D-Day looms for Dees

Melbourne start well but ultimately succumb by 86 to the Eagles.

Melbourne coach Mark Neeld must find a way to inspire his Demons to victory against GWS Giants next week. Picture: Tauber Andrew Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE must prepare for its D-Day against Greater Western Sydney, content that its cup is at least a little more full than last week.

For about an hour yesterday Melbourne restored some pride for the football club, competing heartily against West Coast.

But for the third consecutive week, the rot set in after halftime.

The 94-point thrashing by West Coast showed once again, as Mark Neeld likes to say, that Melbourne is very much "at the basement".

It makes Sunday's clash against Greater Western Sydney critical, in that a loss to the second-year franchise could deliver the club a catastrophic, if not irreparable, blow.

Neeld's men halve the gap

Before the contest yesterday, president Don McLardy said the club was not afraid to make more hard calls this year, after sacking chief executive Cameron Schwab.

Tomorrow, in the club's match review, Neeld must again retrieve the white flag his side hoisted after halftime, which allowed West Coast to hammer home 17 goals to four and 11 to one in the third term.

He will point to the tenacity and vigour in the first half -from the likes of Nathan and Matt Jones, and Jack Viney - who helped build surprising leads for Melbourne in the first and second quarters.

They are goers who gritted their teeth, at least in the early stages.

Likewise Dean Terlich attacked the ball from the back half and Colin Sylvia looked dangerous in a way that reminds us all he has A-Grade talent and, yesterday, the work ethic.

When Viney burst from the centre square and hit-up Sylvia on a strong lead to kick the club's fourth-straight goal nearing quarter-time, Melbourne fans were brought to their feet.

A quarter later, Howe snapped brilliantly from 40m and took another screamer on Andrew Embley.

His aerial exploits are so spectacular his financial planning could indeed forecast a free car every year.

But the initial effort, leaving the Dees trailing by only 10 points at the main break, would not be sustained.

At AAMI Park, it will be the buzzword of the week.

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Around the ground, West Coast ruckman Dean Cox was outstanding, mustering 24 possessions and three goals.

Under him, Matthew Priddis and Chris Masten totally controlled the supply chain forward to their twin towers, Josh Kennedy and Jack Darling, who booted five goals each.

The one-way traffic prompted the Melbourne faithful to change the cheering to jeering, as the gap in midfield class was exposed to the tune of 25 clearances to 15 after the main break.

We keep hearing how the Dees trained the house down over summer and are much fitter, but it's a hard vision to conjure when their players just stop like they did yesterday.

Melbourne legend Garry Lyon said it was "ridiculously easy" for West Coast.

"All the good credits they (Demons) had in the bank early have been used up," Lyon said.

For the bulk of the game, Melbourne ditched any defensive zones and went man on man.

At least early, there was enough endeavour and sacrifice around the stoppages to double West Coast's contested ball count approaching quarter-time.

But the table turned, in stomach-turning fashion for Melbourne, ensuring the cloud will continue to hover over this football club. Whether it lifts on Sunday could determine what card the Demons powerbrokers play next.

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Blues' cruel third strike

Carlton stars Marc Murphy and Chris Judd lead the winless Blues off Etihad Stadium. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Herald Sun

SO close, yet so far, and so bloody frustrating.

Mick Malthouse would have been forgiven for thinking all of those things - and a hell of a lot more - as the Blues once more fell just short of a maiden win under their new coach for a third successive week.

It's the first time Carlton has had 100 or more points scored against it in three consecutive games since 2009, something the coach will be looking to arrest - and fast.

The cold, hard reality is that the Blues - as competitive as they have been - sit 0-3 on the ledger to start a season for the ninth time in the club's history - and only the third time in almost 60 years.

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The flip side is that Geelong is 3-0 and simply never says never when the contest is there for the taking.

Just as Carlton has collectively lost its three games under Malthouse by 38 points, the Cats have fought like they always do to win their three matches by a total of 27 points.

That ability to take your chance when it presents can make or break seasons.

The Blues' winless state at the end of Round 3 doesn't mean they won't make the finals in their first year under Malthouse, but it is going to make it extra tough, particularly with a road trip to play West Coast on Saturday.

Malthouse will be lamenting a number of mid-game lapses, too many coughed up red-time goals and a third week of conceding 100-plus points. And he knows the Blues must iron out those issues to remain in the finals race.

Twice during the contest - midway through the first term and early in the second - the Blues skipped out to 17-point leads before being overhauled each time when the Cats put their foot on the pedal.

Welcome back Stevie J

Then, in the last quarter, when the Cats appeared to be tiring, the Blues banged on the first four goals of the term with some electric football and threatened to pinch the contest. But the steadier Geelong heads prevailed when it mattered.

In fairness, the Blues had to play without an extra tall - their No.1 ruckman Matthew Kreuzer - who was subbed out of the game at quarter-time after suffering a thumb injury.

At almost the same time the Cats also lost key playmaker Travis Varcoe to yet another shoulder injury.

Kreuzer's absence allowed the Cats to exploit some height deficiencies which meant Harry Taylor was able to switch between defence and attack, creating a few headaches for the Blues.

Geelong had a bevy of good performers with Mathew Stokes critical from start to finish. He was capable of pushing the Cats when they needed some pushing and received great support from the likes of Allen Christensen, Taylor, Steve Johnson (who got better as the game went on in his first game back), Jimmy Bartel and Steven Motlop.

Taylor Hunt did a fine job on Marc Murphy, and the new Blues skipper will come under some more scrutiny this week over the three key goals that Hunt was able to score when running off his opponent. For Carlton, Chris Judd was outstanding, constantly pushing the ball deep into attack for the Blues, and his team would not have got as close without his input.

VIDEO: Kreuzer, Varcoe subbed out

Andrew Walker gave exceptional drive from the back flank, starting many links in the chain that resulted in Blues' goals.

Andrew Carrazzo kept a close watch on Joel Selwood, restricting him only 14 disposals - the same number he had.

Both teams looked out on their feet towards the end of this contest, and face tough interstate challenges this week.

Geelong will meet an unbeaten Sydney in what looms as a gripping contest at the SCG on Friday, while Carlton will have to arrest those little mistakes to be a chance of upsetting West Coast in Perth.

Malthouse knows his team can ill afford many more slip-ups if they want to push towards gaining a berth in September.

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Kreuzer to miss two months

Geelong will be sweating on Travis Varcoe's injury status after the livewire injured his left shoulder, while Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer was subbed out with a broken bone in his thumb.

CARLTON has lost Matthew Kreuzer for up to two months after the star ruckman suffered a fractured thumb in last night's 16-point loss to Geelong at Etihad Stadium.

In a cruel blow for the win-less Blues, still chasing their first victory under new coach Mick Malthouse, Kreuzer was subbed out of last night's game at quarter-time, severely hurting his club's chances of causing an upset.

He will miss between six and eight weeks, with Malthouse saying the Blues simply had to make do without their No.1 ruckman.

"It's the nature of the game," Malthouse said last night. "It is a contact sport - you get some back, you lose some.

"No one wants to lose good players. Betts and (Kreuzer) are crucial to our side, but when they are not there, the best side runs out the next week."

Blues' cruel third strike

Malthouse said he would use either Levi Casboult or Robbie Warnock as a back-up for Shaun Hampson in Kreuzer's absence.

Carlton has to regroup after narrow losses to Richmond, Collingwood and Geelong and travel across to Perth to meet West Coast at Patterson's Stadium on Saturday night.

"I am not disappointed in the attitude (of the players) or the effort," Malthouse said.

"I think we let ourselves down in five or seven minutes a quarter, or a half, and that's what happened.

Johnson adds polish to Cats

"That's been the pattern over three games. We have allowed the opposition to take a firm hold of those vital minutes.

"I think good sides last longer. They (Geelong) are a very good football side."

But he insisted the Blues were on the improve: "We will get better because of it."

"I wouldn't say it was not enough pressure - I would say (it was) not enough technique."

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ASADA to interview Hird on Tuesday

Essendon coach James Hird is said to be handling the pressure well. Source: Herald Sun

ASADA officials will interview James Hird on Tuesday over the Essendon drugs scandal and the intravenous injections program that could see him banned from football.

An Essendon side that was basking in the afterglow of an extraordinary win over Fremantle could soon be jolted back into reality.

The embattled coach was understood to be standing up well to the intense pressure.

AFL commissioner and bomber supporter Bill Kelty visited Hird at his Toorak home to support the coach and discuss the club's problems.

Mark Robinson: Who's right in this astonishing story?

Match report: Essendon produces stunning comeback

Hird vows to stay after fighting win

The ASADA officials will likely be joined by the AFL's own integrity department on Tuesday and will question his knowledge of the intravenous injections which are banned under the AFL's drug code.

Essendon coach James Hird is set to reveal he received two injections from sports scientist Stephen Dank for health reasons.

Hird's interview is likely to last several days. Players have been told their ASADA interviews could start the next week, which coincides with Anzac Day preparations.

The Essendon champion says he will fight to clear his name and has stated he approved a program which is World Anti-Doping Agency compliant.

But the mention of intravenous injections or drips in the text messages with Stephen Dank raised red flags this week.

The WADA code prohibits the use of intravenous injections - no matter the substance used - if the doses are more than 50 millilitres, or are administered more than once in a six-hour period.

The sanctions for using "banned methods" are as lengthy as those for banned substances - up to two years for players and the same for coaches administering substances using those techniques.

There is no suggestion Hird administered substances, but if ASADA can prove knowledge of those banned methods as senior coach he can come under significant heat.

He was adamant on Friday night the truth would come out and put him in a "very, very good position".

James Hird celebrates Essendon's thrilling win. Picture: Alex Coppel

The league's stance on Hird's position as coach seemed to have softened yesterday, as former teammates Mark McVeigh and Scott Lucas urged him to continue coaching.

The AFL said that despite misgivings about Hird's role in the supplements saga it would not strip him of his role or apply pressure to Essendon to do so.

