Pre-season unlikely for injured Kerr

SIDELINED: Daniel Kerr is set to miss the bulk of the pre-season with a knee injury. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

ELITE West Coast midfielder Daniel Kerr could be thrown straight into the Round 1 Western Derby without playing an NAB Cup game.

Kerr, who had a knee arthroscopy last month, will be carefully managed by the Eagles throughout the pre-season as the club seeks to ready his battle-hardened body for a 13th season.

West Coast football operations manager Neale Daniher said Kerr, 29, would not require pre-season matches to be ready for the derby.

"He'll just slowly build up over January, February, March," Daniher said. "We don't think he needs to have a lot of games in the NAB to be ready to go.

"Given he's such a senior player, and played 24 games last year, all his preparation will be around building up for Round 1 AFL."

All-Australian pair Nic Naitanui (groin) and Beau Waters (hip) are the club's other significant injury worries, with Naitanui likely to miss the start of the home-and-away season.

Daniher could not say when Naitanui would be fit to play, but was confident Waters would be available for Round 1 after having hip surgery last month.

Naitanui, who made a cameo appearance at Friday's training session at McGillivray Oval for some handball drills, is hoping to start running on an anti-gravity treadmill later this month.

The Eagles will launch their season against Fremantle at Patersons Stadium in a twilight game on March 23.

Comeback pair Mark LeCras (knee) and Mark Nicoski (hamstring) are back training with the main group and are on target to resume during the NAB Cup.

It is unlikely they will play in the triangular pre-season opener against the Dockers and Geelong on February 16.

Second-year forward Murray Newman, who was thrashed by coach John Worsfold in a 2km time trial in November, is being forced to improve his aerobic capacity before he can join in full training with his teammates.

Newman jogged laps with Jamie Bennell and Blayne Wilson on Friday and was the last to leave the track as he completed a punishing cone-running drill.

The 19-year-old, who is also facing a serious charge over a nightclub incident, is likely to be mostly running for the rest of the month, away from the main group.

Midfielder Chris Masten maintained his title as the club's best runner with a narrow win in the 2km time trial at the WA Athletics Stadium on Thursday.

Masten was one of 16 Eagles who posted personal-best times as they resumed from a two-week Christmas break.

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2013 AFL predictions

If Andrew Carrazzo can combine father duties of his triplets with leadership, he could be the next Carlton captain. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

THE NAB Cup is just 43 days away and we're into the New Year. Time to shelve the countdowns and look to the future as we make 12 bold predictions about the 2013 AFL season.

We've broken them down into three categories - those likely to happen, those which could happen and a few longer shots. And yes, there's even some SuperCoach advice at the end.

Did Sam Landsberger get it right? Have your say below

FOUR LIKELY PREDICTIONS

House of Pain to return

WILL we see a visiting side sing the song at Patersons Stadium this year? Doubt it. Rewind just three years and 11 out of 21 times clubs boarded planes out of Perth with the four points in the bag. Not anymore. West Coast effectively boasts Jamie Cripps, Sharrod Wellingham, Mark LeCras, Mark Nicoski and Josh Kennedy as new recruits, while the Dockers finished 2012 full of steam with Ross Lyon's defensive mechanisms coming to the fore. Barring catastrophe, most experts say you can just about pencil the Eagles in as a top-four outfit and the Dockers aren't far behind. If that's the case we may as well cross out PS and scribble HoP on our 2013 fixtures.

Sides to cop two trips to Perth: Essendon, Richmond, North Melbourne, Adelaide

North Melbourne failed to live up to its big expectations against an undermanned West Coast at Patersons Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Match review panel to frustrate

MARK Twain got it wrong; the three certainties in life are death, taxes and inconsistency by the match review panel. One issue you can bank on surfacing this year again is the frustration fans, players and clubs will share at some decisions handed down.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Jack Ziebell of the Kangaroos shoulder charges Aaron Joseph of the Blues during the AFL Rd 16 game between North Melbourne and Carlton at Etihad Stadium on July 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Herald Sun

Buddy Franklin's contract circus

BUDDY Franklin could become the Travis Cloke of 2013. The megastar Hawthorn forward is out of contract and certain to field a mountain of interest. There is little doubt Franklin will stay at the Hawks, but until he puts pen to paper, expect every meeting manager Liam Pickering holds to spark public interest. Pickering has already gone on record as saying Franklin won't leave Hawthorn, but the onus is now on both parties to get the deal done before it creates a circus. Hopefully for Hawthorn's sake that comes before Round 1, when it will be desperate to break the Kennett curse.

Lance Franklin kicks a goal for Hawthorn. Source: Herald Sun

Mick's baptism of fire

MICK Malthouse was quick to question Nathan Buckley's game plan after Collingwood's 1-2 start last year, and it looks like he could have some similar criticism fired his way early this year. The Blues' opening month reads Richmond, Collingwood, Geelong and West Coast in Perth. Yuck. Should Carlton go down to the bullish Tiger army in Round 1 it will be a hellish start for Mick. And it took half the season last year for Fremantle to click under Ross Lyon. How quickly can the Blues adapt to Mick's style?

Mick Malthouse,Carlton coach, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FOUR PROBABLE PREDICTIONS

Carrazzo to captain Carlton

IF the bookies framed a market you'd suspect Marc Murphy would be favourite to take over from Chris Judd. But the way it's shaping, the man known as "Carrots" will lead the old, dark navy Blues this season. And while that would shock most, internally Carrazzo is held in high regard for his natural leadership despite his low profile. The Blues won't make a call until after the NAB Cup, where Carrazzo, Murphy and Kade Simpson will be given chances to excel in the role, but the mail as it stands is the 29-year-old is in pole, assuming he can couple the role with father duties to his triplets. And Mick Malthouse has never been one to simply appoint a superstar player as skipper, electing Nick Maxwell at the Pies and John Worsfold in his West Coast days.

Andrew Carrazzo at Carlton training. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Rotation policy to creep into footy

CRICKET Australia copped heat for its controversial rotation policy, but is this the year it really takes off in the AFL? High performance managers and conditioning coaches are booming right now, with several poached from rival clubs at the end of last season. Couple that with the substitute rule, more irrelevant matches than ever before and the likelihood of an interchange cap in 2014 and the rotation policy is seemingly on an upward trend. A glance at the average age of rookie draftees shows clubs now have replacements on their mind – expect Ben Hudson to pull on the black and white stripes when Darren Jolly gets sore and perhaps the same for Orren Stephenson at Richmond should big Ivan Maric need a spell. Chris Scott kept his Cats fresh in shrewd fashion in 2011 on their way to another flag, while expect an array of superstars to give the trip to Skoda Stadium a miss this year with "general soreness".

The Sydney Swans bench looks on during an AFL match against Melbourne. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Advertiser

Kurt Tippett will fire from the get-go

MOVING the hysteria of the salary-cap rorting and draft-tampering scandals to one side for a moment and focus on Kurt Tippett's preliminary final. Big stage. Big crowd. Big four-goal performance. The man did everything but drag the Crows into an unlikely Grand Final and will straighten up Sydney's forward line with aplomb. Tippett cost the Swans zilch, turns 26 in May and is ready to come into his prime. Slot him next to a developing Sam Reid, Adam Goodes and let draftee Tim Membrey lead up the ground and it could be a devastating forward mix for the premiers. It won't take long for us to remember just why Adelaide tried so hard to keep him. Hard to believe names such as Mitchell Thorp, James Sellar, Daniel O'Keefe, Tom Hislop, Brad Howard and Nathan Djerrkura were plucked before Tippett in the 2006 draft.

Former Adelaide Crow Kurt Tippett in a Sydney Swans jumper for the first time after his first training session with his new club. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

Tiger Time

FINALLY, the wait is over. Richmond's long-suffering army of fans will see September action this year. The signatures of Troy Chaplin and Chris Knights, the natural progression of their throng of talented youth and the return of Ty Vickery and a fair fixture means there are no excuses this year. Richmond threw away its top-eight hopes with a trio of consecutive last-gasp defeats last year and botched several chances early to topple finals-bound sides. Maturity should eradicate such brain fades and there will be enough chances to post the 13 wins needed to play in September.

Richmond's Brett Deledio, right, celebrates a goal with Dustin Martin in the Tigers' demolition job on Hawthorn at the MCG. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: AdelaideNow

FOUR BOLD PREDICTIONS

Saints to have their worst season since 2002

ST KILDA is the slider of 2013. The Saints won 12 games under Scott Watters last year but it's hard to see them replicating that feat, and they could have their worst season since the Malcolm Blight debacle a decade ago. Brendon Goddard is gone and the likes of Lenny Hayes, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna, Nick Dal Santo, and co aren't getting any younger. The gulf in the Saints list is similar to the Dogs, who were exposed in 2012 for that reason. The fixture looks OK, so that should help secure a handful of wins, but it could be a while until the core group of talented teenagers the Saints are starting to assemble clicks. Tom Lee and Tom Hickey are raw but come with high hopes, and while the Saints are on the right track long term, you just get the feeling there could be a stack of pain to bear first.

