Freo in the Media is a regularly updated digest of news about the Fremantle Football Club and around the AFL. The extracts on this page are taken from external media websites and the views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the Fremantle Football Club. The Fremantle Football Club is not responsible for the content of external websites.
Friday 5 July 2013
The West Australian
"Ins" column a sweet sight for Dockers
Has there ever been a better class of 'ins' at Fremantle?
Thursday 4 July 2013
The Australian
Indigenous stars save Irish series
THE AFL yesterday defended its decision to field an exclusively indigenous representative side in the International Cup series against Ireland in October, declaring it would reinvigorate the competition.
AFL hopes for drug findings before finals
THE prospect of Essendon being stripped of its premiership points before September for shoddy governance regarding the supplements scandal remains in play, with the AFL reiterating its desire to conclude its investigation into the club next month.
Lance Franklin 'a giant move for AFL'
KEVIN Sheedy admits GWS would be "foolish" not to go after Hawthorn's Lance Franklin and says it is in the interests of the competition as a whole that the club lands at least four other key players.
The West Australian
Pav, Sandi at peak for return to duty
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon says veterans Matthew Pavlich and Aaron Sandilands have been training harder that anyone at the club over the past month to ensure they are able to have an immediate impact on their return from injury.
News Limited
AFL to trial new technology in three matches this weekend in bid to improve goal-line accuracy
THE AFL will take another step towards trying to eliminate goal umpiring errors this weekend when it trials Hawk-Eye in three matches.
Dons' finals deadline
The AFL's determination to protect the ''integrity'' of this year's finals series is behind its wish to have the Essendon doping scandal settled in August.
AFL to test Hawk-Eye technology at MCG
The AFL will test Hawk-Eye goal technology at the MCG this week, starting with Friday night's clash between Collingwood and Carlton.
Wednesday 8 May 2013
The West Australian
Freo look to the scoreboard
Michael Barlow says Fremantle's midfielders need to hit the scoreboard more, starting with Saturday night's showdown against Collingwood's star-studded on-ball division.
Pie ready for Dockers shadow
Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says acting captain Scott Pendlebury is ready to be tagged by Fremantle best and fairest Ryan Crowley and has been practising playing as a forward in a bid to make close-checking opponents uncomfortable.
The Australian
Luke Ball threatens to make the Dockers' task even harder
JUST to make life more difficult for Fremantle coach Ross Lyon, Collingwood is considering a first-up tilt by midfielder Luke Ball against the Dockers in Perth on Saturday.
Herald Sun
Geelong coach Chris Scott and Collingwood's NathanBuckley confused by the push rule
TWO leading AFL coaches say they don’t know how umpires will adjudicate free kicks in marking contests.
The Age
AFL pushes the friendship
A message from the AFL designed to clarify the issue of contact in marking contests has only served to further muddy the issue and confuse coaches, players and supporters.
Coaches say umpiring is changing, AFL disagrees
Geelong coach Chris Scott believes it's hurting the AFL's power forwards. Hawthorn defender Brian Lake says it's helping the small forwards. And umpires boss Jeff Gieschen thinks it's all in their imagination.
Thursday 2 May 2013
Perth Now
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon brands Gary Ablett untaggable ahead of must win clash
FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has labelled looming rival Gary Ablett as "almost untaggable", as he labelled the Gold Coast clash as a game of "opportunity" for both sides.
The West Australian
Lyon low key on Morabito return
Fremantle midfielder Anthony Morabito is closing in on a return to football in the coming months after his third knee reconstruction, but coach Ross Lyon says it will be up to him when he feels ready to play.
AAP
Dockers turn to defenders to plug attack
Fremantle defender Alex Silvagni is in line for a shock AFL recall as a forward as the Dockers attempt to patch up their injury-hit attack.
Wednesday 1 May 2013
The Herald Sun
Saints give their side of Lyon saga
St Kilda chief executive Michael Nettlefold has revealed that Ross Lyon would have secured a major pay increase had he remained with the Saints, and has denied the former coach was misled during contract renegotiations.
Glass gamble wins but Fyfe out two
West Coast's bid to remedy its stuttering start to 2013 has been aided by a successful challenge to captain Darren Glass' three-match suspension, although Fremantle's attempt to do the same for Nathan Fyfe backfired.
Fremantle's Nat Fyfe cops two-week ban after tribunal hearing
YOUNG Fremantle midfielder Nathan Fyfe is out for the next two rounds after a failed AFL Tribunal challenge.
The AFL is ready for gay players, says league boss Andrew Demetriou
ANDREW Demetriou says the AFL is ready to embrace its first openly gay player.
The West Australian
Glass free to play after ban overturned
West Coast captain Darren Glass has successfully challenged a two-match ban for rough conduct after the AFL Tribunal threw out the charge tonight.
Fyfe pays price for challenging penalty
Fremantle's decision to contest Nat Fyfe's match review panel penalty has backfired with the midfielder's sentence extended to two matches by the AFL Tribunal tonight.
Spurr confident Freo can cover Fyfe
Fremantle defender Lee Spurr says no one player makes the team and someone will fill the role left by young star NatFyfe if he is rubbed out at the tribunal this afternoon.
Gold Coast Bulletin
Suns coach Guy McKenna heaps praise on his patient skipper Gary Ablett
SUNS coach Guy McKenna has revealed he is "amazed" by Gary Ablett's ability to remain calm on-field as he learns to cope with the mistakes made by his younger teammates.
goldcoastsuns.com.au
SUNS to turn up the heat against Fremantle
The Gold Coast SUNS will need to build on the effort and aggression they showed against the GWS Giants if they’re to be in with a chance of knocking off the Fremantle Dockers, according to key forward Tom Lynch.
GC SUNS Injury Update
Harley Bennell – Hamstring – Test
Nathan Bock – Leg – Indefinite
Liam Patrick – Hamstring strain – Test
Seb Tape – Knee – 1-2 weeks
Matthew Warnock – Arm – Indefinite
Maverick Weller – Shoulder – 2 weeks
Joel Wilkinson – Ankle – 3-5 weeks
afl.com.au
Daw, Wells, Thomas 'racially abused' by Hawks fan
HAWTHORN has been unable to identify a fan accused of directing racial abuse towards North Melbourne players Majak Daw, Daniel Wells and Lindsay Thomas.
Tuesday 23 April 2013
The Herald Sun
World Anti-Doping Agency confirms growth hormone allegedly used by Essendon players is a banned susbtance
THE World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has confirmed a growth hormone alleged to have been used by Essendon players last year is a banned substance, as convicteddrug dealer Shane Charter says he helped footballers use performance enhancing drugs.
Geelong Brownlow medallist Paul Couch says he doesn't know what all the fuss is about
THE famous father of a Melbourne player has defended his son's right to receive an injection.
Tom Couch was one of seven Demons named in an email exchange between now-suspended club doctor Dan Bates and controversial sports scientist Stephen Dank, listing a schedule for player injections.
Former Bombers fitness advisor Stu Cormack says all clear on his watch at Windy Hill
THE man who preceded Dean Robinson as Essendon high performance manager says nothing unethical happened on his watch at Windy Hill.
Improved Richmond Tigers must address major defensive flaw
THEY are exciting to watch with the ball in hand, but Richmond players must address a defensive flaw before Friday night's clash with Fremantle.
Fremantle utility Nick Suban to bounce back from shocking game against Hawthorn
FREMANTLE utility Nick Suban could be spared the axe this week despite his horror game against Hawthorn.
The Age
Roos under scrutiny over doctor
The AFL-ASADA investigation into performance-enhancing substances could be widened to include North Melbourne due to the club's common link with the recently stood down Melbourne doctor Dan Bates.
No rest a pest for weary ruckmen
St Kilda ruckman Ben McEvoy, once he was able to get a bit of air back in his lungs, might have paused for a moment on Saturday night and given himself a consoling pat on the back for having at least made a very prescient pre-season prediction.
The West
You can't turn up for three quarters, says Crowley
Doig medallist Ryan Crowley says Fremantle's inability to play four consistent quarters is a far bigger issue than their injury list after successive losses to Essendon and Hawthorn.
Tiger in danger of missing Freo clash
A Tiger in trouble ahead of Richmond's clash with Fremantle, a West Australian set for a suspension and a Brownlow Medal prospect in danger of being made ineligible.
The Australian
Athletes using illegal drugs open gate to corruption
THE convicted drug trafficker who worked as a fitness adviser for champion footballers is adamant athletes using performance-enhancing drugs are primetargets for criminals involved in other corrupt practices.
