Diesel warning for Cats captain

Geelong skipper Joel Selwood will suffer later in life if he continues to suffer concussions, Greg Williams says. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

DUAL Brownlow medallist Greg Williams, who has revealed his battle with a degenerative brain disease, has described Geelong captain Joel Selwood as a walking time bomb who needs to be protected from himself.

Williams said yesterday the AFL and players' association must take action to protect players such as Selwood and Sydney's Kurt Tippett from the effects of repeated trauma and concussion.

Since revealing his memory loss and need for on-going treatment for a degenerative brain disease, Williams said he had received calls from five or six players from the same era who said they had similar symptoms.

He said Selwood needed help to protect himself from his fearless head-first approach.

"He gets knocked out a couple of times a year and gets stunned that many times that the club has to protect him because he can't protect himself," Williams said.

"He is a champion player and courageous, but he is too courageous for his own good.

"If he keeps getting concussed, it's a huge issue for him in life and they have do to something about it."

Williams said there should be compulsory lay-offs for players if they are diagnosed with concussion.

One of the game's toughest players, Williams supports the removal of the bump but said free kicks for head-high tackles must be awarded even if a player ducks his head.

He also wants stricter concussion tests and asked whether doctors would send their own sons back onto the field after suffering head trauma.

"This isn't about Joel Selwood, it's about every player," Williams said.

"We are 10 years behind the Americans and, although the NFL is a different game, concussion is the same.

"There were a lot of times where I played with concussion and you don't have to be knocked out to suffer from it.

"You can get stunned and you feel crook after the game and during the week and that sort of stuff, but you just keep playing."

During his career with Geelong, Sydney and Carlton, Williams said he had the best vision, reflexes and decision-making, but tests two weeks ago revealed he was now half as good as a group of people who had never played contact sport.

Williams admitted that he would have kept playing even if a doctor told him he shouldn't because he was suffering from concussion.

"Things are a lot different now," he said. "They used to say it was OK to smoke, they used to say it was OK to work with asbestos. It's not OK to get hit in the head."

"There is treatment for it and they can help the damage going forward but if you play again and get knocked out, common sense says your brain is not there to be bashed again."

Williams said Tippett would have serious problems if he was knocked out again this year.

He said it wasn't a player's fault if they had "a glass jaw", while others players might not be knocked out, but it still hurt.

"It's the job of the players association to look after players and they are not looking after them properly," he said.

"They say they have sent someone over to America and they think everything is okay but I'm telling you now it's not.

"Five or six players have rang me and they are suffering the same problems and they don't know what to do," he said. "Now I know what I'm doing and they want the same help as me."

Williams said former players were not getting any help from the AFL or the player association.

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Dons to unleash Daniher on Tigers

Essendon are set to unveil prized youngster Joe Daniher in this weekend's NAB Cup clash against Richmond in Wangaratta

Joe Daniher dominated Essendon's pre-season intra-club match. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

IT may have been a low-key scratch match with just a handful of construction workers watching, but for Essendon fans it could well prove to be the start of something special.

The much-anticipated debut of Joe Daniher did nothing to hose down the hype that has surrounded him for the past 12 months.

In an eye-opening performance on Friday at the club's new training facility at Tullamarine, the 201cm father/son recruit kicked a handful of goals and pulled down a dozen marks at full-forward, opposed mainly by experienced defender Tayte Pears.

He is now likely to be selected for the Bombers' NAB Cup clash with Richmond in Wangaratta on Saturday night."He was impressive," Essendon football operations manager Danny Corcoran said.

"He certainly showed he's not out of place in senior company at all.

"No-one was keeping score but I reckon he kicked five goals.

"That was his first match back and probably because of the extra interchange (for this week's NAB Cup games), he may be a chance to play."

Daniher, who turns 19 next week, had a minor knee operation over the summer, which slowed down his progress in the pre-season.

The tall left-footer has been widely touted as one of the best junior players to emerge from the draft for years.

He was seen as a certain No.1 pick but the Bombers were able to snare the son of Anthony Daniher at No.10 through the father/son rule.

The Bombers will welcome back captain Jobe Watson and defender Ben Howlett for the Richmond game.Key midfielder David Zaharakis (quad) is back to full training but won't play on Saturday.

Jake Melksham (hand) is also another week away.

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AFL's concussion headache

Hawthorn premiership ruckman Ian Paton has revealed his mental health battles after suffering head trauma throughout his AFL career. Source: HWT Image Library

HAWTHORN premiership ruckman Ian Paton yesterday joined dual Brownlow medallist Greg Williams in revealing his struggle with mental health since hanging up the boots.

At least five more former AFL stars are taking part in a university study into the long-term affects of head injury and concussion, and it is hoped an entire premierhip team from the 1970s will also be involved.

