Watson's Brownlow worry

Essendon skipper Jobe Watson could be stripped of his Brownlow Medal if drugs allegations against the Bombers are proven. Picture: Michael Klein. Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON captain Jobe Watson would be the first AFL player to be stripped of his Brownlow Medal if serious drug allegations against the Bombers are proven.

But as his father Tim spoke of his anguish at that prospect, Watson was confident of his innocence despite taking supplements along with the rest of the Essendon list.

Watson has told family and confidantes that as far as he is aware, the supplements are legal.

Should the ASADA findings show Watson was one of the Essendon players who took illegal substances, he would almost certainly be stripped of the Brownlow Medal.

But Watson, who as captain had no knowledge of any suspicious substances, can only join his teammates and Essendon fans in awaiting the finding of the AFL-ASADA inquiry.

Watson said yesterday morning he would be gutted if Jobe lost the game's highest individual award.

"As a parent, I'd be devastated for him," Watson said yesterday on SEN.

"I'd be completely and utterly destroyed and that is one of the components of this story too.

"There are lots of things that are going on that we don't know about."

Hawthorn's Sam Mitchell and Richmond's Trent Cotchin tied for second on 26 votes in last year's count.

Late yesterday, Watson said his son wanted the chance to explain Essendon's controversial strategy, confident the club had done nothing wrong.

"I was completely shocked and taken aback by it yesterday," Watson told Channel 7.

"But he explained to me nothing has been taken outside the guidelines stipulated by WADA and ASADA and the club doctor and he is really confident where it sits and he would like the chance to explain his story."

Watson said he would be surprised if the Bombers had allowed someone into their club who could do such damage.

"One would think that everybody within their football club has the checks and balances whereby they know the people they're employing," he said.

"They know the substances and the composition of any substances being given to the players as well ... getting their players fitter and faster and stronger.

"They're going to push those because that's what being in an elite environment is all about.

"But I hope that the correct checks and balances and the correct checks on the people are conducted before you employ them, because then you know exactly what it is that's going on within your football club."

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Blues in bid to make MCG home

Carlton star Marc Murphy models the Blues new clash strip. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON wants to make the MCG its primary home ground as part of a bold bid to re-establish itself as an on and off-field power.

The Herald Sun can reveal the Blues are intent on signing a deal to play up to eight games a year at the AFL mecca when their contract with Etihad Stadium expires at the end of 2014.

Carlton today will unveil its new clash jumper, incorporating a more traditional navy blue and white look, at the club's first intra-club practice match of 2013 at Visy Park from 10am.

The new strip - which ditches the controversial pale blue design - co-incides with the announcement of a three-year sponsorship extension with confectionary giant Mars.

The Blues' plan to become a tenant club of the MCG - at the end of its 150th year celebration next season - could depend on the strength of its membership base when venue talks heat up mid-year.

Carlton has more than 33,000 members but could need more than 50,000 to play the bulk of its home matches at the MCG from 2015.

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Chief executive Greg Swann said the club's ability to convert its supporters into members this season was crucial to the MCG deal.

"In comparison to some of the other clubs, it's a bit of a stone in our shoe, because we think we have got hundreds of thousands of supporters out there," Swann told the Herald Sun.

"We think if we can push it and head towards 60,000 (members) like some of the other clubs it just gives us a bigger bargaining chip when we sit down with Etihad and the AFL and everybody else for that matter about getting more home games at the 'G.

"So it's a big year for us."

Swann said increased exposure to blockbuster games with near capacity crowds at the MCG would benefit the team and the club's bottom line.

"Etihad has been fantastic. But if we want to get back up the ladder and playing deep into finals, the MCG is the place where all those big games are and the big crowds are, and we want to be part of it as often as we can," he said.

"When we play big blockbusters we nearly fill the place (MCG), so to get there more regularly will help us with membership and sponsorship and everything else that comes with it. Financially it's a better equation for us."

 Swan said MCG powerbrokers were supportive of the Blues' pitch.

Collingwood, Melbourne, Hawthorn and Richmond are the MCG's tenant clubs.

The Blues have a 10-year agreement to play six games a season at Etihad.

Swan yesterday welcomed the Mars extension, which secures its place on the front of the Carlton jumper for away games and the back for home games.

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Dons injected at secret locations

Essendon call in AFL and ASADA to investigate the club's training regime and suppliments given to players.

Victory University Institute of Sport's Simon Outram chats to Fox Sports News about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in light of the Essendon stimulant scandal.

