2012 countdown: Top 10 performances

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

Hawthorn star Lance Franklin snaps around the body for goal number 13 against North Melbourne. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

LANCE Franklin had a field day against North Melbourne but was Dane Swan's effort on Anzac Day better?

Over the next 10 days we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We kicked off the series on Monday with the best 10 AFL games of 2012, on Tuesday we went with the top 10 marks, and followed that with the top 10 goals yesterday.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 individual performances of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. Scott Thompson v Greater Western Sydney
The North Melbourne intercept king had a day out when the Kangaroos were made to work to counter a plucky GWS outfit. Thompson amassed 39 disposals (192 SuperCoach points), almost unheard-of numbers for a key backman, in the 28-point victory at Skoda Stadium. The Kangaroos' most prolific stopper also clunked 13 marks.

9. Trent Cotchin v Western Bulldogs
Brett Deledio tweeted post-match he had a front seat at the Cotchin Show after the No.9 put on a clinic with 35 touches, three goals and an amazing 17 score involvements. He also picked up 170 SuperCoach points. It would be the start of a withering four-game run of 30-plus possession games which propelled the silky-skilled midfielder to equal second in the Brownlow Medal with 26 votes.

8. Marc Murphy v Essendon
The Carlton star had a frustrating season and he took it out on arch-rival Essendon in Round 21. Murphy had the ball on a string, collecting 37 disposals while kicking two goals as the Blues romped home by 96 points. He also laid six tackles. Murphy capped off his superb performance with a goal after the siren to give the Blues a handy percentage boost.

7. Dean Cox/Nic Naitanui v Geelong
Orren Stephenson is still waking up in cold sweats after confronting the Eagles duo on a Friday night in Perth. When Cox and Nic Nat combine for 41 disposals and 13 marks it makes it difficult to trump West Coast. Add 77 hitouts and five goals and it's an almost impossible task. The vaunted ruck pair dominated the Cats when the two sides met in Round 20, the Eagles outlasting their rivals by five points. Cox was brilliant, kicking three goals while picking up 23 disposals and eight marks. The veteran added five clearances and four inside-50s to his stats sheet. The pair also combined for 343 SuperCoach points.

6. Jack Riewoldt v St Kilda
The Riewoldts combined for 11 of the 34 goals scored when Richmond held out St Kilda in a Round 10 shootout at Etihad Stadium. Jack claimed family bragging rights, helping the Tigers to a seven-point victory with eight goals in his 100th match. The flighty forward also clunked nine marks along the way. It would be Jack's biggest haul of the season en route to his second Coleman Medal with 65 majors – three clear of Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins.

Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

5. Gary Ablett v North Melbourne
Little Gazza single-handedly kept his young Gold Coast Suns within striking distance of North when the two sides met at Metricon Stadium in Round 12. Ablett put on a masterful display including 42 disposals and four goals – none more impressive than a 45m left-foot snap from the boundary line during the second quarter. Ablett's haul included 10 clearances, five rebound-50s and four inside-50s. It was the best of Ablett's 2012 highlights reel; two weeks earlier he equalled the VFL-AFL record for possessions in a game with 53 touches against Collingwood.  4. Dayne Beams v Sydney
It was party time on Smith St when Pictures mark II, Dayne Beams, slotted his third goal to ice Collingwood's eight-point win against Sydney at ANZ Stadium. The heavily tattooed star midfielder starred in the absence of namesake Dane Swan, who was serving the first of a two-week club-imposed suspension for breaking player rules. Beams helped himself to 34 disposals including 11 clearances and five tackles. He finished with 170 SuperCoach points.
3. Dean Cox v North Melbourne
Cox was the difference between West Coast winning or losing to the Roos at Blundstone Arena in Hobart. Cox booted three goals including the sealer to ice the Eagles come-from-behind two-point victory in Round 15. The 204cm ruckman also clunked marks at both ends of the ground to stymie the Kangaroos at every turn. Cox finished with 21 disposals, 15 marks and 24 hitouts - and a lazy 215 SuperCoach points.

Hawthorn v North Melbourne. Aurora Stadium, Launceston. Lance Franklin kicks his 11th goal. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

2. Lance Franklin v North Melbourne
The Roos were on the receiving end again - also in Tassie - when Buddy ran riot in Hawthorn's 115-point demolition in Round 10. The raking left-footer outscored the Kangaroos 13.4 to 9.5 in the Round 10 rout at Aurora Stadium in Launceston. The Hawks piled on 27 majors to hammer the Shinboners into submission. The superstar feasted on Kangaroos defenders Scott Thompson, Nathan Grime and Luke Delaney, booting six first-half goals including three in three minutes during the second quarter. But Franklin saved his best for last, with goal No.12 coming from deep in the left forward pocket while, No.13 was a dropped mark, snap around the body with only seconds left on the clock. It was the highest SuperCoach score of the year (236), but in terms of the stage, stakes and influence on the result, we've got him just behind...
1. Dane Swan v Essendon
Talk of Swan carrying a few extra kilograms was quickly shelved when the Brownlow medallist ran amok in Collingwood's thrilling one-point win on Anzac Day. Swan collected a staggering 42 disposals – 20 contested – and kicked three goals in the MCG blockbuster. Swan capped off a brilliant day by rubbing his stomach – mocking those who called him overweight – after kicking his third goal late in the third quarter. The Anzac medallist finished with 13 clearances and six tackles. Swan obviously likes playing the Bombers - he picked up another 42 touches when the two sides met in Round 23.

TOMORROW:

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter @gilbert0408

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Roos find new CEO

Carl Dilena (second from left) is North Melbourne's new CEO. Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne's 199-day search for a new chief executive is finally over.

The Roos today announced they had hired with Carl Dilena, with the former North player set to start in February.

North Melbourne narrowly missed on poaching Geelong boss Brian Cook and was linked to Adrian Anderson after his sudden departure from the AFL this month.

Dilena, 45, was a former senior partner at KPMG and is on North Melbourne's board.

"We were looking for someone with great leadership skills, senior management experience, a comprehensive understanding of the football industry and someone who also appreciates the unique culture of our club," Roos president James Brayshaw said.

"Carl has been a senior partner with one of the world's biggest professional services firms, played football at the highest level, has been a member of our Board for the past five years and has chaired the club's finance and audit committee.

"He comes to us with an impressive skill-set and we couldn't be happier to announce his appointment."

Dilena played 33 games with the Roos and Fitzroy between 1989-92.

The Roos have been searching for a new chief executive since Eugene Arocca resigned in June.

Cameron Vale, the Roos chief financial officer, has been serving as interim chief executive but was told last month he would not be handed the permanent position.

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We'll always be the Dockers

Matthew Pavlich celebrates a goal. Freo says it won't be changing its name from the Dockers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE president Steve Harris has promised the club will continue to be known as the Fremantle Dockers despite announcing it is shifting its training base to Cockburn.

In conjunction with the City of Cockburn, the Dockers will build a $107 million training base on a 26,000-square metre greenfields site in Success. They hope to move there in 2016 or 2017.

"It's only two years ago that we successfully completed lengthy negotiations with Levi Strauss to have the legal right to call ourselves the Fremantle Dockers, and we have absolutely no intention of changing our name from the Fremantle Dockers either now or in the future," Harris said.

''We are and will always be known as the Fremantle Dockers."

The City of Cockburn will fund most of the project, with contributions from the Dockers, the AFL and the state and federal governments also expected.

The club has spent this year weighing up whether to redevelop its current base at Fremantle Oval or create a new base in Success, at a site known as Cockburn Central West.

In the face of a backlash from some members over abandoning their traditional home, the Dockers said it would take a compelling case to move.

The move has been seen as a fait accompli for months and club's board formally resolved this week that compelling case had been sustained.

"Given our club's traditional and historical links to Fremantle Oval, there is no question about the significance of the decision to locate our core operations away from Fremantle Oval, and this was carefully considered throughout the decision-making process," Harris said.

"In addition to the club's operating costs at Cockburn Central West being less when compared to redeveloping at Fremantle Oval, the Cockburn Central West option allows for our club to have access to a bigger indoor training facility, bigger and better aquatic facilities and provides for access to a second oval.

"It is a green field site, so there is likely to be less planning uncertainty and there will be no facility transition costs or interruption to club operations as there would be under the Fremantle Oval master plan options.

"Operating costs at the Cockburn Central West site will also be lower because we are sharing the City of Cockburn's sporting and aquatic facilities with the community. This is also a great result for the community."

Harris said the new facility presented an outstanding opportunity for the Dockers to gain an advantage over their rivals.

"When the club opened its current training and administration facility at Fremantle Oval in November 2000, the facilities were regarded as one of the better club facilities in the AFL," he said.

"However, given the advances in the past decade nationally and internationally in technology and sports science, and an increase in the competitive landscape of the AFL, the club's current facilities are now well behind the AFL benchmark.

"In addition to the Cockburn Central West site allowing for the development of a world-class training and administration facility not seen previously in Australia, the site, which is within the greater Fremantle region, provides greater prospects for future expansion, community engagement and supporter interaction."

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Meet the new, improved Karmichael

Gold Coast Suns player Karmichael Hunt is the slimmest he's been in three AFL pre-seasons. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

SPECIAL K has become Shrinking K.