A dejected looking Saints side leaves the ground after losing the round seven AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and the Carlton Blues at Etihad Stadium on May 9, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

James Hird's honeymoon will expire

IT'S time for James Hird to deliver. He's entering his third year with a 50-50 win-loss ratio and one embarrassing finals appearance. The Dons fell off the map last season as injuries mounted to monumental levels. But the Round 10 loss to Melbourne and the showings against Richmond, a depleted North Melbourne and Carlton late in the season were sub-standard. With Brendon Goddard onboard, a fit list and the Brownlow medallist (Jobe Watson) leading the way, the Dons must march into the top eight. If not expect Hird to feel some heat for the first time in the coaching chair. Essendon can't afford to peter out like it has in the second half of the past two seasons.

Essendon coach James Hird talks with Mark McVeigh. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Dylan Shiel the next big thing

NAT Fyfe is too obvious, Joe Daniher isn't ready and Lachie Whitfield is too young and raw. So let's go Dylan Shiel. Some at the Giants are tipping the strongly-built midfielder to win the club's first Brownlow medal. And while that won't happen this year, Shiel is a special talent and expect that to shine through quickly. He crept onto GWS's list in subtle fashion – secured as one of the 17-year-old priority selections sans the fanfare that accompanies a prized draft ranking. Shiel's TAC Cup coach, Graeme Yeats, said at the time Shiel could have gone No. 1 if he wasn't seized a year early. This is a powerful midfielder with pace and excellent skills. Some scouts say he is the next Chris Judd in the making. If he stays fit in 2013, keep an eye on him. You won't be disappointed.

Carlton vs GWS at Etihad Stadium. Dylan Shiel clears from defence Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Giants to leapfrog the Suns

THIS is a long-shot, but with a friendly draw and a slice of luck (and no second-year blues), it's a red-hot chance. It's early, but it looks the Giants have the Suns beat in their handpicked array of 17-year-olds. Names like Jeremy Cameron, Adam Treloar and Dylan Shiel have serious potential. Shiel's been mentioned already, Treloar is one of the finest teenage playmakers in the land, while Wayne Carey reckons Cameron could wind up the best forward in the game. Compare that to Gold Coast's dozen, including Taylor Hine, Josh Toy and Alex Keath (who have all departed), and it smacks of a nice, early boost. It's a free hit for the Giants this year… they're expected to claim a second wooden spoon before Leon Cameron steps in. Pinch a win against the Suns, Dogs, Dees and Port and avoid the bottom rung and it's a big win. And if they do, Guy McKenna must be under the pump. After all, the prez wants a flag by 2015…

GWS stars Tom Scully and Adam Treloar celebrate the Giants emphatic victory over Gold Coast. Picture: Kym Smith Source: The Daily Telegraph

And finally… SuperCoach steals

I CAN'T sign off without some SuperCoach chat and when the competition opens on February 1 (mark that down in your diary) sign up, log in and select Jack Viney. He's cheap ($109,500) and good enough to command a place in your starting side. Viney has been monstering pre-season training and showed in the VFL last year he's ready to mix it with men. Jaeger O'Meara is the other midfield lock, while Ben Jacobs as a defender looks a shrewd selection. I'm loving Pies rookie Sam Dwyer and Swans bargain Tim Membrey as bench options up forward, while he's been hyped before, but it does finally appear as if this is Shaun Higgins' year. The Dogs say he is flying and, not to put the mozz on him, but if his body holds up he'll be in my Round 1 side. Good luck!

Western Bulldogs vs Nth Melbourne an Etihad Stadium. Shaun Higgins fires as a handball as he is tackled by Michael Firrito Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

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Parkin mentors the comeback kid

David Parkin has helped mentor Anthony Morabito in his comeback.  Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: HWT Image Library

PREMIERSHIP coach David Parkin has emerged as an unlikely mentor in Anthony Morabito's remarkable comeback from two knee reconstructions.

Fremantle's forgotten No.4 draft pick has not played AFL since a sparkling debut in 2010, after twice tearing his left ACL ligament.Parkin has helped guide the 21-year-old through the emotional despair of two years on the sidelines.

The four-time Carlton and Hawthorn premiership coach praised Morabito's mental fortitude as the 191cm midfielder prepares to return to the Dockers line-up for the NAB Cup and potentially Round 1.

>> SUPERCOACH WATCH: Morabito is a $115,900 midfielder

"I tremble every time I hear his name because you don't want to find out that he has had another setback," Parkin said.

"I'm just hoping and praying he has a half-reasonable chance to prepare himself properly and continue what was an outstanding first year of league football."

In a horror run, the young Docker ruptured the ligament in the 2011 pre-season and then again during a training mishap last July.

Parkin, who has beaten prostate cancer, said Morabito had overcome some dark periods in his rehabilitation.

"I've kept in touch with him and he has had some miserable psychological downs, as you would expect of a kid of his age," Parkin said.

"To be between 18-22 years old and suffer what he did, emotionally you have to deal with that, and it gets you down, to the point where you may not recover physically, let alone emotionally.

"But he's been supported by (assistant coach) Simon Lloyd, who is probably just about the best young man I've dealt with in football, and had wonderful support from the club and his family."

With superstar captain Matthew Pavlich under a fitness cloud after back surgery, Morabito's power-packed game style is looming as a major boost to the Dockers' midfield and forward set-ups.

Priced at $115,900, the man likened to Swans game-breaker Adam Goodes is also looming as a bargain SuperCoach prospect.

The devastating ball-carrier averaged 13 possessions in 23 games in his first season and twice laid nine tackles in games against Geelong and Richmond."He has a big heart, fantastic endurance capacity, he has a strong body and to maintain the form he did through 23 games in his first season is almost unheard of," Parkin said.

"So we know the kid brings the total package."

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Bookies write off Crows' hopes

Kurt Tippett leaving Adelaide will cost the Crows, the bookies say. Source: Herald Sun

KURT Tippett walked out of West Lakes and took Adelaide's premiership hopes with him, according to bookies who have turned their backs on the Crows.

Despite going within a kick of making this year's AFL grand final, Adelaide is at best fourth in the line of betting for the 2013 flag with four online agencies.

TAB lists the Crows sixth favourite behind Geelong and even Carlton which missed the top-eight altogether this season. Adelaide's cross-town rival, the Power is considered a $101 premiership longshot and is fifth favourite to win the wooden spoon at $16 behind Gold Coast, GWS, Western Bulldogs and Melbourne.

But this year's runner-up, Hawthorn, is the undisputed favourite to avenge its grand-final loss to Sydney and claim a second flag for coach Alastair Clarkson.

The underrated Swans continue to fly under the radar at $7.50 with Sportsbet.com.au to go back-to-back.

Collingwood and West Coast are the only other sides considered a remote chance of toppling the Hawks.

At the opposite end, Gold Coast is a $1.36 favourite for the wooden spoon with fellow expansion club GWS at $4.50.

The Power is fifth favourite to finish bottom at $16. However, in some good news for the Suns, their captain Gary Ablett is one of three players alongside Trent Cotchin and Jobe Watson who share Brownlow Medal favouritism.

The Crows feature prominently in other markets, with full forward Taylor Walker second favourite for the Coleman Medal behind Lance Franklin and youngster Brad Crouch third favourite for the Rising Star Award.

With the new year arriving, Sportsbet.com.au has released its forecast for everything sport in 2013.

Adelaide United might sit second on the A-League ladder but is considered third favourite to win the 2013 grand final behind equal fancies Melbourne Victory and Central Coast.

Midfielder Dario Vidosic, who was called into the Socdhceroos squad this month, is third favourite for the Johnny Warren Medal with Italian superstar Alessandro del Piero considered the man to beat.

The Aussies are a $3.25 long shot to regain The Ashes from England mid-year, while Spanish cyclist Alberto Contador is expected to be the man to beat in next year's Tour de France.

And with the summer of tennis beginning, men's world No. 1 Novak Djokovic is favdhourite to win the Australian Open in January from Andy Murray and Roger Federer.

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Skipper on hold as Glass wavers

CAPTAIN IN WAITING: Beau Waters is seen as the next West Coast skipper should Darren Glass stand aside. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

WEST Coast will delay making a decision on its captain for 2013 until at least next month, and could begin the NAB Cup without having appointed a skipper for the new season.

Darren Glass has led the side for the past five seasons, after taking over following the bombshell resignation of Chris Judd in 2007.

Glass, 31, enjoyed a stellar campaign to win his fourth All-Australian guernsey last year and was named captain of the All-Australian team in one of the greatest individual honours of his career.

The key defender is showing no signs of slowing down as he powers through his 14th AFL pre-season; however, has indicated he is open to handing over the captaincy to a younger player before he retires.

Fearless defender Beau Waters was installed as sole vice-captain two years ago and has been groomed to take over as skipper.

But question marks remain over Waters' durability after another injury setback last month.

The 26-year-old South Australian has recovered from a serious foot injury, suffered in the elimination final mauling of North Melbourne four months ago, but needed hip surgery before Christmas and is in a race against time to be ready for the new season.

Waters, named All-Australian after an excellent season last year, has played just 113 of a possible 164 matches for the Eagles since making his debut in 2004 because of a cursed run with injury.

West Coast football operations manager Neale Daniher said Waters' injury troubles would not count against his chances of becoming captain.

"We know he won't necessarily always play every home-and-away game, but we're confident he'll play the majority of them and play them very well," Daniher said.