Probe overshadows Melbourne Demons' first win
MELBOURNE yesterday salvaged something from its disastrous start to the year with an avalanche of goals in the final term for a come-from-behind win over Greater Western Sydney at the MCG.
Thursday 18 April 2013
The Herald Sun
‘Proud' Essendon coach James Hird thanks his players after dramatic win over Fremantle
ESSENDON coach James Hird delivered an emotional speech to his players in the Subiaco rooms last Friday night, in which he thanked them and told of his pride after their win over Fremantle.
Collingwood star Dane Swan wants to play on with the Magpies beyond the end of next year
CONTROVERSIAL midfielder Dane Swan wants to play on with Collingwood beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of next year.
Eddie McGuire will lead an all-Collingwood commentary panel when the Magpies meet Richmond
For the first time, Fox Footy viewers will have the opportunity to choose between neutral commentary or pro-Magpie commentary led by Magpies president Eddie McGuire when Collingwood take on Richmond.
Mental health expert tips Essendon's winning streak to continue during drug investigation
ESSENDON players have been given access to a range of mental health experts as a leading sports psychologist says they can continue their winning streak during the drugs investigation.
The Age
Pie's radio deal waits on approval
A yet-to-be-signed media deal involving Collingwood's Dane Swan will not kick off as planned on Friday unless it has been cleared by the AFL.
Eagle Schofield defends bearded players
West Coast defender Will Schofield says it's ridiculous for people to question the commitment of AFL players who grow beards.
The Australian
Carlton captain Marc Murphy paying price for high profile
MICK Malthouse has strongly defended his captain, Marc Murphy, ahead of a clash against West Coast that history says Carlton must win if it is to make the eight.
Dermott Brereton wrong on Demons, says Jack Trengove
DEMONS captain Jack Trengove has denied his players lacked professionalism after claims by Hawthorn legend Dermott Brereton that they had been "jovial" after their third belting in succession on the weekend.
Wednesday 17 April 2013
Herald Sun
Collingwood star Dane Swan wants to repair public perception of him for family's sake
COLLINGWOOD superstar Dane Swan has revealed he is trying to repair the public's perception of him but admits the damage may have been done.
Essendon coach James Hird says he told drugs investigators the full truth
A DEFIANT James Hird said last night he had enjoyed the chance to "tell the truth" during a marathon interrogation by ASADA investigators.
Essendon fans to hold up thousands of ‘Stand by Hird' posters against St Kilda on Saturday
ESSENDON fans will hold up thousands of "Stand By Hird" posters at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Investigators track every email sent by high-performance manager Dean Robinson since 2007
AFL investigators have examined every email sent by the man who brought disgraced sports scientistStephen Dank into the league.
Review clears mainstream injections despite AFL crackdown
THE cutting-edge medical procedures allowing stars Nick Riewoldt and Adam Cooney to continue their careers will still be allowed despite an AFL crackdown on injections.
Scrutiny over Matthew Pavlich's form is ‘unwarranted', says Michael Barlow
FREMANTLE midfielder Michael Barlow has dismissed scrutiny over Matthew Pavlich's form as "unwarranted", saying the Dockers skipper was still proving his worth in the team.
The Age
AFLPA runs check on supplements
The AFL Players Association is researching the substances that Essendon players may have taken, including some that have not yet been revealed to the public, in a bid to help protect them from any possible health risks.
Hird talks to drug investigators
Essendon coach James Hird has been interviewed by anti-doping investigators seeking to determinewhether players at the club used prohibited substances last year.
Dees' form has Freo in box seat
If Melbourne doesn't improve soon, and frequent 100-point drubbings threaten to ''corrupt'' the fixture - a fear already expressed by a handful of highly respected commentators - then it seems Fremantle could be the main beneficiary.
Ross Lyon's men are the only finals team from 2012 set to play the bottom-placed Demons twice this season.
Saints consider female president
As St Kilda turns to replacing Greg Westaway, Olympic hockey gold medallist Danni Roche has emerged as a possible first female president of an AFL club.
Get with the program, chaps
We now know of the restorative powers of pigs' brains and bovine colostrum. But, if you want to be transformed, there is an even more potent potion. It's called winning.
The West
Freo's walking wounded
Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow says the club will use its heartbreaking loss to Essendon as motivation for Saturday's clash with premiership favourites Hawthorn in Launceston.
Hird meets anti-doping authority
Essendon coach James Hird has been interviewed by anti-doping investigators seeking to determinewhether players at the club used prohibited substances last year.
Barlow's 50th a big milestone
Michael Barlow says he will be forever indebted to Fremantle for giving him an opportunity to play AFL football and reach his 50th game this weekend.
Hawks plan to outgun Freo defence
Jordan Lewis says Hawthorn will focus on retaining possession and maintaining scoring power against Fremantle's defensive strength when they clash in Launceston on Saturday.
The Australian
Drug case lingers as James Hird faces the music
ESSENDON coach James Hird yesterday had his first meeting with ASADA investigators, and with thepossibility that he may be tied up with inquiries for three days, the sessions threaten to disrupt the unbeaten club's preparations for Saturday's match against St Kilda.
Tuesday 16 April 2013
The Herald Sun
Essendon's Paddy Ryder suspended for three weeks
ESSENDON star Paddy Ryder and youngster Nick Kommer are both set to miss the Anzac Day blockbuster against Collingwood after copping a combined fiveweeks from the match review panel.
AFL admits mistake and declares Collingwood's Harry O'Brien should have received a free kick
COLLINGWOOD defender Harry O'Brien was the victim of two wrong decisions as a front-on bump charge against him was thrown out.
Bomber fans rally to support coach James Hird over drug allegations
ESSENDON fans will hold aloft thousands of "Stand By Hird'' posters at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
James Hird to front drugs investigators over claims players received banned intravenous injections
ESSENDON coach James Hird has reaffirmed his determination to clear his name ahead of interviews with drugs investigators today.
The Age
Hird, then players, to face ASADA
Essendon coach James Hird will be followed by the Bombers' leadership group in being interviewed by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.
Powerful relationships are put to the test
The relationships at stake in the disturbing off-field drama playing out at theEssendon Football Club and the AFL are another intriguing element in the saga which takes another turn as James Hird prepares for the first time to face questioning from ASADA and the league itself.
Fans donate for signs to support Hird
Bombers fans have donated about $6000 to print thousands of signs supporting their embattled coach James Hird for this Saturday's match against St Kilda.
Ryder faces three-game ban
The joy Essendon has experienced from its remarkable comeback victory against Fremantle has been tempered at the hands of the match review panel, with Patrick Ryder and Nick Kommer facing stints on the sidelines.
The West
Hird to meet anti-doping authority
Essendon coach James Hird is about to tell anti-doping investigators his side of the story as hewithstands intense pressure over the AFL club's crisis.
The Australian
Bombers hit by suspensions to Ryder and Kommer
UNBEATEN Essendon was dealt a double blow by the match review panel yesterday before Saturday night's game against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium.
Dean Brogan forced to face AFL tribunal
GREATER Western Sydney ruckman Dean Brogan is facing a long stint out of the game after being summonsed directly to the AFL tribunal tonight.
Harry O'Brien report was 'a mistake'
THE match-day report of Collingwood wingman Harry O'Brien over a collision with Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge on Sunday was yesterday assessed as an umpiring error.
Monday 15 April 2013
The Herald Sun
AFL commissioner Bill Kelty defends meeting as Essendon coach James Hird urged to stay on
AFL commissioner Bill Kelty has defended his weekend meeting with embattled Essendon coach James Hird.
A case of speak no evil, see no evil, Hird no evil
THIS astonishing story keeps giving and keeps confusing.
The AFL has said they are privy to information not yet made public of Essendon's supplements program, which involves besieged Essendon coach James Hird.
Melbourne Demons praise AFL's new concussion rule
THE AFL's new concussion rule was lauded by Melbourne after the Demons employed it against West Coast at the MCG on Saturday.
Sliding rule outcry after Harry O'Brien reported despite Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge crashing into his legs
THE sliding rule seems to have everybody - players, umpires, commentators and fans - befuddled.
Western Bulldogs president Peter Gordon wants unorthodox supplement programs banned
WESTERN Bulldogs president Peter Gordon wants unorthodox supplement programs bannedregardless of whether Essendon is found guilty of breaching the performance-enhancing drugs code.