Williams also said yesterday he had been contacted by "five or six" other former players seeking help.

Paton said he "used to get knocked around a fair bit".

"Greg Williams said he got knocked down about three times - God, I lost count how many times I got knocked down," Paton said.

"A couple of times even at training you got knocked out."

The 1978 and 1983 premiership ruckman revealed he was diagnosed with depression about 15 years ago.

He also has issues with short-term memory and reaction times.

"I've been on medication for that (depression) for years," Paton said.

"You're just feeling down and terrible and withdrawn. I've been to quite a few doctors about it and medication helps a bit - but the minute you go off it you start feeling s---house again.

"There's also moods and a little bit of anger and stuff and you try to keep it under control as best you can."

Asked if his test results from Deakin University helped explain his problems, Paton said: "I'm finding it interesting and I think also my wife is finding it interesting.

"It helps them understand a little bit as well about what can go wrong."

Paton's complete test results will not be known for several weeks, but he said he believed there was a trend of players in his era suffering from mental health issues in later life.

"There is definitely a problem there with ex-players," Paton said.

Williams, who believes he is suffering from symptoms of chronic traumatic encephalopathy - a degenerative brain disease - said he had already been contacted by other former players.

"Five or six players have rang me and they are suffering the same problems and they don't know what to do. Now I know what I'm doing and they want the same help as me," Williams said yesterday.

Former Western Bulldog Matthew Robbins came forward last year, revealing he was diagnosed with severe depression towards the end of his 146-game career.

He suffered several head traumas, including a collision that left him in hospital.

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Mick's boundary riders ahead

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse speaks to his players at halftime in the NAB Cup clash against GWS. Source: Getty Images

CARLTON says it is no Collingwood clone despite the boundary-hugging style of play implemented by coach Mick Malthouse.

Malthouse's preference for a radically different long-kicking style was also evident in the Blues two NAB Cup wins on Sunday.

While playing only two 20-minute halves in the compressed Round 1 format, the Blues were the longest kicking side in the opening round of the pre-season competition. Last season they ranked 17th for long kicks.

Under Malthouse's predecessor Brett Ratten, Carlton often crept around the boundary (ranked sixth for boundary play last year), but the Blues were eclipsed only by West Coast in Round 1 of the NAB Cup for using the boundary.

Malthouse's side went through the corridor just 15 per cent of the time against Sydney and Greater Western Sydney on Sunday.

Carlton forward coach John Barker said yesterday rivals who believed they knew how Carlton would play had another think coming.

He said Malthouse had proved himself a master at staying ahead of football trends and being tactically innovative.

That means the style of play Malthouse used to take Collingwood to the 2010 premiership would not necessarily be copied at Visy Park.

"People said Mick will always coach one-on-one and then (Alastair) Clarkson put a zone in place and Rossy Lyon created the press and squeeze," Barker said.

"Well, Mick took the press to another level, so he went from one-on-one to having (Nick) Maxwell loose in defence, to pressing. He understands better than anyone the need to evolve.

"So I guess you can make judgments about knowing which way Mick will coach at your peril.

"At the end of the day what worked last year or three years ago won't necessarily work this year or next year. has a solid chance of qualifying for the NAB Cup final.

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Rowe in mix for Round 1

Sam Rowe could be in line for selection for Round 1, less than a year after being diagnosed with testicular cancer. Source: Getty Images

FOR cancer survivor Sam Rowe, playing in Carlton colours again on Sunday was enough of a victory.

Now after a polished outing in the NAB Cup, the mature-aged key-position prospect has had the carrot of a Round 1 spot against Richmond dangled in front of him.

Rowe gladdened Carlton hearts with his comeback, kicking two goals against Greater Western Sydney just eight months after chemotherapy to treat testicular cancer.

Carlton kept the faith with the former Sydney rookie, and the 25-year not only kicked goals, he brought the ball to ground for the club's fleet of crumbers.

As Rowe himself said of his prognosis: "I am 100 per cent so it's great to be back playing footy again".

Carlton coach Mick Malthouse described Rowe as "a good story for football" but the ride hasn't finished yet.

He is striving for a Round 1 spot with a raft of talls including Levi Casboult, Jarrad Waite, Shaun Hampson, Robbie Warnock and first-choice ruckman Matthew Kreuzer.

Forward coach Jon Barker said yesterday Rowe's journey back from his cancer had lifted the entire club.

Now he has the chance to cement a spot in a Carlton side crying out for a big strong presence alongside mark-and-lead forward Waite.

"We are most proud of the fact he's fought so hard last year, and the fact he's been able to get back and train and play footy," Barker said.