Gold Coast Suns midfielder and code-hopper Karmichael Hunt is the lightest he has ever been in his well-travelled professional football career, with the 26-year-old tipping the scales at 87kg this week.

When he played rugby league for the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia he was 93kg.During his stint in French rugby Biarritz in 2009/2010, he nudged the 100kg mark.

But the trademark treetrunk legs are now gone, with Hunt halfway through his third AFL pre-season training program.

A leaner Hunt no longer looks like a rugby league player built to withstand multiple front-on high-speed collisions.

He appears every bit like an AFL on-baller who is required to cover vast distances over four quarters.

Gold Coast strength and conditioning coach Chris Gaviglio said Hunt's significant body shape transformation was a result of his single-minded determination.

"Karmichael needed to make those changes to survive and succeed in the AFL," Gaviglio said.

"He is a highly-driven athlete and he has been prepared to do what it takes to meet the demands of the sport. That is what has underpinned his success across all three codes.

"He is an inherently gifted athlete and he has really bought into our strength and conditioning program as well as working closely with our dietician Benita Lalor.

"You could tell he was cooked by the end of his first season but he would have run out last season if not for a shoulder injury. His legs were willing and able to go the full distance."

After an understandably indifferent first season in 2011, Hunt had a break-out year in 2012 with a shift from defence to the midfield.

The high point was his match-winning goal after the siren against Richmond in Cairns to hand the Suns their first victory of the season, but his on-ball work throughout the year also caught the eye.

He also produced a number of bone-rattling bumps on opponents to become a genuine enforcer.Gaviglio said Hunt would still pack a punch in 2013 despite shedding the weight.

"He is stronger than ever. He is bench pressing 145kg, which is more than what he was doing at the Broncos," he said.

Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft said Hunt's leaner appearance was inevitable.

"Karmichael has been training well and is in great shape at the moment but you can't not lose weight given the amount of running he has had to do," the triple premiership player said

"Especially in his new role in the midfield, he has covered a lot of kilometres.

"He has had a season in the VFL and two seasons in the AFL so it was only a matter of time before his body shape became more suited to the demands of our game."

The Suns had their last pre-Christmas training session yesterday  and will resume on January 7.

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Bone shaved from Cat's hips

James Kelly battled a hip injury during the 2012 season. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG midfielder James Kelly has revealed he had bone shaved from his thighs during post-season surgery after a pain-stricken 2012 season.

Kelly yesterday declared himself on track to play in Geelong's NAB Cup campaign after a successful recovery from an arthroscope on both hips.

The operation involved having bone shaved off both femurs.

The 28-year-old has been on a modified program this pre-season and will return to full training early in the new year, confident his hip troubles are behind him.

"I will be training more heavily over the coming days and it's all going pretty good," Kelly said.

"I'll be back to full training on January 1.

"It's clearing up really well."

Despite having a strong season, in which he was Geelong's leading tackler and still picked up 470 touches, Kelly revealed he had a weekly struggle with hip pain.

But he is confident of a pain-free season next year in a major boost to Geelong's top-four ambitions.

"The hips were more painful during the year than they are now. I'm relying on the physios a lot and they're helping out but I've still been able to do a fair bit of training recently," he said.

"I've been going through the rehabilitation program well and everything is going as planned.

"I'll be 100 per cent ready to go come next season."

Pic gallery: Cats roam the highlands

Geelong assistant coach Dale Amos last week said Kelly and Jimmy Bartel (foot) were making strong progress in their recoveries from post-season operations.

"They've been conditioned, they're doing their weights, they're just being nursed back into the football side," Amos said.

"I would be surprised if they didn't play (NAB Cup). The plan is for them to be ready for Round 1, so you'd imagine they'd play (NAB Cup) at some stage.

"They've been doing their running inside and their conditioning inside and now they're starting to do the work outside, so I think after Christmas we expect to see them a bit more.

"They'll be integrated back in after Christmas. I'm not totally sure when they'll be totally unrestricted, but they're well and truly on track and they should be right amongst it by the time we get back after Christmas.

"We've been patient with them. You want to progress those guys as quickly as you can without pushing them too much."

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2012 countdown: Top 10 performances

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

Hawthorn star Lance Franklin snaps around the body for goal number 13 against North Melbourne. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

LANCE Franklin had a field day against North Melbourne but was Dane Swan's effort on Anzac Day better?

Over the next 10 days we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We kicked off the series on Monday with the best 10 AFL games of 2012, on Tuesday we went with the top 10 marks, and followed that with the top 10 goals yesterday.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 individual performances of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. Scott Thompson v Greater Western Sydney
The North Melbourne intercept king had a day out when the Kangaroos were made to work to counter a plucky GWS outfit. Thompson amassed 39 disposals (192 SuperCoach points), almost unheard-of numbers for a key backman, in the 28-point victory at Skoda Stadium. The Kangaroos' most prolific stopper also clunked 13 marks.

9. Trent Cotchin v Western Bulldogs
Brett Deledio tweeted post-match he had a front seat at the Cotchin Show after the No.9 put on a clinic with 35 touches, three goals and an amazing 17 score involvements. He also picked up 170 SuperCoach points. It would be the start of a withering four-game run of 30-plus possession games which propelled the silky-skilled midfielder to equal second in the Brownlow Medal with 26 votes.

8. Marc Murphy v Essendon
The Carlton star had a frustrating season and he took it out on arch-rival Essendon in Round 21. Murphy had the ball on a string, collecting 37 disposals while kicking two goals as the Blues romped home by 96 points. He also laid six tackles. Murphy capped off his superb performance with a goal after the siren to give the Blues a handy percentage boost.

7. Dean Cox/Nic Naitanui v Geelong
Orren Stephenson is still waking up in cold sweats after confronting the Eagles duo on a Friday night in Perth. When Cox and Nic Nat combine for 41 disposals and 13 marks it makes it difficult to trump West Coast. Add 77 hitouts and five goals and it's an almost impossible task. The vaunted ruck pair dominated the Cats when the two sides met in Round 20, the Eagles outlasting their rivals by five points. Cox was brilliant, kicking three goals while picking up 23 disposals and eight marks. The veteran added five clearances and four inside-50s to his stats sheet. The pair also combined for 343 SuperCoach points.

6. Jack Riewoldt v St Kilda
The Riewoldts combined for 11 of the 34 goals scored when Richmond held out St Kilda in a Round 10 shootout at Etihad Stadium. Jack claimed family bragging rights, helping the Tigers to a seven-point victory with eight goals in his 100th match. The flighty forward also clunked nine marks along the way. It would be Jack's biggest haul of the season en route to his second Coleman Medal with 65 majors – three clear of Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins.

Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

5. Gary Ablett v North Melbourne
Little Gazza single-handedly kept his young Gold Coast Suns within striking distance of North when the two sides met at Metricon Stadium in Round 12. Ablett put on a masterful display including 42 disposals and four goals – none more impressive than a 45m left-foot snap from the boundary line during the second quarter. Ablett's haul included 10 clearances, five rebound-50s and four inside-50s. It was the best of Ablett's 2012 highlights reel; two weeks earlier he equalled the VFL-AFL record for possessions in a game with 53 touches against Collingwood.  4. Dayne Beams v Sydney
It was party time on Smith St when Pictures mark II, Dayne Beams, slotted his third goal to ice Collingwood's eight-point win against Sydney at ANZ Stadium. The heavily tattooed star midfielder starred in the absence of namesake Dane Swan, who was serving the first of a two-week club-imposed suspension for breaking player rules. Beams helped himself to 34 disposals including 11 clearances and five tackles. He finished with 170 SuperCoach points.
3. Dean Cox v North Melbourne
Cox was the difference between West Coast winning or losing to the Roos at Blundstone Arena in Hobart. Cox booted three goals including the sealer to ice the Eagles come-from-behind two-point victory in Round 15. The 204cm ruckman also clunked marks at both ends of the ground to stymie the Kangaroos at every turn. Cox finished with 21 disposals, 15 marks and 24 hitouts - and a lazy 215 SuperCoach points.

Hawthorn v North Melbourne. Aurora Stadium, Launceston. Lance Franklin kicks his 11th goal. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

2. Lance Franklin v North Melbourne
The Roos were on the receiving end again - also in Tassie - when Buddy ran riot in Hawthorn's 115-point demolition in Round 10. The raking left-footer outscored the Kangaroos 13.4 to 9.5 in the Round 10 rout at Aurora Stadium in Launceston. The Hawks piled on 27 majors to hammer the Shinboners into submission. The superstar feasted on Kangaroos defenders Scott Thompson, Nathan Grime and Luke Delaney, booting six first-half goals including three in three minutes during the second quarter. But Franklin saved his best for last, with goal No.12 coming from deep in the left forward pocket while, No.13 was a dropped mark, snap around the body with only seconds left on the clock. It was the highest SuperCoach score of the year (236), but in terms of the stage, stakes and influence on the result, we've got him just behind...
1. Dane Swan v Essendon
Talk of Swan carrying a few extra kilograms was quickly shelved when the Brownlow medallist ran amok in Collingwood's thrilling one-point win on Anzac Day. Swan collected a staggering 42 disposals – 20 contested – and kicked three goals in the MCG blockbuster. Swan capped off a brilliant day by rubbing his stomach – mocking those who called him overweight – after kicking his third goal late in the third quarter. The Anzac medallist finished with 13 clearances and six tackles. Swan obviously likes playing the Bombers - he picked up another 42 touches when the two sides met in Round 23.