Former ASADA boss Richard Ings told the Sunday Herald Sun ASADA would definitely ask questions about the techniques used by Hird.

"The fact the text messages made reference to intravenous injections would be of great interest to ASADA as they seek to determine whether that form of administering of substances was in itself a banned method."

While the investigation might challenge Hird's position at the club, his players' devotion to their senior coach is not in question.

But Essendon captain Jobe Watson gave a greater insight into the club's unbeaten run when he said the club's performance was the only thing the players could control amid the maelstrom of allegations and claims.

"(Hird) is obviously someone we care about immensely and there is no hiding the fact it's been a very difficult time for him personally and the footy club,'' Watson said.

Andrew Demetriou says Essendon coach James Hird should consider standing down over drug allegations.

"Through adversity people who care about you come close.''

Hird revealed the players were so determined to smother him with care they barely left his side this week.

"They have been amazing. They won't leave me alone. They won't leave me for a second to have my own thoughts ... the support they have given me is outstanding," he said.

Bombers midfielder Heath Hocking rejected calls for Hird to stand aside as coach, saying he had the support ''of every single player on our list.''

''We're there behind him every step of the way,'' he said.

Hocking said Hird was handling the pressure of allegations he injected banned substances last season as well as he could.

''He's got a great character,'' he said.

''It's been pretty tough on him but he's put it aside and he's focused on us as players and the club.''

- with Peter Rolfe

---

THE STORY SO FAR

February 12: Former sports scientist Stephen Dank drops new bombshell claims

February 15: Drugs scandal takes huge toll on Essendon chairman

February 17: Essendon drug probe expected to last six months

February 22: Signed forms may save Essendon players

March 20: Essendon could face Senate inquiry

April 11: Hird will fight drug claim

April 12: Hird to admit: I was injected twice

April 13: Hird vows to stay after fighting win

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Varcoe set for shoulder surgery

Geelong will be sweating on Travis Varcoe's injury status after the livewire injured his left shoulder, while Carlton ruckman Matthew Kreuzer was subbed out with a broken bone in his thumb.

Cat Travis Varcoe walks the boundary with ice on his injured left shoulder. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

GEELONG speedster Travis Varcoe is expected to need surgery that will keep him out of action for up to three months after he dislocated his left shoulder in the Cats' 16-point win over Carlton at Etihad Stadium.

Both teams had to activate their substitutes at quarter time after losing key players to injury in the first  term.

Varcoe went straight up the race in the 24th minute clutching his shoulder, while Blues ruckman Matthew Kreuzer followed four minutes later with a suspected fractured thumb. He is expected to miss six to eight weeks.

''He's had a wretched run poor Trav,'' Geelong coach Chris Scott said after the match. ''We don't know exactly what the prognosis is, suffice to say that it doesn't look good.

''If surgery's an option, and a long-term lay-off is going to get him right for the end of the season or even for next year, that's the way we'd go.''

Giant blow with Patton to miss season

Geelong led by as much six goals in the final quarter but had to withstand a barnstorming Carlton finish.

In doing so the Cats stretched their unbeaten streak against Carlton at the Docklands venue to 11 wins, dating back to their first meeting in 2002.

Scott said it would be foolhardy to give opposition teams too many chances to win, as Geelong has done in each of its three wins this season, but ''we do have a degree of confidence that when the game's on the line and we need players to step up that that is going to happen''.

There was a controversial moment at the 17 minute mark of the final term when a streaker ran onto the field and was tackled to the ground on the boundary by security guards.

It came just after Jimmy Bartel had passed to Steve Johnson, 30 metres out directly in front of goal.

Instead of having the chance to kick the sealer, Johnson had to return the ball to Bartel and his next kick ended up being swept to the other end of the ground.

Scott said he was ''confused'' by the incident as he did think the ground invader had affected play.

Blues' cruel third strike

''The only thing I'll say is that when Jim kicked the ball to Steve, the streaker didn't appear to affect play at all,'' Scott said. ''But there's rules in place and we're happy to abide by them.''

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse held a very short media conference after the match.

It is only the fourth time since World War II that Carlton has lost the opening three matches of the season.

The most recent occasion was in 2008 when the Blues lost to Richmond, St Kilda and Essendon before bouncing back with a 23-point win over Collingwood in Round 4. They finished 11th that year.

Malthouse, who had spoken in the pre-season about making the Blues a more defensive unit, has now watched his team concede more than 100 points in every match this season. It is the first time Carlton has done so in three consecutive matches since midway through 2009.

Under Malthouse the Blues' points-against average has blown out to 114 per game, whereas it averaged 88 points against in games last season.

Taylor Hunt was superb for the Cats, kicking three goals from 17 disposals and limiting Carlton skipper Marc Murphy's influence.

Mathew Stokes, Steve Johnson. Allen Christensen and Harry Taylor were also outstanding.

Geelong's 3-0 start to the season emulates its first three rounds from its premiership seasons of 2011 and 2009.

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Menzel off leash on return

Up and running: Daniel Menzel will return on Sunday. Picture: Mike Dugdale Source: Geelong Advertiser

DANIEL Menzel will be given a licence to "just play footy" and back his body when he makes his VFL comeback.

Geelong has put no expectations on Menzel's performance, given the significant mental and physical battles he has endured over the past 19 months.

But the 21-year-old will take the field at Simonds Stadium tomorrow confident his reconstructed left knee is as strong as ever.

"Menz is really confident, he's backing his rehab and is probably less anxious now than he was after his first and second knee reconstructions because he's been through the process," VFL captain Troy Selwood said.

"He feels he's as strong as ever. You can't really think about what may or may not happen, you've just got to go out there and play footy and have fun.

"He's relaxed and not putting any pressure on his performance, he's just grateful that he's back out there playing footy again."

Menzel had LARS surgery in December after reinjuring his left knee at training just before Christmas - his third knee reconstruction in just over a year.

The livewire forward ruptured his right anterior cruciate ligament in the 2011 qualifying final and then did the same thing to his left knee in his VFL comeback match last June.

Selwood said Menzel would play most of tomorrow's match, but may start each quarter on the bench.

Daniel Menzel leaves the ground during his comeback match in the VFL with another knee injury. Picture supplied by Arj Giese. Source: Herald Sun

"Once he's out there, we think it's best for his confidence to not restrict him, and to let him go and enjoy it and not really think about it," Selwood said.

When Menzel runs out, his teammates will be riding every bump, ever change of direction and every kick. There was a rousing reception this week when coach Chris Scott told the players Menzel would finally return tomorrow.

"Scotty mentioned early in the week to the boys that Menz was going to be playing," Selwood said.

"It was fantastic, the boys just gave him a big round of applause because they know how much work he has put into it and the mental battle that he's had to face."

Josh Hunt will play his first match of the year after a pre-season ravaged by setbacks. First he had glandular fever, then he succumbed to a nerve problem that attacked his shoulder.

Cameron Guthrie also returns after he injured his calf in the warm-up to Geelong's practice match against Collingwood last month.

Sunday's game against Sandringham starts at 1pm.

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Cox on the run

Dean Cox is closing in on the Eagles' games record. Picture: Justin Benson-Cooper Source: The Sunday Times

DEAN Cox finds his end-of-season solace out in the Indian Ocean.

For the past 13 seasons, the man who is on track to become the first Eagle to play 300 games (he has played 253) has revolutionised ruck work.

An ability to run his opponents into the ground - often leaving them unable to walk the next day, according to Dean Brogan - moved Leigh Matthews to dub the West Coast star the finest ruckman in the game's history.

But the man who turned down approaches from St Kilda and Hawthorn and, more recently, Sydney is just a humble fisherman at heart.

Every year, Cox, 31, heads offshore with family and friends to an island 13km off the northwest coast, taking only fuel for the boat, food and fluids.

"It's a place I'll always call home," Cox said of the Dampier coast.

"We have a shack out there on one of the islands in the archipelago. There's a generator for power and it sleeps about 14 people.

"You can just get away from everything and do some deep-sea fishing and some spear fishing and just relax and catch up with friends."

Apart from the time Cox, then aged 10, boated out through a cyclone with his dad to rescue his cousin and mates - "It was a pretty intense experience" - the annual island getaways are perhaps one of the secrets behind his incredible durability, helping refresh body and mind.

Against a battered Melbourne today, the six-time All-Australian will notch up his 74th consecutive game, the most of any current Eagle.

At a time when he could be winding down, the 203cm motor man has had to step up this year, shouldering the load without the other half of the Eagles' superstar ruck tandem, Nic Naitanui.

The premiership ruckman admits recovering is getting tougher, especially "getting up the first couple of mornings after a game".

Eagles ruckman Dean Cox will again need to stand tall for his sides, particularly in the absence of Nic Naitanui. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

But for Cox, the running power that has transformed the modern rucking role is more hard work than God-given.

Developing alongside champion midfielders Chris Judd, Ben Cousins and Daniel Kerr throughout the 2000s, Cox has taken delight in building the endurance and merciless mind-set that enables him to exhaust opponents.

"I had the confidence to know that if it didn't happen in the first or second quarters, it would happen late in quarters or late in games," Cox said.

"If there is one, two or three quick balls-ups, when you are required to really spread from that stoppage, that's when I found I probably recovered pretty quickly.

"I wasn't the quickest runner but a lot of people can look quick by their reaction time."

A rookie pick, Cox considered himself blessed to have made up part of a golden midfield group, featuring Cousins, Judd, Kerr, Andrew Embley, Chad Fletcher and Michael Braun.

"Obviously, there's a lot of brilliance, but there was so much hard work to get that brilliance out of themselves."

Now there is another generation of players driving the Eagles' bid for a fourth premiership.

2006 Grand Final. Sydney Swans v West Coast Eagles. MCG. Victorious Eagles team with the premiership cup. Picture: Michael Dodge Source: HWT Image Library

He still thinks about "that last-minute kick" into the forward line, which Swans full-back Leo Barry marked in heroic fashion, denying what was widely considered a more talented West Coast side a flag in 2005.

