on January 15, 2013.

"About 2:15am this morning police were called to the Smart Street Mall in Mandurah and located a group of people in the vicinity of the nearby nightclubs, with a number of those people being disorderly and fighting," a police statement said.

Bennell has made 36 appearances over the past two years for the Suns and finished second in the club's best and fairest behind Gary Ablett in 2012.

The Suns confirmed the charge but did not give further comment.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, mandurah-6210, robina-4226

First posted January 01, 2013 18:16:54

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Young Docker Morabito injured again

Updated January 10, 2013 10:33:43

Injury-troubled Fremantle Dockers midfielder Anthony Morabito has suffered a setback to his long-awaited AFL comeback.

Morabito injured the knee he has twice had reconstructive surgery on at Wednesday morning's training.

The club confirmed the 21-year-old had torn the graft on his surgically repaired anterior cruciate ligament and will need another reconstruction.

Morabito was the number four pick in the 2009 draft but after playing 23 AFL games for Fremantle in 2010 he has not made an AFL appearance since.

Fremantle football manager Chris Bond said Morabito had been working hard on making it back to the top level.

"He was really looking forward to this year and so were we," Bond said.

After pulling up lame from the training mishap Morabito was rushed away for scans on the injured knee.

Coach Ross Lyon and medical staff accompanied Morabito.

"We'll wait for the results of the scans but it is a concern given his history."

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

First posted January 09, 2013 15:34:47

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Magpies' Williams charged with assault

Updated December 27, 2012 22:45:08

Collingwood midfielder Marley Williams has been charged with assault following an incident at a nightclub in Albany, on Western Australia's south coast last night.

It is alleged that Williams was one of two men involved in an argument at the club at 1.30am (WST).

Williams is said to have punched the man who was taken to Albany Regional Hospital with a broken jaw.

The club confirmed the charge, but said it wouldn't comment further as the matter was now in the hands of police.

Williams will appear in court at a later date.

Williams played six games last season after being selected in the 2012 rookie draft.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, albany-6330, collingwood-3066

First posted December 27, 2012 22:45:08

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Paul Kennedy's top five sporting moments of 2012

Updated December 21, 2012 07:20:09

The ABC's Paul Kennedy gives his verdict on the top five sporting moments of 2012.

Look back on a whirlwind year's biggest sporting stories and how they unfolded on ABC Grandstand.

Australian surfing had an excellent year with Stephanie Gilmore and Joel Parkinson both claiming world surfing titles in 2012.

Gilmore claimed her fifth women's world surfing title with victory over fellow Australian Tyler Wright in the penultimate event of the year at Biarritz in France.

She was the first ever surfer to win four titles in four attempts from 2007-2010, but fell back to the number three ranking in 2011 when her life was disrupted by a violent assault.

Read the story: Gilmore wins fifth world title

On the men's circuit, Joel Parkinson ended his long wait for a world title at the Pipeline Masters in Hawaii, edging out 11-time winner Kelly Slater to the gong.

Parkinson's title was a reward for consistency 2012 and could have won the championship without a single event victory.

However, he avoided that particular historical footnote by beating compatriot Josh Kerr in the final to take home the Pipeline Masters trophy as an added bonus.

Speaking at his trophy presentation in Hawaii after his bout with Kerr, Parkinson said:

Read the story: Parkinson wins first world surfing title

The Australians returned home with 85 medals - record breaker Jacqueline Freney with her incredible eight gold medals among them - but the London 2012 Paralympics stood out as a major success that put disabled sport truly on the map.

London Games chairman Sebastian Coe said the huge popularity of Paralympic Games showed disabled sport was fast becoming recognised as elite competition.

An unprecedented 2.7 million tickets were snapped up for nearly 45 million pounds ($72.12 million), exceeding 2012 organisers' original target of 35 million.

More than four billion people were estimated to have watched the London Games on television compared to 1.9 billion eight years ago in Athens.

Read the story: Paralympics put disabled sport on the map: Coe

Sydney's famous pressure paid big dividends as the Swans held off Hawthorn to take out the AFL premiership by 10 points.

Read the story: Swans snatch victory in classic grand final

The grand final surprised no one with its intensity - it was a game of bursts and savage swings of momentum, with first one, then the other team looking down and out, before the Swans won 14.7 (91) to 11.15 (81).