TOMORROW:

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter @gilbert0408

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Roos find new CEO

Carl Dilena (second from left) is North Melbourne's new CEO. Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne's 199-day search for a new chief executive is finally over.

The Roos today announced they had hired with Carl Dilena, with the former North player set to start in February.

North Melbourne narrowly missed on poaching Geelong boss Brian Cook and was linked to Adrian Anderson after his sudden departure from the AFL this month.

Dilena, 45, was a former senior partner at KPMG and is on North Melbourne's board.

"We were looking for someone with great leadership skills, senior management experience, a comprehensive understanding of the football industry and someone who also appreciates the unique culture of our club," Roos president James Brayshaw said.

"Carl has been a senior partner with one of the world's biggest professional services firms, played football at the highest level, has been a member of our Board for the past five years and has chaired the club's finance and audit committee.

"He comes to us with an impressive skill-set and we couldn't be happier to announce his appointment."

Dilena played 33 games with the Roos and Fitzroy between 1989-92.

The Roos have been searching for a new chief executive since Eugene Arocca resigned in June.

Cameron Vale, the Roos chief financial officer, has been serving as interim chief executive but was told last month he would not be handed the permanent position.

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We'll always be the Dockers

Matthew Pavlich celebrates a goal. Freo says it won't be changing its name from the Dockers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FREMANTLE president Steve Harris has promised the club will continue to be known as the Fremantle Dockers despite announcing it is shifting its training base to Cockburn.

In conjunction with the City of Cockburn, the Dockers will build a $107 million training base on a 26,000-square metre greenfields site in Success. They hope to move there in 2016 or 2017.

"It's only two years ago that we successfully completed lengthy negotiations with Levi Strauss to have the legal right to call ourselves the Fremantle Dockers, and we have absolutely no intention of changing our name from the Fremantle Dockers either now or in the future," Harris said.

''We are and will always be known as the Fremantle Dockers."

The City of Cockburn will fund most of the project, with contributions from the Dockers, the AFL and the state and federal governments also expected.

The club has spent this year weighing up whether to redevelop its current base at Fremantle Oval or create a new base in Success, at a site known as Cockburn Central West.

In the face of a backlash from some members over abandoning their traditional home, the Dockers said it would take a compelling case to move.

The move has been seen as a fait accompli for months and club's board formally resolved this week that compelling case had been sustained.

"Given our club's traditional and historical links to Fremantle Oval, there is no question about the significance of the decision to locate our core operations away from Fremantle Oval, and this was carefully considered throughout the decision-making process," Harris said.

"In addition to the club's operating costs at Cockburn Central West being less when compared to redeveloping at Fremantle Oval, the Cockburn Central West option allows for our club to have access to a bigger indoor training facility, bigger and better aquatic facilities and provides for access to a second oval.

"It is a green field site, so there is likely to be less planning uncertainty and there will be no facility transition costs or interruption to club operations as there would be under the Fremantle Oval master plan options.

"Operating costs at the Cockburn Central West site will also be lower because we are sharing the City of Cockburn's sporting and aquatic facilities with the community. This is also a great result for the community."

Harris said the new facility presented an outstanding opportunity for the Dockers to gain an advantage over their rivals.

"When the club opened its current training and administration facility at Fremantle Oval in November 2000, the facilities were regarded as one of the better club facilities in the AFL," he said.

"However, given the advances in the past decade nationally and internationally in technology and sports science, and an increase in the competitive landscape of the AFL, the club's current facilities are now well behind the AFL benchmark.

"In addition to the Cockburn Central West site allowing for the development of a world-class training and administration facility not seen previously in Australia, the site, which is within the greater Fremantle region, provides greater prospects for future expansion, community engagement and supporter interaction."

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Meet the new, improved Karmichael

Gold Coast Suns player Karmichael Hunt is the slimmest he's been in three AFL pre-seasons. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

SPECIAL K has become Shrinking K.

Gold Coast Suns midfielder and code-hopper Karmichael Hunt is the lightest he has ever been in his well-travelled professional football career, with the 26-year-old tipping the scales at 87kg this week.

When he played rugby league for the Brisbane Broncos, Queensland and Australia he was 93kg.During his stint in French rugby Biarritz in 2009/2010, he nudged the 100kg mark.

But the trademark treetrunk legs are now gone, with Hunt halfway through his third AFL pre-season training program.

A leaner Hunt no longer looks like a rugby league player built to withstand multiple front-on high-speed collisions.

He appears every bit like an AFL on-baller who is required to cover vast distances over four quarters.

Gold Coast strength and conditioning coach Chris Gaviglio said Hunt's significant body shape transformation was a result of his single-minded determination.

"Karmichael needed to make those changes to survive and succeed in the AFL," Gaviglio said.

"He is a highly-driven athlete and he has been prepared to do what it takes to meet the demands of the sport. That is what has underpinned his success across all three codes.

"He is an inherently gifted athlete and he has really bought into our strength and conditioning program as well as working closely with our dietician Benita Lalor.

"You could tell he was cooked by the end of his first season but he would have run out last season if not for a shoulder injury. His legs were willing and able to go the full distance."

After an understandably indifferent first season in 2011, Hunt had a break-out year in 2012 with a shift from defence to the midfield.

The high point was his match-winning goal after the siren against Richmond in Cairns to hand the Suns their first victory of the season, but his on-ball work throughout the year also caught the eye.

He also produced a number of bone-rattling bumps on opponents to become a genuine enforcer.Gaviglio said Hunt would still pack a punch in 2013 despite shedding the weight.

"He is stronger than ever. He is bench pressing 145kg, which is more than what he was doing at the Broncos," he said.

Gold Coast football manager Marcus Ashcroft said Hunt's leaner appearance was inevitable.

"Karmichael has been training well and is in great shape at the moment but you can't not lose weight given the amount of running he has had to do," the triple premiership player said

"Especially in his new role in the midfield, he has covered a lot of kilometres.

"He has had a season in the VFL and two seasons in the AFL so it was only a matter of time before his body shape became more suited to the demands of our game."

The Suns had their last pre-Christmas training session yesterday  and will resume on January 7.

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Bone shaved from Cat's hips

James Kelly battled a hip injury during the 2012 season. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG midfielder James Kelly has revealed he had bone shaved from his thighs during post-season surgery after a pain-stricken 2012 season.

Kelly yesterday declared himself on track to play in Geelong's NAB Cup campaign after a successful recovery from an arthroscope on both hips.

The operation involved having bone shaved off both femurs.

The 28-year-old has been on a modified program this pre-season and will return to full training early in the new year, confident his hip troubles are behind him.

"I will be training more heavily over the coming days and it's all going pretty good," Kelly said.

"I'll be back to full training on January 1.

"It's clearing up really well."

Despite having a strong season, in which he was Geelong's leading tackler and still picked up 470 touches, Kelly revealed he had a weekly struggle with hip pain.

But he is confident of a pain-free season next year in a major boost to Geelong's top-four ambitions.

"The hips were more painful during the year than they are now. I'm relying on the physios a lot and they're helping out but I've still been able to do a fair bit of training recently," he said.

"I've been going through the rehabilitation program well and everything is going as planned.

"I'll be 100 per cent ready to go come next season."

Pic gallery: Cats roam the highlands

Geelong assistant coach Dale Amos last week said Kelly and Jimmy Bartel (foot) were making strong progress in their recoveries from post-season operations.

"They've been conditioned, they're doing their weights, they're just being nursed back into the football side," Amos said.

"I would be surprised if they didn't play (NAB Cup). The plan is for them to be ready for Round 1, so you'd imagine they'd play (NAB Cup) at some stage.

"They've been doing their running inside and their conditioning inside and now they're starting to do the work outside, so I think after Christmas we expect to see them a bit more.

"They'll be integrated back in after Christmas. I'm not totally sure when they'll be totally unrestricted, but they're well and truly on track and they should be right amongst it by the time we get back after Christmas.

"We've been patient with them. You want to progress those guys as quickly as you can without pushing them too much."

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Big O aims to hit the high notes

New Richmond recruits Sam Lonergan, Orren Stephenson and Ricky Petterd. Picture: David Smith Source: Herald Sun

MATURE-aged rookie Orren Stephenson is confident there is still plenty of room for his game to grow after being thrown a lifeline by Richmond.

The 30-year-old recruit felt he made some big gains in his 12 months as an AFL player, but feared his chances of extending his league fairytale beyond one season were thin.

Stephenson played eight games for Geelong this year, before being de-listed by the Cats after the arrival of former Kangaroos ruckman Hamish McIntosh in the trade period.

Stephenson was given another chance after being rookie-listed by the Tigers and is convinced he will be a better player next year.

"I am just stoked to get another opportunity to play AFL footy, or the chance to be on the AFL program for another year," Stephenson said.

"I certainly felt the gains that I made in this 12 months just gone were pretty big, so I think there is still plenty of opportunity for me to grow as well.