Essendon players training at Windy Hill in 2012. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Artwork: David Mcarthur Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON players were taken away from the club and injected with unknown substances by sports science staff last season.

The Herald Sun can reveal the off-site injections will form part of an investigation by the AFL and Australia's anti-doping watchdog into inappropriate use of supplements at the club in 2012.

Sources allege organised crime gangs also have been linked to the scandal.

It is alleged the alarm was raised at Windy Hill midway through last season about the activities of the club's performance scientist, Stephen Dank, who has since left the club.

BELOW: Possible sanctions that could be imposed by WADA and the AFL

Expense forms totalling more than $10,000, including the cost of a registered nurse to perform injections, were regularly submitted by Dank to the club.

Essendon late last night stood down club high performance manager Dean Robinson, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The substances, which have not been identified, were taken orally, by injection and intravenously.

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Essendon players were asked to sign waivers, supposedly exonerating the club of wrongdoing in the taking of the mystery substances.

It is understood an Essendon official spoke to an organised crime investigative body about his knowledge of performance-enhancing drugs in football last November.

The AFL is aware that its sport is being targeted by peddlers of illegal substances.

The Herald Sun last night submitted questions to the Australian Crime Commission, a leading law enforcement body in the fight against organised crime. In response, it said: "The Australian Crime Commission does not confirm who it is or isn't investigating."

Essendon coach James Hird, along with chief executive Ian Robson and chairman David Evans, talk to the media about inappropriate use of supplements by some players at the club during the 2012 season. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

BELOW: See timeline of club's past three years and snapshot of the Bombers' 2012 season

Sources last night warned at least one more club could be implicated over misuse of supplements.

It is known Essendon's highly respected club doctor, Bruce Reid, became frustrated by elements of Dank's work with the players last year.

But Bombers chiefs yesterday claimed they had become aware of "concerning information" only in the past two days. 

Who is Stephen Dank?

 Axed former Essendon star Kyle Reimers told Channel 9 last night: "They (Essendon) admitted to us that it was right on the edge.

"Speaking to blokes from other clubs, I don't think anyone has ever thought about signing it or doing the stuff we were doing.

"After a couple of months away from it, it does seem pretty odd that, the type of stuff we were taking."

Editorial: Drugs menace is a great game

Essendon yesterday stressed the recent departures of football boss Paul Hamilton and chief operating officer Dom Cato were not related to the scandal.

The Herald Sun contacted a number of senior Essendon officials about the allegations on Monday and they strongly denied any wrongdoing by the club last year.

They now fear, however, banned drugs may have been given to their players without the knowledge of senior officials.

The club had late night meetings on Monday and again yesterday before coming forward to the AFL.

Players face two-year bans

Bombers chairman David Evans said: "The integrity at the club is critical, and that's why we've moved quickly to contact the AFL.

"The info we gathered over the last 24 or 48 hours is slightly concerning, and we want to dig a bit deeper but we want the AFL to help us."

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou has long made known his dislike for the growing influence of sports scientists in the game.

Last night he said: "They (Essendon) have just started the investigation. They don't know what they have taken or alleged to have taken, they don't know the composition, and they don't even know if they have broken any WADA rules.

"They have come forward so I think they are entitled to the benefit of the doubt."

Dejected Essendon players depart the MCG after another loss late in the season last year. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON'S 2012 IN A SNAPSHOT

- The Bombers soared to an 8-1 win-loss record and are second on the table heading into June. Their premiership odds are crunched as Jobe Watson, Brent Stanton and Dustin Fletcher lead the charge.

- The Dons' opening nine weeks eventuated despite a spate of early-season injuries and included a stunning 30-point win against Carlton, which is the flag favourite at the time.

- A shock loss to straggler Melbourne in Round 10 lights the fuse for Essendon's dramatic demise in the second half of the season. The Dons are the first side to lose to the Dees under Mark Neeld.

- Dons chairman David Evans is forced to publicly defend high-performance manager Dean Robinson ("The Weapon") for the injury curse in August. Essendon's soft-tissue epidemic claims about a dozen stars, including Michael Hurley, David Zaharakis, Brent Stanton, Paddy Ryder, David Hille and Stewie Crameri.

- Essendon peters out to finish with an 11-11 record, dropping 10 of the final 13 matches to finish 11th on the ladder.

- The Dons record embarrassing losses to Richmond (45 points) and Carlton (96) in the final month of the season.

- Jobe Watson becomes the first player since Shane Crawford in 1999 to win the Brownlow Medal from a non-finalist, polling 30 votes.