"Beau is very professional in his preparation.

"He plays the game as hard as anyone in the league, and his injuries are well documented, but we were rapt with the way he played last year.

"He played a lot of games of football last year and we're  confident he'll be ready to go in Round 1."

Youngster Scott Selwood, whose leadership ability is highly regarded, is the wildcard for the captaincy.

Selwood is only 22, the same age as John Worsfold when he became captain and has been in the leadership group for the past two seasons. He took his game to a new level last year to win the club champion award.

Following the Eagles' semi-final exit to Collingwood at the MCG last September, coach John Worsfold said Glass could play a valuable leadership role, even if he was not the skipper.

"He's an outstanding leader and outstanding captain," Worsfold said.

"If he wasn't actually named captain, it wouldn't mean that his leadership would drop away.

"He would still offer fantastic leadership around our club and possibly in an even stronger role supporting a developing captain."

The Eagles have only had dual captains once in their history.

Veteran Dean Kemp and rising star Ben Cousins shared the job under Ken Judge in 2001.

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2013 AFL predictions

If Andrew Carrazzo can combine father duties of his triplets with leadership, he could be the next Carlton captain. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

THE NAB Cup is just 43 days away and we're into the New Year. Time to shelve the countdowns and look to the future as we make 12 bold predictions about the 2013 AFL season.

We've broken them down into three categories - those likely to happen, those which could happen and a few longer shots. And yes, there's even some SuperCoach advice at the end.

Did Sam Landsberger get it right? Have your say below

FOUR LIKELY PREDICTIONS

House of Pain to return

WILL we see a visiting side sing the song at Patersons Stadium this year? Doubt it. Rewind just three years and 11 out of 21 times clubs boarded planes out of Perth with the four points in the bag. Not anymore. West Coast effectively boasts Jamie Cripps, Sharrod Wellingham, Mark LeCras, Mark Nicoski and Josh Kennedy as new recruits, while the Dockers finished 2012 full of steam with Ross Lyon's defensive mechanisms coming to the fore. Barring catastrophe, most experts say you can just about pencil the Eagles in as a top-four outfit and the Dockers aren't far behind. If that's the case we may as well cross out PS and scribble HoP on our 2013 fixtures.

Sides to cop two trips to Perth: Essendon, Richmond, North Melbourne, Adelaide

North Melbourne failed to live up to its big expectations against an undermanned West Coast at Patersons Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Match review panel to frustrate

MARK Twain got it wrong; the three certainties in life are death, taxes and inconsistency by the match review panel. One issue you can bank on surfacing this year again is the frustration fans, players and clubs will share at some decisions handed down.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Jack Ziebell of the Kangaroos shoulder charges Aaron Joseph of the Blues during the AFL Rd 16 game between North Melbourne and Carlton at Etihad Stadium on July 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Herald Sun

Buddy Franklin's contract circus

BUDDY Franklin could become the Travis Cloke of 2013. The megastar Hawthorn forward is out of contract and certain to field a mountain of interest. There is little doubt Franklin will stay at the Hawks, but until he puts pen to paper, expect every meeting manager Liam Pickering holds to spark public interest. Pickering has already gone on record as saying Franklin won't leave Hawthorn, but the onus is now on both parties to get the deal done before it creates a circus. Hopefully for Hawthorn's sake that comes before Round 1, when it will be desperate to break the Kennett curse.

Lance Franklin kicks a goal for Hawthorn. Source: Herald Sun

Mick's baptism of fire

MICK Malthouse was quick to question Nathan Buckley's game plan after Collingwood's 1-2 start last year, and it looks like he could have some similar criticism fired his way early this year. The Blues' opening month reads Richmond, Collingwood, Geelong and West Coast in Perth. Yuck. Should Carlton go down to the bullish Tiger army in Round 1 it will be a hellish start for Mick. And it took half the season last year for Fremantle to click under Ross Lyon. How quickly can the Blues adapt to Mick's style?

Mick Malthouse,Carlton coach, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FOUR PROBABLE PREDICTIONS

Carrazzo to captain Carlton

IF the bookies framed a market you'd suspect Marc Murphy would be favourite to take over from Chris Judd. But the way it's shaping, the man known as "Carrots" will lead the old, dark navy Blues this season. And while that would shock most, internally Carrazzo is held in high regard for his natural leadership despite his low profile. The Blues won't make a call until after the NAB Cup, where Carrazzo, Murphy and Kade Simpson will be given chances to excel in the role, but the mail as it stands is the 29-year-old is in pole, assuming he can couple the role with father duties to his triplets. And Mick Malthouse has never been one to simply appoint a superstar player as skipper, electing Nick Maxwell at the Pies and John Worsfold in his West Coast days.

Andrew Carrazzo at Carlton training. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Rotation policy to creep into footy

CRICKET Australia copped heat for its controversial rotation policy, but is this the year it really takes off in the AFL? High performance managers and conditioning coaches are booming right now, with several poached from rival clubs at the end of last season. Couple that with the substitute rule, more irrelevant matches than ever before and the likelihood of an interchange cap in 2014 and the rotation policy is seemingly on an upward trend. A glance at the average age of rookie draftees shows clubs now have replacements on their mind – expect Ben Hudson to pull on the black and white stripes when Darren Jolly gets sore and perhaps the same for Orren Stephenson at Richmond should big Ivan Maric need a spell. Chris Scott kept his Cats fresh in shrewd fashion in 2011 on their way to another flag, while expect an array of superstars to give the trip to Skoda Stadium a miss this year with "general soreness".

The Sydney Swans bench looks on during an AFL match against Melbourne. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Advertiser

Kurt Tippett will fire from the get-go

MOVING the hysteria of the salary-cap rorting and draft-tampering scandals to one side for a moment and focus on Kurt Tippett's preliminary final. Big stage. Big crowd. Big four-goal performance. The man did everything but drag the Crows into an unlikely Grand Final and will straighten up Sydney's forward line with aplomb. Tippett cost the Swans zilch, turns 26 in May and is ready to come into his prime. Slot him next to a developing Sam Reid, Adam Goodes and let draftee Tim Membrey lead up the ground and it could be a devastating forward mix for the premiers. It won't take long for us to remember just why Adelaide tried so hard to keep him. Hard to believe names such as Mitchell Thorp, James Sellar, Daniel O'Keefe, Tom Hislop, Brad Howard and Nathan Djerrkura were plucked before Tippett in the 2006 draft.

Former Adelaide Crow Kurt Tippett in a Sydney Swans jumper for the first time after his first training session with his new club. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

Tiger Time

FINALLY, the wait is over. Richmond's long-suffering army of fans will see September action this year. The signatures of Troy Chaplin and Chris Knights, the natural progression of their throng of talented youth and the return of Ty Vickery and a fair fixture means there are no excuses this year. Richmond threw away its top-eight hopes with a trio of consecutive last-gasp defeats last year and botched several chances early to topple finals-bound sides. Maturity should eradicate such brain fades and there will be enough chances to post the 13 wins needed to play in September.

Richmond's Brett Deledio, right, celebrates a goal with Dustin Martin in the Tigers' demolition job on Hawthorn at the MCG. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: AdelaideNow

FOUR BOLD PREDICTIONS

Saints to have their worst season since 2002

ST KILDA is the slider of 2013. The Saints won 12 games under Scott Watters last year but it's hard to see them replicating that feat, and they could have their worst season since the Malcolm Blight debacle a decade ago. Brendon Goddard is gone and the likes of Lenny Hayes, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna, Nick Dal Santo, and co aren't getting any younger. The gulf in the Saints list is similar to the Dogs, who were exposed in 2012 for that reason. The fixture looks OK, so that should help secure a handful of wins, but it could be a while until the core group of talented teenagers the Saints are starting to assemble clicks. Tom Lee and Tom Hickey are raw but come with high hopes, and while the Saints are on the right track long term, you just get the feeling there could be a stack of pain to bear first.

A dejected looking Saints side leaves the ground after losing the round seven AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and the Carlton Blues at Etihad Stadium on May 9, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

James Hird's honeymoon will expire

IT'S time for James Hird to deliver. He's entering his third year with a 50-50 win-loss ratio and one embarrassing finals appearance. The Dons fell off the map last season as injuries mounted to monumental levels. But the Round 10 loss to Melbourne and the showings against Richmond, a depleted North Melbourne and Carlton late in the season were sub-standard. With Brendon Goddard onboard, a fit list and the Brownlow medallist (Jobe Watson) leading the way, the Dons must march into the top eight. If not expect Hird to feel some heat for the first time in the coaching chair. Essendon can't afford to peter out like it has in the second half of the past two seasons.

Essendon coach James Hird talks with Mark McVeigh. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Dylan Shiel the next big thing

NAT Fyfe is too obvious, Joe Daniher isn't ready and Lachie Whitfield is too young and raw. So let's go Dylan Shiel. Some at the Giants are tipping the strongly-built midfielder to win the club's first Brownlow medal. And while that won't happen this year, Shiel is a special talent and expect that to shine through quickly. He crept onto GWS's list in subtle fashion – secured as one of the 17-year-old priority selections sans the fanfare that accompanies a prized draft ranking. Shiel's TAC Cup coach, Graeme Yeats, said at the time Shiel could have gone No. 1 if he wasn't seized a year early. This is a powerful midfielder with pace and excellent skills. Some scouts say he is the next Chris Judd in the making. If he stays fit in 2013, keep an eye on him. You won't be disappointed.

