Dockers rout winged Eagles

Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich and coach Ross Lyon reign supreme in Derby No.37. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

THE kill was swift, effective and without mercy.

You would expect nothing less in a Western Derby and for the purple-clad crowd, Fremantle's 28-point win over West Coast at Patersons Stadium last night was a Round 1 win worth waiting six months for.

The Dockers began the third quarter nine points down and ended it with the game virtually in their keeping after a six-goals to one term.

With the Eagles in a daze as their injury woes mounted during a horror quarter, Fremantle delighted in pulling the trigger.

While the Dockers' rout of their local rivals in Round 19 last season came with Matthew Pavlich and Hayden Ballantyne playing starring roles, last night's triumph came with minimal input from the headline pair.

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Midfielders Michael Barlow and David Mundy shone in the middle, having 27 touches each, while the run and penetration of Stephen Hill and Danyle Pearce was significant.

Judges couldn't separate Barlow and Mundy for the Ross Glendinning medal, with the pair sharing the award in a derby first.

The only real positive for the Eagles is that they have 15 days to try to regroup before they host Hawthorn.

AFL- Fremantle Dockers v West Coast Eagles, Patersons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Fremantle's Danyle Pearce and Michael Johnson are sprayed with Powerade after the win, during the team song. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: Herald Sun

With a host of first choice players already on the sidelines, Mark LeCras and Eric Mackenzie were added to the injured list.

It was a heartbreaking comeback match for LeCras, who missed all of last season with a knee injury.

Only the most hard-hearted of Freo fans would not have felt sorry for LeCras as he came from the ground using his guernsey as a sling for his right arm.

The Dockers have a worry of their own, with Pavlich on report for charging Eagle Will Schofield in the second quarter.

Several other incidents will be scrutinised by the match review panel after a fiery first-half.

Live HQ: How the game unfolded

Early on the Eagles silenced the purple arm, having 18 possessions to three in the opening four minutes as St Kilda recruit Jamie Cripps kicked the game's first goal after a minute.

Ashton Hams was another unlikely hero for the Eagles in the opening stanza, booting consecutive goals.

The crowd was livid with his second, which came after the 174cm Hams attracted a high tackle from David Mundy that slid from his chest to his neck.

West Coast led by 21 points by the time Nick Suban got Fremantle on the board 18 minutes in.

Eagles club champion Scott Selwood was left dazed on the turf in a behind the play incident in the final The second quarter had nearly everything.

While the Pavlich-Schofield wasn't overly malicious, Schofield received a 50m penalty after Pavlich was fractionally late and the Freo skipper will have a nervous wait.

Eagle Mark LeCras comes off the ground with a serious arm injury. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

The Pavlich incident came after another flashpoint between Adam Selwood and Ryan Crowley earlier in the second term.

Crowley appeared to instigate contact as he came from behind Selwood and contact was what he got as the Eagle threw his right elbow back and collected Crowley high.

It came after Crowley had kicked the Dockers' fourth unanswered major as Freo hit the front for the first time at the eight-minute mark of the second quarter.

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Viney on track for Dees debut

Jack Viney gets the footy moving forward during the Casey Scorpions vs Port Melbourne practise match at Casey Fields, Cranbourne. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Mitch Clark kicks at goal at Casey Fields. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

JACK Viney is almost certain to debut for Melbourne against Port Adelaide next Sunday after a strong performance for Casey Scorpions today.

And the Demons have not given up hope that Mitch Clark and Jack Trengove could also play after both players got through three quarters unscathed of the game against Port Melbourne at Casey Fields.

Viney was one of the Scorpions' best players while Clark and Trengove were a little rusty after long layoffs.

Demons football manager Josh Mahoney confirmed Viney would likely make his debut next weekend, while Clark, Trengove and Chris Dawes (who did not play yesterday) would be assessed over the coming days.

"We were keen for him (Viney) to get one more (game) in and he played really well," Mahoney said.

"We would be expecting him to be very close to playing (in Round 1)."

Mahoney said Clark, Trengove and Dawes remain a chance to play, but the Demons would have to wary they do not take underdone players into the clash with Port Adelaide.

"They are a chance to play," he said. "It will be an interesting week - we will have some decisions to make."

Clark kicked one goal in his first game since a foot reconstruction after Round 13 last year.

He attacked the ball - and at times his opponents - with intent, but was sometimes frustrated by the opportunities that were presented to him.

Trengove looked a little underdone after overcoming stress fractures and struggled to have an impact.
Both he and Clark left the field midway through the last term.

Dean Kent, who had impressed the Demons during the pre-season, was reported after an incident just before quarter-time.

Meanwhile at Frankston, Adam Schneider put his hand up for selection in St Kilda's Round 1 side with a second strong performance for Sandringham in two weeks.

Read about how the St Kilda-listed players performed

HERE

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Schneider steps up workload

Adam Schneider celebrates a goal for the Saints. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA pair Adam Schneider and Tom Simpkin pushed their claims for Round 1 selection against Gold Coast when they got through today's practice match with VFL affiliate club Sandringham unscathed.

Schneider stood-out in Sandy's big victory - 11.22 (88) to 11.4 (70) - over Frankston.

He suffered an injury setback during the pre-season but got some valuable match practice under his belt with 60 minutes game time for Sandringham last week.

Saints football operations manager Greg Hutchison said Schneider go through his planned 80 minutes today without any concerns.

"He played the minutes that he was scheduled to do and did what he had to do in terms of conditioning,'' Hutchison said.

"And Simpkin did what he had to do. Because he has missed a bit of footy, we were able to get permission for him to play and from a conditioning aspect he also got what he needed from the game.''

Although the Saints had permission to play Rhys Stanley, it was decided to keep him on the sidelines.

Stanley hurt his knee against Sydney earlier this month with an injury that was diagnosed as likely to keep him out for 2-4 weeks.

Scans cleared him of any structural damage when he hyper-extended his knee when he landed after a marking contest.

Hutchison said Stanley trained fully on Friday but the conditioning and coaching staff decided the session was more beneficial than playing yesterday.

The club will assess all three players during the week.

Meanwhile four of Sydney's 2012 premiership players - Shane Mumford (ankle), Martin Mattner (hip), Nick Smith (knee) and Mitch Morton (back) - received valuable game time in a practice match between the Swans reserves and Sydney University on Friday night.

The four hope to play in the opening game against Greater Western Sydney.
 

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Jobe a real leader, says Hird

Essendon put woes behind them by winning season opener.

Jobe Watson celebrates after nailing a goal against the Crows. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

ESSENDON coach James Hird has paid credit to the leadership qualities of captain Jobe Watson who he said had his "game face" on from last Thursday until the end of Friday night's victory over Adelaide.

"It was a game face that no-one was going to take this away from us no matter how bad the start goes or no matter how bad the game goes, this game and this team is going to stay on track," Hird said yesterday.

"And that takes great leadership when sometimes it's hard to just play the game and you just want to get out and play the game and there are other things going on in your head. He removed it from his head and made sure the team was heading in the right direction.

Live HQ: Live SuperCoach scores, stats and more

Hird, in interviews with 3AW and SEN, said Watson had provided enormous leadership to his teammates and the club in general during the past six weeks.

He admitted that while Watson had won the Brownlow Medal last year, the mid-fielder was disappointed with the way the team finished the season and at one stage wasn't motivated with the thought of another long pre-season campaign.

"He obliviously won the Brownlow and then had two or three weeks of intense media interviews, then went away for a month and then I think he saw another five months of pre-season in front of him and he wasn't that motivated by that," Hird said.

"So the guys went to Colorado for three weeks and I think he he got his motivation back, which was early December, and he has been on top of his training."

Hird said Watson hasn't missed a beat since suffering a slight mishap in January when he hurt his medial ligament.

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Pavlich report sours victory

Dockers skipper Matthew Pavlich was reported for charging Eagle Will Schofield in Derby No.37. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: PerthNow

FREMANTLE'S crushing victory over West Coast last night was soured only by the report of captain Matthew Pavlich.

Pavlich, who was held goalless after kicking eight goals the last time the teams met, had his number taken in the second quarter for charging Eagles defender Will Schofield.

Pavlich faces a nervous wait after he crashed into the back of Schofield after he had taken a mark on the wing.

The Dockers are well placed for a flying start to the new season, following the 16.12 (108) to 11.14 (80) win in front of a parochial crowd of 39,629.

They now have a 14-day break before taking on the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium in Round 2.

Key midfielders David Mundy and Michael Barlow tied for the Glendinning Medal after starring with 27 possessions and six clearances each.

Nick Suban and Michael Walters kicked three goals each, while free agency addition Danyle Pearce was terrific in his first appearance for his new side.

Forward Hayden Ballantyne was subbed out with a lower leg injury but coach Ross Lyon expected him to be fit for the Bulldogs clash.

"He sort of knocked his shin and got a cork in the calf, so we subbed him out,'' he said.

"There's no red alert here.''

Lyon took some pity on Fremantle's cross-town rivals, saying an undermanned West Coast had put in a brave performance against the odds.

"I think you've got to admire the Eagles,'' Lyon said.

"I know paper teams mean nothing, but the reality is that they were depleted in some areas, particularly in the midfield.

"I thought they came out and took the game right up to us. But in the end I thought our preparation and our total teamsmanship in the end was quite dominant.''

Fremantle trailed by nine points at half-time but completely controlled the third term to lead by 24 points at the final change.

It came after the Eagles led by 21 points mid-way through the first quarter when the Dockers were yet to score.

"Probably there were signs well before half-time, but we just couldn't hurt them on the scoreboard and they scored pretty easy,'' Lyon said.

"So once we tidied a few of those things up, I thought our third quarter was dominant, and then it was a real arm wrestle in the last and it opened up a bit.''

Fremantle dominated the overall inside 50 count 61-38 and won the centre clearances 17-9 despite the Eagles edging them in overall stoppage wins 42-37.

The victory put the Dockers on display around the country, with the derby the only AFL match played yesterday.

Lyon said he was unsure what message it sent the rest of the competition.

"I'm not too sure to be honest, its hard to know what other people think,'' he said.

"I think they would say we are a competitive AFL team, and that when they play us we'll be competing strongly."

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League will tighten drug loophole

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou is part of the drugs working party. Picture: Glenn Daniels Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL's illicit drugs working party has agreed to tighten the loophole which allows players to admit drug use yet dodge testers.