- Essendon parts company with sports science guru Stephen Dank in the fallout from their wretched collapse last season.

- Football manager Paul Hamilton reportedly walks out in September, with Danny Corcoran taking charge at Windy Hill.

Essendon's big guns (from left), chief executive Ian Robson, chairman David Evans and coach James Hird, front the media yesterday. Picture: Chris Scott Source: Herald Sun

What they said
"I am very disappointed. Shocked, is probably the best word ... I believe we followed processes; we put in place the right kind of processes. My understanding is we worked within the framework that was given to us by the AFL and I am shocked to be sitting here really.'' - Essendon coach James Hird

"I think the investigation takes its course from here and we learn more, as I said earlier I don't have all the answers but as you would agree this is a minefield. It takes experts, we have contacted experts today and we will use them to help us with the findings.'' - Essendon chairman David Evans

"David Evans has briefed the AFL about the matter and we support his actions. The AFL's Integrity Unit already works closely with ASADA and will assist with the investigation.'' - Acting AFL Football Operations Manager Gillon McLachlan

TIMELINE
End of 2010
- Geelong premiership coach Mark Thompson quits the Cats to join Essendon as James Hird's senior assistant. He says the Bombers must get bigger.

End of 2011
- Former Geelong and Gold Coast fitness guru Dean ``The Weapon'' Robinson joins Essendon and says his pre-season program for the under-sized Bombers will be ``intense''.

Start of 2012
- Robinson recruits long-time collaborator sports scientist Stephen Dank. Known as "The Pharmacist'', Dank worked at NRL club Manly and Gold Coast Suns in the AFL with Robinson.

End of season 2012
- Robinson has his role downgraded as former Athletics Australia chief executive Danny Corcoran takes on more responsibility.

- Jobe Watson win the Brownlow medal, polling 30 votes.

- Football manager Paul Hamilton quits the club.

- Dank parted company with the club amid concern over the sports science program.

Yesterday
- Essendon chairman David Evans says "over the last 48 hours the Essendon Football Club has received information about supplements that have been given to our players as part of the fitness program of 2012". ADL and ASADA launch investigations.

Last night
- Essendon stands down Robinson pending the outcome of the inquiries.

A young fan flies an Essendon flag during a match at Etihad Stadium last season. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Possible sanctions

WADA
- World Anti-Doping Code penalties for using performance-enhancing drugs: First violation - two years ineligibility; Second violation: lifetime ineligibility.

However, the Athlete or other Person shall have the opportunity in each case, before a period of Ineligibility is imposed, to establish the basis for eliminating or reducing this sanction

AFL
- The AFL has broad powers under its rules to penalise clubs and players it deems have brought the game into disrepute - clubs could face hefty fines and exclusion from the national draft.

REPLAY our chat of the press conference coverage below

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Demetriou says no excuses

Essendon call in AFL and ASADA to investigate the club's training regime and suppliments given to players.

Victory University Institute of Sport's Simon Outram chats to Fox Sports News about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in light of the Essendon stimulant scandal.

The Bombers make their way up the race before a match last season. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Artwork: David Mcarthur Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON players and officials can be penalised under the AFL's Anti-Doping Code even if they were not aware banned substances were being used.

AFL boss Andrew Demetriou said last night: "There are no excuses."

The football world was rocked yesterday by a confession from Essendon that it had called on the AFL and the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority to investigate possible inappropriate use of supplements by players.

The club last night stood down high performance manager Dean "The Weapon" Robinson, pending the outcome of investigations.

Editorial: Drugs menace is a great game

Performance scientist Stephen Dank, known as "The Pharmacist", worked with Robinson at Gold Coast Suns.

He advised Robinson when Robinson was at Geelong, but left Essendon last year after dissatisfaction with his performance.

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 Robinson was recruited to the Bombers on the recommendation of assistant coach Mark Thompson. The pair had worked together in the Cats' premierships years of 2007 and 2009, Thompson as coach.

The Bombers denied knowledge of the use of banned performance-enhancing substances, but Demetriou stressed that would not save them if found guilty.

It emerged players had been given injections last year away from the club's Windy Hill headquarters.

Some players allegedly were asked to sign waiver forms surrounding the use of supplements.

The pharmacist to the stars

 Demetriou first discussed the revelations with Essendon on Monday before club chairman David Evans and chief executive Ian Robson met AFL integrity officer Brett Clothier and league No.2 Gillon McLachlan yesterday.