"I just knew there wasn't too much time left and, if I had got caught with the footy 70m out, I would have been more angry," he said.

After a three-year stint out of finals, the Eagles have returned to being premiership threats.

Cox credited coach John Worsfold and the club's recruiting staff for developing the talent and culture to return to the top half of the ladder so quickly.

"They developed some young kids and obviously wanted to get a playing group that could have an impact when finals come," he said.

"You don't want to get through a season then get to finals and wonder how are we going to cope?"

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Dons face more bombshells

Essendon coach James Hird could be banned by the AFL if found guilty using a banned substance. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

ESSENDON could be hit with massive fines, the suspension of key officials and even the loss of draft picks as the AFL becomes increasingly likely to charge the club with bringing the game into disrepute.

And while experts confirmed yesterday the AFL's own anti-drug code cannot ban James Hird for using performance-enhancing drugs, the league can still punish him through other rules.

Its code of conduct has unlimited powers to sanction players, coaches and officials for conduct unbecoming -- which likely would include the use of banned drugs by an AFL coach.

Essendon's continuing controversy over its supplements program deepened yesterday when AFL chief Andrew Demetriou revealed yet more bombshells to come under the AFL's joint investigation with anti-doping body ASADA.

In effect, he acknowledged it was possible Hird took the WADA-banned drug Hexarelin, despite Hird's ardent denials.

American prosecutors who have taken down Marion Jones and Lance Armstrong have confirmed that, despite coaches being mentioned in the AFL's anti-doping code, that reference is to the administering of substances to players by coaches. It does not cover coaches using the substances themselves.

But the AFL can sanction Hird for his personal use under its code of conduct, if not the strict parameters of the anti-doping policy.

The AFL confirmed yesterday those sanctions -- fines, suspension and even the loss of draft selections -- were all available at the AFL Commission's discretion.

First the AFL is likely to watch Essendon's response to the imminent release of former Telstra boss Ziggy Switkowski's internal report, and consider the club's own sanctions for "irregular practices".

Through its investigation with ASADA, the AFL's integrity unit has access to Essendon's investigation into possible performance-enhancing drug use.

Demetriou is regularly briefed by his integrity team on developments, so his comments that there were more issues to be unearthed would have sent a chill down the spine of Essendon officials.

"You can't help but be disappointed as you find out more and understand more of what was going on," Demetriou said.

"You would appreciate I have briefings which are probably more advanced than what is in the public domain. There are other things which are still yet to be determined, more substantive things about people and individuals.

"All of it is disappointing because young people being subjected to injections of the nature that has been disclosed is horrifying."

Demetriou confirmed Hird's alleged personal use of non-WADA compliant drugs was not governed by AFL rules, but it does not mean the AFL cannot act with its own sanctions over and above the drugs code.

"The AFL and the commission will have a view on whether people or individuals or the club need to be held accountable," he said.

"We will wait until we get the final report from ASADA, unless I would be speculating.

"(Essendon) are going to give (the Switkowski report) to the AFL and if it is proven that people abrogated (their) responsibility and duty of care, they will be held accountable."

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Watson dedicates win to Hird

Jobe Watson dedicated the win to his friend, James Hird. Picture: Getty

ESSENDON remains adamant coach James Hird will remain at the helm of the club after his side's stunning Patersons Stadium comeback against Fremantle.

The Bombers were totally dominated by the Dockers and trailed by 36 points at halftime, but six straight third-quarter goals saw them just three points down at the last break.

Yet through Paddy Ryder's amazing left-foot snap with a minute left and then Chris Mayne's snap which clipped the post, the Bombers climbed to 3-0 in the most extraordinary circumstances.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

It was one of the great comebacks in recent memory after such a mentally draining week for the players.

The players last night devoted the win to their coach, under siege after the AFL suggested he stand down because of allegations about personal drug use.

Captain Jobe Watson paid tribute to his coach after the game after such an intense week of pressure.

"Hirdy is a friend to us, he is our coach, we feel for him and his family and he means a lot to us. We fought, and we couldn't be prouder."

His words were echoed by Brendon Goddard, who was exceptional in the second-half surge.

"That is one of the best wins I have been involved in. For everyone out there, we're backing Hirdy."

Last night Hird said the truth would come out about his involvement in the end.

"You take your challenges and you go forward and you meet them head on. People say things that are untrue. You know you have the truth on your side, and when you have the opportunity you tell the whole truth, and when the whole truth comes out I think I will be in a very good position and so will the footy club. When the truth comes out, I will be in a very good position.

AFL. Essendon vs. Fremantle at Subiaco Oval in Perth. Picture: Coppel Alex Source:

"I am the coach of the Essendon football club. And until someone tells me I am not, I am the coach."

He was supported by his senior assistant coach Mark Thompson, who said there had been no talk at the club given to Hird stepping down while the ASADA investigation took place.

Braden Quartermain's votes: 3 Jake Carlisle (Ess); 2 Michael Hibberd (Ess); 1 Nathan Fyfe (Frem)

"He is a pretty tough lad. It's important he stands up and continues to coach. That's what we have encouraged him to do and that's what he is going to do and he is going to do it well," Thompson said.

"It hasn't been discussed. My plans are not to coach, so I'll probably work for Hirdy. We haven't talked about that. We haven't even discussed that and we don't expect it to happen."

Paddy Ryder, amazing in the last quarter, looks in serious trouble after a first-quarter bump on Fremantle defender Luke McPharlin.

Ryder flushed McPharlin's chin - opening it up - after jumping off the ground as the Fremantle player went for the ball.

Even an assessment of reckless contact with high impact and contact to McPharlin's head would be level four rough conduct and a potential three-match ban after a guilty plea.

Small forward Nick Kommer might also come under scrutiny for a line-ball incident in which he clipped Kepler Bradley's head with his hip.

Defender Dustin Fletcher was subbed midway through the third term, while Michael Hurley's last-second spoil to clinch victory saw him re-injure his wrist as he left the ground.

AFL. Essendon vs. Fremantle at Subiaco Oval in Perth. Picture: Coppel Alex Source:

 

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Bombers live out dream

James Hird celebrates with Brent Stanton. Picture: Getty

ESSENDON has made bigger comebacks in its celebrated history.

It has dominated arch-rivals on the biggest stage to snare the premiership.

But has it ever staged such an astonishing comeback as last night, when after the most controversial week of the club's history it seized a victory it had no right to even dream about.

Live HQ: Fremantle v Essendon

Down by six goals at halftime, and as much as 37 points on the night, the Bombers looked out of legs and out of hope.

AFL. Essendon vs. Fremantle at Subiaco Oval in Perth. Coach James Hird talks at Quarter Time. Picture: Coppel Alex Source:

"Overwhelmed", admitted assistant coach Mark Thompson of their halftime mindset, as Fremantle went to town on a slippery night that played into the Dockers' crushing pressure.

"They have done our heads in," he was frank enough to admit.

Yet two quarters later Essendon somehow walked off Patersons Stadium as the winner.

Have we ever seen the like of it?

This game had everything: scores level with five minutes left, then Essendon going ahead with a minute left through Paddy Ryder's curling left kick.

Then came the final dramatic moments, as first Paul Duffield's kick bounced left in front of goal, then Chris Mayne's left-foot snap from straight in front hit the post.

James Hird might still be removed as Essendon coach, and the club might end up penalised for its drug breaches, but this was a win to thrust all of that negativity away for one stunning night.

Match report: Bombers' miracle escape

Essendon's players are used to life under siege, harried by the media pack, the players are pressured for time and space as they walk to training, and are constantly awaiting the next assault.

For an entire half last night Fremantle coach Ross Lyon replicated that battle plan against Hird's mentally battered Bombers, and found it was just as effective on-field as off it.

Essendon was shot. Dead and buried. Done and dusted.

Jobe Watson was the triumphant matchwinner against Adelaide, but by half time against Matthew De Boer just two of his seven possessions were effective.

How easily would it have been for Essendon to drift quietly into the night?

AFL. Essendon vs. Fremantle at Subiaco Oval in Perth. Brent Stanton and Tendai Mzungu Picture: Coppel Alex Source:

Six goals down at the half: too hard, too mentally drained, too much effort to get back into the game.

What followed was something amazing, even given the week of torture for players and coach.

Even if the effort to come back into the game had not won them the night, this was something to behold.

No player threw in the towel, no player let their mind wonder about whether coach Hird might still even be there next week.

Instead, they did what sides with real character do: they set about trying to take down an opponent with enough momentum to stop a train.

For one quarter filled with those old-fashioned words like grit and heart, Essendon threw its best at Fremantle.

The rallying cry came from the midfield, which suddenly began overlapping and pumping the ball into an open forward line.

First came Stewart Crameri's clever snap for a goal; then Elliott Kavanagh's quick snap from the pack.

By the time Essendon had dominated Fremantle to kick the only five goals of the third term to drag the margin back to three points, no one was doubting this club's fighting spirit any more.

Were the players doing it for the coach? Were they letting out a week of frustration?

Or is this side just talented, and filled with enough quality to make a serious tilt at this year's premiership.

How can anyone quantify exactly how much of a toll the constant focus on their coach and club's practices took on Essendon players last night.

Brendon Goddard summed it up best last night: "With respect to my old club, that was one of the best wins I have ever been involved in."

AFL. Essendon vs. Fremantle at Subiaco Oval in Perth. Picture: Coppel Alex Source:

 

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AFL teams: Demons drop Watts

Jay Clark and Scott Gullan say to dump Pat Karnezis and Jack Watts and offer the best trade options for Round 3.

Comedian Will Anderson joins the boys to discuss their picks ahead of round 3

Shane Crawford reveals what to do with Jack Watts and Patrick Karnezis and what bargains to buy this week ahead of player price rises.

Melbourne has dropped Jack Watts. Picture: Nicole Garmston Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE has dropped four players including No.1 draft pick Jack Watts for its clash against West Coast.

Watts, who was subbed off during last week's 148-point drubbing by Essendon, is out along with Sam Blease, David Rodan, Daniel Nicholson and injured defender Tom Gillies.

