My fight with deadly virus: Cassisi

Former Power captain Dom Cassisi with daughter Eva. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: Sunday Mail (SA)

THE illness hit Dom Cassisi like a sledgehammer.

One day he was looking forward to a break in pre-season training and spending a second Christmas with his 18-month-old daughter, Eva.

The next he was struggling to get out of bed and felt like he had been through 10 rounds with Muhammad Ali.

"It was the worst pain I had ever experienced," said the former Port Adelaide skipper, breaking his silence on his secret pre-Christmas battle with the life-threatening viral meningitis.

"The headaches were crippling, they were so bad they felt like concussions.

"They came one after another and were almost unbearable. There's no doubt I was pretty sick there for a while."

Twelve-year Power veteran Cassisi said what began as a mild fever and he thought was the start of the flu saw him quickly deteriorate and within two days he was rushed to the emergency department at Wakefield Hospital.

"I went home from training because I was a bit feverish and then all of a sudden I got these really bad headaches," he recalled.

"They would last for about half an hour and then clear and then come back again, so I was pretty much bedridden.

Port Adelaide's Dom Cassisi in action against Fremantle Dockers last year. Picture: Sarah Reed.

"I was waiting for the headaches to go away but they just wouldn't.

"In bright light the pain became so unbearable I would almost pass out and become incoherent.

"It was a pretty worrying time for me and my wife (Maiya)."

Power club doctor Mark Fisher, who had been visiting Cassisi at home to monitor his health, decided he couldn't wait any longer and sent the 30-year-old to hospital.

Fearing he had been struck down by meningitis, a disease which causes inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, and is classified as a medical emergency, doctors immediately put him on an intravenous drip.

I've never experienced anything like it ... the virus knocked me out for a month

He was administered antibiotics and given a lumbar puncture to drain fluid out of his spine.

Tests were undertaken on the fluid to determine whether Cassisi had viral meningitis or the more serious bacterial meningitis.

Fortunately it was the former.

But Cassisi was still violently ill.

He spent four days in hospital recovering and estimates he lost at least 6kg in weight before being released on Christmas morning so he could spend the day with his family.

"I still wasn't feeling great so I couldn't eat much for lunch," Cassisi said.

"But I was just over the moon to be back at home with Maiya and my little one on such a special day."

Cassisi said it took another two to three weeks and "a few more bad headaches" before he felt "fully well".

"I've never experienced anything like it," he said.

"Overall the virus probably knocked me out for about a month. It was a tough time and certainly a worrying one, especially for Maiya."

Once he recovered, Cassisi hit the gym to try to stack his weight back on.

Then once he returned to training he pinged a calf muscle which kept him out of the opening round of the NAB Cup.

"I injured myself pretty much at my first session back, so I think the fact I had missed a few weeks of training was the reason that happened," Cassisi said.

"It's a little bit of a setback but I'm feeling pretty good now and can't wait to get back out there with the boys again.

"But at this stage of the year I won't rush back. I need to make sure I get a full four-week block of solid training in before I play a game.

"This is a big year for me and the club so I don't want any more hiccups before Round 1."

andrew.capel@news.com.au

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Shocking trip north for Hawks

Hawthorn forward Paul Puopolo writhes in pain after landing awkwardly on his left knee. Picture: David Clark Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson says the Hawks have no concerns from the opening round of the NAB Cup despite a knee injury to Paul Puopolo, Lance Franklin's indifferent outing and the Hawks' twin losses to Brisbane and the Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium last night.

The Hawks suffered a one-point loss to the Suns in the opening match of the night while the Lions roared past last year's grand finalists in the second match to claim a 21-point victory in steamy conditions to end Hawthorn's chances of claiming the pre-season silverware.

Puopolo crashed to the turf late in the loss to the Suns and clutched his knee, sending a scare through the Hawks' camp.

He received urgent medical attention and eventually hobbled off the field.

Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

Meanwhile, apart from one nice touch to set-up a goal for Sam Grimley in the first game, Franklin had a forgettable start to 2013.
He made high contact with Suns midfielder Matt Shaw midway through the second half and struggled to make a mark on either contest.

The impact with Shaw was relatively minimal but the incident could draw the attention of the AFL match review panel tomorrow given the crackdown on any contact with the head.

Clarkson was not stressed by anything he saw last night.

"I think he (Puopolo) is OK. He's walking around, so he'll be OK," he said.

"We get gametime for our players, that's the most critical thing.

"We were pretty competitive for three quarters and then the heat probably drained a bit out of us the last quarter.

"Brisbane ran over the top of us a bit. They had more legs ... but we'd been out there in pretty stifling conditions for three quarters prior to that.

"We gave exposure to a lot of younger players on our list tonight and they'll really benefit from that."

Clarkson claimed to have missed spotting the Franklin-Shaw incident.

"I didn't see. So I couldn't tell you," he said.

He said the humid conditions were not ideal for Franklin, who finished with five touches and no goals against the Suns.

He was pushed into the midfield against the Lions and had nine touches, two clearances and three inside-50s.

But he could not catch a cold last night, registering two marks across the two games in a generally unhappy night with his hands.

Picture: David Clark Source: Gold Coast Bulletin

He dropped a sitter of a mark deep inside Hawthorn's attacking 50 when scores were level late in the match against the Gold Coast.

"He competed hard, he was a bit scratchy with the ball from time to time. In hindsight we should have brought a mosquito fleet up here because it wasn't a game where it was conducive to tall players," Clarkson said.

"It was nearly like wet weather footy. He had a bit of a run up there (midfield). With the ball so slippery we thought if we could get the ball in his hands at least he can kick it a mile when he gets it."

The Suns got off to a bright start but could not turn their dominance into points.

Hawks forward Luke Breust kicked the first goal of the match but rising Gold Coast star Harley Bennell handed the home side a well-deserved lead with two quickfire goals.

Hawthorn took a slender one-point lead into halftime after Ryan Schoenmakers booted a goal late in the first half after outstanding build-up work from Matt Suckling.

Goals to Suns defender Jarrod Harbrow and ruckman Zac Smith brought the home side roaring back into the contest and scores were level deep inside the second half before Luke Russell registered a point after the siren.

Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett had 13 possessions while Jaeger O'Meara caught the eye with seven disposals.

The contest with Brisbane was a horribly scrappy affair.

The Hawks led 1.3 (9) to 0.3 (3) but were no match for the Daniel Rich and Brent Moloney-inspired Lions in the second half.

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Elliott's hard work pays off

Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott soars high above the pack during the Magpies NAB Cup match against Essendon. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Collingwood small forward Jamie Elliott is looking to make his mark in 2013. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CHASING and laying a tackle on an AFL footballer is hard work.

Doing it 15 times in a match is bloody tough.

But that epitomises Collingwood forward Jamie Elliott.

He's worked harder and done it tougher than most.

When your father dies in your first teenage year, and your brother nearly does when you are 16; when your footy dream looks to have passed you by and you get overlooked in the AFL draft; when you have another crack at the big time but break your collarbone after just a few weeks... it tends to put busting your gut on the footy field into perspective.

JAMIE ELLIOTT was 10 years old and living in Dongara, 370 kilometres north of Perth, when his father Gary was diagnosed with melanoma.

"Dad had driven across to visit family in Queensland and one night he was having a shower and he found a couple of lumps under his arms. He had them checked. It was skin cancer. It was spreading all through his lymph nodes.

"Mum and dad kept it pretty quiet for a while. I knew he was sick but it was only maybe a year or two later that I really found out how sick and began to understand. I can remember there were times when mum would get really upset late at night.''

Jamie was 13 when his father passed away and he struggled to grasp what it all meant.

But just a few short years later he was forced to contemplate mortality once again.

By now his mother Fiona had moved her four children to Victoria to live with their grandmother Dorothy in Euroa.

It was Dorothy who answered the phone and went ashen-faced when the voice on the line told her that Jamie's older bother Matthew had wrapped his car around a tree and was lying in a coma in hospital.

"That was pretty tough. We went to visit him and he was lying there with all these tubes poking out everywhere, from his face and his body. It was something you never want to see,'' Elliott recalled.

"It feels like that was harder to deal with than my father. I was older, maybe 16, and I understood more and thought about it more.''

After a few days the doctor raised the possibility of switching off the life support system. Fiona would not countenance the idea.

Matthew came out of the coma after 25 days but remained in hospital for weeks.

"He's actually really good now. There are a few things he has trouble with, his memory's not the best, but he's my brother and I just love having him around.''

The experience scarred Elliott, though.

"I had to mature quicker than most other blokes,'' he said.

For a long time Elliott would not even entertain the idea of driving a car -- "I feared the worst'' -- so it speaks volumes that he not only overcame the phobia but  this year is contemplating spending his time away from football having lessons so that he might gain a helicopter licence.

OVERCOMING adversity has helped Elliott to tough it out on his football journey, as well.

He was overlooked in the 2010 AFL national draft but returned to play for the Murray Bushrangers as a top-age player.

"There was this realisation after not being picked up as an 18 year old and feeling I hadn't worked hard enough,'' he said.

"The people around me helped me to realise there's a lot of hard work goes into making it as a footy player.''

Early in the 2011 season he was chosen to represent Vic Country, but upon returning from the U18 national championships he broke his collarbone in the Bushrangers' next match.