Both teams found kicking for goal difficult in blustery conditions, although thankfully earlier predictions of heavy rain and hail proved unfounded.

Veteran Ryan O'Keefe took the Norm Smith Medal, with 28 disposals and an amazing 15 tackles.

In the NRL, the Melbourne Storm won its first premiership since it was stripped it of two titles for salary cap breaches, beating the Bulldogs 14-4.

Read the story: Clinical Storm repel Bulldogs' bite

Sam Perrett had levelled the scores after Storm forward Ryan Hoffman scored the opening try of the match in the seventh minute.

But Melbourne half-back Cooper Cronk stamped his class on the match in the back end of the first half.

Cronk produced a deft pass for Billy Slater to score in the 32nd minute.

Melbourne consolidated its lead in the shadows of the break with Cronk's pin-point kick for winger Justin O'Neill to score in the corner in the 39th minute.

Melbourne maintained its 14-4 half-time lead through to the end of the game with a superb defensive display in the second half.

The Test team's form may have fluctuated of late, but captain Michael Clarke was a shining light for Australia throughout 2012, averaging 106.35 for the calendar year so far.

Clarke came to life on home soil, scoring a historic 329 not out against India, before making another double ton in the next match during the 4-0 series whitewash in January.

While he made a modest contribution in the West Indies in April (scoring 188 runs in 6 innings), he flexed his muscle at home again, smacking two double centuries against South Africa.

While his efforts against the Proteas were ultimately made in vain, they helped him become the world's leading run scorer of 2012 with 1489 runs.

Read the story: Is Clarke as good as Bradman?

But the stakes have been raised in the upcoming 2013 Ashes series with new England skipper Alastair Cook finding phenomenal form after taking over the captaincy from Andrew Strauss.

Cook led England to a first Test series win in India in December in 28 years, coming from 1-0 down to take the four-match series 2-1.

India won the first Test by nine wickets in Ahmedabad, before Cook led his side to a 10-wicket win in Mumbai and a seven-wicket victory in Kolkata.

Cook was named man of the series after top-scoring with 568 runs at an average of 80.28.

Read the story: Draw clinches India series win for England

Following Olympic disappointment in the pool, Australia's shining light Sally Pearson lived up to her favourite's tag to take gold in the women's 100m hurdles in London.

Read the story: Pearson storms to hurdles gold

Pearson clocked 12.35 seconds to break the Olympic record held by American Joanna Hayes, set in Athens, by 0.02 of a second.

Pearson just edged out America's defending Olympic champion Dawn Harper (12.37), with countrywoman Kellie Wells (12.48) taking the bronze.

The Aussie champion spent six weeks in Britain prior to the Olympics to escape the build-up, hype and pressure in Australia. After her win, she said:

And without Pearson's heroics, how else would this piece of ABC News 24 television history have come about? Take it away, Michael Rowland.

Tags: sport, olympics-summer, paralympics, surfing, nrl, australian-football-league, cricket, australia

First posted December 21, 2012 07:20:09

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Demons to respond to AFL tanking claims

Updated December 20, 2012 08:04:59

The AFL has asked Melbourne to respond to evidence which could lead to the club being charged with tanking for draft picks in 2009.

The AFL said any charges that resulted were expected to be laid in late January, after the Demons have had time to respond.

"Evidence gathered during the investigation will this week be provided to relevant parties to give them an opportunity to comment," the league said in a statement on Wednesday night.

"It is expected that a final decision regarding whether any charges under AFL rules are warranted will be made in late January 2013."

AFL investigators have already interviewed key Demons football staff and officials about the allegations.

If the allegations are substantiated, it could lead to the AFL Commission handing down severe penalties for the club and individuals found to have been involved.

Demons president Don McLardy said earlier this month that Melbourne planned to defend themselves against the claims.

"I can assure you we will use every resource available to us to defend the integrity of the Melbourne Football Club in the strongest possible way," he said.

The long-running investigation was sparked by comments made by former Melbourne midfielder Brock McLean, now with Carlton, in a television interview in July in which he claimed "Blind Freddy" would have realised the club was not trying to win games late in the 2009 season.