"This is a minefield ... we've received information that's concerned us," Evans said.Calling for calm on a potentially disastrous day for the Bombers and the AFL, Demetriou said rules were strict.

The Bombers make their way up the race before a match last season. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority regulations mirror the World Anti-Doping Authority standard - players and officials can face up to a two-year ban for a first offence.

"Under the ASADA rules, whether you knew or not it's no excuse ... they are the WADA rules," Demetriou said. "Under the rules, the way they are structured at the moment, which all world sport has to follow, they apply to officials and under our rules they can apply to a club.

"In relation to WADA, when it comes to rules, and the rules are pretty specific, and other people have abused them ... but these guys get educated every year and they know before they ingest anything or take anything, and if you have any doubt, you ring the hotline or ring your doctor."

Demetriou would not speculate on possible bans.

"People should not jump to conclusions," he said.

"They have just started the investigation. They don't know what they have taken or alleged to have taken. They don't know the composition, and they don't even know if they have broken any WADA rules.

"They have come forward, so I think they are entitled to the benefit of the doubt."

The AFL Players' Association last night backed the AFL-ASADA inquiry.

"Clubs providing players with supplements and directions as to their players' training requirements have a significant responsibility and, in our view, any concerns regarding the nature of such directions ought to be treated with the utmost seriousness," chief executive Matt Finnis said.

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The pharmacist to the stars

The man everybody wants to find: Former Essendon sports scientist Steve Dank in 2005 when with NRL club Manly. Source: The Daily Telegraph

Essendon call in AFL and ASADA to investigate the club's training regime and suppliments given to players.

Victory University Institute of Sport's Simon Outram chats to Fox Sports News about the use of performance-enhancing drugs in light of the Essendon stimulant scandal.

Artwork: David Mcarthur Source: Herald Sun

THEY call Stephen Dank "The Pharmacist". And until late last year he was Essendon's performance scientist.

But don't go looking for his name in the club's staff registry - any trace of him as a Bombers official has now been erased.

Dank quietly left Essendon last year amid the fallout from the club's dramatic slide down the ladder.

Melbourne Football Club has since knocked him back for a job in its own football department - perhaps a rare stroke of fortune for the tanking-accused Demons.

Today, Dank and Bombers bosses have some serious explaining to do about what was going on at Windy Hill last year.

What were the substances being used by Essendon players and why has the club now asked the AFL and the Australian Anti-Doping Authority to investigate?
But Dank's practices are not unknown in Australia.

In 2005, he made headlines while working for the NRL's Manly Sea Eagles.

As the club's physiologist, Dank and the Sea Eagles created a world first in sport by using DNA testing to increase player performance.

It was also reported he had Manly players using a $300-per-litre anti-inflammatory product called Lact-Away, which is made from the bark of French pine and was initially a racehorse treatment. And then there was a product containing calves' blood extract, which helps to heal muscular injuries and increases stamina.

They all raised eyebrows but Dank soon moved on, eventually finding his way to Essendon at the start of last year after doing part-time work with Gold Coast Suns.

The Bombers make their way up the race before a match last season. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Dank has also had a long association with Essendon high-performance manager Dean Robinson, who calls himself The Weapon.

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 The duo worked closely at the Sea Eagles and have always stayed in touch.

When The Weapon moved to Geelong to help the club claim the 2007 flag, he was in almost daily contact with his mate Dank.

"We discuss ideas and philosophies and a lot of them are common to both the Sea Eagles and the Cats," Robinson boasted in an interview in 2007.

But Dank is less inclined to talk about what he does.

"I don't do media interviews," Dank declared while at Manly in 2008. "What the sports science department does stays in-house."

A Melbourne Football Club spokeswoman yesterday confirmed Dank had applied for a job at the club.

"He applied for a job at the club late last year but he was unsuccessful," she said. "He has never had any direct contact with the players."

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Maxwell poised to lead Pies again

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

COLLINGWOOD is expected to announce this morning that Nick Maxwell will continue as captain for the fifth straight season.

Former Pies' premiership captain Tony Shaw had voiced his support for Scott Pendlebury's leadership claims, but the star onballer is tipped to remain vice-captain.

It will also be the fifth season Pendlebury, 25, has held the position.

Onballer Luke Ball is also set to play a key role in the leadership group this season.

Heath Shaw, Travis Cloke, Dale Thomas and Harry O'Brien rounded out the group last year.