Rather than curse his luck he sought out a local trainer to help him come back stronger.

Three times a week Elliott would ride to work, then pedal his bike 10 kilometres out of town to the gym for rehabilitation, ride back to work and then head off to footy training.

Collingwood recognised his commitment, selecting him to play in two VFL games that season before securing him later in the year as part of a trade with Greater Western Sydney (in which Elliott, Marty Clarke and pick  67 headed south in exchange for pick 25 to the Giants).

The Pies coaches love what Elliott has brought to their team since.

Attributes like passion, hunger and defensive pressure.

"Billy'', as he is known at the club, strung together 15 games in his debut season and in one of them -- the Round 14 win against Fremantle at the MCG -- he set a club record for the most "defensive indicators'' or DIs.

"You get marks for tackles and one-percenters and that sort of thing,'' Elliott explained.

"It's just a pretty good indicator of your desire for the ball and for helping your teammates.''

In the Dockers game Elliott's score was off the charts.

Forwards coach Matthew Lappin wandered up to him at the three-quarter time huddle and whispered:

"Ten tackles.''

He told the youngster to keep going and he would spring for dinner.

By the final siren Elliott had almost doubled the previous club record for DIs.

"I've got no idea what that was,'' he said with a dismissive wave of his hand. Pressed about the score, a hint of a smile crept over his face before he sheepishly revealed "yeah, it was 70.''

"I never consciously really thought about it in my junior days, but obviously Collingwood takes pride in defensive indicators and that's become a little strength of mine,'' he said proudly.

"Being my size you need it, you need to bring something to the team. You find something to really help you.''

Lappin, who conceded he was yet to make good on the dinner offer, said Elliott had made the most of the opening created by injuries to smaller forwards such as  Andrew Krakouer, Brent Macaffer and Alan Didak.

"We like the defensive elements of his game, but on top of that he's got some genuine offensive elements as well,'' Lappin said.

"And he's working hard to bring that good mix of attack and defence to our forward line.

"As he gets fitter and stronger and can sustain his efforts longer, he's going to become a valuable forward for us.

"He's predominantly a marking forward for us at the moment, and as we saw in the first NAB Cup match he can get off the ground for an overhead grab. But we need him to impact a little more at the drop of the ball.''

Elliott has worked over the summer with development coach Craig McRae, a small forward in three Brisbane premiership teams, on his running patterns and crumbing skills.

Lappin, for one, believes Elliott is up to the task:

"We saw some really good quarters last year, and we want to see that translate to halves and three quarters and full games. It's hard to do as a small forward, it's a hard position to play. But that's what he's working on.''

And judging by Elliott's background you would back him to work hard, tough it out and overcome the next challenge.

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Integrity name of the game

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou vows to maintain the integrity of the sport. Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL has vowed to restore the trust it concedes some football fans have lost in the code, insisting it will rid the game of "rogue elements".

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou insisted the competition would not tolerate anyone who puts the integrity of the game at risk.

In an exclusive interview with Sunday Herald Sun columnist Shane Crawford, Demetriou rejected calls for his sacking from former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett.

"All of us want to have our supporters and our key partners believe in the game and live up to its values, and I think in the main that we do," Demetriou said.

"But it is sometimes the acts of individuals that taint great people at clubs, boards and players. The actions of a particular player at a particular club could taint the whole playing group, so what we have to do is live up to the values that we set ourselves."

Asked if he could understand why some supporters might be questioning the game after a tumultuous off-season, Demetriou said: "I certainly can, because in this organisation we pride ourselves on very, very strong core values, on being transparent, being honest, acting with integrity, acting with the right ethics.

"That's what the public expects. It is something that should apply in any organisation, any club, any business.

"We have drawn a line in the sand. We are going to put a stop to rogue elements at clubs and the insidious nature of some individuals who are trying to spoil it for the rest of the code. It is only a handful of people but it can cause significant damage.

"The public are entitled to be questioning the values of the code because they are wondering, given what has happened with the Melbourne, Adelaide and Essendon (investigations). I have said the issues of values, principles and ethics in the code are absolute non-negotiables."

Demetriou said clubs had been provided with a "road map" of warning signs - "things like ex-players, anti-ageing clinics, gyms and tattoo parlours".

He would not be drawn into criticism by Kennett, who suggested on Footy Classified that the AFL was being run on a culture of fear and intimidation.

 Kennett also said the AFL Commission had to start considering a time frame for change at the top of the AFL.

But Demetriou was adamant that he still had the fire in the belly to help restore the faith that some people might have lost in AFL football.

"I'm not distracted ... I'm not tired," Demetriou said of the criticism being levelled at him. "I am very excited about the season ahead.

"(And) I am very excited about the new people we are about to appoint and bring in to reinvograte the executive."

In his interview with the Sunday Herald Sun, Demetriou also said the AFL would ban the use of intravenous injections other than painkillers and would ensure the club doctor would be the sole person responsible for player treatment.

"There will be a ban on IV at clubs - not just on game day," he said. "We are implementing some very, very serious measures to restore treatments of players under one person and that is the club doctor."

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Demetriou talks drugs, tanking

HERALD Sun columnist Shane Crawford and footy writer Glenn McFarlane conduct a no holds barred Q&A with AFL boss Andrew Demetriou.

GLENN MCFARLANE: Thanks for agreeing to speak with us, Andrew. Does your long service leave seem like a long time again now?

ANDREW DEMETRIOU: It's always a pleasure to speak to you guys. Look, I haven't thought about it. We've been pretty busy since I got back. We had finals; we had lots of stuff post finals, Particularly with the John McCarthy tragedy and other issues we were working through.

SHANE CRAWFORD: Tanking; salary cap and drafting issues; performance-enhancing and illicit drugs. Was it the busiest off-season on record?

AD: Lots of things happened in the off-season. It's not unusual, given when the season is on, there is a lot of focus on clubs, players, performances and coaches.

ESSENDON

GM: Is it a given that Essendon will play out the entire season?

AD: I am very, very confident that the Essendon Football Club will be playing in 2013. I have got no reason to believe that they won't.

GM: What about the players still on their list from last year? Will they play out the whole year?

AD: We have got no reason to believe that they won't be. As you know there is a process underway that Essendon initiated. They should be commended for that. They are involved in a joint investigation that ASADA and the AFL are doing. There is nothing but co-operation and working through its process and we should let that investigation run its course.

GM: Are you more confident about Essendon today than you were in Canberra earlier this month?

AD:  I know a lot more today and more things have come out since. We take the ACC announcement in Canberra very seriously.

GM: Gerard Healy said that he told Adrian Anderson last year about unusual practices at Essendon. Were you aware of that?

AD: Yes.

GM: Did you investigate it at the time?

AD: I can't go into too much detail, but we were aware of it. The information was shared with the appropriate people. There were some people spoken to and it formed part of the ACC report.

GM: Is there a penalty clause in the TV rights deal if you don't have nine games a week?

AD: I am not contemplating in any shape or form not having 18 teams playing this year, nine games a week.

SC: How has Essendon handled this whole situation?

AD: David Evans has shown great leadership. He has taken this seriously since the day he contacted me and said he wanted to come in because he was asking questions and he didn't like the questions he was getting. I know some supporters feel let down and outraged, but they have the best possible person trying to lead them through this.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou vows to maintain the integrity of the sport. Source: Herald Sun

BAN INJECTIONS

SC: How would you feel if your son or daughter went to a sporting organisation and was told they needed to have injections into the stomach to help performance and recovery?

AD: If that is what happened, Shane, and I don't know if it did or didn't, as a parent, I wouldn't be happy.

SC: Will you stop sports science staff from conducting injections on players, especially into their stomachs.

AD: Absolutely. There is an audit going on of all supplements. We have got our AFL medical officers sitting down with club doctors, reviewing practices, particularly use of external people. There is going to be a restriction on the use of injections. There will be a ban on the use of IV at clubs -- not just on game day. We are implementing some very, very serious measures to restore the treatments of players under one person and that is the club doctor.

SC: Does that include pain-killing injections?AD: No, pain-killing injections have a legitimate use, but we'll limit the use of injections.

ROGUE ELEMENTS

GM: Have you read the riot act to the clubs?

AD: There are vulnerabilities at clubs in relation to performance-enhacing drugs, illicit drugs, match fixing and organised crime. We have talked about a road map of things that you should look for at clubs, things like ex-players, anti-ageing clinics, gyms, tattoo parlours.

SC: What are you going to do about it?

AD: We have drawn a line in the sand. We are going to put a stop to rogue elements at clubs and the insidious nature of some individuals who are trying to spoil it for the rest of the code. It is only a handful of people but it can cause significant damage. The public are entitled to be questioning the values of the code because they are wondering given what has happened with Melbourne, Adelaide and Essendon. I have said the issues of values, core principles and ethics in the code are non-negotiables.

GM: Have some clubs let the code down?

AD: Individuals certainly have. Sometimes individuals have let their own clubs down.

GM: Can you understand why some people are having trust issues with the game now?

AD: I certainly can, because in this organisation we pride ourselves on very, very strong core values, on being transparent, being honest, acting with integrity, acting with the right ethics. That's what the public expects. It is something that should apply in any organisation; any club; any business.

TANKING

SC: Are you happy with tanking findings?

