Anderson resigns as AFL football operations manager

Updated December 05, 2012 20:23:47

The AFL's football operations manager Adrian Anderson has resigned in another executive departure since the end of the season.

Anderson came to the AFL in 2004 and helped restructure the on-field judiciary process and established the AFL's integrity unit.

He has been linked to the vacant chief executive position at North Melbourne after Geelong chief Brian Cook turned down an offer from the Kangaroos.

Anderson was tight-lipped on the North Melbourne speculation, saying it was simply time for a change.

"It's not a family issue, it's nine years of doing this role and I think it's time for a new challenge," Anderson said in an AFL House press conference on Wednesday..

"I wanted to give Andrew the opportunity to put someone in place for next season. I'll make sure to stick around to make sure that those arrangements are being looked after.

"I feel that I've done most of the key things that I've wanted to do in this role and it's time for me now to do something different.

"I've got a few ideas, there hasn't been a great amount of time for looking and pursuing other opportunities. I've devoted myself fully to what I've been doing and I'm really proud of the efforts I've put in this year.

"I haven't had any discussions with North so I haven't made any decisions about what I'm going to do next."

Anderson said he felt privileged to have held his position for the past nine years.

"I have worked with some wonderful people at all levels of the game and am very grateful to Andrew and the commission for the opportunity I have had," he said.

"I am proud in particular to be associated with the changes to the laws of the game which have kept it safe to play and great to watch; the overhaul of the tribunal system; the introduction of the Illicit Drugs Policy, the negotiation of free agency and a new CBA which balances the rights of players and the growth of the game, and the establishment of an integrity unit to underpin public confidence in our sport."

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou paid tribute to Anderson, saying he had played a major role in many of the game's reforms.

"I would like to congratulate Adrian on his outstanding contribution to the AFL since 2004 and for his willingness to tackle challenging issues such as major reforms of the AFL tribunal system, changes to the laws of the game while trying to balance the views of players, coaches and the football public," Demetriou said.

"He has also established a department dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the integrity of the game.

"Adrian has also made a positive contribution to our major strategies, including competition expansion, the establishment of the Gold Coast Suns and Greater Western Sydney Giants and to our current broadcasting arrangements.

"Adrian and his team are often second-guessed and subject to a great deal of public scrutiny and he has always handled this in a very professional way."

Demetriou said it was not known who would replace Anderson at this stage.

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

First posted December 05, 2012 12:18:53

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GWS re-signs ruckman Giles

Updated October 15, 2012 13:39:06

Greater Western Sydney has re-signed ruckman Jonathan Giles on a three-year contract.

The 24-year-old played 20 games for the AFL's newest team, booting 18 goals in 2012 which included a treble against the Gold Coast in the side's inaugural AFL win.

Giles also racked up the most of the side's Brownlow Medal votes.

"After waiting a long time to get an opportunity to play AFL football, I really enjoyed my first year at the Giants," Giles said.

"There's no doubt there's a lot of terrific young talent at the club and it has a really exciting future."

Giants general manager of football Graeme Allan said Giles would play a key role in the coming years for GWS.

"Jonathan had an excellent debut year and we are very happy that he, along with a number of other players, have made a long term commitment to the Giants," Allan said.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, ballimore-2830, nsw, australia

First posted October 15, 2012 10:13:23

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Collingwood re-signs Cloke to five-year deal

Updated September 27, 2012 17:35:29

Travis Cloke has ended months of speculation and re-signed with Collingwood for a further five years.

The 25-year-old key forward has been in discussions with the Magpies over the past week, after both parties earlier this season agreed to leave all negotiations until after the finals.

Cloke was rumoured to be considering an offer from Carlton after former Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse was appointed Blues coach earlier this month.

Collingwood confirmed the new deal included a conditional fifth year, reportedly the sticking point throughout contract discussions between the club and Cloke's management.

Magpies director of football Geoff Walsh says Cloke is worth the long-term investment.

"There's a number of players in our club who will be playing with us in five years time, and not all players get five-year deals," he said.

"I understand that, but we're happy to back Trav in that he'll still be performing at the levels that put him in the upper echelon of the competition in five years time."

Walsh says the drawn out nature of Cloke's future had no bearing on the Magpies' failed finals campaign.

"We understand this was a protracted negotiation," he said.

"I think there was 10 or 11 key players throughout the year signed or had their contracts negotiated during the year, so I can't say that we should be playing Saturday if we had signed Travis Cloke three months earlier.

"I don't think it was a distraction, no."

The Magpies also announced the re-signing of defender Harry O'Brien for a further two seasons.

This leaves Sharrod Wellingham, Tyson Goldsack and Andrew Krakouer as the most notable Collingwood players still unsigned for next season.

Cloke will be 30 by the time he completes his new deal, most likely making him a career Magpie.

He had a patchy season but still kicked 59 goals in 25 matches , led the AFL in contested marks and was one of the Magpies' best in two of their three finals.

ABC/AAP

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

First posted September 27, 2012 15:09:23

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Black re-signs with Lions

Updated September 13, 2012 15:09:30

Brisbane's triple premiership player Simon Black has agreed to a new one-year contract with the Lions.

Black's future had been under a degree of doubt but the opportunity to play a role in the development of the Lions' youthful roster appealed to the 33-year-old.

"It's fantastic to extend my career another year at the club and I'm excited and thrilled to be a part of the playing group going forward into next year," Black said in a statement.