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Judd holds off on new deal

There is a line of thought that Carlton champion Chris Judd may decide to retire at the peak of his powers to pursue other interests. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Judd stretches his back before training. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON star Chris Judd has delayed contract talks until mid-season at the earliest as he contemplates his future.

Judd has told the Blues he is not prepared to discuss extending his six-year tenure at Visy Park until he plays a significant portion of the season.

The dual Brownlow medallist turns 30 in September - an age that sees many footballers leave the game - but his brilliant form means his future is in his hands.

The fact he will not consider a deal now leaves it open that Judd may not play a 13th season next year.

Carlton would sign a deal with him now but is content to wait most, if not all, of the season, hopeful that relinquishing the captaincy will invigorate him.

There is a line of thought that Judd may decide to retire at the peak of his powers to pursue other interests. Carlton president Stephen Kernahan yesterday told the Herald Sun he believed Judd could play on for many years.

But he said he was aware that Judd might leave earlier than many believe.

"Put this on the record: he is 29 and I reckon he's got years to go. Will he last as long as we hope he does? I have a feeling maybe not," Kernahan said.

"He's got some serious football left in him, and that's my personal opinion.

"But he might surprise us.

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 "I have heard the things where he might only have a couple of years left.

"You hear all the stories, but Judd will know himself.

"He has been around the coalface for all his career, and he obviously made the call along those lines to release the captaincy, and give someone else the chance.

"He has had to do a hell of a lot at our club in the last five years but, if it's typical Juddy, he won't change at all."

Judd retiring as early as this year would be a stunning turn of events, given his performance level at Carlton: three best-and-fairests, a second placing (2011) and last year's third placing.

But Judd has long said he is not obsessed with the game and he has business and other interests outside football.

If Judd was keen to maximise his value for the 2014 season, he would sign a deal this pre-season.

But if he decided to play on, he may choose one-year deals like many veterans, including North Melbourne's Brent Harvey and Essendon's Dustin Fletcher.

Judd has admitted he has had "brain fades" in recent years with a pair of notable tribunal appearances for his "pressure point" and "chicken wing" tackles.

But when he does leave the AFL, the dual Brownlow medallist will be considered one of the greats of the game.

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Roberts quits to sign on with Fox

Channel 7 broadcaster Sandy Roberts is moving to Fox Footy. Picture: Cifra Manuela Source: Herald Sun

EXCLUSIVE: SANDY Roberts has walked out on Channel 7 after 34 years as a broadcaster to sign on with Fox Footy.

In the latest development in TV's news wars, the Herald Sun understands the Seven stalwart has been poached to call games and host programs on the football-only station.

Roberts, the weekday sports news reader for Seven, will inform the station today he is leaving, the latest dramatic change to Seven's news after the departure of veteran meteorologist David Brown.

Weatherman Brown has been replaced by former Olympic swimmer Giaan Rooney, amid simmering tensions over the personnel changes at the network.

Seven and Nine continue to fight a pitched battle over nightly news ratings, and Nine's commanding lead has forced Seven into recent changes.

Seven insiders said they believed Brown, 52, was unhappy about the decision to push him aside for Rooney, 30.

Roberts has not called games in recent seasons, but it is believed that after broadcasting to regional areas with radio callers Crocmedia he became confident he still had the fire in his belly.

He said in 2007 it was his decision not to call games for Seven given his weekday commitments with the network.

But the 62-year-old was constantly stopped in the street by fans asking about his absence, so his return clearly would be well received.

Fox Footy is known to believe the signing is a major coup given his reputation as a fan favourite in AFL circles. His son works at the network as a producer and Roberts will work across several shows.

The network will use him not only as a caller but also as host of some of the network's regular one-off specials.

Fox Footy has the rights to the All-Australian awards and AFL MVP award.

Roberts showcased his hosting skills at the 2009 Brownlow Medal when called in with only hours' notice after Bruce McAvaney was forced to withdraw.

Seven recently tried former Western Bulldogs ruckman Luke Darcy as a stand-in sports presenter when Roberts and weekend news reader Tim Watson were on leave.

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Buddy-minded season begins

Hawthorn may only receive a draft pick at the end of the first round as compensation, if Lance Franklin decides to leave as a restricted free agent.

Lance Franklin has put contract talks with Hawthorn on hold until the end of the season. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

Shane Crawford channels his inner Liam Neeson when he discovers Gary Ablett is 'taken' and tries to organise a swap with one of his mates

LANCE Franklin says he wants to stay at Hawthorn, but recent history means his words will do little to allay Hawks fears of a dramatic departure.