"I think the biggest thing was that I am aware that I am more than capable of playing AFL footy.

"I know after one pre-season and now another full pre-season I am going to be a lot better again."

Stephenson was one of the feelgood stories of the 2011 national draft when he was taken by the Cats at No.78 after playing in three consecutive VFL flags with North Ballarat.

He made his AFL debut in Round 1 against Fremantle and finished the year with another VFL flag, this time with the Cats - his fourth.

But two months in "limbo" after his departure from Geelong, Stephenson had started planning for the prospect that his short taste of AFL could be over.

"I had started to open the doors back up into my work side of things," the father of three admitted.

"But I was a firm believer that if an opportunity arose I would take it on and it did."

Stephenson was one of three "recycled" players rookie-listed by the Tigers, along with ex-Essendon midfielder Sam Lonergan and delisted Melbourne forward Ricky Petterd.

"It's exciting times, another opportunity for the three of us," he said.

NORTH Melbourne has taken a two-year punt on an American college basketballer Eric Wallace.

The 24-year-old has been signed as an international rookie list player.

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2012 countdown: Top 10 performances

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

Hawthorn star Lance Franklin snaps around the body for goal number 13 against North Melbourne. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

LANCE Franklin had a field day against North Melbourne but was Dane Swan's effort on Anzac Day better?

Over the next 10 days we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We kicked off the series on Monday with the best 10 AFL games of 2012, on Tuesday we went with the top 10 marks, and followed that with the top 10 goals yesterday.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 individual performances of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. Scott Thompson v Greater Western Sydney
The North Melbourne intercept king had a day out when the Kangaroos were made to work to counter a plucky GWS outfit. Thompson amassed 39 disposals (192 SuperCoach points), almost unheard-of numbers for a key backman, in the 28-point victory at Skoda Stadium. The Kangaroos' most prolific stopper also clunked 13 marks.

9. Trent Cotchin v Western Bulldogs
Brett Deledio tweeted post-match he had a front seat at the Cotchin Show after the No.9 put on a clinic with 35 touches, three goals and an amazing 17 score involvements. He also picked up 170 SuperCoach points. It would be the start of a withering four-game run of 30-plus possession games which propelled the silky-skilled midfielder to equal second in the Brownlow Medal with 26 votes.

8. Marc Murphy v Essendon
The Carlton star had a frustrating season and he took it out on arch-rival Essendon in Round 21. Murphy had the ball on a string, collecting 37 disposals while kicking two goals as the Blues romped home by 96 points. He also laid six tackles. Murphy capped off his superb performance with a goal after the siren to give the Blues a handy percentage boost.

7. Dean Cox/Nic Naitanui v Geelong
Orren Stephenson is still waking up in cold sweats after confronting the Eagles duo on a Friday night in Perth. When Cox and Nic Nat combine for 41 disposals and 13 marks it makes it difficult to trump West Coast. Add 77 hitouts and five goals and it's an almost impossible task. The vaunted ruck pair dominated the Cats when the two sides met in Round 20, the Eagles outlasting their rivals by five points. Cox was brilliant, kicking three goals while picking up 23 disposals and eight marks. The veteran added five clearances and four inside-50s to his stats sheet. The pair also combined for 343 SuperCoach points.

6. Jack Riewoldt v St Kilda
The Riewoldts combined for 11 of the 34 goals scored when Richmond held out St Kilda in a Round 10 shootout at Etihad Stadium. Jack claimed family bragging rights, helping the Tigers to a seven-point victory with eight goals in his 100th match. The flighty forward also clunked nine marks along the way. It would be Jack's biggest haul of the season en route to his second Coleman Medal with 65 majors – three clear of Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins.

Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

5. Gary Ablett v North Melbourne
Little Gazza single-handedly kept his young Gold Coast Suns within striking distance of North when the two sides met at Metricon Stadium in Round 12. Ablett put on a masterful display including 42 disposals and four goals – none more impressive than a 45m left-foot snap from the boundary line during the second quarter. Ablett's haul included 10 clearances, five rebound-50s and four inside-50s. It was the best of Ablett's 2012 highlights reel; two weeks earlier he equalled the VFL-AFL record for possessions in a game with 53 touches against Collingwood.  4. Dayne Beams v Sydney
It was party time on Smith St when Pictures mark II, Dayne Beams, slotted his third goal to ice Collingwood's eight-point win against Sydney at ANZ Stadium. The heavily tattooed star midfielder starred in the absence of namesake Dane Swan, who was serving the first of a two-week club-imposed suspension for breaking player rules. Beams helped himself to 34 disposals including 11 clearances and five tackles. He finished with 170 SuperCoach points.
3. Dean Cox v North Melbourne
Cox was the difference between West Coast winning or losing to the Roos at Blundstone Arena in Hobart. Cox booted three goals including the sealer to ice the Eagles come-from-behind two-point victory in Round 15. The 204cm ruckman also clunked marks at both ends of the ground to stymie the Kangaroos at every turn. Cox finished with 21 disposals, 15 marks and 24 hitouts - and a lazy 215 SuperCoach points.

Hawthorn v North Melbourne. Aurora Stadium, Launceston. Lance Franklin kicks his 11th goal. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

2. Lance Franklin v North Melbourne
The Roos were on the receiving end again - also in Tassie - when Buddy ran riot in Hawthorn's 115-point demolition in Round 10. The raking left-footer outscored the Kangaroos 13.4 to 9.5 in the Round 10 rout at Aurora Stadium in Launceston. The Hawks piled on 27 majors to hammer the Shinboners into submission. The superstar feasted on Kangaroos defenders Scott Thompson, Nathan Grime and Luke Delaney, booting six first-half goals including three in three minutes during the second quarter. But Franklin saved his best for last, with goal No.12 coming from deep in the left forward pocket while, No.13 was a dropped mark, snap around the body with only seconds left on the clock. It was the highest SuperCoach score of the year (236), but in terms of the stage, stakes and influence on the result, we've got him just behind...
1. Dane Swan v Essendon
Talk of Swan carrying a few extra kilograms was quickly shelved when the Brownlow medallist ran amok in Collingwood's thrilling one-point win on Anzac Day. Swan collected a staggering 42 disposals – 20 contested – and kicked three goals in the MCG blockbuster. Swan capped off a brilliant day by rubbing his stomach – mocking those who called him overweight – after kicking his third goal late in the third quarter. The Anzac medallist finished with 13 clearances and six tackles. Swan obviously likes playing the Bombers - he picked up another 42 touches when the two sides met in Round 23.

TOMORROW:

Follow Gilbert Gardiner on Twitter @gilbert0408

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Taste of big time for Suns teen

Jack Martin is looking forward to clashing with the competition's best a year early. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

GOLD Coast recruit Jack Martin is set to be unleashed in the NAB Cup after the 17-year-old was granted permission to play in the pre-season competition a year before he can make his AFL debut.

Teammate Jaeger O'Meara was cleared to play in last season's NAB Cup under the same circumstance.

Martin, who is ineligible to play AFL next season due to his age, said he was looking forward to clashing with the competition's best a year early.

"I would love to get in and get an early taste of AFL footy and it would be great if I get picked," Martin said.

"I will have to have a chat to Jaeger and see how he found it."

Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft said the chance to line up against hardened AFL players 12 months early would prove invaluable for Martin.

"It will give him a chance to see how he feels and goes against AFL company and then he has the whole year to go back and play in the NEAFL," Ashcroft said.

"It is the perfect model because we are not putting high expectations on Jack to play senior footy for the whole year."

With his light frame in mind, Ashcroft warned Martin was no certainty for the Suns' NAB Cup opener against Hawthorn and Brisbane at Metricon Stadium on February 23.

But Ashcroft said fans could expect to see the excitement machine used through the midfield if he did get the nod to play in February.

"I think we would play him where he is most comfortable," Ashcroft said.

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Ox: Don't kill the Dees

David Schwarz, who played 173 games with the Demons, fears a heavy sanction could pose a serious threat to the club's future.Picture: Fiona Hamilton Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE great David Schwarz hopes any penalty that might flow from the league's tanking investigation will not "cripple" the club.

The AFL is today expected to serve the Demons with evidence gained from its five-month probe into their list management in 2009.

While Melbourne could be hit with heavy fines or loss of draft picks, there is mounting belief the AFL would prefer to penalise individuals, rather than the club, if it is found guilty of deliberately losing games under former coach Dean Bailey.

Melbourne has pledged to vigorously defend any charges and has suggested it would be willing to take the fight to the Supreme Court.

The AFL has interviewed and re-interviewed a host of former and current officials who were at the club in 2009.

President Don McLardy said yesterday he had not seen the interview transcripts that are expected to be presented to Bailey, chief executive Cameron Schwab and former football operations manager Chris Connolly.

"There is still no comment on the investigation," McLardy told the Herald Sun. "We are pleased to see progress and are letting it take its course."

Schwarz, who played 173 games with the Dees, fears a heavy sanction could pose a serious threat to the club's future.

"I, like anyone, hope it goes away, but something might come of it," Schwarz said.

"Whatever it is, you just hope it doesn't hurt or cripple the club. That said, if individuals have done the wrong thing, then they have got to be held accountable."

