Fevola returns to Top End to play for Warriors

By Rick Hind

Updated October 23, 2012 12:58:45

Former Carlton and Brisbane Lions full-forward Brendan Fevola is returning to the Top End to play in the NTFL.

The 31-year-old AFL outcast will play five games for the Waratah Warriors, starting with Saturday's match against the Palmerston Magpies at Gardens Oval..

Fevola played several games for the Warriors last season and kicked nine goals in a losing side in the elimination final.

In another match he kicked 11 goals against the the Tiwi Bombers, who went on to win the Premiership.

He has been playing during the winter and won a premiership this year with the Yarrawonga Pigeons in Victoria's Ovens and Murray League.

Waratah President Leigh Jennings says Fevola has been nothing but a positive influence at the club and they are welcoming him back.

He says Fevola was an inspiration to his teammates during his NTFL games last season.

"Obviously, he had some indiscretions over his playing time but I couldn't fault him in his behaviour when he was at the club," he said.

"He really does get the guys together and just his experience with helping out the younger guys on the field is invaluable."

Tags: australian-football-league, clubs-and-associations, darwin-0800

First posted October 23, 2012 12:58:45

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Hodge returns to fighting weight

Updated September 27, 2012 16:51:59

Hawthorn skipper Luke Hodge is back at his playing weight in time for Saturday's grand final.

Hodge, who missed last weekend's preliminary final win against Adelaide through illness, lost close to two kilograms of body weight because of his gastroenteritis.

But the Hawks say Hodge has trained strongly this week.

And he showed no ill effects as he led his team through an hour-long session in front of more than 10,000 fans at Waverley on Thursday.

"He lost a kilo or two but he's put that back on," Hawthorn director of coaching Chris Fagan said.

"Hodgey's had a good week on the track. He was back training with us on Monday and he's prepared in the same manner that everybody else has.

"As far as we're concerned he's fully recovered. There's been no signs to say otherwise."

The Hawks say they have no other injury or illness concerns going into the clash with Sydney, a team with whom they have duelled in two of the best matches of the home-and-away season.

Sydney beat the Hawks in round five in Launceston.

The Hawks can boast a recent win over the Swans, in which they rolled back a 38-point second quarter deficit to win by seven.

But Fagan disregarded any psychological edge as a result, or any stage-fright for those Hawks who were not part of the flag-winning team in 2008.

"All those games leading into the [grand final] were good for our preparation, but what happened in round 22 bears no relevance to what happens there," Fagan said.

"Half of our team haven't played in a grand final before, but it will be the best day of their lives.

"They've got about 10 or 11 team-mates who've been there before who will be a great help to them.

"But we've played in a lot of big games this year and last year, so they'll be ready for the challenge that's coming."

Wet weather, possible hail and low temperatures have been predicted for Saturday's match.

But conditions could not have been further from that at Waverley Park on Thursday, with warm, sunny weather enticing a huge crowd to pack every possible vantage point to watch the Hawks train.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, glen-waverley-3150

First posted September 27, 2012 16:43:37

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AFL returns to London

Updated July 23, 2012 10:01:26

Australian rules football will return to London after a six-year break, with the announcement that Port Adelaide and the Western Bulldogs will play a game in November.

The AFL announced the matchup for the game, which will be the first of its type in London since Port Adelaide played Geelong in 2006.

Matches between AFL sides have been played in various countries overseas since the 1980s, the most recent being held in Shanghai, China as part of the 2010 World Expo.

AFL general manager national and international development, Andrew Dillon, said the aim of the match was to help to build the profile of the code outside Australia.

"The staging of a match between two AFL clubs continues to promote our game internationally and enables us to continue to build the returns from overseas broadcast rights that flow into both game development here in Australia and overseas," Dillon said.

Port Adelaide chief executive Keith Thomas said the club would take advantage of the trip by scheduling visits to leading international sports organisations, including a camp at the Australian Sports Commission European training centre in Italy.

The game will be played at The Oval in London on Saturday, November 3.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, england, port-adelaide-5015, adelaide-5000, sa, united-kingdom

First posted July 20, 2012 14:39:28

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Goodes returns for Swans

Updated June 21, 2012 20:26:58

Expect Adam Goodes to have his touch and fitness near their peak when he returns for Sydney against Geelong in a season-defining clash at the SCG on Friday night.

So says Swans coach John Longmire, thrilled with the way the Brownlow Medallist has handled his rehabilitation during six weeks on the sidelines with a quadriceps tear.

"Goodes has done everything the medical staff and conditioning staff have wanted him to do over the last six weeks," Longmire said.

"He's ramped it up a fair bit over the last few weeks and trained really well in our final training session.

"He's also made sure he's right from a fitness (and) touch perspective for when he comes back and plays."

Goodes was named in the Swans' side on Thursday night.

Small forward Ben McGlynn also returns for Sydney after suspension, with Nick Malceski and Trent Dennis-Lane omitted.

Brisbane has regained Simon Black for its encounter with the Western Bulldogs at Docklands on Saturday after his recovery from a knee problem.