Into the Demons' line-up come Neville Jetta, Cam Pedersen, Michael Evans, Luke Tapscott and Rohan Bail, who has recovered from concussion.

The Eagles named Daniel Kerr and Mark LeCras, just three weeks after he suffered a broken arm in Round 1.

Collingwood star Dale Thomas will play his first game for 2013 against Hawthorn on Sunday.

See all the Round 3 line-ups in LiveHQ

Alex Fasolo is also in the Magpies' squad, along with veteran ruckman Ben Hudson, who replaces injured big man Darren Jolly (ribs). Nick Maxwell (wrist) is also out.

The Hawks lost Brad Sewell to a hamstring injury.

Scroll down to replay the live SuperCoach chat

St KIlda has suffered more injury problems, with Adam Schneider set to miss a month with a hamstring injury and Sean Dempster out with a broken hand.

They have been replaced by first-gamers Tom Lee and Nathan Wright for the Saints' clash against GWS.

Steve Johnson is back for Geelong, but James Kelly is out with a calf injury.

Carlton regained Heath Scotland and Shaun Hampson and dropped four players including Jeremy Laidler and Levi Casboult.

Richmond has included former Crow Chris Knights and top draft pick Nick Vlastuin in its squad to face the Western Bulldogs, who named No.6 draft pick Jackson Macrae.

And North Melbourne has named former Gold Coast defender Taylor Hine for his Kangaroos debut against Sydney at Blundstone Arena, Hobart.

Hine has been one of the Kangaroos best performers for VFL affiliate Werribee.

"Brad called me last night and said I'd be playing and that he was happy with how I went against the Hawks in the NAB Cup and how I've been going for Werribee in the VFL.  He just urged me to keep that going", Hine told the Kangaroos website.

Last year Hine collected a career-high 26 disposals lining up against Sydney excitement machine Lewis Jetta.

"I pretty much play as a small or medium defender playing on the quicks like Jetta.  Just being a lock dock down defender is a role I enjoy," Hine said.

"I played on Jetta before and played pretty well, but obviously you have to do your homework and know how they play.  He's improved a lot since then.  I'll do a bit of homework on him but won't try and think about it too much, just let it unfold."

FOLLOW GILBERT GARDINER AND AL PATON ON TWITTER: @gilbertgardiner and @al_superfooty

Fremantle v Essendon

Fremantle

B: L.Spurr, Z.Dawson, M.Johnson
HB: N.Suban, L.McPharlin, D.Pearce
C: T.Mzungu, R.Crowley, C.Pearce
HF: H.Ballantyne, M.Pavlich, N.Fyfe
F: K.Bradley, C.Mayne, M.Walters
Foll: J.Griffin, D.Mundy, S.Hill
Int: M.De Boer, P.Duffield, M.Barlow, C.Sutcliffe
Emg: T.Sheridan, J.Hannath, H.Crozier

In: H.Ballantyne
Out: H.Crozier (Omitted)

Essendon

B: M.Hibberd, C.Hooker, D.Fletcher
HB: D.Myers, J.Carlisle, C.Dempsey
C: D.Heppell, J.Watson, B.Goddard
HF: B.Stanton, S.Crameri, T.Colyer
F: A.Davey, P.Ryder, M.Hurley
Foll: T.Bellchambers, B.Howlett, H.Hocking
Int: D.Zaharakis, J.Melksham, E.Kavanagh, N.Kommer
Emg: J.Merrett, L.Jetta, D.Hille

In: T.Colyer, E.Kavanagh
Out: M.Baguley (Ankle), J.Merrett (Omitted)

North Melbourne v Sydney

North Melbourne

B: S.McMahon, S.Thompson, M.Firrito
HB: A.Mullett, N.Grima, S.Atley
C: D.Wells, R.Bastinac, L.Anthony
HF: B.Cunnington, R.Tarrant, L.Hansen
F: L.Thomas, D.Petrie, L.Adams
Foll: T.Goldstein, A.Swallow, J.Ziebell
Int: S.Wright, T.Hine, J.Macmillan, S.Gibson
Emg: T.Garner, K.Harper    23, M.Daw

In: S.Wright, T.Hine
Out: K.Harper (Omitted), B.Jacobs (Omitted)

Sydney

B: M.Mattner, H.Grundy, N.Smith
HB: J.McVeigh, T.Richards, N.Malceski
C: A.Everitt, K.Jack, L.Jetta
HF: R.O'Keefe, S.Reid, B.McGlynn
F: M.Pyke, A.Goodes, D.Hannebery
Foll: S.Mumford, J.Kennedy, J.Bolton
Int: T.Armstrong, C.Bird, L.Parker, L.Roberts-Thomson
Emg: M.Morton, D.Rampe,    J.White

In: T.Armstrong
Out: R.Shaw (Abdominal strain)

Melbourne v West Coast

Melbourne

B: N.Jetta, J.Frawley, D.Terlich
HB: J.Trengove, T.McDonald, C.Garland
C: M.Evans, J.Grimes, J.Viney
HF: M.Jones, M.Clark, J.Howe
F: A.Davey, J.Sellar, S.Byrnes
F: M.Jamar, C.Sylvia, N.Jones
Int: J.Toumpas, C.Pedersen, L.Tapscott, R.Bail
Emg: J.Watts, D.Rodan, J.Spencer

In: R.Bail, L.Tapscott, N.Jetta, C.Pedersen, M.Evans
Out: D.Rodan (Omitted), T.Gillies (Groin), S.Blease (Omitted), J.Watts (Omitted), D.Nicholson (Omitted)

West Coast

B: W.Schofield, D.Glass, A.Selwood
HB: S.Hurn, M.Brown, B.Waters
C: A.Gaff, M.Priddis, C.Masten
HF: A.Embley, JJ.Kennedy, A.Hams
F: J.Darling, J.Hill, M.LeCras
Foll: D.Cox, S.Selwood, L.Shuey
Int: S.Butler, J.Cripps, D.Kerr, C.Sinclair
Emg: J.Brennan, B.Dalziell, B.Wilson

In: D.Kerr , M.LeCras
Out: B.Dalziell (Omitted), B.Sheppard (Shoulder)

GWS Giants v St Kilda

St Kilda

B: N.Wright, S.Fisher, D.Roberton
HB: J.Geary, R.Stanley, S.Gilbert
C: J.Newnes, L.Hayes, N.Dal Santo
HF: L.Montagna, N.Riewoldt, T.Milera
F: S.Milne, T.Lee, A.Saad
Foll: B.McEvoy, D.Armitage, J.Steven
Int: C.Jones, A.Siposs, J.Blake,  B.Maister
Emg: F.Ray, T.Simpkin, S.Dunell

In: T.Lee , N.Wright
Out: A.Schneider (Hamstring), S.Dempster (Hand)
New: N.Wright, T.Lee

GWS Giants

B: A.Kennedy, T.Mohr, S.Gilham
HB: T.Bugg, P.Davis, C.Hampton
C: W.Hoskin-Elliott, C.Ward, L.Whitfield
HF: T.Scully, J.Cameron, S.Coniglio
F: J.Giles, J.Patton, D.Smith
Foll: D.Brogan, A.Treloar, T.Greene
Int: L.Plowman, S.Reid, D.Shiel, L.Sumner
Emg: S.Darley, S.Frost, A.Miles

In: S.Reid
Out: R.Palmer (Calf)

Geelong v Carlton

Carlton

B: C.Yarran, M.Jamison, L.Henderson
HB: Z.Tuohy, D.Armfield, B.Gibbs
C: K.Simpson,  A.Carrazzo, M.Robinson
HF: C.Judd,  A.Walker,  J.Garlett
F: D.Buckley, S.Hampson,  S.Rowe
Foll: M.Kreuzer, M.Murphy, B.McLean
Int: A.Joseph, K.Lucas, H.Scotland, M.Davies
Emg: T.Bell, J.Bootsma, L.Casboult

In: A.Joseph, S.Hampson, D.Buckley, H.Scotland
Out: J.Laidler (Omitted), L.Casboult (Omitted), T.Bell (Omitted), J.Bootsma (Omitted)
New: D.Buckley

Geelong

B: T.Hunt,  T.Lonergan, C.Enright
HB: J.Corey,  A.Mackie,  H.Taylor
C: M.Duncan,  J.Bartel,  P.Chapman
HF: M.Stokes, J.Podsiadly, S.Motlop
F: T.West, T.Hawkins, T.Varcoe
Foll: M.Blicavs, J.Selwood, S.Johnson
Int: A.Christensen, B.Smedts, J.Caddy, J.Murdoch
Emg: G.Horlin-Smith, J.Stringer, J.Thurlow

In: S.Johnson, J.Murdoch
Out: J.Kelly (Calf), M.Brown (Omitted)

Gold Coast v Brisbane

Gold Coast

B: J.Wilkinson, M.Warnock, J.Hutchins
HB: M.Shaw, R.Thompson, G.Broughton
C: M.Rischitelli, G.Ablett, J.Harbrow
HF: H.Bennell, S.May, A.Hall
F: J.Brennan, S.Day, B.Matera
Foll: C.Dixon, K.Hunt, D.Swallow
Int: Z.Smith, J.O'Meara, L.Russell, J.Allen
Emg: K.Horsley, C.Cameron, J.Taylor

In: G.Broughton, J.Allen
Out: T.Murphy (Shoulder), D.Prestia (Hip)

Brisbane

B: M.Golby, D.Merrett, A.Raines
HB: J.Adcock, J.Patfull, E.Yeo
C: J.Redden, T.Rockliff, P.Hanley
HF: D.Zorko, J.Brown, J.Green
F: N.McKeever, S.Martin, A.McGrath
Foll: M.Leuenberger, D.Rich, B.Moloney
Int: J.Polec, R.Bewick, J.Polkinghorne, S.Mayes
Emg: R.Harwood, P.Karnezis, R.Lester

In: J.Polec, N.McKeever, S.Mayes
Out: P.Karnezis (Omitted), R.Lester (Omitted), C.Beams (Knee)
New: S.Mayes