"We're under no illusions as to how much further we've got to improve, but there's some good signs there and the group is really tight, united, and there's some really strong mateship."

Black was an integral part of the Lions' three straight premierships from 2001 to 2003 and he also collected individual accolades such as the Brownlow Medal (2002) and Norm Smith Medal (2003).

He ended 2012 with 314 senior appearances under his belt, 19 shy of the club's all-time record held by Kevin Murray (Fitzroy).

He only needs five matches next season to move past former team-mate Marcus Ashcroft's record of 318 appearances for the post-merger club.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, brisbane-4000

First posted September 13, 2012 15:09:30

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Hunt re-signs with Suns

Updated March 05, 2012 14:19:41

Karmichael Hunt claims he did not even consider a return to rugby league before re-signing with the Gold Coast Suns until the end of the 2014 season.

The Suns ended any speculation over the former Brisbane Broncos star's future on Monday by announcing the 25-year-old had put pen to paper on a new contract, again partly funded by the AFL.

Despite suggestions a return to the NRL was on the cards for Hunt after bringing the Suns huge publicity with his initial code switch ahead of their start up, he said he always wanted to persist with his AFL career with the club.

That decision was made easier with the AFL again topping up his deal, recontracting him as an ambassador to promote the game.

He's reportedly set to continue earning more than $1 million a season.

"It's good that the AFL want me to stay," Hunt said on Monday.

"Obviously they've helped the contract out in terms of letting me stay with the Gold Coast Suns and I look forward to continuing my relationship with the league and also the Suns, promoting their game and obviously helping the team out on the football field."

He insisted he never considered going back to rugby league.

"A couple of months ago I said (to my manager) that I wanted to stay on the Gold Coast," said Hunt.

"Obviously there was a lot of interest out there but in no way did I entertain it or even ask about it (a return to rugby league).

"It was just up to my manager, the club and the AFL to get the deal done and thankfully they want me to stay and I'm looking forward to the future."

Hunt said he felt he was on his way to becoming a bona fide AFL player after improving throughout his 16 games last season.

"It's a new experience and something extra I have to learn but I enjoy turning up every day to training and getting better with the team and the coaches and look forward to improving throughout the year," Hunt said.

"That starts this weekend when we play (Greater Western Sydney in the preseason cup).

Hunt said the fact that he and his wife were expecting a baby played a part in his decision but was not the major reason.

"If I wasn't enjoying my time on the Gold Coast and enjoying AFL there'd be no point staying just because we're having a baby and sticking by our family," he said.

"But it makes it even more special that we are having a little one and we can stay on the Gold Coast and have our parents just up the road in Brisbane which will make it a lot easier."

Suns coach Guy McKenna paid tribute to Hunt's commitment and work ethic.

"Karmichael would have to be one of the most professional athletes I've come across," McKenna said.

"It's been really exciting watching him grow. The work he has done over the pre-season to earn himself a spot in our midfield has been phenomenal. I have no doubts that he will continue to get better."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, nerang-4211, qld

First posted March 05, 2012 08:04:43

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Adams re-signs with Kangaroos

Updated October 11, 2011 19:48:58

North Melbourne utility Leigh Adams has capped a successful AFL season by signing a three-year deal with the club.

Adams finished fourth in the Kangaroos' best and fairest voting.

He played mainly across half-forward this year, but also went into the midfield and averaged just under 20 disposals a game.

"He is fast becoming one of our most consistent players," North football manager Donald McDonald told the club website.

"It is a credit to Leigh that he has overcome many injury setbacks to become the player he is today."

The 23-year-old also was third in last year's club best and fairest count and has played 44 senior games since his 2007 senior debut.

AAP

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

First posted October 11, 2011 19:48:58

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Adams re-signs with Kangaroos

Updated October 11, 2011 19:48:58

North Melbourne utility Leigh Adams has capped a successful AFL season by signing a three-year deal with the club.

Adams finished fourth in the Kangaroos' best and fairest voting.

He played mainly across half-forward this year, but also went into the midfield and averaged just under 20 disposals a game.

"He is fast becoming one of our most consistent players," North football manager Donald McDonald told the club website.

"It is a credit to Leigh that he has overcome many injury setbacks to become the player he is today."

The 23-year-old also was third in last year's club best and fairest count and has played 44 senior games since his 2007 senior debut.

AAP

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

First posted October 11, 2011 19:48:58

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Cox re-signs with Eagles

Posted June 17, 2011 12:37:00

West Coast ruckman Dean Cox is set to finish his career with the Eagles after signing with the club for a further two seasons.

Cox, a four-times All-Australian, is back in career-best form and says his desire to be a one-club player convinced him to re-sign until the end of 2013.

"It's great to have the contract signed at this stage of the season," he told the Eagles' website.

"I'm excited about the future and want to be a part of what this club is building towards.

"We are getting closer to another serious finals assault and I want to be a part of that with this playing squad.

"I have been here for the whole of my career and I certainly want to finish my playing days with the West Coast Eagles.

"We have a terrific group that has shown great improvement this season and I have no doubt that this is merely the start of the upward swing."

Cox joined the Eagles through the 2001 rookie draft and has since established himself as the greatest ruckman in the club's history.

The 213-match veteran is also playing a crucial role in the development of 21-year-old ruckman Nic Naitanui, who is still raw but improving by the year.

The pair will team up on Sunday to take on Port Adelaide's Dean Brogan at Subiaco Oval.

- AAP

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

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