Franklin, 26, will become a restricted free agent in October, making him available to offers from rival clubs. He chose to suspend contract talks with Hawthorn until season's end.

The superstar forward yesterday declared he had "no intentions of leaving".

"I obviously love Hawthorn. They've been an absolutely great footy club for myself and I'm coming up to my ninth season," Franklin said.

"It was my decision. It was something I wanted to do and I wanted to leave it until the end of the season.

"I know there's going to be a lot of speculation about what I'm going to be doing at the end of the season. I've got no intentions of leaving the football club, but it is what it is - I just want to play footy."

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 Gary Ablett, Tom Scully, Brendon Goddard and Kurt Tippett chose to delay contract talks in the past three years, citing the need to concentrate on their football and stressing their intent to stay. All left.

Only days after cancelling negotiations, Franklin fronted the media yesterday in his role as captain for the indigenous All-Stars side that plays Richmond on Friday, and he was unapologetic over his decision.

"It's going to be a distraction and obviously the footy club is shocked that I didn't sign either, but it's my decision," he said.

"I don't get entangled in anyone else's contracts or any boys from the the footy club. It's just something that's not talked about, internally it won't be spoken about.

"We'll just look forward to playing footy and hopefully winning a premiership."

Asked if he was open to leaving for another club, Franklin said: "No, not at this stage. I want to stay at Hawthorn, but I just want to leave it until the end of the season and go from there."

He rejected suggestions his decision would haunt Hawthorn throughout the season, much like it did for Collingwood during last year's Travis Cloke saga.

"Not at all. The football club we've got is very strong, we've got some really good leaders and our group is very tight," Franklin said.

"I have no real issues there. It's obviously going to be the media that is going to pump it up more than ever. It is what it is and I'll just wait until the end of the season and make my decision then."

A 2008 premiership player and two-time Coleman medallist, Franklin is arguably the game's biggest drawcard.

Industry speculation puts Hawthorn's offer about $1 million a year over four years.

It is understood Franklin, was last year not among the games biggest eight earners, who all received more than $1 million in total earnings.

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Franklin's  contract revelation led to a media frenzy across the weekend, with the line from Buddy's  management eerily similar to that of Tom Scully, Gary Ablett and Kurt Tippett before that trio walked out on their clubs.

SuperFooty explained how history revealed this could spell disastrous news for the Hawks, while club legend Dermott Brereton told the Herald Sun that Franklin had made the right decision.

It was also revealed that Franklin had not struck a secret pact with Magpie-turned-Eagle Sharrod Wellingham to relocate to Perth and again shack up with his former housemate.

But Adelaide jumped on the front foot,  yesterday declaring it could make an audacious end-of-season play for the champion goalkicker.

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Watson, Rioli suffer corkies

Jobe Watson has suffered a corked thigh after initially sending a scare through the Essendon camp when he limped from an intra-club practice match at Melbourne Airport with what looked like a knee injury. Picture: Andy Drewitt Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON and Hawthorn have been dealt fresh injury blows less than a fortnight from the start of the NAB Cup.

But Bombers skipper Jobe Watson and Hawks livewire Cyril Rioli have escaped major damage, with both suffering corked thighs.

Watson sent a scare through the Essendon camp when he limped from an intra-club practice match at Melbourne Airport with what looked like a knee injury.

But coach James Hird was later relieved to learn his most important player had only sustained a knock above the joint and would be a short-term casualty.

Rioli's corked thigh, which was aggravated at training yesterday, has made him the latest casualty for the Richmond-indigenous All-Stars game in Alice Springs on Friday night.

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 There were also reports yesterday that injury-prone Carlton forward Jarrad Waite was nursing a calf strain.

All-Stars skipper Lance Franklin confirmed Rioli would join Shaun Burgoyne and Adam Goodes as spectators at Traeger Park.

"He's a little bit sore at the moment so he'll miss. He was pretty disappointed, with me being the captain he wanted to run out with me," Franklin said.

"It's a little bit disappointing 'Goodesy' is not playing and Shaun Burgoyne and Cyril, but the young boys we've got out there running around can play some football. Shaun is coming back from his knee. He's a little way away, but hopefully he'll be right for Round 1."

Trent Cotchin will lead Richmond out for the first time since being named captain last November in a squad missing Troy Chaplin (knee), Nathan Foley (Achilles) and Dylan Grimes (hamstring).

"They'll be a good mix of senior players, but also an opportunity for some young players who have come into the system over the last couple of years," Cotchin said.

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