AD: I don't know if happy is the right word. There is nothing happy about it. This was a very detailed investigation. It was eight months of nearly 60 interviews and repeat interviews.

An 800-page brief was prepared, We sought the advice of an external QC to make sure we were on the right track.

They came to the view there was insufficient evidence to charge the Melbourne Football Club. But there were two individuals (Chris Connolly and Dean Bailey) who came forward to please guilty and they have been dealt with.

They (Melbourne) were fined $500,000, a significant amount of money, to bear some responsibility.

It is true that some people will find that outcome difficult to comprehend. But you can only deal with the facts.

We do not manufacture outcomes to suit certain situations.

Under no circumstances was the outcome because of the threat of legal action or was it because we wanted to make it all go away or we didn't want to punish Melbourne because they are not travelling well.

We went through a professional process.GM: Was it a big mistake that you were not at press conference?

AD: This was an investigation conducted by the general manager of football operations. In the main that was Adrian (Anderson) then Gil (McLachlan) took over.

I have never read the 800-page document. I am not across all the details.

I wasn't involved in discussions with Melbourne, or with Bailey or Connolly. It was entirely appropriate for the general manager of football operations to conduct the press conference.

It is not true that I didn't go to the press conference because I was running away from being asked about my views on tanking.

I'm happy to answer any of those questions. In hindsight, would it have been better to try and dispel that myth?

Absolutely. I am the CEO and I am on the AFL Commission, I would have happily gone along to the press conferences. I would have answered any questions put to me.

SC: So you regret not being there?

AD: I regret not being there because of the commentary surrounding it, but I do not regret not being there because of the proper process we went through.

GM: Gil said he did not have a proper definition of tanking?

AD: Under the AFL rules, tanking means not playing on your merits. Gil showed me that if you go to the dictionary to look up the definition of tanking, it is not actually in there.

And there is no evidence in this whole eight-month investigation that any player went out there not trying to win or Dean Bailey didn't try to win on match day.

ILLICIT DRUGS

GM: You've admitted there will be a spike in the number of positive illicit drug tests from last year. When will the figures be released and what about speculation it could be four times higher than 2011?

AD: The recording will finish at the end of February. We always release the results in May. We knew there would be a spike purely on the fact that there has been a 21 per cent increase in the community. The Victorian police told us that at the summit. These are alarm bells for the community. We are alarmed and we won't be surprised by a spike.

GM: Have you been privy to some of the results already?

AD: Don't forget we are doing more tests; more target tests; we have got hair testing happening in summer for statistical purposes. The issue of an increase is a wake-up call for the community and for our code.

INTEGRITY

GM: You are about to put on three more full-time people into the integrity unit...

AD: And we are investing more in data-base management, surveillance and intelligence gathering. Brett Clothier (AFL competition regulation manager) is finalising this budget now. It will be a substantial investment.

SC: Tell us about the surveillance?

AD: It is a very, very sophistication methodology we have got in place, but we need to beef it up more. I don't want to talk about it publicly. The stuff we know and find out helps protect the industry.

GM: How closely do you deal with agencies?AD: We have good relationships with the police, the ACC, ASADA and all of the bodies we need to have. Information sharing is crucial.

GM: Where do you see the AFL integrity unit in five years?

AD: It will just be a very, very important part of our game. Just take a look at the ACC report. It talks about the people who seek to infiltrate the game. All you can do is try and protect the integrity of the game. The greatest threat to the game is the people who seek to challenge its integrity.

HIS FUTURE

SC: Will we be talking to you, as AFL CEO, at this time next year?

AD: This is my favourite interview I do all year. You can lock it in now (for next year) unless you know something that I don't know.

GM: You've been described as tired and distracted? How committed are you to the role?

AD: You cannot be distracted in this role. You deal with a multitude of issues concurrently. Some of them are unexpected. But it is a great privilege to do this role. No one forces you to do it. I'm not distracted. I'm not tired. I am very excited about the season ahead. I am very excited about the new people we are about to appoint and bring in to reinvigorate the executive.

SC: What about Jeff Kennett calling for you to be sacked?

AD: Jeff has had strong views for a long time on how he believes an organisation should be run, with heavy input from the board. The AFL Commission operates on a different model with the executive running the day-to-day management of the competition. Jeff is entitled to his view but I won't get into a debate with him about the AFL's structure, or his wider views.

SC: What sort of bonus will you get this year?

AD: Probably a mattress for in here (AFL headquarters) because apparently I'm tired (laughs).

SC: Maybe they can send you to the Golden Door health retreat.

AD: Not the Golden Door, because you will see everyone you know. Maybe somewhere with a funky name -- the Banskia Magnolia or something like that.

SC: What about some peptides?

AD: No, Shane.

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How to play on one leg: Birchall

Hawthorn Grant Birchall in full flight working onto his penetrating left boot. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

GRANT Birchall is renowned for having one of most penetrating left-foot kicks in the AFL.

But the Hawthorn defender has been hiding a dark secret.

"I kick left, but absolutely everything else I do is right," Birchall said.

"I'm not sure where my left foot came from, to be honest.

"My dad played quite a bit of footy when he was younger, but he was a right-footer and a completely different player to what I am.

"So I'm not sure. I might just be one out of the box, I think."

Surely not everything else is done right-handed, such is his proficiency with the left foot.

"Everything," Birchall said.

"I played basketball as a kid and dribbled right-handed, shot right-handed. I play golf right-handed. In backyard cricket I bat and bowl right-handed.

"It's really bizarre. I don't know where the left peg came from, absolutely no idea."

The 25-year-old goes as far as to admit he never felt comfortable kicking with his right foot during his junior days and it still feels unnatural.

Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

It shows. Champion Data stats reveal Birchall had 277 kicks last season, but just three with his right foot.

It was similar in 2011: 327 kicks, four on his right.

Compare him with teammate Sam Mitchell - apparently a right-footer - who Champion Data says is the most balanced player in the AFL based on kicking foot.

Last year Mitchell kicked more times on his non-preferred foot - 125 of his 240 kicks were on his left foot (note: Champion Data says the stats don't include quick kicks out of the bottom of a pack).

Birchall said: "I'm more comfortable now obviously (on the right) because I've practised it a fair bit at training.

"But it's never come naturally. I'd always go left side, all the time.

"Until you practise it and get used to kicking on the opposite foot, it doesn't feel right."

Issues with his right foot aside, Birchall's left boot remains a lethal weapon in Hawthorn's attacking arsenal.

The half-back hits targets from 55m with consummate ease and his ability to kick a goal from outside the arc makes him a difficult opponent to mark.

So what's the secret? Leg weights?

"Not a lot of leg weights. It's just all come naturally, I think," Birchall said.

"I always used to kick the footy in the backyard. Every day when I came home from school, I'd go into the backyard and kick the footy around.

"I was always training and just continually kicking a footy, so that might be a reason why."

EVERY footballer has an idol growing up and Birchall was no different.

"I was a Saints supporter, so I just loved Robert Harvey," he said. "I just loved the way he went about it. I used to watch him all the time.

"I stayed up late for those Brownlow nights as a kid and was really excited to see whether he won it or not."

Harvey remains Birchall's idol, but the Hawk said he had never met the dual Brownlow medallist.

"He's got the same manager as I have, but I've never run in to him," he said.

"It would absolutely give me a buzz if I got to meet him. It'd bring back a lot of memories from when I was a kid. Most of my family are all pretty big fans of the Saints, so I'd love to meet him one day and have a chat."

Ironically, Birchall played a key role in Harvey's AFL farewell, picking up 23 disposals in the 2008 preliminary final win against St Kilda - Harvey's last game.

"But we cheered him off and that was pretty cool," he said.

Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

The next week Hawthorn defeated Geelong to win its first flag since 1991. Not surprisingly Birchall rates it as his most memorable career moment.

The Hawks have since failed to beat the Cats in nine consecutive outings.

Asked if a win against Geelong was a mental hurdle the Hawks needed to clear in order to win another flag, Birchall laughed.

"Maybe it'd be a bit of a mental release so that everyone can get off our backs," he said.

But he turned serious when talking about playing Chris Scott's men in Round 1.

"We always really look forward to playing against them, but they've just always, for some reason, found that little bit extra or that little bit of class or experience, whatever it might be, to get over the top of us," Birchall said.

"There's been a fair bit of talk about it obviously, and we've got them first-up this year.

"Hopefully we can get the job done against them. We're due."

Birchall said he had not been able to bring himself to watch a replay of last year's Grand Final loss to Sydney. The memories, he said, weren't pleasant.

In contrast, it is no surprise he has watched the DVD of the 2008 triumph several times.

Birchall said the plan this year was "absolutely" to add another Grand Final DVD to his collection, which places pressure on him and his club.

The pressure would have been there anyway on an individual level, given his 2012 season culminated in him making his first All-Australian team.

Birchall said it was a huge honour to be named alongside some of the greats of the modern game, but you sense the tag of "All-Australian" doesn't sit comfortably with him.

"I just want to be a good teammate and do my bit for the side," he said.

"I'm not really fussed about all the other stuff. If it comes, fantastic, but if it doesn't then it doesn't faze me at all."

Birchall acknowledged the pressures that came with the need to back up with an even better season.

"There's always pressure to perform," he said. "So I guess that's the challenge for me this year, to try and repeat and have an even better year than last year. I'm looking forward to that in a way, but there's always a little bit of pressure on everyone to perform each week or otherwise you're under the spotlight."