The West
Lloyd backs Hird's right to keep job
Former Essendon great Matthew Lloyd has staunchly defended James Hird's right to keep his job as the Bombers coach prepares to confront anti-doping investigators on Tuesday.
Bombers AFL players yet to face ASADA
Essendon captain Jobe Watson says no Bombers player has yet been interviewed as part of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) investigation into the AFL club.
O'Brien ban would bring new rule to its knees
The AFL match review panel must throw out Harry O'Brien's rough conduct report today or the new rule for contact below the knees cannot work again.
Freo backs Pavlich to regain AFL form
He's loath to admit it, but Fremantle coach Ross Lyon must be getting a tad worried about the form of spearhead Matthew Pavlich.
Truth will set me free, says defiant Hird
Essendon coach James Hird effectively declared his innocence over the supplements saga engulfing the club, saying he'll be in a "very good position" once the truth comes out.
Hird answers critics
A defiant Essendon coach James Hird said last night he would remain Essendon coach until he was told by someone not to after his besieged team had snatched an emotional win against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium.
The Australian
Harry O'Brien at centre of test case for sliding rule
COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley described an incident that led to Harry O'Brien being reported at the MCG yesterday as a test case for the contentious sliding rule introduced this season.
Thursday 11 April 2013
The Age
Right thing for Hird to do is step down
Football writers Caroline Wilson and Jake Niall dissect the latest revelations surrounding the ongoing drugs saga at Windy Hill.
In early February, as James Hird's world began to unravel, he still didn't get it. Sitting alongside his chairman and his chief executive at AFL head office, the Essendon legend, premiership captain and now coach said: ''I'm shocked to be sitting here.''
Hird injected drugs
Essendon coach James Hird has been accused of injecting a WADA-blacklisted drug in a program where his players were givenanother substance anti-doping regulators now say should be banned.
The sports scientist who ran the club's supplement program, Stephen Dank, said he injected James Hird with hexarelin - which WADA banned in 2004 - and that before and during the 2012 AFL season,players were given anti-obesity drug AOD9604.
New twist in Bombers inquiry
These polls are not scientific and reflect the opinion only of visitors who have chosen to participate.
The internal investigation into Essendon's so-called ''irregular practices'' has unearthed Medicare irregularities notlinked to performance-enhancing drugs.
It is understood that sports psychologistJonah Oliver has been scrutinised by the Switkowski inquiry, after a number of Essendon players responded to club concerns that an unusually large number of claims were being lodged on their behalf.
Dons turn it around on the road
Essendon had barely left the MCG after walloping Melbourne by 148 points last Saturday when preparations for Friday night's game against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium began.
''Next week is going to be one of the toughest games we play for the year,'' coach James Hird told his players at the post-game meeting, shown on the club's TV show The Hangar.
Essendon's fast running game faces acid test against the hard-pressing Dockers
On Friday night at Patersons Stadium, the''Irresistible Force'' of James Hird's Essendon meets the ''Immovable Object'' of Ross Lyon's tightly defensive Fremantle. ''Pattern perfect'' football versus perhaps the greatest deniers of time and space in the game.
Smorgasbord of drugs on offer - legal and otherwise
Last year, long before the Essendon scandal had surfaced, officials from a rival club met a man with the means and knowledge to organise for them to receive a range of performance-enhancing substances for their players.
The Australian
James Hird refutes drug claim
ESSENDON coach James Hird this morning vowed to clear his name amid allegations he used a performance enhancing drug last year.
Sports scientist Stephen Dank has said heinjected Hird with a drug banned under doping codes, with the Essendon coach this morning describing the allegations as "very upsetting".
James Hird 'injected with banned drug'
ESSENDON coach James Hird wasinjected with a banned drug, according to a report in Fairfax newspapers today.
The club's former sports scientist Stephen Dank says he injected Hird with Hexarelin, which was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2004.
The West
Hird vows to clear name over drug slur
Hird has been accused of injecting a WADAblacklisted drug by Stephen Dank, the sports scientist at the centre of theAustralian sports doping scandal who worked at Essendon last year.
Goddard reveals Lyon's secrets
Former Saint Brendon Goddard yesterday gave Essendon the inside word on Ross Lyon's defensive game plan as the Bombers prepared to face Fremantle at Patersons Stadium tomorrow night.
Unwell Docker clings to AFL dream
Fremantle midfielder Jayden Pitt hopes his AFL career isn't over despite being diagnosed with a heart irregularity.
Wednesday 10 April 2013
Herald Sun
Collingwood investigates alleged racist slurs aimed at Carlton star Chris Yarran
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has mooted league-imposed bans on fans found guilty of severe cases of racial abuse towards players.
Demons vow to fight back hard after team-bonding breakfast
MELBOURNE has vowed to fight back in this week's game after the removal of their CEO yesterday.
Backlash from Demons supporters got Cameron Schwab sacked, says Andrew Demetriou
THE AFL has denied any involvement in Cameron Schwab's removal, saying last night it was a Melbourne decision in response to supporter backlash.
The Age
Sacked, with six months of cash
Dismissed Melbourne chief executive Cameron Schwab will receive a six-month payout from his three-year contract following his sacking by the club board.
Less gives everyone more bang for buck: Bartel
The AFL fixture continues to create major debate, but perhaps it's time to adopt a simple philosophy - that less could actually be more.
AFL dreaming of Giant strides in western Sydney
Andrew Demetriou says the AFL will do ''whatever it takes'' to make Greater Western Sydney a success story and believes the new boys can become a ''very big football club''.
The West
Heart condition ends Docker's career
Fremantle midfielder Jayden Pitt's career could be over at the age of 20 after just 10 AFL games, with further medical tests confirming a heart irregularity that would represent a significant and potentially life-threatening risk if he tried to continue playing.
Dockers plan to stifle Don's run
Fremantle midfielder Tendai Mzungu says he's confident the Dockers will be able to keep Essendon's potent midfield in check when the two form sides meet at Patersons Stadium on Friday night.
Dockers won't play shootout with Bombers
Fremantle will be happy to put aside an attacking mindset on Friday night if it meansquelling Essendon's efforts in front of goal, according to midfielder Tendai Mzungu.
The Australian
Docker Jayden Pitt's life at risk if he continues to play
THE promising career of young Fremantle wingman Jayden Pitt appears to be over following medical opinion.
Tuesday 9 April 2013
The Herald Sun
Revered Melbourne figure Garry Lyon says he doesn't have the time to help the Demons
REVERED Melbourne identity Garry Lyon has dismissed calls to step in and help fix the Demons, saying he does not have the time.
As his club was being annihilated by Essendon at the MCG on Saturday night, Lyon has revealed his phone was buzzing with Melbourne people urging him to step up and help stop the rot.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says the roof will remain open at Etihad Stadium
THE Etihad Stadium roof will remain open when fair weather is forecast, despite calls for it to be closed for all AFL matches.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said yesterday he liked a "bit of sunshine".
The Age
Star value rising fast for Heppell
Having watched Dyson Heppell emerge on the cusp of stardom in the midfield, Essendon almost certainly will now need to find room in its salary cap to reward him with a pay increase.
Schwab on thin ice as sharks circle
The last time Melbourne suffered a loss of historic proportions the club sacked its coach Dean Bailey while Cameron Schwab, the chief executive who had been unofficially chopped on the eve of that debacle, was reinstated.
Rival coaches offer advice to Neeld
Whatever you do, stay positive and aim for little wins.
That's the advice from veteran AFL coaches Mark Thompson and Rodney Eade to counterpart Mark Neeld as he deals with a nightmare start to the season.
Rule changes help to clear up the congestion
The numbers after round 2.
The sample size may be small, but early indications are that the AFL's rule changes to help reduce congestion in games are already having an impact.
After two rounds of the 2013 season, the average combined number of ball-ups and throw-ins a game is at its lowest level for five years - an average of 57.8 compared to nearly 60 to the same stage last year - a figure that had climbed to nearly 64 by the end of the season.
Fox sorry for revealing footage
Port Adelaide captain Travis Boak has weighed in with support for an embarrassed Ricky Henderson after the Crow inadvertently showed his penis in the changerooms during half-time of the Brisbane Lions game.
The West
Ballantyne urged to stay feisty
Fremantle forward Chris Mayne has urged Hayden Ballantyne to keep playing "close to the edge" despite the goalsneak's poor disciplinary record.