The self-reporting loophole will be tightened but not totally disregarded to ensure it is not abused by players.

Clubs believed a small number of players were reporting the use of drugs not as a cry for help, but simply as a way to sidestep positive strikes.

Some club officials even believed their players had done so when made aware testers were at their club.

But the AFL confirmed today the working party had agreed amendments would be drafted for review by the AFLPA and AFL, to be discussed again in 4-6 weeks.

The AFL Commission and player delegates of the player union would both need to agree to alterations of the AFL's illicit drugs policy.

"We also had considerable discussion about how the policy framework can be strengthened to deal with a very small number of players who might disrespect the policy's objectives and disregard how their off-field behaviour impacts on other players in the competition, their own club and the AFL itself," AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said.

Demetriou chairs the working party, which also includes AFLPA chief executive Matt Finnis, AFL medical officers and club representatives.

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Four teams can win the premiership

The Swans face some challenges in 2013, but can go back to back in the premiership race. Source: Herald Sun

THE most frequently asked question in the off-season is ''who do you think will win the premiership?''

This is closely followed by ''how do you think my team will go?''

The only guide is what happened last year and for that reason I believe the premiers will come from one of Sydney, Hawthorn, Collingwood or West Coast.

SYDNEY

THE reigning premiers face some challenges in going back to back.

The Swans don't look to have had a great pre-season and are going into season 2013 a little underdone.

That is not unusual for a premiership team as they start pre-season a month later than most sides. This factor has been helped by a soft start to the season with the Giants and the Suns.

They must not fall into the trap of taking either side lightly and pick the fittest team that they can.

Age may be a factor for the Swans, but there were no signs last year that players such as Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton and Ryan O'Keefe were slowing down.

The reason I believe the the Swans can go back-to-back is there is significant improvement left in players such as Hannebury, Reid, Jetta, Parker and new skipper Kieren Jack.

HAWTHORN

THE Hawks seem to be most people's premiership favourites and deservedly so.

I thought the Hawks were exposed in last year's Grand Final when the Swans players 15-22 were far better than those of the Hawks.

We know of the Hawks star power, but they must unearth more consistent role players to hold the cup aloft.

Brian Lake is an excellent good addition if he can get on the field regularly and, at his best, he is the key position defender the Hawks have been crying out for.

COLLINGWOOD

I BELIEVE the Pies are as well placed as any of these four teams to win a premiership.

On pure talent they can assemble the best 22 players.

They have the star power, depth, and great role players to fill their fans with confidence.

There is possibly two concerns for the Magpie army.

First, they must find a better balance between attack and defence. In their quest last year to become a more aggressive ball using team they certainly became much more exposed defensively.

I'm sure coach Nathan Buckley would have been stressing this during the pre-season. They must get back to becoming one of the most difficult teams to score against in the competition.

Second, sometimes their players can be their own worst enemies.

I applaud Nathan for his team first approach and trying to set high on-field and off-field standards. It is time for all Collingwood players to understand football is a team game and requires you to put the team first.

WEST COAST

THE Eagles have built nicely over the last couple of seasons. With a very talented list and 11 home games it is hard to see them not figuring in the premiership hunt.

Their ground is so big it's the most difficult for rival teams to play. Whilst this is a huge positive in order to reach the finals we know that premierships are won at the MCG.

Like the Swans, they do have some aging veterans who appear to be playing great football.

There is also tremendous upside in the young array of talent that they have assembled over the past six or seven years.

If the veterans continue to hold up and the youngsters improve as Woosha would hope a repeat of 2006 is very much on the cards.

WHO WILL JUMP?

THERE always appears to be a team that jumps up out of nowhere and last year it was the Adelaide Crows. I don't have them in my top four and think they may drop down the ladder.

The loss of Tippet is a big one, and time will tell as to whether they played at their absolutely optimum last season.

That brings us to the next debate as to who may jump up in 2013.

I believe the two most likely teams, despite the Brisbane Lions' outstanding pre-season, are Richmond and Essendon.

The only reason I don't have them in the eight is because I can't make a case for other teams to drop out.

Richmond's biggest problem last season was losing close games and there is no doubt that would have been a huge focus in their off-season.

Role-playing at training and placing players in game like situations would have happened on a regular basis. If they can arrest that worrying trend and win the close games, finals are a genuine consideration.

The Bombers' best 22 looks competitive. Last year they were cruelled by injury and also struggled to match the top teams run.

They looked to have had a much harder pre-season and will start 2013 a lot more confident with their running capacity.

Zaharakis is extremely important to them as he will give them another hard-running midfielder, something they lacked last year.

If they can put the turmoil of the off-season out of their minds, they like Richmond, will genuinely challenge for a spot in the eight.

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Dons bounce back from hell

 Jobe Watson celebrates his last-quarter goal Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

THERE were two main points of interest for Essendon fans going into the season opener against the Crows in Adelaide. Would the players come out firing after a summer of controversy, and how would boom recruit Brendon Goddard perform?

In the end, both these factors had no bearing on the game.

The Bombers had a crack early, but were outplayed and barely managed to get the football inside their forward 50 in the first quarter.

Likewise Goddard - who along with mature recruit Nick Kommer was the only member of the starting 22 not embroiled in the 2012 supplements scandal - struggled to have an impact in the first term.

Live HQ: Adelaide v Essendon

Starting on a wing against Crows young gun Rory Sloane and pushing forward, the former Saint managed just three ineffectual possessions in the first 30 minutes.

The Crows had the first six scoring shots of the match. Essendon's first score did not come until the 19th minute, when Michael Hurley gathered on the boundary and kicked a point; its first goal came from a Brent Stanton snap in the shadow of quarter time.

AFL - Adelaide Crows v Essendon at AAMI Stadium - Round 1 - Brenton Sanderson at quarter time Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

At the first break, with the Dons trailing 22-9, the one shining light was Dyson Heppell, who had racked up 10 disposals including the Dons' first of the match.

In the lead-up to the game, however, coach James Hird had put another issue on the agenda that was ultimately more significant. Speaking to the playing group during the week he had bluntly spelled out that resilience was the one element that had been missing from this group. Would the summer of controversy bond this group, he wondered, and help them find that resilience.

In the second quarter the Bombers found just that, bouncing back by lifting their work rate and laying countless tackles. They slammed on two goals within a minute, and managed six of the seven majors scored in that term.

Leading the way were Brownlow Medallist Jobe Watson, Courtenay Dempsey, Ben Howlett and 366-gamer Dustin Fletcher.

AFL - Adelaide Crows v Essendon at AAMI Stadium - Round 1 - Essendon united Picture: Sarah Reed Source: HWT Image Library

Essendon began to dominate in the third quarter as the game opened up, getting out to a 27-point lead midway through the term.

Tom Bellchambers had the chance to put them 32 points up when a Michael Hurley tap on found him unattended 15 metres out from goal. But he hurried his shot, dribbling it wide.

Alwyn Davey was in everything, tackling, smothering and steering through three goals for the quarter, while Paddy Ryder was influential in the ruck.

There remained a suspicion the Crows would get on a run, find some momentum and storm home. But the Bombers responded to Hird's call and showed resilience.

After quarter time Essendon took the game on and was rewarded. The Dons ran and spread and attacked and created. Yet two of their players who could take much credit for the win were negators: Jake Carlisle shut out the Crows' key forward Taylor Walker, while Heath Hocking stopped the explosive Patrick Dangerfield from igniting Adelaide.

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Crows midfield exposed by Bombers

Essendon captain Jobe Watson gets a kick away against Crows midfielder Rory Sloane. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

ADELAIDE'S strength became its weakness on Friday night. In a summer of turmoil and bitterness from an opportunity lost in 2012, the one critical quality that took no hit on coach Brenton Sanderson's whiteboard was the Crows midfield.

Geelong premiership captain Cameron Ling only last week described it as the AFL's best - and the reason why Adelaide would win this season's premiership.

But last night the Crows midfield failed - miserably - in the premiership-season opener loss by 35 points to Essendon at AAMI Stadium. The numbers do not lie.

Rather, they will haunt the Adelaide midfielders when they have the game statistics read to them as a horror story.

Beaten at the clearances, 33-44. Smashed at the centre clearances, 9-18. Outclassed in creating supply while setting up just 48 inside-50s.

Crows midfielder Patrick Dangerfield this week made the revealing observation that Adelaide's greatest concern from its lukewarm pre-season campaign was the habit so many players had developed of "trying to make something out of nothing".

Former Adelaide coach Neil Craig used to describe this ailment as his men playing "cute" football.

In less subtle reviews, the assessment will be of a lazy team that refused to have its hunger brought into question during an indifferent pre-season.

While Adelaide continues to look inferior to the opposition in tackling, that image will stick - and tighter than the Crows' half-hearted tackles.

Adelaide's hope of settling its now wobbly defence was hurt by the loss of young defender Luke Brown - the kid chosen to cover for retired hero Michael Doughty - with a left-ankle injury in the third term.

The injury list also has forward Ricky Henderson who took a heavy knock to his shoulders while sweeping in defence during the last quarter.

The tactical surprise of the night was how Sanderson dealt with the absence of key forward Kurt Tippett, who has defected - with much pain for the Crows - to Sydney.

Despite all the indicators in the pre-season, Josh Jenkins did not start as the goalsquare-based key forward working behind Taylor Walker in a direct fill-in for Tippett.

Rather, Jenkins began on the bench to work a tandem with lead ruckman Sam Jacobs while the versatile Henderson was the preferred second attack forward with Walker.

On the evidence of the first 14 minutes when Adelaide scored 3.4 while holding Essendon on 0.0 it seemed a smart ploy to maximise that quick, direct movement Sanderson craves from a Crows squad he has made the highest-scoring in the club's 22-year history.

But forwards live off supply. This is created by industrious midfields. And Adelaide's engine choked late in the first term and continued to sputter in the second when Essendon's major playmakers led by captain and Brownlow Medallist Jobe Watson and Ben Howlett opened up the game ad burned the Crows in space.

If Tippett still loved Adelaide, he would have starved as a Crows forward - as Walker did in that second term when the Adelaide midfield lost its work ethic.

Imagine what Sanderson is going to say in Monday's review when he points to his players making just seven tackles in the second term while losing the disposal count 69-81. That is simply inexcusable.