Richmond v Western Bulldogs

Richmond

B: S.Morris, A.Rance, T.Chaplin
HB: D.Grimes, R.Petterd, B.Houli
C: C.Newman, T.Cotchin, R.Conca
HF: B.Deledio, S.Edwards, D.Jackson
F: L.McGuane, J.Riewoldt, T.Vickery
Foll: I.Maric, D.Martin, S.Tuck
Int: B.Ellis, J.King, S.Grigg, J.Batchelor, C.Knights, R.Nahas, N.Vlastuin

In: C.Knights , R.Nahas , N.Vlastuin
Out: -
New: N.Vlastuin

Western Bulldogs

B: B.Goodes, D.Morris, L.Picken
HB: A.Cooney, J.Roughead, T.Young
C: N.Lower, D.Cross, C.Smith
HF: M.Wallis, L.Jones, D.Giansiracusa
F: R.Murphy, W.Minson, T.Dickson
Foll: A.Cordy, R.Griffen, T.Liberatore
Int: L.Dahlhaus, S.Higgins, E.Wood, J.Macrae, K.Stevens, J.Johannisen, L.Markovic

In: L.Markovic, E.Wood, J.Macrae
Out: -
New: J.Macrae

Collingwood v Hawthorn

Collingwood

B: N.Brown, A.Toovey, B.Reid
HB: M.Clarke, H.Shaw, H.O'Brien
C: S.Sidebottom, D.Swan, D.Thomas
HF: J.Elliott, T.Cloke, Q.Lynch
F: B.Sinclair, T.Goldsack, S.Dwyer
Foll: B.Hudson, S.Pendlebury, J.Blair
Int: A.Fasolo, J.Russell, B.Macaffer, J.Thomas, B.Johnson, P.Seedsman, J.Frost

In: D.Thomas, B.Hudson, J.Thomas, J.Frost, A.Fasolo
Out: D.Jolly (Ribs), N.Maxwell (Wrist)

Hawthorn

B: J.Gibson, R.Schoenmakers, B.Guerra
HB: L.Hodge, B.Stratton, G.Birchall
C: L.Shiels, S.Mitchell, B.Hill
HF: C.Rioli, L.Franklin, L.Breust
F: D.Hale, J.Roughead, P.Puopolo
Foll: M.Bailey, S.Burgoyne, J.Lewis
Int: S.Grimley, S.Savage, K.Cheney, J.Anderson, T.Duryea, I.Smith, J.Gunston

In: K.Cheney, T.Duryea, J.Gunston, S.Grimley
Out: B.Sewell (Hamstring)
New: S.Grimley, T.Duryea

Port Adelaide v Adelaide

Port Adelaide

B: T.Jonas, A.Carlile, C.O'Shea
HB: J.Pittard, J.Trengove, L.Stevenson
C: K.Cornes, T.Boak, M.Broadbent
HF: A.Monfries, J.Westhoff, P.Stewart
F: C.Wingard, J.Schulz, J.Neade
Foll: M.Lobbe, Bra.Ebert, H.Hartlett
Int: D.Cassisi, R.Gray, C.Heath, K.Mitchell, A.Moore, B.Renouf, O.Wines

In: D.Cassisi, B.Renouf, R.Gray, A.Moore
Out: J.Redden (Omitted)

Adelaide

B: L.Brown, B.Rutten, A.Otten
HB: M.Jaensch, D.Talia, B.Reilly
C: N.van Berlo, S.Thompson, D.Mackay
HF: J.Petrenko, T.Walker, R.Sloane
F: R.Douglas, J.Jenkins, J.Porplyzia
Foll: S.Jacobs, P.Dangerfield, M.Wright
Int: I.Callinan, B.Crouch, R.Henderson, G.Johncock, S.Kerridge, T.Lynch, B.Vince

In: G.Johncock, T.Lynch, S.Kerridge
Out: -

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Hird vulnerable to AFL sanction

Essendon coach James Hird arrives at Perth Airport. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

JAMES Hird has done nothing wrong by the letter of the law if he's taken an ASADA-banned substance.

But the Essendon coach remains vulnerable to sanction by the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute.

The AFL Commission can deal with anyone in the code it feels has damaged the fabric of the competition.

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou described the involvement of Hird in the latest turn of events in the Essendon drugs scandal as disturbing.

"It's very clear if any coach or official puts the duty of care of their players at risk then they will be held accountable," Demetriou said. "There is no place for them in the game."

Coaches and club officials are allowed to take prohibited substances under Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority guidelines but not traffic or administer drugs to players.

It has been alleged Hird was injected with Hexarelin - which was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2004 - and the tanning drug Melanotan II.

"Coaches can be captured under the WADA code, the rules are very specific surrounding coaches and their influence over players in the taking of illegal substances on the WADA list," Demetriou said.

ASADA has been investigating Essendon since February after concerns were raised about the club's supplement program, which was run by sports scientist Stephen Dank.

He has since said he injected Essendon players with extract from pig's brain used to treat Alzheimer's, the first milk from a mother cow and a bark extract.

Demetriou said he was disturbed by the developments.

"I'm shocked by the complexity of the substances, the potential injurious nature of these substances," he said.

"I'm horrified as a parent by the thought of, if true, that young men were injected with these substances.

"It's terribly disturbing."

He said he was looking forward to Hird putting his case to the ASADA investigators.

"It doesn't matter who you are in this game, the expectations of our supporters is that they watch the sport in its purest form.

"No person or no action that seeks to gain advantage by improper means will be tolerated in this code."

Hird described the injection claims as "very upsetting". "I just can't wait to get in and talk to ASADA and the AFL ... I can't wait to clear my name," he said.

Essendon chairman David Evans said the club would be making no decisions until its own investigation - being conducted by former Telstra boss Ziggy Switkowski - was concluded.

"James Hird is a person who has the respect of this club and the football community, and the board will not be making decisions about the next steps until the processes of the review and the investigation takes its course," he said.
 

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Hird to admit: I was injected twice

James Hird looks set to coach against Fremantle after Essendon chairman David Evans offered his support.

ESSENDON coach James Hird will reveal he received two injections from disgraced sports scientist Stephen Dank - but only for health reasons.

The Herald Sun can reveal Hird will tell anti-doping authorities he believed the jabs - administered around March last year - were harmless and legal amino acids.

It comes as new details emerge of the discussions between the Essendon coach and Dank relating to player supplement use.

A source close to Hird said he would meet Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority investigators on Tuesday and tell them he took the injections because he was feeling ill.

Dank has claimed he injected Hird with Hexarelin, which was banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency in 2004, and that Hird and other coaches took Melanotan II, which has a tanning effect and could also function as an aphrodisiac.

Hird, set to coach the Bombers in Perth tonight, has fiercely denied taking WADA-banned substances.

He said the claims were "obviously ... very upsetting".

Essendon coach James Hird James Hird has denied taking WADA-banned substances. Picture: Nicole Garmston

"I just can't wait to get in and talk to ASADA and the AFL ... I can't wait to clear my name," Hird said.

As the multiple investigations continue into the contentious supplement program, it can be revealed the Bombers in February employed criminal lawyer Tony Hargreaves to conduct a separate investigation to the one currently being done by Ziggy Switkowski.

Mark Robinson: Hird won't quit but must explain

Jon Ralph: Drug cloud hangs over Hird

Club set up detailed program supervision

Essendon officials are desperately trying to insulate the players from the controversy before tonight's Fremantle clash, with captain Jobe Watson denying the club was in turmoil.

Essendon coach James Hird has arrived at Windy Hill to waiting media eager to get his side of the story. Courtesy Seven News.

Hird sat in business class on the four-hour flight to Perth with chief executive Ian Robson and president David Evans but was taken through an airport side entrance to avoid the cameras.

As pressure mounted on the club, emails obtained by the Herald Sun show Hird will tell investigators he set out strong governance over the use of supplements.

The besieged Bombers coach will deny he put the welfare of the players in jeopardy, and that in fact he put strict rules in place for Dank, high-performance manager Dean Robinson and club doctor Bruce Reid.

The email says he had three conditions.

THE supplements must not harm the players.

THEY must not be illegal (according to WADA and ASADA drug guidelines).

Essendon coach James Hird leaves Windy Hill to board a flight to Perth. Picture: Getty Images

THE club must get player consent.

Hird, who has maintained the belief players did not take performance-enhancing drugs, wanted the ASADA investigation completed before the season started.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said he was disturbed by the latest drug revelations.

"As a parent, and not just the CEO of the AFL, the issues as reported surrounding the potential use of various substances is something that is disturbing, very disturbing, particularly when we are talking about the health and welfare of young men," Mr Demetriou said.

He said coaches could be punished under the ASADA code.

"It's very clear. If any coach or official puts the duty of care of their players at risk, then they will be held accountable," he said.

Dean Robinson with James Hird at Essendon training last season.

"Coaches can be captured under the WADA code; the rules are very specific surrounding coaches and their influence over players in the taking of illegal substances on the WADA list.

"We need to allow investigators to complete their investigation so we can get to the bottom of all these allegations and get to the truth."

Mr Evans said Hird would continue to coach the team.

"The board will not be making a decision about these allegations today, and it is extremely important James and others be afforded both the opportunity to talk to ASADA and the basic right to natural justice.

"James Hird is a person who has the respect of this club and the football community, and the board will not be making decisions about the next steps until the process of the ... investigation takes its course."

---

THE STORY SO FAR

February 12: Former sports scientist Stephen Dank drops new bombshell claims

February 15: Drugs scandal takes huge toll on Essendon chairman

February 17: Essendon drug probe expected to last six months

February 22: Signed forms may save Essendon players

March 20: Essendon could face Senate inquiry

April 11: Hird will fight drug claim

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Bombers set up program supervision

James Hird at Windy Hill before the team flew out to Perth for tonight's clash against Fremantle. Picture: Getty Images Source: Herald Sun

BESIEGED Essendon coach James Hird was aware the controversial supplements program at Windy Hill last year needed fierce scrutiny.