BIRCHALL is a happy Hawk. He signed a three-year deal last year tying him to the club until the end of the 2015 season.

But if he were born in another time, a time when a team from his native Tasmania played in the AFL, you get the feeling he would be tempted to leave.

"I'd absolutely love to see a Tassie side in the AFL," he said.

"I reckon it would be fantastic for the competition, but just to sustain it on the financial side of things would obviously be difficult."

The hypothetical debate in Tasmania is where a team would be based if it was to ever come to fruition.

Hobart is the capital, but Launceston has always been the state's AFL home, hosting Hawthorn several times a year for more than a decade and St Kilda in the early 2000s.

Given the links with the Hawks and the fact he was born and raised just outside the northern town of Devonport, Birchall is happy to nominate Launceston.

"I'm pretty comfortable with Aurora Stadium up north, so it'd be nice if it was based there," he said. "But I couldn't complain either way, I guess. If it just happened, it would be great for the competition.

"There's always that little bit of rivalry between the north and south. But I think, at the end of the day, if it did happen, everyone would get around it."

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Poke in the eye for rich clubs

Carlton pokie king Bruce Mathieson when asked about the Bulldogs' proposed plan: "I don't know anything about it - but it doesn't seem right to me." Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON would be the biggest loser under a radical "pokies tax" scheme proposed by the cash-strapped Western Bulldogs.

The plan would see the spoils of bumper gaming revenues shared by all AFL clubs.

The proposal comes after the AFL this week proposed a fan tax to charge supporters more to attend blockbuster matches.

In a submission to the league released by the Dogs yesterday, the club said: "The growth in scale of, and dependency on, poker-machine revenue in AFL clubs, and the growing revenue differentials between larger and smaller Victorian franchises in this area, have been to the detriment of the competition.

"The Western Bulldogs believe that a system in which club poker machine profits over a certain proportion of gross club revenue were contributed to a common pool for equitable distribution, would be a preferable model for a 'luxury tax' and might have the additional benefit of reducing the incentive of clubs to increase their own dependence, and their fans' exposure, to poker machine use."

The Bulldogs control just 45 poker machines compared with Carlton's arsenal of 360 gaming machines.

Rivers of gold are flowing into Visy Park thanks to the five pokies venues gifted to the club by pokies king and Blues powerbroker Bruce Mathieson.

The club's annual report reveals revenues from gaming topped $4.5 million last year and will soar again this year because of changes to legislation.

Asked about the Bulldogs' plan yesterday, Mr Mathieson said: "I don't know anything about it - but it doesn't seem right to me."

"But I'll leave it up to the club. They actually own the licences," Mathieson said.

Nine out of 10 Victorian AFL clubs control gaming machines.

North Melbourne, which has adopted a no-gambling policy under president James Brayshaw, is the only club without them.

Hawthorn's single pokies venue - Vegas at Waverley Gardens - is one of Victoria's most profitable.

Punters lost $11.69 million there last year.

Another Bulldogs proposal involves the centralisation of some funds derived from the sale of club memberships.

But the Dogs said they were opposed to a luxury tax on football department spending.

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Fasolo, Goldsack get through

Collingwood forward Alex Fasolo in full flight during the Magpies intra-club match. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD assistant coach Robert Harvey has praised the return of Tyson Goldsack and Alex Fasolo from injury in yesterday's intra-club match.

Fasolo (foot) and Goldsack (knee) had their first hitout of the pre-season in warm conditions at Victoria Park as the Magpies prepared for next week's trip to Perth.

Harvey also singled out recruits Ben Kennedy and Adam Oxley. "I think everyone had their moments, particularly a few of the young guys," Harvey said.

"It was good to see Adam Oxley do well, and Ben Kennedy was pretty good.

"Alex Fasolo and Tyson Goldsack coming back from injury were really good as well.

"There was a lot to like about everything we saw so now we've got to keep chipping away and getting better."

With the temperature hitting 32C in Melbourne yesterday, Harvey said the Magpies had chosen to play in the heat to prepare for the likely conditions they would face next Sunday.

The Magpies take on West Coast at Patersons Stadium in their second-round NAB Cup clash. "We deliberately played at this time because it's something that we may face potentially next week," Harvey told collingwoodfc. com.au

"I just think it was a pretty good hitout in tough conditions and we stepped it up a bit today."

Key forward Quinten Lynch kicked four goals, including three in the first quarter.

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Roos pass early test

North Melbourne finish the NAB Cup triple-header against Melbourne and Richmond undefeated while the Tigers prove too good for the Demons.

Kangaroos ruckman Majak Daw soars high above Melbourne big man Mark Jamar. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

A GOAL in the last minute against Richmond handed North Melbourne a double dose of that winning feeling last night to start its season.

Aaron Black, who played only four games last year, maintained his composure to steer through a set shot from 40m with 40 seconds left of a thrilling shootout at Etihad Stadium.

It was the first time the Kangaroos had been in front since veteran Brent Harvey booted a goal in the opening minutes of the third game of the triangular NAB Cup opening round.

North Melbourne benefited from the rest after holding on to edge Melbourne by two points in the first match.

Richmond, which beat the Demons by 15 points in game two, came oh so close to going home with the 2-0 record after a quick kick from Shane Edwards was offline for a behind with eight seconds left.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

The Roos' tall targets looked ominous. Significantly, Drew Petrie, Robbie Tarrant and Lachie Hansen managed goals against the Demons to underline the danger.

And the trio were given plenty of room to run on to a pass or work one-out with opponents, with a crumbing forward, such as Harvey or Lindsay Thomas, the only other teammate inside the forward 50 for most of the night.

Tiger fans had plenty to cheer - such as an early break from the centre when Brett Deledio, Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin shared the ball to find Jack Riewoldt on the lead for the opening goal of their first game against the Dees.

There was an urgency and hardness from the Tigers at the ball and the ball-carrier, from players such as Shane Tuck and Steven Morris.

Richmond should have put Melbourne to the sword by far more than 15 points.

The eager Tigers dominated possession, but were wasteful as much as the Demons defence stood firm, particularly in the second half.

They finished with a lopsided 26-12 inside-50 advantage, but the winning margin was inflated by Bashar Houli's first-half nine-pointer.

Melbourne seemed poised to pinch the opening game against the Roos after rebounding around the city wing in the final seconds.

Jeremy Howe marked just outside 50 and a super-goal would have done the trick. But he chipped a pass to new boy Dean Kent, who didn't get the chance to give off the ball to someone outside 50 as the final siren sounded.

At least the recruit from country Western Australia went back and slotted the goal from 45m to cut the margin to two points.

The Demons' new key forward Chris Dawes didn't get many opportunities and was generally double-teamed every time he ventured to a contest. But he worked hard and was rewarded in the second half against the Roos when he helped set up a Howe goal.

Demons coach Mark Neeld said later they had to find a way to give the former Magpie quicker delivery.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

NORTH MELBOURNE with Gilbert Gardiner

NEW TRICKS
THE Kangaroos kamikaze style was again on display last night with Shaun Atley and Ben Jacobs pivotal in its execution. Not only was Jacobs used as the go-to man coming out of defence, he drifted forward, setting up goals while kicking a super goal of his own.

YOUNG BLOOD
MAJAK Daw provided the first highlight of the night taking a classic pack mark early against Melbourne. The Sudanese-born developing ruckman also set up a Kangaroos super goal with a deft tap to skipper Andrew Swallow charging out of a stoppage. Daniel Currie showed plenty against Richmond dominating the hit outs 12-7.

SUPERCOACH
DEFENDER Sam Wright ($395,700) got plenty of the football against Melbourne last night. He picked up 12 touches at 91 per cent efficiency. Jacobs ($309,200) showed promise while Swallow ($585,100) dominated in the clinches.

Picture: Getty Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE

NEW TRICKS
MELBOURNE took a liking to bombing the ball inside 50 towards marking targets Jeremy Howe, Chris Dawes and young gun Jesse Hogan. Shannon Byrnes and Aaron Davey looked dangerous swooping on the spillages off half forward.

YOUNG BLOOD
JACK Viney lived up to the hype charging into packs and winning his own ball last night. Key forward Jesse Hogan, 18, not eligible to play senior footy until 2014, stamped his authority with strong marks and a classic goal.

SUPERCOACH
HIGH-flying Demon Jeremy Howe ($423,400) provided a strong marking target inside the arc while WAFL product Dean Kent ($109,500) was solid in the midfield. Viney ($109,500) is an obvious investment at rock bottom price.

Picture: Getty Images Source: Getty Images

RICHMOND

NEW TRICKS
NOT a lot different about how the Tigers went about their business last night with Trent Cotchin and Co in the midfield seeking out spearhead Jack Riewoldt. Bachar Houli provided heaps dash off half back.

YOUNG BLOOD
ONBALLER Nick Vlastuin was the pick of the Tiger cubs holding his own against Melbourne. Defender Steven Morris picked up where he left off last year using his speed to break the lines. Dustin Martin provided plenty of spark out of the midfield setting up many of the Tigers' attacking bursts.

SUPERCOACH
VLASTUIN ($159,500) is a steal as a dual position (midfield/defender) player. The young gun attacked the contest hard winning his share of clearances. Tigers star Brett Deledio ($624,100) had the ball on a string while Ivan Maric ($606,900) dominated the stoppages last night.