Melbourne's poor record that season meant they qualified for a priority pick, giving them the first two selections in that year's draft, under a system that has since been scrapped.

AAP

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

First posted December 19, 2012 20:33:05

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McLachlan named as AFL deputy CEO

Updated December 19, 2012 22:30:32

AFL executive Gillon McLachlan has been named as the new league deputy chief executive behind Andrew Demetriou.

The highly-regarded McLachlan joined the AFL in 2000 and has been the league's chief operating officer since 2008.

His responsibilities include broadcasting, stadium infrastructure, venue agreements, fixturing and digital media, such as the new AFL Media division.

Earlier this year McLachlan was being sought as a possible NRL chief executive before he re-committed to the AFL.

The appointment to the newly-created position confirms previous assessments that McLachlan is the front-runner for chief executive if Andrew Demetriou - who has led the AFL since 2003 - leaves his post in the future.

"It is timely to establish a new look team at the executive level to ensure the AFL maintains an organisational structure that is aligned with our future strategic priorities," Demetriou said in a statement.

"Gill has made a significant contribution to the AFL across a number of strategic fronts and this promotion is well deserved."

McLachlan will also be acting general manager, football operations following the recent departure of Adrian Anderson.

The position is one of a number of jobs in the AFL that will be advertised in the New Year.

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

First posted December 19, 2012 18:59:20

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Kangaroos sign US basketballer to AFL

Updated December 20, 2012 18:01:17

AFL club North Melbourne have decided to take a two-year punt on an American college basketballer.

Eric Wallace, 24, has impressed enough in a 10-day trial to earn a contract with the Kangaroos.

He has been signed as an international rookie list player.

Coach Brad Scott said Wallace's work ethic and athletic ability suggested he was worth taking a chance on.

"Eric has worked extremely hard and proved to us he's willing to do whatever it takes to play AFL football," Scott said.

"The ovation he received from the playing group when we announced his signing was evidence of how highly regarded Eric already is at our club and the way he has fitted in so easily.

"He still has a lot to learn about the game but his passion for Aussie rules is already very strong and his athletic ability is outstanding."

Wallace, from North Carolina, stands 196cm and weighs 102kg, and was part of the AFL Draft Combine in October.

"I have a long way to go. I'm the first to admit that but I'm growing fonder of this game every day," Wallace said.

Wallace, who had stints playing basketball at three US colleges including Seattle University, will start training with the Kangaroos full-time in early January.

AAP

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

First posted December 20, 2012 18:01:17

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Tippett looks forward to Swans challenge

Updated December 13, 2012 07:04:49

Boom Sydney recruit Kurt Tippett says the Swans are the perfect fit as he prepares for the challenge of missing the first half of the 2013 AFL season with his new club.

Tippet's two-month campaign to play for the premiers ended in success on Tuesday when he was taken by Sydney in the preseason draft.

He will be suspended for the first 11 games of 2013, following an investigation into draft and salary cap breaches by his former club Adelaide.

Forward-ruckman Tippett trained with Sydney for the first time on Wednesday.

'It's very exciting to be here in Sydney, after a long off-season, a few little challenges," Tippett said, while acknowledging there was a time he feared he would not be able to make his way to the Swans.

"I look forward to playing football, settling in, training hard and preparing myself well and earning the guys' trust over the summer.

"It's been a challenge for myself and my family but I'm happy to put that all behind me now."

Tippett said Sydney was a great club and a great city.

"The future here is very bright, the prospect of coming here and playing alongside guys like Jarrad (McVeigh), Adam Goodes and Sam Reid is very exciting for me," he said.

He was philosophical about having to sit out so many games at the start of the year.

"It's going to be a challenge but they are the cards we've been dealt and we'll make the most of it," Tippett said.

McVeigh said Sydney viewed the 25-year-old Tippett as a long-term player for the club.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, australia, adelaide-5000, sa

First posted December 12, 2012 10:30:37

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Indigenous All Stars to play Tigers in Red Centre

Updated December 14, 2012 15:55:08

The AFL has confirmed an Indigenous All Stars team will play Richmond at Alice Springs next year.

The match will be staged at Traeger Park in February.

Former Sydney Swans star Michael O'Loughlin will coach the All Stars and will be assisted by Roger Hayden, Troy Cook and Andrew McLeod.