It's why, on January 15, he oversaw a detailed list of parameters surrounding the approval of use of all supplements.

The Herald Sun has obtained an email from Hird to disgraced sports scientist Stephen Dank, high-performance manager Dean Robinson and club doctor Bruce Reid.

Robinson's email sets out stringent layers of accountability, which centred on Dr Reid being informed of the use of all supplements and their effects, positive or negative.

Under no circumstances were supplements to be used if they were not ticked off - by ASADA first, and then by Reid, according to the email.

Hird starts his email with: "You know my thoughts on supplements."

Dank reported to Robinson, who reported to football manager Paul Hamilton (who departed the club this year), who reported to chief executive Ian Robson.

It's believed the club was alerted to irregular practices by Dr Reid, who told club chairman David Evans of his concerns.

The Herald Sun has previously reported that Dr Reid had concerns about players being taken off-site to receive injections.

It's known that expense forms put in by Dank to the club also were a concern.

It's understood the budget for the sports science area was $100,000 over.

Dank was effectively relieved of his duties mid-year, although the supplements program continued.

Reports emerged of text messages between Hird and Dank, alleged to show discussions of injections and the use of supplements to aid recovery.

The messages included discussion around the use of two specific substances, Thymosin and Ubiquinone.

But key Bombers players yesterday put their faith in Hird.

Club doctor Bruce Reid had concerns about Essendon's supplements program. Source: Herald Sun

Club doctor Bruce Reid had concerns about Essendon's supplements program.

Star Essendon utility Paddy Ryder said Hird would never have injected banned substances out of respect for himself, his family and the club.

"He's not stupid enough to do anything like what everyone is saying," he told the Herald Sun.

"He's a smart man and he wouldn't do anything to bring any negativity down on himself and his family."

Asked if players would stand by the coach, Ryder said: "Yeah, for sure."

Bombers great Tim Watson, father of Jobe, urged caution about Dank's claims.

Defiant Essendon fans, at Windy Hill for yesterday's training, rejected calls for Hird to stand aside pending the results of continuing investigations.

"If he says he didn't do it - and it's not even illegal if he did - then why would you ever want to lose him?" Bombers fan Paul O'Neil wanted to know.

"He means a hell of a lot to the club."

mark.robinson@news.com.au

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Patersons purple pressure cooker

Fremantle coach Ross Lyon has his Dockers playing good football. Source: PerthNow

IN the rooms immediately after last Saturday night's massive win over Melbourne, James Hird told his players that Fremantle was "the one we're after".

"We're going to have to be on our toes and going to have to play our best football and confront some of the best defensive pressure in the competition," Hird said.

His assistant coach, Mark Thompson, echoed those sentiments at training during the week: "We know that defensively (the Dockers) try to put pressure on us and that when we get the ball we're going to be under pressure and have less time to get rid of it. We know all that stuff, so it just depends how we handle that."

Both men were referring to Fremantle's enormously improved defensive record under coach Ross Lyon. Since Round 15 last year the Dockers have conceded an average of just 69 points a game - the lowest figure in the AFL and well down on the 96 points against they averaged in their final two seasons under Mark Harvey.

What's more, in that 13-game stretch the Dockers have conceded fewer inside-50 entries than any other team.
It took Fremantle the best part of a season, but its fanatical tackling, chasing and harassing - particularly in the forward half - has become the new defensive-pressure benchmark.

In recent years we've had Clarko's Cluster and the Pie Press, but in 2013 the Dockers have become the Lyon Tamers.

Paul Roos - a former Fitzroy teammate who had Lyon on his successful coaching staff at Sydney - said like it or lump it the Dockers coach had a distinctive lockdown game plan and he stuck to it.

"It's very difficult to go coast to coast against them," Roos said. "If the ball gets in their forward line, it's very difficult to get it out.

"Rossy did it extremely well at St Kilda and he's got over to Freo and has never wavered or buckled. He's sold it to the players and obviously they needed to embrace it, which to their credit they have done. What Freo is doing very well this year is setting up (its zone) and making it very difficult for teams to come through.

"I think it's very similar to what he was doing at St Kilda, except that you're looking at different personnel. Ross is very good at analysing what each player's strength is and who struggles with other aspects of the game. So that's where some subtle differences would come in that only he and the Freo players would understand."

Roos said another reason why Fremantle's defensive efficiency had lifted this season was that - unlike last year - midfielders Michael Barlow, David Mundy and Nathan Fyfe had not had injury-interrupted preparations. Barlow and Mundy are both in the AFL's top 10 for tackles this season.

"The Dockers overall fitness level is a lot better, which just makes it a lot easier to run both ways to set up your defensive structures," Roos said.

"That's what makes this game against Essendon so fascinating. The Bombers have been so good at bringing the ball out of their backline and moving it around. They've been pretty effective with their disposal."

In fact Essendon leads the AFL in disposal efficiency (77 per cent) this season.

Another intriguing aspect of tonight's match is that Patersons Stadium is such a long and narrow oval.

It is 14 metres longer than the MCG but 18 metres narrower.

Those dimensions are not conducive to the Bombers' preferred method of bringing the ball out of their backline: switching the play and having runners fanning out ahead of the ball carrier.

Roos said it was "a long way to get from one goal square to the other end, which means that if you do set up an effective zone it becomes even more difficult to counter".

He added, however, that Essendon was a team with strengths suited to countering the Dockers' style.

"Obviously there are a lot of ways to get it into your forward 50, and one of them is centre clearances," Roos said. The Dons are ranked first in the AFL for centre clearances, while the Dockers are equal 13th.

Furthermore, former Saint Brendon Goddard has offered some inside knowledge on Lyon's tactics to his Bombers teammates during the week.

Also worth considering is that Essendon has won five of its past six games against Lyon-coached teams.

The other comment about Fremantle that Hird made last Saturday night was: "You know who else is good at defensive pressure? Us."
 

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Hodge re-signs with Hawks

Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge has re-signed with the club. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

HAWTHORN captain Luke Hodge has signed a new one-year deal.

Hodge, 28, like former captain Sam Mitchell, would have been an unrestricted free agent at season's end.

After Mitchell put pen to paper recently Hodge's signature is the latest piece of the Hawks' free-agency puzzle to fall into place.

Lance Franklin remains the big fish, but Shaun Burgoyne and Xavier Ellis are others to come out of contract at season's end.

Hodge, the 2008 Norm Smith medallist, said last month he would expect to have to take a pay cut to accommodate players such as Franklin under the salary cap.

"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, which is what they deserve," Hodge said.

Hodge played just 10 games last year because of a nagging left knee injury, which also delayed his start to this pre-season.

He played his first senior game for the year against West Coast last weekend and is expected to be fit for Sunday's blockbuster against Collingwood.

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Bombers coach to deny drug slur

A club source says Essendon coach James Hird is ''an honourable person''. Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON coach James Hird will deny allegations that he took a drug, which players are banned from taking, during the 2012 season.

There is no suggestion that the drug is illegal or that Hird would be in breach of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority rules if it is proved he took the drugs.

Sports scientist Stephen Dank has claimed he injected Hird with a substance banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

But a club source told the Herald Sun last night: "James will fight this ... this is not true. James is an honorable person, these people are disreputable and the club will not rest until his name is fully cleared. This is an outrageous allegation."

It is also claimed that Hird was aware of the entire supplements program at Essendon, which included taking players off site for injections, and that the players signed consent forms listing the type of supplements they'd be taking.

It's been reported a number of players took a form of pig's brain peptides, and an anti-obesity drug.

It's believed investigations by the club and ASADA will see the Bombers admit to not doing due diligence on the employment of staff, and "irregular practices".

Dank, who is at the centre of allegations about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in rugby league, made the latest claims in an interview with Fairfax Media.

The Herald Sun can reveal Hird had three stringent rules forming the basis of the supplement program:

THE players' welfare was the No.1 priority.

ALL supplements were to be ticked off by ASADA.

EVERYTHING was to be ticked off by the club doctor. It's understood the third rule was not always adhered to.

Dank continues to maintain none of the substances he gave players was in breach of the world anti-doping code or AFL rules.

"Before I've done anything in any forum, we have always had conversations with WADA or ASADA - or in some cases both," he said.

"They were always well informed of anything we were about to use. Nothing was ever used without asking them first and, in some cases, both parties were asked.

"Never once was anything indicated to me that we would have issues in terms of anything we used."

But he said Hird knew of the supplements program.

"Look, to be perfectly honest, a couple of coaches were using supplements that were a little bit outside the WADA code, but again they were entitled to (do) it, and nothing illegal in those."

Essendon has growing confidence players will be cleared of any link to performance-enhancing drugs.

The club's internal review into "irregular practices" is due in coming weeks.

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Maxwell to miss up to eight weeks

Collingwood skipper Nick Maxwell. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD captain Nick Maxwell will have wrist surgery which will sideline him for up to two months.

Maxwell reported soreness in his right wrist after the Magpies win over Carlton on Sunday and scans yesterday revealed the skipper had suffered a fracture.

The 29-year-old premiership captain saw a surgeon yesterday and is expected to be out of action for six to eight weeks.

"He reported some soreness after the game, but it's something that has lingered on for a couple of days,'' Walsh told the Herald Sun.

"Further scans today revealed there's a fracture in his wrist.``When you say six to eight, I suppose it depends on how quickly blood flow gets to that area.

"Nick has generally been a pretty good healer, that operation is around that mark. It's plus or minus one I suppose depending on how well Nick does heal.

"As I said, history says he's been a reasonably good healer.''

The Magpies' backline general broke the same wrist late in 2008 but played on in Round 22 and two finals wearing a fibreglass guard to protect the injury, which was padded to protect opposition players.

Maxwell missed the start of 2012 with an ankle injury and in 2011 fractured his thumb late in the season Maxwell's absence opens the door for rookie Jack Frost to return against Hawthorn on Sunday.

The Magpies are also likely to be without ruckman Darren Jolly.