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Dees delight with young trio

Melbourne players mob Jesse Hogan after he kicked his first goal, a corker from deep in the pocket. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CAN you imagine the sense of relief when the guillotine jams inches short of your neck?

When all you hear is the dry click in the chamber instead of the bullet you expected?

Melbourne fans have lived that experience this week, fretting over their club's very existence until the tanking saga came to a comical, grinding halt.

Of course lightning rarely strikes twice, so it was too much to think the Demons could conjure a NAB Cup victory in their first hitout of the year.

Getty Images Source: Getty Images

But for Melbourne fans last night, there was not only cause for hope, there was reinforcement of what they would have lost had the tanking inquiry been quick and lethal.
Melbourne had the chance for a Jimmy Bartel-Joel Selwood style supergoal to snatch a win against North Melbourne when draftee Dean Kent marked 40m out with the Dees eight points down in the dying seconds of game one.

He failed to handball to a teammate outside 50, instead taking the six-point option.

But the short-term pain was quickly replaced by the dawning reality that draft stars Jack Viney, Jimmy Toumpas and Jesse Hogan will be immense for this club for the next 12-14 years.

It was that trio the Demons could have lost had tanking's smoking gun been quickly found, robbing Melbourne of its 2012 national draft picks.

Picture: Salpigtidis George Source: Herald Sun

The trio lit up Etihad Stadium in different ways. Viney had his nose in the trough as an inside midfielder, No.4 pick Toumpas kicked a polished goal and sparkling leading forward Hogan frustrating fans only in that he cannot play AFL until next year.

Melbourne still has plenty of issues that need addressing, including a disposal imbalance of minus 76 against their opponents in 80 minutes of footy.

The energy of that first game fell away against a polished Richmond side. But last night, as Jack Watts steadied the ship at centre half-back, Chris Dawes led to some clever spots and the Demons surged back against North, the first-game fight was just about enough.

It was that kind of night, with enough to like from all three clubs in the disjointed triple-header format where only the first game matches teams of equal levels of fatigue.

The night was alive until the final seconds, as Richmond's Shane Edwards failed with the triple-header's last possession to snatch back the lead against North Melbourne.

While Melbourne was dodging the tanking bullet, the Roos were forging ahead with key re-signings, and the hits kept coming last night.

Recruits Ben Jacobs and Jordan Gysberts showed plenty, Sam Wright and Shaun Atley look ready to step up again, and Majak Daw's continued highlights showed he has what it takes at this level.

His soaring defensive mark might have been the night's highlight, until in the second game he ran at Richmond's Steven Morris, left him reeling with a don't-argue, then goaled on the run from 30m.

North beat Melbourne without much impact from Drew Petrie or Brent Harvey and with Daniel Wells absent, then that trio stepped up in the win against Richmond.

The Tigers did just enough against Melbourne, and when they was 13 points up 17 minutes into the game against the Roos, they looked a good thing.

Soon they had lost the lead, but Dustin Martin looked trim, hungry and dangerous, and Jack Riewoldt, Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio all took control at times.

Of perhaps more interest was first-round draft pick Nick Vlastuin's classy blind turn and attack on the footy, and Tyrone Vickery's encouraging return after a season ruined by shoulder issues.

The Tigers lost another close game, but on a night when the three games were decided by just 21 points, everyone went home happy.

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Anti-Nixon vibe no joke

No joke: Former footballer and sports agent Ricky Nixon is to perform his stand-up routine "Chicken Train" at the Comic's Lounge in North Melbourne. Picture: Josie Hayden Source: Leader

It's been no comedy routine in the real world for Ricky Nixon in the past few years. Picture: Derrick Den Hollander Source: Herald Sun

RICKY Nixon can only laugh at the reaction since it became public he would do stand-up comedy gigs in Melbourne next month.

There has been a caustic outpouring from many local comedians, and a move from Melbourne International Comedy Festival organisers to distance themselves from his show.

Some comedians have privately welcomed him, and yet others have welcomed the chance to write new material about him.

"I didn't anticipate the industry reaction," Nixon said.

"I haven't even stood up to tell a single joke yet and some people have rushed to demean me and slag off at me. Some comedians grizzled and moaned and felt the need to have a crack and make it personal."

In the meantime he has had contact from the Gold Coast, Perth and Adelaide trying to organise gigs, and an offer to book a series of shows in Bali. His list of Facebook friends has grown from 300 to almost 3000.

On Thursday, at the exact same time the Melbourne comedy festival was officially being launched at the Arts Centre, Nixon was across town at the Comic's Lounge in North Melbourne working on knocking the rough edges off his novice "Chicken Train" routine.

It includes anecdotes from his AFL playing days with Carlton, St Kilda and Hawthorn and his time as a player agent managing the likes of Gary Ablett Snr, Wayne Carey and Ben Cousins.

Radical tax footy's hot seat

But there is also a more solemn section of the show, in which he discusses his personal crises and how his life spiralled out of control.

"This exercise is not about me trying to make a career as a comedian. I'm trying to be me and give an insight of what I've been through and hopefully at the same time people can come along and have a laugh," the 49-year-old said.

"I want to try to get across what I've been through and that I can laugh at myself. And to get across that I know there's no one else to blame for the situation I was in other than myself."

Nixon said he believed baring his soul before an audience would help him get on with the next phase of his life.

"I realised that if I was going to get my health, my ambition and my values back I had to take on something that was going to be a big challenge.

"It's actually about doing what Australians used to do well, and that is to have a go. Because these days the preoccupation seems to be about having a go at someone rather than just having a go.

"It's two years since I made the mistake of going to a hotel room when I shouldn't have, and people still want me to pay the price. Well I'm getting down from the cross because somebody else needs the wood.

"Nobody's been kicked in the head over the past two years more than I have, but I'm trying to move on with my life and do it by having a laugh at myself.

"(Former Richmond player) Matthew Richardson taught me the greatest part of this whole exercise, and that is that when Richo decided to start laughing at himself every one else began to laugh along with him.

"He tells a very good story about missing a shot at training and some bloke yelling over the fence that he was the worst kick in the world. Richo replied 'Yeah I am' and it defused any angst or tension. And that's stuck with me."

Nixon's first show is at the Comic's Lounge on Sunday March 24 at 2.10pm. Tickets go on sale on Monday.

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Radical tax footy's hot seat

Possible 2014 full rollout: The AFL wants to trial variable pricing, where there are different prices for different games that are set, and dynamic pricing, where the price can change daily, weekly and even right up to match time.. Picture: Jay Town Source: Herald Sun

At low-demand games, premium seating could be offered for the price of a regular seat. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL will trial its radical blockbuster pricing strategy this season, with a view to it being implemented in 2014.

The league could not say what games would be affected this year, but AFL commercial operations chief Darren Birch has met clubs and will consult stadium and ticketing officials today.

While the league said clubs backed a new ticket structure, it is unclear if they all support the prospect that the extra revenue generated could go to poorer clubs as part of the AFL's club equalisation strategy.

Birch said the Collingwood-Essendon Anzac Day match - arguably the biggest game in the home-and-away season - would not necessarily be subject to variable pricing.

"We might say Anzac Day's a game where we don't do dynamic or variable pricing because there's only a small amount of tickets available to the general public because the members take up the majority of those tickets," he said.

Carlton, Richmond, Hawthorn and Geelong are other clubs that play blockbuster games likely to be affected by higher prices for some seat categories.

The league wants to trial variable pricing, where there are different prices for different games that are set, and dynamic pricing, where the price can change daily, weekly and even right up to match time.

Birch said the AFL wanted fans to buy memberships, which would remove the risk of gate price fluctuations.

The AFL's Birch revealed:

NOT all clubs would be involved in the ticket trial.

FOR blockbuster games, there could be up to 10 ticket price categories. At the MCG now, there are just two categories for non-finals.

SEVERAL seat category prices could increase at big games, but the worst seats could be cheaper.

AT low-demand games, premium seating could be offered for the price of a regular seat.

EARLY-BIRD buyers could be rewarded with cheaper prices.

THE new ticketing system could be in place next year.

Birch would not speculate on the size of possible ticket price hikes for blockbusters.

Signed form may save Dons

"The very, very, back seat on level four (at the MCG), which at the moment is $36, may actually be $30 or may actually be $25," he said.

Longmire 'wasted' MCG's best seat

"But, conversely, on the other side, a level-two seat on the 50m line under cover, which is a very good seat, at the moment sells for $47. That might be $60.

Swans produce a pair of Jacks

"It's not just about on your blockbusters whether you're able to generate more revenue. It's all about how do you give the best experience to fans across a whole range of games.

Kennett: Demetriou's time is up

"Prices will go up, prices will go down, even within the one game.

"If we get our pricing model right we'll provide more choice. You might not pay the same for the same seat. You might pay a little bit less for nearly as good a seat or you might pay a little bit more for a better seat that you've never had access to before."

Birch said the AFL was not in the business of ripping people off.

"We want to maximise attendances, we want to maximise the value proposition to our fans and we also want to make sure that we protect the members and fans who become members and commit early," he said.

"We also want to make sure that those who buy in advance get some degree of advantage.

"If they don't want the variability of pricing at the gate, the one way to absolutely ensure that is to become a member."