Carlton vs GWS at Etihad Stadium. Dylan Shiel clears from defence Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Giants to leapfrog the Suns

THIS is a long-shot, but with a friendly draw and a slice of luck (and no second-year blues), it's a red-hot chance. It's early, but it looks the Giants have the Suns beat in their handpicked array of 17-year-olds. Names like Jeremy Cameron, Adam Treloar and Dylan Shiel have serious potential. Shiel's been mentioned already, Treloar is one of the finest teenage playmakers in the land, while Wayne Carey reckons Cameron could wind up the best forward in the game. Compare that to Gold Coast's dozen, including Taylor Hine, Josh Toy and Alex Keath (who have all departed), and it smacks of a nice, early boost. It's a free hit for the Giants this year… they're expected to claim a second wooden spoon before Leon Cameron steps in. Pinch a win against the Suns, Dogs, Dees and Port and avoid the bottom rung and it's a big win. And if they do, Guy McKenna must be under the pump. After all, the prez wants a flag by 2015…

GWS stars Tom Scully and Adam Treloar celebrate the Giants emphatic victory over Gold Coast. Picture: Kym Smith Source: The Daily Telegraph

And finally… SuperCoach steals

I CAN'T sign off without some SuperCoach chat and when the competition opens on February 1 (mark that down in your diary) sign up, log in and select Jack Viney. He's cheap ($109,500) and good enough to command a place in your starting side. Viney has been monstering pre-season training and showed in the VFL last year he's ready to mix it with men. Jaeger O'Meara is the other midfield lock, while Ben Jacobs as a defender looks a shrewd selection. I'm loving Pies rookie Sam Dwyer and Swans bargain Tim Membrey as bench options up forward, while he's been hyped before, but it does finally appear as if this is Shaun Higgins' year. The Dogs say he is flying and, not to put the mozz on him, but if his body holds up he'll be in my Round 1 side. Good luck!

Western Bulldogs vs Nth Melbourne an Etihad Stadium. Shaun Higgins fires as a handball as he is tackled by Michael Firrito Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

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Bombers backed for flag

Essendon coach James Hird will have plenty to smile about this year if punters are on the money. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON has been the best backed team in AFL premiership markets with the Bombers firming from $26 into $17.

"As soon as we opened them at $26 there was solid support and obviously with the signing of Brendon Goddard they are well placed to have a big year," TAB's Adam Hamilton said.

Bigger bets placed with the TAB on the Bombers include $500 at $26 and $1250 at $17.

There has also been strong backing for West Coast at the seemingly generous odds of $7.

"We took a $3000 bet on West Coast at $7 for a potential $21,000 collect right after the announcement that they had recruited classy midfielder Cale Morton so plenty of punters are confident they have the list to go to the next level this season," Hamilton said.

One Sportsbet.com.au punter is predicting Geelong can have another big season.

"We took a $10,000 bet on the Cats for the flag at $21 for a potential $210,000 collect," Sportsbet.com.au's Haydn Lane said.

Geelong is now into $18.

Geelong skipper Joel Selwood can sum up his club in one word: evolving. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Coleman Medal

LANCE Franklin has been well backed at $3.25 to win the 2013 Coleman Medal with leading online bookmaker Sportsbet.com.au.

"Buddy had the Coleman at his mercy this year before his assault was ruined by injury, he kicks big bags and we expect the money to continue for him at that price," Sportsbet.com.au's Haydn Lane said.

Adelaide forward Taylor Walker is the $5.50 second favourite ahead of this year's winner Jack Riewoldt, who has opened at $6 alongside Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich.

One punter is confident that Collingwood forward Travis Cloke will have a big year after staying with the Pies.

"One of the first bets we wrote was a $250 wager on Cloke for a potential $4500 collect," Lane said.

Good news for me - Hawthorn superstar Lance Franklin. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

No love for the Saints

ST KILDA has attracted the most money to not make the finals this season.

"Punters are treating the $1.55 on the Saints not playing finals footy as a free kick with bets of $2500 and $1500 on at that price," Centrebet's Michael Felgate said.

The Western Bulldogs are the shortest priced team at just $1.01 not to make the eight with odds not offered for new boys Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney.

"We also have a most losses market and one punter has had a monster crack on Melbourne at $15 with a bet of $5000 for a potential $75,000 collect," Felgate said.

No loss: St Kilda coach Scott Watters insists he is not bothered star utility Brendon Goddard has quit the club. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Brownlow Medal

FOR the first time in AFL betting history there are four players locked at the top of Brownlow medal markets.

"We can't split Gary Ablett, Dane Swan, Trent Cotchin and Jobe Watson all locked at $9 so we are leaving it up to the punters and there has been solid support for all four of them," Hamilton said.

Rising Star Award

MELBOURNE father-son recruit Jack Viney has been the best backed player to win the NAB Rising Star award.

"We opened Viney at $16 and he was heavily backed at that price and is now into $10 and second favourite,"

Gold Coast rookie Jaeger O'Meara remains the $7 favourite with good money for another son of a champion at long odds.

"Barry Mitchell's son Tom has firmed from $35 into $26, he showed plenty of promise last season and has the advantage of a second season in the system," Eskander said.

Melbourne's father-son selection Jack Viney with his dad Todd at the MCG. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

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Geelong's Brian Cook off to school

Brian Cook is going back to school. Picture: Blair Hamish Source: Herald Sun

ONE of the AFL's top club administrators, Geelong chief executive Brian Cook, is going back to school.

Cook will do a six-week advanced management course at Harvard University in Boston early this season.

The Cats have given him their blessing to further his studies after he turned down a lucrative offer to join North Melbourne late last year.

Geelong president Colin Carter said the trip was intended partly to help refresh Cook after turning the Cats into a powerhouse.

Geelong chief executive Brian Cook is involved in his seventh grand final with the Cats Picture: Glenn Ferguson/Geelong Advertiser Source: No Source

"It's a six-week course for very senior executives and the idea is that, considering he has been in the role for 14 years, it is a good time to go away and reflect on the work he has done and get away from the place," Carter said.
"I know he is looking forward to it and we think he will find it quite a refreshing experience.

"There will be 50 to 100 really top-class people from all sorts of walks of life, from business and various industries, and they will all contribute to each other."

It is expected Cook will be overseas throughout April, with senior Geelong staff members to share his role in his absence.

The Cats remain confident they can continue an extraordinary run with a seventh consecutive finals appearance.

They have missed September action only once in the past nine years and accelerated a transition by blooding 10 players at senior level last season.

It was the first time in 32 years a reigning premier played that many debutants.

Carter, who oversaw the introduction of the priority draft pick as an AFL commissioner in 1993, said the Cats wanted to buck the trend of top clubs "bottoming out".

"AFL equalisation, which I was originally a part of, was designed to force us down the ladder, and based on that we should be going gracefully down the bottom - but we don't intend to do that," he said.

Carter said the performance of the team's youngsters in making the elimination final last year was a positive sign the Cats would remain a force.

The club has also bolstered its list by welcoming former Gold Coast onballer Josh Caddy, 20, and two mature-age players, ex-North Melbourne ruckman Hamish McIntosh and defender Jared Rivers from Melbourne.

New Geelong recruit Josh Caddy. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Herald Sun

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Cats turn up the heat

Jimmy Bartel back training at Simonds Stadium. Picture: Peter Ristevski Source: HWT Image Library

GEELONG blew out its festive cobwebs in sweltering conditions at Simonds Stadium yesterday.

As the mercury climbed over 30C by mid-morning, the players sweated their way through a light skills session.

Star midfielder Jimmy Bartel completed some short run-throughs and handballing drills as he recovers from a foot injury.

Daniel Menzel, who had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee after straining it before Christmas, arrived on crutches.

Billie Smedts showed no signs of a nagging hip injury, while ruck recruit Hamish McIntosh was a notable absentee.

Assistant coach Blake Caracella said McIntosh would be ready for Round 1.

"Hamish was a bit sore early on, but before Christmas he was starting to run around and join in training," Caracella said.

"The first NAB Cup game is only six or seven weeks away. There is a program we have set out and we need to complete the modules inside that (to be ready)."

Caracella said Geelong had tweaked its game plan to "stay ahead of the curve" in 2013.

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From the basket to Crows' rookies

New Crows recruits who were former basketballers - Jack Osborn and Tim Klaosen. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

He is standing in the Crows shed with recruiter Hamish Ogilvie and list manager David Noble and being told to kick the football.

But he is a basketballer, not a footballer. He has barely held a football for nine years, let alone tried to kick one.

And this is no half-time heroes session in the backyard with mates.

He is trying to convince Adelaide officials he should be on an AFL list.

It is SANFL grand final day and outside nearly 30,000 people are making their way to AAMI Stadium.

Inside the shed, there are only three people as Klaosen takes a deep breath and lets rip. He is sure it did not auger well when the pair had called him in for a chat.

"At the end they said, 'we've had basketballers out before and said no straight away','' Klaosen recalls of their October 7 meeting.