The match will be part of a biennial event and 67 Indigenous AFL players will take part.

AFL Central Australia chief Andy Hood says a football clinic being hosted during the game week will be a "once in a lifetime" opportunity for the region's footballers.

Mr Hood says the game and players camp will provide a boost for football in Central Australia.

"We have actually got about 120 AFL players in Alice Springs from Tuesday right through to Saturday," he said.

"Both the All Stars and the Richmond Tigers have got their community camps in Alice Springs and there's a big super-clinic on the Wednesday.

"I don't think there will be an opportunity like this again.

"To have both these teams for a super clinic on Traeger Park is just amazing."

Tickets for the match are on sale.

Tags: australian-football-league, community-and-multicultural-festivals, alice-springs-0870

First posted December 14, 2012 14:14:14

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Judd relinquishes Blues leadership

Updated December 10, 2012 14:41:16

Carlton superstar Chris Judd has confirmed he will not captain the AFL club next year.

The two-time Brownlow Medallist, who captained West Coast to the 2006 premiership, has skippered the Blues for five seasons since joining them at the end of 2007.

But the 29-year-old said with new coach Mick Malthouse taking over it was the right time to bring in a new skipper.

Judd will step outside the club's leadership group completely.

Carlton does not expect to name a new captain until February, with Marc Murphy and Andrew Carrazzo considered front-runners.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the past five years," Judd said.

"However I have decided I want to step down and hand the job over to someone else and with a new coach it seemed like the right time for a fresh start at the club.

"At this stage of my career, I am looking forward to getting back to enjoying the essence of footy and not having as much responsibility around the club as I have had in previous years.

"I certainly won't be pushing any less hard to bring success and will still have an active role, however it just won't be in an official leadership capacity."

Blues football manager Andrew McKay said Judd had set the benchmark for discipline and professionalism and that was not expected to change with him no longer carrying a leadership title.

"We expect his influence to continue," McKay said.

AAP

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

First posted December 10, 2012 14:41:16

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Clubs fined for SANFL breaches

Updated December 11, 2012 14:52:25

SANFL clubs West Adelaide and Port Adelaide have been fined for salary cap breaches.

The Bloods have been fined $50,000 and banned from recruiting outside their boundary zone next year, except for the mini-draft.

They exceeded the salary cap by more than $38,000.

Port also was fined $50,000 but will not face recruiting penalties because its salary cap breach was smaller and due to administrative errors.

SANFL executive Chris Davies said the league had sent an important message to clubs.

"That both clubs must now pay $50,000 fines is a reminder of the serious consequences of breaching the salary cap," he said.

"Clubs are fully aware of the regulations and the consequences if found guilty."

Tags: sanfl, sa, adelaide-5000, port-adelaide-5015

First posted December 11, 2012 14:35:27

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Expert welcomes Burswood stadium transport plan

Updated December 15, 2012 12:27:42

A sustainability expert says it is entirely feasible to get 83 per cent of spectators to and from Perth's new sports stadium at Burswood on public transport.

The State Government has released its transport blueprint for the venue, which includes a six platform train station, a facility for up to 20 buses at a time and a pedestrian bridge over the Swan River.

The $340 million plan allows for 1,000 car bays.

Professor of Sustainability at Perth's Curtin University, Peter Newman, does not favour the Burswood site for the stadium but says the transport plan deserves credit.

"It is a recognition that we have grown up as a city and can manage big crowds without having big traffic jams as the only way to get there," Professor Newman said.

He says the Government's blueprint makes the best of a bad site.

"If you're going to get 50 to 60 thousand people going to a game, you'd want them to stick around and help to activate the urban area around it but there's not a lot else there."

Professor Newman says Subiaco - or even Cockburn Central - would have been a better option.

Tags: australian-football-league, liberals, state-parliament, university-and-further-education, burswood-6100

First posted December 15, 2012 11:59:51

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Power dash Jurrah's AFL draft hopes

Updated December 10, 2012 20:55:25

Troubled ex-Melbourne forward Liam Jurrah will not be in the AFL next season after Port Adelaide ruled out punting on him in Tuesday's pre-season or rookie drafts.

Ex-Adelaide star forward Kurt Tippett is set to finally get his wish to join reigning premiers Sydney.