"He performed well yesterday. It's just a great story. He's out of those guys who is so hard-working. He's had a few fights on his hands in the last 18 months, and he's found a way to get into our side.

"We are hopeful he can keep playing good footy and can put his hand up to be a part of the Round 1 side. We are going to have some challenging decisions to make as we get closer to Round 1.''

The cancer might have rocked Rowe's world, but it has also had some unusual side effects.

The player who arrived at the club with straight dark brown hair now has a mop of curly hair due to the chemotherapy, although he has been told the curls might one day wear off.

Not only is Rowe a popular clubman, he is popular with his attacking teammates, given his predictability in attack.

"He is pretty popular around the club, he has a fair bit to say on the track and provides that energy and spark in spades, and when the ball comes into his area if he doesn't mark it, it comes to ground," Barker says.

"Time in the front half is so important with today's footy with how condensed the game is, so because of his aggression he gives us that second chance if it hits the deck."

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It is time, says Hardwick

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says it is time for the Tigers to feature in September. Source: Getty Images

THE expectation about Richmond breaking its finals hoodoo was raised again yesterday with coach Damien Hardwick telling the club's faithful it was time to feature in September.

Speaking at the club's family day, Hardwick said it was an "exciting time'' to be a Tigers fan.

"We can look forward to the start of our 2013 campaign with renewed vigour,'" he said.

"We certainly think we're a chance to go where we haven't gone for some 12 or 13 years prior, and we look forward to giving you the opportunity to participate in September."'

Richmond's last finals appearance was in 2001; a preliminary final loss to eventual premier Brisbane.

Midfielder Reece Conca said the players were not concerned about the growing expectation.

"There's a good vibe around, so we're sort of feeding off that and it's really good,'' he said.

"We've built a pretty solid team, especially through the midfield, but we've got some solid depth across the field.

"We're all excited and happy to be out there together."

The Tigers defeated Melbourne but lost to North Melbourne in the opening round of the NAB Cup on Friday night.

"The team went really well and we're looking to build from that and bring some good form into the season, and get some wins on the board,'' Conca said.

The Tigers travel to Wangaratta to play Essendon in Round 2 of the NAB Cup on Saturday night.

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Ball to bounce back soon

Collingwood's Luke Ball is on the verge of returning to the field. Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD'S Luke Ball is likely to make his long-awaited return to football next week.

The 3 NAB Cup game against Brisbane, has been touted for Ball's comeback, providing he handles an increased training load.

If he plays against the Lions in the March 9 game at Etihad Stadium, the veteran midfielder will take a big step towards being passed fit for Round 1 of the home-and-away season.

The Magpies have been ultra-conservative in managing Ball, 28, who blew out his knee in Round 3 last year.

He received a clearance from his surgeon regarding his knee in December, but has required extra work to strengthen the hamstring where the graft was taken for the operation.

Ball didn't take part in Collingwood's intra-club practice match on Friday but is expected to step up his competitive work this week.

He has played 51 games for Collingwood since crossing in 2010 from St Kilda, where he played 142 games.

Collingwood is likely to have an interesting selection dilemma for the Round 1 clash with North Melbourne, as Ball and fellow midfielder Dale "Daisy" Thomas could both be available.

Thomas took a significant step in his recovery from an ankle injury late last week when he pulled up well from a lengthy running session.

Coach Nathan Buckley last week rated Ball slightly ahead of Thomas for Round 1.

"Luke could drop into full training at any stage in the next week and Dale is probably a week away from doing warm-up and full training," Buckley said.

"If 'Daisy' fully trains in a week's time, we're still a month out from Round 1.

"If he was able to achieve that, he'd be around the mark for a Round 1 start."

The revamped NAB Cup bench rules - teams will be allowed three interchange players and three substitutes - are a potential advantage for the Magpies, because the substitutes will become full interchange players if the weather is hot.

Previously Ball and Thomas could have been eased back by playing a quarter or a half in the practice match series because of the extended interchange rules.

Forward Alex Fasolo (foot) and Tyson Goldsack (knee) are likely to return for Sunday's Round 2 NAB Cup match against West Coast at Subiaco.
 

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AFL to act on replacement

A replacement is needed for now former AFL operations manager Adrian Anderson. Picture: Mike Keating. Source: Herald Sun

THE AFL will appoint its new general manager of football operations before the start of the home-and-away season after short-listing six candidates.

Chief executive Andrew Demetriou said interviews for the role would begin soon.

For the first time, he also revealed how the role would be different to the one Adrian Anderson held for nine years.

Demetriou said he had been extremely pleased with the quality of the applicants after the AFL advertised for a replacement for Anderson, who resigned from the position last December.

"We received an incredible number of applicants, both external of the industry and from within the industry," Demetriou told Herald Sun columnist Shane Crawford in an exclusive interview.