Dennis Cometti: Scott brothers right to hit the roof
I've got to say the Scott boys are right on the money with their call for the roof at Etihad Stadium to stay closed during every match, night and day, rain, hail or shine.
AFL's Demons declining with Neeld: Schwarz
Prominent former Melbourne player David Schwarz says the Demons are going backwards under Mark Neeld, but a board that has given the coach too much power must share the blame.
I'm not over the hill yet: Sandilands
Aaron Sandilands has started running and is optimistic about a return to football within eight weeks of his surgery to repair a partially torn hamstring tendon.
Big stage holds no fears for Dockers
Fremantle are becoming accustomed to performing on the big stage and are preparing to restrict a red-hot Essendon's free-flowing scoring on Friday night, according to forward Chris Mayne.
Bombers keep feet on ground, says Myers
Essendon midfielder David Myers has stressed that the Bombers aren't getting carried away with their dominant start to the year - because they know how easily things can change.
The Australian
Melbourne Demons members ask AFL to step in
IF Melbourne, with combined losses of 227 points after just two rounds of football, cannot help itself then the AFL is ready to intervene, aware of the damage a wallowing club can do to the competition.
Essendon will not lose points this season, AFL says
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou says it could be two to three months before the Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority's investigation into Essendon is concluded, but has knocked on the head any suggestion the club could lose points this season.
AFL.com
Hawks trial experimental recovery
HAWTHORN has gone to radical lengths to aid its recovery in the lead-up to Sunday's big clash with Collingwood, sending seven of its players to trial a little-known treatment called salt therapy on Monday.
Monday 8 April 2013
The Herald Sun
Top Demons stand by embattled coach Mark Neeld as fallout continues at Melbourne
BESIEGED Melbourne coach MarkNeeld has the backing of the Melbourne board after chief executive Cameron Schwab and president Don McLardy declared his position safe.
Adelaide Crows furious after player opening shorts airs and inspires comedy skit on TV
UPDATE: STAR Crows midfielder Patrick Dangerfield has declared his disappointment at the AFL's official telecasters for embarrassing team-mate Ricky Henderson at the weekend.
North Melbourne coach Brad Scott and Geelong coach Chris Scott unite in Etihad Stadium criticism
THE Scott brothers want the Etihad Stadium roof shut for all AFL games after sun, then rain, affected their four-point heart-stopper.
Eddie McGuire takes shot at Swans' easy start to AFL season
FIRST it was Sydney's cost-of-living allowance, now Eddie McGuire has taken a shot at the easy draw the unbeaten Swans have to start this year.
St Kilda coach Scott Watters looks to the future after winless start to the AFL season
ST Kilda coach Scott Watters admits his club's premiership window is shut and says rebuilding started over a year ago.
A brutally honest Watters today told Saints supporters there is a long-term view at St Kilda that outweighs the club's winless start to the season.
The Age
Open or shut? Coaches reopen debate on roof
The sodden end to Geelong's dramatic victory over North Melbourne on Sunday has reignited the Scott brothers' desire for all matches at Etihad Stadium to be played with a closed roof.
Hird ready for Freo test
After what was almost a Saturday night stroll around the MCG, Essendon coach James Hird is looking forward to the most serious test of his side's flying start to the season.
Two games in, Watters says Saints are rebuilding
Winless after two rounds, St Kilda coach Scott Watters says his team is in rebuilding mode, casting doubt on the Saints' ability to compete for the finals.
As he deals with a season-opening loss toGold Coast and a 17-point defeat to Richmond on Friday night, Watters gave a blunt assessment of an unbalanced list which still relies heavily on its veteran stars such as Nick Riewoldt, Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna.
The West
Ballantyne urged to strike a balance
Fremantle leadership group member Matt de Boer has confirmed the club's on-field leaders have counselled firebrand Hayden Ballantyne about incidents that may result in suspension.
Dennis Cometti: Scott brothers right to hit the roof
I've got to say the Scott boys are right on the money with their call for the roof at Etihad Stadium to stay closed during every match, night and day, rain, hail or shine.
The Australian
Brad Scott hits the roof as Roos blow it in rain
North Melbourne's Nathan Grima after costing his side a win over Geelong at Etihad Stadium by givingaway a late free kick.
NORTH Melbourne coach Brad Scott has lashed out at Etihad Stadium officials for failing to close the roof after seeing his side throw away a win in the rain against Geelong yesterday.
Ross Lyon untroubled by Pavlich treatment
FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon says captain Matthew Pavlich has no significant injury concerns after the Dockers comfortable AFL win over the Western Bulldogs.
The Dockers star received electrical treatment during the Bulldogs 16.10 (106) to 11.12 (78) win at Etihad Stadium to stay unbeaten, after their opening-round defeat of West Coast.
Thursday 4 April 2013
Herald Sun
Melbourne coach Mark Neeld to ignore backlash and criticism following Round 1 thrashing
MELBOURNE coach Mark Neeld says he will ignore widespread criticism and supporter backlash as he continues to rebuild his ailing football club.
Collingwood to change its approach to the bump following AFL policy shift
COLLINGWOOD will change its approach to the bump, following a shift in AFL policy on accidental head clashes.
AFL match review panel chairman Mark Fraser revealed this week players will not be suspended for accidental head clashes.
AFL players push case for east-versus-west representative blockbuster
AFL players want the league to seriously consider their east-versus-west representative concept while it considers a dramatic revamp of the season's structure.
The AFL Players Association said yesterday it would canvass its members about apotential 24-round season, which would also include a shorter pre-season for players.
Coaches want substitute limit clarified by mid-season
AFL coaches are asking for an answer on next year's substitute limit by mid-season, as they prepare a submission for the AFL's rules committee.
The coaches will refine their position on the substitute rule at an AFL Coaches Association advisory committee meeting in the next month.
The Age
Mistake triggered goal review
The AFL has admitted an amateurish communications bungle - where a field umpire wrongly believed he was listening to an official match observer - triggered a goal review that otherwise wouldn't have happened.
Thinking he was hearing official match observers in his earpiece, field umpire Jacob Mollison called for a review of Blue Chris Yarran's second-term goal in last Thursday night's Richmond-Carlton clash. It was later established, however, that Mollison had, in fact, reacted to informal communication out of the television broadcasters' production trucks that was somehow transmitted into the match umpires' earpieces.
Buckley changes tack as confusion reigns on bump
Nathan Buckley will tell his Collingwood players to take a different approach to contact with opponents in the wake of the match review panel exonerating Lindsay Thomas for his bump on Ben Reid.
Hardwick calls for AFL bump clarification
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has called for the AFL to clarify its stance on the bump, conceding coaches are confused about what instructions to give their players.
The West
Top Dog warns Cooney is back to his best
Western Bulldogs captain Matthew Boyd is confident an injury-free pre-season can see Adam Cooney return to his Brownlow Medal form this year.
Wednesday 3 April 2013
The Age
Is the game running away from Hawthorn?
Alastair Clarkson has more pressing problems than either Jeff Kennett, or the curious affliction known as the Kennett curse. Hawthorn's failure to beat Geelong, despite a five-goal lead, continued a distinct pattern from last year's preliminary and grand finals.
Duck off - beards bite back
''Rather than play stupid games seeing who can grow the longest beard, how about train? They are a shambles.'' - Wayne Carey on Melbourne footballers
Will the cap fit? Not even close
Five minutes into the third quarter the Dockers would have hit their cap. The Crows would have blown theirs a few minutes later, but Roos coach Brad Scott would have kept a move up his sleeve until early in the last quarter.
In the first round of the season, coming off a pre-season when interchange rotations were capped at 80, all AFL clubs bar one were comfortably into three figures. The exception was North, which finished its match with 97 rotations.
Head clash takes out review panel
In 2007, the Dogs beat the Cats by 20 points in round one. Geelong finished the year on top, the Dogs fourth from the bottom.
In 2006, Essendon beat Sydney. Comfortably. The Dons finished the year second bottom, the Swans runner-up for the flag.
Round one produces rogue results.
Morris helps put bite back into Dogs
If music is a good reflection of mood then the selection of Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Want to Have Fun in the Whitten Oval gymnasium on Tuesday showed how buoyant the Western Bulldogs are after their drought-breaking win.
The West
Bucks tips more bumps
Collingwood AFL coach Nathan Buckley will instruct his players to deliver and expect more hard physical clashes given what North Melbourne’s Lindsay Thomas got away with.
Dockers can't leg Dogs off leash
All-Australian defender Luke McPharlin says Fremantle will have to be ready for anything against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday after they shocked the competition with a blistering 68-point win over NAB Cup premiers Brisbane.