Tippett is the one big fish among the many recycled AFL players set to dominate the off-season's last recruiting opportunity.

But Jurrah faces at least a year in AFL exile.

The 24-year-old, who walked out on the Demons at the end of the 2012 AFL season, is due to face court in Alice Springs next March over assault charges.

He has trained with the Power in recent weeks.

But Port football manager Peter Rohde said injury-related fitness concerns and Jurrah's off-field troubles had put them off drafting him on Tuesday.

The Power have instead offered him a spot with their SANFL club, help with his court battle, assistance regaining fitness and a promise they will consider recruiting him for 2014.

The Swans will not enter the pre-season draft until pick number 11.

But with Greater Western Sydney, who have the top pick, having ruled out taking Tippett - who is suspended for next year's first 11 rounds over a draft and salary cap saga - and no signs of interest elsewhere, the way is clear for Sydney.

GWS plan to re-draft veteran ruckman Dean Brogan and are likely to also extend ex-Carlton key position player Bret Thornton's career.

The Crows will re-draft Nick Joyce, the youngster they de-listed before November's national draft when they were not allowed to cut Tippett.

Andrew Collins (Carlton), Ariel Steinberg (Essendon), Callum Bartlett (Brisbane), Peter Yagmoor (Collingwood), Jesse Crichton (Fremantle), Ben Speight and Cameron Richardson (North Melbourne) are others likely to be welcomed back onto the main or rookie lists of clubs that delisted them.

Collingwood will give veteran ruckman Ben Hudson his fourth AFL home through the rookie draft.

Ex-Geelong ruckman Orren Stephenson could be picked up by Richmond.

Former Geelong and Essendon midfielder Brent Prismall is hoping to join the Western Bulldogs.

He is battling for a spot with VFL player Brett Goodes, the brother of Sydney's Adam.

Other relatives of AFL players hoping for selection include Xavier Richards and Brandon Jack, the brothers of Sydney's Ted and Kieren respectively, who are on the Swans' radar.

Jordon Bourke, the son of former Geelong and Brisbane big man Damien, is seeking a spot with the Lions.

Dayle Garlett, cousin of Carlton's Jeff, is hoping to join Essendon, where he has been training after being overlooked in the national draft because of disciplinary concerns despite being rated one of the nation's most talented youngsters.

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, adelaide-5000, sa, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted December 10, 2012 20:55:25

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Carlton name 2013 AFL leadership group

Updated December 11, 2012 08:32:57

Carlton on Tuesday named a new five-man leadership group for the 2013 AFL season following Chris Judd's decision to step aside after five years as captain.

Led by veterans Andrew Carrazzo, Kade Simpson and Jarrad Waite, the group also features 2011 John Nicholls Medal winner Marc Murphy.

After two seasons at the Blues, defender Nick Duigan has been voted in for the first time.

Carlton's general manager of football Andrew McKay said the entire playing list was given the opportunity to nominate for a leadership role. The playing group then voted on the nominees.

"We are really pleased with the group chosen, we've got a balanced spread of experience and each line group is represented," he said.

The leadership group has also been trimmed from nine players in 2012.

"It is not about numbers, but instead a mix of respected players that will drive Carlton's expectations on and off the field in 2013," McKay said.

The naming of the group comes after Blues superstar Judd yesterday confirmed he would not captain the AFL club next year.

The two-time Brownlow Medallist, who captained West Coast to the 2006 premiership, has skippered the Blues for five seasons since joining them at the end of 2007.

But the 29-year-old said with new coach Mick Malthouse taking over it was the right time to bring in a new skipper.

Judd will step outside the club's leadership group completely.

Carlton does not expect to name a new captain until February, with Murphy and Carrazzo considered front-runners.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the past five years," Judd said.

"However I have decided I want to step down and hand the job over to someone else and with a new coach it seemed like the right time for a fresh start at the club.

"At this stage of my career, I am looking forward to getting back to enjoying the essence of footy and not having as much responsibility around the club as I have had in previous years.

"I certainly won't be pushing any less hard to bring success and will still have an active role, however it just won't be in an official leadership capacity."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, carlton-3053, melbourne-3000, vic, australia

First posted December 11, 2012 08:32:57

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Saga over as Swans snap up Tippett

Updated December 11, 2012 12:07:33

Kurt Tippett has sealed his protracted move to the Sydney Swans after the reigning AFL champions drafted the forward as pick number 11 in the AFL preseason draft.