"But they said, 'we've seen enough in you to invite you back' and I was shocked.''

That bought Klaosen four days until his next examination to practice kicking the footy with his brother.

Again, he passed the test.

Then came the sprint and agility testing, followed by another kicking session under pressure at Lockleys Oval and he was signed.

That is how a Sturt basketballer who had not played football since under-14s even then he lasted only four games before rolling his ankle and giving it away became an Adelaide Crow.

Even his closest mates were stunned.

"They make a bit of fun but they've been good about it,'' Klaosen said. "They say things like 'let's go and play cricket for Australia'.

"Some of my basketball teammates didn't even know it was happening so they were really taken aback.''

Along with Hobart basketballer Jack Osborn, the pair has joined Adelaide as three-year non-registered rookies for the 2013 season.

Osborn at least had a semi-serious football background before spending the past four years playing college basketball in the US.

He played juniors with Kingborough and North Hobart right up until leaving for America, but is yet to play a game of senior football.

The 205cm giant returned to Australia this year but when his NBL deal with the doomed Gold Coast Blaze fell through, his manager Paul Bell raised the possibility of returning to football and opened talks with the Crows.

In late October, Osborn flew from Hobart to Adelaide for an interview and a beep test at Crows headquarters.

Also being interviewed that day was Werribee's Kyle Hartigan, who was subsequently taken by the club in the rookie draft.

"I think it went well that day,'' Osborn said.

"The best thing I knew they liked was that I can jump high and tap the ball.

"My biggest fear was that I would not be fit enough.''

But he has improved rapidly, going from 1360m in his first five-minute run to almost 1500m in a few weeks.

He has also shed 7kg in the past fortnight to tip the scales at 107kg.

Bell, a state league basketball coach, was also the reason Klaosen found himself standing in the Crows shed in October. They had five weeks of pre-season training before finally enjoying the festive season break.

Together, they have done up to three sessions a day of everything from running and weights to yoga, wrestling and even gymnastics to turn themselves into footballers.

"I didn't think we'd be doing gymnastics,'' Klaosen said of his new regime.

According to Klaosen, his footy knowledge is up to speed and his hands are good, but his kick still needs work and, as a right-footer, the rookie is yet to even try kicking with his left foot.

"The development coaches have told me to get the right foot correct first,'' he said.

"I've got to work on kicking accurately over 20-30m that flat, low ball.

"Mine are a bit floaty.''

He rated Scott Thompson and Andy Otten as the best kicks he had seen so far.

At 196cm and 88kg, Klaosen knows he has to put on size but hopes to develop into a tall defender.

His long-term goal is to play an SANFL league game somewhere in the second half of next season.

Klaosen has enjoyed the physical side of training so far but knows the contact work will come soon enough.

"I'll let you know how I'm going in a couple of months,'' he said.

Osborn admitted he was still getting his head around the fact that he had gone from "might give footy a try'' to an AFL list in six weeks.

"It has blown my mind,'' he said.

"I've gone to Centrals in the mini-draft and I'm really excited about going out there and getting involved.

"I've just got to keep working hard and show the coaches and players I belong.

"All my mates have been supportive but they think I'm really lucky as well.

"But a lot don't know how hard I'm working.''

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Bulldogs shift focus at training

Western Bulldogs big man Ayce Cordy at pre-season training at Whitten Oval. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

A MEETING of Western Bulldogs players and staff paved the way for a summer of change at Whitten Oval.

With the club's fadeout in the second half of last season still in the forefront of their minds, the players requested a pre-season regimen full of running and competitive ball work.

Youngster Ayce Cordy, said coach Brendan McCartney, had delivered in spades.

"One thing `Macca' is very good at is when we ask him for things he gets them done," Cordy said.

"At the end of the season we had a big meeting about the biggest areas of improvement we need to find to move our way up the ladder.

"In the second half of the year we dropped off late in games, which was probably the most disappointing thing.

"So we had a big focus on not just running extra - although we have done a bit more running thus far - but also being able to be competitive, especially with hardball gets late in quarters when you're fatigued.

"There's been a shift in the training. We've had a bit of time for team bonding as well.

"There are a lot of young guys that we need to get right with each other and get their chemistry up, so we've had a bit of time for that, which has been spot-on."

Cordy said the change started with the trip to London in November, where the players met new high performance manager Graham Lowe.

The same post-season meeting also addressed on-field expectations for 2013.

Cordy said the club had to improve on last season's poor showing, but the players were realistic in their expectations.

"We're certainly not going to put a ceiling on our heads and say because we finished 15th last year we can only move up to 13th next season," he said.

"It's not going to be like that at all," he said.

"But at the same time, we've been through all the numbers as a playing group and we realise that we were a fair way off the mark in a few different areas and those areas have to improve.

"Realistically we're not going to go from 15th to first in a year, but hopefully in a lot of key performance indicators we can move right up in to the top eight.

"We just want to be a competitive football team that's very hard to play against."

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Williams misses coaching job

Overlooked: Paul Williams found himself as caretaker coach with the Western Bulldogs for three games at the end of the 2011 season. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

PAUL Williams looks set to spend the year out of the AFL coaching world just one season after taking the reins at the Western Bulldogs.

Williams, who took over as Dogs caretaker coach from Rodney Eade for three games at the end of the 2011 season, has failed to win an assistant's job this year.

The 2005 Sydney premiership player was a victim of the Carlton coaching clean-out in September when Blues chiefs cleared the decks for new boss Mick Malthouse.

Assistants Gavin Brown and Matthew Capuano stayed, but Alan Richardson (now at Port Adelaide), Mark Riley (Gold Coast) and Williams, were moved on.

Williams, 39, was midfield coach at the Blues last season. He is believed to be considering teaching this year.

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Statements may damage Dees

The AFL investigation has centred on comments made in a Demons football department meeting run by football operations manager Chris Connolly, pictured with Dean Bailey, allegedly reminding staff about the importance of the extra draft pick. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

FIGURES connected to the Melbourne tanking investigation have been told up to a dozen people have "rolled over" about how the club has managed past lists.

The statements potentially incriminate Demons administrators amid growing fears the club and individuals could face serious league sanctions.

Club leaders are examining evidence gained from the AFL's five-month inquiry into its controversial 2009 season.

The AFL has demanded an official response from the club before it decides if charges will be laid.

Current and former Dees officials questioned by AFL investigators were warned their future in the game was at risk if they did not co-operate or were found to have provided false information.

The Herald Sun can reveal some of the interviewees were subsequently told as many as 12 people had provided the AFL's investigators with potentially incriminating details about the club's intent throughout the second half of the 2009 campaign.

After the initial interviews, many were recalled for second and third meetings from October to clarify inconsistencies in evidence.

The AFL has stated it expects to make a decision on any charges by the end of the month.

If guilty, Melbourne could be stripped of draft picks or fined.

But there is a growing belief the AFL would prefer to penalise individuals for wrongdoing.

Melbourne won just four games in 2009 to qualify for a priority draft choice.

The AFL investigation has centred on comments made in a Demons football department meeting run by football operations manager Chris Connolly, allegedly reminding staff about the importance of the extra draft pick.

It is also believed it has inquired about knowledge of a follow-up meeting between former coach Dean Bailey and chief executive Cameron Schwab at Schwab's house.

Unusual tactical moves in the Dees' losses to Sydney (Round 17) and Richmond (Round 18) have been the subject of intense speculation.

It is believed up to 20 people were interviewed by AFL investigators Brett Clothier and Abraham Haddad, including Bailey, Schwab, Connolly, ex-captain James McDonald and current football manager Josh Mahoney.

Others included Scott West, Kelly O'Donnell, Sean Wellman, Mark Williams and ex-recruiting boss Barry Prendergast.

Melbourne has pledged to defend itself against any charges.

Former Melbourne player Brock McLean provoked a formal inquiry into the tactics when he said Blind Freddy could see the club had a strategy to restrict performance.

"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."

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Sam struts a different sash

Changed man: Sam Lonergan wants to repay the faith the Tigers have shown in him. Picture: David Smith Source: Herald Sun

SAM Lonergan had a feeling his papers had been stamped.

But when coach James Hird told him his 79-game Essendon career was over, it hit him like a ton of bricks.

"It was a two-minute meeting with Hirdy and it was pretty much, 'We're not going to go with you going forward'. That was pretty much it," Lonergan said.

"It left me wondering and wanting to know answers. I was very frustrated and there was a sense of being angry towards that decision.

"I was shocked because at the time I believed I still should be in that team, but I'd seen it coming. When I started getting inklings about my future it was frustrating and a bit of a shock to be experiencing that, and at times it was very tough.

"Even now I still probably don't understand why it happened, but that's footy and the way it works. You deal with things to the best of your capabilities and, I guess, do it respectfully rather than losing your cool.

"You've got to move forward and wait for the next door to open up and you attack that with everything you've got."

The door opened to a rookie list spot at Punt Rd.

But the midfielder's path to Richmond was far from cut and dried. He met the Tigers within days of being delisted, but then heard nothing for three weeks.

"I spent a good month doing my own pre-season," Lonergan, 25, said.

"It was different because there are moments when you have flat days, where you're not feeling great, or you're not as enthusiastic to train.