He said there would be changes to the position, making it a much more football-focused role, with all levels of the talent program returned within its jurisdiction.

But Demetriou confirmed the all-important integrity department would be separated from the football operations role.

"The integrity unit, which includes all of the compliance areas, the salary cap, all of the betting stuff, the surveillance and the investigations, will be moved out into a stand-alone unit, which will operate under the legal part of our business," Demetriou said.

Brett Clothier, now competition regular manager, will head the AFL integrity unit.

Simon Lethlean, general manager of broadcasting, scheduling and legal affairs, is believed to be one of the six in the mix for the football operations role.

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Hawks upbeat on injury

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

HAWTHORN is confident forward Paul Puopolo has escaped serious injury to his knee.

The goalsneak crashed to the ground in the final minute of the Hawks' loss to Gold Coast in their NAB Cup clash on Saturday night.

He was helped from the ground by trainers but - in a positive sign - was able to walk around after the game.

Hawthorn football operations manager Mark Evans said Puopolo would have a scan in the next 24 hours.

"They're pretty confident it's not (an ACL)," he said.

"He hyper-extended the knee but was walking around OK on and off the plane today so we'll have to monitor it."

Even if he is cleared, as expected, Puopolo will sit out the next pre-season game against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

"We're pretty conservative on things at this time of the year," Evans said.

The Hawks will be boosted by the return of veterans Sam Mitchell and Brad Sewell, who didn't make the trip to Queensland, because of university studies.

They were required at Monash University over the weekend as a crucial part of the MBA they've been studying.

The premiership favourite was surprisingly beaten by the Suns and Brisbane Lions in the round-robin games at Metricon Stadium, although it did field an extremely young team with up to a dozen new faces.
 

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Carlton mixes it up in Blacktown

New Carlton coach Mick Malthouse at Blacktown yesterday. Picture: Brett Costello Source: The Daily Telegraph

THE best and worst of Carlton was on show as veteran coach Mick Malthouse began his Blues tenure with contrasting pre-season wins against Sydney and Greater Western Sydney yesterday.

Malthouse, holding the Blues' reins for the first time under match conditions, was given a quick reminder of how frustrating the coach's box can be in the two-point triumph against GWS in Blacktown.

His side struggled with the yips and hit the front only in the final minute, with Levi Casboult's goal the difference in the 0.4.10 (34) to 0.5.2 (32) victory. Whatever Malthouse's message was after the uninspiring performance, it worked.

He saw things he liked in both wins, but said his charges were yet to master their new game plan.

"The intent was there, but we're getting a bit confused between the two game structures from last year and this year," said Malthouse, the second most-experienced coach in VFL/AFL history.

"We'll certainly need the three NAB Cup games in front of us to iron out a few areas of concern."

Malthouse was blunt when asked what areas needed to change before the Round 1 match against Richmond on March 28.

"There's a whole host of them. Your interview is not going to last that long," he said.

"There's just a lot of things that are different. I'm not saying one is right and one is wrong.

"But this is the way I want to do it, and this is the way it's got to be. We can't have mixed game structures or plans or anything else.

"There's enough there from today to be shown (in a video review session), and it's crystal clear. It's not going to be cured overnight but at least it's there."

Andrew Carrazzo and Eddie Betts, both rested from the opening contest, led the way as the Blues outclassed the Swans in driving rain and strolled to a six-goal advantage at halftime.

The premiers showed more fight in the second stanza, when the showers cleared, but lost a 1.5.7 (46) to 0.3.6 (24).

It was an impressive result for Carlton, given Chris Judd, key forward Jarrad Waite, ruckman Matthew Kreuzer and utility Heath Scotland were all left in Melbourne.

The only injury concern was Giants defender Matt Buntine, who was helped from the field after copping the brunt of Casboult's knee in a marking contest.

He was sent to hospital for scans on suspected rib damage.

"He's sore. How sore I don't know," GWS coach Kevin Sheedy said.

"He won't play for a little while. He'll be out for a month at least."

Blues key forward Sam Rowe kicked two goals against the Giants, and he and Casboult also looked the goods in their side's slaying of the Swans.

Bryce Gibbs, Mitch Robinson and Brock McLean were influential in both games for the Blues. Marc Murphy had only five handballs against GWS, when he captained Carlton, but 11 disposals in the second clash.

GWS unveiled Lachie Whitfield, the No.1 pick from last year's draft, but it was the top of the 2011 draft class, Jonathon Patton, who impressed most in the first match of the triple-header.

Patton, whose maiden season was ruined by injury, moved well and kicked 2.1.

The Giants completed the triple-header with a 0.7.10 (52) to 1.3.1 (28) upset win against Sydney.

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