Despite being suspended for the first 11 games of the 2013 season due to his role in the Adelaide Crows' salary cap breach, the Swans have signed Tippett to a two-year deal reportedly worth around $800,000 a year.

Tippett signed a shorter deal with the Swans over fears he might be picked by a rival team ahead of Sydney in the draft.

Tippett was one of just eight players taken in the preseason draft, with a host of clubs opting not to participate.

Greater Western Sydney was first cab off the rank, snapping up ex-Carlton defender Bret Thornton, before Port Adelaide grabbed Essendon-trained Sam Colquhoun from SANFL side Central District.

Essendon signed Will Hams from Gippsland Power, opting for the Victorian ahead of the West Australian Indigenous youngster Dayle Garlett - widely rated as one of Australia's top draft prospects.

The Fremantle Dockers grabbed Central District's Jack Hannath before the Crows re-drafted Nick Joyce, who was delisted before the national draft.

The Giants doubled up by redrafting veteran ruckman Dean Brogan, before the Dockers stepped up to sign Jesse Crichton.

Tippett was fined $50,000 and suspended for 11 games, while the Crows were fined $300,000 for breaching the salary cap and tampering with the draft.

The charges stemmed from the contract that Tippett signed with Adelaide in 2009, which made him the Crows' highest-paid player.

Adelaide allegedly agreed to trade him to a club of his choice for a second-round draft pick - a massively lopsided arrangement - when the contract finished at the end of 2012.

The Crows allegedly made a further payment of up to $200,000 to Tippett outside the salary cap.

In Tuesday's subsequent rookie draft, Collingwood added veteran ruckman Ben Hudson, who joins his fourth AFL club.

Richmond added depth, picking up ex-Geelong ruckman Orren Stephenson, former Melbourne forward Ricky Petterd and ex-Essendon midfielder Sam Lonergan.

The Swans went for Brandon Jack and Xavier Richards, who will join their brothers Kieren and Ted respectively - both Swans' premiership players.

The Western Bulldogs selected Brett Goodes, the brother of Swans' superstar Adam, who had been playing for their VFL affiliate Williamstown.

Brisbane picked Jordon Bourke, the son of former Geelong and Lions' big man Damien.

Hawthorn extended its ruck depth, securing delisted Collingwood big man Jonathon Ceglar, as well as Irishman Ciaran Kilkenny.

West Coast took ex-Melbourne running player Jamie Bennell.

Peter Yagmoor (Collingwood), Ariel Steinberg (Essendon), Callum Bartlett (Brisbane), Andrew Collins (Carlton), and Ben Speight and Cameron Richardson (North Melbourne) were all rookie-listed by the clubs that had delisted them.

The Bulldogs' decision to take Goodes meant delisted former Essendon and Geelong midfielder Brent Prismall missed out on finding a new club, after he had trained with Port Adelaide and the Dogs.

ABC/AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, sydney-2000, nsw, adelaide-5000, sa, australia

First posted December 11, 2012 11:06:40

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Veteran broadcaster Charlton dies

Updated December 17, 2012 19:57:15

Veteran Melbourne broadcaster Tony Charlton has died after succumbing to bowel cancer early this morning.

Charlton, 83, began his media career in the 1950s, working for Channel Nine, Channel Seven and radio station 3AW.

He was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame and AFL Hall of Fame, and received the Order of Australia.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou released a statement today, saying the game had lost one of its founding greats of broadcasting.

"Tony Charlton was a high-quality broadcaster, who mixed both superb oratory and commentary skills with an ability to break news and tell the stories of our game," Demetriou said.

"Even nearly 50 years after his legendary interview with a just-sacked Norm Smith was conducted, it remains compelling viewing for the highly-charged emotions on display, as evidence of Charlton's ability to guide his subject and inform his audience.

"Most of all, Tony Charlton was a person of the highest standards and integrity with his commitment to his community, his charity work, and his constant willingness to guide and encourage young talent coming through the ranks of media.

"Many broadcasters and callers sought his guidance and he was only too willing to share his knowledge and skills."