"Of course that happens in the regular AFL environment, but when you're in a large group ... other guys bring you up.

"But in saying that, I was really happy with the month that I had by myself. I felt I'd trained extremely hard and probably did more than I needed to do just to try and ease my mind on if I was falling behind or going along the same as AFL clubs."

Unsure about the future and with no income, Lonergan, along with former Bombers teammate Ricky Dyson, took to construction work.

Then a week before the December pre-season and rookie drafts, the Tigers got back in touch.

"They said they hadn't gone anywhere. They'd just kept it quiet and laid low. Then on the day I got a phone call about 20 minutes before the draft, saying, 'We're going to take you'.

"Richmond has done very well through the trading and drafting period. I've been very impressed with the character that they've brought to the club, along with the character that's already at the club.

"In terms of opportunity, for me it's not my No.1 goal at this stage to be looking at that sort of stuff.

"I really just want to get myself in absolute peak physical shape. Performances will come after that and whatever happens happens."

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Bock puts year from hell behind him

Nathan Bock just wants to get on with season 2013 as he endeavours to put last year's horror movie behind him. Picture: Adam Head Source: The Courier-Mail

GOLD Coast vice-captain Nathan Bock says 2012 was the toughest year he's had in footy.

It started with a two-week suspension stemming from a betting scandal the year before, then a broken leg and the jailing of his mother, Michelle, for drug trafficking, wrecked his season on and off the field.

"I'm happy to put this year in the back of the mind and concentrate on 2013," the 29-year-old Bock said.

"(2012) was obviously pretty draining and it was frustrating at the start of the season to miss those two games because of the suspension. Then I felt like it took me a few weeks to get into form and the game I really felt the best was the one against Fremantle when I ended up breaking my leg.

"Then obviously the stuff with Mum had been dragging on ... the year was mentally quite challenging and physically very challenging."

Bock, a month ahead of schedule in his rehab, resumed running last month.

"Initially I hadn't planned to start running until about Christmas but I've been running for about four or five weeks now," he said.

The former Crow holds hope of striding out on to Metricon Stadium in the Suns' season opener against St Kilda on March 30.

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Sun shines bright for Bock

Gold Coast Suns defender Nathan Bock participates in a light pool session with his teammates. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GOLD Coast vice-captain Nathan Bock has opened up about his year from hell, after waving 2012 away with a sense of relief.

Plenty of people welcomed in the new year with a sense of excitement last night but none more than Bock, who declared 2012 the toughest year he's had in footy.

It started with a two-week suspension stemming from a betting scandal the year before but the worst was yet to come as a broken leg and the jailing of his mother, Michelle Joy Bock, for drug trafficking, wrecked his season on and off the field.

The 29-year-old was candid about his year from hell, conceding the off-field issues with his mother took their toll.

"I'm happy to put this year in the back of the mind and concentrate on 2013,'' Bock said. "It was obviously pretty draining and it was frustrating at the start of the season to miss those two games because of the suspension.

"Then I felt like it took me a few weeks to get into form and the game I really felt the best was the one against Fremantle when I ended up breaking my leg.

"Then obviously the stuff with mum had been dragging on for a little while as well and the year was mentally quite challenging and physically very challenging.

"It was probably the toughest year I've had in footy.''

The former Crows defender is looking on the bright side though and believes his leg injury may even help extend his AFL career.

"That's one thought Bluey (Guy McKenna) has and it would be nice to play for as long as I possibly could,'' Bock said.

"I suppose you've got to look at all the positives and (the time I spent out) most of last season potentially could be put on the end of my career.

"I'll be 30 (this) year and most guys say if you can play until you are 32 or 33 then that is a great result.''

And the early signs in Bock's comeback are positive.

The veteran is a month ahead of schedule in his rehab and even began running last month.

"Initially I hadn't planned to start running until about Christmas but I've been running for about four or five weeks now,'' Bock said.

"Initially it just started with a five-minute jog on the AlterG treadmill, which takes a percentage of your body weight away when you run.

"I was building up on that for a few weeks and then just recently I had a couple of runs outside.

"But it's only been a few strides and it's still only a very slow jog.''

With his progress in mind, Bock is hopeful of joining the Suns' main training group by mid-February.

And the versatile tall still holds hope of striding out on to  Metricon Stadium in the Suns' season opener against St Kilda on March 30.

"I saw the surgeon just before Christmas and he was happy with the progress we're making,'' Bock added.

"I would like to think Round 1 is a realistic possibility but we will just have to play it by ear.

"You have a bit of a time frame to when you are back training at full intensity with injuries like an ACL.

"But this injury is a lot different and it just depends on how it feels and how it is progressing.''

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Suns gun awaits his fate

Harley Bennell during a Gold Coast Suns recovery session at Kurrawa beach, Broadbeach. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GOLD Coast youngster Harley Bennell has saved himself from a severe club penalty after a night out with friends in Western Australia turned ugly.

Bennell was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and failure to obey an order given by a police officer after a large New Year's melee in his hometown of Mandurah, south of Perth.

He will front court on January 15.

The Suns will convene a meeting of the senior administrators and leadership group to determine if Bennell will get a club sanction once he has faced court.

However, the blow for officials has been softened by a phone call Bennell made to Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft, who is holidaying in Hawaii.

Bennell immediately alerted Ashcroft to the incident and issued an apology for his actions.

Twelve months ago, the former No.2 draft pick would have switched his phone off and gone to ground.

The last time he found himself in a minor spot of trouble back in Perth, when he was present at the scene of a misdemeanour, he did not contact the club and when they tracked him down he only released details that had already been made public.

But this time he has been in regular contact with Ashcroft and other administrators and the Suns are confident he provided full disclosure of events.

The 20-year-old was with friends when a series of fights broke out when nightclubs shut, sending hundreds of revellers into the nearby Smart St mall, where police were called at around 2.15am.

Bennell was arrested and taken to Mandurah police station, where he was charged and released on bail.
The Suns released a brief statement confirming the incident.

"As this is a police matter the club is not in a position to make further comment," the statement said.

Friends of the footballer said he had been trying to break up the fight.

Bennell has played 36 matches for the Suns since being recruited from Perth club Peel Thunder in the 2010 national draft.

He is the second WA-bred player to get into trouble at home during the off-season break.

Young Collingwood midfielder Marley Williams was charged with assault after an incident in Albany last week that left a man with a broken jaw.

- with Stivan Pucar

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One Dawes closes, another opens

New drive: Demons recruit Chris Dawes hammers a drive down the fairway at the Portsea pro-am yesterday. Picture: Mark Dadswell Source: Herald Sun

CHRIS Dawes is embracing his new life at Melbourne, but admits he'll miss plenty of his Collingwood teammates.

"Especially given that 18 of them are premiership teammates," Dawes said.

"But I suppose the nice thing is at least I did achieve that (a flag ) there so I don't have that sense of unfinished business quite so much. With those blokes I played in a flag with, there's a handful I will remain close friends with."

Dawes said he was enjoying the youthful Demons.

"I've just been riding that wave of excitement really," Dawes said.

Gallery: Portsea pro-am

"When you get to a new club, you need to earn the respect of your teammates as quickly as possible and I've been trying to do that as best I can."

Dawes played famous golf course Pebble Beach in California during his holidays, a gift from his partner, Paige, and yesterday teed off in Portsea.

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Dees wait to face music

Melbourne forward Jeremy Howe drinks a beer at the MCG on Boxing Day before being asked to leave by security staff. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Former Melbourne player Jared Rivers (white t-shirt and sunglasses), who is now with Geelong, has to be restrained after being told to leave by security and the police. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

Richmond player Ricky Petterd is photographed throwing an empty plastic cup while at the MCG for the Boxing Day Test. Source: Herald Sun

Dom Barry leads James Magner and Tom Couch. Picture: Ian Currie Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE players asked to leave the Boxing Day test last week will face the Demons' coaching staff next week.

The Dees' first and second-year players returned to training this morning after some time off for Christmas.

But the trio who spent a boozy day in the rowdy Bay 13 section of the MCG - James Frawley, Lynden Dunn and rising star Jeremy Howe - will return to training on Monday.

The three Dees drew the attention of security and were asked to leave the ground after clashing with fellow spectators.

They attended the first day of the second test against Sri Lanka with former teammates Geelong's Jared Rivers and new Tiger Ricky Petterd.

Rivers and Petterd were also photographed in ugly exchanges with fans.

Frawley, one of Melbourne's best players, is a part of the club's leadership group.

It is unknown if the Dees football chiefs will penalise the players.

The Demons are in the process of responding to the AFL's tanking investigation.

Pic gallery: Holiday over for Demons
 

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2013 AFL predictions

If Andrew Carrazzo can combine father duties of his triplets with leadership, he could be the next Carlton captain. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

THE NAB Cup is just 43 days away and we're into the New Year. Time to shelve the countdowns and look to the future as we make 12 bold predictions about the 2013 AFL season.

We've broken them down into three categories - those likely to happen, those which could happen and a few longer shots. And yes, there's even some SuperCoach advice at the end.