If the AFL does lay charges, it is likely to happen late next month, in order to give the Demons time to respond to the evidence and prepare their defence.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou has warned any person found guilty of manipulating the result of a match would "never work in football again".

Connolly is at the centre of the storm after it was reported he reminded football officials about the importance of losing matches to improve the club's draft position.

But Robert Shaw, who was Fremantle's football operations manager when Connolly coached the Dockers, said Connolly could not have been "solely responsible".

"My gut feeling is the focus on Chris is concerning," Shaw said. "These types of suggestions and allegations could not purely be the work of Chris Connolly."

Shaw said Connolly's work helping raise money for the Demons and the Dockers helped save the two clubs.

"I always found him to be a person of integrity and strong football character," he said.

"The work he did when he first went to Fremantle, I reckon he saved the two clubs.

"His appetite for work and to get out and raise sponsorship singlehandedly at Fremantle, and knock on doors himself, all that sort of stuff is unfairly forgotten in the mist that is tanking allegations.

"He always had the best interests of his football club at heart."

TANKING TIMELINE

JULY, 2012

CARLTON midfielder and former Demon Brock McLean re-ignites the tanking debate when he reveals in an interview on Fox Footy's On the Couch a major reason he wanted to leave Melbourne was because of its strategy of deliberately losing games.

"You can't create a good culture by going out and experimenting and trying to get draft picks and losing games of football,'' McLean said.

"It goes against everything you're trying to do.''

THE AFL launches a fresh tanking investigation, headed by its integrity officer Brett Clothier, following McLean's explosive TV interview.

AUGUST, 2012

McLEAN is called to AFL headquarters to face integrity chief Brett Clothier over his explosive claims the Demons tanked in 2008-2009.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou promises severe punishment for any side found guilty of tanking, encouraging anyone with knowledge of tanking to come forward.

"We shouldn't sweep it under the carpet,'' Demetriou said.

"If they've got information that can prove, that's supportive of the fact that a club lost a game on purpose to achieve a particular outcome that is a serious allegation and I would encourage them to come forward.

"Any issue that involves integrity of the code, any issue, is something we should thump on the head.

"That's my strong position.''

MELBOURNE president Don McLardy launches a passionate defence of the club's integrity in the wake of the AFL's tanking investigation.

"I want to make it very clear that we will defend our club's integrity in the strongest fashion,'' McLardy said.

"For anyone to suggest that our players did not give their all every time they ran on to the field is not acceptable to us.''

AFL intensifies its tanking investigation, interviewing former coaches and key football figures, including former senior coach Dean Bailey.

OCTOBER, 2012

THE AFL uncovers details of a meeting, addressed by former football boss Chris Connolly, of the Demons' football department in which the need to play for draft picks was reinforced.

A SECOND member of Melbourne's 2009 wooden-spoon winning team claims then coach Dean Bailey was under fierce pressure to lose matches deliberately.

"It was disgusting what was going on and you felt for 'Bails' because everyone knew he was under the pump to lose,'' said the player, who the Herald Sun agreed not to name.

"Players had meetings and asked him what was going on but there was nothing he could do.''

NOVEMBER, 2012

A THIRD Melbourne player reveals coach Dean Bailey called a player meeting to signal a sudden change in tactics midway through the 2009 season.

A FORMER Melbourne sponsor reveals a Melbourne Football Club official boasted openly about tanking at a meeting of big sponsors.

"It was an off the cuff remark regarding the No.1 draft pick,'' the company representative said.

"He said words to the effect of, `We made sure that happened'.''

DECEMBER, 2012

THE AFL has asked Melbourne to respond to evidence that could lead to the club being charged with tanking for draft picks in 2009. The league said its five-month investigation was complete and a report of evidence would be provided to all relevant parties.

PERSONS OF INTEREST

Chris Connolly, Dees football manager

Cameron Schwab, Melbourne CEO

Brock McLean, Melbourne player in 2009

Dean Bailey, Melbourne coach in 2009

James McDonald, former Demons skipper

Scott West,  ex-Melbourne assistant coach

Barry Prendergast, former Demons recruiting manager

Josh Mahoney, then assistant coach, now football manager

WHAT THE RULES SAY

"A person, being a player, coach or assistant coach, must at all times perform on their merits and must not induce, or encourage, any player, coach or assistant coach not to perform on their merits in any match - or in relation to any aspect of the match, for any reason whatsoever.'' - AFL Regulations 19(A5)

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18-month ban for VFL drugs player

Casey Scorpions player Wade Lees attempts to break away from his opponent. Picture: Stuart Mlligan Source: Herald Sun

AN AFL aspirant has been banned from all sport for 18 months for importing performance-enhancing drugs.

VFL star Wade Lees yesterday said he would not abandon his AFL dream despite being slugged with the ban by AFL Victoria.

Lees, 24, read his sanction in an email at Casey Scorpions training on Wednesday night - more than two years after he bought the fat-burning product online from the US.

Australian Customs intercepted the product, which contained traces of a banned steroid, and informed the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority.

Lees was then charged with "attempted use of a prohibited substance violation" and banned by AFL Victoria after Round 7 this season.

ASADA argued for a two-year ban at the AFL Victoria tribunal and would not respond yesterday when asked if it would consider appealing for a maximum 24-month penalty.

The authority told the Herald Sun it could not comment due to possible appeals.

AFL Victoria declined to comment until "all parties have exhausted their rights to appeal".

Lees told his VFL drugs tribunal hearing he did not know the product contained banned substances.

He told the Herald Sun yesterday that ASADA had argued that ignorance was no excuse.

Lees, who nominated for last year's draft after hitting career-best form as a tagger, was left depressed and out of pocket about $13,000 in legal and therapy fees and taking days off work.

"If I ever had to cheat the game I wouldn't bother playing sport. My aspirations are to play AFL and if I was to take performance-enhancing drugs and play good football I'm more than likely to get tested, so why would you take the risk?" he told the Herald Sun yesterday.

Lees said he bought the product from overseas to save costs, with the aim to lower his skinfolds to better compete with AFL midfielders in the VFL.

He said the VFL's drug education program was sub-standard.

"If the education was up to scratch all these incidents, like mine and Travis Casserly and Matt Clark wouldn't happen," he said.

Lees is eligible to return in 2014, with the seven months he was forced to serve this year counting towards the ban. He finished seventh in Casey's best-and-fairest from just five games this year.

Casserly is currently serving a two-year ban , while ASADA this year appealed Clark's nine-month sanction, wanting it boosted to two years.

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Crowley suffers injury setback

Fremantle midfielder Ryan Crowley has suffered a pectoral tear, but the club isn't confident it won't hinder his 2013 season, Picture: Faith Moran Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE tagger Ryan Crowley has a torn pectoral muscle and will be on a modified training program for the next six weeks.

Scans confirmed Crowley sustained the injury during a recent training session at Fremantl Oval, but the 2012 Doig medallist will not have to undergo surgery to repair the damage.

Dockers coach Ross Lyon would not delay the start of Crowley's 2013 campaign after the 28-year-old enjoyed a breakout 2012 season in the purple and white and became one of Fremantle's most important players.

"We expect Ryan to be able to maintain his fitness and be available for selection come Round 1 of the season proper," Lyon said.

Crowley had been on of Fremantle's strongest performers on the track since pre-season training began in early November.
 

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2012 countdown: Top 10 brain fades

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

Richmond's Daniel Connors lost his career after sleeping through a training session with Dustin Martin. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

MOST agree the match review panel had a stinker, the Bombers should have just caught the bus to Wangaratta and Chris Judd's "chicken-wing" tackle was a brain explosion. But it's hard to go past Daniel Connors and his faulty alarm clock as the biggest brain fade of 2012.

Over the next week we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We kicked off the series on Monday with the best 10 AFL games of 2012, and followed that with the top 10 marks on Tuesday. Yesterday it was the best 10 goals of 2012.

And today the countdown continues with the top 10 brain explosions of 2012.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. Mark Stevens not putting money on Daniel Talia to win the Rising Star
"EVERY now and then, a betting price sits up and slaps you in the face."
That was how Stevo kicked off his Hardboiled column on June 28. He called it – Daniel Talia to win the Rising Star. At the time the stingy Crow was paying a tasty $51. Did Stevo get on? No. No doubt he'd love that call over again. Still, amazing foresight and hopefully it resulted in a few extravagant Grand Final parties for loyal SuperFooty readers.

Daniel Talia,Kathryn and Jack Talia, Picture: Ludbeyw Source: Herald Sun

9. Stephen Milne's homophobic slur to Harry O'Brien
Harry O and his Pies took no offence, but that didn't stop the AFL slapping Saint Stephen Milne on the wrist for his bizarre sledge in August this year. The goalsneak was alleged to have called O'Brien a "f------ homo" in a heated verbal exchange. Umpire Dean Margetts lodged a report and paid a 50m penalty for abuse and Milne was ultimately fined $3000, forced to apologise and undertake an education program. It was the second time in three years Milne has been accused of a homophobic jibe – both against the Pies.

Collingwood v St Kilda. MCG. milne and o,brien. Picture: Ludbeywayne Source: Herald Sun

8. Will Minson abuses Danyle Pearce
This is the one that divided the football community – where do you draw the line when over the white line? Minson's sledge about Pearce's mother outraged the former Power midfielder and was his second attack on a Port player in four years. It cost him a one-match suspension and the big fella fought back tears as he made a public apology.