The Australian
Lindsay Thomas cleared of rough conduct against Ben Reid
NORTH Melbourne's Lindsay Thomas was yesterday cleared by the match review panel of rough conduct despite being the aggressor in a head clash that forced Collingwood's Ben Reid out of Sunday's match in the third quarter.
The Herald Sun
Carlton coach Mick Malthouse says his family were ‘bitter' following his departure from Collingwood
CARLTON coach Mick Malthouse has revealed his family were 'bitter' and 'disappointed with humanity' following his departure from Collingwood as the build up to Sunday's blockbuster at the MCG intensifies.
Tuesday 2 April 2013
The West
Magpies, Kangaroos fume over AFL clash
Depleted Collingwood's gutsy AFL win over North Melbourne has had an angry aftermath, with coaches Nathan Buckley and Brad Scott trading barbs over an off-the-ball incident.
Dennis Cometti: Scoreboard pressure the real curse
Jeff Kennett is no longer the President at Hawthorn. If he were, Alistair Clarkson would be in deep trouble.
In the wake of yesterday's stunning 10th straight loss to Geelong, the former Hawks president overcame his usual painful shyness and called for Clarkson to leave or be sacked at the end of the season.
AFL Lions need to protect Rich
It may be a few days too late but Tom Rockliff has stood up for fellow Brisbane vice-captain Daniel Rich, saying the Lions failed to protect the young gun from a Western Bulldogs mauling.
Lower learns tag tips from experts
Former Fremantle midfielder Nick Lower has credited tuition from two of the AFL's great taggers for his strong performance on Michael Tuck medallist Daniel Rich and is ready to make life difficult for the Docker he opposes at Etihad Stadium next Saturday.
The Australian
Lindsay Thomas cleared of rough conduct against Ben Reid
NORTH Melbourne's Lindsay Thomas was yesterday cleared by the match review panel of rough conduct despite being the aggressor in a head clash that forced Collingwood's Ben Reid out of Sunday's match in the third quarter.
Herald Sun
Miss out last night? Rewind by catching up with all of the hot topics and big issues right here
DID you miss last night's AFLtelevision shows? Rewind and catch up here on all of hot topics and big issues discussed.
AFL 360
* The boys were quick to discuss former Hawk president Jeff Kennett calling on Alastair Clarkson to be sacked at the year's end. Robbo said the Hawks need to respond withing 24 hours to put it to bed.
* Melbourne's dismal Round 1 display was a big talking point and Robbo did not hold back. The Herald Sun chief football scribe stressed he liked Demons coach Mark Neeld, but said he would have to go if the Demons are still playing like that in a month. "Something would have to give," Robbo said.
* The panel heaped praise on Suns superstar Gary Ablett following his epic performance against St Kilda. His former coach Mark 'Bomber' Thompson said Ablett was "getting better and better with age." He went on further to declare he would finish his career regarded as one of the best 10 players of all time.
ON THE COUCH
* Paul Roos said he believed Hawthorn have a 'significant' problem with their ball use and going inside 50.
* The state of the Melbourne Football Club was a hot topic with Roos declaring there was something "seriously wrong" with the Demons.
* Gerard Healy said new football operations manager Mark Evans should appeal the MRP's decision to clear Lindsay Thomas for his off-the-ball bump that floored Magpie Ben Reid. "Everyone is confused now," Healy said.
* Carlton coach Mick Malthouse was the guest and said he had no plans to reconcile with Eddie McGuire.
FOOTY CLASSIFIED
* Garry Lyon said he could not defend anything said about Melbourne after their Round 1 performance.
* Cats coach Chris Scott said he did not believe in the 'Kennett Curse' and said it would be "arrogant in the extreme" to suggest they have a mental hold of Hawthorn.
* Scott would not be drawn when asked about the stoush between Magpies coach Nathan Buckley and his brother, North Melbourne coach Brad. "My policy is you should be really careful about talking about other teams," he said. Although that answer may have gave away what he really thought on the matter.
War of words erupts between North Melbourne coach Brad Scott and Collingwood's Nathan Buckley
A DEFIANT Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley says Lindsay Thomas "got away with one" after the Kangaroos forward was cleared for his off-the-ball bump on Magpie Ben Reid.
North Melbourne's Lindsay Thomas cleared by match review panel after bumping Ben Reid
NORTH Melbourne goalsneak Lindsay Thomas is in the clear for his off-the-ball bump that floored Magpie Ben Reid.
Thomas crashed into Reid with a fierce shepherd at Etihad Stadium, forcing the Magpie from the field with a bloodyface as a result of a clash of heads.
Nick Dal Santo dubs slide rule a harsh measure even before teammate Lenny Hayes was penalised
ST KILDA midfielder Nick Dal Santo doesn't like the AFL's new slide rule.
And that was even before his teammate Lenny Hayes was penalised for making contact with the legs of Gold Coast's Jared Brennan while pouncing on a loose ball during Saturday night's loss to the Suns.
Ross Lyon is the AFL's best coach, according to Dockers president Steve Harris
ROSS Lyon is the best coach in the competition and his arrival at Fremantle has sparked a cultural transformation of the entire club, according to Dockers president Steve Harris.
Western Bulldogs
We're developing the right way: Libba
It’s rewarding and it’s just very healthy for the Club... we sent a strong message and I think we have been [developing] the right way, as well.
Midfield young gun Tom Liberatore says the Western Bulldogs sent a message to opposition clubs in the 68 point upset over the Brisbane Lions, that the Club will not be easy beats this season.
Thursday 28 March 2013
The Australian
Dockers deny move for Buddy
FREMANTLE coach Ross Lyon has emphatically denied reports that the Dockers are gearing up to make a massive offer to lure Hawthorn star Lance "Buddy" Franklin west at the end of the season.
Lyon yesterday labelled the speculation as a media "beat-up" and "disappointing", and said he had gone out of his way to downplay the myth to Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson.
Hawthorn yesterday acknowledged it was aware of the correspondence between Lyon and Clarkson which assured last year's runners-up that Franklin was not a Dockers' recruiting target.
The West
Franklin not on Fremantle's radar
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has issued a scathing rebuttal to reports the Dockers are heavily invested in signing Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin as a free agent at the end of this season.
Reacting to an article in a Melbourne newspaper this morning, Lyon said rumours of the Dockers' interest in the two-time Coleman medallist were so far off the mark he had sought out Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson in the pre-season to clear the air.
"That story's a beat-up," he said today.
The Age
No Freo mega-offer to Buddy, Lyon says
Ross Lyon has told the Dockers website there is no mega-offer to Hawthorn superstar Buddy Franklin.
Fremantle coach Ross Lyon denies his AFL club is in the market for Lance Franklin, claiming he's even told Hawthorn counterpart Alastair Clarkson not to worry about the Dockers poaching the star forward.
Franklin off course at grand prix
An incoherent and out-of-sorts Lance Franklin raised eyebrows and later incurred the wrath of his club when he stumbled into a corporate suite at the Melbourne Grand Prix that also included AFL chief Andrew Demetriou and former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett on its guest list.
Franklin's condition was witnessed by Demetriou, who has refused to comment on the incident. Hawthorn later became aware of Franklin's embarrassing performance but has not punished him.
Bombers' secret deal exposed
A proposed deal between the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority and Essendon whereby Bombers players would escape doping sanctions with zero penalty, while Cronulla players would be given a minimum six-month ban, was aborted after protests from lawyers acting for ASADA and Cronulla.
The very same day that Australian Rugby League Commission chief executive Dave Smith learnt of a proposed preferential deal to the AFL club, he raised it with Prime Minister Julia Gillard at a pre-arranged meeting in Sydney.
The Herald Sun
Hired gun Ray McLean praises Collingwood's off-season progress
THE man hired by Collingwood to help drive a cultural shift says he is highly encouraged by the club's off-season progress.
Leading Teams boss Ray McLean is credited with honing Sydney's "Bloods" culture, and was called upon by Pies coach Nathan Buckley to help arrest slipping standards.
Leading Teams is also working with Fremantle and the Swans this year, and will have input at Hawthorn.
The Pies have sanctioned several players for minor incidents this year including Travis Cloke for repeatedly parking in CEO Gary Pert's carpark and Dane Swan for an unauthorised TV interview.