Did Sam Landsberger get it right? Have your say below

FOUR LIKELY PREDICTIONS

House of Pain to return

WILL we see a visiting side sing the song at Patersons Stadium this year? Doubt it. Rewind just three years and 11 out of 21 times clubs boarded planes out of Perth with the four points in the bag. Not anymore. West Coast effectively boasts Jamie Cripps, Sharrod Wellingham, Mark LeCras, Mark Nicoski and Josh Kennedy as new recruits, while the Dockers finished 2012 full of steam with Ross Lyon's defensive mechanisms coming to the fore. Barring catastrophe, most experts say you can just about pencil the Eagles in as a top-four outfit and the Dockers aren't far behind. If that's the case we may as well cross out PS and scribble HoP on our 2013 fixtures.

Sides to cop two trips to Perth: Essendon, Richmond, North Melbourne, Adelaide

North Melbourne failed to live up to its big expectations against an undermanned West Coast at Patersons Stadium. Source: Getty Images

Match review panel to frustrate

MARK Twain got it wrong; the three certainties in life are death, taxes and inconsistency by the match review panel. One issue you can bank on surfacing this year again is the frustration fans, players and clubs will share at some decisions handed down.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 13: Jack Ziebell of the Kangaroos shoulder charges Aaron Joseph of the Blues during the AFL Rd 16 game between North Melbourne and Carlton at Etihad Stadium on July 13, 2012 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images) Source: Herald Sun

Buddy Franklin's contract circus

BUDDY Franklin could become the Travis Cloke of 2013. The megastar Hawthorn forward is out of contract and certain to field a mountain of interest. There is little doubt Franklin will stay at the Hawks, but until he puts pen to paper, expect every meeting manager Liam Pickering holds to spark public interest. Pickering has already gone on record as saying Franklin won't leave Hawthorn, but the onus is now on both parties to get the deal done before it creates a circus. Hopefully for Hawthorn's sake that comes before Round 1, when it will be desperate to break the Kennett curse.

Lance Franklin kicks a goal for Hawthorn. Source: Herald Sun

Mick's baptism of fire

MICK Malthouse was quick to question Nathan Buckley's game plan after Collingwood's 1-2 start last year, and it looks like he could have some similar criticism fired his way early this year. The Blues' opening month reads Richmond, Collingwood, Geelong and West Coast in Perth. Yuck. Should Carlton go down to the bullish Tiger army in Round 1 it will be a hellish start for Mick. And it took half the season last year for Fremantle to click under Ross Lyon. How quickly can the Blues adapt to Mick's style?

Mick Malthouse,Carlton coach, Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

FOUR PROBABLE PREDICTIONS

Carrazzo to captain Carlton

IF the bookies framed a market you'd suspect Marc Murphy would be favourite to take over from Chris Judd. But the way it's shaping, the man known as "Carrots" will lead the old, dark navy Blues this season. And while that would shock most, internally Carrazzo is held in high regard for his natural leadership despite his low profile. The Blues won't make a call until after the NAB Cup, where Carrazzo, Murphy and Kade Simpson will be given chances to excel in the role, but the mail as it stands is the 29-year-old is in pole, assuming he can couple the role with father duties to his triplets. And Mick Malthouse has never been one to simply appoint a superstar player as skipper, electing Nick Maxwell at the Pies and John Worsfold in his West Coast days.

Andrew Carrazzo at Carlton training. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Rotation policy to creep into footy

CRICKET Australia copped heat for its controversial rotation policy, but is this the year it really takes off in the AFL? High performance managers and conditioning coaches are booming right now, with several poached from rival clubs at the end of last season. Couple that with the substitute rule, more irrelevant matches than ever before and the likelihood of an interchange cap in 2014 and the rotation policy is seemingly on an upward trend. A glance at the average age of rookie draftees shows clubs now have replacements on their mind – expect Ben Hudson to pull on the black and white stripes when Darren Jolly gets sore and perhaps the same for Orren Stephenson at Richmond should big Ivan Maric need a spell. Chris Scott kept his Cats fresh in shrewd fashion in 2011 on their way to another flag, while expect an array of superstars to give the trip to Skoda Stadium a miss this year with "general soreness".

The Sydney Swans bench looks on during an AFL match against Melbourne. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Advertiser

Kurt Tippett will fire from the get-go

MOVING the hysteria of the salary-cap rorting and draft-tampering scandals to one side for a moment and focus on Kurt Tippett's preliminary final. Big stage. Big crowd. Big four-goal performance. The man did everything but drag the Crows into an unlikely Grand Final and will straighten up Sydney's forward line with aplomb. Tippett cost the Swans zilch, turns 26 in May and is ready to come into his prime. Slot him next to a developing Sam Reid, Adam Goodes and let draftee Tim Membrey lead up the ground and it could be a devastating forward mix for the premiers. It won't take long for us to remember just why Adelaide tried so hard to keep him. Hard to believe names such as Mitchell Thorp, James Sellar, Daniel O'Keefe, Tom Hislop, Brad Howard and Nathan Djerrkura were plucked before Tippett in the 2006 draft.

Former Adelaide Crow Kurt Tippett in a Sydney Swans jumper for the first time after his first training session with his new club. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

Tiger Time

FINALLY, the wait is over. Richmond's long-suffering army of fans will see September action this year. The signatures of Troy Chaplin and Chris Knights, the natural progression of their throng of talented youth and the return of Ty Vickery and a fair fixture means there are no excuses this year. Richmond threw away its top-eight hopes with a trio of consecutive last-gasp defeats last year and botched several chances early to topple finals-bound sides. Maturity should eradicate such brain fades and there will be enough chances to post the 13 wins needed to play in September.

Richmond's Brett Deledio, right, celebrates a goal with Dustin Martin in the Tigers' demolition job on Hawthorn at the MCG. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: AdelaideNow

FOUR BOLD PREDICTIONS

Saints to have their worst season since 2002

ST KILDA is the slider of 2013. The Saints won 12 games under Scott Watters last year but it's hard to see them replicating that feat, and they could have their worst season since the Malcolm Blight debacle a decade ago. Brendon Goddard is gone and the likes of Lenny Hayes, Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna, Nick Dal Santo, and co aren't getting any younger. The gulf in the Saints list is similar to the Dogs, who were exposed in 2012 for that reason. The fixture looks OK, so that should help secure a handful of wins, but it could be a while until the core group of talented teenagers the Saints are starting to assemble clicks. Tom Lee and Tom Hickey are raw but come with high hopes, and while the Saints are on the right track long term, you just get the feeling there could be a stack of pain to bear first.

A dejected looking Saints side leaves the ground after losing the round seven AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and the Carlton Blues at Etihad Stadium on May 9, 2011 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

James Hird's honeymoon will expire

IT'S time for James Hird to deliver. He's entering his third year with a 50-50 win-loss ratio and one embarrassing finals appearance. The Dons fell off the map last season as injuries mounted to monumental levels. But the Round 10 loss to Melbourne and the showings against Richmond, a depleted North Melbourne and Carlton late in the season were sub-standard. With Brendon Goddard onboard, a fit list and the Brownlow medallist (Jobe Watson) leading the way, the Dons must march into the top eight. If not expect Hird to feel some heat for the first time in the coaching chair. Essendon can't afford to peter out like it has in the second half of the past two seasons.

Essendon coach James Hird talks with Mark McVeigh. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Dylan Shiel the next big thing

NAT Fyfe is too obvious, Joe Daniher isn't ready and Lachie Whitfield is too young and raw. So let's go Dylan Shiel. Some at the Giants are tipping the strongly-built midfielder to win the club's first Brownlow medal. And while that won't happen this year, Shiel is a special talent and expect that to shine through quickly. He crept onto GWS's list in subtle fashion – secured as one of the 17-year-old priority selections sans the fanfare that accompanies a prized draft ranking. Shiel's TAC Cup coach, Graeme Yeats, said at the time Shiel could have gone No. 1 if he wasn't seized a year early. This is a powerful midfielder with pace and excellent skills. Some scouts say he is the next Chris Judd in the making. If he stays fit in 2013, keep an eye on him. You won't be disappointed.

Carlton vs GWS at Etihad Stadium. Dylan Shiel clears from defence Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Giants to leapfrog the Suns

THIS is a long-shot, but with a friendly draw and a slice of luck (and no second-year blues), it's a red-hot chance. It's early, but it looks the Giants have the Suns beat in their handpicked array of 17-year-olds. Names like Jeremy Cameron, Adam Treloar and Dylan Shiel have serious potential. Shiel's been mentioned already, Treloar is one of the finest teenage playmakers in the land, while Wayne Carey reckons Cameron could wind up the best forward in the game. Compare that to Gold Coast's dozen, including Taylor Hine, Josh Toy and Alex Keath (who have all departed), and it smacks of a nice, early boost. It's a free hit for the Giants this year… they're expected to claim a second wooden spoon before Leon Cameron steps in. Pinch a win against the Suns, Dogs, Dees and Port and avoid the bottom rung and it's a big win. And if they do, Guy McKenna must be under the pump. After all, the prez wants a flag by 2015…

GWS stars Tom Scully and Adam Treloar celebrate the Giants emphatic victory over Gold Coast. Picture: Kym Smith Source: The Daily Telegraph

And finally… SuperCoach steals

I CAN'T sign off without some SuperCoach chat and when the competition opens on February 1 (mark that down in your diary) sign up, log in and select Jack Viney. He's cheap ($109,500) and good enough to command a place in your starting side. Viney has been monstering pre-season training and showed in the VFL last year he's ready to mix it with men. Jaeger O'Meara is the other midfield lock, while Ben Jacobs as a defender looks a shrewd selection. I'm loving Pies rookie Sam Dwyer and Swans bargain Tim Membrey as bench options up forward, while he's been hyped before, but it does finally appear as if this is Shaun Higgins' year. The Dogs say he is flying and, not to put the mozz on him, but if his body holds up he'll be in my Round 1 side. Good luck!