Port's Danyle Pearce wrestles with Bulldogs' Will Minson at Etihad Stadium. Picture: Michael Klein Source: AdelaideNow

7. Matthew Scarlett decking Hayden Ballantyne
It was only Round 1, but tempers flared when the Cats met Ross Lyon's new Fremantle side. After three quarters of niggling and mouthing off, Scarlett snapped. He landed one right on Ballantyne's chin, flooring the Docker antagonist and immediately being booked. Scarlett conceded post-match he had cost the Cats the match and earned himself a three-week ban in the process. But most of the football fraternity sympathised with Scarlett, and some rival players even took to Twitter to endorse the Cat's left hook.

Hayden Ballantyne of the Dockers goes to ground after being punched by Geelong's Matthew Scarlett. Source: Getty Images

6. Essendon decides to charter private jet to Wangaratta for pre-season game
The tortoise and the hare came to life in February this year when the Bombers never made it to their Wangaratta showdown against St Kilda, despite chartering two airplanes. As wild weather lashed north-east Victoria, and with the Saints already at the country ground after travelling by bus the day before, Essendon's planes were unable to land. The result? The Saints held a glorified training session for the strong contingent of country fans, were awarded maximum NAB Cup points for the match and Essendon locked in by the AFL for a take-two next year. And yes, they will get the bus.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt stands in the rain in Wangaratta. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

5. Brock McLean tweeting "your mum gave me aids"
It was an interesting year for Brock. He returned from the footy wilderness to Carlton's side, kicked a match-winning goal to sink Richmond's season, dumped the tanking bomb on old mob Melbourne and then told a twitter troll his mum had aids. McLean tweeted "Today can f--- right off" which drew a random punter to bite back with: "Did you finally get delisted?" McLean then unleashed with: "No, your mum has given me aids" and the entire Carlton administration simultaneously face-palmed. The result? A $5000 fine and being forced to undertake an education program, along with the old AFL classic – a suspended one-game ban.

4. Pavlich misses All-Australian team
He was a lock in seemingly everybody's side and the captain in most – but the Fremantle superstar couldn't even jag a place on the David Dench in the only one that mattered. Pavlich let slip his omission the day of the announcement, revealing he was not invited to the gala night in Melbourne. What the? He only booted 69 goals and seemingly dragged Fremantle into the top eight in the second half of the season with a swag of best-afield performances. Instead Buddy got the nod, but at least for Pav he already has six AA Guernseys in the pool room.

3. Match review panel – take your pick
Was it Sharrod Wellingham escaping with just a three-game ban for the bump that left Kade Simpson concussed and with a shattered jaw? Or how about citing Joel Selwood for pushing brother Adam over? Jack Ziebell did everything to escape suspension but was eventually slugged four weeks for collecting Blue Aaron Joseph. That ban led to the football world crying foul and Roos coach Brad Scott declaring it had been a "bitterly disappointing day for football."

Sharrod Wellingham of the Magpies bumps Kade Simpson of the Blues during the round 15 AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Carlton Blues at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 6, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

Jack Ziebell copped a four-match suspension for this hit on Aaron Joseph last week. Source: Getty Images

2. Chris Judd's chicken-wing tackle
It was hailed Juddy's impromptu WWE audition and it immediately drew the ire of North Melbourne's onball contingent. The Carlton captain inexplicably lifted and twisted the defenceless arm of Leigh Adams, leaving the Roo writhing in agony. The "chicken-wing" tackle dominated headlines for the next week and, eventually, Judd was dealt a four-game suspension after the match review panel handballed his case directly to the tribunal. Couple that with Juddy's eye-gouging case and elbow to the face of Matthew Pavlich and he soon could fill this list himself.

Chris Judd appears to tug on the arm of Kangaroos hardman Leigh Adams. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

1. Dan Connors sleeps in
Finally, Dan Connors was back. The Tigers bad boy won the faith back of his club – and a place in the senior side against GWS. What a fairytale. Fast-forward two weeks and he was gone. Connors and good mate Dusty Martin slept in, missed a training session and it was all over. He swears it was a simple, innocent alarm malfunction but after countless chances the goalkicker was marched out of Punt Rd. Connors played out the season in the Goulburn Valley Football League and is set to play in the EDFL next season. No disrespect to Aberfeldie, but it's a long way from playing a part for the resurgent yellow and black army.

Daniel Connors was sacked by Richmond. He is now wanting to re-ignite his career after battling his drug and alcohol problems. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

TOMORROW: THE TOP 10 INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCES OF 2012

Follow Sam Landsberger Twitter: @SamLandsberger

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Water torture a dry argument

The AFLPA has raised concerns about a proposal to limit the amount of ground time for trainers, particularly in Perth and Brisbane where the hotter climate poses problems for visiting teams. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

PLAYERS are at odds with the AFL over a plan to slash the time trainers can spend on the ground.

Under the proposal, trainers would be permitted to run drinks to players on the ground only after a goal.

AFL game analysis manager Joel Bowden raised the proposal in a presentation to AFL Players' Association delegates last week.

Bowden said the push was part of an effort to reduce on-field congestion.

Players have slammed the bid -- resurrected after being first raised last year -- arguing it posed health risks.

It is understood the league also wants to cut the number of trainers per team from five to four.

The AFL has put to the players that the number of goals scored in a game provides ample on-field drinking time.

It was suggested in the AFLPA delegates' meeting that some teams could use trainers deliberately to congest parts of the ground in games or to pass messages to players.

Players contacted by the Herald Sun yesterday rejected those suggestions.

The AFLPA did not support the move when the league floated changes to trainer rules last year.

Some of the game's stars said yesterday the proposal was dangerous, considering the increasing physical demands required to play at the top level.

Symptoms of dehydration include muscle weakness, poor concentration and dizziness.

One player contacted by the Herald Sun yesterday said it was "crazy" because of the potential for long periods between goals.

The AFLPA noted three key reasons for rejecting the proposal in a laws-of-the-game submission last year.

"We do not see how this will contribute significantly to reducing congestion," the response said.

"There are ramifications from a health and safety/performance perspective due to the importance of hydration in our game.

"Not all players rotate heavily and there are long periods between goals in some games."

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said yesterday he was not aware of planned changes to the rules on trainers.

Keane said the only restrictions on trainers were the forward 50m for kick-ins and the centre square at centre bounces.

Games in Queensland and Perth present a greater dehydration risk when temperatures rise above 30C early and late in the season.

West Coast's elimination final win over North Melbourne was played in stifling conditions with the temperature hitting 28C at bounce down.

Games in Darwin and Cairns are scheduled next season.

The AFL has been determined to ease on-field congestion and has brought in several rules -- including the substitute system -- to help make play more free-flowing.
 

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Smashing alternative for Steve

GWS midfielder Stephen Coniglio with teammates Callan Ward and Tom Scully and Sydney Thunder cricketer Cameron Borgas. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

IN another life, Stephen Coniglio could have been batting along side superstar Chris Gayle for the Sydney Thunder tonight.

The Greater Western Sydney midfielder spent years playing representative cricket for Western Australia, and even braved a few lethal spells from NSW and Australian quick Pat Cummins during an Australian championships.

Coniglio didn't look out of place as he and GWS teammates Tom Scully and Callum Ward visited a Thunder training session ahead of their BBL clash with Adelaide at ANZ Stadium.

The Thunder and GWS have more in common than they realise. They both struggled in the Big Bash League and AFL respectively in their first seasons. And both are trying to win the hearts and minds of Western Sydney.

Coniglio said it was up to both teams to keep moving forward and learn from their experiences.

"They struggled last year, we struggled last year, but there is hope, and all we can do is take little steps and always strive to be better," Coniglio said.

"For a while I thought about (pursuing) cricket, but I'm happy in the AFL. I still watch cricket every day, and it's great to interact with these guys."
 

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Blues buy into Malthouse way

Coach Mick Malthouse lays down the law at Carlton training yesterday. Picture: Norm Oorloff Source: Herald Sun

Andrew Walker, Chris Judd, Kade Simpson, Dennis Armfield and Andrew Collins at Carlton training yesterday. Picture: Norm Oorloff

CARLTON midfield coach Rob Wiley says Mick Malthouse's hard-line coaching style hasn't wavered since the pair last worked together during the three-time premiership coach's tenure at West Coast.

Wiley, who will act as Carlton's director of development and coaching, said Malthouse has instilled a heavy defensive strategy this preseason, which will be pivotal to the side's new-look game plan.

"He's changed slightly (over time), but what's given him success before with other teams he's introducing that here at Carlton," Wiley said of Malthouse.

"And that's a lot of discipline, a lot of hard work, and working together. It's about being a team.

"You can't win games of football if there's only 18 contributors. It's about everyone contributing and everyone playing their role. That hasn't changed in the way Mick's gone about it."

With one of the Blues' five-man leadership members likely to snap up the vacant captaincy position, Wiley backed Chris Judd to maintain a strong leadership presence within the playing group.

Wiley hopes to work one-on-one with Judd to help improve the five-time best and fairest winner's deficiencies.