ESSENDON  1.3  7.5  13.7   18.9 (117)

ADELAIDE    3.4  4.9   8.14  11.16 (82)

Best: Essendon: Howlett, Watson, Heppell, Stanton, Dempsey, Bellchambers. Adelaide: Reilly, Wright, Douglas, Thompson.

Goals: Essendon: Howlett 4, Davey 3, Goddard, Stanton, Dempsey, Myers, Hocking, Melksham, Watson, Hibberd, Kommer, Crameri, Bellchambers. Adelaide: Walker 3, Douglas 2, Mackay, Johncock, Jenkins, Petrenko, Porplyzia, van Berlo.

Umpires: Simon Meredith, Scott Jeffery, Brett Rosebury.

Official crowd: 42,218 at AAMI Stadium.

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Jobe well done, skip

Jobe Watson was the hero for Essendon. Picture: Getty Source: HWT Image Library

JOBE Watson played like the outstanding captain he is by leading Essendon out of its off-season from hell to a spirited win over Adelaide.

With his club reeling from a pre-season drugs scandal and travelling to a hostile AAMI Stadium against last year's preliminary finallist, Watson produced the ultimate captain's game.

Live HQ: Adelaide v Essendon

The born leader kept Essendon players in their huddle for an extended period before the first bounce, then showed he'd lost none of his Brownlow Medal form by unleashing a 10-possession first quarter.

And that was when the going was tough as the Crows jumped the visitors to lead by 22 points.

But when support arrived in the middle, Essendon responded and dominated the contest after the first break.

He finished the game full of running and his goal 28 minutes into the final term triggered the celebrations.

The Crows tried to tag him in the first half with Matthew Wright, but Watson was virtually untouchable, finishing with 34 possessions - 13 of them contested from his seven clearances.

Jobe Watson follows through with his shot on goal despire Sloane's best efforts to put him off. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

When Adelaide threatened to mount a late charge in the final term, Watson showed strength and a cool head particularly in defence to weather the storm.

Crows midfielders exposed by Dons

Even more pleasing for Bombers fans was that as good as Watson was, his understudies in Dyson Heppell and Ben Howlett weren't far behind him.

Star recruit Brendon Goddard delivered on his promise, Brent Stanton was solid and debutant Nick Kommer showed he'll be a player with pace and, more importantly, poise with the footy.

Kommer said the club's off-season drama was spoken about before the game and afterwards he could feel the emotion of the 35-point win as he stood in the middle of the team song with Goddard.

The Bombers celebrate at the final siren. Picture: Sarah Reed. Source: The Advertiser

"It was really good, emotional and a bit heart-felt," Kommer said.

"It was definitely spoken about, the boys sticking together, we were the only ones who really understood what went on so it's good to stick together and there's nothing better than playing with your mates who went through it."

Mature-age East Perth recruit Kommer capped a memorable first game with a goal to seal victory in time-on in the last stanza.

Dons bounce back from hell

"I was struggling, cramping up a bit so I thought I'd ease it through and it got there," he said.

"I've been training and they threw me straight into most of the big drills which helped me a bit."

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Adam Goodes' brother back in AFL mix

Brett Goodes, brother of superstar Swan Adam Goodes, will make his AFL debut for the Bulldogs. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Herald Sun

BRETT Goodes is the accidental footballer.

Even his biggest fan - dual Brownlow medallist and older brother Adam Goodes - thought his dream of playing AFL was over three years ago.

"The dream was probably over when he decided to take a position in Darwin," Adam said. "That was a big decision for Brett - does he stay in Ballarat or get his career going and put footy on the backburner?"

Goodes upgraded to seniors list

Brett chose to leave VFL side North Ballarat, where he won back-to-back premierships in 2008-09, and move to Darwin to play for the Thunder and work for the AFL in their indigenous programs.

But fate would intervene soon after when the Western Bulldogs head-hunted Brett to work as their player development officer.

Brett returned to the VFL where he continued to impress while playing at Williamstown.

Bulldogs Supercoach preview

Bulldogs coach Brendan McCartney liked what he saw and gave Brett the chance he had been waiting for all of his adult life.

He is set to become one of the oldest players to debut in recent history - if Brett is selected to play in the Bulldogs' opening match against Brisbane next weekend he will be starting his AFL career at the age of 29 years and 41 days.

"I'm really proud of Brett," Adam said. "It's a great story of determination, hard work and not giving up."

While Adam was a bargain at pick 43 in the 1997 national draft, Brett was overlooked because he suffered a serious compartment syndrome injury in both lower legs playing for North Ballarat in the TAC Cup.

Nowadays recruiters pay more attention to mature-age players like Geelong's James Podsiadly, Adelaide's Ian Callinan and Fremantle's Michael Barlow.

Last-minute SuperCoach cheat sheet

But a decade ago AFL list managers rarely took a second look at players like Brett, who had been passed over in the draft.

The Goodes brothers have never played together or against each other. Earlier this year they missed out playing together for the Indigenous All Stars against Richmond in Alice Springs. Adam was still recovering from the knee injury he suffered in the grand final.

They will have to wait until the round 19 clash between the Swans and Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

"That's OK, it gives me plenty of practice and his knee will be right so he'll have no excuses," Brett said. "I'd love being out there with him."

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Swans bonus helped pay for Tippett

Relive the 2012 AFL Grand Final between the Sydney Swans and the Hawthorn Hawks.

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

SYDNEY'S contentious $900,000 salary cap allowance is being paid by the AFL.

The Swans yesterday confirmed it was the league - and the not the club - which paid out the 9.8 per cent bonus.

Rival clubs expressed dismay, saying it meant the AFL had effectively paid for Kurt Tippett to become a Sydney Swan.

"It's a joke," one senior club figure said.

Last-minute SuperCoach cheat sheet

Sydney added Tippett to their premiership list in last year's pre-season draft.

But AFL boss Andrew Demetriou told the Herald Sun all clubs had signed off on the allowance about five years ago.

"It's not a secret. We went to the clubs and asked them as part of a unique cost - and the clubs all agreed," Demetriou said last night.

Captains poll says Swans will dive

"It's a cost that other clubs don't incur."

Clubs are also frustrated that the Swans are saving another $672,000 this season by listing six players as veterans - Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton, Ryan O'Keefe, Jarrad McVeigh, Nick Malceski and Lewis Roberts-Thompson.

Changes to veterans list rules mean all clubs receive $112,000 relief in the salary cap for eligible players.

"It's the perfect storm up there," the club figure said, pointing out that the Swans have featured in the finals in 12 of the past 15 seasons.

The AFL is reviewing the cost of living allowance and is under pressure to scrap it to equalise the game.

But the Swans have indicated they will fight to keep the bonus - also afforded to Greater Western Sydney.

"That it is significantly more expensive to live in Sydney than in any other city in Australia is indisputable," Swans chief executive Andrew Ireland said in a statement.

"Our estimates suggest the true cost of living disparity is closer to 15 per cent and there is no shortage of evidence to support this.

"A major point of contention is the suggestion that we have stored the allowance and used it to recruit players, such as Kurt Tippett. That is simply incorrect.

"Every player contract at the Sydney Swans stipulates that the allowance must be paid in addition to the agreed contract figure.

"Every player has a manager, and every one of those managers is aware the club has the allowance. The allowance is also added to the standard contracts of rookie listed players.

"Like all clubs, each contract that is signed is reviewed by the AFL."

He said the Swans delisted or traded six senior players at the end of last year - Matt Spangher, Trent
Dennis-Lane, Mark Seaby, Jarred Moore, Brett Meredith and Nathan Gordon.

"This player movement opened up approximately $1 million in the club's salary cap," he said.

"Those players were replaced with draftees and, of course, Kurt Tippett."

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Step up, Stanton, and shut down Danger

Essendon begins their season with a fully fit squad after being decimated by injury in 2012.

Essendon's Brent Stanton may be given the job of tagging Crows young gun Patrick Dangerfield tonight.. Picture: Kym Smith Source: The Daily Telegraph

IT'S time Essendon reinvented Brent Stanton and it could start tonight if he's given the job of playing on Adelaide's dynamite midfielder, Patrick Dangerfield.

It's unlikely because Stanton hasn't got the inside game to match Dangerfield's ferocity, but at the same time he has the running capacity to go with Dangerfield, and possibly hurt Dangerfield offensively.

Whoever has to go to Dangerfield will have a ridiculous night.

Last-minute SuperCoach cheat sheet

One opposition analyst suggested the Crows send Dangerfield to match Essendon captain Jobe Watson at the contest and then burn Watson off using his explosive speed. The analyst didn't like Stanton on Dangerfield for the simple fact that Stanton is not a coal-face footballer, and Dangerfield is perhaps the best hard-ball getter in the competition.

As it is, Dangerfield and his skipper, Scott Thompson, are key midfielders for the Crows and need attention.

With revitalised and injury-free Heath Hocking almost certain to tag Thompson, it leaves Dangerfield as the single greatest headache for Bombers coach James Hird.

Dangerfield is a unique player in the sense that he is elite at the contest -- thus wins his own ball -- and is elite as an outside runner.

LIVE HQ for tonight's game

He was the No.1 hard-ball get player in the competition last year and, astonishingly, was ranked eighth overall in metres gained.

Champion Data tells us 59 per cent of his possessions were won in a contest, which was the second highest percentage of the top 50 disposal players.

He was also second for clearances in the competition.

On the face of it, Stanton wouldn't have a chance.

For hard-ball gets last year Stanton was ranked about 200th.

The Bombers spent much of the pre-season trying to develop Stanton's defensive game. They had to.

As a pure outside talent, Stanton has the capacity to hurt opposition.

The problem is, opposition sides eventually jump on him and Stanton's effectiveness is too easily curtailed. That's the nice way of putting it.

To be brutal, he is too easily tagged out of the game.

Last year, from Rounds 1-8, Stanton's numbers were elite, but when sat on for the second half of the season, his numbers dropped in all categories; namely in possessions (minus seven), clearances (minus one) and metres gained (minus 130).

Stanton's season mirrored Essendon's, which tells us he is a real barometer.

For all his qualities, Stanton can't remain largely an outside runner if Essendon wants to win the premiership.

The Bombers are the worst defensive team in the competition over the past eight years and part of the problem is too many players work harder running to one end than toward the other.

Stanton needs a more rounded game, as do the Bombers as a whole.

Maybe Dangerfield isn't his perfect match, but a run-with role who can hurt -- as opposed to a heavy tag -- could be the reinvention of Stanton.