The AFL raised the variable pricing model in a paper on equalisation sent to clubs.

Geelong supported the concept, but Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said the move would hit fans in the hip pocket.

Birch said a decision on where increased revenue from ticket reforms would go would be made later this year.

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Longmire 'wasted' MCG's best seat

Sydney Swans coach John Longmire, left, lifts the premiership cup with captain Jarrad McVeigh after last year's grand final. Source: Herald Sun

JOHN Longmire is happy to concede he wasted the best seat in the house on Grand Final day.

As an enraptured crowd watched a thriller, the Sydney coach was locked in match-day mode.

What were his thoughts when Daniel Hannebery plunged into the mouth of the beast, marking against the flight as Sam Reid and David Hale simultaneously crunched him?

"I was just concerned he might have got himself injured," Longmire said.

And when Lewis Jetta turned on the afterburners, sprinting away from Cyril Rioli on the centre wing?

"I didn't notice it until after the game. It wasn't something I appreciated at the time," he said.

It was a mighty game, full of stunning achievements such as Buddy's brilliance; Mike Pyke's incredible last term; Adam Goodes' miracle goals on one leg; and Hannebury's constant last-term interventions.

Sydney Swans coach John Longmire shakes hands with the umpires before the grand final.

And it was up for grabs until Nick Malceski's sealer with 34 seconds remaining.

Longmire refused to exhale with relief until six seconds remained, when Hannebery intercepted a handball to parry Hawthorn's last attacking thrust.

Yet as the months since that game have unfolded, Longmire's appreciation for its sheer quality and drama has grown immeasurably.

Radical tax footy's hot seat

As Longmire says of Hannebury's mark: "It wasn't until you look back on it after the game that you realise what an incredible effort it was, going back against a ruckman and a centre half-forward.

"I look back on it and it was an incredible Grand Final from both teams, just having a crack and playing really good footy.

"It is amazing the difference 10 points can make or a couple of minutes of footy.

Sydney coach John Longmire, left, in a sea of red-and-white as the players celebrate the 2012 premiership.

"Hawthorn won some important stats, and both teams had momentum at times in the game, and it could so easily have gone either way."

But for all his team's extraordinary defensive intent and unrelenting pressure, Longmire is honest enough to admit this game was something of a heist given the amazing statistics that were in Hawthorn's favour.

Sydney has always conceded territory to opponents, but did Longmire think his side could win with a staggering 18 fewer inside-50s and only 38 per cent of game time in their forward half?

"Not really," he said.

"That's what keeps us on edge, the few areas of the game that we didn't get right.

"Some things went OK for us, and our players played an unbelievable pressure game of footy, with 110 tackles and some things went our way which were really important when you have statistics like that which don't go our way.

Sydney Swans coach John Longmire, centre, with captain Jarrad McVeigh and Adam Goodes at the victory parade through George St, Sydney.

"Our pressure stats were so crucial and our ability to kick straight, too. We lost the contested ball really well, we lost clearances, and we lost inside-50s.

"But we make no apologies that over a long period of time we have had a strong focus on defence.

"We think that (type of) footy stands up in finals, and when you get numbers like that in a Grand Final from a defensive point of view, that's what we hang our hats on from week to week."

Longmire's concession stacks up with numbers hard to believe.

Champion Data stats show Sydney had a 5-19 centre-clearance imbalance, lost clearances 35-58, inside 50s 43-61, and had 18 more turnovers coming out of the back half than Hawthorn.

They also had five fewer scoring shots than Hawthorn - 21 (14.7) to 26 (11.15).

We make no apologies that over a long period of time we have had a strong focus on defence

So how did Sydney win it?

Through straight kicking, a game-plan based on pressure that dragged Hawthorn down to 43 per cent kicking efficiency and 40 forward-half turnovers, and 26 more total tackles ... and a bucketload of individual brilliance.

Take Canadian former rugby union star Pyke, whose herculean last quarter included the soccered kick forward that eventually allowed Malceski to kick the sealer.

"He rucked unchanged for 22 minutes (in the last term) and at one stage ran across to the boundary and it wasn't until he saw Mummy (the injured Shane Mumford) sitting there in the red vest that he realised there was no interchange for him, so he turned around and ran back on," Longmire said.

"From where he's come from four years ago never having seen an AFL game, what he has done is a real credit to him."

Or Ryan O'Keefe, whose 15 tackles, 28 touches and job on Sam Mitchell saw him win the Norm Smith ahead of Franklin (3.4 and 24 touches), McVeigh (21 touches, two goals) and Hannebery (29 possessions, one goal).

Longmire says now he can't split the three midfield stars on their performance.

"There were a few pretty close together. McVeigh is up there, and O'Keefe and Hannebery. Not in any particular order, but they all played great games," he said.

Look up the last two minutes on Youtube, admire Bruce McAvaney's stupendous call, and consider Hannebury's impact.

He picks Jordan Lewis's pocket at half-back with 2.05 minutes left, handballs to Malceski for the sealer, and twice is involved in the last passage of play when Hawthorn tries for that last hail Mary.

"His ability to do that in the course of the game but also to keep running as hard as he did deep into the last quarter was incredible," Longmire said.

"There was 34 seconds on the clock (after Malceski's goal put Sydney 10 points up), and I remember looking at the (coaches) box and there wasn't any celebration. When Hanners got that intercept with six seconds to go, I thought, that was it. It was the first time I relaxed."

He says now he was always confident Mumford would pass a fitness test on his hamstring, even if rumours of a late change swept the MCG on game morning.

"When he went off the training track I was concerned. But to the doctor and physio's credit they said he would be OK. And they said that when I asked them a number of times - on Thursday and again after the (Grand Final) parade on Friday, and he was.

"He went into the game not 100 per cent but in good enough to do a really good job for three and a bit quarters."

So why is John Longmire prepared to discuss the Grand Final triumph when a year before him Chris Scott would barely mention his side's 2011 premiership win.

Probably, because despite his admiration for the 44 players assembled that day, he has already moved on.

In fact, it took him less than 48 hours.

By the Monday after the Grand Final he was flying to interview Kurt Tippett, determined to improve his list.

By then, he had scrutinised those Grand Final statistics and realised his side needed to improve.

"I don't think (the premiership) changes what you should do the next year. I read a comment from Hawthorn that they needed to respond. Well it's a response from us, too. We know we need to get better and just because you won by 10 points doesn't mean you have an entitlement to sit back and relax.

"Obviously, it was a wonderful experience for us all, but it doesn't change the approach to the off-season."

The litmus test of his list's determination to go back to the well this year came on the first day of pre-season.

"For me it was the first group of players that came back. (Sam) Reid and Jetta and (Luke) Parker and Alex Johnson and Jed Lamb, the young kids came back in such good condition, and from the first training session they were up and going really well.

"You are not quite sure with younger players how they will respond and react and whether they will want to get better.

"It is great to achieve a premiership but it doesn't mean it will automatically happen again.

"To see those 19 and 20 year olds come back in good condition, it was a good sign."

Sydney might have its veterans in Goodes, McVeigh, O'Keefe, Ted Richards, Jude Bolton and co, yet the nucleus is young and promising.

And when you add Tippett, it is astounding that they are not prohibitive odds to repeat the dose.

Longmire is excited by that young group, even if other vibrant talents in Gary Rohan and Tom Mitchell, missed most of last season with injury and seem long-term projects.

Can Sydney improve?

"I hope so," Longmire said.

"First of all, you have got to, because history suggests everyone else does. But Reid is 21, Hannebery and Parker are 20 or 21, Lewis Jetta is still young. Josh Kennedy is still only 24.

"We think a number have still got really good footy ahead of them."

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Demetriou's time is up: Kennett

Former Victorian Premier and Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says AFL chief Andrew Demetriou should consider stepping down from the top job. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett has launched a scathing attack on the culture of the AFL, declaring Andrew Demetriou's time as boss is up.

The former Premier last night made the call in the wake of the Melbourne tanking fallout and Essendon drugs investigation, which is still ongoing.

An impassioned Kennett lay the blame at the feet of Demetriou and said it was time for the AFL Commission to act.

"The culture is wrong - it needs improving ," Kennett said on Channel Nine's Footy Classified.

"It is a culture of defence and, at times, of intimidation.

"I think the AFL Commission should be seriously considering after 10 years , and because there have been these acts occurring on his watch, they should be addressing the culture."

Radical tax footy's hot seat

Kennett has long been a supporter of Demtriou.

But he said the time for change had become apparent over the past fortnight.

Signed form may save Dons

"I have always said publicly I get on with Andrew Demetriou - I like him and his style and believe 80 per cent they have done well.

"I think the halo has slipped dramatically over the last few weeks."

Kennett said Demetriou was responsible for the incidents that have tarnished the game in recent times.

"Andrew has been overseeing the culture for 10 years," he said.

"Gill (AFL second-in charge Gillon McLachlan), as his deputy, has been there most of that time.

"We're discussing issues now which are pulling the game apart."

McLachlan is seen by all to be Demetriou's successor when the chief executive position becomes vacant.

But Kennett, who has always believed people should not stay too long in the top job of any organisation, said it may take an outsider to clean up the mess.

"If I were the AFL Commission, I'd be advertising widely and encouraging as many to offer," he said.

"You might have to bring someone in to address the culture."