Grandstand's Kelli Underwood heard the news while on air this morning.

"The first man to broadcast an AFL game on television in this country," she said.

"I was personally touched by, when I called the first game that I did a couple of years ago, the first person to call me the very next day was Tony Charlton.

"I'd never spoken to him before, I'd never met him before ... it's very sad news."

The Victorian RSL says it is saddened by Charlton's death.

RSL state president, Major General David McLachlan, says Charlton was also the MC at Melbourne's Anzac Day ceremonies for more than 25 years.

"Tony has worked tirelessly with us for so many years now as the voice of the Dawn Service," he said.

"He's been a wonderful man, a man whose heart has been far bigger than anyone else's in terms of his giving freely of his time and we will miss him sincerely."

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

First posted December 17, 2012 10:02:22

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AFL clubs will be nervous: Crows coach

Updated November 19, 2012 14:57:56

All other AFL clubs will be nervous in the wake of the Kurt Tippett controversy, Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson says.

The Crows and Tippett have been charged by the AFL with salary cap cheating and draft tampering in relation to the key forward's expired contract with the club.

"I probably shouldn't comment on other clubs but I'm sure this is going to make a lot of other clubs nervous, too," Sanderson told reporters on Monday.

"There is a lot of greyness surrounding ASAs (additional services agreements) and how players are paid and stuff so probably the other 17 clubs are just double-checking and ensuring that everything is above board.

"But as far as I know ... Adelaide has been squeaky clean for 22 years and this has been something that they are going to have to work through and we will certainly get through it."

Tippett, the Crows, chief executive Steven Trigg, club football operations manager Phil Harper and his predecessor John Reid have all been charged by the AFL.

An AFL commission hearing, initially scheduled on Monday to hear the charges, was postponed to give the Crows more time to build their defence.

If found guilty, Tippett could be de-registered as a player and the Crows banned from up to four national drafts, as well as fined any amount the AFL determines.

"It's a bit out of my hands, to be honest," Sanderson said of likely future draft penalties.

"As we stand today, really happy to be involved in this year's draft and we'll bring some good young talent in and, until the investigation is completed, I guess we have just got to wait and see."

Tippett became the Crows' highest-paid player on signing a multi-million dollar, three-year contract extension in 2009.

But Adelaide admitted last month they had a once-secret deal, outside the contract, with the ruckman-forward who walked out on the club at the end this season.

The investigation prevented Adelaide trading Tippett, who remains on the club's list until he likely nominates for December's preseason draft.

Sanderson said money was central to Queensland-native Tippett's decision to quit the Crows and request to play for premiers Sydney.

"When Kurt told us he was going to leave and he said it was going to be to Sydney, that - from our point of view - was a bit of a surprise. There was always the talk that he wanted to return home (to Queensland)," Sanderson said.

Sanderson did not raise the Tippett saga with Crows' players when they returned for preseason training on Monday.

"We mentioned this morning to the players that all they can do is do their very best to prepare themselves for a great 2013," he said.

"We didn't really even talk about it - we didn't feel the need to.

"It has been played out pretty heavily in the media obviously but, from our point of view - internally, inside the bubble - things are just business as usual."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, adelaide-5000, sa, australia

First posted November 19, 2012 14:05:28

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Crows given more time to build case

Updated November 16, 2012 17:43:42

The AFL has granted a stay of execution to Adelaide and star forward Kurt Tippett, adjourning Monday's commission hearing over salary cap breaches to an undetermined later date.

The league said in a statement on Friday afternoon that Crows football operations general manager Phil Harper had sought more time for the club to prepare its submissions.

The Crows were to have answered charges of salary cap cheating and draft tampering laid by the AFL over their Kurt Tippett dealings on Monday.

Key forward Kurt Tippett, Adelaide chief executive Steven Trigg, the club's football operations manager Phil Harper and former football operations manager John Reid have also been charged and will front an AFL commission hearing in Melbourne.

But the hearing has been postponed indefinitely to give Harper, who was only charged on Tuesday, and the Crows more time to form their defence with lawyers.

"The Commission will provide the requested extra time, and that the hearing will not proceed on Monday as previously scheduled, to ensure that natural justice is provided," the AFL said.