Jolly has rib cartilage damage from a heavy knock suffered against Carlton.

"Right now I would think Darren's going to be doubtful," Walsh told 3AW.

"He was pretty sore after the game. He's progressed a little bit but tomorrow (today) will tell us the tale.

"Our bearded one (Ben Hudson) has been in pretty good form. If 'Joll' doesn't come up we've got a pretty good candidate in Ben and having said that, Jarrod Witts himself was in great form in the VFL too."

Maxwell has bounced back from several injuries in his 10-year career - often quicker than expected.

He missed the start of 2012 with an ankle injury and in 2011 fractured his thumb late in the season, but sat out just three games before returning for the finals.

In the pre-season of 2011 he dislocated a shoulder, then a clash in the NAB Cup left him with internal bleeding and kidney damage.

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Pies want to fly over Dubai

Collingwood players Nick Maxwell and Travis Cloke in Dubai back in 2008. Picture: Tim Carrafa Source: Herald Sun

Cartoon by David 'Macca' McArthur. Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD president Eddie McGuire has proposed a Round 1 clash for premiership points in Dubai next year.

The proposal, while still in its formative stages, is for the game to be played in March as part of an international trade and sports push promoting Australia in Dubai.

McGuire, who was in Dubai last week, said the game would showcase our code and promote businesses in a similar manner to the G'day US week held in Los Angeles.

St Kilda and Sydney will play the first game overseas for premiership points in Wellington on Anzac Day next month, with Collingwood having played a pre-season game against Adelaide in Dubai in 2008.

McGuire is adamant the Pies would not sacrifice a home game and disadvantage the club's supporters.

McGuire said it would be the perfect marketing platform for Australian football.

"I will catch up with Andrew (Demetriou) in the next week or so but the Victorian Trade Commission are interested, Emirates and the City of Dubai are really keen, and we could turn it into a week-long trade/sports delegation, bringing in not only people from the Middle East and Europe but making it something as big as the Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong," McGuire told the Herald Sun.

"It's not Say G'Day USA, it's Say Hi To Dubai.

"It would only work if the AFL decided to stretch the fixture out and would allow us a week to come home, and it would need to be in March because there are mid-20s (temperatures) then.

"They have a couple of options already for a ground, and they are a can-do city. There is a major cricket ground but the surface isn't big enough.

"There are grounds alongside it where we could put temporary stands or even a permanent stand."

Collingwood's sponsor Emirates and national carrier Qantas have signed a deal where all London-bound flights fly via Dubai, with McGuire believing the tie-in provides the perfect opportunity for a premiership game.

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McLardy has no plans to quit

Demons great David Schwarz volunteers to help embattled club.

Melbourne president Don McLardy is sticking firm. Source: Herald Sun

Cartoon by David 'Macca' McArthur. Source: Herald Sun

MELBOURNE president Don McLardy says he is in for the long haul and has had broad support for the dramatic decision to remove chief executive Cameron Schwab.

McLardy spoke with AFL chief Andrew Demetriou yesterday as the league boss again offered help, including recommendations for Schwab's replacement.

But while rumours of McLardy stepping down and board challenges were rife yesterday, the president said he had no plans to quit.

The Demons held a board meeting last night with two items on the agenda: ratifying the role of interim chief executive Peter Spargo and clarifying plans to search for his successor.

Former player David Schwarz will meet McLardy today about plans to help the club, with the Demons open to more football expertise on the board.

"I am staying the course," McLardy said.

"I am absolutely (staying) until such time as the members don't want me."

Asked if he wanted to stay as president for as long as five more years, he said: "Absolutely. There is no reason at all for me not to be here. I am not feeling threatened at all, or feeling that I haven't got support.

"I am very close to all of our key people and I am a passionate Demon and we are just trying to get it right.

"I get help from key people around the club and I have spoken to a lot of our Foundation Heroes (who helped clear the club's debt), and they are all behind us.

"They are saying it is a tough decision (to sack Schwab) but it had to be made. They are saying to keep going."

Insurance heavyweight Geoff Freedman will soon be appointed to the board -but not as an anointed successor, McLardy said - with room for another appointment this year.

The Demons will receive $5.8 million from the AFL between 2012-14 in special equalisation funding, with set conditions attached.

"I have spoken to (Demetriou) on the phone," McLardy said.

"He just said it was a strong decision, and let me know if you need any help, be it recommendations on people they know (to replace Schwab), or people we should talk to. Running an AFL footy club is the dream of a lot of people.

"It's a high-pressure role and a high-profile role, and plenty of people would like to have it on their resume."

Schwarz said yesterday he was determined to get involved, and was "in a position where I could" go on the board.

"I'm just not going to sit there and allow it to continue. Something is wrong down there," he said.

"I am meeting Don tomorrow and it is purely to offer assistance in any way. I am meeting Don not to go on the board, but to say here I am, I am more than happy to help."

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Johnson still in frame for Blues clash

Geelong star Steve Johnson is on the verge of returning from injury. Source: Getty Images

STEVE Johnson believes he's right to play his first game of the season against Carlton on Saturday night, but coach Chris Scott says the final decision will be left to the club's medical staff.

The Cats are set to see a group of players return to the field over the next fortnight, with Johnson still in the frame for the Blues clash at Etihad Stadium.

The forward had knee surgery on March 26, but could line up this weekend if he convinces medical staff that he's ready.

Daniel Menzel and Cameron Guthrie will play in the VFL this week, while Josh Hunt and Nathan Vardy are expected to return through the reserves team next week.

The news is not as good for defender Jared Rivers, who could miss another three games with a posterior cruciate ligament strain.

Geelong coach Chris Scott yesterday said a decision on Johnson would be made later in the week.

"He's some sort of chance. He'll be disappointed that I've rated him some sort of chance, he's very confident that he'll play, our medical staff think he's a chance but there's just more work that needs to be done before we can make a definitive judgement," Scott said.

"Steve has a bit of input but the medical staff has more, they're the ones that need to make that judgement.

"Only he knows how he feels so that's where he comes into the decision-making process and I'm clearly third in line when it comes to making that decision.

"In terms of his preparation to play AFL football through the pre-season, he's got a lot of work behind him and we're confident that if he's available and he comes into the team, that he'll be able to perform to a high level based on that preparation."

Scott said there would be no rush on Rivers, who missed Sunday's comeback win over North Melbourne after injuring his knee in the season opener against Hawthorn.

"He had a little bit of a strain to his PCL. The prognosis was somewhere between two and four weeks, so we're banking on three but if it is four it wouldn't surprise us," he said.

"He won't play until he's absolutely ready to play his best footy."

It had been anticipated that Hunt may return to the VFL this week after battling glandular fever and a related shoulder injury, but Scott said he was no certainty to play this week.

Scott said of a Vardy return this week: "It's unlikely but it's not impossible, I'm expecting that he will play the week after."

Guthrie will definitely play in the VFL after overcoming a calf injury sustained in the warm-up to Geelong's last practice match of the pre-season against Collingwood.

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No Dee is safe

Melbourne FC has confirmed the resignation of chief executive Cameron Schwab after a disastrous start to the season

Melbourne CEO Cameron Schwab faces the media with club president Don McClardy after resigning his position at the Demons. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

Picture: David Mcarthur Source: Herald Sun

OUSTED Melbourne chief Cameron Schwab may be just the first head to roll as the AFL's oldest club lurches deeper into its greatest crisis.

After Melbourne lost its first two games of the season by a total of 227 points, Demons president Don McLardy refused to guarantee anyone's job.

"Everyone in our football club is under extreme pressure. We're all accountable for what's happening at our club," McLardy said last night after accepting Schwab's resignation, two years into a four-year renegotiated contract.

Schwarz: Dees need more change

"The board will meet in the next 24 to 48 hours and we'll work out our pathway forward from here."

On whether coach Mark Neeld's job was under threat, McLardy said: "No, Mark Neeld is not on notice at all."

Neeld, his assistant coaches and the entire playing group met at Sorrento on the Mornington Peninsula last night for a bonding session amid the turmoil.

Jack Grimes and Nathan Jones after the match Picture: Harman Stephen Source: Herald Sun

"We're all accountable. Our job as a board is to look at what's best for the footy club," McLardy said.

"For many reasons, we have a divided supporter base. We've got a lot of issues within our members and supporters who are looking at us and saying what is the pathway forward.

Why coach Mark Neeld should be nervous

"And we must offer them hope and change, and we need clear eyes to have a look at where we're at.

"The unity of our club is absolutely vital.

Melbourne CEO Cameron Schwab faces the media with club president Don McClardy after resigning his position at the Demons. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

"I'm not worried at all about the business side of the club. It's sound and solid, but clearly our football performance is not acceptable. And the CEO is head of the organisation."

Schwab, who spent 15 years at the Demons after starting as an office boy, said he accepted the decision that forced his hand yesterday.

"Am I a scapegoat?" he asked. "I know how the system works. My role as a CEO is to build a club which has an ultimate objective of winning games of footy.

"I'm four years in where we've lost by over 200 points in the last two games. And that's an unforgiving situation. I knew the pressure would be on.

"This game makes decisions on people's lives every day, and it just so happens we're here talking about mine today.

"We'll be talking about someone else's tomorrow because it's a performance-based industry.

"In terms of where the club is at the moment, it is difficult, the losses.

"And this club will bounce back, don't worry about that.

"It's a much better and stronger club than it's representing itself at this time."

McLardy said he planned to contact AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou today to discuss the Demons' plight.

"I've spoken to the AFL regularly. I left a message for him and I'll be speaking with Andrew over the next couple of days.

"We make our own decisions on our football club," McLardy said.

Melbourne CEO Cameron Schwab faces the media with club president Don McClardy after resigning his position at the Demons this morning. April 9, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Herald Sun

SCHWAB FILE
CEO: 451 games
WINS: 164
WIN-LOSS RATIO: 36%
FINALS SERIES: 3
COACHES SACKED: 4 (Kevin Bartlett, Neil Balme, Chris Connolly, Dean Bailey)

REPLAY THE LIVE CHAT BELOW

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Garlett's AFL dream still alive

Dayle Garlett returned to senior football for Swan Districts on Saturday. Pcture: Kerris Berrington. Source: PerthNow

AFL RECRUITERS are refusing to put a definitive line through bad boy Dayle Garlett despite overlooking the mercurial talent in all three drafts last year and following his turbulent start to this season.