Wednesday 27 March 2013
The Herald Sun
Fremantle has salary cap space to make Buddy Franklin a big offer
Lance "Buddy" Franklin could be wearing Dockers gear by the end of the year if Ross Lyon gets his way. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Herald Sun
ROSS Lyon is man with a habit of getting what he wants, and he wants Lance Franklin with a burning passion.
Only last February he was happy to state of the league's most dynamic player: "I'll tell you what - I'd give Buddy Franklin $1.5m (a year) tomorrow."
Radio host Neil Mitchell claims AFL players are using Viagra to boost performance
RADIO host Neil Mitchell claims AFL players are using Viagra in a bid to boost performance.
The 3AW presenter says sources in the football community who have told him the drug is "extremely popular" among players.
Is West Coast forward Mark LeCras the first victim of the AFL's new sliding rule?
HAS the AFL's new sliding rule claimed its first broken limb?
West Coast's Mark LeCras will miss up to six weeks after breaking his arm in a collision with Docker Tendai Mzungu, a collision that saw LeCras stop in his pursuit of the ball and Mzungu crash into him.
Both players kept their feet, which was exactly what the rule was designed to do - avoid forceful contact below the knees.
Only LeCras can tell us if he decided to not dive for the ball for fear of giving away a free kick.
Fremantle's Jayden Pitt has heart scare
THE playing career of Fremantle utility Jayden Pitt has been put on hold due to a recently diagnosed heart irregularity.
Pitt will return to Melbourne with his family to seek further opinions on the initial diagnosis.
The Age
Clubs wary on integrity officer plan
The AFL's fight to strengthen integrity measures has hit a hurdle, with clubs questioning the need to hire integrity or risk officers.
Collingwood, Port Adelaide, West Coast and Brisbane have people working in this area, but several clubs are weighing up the benefits shown in the job description of a full-time specialist integrity officer and whether they can fund what is believed to be an extra $150,000 from their tight budgets.
The West
Freo's quick fix in midfield
Stephen Hill and Danyle Pearce have the potential to be one of the most lethal ball carrying combinations in the AFL, and Hill could turn Fremantle into "the complete package" if he realised how good he could be, according to dual North Melbourne premiership player David King.
Dockers youngster hit with heart irregularity
Fremantle utility Jayden Pitt’s playing career is on hold after he was diagnosed with a heart irregularity.
Fremantle general manager of football operations Chris Bond said the 20-year-old will return to Melbourne with his family to seek further opinions on the initial diagnosis.
The Australian
AFL set to tackle NRL head-on
THE AFL's determination to continue making serious inroads into rugbyleague's heartland on the eastern seaboard will see it review its season structure next year, with chief executive Andrew Demetriou keen to bring forward the start of the season proper to avoid the NRL being given a proverbial "free kick".
As ASADA turns up heat on Dons, Demetriou to warns their rivals
WITH the AFL still to brief executives and coaches from three clubs on the ramifications of the Australian Crime Commission investigation, the league has decided on a second round of club briefings that will include all club personnel - board members, administrators, football department staff and coaches and players.
Monday 25 March 2013
The Age
Rule to protect players' legs could leave their heads exposed
It took just over a half of the opening game of the season for the first rulescontroversy. On reflection, it's surprising we had to wait even that long.
Not only was Brent Reilly's slide into Essendon's Alwyn Davey a textbook example of the new rule about forceful contact below the knees, but the consequences for the Crows, a goal and a three-goals-plus lead to the Bombers, were stark.
The West
Dockers capt Pavlich hurt, reported in AFL
Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich faces double trouble in the wake of the Dockers' strong start to the AFL season.
The star utility is on report after their 28-point western derby win over West Coast and spent Saturday night in hospital because of split webbing in his left hand.
Fortnight break welcome by Dockers
Fremantle forward Chris Mayne says he and his teammates will appreciate a two-week break after their season opening 28-point win against West Coast last night. Mayne was a strong contributor in an even spread of goal Dockers kickers, booting two majors and taking eight marks.
The Australian
Retired Bomber insists supplements were legal as doping scandal hits home
AMID allegations that the children of Essendon players and officials have been bullied in relation to the doping scandal that has engulfed the club, former Bomber Mark McVeigh yesterday claimed every supplement taken by his teammates last year had been approved by the Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority. McVeigh,who was critical of whistle-blower Kyle Reimers in the immediate aftermath of his testimony about the dubious medical practices at Essendon last year, also rubbished claims the off-site injections being investigated by ASADA took place in a sinister environment.
Low blows end up in confusion for Crows
THE season is just two games old but a new rule is creating havoc, with three players on the weekend having problems adapting to the law outlawing forceful contact to an opponent below his knee. Adelaidegave away two free kicks in its 35-point loss to Essendon at AAMI Stadium on Friday night, and one penalty was paid at Patersons Stadium in Saturday's western derby won by Fremantle.
The rivalry's real when the Dockers and Eagles meet head-on
ANY interstate supporter pondering the antipathy between West Coast and Fremantle need only recall the derby press conference this week for an insight. Midway through an event held in the shadows of Australia II, the boat that famously claimed the America's Cup off Newport Rhode Island in 1983, Eagles coach John Worsfold was asked of his memories of the win.
Bombers' grit proof spirit can outpace the blues
WHILEthe debate about equalisation in the AFL whirls around in a most meaningless manner, Essendon opened the 2013 season with something that money cannot buy. Undiluted and thus inspiring spirit. With the club the subject of an investigation by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority, another by the AFL and an external review ordered by its chairman David Evans, no club has had a more disrupted, distracted preparation to a season in AFL history.
Wednesday 20 March 2013
Herald Sun
AFL captains have savaged the sliding rule
SEVERAL AFL captains have savaged the sliding rule that has been introduced this year.
The leaders gathered in Melbourne to mark the new season and those against the rule said it would affect a fundamental element of the game.
The AFL signs off on new concussion substitute rule
A CONCUSSION sub will be introduced into AFL games this season after the league gave the new rule a tick today.
The AFL Commission yesterday made a decision and officially announced the change this morning.
Andrew Demetriou rules out showpiece timeslot for poor teams
FRIDAY night football will be off limits in the push to equalise the competition'sriches.
AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said the showpiece Friday night match would not be shared around to help cash-strapped clubs.
"We have given a commitment under our broadcast agreement and our anti-siphoning agreement with the government that the best game will be on Friday night," Demetriou told the Herald Sun.
New AFL rules could increase concussions
COMMENT: IT appears logical the rules to avoid broken legs will lead to more head-high clashes as players keep their feet at contests.
That's not saying the new rules are a detriment to the game - and just remember Swan Gary Rohan if you're against them - but we might have a situation where the same rule that might curtail broken legs might increase the number of broken heads.
"We'll be monitoring it," AFL laws of the game committee member Kevin Bartlett said.
When it was decided to stop sliding in at contests and then front-on contact below the knees, the laws of the game committee acknowledged head-high clashes, and concussion, could become an issue.
The Age
Saint wary of EPL-like competition
St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt fears the AFL could degenerate into a two-tiered league should action not be taken by club bosses to ease equalisation concerns.
A powerful player carries future in his own hands
Free agents such as Lance Franklin, Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge, Dale Thomas and Drew Petrie will continue to attract the main focus of fans and media this season, but Colin Sylvia will certainly arouse the interest of rival clubs unless he re-signs. He is still what one club recruiter called a speculative stock. Put simply, Sylvia, at 27, still has plenty of upside but his balance sheet needs work.
AFL announces concussion rule change
The AFL has announced a rule change allowing the use of a team's substitute player as a temporary interchange while a player is being assessed for concussion.
The rule change allowing the sub to be a temporary interchange for up to 20 minutes came as the AFL also revealed updated guidelines for the management of concussion in the sport.
Players push for expert help
Footballers will have easier access to independent experts under significant new concussion referral protocols being championed by the AFL Players Association.
Crows to button up on drug allegations
Adelaide coach Brenton Sanderson said he would be extremely disappointed if his players offered "cheap shots" at their Essendon opponents relating to drug allegations during Friday night's season-opener at AAMI Stadium.
The West
Hannath could get nod in Freo ruck
Seven-times SANFL premiership coach Roy Laird has backed young Fremantle ruckman Jack Hannath to thrive in the western derby if he makes a shock debut to replace the injured Zac Clarke on Saturday.
Footy chief offered to walk
West Coast chief executive Trevor Nisbett has broken a long silence on the personal pressure he felt at the height of the drug-fuelled scandal that engulfed the club in 2007, revealing he feared for his job and even offered to resign.