Western Bulldogs vs Nth Melbourne an Etihad Stadium. Shaun Higgins fires as a handball as he is tackled by Michael Firrito Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

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Rocca the mask avenger

Former Collingwood player turned NFL punter Saverio Rocca has played his part in helping the Washington Redskins make the playoffs.

Washington Redskins punter Sav Rocca stops Dallas Cowboys' punt returner Dwayne Harris in his tracks. Source: AP

SAV Rocca would have the AFL's match review panel working overtime if he tried this touchdown-saving tackle in his former career.

Rocca today helped his Washington Redskins claim the final NFC playoff spot with a 28-18 win against the Dallas Cowboys.

With minutes to go victory was in the bag, but that didn't dim the competitive instincts of one of Aussie rules' most successful exports.

After sending a punt 43 yards late in the fourth quarter, Rocca watched as Cowboys punt returner Dwayne Harris stepped past his Redskins teammates and headed for the end zone.

Rocca brushed his opponent aside and launched himself at the charging Harris - employing a tactic he never got to try in 257 AFL games with Collingwood and North Melbourne.

Not content with simply pushing Harris out of bounds, Rocca grabbed the facemask of the Cowboy's helmet and slung him to the turf.

WATCH ROCCA'S TACKLE IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE

The tackle cost the Redskins a 15-yard penalty - and Rocca might face a fine on top of that - but his coaches wouldn't have been complaining.

The Aussie finished the match with four punts at an average of 25.8 yards.

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Sun shines bright for Bock

Gold Coast Suns defender Nathan Bock participates in a light pool session with his teammates. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GOLD Coast vice-captain Nathan Bock has opened up about his year from hell, after waving 2012 away with a sense of relief.

Plenty of people welcomed in the new year with a sense of excitement last night but none more than Bock, who declared 2012 the toughest year he's had in footy.

It started with a two-week suspension stemming from a betting scandal the year before but the worst was yet to come as a broken leg and the jailing of his mother, Michelle Joy Bock, for drug trafficking, wrecked his season on and off the field.

The 29-year-old was candid about his year from hell, conceding the off-field issues with his mother took their toll.

"I'm happy to put this year in the back of the mind and concentrate on 2013,'' Bock said. "It was obviously pretty draining and it was frustrating at the start of the season to miss those two games because of the suspension.

"Then I felt like it took me a few weeks to get into form and the game I really felt the best was the one against Fremantle when I ended up breaking my leg.

"Then obviously the stuff with mum had been dragging on for a little while as well and the year was mentally quite challenging and physically very challenging.

"It was probably the toughest year I've had in footy.''

The former Crows defender is looking on the bright side though and believes his leg injury may even help extend his AFL career.

"That's one thought Bluey (Guy McKenna) has and it would be nice to play for as long as I possibly could,'' Bock said.

"I suppose you've got to look at all the positives and (the time I spent out) most of last season potentially could be put on the end of my career.

"I'll be 30 (this) year and most guys say if you can play until you are 32 or 33 then that is a great result.''

And the early signs in Bock's comeback are positive.

The veteran is a month ahead of schedule in his rehab and even began running last month.

"Initially I hadn't planned to start running until about Christmas but I've been running for about four or five weeks now,'' Bock said.

"Initially it just started with a five-minute jog on the AlterG treadmill, which takes a percentage of your body weight away when you run.

"I was building up on that for a few weeks and then just recently I had a couple of runs outside.

"But it's only been a few strides and it's still only a very slow jog.''

With his progress in mind, Bock is hopeful of joining the Suns' main training group by mid-February.

And the versatile tall still holds hope of striding out on to  Metricon Stadium in the Suns' season opener against St Kilda on March 30.

"I saw the surgeon just before Christmas and he was happy with the progress we're making,'' Bock added.

"I would like to think Round 1 is a realistic possibility but we will just have to play it by ear.

"You have a bit of a time frame to when you are back training at full intensity with injuries like an ACL.

"But this injury is a lot different and it just depends on how it feels and how it is progressing.''

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Hudson key to Pies' plan

Recruit Ben Hudson at Collingwood training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Collingwood skipper Nick Maxwell says the Pies are close to a premiership. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Nick Maxwell runs laps during Collingwood pre-season training at Gosch's Paddock. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD captain Nick Maxwell says Ben Hudson's recruitment emphasises the importance of fellow ruckman Darren Jolly to the club's premiership chances.

Maxwell said the off-season influx of senior players - Hudson, Quinten Lynch, Clinton Young and Jordan Russell - indicated the Pies thought they were close to a flag.

He said Hudson could be the most important recruit of the lot as support for 31-year-old Jolly.

"Obviously, Jols has been outstanding for us since he came to the club, but we've got to be careful about how we manage his loads and how much we ask him to do because he's done a lot of ruckwork, the majority of it by himself, since he's come to the club," Maxwell said.

"We've got to make sure we manage him and so Huddo is a good back-up for us and also a good guy to have teach our younger players.

"Quinten Lynch will do some ruckwork, but then guys like Jarrod Witts, who we expect big things from this year, is going to hopefully step up and keep developing.

"With him and young Brodie Grundy, we think that those guys are going to work well with Huddo in the VFL and he'll really help them to develop."

When clubs top up with experience, public opinion often suggests the club thinks it is close to fielding a premiership team. Maxwell said that was a fair assessment of the Pies.

"Absolutely, we definitely think we're close," he said.

"We finished fourth last year and we didn't play very well all year.

"We lost ... guys to long-term injuries during the year and those guys can't be replaced. Luke Ball, Brent Macaffer, Andrew Krakouer, Ben Johnson and Lachie Keeffe, all those guys are going to come in and basically be like new recruits for us."

Maxwell said he was confident Lynch, Young and Russell could make an impact.

"We wanted to bring in guys who could fulfil a need for us as a club," he said.

"Quinten can play forward and do a bit of ruckwork, but we also know he's a different player to what Trav (Cloke) is, so he's a different fellow to have down there. Clinton Young we rated very highly."

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Nowhere to hide for Woods

Dale Thomas and Tyson Goldsack box at Gosch's Paddock. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

IF THE handful of Collingwood players who did not make the training trip to Utah thought they could escape a fortnight of hard work, they were mistaken.

Nick Maxwell and Alan Didak stayed home for the birth of their children; Alan Toovey was recovering from a wrist injury; and Dale Thomas and Tyson Goldsack were on the way back from ankle surgery.

The quintet were joined by four players selected in the rookie draft.

"There's almost one coach to every player so there's nowhere to hide for anyone ... it's been a pretty good training block," Maxwell said.

He said it hadn't been tough to stay disciplined at training.

"If you're working amongst 40 guys it's easier to hide," the 29-year-old said.

"But the way we've been working has been good and from all the reports coming back they've been really happy with how the boys were training in Utah as well." 

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Suns gun awaits his fate

Harley Bennell during a Gold Coast Suns recovery session at Kurrawa beach, Broadbeach. Picture: Brendan Radke Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

GOLD Coast youngster Harley Bennell has saved himself from a severe club penalty after a night out with friends in Western Australia turned ugly.

Bennell was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct and failure to obey an order given by a police officer after a large New Year's melee in his hometown of Mandurah, south of Perth.

He will front court on January 15.

The Suns will convene a meeting of the senior administrators and leadership group to determine if Bennell will get a club sanction once he has faced court.

However, the blow for officials has been softened by a phone call Bennell made to Suns football manager Marcus Ashcroft, who is holidaying in Hawaii.

Bennell immediately alerted Ashcroft to the incident and issued an apology for his actions.

Twelve months ago, the former No.2 draft pick would have switched his phone off and gone to ground.

The last time he found himself in a minor spot of trouble back in Perth, when he was present at the scene of a misdemeanour, he did not contact the club and when they tracked him down he only released details that had already been made public.

But this time he has been in regular contact with Ashcroft and other administrators and the Suns are confident he provided full disclosure of events.

The 20-year-old was with friends when a series of fights broke out when nightclubs shut, sending hundreds of revellers into the nearby Smart St mall, where police were called at around 2.15am.

Bennell was arrested and taken to Mandurah police station, where he was charged and released on bail.
The Suns released a brief statement confirming the incident.

"As this is a police matter the club is not in a position to make further comment," the statement said.

Friends of the footballer said he had been trying to break up the fight.

Bennell has played 36 matches for the Suns since being recruited from Perth club Peel Thunder in the 2010 national draft.

He is the second WA-bred player to get into trouble at home during the off-season break.

Young Collingwood midfielder Marley Williams was charged with assault after an incident in Albany last week that left a man with a broken jaw.

- with Stivan Pucar

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