Twenty-three touches and a defensive mindset is far better for the team than a mix of 35 touches on a good day and 15 on a bad day.

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Bombers name Hurley, Zaharakis

Essendon begins their season with a fully fit squad after being decimated by injury in 2012.

David Zaharakis will take to the field for the Bombers against the Crows in Adelaide tonight. Source: News Limited

IT'S been galvanising and character building, but Essendon coach James Hird doesn't expect six weeks of emotion to be unleashed in tonight's season-opener against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

The Bombers last night named a full-strength side with David Zaharakis and Michael Hurley both in the starting 18 alongside marquee recruit Brendon Goddard and 22-year-old debutant Nick Kommer.

The West Australian, who was pick No.73 in last year's draft, was named in a forward pocket after a solid NAB Cup campaign.

Last-minute Supercoach cheat sheet

Hird said he wouldn't be using the emotion of a troubled off-season -- including continuing investigations into the alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs by players -- as added motivation.

"Certainly we're after a win. That's what we're hopeful the outcome is," Hird said yesterday. "But we want to play a certain style and I think for our boys it's about football and how they play."

Paddy ready to step up

The Crows pulled a major selection surprise by overlooking youngster Brad Crouch. The 19-year-old mini-draft graduate was regarded as a certain Round 1 starter after playing every pre-season match, and averaging 61 SuperCoach points, but he was named as an emergency.

Former Bomber Josh Jenkins is set to replace Kurt Tippett and partner Taylor Walker in attack.

Tex Walker ready for extra attention

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Friday night football with Sam Edmund

Sam Edmund and Brad Johnson preview Hawthorn.

Sam Edmund and Brad Johnson preview Adelaide Crows.

WHAT happens on the field no longer stays on the field. In the first of our new regular column, field marshal Sam Edmund dissects the statistics and battle strategies of the week's big matches

HOW THEY WILL LINE UP

ADELAIDE v ESSENDON

AAMI STADIUM, TONIGHT, 8.40PM

RADIO: 3AW, SEN, Triple M, ABC 774

TV: Channel 7, Fox Footy, 8.30pm

TAB SPORTSBET

CROWS $1.45

BOMBERS $2.75

Patrick Dangerfield leads Adelaide for points scored in Round 1 matches in the past three seasons, averaging 100 a match.

Last-minute Supercoach cheat sheet

Brent Stanton has scored more points than any other Essendon player in the opening fixture since 2010, averaging 142 points a match.

LAST TIME Rd 19, 2012, Adel 16.8 (104) d Ess 15.10 (100), AAMI Stadium

UP FOR THE CONTEST

Adelaide improved significantly in the contest last season. They averaged 11.6 more contested possessions than the opposition - a differential 3.5 better than any other team in the competition. At the clearances they averaged 5.7 more per game than the opposition.

LIVE HQ

Patrick Dangerfield led the way for the Crows in the contested possessions with 16.1 per game - ranked second in the AFL - while Scott Thompson averaged 6.8 clearances per game - ranked third in the competition.

Throughout the pre-season the Bombers have been ball hogs averaging a time in possession differential of +6.7% - ranked second. They have ranked second in disposals, No.1 in marks, No.1 in uncontested possessions and fourth for inside 50s.

A strength of the Bombers throughout the pre-season has been its defence. Jake Carlisle appears to be set for a breakout season after winning the ball off the opposition 21 times in the NAB Cup - ranked fourth. His 10 intercept marks and six contested intercept marks both ranked No.1 in the competition.

IT was once best described as the Windy Hill welcome mat.

Now it's more like a reinforced steel "trespassers will be prosecuted" sign.

It is the entry to Essendon's defensive 50m. For almost 10 years, opposition clubs have strolled through it to score more freely against the Bombers than any other club.

Statistics obtained by the Herald Sun have laid bare Essendon's years of defensive pain.

From 2004 to 2012 the Bombers conceded the highest points-against average of any side in the AFL.

In that time, Essendon sides coached by Kevin Sheedy, Matthew Knights and James Hird coughed up an average 105.6 points a game.

On average, it is a staggering 25 points more each week than modern-day defensive powerhouses Geelong (80.2), Sydney (80.4) and St Kilda (80.7).

Hird this week spoke frankly about the desperate need to shut the gate ahead of his third season in charge.

"I think defensively we haven't pulled it together for a long time at this club and I think for the last 10 years we've been poor defensively," Hird said.

"If we don't pull that together and become a really defensive team then we'll get scored against easily and beaten in games quite easily at certain times. We need to get that defensive side of our game a lot better."

Adelaide will be confronted by a new Essendon in tonight's 2013 season-opener at AAMI Stadium.

In a dramatic change, the Bombers allowed only 38 points a game during the NAB Cup to enter the season as the stingiest team in the competition.

It's only the pre-season, but Essendon's No.1 ranking is clear, conceding 10.6 fewer points per contest than any other club.

Hird's men also held on to the footy better, ranking second in time-in-possession differential.

They ranked second in disposals and were a dominant No.1 in marks and uncontested possessions.

The Bombers are also moving the ball through the corridor less often, meaning that if they do cough it up it is far easier to push back and defend the danger.

If former prime minister Paul Keating were in charge at Essendon he would say it was "the transformation we had to have".

Dating back to 2004, Essendon's stark inability to stop the leaking has crippled its premiership hopes.

Since 1970, 35 of the 43 premiers have ranked in the top four for points-against.

Forty-two of the 43 have been in the top six for points-against.

The average ranking in points-against for the premiers in this time is between second and third.

The message is clearer than ever before - defence wins premierships.

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AFL to crackdown on science

The AFL will push for a uniform date to start pre-season. Picture: Hamish Blair Source: Herald Sun

THE league's war on sports scientists could result in a uniform pre-season start for every AFL club, regardless of their ladder position.

The AFL Commission on Wednesday told captains at their annual lunch it strongly supported the idea.

One start date floated in discussions across the industry has been December 1, but clubs would rebel against such a late start.

Melbourne was the first club to start pre-season training this summer - on October 29.

Beaten grand finalist Hawthorn started its pre-season four weeks later on November 26, while reigning Premiers Sydney officially started the pre-season December 8.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou raised the prospect of a uniform start date in last year's player pay negotiations.

Commission boss Mike Fitzpatrick also pushed it in informal talks with club executives.

Players have a mandated eight-week leave period - and then 10 days over Christmas - but the AFL Players Association believes clubs already break into that period by forcing players to return for best-and-fairest awards presentations.

It is working with the AFL on a proposal that would involve a six-week blackout period plus another two weeks.

Players would get an extra week's leave if best-and-fairest presentations were held in the blackout period.

AFLPA general manager of player relations Ian Prendergast said he was happy to further discuss issues of leave and starting dates.

"We are interested in discussing a restructure of the annual leave period, and any proposals which would provide a more meaningful annual leave period," Prendergast said.

All clubs would have the same start date, but experienced players would have their returns staggered.

Essendon captain Jobe Watson has already advocated a December 1 pre-season start date.

"I would like for it to be looked at, whether it's something like every club returns on December 1 or something like that," he said last year.

"That would mean the changes the AFL are trying to make are actually working and not being sucked away by the length and stress that players are being put under during the pre-season."

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$35m plan to rebuild Hawks

Hawthorn Football Club reveals its business plan exclusively to the Herald Sun. Included in the plan are details about proposed redevelopment of its Waverley training base. CEO Stuart Fox with club president Andrew Newbold Picture: Pinder Lawrence Source: HWT Image Library

HAWTHORN will embark on $35 million redevelopment of Waverley Park as part of a five-year plan to keep the club at the front of the AFL pack.

The Hawks want to double the size of the football facilities at their home and build a separate training base away from Waverley for closed sessions.

The moves are key elements of the club's 2013-2017 strategy document, to be presented at its season launch tonight.

The Herald Sun can reveal Hawthorn:

- HAS re-signed chief executive Stuart Fox for five years to drive the ambitious project;
- IS determined not to compromise its list strategy in negotiations with unsigned star Lance Franklin;
- WANTS 80,000 members by 2017, up from the 60,800 record;
- BELIEVES it can maintain top-four finishes for the next five years;
- OPPOSES profit sharing between clubs; and

- CONSIDERED a full relocation from Waverley Park, but decided the move was too costly.

The Hawks will use a mix of its own reserves, private investment and possible government and AFL funding to help build the infrastructure, which in part would be open for community use.

SuperCoach is back! Free to play & you could win $50,000

As the AFL equalisation debated heated up at yesterday's summit, Hawks president Andrew Newbold said the club was not in a position to share its profits.

"We want to be humble about the fact that we are in a privileged position," Newbold said.

"We want there to be an even competition. We don't want that gap to be bigger - it's how you go about bridging that gap that's important to us.

"We have set out an agenda for this footy club based on a set of rules."

"We thought we were operating under a five-year equalisation policy," Newbold said.

"We are happy to share a whole lot of things, but we are not happy to change the rules after year one."

Hawthorn's vision is to become "The Destination Club", which attracts and develops the best people.

"If I could make one comment on what I perceive what others do and what we do, there is an awful a lot of rigour about who we get into this footy club," Newbold said.

The "Destination Club" vision will face an immediate test with Franklin.

Newbold said the club would have no regrets with its offer to its marquee player.

"What we are confident of is, we have given him a really respectful offer," Newbold said.

"Now the ball is in his court as to whether he wants to be part of the Hawthorn Football Club or not.

"Let's make no mistake that we think it is a privilege to play for this footy club. If people don't want to take that privilege, that's up to them."

The club has backed its recruiting department to maintain a top-four position, but shied away from putting a number on how many premierships it wanted in the next five years.

However, Newbold said the players would probably feel they had failed to capitalise on their talents if they could not secure another flag soon.

"I think when these guys retire, if they don't win another premiership in the next three or four years - I think human nature will tell they will look back and say, 'We, you know, underachieved'."

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Rich deal for Mitchell, Buddy waits

Sam Mitchell is set to sign a new deal with the Hawks. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: HWT Image Library

SAM Mitchell has agreed to a new deal at Hawthorn as the latest piece of the club's free-agency puzzle falls into place.

The fine details of the short-term contract are still being finalised, but the Herald Sun understands the Hawks will announce Mitchell's commitment soon.

It is a significant win for the club, which is vulnerable to free-agency poachers and still has biggest fish Lance Franklin, Luke Hodge, Shaun Burgoyne and Xavier Ellis coming out of contract.