"Chris will play exactly the same role as he'd done ever since he's started playing football," Wiley said.

"He leads by example and you can't ask for any more. He'll just play exactly the way he's played in the past. It's a bonus having anther leader."
 

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Buddy puts contract on the other boot

Adidas wins the lace: Hawthorn's Lance Franklin has traded in his Nike boots for those made by its rival. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

NIKE has lost its No.1 footballer Lance Franklin to rival adidas.

Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin has worn Nike boots since he made his debut in 2005, including when he won his first Coleman Medal in Hawthorn's premiership season of 2008.

It's understood the new deal is worth about $150,000 a season.

Hawthorn recently announced the end of its 30-year association with Puma, striking up a new apparel deal with adidas.

While players must wear the club's official apparel, they retain the right to wear their choice of boots.

It's understood adidas is in the final stages of finalising the deal and would not comment.

Franklin's manager Liam Pickering did not return calls from the Herald Sun, while Nike's George Lawlor was reluctant to discuss the deal. Asked whether Franklin was staying with Nike or looking elsewhere, Lawlor replied: "No idea."

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2012 countdown: Top 10 goals

The best pictures of the 2012 AFL season

Sydney speedster Lewis Jetta celebrates his incredible goal in the Swans' preliminary final win against Collingwood. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON speedster Chris Yarran won the official goal of the year, but an even quicker Swan might have gone one better.

Over the next 10 days we'll name the highlights, lowlights and simply strange moments of the year in footy in a countdown of top 10 countdowns.

We kicked off the series on Monday with the best 10 AFL games of 2012, and followed that with the top 10 marks yesterday.

Today the countdown continues with the top 10 goals of the year.

Did we get it right? Leave a comment below

10. James Polkinghorne v West Coast

Torpedo punts that sail through the middle are great to watch any time, and even better when your side is less than a goal down with about 30 seconds to play. That's when Polkinghorne pulled this one out of the bag from inside the centre square against the Eagles in June, pulling off one of the upsets of the season.

9. Ahmed Saad v Geelong
This might have been the moment Matthew Scarlett decided 'stuff it, I'm going to leave this to the younger blokes'. Isolated against the Geelong champ in St Kilda's forward 50, Saad gathered the loose ball, turned Scarlett inside-out and burnt him off before snapping truly from the boundary line.

Ahmed Saad kicks a goal ahead of Matthew Scarlett. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

8. Luke Breust v Collingwood
Third-man up specialist Jordan Lewis tapped a ball-up towards the boundary line where Breust gathered, spun onto his left and bounced through the goal from next to the behind post. Don't you love it when a plan comes together? It was the third of Breust's five goals for the day in the Hawks' big win.

Luke Breust celebrates a snapped goal with Jordan Lewis and Cyril Rioli. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

7. Jonathon Griffin v Richmond
An almost identical effort to Breust, with a few extra points for degree of difficulty due to heavy rain and the fact 201cm ruckmen aren't meant to do this kind of thing.

6. Lindsay Thomas v Carlton

The man who couldn't kick a goal from the goalsquare last year picked up a bouncing ball on the boundary line about 55m out and somehow wobbled through a bouncing reverse torpedo. Unfortunately for Lindsay, this game is remembered for another incident when the Carlton captain had a sudden taste for chicken wings. 5. Hayden Ballantyne v West Coast
Ballantyne was front and centre when Matthew Pavlich spilled a mark in the western derby, pouncing on the ball then shrugging a Will Schofield tackle, dodging Sam Butler then leaving Shannon Hurn sitting on his backside wondering which way the Dockers pest went before slotting the goal on the run. You can imagine the celebration. 4. Lewis Jetta v Western Bulldogs
Hard to believe this guy couldn't buy a goal in his first season. Jetta ran on to a loose ball at half-back, put on the afterburners and slotted the goal from 45m near the boundary after two bounces. We didn't know it at the time, but it was just a teaser of what was to come.

Lewis Jetta in action during the Sydney Swans v Western Bulldogs AFL game at the SCG in Sydney. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

3. Chris Yarran v Richmond
Yarran won Goal of the Year for his Round 1 effort against the Tigers. He took Chris Judd's handball on the wing, shrugged off Ivan Maric then stepped around Steve Morris and goaled from the forward pocket. If only Dustin Martin had chased a little harder ...

Carlton's Yarran snaps a wonder goal from near the boundary line against Richmond. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

And we won't ruin the party by asking if Yarran took the ball over the boundary line during his explosive run.

Chris Yarran runs along the boundary line on the way to kicking goal of the year against Richmond. Source: Herald Sun

2. Rory Sloane v GWS
The Sloane Ranger lived up to his namesake with his solo effort against the Giants. Gathering at half-back, Sloane sprinted up the wing, taking three bounces before sending an absolute mongrel finger-breaker inside the forward 50. He made up for that mistake with his follow-up, grabbing the ball off the boot of Taylor Walker and snapping truly on his left. Although Bernie Vince evidently thought he should have handballed.

Rory Sloane goals against GWS. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: The Advertiser

1. Lewis Jetta v Collingwood
Ineligible for Goal of the Year because it came in a final, but that doesn't bother us. We'll also conveniently overlook the fact Jetta should have been pinged for running too far given he bounced the ball only three times while covering about 90m. Jetta left scorched turf behind him after he took off from the back of the ANZ Stadium centre square and ran all the way to the goal-line. Kudos to Magpie defender Nathan Brown, who chased Jetta the whole way knowing he was no hope of catching him - and earned himself a cameo in one of footy's great highlight reels.

Sydney's Lewis Jetta burns off his Collingwood opponents to kick an amazing running goal last weekend. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

Lewis Jetta at top speed on the way to one of the great finals goals against Collingwood. Source: Getty Images

Sydney's Lewis Jetta celebrates goal against Collingwood in the first preliminary final at ANZ Stadium. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

TOMORROW: TOP 10 BRAIN FADES OF 2012

Follow Al Paton on Twitter: @al_superfooty

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Pendles makes switch to Tigers

Kris Pendlebury was named full-back in the 2012 VFL team of the year. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD'S VFL captain, Kris Pendlebury, hopes a move to Werribee will enhance his AFL draft prospects next season.

Pendlebury, 26, has informed the Pies he will leave the club after five seasons, including three as skipper.

The brother of superstar midfielder Scott, Pendlebury was overlooked again in this year's drafts, despite some interest from Collingwood and St Kilda.

Instead, the Pies opted for another key defender from the VFL, Williamstown's Jack Frost.

Pendlebury was named full-back in the 2012 VFL team of the year.

After 93 VFL games, Pendlebury yesterday told the Herald Sun he still wanted to play AFL.

"I had done everything I could to get noticed (at Collingwood) but it wasn't happening," he said.

"So I wanted to go to a successful club like Werribee.

"The Western Bulldogs drafted Brett Goodes at age 28, so you never know what's around the corner."
 

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Cats pour praise on recruit Caddy

Recruit Josh Caddy (right), kayaking with Shane Kersten, has impressed the Geelong crew since joining the club. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG has lauded recruit Josh Caddy for his hard work since he arrived from the Gold Coast two months ago.

"He's been fantastic," assistant coach Nigel Lappin said. "He hasn't done a lot of contact work yet, that will start for him after Christmas.

"We had a time trial up the mountain ... on the bikes and Josh finished with the third-best time.

"He's another strong body for us in the midfield to take some pressure off (Jimmy) Bartel and (Joel) Corey and (James) Kelly and (Joel) Selwood, so we're really excited."

Caddy's power and poise were on show at yesterday's training run in Mt Beauty, despite the midfielder being on a slightly restricted program due to post-season shoulder surgery.

"It's never easy walking into a side with this much experience and this many good players, but I had a pretty good start to the pre-season," Caddy, 20, said.

Former elite runner Mark Blicavs blitzed teammates in two-minute sprints - after more than two hours of training in 27C.

Gallery: Cats roam the highlands

Blicavs tried out for the London Olympics before being picked up by the Cats.

The 198cm rookie finished streets ahead of the chasing pack, including Selwood, Josh Walker and Jesse Stringer.

"He's an amazing athlete, a terrific person and a fantastic trainer," Lappin said of Blicavs.

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Fiacchi secures Port position

Magpies premiership players Tim Ginever and George Fiacchi (right), who has been appointed to the board of the Port Adelaide Football Club. Picture: Simon Cross Source: Herald Sun

SEVEN-TIMES Port Magpies premiership player George Fiacchi has been appointed to the board of Port Adelaide Football Club.

His member nominated position was ratified by the SA Football Commission yesterday.

He replaces Alex Panas, who had held the position since 2006.

Fiacchi, who signed a three-year deal, has a strong background in marketing, media and sports administration. He is client manager for Australian Radio Network National.

Crows chairman Rob Chapman, former player Andrew Payze and Robert Foord have been reappointed to the Adelaide Football Club board - for three-year terms.

"The SA Football Commission looks forward to working with the directors of both Adelaide and Port Adelaide Football Clubs as we enter the 40th anniversary year of AAMI Stadium," SANFL executive commissioner Leigh Whicker said.

"I am confident the Commission and two AFL club boards will continue to work for the overall benefit of the game at all levels as football makes its historic transition to Adelaide Oval."