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Two years for Dees to pay fine

Dean Bailey cannot have any coaching or player role with Adelaide, where he is an assistant coach, for the first 16 rounds of the season.  Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has been given two years to pay the $500,000 fine imposed on the club this week following an investigation into tanking claims.

The fine - the third biggest handed down in AFL history - will be paid in two instalments.

One-third of it is expected to be payable by the end of this year and the balance by the end of 2014.

An AFL spokesman said yesterday the league and Melbourne were working through the details of paying the fine.

"It will be paid in two payments," he said.

"It might be that two-thirds is paid this year and one-third next year or the other way around," the spokesman said.

"Details of the payment is still being worked out."

The fine will go into the AFL's consolidated revenue, and not to charity as some people have suggested.

Radical tax footy's hot seat

Melbourne revealed a modest profit of $19,000 for the 2012 season at the club's annual general meeting earlier this month.

Late club president Jim Stynes led campaigns to rid the club of its multi-million-dollar debt.

The AFL ruled after its seven-month investigation that Melbourne did not tank in 2009 to gain draft benefits.

Signed form may save Dons

But former Melbourne football department boss Chris Connolly and former coach Dean Bailey received suspensions for their involvement for acting in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the AFL.

Connolly, who ran the club's Foundation Heroes fundraising arm that has raised millions to bring Melbourne's debt under control, cannot work for Melbourne for 12 months, while Bailey cannot have any coaching or player role with Adelaide, where he is an assistant coach, for the first 16 rounds of the season.

It's understood that Connolly is a good chance of continuing his commentary role on Friday night football with ABC radio.

He has been given full support by his colleagues in the ABC's sports department.

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Roos hop to contracts

North Melbourne has re-signed co-vice captain Jack Ziebell for three years. Picture: Darren Tindale Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne has signed vice-captain Jack Ziebell on a three-year contract extension and is poised to secure free agent Daniel Wells on a deal that will ensure he sees out his AFL career at Arden Street.

Ziebell, 22 next week, has committed to the Kangaroos until the end of 2016.

"From my point of view North Melbourne is a really exciting place to be around and I'm loving my time here, so it was just a matter of getting the terms right and away we go," Ziebell said.

"We've seen other players at other clubs where contract talks have become a big thing, so for me getting it out of the way and being able to concentrate on my footy was a high priority.

"With the exciting group of young blokes we've got at the club, why would you want to be anywhere else?

"North's been really great to me and I'm hoping I can return the favour over the next few years."

Ziebell had minor knee surgery last month but is in the Roos squad to play Melbourne and Richmond in the first round NAB Cup fixture at Etihad Stadium tomorrow night.

"It was just a little tidy-up and I only missed a couple of weeks. I was back into full training about three weeks ago and I'm ready to go," he said.

West Australian Wells is also in the squad despite having been nursed through pre-season with achilles soreness.

The 2011 club champion would be eligible for free agency at the end of the year, but the Roos expect to ink a deal this week that will also extend his contract until the end of 2016.

Wells spoke earlier this month about his desire to see out his AFL career with the Kangaroos.

"Hopefully I still have plenty of years," Wells, who turned 28 this month, said. "We have been through some tough times but we are a really good team and it's exciting to be part of and I want to help the young ones out."

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AFL considers blockbuster tax

The AFL is considering charging extra for blockbuster matches such as the Essendon v Collingwood Anzac Day clash. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

BLOCKBUSTER games could cost fans more to attend under a variable pricing concept floated by the AFL.

Extra revenue generated by a hike in gate prices above the standard $20, or possibly a tax on premium seating at high-demand games, would flow to the league's poorest clubs.

The AFL flagged the "variable ticket pricing" idea in an equalisation discussion paper sent to clubs last month.

Under a heading of "new revenue generation" it listed: "Possible examples include proceeds from variable ticket pricing."

The AFL has conducted research into variable pricing, which is common in the US, and has asked clubs for their views.

It's possible under the philosophy that prices could fall for low-demand games.

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said blockbusters already paid their way and fans should not have to fork out more.

There's a big enough impost on people going to the game as it is without having to slug them even more

But Geelong has backed further exploration of the concept.

"Products that are in demand usually cost you more money," Geelong chief executive Brian Cook said yesterday.

"When you're playing sides that are on top of the ladder and draw big crowds, it costs you more to go to those games than games that are going to be least attended, that's the principal around it.

"In terms of how that will work, we don't know. If you look at models overseas, some are varying the gate admission price, some are varying the seat premium some are varying both.

"The AFL has been working on it for a little while. I still think it's a fair way off, (it's the) very early stages, I don't believe they would be looking at it for the 2014 season.

"It's an international model ... whether it is a relevant model for the AFL should be explored."

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said: "I've got no idea what they're talking about."

"Blockbusters already pay their way through television rights and through catering rights and through membership and through AFL membership," he said.

"There's a big enough impost on people going to the game as it is without having to slug them even more."

The AFL has variable pricing for finals - last year's prices ranged from $46-$85 in the first week of September to $200-$390 for the Grand Final.

Cook said the fans needed to be carefully considered.

"That's an issue, you have to make very sure that there weren't particular clubs that were going to be disadvantaged because the supporters paid more than other clubs' supporters," he said.

"You wouldn't want the brunt of this to be covered by Collingwood, Essendon and Carlton supporters.

"I think you'll find that variable pricing will occur not only for Collingwood but another eight or nine sides.

"I think Geelong would (be affected) when we play two or three teams when it's our home game, and then you've got the derbies interstate."

The AFL said the league's executive was given a presentation late last year by a group who had worked with American sports.

"A concept about price differentials depending on demand for matches is a simple summary," a league spokesman said.

"We would hope that we would have some material that we're able to relay publicly probably in the next couple of weeks.

"We have to assess the potential outcomes it may have. We think about the effect on fans with every decision we make."

Variable pricing is the norm in the US where the majority of teams in MLB, the NBA and NHL charge different prices for the same seat depending on the game.

These prices are set at the start of each season.

Many American sports and their teams also use "dynamic ticket pricing", where clubs re-price tickets during the season, sometimes the day before a match.

Prices can go up or down based on demand.

Geelong confirmed its support for variable pricing in its official response to the AFL equalisation paper.

Clubs had until this week to respond to the discussion paper.

Club chief executives and presidents will meet with the AFL executive on March 20.

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Kennett slams AFL Commission

Former Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett slams the AFL Commission for dropping the ball on integrity. Picture: David Caird. Source: Herald Sun

FORMER Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett says the powerful AFL Commission has compromised the integrity of the game.

Kennett said the Melbourne tanking decision, the sacking of Adelaide recruiter Matt Rendell and Stephen Trigg's survival from the Crows salary cap rort was bad governance.

"I know they work hard and I know the chairman works hard, but they have allowed what I consider to be the highest standards of governance to be eroded," Kennett said.

"I think they could have overseen the upholding of higher standards.

"And they've got to accept collective responsibility for that.

"But my biggest worry is that it makes it difficult for the next time (a club offends).

"And they will. People will push the white line.

"Everyone might hold their breath for a year and then someone will start to ty and get an advantage and cross that line again."

The nine-person league commission includes chairman Mike Fitzpatrick, chief executive Andrew Demetriou, Paul Bassat, Linda Dessau, Richard Goyder, Bill Kelty, Chris Langford, Chris Lynch and Sam Mostyn.

"All of the people on that commission are people of substance. Each of them has experiences and qualifications that have them as leaders in their field - in the law, in commerce and unions. They are all eminent persons," Kennett said.

"But my concern is that the administration has always seemed to be driving the agenda.

"Andrew (Demetriou) is a very forceful character, instead of a CEO being invited to attend - and that's not unusual - but he has been there a long time.

"That also stifles a lot of debate and, when he takes up a position, he is often very difficult to turn.

"If you've got good governance practices in place you'll always be looking towards the long-term development and growth of the competition.

"And what has happened in recent times is there has been compromise after compromise after compromise.

"The Matt Rendell thing was just appalling.

"That man was driven out by senior officers of the AFL and by his club.

"It was unacceptable. But whether the commission should have intervened - or whether the commission even knew about it until after the event - I don't know."

Kennett said Trigg's survival for more serious indiscretions was a contradiction.

"This was a plain breach of the rules by senior people. And if that had happened in the organisation that any of those commissioners were running ... they would have been out of that job together. You would never come back," he said.

Asked about the Melbourne tanking investigation, Kennett said: "I don't understand how you are not found guilty - but you are fined and two of your officers are suspended."

He said the NRL's handling of the Melbourne Storm salary cap scandal was an example of strong leadership.

Sydney premiership coach Paul Roos said the AFL shared some of the blame for the Melbourne tanking saga.

"I guess the biggest problem is the system created by the AFL to give teams the incentive to lose games of football," Roos told SEN.

"That was the system that was in place ... and clearly there were clubs that took advantage of that."

But Demetriou maintained yesterday on 3AW there was no evidence Melbourne had tanked.

The AFL declined to respond to Kennett's comments last night.

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Bombers buoyed by ASADA briefing

Essendon players set to be interviewed by ASADA in regard to alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs.

Essendon chairman David Evans has promised his members answers amid ASADA's investigations into the use of banned substances at the club. Source: Getty Images

ESSENDON players were told by the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority yesterday they could escape suspension under a World Anti-Doping Authority get-out clause.