SuperCoach is back! Free to play & you could win $50,000

Mitchell's re-signing comes soon after Jordan Lewis' new deal and is the last brokered by football manager Mark Evans, who is leaving for the AFL. Franklin has put off contract negotiations until the end of the year, but the fact it will be the biggest deal of his career has created an inevitable ripple effect.

Captain Hodge, who has battled knee and calf injuries for most of the past 12 months, admitted this week that he would be prepared to take a pay cut.

It is understood Mitchell did not - and was not asked to - do the same, despite turning 31 later this year, given he has won two consecutive Hawthorn best-and-fairest awards, was runner-up in the 2012 Brownlow Medal and has displayed durability.

Lance Franklin, Adidas deal. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

It is believed Mitchell is happy to keep signing short-term deals if the conditions reflect his form. He is determined to eventually retire on his own terms and turn to coaching.

Hawthorn has stated publicly that it expects to retain Franklin, but industry sources said they believed one and possibly two teammates could be forced out.

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Clubs push to end Sydney allowance

AFL CEO Andrew Demetriou and chairman Mike Fitzpatrick. Picture: David Caird. Source: The Daily Telegraph

SYDNEY'S contentious $900,000 living allowance appears doomed after a push by clubs to equalise the game.

A key agreement from yesterday's AFL gap summit was for a return to a "pure" salary cap where all players at all clubs are paid the same.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said a decision on the Swans' 9.8 per cent allowance - also afforded to Greater Western Sydney due to the city's high cost of living - would be made by the end of the season.

Yesterday club and league chiefs were also united on reducing the gap in football department spending between rich and poor clubs.

Collingwood spent $21.2 million on its footy operations last year, compared with $15.7 million at the Western Bulldogs.

Other equalisation options raised include:

REPLACING the AFL logo on club jumpers with a sponsor brand and sharing the profits among clubs.

STAGING an annual mini-draft to help battling clubs buy, swap or sell franchise players.

BUYING back Etihad Stadium to eradicate disastrous stadium deals affecting St Kilda, North Melbourne and the Bulldogs.

TAXING excessive poker machine profits banked by the richer clubs.

Asked about the Swans salary cap allowance yesterday, Collingwood president Eddie McGuire said: "I have a very straightforward belief . . . and that is that salary cap and its adherence has to be (equal) . . . otherwise it just blows up.

"You can't have teams having $2 million more salary cap than others."

It was also suggested that from next year the AFL should help cash-strapped clubs pay 100 per cent of the $10 million salary cap - up from 95 per cent.

League chairman Mike Fitzpatrick said all clubs supported the concept of "disequal" distributions to assist the poorer teams.

"Fans should expect that their club will be competitive on any given day," Fitzpatrick said.

"We also agree that not all clubs are or should be equal - support for equal funding of smaller clubs remains."

He said the commission had made no progress on buying back Etihad Stadium from its management company.

North Melbourne chairman James Brayshaw said all clubs were supportive of changes to distributions.

"It's going to come in and it will be good for everyone," Brayshaw told Triple M.

"We can't have what we have in the EPL in England, where it's the same four clubs every year and the rest of them are just a waste of time. That makes for a very poor competition."

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Equal cap is a must, says Eddie

Collingwood president Eddie McGuire and his sons after the finals loss to Sydney last year. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

WITH much pride, Collingwood president Eddie McGuire helped slay Brisbane's salary cap allowance almost decade ago.

With more than a hint pride yesterday, McGuire officially set his sights on Sydney's $900,000 handout.

It's still to be determined if the Swans will retain their bonus, but at the very least it's firmly back on agenda.

Among a host of ideas floated at yesterday's equalisation love-in, McGuire continued to push his belief that a uniform salary cap for everyone was the first step in equalising the game.

There's fixture issues, horrible stadium deals, gaming profit issues, and, of course, an uncompromised draft to work through, yet McGuire believes equalisation begins on the field.

He has a point.

Sydney paid $1.75 million more to its players than three clubs living on the bottom line in 2012.

They were the Western Bulldogs, North Melbourne and Port Adelaide.

And there's a sliding scale from there.

The $1.75m adds up to a superstar and two very handy players.

The problem is not every club has the ability to pay its full salary cap, a situation the clubs and the AFL want to rectify from next year. Where that money comes from is what yesterday was all about it.

McGuire might have personal - read, Collingwood - reasons for wanting to strip Sydney of its excesses, but it would appear he has support from most of the clubs.

Clearly, they wouldn't have been hard of hearing.

As other officials drew breath, McGuire time and again highlighted the blatant argument for equalisation - the cap.

Even AFL boss Andrew Demetriou acknowledged there was a push for a "pure" salary cap.

He didn't offer thoughts on whether the Swans' allowance should stay or go, although he has mostly been in favour of its intention.

Time will tell if he also has been swayed.

On the day when the most senior members of the AFL industry held hands and spoke of a brave new world, footy fans should be happy.

It would appear a fan tax is not on the agenda - "we want to keep it affordable", Demetriou said - and that wealthy clubs won't be unhinged by a cap on football department spending.

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Petterd, Goodes promoted

Amazing transition: Brett Goodes was the Western Bulldogs' player welfare manager this time last year, playing with VFL affiliate Williamstown. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Brett Goodes shows promise in an early NAB Cup match. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

UPDATE: THE Cinderella story of Brett Goodes has taken another step with the brother of Adam upgraded to the Dogs' senior list.

Seven rookies were upgraded to senior lists today, including two Magpies, a Lion and a Blue.

UPGRADED ROOKIES:

Brett Goodes (Western Bulldogs)
Ricky Petterd (Richmond)
Orren Stephenson (Richmond)
Jack Frost (Collingwood)
Ben Hudson (Collingwood)
Ed Curnow (Carlton)
Justin Clarke (Lions)

SuperCoaches awaiting the potential upgrade of Port Adelaide's Kane Mitchell or Geelong's Mark Blicavs need not fear - they are still in the running to be replacements for teammates on the long-term injury list, so they can be elevated at any time.

The 29-year-old Goodes was the Bulldogs' player welfare manager this time last year, playing with VFL affiliate Williamstown.

His promotion was confirmed this morning.

The Lions have also moved early, upgrading 19-year-old defender Justin Clarke to their senior list, while Richmond has confirmed its two vacant senior list spots will be taken by former Demon Ricky Petterd and delisted Geelong ruckman Orren Stephenson.

Petterd was delisted by the Dees after playing 54 games from 2007-12 as a forward, but he has been playing across half-back for the Tigers during the NAB Cup.

Stephenson was one of the stories of the 2011 national draft when he was plucked by the Cats at age 29. He played eight matches last season before being axed, then given another lifeline as a back-up for Tigers big man Ivan Maric.

Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said Goodes' addition to the senior list would be warmly received by his teammates.

"They'll all be thrilled if and when he gets his opportunity to play," Fantasia said.

"He's certainly done it the hard way in terms of career path. I think this a dream come true for him. I'm sure there would have been a time when he thought the AFL dream might have passed him by."

Fantasia said Goodes was no guarantee to play in Round 1 against the Lions on Saturday week.

"I wouldn't want to pre-empt that completely," he said. "But what it does do is it shows that the coaches have got a lot of confidence in what Brett's doing and what he has to offer."

Geelong talls Blicavs and Josh Walker, both in contention to play Hawthorn in Round 1, are likely to be promoted off the rookie list as long-term injury replacements for Dawson Simpson (back), Lincoln McCarthy (foot) and Josh Cowan (achilles).

At Port, mature-aged recruit Mitchell is in the box seat to win a short-term senior spot in place of the injured Nick Salter, but last year's revelation Darren Pfeiffer is also in the mix.

Veteran Ben Hudson will win his way on to a fourth senior list.

Magpies football manager Geoff Walsh confirmed the club would upgrade two players today.

"We've got some set thoughts on it, but we haven't told any of the players yet," Walsh said.

The Pies opted for key defender Jack Frost as their second elevated rookie, ahead of 26-year-old VFL star Sam Dwyer.

BELOW: The rookie situation at your club

SANFL football - Woodville-West Torrens Eagles vs West Adelaide match at Unleash Solar Oval. Rory Laird marks. Picture: Sarah Reed Source: Herald Sun

ADELAIDE
Rookies: Ben Dowdell, Kyle Hartigan, Tim Klaosen, Rory Laird (above), Timothy McIntyre, Dylan Orval, Jack Osborn

Adelaide has a fit and full list of 40 and won't elevate a rookie on Tuesday.

"At this stage, barring a serious injury we won't be elevating any of our current rookies until the mid-season rookie upgrade (Round 11). (Our rookies) have all had good pre-seasons and have shown positive signs, with running defender Rory Laird the standout. Kyle Hartigan, a key defender recruited from Werribee, has also impressed." - Crows List manager David Noble.

BRISBANE LIONS
Rookies: Callum Bartlett, Jordon Bourke, Justin Clarke, Nick Hayes, Sam Michael, Richard Newell, Stephen Wrigley

Brisbane has one spot available on its senior list and had upgraded young defender Clarke.

"The decision was based largely on his form in the pre-season, where he has demonstrated that he has developed well enough to be considered for senior selection at some stage in 2013. From a list point of view he also provides us with some depth in an area where we are potentially exposed due to injury." - national talent manager Rob Kerr

CARLTON

Rookies: Tom Bell, Jaryd Cachia, Andrew Collins, Ed Curnow, Frazer Dale, Rhys O'Keefe.

The Blues had two vacancies on their list, but they have now been filled.

"We have Ed Curnow as an upgraded rookie and Tom Bell has been elevated for Andrew McInnes, who has a long-term injury." - Blues football administration manager Shane O'Sullivan.

COLLINGWOOD
Rookies: Sam Dwyer, Jack Frost, Michael Hartley, Ben Hudson, Kyle Martin, Caolan Mooney, Adam Oxley, Ben Richmond, Peter Yagmoor

Collingwood has 38 players on its senior list and can elevate two players.

"All of our rookies are in the frame ... we will avail ourselves of that opportunity to nominate two players, we've got the space to do that and we've been given the all-clear by the AFL to do that from a salary cap point of view." - Magpies football manager Geoff Walsh.

ESSENDON
Rookies: Lauchlan Dalgleish, Cory Dell'Olio, Hal Hunter, Ariel Steinberg.

Essendon has a fit list of 40 players so won't be elevating a rookie today.