Black injured his knee against North Melbourne in round nine and missed the Lions' huge win over West Coast and their loss to Hawthorn last weekend.

Essendon has recalled veteran ruckman David Hille for its match against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night, and omitted Tom Bellchambers.

But the Dockers will be without their giant ruckman Aaron Sandilands long-term with a toe problem, while midfielder Stephen Hill is also missing because of an ankle injury.

They are among four forced changes, with midfielder Hayden Ballantyne suspended and key defender Zac Dawson missing with a knee problem.

Alex Silvagni, Nick Lower, Zac Clarke and Jayden Pitt are their replacements.

As expected, Collingwood recalled premiership defenders Heath Shaw, Ben Reid and Alan Toovey after all recovered from injuries ahead of their top-of-the-table clash with West Coast at the MCG on Saturday.

But impressive Magpies small forward Ben Sinclair is out with an ankle injury.

West Coast welcomes back in-form defender Beau Waters from suspension.

Melbourne has recalled Aaron Davey to an extended 25-man squad for its clash with Greater Western Sydney at the MCG on Sunday.

AAP

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

First posted June 21, 2012 19:22:43

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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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AFL grand final returns to September

Updated October 19, 2011 17:02:26

The AFL grand final will return to the last Saturday in September next year, while a three-week bye period will also be factored into the 2012 fixture.

The expanded 18-team competition featuring Greater Western Sydney will have a 23-round season in 2012, with three multi-bye rounds of six games in rounds 11, 12, and 13.

Six teams will have a bye in each of those rounds.

The grand final will be played on September 29 at the MCG.

The AFL says it will release next year's full fixtures on October 28.

AAP

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

First posted October 19, 2011 17:02:26

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AFL grand final returns to September

Updated October 19, 2011 17:02:26

The AFL grand final will return to the last Saturday in September next year, while a three-week bye period will also be factored into the 2012 fixture.

The expanded 18-team competition featuring Greater Western Sydney will have a 23-round season in 2012, with three multi-bye rounds of six games in rounds 11, 12, and 13.

Six teams will have a bye in each of those rounds.

The grand final will be played on September 29 at the MCG.

The AFL says it will release next year's full fixtures on October 28.

AAP

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

First posted October 19, 2011 17:02:26

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Cousins returns to country footy

Posted July 6, 2011 13:22:00

Ben Cousins will make a return to Australian rules when he plays for country Victorian club Romsey this season.

Cousins has signed to play at least one match with the Redbacks, who are top of the ladder in the Riddell District Football League, north of Melbourne.

The club hopes he will play at least two home and away matches and up to four finals.

The Brownlow medallist will play at the earliest in the club's next home match on July 23.

Romsey Football Club vice-president Alan Lever says the town is abuzz with the news.

"The reaction has been phenomenal. Just not only around the club," he said.

"It's about our little town and all that sort of stuff.

"It's abuzz at the moment with everyone talking about it and excited about the day.

"So everyone's asking the same question - what day's it going to be?"

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, vic, romsey-3434

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Brown returns to Lions

Published:Friday, May 20, 2011 7:25 AESTExpires:Thursday, August 18, 2011 7:25 AEST

Brisbane Lions captain Jonathan Brown has overcome facial injuries in time to play against North Melbourne in the AFL.

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Tags: australian-football-league, brisbane-4000

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Brown returns for Lions

Updated May 19, 2011 18:43:00

Brisbane has regained powerhouse forward Jonathan Brown for his first match since round one following the skipper's recovery from facial fractures.

Brown required surgery following his horrific clash with Fremantle's Luke McPharlin during their round one AFL game at the Gabba.

The last-placed Lions host 13th-placed North Melbourne at the Gabba on Saturday night, with the return of Brown giving the home side fresh hope of scoring its first win of the season.

The Lions have also included 18-year-old debutant midfielder Josh Green and 22-year-old forward Matt Austin.

Utility Ash McGrath has been left out because of hamstring soreness, while Josh Drummond has had knee surgery and Ryan Harwood is omitted.

Drummond copped a knock on his troublesome left knee early in last weekend's match against Essendon when the Lions slumped to their seventh straight defeat of the season.

Scans revealed cartilage damage to the joint he had reconstructed last year but medics believe the meniscus tear will not affect his previous injury.

The set-back is a cruel blow for the 28-year-old radar boot, who has managed just two senior matches for the Lions over the past 12 months.

"The injury actually happened in the first contest of the game - within the first 30 seconds - but I was able to play out the game," Drummond said.

"It's definitely frustrating, particularly as I was just getting used to playing senior footy again and building my match fitness. I thought I was only a week or two away from playing my best footy."

The undefeated Geelong have lost three players to injury for Friday night's blockbuster against Carlton at Docklands.

Cats skipper Cameron Ling has failed to recover from a shoulder problem while Tom Lonergan (calf) and Daniel Menzel (shins) are also out of the side.

Taylor Hunt and veteran defender Darren Milburn return for the Cats and 19-year-old Nathan Vardy will be on debut.