With interviews with ASADA starting within days, the players were briefed on details of the "no fault or negligence" clause, revealed exclusively by the Herald Sun on Tuesday.

The clause allows athletes to escape punishment under "exceptional circumstances" if it can be proved they were given illegal substances against their consent.

Special clause: Ray of hope for Dons

Players were told by the anti-doping body they could argue that clause applied to them, even if it was eventually proved they were injected with illegal peptides.

That investigation could still take months, but players are known to have been overwhelmingly relieved that they could still be found innocent even if unwittingly caught up in the doping controversy.

Players would still have to argue their innocence - most likely in front of an AFL tribunal - but it is the first sign Essendon players could emerge unscathed.

It is known ASADA was extremely careful with the language used with players and, considering evidence that could emerge in the coming investigation, did not provide any guarantees.

The AFL will appoint another person to its integrity department, with two part-time members being elevated to full-time.

The AFL Commission also ratified an enhanced registry of club staff and personnel, including sports scientists, and agreed to adopt rules on mandatory reporting to the AFL of doping activities and approaches.

A second meeting for the parents of Essendon players and former Bombers caught in the controversy has been postponed until next week because of the short notice.

WADA's rule 10.5.1 on No Fault or Negligence states if an athlete can prove"in an individual case that he or she bears no fault or negligence, the otherwise applicable period of ineligibility shall be eliminated".

Essendon and its players are not out of the woods, considering issues over the chain of command at the club and the potential use of intravenous infusions which are illegal under the WADA code.

But following the dark cloud that has engulfed Windy Hill, the players understandably were relieved by the developments.

Essendon chairman David Evans said yesterday in a video message to all supporters that ASADA was continuing with its investigations.

"ASADA outlined the process for the investigation to continue, including interviews with players, to determine if a prohibited substance had been administered," he said.

"I know our members and the football community want answers, and I ask that the club be allowed time to co-operate with the ongoing investigation."

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Terms just don't add up

Essendon assistant coach Dean Wallis was banned for 14 matches after betting on football. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

OF everyone who assessed the punishments for Dean Bailey and Chris Connolly on Tuesday, you can only wonder what Essendon's Dean Wallis was thinking?

Or what Matthew Rendell was thinking?

Or the time-keeper or goal umpire who gambled?

Or Peter Blucher, or Stephen Trigg, or Kurt Tippett who were salary-cap cheats?

It ain't easy for the AFL to act as arresting officer, the prosecution and ultimately the judge on AFL issues.

And, indeed, you really can't think of a worse day for the AFL's PR than Tuesday, when Gil McLachlan was forced to explain the unexplainable.

Fair effort, too, from Gil because the lawyers had told him he had to swim between the flags and, unfortunately, for him, those flags were less than a metre apart.

At the very least, his comment that he didn't know what tanking was will be in the AFL's Hall of Fame of Hilarity.

Clearly, the penalties were negotiated, which is a concern.

If you're an integrity department investigating issues of integrity, then your integrity can't be compromised by making deals.

The AFL's punishment system, meanwhile, is out of whack.

In September, 2011, Wallis was banned from coaching activities for 14 matches, which was effectively until July, 2012, after laying three bets on AFL matches at a total cost of $400. He sat out longer than what Trigg will, after he copped six months for salary-cap cheating.

And he was a fortnight shy of Bailey's penalty, who was found to have been pressured into decisions on team selection and player positioning - which wasn't tanking, mind you.

So, Trigg cheated the cap, Bailey didn't tank but was suspended for something close to it, and Wallis put on a $100 quaddie.

Meanwhile, Rendell was sacked for making a racist comment, Tippett's manager Peter Blucher got 12 months for mishandling Tippett's deals and Connolly got 12 months for warning officials about the importance of losing matches in order to secure a priority picks.

And in 2010, there was the goal umpire who missed six months for punting $60, the trainee timekeeper who got whacked five weeks for placing a $5 bet, and the interchange steward who got six months for placing four bets totalling $9.

Think about that, again: The interchange steward got the same penalty as Trigg and Bailey.

If it's all about integrity, then maybe it's time the clubs asked for integrity officers to be placed in the penalties department.

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Penalty harsh on pair: Parkin

Acting AFL general manager Gillon McLachlan explains why they concluded no tanking occurred at Melbourne Demons.

AFLCA president David Parkin says the penalties handed out to Dean Bailey and Chris Connolly are harsh. Picture: Julie Kiriacoudis. Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL Coaches' Association has expressed its disappointment in the 16-match ban on former Melbourne coach Dean Bailey for his involvement in the Demons' tanking scandal.

Now an assistant coach at Adelaide, Bailey can continue working for the Crows during his ban, but is not permitted to have any matchday role or work with the players.

AFLCA president David Parkin said last night he felt sorry for Bailey and former Melbourne football manager Chris Connolly, who has been banned for working with the Demons until next February.

"I personally thought the penalty was pretty harsh and really tough on Dean," Parkin said.

"They (AFL) set up a competition where it encourages people to do exactly what they are criticising them for doing. I have been tempted and gone down that road, too.

"I am sad for the blokes. I don't know Dean well, but they tell me he is a terrific bloke and he has been on the end of a sacking and now he is on the end of a 16-match ban."

Parkin, who coached at Hawthorn, Carlton and Fitzroy, said he had mentored Connolly when he went into coaching at Fremantle.

"He is a really good man and a really good football person and a real footy head who loves the game,"

Parkin said. "I have rung him and texted him and I've had no response, so I guess he'd be a pretty shattered man."

The coaches' association said it was happy the Crows were backing Bailey.

"The AFLCA is disappointed with the sanction handed down to Dean Bailey today, for the impact it will have on Dean and the Adelaide Crows Football Club," operations manager Paul Armstrong said last night.

"Dean is a highly regarded coach and a respected member of the AFLCA and this will continue."

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No tanks, says defiant Demetriou

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou is sticking to his guns . Source: Herald Sun

'You're right! It says Range Rover, not tank' - David McArthur cartoon Source: Herald Sun

A DEFIANT Andrew Demetriou last night declared tanking had never taken place in the AFL.

The AFL boss told the Herald Sun teams had never set out to deliberately lose games and secure draft picks.

"I have no evidence to support the view that tanking exists," Demetriou said.

"If you are asking me the question that has been asked before: 'Do I think players purposely go out to lose games?'

"I've said in my heart of hearts I don't believe that ever to be the case."

Asked if coaches could orchestrate tanking, Demetriou said: "Well, we've got no evidence to support otherwise...and we have got very, very good investigators."

Melbourne was yesterday fined $500,000 - the third largest financial sanction in AFL history - but found not guilty of tanking after a seven-month investigation.

Instead, former football boss Chris Connolly and former coach Dean Bailey were slapped with lengthy suspensions for "acting in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the AFL".

The resolution to the tanking saga was seen as a major victory for Melbourne, who had threatened Supreme Court action if heavily punished.

Demetriou was a surprise no show at yesterday's announcement, leaving his deputy Gillon McLachlan to explain the penalties.

"The Melbourne Football Club did not set out to deliberately lose matches in any game in 2009," McLachlan said.

"All I can say is on the evidence that I was presented...there is no allegation that is able to be sustained that Dean Bailey didn't coach on his merits or the players didn't play to their up most ability."

Connolly was suspended for 12 months, while Bailey, now an assistant at Adelaide, was banned from coaching for the first 16 rounds of the season.

McLachlan said there was no evidence to suggest the Melbourne board, led in 2009 by the late Jim Stynes, or chief executive Cameron Schwab had given directives for the team to lose.

He said the club was fined for being the employers of Connolly and Bailey.

At the centre of the investigation were comments made by Connolly at a football department meeting in mid 2009, where he warned officials about the importance of losing matches to improve the club's draft position.

"Connolly has accepted he went into a football department meeting and he made a terrible and stupid decision in the context of an AFL rule that has now changed (priority draft picks) and in the context of pressure and expectation of success," McLachlan said.

"He made a comment regarding the performance of the team, a desire to secure a priority pick, and I know he now regrets that comment.

"I think he has accepted - and the evidence accepts it - that the people in that room took him seriously and acted in a way that they thought he meant.

"The AFL concluded Bailey acted upon Connolly's warning by making decisions about selection, player management and match-day positioning because of the pressure applied by Connolly."

But McLachlan said Bailey had always set out to win on match day.

"What I am saying is that he (Bailey) made decisions in response to the pressure of that meeting - that he had to appease Chris Connolly - and may have had an impact that goes to success, but he made no conscious decision on match day to lose games," McLachlan said.

"He made decisions in response to that which meant that he was resting players and playing players out of position in the context of pressure not to win."

Connolly, who no longer works in the Melbourne football department, has been guaranteed future employment at the club once his suspension is served.

Melbourne president Don McLardy said yesterday: "The findings...state clearly there was no directive from the club board or executive management to deliberately lose matches, and the Melbourne Football Club never set out to deliberately lose matches in any game during the 2009 season."

An Adelaide spokesman said last night: "We are extremely disappointed at the significant suspension which Dean has incurred following the AFL's investigation.

"The Adelaide Football Club will continue to provide its full support to Dean during this time and is totally committed to retaining him as a valued employee of the Football Club."

McLachlan said the tanking investigation involved interviews with 58 players, former players, coaches and club officials.

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