Nisbett's rocky road at Eagles
There have been few times in football history that the game's brotherhood has baulked at wrapping its arms around its peers most in need.
Dockers sweat on Zac Clarke injury
Fremantle recruit Jack Hannath is in line to make his AFL debut in Saturday's westernderby against West Coast after back-up ruckman Zac Clarke injured a leg at training today.
The Australian
Andrew Demetriou steps in to shut down illicit drug loophole
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou will chair Friday's first meeting of the AFL illicit drugs sub-committee, whose brief is to recommend improvements to the current policy.
Eagles defenders wary of Matthew Pavlich
WHEN West Coast defender Eric Mackenzie last faced Matthew Pavlich, the Fremantle skipper ripped him to shreds.
But ahead of Saturday's re-match between the pair, Eagles captain Darren Glass is confident Mackenzie will not be so easily beaten this time around.
West Coast
Lining up with LeCras
While injuries to others gave Josh Hill a chance at the Eagles last year he is excited about the return of fellow small forward Mark LeCras
West Coast goalsneak Josh Hill says he feels more comfortable at the Eagles now, and is looking forward to combining with Mark LeCras this year to create a series of AFL highlights.
Monday 18 March 2013
The Age
Head injuries and CTE not linked, says expert
A concussion expert who will front a forum in Melbourne this week has called for all major sports to adopt a consistent approach to treating head injuries, but doesn't believe modern AFL players will be susceptible to long-term problems.
The West
Sheridan a shining light for Thunder
Tom Sheridan hopes an encouraging start to the WAFL season has him on the right path to add to his one AFL game for Fremantle last year. Sheridan gave a dashing display in Peel's 12-point loss to Perth on Saturday, showing plenty of poise and relishing the opportunity to go head to head with Hawthorn premiership midfielder Chance Bateman. The 19-year-old tired in the warm conditions, cramping towards the end of the match, but finished with 23 possessions, five marks and two tackles.
Mellington sends Dockers a message
In 12 months, Josh Mellington has become something of a forgotten man.
This time last year, he kicked three goals to play an important role in Fremantle's thrilling round-one win against Geelong.
Mellington followed a 23- possession, four-goal effort in a practice match for the Falcons against Peel the previous week with three goals and 17 touches in an impressive West Perth attack against East Perth on Saturday.
Docker Neale in derby mix after blinder
Fremantle youngster Lachie Neale has put his hand up for selection in a stacked Fremantle team for the season-opening western derby against West Coast after a superb display in the WAFL for Swan Districts against East Fremantle.
With ruckman Aaron Sandilands the only obvious Fremantle absentee for Saturday night's derby, competition for spots in the Dockers' line-up is hot.
Neale is likely to battle defender Garrick Ibbotson, midfielder Tom Sheridan, young forward Hayden Crozier and in-form Josh Mellington for the last one or two spots.
Neale, 19, did his chances no harm with 27 possessions, but it was his impressive composure when the game was on the line in the final quarter that might serve him best when Fremantle pick their team.
He played a key role in the midfield and ran out the game well in oppressive conditions after Swans had lost Matt Riggio and Ryan Davis to injuries.
Football now big business
A $20 Santa gnome dressed in Eagles or Dockers colours may seem like quirky merchandising to some, but it is part of the burgeoning multimillion-dollar arm of football business that is helping WA's two AFL clubs prosper.
This Saturday's western derby at Patersons Stadium will again create a State divide among passionate West Coast and Fremantle supporters, but the push by the clubs to build their tribal following will also have their respective cash registers chiming as they herald the start of the AFL season.
The Australian
In the half-light, shadows shroud the science
AFL heavyweight Andrew Demetriou continues his feverish attack on sport-science specialists who work at his competition's 18 clubs. You can call them sport scientists or high-performance managers. Whatever you like. Demetriou likes to call them "phys-edders". Or used to.
Yesterday, he upgraded them from phys-edders to "potential lunatics" in his latest ravaging of the men and women AFL clubs employ to make certain every player is able to perform at their very best.
Friday 15 March 2013
Herald Sun
Essendon recruit Brendon Goddar hits back at claims he left St Kilda for money
STAR Essendon recruit Brendon Goddard says suggestions he held former club St Kilda to ransom over his contract are "a complete bunch of lies".
Melbourne suburban football team joins Deakin University concussion study
A MELBOURNE suburban football team has volunteered for a world-first concussion study.
More than 40 players from Hampton Rovers will undergo regular brain scans during the season.
The Age
ASADA probe team expanded
The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority's investigative team has expanded from six to 22, with 10 additional investigators joining a unit that has been overwhelmed by an unprecedented job.
The West
I thought my career was over: Walters
Fremantle forward Michael Walters says he feared for his career last year after being banished from the club by coach Ross Lyon.
Assistant Kirk talks up Dockers midfield
Fremantle assistant coach Brett Kirk says the club now has the midfield depth to match competition heavyweights Sydney, Collingwood and Geelong.
Speaking ahead of the round-one clash with West Coast tomorrow week, Kirk said the hunger of the midfield group had struck him in his first year at the club.
Fatherhood helps Freo livewire live his dream
Less than a year ago, Michael Walters could feel his future slipping away.
Banished from Fremantle for failing to meet fitness standards, Walters could have easily given up.
However, a new addition to his family gave him the strength to instead choose the hard road back to the AFL.
"I had to grow up," he said.
Dockers rule a line through big Sandi
Fremantle midfield coach Brett Kirk has all but ruled out ruckman Aaron Sandilands for the round one western derby.
Nic Nat to sit out season opener
Nic Naitanui is poised to step back into senior training but it won't be enough to win him a place in the opening match of the 2013 AFL season.
The Australian
In the half-light, shadows shroud the science
AFL heavyweight Andrew Demetriou continues his feverish attack on sport-sciencespecialists who work at his competition's 18 clubs. You can call them sportscientists or high-performance managers. Whatever you like. Demetriou likes to call them "phys-edders". Or used to.
Yesterday, he upgraded them from phys-edders to "potential lunatics" in his latest ravaging of the men and women AFL clubs employ to make certain everyplayer is able to perform at their very best.
How's this for a spray. "We are going to rid the competition of any insidious, potential lunatic sports scientists that think they're going to come in andimpugn the reputation of some very, very fine people," Demetriou said. "There are some very, very good sports scientists out there.
Tuesday 12 March 2013
The Australian
Business as usual in the Essendon family
THE uncertainty surrounding the anti-doping investigation of Essendon continues but a senior Bomber insists the saga unfolding at NRL club Cronulla has not been a concern in the lead-up to the season proper.
Essendon midfielder Brett Stanton is the latest to be questioned by journalists about the ongoing investigations related to the suspect supplements program run last year by Steven Dank, a key figure in the Cronulla scandal.
Like his coach, James Hird, who was questioned about developments at Cronulla during a press conference in Canberra on Thursday, Stanton did his best yesterday to downplay the impact the scandal is having on morale at Windy Hill.
Stanton conceded that some might find it hard to believe the Bombers were not concerned by the external investigation by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority or internal review headed by former Telstra boss Ziggy Switkowski.
"I think the AFL and ASADA are doing their job. So are we," he said. "Yes, there might be a little bit of outside talk that other stuff is going on at other clubs, but their investigation will take its course. Ourswill take its course, but our main focus is round one.
No legs to Darren Jolly's tired old argument
DARREN Jolly, a two-time premiership ruckman, has joined the debate on the cap on interchange rotations. He said he was watching The Block - which probably is enough to preclude him from any meaningful discussion - when he saw a headline on the AFL website. The multi-tasking boast won't help him much either.
The headline read, "Get Used To It" and was on a story quoting the AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou saying a cap was coming in next year and that he "was not quite sure what the problem was".
Jolly then queried whether Demetriou had noticed how demanding the game had become. Jolly soon enough told us he read another article - he watches The Block, he can look at the AFL website at the same time and he is a voracious reader (when does he find the time to ruck?) - that caused him to nearly fall off his chair. Oh no, not an acrobat too?
The article that so discombobulated Jolly quoted laws of the game committee member Kevin Bartlett saying that "the interchanges have hijacked the game".
Given that last year there were 54,500 rotations off the bench it hardly seemed a wild claim from Bartlett, an official Legend of the game, former champion player and Richmond coach for four years.
The West
Stick with Burswood for stadium: poll
The State election victory of Colin Barnett’s Liberal Party will please the many WA footy fans who want the new stadium built at Burswood.
