Kreuzer flies high in Carlton trial

Updated February 17, 2012 16:22:52

Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer lifted the spirits of Carlton fans with a dazzling performance on Friday as he dominated an intra-club AFL trial match.

Kreuzer's stunning effort in wet conditions at the Blues' training ground proved he was no longer troubled by the foot complaint which kept him out of both of Carlton's finals games last September.

"If you saw the way he moved today, you'd have to agree," Blues senior assistant coach Alan Richardson told reporters on Friday.

"He's right to go. He's flying."

The 2007 number one draft pick was strong in the air and at ground level, as the Blues ponder whether to play the 22-year-old on the ball or up forward this season.

"He was outstanding. He's a bit like another onballer when the ball hits the deck so we were pleased with 'Kreuz'," Richardson enthused.

"He'll play a lot of footy in the ruck.

"We have the luxury of having three quality ruckmen in (Robbie) Warnock and (Shaun) Hampson as well.

"Certainly at times, he will play forward but predominantly he'll play ruck.

"On today's performance, both he and Hampson were really good.

"Certainly, those three guys could play in the one team."

The Blues open their preseason cup campaign at AAMI Stadium on February 26 against Port Adelaide and the Crows.

Skipper Chris Judd (shoulder), big forward Jarrad Waite (hip), key defender Michael Jamison (back) and Warnock (shoulder) were among those who rested on Friday but they are expected to be fit for round one against Richmond on March 29.

Carlton's 2011 club champion Marc Murphy was one of the star players in Friday's game while key forward Bret Thornton, onballer Andrew Carrazzo and young key defender Matthew Watson were also prominent.

Richardson said Kane Lucas, Paul Bower and Jordan Russell, who struggled with injuries last year, were also impressive.

Watson showed promise on Friday but Richardson warned the 19-year-old is still learning the game after playing three matches in 2011.

"Given that (Lachie) Henderson and Jamison didn't play today, you can see we've got a bit of depth back there now," he said.

The Blues recruited former Norwood player Nick Duigan and ex-Cat Jeremy Laidler in 2010 to bolster their backline.

"'Watto' is going to have to work really hard to get a game," Richardson added.

Judd is being aimed at round three of the pre-season cup on March 10.

Richardson said senior coach Brett Ratten was keen to give young players opportunities in the preseason cup.

Andrew Walker and Chris Yarran were also rested on Friday.

AAP

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

First posted February 17, 2012 16:22:52

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Roughead a chance for preseason return

Updated March 09, 2012 11:55:33

Hawthorn key forward Jarryd Roughead may return to playing duties next week.

Roughead missed the second half of last season because of a ruptured Achilles tendon.

His absence was a major blow for the Hawks, who narrowly lost their preliminary final against Collingwood.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson says depending on where his side plays next week in the last round of the preseason cup, they may bring Roughead back for a run in the senior side.

But Clarkson adds he remains unsure if Roughead will be ready for round one of the regular season.

"He's progressing really well and we'd be hopeful he would play again pretty soon," Clarkson said.

The Hawks will bring back several big names for Saturday night's preseason match against Melbourne at Docklands.

Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli and Sam Mitchell are among those who will play against the Demons.

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, hawthorn-3122, vic, australia

First posted March 09, 2012 11:45:41

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Tigers' Troy Coates named NTFL's best

Rick Hind

Updated March 12, 2012 12:14:02

Nightcliff Tigers ruck-rover Troy Coates has won the Nichols Medal for best and fairest player in the NTFL.

Coates won the award by 12 votes over the Tiwi Bombers' Paul Scanlon in second.

Players from the two grand final sides dominated the voting.

The Bombers beat the Tigers by 104 points in last week's semi-final, but Coates says his team will draw up a strategy to turn the tables on the premiership favourites.

"We're just going to go in as underdogs, just like we did on the weekend against Wanderers.

"We'll give it a 100 per cent crack and make sure those Tiwi boys earn every possession they get."

Nightcliff coach Mo Motlop says he does not expect Coates to get extra attention from the Bombers for winning the Nichols medal.

He says the ultra-fit midfielder would have to factor in any opponent's game plan.

"He'll be in their radar I guess, in their sights as part of normal preparations and planning and tactics and strategies as part of the Tiwi's planning this week.

"He won't be getting a free run I guess."

Tags: australian-football-league, darwin-0800

First posted March 12, 2012 12:14:02

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Cooney says knee not perfect, but better

Updated February 10, 2012 11:36:04

Western Bulldogs midfield star Adam Cooney admits his troublesome right knee will never be 100 per cent, but he still believes he can play a key role for the AFL club.

The 2008 Brownlow Medallist had an inconsistent season last year, as soreness stemming from the knee cap fracture he sustained in 2008 meant he was unable to sustain his best form.

Off-season surgery has helped, but the 26-year-old said he was not expecting to go out and dominate matches on a weekly basis.

"It's probably not going to be 100 per cent," he told reporters on Friday.

"In saying that, what I had done in the off-season has taken a little bit of the pressure off the knee cap, it seems to have worked pretty well.

"It's just a management thing.

"I'm not the only guy who's played with injuries, a lot of guys have done it in the past."

Cooney said he would have to assess how he was feeling throughout the season to determine how many matches he played and how much of each he spent in the midfield.

He acknowledged his frustrations last season had a negative effect on his mood, which affected his team-mates.

But he said new coach Brendan McCartney had assured him that as long as he was contributing, the Dogs did not need him to be best afield every week.

"I don't think I'm worried about it," Cooney said.

"I've had a lot of chats with Macca.

"I know what to expect from him and he knows what to expect from me.

"As long as I'm playing my role for the team, I'm going to be happy with that and he's going to be happy with that."

Cooney said he did not expect to play in the opening round of the preseason competition, but hoped to play at least two pre-season games to build match fitness for the start of the home -and-away season.

AAP

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

First posted February 10, 2012 11:36:04

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Facts About Worldwide Sports Supplements

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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Cassisi keeps Power captaincy

Updated February 10, 2012 16:24:57

Midfielder Dom Cassisi will captain Port Adelaide for a fourth straight season, with Hamish Hartlett the only newcomer in the club's five-man leadership group.

Travis Boak has been promoted to vice-captain, while 21-year-old defender Jackson Trengove, who shared the club's best and fairest award with Boak last year, remains part of the group.

The other member is key forward Jay Schulz.

Coach Matthew Primus said Cassisi, 29, remained a stand-out choice as skipper.

"Dom keeps developing his leadership skills every year and he really stood tall both on and off the field last season in what was a very challenging year," he said.

"He's got the ultimate respect of the playing group, the coaches and everyone involved at our club so it was a unanimous decision.

"We're looking forward to supporting him as he continues to grow and develop in the role."

Cassisi said it was good to have some youngsters supporting him, with Hartlett and Trengove both 21.

"I'm extremely excited about the young leadership group I'm going to have around me," he said.

"I know we're going to be able to drive the culture and behaviours that we need and expect at the club."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, port-adelaide-5015, sa

First posted February 10, 2012 16:23:53

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