"Thankfully we don't have a long-term injured player at this point in time." - Bombers football operations manager Danny Corcoran.

FREMANTLE
Rookies: Alex Howson, Sam Menegola, Craig Moller, Haiden Schloithe, Matt Taberner.

The Dockers have a full list of 40 and no room to promote a rookie.

Geelong vs Adelaide at Skilled Stadium, Geelong. Mark Blicavs over Sam Jacobs Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG
Rookies: Ryan Bathie, Mark Blicavs (above), George Burbury, Cameron Eardley, Jackson Sheringham, Josh Walker

The Cats have 40 on their list, but have put midfielder Josh Cowan, forward Lincoln McCarthy and ruckman Dawson Simpson on their long-term injury list, meaning they can accommodate three rookie upgrades before Round 1.

"It's nice to have that option of having a few rookies who are in form and giving the coach some options. We've got guys putting their hands up to play." - Cats list manager Stephen Wells.

HAWTHORN
Rookies: Andrew Boseley, Jonathon Ceglar, Amos Frank, Will Langford, Derick Wanganeen

The club has a full list of 40 and won't be nominating a rookie today.

"The club has placed Brendan Whitecross onto the long-term injury list and with Matt Suckling and Alex Woodward rehabilitating from long-term knee injuries we haven't made any decisions about upgrading a rookie player, which we can do at any stage throughout the season." - Hawks recruiting and list manager Graham Wright.

GOLD COAST
Rookies: Andrew Boston, Josh Hall, Leigh Osborne

With 42 players on its list, and also with a need to trim that to 40 next year, Gold Coast is not in a position to elevate any rookies.

GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
Rookies: Joseph Redfern, Zachary Williams

With only two rookies on its books and a full playing list, GWS has no wiggle room.
 

St Kilda v Melbourne. MCG. Beau Wilkes battles for the ball with James Magner Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE
Rookies: Mitch Clisby, Tom Couch, James Magner (above), Nathan Stark

"We haven't got a nominated rookie spot, so players are only elevated in the case of long-term injuries. We have Max Gawn on the long-term injury list but he's due to come off in the next few weeks. James Magner and Tom Couch, who have both played AFL, are both on our rookie list." - Demons football manager Josh Mahoney.

NORTH MELBOURNE
Rookies: Tim McGenniss, Cameron Richardson, Ben Speight, Eric Wallace, Max Warren

North Melbourne does not have an available spot to upgrade a rookie.

PORT ADELAIDE
Rookies: Danny Butcher, Justin Hoskin, Kane Mitchell, Darren Pfeiffer

Port Adelaide has a full list of 40, but has Nick Salter on the long-term injury list and so can elevate a replacement.

"Tomorrow's irrelevant for us ... we can name a replacement for Salter whenever we want. It won't be happening (today)." - Power football manager Peter Rohde.

RICHMOND
Rookies: Ricky Petterd, Sam Lonergan, Steven Verrier, Cadeyn Williams, Orren Stepheneson, Ben Darrou

Richmond said it still hadn't decided last night which rookies to upgrade, but this morning gave the nod to ex-Demon Petterd and former Cat Stephenson. Former Bomber Sam Lonergan made a late bid for promotion with some excellent clearance work in the wet against the Bulldogs last Saturday, but he was beaten by Petterd's versatility and the Tigers' thin ruck stocks.

- No comment provided by club.

Richmond player Ricky Petterd could be investigated over alleged "vile abuse". Source: Herald Sun

ST KILDA
Rookies: Tom Curren, Jackson Ferguson, Darren Minchington, Cameron Shenton, Jordan Staley

No upgrade space available with a full list to choose from.
 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 03: Dane Rampe of the Sydney Swans runs with the ball during the round two AFL NAB Cup match between the St Kilda Saints and the Sydney Swans at Etihad Stadium on March 3, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Herald Sun

SYDNEY
Rookies: Shane Biggs, Brandon Jack, Jake Lloyd, Sam Naismith, Dane Rampe (above), Xavier Richards, Daniel Robinson

The Swans have Alex Johnson and Gary Rohan on their long-term injury list. Rampe, a Sydney-raised defender who has trained previously with the Western Bulldogs, is likely to get promoted as a fill-in for Johnson, while midfielders Jack - the younger brother of Kieren - and Lloyd are expected to battle for the other spot.

- No comment provided by club.

WEST COAST
Rookies: Jamie Bennell, Jeremy McGovern, Callum Sinclair, Simon Tunbridge

Mark Nicoski (hamstring) has been put on the long-term injury list, creating space for a rookie promotion. Ruckman Callum Sinclair could be called upon to help cover injured big man Nic Naitanui.

"The coaching staff don't usually promote anyone unless they think they will be in the (squad of) 25." - Eagles spokesman.

WESTERN BULLDOGS
Rookies: Mark Austin, Brett Goodes, Alex Greenwood, Lin Jong, Jack Redpath

The club has 39 players on its senior list and will upgrade Brett Goodes today.

"It's a great result for him. He's worked really hard over the pre-season and I think it's starting to play dividends. I think even his pre-season form has been enough to suggest he'll be a worthy rookie nomination." - Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia.

COMPILED BY: Warwick Green, Jon Ralph, Jay Clark, Sam Edmund, Eliza Sewell, Matt Windley

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NAB Cup SuperCoach stars

Shane Crawford reveals his SuperCoach 2013 line-up including some big smokies

Daniel Rich capped a huge pre-season by winning the Michael Tuck Medal for best on ground in the NAB Cup final. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

SEE the SuperCoach scores of every player for every NAB Cup match.

As a resource for picking your SuperCoach side, you can't go past pre-season form.

How many times have you heard a player halfway through the season credit his good form to his best pre-season ever? Or another player put his bad form down to not getting a good run at it before Round 1.

That tells you that despite all the coach's games, these games do count for something.

They can also throw up some funny numbers - the No.1 scorer for the NAB Cup was Kangaroos defender Nathan Grima with an outlandish average of 163 points. But that was scored in one match - which was played in a monsoon at Craigieburn and was called off halfway through the final quarter.

But if you take a broader view and look at players who appeared at least three times, Brisbane Lions midfielder Daniel Rich is the standout.

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He scored 246 in the opening NAB Cup double-header and followed up with 132 in round three of the NAB Cup and 97 in the final - claiming the Michael Tuck Medal.

Lions teammate Patrick Karnezis was the surprise packet of the pre-season, averaging 97 SuperCoach points over four matches, while other players in the breakout window include Saint Jack Steven (average 105) and Demon Jack Watts (106.5).

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE EVERY NAB CUP SUPERCOACH SCORE

TOP 10 NAB CUP AVERAGES
(min 3 games)

118.8 Daniel Rich (BL) $485,800 mid
117.0 Andrew Swallow (NM) $585,100 mid
116.8 Bachar Houli (Rich) $444,800 def
116.0 Gary Ablett (GC) $740,500 mid
112.0 Josh Kennedy (Syd) $643,000 mid
111.8 Brendon Goddard (Ess) $541,500 def/mid
109.7 Dane Swan (Coll) $675,300 mid
108.5 Jarrad McVeigh (Syd) $526,000 mid
107.5 Joel Selwood (Geel) $629,500 mid
106.5 Jack Watts (Melb) $460,100 def/fwd

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BARGAIN BIN

97.0 Michael Hibberd (Ess) $395,100 def
96.8 Patrick Karnezis (BL) $262,200 fwd
82.3 Daniel Currie (NM) $109,500 ruck
80.0 Brett Goodes (WB) $128,200 mid/def
79.5 Ricky Petterd (Rich) $240,800 fwd
76.6 Brent Moloney (BL) $362,400 mid
76.6 Jordan Russell (Coll) $266,000 def
72.6 Jaeger O'Meara (GC) $115,900 mid
71.0 Dean Kent (Melb) $109,500 mid
70.0 Lewis Stevenson (PA) $115,900 def
69.8 Dean Terlich (Melb) $109,500 def
68.5 Mark Blicavs (Geel) $115,900 mid/ruck

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ALARM BELLS

66.8 Travis Cloke (Coll) $436,400 fwd
64 Dustin Martin (Rich) $473,500 fwd/mid
64 Trent Cotchin (Rich) $622,100 mid
59.7 Taylor Walker (Adel) $536,000 fwd
57.3 Sam Fisher (StK) $444,100 def
57.3 Tom Scully (GWS) $424,700 mid
52.8 Shaun Atley (NM) $380,400 def
52.2 Greg Broughton (GC) $441,900 def
34.3 Tom Lee (StK) $115,900 fwd

Source: Champion Data

Got a SuperCoach question? Send it to supercoachtips@heraldsun.com.au and watch The SuperCoach Show on Fox Footy for answers from the experts. The SuperCoach Show screens on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week at 7pm and every Thursday at 6pm during the season.

EVERY NAB CUP SUPERCOACH SCORE

Note: Scores for week 1 of the NAB Cup include both round-robin matches, with scores scaled to reflect the shortened matches - this is factored into the overall average. The final column includes scores for the full-scale Fremantle v Adelaide practice match three weeks ago.

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Suns, Giants gain draft bonus

The Giants dominated the draft last year. Picture: Matt Roberts. Source: Getty Images

THE two expansion clubs are again poised to enter this year's draft with extra early selections after activating first-round compensation picks.

Greater Western Sydney triggered its mid-round one selection, which will be taken directly before the eighth-placed team's first pick.

That pick was originally cast Geelong's way as part of its compensation for losing Gary Ablett. But the Cats sent it back to the Suns in a juggle of draft choices, before Gold Coast forwarded it the Giants' way at the trade table in 2011.

Seven rookies were today upgraded - find out who

The Suns activated their end-of-first-round compensation selection, which will take place after the premier's first choice.

That pick was originally sent to Adelaide when Gold Coast poached Nathan Bock. It then made its way to Richmond as part of the Richard Tambling deal, before the Tigers returned it to the Suns in 2011.

Four compensation picks were held over.

The Suns hold another two, one of which must be used next season , the Giants hold one more while West Coast has a round-three compensation pick which will be activated in 2014.

The two activated this year can be palmed off to other clubs during October's trade period.

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Hodge expects Buddy big pay cut

Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge, pictured here alongside the other 17 AFL skippers, expects a pay cut as the Hawks move to keep Lance Franklin. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN captain Luke Hodge expects a pay cut as the AFL club tries to keep Lance Franklin.