Barnett has pledged to build the new $1 billion, 60,000-seater venue at Burswood by2018. That was in contrast to the Labor Party vow to stay at Subiaco.
More than 3500 people voted in our poll, with 53 per cent (1862) saying Burswood was their preferred site, while 28 per cent (1013) backed Mark McGowan’s “stay at Subi” call.
Poll result
- Burswood (1862) 53 per cent
- Subiaco (1013) 28 per cent
- Cockburn (299) 8 per cent
- East Perth (247) 7 per cent
- Joondalup (134) 4 per cent
Freo forward line primed to share load
Fremantle's forward line will be able to cast off the burden of an interrupted pre-season by sharing the load and protecting captain Matthew Pavlich in the season-opening western derby, according to set-shot specialist Chris Mayne.
With the rest of the forward group having completed the vast majority of pre-season training, Mayne says there will be plenty of players who can step up and play a bigger role while the skipper works his way back to full fitness.
"We're really starting to build some great chemistry with each other, we're really working for one another," Mayne said.
Royals will prosper with Eagles connection: Lee
Co-captain Brendan Lee has backed East Perth's alignment with West Coast to come up trumps in coming WAFL seasons.
Lee said the link with West Coast could only benefit the club which notched a hat-trick of WAFL premierships starting in 2000 when it was last linked with the Eagles in a host-club arrangement.
"I definitely had my questions coming back from Melbourne and how that alignment was going to work," Lee said.
The Age
Jolly's column backed, while KB has his say
Collingwood ruckman Darren Jolly has received support from current and former players for his spirited column calling for the AFL to rethink its push to further change the rules of the game.
In his Fairfax column, Jolly argued for the league to abandon its plan to cap the interchange next year and called for an overhaul of the Laws of the Game Committee.
He said he was frustrated at persistent rule changes and wanted those governing the rules to take better counsel from those who play the modern game.
''One of the best articles I've read in a very long time,'' Richmond recruit Troy Chaplin wrote in a message re-tweeted by his teammate Dustin Martin.
Drugs long an issue, says Parkin
David Parkin has revealed he sacked staff during his AFL coaching career over fears they were giving players illegal substances.
As the investigation into claims Essendon players were administered performance-enhancing drugs continues, with lawyers on Monday indicating players were unlikely to be interviewed by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority until late next month, Parkin has suggested drugs have been a long-time issue.
The four-time premiership coach began in the VFL-AFL at Hawthorn in 1977, spent time at Fitzroy and had two stints at Carlton, finishing with the Blues in 2000.
''You could employ someone who for fame or fortune reasons becomes the rogue operator, if you like, within your organisation,'' Parkin said. ''I have been down that path, where we have got rid of people who have serviced the needs of players that I did know about - we changed them because they were not doing the job the way we expected them to do.''
Dank asked to explain his role
The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority wrote to former Essendon sports scientist Stephen Dank posing questions about his relationship with three AFL clubs: the Bombers, Geelong and Gold Coast.
Geelong has emphatically denied the club employed Dank in any way, after being mentioned in an initial letter from ASADA to Dank's lawyer.
The letter, an invitation for Dank to be interviewed by ASADA, said the anti-doping body planned to ask questions about his ''role and engagement'' with Essendon, the Cats and Suns.
Herald Sun
Injured Sydney Swans defender Alex Johnson is considering LARS surgery
SYDNEY Swans premiership star Alex Johnson's season is not over with the key defender strongly considering theradical LARS surgery on his injured knee.
He said he was flattened when told by Swans chief medico doctor Nathan Gibbs he had completely torn the ACL in his left knee.
"It's obviously pretty flattening. I've had a pretty good pre-season and to come to two weeks out from round one and then do my ACL is really disappointing for me and I think the coaches are a bit disappointed as well,'' Johnson said.
Hawks would lose Buddy Franklin for nothing under proposed changes to AFL's Free Agency rules
HAWTHORN would not be compensated for the loss of Lance "Buddy" Franklin under proposed changes to the AFL's free agency rules.But the Hawks yesterday struck a blow against would-be raiders, signing star midfielder Jordan Lewis to a long-term deal.
Lewis was one of seven Hawthorn free agents up for grabs this year, but the Herald Sun can reveal he is now off limits.
The AFL last night confirmed it had asked clubs for submissions to a review of free agency, including the compensation model.
Monday 11 March 2013
The West
Brighter, better Barlow
Fremantle midfielder Michael Barlow says he is in a "really good headspace" as he prepares to start a round-one game for the first time since his debut 2010 season.
After more than two years dealing with the effects of an horrific broken leg, the 25-year-old is preparing to line up against West Coast on March 23 with full faith in his body to withstand the hectic nature of AFL stoppages.
"Last year I was monitored after Christmas a lot and was really struggling," Barlow said yesterday.
Woosha stays calm despite loss to Port
West Coast coach John Worsfold says his team is still rusty after completing its pre-season campaign with a six-point loss to 2012 strugglers Port Adelaide on Saturday night.
Worsfold declared there was still plenty of room for improvement for the Eagles ahead of their round-one derby clash with Fremantle, but added there was no need to panic.
The loss to Port Adelaide, 1.13.5 (92) to 1.11.11 (86), followed a 20-point defeat to Collingwood the previous weekend.
The Age
Listen to the players, Andrew: Darren Jolly
I was watching an episode of The Block the other day when I started scrolling through the AFL website and I read something that really annoyed me. The headline that grabbed me was ''Get used to it'', and the story was AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou commenting on everyone's criticism of the capped interchange rule.
He went on to say: ''There will be a cap, that's already been decided. People can arc up and argue with each other and so forth, but I'm not quite sure what the problem is.''
I'm sorry Andrew, but haven't you noticed the game is getting quicker and quicker and more demanding on us players and that has happened because you wanted it to?
The Australian
Essendon not fazed by ASADA circling Cronulla Sharks
ESSENDON coach James Hird said yesterday his players were unaffected by the developments this week at NRL club Cronulla Sharks despite multiple investigations into the Bombers' use of supplements under Stephen Dank.
Hird, who joined his former mentor Kevin Sheedy in Canberra yesterday ahead of tonight's NAB Cup match at Manuka Oval, denied he was unnerved by revelations that up to 14 Cronulla players faced lengthy suspensions following their involvement with Dank.
Damian Hardwick bites on cap with call for summit
ANDREW Demetriou's declaration this week that an interchange rotation cap will be in play from 2014 regardless of complaints from coaches has failed to stem club concerns about the policy's merits.
Richmond coach Damian Hardwick said yesterday a summit on the effectiveness of the rule in the NAB Cup was needed before the AFL adopted the change for next season.
"Probably a thing we haven't done as a group of coaches, as a group of laws committee, commissioners, whatever it may be (is that we) haven't sat down and talked about it from an overall perspective," he said.
AFL medics seek more time for concussion
THE AFL's medical director is hopeful an amendment to the substitution rule -- to allow clubs to make a replacement while testing whether a player is suffering from concussion -- will be in place before the start of the season.
With sporting bodies around the world increasingly mindful of the long-term health impacts repeated concussions can cause, Peter Harcourt said the AFL Medical Officers Association had recommended the league adjust the substitute rule to allow club doctors greater time to assess the welfare of any player needing attention for a knock to the head.
Coaches' call will only warp the rules
AS the AFL puts together its charter to enshrine the game's most treasured features, the 18 club coaches will have a strong say in shaping the document. Fair enough, for no men understand the intricacies of the modern game as intimately as 2012 premiership coach John Longmire and his colleagues.
But their input will be warped if it is based on what is pivotal to their own team's fortunes. A coach's first allegiance is to the club he controls and guides and not the health of the game itself. That is as it should be. The club pays his wage and contracts the coach to ensure the club - not the game - prospers.
The Herald Sun
AFL players face ‘carnage' if rules don't change, coaches warned
AFL coaches have been warned players will be subjected to "carnage" akin to cage fighting if the league leaves the game unchecked by rule changes.
As AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou warned an interchange cap would come in despite the objections of coaches next year, the dangers facing players if the league did nothing was laid bare.
Professor Kevin Norton, the author of an AFL-sanctioned research report about rules and former AFL general manager Adrian Anderson's confidante on the subject, said there was a link between game speed, serious injuries and concussions.
Freo in the Media
Freo in the Media is a regularly updated digest of news about the Fremantle Football Club and the biggest stories around the AFL