Fourth-placed Carlton recalled midfielder Brock McLean and defender Jeremy Laidler for Aaron Joseph (omitted) and injured utility Ed Curnow.

Meanwhile St Kilda has dropped Jason Gram, Andrew McQualter and Ben McEvoy as coach Ross Lyon followed through on his threat to swing the axe at selection on Thursday.

Lyon conceded he needed to get stronger on selection issues after St Kilda's five-goal loss to Hawthorn.

"If the players don't deliver what's required, other players will get that opportunity," Lyon had warned on Tuesday.

Gram, McQualter and McEvoy all played in last year's AFL grand final replay.

The 15th-placed Saints have lost Steven Baker on a striking ban, but Leigh Montagna returns from suspension.

Nicholas Winmar, a 20-year-old second cousin to St Kilda great Nicky Winmar, will make his debut.

Jason Blake and Brett Peake also return for the Saints who host Melbourne at Docklands on Saturday.

Melbourne recalled Jared Rivers from injury and named Michael Evans for his debut.

The Demons could not consider Rohan Bail, Austin Wonaeamirri and Colin Garland because of injuries while Lynden Dunn is suspended and Jamie Bennell was dropped.

Richmond dropped Angus Graham and Ben Nason for Saturday night's Dreamtime clash at the MCG against Essendon.

The Tigers lost Shane Edwards because of a cheekbone fracture but regained Shane Tuck from injury.

Essendon recalled Alwyn Davey, Brent Stanton and Henry Slattery for injured skipper Jobe Watson, suspended tagger Heath Hocking and Travis Colyer.

Fremantle regained goalsneak Hayden Ballantyne from injury while Rhys Palmer was included along with Dylan Roberton and 25-year-old debutant Tendai Mzungu.

Ex-Magpie Jack Anthony, Jay van Berlo and Jayden Pitt were dropped and Adam McPhee has a knee injury.

Port Adelaide, who hosts Fremantle at Football Park on Saturday, recalled Jasper Pittard for Daniel Stewart.

Sydney named miracle man Nick Malceski for Sunday's SCG clash with Hawthorn.

The half-back had major knee surgery just 11 weeks ago.

Hawthorn regain rover Cyril Rioli from a hamstring injury and ruckman Max Bailey was also named in the squad in what would be his first game since 2009 following a third knee reconstruction.

Collingwood left out Alan Toovey because of a chest injury and kept premiership ruckman Darren Jolly (knee) on the sidelines.

The second-placed Magpies regained skipper Nick Maxwell from a calf injury for Sunday's game at Docklands against Adelaide, who in turn recalled forward Taylor Walker.

Western Bulldogs regained Barry Hall from an ankle injury for Sunday's clash with West Coast at Subiaco.

Shaun Higgins also returns alongside Tom Williams, Easton Wood and teenager Mitch Wallis.

Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney was rested with a knee injury.

The Eagles regained premiership heroes Daniel Kerr and Andrew Embley from injury.

- AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, nsw, sydney-2000, qld, brisbane-4000, vic, carlton-3053, geelong-3220, hawthorn-3122, melbourne-3000

First posted May 19, 2011 18:20:00

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Ablett returns for Suns

Updated April 21, 2011 18:51:00

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett will make his AFL return from injury against Port Adelaide at Football Park on Saturday.

The midfield star was one of four inclusions for the Suns, who are chasing their first victory, with 19-year-old former swimmer Jack Hutchins named for his AFL debut.

The Power lost Paul Stewart (knee), replaced by Jason Davenport.

Adelaide named ruckman Sam Jacobs to play his first match with the Crows against his former club Carlton at Docklands on Saturday night.

They also regained Michael Doughty and Richard Tambling from injury, but are still missing key defender Scott Stevens.

The Blues dropped forwards Lachie Henderson and Andrew Collins, but kept faith with out-of-form goalsneak Eddie Betts.

Essendon, who have lost Jason Winderlich and Courtenay Dempsey to serious knee injuries, also dropped Brent Prismall for Monday's Anzac Day clash with Collingwood.

They added David Hille, Andrew Welsh and Alwyn Davey to an expanded interchange bench.

The Magpies are yet to make any omissions, but ruckman Darren Jolly was named to return from injury, while Brad Dick was named on their expanded bench for what could be his first AFL game since injuring his shoulder in round 13 last year.

Geelong included Mathew Stokes, Tom Hawkins and Mitch Duncan to return from injury in a 25-man squad for Tuesday's big MCG clash with Hawthorn, who are yet to make any cuts.

Richmond will regain key defenders Luke McGuane and Alex Rance from suspension for Sunday's meeting with North Melbourne.

The Kangaroos have dropped forward Aaron Edwards and added experienced defender Daniel Pratt to their squad.

The Western Bulldogs lost forward Daniel Giansiracusa (hamstring) to injury for Monday night's match against Fremantle in Perth.

Father-son draftee Mitch Wallis was named in their squad for what would be his AFL debut.

The Dockers have lost Nick Suban (leg).

- AAP

First posted April 21, 2011 18:33:00

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