While Franklin's decision to defer contract talks until post-season is the big-ticket item, Hodge and former skipper Sam Mitchell are among other premiership stars the Hawks must re-sign.

Hodge, 28, who played just 10 games last year because of injury, said he and 30-year-old Mitchell were at the stage of their careers where ``we don't have quite as much pull as Franky does''.

"As you get older it's proven in the past that you're going to have to go lower so that the younger blokes coming through can get paid probably a little bit more than what they deserve,'' Hodge said.

But the Hawks won't break the bank on Franklin either.

"The club have thrown Buddy the best offer we can give with the blokes that we've got on our list,'' he said.

"It's up for Bud to take his time this year, have a good think about it and see where his future wants to be.''

Hodge was in no hurry to re-sign and said his deal didn't need to be a priority as there was no doubt he'd stay a Hawk.

He was confident he could recapture career-best form this season despite coming off knee surgery and last year's illness and injury troubles.

"If your expectations drop then you probably shouldn't be playing,'' Hodge said.

He said the knee was fully healed but doubt remained over whether he'll face Geelong on Easter Monday.

The Hawks are out to break a nine-match losing streak against the Cats since their 2008 grand final win.

While Hodge would love to be out there, he has learnt the hard way that rushing back is not smart.

"I made the mistake last year of coming back probably a little bit early with my calf and hurt that just before round one,'' he said.

"We deliberately haven't set a date that I'm going to be back.

"We'll just take it as it comes.''

The Hawks also hope Cyril Rioli (ankle) and recruit Brian Lake (calf) can face the Cats.

Lake's return would be particularly useful.

The club recruited him to combat power forwards such as Geelong's Tom Hawkins, who kicked six goals including the winner after the siren in their most recent meeting.

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Riewoldt relies on blood jabs

2013 preview: Fox Footy expert Brad Johnson says the Saints need to find the next group of stars to take the baton from Nick Riewoldt and Co.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt catches his breath. Source: Getty Images

ST KILDA captain Nick Riewoldt continues to be injected with his own blood to help prolong his career.

Riewoldt will rely on a German medical technique to nurse a degenerative left knee injury through the AFL season.

"Yeah, it's something I've got to manage and I think ultimately it will be the thing that probably forces me to retire. But certainly I've got a few years left yet,'' he said today.

"It has been ongoing for a while now. I managed it pretty well last year. I was able to put in a pretty solid year until I got injured (missed the last three rounds) with a totally unrelated injury.''

Riewoldt has the Orthokine therapy at the Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre. The treatment remove proteins from the blood that inhibit inflammation and are injected to the affected joint.

"They take your blood and - am I allowed to say inject? - and I've had some pretty good success from that,'' Riewoldt said.

"If I start to get sore and swollen, it's something I can go to. So, we have that up our sleeve.

"It's a concentrated burst. You have six weeks go of it and that lasts for six months.

"They spin the blood and take out the concentrated anti-inflammatory part of your blood and then inject it back.''

American basketballer Kobe Bryant and baseball slugger Alex Rodriguez are among other sportsmen to use the technique.

Riewoldt said the treatment allows him to continue to train during the season and play a match at full capacity.

On the long-term prognosis for the knee, the Saints skipper said: "If I want to go and run marathons, it's probably going to be an issue. But if I want to walk 18 holes at golf, I should be fine.''

The skipper also shed light on the Saints selection dilemma bolstering their short-handed backline.

Sean Dempster (hamstring) looks set to miss Round 1 with former Docker Dylan Roberton the likely replacement.

Rhys Stanley would also be considered in a more defensive role but he too is sidelined with a knee injury.

Riewoldt said he was happy with the club's attacking options with Beau Maister, Terry Milera, Ahmed Saad and Trent Dennis-Lane enjoying solid pre-season campaigns.

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Caddy shrugs off expectations

Geelong recruit Josh Caddy is keen on putting his best foot forward at the Cattery. Picture: Stephen Harman Source: Herald Sun

JOSH Caddy is adamant he won't let external pressure affect him, even though he knows some people will always link him to Gary Ablett.

Geelong's high-profile recruit insists he wants to live up to his own expectations rather than ones that might come from outside of the club.

Caddy spent two years learning from Ablett on the Gold Coast before his trade to Geelong -- with the same compensation draft pick the Cats secured from the Suns for the Brownlow medallist.

"It's a bit ironic that it ended up being the pick they got for Gaz,'' Caddy said of his move to Simonds Stadium.

"When I was playing with him, I took on board everything that he was saying.

"But the way I look at it now is, if Gaz hadn't gone to the Gold Coast, I probably would never have gone to Geelong.

"Externally, there might be more pressure. When you put yourself on the open market, you have to live with that.

"But I don't think that means I will put any extra pressure on myself.

Caddy was one of the most sought-after players during last year's trade period, with a host of Victorian clubs chasing the inside-midfielder who was intent on moving back to his home state.

His form in the final practice match against Collingwood last Friday showed why _ he was near best afield in the Cats' big win.

Caddy chose Geelong for two reasons -- the club remains well placed to play finals football and, importantly, he knows he can learn so much from the Cats' experienced midfield brigade.

A meeting with Cats captain Joel Selwood and Jimmy Bartel during the trade period was critical to his decision.

Geelong recruit Josh Caddy has been in sizzling pre-season form. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

The pair made it clear they saw a key role for Caddy.

"It is very humbling to be told by Jimmy and Joel they want you to come to their club,'' Caddy said.

"I am not a superstitious person, but I just got a really good feeling from Geelong as soon as I walked into the club.

"I felt as if I wanted to be a part of the footy club and they had the ammo to be able to get the trade done as well.

"I watched the VFL grand final (last year) and Geelong's style of play and playing list really appealed to me.

"And I thought I can end up probably the best player that I can be by learning off those great midfielders.''

But Caddy is taking nothing for granted in terms of his status within the team, despite the high rating he has from those within the club and his performance against the Magpies.

"Like everyone, my goal is to be playing Round 1 against Hawthorn,'' he said.

"I make no secret that I want to be staying in the senior side. I don't want to be playing VFL footy.

"But I also understand that it is not going to be given to me. I have to earn that.''

Caddy makes no apologies for his desire to return to Victoria, though he feels a little guilty about leaving the Suns after two seasons.

"I do feel a little guilty because they had invested an early draft pick into me (pick 7, 2010 draft), so I felt as if I had let them down a bit,'' he admitted.

"But I wanted to make sure that Gold Coast was fairly compensated.''

He regrets a comment he made after the trade, suggesting he had not reached his potential at Gold Coast because his ``heart wasn't in it.''

"That was taken the wrong way,'' he said. "No matter who you are playing for, as soon as you run out to play, you put your heart and soul into it.

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

"What I meant by that comment was that deep down, I really wanted to be living in Victoria.

"When I was drafted, I was grateful to be picked up, but I think I underestimated how much I love being in Victoria.

"I'm a footy nut. I love the atmosphere and the whole footy feel, even at local level.''

After his first season with the Suns, an injury-interrupted 2011 that produced two games, Caddy was linked to Essendon during the trade period.

A complication to living in Queensland was the fact that his father, Adrian, had a heart condition that made it difficult for him to fly to the Gold Coast to watch his son play.

Gold Coast rejected Essendon's offers and Caddy ended up playing 22 games last year.

"My dad was a bit crook at the time, but it was blown out of proportion that I wanted to return to Melbourne for that reason,'' he said.

"Dad had open heart surgery last year and all went fine, so everything is OK with him now.''

Put simply, Caddy's desire to play AFL football in the game's heartland proved too strong.

He now feels very much at home in Geelong _ he shares a place with Billie Smedts and Mitch Duncan _ and manages regular trips up the highway to see his family in the north-eastern suburbs.

"I'm really loving it down there,'' he said.

"We've got a really good spread of young guys and middle-aged guys and we are lucky enough to have all those experienced players to learn off,'' he said.

"I've been able to learn off a number of different players _ guys like Jimmy Bartel in a contested side of things and at the stoppages, and James Kelly in terms of running patterns and reading where the next kick might go.

"Then there's Joel Corey, Joel (Selwood), 'Stevie J' (Johnson) and 'Chappy' (Paul Chapman). It's great to be able to learn from so many good players.''

Caddy is looking forward to meeting his former teammates -- Ablett included -- in the Round 10 clash at Simonds Stadium, which will be a showcase first night match in Geelong.

"There is going to be great rivalry between the two clubs, with Gaz going up there, with the first game at Metricon (in 2011) and now the first game under lights at our home ground,'' he said.

"At least the support will be with us this time around.''

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McGuire plans to honour Mick

Mick Malthouse and Eddie McGuire after the 2011 Grand Final. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD president Eddie McGuire says he will drive Mick Malthouse's formal recognition as a Magpie great "when the time is right" despite their relationship break down.

McGuire said he was saddened his relationship with Malthouse had soured following the premiership coach's uneasy departure from Collingwood.

But in an interview to air on Fox Footy's Open Mike tonight, McGuire said he wanted Malthouse to be recognised for his success and contribution to the club over his 12 years with the Magpies.

"I am very sad (the relationship soured) to be honest. But I think it will come back," McGuire said.

"Personally, I was disappointed that there was such enmity last year. Both sides got emotional at stages because we were so close.

"I thought, and still think, that Mick's contribution was profound at Collingwood.

"When the time is right he will be made a life member and definitely a Hall of Famer and a legend of the club and I will be driving that because his contribution is fantastic."

Malthouse walked away from the Magpies after their 2011 Grand Final loss to Geelong.He was two years into a five-year "transfer of power" deal that was to culminate in three years as the new director of coaching after Nathan Buckley took the reins as senior coach.

Tensions simmered last year with Malthouse and McGuire locked in a war of words, notably after the former coach publicly questioned Collingwood's new game plan in April.

And McGuire raised the ire of the Malthouse camp in August when he said that he was so concerned for Malthouse's welfare in 2009 that he feared coaching could "kill him".

Asked if he thought he would ever "break bread" again with Malthouse, McGuire said:"I would like to," he said.

"From my point of view, yes. I would like to think there is more to the journey and the successes than maybe the end of it."

McGuire said he had no regrets about the way Malthouse's end at Collingwood was handled.

"The only regret is that it didn't pan out, that Mick didn't stay to be in the position I wanted him to be in at Collingwood," he said.