Garlett made a low-key return to senior football on Saturday and has quietly impressed his Swan Districts teammates with a radical attitude reversal.

It followed the prodigious talent failing to turn up to training or keep fit in the fallout from his AFL snub.

Garlett was rated as a top-10 talent for most of last year before talk of his off-field troubles spread like wildfire.

Draft Watch: This year's No. 1 pick has stardom in his blood

The West Australian was axed from the AIS-AFL squad at the start 2012, before photos of him drinking and smoking emerged on social media to further damage his reputation.

Source: HWT Image Library

After missing out at the national draft, Essendon invited Garlett to train at Windy Hill on the premise it would consider handing him a lifeline should he show the necessary commitment.

But the Dons overlooked Garlett after he went on a 4am bender in Perth only three days before the pre-season draft.

Garlett then knocked back invitations to join the VFL, instead opting to stay at WAFL club Swan Districts this year.

The smooth-moving midfielder racked up 13 disposals and booted 2.2 in his senior return on Saturday after starting the season in the reserves due to his poor work ethic.

Follow Sam Landsberger on Twitter @SamLandsberger

"He's actually been training well and his behaviour is much, much better," one of his Swans teammates told SuperFooty yesterday.

One AFL scout said he would be surprised if Garlett didn't generate serious interest in this year's draft, partially owing to the reduced depth in the pool.

Another club's chief recruiter said: "It's very, very early, but if he can show sustained improvement for not just the season, but the months that follow, he'll be back in the mix."

Swan Districts coach Greg Harding last week described Garlett's revival as "fantastic" after his tumultuous summer.

Source: HWT Image Library

Garlett's manager, Jason Dover from Stride Sports, last year told the Herald Sun the left-footer could become an "extraordinary" pick-up for a club "with the right resources".

"There's not many guys that have come along at senior WAFL level at his age and had the impact that Dayle Garlett has had,'' Dover said.

"Steve Coniglio maybe. Daniel Wells - that type of footballer. He's almost unmatched at that age."

The 19-year-old was named All-Australian last year along with top-10 draftees Jimmy Toumpas, Nick Vlastuin, Ollie Wines, Lachie Whitfield, Jono O'Rourke and Joe Daniher.

AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan described Garlett as a "left-footed medium forward-midfielder who can find space to win the ball and shows great evasiveness through traffic. Very smart goalkicker and stoppage player as well."

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Fans killed off Schwab, says Demetriou

Melbourne FC has confirmed the resignation of chief executive Cameron Schwab after a disastrous start to the season

Andrew Demetriou believes pressure from Demons fans resulted in Cameron Schwab's resignation. Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL has denied any involvement in Cameron Schwab's removal, saying last night it was a Melbourne decision in response to supporter backlash.

League chief executive Andrew Demetriou echoed Melbourne president Don McLardy's assertion that this "was a club decision".

Schwab was effectively axed as Demons chief executive yesterday, despite assertions from McLardy in yesterday's Herald Sun that it would be wrong to link Schwab to the club's shocking start to the season.

Demetriou said last night the league was satisfied with the Dees' off-field progress, but was alarmed by two defeats by a total of 227 points.

"There was enough pressure being borne by supporters and others, the board has decided to act," Demetriou said. "I think that's what happened."

"The groundswell of what happened at the weekend, it was almost tsunami-like," Demetriou said.

"It's been horrible since the weekend.

"I think supporters of Melbourne expect their board to act decisively and to acknowledge they need to make change, and that's what they have done."

Schwab, who was contracted on August 27 last year for a further three years, had a standard three-month termination clause.

The Demons yesterday stated Schwab's reputation with supporters was the main reason he was removed.

"The unity of our club is absolutely vital and at the moment we have a divided supporter base. Cameron, for whatever reasons, fair or unfair, polarises that," McLardy said.

On Sunday, McLardy declared full support for Schwab.

"What we saw on the ground on the weekend, you can't link it directly to our CEO and say if we sacked him it would solve our problems," the Herald Sun reported McLardy saying.

Support for Schwab evaporated yesterday morning and by mid-afternoon he'd been asked to step aside.

A board meeting will be held in the next 24 hours, with discussion to centre on the search for a new chief executive.

Demetriou would not entertain questions about the possible granting of a discretionary draft pick or picks to the Demons.

"We haven't even thought about it," Demetriou said.

The AFL Commission in February last year dropped the priority pick system that gave extra draft picks to teams that met set criteria.

The league's new guidelines give the AFL Commission discretion to award extra draft picks based on performance.

AFL executives would make a recommendation to the commission based on premiership points, percentage, finals appearances and injury rates. Greater weighting is afforded to recent seasons.

The precise formula is kept secret.

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Hannebery set to sign with Swans

Daniel Hannebery will re-sign with Sydney. Source: The Daily Telegraph

PRIZED Sydney midfielder Daniel Hannebery has turned his back on a potential return to Melbourne, committing to the Swans.

Sydney's Grand Final hero is expected to sign a new three-year deal today.

Hannebery was a priority signing for the Swans.

The midfielder won the Rising Star award in 2010 and sparkled in the Swans' premiership last year, finishing second in Norm Smith Medal voting behind teammate Ryan O'Keefe.

Hannebery was a target for Melbourne-based clubs when his contract expired at the end of the year.
But the Swans have long viewed Hannebery as a future leader and were quick to move on a new deal this season, tying him to the club until the end of 2016.

Hannebery's manager Nick Gieschen, from Elite Sports Properties, said the 22-year-old was thrilled to stay in Sydney.

"The club has looked after him really well since they drafted him as a bottom-aged player back in 2008. He loves the club and everything it stands for," he said.

"There's a great culture up there, he's settled and he's obviously really close with his teammates.

"He's excited to stay at Sydney to continue to improve his football and help them push towards continued success over the next few years."

Hannebery has played 79 games for the Swans since arriving at the club with the 30th pick in the 2008 national draft.

Now in his fifth season, the tough and hard-running playmaker collected 23 and 24 possessions in the Swans' first two games of the season.
 

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Mullett, new kid on the block

Essendon skipper Jobe Watson ran amok against a below par Melbourne outfit. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

WE have a mullet, not of the Walker or Maric variety, plus an Irishman and dancing prodigy in my latest Team of the Round.

The mullet is North Melbourne defender Aaron Mullett who continues to grow into a senior player with his dash and penetrating kicking.

The Irishman is Brisbane's Pearce Hanley who should end up alongside Jim Stynes and Tadgh Kennelly as the best Irishman to play AFL.

And the dancing prodigy is the fresh-faced  small forward from Collingwood in Jamie "Billy" Elliot, a kid from Euroa who belies his 175cm frame.

A large percentage of the remaining team members came from the usual suspects, players such as Corey Enright, Heath Shaw, Grant Birchall, Nathan Fyfe, Jobe Watson and Cyril Rioli.

If you want to debate this week's team along any lines you feel passionate about, join the live chat with Jon Anderson from 10am.

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B: Corey Enright (Geelong): Just another sublime display from a master of his craft.

Ben Rutten (Adelaide): When it got tough in the going the big truck excelled.

Aaron Mullett: (North Melbourne): The lad from Port Douglas is a low-profile achiever.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 07: Heath Shaw of the Magpies celebrates a goal during the round two AFL match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Carlton Blues at Melbourne Cricket Ground on April 7, 2013 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images) Source: Herald Sun

HB: Heath Shaw (Collingwood): Can influence games in so many different ways.

Grant Birchall (Hawthorn): Is there a better 193cm running defender in the game?

Pearce Hanley (Brisbane): Is rapidly becoming one of the finest Irish recruits.

C: Nathan Fyfe (Fremantle): The icing on the Fremantle cake.

Jarrad McVeigh (Sydney): Begun the season in career-best form.

Patrick Dangerfield (Adelaide): When you need something special, ask Patrick.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 07: Cyril Rioli and Lance Franklin of the Hawks celebrate a goal during the round two AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Hawthorn Hawks at Patersons Stadium on April 7, 2013 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

HF: Michael Walters (Fremantle): Since he dropped the kgs, Sun Sun has been a revelation.

Justin Westhoff (Port Adelaide): On his day the beanpole can clunk with the best.

Cyril Rioli (Hawthorn): Big ground, sunny afternoon equals Cyril.

F: Jamie Elliott (Collingwood): Looks like a choir boy with Tatts, plays like a terrier.

Jack Riewoldt (Richmond): Was the difference between winning and losing for the Tiges.

Lindsay Thomas (North Melbourne): Now that he has found his kicking boot, 40-goals plus beckons.

R: Tom Bellchambers (Essendon):  Are we now seeing the maturation of this young talent?

Jobe Watson (Essendon): Yes, it was only Melbourne but you still have to get the ball.

Dyson Heppell (Essendon): The back flanker has become a well-oiled midfielder.

Tom Liberatore tackles Ryan Crowley during the 3rd qtr of the Western Bulldogs vs Fremantle Dockers match at Etihad Stadium, Melbourne. April 6, 2013. Picture: Klein Michael Source: Getty Images

I: Sam Mitchell (Hawthorn): Just keeps on keeping on.

Tom Liberatore (Western Bulldogs): Prolific, accurate, durable and tough.

Reece Conca (Richmond): Needs to string a few together but the signs are positive.

Substitute: Matthew Stokes (Geelong): Extraordinary impact but Adam Schneider is unlucky.

Coach: Alastair Clarkson (Hawthorn): For dominating despite travelling west after a six-day break.

PERTH, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 07: Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson walks the boundary at half time during the round two AFL match between the West Coast Eagles and the Hawthorn Hawks at Patersons Stadium on April 7, 2013 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

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