"A new hearing date is yet to be set, but will be advised to all parties, the media and the wider football public as soon as it is determined."

Meanwhile Adelaide captain Nathan van Berlo is "flabbergasted" at reports he and the Crows are being investigated for third party payments outside the Crows' salary cap.

Van Berlo's manager Colin Young said the Fairfax Media report was "an absolute disgrace", saying all aspects of the Adelaide skipper's contract had been AFL approved.

The AFL said next Thursday's national draft will go ahead as scheduled despite the adjournment.

The annoucement came as the AFL warned more players will be scrutinised for third party deals after the league ruled Chris Judd's agreement with Carlton sponsor Visy can no longer sit outside the Blues' salary cap.

The deal, payment for Judd's services as ambassador for Visy, played a key role in the superstar midfielder moving to Carlton from West Coast in 2008.

ABC/AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, adelaide-5000, sa, australia

First posted November 16, 2012 17:43:42

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Swan an easy target, say Magpies

Updated November 29, 2012 13:53:09

Collingwood has hit back at a report that the club might have considered sacking 2011 Brownlow medallist Dane Swan.

Fairfax Media ran a story on Thursday claiming the Magpies were becoming increasingly worried about Swan's off-field behaviour.

Magpies coach Nathan Buckley used twitter to angrily reply to the story by journalist Caroline Wilson, highlighting no club officials were quoted in the report.

"Still waiting for your call Caroline ... not a quote in sight. Don't ever presume to speak on Collingwood's behalf," Buckley said in a tweet.

The furore came a day after Magpies chief executive Gary Pert spoke of his concerns about players using illicit drugs, which he regards as the biggest issue in the game.

Pert has led the push for a January forum involving all 18 clubs on illicit drug use in the AFL.

Magpies president Eddie McGuire says it is opportunistic to link Swan to the issue of off-field behaviour.

The club suspended Swan in August because he was caught drinking six days before a match and he attended training in an unfit state.

"There are many other (players) she (Wilson) could have used as an example there," McGuire told Triple M.

"We're not going to go into the blame game ... what we don't want to start doing is having a witch hunt."

Under the three-strikes provision of the league's illicit drugs policy, McGuire and most other Magpies officials would only know if a player had tested positive once it had happened three times.

AAP

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

First posted November 29, 2012 13:18:39

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Tanking talk having no effect on Demons: Clark

Updated November 01, 2012 12:53:39

Melbourne forward Mitch Clark has rejected suggestions that allegations of tanking are affecting players, as the AFL continues its investigation into the club.

League investigators have reportedly uncovered details of a secret 2009 meeting in which club officials discussed the importance of losing matches to secure higher draft picks.

But Clark said the backroom probes have nothing to do with what is happening with the players' focus on the field.

"No change whatsoever. We're here for preseason (training), these things will take care of themselves," he said on Thursday.

"Obviously I wasn't here when all this stuff allegedly happened, (but) I'm just looking forward to helping this club get back up the ladder."

The Demons tall was pressed about the atmosphere at the club, and whether the allegations would act as motivation for the playing group for 2013 and beyond.

"We don't necessarily use the allegations to drive us to get back up the ladder, what we're here for is to play finals footy," he said.

"At the end of the day it doesn't affect us, the playing group, too much but yeah we're just here to play footy and get the team back up playing finals footy so that's what we're worried about.''

Clark praised the approach of coach Mark Neeld in keeping players focused on improvement ahead of his second season in charge.

"Neeldy has come in with that elite mindset and that's what we're trying to create here. And we were definitely making inroads in the second half of last season," he said.

"The boys have come back in good shape to start this preseason.''

Clark, recruited from Brisbane after the 2011 season, performed strongly in his first season with the Demons before being struck down with a serious Lisfranc foot injury against the Giants in round 13.

Clark was on crutches for nine weeks after surgery, then had 13 weeks in a moonboot as he recovered from serious damage to bones and ligaments in his right foot.

He said he was confident he would be ready for "a couple" of preseason games in 2013 before playing in round one.

"It's progressing well, hopefully I'll have my first run on Monday on the (treadmill)," he said.

"Yeah, I'm on track, the good thing is we've got plenty of time. The important thing is not to rush it and to stay patient."

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

First posted November 01, 2012 12:19:15

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