PORT'S round 17 clash against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on July 20 has been moved from a day to night timeslot.

The match will now start at 7.10pm after Greater Western Sydney asked the AFL to reschedule its night match against Essendon at Skoda Stadium to the afternoon.

This was to avoid clashing with English soccer giant Manchester United's exhibition match against the A-League All-Stars at ANZ Stadium in the Sydney Olympic Sporting Precinct.

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Talia, Petrenko ahead of schedule

Adelaide Crow and Rising Star Daniel Talia after breaking his forearm against the Sydney Swans in the second qualifying final this year. Picture: Simon Cross Source: Herald Sun

KEY Crows Daniel Talia and Jared Petrenko are on track to be fit for the start of next season.

AFL Rising Star winner Talia has almost fully recovered from the broken forearm he suffered in Adelaide's qualifying final defeat to Sydney, while tough-tackling forward Petrenko has resumed light skills work after having his right shoulder reconstructed.

"They are both tracking really well and we'd expect them to be right for Round 1," Crows list manager David Noble said.

"They're not doing any competitive stuff yet because we don't want to risk any setbacks but their running and general fitness is very good.

"Overall we are very pleased with how their recoveries are going and at this stage we'd expect them to get some pre-season games under their belts."

Petrenko who had previously had his left shoulder reconstructed had been expected to miss Adelaide's opening premiership season match against Essendon at AAMI Stadium on March 22.

But he is a month ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation.

"It's a lot better than I first thought," Petrenko told the club's website.

"It's usually a six-month rehabilitation but I'm looking to get back in five, which would be late February or early March.

"I was anticipating I'd miss all the NAB Cup, come back through the Eagles (in the SANFL) and possibly miss the start of the AFL season proper. Now I'm hoping to sneak in a couple of NAB Cup games.

"It still seems a long way away when I think about it, but it's looking a lot brighter than two months ago."

Petrenko, 23, dislocated his right shoulder in the Crows' semi-final win against Fremantle and took painkillers to get through the preliminary final defeat to Hawthorn.

"The damage to my shoulder was just enough to require surgery," he said.

"It wasn't a full-blown mess, so it didn't take as much work to repair."

Key defender Talia is taking part in all training except contact drills.

He must protect his rebuilt arm from a heavy hit until the end of January after having a large plate and nine pins inserted in the arm.

"I'm doing all the running and skills work. I just can't receive any direct contact because if it hits the exact spot where the bone was broken I might re-injure it," Talia, 21, said.

Talia who was a revelation in defence last season has spent the off-season improving his running. He said he was already ahead of where he was at the end of last pre-season when he was coming off an achilles injury.

The only other players in the Crows' rehabilitation group are Bernie Vince (shoulder), Luke Thompson (ankle) and Matthew Jasch (groin).

All three had minor end-of-season surgery but are expected to join in full training when the players resume training after Christmas on January 7.
 

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Malthouse's bruise-free Blues

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse and Eddie Betts after the talented small forward was made a life member with the Blues last night. Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON forward Eddie Betts has welcomed a no-tackling pre-season training policy designed to help avoid a repeat of last season's savage injury run.

Betts, who last night was made a Blues life member, praised the club for persevering with him despite some off-field setbacks.

He said he wanted to repay the club, declaring that under coach Mick Malthouse the Blues were capable of winning two premierships before he retired.

While tackling was a non-negotiable in-season, Betts said Malthouse had directed players to avoid heavy contact until the pre-season games began in February.

Betts said the strategy had left the players in their best physical condition.

"It's been pretty solid, training-wise, but Mick's a lot about getting everyone fresh and getting us all through pre-season not injured, (so) we don't tackle," Betts told the Herald Sun.

"If you want to play, you have to tackle (in games), he's certainly going down that line.

"(But) it's not worth training it (tackling) because it's a teammate and you play footy - you know how to tackle.

"Until January-February when we get into practice matches - that's when it will come out.

"Mick just wants everyone fresh because last year we had Waitey (Jarrad Waite) with a back injury; Luke Mitchell shoulder; Levi Casboult knee. Walks (Andrew Walker) did his ankle for the first four rounds last year, so we really had no talls.

"But everyone is holding up all right, and all the bodies are really fit and there is no injuries for the first time in a long time, which is really good."

Betts, 26, enjoyed a career-best season in 2012, kicking 48 goals and finishing second in the club's best-and-fairest award behind Heath Scotland.

He rated last night's honour as one of the highlights of his 166-game career, but said all the focus was on delivering on the team's potential under Malthouse next year.

With some experts questioning clubs' attitudes toward indigenous recruitment, Betts said he would be eternally grateful for Carlton's support.

"I thank them a lot. They did stick with me through a lot of stuff, being arrested in the last three years going out for some Christmas drinks, you learn a lot from that," he said.

"I was late for a few trainings down the track and they really stuck by me.

"It's pretty hard (at times). I've been here through two wooden spoons.

"Now we've built into a really good side and just sitting back watching last year in the Grand Final, you think, 'That could be us in the next couple of years'."

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Onballers take Lion's share of heat

Lions champ Simon Black is no certainty to line up in the season opening clash after undergoing knee surgery. Picture: Peter Wallis Source: The Courier-Mail

BRISBANE Lions coach Michael Voss says he is pleased his incumbent midfielders are feeling the heat on two fronts.

With injured veteran Simon Black no certainty to be available for round 1 of the AFL premiership season, Voss's onballers are rising to face the challenges of the sweltering pre-Christmas weather and competition for their positions.

Daniel Rich, Tom Rockliff, Jack Redden and Andrew Raines have been making the most of their final training sessions at Coorparoo ahead of a two-week Christmas break.

Despite the humidity, the players charged into one another during opposed drills, a pleasing sign for Voss who had been hoping his players would respond to the injection of former Demon Brent Moloney.

"That was the intended plan," Voss said.

"We've got a list that has to challenge for their spot.

"It puts a rocket under them and what you notice is they're really propelling each other."

Voss said third-year player Claye Beams was another midfielder who was heaping more pressure on the established ball winners with an intense pre-season.

Raines and Moloney are the most experienced onballers on the training track after Black had surgery last week on his knee.

Initial predictions were for Black to make a training comeback by the end of January and a cameo appearance during the NAB Cup. But Voss said the former skipper could be in a race against time and his ageing body to be ready by the round 1 game on March 31, away to Western Bulldogs.

"The surgery doesn't change his actual timeline. But obviously we would like more time for him to feel good about his pre-season," Voss said.

The coach is confident that dealing with Black's knee now will enable the team to see more of the three-time club champion next season.

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Scorpions turn a shade of Blue

The Casey Scorpions will be hoping new coach Rohan Welsh can produce some winning moves next season. Picture: Peter Ward Source: Herald Sun

VFL club Casey Scorpions has appointed former Carlton forward Rohan Welsh as its coach.

Welsh, 42, agreed to a part-time role last night after meeting Casey officials and Melbourne senior coach Mark Neeld. Casey is Melbourne's VFL-aligned club.

The Scorpions interviewed Welsh about the position three years ago, but he was unable to commit to what was then a full-time job.

Welsh played in Dandenong's 1991 VFA premiership and went on to 42 senior games with the Blues.
 

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Tredrea backs double act at Port

Travis Boak, here tackling Luke Ball, and Brad Ebert could make a good captaincy combination at Port Adelaide. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

CLUB great Warren Tredrea says Port Adelaide should consider breaking with tradition and appoint dual captains for the first time.

With veteran skipper Dom Cassisi set to be replaced by a younger leader as the Power starts a new era under first-time coach Ken Hinkley, Tredrea said that with no standout replacement, the club should consider introducing the dual leadership model that has been so successful in Sydney.

The Swans, notably, have successfully employed joint skippers since 2006, with Adam Goodes and Jarrad McVeigh leading them to this year's premiership.

Tredrea suggested that midfielders Travis Boak, 24, and Brad Ebert, 22, would make a good captaincy combination.

"I just think for where Port is at, having dual captains would make a lot of sense," Tredrea said.

"The dual model has worked unbelievably well in Sydney for many years and it's certainly something Port should give a lot of thought to.

"There's a lot of pressure on captains in this town in particular so if Port can share the responsibility among two players I think it would be a good, positive step ..."

Hinkley who has put the captaincy vacancy sign up at Alberton is understood to be open to the idea of appointing joint skippers.

Cassisi is highly respected for the work he has done as captain in the past four years but he has failed to lead the club to higher than 10th.

Hinkley said he was not expecting to make a call on the Power captaincy until February or March, after he has seen how the players performed and led at training and in pre-season games. The playing group will also have a say on leadership.

Football operations manager Peter Rohde said that appointing more than one captain would come up for discussion but that it had its drawbacks.

"We haven't got into those discussions yet because at the moment Dom is our captain and we want to see how the pre-season pans out," he said.

"But the first thing that comes to mind when you're talking about dual captains is who wears the No.1 (guernsey)? The tradition at this club is that the captain always wears No.1, so that will also come into our thinking.''

Port has had four captains since entering the AFL in 1997 Gavin Wanganeen (1997-2000), Matthew Primus (2001-05), Tredrea (2006-08) and Cassisi (2009-12).
 

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