The new Carlton coach will face off against his old side when Collingwood and the Blues lock horns in Round 2 at the MCG.

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Zaharakis set for Round 1 return

David Zaharakis got through Essendon's practice match unscathed on Friday. Picture: Stuart Walmsley Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON midfielder David Zaharakis is in line to play Friday night's opening game despite a severely restricted preparation.

Zaharakis could be named in the Bombers' 22 to play Adelaide with less than a full game under his belt since the end of last season.

The 2011 best and fairest winner pulled up sound after playing three quarters of a VFL trial game at the club's new training headquarters near Melbourne airport last Friday night.

It was his first match practice since he reinjured a thigh muscle during training in January, forcing him to sit out the entire NAB Cup series.

"The last two weeks, we've really upped the ante and worked him hard. But he had a major quad (injury) last year and a recurrence, so they were very cautious with him leading into the season," football operations manager Danny Corcoran said yesterday.

The Bombers may opt to ease Zaharakis back as the designated substitute on the interchange bench for the AFL opener against the Crows at AAMI Stadium.

Zaharakis kicked a goal in the first half and ran at full capacity as one of 17 senior list players to contribute to the VFL team's big win against Bendigo Gold.

Jake Melksham is also available to boost Essendon's midfield stocks after a solid hitout following a broken hand in an intraclub game that disrupted his NAB Cup preparation.

"We haven't had match committee yet, but they are certainly in contention for selection," Corcoran said.

The Bombers can take a near full strength team to Adelaide. And forward Jason Winderlich is ready to rejoin training this week too.

Ruckman David Hille and defenders Kyle Hardingham and Tayte Pears were other senior players to tune up for the new season with the VFL team.

Injury-plagued key forward Scott Gumbleton indicated he may be ready to provide another tall option this season with another solid performance last Friday night.

Gumbleton, restricted by back and leg injuries in past years, kicked five goals from nearly a dozen contested marks in his second consecutive practice match.

The Bombers hope the 24-year-old can build on the consistency and remain fit for the early rounds with the VFL team to provide an option for Michael Hurley or Patrick Ryder in the Bombers' forward setup.

Essendon players, who had the weekend off, will train twice this week and the named 22 and emergencies will have another light run on Thursday morning before flying to Adelaide.

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The SuperCoach 10 Commandments

Brent Moloney could be one of the SuperCoach steals of the year. Source: Getty Images

SOMETIMES in life you have to take a small step back in order to make a giant leap forward.

So in our continuing quest for the Holy Grail of SuperCoach - the secret formula for success - we must look back to the days before Suns and Giants walked on the land.

We speak of a time where draftees of all colours ruled, where guns were allowed to prosper and mid-range players were not taboo.

Of a time when sliders were given a second chance and players returning from injury were welcomed back with open arms.

These were the good old days, times where the fortunes of SuperCoaches across the globe were not a Kevin Sheedy swing of the axe away from peril.

The basic guns and rookies formula will continue to form the skeleton of your team, but as Champion Data's fantasy guru Louie Kebakovski confirms, the mid-range player is now to SuperCoaches what clothes were to Adam and Eve - desirable.

"I think this year there's room for a mid-pricer," Kebakovski said. "With more trades to play with, I think you can afford to take a punt on some of these guys early on and there are plenty to choose from."

But a SuperCoach's best-laid plans for the season ahead will come to naught unless you get your starting team close to perfect.

Preparation is the key.

"At the end of the day if you nail your team you've then got room to work your cash cows, make your money and upgrade," Kebakovski said.

"If you stuff your team up from the start - and I guess it's the same as every year - you're playing catch-up trying to fix it."

So get planning.

Using our 10 SuperCoach Commandments as a guide, hopefully you will rack up scores of biblical proportions.

1 - THOU SHALT CHOOSE DRAFTEES WISELY

Selecting the right rookies is, and forever will be, key to SuperCoach success.

The ability to nurture a batch first or second year players in to fat, juicy cash cows is the only way we can litter our sides with premiums at season's end.

Greater Western Sydney's Lachie Whitfield was the standout draftee, but Champion Data's Louie Kebakovski said there may be better value out there for us.

"Unfortunately this year some of the draftees are a bit more pricey than your conventional rookies, with the exception of Jack Viney," Kebakovski said.

"Ollie Wines, Lachie Whitfield, Jimmy Toumpas, they'll play early but they're all $150,000 plus. So you've got to weigh that up."

Harry Cunningham played Sydney's first game last year but was not seen for the rest of the season. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph

2 - THOU SHALT NOT FALL FOR THE ROUND 1 BOLTER

We do it every year - panic ourselves into selecting whichever debutant is selected by his club in Round 1.

Harry Cunningham, a popular choice last year, debuted for Sydney against GWS in the season opener.

He didn't play again.

"Trust your gut," Kebakovski said.

"Clubs aren't going to debut every player in Round 1. Look at GWS last year. Adam Treloar came in in Round 3, played the rest of the year and played well."

If you'd picked him at the start of the year and sacrificed that bench position early, you wouldn't have had to burn a trade.

3 - HONOUR THY MATURE-AGED RECRUIT AND RECYCLED PLAYER

Some fads come and go.

Yo-yos, roller blades, hypercolour T-shirts, spokey dokeys.

But one that will forever be in fashion is the mature-aged recruit in SuperCoach.

Dayne Zorko was the success story of last year.

Kane Mitchell, winner of the 2012 Sandover Medal, could be this year's after an impressive NAB Cup for Port Adelaide.

Elsewhere, Brett Goodes (brother of Adam) appears set to slot in to the Western Bulldogs defence, while Dees trio Dean Terlich, Matt Jones and Dean Kent could all feature.

Throw in recycled talent Lewis Stevenson and Campbell Heath (P.A), as well as Ricky Petterd, Sam Lonergan and Chris Knights (Richmond) and you fast realise there are plenty of cheap picks out there.

Dual position players such as Dean Cox are essential for SuperCoach success. Picture: Will Russell Source: PerthNow

4 - REMEMBER TO KEEP HOLY THE DUAL POSITION PLAYERS

Want to cover injuries, suspension and selection surprises, all without having to give up precious trades?

Pick dual position players on every line of the field.

"It just gives you flexibility," Kebakovski said.

"Let's say, for example, Travis Cloke goes out for a week and you've got Dean Cox in your ruck line.

"If another dual-position ruck in the forward line who is playing regularly you can flick Cox down to cover Cloke and you won't have to put up with a zero."

That said, players such as Patrick Dangerfield and Brett Deledio have lost their dual position status this year.

Kebakovski says not to worry.

"If you want them, just pick them."

5 - THOU SHALT NOT TAKE THE EXTRA MIDFIELDERS IN VAIN

This season you need to choose eight starting midfielders instead of just six.

But don't freak out.

"You've just got to think about it as being last year's structure," Kebakovski said.

"What you're essentially doing is taking a premium player out of your defence and your forward line and putting them in to your midfield."

The Champion Data guru said there was no reason why you couldn't pick six premium midfielders from the outset.

"The midfield is where games are won," he said.

"If you can have six midfielders who can average 100-plus for you every week, there's 800 points there, if not 900 with your captain. It's almost half of your score."

6 - COVET THY MINI DRAFTEES

The "Big O", Orren Stephenson, was all the rage 12 months ago.

This time another "O", Jaeger O'Meara, is set to become every SuperCoach's best friend.

Kebakovski said he would even pick the Suns youngster over No.1 draft pick Whitfield.

"He's cheaper, likely to play a few more games and he's had an extra pre-season so he's further developed," he said.

O'Meara and Adelaide's Brad Crouch finally get to play almost 18 months after being selected in the GWS mini-draft.

But as Crouch jostles for a starting berth with the likes of Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Thompson and Rory Sloane, the "Jaeger Bomb" is the safer bet.

Brent Moloney could be one of the SuperCoach steals of the year. Source: Getty Images

7 - THOU SHALT NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS TO SLIDERS NOR THE INJURED

Brent Moloney fell off the SuperCoach radar last year, but is set to hit back with a bang now that he's a Lion.

A best-and-fairest winner at Melbourne in 2011, Moloney fell out of favour with Mark Neeld and in 15 games fell from averaging 99 points a game to just 68.

At $362k, the 29-year-old is a steal, while Carlton's Chris Yarran (also $362k, down from $473k last year) is another to consider.

Don't forget last year's injury-plagued players either.

West Coast's Josh Kennedy (was $470k, now $300k) and Mark LeCras ($468k, now $369k) stand out like beacons.

8 - FEAR NOT THE ROLLING LOCKOUT, BUT THOSE THAT SEEK TO EXPLOIT IT

The rolling lockout that once only existed for the Easter round and Anzac Day is now a permanent feature.

So basically you are free to chop, change and trade players right up until their game starts.

It will reward those who stick to their SuperCoach guns all weekend - and possibly end a few personal relationships along the way.

"You've got to make the most of the rolling lockout," Kebakovski said.

"Not everyone's going to sit by their computer or phone and wait for the teams to be announced 90 minutes before the game to see who's the sub and who's an emergency."

"If you've got Brad Hill, for example, and he's made the sub, but you've got player X on your bench who you know is going to play, just make the swap."

9 - THOU SHALT NOT FEAR THE BYE ROUNDS

In 2011 it was terrifying. In 2012 it was annoying, but this year the bye is not to be feared.

Six teams each take a break in Rounds 11-13, but throughout that three-week period scores of only 18 of your players will count.

"You still need some sort of planning. You don't really want to have 14 players from three teams who all have the bye in the same week," Kebakovski said.

"But it all depends what you want to do. If you're going for the league win, then it might not really matter. But if you're going for overall glory, then you need to think about it."

Scott Pendlebury's injured leg wouldn't be an issue for SuperCoaches this year, thanks to the extra trades available. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

10 - HONOUR THE ART OF PATIENCE

We each have six more trades, 30 in total, but that's no excuse for rash decisions.

"You still need to be patient," Kebakovski said.

"You don't want to get in to the trap of thinking 'OK, I've got six extra trades this year, I can take a few more risks'.

Before you know it you're down to 10 trades and it's not even Round 12.

"If you're patient then at the end of the year, on 50-50 decisions, you can make the call to trade."

But the extra trades do allow you to cut off an injured star facing an uncertain road to recovery, such as Scott Pendlebury (leg) and Lance Franklin (hamstring) last year.

"Now you can look at using one of those trades in situations like that."

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